Widely used as a spice and flavouring, ginger is also one of the best existing natural medicine on this planet. The spice comes from the roots of the plant. Ginger belongs to one of the healthiest spices on the world. It is full with nutrients and has powerful benefits for the human body. Ginger contains many properties that operate warming and anti-inflammatory, which can relive different complaints like headaches and migraines, indigestion, travel and morning sickness and a lot more problems.
History & Folklore
Native to Asia, ginger was first discovered in ancient China and later spread to India, the rest of Asia and West Africa. When the ancient Romans started trading with India around the 1st century, that's when the plant finally reached Europe, too. But after Rome was defeated, the plant disappeared again until Marco Polo introduced ginger to Europe again. In the Middle ages ginger was primarily used as a medicine in ancient Rome and Greece. Later it became an aphrodisiac and was used to stimulate arousal in men and women. In France, it is said that Madame du Barry even served finger to King Louis XV to rise his sexual potency and turn him into a submissive sexual partner. The plant has been employed in spells and charms to attract money, love and success. Later English colonists introduced the plant to other parts of the world. Ginger gained popularity in North America, South America, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. Today ginger can be found all over the world.
Habitat & Cultivation
Ginger originated in China and India and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers fertile and very rich soil and a lot of rain. When growing the plant indoors, make sure to find a shady place and provide the same weather and soil conditions as described. The best time to harvest ginger is usually after 8-10 months after the leaves have died down. The rhizome is broken up after digging out the whole plant. Simply wash and peel after harvesting.
Uses
Digestive problems Almost all digestive problems can be treated with ginger. Indigestion, nausea, wind, bloating or cramps, eating ginger or taking it in different forms like am infusion, powder, juice or simply just adding ginger to food can help get rid of these complaints. Ginger's antiseptic property can even help treating food poisoning and other gastro-intestinal infections.
Circulatory stimulant Having bad blood circulation and flow can also be treated with the power herb. It stimulates the circulation and helps blood to flow to the surface. Therefore when dealing with chilblains or poor circulation, ginger is an excellent remedy. For quick relief, fresh ginger juice can simple be rubbed on to chilblains.
Respiratory conditions For Coughs, colds, flus and other respiratory problems, ginger is the best remedy due to its antiviral activity. It also helps to cool and control fevers, although it contains warming properties.
Parts used
Rhizome can be used fresh or sliced and dried.
Key Actions
Anti-inflammatory
Circulatory stimulant
Anti-emetic
Antiviral
Digestive stimulant
Constituents
Volatile oil (1-3%) - zingiberene (20-30%)
Oleoresin (4-7,5%) - gingerol, shogaols
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 155.
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