Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Botanical Medicines

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale )

Ginger is a tropical perennial herb that can grow to a height of 2–3 feet. It produces a yellow flower, and its underground roots (tubers) are used to make the familiar spice. Ginger is believed to have originated in India, and was one of the first spices to reach Europe from Asia.

Ginger has a very long history of use in the treatment of a wide variety of intestinal ailments, including many different types of flu. It promotes the elimination of intestinal gas and relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract. Ginger is also very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, and many consider it superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter drug. Dr. S. Phillips, writing in the August 1993 issue of Anaesthesia , cites a study that compared the effect of powdered ginger root with Metoclopramide and a placebo in relieving nausea and vomiting in 120 women who had undergone elective laparoscopic gynecological surgery. Twenty-one percent of the women receiving ginger became nauseated, compared with 27% who took Metoclopramide, and 41% who took the placebo. The ginger powder did not cause the usual side effects of prescription drugs, however, such as abnormal movement, itching, or visual disturbance.

Michael Murray states in The Healing Powers of Herbs that ginger has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and inhibit platelet aggregation. Ginger (along with cinnamon, thyme, balm, and rosemary) contain powerful Candida-falling substances as well.