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For the Love of Ginger




    For the Love of Ginger
By: Mary E. Woodis


     From the time I began menstruation I can remember the miraculous benefits of Ginger (Zingiber officinale). My menstrual cycles were always late, heavy and painful. The cramping was so intense that I would be left pale, weak and suffering from diarrhea. In her compassion my Momma would make me a cup of hot Ginger tea and the symptoms would begin to be alleviated. I praise Almighty God for my wise Momma.


     When I became older I mentioned this to her and she told me about how her Momma used to make this simple tea for her. Normally 1 teaspoon allowed to steep in a cup of boiling water will do the trick. You can increase or decrease the amount to your needs.


     In the last few years God has given me intense desire to use more herbal remedies with my own family and I have found many uses for this wonderful herb. One such use has been to alleviate motion sickness. Our youngest daughter, Emily, suffers greatly from this malady. There was a time when she dreaded road trips because of her fear of sickness. This became a real problem when we began to travel with our business. In June of 2001, Kim Johnson asked me if I had ever given her Ginger. Stupidly I answered no. How could I have forgotten?


Here are some other uses and recommended applications for Ginger:

Migraine Headaches – Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and relaxes the blood vessels that are constricted in the head.
Anti vomiting and nausea – Can be taken in capsule form for motion sickness and pregnancy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis – Reduces pain by lowering prostaglandin levels. Brings more blood to injured, inflamed area. In this instance, fresh Ginger is more effective. ¼ inch slice chewed or added to cooking will help. Ginger is also available in candied slices where Oriental cooking supplies are found.
Sore Throat – Ginger has analgesic properties that can relieve the pain of a sore throat by making a strong tea from the fresh root and gargling. Very soothing for an irritated throat!
Suppressed menstruation – brings on a delayed menstrual cycle and helps to reduce clotting.
Diarrhea – stops the cramping.
Bronchitis – prepare a Ginger compress and apply directly to the chest. Cover the compress with plastic and remove when it cools. Has slight sedative properties and will help to open the airways and relieve wheezing.
Sinus congestion – when combined with cayenne (capsicum) will relieve congestion by watering down mucus.
Blood pressure – will raise or lower blood pressure as needed.
Muscle pains – relaxes tired, achy muscles, speeds healing by increasing circulation, reduces inflammation, relieves pain. Stir 2 TB. Into a hot bath. Will make the surface of the skin feel warm and tingly.
Intestinal parasites – kills and expels a wide range of parasites.
Flaky, dry scalp – brew a strong tea from the fresh root and rinse. Has also been used to slow hair loss.
Blood clots – has been used extensively as a natural blood thinner with little to no side effects. However Ginger is a peripheral herb and will induce sweating.
Ulcers – Ginger contains 6 anti-ulcer compounds.
Liver – contains flavonoids to protect your liver, helps to remove toxins from your body through the kidneys and bowels. Gives other herbs a boost by improving the body’s ability to assimilate them.
Allergies – works as a natural antihistamine.


Ginger is available in many formulas and from many sources. Besides the fresh that is widely available at grocery stores and Wal Mart, my favourite source for the capsules is Nature’s Sunshine. This is a carefully prepared, standardized form and our own Pam Tomberlin keeps this in stock. Also, Nature’s Way and Sundown carry reliable formulas.


Information Sources:

"The How To Herb Book" by: Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon
ISBN 0-94717-00645-5

"Back to Eden" by: Jethro Kloss
ISBN 0-940985-10-1

"Herbs for Health and Healing" by: Kathi Keville with Peter Korn
ISBN 1-57954-045-7
(readily available through Amazon.com

"Mommy Diagnostics" by: Shonda Parker
ISBN 1-929125-11-9


Disclaimer: None of the information included in this article should be used to replace the advice of your physician. This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to diagnose illness. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have a health problem.

If you have questions or would like to discuss using this article in your publication, please feel free to contact us:

Crooked Pines Publishing
Jessie and Mary Woodis
1365 County Road 74
Florence, AL 35633
jessiew@hiwaay.net

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This article is copyrighted by Mary E. Woodis. If you would like to print this article in whole or part in your publication please contact Jessie and Mary Woodis at jessiew@hiwaay.net for permission and more details.

Page last updated February 2003