Zingiber officinale
Part Used: The rootstock.
Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present. Pharmacologically important constituents include:
- Volative oil, containing mainly zingiberene and bisabolene, "Pungent principles"; a mixture of phenolic compounds.
Actions: Stimulant, carminative, anti-spasmodic, rubefacient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue.
Indications: Ginger may be used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. In feverish conditions, Ginger acts as a useful diaphoretic, promoting perspiration. As a gargle it may be effective in the relief of sore throats. Externally it is the base of many fibrositis and muscle sprain treatments. Ginger has been used world-wide as an aromatic carminative and pungent appetite stimulant. In India, and in other countries with hot and humid climates, ginger is eaten daily and is a well-known remedy for digestion problems. Its wide-spread use is not only be due to flavor, but to the anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects, necessary for preservation of food, essential in such climates.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the fresh root and let it infuse for 5 minutes. Drink whenever needed. Decoction: if you are using the dried root in powdered or finely chopped form, make a decoction by putting l l/2 teaspoonfuls to a cup of water. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 5-l0 minutes. This can be drunk whenever needed. Tincture: the tincture comes in two forms, weak Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of l.5-3 ml three times a day and the Strong Tincture B.P. which should be taken in a dose of 0.25-0.5 ml three times a day.
