Ginger is such an important ingredient in all Asian cuisine and for good reason too. Not only does it season and add flavor to your culinary delights, it has definite health benefits attached to it. It is used to relieve cold–related symptoms, particularly those experienced by those who suffer from arthritis. Add fresh ginger root or dried ginger to your food while cooking. Or, simply help yourself to some ginger tea. Just peel and grate about 2.5 cm length of fresh ginger root in a vessel. Add boiling water and a teaspoon of honey to it. Steep it for about 10 minutes, strain and drink. This mixture would help you get rid of flatulence as well.

Discover the Medicinal Properties of Garlic
If you happen to suffer from a dry and sore throat, don’t rush to your doctor and start popping all kinds of pills. Wait a minute and consider drinking a bowl of garlic soup instead. Yes, garlic is extremely good for problems of your respiratory tract. It is a decongestant and has anti–bacterial properties as well. Crush up to six cloves of garlic and fry it till it turns brown in hot olive oil. Add a teaspoon of aniseed and one liter of water to it. Boil the concoction for about 15 minutes. Then crumble in two or three thick slices of stale whole wheat bread and cook it for about four minutes. Your soup would be ready. Make sure you serve it immediately.

Foods that Heal
Did you know, your kitchen is a veritable medical chest. Be it the common cold, diarrhea or indigestion for that matter, you can very easily find a cure right at home.
Garlic
It is truly the king of all healing plants. This herb has anticoagulant, antibacterial, and anti–fungal properties. It could improve your circulation, protect you against food poisoning, lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and is known to be good for bronchitis too.
Onion
If you suffer from a hangover, just sniff some onions. The bulb also helps those with urinary infections, high blood pressure, heart disease, or asthma.
Ginger
It aids in the digestion of the food you eat, and is useful for motion sickness too. It works by relieving you of nausea.
Dou Fu
It is made from soya beans, and is high in its protein content. It consists of eight essential amino acids that are essential for the proper functioning and maintenance of all your organs and tissues. The isoflavone in soya beans may be able to help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent osteoporosis.
Lotus root
When cooked together with red dates and lean meat, this root makes a nourishing soup. It is good source of potassium, besides being a diuretic. It is specially recommended for convalescents.
Salmon
It’s rich in what is known as “Omega–3”, which may help guard against heart attacks. It could also control inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Watercress
This green vegetable boasts of powerful antibiotic properties and loads of potassium. It can also protect you against cancer, and go a long way in clearing urinary infections.
Orange
This perennial fruit not only contains vitamin C, but also has “Bioflavonoids”, which are considered to be extremely good for colds, coughs, and flu.
Banana
It’s a great energy booster. The fruit contains vitamin B6 and zinc besides being rich in potassium and fiber content. It is of much benefit for those suffering from either constipation or diarrhea.
Tomato
This soft juicy fruit (or vegetable, if you prefer) could put your health back on track. It contains “Lycopene”, an antioxidant which may be useful in preventing cancer.