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Herbs > Ginger (zingiber officinalis)
Also known as zingiber, Ginger is a potent culinary
spice, often used for extra flavour in both sweet and
savoury dishes. The root is the active component,
which is widely available, both fresh and dried. A
rich source of vitamin C, it also contains vitamin A
along with magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Healing properties:
A ginger bath is a very healing experience.
It promotes perspiration, which can hasten the
process of eliminating toxins from the body, and
stimulates circulation. In addition, a ginger bath
will ease stress and menstrual cramps, and aid the
healing of muscular injuries. When running a bath,
add 2 tablespoons of powdered ginger to the water.
Test the potency and add more ginger according to
personal preference. For some, 2 tablespoons will be
sufficient; others may wish to add up to 1/2 a cup.
However, do not add more than 2 tablespoons if making
a ginger bath for children, and reduce the dosage if
running only a shallow bath. It is important to drink
plenty of water whilst in a ginger bath, in order to
replace the fluid which is being perspired.
On a smaller scale, a ginger
footbath is ideal for brief relaxation when there is
insufficient time for a full bath. It will also heal
chilblains.
Ginger tea (1 teaspoon of
powdered ginger to 1 cup of boiling water covered and
allowed to stand for 10 minutes) will act as a
digestive aid, which will dispel the heavy bloated
feeling that follows a large meal. It will also act
as a gentle laxative.
For more severe constipation, a
preparation of ginger and flax seeds will be
effective: 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger with 2
tablespoons of flax seeds simmered in 2 cups of water
for 15 minutes. This mixture can be sweetened with
honey if desired. It should be taken in 1/2 cup doses
as necessary.
The milder ginger tea will also
ease menstrual cramps, and relieve all forms of
congestion. Any form of nausea can be almost
instantaneously relieved with ginger tea, and it is
safe for children and pregnant women. For
particularly severe nausea, motion sickness and
morning sickness, 1/2-2 teaspoons of powdered ginger
taken straight and washed down with a glass of water
will help enormously. Ginger capsules are available
from health shops for the faint hearted (straight
powdered ginger is rather intense), but pure powdered
ginger will work much quicker and is gentler on the
stomach.
Ginger is an excellent
anti-inflammatory, both internally as a tea, and
externally as a poultice. To make a ginger poultice,
mix powdered ginger with a little warm water to form
a stiff paste. Use sufficient quantity to cover the
desired area of the poultice with 1/2 cm of the
paste. Spread this on linen or gauze, and lay the
poultice in a glass dish. Pour a little boiling water
over it – enough to heat the poultice, but not
so much that paste begins to wash away. Allow it to
soak until the poultice reaches a temperature which
is fairly hot, but bearable to touch. Apply to the
affected area, ginger side down, and cover with a hot
water bottle to maintain the heat. This is
particularly useful for alleviating the pain of
athletic injuries and rheumatoid arthritis.
To relieve headaches and
migraines, a little ginger can be missed with flour
and water to form a paste. Massage this paste onto
the temples. This paste can be applied anywhere there
is pain to provide gentle relief. It is useful as a
milder and quicker alternative to a poultice.
For persistent congested
sinuses, a ginger nasal rinse can be used. Make up a
mild ginger tea (1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger to 1
cup of water) and strain well. Holding one nostril
closed, inhale the tea gently through the other
nostril until it trickles down the back of the
throat. Spit the tea through the mouth and blow the
nose. Repeat for the second nostril. It may sound
like an unpleasant procedure, but it will clear the
sinuses brilliantly.
Cautions:
Excessive use of ginger (daily for 3-4
weeks) can result in over stimulation of the body.
Other uses: Powdered ginger
placed into socks can warm the feet, and is
particularly useful for winter activities such as
skiing and ice-skating. Start with a mild dose of 1/2
teaspoon in each sock, and increase, if necessary,
until the feet are comfortably warm. It is important
to move the feet by walking as soon as the ginger in
put into the sock to kick-start the circulation.
Ginger beer is delicious,
refreshing and will aid digestion when drunk with a
meal. Grate enough fresh ginger root to make 5
teaspoons. Pour 2 cups of water over the root and
simmer gently for 15 minutes. Cinnamon sticks can be
added during cooking for an extra taste. Sweeten with
a little honey, and chill the mixture in the
refrigerator. To serve, mix 1 part ginger concentrate
with 1 part sparkling mineral water.
Growing ginger:
Ginger is best grown by division of mature
plants in late spring. It requires rich, well-drained
soil, and will not tolerate frosts. The roots will be
ready to harvest 10 months after planting and will
keep for 2-3 months after harvest.
Ginger in Ayurveda |
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