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Ginger
Ginger plays a close second to garlic for all of its natural healing benefits just check out how long the healing actions list goes! Not only is this a powerful healing herb, but it also tastes great which makes it easier to take and enjoy. Studies have shown that the healing benefits are the same whether fresh or dried, however dried ginger tends to be more "hot" than fresh.
Zingiber officinale
Family: Zingberaceae - turmeric, cardamom
Parts used: rhizome
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-Inflammatory
Analgesic
Antispasmodic
Antiemetic
Antioxidant
Antiviral
Antimicrobial
Carminative
Circulatory Stimulant
Diaphoretic
Expectorant
Hypotensive
Rubefacient
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Warming
Drying
Cardiovascular
Immune
Uses
Use at the onset of any illness
Cold and flu symptoms
Poor circulation, cold hands, and feet
Moves blood, activates brain function, and boosts immune system.
Sore throat, coughs, tonsilitis, etc.
Respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, croup, sinus congestion, etc.
Infections
Earache
Joint pain and inflammation
Heart tonic; reduces cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, prevents clots.
Cleanses the bowels and kidneys
Digestive aid; diarrhea, gas, constipation, nausea, motion and morning sickness, etc.
Gastrointestinal infections and food poisoning
Lowers blood level triglycerides which helps with diabetes
Pancreas support also helpful for diabetes
Ulcers
Aces and pain throughout the body
Induces sweating which helps with fever and killing viruses and bacteria.
PMS and menstrual cramps (warm cup of ginger tea and a ginger bath)
Support for male and female reproductive systems
Removes excess toxins from the body
Nutrients; high in potassium and contains manganese, silicon, vitamins A, C, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, and zinc.
Tea with fresh ginger; this can be made warm for cold weather or chilled for summer months. To make an infusion with ginger combine 6 Tbsp of fresh chopped ginger to 1 quart of water and bring just to a boil then take off heat and cover for 10 minutes.
For external aches, pains and inflammation, simmer 5 oz of chopped or grated ginger in 2 quarts of water for 10 minutes. Apply to affected area with a cloth and re-apply to keep warm - reddening skin indicates increased circulation.
Herbal oil; combine the juice of fresh grated ginger with equal parts olive oil. Use for muscle pain, dandruff, and earache. For an earache, put a few drops of the oil on a piece of cotton and insert into the ear.
Bath and foot soak
Honey and syrup
Extract, vinegar, liniment
Salve
Powder, capsules, pills, sprinkle, salts
Poultice (use for cramps, aches, pain, bronchial issues)
Juiced; apply topically to skin infections or make into herbal beverages
Food; Indian food always contains ginger; you can add it to any dish.
Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Buhner
Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide by Rosemary Gladstar
The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman
