Ginger Blog Post | Rooted Being

Ginger

BY THEASHEN MOODLEY

Key Definitions

Analgesic – a drug acting to relieve pain

Anti-emetic – a drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting.

Constituent - a component part of something.

Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.

Diaphoretic – a medicine that has the power to increase sweating.

Dysbiosis – a change in the gut’s microbiota from a healthy pattern to one associated with disease.

Expectorant – a type of cough medicine used to help clear mucus from the airway.

Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Rubefacient – An agent that reddens the skin and causes a localised feeling of warmth via cutaneous vasodilation.

Vermifuge – An agent that destroys or expels parasitic worms.

Woman lying on couch and holding stomach in pain

Introduction

Ginger is referred to as the “universal medicine” in Ayurveda as it has numerous applications. Ginger is known to have an effect on the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems in the human body, and is an anti-inflammatory that can decrease arthritic pain (Easley & Horne, 2016) (De La Foret, 2017).

Ginger is a close relative to turmeric and belongs to the Zingiberaceae plant family. It is grown throughout the tropics and the root (rhizome) of the plant is harvested when the plant is approximately 10 months old. Ginger is a perennial that can grow to 60 cm in height. It has lance-shaped leaves and yellow or white flowers (Chevallier, 2016).

Ginger powder surrounded by ginger rhizomes

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Volatile oil (sesquiterpene zingiberene, beta-bisabolene); Oleoresin (gingerol, shogaols, gingerdiols, gingerdiones, dihydrogingerdiones, lipids) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Actions

Analgesic; anti-emetic; aromatic; carminative; counterirritant; diaphoretic; digestive tonic; circulatory stimulant; anti-inflammatory; diffusive; expectorant; antimicrobial; vermifuge; rubefacient; antiviral; antispasmodic; emmenagogue (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Indications

Arthritis; migraines; colds, flus and fevers; nausea and motion sickness; dysbiosis; menstrual cramps (due to stagnation); ear infections; heart health; inflammation; stomach bugs; chilblains; cold sores; constipation; digestive upsets, gas and colic; high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis; morning sickness (De La Foret, 2017) (Chevallier, 2016).

Scientific Research

Journal articles by Shahrajabian, et al., 2019 and Gunathilake & Rupasinghe, 2015 presented the findings of clinical studies that were completed on Ginger. These findings are summarised below:

Studies have shown that Ginger exhibits neuroprotective effects.
The consumption of Ginger may be an effective regimen in the management of diabetes.
Several studies have validated that Ginger exerts anti-microbial, anti-nausea, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic, anti-ulcer, antiemetic, cardiotonic, anti-hypertensive, hypolipidemic and anti-platelet aggregation effects on animals and humans.
A few preclinical studies have shown that Ginger exhibits antimicrobial properties.

Preparations & Dosage

Fresh juice – use about 120 mL of freshly juiced Ginger with equal parts hot water 3 times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Tincture – to improve digestion, take 0.8-5 mL in water 2-3 times a day of a 1:5 ratio tincture (containing dried Ginger root and 60% alcohol). Take 1-2 mL in water 2-3 times a day of a 1:2 ratio tincture (containing fresh Ginger and 60% alcohol) (Easley & Horne, 2016) (De La Foret, 2017) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Glycerite – take 1-3 mL in water, as needed, of a 1:5 ratio glycerite (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Capsules – for morning sickness, take 75-1 000 mg capsules up to 8 times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Powder – take as a food for digestive and general health (Easley & Horne, 2016).

Infusion – for nausea, drink 150 mL 3 times a day. Prepare the infusion by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of fresh root and infusing for 5 mins (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Essential oil – for arthritic aches and pains, dilute 5 drops in 20 drops of carrier oil and apply (Chevallier, 2016).

Shop our Ginger-infused Rawbiotics Defence liquid probiotic here.

Ginger-Lemon Tea Recipe

Ginger is used in both savoury and sweet recipes and has a strong, spicy taste and an aromatic smell. The roots (rhizome) of Ginger are predominantly used in preparations. The following recipe was taken from Alchemy of Herbs and is perfect for those suffering from colds and flu (De La Foret, 2017).

Ingredients

1 tbsp (or 6 g) grated or finely minced fresh ginger.
A squirt of lemon juice.
Honey to taste.
1 cup of water

Instructions

Place the fresh ginger in a mug with the lemon juice and honey.
Bring the water to a boil and pour over the ingredients in the mug.
Cover the mug and let steep for 15 mins.
Drink while warm.

Safety Considerations

People taking blood-thinning medication and women who are pregnant should not consume more than 2 g of dried Ginger or 4 g of fresh Ginger per day (De La Foret, 2017) (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Contraindications

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).
Empirical evidence shows that Ginger has emmenagogue and abortifacient effects at high doses and thus high doses should be avoided by pregnant women (Brinker, 1998).

Drug Interactions

Ginger increased the antiplatelet action of nifedipine (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Adverse Events

Persons with active gallstone disease should use Ginger under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).
Large doses of Ginger may result in heartburn and allergic reactions to Ginger are rare but reported (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).
Excessive doses of fresh Ginger may cause dry mouth, sore throat, nose bleeding and kidney inflammation (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

Brinker, F., 1998. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
De La Foret, R., 2017. Alchemy of Herbs. 1st ed. California: Hay House Inc.
Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Gladstar, R., 2014. Herbs for Stress & Anxiety. 1 ed. North Adams: Storey Publishing.
Gunathilake, K. & Rupasinghe, H., 2015. Recent perspectives on the medicinal potential of ginger. Botanics: Targets and Therapy, pp. 55-63.
Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 1st ed. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
Shahrajabian, M., Sun, W. & Cheng, Q., 2019. Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry. Acta agriculturae scandinavica, section b—Soil & Plant Science, 69(6), pp. 546-556.

Back to blog

Your cart is empty

Sale