Healing Botanicals: Ginger Root
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
In Ayurveda, ginger (shunti in Sanskrit) is considered a powerful rasayana (rejuvenative) herb, widely valued for its warming, digestive, and circulatory benefits.
Ayurvedic Profile
Rasa (taste) - pungent taste
Virya (energy) - heating
Vipaka (post-digestive effect) - sweet
Doshic Impact - Balances Vata & Kapha, Increase Pitta in excess
Key Benefits and Uses:
Digestive Aid: Ginger stokes agni (digestive fire), reducing bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion. It is often used to relieve nausea and stimulate appetite.
Respiratory Support: Its warming nature clears mucus, making it a popular remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger’s compounds (gingerol and shogaol) reduce inflammation, easing pain from arthritis or muscle soreness.
Circulation Enhancer: By increasing blood flow, ginger warms the body, aiding those with cold extremities or circulation-related concerns.
Special Considerations:
Fresh or dried ginger show up differently in our bodies . Fresh ginger works to warm the peripheries (hands, feet, skin) and is beneficial for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Dry ginger brings heat to the central core and is best for Vata and Kapha constitutions and should be used sparingly for Pitta types.
Renee's Favorite Uses:
Ginger Tea - This is a classic Ayurvedic remedy to soothe respiratory or digestive issues. I usually head straight to my stove to make a pot at the hint of a cold from my family.
1 inch of fresh ginger
4 cups of water
teaspoon of honey
Bring water to a boil, add ginger, reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Pour a cup of the tea into mug, let cool a bit, add honey.
Appetite & Digestive Booster - This little bite helps your body to break down and assimilate foods by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and move the food through more efficiently.
1/8" slice of fresh ginger root (peeled)
Squeeze of lime
Pinch of salt
Cut and peel a small slice of fresh ginger. Squeeze a few drops of lime on it, then drop a pinch of salt on top. 15 minutes prior to eating a meal, pop it into your mouth, chew thoroughly and swallow.
Contraindications: Due to its heating virya, avoid using ginger if high-Pitta conditions like acid reflux or intense fevers exist. As well, use sparingly during hot summer months.