Materia Medica
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has a long and widespread history of health-related benefits, since ancient times.
Ginger has an impressive array of beneficial actions associated with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties and other unique therapeutic compounds. It has an extensive list of health benefits including the treatment of nausea from motion sickness, post-surgery, chemotherapy and pregnancy.
It fights fungal infections, protects against stomach ulcers, eases menstrual pains and may inhibit cancer growth. Further, it regulates blood sugar, relieves joint and muscle pain, lowers cholesterol levels, improves brain function, minimises neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, as well as blocks bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis.
To the present day, ginger remains one of the most used dietary and nutritive condiments in the world.
Part used:
Root
Energetics:
Hot, drying and pungent
Actions:
Anti-emetic, carminative, digestive stimulant, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anodyne, analgesic, antioxidant, stimulating diaphoretic, stimulating expectorant, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant, immunomodulatory
Indications:
- Prophylaxis and treatment for nausea and vomiting for morning sickness in pregnancy, motion sickness, postoperative and drug induced nausea
- Digestive disorders including nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, colic, gastritis, lack of appetite, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach cramping, bloating, indigestion, flatulence
- Inflammation including joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
- Migraines
- To support mild feverish conditions such as colds and influenza
- Relief of mild bronchitis and other conditions requiring expectoration
- Ear infections
- Cardiovascular health
- Relief of dysmenorrhoea (due to stagnation) especially when it is improved by the
application of heat or warm drinks - Conditions requiring improved peripheral circulation
- Flavouring agent when added to formulations
- Adjuvant. Add to formulations to promote the activity of the other herbs
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginger-ale-good-for-you
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-961/ginger
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ginger.html
Related Products:
Ginger is used in our Australian Outback Chai, Masala Chai, Chakra, Cleansing, Digestive, Energy, Golden Turmeric, Immune, Lemongrass & Ginger, Spicy Chai and Women’s Wellness Tea as well as Shine Dust, Soothe Dust, Spark Dust and Spirit Dust.