Ginger - Medicinal and Theraputic

Ginger is a spice, the underground stem of the plant Zingiber officinale. The stems that are harvested are branched, irregular in shape, juicy, shiny, cream to yellow colored with fibres inside which are slightly tough. The plant, is a perennial in nature originated in Asia. Records indicate that it has long been cultivated in India, South-east Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean.

Volatile oils such as zingerone, shogaols and gingerols comprise about one to three percent of the weight of it. The latter two elements impart to it the slightly pungent taste. The stem, either fresh or dried, is extensively used in all Asian countries as an aromatic herb in culinary applications. Its principle uses in Western cuisine is as a spicy essence in sweets, bakery products, beverages, liqueurs and wines. It is used almost globally as a spicy additive to tea and coffee. Of equal importance is the use of it in medicinal applications. Perhaps the oldest references are in Indian texts of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicines.

Today however, these properties are universally recognized.

Very briefly, it is used medicinally in the following applications:

• Dyspepsia

• Anti-flatulence

• Indigestion

• Tastelessness

• Distension of the abdomen

• Colic

• Diarrhea

• Intestinal and biliary colic

• Nausea

• Vomiting

It also is a proven digestive and works well with all ailments of the digestive tract.

It is an effective remedy for acute and chronic coughs, the common cold and fever and works excellently in catarrhal infections and certain allergies. It relieves accumulated secretions which act as an irritant in chronic bronchitis andother respiratory ailments.

It also has some aphrodisiac properties and is recommended for treatment of impotency, premature ejaculation and a host of other sexual ailments. It is a proven remedy in menstrual disorders. An exhaustive list of the medicinal applications, especially in Ayurveda is beyond the scope of this review.

Jump HOME from Ginger