Ginger
botanical name: Zingiber officinale
Not only does ginger add flavour to food - it is also high in antioxidants and is known as a universal antidote to the effects of cold.
Key Features:
- reduces nausea and digestive upset
- clears cold > helps circulation
- relieves menstrual cramps
What does it do?
Circulation: ginger helps to clear cold conditions by increasing circulation and causing vasodilation and sweating. Fresh ginger acts more peripherally while dry ginger (which is stronger and more thermogenic) is more centrally stimulating.
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Digestive system: it has a warming and stimulating effect on the digestive system and is useful for relieving nausea. Fresh ginger is better for calming a nervous digestive system. Dry ginger is more warming, therefore it has a more stimulating effect and is useful in clearing congestion.
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Anti-inflammatory: used in many joint health formulations, initially, ginger warms and stimulates but in the long term it encourages a healthy inflammatory response and blood supply, useful for clearing congestion and reducing fluid retention.
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Respiratory: helps to clear congestion and therefore useful for coughs and colds.
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Menstrual cramps: it can help to relieve menstrual cramps by a warming and anti-inflammatory action, particularly those relieved by hot water bottles.
Active Constituents
Volatile oils,
phenolic compounds,
resins
Parts Used
Rhizome / root
Herbal Actions
Warming
Anti-inflammatory
Antiemetic
Carminative
Antiviral
Applications
Teas,
Capsules,
Tinctures,
Salves,
Oils
Precautions
May be too warming when used in very large amounts (outside of food quantities) during pregnancy and lactation.