The Healing Effects Of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)

Other Common Names: Zingiber officinale

Range: Said to be a native of Asia. Cultivated in West Indies, Jamaica, Africa.

Valued primarily for the distinctive tang it lends to cuisine, Ginger Root also has proven medicinal effects. Ginger is a classic tonic for the digestive tract. Classified as an aromatic bitter, it stimulates digestion. Its ability to prevent vomiting has been verified by clinical trial, and it has been shown to stimulate the intestines and promote production of saliva, digestive juices, and bile. It also tends to boost the pumping action of the heart. Ginger may be used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. Ginger may protect the stomach from the damaging effects of alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent ulcers. In feverish conditions, Ginger acts as a useful diaphoretic,promoting perspiration. As a gargle it may be effective in the relief of sore throats.

Ginger?s beneficial effect on motion sickness appears to be related to its action on the gastrointestinal tract rather than the central nervous system.

Stimulant, carminative, given in dyspepsia and flatulent colic excellent to add to bitter infusions; specially valuable in alcoholic gastritis; of use for diarrhea from relaxed bowel where there is no inflammation. Ginger Tea is a hot infusion very useful for stoppage of the menses due to cold, externally it is a rubefacient.

The root must be kept in a dry place, or it will start growing and is then spoilt. The odour of Ginger is penetrating and aromatic, its taste spicy, hot and biting; these properties are lost by exposure.

Essence of Ginger should be avoided, as it is often adulterated with harmful ingredients. The most common adulterants are flour, curcuma, linseed, rapeseed, the hulls of cayenne pepper and waste ginger.

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