The Healing Properties of Ginger 

The spicy ginger tea has long been used in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems including vomiting, and motion sickness. Ginger is also known to lower cholesterol and works as an effective blood thinner.

Ginger is a small, perennial plant which is native to Southeast Asia. It is grown commercially in the tropics. The roots are harvested after the leaves have died in autumn. Used by the Chinese for thousands of years, it is considered especially valuable for feverish and inflammatory diseases, for hemorrhage and for blood diseases. Chinese women take it for everything from normalizing menstruation to easing child birth. It is an appetite stimulant and is helpful for digestive substances. It is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system and is used medically in normalizing blood pressure.

It aids general immunity and in the prevention of heart diseases. It has been seen to increase the levels of high density lipoproteins which carry cholesterol in the blood, keeping arteries and heart healthy. It helps thin the blood, reduces clotting and helps control blood pressure and poor circulation. It is a cleanser of the digestive system.

It helps cure flatulence. It acts against inflammation and infection, including colds, cough, respiratory problems, bronchial disorder and others. As a digestive aid, it kills intestinal parasites and is an excellent internal antiseptic.

The medical form of ginger historically was called “Jamaica ginger”. It was classified as a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic. It was also employed frequently to disguise the taste of medicines. Ginger is one the FDA’s list as ‘safe’. It may, however, interact with some medications, including warfarin. Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as the herb promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder. Ginger may also decrease joint pain in arthritis.

Ginger has been found effective in diarrhea which is the leading cause of infant deaths in developing countries. Zingerone is likely to be the active constituent against enterotoxigenic Escherichia colinheat labile enterotoxin-induced diarrhea. Ginger has also been found to be effective for treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for post operative nausea.

As folk medicine, ginger tea was brewed as a folk remedy for colds. Three to four leaves of Tulsi taken along with a piece of ginger on an empty stomach is an effective cure for congestion, cough and cold. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been recommended as ‘stomach settlers’ for generations in countries where the beverages are made. Ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been traditionally used to treat inflammation.