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Image by Jocelyn Morales

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.

Image by Don Shin

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.

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