An herbaceous perennial reaching up to 3 feet tall in the wild, ginger grows from a fleshy, tuberous rhizome that is aromatic, thick-lobed, and pale yellowish. Its flowers are pale green to greenish-yellow with dark purple tips. Its health properties are revered the world over.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
North America, Central America, South America, and tropical Africa and Asia
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Stimulant, antiflatulant, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, febrifuge, carminative, tonic, and is used to treat gastritis, motion sickness, nausea, rheumatism, arthritis, sore muscles, colds, bronchitis, toothache, headache, cramps, difficult labor, poor lactation, high cholesterol, poor immune system function, earache. It is also used to prevent internal blood clots and heart disease.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For rheumatism and arthritis, slice fresh ginger and add to your meals. You may also add powdered ginger root to your food or beverages. For gastritis, motion sickness, nausea, poor immune system function, poor lactation, and difficult labor, cut a 2-inch piece of ginger into thin slices, and place in 1 cup water over low heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain, and then sip in one sitting. For best results, consume 3 cups per day. For chest colds, rheumatism, and sore muscles, you may soak cotton or flannel cloth in the hot liquid, and apply directly to the affected area. Repeat the treatment six times.
AYURVEDIC HEADACHE TREATMENT Makes 1 treatment
This ancient treatment is simple and effective, giving prompt relief to even the most severe headache.
INGREDIENTS:
One 2-inch piece of peeled ginger
INSTRUCTIONS:
• In a food processor, create a paste from the peeled ginger. You may also create a paste by mashing the ginger with the edge of a chef’s knife
• Apply directly to the temples.
USE:
For added relief, inhale the vapor of 1 tablespoon dried ginger root powder in 1 cup boiling water. This vapor is excellent for colds, as well, and may be drunk after inhalation.
