Zingiber officionale
Description: Scientists have found evidence to support ginger's wide range of medicinal actions. These actions include the lowering of cholesterol levels, relief for allergies and asthma, arthritis, colds, and nausea; and protecting the digestive tract and liver against toxins and parasites.
Ginger inhibits cholesterol production in the liver, which makes up to 85% of the cholesterol in circulation in the blood stream. Ginger also decreases the activity of plate-activating factor (PAF), a clotting agent that creates the clot that can result in heart attack of stroke.
Ginger's ability to reduce PAF activity also makes the herb effective against allergies and asthma. PAF, which stimulates the inflammation seen in allergy and the bronchial constriction seen in asthma becomes more active when fat is consumed. Dried ginger, especially dried ginger tinctures, can offset this effect. In a clinical trial in India, the consumption of 5 grams (5 teaspoons) of dried ginger per day for seven days reversed blood lipid elevation caused by daily consumption of 100 grams (3-12/ ounces) of butter.
Ginger's effects against infection have also been confirmed by laboratory science. One ginger compounds kills cold viruses at a concentration of less than one part per million, a concentration to that found in raw ginger. Ginger contains a chemical called zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs. This antiparasitic effect is put to use preparing sushi.
Typical Preparations:
Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, in herbal formulas, and in cooking. First-time users of ginger tend to use too much. To make ginger tea, simmer 3/4 teaspoon (0.5 to 1.0 grams) of chopped ginger in 1 cup of hot water for five minutes in a closed teapot. To treat asthma, use an alcohol-based tincture rather than a tea.
Medicinal Precautions:
Although there are warning in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and some medical texts about use of ginger during pregnancy, ginger use din moderation, that is 3/4 teaspoon up to three times a day, poses no risk to motherÍs or babyÍs health. Studies in the late 1990's found that eating as much as 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw ginger or 5 to 8 tablespoons of dried ginger daily will not stimulate uterine contraction. Excessive use may cause gastro-intestinal upset.
Magickal Associations:
Aromatherapy Uses: Masculine, Mars, Fire. Powerfully spicy, Ginger essential oil is useful in sexuality, love, courage, and money attracting blends. Eating Ginger before performing spells will lend them power, since you have been "heated up" by the Ginger; this is especially true of love spells. Ginger is also used in Success spells, or to ensure the success of a magical operation.
Aromatherapy Uses: Arthritis, Fatigue, Muscular Aches and Pains, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism, Sprains, Strains, Catarrh, Congestion, Coughs, Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Diarrhea, Colic, Cramp, Flatulence, Indigestion, Loss of Appetite, Nausea, Travel Sickness, Chills, Colds, Flu, Fever, Infectious Disease, Debility, Nervous Exhaustion. Key Qualities: Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Stimulating, Warming, Cephalic, Comforting
What you receive: Herb that has been cut & sifted or ground and comes in a food grade poly Ziploc baggie to retain freshness.
