Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Ginger Root

  Properties: * Analgesic * Anodyne * Anti Cancer * Anti oxidant * Anti rheumatic * Antispasmodic * Aphrodisiac * Aromatic * Astringent * Bitter * COX-2 Inhibitor * Digestive * Muscle Relaxant * Stimulant * Vasodilator * Warm 

Parts Used: Root

Constituents: volatile oil, (mainly zingiberone and bisabolene), oleoresin (containing the pungent principles gingerols, shogaols and zingerone), fats, protein, starch, vitamins a and b, minerals, amino acids.

Health benefits of Ginger: Ginger can be used safely to treat a wide range of health problems, from simple nausea to arthritis.  The aspect I most appreciate about ginger is what a good supporting player it is in herbal formulas. Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream. Ginger is also a blood thinner, which may help reduce angina episodes by lowering cholesterol. The increase in blood flow helps relieve abdominal cramps and open the pelvis to bring on menstruation. 

Ginger in Chinese herbal medicine: Ginger may be one of the most important plants used in herbal medicine, it is certainly one of the most used. The cultivation of this plant extends so far back in human history that specific origins are hard to trace, however, ginger is mentioned in the eldest medical texts from both India and China. Ginger is one of the most prescribed herbs in TCM, Sheng-jiang (fresh ginger) is used in the treatment of colds for it's ability to eliminate toxins and raise body heat. 

Sesame seeds and sesame seed oil are used for food and skin care and have a rich tradition of medicinal use. Sesame seeds are used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for hair loss, and as a liver tonic, according to pharmacologist Albert Leung, Ph.D. Both ginger root and sesame are invigorating to the scalp and can stimulate hair growth. For a ginger oil treatment, grate fresh ginger root and mix it with sesame oil. Massage the ginger oil into your scalp and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse and shampoo your hair. 

Ginger Root Tea: Make the firm, smooth skinned roots of fresh ginger root a household staple, and keep plenty of ginger on hand for both herbal medicine and healthy cooking. Drink ginger tea as a delicious daily tonic to enjoy its many benefits on your health and well being