Ginger Root Treatment

Herbal medicine is considered one of the oldest healing arts in the world. Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is used as an aromatic Asian spice and is widely embraced as a treatment for multiple health conditions.

History

• Ginger is used in Chinese cooking because of its purported medicinal value.

  Ginger root was used by ancient Indians as a cleanser and a treatment for digestive ailments. Ancient Greeks used sections of ginger root wrapped in bread as an after-meal digestive aid. The Chinese have used ginger root as far back as 3,000 B.C. as a remedy for everything from heartburn to motion sickness.

Benefits

• Ginger root relieves the nausea that may be caused by anesthesia.

  Ginger root thins the blood and decreases platelet aggregation, which helps to cure arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Ginger root is traditionally used to relieve nausea associated with morning sickness in pregnancy, chemotherapy and anesthesia. Ginger root has been shown to ease the pain of arthritis.

Dosage

• Herbalists recommend strong ginger tea.

  Make a strong tea by simmering a few slices of ginger root in one cup of water. One teaspoon of sifted, dried herb may be substituted. Drink one to three cups as needed around mealtime or take one to two capsules twice a day with meals.

Warning

• Short-term use of ginger by pregnant women is unlikely to cause problems.

  Do not drink more than three cups of ginger root tea per day if you are pregnant.