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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Ginger
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedRoots and rhizomes Description of Plant(s) and CultureGinger is a perennial plant; the aromatic, knotty rootstock is thick,
fibrous, and whitish or buff-colored. It produces a simple, leafy
stem covered with the leaf sheaths of the lanceolate-oblong to linear
leaves. The plant reaches a height of 3-4 feet, the leaves growing
6-12 inches long. The sterile flowers are white with purple streaks
and grow in spikes. Where FoundIndigenous to tropical Asia and cultivated in other tropical areas,
especially Jamaica. Medicinal PropertiesAntispasmodic, antiemetic, analgesic, antiseptic, appetizer, aromatic, carminative, condiment, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, pungent, sialagogue, stimulant Topically: increases blood flow to an area Biochemical InformationBisabolene, borneal, borneol, camphene, choline, cineole, citral,
ginerol, inositol, volatile oils, PABA, phellandrene, phenols, alkaloids,
mucilage, acrid resin, sequiterpene, vitamins B3, B5, zingerone, and
zingiberene. Legends, Myths and StoriesGinger is an ancient herb native to Asia. It is produced commercially in Jamaica, Africa, Japan, China, India, and the Dutch East Indies; the best is reputed to be that of Jamaica. The Chinese have been using ginger for more than 2,000 years. The Japanese serve ginger slices between sushi courses to clear the palate and aid digestion. In China, the poorer classes test food by tossing a slice of fresh ginger into their cooking pot. They claim that if the root turns a dark color the food is bad. Marco Polo mentions ginger in his unbelievable narrative of the 13th century. The Spaniards brought the first ginger plants to the New World in the early part of the 16th century. The finest roots today come from Jamaica. If ginger is grown in greenhouses, it may bloom and produce an exotic and interesting flower that looks somewhat like a miniature pineapple. Ginger root adds an agreeable zest to many beverages. The root is used in wines, liqueurs and soft drinks. Dry ginger is a better stimulant and expectorant; fresh ginger is a better diaphoretic, better for colds, cough, and vomiting. The following is a quote from the book "Old Ways Rediscovered" by Clarence Meyer."Recipe for ginger beer from The Illustrated London Cookery book (1852): Pour 2 gallons of boiling water on 1/4 lb. of cream of tartar, 1 oz. of sliced ginger, 2 lbs. of sugar; let it stand 6 hours, then add 2 tbsp. of yeast, let it stand 6 hours more, strain through fine strainer, put it into stone bottles, tie down the corks, and it will be fit for use in 24 hours." Another old-time favorite was the ginger tissane: made by steeping 1/2 tsp. root in 1 cup boiling water, keep saucer over the cup while steeping. Strain when only warm and sip as needed. If desired, sweeten with honey. Natives of the West Indies add a dash of nutmeg or 1-2 cloves to
the tissane. UsesA spicy herb used for colitis, diverticulosis, nausea, gas, indigestion, paralysis of the tongue, morning sickness, travel sickness or motion sickness, vomiting, hot flashes and menstrual cramps. Cleanses the colon, gas and fermentation, cholera, gout, nausea, arthritis, stimulates circulation, and reduces spasms and cramps. Ginger tea or tincture, taken hot, promotes cleansing of the system through perspiration and is also said to be useful for suppressed menstruation. Take it to clear up flatulent colic or combine it with laxative herbs to make them more palatable or milder in action. Try it at the onset of a cold, flu, headaches, chronic bronchitis, to ease the effects of the usual symptoms. Finally, to stimulate the flow of saliva and to soothe a sore throat, chew the rootstock as it is. Promotes sweat when taken hot. Ginger ale is a long time remedy for upset stomach and nausea. An old-fashioned remedy for dandruff is to combine ginger with olive oil. (Applied to the scalp after shampoo) A few drops in the ears, of this oil, will soothe earaches. Ginger root is used in the treatment of minor burns and skin inflammations. Grated ginger can be topically applied externally, as a poultice or hot fomentation to relieve painful aches, sprains, and spasms. Some researchers think that ginger may help prevent strokes, heart disease, and hardening of the arteries. Also, a hematology researcher says it is believed that gingerol, a substance in ginger, inhibits an enzyme that causes cells to clot. The same enzyme is blocked by aspirin, effective in preventing recurrence of "little strokes". These attacks are triggered by microscopic artery clots, flowing through the blood stream until they block arteries in the brain, causing the stroke or cerebrovascular accident, known as CVA. The Chinese Materia Medica lists the uses of ginger for dyspepsia, diarrhea, piles, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and alcoholic gastritis. If the root is chewed and the juice swallowed, it causes saliva to flow and digestive juices to be stimulated. This will also relieve nausea and vomiting. A tea made of the root improves digestion, relieves gas and bloating, and stimulates appetite. Relief from these conditions: use 1/2 oz. of powdered ginger
root stirred into 1 pint of boiling water. 2 to 3 tbsp. of the tea
should be taken 3 times a day. Capsules of ginger will relieve motion
sickness. Prompt relief from the morning-after "hangover" is obtained
by sipping 1 or 2 cups of hot ginger tea for breakfast. Formulas or DosagesInfusion: mix 1/2 tsp. powdered rootstock with 1 tsp. (or more) honey. Add 1 cup boiling water. If desired, add an ounce of brandy or other liquor. Tincture: take 15 or more drops at a time, warm. Nutrient ContentVitamins B3, B5  Back to Top How SoldAs a spice in the grocery, fresh root or powdered spice Capsules: take 1 for up to 3 times daily to relieve symptoms. Motion sickness (SEE MOTION SICKNESS) is usually helped with 1 capsule. Extract: mix 15 drops in warm water, taken for up to 3 times daily. Externally: mix 15 drops of extract in 1 cup of warm vegetable oil. Mash fresh ginger-root, soak in cotton ball, and apply juice directly
to inflamed area. WarningAvoid ginger in excessive amounts with a peptic ulcer, bleeding ulcers, very high fever, inflammatory skin diseases. Ginger is a safe remedy for morning sickness in small doses. Do not
exceed doses recommended. Other commercial anti-nauseants should not
be taken during pregnancy without consulting a doctor, because of
the possibility that they may cross the placenta and adversely affect
the fetus.
Resource LinksLiveStrong.com: Ginger Extract & Acid Reflux LiveStrong.com: Benefits of Feverfew Ginger LiveStrong.com: Fresh Ginger Root for a Cough LiveStrong.com: Ginger Juice for Acid Reflux LiveStrong.com: How do I Take Ginger for Seasickness? LiveStrong.com: What Does Ginger Root Do for the Body? LiveStrong.com: What Are the Benefits of Milk Thistle & Ginger? University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginger U.S. National Library of Medicine: Ginger National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Ginger PubMed.gov: Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in ginger (Zingiber officinale). PubMed.gov: Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea, and vomiting. PubMed.gov: Antihypercholesterolaemic effect of ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) in rats. Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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African
ginger
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
, by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.