Ginger is a potent herbal remedy as well as a delicious spice used in cooking world wide. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions, and is still widely prescribed today by herbalists. Ginger can produce serious side effects in some people, so before using ginger for medicinal purposes, consult a knowledgeable herbal health practitioner.
Properties
Ginger was used by most Asian cultures, including those in China and India, since ancient times. It was known in China as far back as 2,000 years ago as a treatment for nausea, diarrhea and other stomach upsets. In modern times, ginger is still highly touted as one of the best treatments for nausea brought on by motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy and after surgery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. In addition, ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its ability to reduce pain from inflammation due to colds, the flu, headaches, arthritis, gout and menstrual cramps. Ginger is often combined with other anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric and bromelain, which boosts its healing capabilities.
Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger is highly effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting from a number of sources. In some instances, researchers found that ginger was more effective in reducing nausea than conventional medicines, notes the UMMC. They recommend consuming 2 to 4 g of fresh ginger root daily. You can use dried, powdered ginger and liquid ginger extract for the treatment of nausea during pregnancy or after chemotherapy.
A quick and effective way to use ginger to relieve nausea is by drinking ginger ale. Make sure the bottle is at room temperature and open it for at least an hour before using to allow the carbonation to be released and the liquid to become flat. Ginger ale is only effective if it contains real ginger and not ginger flavoring.
Colds, Flu, Sore Throat and Headache
For the treatment of colds, flu, a sore throat or a headache, ginger is best consumed in tea, which you can make easily by slicing or grating 2 tbsp. of fresh ginger root and adding it to boiling water. Allow it to steep from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Ginger gets strong quickly, so test the tea every 30 seconds to make sure it is not too strong for you. When it's done steeping, remove the ginger and drink the tea 2 to 3 times daily. Sweeten with honey.
Congestion
If you are congested, you can also use ginger as an inhalant remedy, much like you might use eucalyptus oil. Add a drop or two of ginger oil or several slices of fresh ginger root to a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl and place a towel over your head and the bowl to make a tent. Inhale the steam and vapors from the ginger to clear sinuses and chest congestion. Be careful to test the temperature of the hot steam before you inhale it to avoid burning yourself.
Arthritis, Joint Disease
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties are well known for relieving the pain of arthritis and other joint diseases. You can use ginger extract mixed in water or juice, which may relieve acute attacks of joint pain; or, take powdered ginger in capsules for chronic pain. Do not take ginger for chronic conditions without first consulting your health practitioner, who can set up a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Considerations
Ginger can thin the blood and should not be used if you take blood-thinning medicines. that being said, ginger's anti-clotting properties may help lower cholesterol and treat cardio conditions, removing blockages in the arteries. Only an experienced herbal practitioner should decide how to treat you for these conditions, taking into account ginger's ability to produce side effects, such as thinning the blood. Do not take ginger for any reason within a week of having surgery.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- UCLA -- Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden: Ginger
- Texas A&M -- Agri Life Extension: Ginger
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville and Peter Korn; 1998
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