Ginger

   (Zingiber officinale)   

Alias names for Ginger:  African Ginger, Black Ginger, Race Ginger, Zingiber officinale, Family: Zingiberaceae, Sheng Jian (Chinese), Singabera (Sanskrit) 

Chinese Name for Ginger: Sheng Jian 

Pictures of Ginger:

     About Ginger:  Ginger is a perennial which can grow up to 3 feet tall and has dark glossy green two ranked leaves that surround the base of the stem which may have white or yellow flowers.  It grows out of tuberous rhizome roots and prefers moist fertile soil in partially shaded warm climates.  Although ginger originated in India and China, the root is now cultivated all over the world as a spice, food alternative, and medicinal herb.  The plant can be propagated through rhizome division and then harvested after about 10 months. 

References for Ginger pictures:

·        http://www.floridata.com/ref/Z/zing_off.cfm

·        http://pharm1.pharmazie.uni-greifswald.de/systematik/7_bilder/yamasaki/Zinger.jpg

·        http://www.rimbundahan.org/environment/plant_lists/taman_sari/Zingiberofficinale.jpg

·        http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Herbs/Zingiber_offici.htm

·        www.naturedirect2u.com/.../ginger.htm

Actions and Historical Uses of Ginger:

• Abdominal bloating

• Arteriosclerosis

• Bronchitis

• Chilblains

• Cholesterol

• Circulatory remedy

• Colds

• Colic

• Colitis

• Colon cleanser

• Constipation

• Coughs

• Diarrhea

• Digestive system

• Diverticulosis

• Fever reducer

• Flu

• Food poisoning

• Gas

• Gastrointestinal infections

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Hot flashes

• Immune system

• Indigestion

• Menstrual cramps

• Migraine headaches

• Morning sickness

• Motion sickness

• Nausea

• Raynaud’s disease

• Stomach cramps

• Strokes

• Ulcer prevention

• Vomiting

• Whooping cough

Historical Uses for Ginger and how it Works: Ginger lessens the ability of blood platelets to aggregate or stick together thus increasing circulation.  In the digestive system, the pungent constituents of ginger alleviate nausea and vomiting.  The herb tones the intestinal muscles which makes digestive transport easier. 

Chinese herb, ginger is used in two different forms.  Fresh ginger is given for fever, headaches, and aching muscles.  Dried ginger is used for “internal cold,” with symptoms such as cold hands, a weak pulse and a pale complexion. 

Antiseptic, used in a trial study in China, 70% of patients with bacillary dysentery who were given ginger made a full recovery. Ginger is used many ways including:

• Ginger Tea

• Ginger Bath/Soak

• Ginger Infusion Tea for nausea

• Ginger Essential oil for arthritic aches

• Ginger Capsules for morning sickness and motion sickness

• Ginger Tincture for digestion

• Ginger Extract

• Fresh Ginger

• Ginger Powder

• Dried Ginger

• Ginger Tablets

• Ginger Ale

• Ginger Soda

• Ginger Snaps

• Sugared Ginger (digestive aid)

Parts of the Ginger plant used: Rhizome/root/tuber. 

Properties of Ginger:  Antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, inhibits coughing 

Chemical Constituents of Ginger:  Bisabolene, gingerol, oleoresin, shogaols, volatile oil, and zingiberene 

Contradictions, safety issues, concerns, harmful drug interactions and allergy precautions for Ginger:  Ginger is generally a safe herb to use, however there are some precautions. While short-term use shows no ill effects, long-term use of ginger during pregnancy is not recommended. Sensitivity to the taste may occur as well as development of heartburn.  If you have had gallstones you should first seek the advice of a health care professional before using ginger.  Pregnant women should not exceed the dose of 1 gram daily. Doctors should be notified of the use of ginger before going into surgery. 

Helpful Links and References for Ginger:

·        http://www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/ginger.html

·        http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Herbs/Zingiber_offici.htm

·        http://www.medicinenet.com/ginger_zingiber_officinale-oral/article.htm

·        http://www.friedli.com/herbs/ginger.html

·        www.naturedirect2u.com/.../ginger.htm 

·        Books

o    Do Herbs by Sandy Brooks

o    Herbal Medicine  by Dian Dincin Buchman’s

Related Pages:

My Favorite Herbal Books

How to make a decoction

How to make infused oils

How to make infusions

How to make a poultice

How to make a tincture

List of Herbs we carry

My Favorite Products

My Recipes (many of which contain Ginger in some form or another!)

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