An ancient remedy, Ginger is used for many purposes, most notably perhaps for nausea. As a stimulant, it helps to improve peripheral circulation. In fevers, it promotes perspiration. It is also excellent for treating dyspepsia, colic and flatulence. Externally, it forms the base for various muscle strain and fibrositis treatments. Ginger, however, has many other uses and well deserves its' worldwide reputation - gained over thousands of years - as a powerful aid for healing.
Ginger, which is used in a vast array of sweet and savoury dishes around the world, is a tender, creeping perennial. It grows in tropical climates from underground rhizomes, which are commonly (but incorrectly) called 'roots'. The plant may reach 3-4' (1 - 1.2m) in height. It has dark, erect stems that resemble bamboo and lance shaped leaves. The thick, fibrous buff to white tuberous rhizome is perennial and has a spicy, warming smell and a pungent, citrus like taste. Zingiber officinale blooms have a small green inflorescence with white and maroon flowers. In other species, colours can range through to reds and oranges.
The botanical name for Ginger - Zingiber officinale - was given by the Swedish botanist innaeus. It comes from the Sanskrit word of singabera, which means 'shaped like a horn.' The term officinale simply means that the plant is commonly available and is useful to humans in medicine and as a food. Ginger is known as Sheng jian in Chinese and has a number of English synonyms including Jamaican Ginger. The rhizome and essential oil are used medicinally.
What to Buy
Always try to buy Ginger that has been certified as grown organically to ensure the best healing results. Because of its' culinary uses, fresh and dried Ginger is widely available in supermarkets. Ginger is also obtainable in capsule or tincture form, or as an essential oil, in drug stores, health food and herbal stores or by mail order.
Definition
Botanical family: Ginger, or specifically Zingiber officinale, is just one of about 1,400 species in the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes Turmeric and Cardamom. The plant is a native of Asia, but is grown throughout the tropics and wherever there is a rich soil and a warm climate.
Species: Although various Zingiber species are used medicinally, none of them have the same powerful benefits of Zingiber officinale. There are, however, many naturally occurring varieties of Zingiber officinale - approximately 50 in India alone. Differing growing conditions and cultivation techniques result in each variety having its' own unique aroma and flavour. For instance, milder examples tend to be found in China and more pungent ones in Africa.
Valued since earliest times for its' important healing properties. Ginger has enjoyed an excellent reputation in ancient Indian, traditional Chinese and Western medicine. As a pungent spice and flavouring agent, Ginger also has an important place in the cuisine of countries all around the world.
Traditional Uses
Ginger has an ancient history. It is possible that as long as 5,000 years ago, spice caravans were carrying dried Ginger from India to the Middle East. Ginger is one of the best known of spices and it is believed that its' medicinal properties have been known in China for thousands of years. Indeed, the plant was mentioned in Emperor Shen Hung's Pen Tsao Ching (The Classic Book of Herbs), which he wrote in 3000 BCE.
Although frequently associated with Traditional Chinese medicine, Ginger has an ancient reputation in India and is specifically mentioned in the Ayurveda, the Hindu manual of medicine written in the fifth century BCE. An ancient Indian proverb states: 'Every good quality is contained in Ginger.'
The ancient Greeks - such as Galen - knew and used Ginger. Inheriting the Greek traditions and knowledge, the ancient Romans also valued Ginger for its' culinary and medicinal uses. For example, Largus, a physician in the Roman army and the author of a book entitled De Compositione Medicamentorum, described the Roman military expedition to Britain and was responsible for the introduction of Opium and Ginger to the island. Another Roman, Pedianos Dioscorides, wrote about Ginger in his famous De Materia Medica (77 CE). He was concerned to ensure a 'better quality of drug' and mentioned, for example, some of the problems associated with the storage of Ginger.
Subsequently, Ginger received a mention in the Islamic holy book, the Koran where it says that among the righteous in Paradise 'are passed vessels of silver and goblets of glass' and 'a cup, the admixture of which is Ginger.'
Later, when the spice came to medieval Europe, it was thought that it had come from the Garden of Eden. In the Middle Ages in England, just one pound of the spice was held to be equal in value to a sheep and for a long time only the wealthy could afford to use it. Queen Elizabeth I used it as a digestive aid.
During the 15th century, a Spanish explorer called Francisco de Mendosa transplanted the Ginger plant and brought it back to Spain from the East Indies. Thereafter, following the arrival of Spanish explorers and settlers to the North American continent, Ginger was soon introduced and became naturalised there.
Recent History
Today, nothing has changed and fresh Ginger remains a key ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Ground Ginger helps to provide a spicy, warming flavour in cakes and biscuits as well as in ales, beers and wine. Its' familiar taste is part of our folklore. For example, the Gingerbread house in the tale Hansel and Gretel proved irresistible to the children.
Ginger has also been used to scent pomanders and pot pourrie
As a very warming plant, Ginger is still held to be of particular value in the treatment of certain conditions. For example, it is ideal for people suffering from colds and chills and is a circulatory stimulant. It promotes cleansing of the system through perspiration and reduces flatulence. Furthermore, it helps to alleviate nausea and therefore, is an excellent remedy for motion sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy.
Traditionally, Ginger has also been added to many other remedies that rely on a mixture of herbs because it tends to reduce toxicity and side effects. As such, it is therefore of particular benefit when used in herbal combinations.
Caution
Ginger is contraindicated (not advised) in certain conditions. For example, it can irritate gastric ulcers. It can also aggravate hepatitis and some conditions of the kidney that involve inflammation.
It is the root of Ginger that provides the healing properties of the plant. Chemical analysis shows many substances in the root are responsible for helping to provide the herb's beneficial effects.
Fresh Ginger root is bulbous and fleshy. In the spice trade, the whole main segment is termed a 'hand' and the branches that come from it are called 'fingers.'
This is very apt, because fresh Ginger often resembles a hand with blunt, stubby fingers. The branching rhizome of Ginger is fleshy, full and a little flattened in appearance; in taste it is fragrant and pungent.
Zingiber officinale occurs naturally in many different varieties - fifty can be found in India alone. Each variety has its' own individual flavour and aroma.
Ginger is known to contain volatile oils (including borneol, camphene, citral, eucalyptol, linalool, phenllandrene, zingiberine and zingiberol phenols (gingerol, zingerone and shogaol) and resin.
The famous American herbalist Michael Tierra describes Ginger as 'spicy, warm and mainly affecting the stomach and lungs.'
Some of Gingers' medicinal properties are contained in the chemicals responsible for the taste, the most noteworthy being gingerol and shogaol. The fragrance of Ginger is due to the volatile oil, which is composed of about 200 chemical substances and accounts for approximately 1-2.5% of the rhizome. Nutrients include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Among these may be found phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin C.
Finally, synergists include zigibain, a protein digesting enzyme that is known to act in a similar manner to bromelain in pineapple and capsaicin, limonene and curcumin. The latter is the main active constituent in Turmeric, which is closely related to Ginger.
It is clear that Ginger contains a vast and complex array of chemicals that, in combination, provide a powerful aid to healing. For example, the enzyme zingibain is believed to improve digestion as well as kill parasites and their eggs. Furthermore, zingibain enhances antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions and it is thought to assist other antibacterials, such as antibiotics, by up to 50%. Ginger's ability to reduce inflammation is due to its' neutralising action upon free radicals, which are known to contribute to the problem. Finally, Ginger contains over 12 antioxidant constituents, the combined actions of which have been regarded as being more powerful than vitamin C.
Ginger is a remarkable remedy with a wide range of actions that are suitable for men, women and children. It is very safe and has a record of use that stretches back thousands of years, across many cultures and continents.
Ginger promotes gastric secretion and is excellent for many kinds of digestive complaints, including indigestion, colic and wind.
It is highly effective in combating nausea - whether due to pregnancy, travel or following an anaesthetic.
Ginger stimulates the circulation and is therefore beneficial for circulatory complaints including poor blood supply to the hands and feet and for chilblains.
In fevers, Ginger is able to induce sweating, thereby helping to reduce body temperature.
It acts as a warming expectorant to encourage productive coughing and relieves sore throats when used as a gargle.
Ginger has antiseptic and antiparasitic effects: it is useful for bacterial infections if the digestive tract.
When used externally, it has an anti-inflammatory action and is a useful base in many preparations for treating muscle strains, joint sprains and muscle pain.
Many of the body's systems are affected by chemical constituents found in Zingiber officinale. Indeed, so complex are the actions of Ginger that it is almost impossible to list all its' effects upon the body.
Ginger acts on the musculoskeletal system in a similar way to aspirin, reducing the number of inflammatory factors, but without the side effects common to such anti-inflammatory drugs. As such, it has an important role to play in inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. In the digestive system, Ginger inhabits the growth of micro-organisms while simultaneously allowing beneficial bacteria to grow.
Ginger has an important effect upon the circulatory system too, helping to prevent the stagnation and congestion that can cause pain and disease. Arteries can become obstructed by the action of thromboxanes, which cause blood platelets to aggregate, eventually forming blood clots. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Ginger has now been found to be as effective as aspirin in reducing the formation of clots and subsequent blockages. Research indicates that Ginger may strengthen the heart and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Ginger has a number of beneficial effects. However, the following properties are of particular use for therapeutic purposes:
Antispasmodic: It relaxes all types of muscle.
Aromatic: Gingers' aroma, flavour and warmth help to stimulate the digestive system.
Carminative: The volatile oils in Ginger relax the stomach and stimulate peristalsis (the wavelike motion of food through the gut) thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas.
Diaphoretic: It induces perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin.
Rubefacient: Applied to the skin, Ginger stimulates and dilates the blood capilliaries, increasing circulation.
Sialogogue: It promotes the secretion of saliva.
Stimulant: As a circulatory aid, its supports and speeds up the bodys' physiological systems.
Ginger and Heart Disease
Of particular interest is Gingers' impact on the heart and circulation. Heart attacks and strokes are mainly caused by the obstruction of arteries supplying cardiac muscle and the brain. Obstructions occur due to the formation of clots via the 'cascade effect.' Ginger helps prevent this process from occurring by inhibiting various steps of the clot-forming cascade effect, which are under the influence of thromboxanes. In 1980, researchers at Cornell Medical School in the United States reported that Ginger was as effective as aspirin in preventing clot formation. Since then, a number of studies have confirmed the beneficial effect Ginger has on the cardiovascular system.
Proven Results
Despite Gingers' long history of usage, medical studies of Ginger's effectiveness are limited. Some scientific studies, however, have been conducted and a number of interesting findings have emerged.
Zingiber officinale Has a powerful molluscicidal and antischistosomal effect, so is useful for treating schistosomiasis (blood fluke or bilharzias) infection, which is common in many countries without a treated water supply.
One of Gingers' constituents, gingerol, is known to help blood circulation because it has an anticlotting or antiplatelet action due to its' inhibition of thromboxane formation. It may, therefore, have an important role to play in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
An ethanol extract of Ginger has been shown to have antitumour effects on the skin of mice. Further research now needs to be undertaken to discover whether Ginger has a role to play in the prevention and treatment of humans with skin cancer.
As with other plant based medications, it is best to confirm with your herbalist that it is safe to use Ginger in pregnancy. This is important because Ginger affects the endocrine (hormone) of the reproductive systems. At least one German authority has said that it should not be taken at all in pregnancy, while some herbalists have suggested taking reduced amounts.
There is no known toxicity associated with ingesting Ginger. For those sensitive to it, however, it is best taken with food. Do not take Ginger if you have hepatitis - it can aggravate the condition.
Also, consult a herbalist if you have any other liver complaint or kidney condition. Paradoxically, Ginger can be invaluable in some kidney and liver disorders and during pregnancy. Some specialists suggest that it should be avoided by people with gastric or peptic ulcers because it promotes gastric secretion.
Allergic Reaction to Ginger
There have been no reports of serious reactions to Ginger in the medical literature. As with almost any medication, there is a very small risk of a systemic (whole-body) allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). However, this is very rare and is more likely in people who already have an allergy to other plant extracts or herbal remedies. If someone does suffer a massive shock reaction to any substance, call an ambulance or immediately take the person to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department.
Reactions to Ginger are normally localised. Generally, they manifest themselves as contact dermatitis (a rash) where the extract has touched one specific part of the skin.
Ginger has many powerful effects. Its' complex chemistry produces a wide range of beneficial results for anyone who uses it regularly. Because Ginger stimulates the whole system, these positive results may include changes in a persons moods, emotions and energy levels, with a consequent positive effect upon the mind and body.
Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine seek to achieve harmony and health for the whole person and aim to balance all aspects of an individuals body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Traditional Chinese medicine categorises Ginger as 'pungent', signifying that it is able to warm the body and dispel cold. Associated with the element metal, which corresponds to the lungs in the Chinese system, Ginger expels toxins, opens the pores of the skin and stimulates circulation. It is considered to be useful, therefore, for colds, influenza, mucus congestion and fluid blockages in the body.
Ginger is a wonderful aid for helping the liver to rid itself of stored toxins, while overcoming any associated nausea or sickness. Over time, this has an effect on the emotions since detoxifying the liver can lift depressive, angry or sad moods.
Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine take a holistic view of lifestyle. Above all, physical exercise, good nutrition and giving up bad habits such as smoking will create positive effects in the body and lead to a general amelioration of existing illnesses and consequent enhancement of mood.
Digestion and Plant Energies
One of Gingers' best known effects is upon the digestive system. As a carminative, it helps to eliminate flatulence. It is also spasmolytic, helping to relax the intestinal muscles and soothe the digestive tract. It is also particularly effective at relieving nausea and sickness.
Gingers' energetic qualities reflect its' uses. It is considered to be pungent, sweet and warm. These qualities promote a tonic and supportive effect on the whole body and mind, inspiring a more outward-going, warm and cheery outlook.
Energy and the Mind
Ginger is such a powerful and safe healer that taking it inspires confidence. It is supportive of so many of the body's systems that its' use helps to promote wide-ranging improvement. Its' stimulant effects also help to give an overall energy boost to those who take it, which provides an extra benefit in addition to whatever localised influence it has upon specific parts of the body. Altogether, this provides a powerful lift to the mind and the emotions which, in turn, promote healing still further.
Natural Medicine for Everyone
Ginger is generally safe and clinical trials have shown that side-effects are very rare.
Pregnancy
Because of its known effects upon the sex hormones, some people advise that Ginger should be used with caution during pregnancy. However, there have been no recorded cases of Ginger inducing uterine contractions or miscarriages. In fact it is a traditional remedy for morning sickness, bringing great relief to many women.
Caution
There are a few instances when Ginger should be avoided. For example, it should not be taken by people with 'heated' liver conditions, such as hepatitis, where further heat would not be wise. Some conditions where the kidneys become hot and inflamed should also not be further exacerbated by Ginger. If you are in any doubt, consult a medical herbalist before taking Ginger.
Children
There are few childrens' medicines that contain Ginger. The taste of this spice is pleasant, however and the herb may be used to stimulate the appetite and ease digestive problems and nausea. Ginger has the advantage with children of being available in a number of tempting forms, including syrup, Ginger beer and crystallised Ginger. If a child over 7 years does not like the taste, try giving capsules, which are very useful for travel sickness - a common children's complaint.
Elderly People
Ginger has a number of useful applications for elderly people. For example, it helps to prevent blood clot formation and has an important role in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes in people known to be susceptible. Gingers' stimulating effect upon the circulatory system is ideal for helping to keep the elderly warm and its powerful anti-inflammatory action is of great benefit to many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
The elderly also often have problems with digestion and again, Ginger can help.
Caution
It is normally safe to take Ginger alongside other prescription medicines, but check with your herbalist or doctor first, especially if you are pregnant, have a serious illness such as cancer, suffer from gastrointestinal complaints including ulcers, or have a liver or kidney condition.
Gingers' use all over the world for hundreds of years has given us a wealth of understanding about its' beneficial properties - knowledge that is now backed by recent research studies.
Scientists have analysed the chemical composition of Ginger and found it contains a wide variety of chemical substances.
The effects of Gingers' active constituents are well-known. Cumene, for example, has a narcotic effect and the volatile oil (made-up of borneol, cineole, citral, mucilage, phellandrene, resin, starch, zingiberene and zingiberole) stimulates the circulation and causes sweating. The resin contains the important gingerol and shoegaol and is known to inhibit the manufacture of prostaglandins (which act as local hormones), thereby warming the body and assisting circulation. Gingerol helps block the action of the chemical messenger serotonin, which makes the stomach contract to cause vomiting.
The effects of other constituents, however, have yet to be established. For example, Ginger is known to prevent food from oxidising (going brown) so it is possible that is may also act internally to prevent the oxidisation that leads to the development of harmful free radicals. This may help to explain how the intake of Ginger leads to lower cholesterol, since it is known that cholesterol is more easily removed from the body if it has not been oxidised.
Main Effects
The principal actions of Ginger can be traced back to the qualities of its' individual chemical constituents.
The herb:
Stimulates the bodys' systems;
Interferes with the blood clotting mechanism;
Acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing pain and discomfort;
Is a powerful antiemetic, especially effective for nausea after surgery and motion sickness.
Scientific studies into the effects of Ginger include the antiplatelet effects of one of Gingers' main chemical components - gingerol; the antiemetic uses of Ginger post-operatively; the mulluscicidal and antischistosomal activities of Ginger.
Research
More research is needed to investigate the range of traditional uses for Ginger. Amazonian tribes, for example, use it to relieve stomach aches, headaches and diarrhoea and employ its' leaves as a compress to relieve pain.
It has recently been shown that Ginger is able to reduce vertigo as well as nausea, while a study at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, suggested the herb was more useful that conventional antiemetics for nausea after surgery. In Shandong, China, a paste of raw Ginger and brown sugar cured 70% of a group of 50 patients with bacterial dysentery in under five days.
In the future, scientific research may endorse many more medicinal uses for this outstanding herb.
