At this time of year we often need a feeling of warmth or stimulation, something to ease unsteady stomachs, cramps or a bit of watery mouth, to aid the sniffles, coughs or other winter 'bugs', maybe something to ease those joint aches or get the blood flowing.
Whilst the herbal medicine chest has a fair few options for the above and many other issues, one has continued to be used by people (even if they have forgotten why) and modern medicine right into the present, that one is Zingiber officinale or Ginger root.
Highly useful both inside and out, for external use either as a oil rub (infuse grated ginger in oil) or in a cream (the infused oil or a few drops of ginger essential oil in aqueous cream) its great for bringing healing blood to joints or the surface; so great for joint pain, sprains, swelling, stiffness or white/ blue feet/ hands. Please try a little on the palm of the hand to make sure you dont get a reaction first.
Many herbalists make their own internal and external preparations at this time of year, often containing Zingiber as a main ingredient, one which I personally like and use (I know I could make my own but as of yet haven't found the time), its fresh Zingiber, dried Capsicum (Cayenne) and Juniperus (Juniper berries) in a balm with either rosemary or black pepper essential oil, now this concoction has great anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and heating properties, you can view them and other bespoke remedies here. https://www.ofthewillow.com
Internally, add ginger to cooking, teas or winter drinks is a great way to enjoy this warm, pungent herb. Its best know as a anti-emetic or anti-nausea herb and whilst there is lots of clinical and personal evidence that it works well for all types of nausea even compared to prescribed drugs, this really sells this easy to get herb short. Sticking with digestion it increases saliva, stomach acid, bile and gut mobility; increases appetite, reduces fat intake, stimulates the gastrointestinal lining thus increasing digestion, easing spasm, cramps, distension and aiding in the elimination of stomach toxins.
Outside of digestion, ginger improves poor circulation by acting on platelet aggression or stickiness, this allows blood to flow and explains gingers aid in conditions such as chilblains and Raynaud's disease. Along with this Zingiber acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, this is via the oleo-resins gingerol and shogoel reducing the inflammatory components leukotrieenes and prostoglandins, easing many inflammatory abdominal, joint, respiratory etc complaints.
Its abundance of volatile oils (think essential oils) have wonderful and potent antimicrobial properties fighting stomach, bowel and lung bacterial, viral and fungal infections. This makes ginger along with its ability to increase antimicrobial stomach acid production, promote gut mobility and increases perspiration (bugs dont like us having a higher than 37c internal temperature, resulting in a great winter antiviral/ bacterial tea herb.
Other interesting uses include for menstrual cramps and poor quality periods; improves energy levels; as an aphrodisiac; improves immune system for people always suffering minor infections; also eases sore throats and sinus complaints.
Dosage: The easiest way to use internally (other that adding to food) is to cut and grate a piece of fresh root about half an inch long, put in a pan, add about 300 - 400mls of water and simmer for about 30 minutes (with the lid on to not lose the volatile oils), remove and leave covered until cool, drain and drink with a little honey and lemon (you can eat or use the used grated herb in another dish), externally see above or add a few tablespoons of the above liqueur, teaspoons of infused oil or few drops of essential oils to a hot bath to ease muscle aches and to your skin to life (please spot test on skin before external use and only add a small amount as can irritate mucous membranes ie vagina) Otherwise visit me or your nearest medical herbalist (visit www.theccp.uk for the nearest) for a consultation, for if Zingiber is indicated, a herbal mix containing concentrated Zingiber tincture along with other herbs, will be prescribed.
Cautions: Be a little careful externally, always spot test for strength. Internally be careful if you suffer with gallstones, also whilst the link hasn't been established if you are pregnant or take Warfarin or other anti-platelets medications be a little careful on not including high amounts of Zingiber everyday for more than a couple of days (ie if using for flu), if concerned reduce dose to a dietary level and see a medical herbalist.
Also these pages are not to aid in serious self diagnosis (nothing on the internet is) if concerned about any feeling of illness or discomfort, please contact your GP, dial 111 or visit your nearest medical herbalist (visit www.theccp.uk for the nearest).
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