Ginger, the plant! This reed-like plant named Ginger(Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is native to the coastal region of India. It has been used in China before written history began. Marco Polo saw this plant in China between 1280 and 1290 A.D. Its name interpreted from the Greek, Arabic, and Indian means, “Known already to the ancient.” Ginger, the common name is derived from the Sanskrit “gringa” or horn and “vera” meaning body, in reference to the shape of the root. Ginger stimulates the secretions of ingestive fluids that lower cholesterol ( Samadi, 2022), helps with motion sickness (Haniadka, 2013) and morning sickness. The Chinese value this stimulating plant and add it to their meat dishes to detoxify it. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they have used Ginger in their herbal formulations to warm the stomach and spleen (middle) and disperse the cold and alleviate vomiting (Hunt R et al., 2013).
Ginger also has an effect on a circulation, because of the stimulating volatile oils it contains. This valuable root has the ability to purify the blood and is valuable when indications of flu start coming on. It has also been used as a female and male tonic, liver, and kidneys, because of its effectiveness when used with other herbs.
Ginger, the Hydrosol!
Ginger water (hydrosol) along with Thyme water (hydrosol) from the steam distillation has been shown to detoxify and have antioxidant effects. Therefore, it is recommended to use them to avoid alcohol toxicity (Shati, 2009). 3 tbsps daily for 10 days per month.
Try this formulation to help you with Aches and Pains.
Ginger, the Essential Oil!
Warming, delightfully spicy, light yellow to dark yellow, aromatic, and strengthening is the essential oils of Ginger. The root is steam distilled. The Ginger essential oil warms the body internally. “Ginger has a pain-reducing effect and it can modulate pain through various mechanisms: inhibition of prostaglandins via the COX and LOX-pathways, antioxidant activity, inhibition of the transcription factor nf-kB, or acting as an agonist of vanilloid nociceptor (Rondanelli 2020).”
Ginger, the Flower.
Ginger, the Flower Essence
Ginger flower essence was a research flower when I first started using it and this is what my experience was like with this quite beautiful flower. I felt warmer physically, especially in the lower trunk. My mind was clearer and very calm. I was able to handle situations constructively with others. I could speak my true feelings in a warm and calm way. This flower helped me in relationships and communication.
Yellow ginger – Flower Essence
Relaxing to your body and your mind. Helps alleviate anxiety and panic attacks. Brings your energy down into your body, therefore grounding and stabilizing.
When we can relax, we can rejoice and know that all is well.
These flowers are carefully hand-gathered and made into our healing flower essences which: Yellow GingerFlower Essence helps your mind & body to let go and RELAX.
Applications: Excellent used topically and in massage to release muscle tension and pain.
Take 5 drops under the tongue or in water, juice, or tea. Place 10 drops in your water bottle.
Use topically, rub into hands, wrists, back of the neck, and places of tension or tight muscles. (https://hawaiianrainforestnaturals.com/product/ginger-flower-essence-relax/, 2022)
Haniadka R, Saldanha E, Sunita V, Palatty PL, Fayad R, Baliga MS. A review of the gastroprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Food Funct. 2013 Jun;4(6):845-55. doi: 10.1039/c3fo30337c. Epub 2013 Apr 24. PMID: 23612703 Available https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23612703/ Accessed March 5th, 2022
Hunt R, Dienemann J, Norton HJ, Hartley W, Hudgens A, Stern T, Divine G. (2013) Aromatherapy as treatment for postoperative nausea: a randomized trial, Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22392970, Last Accessed March 8th, 2022
Nunes CP, Rodrigues CC, Cardoso CAF, Cytrynbaum N, Kaufman R, Rzetelna H, Goldwasser G, Santos A, Oliveira L, Geller M. Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Ginger Extract in the Preventive Management of Motion Sickness. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020 Jun 15;92:100591. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2020.100591. PMID: 32714473; PMCID: PMC7378854 Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32714473/ . Last Accessed March 5th, 2022
Rondanelli M, Fossari F, Vecchio V, Gasparri C, Peroni G, Spadaccini D, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Iannello G, Nichetti M, Infantino V, Perna S. Clinical trials on pain lowering effect of ginger: A narrative review. Phytother Res. 2020 Nov;34(11):2843-2856. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6730. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32436242; PMCID: PMC7754412. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32436242/ Accessed March 8th, 2022
Samadi M, Moradinazar M, Khosravy T, Soleimani D, Jahangiri P, Kamari N. A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of fatty liver disease. Phytother Res. 2022 Feb 1. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7390. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35106852. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35106852/ Last Accessed March 5th, 2022
You can also see my article in AIA Aromatic Journal Summer 2019 in Action called Ginger, the Root of all Spices https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/
To learn more about Ginger essential oil and herb join me in the Common Scents Community for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs and Essential Oils Monthly Live Workshops – https://www.lorriehargis.com/members/join-csc/
Better Health and Happiness,
Lorrie
