Ginger is well known to many people as the king of herbs. It is commonly described as a root but in fact it is a rhizome, a stem that grows out from the plant underground, and from which small roots will sprout, as well as new green shoots. It is of the same family of herbs with turmeric, cardamom and galangal -the Zingiberaceae family.

Ginger is widely used as a digestive aid. It relieves abdominal wind, diarrhea, nausea, morning sickness, loss of appetite and motion sickness. Some people find ginger helps them with the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, arthritis muscle pain.

Ginger contains a high level of gingerol; a powerful component that gives it its natural zingy flavor. Gingerol acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. Therefore, fermenting ginger with water kefir grains is highly desirable