| Native to the tropics, ginger's thin, broad leaves are attached to a surprisingly succulent, spicy rhizome. The herb originated near the Indian Ocean, but it is now grown throughout the tropics.
Family: Zingiberaceae
Extraction: Distilled from unpeeled, ground rhizome. Absolute, concrete and CO2. The fragrance is spicy, warm and sharp.
Medicinal Action: Ginger oil treats colds, fevers, appetite loss, indigestion, nausea, and genital, urinary and lung infections, and is anti-inflammatory. It makes a warming liniment. It destroys many types of intestinal parasites. Studies show it increases drug and herb absorption, normalizes blood pressure and helps protect the liver.
Emotional Attribute: Ginger is a stimulant and aphrodisiac.
Associated Oil:
Galanga (Alpina officinalis) --This native of China has actions similar to ginger. It is often confused with "false-ginger" (Kaemferia galanga) oil.
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Kathi Keville has studied herbs since 1969. Her attraction to fragrant plants led to an involvement in aromatherapy. Her other books include Herbs for Health and Healing; The Illustrated Encyclopedia of 
