During the winter season, my house is never empty of ginger. It’s a must-have for cough and cold season, as well as any tummy upsets that might sneak up. Also, it’s delicious. And spicy.
Spicylicious.
It looks like toes, though. Don’t you think?
I’d never noticed that until today. But it definitely looks like toes. So today, we’re going to use fresh ginger in five beauty recipes/ideas – starting with your toes.
As an aside, I have to share something that my favorite herbalist told me, many years ago. She said, “If you look at a vegetable, herb, nut, or flower, and see a body part, that’s probably the body part that it’s good for.” So walnuts? Good for your brain. Lungwort (which looks like lung tissue), great for your lungs. And ginger? Must be the toes!
Right now, I have an incredible excess of ginger, thanks to both unconscious shopping moments where I thought I should add to the 3 pounds I already have. So I’ve started my first batch of ginger ale (which hopefully, fingers crossed, will turn out well enough tomorrow to blog it) – but I HAD to find other uses for it to share with you.
5 Ways to Use Fresh Ginger in Your Beauty Routine
First, it must be pointed out that because we’re working with fresh ginger, these things aren’t going to keep as long as you’d probably hope. In fact, most of these, you should use immediately.
And I have two great ginger tips for you before we get started:
- To peel ginger, just use the side of a spoon. This is a pretty well-known tip, but it must be mentioned. You don’t need a fancy peeler to peel the skin from the ginger – in fact, I often feel that my peeler is too thorough when I use it on ginger. Just tilt your spoon to the side and use the edge to scrape down the ginger. The top layer should peel off easily and quickly.
- Peeled ginger keeps very well for months in the fridge, if you submerge it in a high-quality, high proof alcohol. Just peel the ginger and break it into manageable pieces and then pour vodka or vermouth or even sherry (though vodka is best). If you’re planning on using it to cook with, the alcohol will just cook right off when you do. And, bonus: You’ll have ginger-infused vodka to make a new, fancy martini with.
Now. Beauty. Skin. Your health. Starting with the toes.
Mustard-Ginger Detoxifying and Destressing Foot Soak
A long-famed traditional home remedy for aches, colds, chills, and general fatigue and sickness, mustard foot baths are the bomb for the days or nights where you just don’t feel up to snuff.
Add a little fresh ground ginger in with it, and you’ve got yourself a foot bath that will help warm you, relax the muscles in your feet, and detoxify your system straight through the soles.
You don’t need a fancy foot bath like I have (in fact, I wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for someone literally making me take it – it’s a little frivolous, to be sure). Just fill your bathtub (or another large foot-sized basin) up with very warm water and add your ingredients.
Of note, hot water “deactivates” mustard, making it milder and not as potent. So it’s best to do your mustard-ginger foot baths in warm water, not piping hot.
Mustard-Ginger Foot Bath Recipe
- 1-1/2 Tbsp mustard powder (or freshly powdered mustard seeds)
- 2 tsp finely grated peeled fresh ginger
Combine the two in a basin that fits your feet (or your bathtub) with enough hot water to cover the tops of your feet. Stir around and then submerge your feet. Let your feet soak for 15-20 minutes, swishing the water around occasionally (and adding more warm water, if your foot bath becomes too cold). Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Fresh Ginger for Hypopigmented Scars (or White Scars)
Hypopigmented scars or skin has lost its pigmentation – and is either white or a much lighter color than your actual skin tone. Incredibly enough, ginger will fix this issue.
I first read about this phenomenon in one of my natural beauty books, but I took to the internet to find out if anyone had any practical experience with ginger actually helping to return the skin to its natural color.
And yes. Yes, there is plentiful anecdotal evidence that ginger actually significantly reduces the appearance of hypopigmented skin. Here’s a blog dedicated to it as well as a forum – if you want to read more.
In the meantime, here’s how you do it: Each day (or even twice a day) cut a VERY small sliver of fresh ginger and dab it on the hypopigmented areas. Don’t wash off. Just leave the juice there. According to the forums I’ve read, most people see a slight improvement within a week or two, and within a few months, their scars are nearly completely back to normal color. The important thing is, do this every day. Without fail.
Rejuvenating Ginger-Lemon Body Scrub
One of ginger’s most notable qualities is its invigorating, fresh, and spicy feeling. Add it with a bit of lemon zest in a sugar scrub, and you have a body scrub that will warm you up and wake you up at the same time.
And here’s a secret for you: Ginger is highly-regarded as one of nature’s best cellulite reducers, so if you do this regularly, you may see a difference in the bumps! (And ginger essential oil is a staple in my Nutty Butt Butter.)
Fresh Ginger-Lemon Body Scrub
- 1/2 c. organic sugar
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly grated, peeled ginger
- Zest from one organic lemon
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well. In the shower or bath, scrub your body lightly with the mixture and rinse well. This should keep in the refrigerator (if necessary) for up to a week. But I highly recommend you use it immediately.
Romantic, Warming Ginger-Rose Massage Oil
Well, Valentine’s Day IS coming up. And if you start a batch of this now, you should be good to go by the big day. I can’t think of a better gift for your significant other … that you can BOTH enjoy (regardless of who’s doing the massaging).
The only thing you should note with this: If you’re making it the old-fashioned way, by infusing the oil over time, you might want to use a few drops of rosemary essential oil in the mixture – just to keep it well preserved. Ginger isn’t a very watery ingredient, but fresh ginger does contain moisture, so be careful that it doesn’t go rancid or start to mold a little.
I’ve been infusing mine for three days, and it looks great. Ginger’s also highly antibacterial and antifungal, so you should be okay. BUT, when in doubt, add extra preservatives (or use the less-intense dried ginger).
Alternatively, you could infuse the oil over low heat with the ginger and rosebuds, and then use it immediately.
Rose Ginger Romantic Massage Oil
- 1 inch peeled, completely clean piece of ginger root, cut into thin slices
- 10-12 small dried rosebuds
- 1 c. carrier oil (sweet almond, olive, jojoba, hazelnut, etc.)
In a small glass container, combine all ingredients and shake to combine, knocking on the side of the glass until all the ginger falls to the bottom. Either let this concoction sit for 5-7 days, shaking daily, or heat over very low heat for 30 minutes to an hour. Use as a warming, romantic massage oil. But keep out of delicate places, because ginger is pretty intense.
Of note, ginger is also an exceptional muscle ache reliever. So you don’t just have to use this for sexytimes. Use it whenever there’s a tired, sore muscle in the house.
Cozy Ginger-Cinnamon Bath Salts
For this last idea, you can use either coarsely ground sea salt, like I did, or up the ante for relieving muscle aches by using Epsom salts.
Both ginger and cinnamon encourage circulation, which in turn helps relieve some of the aches and pains you may feel after a long day. But even better, their scents are so homey and relaxing, so you’ll drift away into relaxation before you know it.
Warming Cinnamon-Ginger Bath Salts
- 1/4 c. coarsely ground sea salt or Epsom salts
- 3 tsp peeled, finely ground or grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 drops sweet orange essential oil (optional, for even more relaxation)
Combine all ingredients in a small container and stir well. Add to your hot bath, and swish around a bit before getting in. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Use immediately.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Ways to Use Fresh Ginger?
I also have one last absolute favorite thing to do with fresh ginger: Make chai tea. Ah. NOW I remember what to do with the rest of my leftover bags of ginger root. Yum.
But do you have any favorite ways to use fresh ginger? Maybe it’s a recipe or a drink – or even in your beauty or skincare routine.
What do YOU do with fresh ginger?
Synchronicities and Happy Coincidences: Have You Noticed the Magic Lately?
The ONLY sore throat remedy that works! It is the only thing that I have found to knock strep out. This has worked for myself, friends, and family. (I am not a physician. This is personal observation with a follow up negative strep test from the dr after receiving a positive strep test culture)
i recently found out that fresh ginger root will help reduce hypopigmentation scarring. I was skeptical but starting trying it. After 1 week I am starting to see a small difference. After years of hearing about chemical peels and expensive lotions which don’t work and irritate my sensitive skin, I am beyond happy!! The discoloration really bothered me and comments from people that how they can help my “terrible scarring”!! Not to mention it extremely affordable. Even my skin quality is improving!!! I will definitely continue this treatment!!!
For heartburn the best thing to use is Natura drops – Magen. It is Fantastic!!!
Good day to all.
Until a few years ago the only ginger I could stomach was Bakers Ginger Biscuits or pickled ginger with Sushi.
Then my father told me to put ground ginger with mashed potatoes (and do NOT be shy with the amount) I was VERY unenthusiastic and actually put up a fight – it was and is Wonderful!!!!
He has passed away since and to this day it reminds me of him and that day.
Go ahead, try something new – you will not regret this! (do not be shy with that shaker, yeah…when you thinks this is too much…give it another 5 shakes…less is not more here)
Ginger ! Perfect for stomach upset, especially when on menstural pain. I put a freshly sliced ginger in a bottle of vodka. So perfect!
Hello! Does anyone know where to store the ginger root after I cut a piece for hypopigmentation? Can I just put it in the fridge until the next day? Will it dry out?
I store mine in a plastic bag in the fridge. I keep it in the butter compartment of the fridge because some fruits and veggies give off gases and can affect the other stuff in the fruit/veggie bin. I’ve had ginger keep for weeks.
wow… i love that ginger has so many benefits. i love it so much
I drink the juice of about a thumb sized chunk every day for my rosacea! Works amazing!
My goal this morning was to find uses for ginger besides cooking, thank you all your insite!
my cousin thought this powder she bought was tumeric therefore we made a tumeric peel for the face HOWEVER i had an instinct that it was ginger since it really smelled like it. We made this peel mixed with milk and it was like a paste. I applied it under my eyes and on some zits. After a few seconds, I felt a burning sensation on under my eyes. It terribly hurt. I quickly rinsed it off, however it somehow got into my eyes and I thought I was doomed. I could not open my eyes so i took a cold wet cloth and laid it on my face. When I could open thensafely, under my eyes I had two dark red streaks like I was sunburnt. Its terrible. I went on to find out this ˝tumeric powder˝ was GINGER POWDER. I freaked out and put iced uder my eyes. And that was the time I almoost got blind and died from ginger powder 🙂
I’m compiling a list of ways to use this great spice so thanks for all your wonderful tips!
It might look like your toes! If so, I think you need to see a beauty therapist 🙂
Hi can fresh ginger be used to lighten the dark spots and scars that has occurred from pimples.
I like using natural ginger snaps from the hippie store to snack on when I get heartburn. Problem is, they never seem to last long enough til the next heartburn attack.
Good day to all.
Until a few years ago the only ginger I could stomach was Bakers Ginger Biscuits or pickled ginger with Sushi.
Then my father told me to put ground ginger with mashed potatoes (and do NOT be shy with the amount) I was VERY unenthusiastic and actually put up a fight – it was and is Wonderful!!!!
He has passed away since and to this day it reminds me of him and that day.
Go ahead, try something new – you will not regret this! (do not be shy with that shaker, yeah…when you thinks this is too much…give it another 5 shakes…less is not more here)
i keep mine in the freezer and grate it as i need it. The vodka infused ginger sounds amazing!
I peel slice with mandolin and make candied ginger. Alton Brown’s recipe on Food Network. I don’t use as much sugar and I soak in Lemon or fruit fresh while peeling. Ginger and nuts is crazy good! Especially walnuts! Yummmm yogurt too~
Yep, the bath soak was awesome. Going to have to go keep a root in the fridge now, in anticipation of labor starting. Feeling the ache leeched out of my lower back was just amazing.
Unrelated: Someone tell me the third baby is the easiest to deliver. Lie to me if it isn’t.
Oh my goodness, I needed this post. Now I just need to go get some fresh ginger. 🙂 Thanks so much!
I usually just use mine in cooking. I love it in stir frys, and also nothing like chicken soup for the sickies with a good dose of ginger and garlic! It just reeks of get well soon! I am glad for more uses for it because I usually have quite a bit left over. And now I am going to try and grow my ginger that has grown its eyes lol.
I like cooking with it, whether it be soup or cookies- Yum! I also like to make my own spiced chai, very lovely on these chilly winter days. Ooh, and making ginger simple-syrup, or plain ginger tea for an upset stomach. {(^o^)}
Sarah
Yes, ginger love! I mostly use it for juicing actually. It’s a hot kick in the pants in the morning. 🙂
Also love a ginger infused ACV.
xoxo
Yeah I’m in summer at the moment and that’s what I use it for. It’s a guaranteed ingredient in any juice I make. In fact it’s almost the like fruit and vegies are just vessels for ginger ingestion hehe 🙂
I LOVE ginger. If I could have only one spice, that would be it.
Hey what do you use the ginger infused ACV for?
mmm… home juiced ginger-apple-lemonade is too good.
I slice fresh ginger as thin as I can and put 4-5 slices in the bottom of my giant mug along with 3-4 cinnamon sticks. Then I fill my mug halfway with black tea and the other half with orange juice. I keep it going almost all the time on the cup warming device I keep with me at all times in the winter. I can just refill my cup for days and days without anything going bad or sour. When the taste of the spices are gone, I start all over again. Sometimes I add cloves. Yum. I am amazed at my never ending cup of tea. The good germ fighting benefits of the cinnamon and maybe the ginger too allow this to happen, I’m thinking.
I adore ginger tea! And I want to try all of these—as soon as I get more ginger. Thanks for the post!
I have a question. Is the Warming Cinnamon bath salts and the Mustard/Ginger foot bath safe for an 8 year old? It seems like they would be fine but I’m not sure if there’s any difference between how it reacts to a child’s body verses an adult body. My daughter is growing like the proverbial weed (she grew 2 inches over the summer ) and complains a lot of foot/leg pain. We usually just massage them a bit before bed but I think the ginger might provide better relief. If anyone can answer I would appreciate it. Thank you.
My husband also makes fresh ginger beer! It’s so good, and it gets better if you let it sit for about a week. Good luck with yours 🙂
These are great beauty tips. I LOVE ginger…and I make really spicy ginger tea. It’s good for the tummy…but I just like the taste, especially with a touch of raw honey 🙂 🙂 I never knew about peeling ginger with a spoon. Thanks for the tip 🙂 🙂 I’ll give that a try and see how it works.
oh, I read the part about the hypopigmented recipe to darken white scars. Do you buy any chance know of a natural rememdy to lighten dark spots/scars? I’d be interested in that.
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
I just made Gingersnaps last weekend with both fresh and dried ginger. Yum! That spoon trick really does work, but most of the time I usually don’t bother peeling it at all.
I realize that fresh is the best, but if I used dried ginger or ginger EO in the bath salt recipe, would it keep longer (I’m thinking of gift options)?
…my favorite herbalist told
me, many years ago… “If you look at a vegetable, herb, nut, or
flower, and see a body part, that’s probably the body part that it’s
good for.”… I couldnt agree with this more. It is totally true. Ginger – stomach (and feet) Tomato- heart, Red wine- blood, grapefruit -breast, clams-testicles, celery-bones, carrots (sliced)-eyes… and so on. Awesome recipes with ginger!! : )
I am allergic to ginger, but I am trying to figure out a way to make some of these for other folks without touching it myself. LOL One friend could really use those bath salts!
KarinSDCA – are you able to eat mustard? Turmeric is in the same family and is often in mustard… just wondering.
you can plant it!!! just like potatoes – find an “eye” or a nubbin and away you go! never be out of fresh ginger again!
I use it all the time for upset tummies – I had awful morning sickness..it helped a little. I also use it in cooking and in foot soaks and in a muscle relaxing bath 😀
What sort of climate do you live in? I’m thinking where I live is too cold for ginger to survive – it’s a tropical plant, no?
Overwintering plants to the rescue!!!
EASIEST foot soak ever – put your warm water and whatever additives into two gallon sized zip bags. Carry to your chair. Sit. Put one foot into each bag and zip it around your ankle. Enjoy!
Benefit – no sloshing, AND you can reuse it if you want! (depending on the added ingredients…) Just reheat (no microwaves please…) and away you go!
Usually, just stir fry. But I may have to try some of these. Especially the bath soak. It feels like something that’d be good during labor.
Hmmmm, I think I may try to use ginger to take the white out of my stretch marks. Anyone think that will work? I know they won’t go away, but not being extra white may help a bit I think!
Ignore this if my first message went through but i think this could work. I will be trying this.
Ginger is my favorite! I just made a soap with it…Ginger Lemongrass. Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for the post, CB!
Ginger + lemon tea is great when you’re sick. Ginger tea is also great for nausea – in a pinch just sniffing a freshly cut knob of ginger is quite helpful. I also cook with fresh ginger a lot. It gives everything such a fantastic fresh kick.
I think I’m going to have to try that body scrub!