Zingiber officinale is the botanical name of ginger which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The herb has various medicinal uses. Ginger is the most important herbal supplement. Ginger is associated with cure of various diseases such as vomiting, nausea related to motion sickness and pregnancy. The roots of the herb have gastrointestinal benefits and carminative and anti-inflammatory properties.
The other common names of Zingiber officinale are Calamus, Ginger root, Sonth (dried) and Sweet Ginger. It is mostly found in South East Asia. Ginger is rich in volatile oils, oleoresin, water extract starch, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash. The herb has an aromatic odour and a pungent spicy flavor.
Zingiber officinale Medicinal Use
The herb has the following medicinal uses:
- Stomach Disorders — Ginger is effective in certain stomach disorders such as colic, spasms, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence and other painful disorders. Chewing a fresh ginger piece helps reduce these ailments.
- Cold — The herb is an effective remedy for cold and cough. Ginger juice is taken with honey thrice or four times a day for quick relief. Ginger tea is also effective in cough.
- Dyspepsia — Fresh ginger juice should be mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey and equal amounts of mint and lime juices. This mixture is effective in treatment of vomiting, nausea and dyspepsia due to indigestion, piles, jaundice and biliousness.
- Fever — Ginger juice should be mixed with honey and fenugreek decoction. It is an excellent remedy to proliferate sweating and reduce fever. It also acts as expectorant in asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis of lungs and whooping cough.
- Pain — The herb is an excellent painkiller. It helps in cure of headache, toothache and earache.
- Menstrual Disorders — Ginger is pounded and boiled in water and sugar is added. This decoction should be taken thrice daily to get relief from painful menstruation.
- Aphrodisiac — Ginger is an aphrodisiac. It helps cure impotency, spermatorrhea, involuntary seminal discharge and premature ejaculation.
The above are some of the medicinal uses of Zingiber officinale herb.
