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Ginger
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Ginger is a deciduous perennial with thick, branching
rhizomes and sturdy, upright stems with pointed lance-like leaves.
Yellow-green flowers, with a deep purple lip with a yellow marking
are produced, followed by the fruits, which resemble fleshy capsules.
Parts used
The fresh and dried rhizomes are used and an essential oil is also
extracted.
Properties
Ginger is a sweet, pungent and aromatic herb that has expectorant
properties. The herb increases perspiration, improves digestion
and liver function, controls nausea, vomiting and coughing. It stimulates
circulation, relaxes spasms and relieves pain.
The taste of this herb is caused by the numerous gingerols, such
as [6]-gingerol, found in the plant and the volatile essential oil
also contains monoterpenoids (camphene, b-phellandrene, neral and
geranial), diterpene lactones, such as galanolactone, as well as
sesquiterpenes (a-zingiberene and ar-curcumene).
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Therapeutic uses ;
Internal use
Ginger is used internally for motion sickness, nausea, morning sickness,
indigestion, colic, abdominal chills, colds, coughs, influenza and
peripheral circulatory problems.
It is a very "warming" herb, and is used in "cold"
conditions like frigidity and impotence.
Some hypoglycaemic, cholesterol lowering, immune stimulant and anti-inflammatory
properties have been noted.
It has a very beneficial effect on ulcers, and also increases peristalsis
and the secretion of bile and gastric juices.
In Chinese medicine, it is used for nausea, vomiting, fever, cold,
cough, nasal discharge, blood in the urine, abdominal unease and feeling
of fullness as well as chronic bronchitis.
Green ginger (fresh young rhizomes) is juiced, eaten raw, preserved
and candied.
External use
Used externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual
cramps and sprains.
Aromatherapy and essential oil use
To warm the body and the mind, ginger essential oil is most effective.
It sharpens the senses and memory.
It will also "ground" a person, while stimulating the mind,
and is very effective in removing excess moisture in the body - such
as catarrh and phlegm.
Furthermore it boosts the digestive system and is valuable in fighting
nausea and motion sickness - be that car or sea. The circulation boosting
properties helps the entire body and its analgesic affect aids with
rheumatic and arthritic pain.
On the skin it reduces bruises, sores and carbuncles.
It has analgesic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, bactericidal, carminative,
emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant,
stomachic and tonic properties.
Safety precautions and warnings
The herb should not to be taken or used by people with inflammatory
skin complaints, ulcers of the digestive tract, or high fever. The
essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy and should be used
with caution, as it may irritate sensitive skins. |
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