Ginger the wonderful home remedy

What is ginger?

Health properties of ginger

Ginger remedies

Ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

How to purchase and use ginger

Warnings and contraindications

References

What is ginger?

Ginger is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant whose rhizome (root) is widely used as a spice and traditional medicine in most countries around the world. It originated in the warmer parts of Asia, possibly southwest India. In previous centuries ginger was very expensive, even though it was one of the first spices to be exported from Asia to Europe during ancient Greek and early Roman times. Today fresh ginger is available in many fresh produce markets, and ginger powder is easily available. 43% of the world's production comes from India.

Health properties of ginger

• Anti-inflammatory reducing chronic inflammation that underscores many modern chronic diseases.
• Antioxidant reducing oxidative stress that is at the root of many chronic diseases.
• Antimicrobial. Ginger is a natural antibiotic.
• Blood thinner. Ginger is a natural blood thinner.
• Blood pressure - lowers.
• Cholesterol - improves ratios, raises HDL.
• Gallbladder stimulant.
• Insulin inhibitor.
• Nausea and vomiting inhibitor.

Ginger remedies

Ginger is yet another of those proven, natural and traditional home remedies that have no side effects (except good ones) when used properly. (1, 2)

• Abdominal Pain from indigestion and some other digestive ailments.
• Arthritis. Ginger can relieve joint pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Blood circulation stimulated and improved.
• Cancer prevention and management, especially for colorectal cancers. Studies show ginger can induce cell death in certain cancer cells and inhibit their growth, particularly for cancers like ovarian and breast cancer.
• Cardiovascular health. Ginger helps to lower cholesterol levels and improve cholesterol ratios, reduce blood pressure and preventing blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Constipation or irregular bowel movements.
• Diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Diarrhoea. Use fresh, not powdered ginger, in small quantities.
• Flatulence (gas).
• Food poisoning.
• Gastrointestinal inflammation which is often a factor in conditions like gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ginger has carminative properties which help in relieving gas and bloating. Ginger stimulates the digestive system aiding in the faster emptying of the stomach and reducing the discomfort associated with indigestion. Ginger improves intestinal motility - the movement of food through the digestive tract. It stimulates peristalsis, muscular movement through the intestines, aiding the efficient processing and absorption of nutrients.
• Heartburn / acid reflux. Only use small quantities of ginger. The best remedy for heartburn is apple cider vinegar.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) - reduces.
• Indigestion and bloating. Ginger helps with gastrointestinal health and alleviates a range of digestive issues.
• Infection, especially in the gut. Studies suggest that ginger possesses antimicrobial properties which can help in combating harmful bacteria in the gut. Ginger helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and helps prevent and treat gastrointestinal infections.
• Inflammation.
• Menstrual pain.
• Muscle pain and joint pain - recovery. The gingerol and shogaol compounds in ginger reduce muscle pain and soreness by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that are often elevated after intense physical activity. Regular consumption of ginger can help athletes recover more quickly, so reducing the duration and intensity of muscle soreness after strenuous exercise.
• Nausea. Especially useful if pregnant with morning sickness, undergoing chemotherapy, or suffering from motion / travel /sea sickness.
• Neurodegenerative conditions.
• Travel sickness, car or motion sickness, sea sickness.

Ginger in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM ginger is revered for its warming properties and ability to harmonize the body.

Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) is valued for its ability to expel cold, warm the body and promote sweating. It is commonly used to treat colds and flu, especially for those exhibiting chills and lack of sweating. Fresh ginger is also used to treat nausea and vomiting. Fresh ginger reduces nausea and vomiting, especially related to cold and dampness in the stomach.

Dried ginger (Gan Jiang) is considered more potent and warming than fresh ginger. It is to warm the middle burner (the spleen and stomach) and expel internal cold. Gan Jiang is especially beneficial in treating conditions like cold hands, feet and extremities, chronic diarrhoea and digestive issues caused by cold, and certain types of abdominal pain.

How to purchase and use ginger

Preferably fresh.

Dried ginger - see TCM. Capsules and powders still offer ginger's warming and harmonizing properties and may be convenient for those who have difficulty incorporating ginger in their diet or prefer a tasteless and odourless form.

Ginger Tea: Similar to fresh ginger, ginger tea is used for its warming and sweating properties. It's often combined with other herbs like brown sugar or jujube dates in TCM formulations.

Topical Ginger Applications: Ginger is sometimes used topically in TCM for pain relief. It may be applied as a poultice or in liniments to address joint or muscle pain.

Ginger oil

Recipe.

1 cup of finely chopped ginger
1.5 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil.

Spread out the chopped ginger on a tray and let it air dry for at least six hours. Mix the air-dried ginger with the oil in a baking dish, and simmer in the oven for two hours at temperature 65C or 150F. Remove from oven, cool, and strain then squeeze through clean unbleached cheesecloth into a storage jar or bottle. Store in a cool dark place or a fridge, and use within six months.

Ginger oil dosage.
1 or 2 drops is typically added to a glass of water when taken internally for stomach pain, nausea, food poisoning, pms symptoms. For joint or muscle pain, massage two to three drops of oil on the area up to three times daily.

Warnings and contraindications

• Bleeding disorders. Do not take ginger if you have excessive bleeding, as ginger is a natural blood thinner.
• If you are taking insulin do not take ginger, as ginger inhibits insulin.
• Gallstones. Do not take ginger if you have gallstones, as it stimulates the gallbladder.
• Pharmaceutical drugs. Do not take ginger if you are taking Warfarin, aspirin or other blood thinners. Do not take ginger if you are taking blood pressure medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Check with your doctor before using ginger as a natural medication.

Your comments about any of your experiences - positive or negative - with your use of ginger are welcome at Grow Youthful. I am always curious about your use of and experience with natural remedies, and your feedback is very welcome.

References

1. Bode AM, Dong Z The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

2. Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, Min JE, Yoon YC, Lee EG, Kim M, Kim TJ, Yang YY, Son EY, Yoon SJ, Diem NC, Kim HM, Kwon SW. Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 6;12(1):157. doi: 10.3390/nu12010157. PMID: 31935866; PMCID: PMC7019938.