From an Ayurvedic perspective ginger is considered in two ways, fresh ginger or adrak and dry ginger or shunthi. Although it is a rhizome many people consider it to be a root. Its official name is zinziber officinale.
In different ways it is suitable for all the three doshas, particularly vata related illnesses. One of the most important characteristics of ginger is that it also enhances the healing effect of other herbs.
Adrak is hot, spicy, dry and oily. Hence it is very good for vata and pitta doshas. However, care should be taken as in excess it will aggravate pitta dosha and give rise to hyper acidity. Hence it should not be consumed by people who have ulcers or haemorrhages. It is also advisable not to take a lot of it during menstruation. Because it is hot and spicy it is very good for kapha dosha and is very helpful in respiratory illnesses. Even lozenges have both honey and ginger in them. Just chewing on a piece of ginger relieves a sore throat. Mix ½ inch grated ginger, 1/4th teaspoon turmeric, 1/4th teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Keep licking this mixture 3-4 times a day. It will cure throat congestion. Because of its oily nature shunti or dry ginger can act for a long time in the deep tissues. Adrak or fresh ginger on the other hand has a shorter period of activity as it is not so oily.
Digestion plays a key role in Ayurveda and the digestive fire or agni has to be active for proper digestion to take place. If digestion is proper, then it does not lead to ama or toxin production. Ginger can improve appetite and also stimulate the agni or digestive fire. Because of this ability ginger can prevent bloating. Ginger can be cut into strips and these strips are soaked in lemon juice and a bit of rock salt overnight. The next day they are dried in the sun. This process is repeated several times till all the liquid is aborbed. These strips of ginger are then stored and chewed after a meal to enhance digestion. They can also be taken to prevent travel sickness.
It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It plays an important role in joint pain. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting the activity of prostaglandins. One of its classical uses is in cervical spondylitis. Here a paste is made of adrak and this is then applied to the neck over the cervical vertebrae. This paste is kept for about 20-30 minutes and then washed off. It is done daily for a minimum of 2 weeks. It has also been found to be effective for headaches. A thin paste of ginger is applied to the forehead and removed after 15 minutes.
Along with haridra or turmeric it plays a significant role in allergic rhinitis.
A drink made of ginger with amalaki powder and honey plays a significant role in improving immunity and warms the body. Amalaki powder and pieces of fresh ginger are boiled together, strained and when it is cool honey is added.
to be continued . . .
Mrs. Mira Swami, Department of Ayurveda