When it comes to eating ginger, we all know that it's beneficial to eat it in the morning, while consuming it at night might harm your health. So, what are the benefits of eating ginger in the morning? Why is it not advisable to eat it at night? As the old saying goes, "Three slices of ginger in the morning are better than ginseng soup; eating ginger at night is like eating arsenic." This means that eating ginger in the morning is good for the body, while eating it at night can be detrimental. Is this saying really valid?
The Benefits of Eating Ginger in the Morning
Actually, from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this saying passed down from ancient times holds some truth. In the early morning, the body's Qi in the stomach needs to be raised. Ginger is pungent in taste and warm in nature, containing active ingredients like gingerol. Eating a little ginger can strengthen the spleen and warm the stomach, "preparing" the body for the digestion and absorption of food throughout the day. Furthermore, the volatile oils in ginger can boost blood circulation, excite the nerves, and warm the entire body. Additionally, if you have a cold due to wind-cold, drinking ginger tea can help alleviate the symptoms.
Why It's Not Advisable to Eat Ginger at Night
However, by the evening, the body's Yang energy should be converging, and Yin energy should be flourishing. Therefore, it's better to eat foods that clear heat, promote downward Qi, and aid digestion to ensure a good night's rest. The gingerols in ginger can stimulate intestinal peristalsis. During the day, this can enhance digestive function, but at night, it might become an issue that affects sleep and harms the intestines. Secondly, the pungent and warm, dispersing nature of ginger can interfere with normal nighttime rest. Eating pungent and warm ginger at night can also easily generate internal heat, leading to symptoms of "heatiness" over time. Saying it's like "arsenic" is an exaggeration, but it is indeed detrimental to sleep. Therefore, the benefits of eating ginger in the morning are numerous, while it's not advisable to consume large amounts at night. However, eating a small amount of ginger, such as using it as a seasoning when cooking, will not harm your health.
Principles for Eating Ginger
In summary, the general principle for eating ginger is: it is suitable for cold-related illnesses but not for heat-related ones; it is suitable for people with a cold constitution but not for those with a hot constitution. Ginger's greatest effect is preventing colds caused by wind-cold. Conversely, if you have symptoms like fever, a dry mouth, and a sore throat, it's better not to "add fuel to the fire." Additionally, people with constipation should eat less ginger, as constipation is often related to intestinal heat, and excessive ginger consumption can worsen the symptoms. A special reminder: never eat rotten ginger, as it contains toxic substances that can induce liver cancer and other diseases.
Ginger Home Remedies
1. Oral Ulcers
Gargle with hot ginger water as a substitute for tea, 2 to 3 times a day. Persisting for 6 to 9 times usually helps.
2. Cold and Headache
Soak your feet in hot ginger water, which should be deep enough to cover the ankles. You can add a little salt and vinegar to the water and continuously add more hot water while soaking until the tops of your feet turn red. This method is quite effective for colds and headaches caused by wind-cold.
3. Migraine
When a migraine attack occurs, soak your hands in hot ginger water for about 15 minutes. The pain will then be alleviated.
4. Facial Acne
Wash your face with warm ginger water, once in the morning and once at night, for about 60 days. The acne will then lessen or disappear. This method also has a certain effect on freckles and dry skin.
5. Lower Back and Shoulder Pain
Add a little salt and vinegar to hot ginger water. Soak a towel in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area, repeating several times. This method can help muscles relax from tension and relieve pain.