Ginger Root - Nature's Hot Water Bottle

Did you know that Ginger Root warms the fingers and toes in cold weather? But that's not all that Ginger can do for us. It has many other health benefits as well.

Ginger Root is one of the most effective digestive herbs. It will help with settling upset stomachs, it will help calm nausea (including pregnancy and travel sickness) and it will also relieve stomach cramps and wind (flatulence).
Like other hot spices, it stimulates the circulation, warming us from the inside. It can create a sweat that will cool us down or assist in reducing a fever. 
Lower doses will help to keep fingers and toes warm in cold weather due to its ability to increase circulation. It's very helpful in assisting with chilblains, Raynaud's phenomenon (a disease which causes spasms of the arteries in the extremities, especially the fingers and toes). Raynaud's is typically brought on by constant cold or vibration. Ginger Root also assists many other circulation problems.
Ginger Root is natures internal hot water bottle. It can be used in teas, tinctures and poultices easing and reducing inflammation and soothing pain. This can be useful for muscular and joint pains, period pains, and colitis, and it can be very helpful in reducing pain due to tumours and growths thus enabling patients with these conditions to take fewer painkilling drugs.
After suffering a whiplash injury from a car accident some 18 months ago, I found Ginger Root extremely helpful to reduce both pain and inflammation. Used in conjunction with other inflammation and pain killing herbs such as St John's Wort, White Willow Bark, Nettle, Chamomile, and Peppermint it proved most beneficial and extremely effective. Significantly, I found that since natural herbs were used, there was none of the usual side effects that can be common with most anti-inflammation and pain relieving drugs; notably constipation.

Botanical Name: Zingiber Officinalis

Actions: Calming, warming, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, wind-dispeller, aids digestion, circulation booster, anti-viral, anti-spasmodic.

For culinary uses: Both the stems and roots of Ginger are used in cooking, finding a suitable place in most cuisines either as a spice for savoury dishes, or as an aromatic without overpowering. It works well for sweet treats such as sweets and chocolate, and many other others besides.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is for informational purposes only. We do stress that you should do your own research, or talk with your health professional if you suffer from an existing health condition, or if you are on other medication, prior to consumption of herbs or herbal products. Generally, most herbs are very safe but it's always best to be certain, so please consult your health professional.