Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Location: Ginger is native to tropical Asia. It is extensively cultivated in China, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Japan and Nigeria.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the rhizome (roots).
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is yellow in colour with a strong, warm, fresh, spicy aroma.
Description: A perennial herb with an erect, reed-like, white-flowering stem rising from creeping jointed roots.
Background: Used by the Chinese and Indians for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Introduced to Europe by the Arabs between the 10th and 15th centuries; later introduced into South America by the Spaniards.
Properties: Warming, carminative, stimulant.
Precaution: This is should not be used when there is excessive heat or inflammation, and is best used in lower concentrations as it may cause irritation in sensitive people.
Uses
Respiratory System-Ginger is powerfully expectorant, clearing the lungs of accumulated catarrh and mucus. Also good for congested sinuses or colds.
Nervous System-Helpful for travel sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy, reducing nausea and vomiting.
Muscular System-Massaged into the limbs, ginger increases the flow of blood to the extremities for cold, rheumatic pains in the hands and feet.
