Ginger is Medicine.
By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP
There is nothing sassier than biting down on a piece of ginger in your stir fry or noodle bowl. You immediately understand the power of this tasty root as it floods your mouth with a burning sensation that brings tears to your eyes. But, do not underestimate this tiny rhizome, it is not just burn - it is chalked full of medicinal effects and a well documented history of healing the body of innumerable ailments. Ginger is medicine.
Ginger Healing Properties
- Treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
- Prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Is a natural antibiotic
- Is excellent for treating digestive problems, nausea, stomachache and vomiting
- Prevents intestinal ulcers
- Fights fungal infections and toxicity
- Is used as a stimulant in cases of bad circulation
- In feverish conditions is used as a diaphoretic (promotes sweating)
- Important for heart health
- Fights gout and arthritis
- Is an effective gargle for sore throats
- Is a remedy for motion sickness
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Boosts the immune system to fight off colds and flu
- Is a natural painkiller
- Treats migraines
- Relieves menstrual cramps
- Prevents diabetic neuropathy
- Promote energy circulation and increase metabolic rate
- Is rich in vitamin C
- Eaten in the summer to increase sweating and cool the body (raw not dried)
Ginger Facts
- Cultivation of ginger started in South Asia and spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.
- Top producers are India, China and Indonesia
- Ginger is extremely rare and difficult to find in the wild
- Ginger is not a root, it is actually a rhizome
- Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth
- One of the most important herbs in the world
- Ginger should be stored in a cool, dry place
In Chinese medicine, ginger is considered a warming herb and acts specifically on the lungs, spleen and stomach. It is a qi tonic, promotes circulation and treats phlegm in the lungs accompanied with cough. It promotes circulation as well as sweating, and is used to treat joint pain due to cold.
Ginger has a particular use in Chinese medicine for digestive problems and yang deficiency (a deficiency of the warming energy of the body). The belly button is filled with salt and then a slice of ginger is placed on top with some holes punched in it. Then, some moxa (a Chinese herb) is placed on top and burned. The effect is a pleasant warming sensation for the patient and this method is used to treat weakness of the stomach and spleen causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Ginger is an incredibly powerful herb, and I bet that you had no idea of all of the good it was doing for your body by just adding it to your favourite recipe. Nutritional therapy is a huge aspect of Chinese medicine, so know that everything you eat is potentially medicine for your body. Who knew medicine could be so delicious?
