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Gan-jiang | | Name : | Gan-jiang | | Synonyms : | Africanginger
Ardraka,fresh (Sanskrit name)
Blackginger
Chiang
Gan-jiang,dry (Chinese name)
Nagara,dry (Sanskrit name)
Raceginger
Shen-jiang,fresh (Chinese name)
Sunthi(Sanskrit name)
| | Parts Used : | Roots and rhizomes | | Habitat : | Indigenous to tropical Asia and cultivated in other tropical areas,especially Jamaica. | | Description : | Ginger is a perennial plant; the aromatic, knotty rootstock is thick,fibrous, and whitish or buff-colored. It produces a simple, leafystem covered with the leaf sheaths of the lanceolate-oblong to linearleaves. The plant reaches a height of 3-4 feet, the leaves growing6-12 inches long. The sterile flowers are white with purple streaksand grow in spikes. | | Constituents : | Bisabolene, borneal, borneol, camphene, choline, cineole, citral,ginerol, inositol, volatile oils, PABA, phellandrene, phenols, alkaloids,mucilage, acrid resin, sequiterpene, vitamins B3, B5, zingerone, andzingiberene.
Antispasmodic, antiemetic, analgesic, antiseptic, appetizer, aromatic,carminative, condiment, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, pungent,sialagogue, stimulant
Topically: increases blood flow to an area | | Uses : | A spicy herb used for colitis,diverticulosis, nausea, gas, indigestion,paralysis of the tongue, morningsickness, travel sickness or motionsickness, vomiting, hot flashesand menstrual cramps.Cleanses the colon, gasand fermentation, cholera, gout,nausea, arthritis, stimulatescirculation, and reduces spasms and cramps.
Ginger tea or tincture, taken hot, promotes cleansing of the systemthrough perspiration and is also said to be useful for suppressedmenstruation. Take it to clear up flatulent colicor combine it with laxative herbs to make them more palatable or milderin action. Try it at the onset of a cold,flu, headaches,chronic bronchitis, to easethe effects of the usual symptoms. Finally, to stimulate the flowof saliva and to soothe a sorethroat, chew the rootstock as it is. Promotes sweat when takenhot. Ginger ale is a long time remedy for upset stomach and nausea.An old-fashioned remedy for dandruffis to combine ginger with olive oil. (Applied to the scalp after shampoo)A few drops in the ears, of this oil, will soothe earaches.Ginger root is used in the treatment of minorburns and skin inflammations.
Grated ginger can be topically applied externally, as a poulticeor hot fomentation to relieve painfulaches, sprains, and spasms.
Some researchers think that ginger may help prevent strokes,heart disease,and hardening of the arteries.Also, a hematology researcher says it is believed that gingerol, asubstance in ginger, inhibits an enzyme that causes cells to clot.The same enzyme is blocked by aspirin, effective in preventing recurrenceof 'little strokes'. These attacks are triggered by microscopic arteryclots, flowing through the blood stream until they block arteriesin the brain, causing the stroke or cerebrovascular accident, knownas CVA.
The Chinese Materia Medica lists the uses of ginger for dyspepsia,diarrhea, piles,loss of appetite, nausea,vomiting, and alcoholic gastritis. If the root is chewed and the juiceswallowed, it causes saliva to flow and digestive juices to be stimulated.This will also relieve nausea and vomiting. A tea made of the rootimproves digestion, relieves gas and bloating, and stimulates appetite.
Relief from these conditions: use 1/2 oz. of powdered gingerroot stirred into 1 pint of boiling water. 2 to 3 tbsp. of the teashould be taken 3 times a day. Capsules of ginger will relieve motionsickness. Prompt relief from the morning-after 'hangover' is obtainedby sipping 1 or 2 cups of hot ginger tea for breakfast. | | Dosage : | Infusion: mix 1/2 tsp. powdered rootstock with 1 tsp. (ormore) honey. Add 1 cup boiling water. If desired, add an ounce ofbrandy or other liquor.
Tincture: take 15 or more drops at a time, warm. | | Safety : | Avoid ginger in excessive amounts with a peptic ulcer, bleeding ulcers,very high fever, inflammatory skin diseases.
Ginger is a safe remedy for morning sickness in small doses. Do notexceed doses recommended. Other commercial anti-nauseants should notbe taken during pregnancy without consulting a doctor, because ofthe possibility that they may cross the placenta and adversely affectthe fetus. | | Myths : | Ginger is an ancient herb native to Asia. It is produced commerciallyin Jamaica, Africa, Japan, China, India, and the Dutch East Indies;the best is reputed to be that of Jamaica. The Chinese have been usingginger for more than 2,000 years. The Japanese serve ginger slicesbetween sushi courses to clear the palate and aid digestion.
In China, the poorer classes test food by tossing a slice of freshginger into their cooking pot. They claim that if the root turns adark color the food is bad.
Marco Polo mentions ginger in his unbelievable narrative of the 13thcentury. The Spaniards brought the first ginger plants to the NewWorld in the early part of the 16th century. The finest roots todaycome from Jamaica.
If ginger is grown in greenhouses, it may bloom and produce an exoticand interesting flower that looks somewhat like a miniature pineapple.
Ginger root adds an agreeable zest to many beverages. The root isused in wines, liqueurs and soft drinks.
Dry ginger is a better stimulant and expectorant; fresh ginger isa better diaphoretic, better for colds, cough, and vomiting.
The following is a quote from the book 'Old Ways Rediscovered' byClarence Meyer.'Recipe for ginger beer from The Illustrated LondonCookery book (1852): Pour 2 gallons of boiling water on 1/4 lb. ofcream of tartar, 1 oz. of sliced ginger, 2 lbs. of sugar; let it stand6 hours, then add 2 tbsp. of yeast, let it stand 6 hours more, strainthrough fine strainer, put it into stone bottles, tie down the corks,and it will be fit for use in 24 hours.'
Another old-time favorite was the ginger tissane: made by steeping1/2 tsp. root in 1 cup boiling water, keep saucer over the cup whilesteeping. Strain when only warm and sip as needed. If desired, sweetenwith honey.
Natives of the West Indies add a dash of nutmeg or 1-2 cloves tothe tissane. | | Nutrient : | Vitamins B3, B5 | | Sold : | As a spice in the grocery, fresh root or powdered spice
Capsules: take 1 for up to 3 times daily to relieve symptoms.Motion sickness (SEE MOTION SICKNESS) is usually helped with 1 capsule.
Extract: mix 15 drops in warm water, taken for up to 3 timesdaily.
Externally: mix 15 drops of extract in 1 cup of warm vegetableoil.
Mash fresh ginger-root, soak in cotton ball, and apply juice directlyto inflamed area. |
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