Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

By Christa Sinadinos

 

Ginger has a broad range of beneficial medicinal and culinary uses. It is a digestive stimulant which increases salivary and gastric secretions. It can be used to reduce flatulence and to quell nausea. Ginger also reduces cramping of the stomach and bowels, as well as menstrual cramping. It can be used in the treatment of motion sickness, and can also help to reduce morning sickness.

 

As a warming diaphoretic, it can aid in breaking a fever. Ginger can be used as an adjunct treatment for the common cold or flu, bronchial pneumonia, and for chronic auto-immune conditions. It also has anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties.

 

Ginger has anti-inflammatory actions which can be of value in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is a circulatory stimulant which is helpful for individuals with cold hands and feet. Its blood-thinning actions may be useful in the prevention of heart attacks, and for individuals with high blood pressure.

 

**Contraindications: ginger has blood-thinning actions. Take similar precautions to those listed under the contraindications for garlic.**

 

 

 

Done