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Ginger |
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Parts Used
The root of the plant is used, either fresh or dried. The dried
root can be powdered and put into capsules. The oil from the
ginger root can also be used. |
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Common Uses
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Aids normal
digestion |
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Helps
alleviate motion sickness |
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Helps reduce
nausea and vomiting in pregnancy |
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Helps reduce
post anesthesia nausea after surgery |
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How Ginger Works
Ginger works by stimulating the
digestion and soothing upset stomachs. It acts as an
antispasmodic and helps prevent nausea and vomiting. It also
improves the tone of intestinal muscles. |
| Ginger
stimulates circulation by helping to reduce platelet
"stickiness" and this may improve the health of the
cardiovascular system. |
| It also has a
mild anti-inflammatory action and has been used in the treatment
of arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. When the oil
is applied topically (to the skin) it increases blood flow to
the area and acts as a mild pain reliever. |
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Suggested use of dried root powder
2 -
4 grams daily of the dried
root powder, this should be divided into 2 or 3 doses. A single
dose of 1 gram is suggested for the treatment of nausea. . |
| To
help prevent travel sickness start taking ginger a couple of
days before your trip begins |
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Suggested use of ginger oil
Add 5 – 10 drops to 25 ml of almond
oil (eucalyptus and juniper work well too). Use as massage oil
for arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago and bone or joint injuries. |
| Add 1 or 2 drops
of pure ginger oil to half a teaspoon of honey or a sugar lump.
This helps reduce flatulence, nausea, stomach upsets and
menstrual cramps. |
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Side effects There
have been no side effects noted with the use of ginger at
these doses. |
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Safety concerns
The German Commission E Monographs
suggest that people with gallstones should consult their
physician before using Ginger. |
| Although short
term use of ginger during pregnancy to help reduce nausea and
vomiting poses no safety problems, long term use during
pregnancy is not recommended. |
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If you are thinking
of using ginger before surgery in order to help counteract post
anesthesia nausea, check with your physician first. |
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History of Ginger
Ginger has been cultivated in China
and India for thousands of years. It was sold to the ancient
Greeks and Romans by Arabian traders, and in the second century
A.D. was actually subject to Roman taxes. The Spaniards brought
it to America and it is now grown in the West Indies. |
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Chinese herbalists have been recommending ginger for more than
2,500 years. It also plays an important role in traditional
healing in India, Nigeria and the West Indies |
