Various locations around the world grow the Zingiberáceae family of plants known as ginger, but Jamaica is the country that produces the most of this spice. The root of the ginger plant is used not only as a seasoning but as a natural remedy for various conditions because of its medicinal properties. How can children benefit from ginger, though? In the following Howorwhat.com article, we will reveal if the little ones can actually benefit from ginger or if it is not recommended for children.
An overview of ginger’s nutritional properties
It is primarily extracted from the underground rhizome of Ginger, which is nutrient-rich. The nutrients it contains are as follows:
Essential oils: They contain zingiberene, zingiberenol, limonene, and curcumin which is extraordinary.
Resins: Among the active substances present, it stands out its content in shogaols and gingerols, which have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and sedative effects.
Amino acids: Arginine, aspartic acid, lysine, and asparagine.
Vitamins & Minerals: In addition to vitamins C and B3, ginger is a good source of minerals. It is rich in zinc, manganese, boron, cobalt, silicon, phosphorous, and aluminum.
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Can children eat ginger? – here’s the answer
Due to the spicy active ingredients of ginger, many parents hesitate to give it to their children, believing that it could cause harm to them. However, children can eat ginger, except for the following instances:
Children under 2 years of age: Since children in this age group’s digestive systems are still developing, ginger is contraindicated before that age, since it may lead to digestive problems and could even prove toxic.
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Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women: Ginger consumption is contraindicated in both cases since it causes problems in pregnancy and breastfed children. For example, children may experience heartburn and tummy pain while they are breastfeeding.
Ginger is safe for children as long as consumption is within the recommended dose, which is 2 mg of ginger per day in children aged 2 to 6 years old. However, consult with your pediatrician to determine the right dosage to give your child before you start giving them ginger root.
Uses of ginger in children
Even though you can consume ginger in different dishes, but most popularly used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ginger (especially its potent shogaloes and gingerols) make it effective in treating the symptoms of the common cold, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
We find the following remedies among the most popular home remedies for colds in children:
Ginger infusion
You can prepare this remedy by boiling one cup of mineral water in a saucepan. Then add half a teaspoon of ground ginger and cook it for 15 minutes. Next, strain the drink, and add honey to make it more palatable for the child.
Ginger syrup
Prepare this drink by adding five cups of water, a slice of ginger, a cinnamon stick, and an equal amount of honey to a saucepan; simmer for 10-15 minutes. Take two to three tablespoons of this drink every day.
Ginger mist
You will need to heat two cups of water to make this remedy. Then add ginger zest and let it heat up for another three minutes. This remedy is especially effective for nasal congestion. Once the child is comfortably resting on top of the pot, take off the heat and put a towel around his head so that he doesn’t touch it and of course breathe in the steam for about two minutes.
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