“Duwaw” or “Luyang Dilaw”
In the Philippines, “luya” or ginger is not any special plant around the house. In the rural areas, the plant often just grows there, without even requiring human effort to grow it. But people who know of its many uses make sure that they have “luya” – also called “luy-a” in the Visayas and Mindanao – available when they need it; and so they make sure there’s several of it growing in the garden.
Ginger has been used as herbal medicine in many cultures for hundreds of years.
It’s been traditionally relied on for its many medicinal values – from antibacterial to anti-inflammatory, to antinausea and treatment of sore throat. “Luya” is also widely used to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, and for treatment of nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Ginger is effective treatment, as well, for arthritis and rheumatisms and as digestive aid for mild stomach upset. Many people use it to lower their cholesterol levels.
A certain type of ginger, the turmeric or “Luyang Dilaw”
– more commonly known as
“duwaw” among Visayans – has even been found to be an effective remedy for complex ailments like diabetes. It has also been suggested to boost the immune system to fend off the coronavirus. Indeed ,“Lu yang Dilaw” is more popular as medicine. But, in fact, it is good ingredient in food, too! Emily Han, at www. thekitchn.com, shares several ideas for incorporating the yellow ginger into one’s diet, either as food or drink:
1. Add it to scrambles
and frittatas. Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs, a frittata, or tofu scramble. If you or your family are new to turmeric, this is a great place to start because the color is familiar and the flavor subtle.
2. Toss it with roasted
vegetables. Turmeric’s slightly warm and peppery flavor works especially well with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables.
3. Add it to rice. A dash of turmeric brings color and mild flavor to a pot of plain rice or a fancier pilaf.
4. Try it with greens. Sprinkle turmeric into sautéed or braised greens like kale, collards, and cabbage.
5. Use it in soups. A bowl of vegetable or chicken soup feels even more warming when it’s tinged with golden turmeric.
6. Blend i t i nto a smoothie. While fresh turmeric root is especially great in juices and smoothies, a pinch of ground spice is good, too. The slightly pungent flavor is usually well masked in smoothies.
7. Make it into tea. Simmer turmeric with coconut milk and honey to make an earthy and comforting beverage, also known as “Golden Milk.”
It’s hard to believe that something so common and easy to come by can be so beneficial – as medicine and as ingredient in food and drinks. But people who’ve tried it swear it’s true. “Luyang Dilaw” gives both good cure and a good kick of taste. And the cold season may be a good time to try its body-warming effect.