Ginger
- jenn
- Oct 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 5
This is easily my favorite herb (technically a ' rhizome') for easing digestive issues, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and encouraging energy flow throughout the body! One sip of Ginger tea and you'll feel the warmth start to radiate from the inside out.
Ginger has been used for over 5,000 years for aliments such as nausea, pain, colds, migraines, and high blood pressure. Originally cultivated in South East Asia - top producers now include China, India, Peru, Indonesia, and other tropical climates; where this plant thrives. The age of the 'root' determines the use and intensity of it. Ginger harvested at 8 -9 months is more pungent in flavor, spicier, and has a tougher skin that must be removed before eating. These are usually dried and ground into powder (like what you have in your spice cabinet) or they are pickled in sweet vinegar and paired with Sushi. Young rhizomes are tender, thin skinned, and more mild in flavor; this type is ideal to use fresh..
Gingerol, the main component found in Ginger, is prized for relieving digestive discomfort and managing inflammation. This is what makes Ginger great for encouraging gut motility, promoting efficient digestion, and eliminating bloating and gas. This herbal remedy has also been used for centuries to reduce nausea related to motion sickness and morning sickness ... even the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends Ginger as a safe alternative to anti-nausea meds (in early pregnancy). More recently, Ginger has gained interest from people undergoing chemo therapy treatments. Both patients and providers note that this can be an effective way to ease post-chemo nausea, without the negative side effects that pharmaceuticals can cause.
The anti-inflammatory compounds have been shown to be helpful when used orally and topically for various conditions. Ginger supports blood flow to the area where it's applied, which can alleviate painful symptoms such as mensural cramps, arthritis, joint swelling, and muscle soreness.
Because the energetics of this plant are "hot" it's a wonderful blood stimulant for anyone that has slow circulation or has a tendency to be cold all the time (helloooo my fellow "cold blooded" people!). It thins the blood - which makes it flow easier throughout the body. However, if you are a person that seems to be on the warmer side already, Ginger might not be a suitable choice for you!
These warming properties make it a top-choice ally when sick because it brings comfort to the person and clears congestion at the same time. Some studies show that it may activate the immune system, which can help fight off bacteria and prevent infections. Additional, the heat that Ginger brings can make the body an uninhabitable host for such things.
I personally had a great experience while using this herb for pain after having my 4 wisdom teeth extracted. I didn't touch the pain meds the oral surgeon prescribed at all and only relied on my Ginger tincture! The swelling was minimal and the inflammation was tolerable. I would totally recommend this as a natural substitution over meds that can become addictive.
Botanical name: Zingiber officinale
Plant Family: Zingiberaceae
Energetics: hot & dry
Actions: anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial, carminative
Taste: spicy, sweet, pungent
Affinities: digestive system, circulatory system, musculoskeletal, metabolism, immune system, , respiratory system, reproductive system
Parts used: Rhizome
Possible uses:
pain management
reducing nausea
improving gastrointestinal function
clearing stagnation
Preparations:
fresh
dried
candied
crystalized
powdered
pickled
tincture
tea
topically
-- Safety & precautions --
While Ginger is usually considered safe in the form of food...
You should not use Ginger if:
You have heart conditions
You have a bleeding disorder
You have Gallstones, Stomach Ulcers, or a history of Heartburn
You are allergic to Ginger
You have surgery coming up (2 weeks)
You are pregnant (high doses) or close to term (increase bleeding)
Do not give to children in medicinal doses
Do not use if taking the following:
Blood thinners
Anticoagulants
Antiplatelet drugs
Medications affecting Blood Sugar
Heart medications
Medications broken down by the Liver
Pain relief meds (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc)
Certain Cancer medications
Anti Seizure drugs
Generally considered safe - the appropriate dose of Ginger depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and other conditions. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional before using.
:: Products containing Ginger ::
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical professional and this web site does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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