JAMAICA GINGER

(Zingiber officinale)

Part used:

The dried rhizome or root (with the outer cortical layers partially or completely removed).

Therapeutic action:

Diffusive stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic (hot), aromatic, sternutatory, rubefacient, anodyne, sialagogue, pungent, condiment, aphrodisiac. Ginger is a milder stimulant; it goes from the capillaries, through the venous structure, to the heart and back again. It is more diffusive than, but may be used as a substitute for, cayenne when it is unavailable.

Medicinal uses:

Boils, bronchitis (chronic), cholera, colds, colic, congestion, diarrhea, dyspepsia (atonic), flatulence (suppressed gas), flu, gout (atonic), griping, headache, hemorrhage of lungs, menstruation, nausea, neuralgia, paralysis of tongue, reproductive problems, rheumatism, sore throat, toothache.

Preparation:

Generally use ginger in infusion. Once in a while it is decocted with other herbs. In many forms it is good: bolus, essence, infusion, liniment, liquid extract, plaster, poultice, tincture.