Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Years ago, before I started using essential oils, I had Tums everywhere. I used them when I felt wonky, for heartburn or just an unsettled stomach. Like I stated in previous blogs, I haven’t purchased or used over-the-counter medications for these issues in years. It all started with a few simple inhalers. My favorite was ginger for nausea.
Let’s explore ginger.
Ginger is known for calming the stomach related to nausea. It is an antispasmodic which calms convulsions. It neutralizes stomach acid aiding in digestion.
Common name: African ginger, black ginger, race ginger.
Ayurvedic/TCM name: Fire & Wind; Hot, dry, light Yang.
Energy: Hot, dry
Parts used: Rhizome
Chemical components: Shogaol and zingerone. It protects oils and fats from rancidity.
Native to: Tropical Africa, Asia. Can grow in Hawaii, southwestern US, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
Actions: Antispasmodic, stimulating and expectorant.
Taste: Pungent
Preparations: Herb–Tea, tincture, capsules, candied, culinary.
Essential oil– Use as a massage oil for joint and muscle pain.
Inhaler–15-20 drops in a large cotton wick for nausea, indigestion etc.
Uses: Tea for stress, tension and nausea. For nausea drink 3 cups of tea per day. for colds and flu, 1 cup every 2 hours.
Recipe: 5-6 slices (or 2 Tbsp. shredded, or 1/2 tsp. powdered)
1 cup boiling water.
Lemon if desired. Steep 15 minutes.
Fresh root decoction: for chills, and phlegm with a thick cough.
Dried root: Use 2 (500 mg.) capsules 30 minutes before travel; 1-2 more if symptoms persist.
Note: Better than Dramamine for motion sickness according to a Brigham Young University and Mount Union College study.
There are many recipes for candied ginger, which I have made and loved. I make a ginger syrup that I freeze and use in my soda stream. I also have used ginger in homemade kombucha. It’s all good!
Experiment and Happy Blending,
Crystal.
“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:34