| Ginger |
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. |
|
| Common
Uses |
 |
Aids normal digestion |
|
Helps alleviate motion sickness |
|
Helps reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy |
|
Helps reduce post anesthesia nausea after
surgery |
|
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
| Side effects There have been no side effects noted with the use of ginger
at these doses. |
|
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. |
If you are thinking of using
ginger before surgery in order to help counteract post anesthesia nausea, check with your
physician first. |
|
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. |
| 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 |
