Ginger

Zingiber officinale;Zingiberaceae

 Ginger is a milder stimulant than Cayenne. It goes from the capillaries, through the venous structure, to the heart and back again. It is more diffusive than Cayenne.

Ginger tea is commonly used for indigestion, cramps, and nausea. One ounce of the fresh root is grated into a pint of boiling water. You can add honey and lemon to this to make quite a nice drink; this also helps break up colds and flu (Tie:70). Ginger can be infused in yogurt to make an excellent remedy for indigestion which is also antibacterial while stimulation the growth of good bacteria in the intestines (Rose:Herbal:77). You can chew a little of the root to stimulate the salivary glands and improve digestion by preventing fermentation and the formation of gas.

Ginger root is also said to be good for relieving nausea, especially when related to flu or to pregnancy. Some researchers claim that scientific tests have vindicated this old folk use of Ginger. Volunteers prone to motion sickness tested the effects of powdered Ginger root capsules, Dramamine and a placebo while being spun around in a rotating chair for six minutes. Half of those taking Ginger root could stand the full six minutes of spinning; none of the Dramamine or placebo volunteers could stand the full time. The Ginger seems to work in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent nausea; one or two capsules every few hours should help.

Ginger tea is often given in cases of colds and flu. It will produce perspiration and increase circulation, thus helping to speed the removal of toxins from the body. A favorite treatment in colds, flu and bronchitis is the Ginger bath.