• helps the relief of flatulence, constipation, spasm indigestion, and other symptoms related to digestive problems
• used as an aid to prevent nausea and vomiting resulting from motion sickness and post-operative nausea
• used to treat painful menstruation
• used for osteoarthritis
• used for anxiety
Ginger has been used for millennia both as a food and as a medicine in virtually all major traditional systems of medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and traditional Western herbalism. Ginger’s most common traditional use has been as a warming digestive stimulant, to relieve spastic conditions of the intestines, colic, gas, bloating and indigestion. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has traditionally used ginger for these properties. Herbalist Christopher Hobbs comments that, “Because of its superb anti-cramping qualities, ginger is one of the best remedies for … spasms in the stomach or intestines. These spasms can be quite painful and often result from overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system due to stress…”
As an anti-spasmodic, ginger is often added to formulae for the relief of painful periods. Eclectic physicians said that “In dysmenorrhea, ovarian neuralgia and uterine pain from any cause at the menstrual epoch, this agent is reliable.”
Modern use has focused primarily on ginger’s ability to reduce nausea. This clinical attribute is repeatedly confirmed in clinical trials for such conditions as post-chemotherapy, post-surgery, motion sickness and especially the nausea of pregnancy. A current research monograph concluded that there is “Good scientific evidence for this use”. In addition, a 2006 meta-analysis investigating ginger for postoperative nausea and vomiting showed that this herb was more effective than placebo in 5 out of 6 studies examined.
Another less known use of ginger is for anxiety and panic attacks. Finley Ellingwood, MD, attests that, “If given at the beginning of a hysterical attack it will often abort the attack, and produce quiet and restful sleep”. This use was also popular with naturopathic physician Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., who writes that, “It is a good anxiolytic that acts like Valium (diazepam). I use it to wean patients from Valium. Like Valium, it acts on the benzodiazepine receptor sites.”
Evidence suggests that ginger is also helpful for arthritis.
Administration: 1.5 - 3 ml (45-90 drops) 3x daily in a little water before meals.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have gallstones, blood coagulation disorders, if you are taking blood thinners or if abdominal discomfort, heartburn, and/or an irritant effect in the mouth or throat persist after use. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Certifed Organic
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale) |
