Ginger is commonly available everywhere in the world. People use it both as food and medicine. It has pungent qualities and 24 distinct anti-inflammatory compounds, making it useful as medicine. It stimulates the heart and blood circulation. It is recommended for those suffering from chilblains, bad circulation and cramps. Ginger can also be used as treatment for angina. Gargling with ginger juice relieves a sore throat. Warm ginger tea stimulates perspiration, which has a cooling effect. It also acts as an expectorant, helping to expel phlegm.

Ginger revitalizes the intestines and stomach by encouraging the secretion of digestive enzymes. It moves stagnated food in the digestive tract, which leads to the release of accumulated toxins of the body. It relieves vomiting and nausea. It also thins the blood, lowers blood pressure and inhibits clotting. Many fibrositis and muscle sprain treatments are based on ginger.

Common Name of Herb: Ginger

Latin Name: Zingiber officinalis

Parts Used: The rhizome, which is a horizontal underground stem. Sometimes people call this a ginger root, but the actual roots grow downward from the rhizome.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, lymph-cleansing, sweat inducing, circulation-stimulating, mild constipation and relieving and nausea relieving. Small quantities are often used in combination with other herbs to spread them through the body at a faster rate.

Preparation and Use: Pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoon of fresh ginger rhizome. Let it infuse for five minutes. Or make a decoction of the dried root.  Add lemon juice and honey if desired. Honey and ginger are particularly useful for asthma.  For a general digestive aid, mix with peppermint and fennel in an alcohol tincture. For an antimicrobial tonic for all infectious illnesses, mix with onion, garlic, horseradish, and cayenne in a vinegar infusion.

Cautions and Limitations of Use:

  • Ginger has no known side effects. You can drink it as often and for as long as you want.
  • Caution for all herbs and foods: Stop using if you experience symptoms of allergy. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. People who are allergic to other foods in the ginger family, such as turmeric,  may be allergic to ginger.
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking prescription medications, regarding possible interactions.
  • If in doubt about the safety of any herb, consult a doctor with special knowledge and experience with herbs.

 

Extra Information:

· Constituents: 6-gingerol, 8-shogaol, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-pinene, alpha-phellandrene, alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, acetic acid, arginine, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, beta-bisolene, beta-sitosterol, beta-pinene, boron, camphor, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, capsaicin, curcumene, resins, starches, fats, and proteins.

· How to Gather: Harvest the rhizomes between six to nine months.

· Other English Common Names: Ginger Root

· Other Language Common Names: Ingwer (Ger), Jengibre (Span), Gingembre (Fr)

· Where it grows: Ginger can be grown in temperate climates. In places with colder climates it can be grown in greenhouses.

· How to Identify: Ginger has leaves shaped like lances, white stalks and yellow flowers.