Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Abstract

Ginger is a perennial herb, with underground branching stems (rhizomes) which are swollen and tough. The leaves and rhizomes of ginger have a characteristic fragrance when cut or bruised. Rhizomes are dug out after the leafy parts are dried. Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. Ginger is considered an herbal remedy in many cultures. Over the years, it has been used to reduce inflammation, help with digestion, improve cardiovascular health and even historically to ward off diseases like the plague. The rhizome can be sliced, chopped, minced or served fresh but will always carry the trademark "heat" that has made it a medicinal mystery. Historically, people used ginger to fight disease and cure a fever since people would sweat when they would eat the ischolar_main. Although that helps, since it gets the metabolism racing and warms the body, we now realize that ginger offers additional medicinal benefits. Consumption of ginger helps with blood circulation and has antiinflammatory qualities that ease arthritis and other body aches and pains. It increases the body's production of saliva and other digestive fluids, which relieves an upset stomach and supports healthy digestion. Speeding up digestion helps clean the kidneys and bowels to remove toxins from the body. It also helps ease morning sickness, nausea and motion sickness. Ginger is said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic. It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover. The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods. Ginger has been used to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney filtration.

Full Text