AKA:
Amomum Zingiber, Ardraka, Black Ginger, Cochin Ginger, Gan Jiang, Gingembre, Ginger Essential Oil, Ginger Root, Imber, Jengibre, Jiang, Kankyo, Kanshokyo, Nagara, Race Ginger, Racine de Gingembre, Rhizoma Zingiberi, Zingiberis Recens, Sheng Jiang, Shoga, Shokyo, Shunthi, Srungavera, Sunth, Sunthi, Vishvabheshaja, and other names.
Propagation:
Ginger is vegetatively propagated from small sections of the rhizome, called sets. Sets are produced by cutting a small 3–6 cm from a living rhizome. Each piece should possess at least one living bud which will produce shoots. Lime should be added to the soil in appropriate amounts in the Fall prior to planting. The sets should then be planted in early Spring at a depth of 5–12 cm, leaving 15–35 cm between plants and 25–30 cm between rows. For optimal growth, the soil temperature at planting should not fall below 25°C (77°F). Keep roots covered and beds weeded and will benefit from the addition of a complete fertilizer as well as phosphorous, calcium and organic matter prior to planting. Harvest after the leaves senesce, dry out and the stem falls over then cured for 3 to 5 days to prevent the development of mildew on the rhizomes.
History/Folklore:
Ginger is thought to originate from tropical and subtropical areas, primarily Indomalaysia, however it was known and cultivated in ancient times in many countries. Now it is primarily commercially grown and cultivated in South Asia. It was traditionally used to make condiments, perfumes, and medicines, especially stimulants and preparations to ease stomach distress. Ginger also has long had a folkloric reputation as a motion-sickness antidote. Legend has it that commercial fishermen at sea would chew on a slug of ginger root to ward off bouts of seasickness. It is believed to be one of the spices first traded along the Spice routes and Silk Road. The first recorded use of ginger goes as far back as its appearance in the ancient Chinese herbal Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written by emperor Shen Nong around 2,000 B.C.E. and the ancient Sanskrit text of India, the Mahabharata, around 400 B.C.E. In the latter text, a recipe with stewed meat and ginger is described.
Medicinal:
Ginger works faster at preventing motion sickness or nausea than dramamine. Flower petals and tender young shoots may be eaten raw or cooked. Both fresh and dried ginger root have therapeutic properties for promoting the secretion of digestive juices, hypertension, headaches, morning sickness, colic, relieving and expelling gas, heartburn, digestive and intestinal cramps, dyspepsia and even chemotherapy induced nausea. Various studies done have also shows it inhibits vertigo, lower cholesterol, heart disease, a natural preservative, bactericide, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugars, eases period cramps, keeps food oils and fats from rancidity. It is good at halting growth of bacteria like E. coli and shigella, and they may also keep viruses like RSV at bay.
Spiritual:
Ginger has been used to attract money, love and success, with love being the most documented use. Eating ginger before working magic was believed to help increase the magician’s energy and thus make the magic stronger.
Conclusion:
Throughout history, the general consensus has been that Ginger is one of the most powerful and all inclusively beneficial plants on our planet. Used universally as a successful healing food/herb/medicine that all should include in their lives daily. As the value of ginger has not mellowed with time it is quite evident that we should listen to our ancestors. It is useful for anyone of any age and is a great foundation to good health for all humans alike. There are many amazing ways to incorporate this plant into our lives and I encourage you to definitely include this one in your life. Scientists, herbalists, and doctors can all agree on this one. Again, just to be on the safe side always consult with your doctor before incorporating it into your daily routine, especially if you are on chronic disease medications. I could not find any reports of bad interactions with medications but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hope you enjoyed learning a little about this amazing little plant!!!
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