How to Make Ginger Cream for Body Pain

Ginger as we know it is actually the root of Zingiber officinale, a plant native to Asia and the Middle East. It is one of the oldest and best-known herbal remedies for symptoms from upset stomachs to gout. It is safe enough for women to take as a remedy for morning sickness, yet potent enough to reduce arthritis inflammation. Ginger can be taken many ways, including teas, supplements or eaten as a spice in food. It also can be used topically as an oil compress or paste-like cream.

Things You'll Need

• Ginger root
• Knife
• Cheesecloth
• Pot
• Mortar and pestle
• Honey

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash and dry a hand-sized piece of ginger root in warm water. Slice the root into half-inch pieces and wrap them in cheese cloth. Fill a large pot with water and put the cheesecloth bundle in the water.

• 2

  Heat the water on high until you begin to see bubbles form on the surface of the water. Do not let the water boil; this will leach the ginger of some of its benefits. Turn the heat to medium and let the ginger simmer until it is easily penetrated with a knife.

• 3

  Remove the ginger from the water and put the pieces into a mortar and pestle. Crush the ginger with slow, firm movements until a thick paste is formed. It should be a little thinner than oatmeal.

• 4

  Mix some honey into the ginger if it is a little thin. This also will help the ginger cream stay on the skin.

• 5

  Scoop up some of the ginger cream while it still is warm and spread it over the affected area. Use it on painful arthritis, gout and sore joints and muscles. Ginger long has been used as an herbal anti-inflammatory agent. Wrap the area in a length of clean cotton or cheesecloth. Replace the cream when it cools.