Ginger Takes Root

Root Of Health, Beauty And Good Taste

(CBS)  If you want to spice up your life a bit, you might consider taking some ginger.

The ancient root has been used for centuries to help with digestion, but as The Early Show Contributor Laurie Hibberd found out in this week's HIB Report, we've just scratched the surface of its potential.

You can't miss it. Ginger is the hot spice of 2004. For about 5,000 years, it has been used in Asian cultures primarily to flavor food and help with digestion. These days, everyone from scientists to cosmetic companies see the ginger root as a hot property.

"Whenever I talk about ginger, I try to keep it to one or two amazing things because people think its too amazing to be true," says herbalist Dr. Paul Schulick.

It may be amazing, but until recently, the word ginger conjured up decidedly different images in the United States, such as the gingerbread man, Ginger Spice from the Spice Girls and Ginger from "Gilligan's Island."

But ginger as a beauty ingredient?

"Ginger, itself, has very medicinal qualities and draws from an ancient culture in Asia," says Origins' Amanda Dawson. "And, its such a warming, sensuous essential oil that really does make people feel coddled and cared for. And, it is very popular right now."

Origins Natural Resources has 14 ginger products available. Bath and Body Works has seven products in its stores. Just about everyone is showing ginger this year as shelves in stores are virtually spiced with ginger inspired lines to tempt customers.

Believe it or not, ginger has been named the flavor of 2004 by Rice Epicurean Markets. So, it really is one of the must-have ingredients in the kitchen this year. The question is, "what do you do with it?"

"You could slice it and put it in soups, you can grind it, you can grate it," says chef Wayne Nish.

Nish is known for experimenting with the sweet and spicy combo of ginger in his cooking -- infusing sauces and soups with juice that he squeezes from the root.

The chef says ginger has become a hot commodity in kitchens because "we have television, because we have the Internet. And if somebody gets really excited about an ingredient and goes on television or puts it on the Internet or a magazine, all of a sudden there are going to be a lot of people exposed to it. And, they're going to start demanding it."

Ginger is even in demand on the medical front. Scientists are looking at it for preventing various forms of cancer. But that's not all it can be used for.

The most recent clinical scientific research is on its anti-inflammatory effects, used for arthritis. Inflammation is related very closely with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Experts believe ginger and its related family members have the greatest potential for protecting us from aging disorders.

Schulick says the best way to get ginger into your diet is with a supplement. You can buy them at any health food or vitamin store.

Ginger Products:

Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Ginger and Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Orange Ginger Energize are available at BathandBodyworks.com or call 1-800-395-1001 for the nearest Bath & Body Works location.

Origins Ginger Bath & Body Collection and Ginger Essence Sensuous skin scent is available at Origins Retail Stores, in select department Stores, and at Origins.com.

Pharmacopia soaps, scrubs, oils and lotions products are available at Pharmacopia.net

ClarinsMens uses Galanga or "Chinese ginger." According to Clarins, Galanga provides the skin with a boost of energy and vitality when applied locally. It is available at Clarinsmen.com

Ginger Altoids are available nationwide and at Altoids.com

Thymes' Ginger Milk products includes: Spray Lotion, Blooming Milk Bath, Moisturizing Face Mask, Body Lotion, Body Wash, Triple-Milled Soap, Foaming Milk Bath Powder, Cologne, Home Fragrance Mist and Aromatic Candle. Ginger Milk is available at more than 4,000 retailers in the United States and internationally. The entire collection is available at Thymes.com or call 1-800-366-4071.

Reed's Ginger Brew specializes in brewed ginger ale and other ginger-based food products, including: Ginger based sodas, Ginger Juices, Crystallized Ginger Candy and Ginger Chew Candies. They also offer Ginger Ice Cream. For more information, visit ReedsGingerBrew.com

More Ginger Related Items

Chef Wayne Nish
March Restaurant
405 East 58th Street
New York, New York 10022
1-212-754-6272
Marchrestaurant.com

Information on Paul Schulick, an herbalist and author of "Ginger: Common Spice or Wonder Drug?" can be found at Newchapter.info

The Ginger People specializes in various ginger-based food products. For more information GingerPeople.com or call 1-800-551-5284 ext. 229.

For products from Whole Foods Market, a provider of natural and organic foods, go to Wholefoods.com.