Zingiber officinale, the official name of the common ginger was coined by the famous eighteenth-century Swedish botanist and general naturalist, Carl Linnaeus.
While Latinizing the name, Carl Linnaeus also derived the name Zingiber for the generic term, using the Indian Sanskrit name for ginger - singabera, or shaped like a horn.
About 1,400 species of plants are placed in the family Zingiberaceae and the ginger is just another of these plants. It shares equal honors with other famous family members, the spices turmeric - which is a principal component used in curry; it is also an herbal medicine - and the spice cardamom - used extensively in South Asian cuisine.
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The ginger has a slender stem; ginger is a perennial plant, about 24 to 39 inches in height. Compared to the second and following stems, the first stems are lengthier and also bear beautiful and fragrant flowers.
The ginger flowers are greenish yellow and streaked with purple down the sides. Dark green ginger leaves are characterized by a famous midrib that is sheathed at the growing base. The seeds of the ginger appear in the rare fruiting body.
The underground stem of the ginger is the most familiar part of the plant and it is extensively used for commercial as well as domestic purposes.
Often mistakenly called the root of the ginger, the irregular shape and size of the underground section of the stem is the most important part of this herb - the plant stores food reserves in this underground stem.
The botanically correct term to apply to the underground stem is rhizome, even if the ginger will probably always be associated with the term root by common people.
Whole new ginger plants can self generate from budded sections, and property of the rhizome is very different to a root, which will die if split into sections.
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Cultivation of the ginger has been made possible by these buds in the rhizome and the plant has been cultivated in this way for thousands of years.
The habitat most suited to the cultivation of ginger is one with a hot and moist climate with some shade; ginger also prefers soil that is well tilled and rich in loam.
The rhizome is white to yellow in color and bears thick lobes - it is also very aromatic, a property used in culinary and herbal processes.
An unusual exception to this mild color range is one ginger variety, which has a characteristic blue ring, lying in circles inside the fleshy interior - this is one of the most prized varieties of ginger.
Today, the ginger is the most widely cultivated spice around the world. A lot of countries and regions cultivate this spice and different opinions exists as to who grows the best ginger.
Any favoritism of a particular variety of ginger is purely a matter of personal taste, as the ginger appears in countless varieties, shapes and sizes, India alone is said to have an estimated fifty varieties of this versatile herb.
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Depending on the conditions of the soil and the manner of its cultivations, each and every variety of the ginger possesses its own distinctive flavor and aroma.
Africa is reputedly the home of the most pungent ginger, while the milder varieties are grown mainly in China. The general agreements is that culinary applications will likely use milder ginger varieties, while the stronger and more pungent varieties are best to prepare ginger beverages and for use in therapeutic herbal remedies.
Oral anti-coagulants are normally prescribed to individuals who suffer from frequent blood clots to help keep their blood free from clots.
The compound known as warfarin sodium commonly called coumadin, is one of the most frequently used medications in this regard.
This compound is also a potent rat poison and taking it in high doses can cause serious internal hemorrhages in the body, especially if it is used over an extended period of time by the person.
The ideal substitute for these synthetic blood thinners is ginger root, which can replace the role of this compound in the body. At least some individuals suffering from such problems who took an average of two herbal ginger capsules two times a day in between meals appears to have benefited.
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Rhizome, root, essential oil.
One of the main benefits of the herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. The herb also helps in bringing an increased flow of blood to the surface of the skin; this singular property makes the ginger a very important herbal remedy for the treatment of conditions such as chilblains and to treat impaired circulation along the hands and feet of patients.
The herb also effectively helps in controlling elevated or high blood pressure as it directly affects the circulation of blood. Perspiration in the body is increased by remedies made from the ginger and at the same time, the herb helps in bringing about a reduction in elevated body temperature during fevers.
Herbal remedies made from the ginger have a warming and soothing effect and help alleviate persistent coughs, all kinds of colds and flu, and other related problems of the respiratory system.
In China the fresh ginger and the dried ginger are used as two distinct and different herbal remedies. The Chinese system of medicine suggest the use of fresh ginger for the treatment of fevers, to treat headaches, and to alleviate the pain and discomfort of aching muscles in the body.
At the same time, the dried ginger remedy is used for the treatment of internal colds, and for physical symptoms such as cold and clammy hands, a weakening of the pulse rate, and a pale or white complexion in patients.
The effectiveness of a hot ginger compress on various topically treated disorders cannot be compared to other herbal compresses, ginger compresses are used to treat muscular aches and pains, they are used in the treatment of joint stiffness, in the topical alleviation of abdominal cramps, in the treatment of kidney stone attacks, to treat stiffness in the neck, to treat neuralgia in different parts of the body.
The ginger compresses can also topically treat toothache, they can be applied on the external body to treat bladder inflammation, they can be used in the treatment of prostatitis and extreme tension in the body.
At the same time, disorders such as nausea, accumulated intestinal gas, and colic can also be treated using herbal remedies made from the ginger. Cases of motion sickness in women and especially, pregnancy related morning sickness can be treated using ginger remedies.
The antiseptic qualities of the ginger endow it with great and extremely beneficial effects to deal with all manners of gastrointestinal infections; the remedy can effectively treat certain types of food poisoning as well.
As with all herbal remedies and despite its effectiveness, bear in mind that a lot of time, significant effort, a lot of patience and a changed lifestyle on the part of the patient are requirements to make the treatment a complete success.
The value of the ginger as an herbal medication lies in its pungent and warming properties - which are essential to treat a lot of conditions.
The herbal remedies made from the ginger have a very stimulating effect on the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood in the body, the ginger helps in creating a feeling of warmth and well-being.
The herb restores vitality and physical fitness; ginger is particularly effective in those individuals, who tend to deal badly with the cold during winter.
Perspiration in the body is promoted by drinking the hot ginger tea, this tea also helps in reducing elevated temperatures during a fever and it helps in clearing away catarrh in the body.
The remedies made from the ginger have a stimulating effect and affect an expectorant action inside the lungs, this result in the clearing of phlegm and helps relieve catarrhal coughs and related chest infections in different patients.
The digestion is also aided by herbal remedies made from the ginger as the herb has a wonderful warming effect over the digestive system.
The intestines as well as the stomach is invigorated by herbal remedies made from the ginger, the ginger herbal remedies also help in the stimulation of a weak appetite and at the same time, they enhance the process of digestion - the ginger encourages secretion of different digestive enzymes inside the stomach.
The stagnation of food particles in the intestinal tract and the consequent accumulation of metabolic toxins can be cleared away using herbal remedies made from the ginger.
The action of the ginger based remedies thus tend to have a very far-reaching effect in the body of patients, and this result in a beneficial increase in the general health and vitality of the person - besides obviously enhancing the total immunity of the body.
The ability of the ginger to alleviate nausea and vomiting is famous, and whatever the cause, such sensations are easily dispensed with when the ginger remedies are used by the affected individuals.
The herbal remedies made from the ginger also help in settling the stomach; it aids in soothing the symptoms associated with indigestion and helps in calming wind and flatulence.
The relaxing and pain-relieving effects of the ginger are particularly relevant to disorders in the gut, where the remedy aids in relieving colic and spasms, it helps soothe abdominal pain, it helps the person in dealing with abdominal distension and flatulent indigestion.
Ginger also helps in relieving griping induced by the presence of diarrhea due to infection. Menstruation is promoted by ginger, and the remedy is also useful in dealing with various other disorders affecting the uterus, the ginger remedy is also very effective in alleviating delayed or scanty periods as well as blood clots associated with the menstrual cycle.
In women, remedies made from the ginger can be used to help relax the muscular spasms and in relieving the pain present during ovulation and during menstrual periods.
Remedies made from the ginger are recommended as an herbal tonic to invigorate the reproductive system as a whole by many herbalists. The clotting and thinning of blood is also inhibited by remedies made from the ginger.
The ginger remedies also help in lowering the elevated blood pressure and can help individuals with high cholesterol problems. Ginger remedies have a tendency to heat up the body and due to this effect, herbalists suggest that individuals who do not tolerate heat well, such as people with gastritis or peptic ulcers avoid the remedies made from ginger.
The ginger is a native plant of Asia, however, at the present time, the ginger is cultivated throughout the tropical regions of the world.
The dividing of the rootstock is the usual way by which ginger is propagated around the world. Ideal habitats for the ginger are areas of fertile soil and the plant requires plenty of rain.
When individual plants become ten months old, harvesting of the rhizome takes place and most of the rhizomes are removed at this stage.
The harvested rhizome is washed, often soaked, and it is also sometimes boiled and peeled in preparation for storage - most of it is, however, used fresh after washing.
A lot of research has been carried out on the various herbal properties of the ginger. The herbal therapeutic benefits of ginger are mainly due to the presence of volatile oils and the high oleoresin content.
A compound known as gingerol is an acrid chemical constituent of the ginger, and this chemical compound is the agent responsible for the hot taste of ginger and is also one of the reasons that ginger possesses stimulating properties on the body.
Compared to the chemical constituents found in the fresh ginger rhizome, the compounds known as shogaols, which are formed as the plant dries, are greater and stronger irritants and far more acrid.
All cases of morning sickness can be very effectively treated using herbal remedies based on ginger.
During the 1990's the herb was studied during trials at the one of hospitals in London, these studies found that the herbal remedy made from ginger proved far more effective in relieving postoperative nausea than many conventional medications.
At least 70 per cent of patients in a trial in China, who were given herbal ginger remedies, recovered from the bacillary dysentery - thus the herbal remedy was extremely effective in treating such disorders.
Dosages for the majority of users is about 2 - 4 grams of the dried ginger rhizome powder, these are usually repeated two to three times every day during the treatment period.
Doses of an herbal ginger tincture taken at single doses of 1.5 - 3 ml thrice every day are also normal during treatment. People under treatment for nausea, are usually given single doses of approximately 250 mg each, once every two to three hours, this is for a total dosage of 1 gram every day of the treatment period.
Ginger can also be used as a preventative medication against motion sickness, it is normal for susceptible individuals to take ginger tablets, ginger capsules, or the liquid ginger herbal extract at least two days before the planned trip or journey to preclude the arrival of symptoms associated with motion sickness.
When used in the recommended doses, the side effects of ginger are rarely felt. This may not be true for all individuals, and some individuals may be very sensitive to the taste of the herb or they may experience symptoms such as heartburn when using the ginger.
Ginger can be taken by individuals with a history of gallstones only after careful consultation with a nutritionally oriented doctor as side effects are possible.
No safety issues seem to exist in the short-term use of ginger to treat the nausea and vomiting during a term of pregnancy. At the same time, the use of ginger as an herbal remedy in the long-term during the pregnancy is not advised as regular use can trigger side effects in the woman.
The use of any ginger remedy by the patient before surgery must be made known to the doctor and the surgeon must be informed if the patient intends to undergo any form of surgery, this step must be taken to counteract the possible post anesthesia nausea in the patient.
Muscles in the stomach are relaxed by phenolic compounds in the ginger; the presence of these chemical agents may also explain the ability of ginger to greatly ease the discomfort associate with travel and symptoms of motion sickness. Vomiting and retching sensations can be reduced by taking the fresh or dried, form of the ginger rhizome.
Additionally, the phenolic compounds present in the ginger also act as a sedative and have a painkilling effect on the tissues of the stomach.
This action of the compounds helps in reducing the over activity in the gut of patients. The ginger oil also possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions and can help the individual deal with various stomach infections.
The ability of the ginger to protect the liver is thought to be a property conferred by the gingerols alone. Ginger is also beneficial to the overall functioning of the cardiovascular system, and the ginger is believed to reduce cholesterol levels in patients, the ginger also increases the rate of blood flow in people suffering from a sluggish circulation.
Vomiting is eased in the Chinese system of medicine, where the fresh rhizome is used as an herbal agent to warm the stomach.
It is used to fight off colds, to fight off persistent chills and coughs, particularly those, in which there is a lot of phlegm produced, and for in those which result in bloating.
At the same time, dried ginger rhizome is used in the treatment of painful sensations in the abdominal region. According to the Chinese system of medicine, ginger has acrid and warm properties and induces these effects on the body.
DECOCTION - This form of the herbal ginger remedy can be used in the treatment of chills and phlegm rich colds in different patients, the doses can be prepared by adding 1 - 2 slices of the fresh rhizome in a cup of water, this must be simmered for about 10 minutes.
For extra taste, pinch of cinnamon can be added to the liquid and the decoction can be cooled, strained and then drunk.
TINCTURE - The herbal ginger tincture can also be used in the treatment of various disorders, patients must take 2 -10 drops of the tincture per dose to stimulate and warm the circulatory system.
The herbal ginger tincture can also be used in the treatment of persistent flatulence; it can be used to beat indigestion, and to alleviate nausea in patients.
CAPSULES - This form of the ginger remedy is convenient and easy to use, doses can include 1 - 2 x 200 mg ginger capsules, once before any journey to prevent the onset of motion sickness during the trip. Women can take 1g doses for the treatment of morning sickness during the term of pregnancy.
DECOCTION - Dried ginger in combined form with other herbs is used in the Chinese system of medicine as a restorative remedy for inducing yang or spleen energies, it is also used in the treatment of abdominal fullness, to treat nausea, and in the reduction of excess phlegm.
MASSAGE OIL - This form of the ginger herb can be used in the treatment of various disorders, for the treatment of lumbago and rheumatism add 5 - 10 drops of the ginger oil in 25 ml of almond oil to make a topical application. The essential oil of the ginger also combines well with the oil of the juniper or the eucalyptus oil and these can be used as well.
OIL - To treat flatulence in patients, about 1 - 2 drops of the oil placed on a sugar lump or in half a teaspoon of honey can be taken, this treatment is also useful in dealing with menstrual cramps in women, it can be used in the treatment of nausea, or to treat various stomach disorders.
No modern medication can rival the range and variety of therapeutic effects that can be induced by ginger.
However, the full awareness of the health benefits and value of the herbal ginger remedies is rather limited because of the monopolistic health-care systems and a historically biased regulatory environment in most countries.
Out of the hundreds of species in the plant family Zingiberaceae, the ginger remains the most famous and popular herb.
Ginger is a rhizome, according to the correct botanical classification, though the underground stem of the ginger is often mistaken to be a root.
Many different varieties of the ginger herb exist in the wild and in cultivation, these varieties range from mild to spicy in taste, and all of them require tropical conditions and fertile soils to grow at an optimal rate.
The ginger herb has traveled out from Southeast Asia to the new world, over a period spanning 5,000 years, and most regions of the world now cultivate it as a food crop.
The ancient trade in ginger helped shape nations and insured the universal cultivation and survival of the herb, it is considered a botanical treasure by some of the great figures of history.
The interaction of over four hundred chemical constituents present in ginger produce the observed effects of herbal ginger remedies, these result producing compounds can be grouped into four major classes: those which affect taste, those responsible for fragrance, and chemicals which act as nutrients and synergists in the human body.
The pungent compounds which affect taste are the focus for most of the therapeutic value associated with the ginger.
These taste compounds, are known as gingerols and shogaols, the protein digesting enzymes and antioxidant compounds present in abundant quantities in the ginger are also key elements in its overall effects over the body.
Most of the observable physical effects on the body, such as the anti-inflammatory action, the anti-parasitic effect, and the anti-microbial and the digestive remedial actions, may all be due to the presence of one principal action - which is enzyme action on the body.
At the same time, the observed effect, namely an anti-inflammatory action, can also be due to the presence of a number of principal actions at core, it can be due to enzymes, because of eicosanoid balance and due to the presence of antioxidants in the herbal remedy.
The main key to understanding the diversity of the ginger's overall action may lie in the dynamics of the eicosanoid compounds; indeed, these may represent the point to develop a full understanding the various beneficial effects of the ginger remedy.
The physiologically active compounds known as the eicosanoids are synthesized by the body from essential fatty acids already present from absorbed food.
The development of an imbalance in these vital elements is the reason for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, which evolve in response to the imbalances.
The modulation and control of the compounds known as eicosanoids has been attempted by pharmaceutical companies, in order to develop treatment methodologies for a host of disease conditions, this step is essentially a failed step, because of the many serious side effects such compounds can induce in the human body.
The advantage of herbal ginger remedies is that the ginger helps in naturally bringing a balance to many of these vitally important eicosanoid compounds, without inducing any corresponding side effects in the body of the person using the herbal remedy.
The benefits of ginger herbs have been enjoyed by many millions of people, over the course of millennia, as part of herbal treatment strategies.
Thus ginger remedies have been utilized for spiritual upliftment, they have been used to provide digestive comfort and physical strength, they have also been taken to stimulate and bring relief from infirmity in the body, the herbal remedies made from the ginger have been touted as the herbal remedy of choice and most traditional Eastern herbal formulas consider ginger remedies as a part of their herbal treatment methodologies.
The ancient Indian Sanskrit name for the ginger very appropriately vishwabhesaj, translated as the universal medicine. The early twentieth century saw more than 25,000 U.S. physicians called the eclectics, praising the pain relieving and cold fighting properties of the ginger.
Traditional use of the ginger remedies was also made by many different cultures historically in many different regions of the world - these societies used the herb for some of the same basic therapeutic applications to which we put the herb to use.
Some of these herbal remedies and applications of the ginger included its use as an analgesic, its anti-arthritic ability was utilized universally, the wound healing properties were utilized widely, the anti-helmintic and anti-ulcer abilities were widely known and put to use, its actions as a stimulant and its aphrodisiac properties also found great use in traditional medicine.
At the same time, traditional treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases, and problems in the reproductive and digestive system were treated using herbal remedies derived from the ginger.
For many types of cardiovascular diseases, the ginger remains a primary preventive treatment especially in the treatment of critical cases of such conditions.
Similar in action and usage to the common drug aspirin, the herbal remedies made from the ginger possesses a therapeutic potential and an ability to prevent thousands of deaths arising from sudden heart attacks and strokes as well as in the treatment of diseases such as cancer of the colon.
The ginger has an advantage over aspirin, in that it will produce no side effects in the body whatsoever even after prolonged and continuous use.
Ginger's anti-ulcer effects are complemented on the whole by a host of other important beneficial properties pertaining to the digestive system, which includes immense relief from both diarrhea and constipation; it helps protect the liver and is an effective pro-biotic support agent. Ginger has also been documented as clearly having an effective anti-nausea effect.
The ginger based herbal remedies can thus be used to rid the body of nausea arising from the continuous use of chemotherapy and those which affect people during oceanic travels, it is also helpful during nausea from a term of pregnancy and in treating nausea following gynecological surgery, in all such cases, herbal remedies based on the ginger is the natural treatment of choice for the nausea.
The assistance that ginger gives to the digestive system marks it as a prominent bioavailability herb, and the ginger assists the digestion of other consumed nutrients and is a greatly recommended addition to the natural supplemental regimes during treatment processes for many digestive complaints.
While not generally recognized, intestinal parasites pose a much greater threat to the industrialized world than they are credited for.
Here too, the potent range of anti-parasitic activities displayed by the ginger can play a great role in treatment of parasite infections.
Historical observations of the ginger, place it in a role of an effective remedy for cold, this ability of the ginger arises from a combination of principal actions and benefits which can include eicosanoid balancing within the body, its pro-biotic supporting role, its anti-toxic and cytoprotective influences on the body among other beneficial effects.
The remedies based on ginger also have a very significant anti-mutagenic potential, and these can be used to beat powerful carcinogens such as the compound benzopyrene and the more toxic burned byproducts of the amino acid tryptophan in the body.
Ginger's reputed anticancer abilities also deserve further research and study, this property of the herb must be further investigation and its role in cancer-treatment programs must be studied in the future so as to take advantage of any beneficial effects.
In addition, to all of these abilities herbal remedies made from the ginger positively affect all other parameters of health such as levels of the compound cholesterol and the levels of blood sugar, at the same time, the herb helps in balancing a variety of vital body systems such as the performance of the circulatory system, the functioning of the respiratory and reproductive systems besides others.
Topical remedies made from the ginger also have very positive and beneficial effects; the potency of the ginger in this topical role has been demonstrated during external treatments which showed dramatic results and improvement from a variety of skin disorders in many patients.
The safety of herbal remedies made from the ginger is remarkable. It can be said that almost no modern pharmaceutical products can compete with the range of therapeutic properties displayed by this herb and this does not even include the complete absence of all adverse physical side effects from prolonged use of the herbal remedy.
However, when using ginger products during a term of pregnancy and before surgery, patients must be careful about doses and use the herb in moderation at such times.
A general safe and preventive dosage of the herbal remedy for the use of the general population can be up to 1 gram a day of the powdered herbal remedy.
Dietary use of therapeutic ginger remedies must be gradual and over a long period of time in all cases, as this will ensure the optimal benefits. The quality of the rhizome will also greatly influence the effectiveness of the remedy made from ginger.
Organically certified ginger products are the best, as many of the commercial ginger products are normally subjected to many potential levels of chemical contamination, at different stages of the manufacturing process.
For regular supplementation, both the fresh and the dry ginger herbal remedies are recommended and these two can even be used in tandem.
Though, the properties and benefits given by each will be slightly different and both will have specific strengths and weaknesses. Commercially the herbal remedies made from the ginger are available in many forms, which include the fresh and dried forms, ginger syrups, and as herbal capsules and extracts.
The quality of the original rhizome must be the primary concern for the person using supplements of ginger in their diet. At the same time, the ginger herb is a valuable supplement in a variety of supplemental forms.
At the same time, the value of the rhizome and the supplemental quality will be less if the original material is old, is shriveled, was moldy or chemically treated in anyway, in such cases, the quality of the ginger will obviously not yield the herbal values comparable to a herbal ginger product created using fresh and organically grown rhizomes.
An extensive and exhaustive grading system has been developed over the years, so as to insure that the international supply of ginger products remains top quality - the standards adopted in this grading system are fairly rigorous ensuring only good quality products pass the test.
Chemical exposure of ginger products is still an unfortunate issue, and one of the issues that require much greater attention as chemical contamination of herbal products is a severe problem.
The exposure of ginger to chemicals can easily occur at many stages through the product development process.
The ginger can become contaminated by chemicals during the stage of cultivation, chemicals can contaminate the ginger in storage and processing stages,
And the ginger is often exposed to a barrage of chemicals, which can include lethal mercury compounds, all forms of chlorinated hydrocarbons, and all kinds of fungicides and fumigants, aside from insecticides and pesticides used during cultivation.
Ideally, the ultimate goal is to have an opportunity for examining the freshly retrieved ginger rhizome and to check these for possible chemical exposure before the processing stages and before they are made into powdered herbal ginger or other types of finished and processed products.
This ideal check is not possible in most cases, and indeed it would be a very difficult or even impossible process for large scale operations.
For this reason, individuals who wish to use only likely uncontaminated products must try to place as their first choice only those products which are organically grown or those products that are certified and have passed many of the state and international organizations standards of food safety.
This is an ideal step to take for all individuals planning a long term therapeutic use of the ginger based herbal medications and particularly so, when they are going to be using ginger in large amounts.
The ginger herbs are processed into a variety of products for the culinary market and this process begins with fresh or dry rhizomes; the finished products can include all kinds of ginger syrups, ginger based candies, ginger based jams, herbal capsules, herbal extracts, ginger fortified liqueurs, ginger pickles, cookies and ale etc.
Different products made from the ginger have different and varied effects, for example, if the researchers noticed a ginger based marmalade might have had a dramatic impact on the platelet aggregation rate in the body, then the it will be inferred that the therapeutic principles inherent in the herb are obviously very stable or that they are resistant to the rigors of processing.
For this reason, it is fair to suggest that each of the finished ginger products possesses its own distinct advantages in terms of herbal healing properties.
As an example, the candied forms of ginger, may meet with objections due to its content of the sugar sucrose, this does not discount the fact that, if it came down to a choice between an artificially flavored and colored confection and the ginger candy possessing an actual health benefit, the ginger based candy will always be chosen.
The appeal of ginger is therefore increased by the candied form of the remedy as it gives the ginger a wider, and much more mainstream market, thus the new adherents of this form of herbal remedy can now include people who may never have considered using the ginger as a health supplement in any form whatsoever.
Consuming at least a combination of ginger based supplements is ideal for patients, so as to receive good amounts of the beneficial compounds repeatedly confirmed by research, these include the gingerols - found in the fresh rhizome based products and the shogaols - which are found in the dry products, it is reasonable to assume, that a combination of ginger products in the supplement to include sufficient quantities of these two beneficial compounds.
Different ginger based products will have varying levels of these two critical and beneficial compounds and this will depend a great deal on the processing methods involved. Distinct health benefits are endowed by the gingerols and the shogaols respectively.
The gingerols as a compound class are much more potent and effective in the role of anti-hepatotoxics and anti-helmintics within the body, at the same time, shogaols compounds seem to be more effective in the role of anti-inflammatory agents in the body, and they also function as antipyretics and analgesics in the body at the same time-thus the two classes of compounds have distinct effects though they are found in the same herb.
The many uses of the ginger can be suitably studied from its use in the medical systems of China and eastern Asia. In Chinese and traditional Oriental medicine, the individual value of each different product made from ginger is confirmed in that the four different forms of ginger used in treatment - fresh, dried, steamed and roasted - are actually considered and classed as distinct herbal medications.
So each form of ginger is prescribed only for treatment of specific group of illnesses and for specific applications in herbal remedies. At the same time, one modern Chinese study has suggested that the four forms of the ginger have much more in common then traditionally believed, and the one may not need to consume every conceivable ginger product to gain some specific benefit - such a step will be complex and time consuming, besides being expensive.
During the study, among twenty-five of the vital compounds checked, it was discovered that there was only a maximum variation in three novel or missing constituents per herbal remedy - thus the similarity of different ginger remedies is very great.
Some suggest that the fresh ginger rhizome has some intangible advantage over other types of ginger remedies and whatever the final form of herbal product - the suggestion is that it is more effective as long as it was made using the fresh ginger rhizome. One may consider the delicate flavor of fresh cut ginger as being a distinct study in the culinary arts.
The importance of the fresh ginger in cuisine and its remedial power and potency is underlined by the results of a recent fragrance test, during which it was found that fresh ginger scent can be detected by humans even at a dilution as low as 1 part in 35,000, this is in contrast to the powdered ginger which can only be detected by humans at 1 part in 1,500-2,000, if diluted beyond this the scent is lost - the fresh form is thus more potent in all respects.
Fresh ginger rhizomes can be used in many types of herbal remedial measures and in many different medical applications such as to make hot compresses and as a culinary spice to flavor medicinal herbal tea. As far as possible, always use fresh ginger for any herbal remedy.
Many people who have used compresses made from the ginger have understandably names this herb as one of their most precious health routines and remedies during treatment.
As far as topical treatments go and among all the myriad applications of the herb, the ginger compress can be extremely effective for the treatment of virtually all external signs due to underlying inflammatory processes in the body of patients, these can include the treatment of muscular stiffness and headaches of all kinds - the ginger compress is one of the best topical herbal applications.
The compress is also an extremely valuable healing remedy for the topical treatment of swollen glands, for treating external problems in the chest region and for the treatment of head colds and disorders such as persistent stomach cramps.
The herbal ginger tea is believed to be a near perfect after dinner drink, and is an excellent fasting staple, it is also believed to aid in weight-loss and helps relieve pain and can also be used as a remedy against the cold.
Prepare the herbal ginger tea, by using half a teaspoon of the freshly grated ginger rhizome into eight ounces of boiling water, mix these in a covered pot and let the herb steep in the water for 10 to 15 minutes at a stretch, this will allow the water to fully extract the juices from the fresh ginger rhizome.
Once it has been cooled down, slowly strain the water and add some honey for taste to sweeten the tea. As an iced tea, the ginger tea can also induce a great tonic effect on the body.
A variety of ways can be chosen, when adding some fresh ginger to the daily diet of any person on a course of this wonderful herbal remedy.
Thus ginger can be added to different fruit and vegetable juices and as a part of the daily juicing routine with carrot and apple juices. Because of its high potency, the fresh ginger juice must be carefully and gradually added to the daily routine so as not to shock the system.
Undoubtedly one of the world's most popular confectionaries, candied ginger is ranked high in the list of best confections.
Candied ginger is usually processed using fresh ginger and plenty of sucrose, this form of ginger is very convenient when the need to take ginger exist during a period of travel and it can also be used as a delightful and effective digestive aid following dinner at night.
Ginger is also used in the form of honey-based herbal syrup; this form of the remedy offers more desirable way of delivering ginger with maximum health benefits for the user.
As an herbal vehicle, pure and unadulterated honey has a long and traditional history of utilized in this role of delivery agent for various therapeutic herbs and ginger is no exception to the rule, the honey endows extra value to the herbal remedy being used.
The recipe for a ginger herbal remedy in a base of honey syrup is described in detail, and dates back to the early sixth-century A.D. this was the traditional use of the honey in herbal medicine back at that time.
Ginger is moreover fortified by the honey, the substance gives the ginger its own range of excellent synergistic and healing values, particularly when the ginger is allowed to be infused into the honey using a low heat process.
The ginger product is benefited by mixing with honey in many ways, the honey enhances the flavor of the herb, it aids in the preservation of the herb, and it can also be used for a variety of different ginger remedies and herbal applications.
Furthermore, the honey itself possesses an intrinsic range of anti-bacterial, anticancer and antifungal actions, besides promoting wound-healing actions, and having a good anti-ulcer properties on the body.
The role of honey is to effectively enlarge the herbal ginger's bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The addition of the honey also enhances the ginger's anti-ulcer properties on the whole.
At the same time, the honey has a good protective effect over the gastric mucosa and induces significant action against a bacterial species known as Helicobacter pylori, which is the bacterial species associated with the development of peptic ulcers in humans.
Individuals concerned with the potential conflict between the use of honey and the effect on blood sugar levels during trials and in the candida albicans treatment programs, the gathered evidence suggested that the body tolerates honey significantly better than commonly consumed simple sugars such as sucrose. Candida albicans is also defeated by a distinct remedial factor in the honey.
At the same time that the herbal ginger and honey combination is being used, a health tonic or a cough or cold syrup, also made from ginger and honey can be taken by the individual in the form of a hot beverage or as a sweetener in tea, this can also be used as a culinary seasoning or even as a dinner table sauce, it can be used as a dessert topping or it can be mixed with some carbonated water for a nutritious and delicious homemade ginger ale - which can be taken at any time.
Prepare your own unique ginger syrup, by adding a part of fresh grated or juiced ginger, into three parts honey and then refrigerate the two together.
You must ensure that you peel the ginger rhizome; this will result in the extension of the vital properties of the herb and will prevent the chances of fermentation from occurring at the same time.
Usually about one to two teaspoons of this syrup can be added for every eight ounces of carbonated or hot water to make the drink.
The exceptional herbal benefits of ginger can be experienced in one of the most versatile and powerful ways by using it in the form of a dehydrated herbal powder. Used in this form, ginger can benefit a person by providing two of the essential and principal values of the herb:
The high-quality beneficial effects of the powdered ginger form have been verified during studies, and the powdered herb can be effectively taken for the treatment of both internal and external injuries.
The powdered form of the ginger can also be used in a lot of the remedial applications where the fresh form is normally used, these include herbal compresses, it can be used to make ginger herbal tea and in cooking dishes.
The herbal powdered ginger can be used in the form of capsules, or it can be consumed by the teaspoonful in any food or in liquids such as juices, this form of the herbal remedy provides the best anti-inflammatory effects during treatment and it is also a very excellent all spectrum treatment for various problems with the digestive system, and it can also be used as a cardiovascular tonic - and has very beneficial protestant properties over the body.
The herbal ginger powder can also be used for external treatments as a topical compress or it can be used to infuse bath water, the ginger powder induces a very powerful and stimulating effect on the body, it also possesses transdermal and aroma-therapeutic effects on the body.
At the same time, the herbal ginger powder is also excellent for use as a moistened chest compress, it can also be added by the tablespoon to infuse hot bath water for the topical treatment of various muscle strains and to treat the symptoms of cold.
The herbal ginger powder can also be used to make an excellent chest compress, prepare the powdered ginger by simply moistening about 2-3 teaspoons using a little hot water and then spread this slowly over a hot and wet cotton towel - this can then be applied directly to the affected parts of the body.
The amount of ginger to use in cases of sensitive skin must be low, in such cases, the herbal build up must be slow and application sustained over a long period of time.
Herbalist and traditional medical practitioners as well as modern researchers recognize alcohol to be an excellent extraction agent for the beneficial properties of all herbs and herbal extracts.
Dried ginger derived double-macerated or highly potent alcohol ginger extract can give all the benefits of this form of the herbal remedy, and also includes very significant levels of the beneficial compounds known as shogaols.
The juice of fresh ginger can be added to the mixture so as to maximize or balance the full benefits of the alcoholic ginger extract.
A dual purpose is served by the addition of the ginger juice, the juice will complements the dryness in the remedy as it has unique fresh elements such as the compounds called the gingerols, at the same time, the juice will also enable a lowering of the final alcoholic concentration to a safe level, which the majority of individuals will find tolerable.
Convenience and concentration of the herb are the principal benefits inherent in the extracted form of the herbal remedy.
The full range of benefits will become apparent in the person, within a few seconds of taking a dropper full of the extract, especially when it is taken straight, or mixed in a glass of water.
There are some limitations to the utility of the extract, however, while it may not be practical to use the extract for purposes of cooking and to make compresses, it comes into its own as an exceptional therapeutic form of the herbal remedy and by and large, it offers the most comprehensive and immediate therapeutic response, which is very effective for the treatment of various digestive disorders or in the treatment of the symptoms of the cold.
This ginger tea is extraordinarily healing for all female organs and the intestines, as well as for stressed nerves and a sluggish metabolism.
Peel the ginger and grate or slice very fine. Simmer very slowly for about 20 minutes in the water. Now add up to 2 cups (1/2 l) milk and let it boil up. Remove from the heat and sweeten with honey or cane sugar.
Ginger tea is best consumed in small sips over the course of the day, as required. In the morning and before meals it stimulates digestion; on cold winter afternoons it warms and protects from the flu. Many women take the tea after miscarriages or abdominal surgery, to promote the healing of the uterus.
Ginger tea is so effective against ailments of the reproductive and digestive systems because it stimulates circulation and supports a good blood supply to these organs. Bloating can be treated with this tea, by adding a pinch of cinnamon.
In the presence of stomach ulcers, however, modest amounts of this tea are recommended and the quantity of ginger can be cut down. Similarly, in the early weeks of pregnancy, the further stimulation of blood flow into the abdomen is not recommended, so go easy on ginger at this time. Modest amounts, however, are a great remedy for morning sickness.
Pare the root and cut into long narrow slices, across the grain. Cover with about 1 1/2 cups cold water in a saucepan and heat to boiling. Simmer 5 minutes, drain, and cover with cold water again. Heat to boiling, simmer 5 minutes more. Drain. Dry well.
Combine granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a small kettle. Boil 10 minutes. Add the ginger slices and cook over very low heat. Do not boil. Stir, and cook until all the syrup is absorbed, about 40 minutes. Remove the ginger, and dry on a rack.
Roll the cooled ginger in superfine sugar, and let it stand in the sugar until it has crystallized.
