Natural: Ginger stimulates the circulatory system, helps in bringing an increased flow of blood to the surface of the skin, helps in controlling elevated or high blood pressure as it directly affects the circulation of blood. Ginger tea Increases perspiration at the same time helps in bringing about a reduction in elevated body temperature during fevers. It helps 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.
Ginger compresses are used to treat muscular aches and pains, joint stiffness, abdominal cramps, kidney stone attacks, stiffness in the neck, and neuralgia in different parts of the body. Ginger compresses can also topically treat toothache, bladder inflammation, they can be used in the treatment of prostatitis and extreme tension in the body.
Nausea, accumulated intestinal gas, and colic can also be treated using herbal remedies made from ginger. Cases of motion sickness in women and especially, pregnancy related morning sickness can be eased. The antiseptic qualities of the ginger benefit all manners of gastrointestinal infections; and certain types of food poisoning as well.
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, it also helps in the stimulation of a weak appetite and at the same time, it enhances the process of digestion - it encourages secretion of different digestive enzymes inside the stomach
Menstruation is promoted by ginger, and is also useful in dealing with various other disorders affecting the uterus, it is also very effective in alleviating delayed or scanty periods as well as blood clots associated with the menstrual cycle. Ginger can be used to help relax the muscular spasms and in relieving the pain present during ovulation and during menstrual periods. It can be used as an herbal tonic to invigorate the reproductive system. Ginger remedies have a tendency to heat up the body and due to this effect, herbalist suggest that individuals who do not tolerate heat well, such as people with gastritis or peptic ulcers avoid the remedies made from ginger. – Information adapted from www.herbs2000.com
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Global: Ginger is thought to be the oldest of spices. In fact, it is so ancient that its origin is not really known, though it is thought to be South-East Asia. It was known in the East for as long as any records were kept. It was one of the first Oriental spices to be brought to Europe, having been acquired by the Greeks and Romans from Arab traders. In the Middle Ages ginger was considered to be so precious that Basel Street, a place where Swiss traders sold spices, was called Imbergasse, meaning "Ginger Alley". In England during the 16th century, ginger was used medicinally and was recommended by Henry VIII for use against the plague. Henry himself consumed huge amounts of the spice. A number of years later, gingerbread became popular and was a favorite sweet of Queen Elizabeth I. During Shakespeare's time, cheaper ginger became available. In Love's Labour Lost Costard informs Moth that "An I had but one penny in the world; thou shouldst have it to buy ginger-bread".
India is the world's largest producer and exporter of ginger. However, ginger is grown in most tropical countries today. As early as the mid 1500's the Spanish took rhizomes and planted them in Jamaica. Today the ginger grown there is considered the finest in the world. The annual production of dried ginger world wide is 20,000 tons. The U.S. imports 1,800 tons each year, the majority of which comes from Jamaica.
Ginger requires a warm, moist climate with plenty of rain and bright sunshine. Ginger is propagated by division of rhizomes. One to two inch pieces are planted a few inches below the soil. Harvest of rhizomes takes place 9 months to 1 year after the planting.
(Originally published in The Essential Herbal Magazine and Under the Sun
by Mary Ellen Wilcox)
