Herbs to Know: Ginger

Common Name(s): Ginger
Scientific/Latin Name: Zingiber officinale

Place of Origin: Asia

Commonly thought of: A spicy root great with sushi.

Past Uses: Has been used for thousands of years in Asia, India, and the Middle East, most often used in Chinese medicine as an aid for digestion and nausea. Was one time used to treat colic, diarrhea, heart conditions, flu and cold symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods.

Active Constituents: Essential oils such as gingerol, zingerone, shogaol, farnesene, and small amounts of ß-phelladrene, cineol, and citral. Studies suggest that zingerone, a chemical compound which gives pungent character to the ginger root, is effective against E.coli induced diarrhea, especially in children (Do not give to children under 2). Holds good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

Medicinal uses: Primarily used for it's strong effectiveness against nausea and commonly suggested for motion sickness, morning sickness, and nausea brought on by chemotherapy. Some suggest it is also good for helping with pain caused by arthritis.

Usually used as: Capsules, Raw (Sliced), Tea

Growing/Wildcrafting: You can grow your own ginger by getting your own rhizome (from the store or organically) and placing it horizontally with a very shallow covering of soil. The plant itself will sprout from the rhizome.

Cautions: Ginger in large doses are used for long periods of time can cause heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth and it is best to only use recommended dosages for short period or as needed. If you have problems with the gallbladder, ask your doctor, because of ginger's effects on bile production it could cause gallbladder inflammation or cause gallbladder problems to worsen. It is also not recommended if you are taking blood thinners (Ginger may increase bleeding risk), diabetes medication (May lower blood sugar), High-Blood Pressure medications (May lower blood pressure)

"In general, don’t take more than 4g of ginger per day, including food sources. Pregnant women should not take more than 1g per day.

• For nausea, gas, or indigestion: Some studies have used 1g of ginger daily, in divided doses. Ask your doctor to help you find the right dose for you.
• For pregnancy-induced vomiting, some studies have used 650 mg to 1 g per day. Don't take ginger without first talking to your doctor.
• For arthritis pain: One study used 250 mg 4 times daily."

-University of Maryland Medical Center

Extra Notes: The part of ginger most commonly used is actually not a "root" but a rhizome which is actually an underground stem.

Where to find Recipes:
Ginger Root Profile -- Wellness Mama (Recipes close to bottom of page)
14 Uses for Ground Ginger -- The Nerdy Farm Wife

How to make Preparations: Often times ginger is sliced and chewed, however it can be taken in the form of ginger candies, tea, and capsules.

Sources:
"Ginger." NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, May 2006. Web. 12 June 2015. -- Website Link 

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Ginger." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 13 Dec. 2010. Web. 12 June 2015.  -- Website Link

Rudrappa, Umesh. "Ginger Root Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits." Nutrition And You.com. Nutrition and You, n.d. Web. 12 June 2015. -- Website Link

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)