Zingiber officinalis ROXB.

Family : Zingiberaceae

Synonym(s) : Amomum zingiber Linn.

English Name : Ginger

Description

Ginger is a perennial root which creeps and increases underground, in tuberous joints; in the spring it sends up from its roots a green reed, like a stalk, 2 feet high, with narrow lanceolate leaves; these die down annually. The flowering stalk rises directly from the root, ending in an oblong scallop spike; from each spike a white or yellow bloom grows. Ginger flowers have an aromatic smell and the bruised stem a characteristic fragrance, but the root is considered the most useful part of the plant, and must not be used under a year's growth.

Habitat

It requires a consistently warm and moist climate, brilliant sunshine and heavy rainfall.

Parts Used : Powder, Rhizome and Root

Herb Effects

Analgesic, antiemetic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic.

Active Ingredients

1,8-Cineole, 10-Gingerdione, 10-Gingerol, 6-Dehydrogingerdione, 6-Gingerdione, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-Beta-17-Epoxy-Labd-Trans-12-Enr-15,16-Dial, 8-gingerol, 8-shogaol, 9-Oxo-Nerolidol, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, acetone, alanine, alpha-cucurmene, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha pinene, alpha terpinene, alpha zingeberene, arginine, beta-bisabolene, beta carotene, beta-elemene, beta-eudesmol, beta-ionone, beta-myrcene, beta-phellandrene, beta-pinene.

Medicinal Use

A household remedy for flatulence and colic, for diarrhoea from relaxed bowel where there is no inflammation, for atherosclerosis, heart disease, chemotherapy support, migraine headaches, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting following surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, belching, laryngitis, vomiting, constipation, incontinence, flatulence, colic, spasms, fever, eye diseases, asthma, colds, cough, arthritis, bursitis, fibrocystic breasts, lymphedema, in nervous diseases, and for incontinence of urine.

Dosage

Fresh infusion: Ginger, approximately 2-3 centimeters in length, per cup of water.
Infusion: teaspoonful of dry ginger per cup of water.; or 1:1 fresh + dry liquid extract: 10-60 drops in a little water.
Dried powder: 500-1500 mg one to three times per day.
Tincture: take 15 or more drops at a time, warm.

Contraindication

Ginger should not be used by those with heat signs in the lungs or stomach. Avoid taking ginger for two weeks prior to undergoing elective surgery. Long-term use during pregnancy is not recommended. Ginger can increase the potency of prescription medications used to prevent blood clots, such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or warfarin (Coumadin). Combining ginger with these medications could result in unexpected bleeding.

Reference