GINGER

Alternate Names: Jiang, Sheng Jian, Singabera (Sanskrit), Sunthi (Sanskrit - Dry Ginger), Ardraka (Sanskrit - Fresh Ginger), Gan Jiang (Chinese - Dry Ginger), Sheng Jian (Chinese - Fresh Ginger)

Parts Used: Rhizome.

Properties: Analgesic, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Aromatic, Anticoagulant, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Sialagogue, Stimulant, Vermifuge.

Internal Uses: Amenorrhea, Arthritis, Backache, Bacterial Infection, Catarrh, Colds, Cough, Cramps, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Flu, Food Poisoning, Hypertension, Indigestion, Lumbago, Morning Sickness, Motion Sickness, Nausea, Stroke, Tonsillitis, Vertigo, Viral Infections

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.

Ginger has been found to be even more effective than Dramamine in curbing motion sickness, without causing drowsiness. Chew a piece of the fresh root to treat sore throats.

Ginger is an excellent herb to improve circulation to all parts of the body. It reduces blood platelet aggregation and inhibits the biochemical pathways associated with inflammation.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Asthma, Balding, Chills, Colds, Flu, Headache, Kidney Stones, Muscle Soreness

Topical Applications: Use a compress of Ginger on arthritic joints, sore muscles, kidney stones, asthma and hypertensive headaches. Bath herb for chills, muscle soreness and poor circulation. Foot soaks for cold and flu. Massage oil. Essential oil used in men's aftershaves. Used in perfumes.

Culinary uses: Breads, Sauces, Stir Fry Dishes, Sushi condiment, chutney, curries, meat, fish, candied ginger, ginger ale, ginger beer, hot cider, mulled wines, liqueurs, cordials.

Energetics: Pungent, Sweet, Hot, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Gingerols, zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, starch, essential oil (zingiberene, zingiberole, camphene, cineol, borneol), mucilage, protein.

Contraindications: Avoid in instances of hot skin disorders like acne and eczema. Do not use during a very high fever, internal bleeding or ulcers. discontinue if it causes heartburn.

Comments: Zingiber means 'horn root' in Sanskrit, in reference to its shape. One of the first species introduced from Asia to Europe, it soon sent European explorers looking for a new route to Cathay. Henry VIII recommended it as a remedy against the Bubonic Plague. It is also called Vishwabhesaj, or Universal Medicine, in Ayurvedic medicine.

Chinese ships carried pots of Ginger on board long sea voyages to prevent scurvy and seasickness. A Chinese folk remedy recommends rubbing the cut root on the scalp to stop hair loss. In India, before religious festivals devotees would avoid Garlic, so as not to offend the dieties. Instead, they consumed Ginger, which left them fragrant and pleasing.

-- Phil in KS (pemccoy@yahoo.com), March 11, 2002