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MATERIA MEDICA: GINGER

Ginger

Botanical name: Zingiber Officinale

Family: Zingiberaceae

Common Names: Ginger

Part Used: Rhizome (underground stem)

Habitat/ Harvesting: Native to Asia; thrives in hot, humid environments in rich, moist soil. Water frequently and give plenty of sunlight. The rhizomes are ready to harvest in 8-10 months. Harvest in late fall. Rhizomes can last 2 weeks in the fridge and you can freeze grated ginger. You can also chop it up and put it in a dehydrator.

Primary Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antinauseant, antispasmodic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue

Energetics: Warming

Indications: Cramps, nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, inflammation (arthritis), joint pain, poor pelvis circulation, nausea related to chemotherapy, indigestion, cold hands and feet, sprains, cold and flu

Contraindications: There is a theoretical concern that ginger may lower platelet activity and may interfere with blood clotting, although clinical investigations have shown very mixed results (Mills & Bone, 2005). Those using anticoagulant medications should use caution when supplementing with ginger or ginger extracts, though dietary amounts are generally regarded as safe.

Preparations/ Dosages: Ginger oil, tea, salve, ginger chew’s, tincture

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