Articles by Steena Barnett - Medical Herbalist

 

GINGER– ZINGIBER OFFICINALIS

The part used is the rhizome. Ginger is one of the oldest spices used. Its use has been recorded in ancient Sanskrit and Chinese texts. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was one of the first
cultivated vegetables in the world.

We use it to reduce nausea both in humans and animals, for colic, cramping and as a circulatory stimulant.

A hot tea is used for colds and to relieve painful menstruation. It can be used as an analgesic for the pain of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis as well as being a strong antiinflammatory.

It is a peripheral circulatory stimulant-useful for cold hands and feet, it can be used for any gynecological conditions where there is reduced circulation to the pelvic area.

 

Ginger has been used to reinforce the therapeutic of other herbs in a mixture.
Although it needs to be used cautiously through pregnancy, crystallized ginger is wonderful to nibble on for morning sickness.
Very high doses may cause heartburn and blood thinning due to an anti coagulant present.

Ginger is extensively used in Chinese, Indian cooking as well as making lovely ginger bread and ginger biscuits.

 

 

 

Copyright
Steena Barnett, M.N.I.M.H, M.N.H.A.A., Cert Phyt (1990)