The Artistic Farmer

Zingiber officinale. Zingiberaceae                                                          

When growing wild, ginger favors shady places, hedgerows and verges of woodlands. It leaves are grayish, consisting of many small leaflets. Its flowers are golden and plumey, pleasantly fragrant. In the places where ginger can be found growing wild , such as the isles of the Azores, it has becoming a vegetation menace. Its knobby rhizome roots spread far and wide , and are difficult to uproot once they have established themselves. Ginger is widely cultivated. The root can be obtained fresh, in pieces, or dried and ground. Ginger! Ginger! It is one of my favorite of all herbal spices and remedies. And indeed, present day it is bracketed along with garlic as being the greatest of the healing herbs. In addition to its healing properties, it is also in worldwide use as a flavoring; pungent, warming, and delicious. A entire book has been written on ginger. The special power of ginger as a flavoring spice and as a warming, soothing and healing medicine is embodied in a oily substance called gingerol, derived from ginger oil, and found mainly in the root rhizomes.

Use, internal:

As well as being a valued and popular condiment, ginger is highly medicinal. Its properties are stimulating, warming, aromatic, digestive. Ginger will produce sweating and its penetrative powers will quicken paralyzed limbs. A general tonic for nerves and digestive organs. Stimulates digestive juices, expels worms, cures colds, sore throats, diarrhea, nausea. Good for delayed menstruation and for exhaustion during or following childbirth. Medicinally the powdered root is given as a tea to cure indigestion, flatulence, stomach pains, stomach cramps, internal gas in stomach and intestine, also menstrual cramps. An important ingredient of senna laxative drink, to prevent the typical griping of senna. Also valuable as addition to other medicines, to lessen nausea. Preserved ginger (sold in confectionery shops and health stores) is a famed remedy to cure indigestion, stomachache, and to help reduce craving for nicotine and narcotics of all kinds, including the addictive drugs. Candied ginger is such a popular remedy to combat seasickness that it is served in the dining rooms of transatlantic liners to help the passengers.

Use, external:

Bunches of fragrant flowers are used as wedding bouquets, to give good cheer and health to the bride and groom. Ginger in powder form, applied to hot cloths, gives relief in toothache and headache.

Dose:

A piece of the root, about the size of a small hazelnut, may be chewed before meals. Or make ginger tea, from one teaspoon of ginger (powdered or chopped) to one cup of hot water, sweetened with molasses or honey, and with a slice of lemon added. Taken this way, as a warm drink, it is helpful in cases of delayed menstruation and for childbirth pains. A level teaspoon of the powdered root can be made into balls with thick honey. As a sweet treat it can be taken as desired, being only beneficial.