Leave Healthy, Not Hungover

Ginger. Seems people love it or hate it. Those who love it tell those in the other camp that, "it's an acquired taste." Those who hate it say, "I have no desire to acquire a taste for that."

There are those who have never had ginger, so they don't know which group they'd be in and then there are those wondering why in the world they would even want to try it.

When we speak of ginger we're referring to the rhizome of the ginger plant. This spicy root has been used for hundreds of years in teas, juices, soups and other foods or even just on its own as both a spice and for its healing properties. A quick Google search will reveal many different ailments that ginger is purported to help with.

WebMD says, "Ginger is commonly used for various types of 'stomach problems,' including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea caused by cancer treatment, as well as loss of appetite. Other uses include pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, menstrual pain and other conditions."

Well, no wonder so many people come in to the Tehachapi Natural Market on a daily basis for a ginger shot, either on its own or mixed with other goodies. Market owner, Teresa Dunlop and her business partner, Sarah Rose are on opposite sides, with Teresa loving the ginger shots and Sarah not so much.

"It's not that I hate ginger because I really don't," Sarah said. "I love it mixed in our Beet Blush and other juices, but I really struggle to drink it as a shot. However, I do believe in the healing properties of ginger and I swear I feel invigorated after I do a shot, so I've been being more open-minded towards it."

In an effort to help more people experience and enjoy ginger, the crew at the market has come up with some new ginger shots. Along with their Immunity Boost, which is ginger, apple cider vinegar and lemon, they have new concoctions with a sweeter flavor from apples and carrots.

"Now those two? I like those, I even like the spirulina shot. It was much sweeter than I expected it to be though the color is atrocious," Sarah laughs. "The hottest shot is one topped with cayenne pepper. It will definitely light you up!"

To celebrate these new drinks they've decided to have a Happy Hour featuring shot specials between 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Leave Healthy, Not Hungover! from the Tehachapi Natural Market at 20221 W. Valley Blvd.

The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness or other health program.