Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is the name given to a herbaceous plant in the tropics, with an aromatic rhizome rich in essential oils. It is a perennial species that needs a high and constant temperature as well as a permanent humidity to grow properly. The ginger rhizome has an irregular, contorted shape and is gnarled, reaching up to 5-6 centimeters in length.

Ginger is especially prized in oriental cuisines in India, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. An alternative name for ginger, introduced by the Turks was ‘white pepper’. In the former British colonies, such as Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Kenya, a so-called “ginger beer” is consumed, which is actually a non-alcoholic, soft drink. The important active substances contained in ginger are specific compounds called gingerols, phenols, volatile oil.

Actions:

• In colds, it acts on the lungs, stomach and spleen.
• Indigestion can be treated with Ginger. It is soothing for abdominal pain, helps digestion, eliminates gas, gives appetite, neutralizes toxins. You can get rid of a rebellious hiccup, nausea or vomiting, or even a food poisoning.
• Ginger also reduces the aggregation of platelets in the blood, facilitating their circulation. It also has mild anti-inflammatory actions. In Ayurvedic medicine ginger is used to treat inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis.
• It is also used to combat altitude sickness, car, rotational movement. Ginger also acts against vomiting, nausea, stomach or intestinal disorders.
• In China, it has been known as an antiasthmatic for over 3,000 years.