The inner bark, leafy twigs, dried fruit and oil are used in herbal preparations.
GINGER
OTHER NAMES:
Jamaica ginger and Sheng Jiang
PARTS USED:
The fresh and dried rhizomes are used and an essential oil is also extracted.
THERAPEUTIC USES:
Internal Use
Cinnamon relieves spasms, lowers fever and blood pressure, controls bleeding and infections and relieves indigestion.
In Western allopathic medicine it is used for diarrhea, flatulent dyspepsia and colds, while Chinese medicine uses it for diarrhea as well, and also for poor appetite, low vitality, under performing kidneys, as well as for colds, angina, palpitations, fevers and rheumatic and arthritic complaints.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia list it for use in flatulent dyspepsia, flatulent colic, diarrhea, specifically colic or dyspepsia with flatulent distension and nausea.
The bark is also used to flavor sweets, cool drinks, chewing gum, curries and condiments.
The flowers are traditionally used as a "blood purifier".
Ginger is used internally for motion sickness, nausea, morning sickness, indigestion, colic, abdominal chills, colds, coughs, influenza and peripheral circulatory problems.
Ginger increases perspiration, improves digestion and liver function controls nausea, vomiting and coughing, It stimulates circulation, relaxes spasms and relieves pain.
It is a very "warming" herb, and is used in "cold" conditions like frigidity and impotence.
Some hypoglycaemic, cholesterol lowering, immune stimulant and anti-inflammatory properties have been noted.
It has a very beneficial effect on ulcers, and also increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices.
In Chinese medicine, it is used for nausea, vomiting, fever, cold, cough, nasal discharge, blood in the urine, abdominal unease and feeling of fullness as well as chronic bronchitis.
Green ginger (fresh young rhizomes) is juiced, eaten raw, preserved and candied.
External Use:
Ginger used externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism andlumbago.
MAKING HERBAL TEA:
The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a cup of boiling water over 1-2 filter bags of "Dr.Life Cinnamon & Ginger tea, let it stand for 5 minutes and drink it warm.
USEFUL TIPS:
You could sweeten your health drink with honey, should you so require, and a dash of fresh lemon juice may also enhance the taste.
