The Dried Ginger - The Universal Medicine
Key Takeaways:
Ginger's Versatility: Ginger's aromatic warmth enhances both culinary delights and beverages, from infused cookies to chai. It refreshes breath and soothes the gut, making every bite delicious.
Health Benefits: Known as the "Universal Medicine," ginger has been a remedy for digestion, respiration, and circulatory issues for millennia. It's rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, aiding digestion, joint health, and overall well-being.
Ayurvedic and Western Energetics: Ginger's properties differ between Ayurvedic and Western perspectives, offering insights into its diverse therapeutic uses, from digestion to respiratory health.
Fresh vs. Dried Ginger: While fresh ginger is better for colds, coughs, and digestive issues, dried ginger excels in stimulating digestion, reducing kapha, and acting as a potent expectorant.
Culinary and Digestive Uses: Ginger enhances culinary delights and promotes digestive health by stimulating the digestive system, increasing agni, and clearing toxins.
Inflammation and Respiratory Health: Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing inflammation, while its expectorant nature alleviates respiratory issues like coughs and colds.
Other Health Benefits: Ginger's diverse benefits include anti-carcinogenic properties, cardiovascular support, weight loss aid, skin health promotion, hair growth stimulation, menstrual cramp relief, and memory enhancement.
Safety and Dosage: While ginger is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause adverse effects like heartburn or diarrhea. Pregnant women should consume it in moderation, and those on specific medications should consult a healthcare provider.
Traditional Formulations: Ginger features in numerous Ayurvedic formulations, offering a holistic approach to various health concerns.
Ginger Ale: Despite its reputation, ginger ale can aid digestion and relieve bloating and gas due to its carbonation.
How about a spicy kick of a ginger-infused chai this evening?
The warmth of ginger not only gives a smoothening effect to the gut but also refreshes our breath. With its versatile aroma and tint ,it flavors both culinary and beverages. It embarks its presence whether it may be a infused cookies or it may be a culinary dish or an infused tea ,it makes every bite delicious
Beyond its culinary uses ,it marks a significant role in tackling various health issues .It is said to aid digestion and relive gastric discomfort .Being rich in anti inflammatory properties ,its widely used in joint and muscle wellness and being rich in anti oxidants ,it can promote wellbeing
Known as Vishwabhesajam (The universal medicine) ,ginger has been a panacea for many ailments of digestion ,respiration and circulatoy defects for thousands of years Zingiber officinale ,from a family of zingiberacea , ginger Is a perennial herb which plays a large role in ancient traditions of Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese medicines
Ayurvedic energetics
With pungent and sweet taste ,heat virya(potency) ,Madhura vipaka (post digestion ) .This sweet vipaka leaves a cooling and lasting effect . Through its warm veerya ,it alleviates kapha and vata but increases pitta
In ayurveda it acts as ama nashaka, destroys toxins, pachana -digestive ,chardhi nighrahana – prevents nausea, hikka nigrahana – alleviates hiccups, agni Deepana – kindle digestive fire, grahi – absorbs fluids from intestines, arsogna – alleviates piles ,sita prasamana – reduces the feeling of cold, Rasayana – rejuvenate, kasa nigrahana - alleviates cough, Vedana stapana – alleviates pain,
Western energetics
Its described as stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, anti emetic, analgesic, appetizer, anti-flatulent, antitussive, anti microbial, hypolipidemic ,anti oxidant, anti spasmodic .anti atherosclerotic, cardio tonic and emmenagogue. From a vitamin and mineral perspective, its important in bone formation, metabolic activity, blood sugar and known to help in inflammation, alleviates PMS and helps the body to protect against free radical damage
Ginger - What does it have?
Gingerol shogaols ,paradols ,lipids ,carbohydrates .terpene ,zingeberine ,beta bisabolene etc
Have you ever got confused which ginger to use ?dried powder or fresh one ?
I have here tried to make your understanding simpler
Ardrak and sunti
Mostly fresh ginger is called ardraka and dry one as nagara or sunthi
Fresh ginger is a better diaphoretic, better for cold ,cough ,vomiting and deranged vata .It improves the voice complexion and can cure vibandha – constipation and gas bloatedness ,distention .colic pain .Its often said to be appetizer ,aphrodisiac and cardiac tonic
Dry ginger is a better stimulant and expectorant for reducing kapha and increasing agni .It often is combined with black pepper and long pepper (known as trikatu) a heating stimulation and a toxin-reducing,rasayana for kapha
In short
Fresh ginger (dry ,hot in nature ,should not be used for long time .It can be used to relieve constipation )
You can use fresh one in case of
· To improve peripheral circulation and to induce sweating
· For menstrual cramps
· When you feel too much vata
· As a mild laxative, powdered ginger can be effective.
Dry ginger (hotter but snigdha in nature and can be used long time .Used in IBS and diarrhoea because being absorbent .It can act in deeper tissue levels
You can use dry ginger for
· Sluggish digestion
· Clearing kapha or mucous
· For inflammation like arthritis
Benefits of dry ginger
Being utilized as health supplement world wide ,dried ginger has been extensively used in complaints ranging from respiratory ,cardiac, digestion ,boosting immunity etc etc .In this blog lets explore some health benefits of this universal medicine
· Culinary uses
Say it a stir fry or a masala chai ,ginger can decorate your taste buds .Western cuisine utilize this spice in sweet recipes like ginger bread ,ginger cookies and ginger ale
· Dried ginger for Digestive Health
· inger warms the digestive system ,increases the agni and secretion of digestive enzymes .Fresh ginger specially benefits rasa dhatu agni while dry one clears ama and is better for kledaka kapha aggravation
Even though its ushna veerya ,it has shown results in treating ulcers .It stimulates the defensive mucin production slightly more than the offensive acid pepsin secretion .The compound gingesulphonic acid proved more effective anti ulcer activity than gingerol and shogaol perhaps due to weaker pungency .
Ginger’s antibacterial ‘power’, especially in its powdered form, is effective against preventing numerous intestinal problems that take place as a result of the alteration of the intestinal flora. This makes ginger a natural preservative for gut health. This is ideal to avoid the formation of ulcers by eliminating the Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium whose secretions of ammonia are responsible for many ulcers, especially those of the duodene, and for other stomach problems like gastritis, since the plant is able to neutralize the excess of gastric acid that is another of the causes that favors the formation of ulcers.
Adding it with buttermilk or vegetables can ease digestive issues .
Grabbing a pinch of dry ginger before meals kindles agni
Ardrak chai or ginger tea is a traditional remedy for digestive conditions. Ginger tea combines one teaspoon of grated ginger root and one teaspoon of tea powder or tea leaves into a cup of boiling water or milk. Add sugar for taste. Boil it for 3 to 4 minutes to extract the flavour and nutrients. A hot cup of ginger tea can improve appetite and digestion, kindle the digestive fire, and promote nutrient absorption.
Chopped ginger root with a few drops of lime juice and a bit of salt can relieve constipation, vomiting, acidity, and also protect the gastric lining against acidity.
· Dried Ginger for Inflammation
It contributes to analgesic and anti inflammatory property being rich in gingerol an shagoal It can inhibit release of inflammatory molecules and flush out toxins in arthritic conditions
Dry ginger is considered to be ama clearing ,slesaka kapha reducing and toxin digesting
· Dried Ginger for Respiratory Health
As a kasa swaahara ,its known for alleviating cough and breathing difficulties .Fresh ginger stimulates effects on peripheral circulation ,vaso dilation and eating may contribute to its ability to clear colds .As the am clears from the rasa and raktha ,kapha vata cough and cold gets reduced .With cinnamon and lemon grass it can induce eating for cold .For a high kapha and vata cough ,vasa and pippali may be helpful .As a part of trikatu ,it helps in aiding kapha and also to accelerate sluggish digestion
A pinch of dry ginger powder with honey and turmeric addresses cols and cough
This combination fights different types of bacteria and improves body’s defense mechanism.
Traditional remedy for cold
Ginger is one of the best cold cures, according to Ayurveda. Birla Ayurveda’s Ayurveda experts recommend combining ginger (1 part), cinnamon (1 part), and lemon grass (2 parts) as well as other helpful therapies. Steep 1 tsp of the recipe in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes, drain and add honey if desired. This tea will aid in the relief of cold symptoms. Tea with ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom is another option. Combine the ginger (2 parts), cinnamon (3 parts), cardamom (a pinch), and honey to taste. Consider using dry adrak for a more potent mix.
Ginger and Turmeric Decoction for Immunity
Boil the paste of ginger and turmeric for 5 minutes in a cup of water to prepare the decoction. Brew it with honey or lemon to enhance the taste. The decoction effectively fights diseases and increases the person's overall health.
· Fights against infection in gums
Gingerol , a bioactive molecule reduces the risk of infections .It has analgesic ,sedative ,antipyretic and anti bacterial properties .Its extracts suppresses various oral pathogens and bacteria thus helping in suppressing inflammatory gum illness like gingivitis and periodontitis
· Anti carcinogenic
Gingers pungent principle component has proven to be possessing anti carcinogenic that may be both chemo preventive and chemo therapeutic .These cancer preventive activities are supposed to be mainly due to free radical scavenging ,anti oxidant pathways ,alteration of gene expression and induction of apoptosis all of which contribute towards decresase in tumor initiation ,promotion and progression
· Dry ginger for cardio health
Gingerols and shagoals can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 which detects and regulates body temperature .The pungent constituents also increase adrenalin secretion which heats the body .Due to sita prasamana ,it can reduce cold feeling .Dry ginger can benefit cardio health by increasing circulation and potential blood thinning properties when used in high dose. In combination with arjuna and gugulu ,it treats congestive heart conditions and poor circulation.
· Dried ginger, or sonth, is recommended for weight loss, with 100 g being a great starting point for new users.
Components in dry ginger can stimulate various biological reactions including burning belly fat and body weight .They can stabilize blood sugar and improve digestion ,absorbtion and elimination
Ginger and lemon juice can facilitate weight loss, especially when incorporated into a daily diet as recommended by gourmet foods experts.
· Dry ginger for skin health
Being anti oxidant and anti inflammatory, ginger may boost skin hydration, increase skin elasticity and reduce acne, wrinkles, skin tone and prevent ageing.
· Induces hair growth
Ginger benefits blood circulation to the scalp ,improves hair growth ,reduces hair loss and premature greying and prevents scalp infection
· Dry ginger for menstrual cramps
It’s a natural remedy for menstrual related issues like cramps ,body aches ,nausea ,bloating etc .Components in ginger can relax uterine muscles and reduces muscular contraction .They regulate hormones and improve circulation too
To reduce muscular cramps ,dry ginger powder can help .one can take hoy ginger tea too
Dry ginger ladoo is one of the traditional ladoo prepared to nourish post delivery ladies .It helps in improving immunity ,fights respiratory distress ,improves metabolism and regain lost energy .Sowbhagya sunti is an ayurvedic preparation given to feeding moms
· Boosts memory
Taking ginger every day can help to boost memory since its rich in proteins ,minerals and carbohydrates ,fibres .Studies have proved that it acts effective against alezeimers ,parkinsons,migraines and nausea and can improve memory functions
· Potential uses of ginger for diabetes:
Ginger has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects against metabolic syndromes like diabetes mellitus by significantly lowering the blood glucose levels and subsequently increasing insulin sensitivity. However, more studies on humans are needed to provide evidence the effect of ginger in managing blood sugar levels in the body
What should be the dose of it
Minimum between 250 mgs to 1 gm
Should any one avoid eating it ?
· In some cases ,it can cause heart burn ,diarrhoea ,skin irritation
· Avoid during pregnancy
· Those on anti coagulants ,anti platelets ,hypertensive,peptic ulcer or diabetes medicines – keep the doses relatively low
· Those with gall stones may wish to avoid it due to its cholagogue or bile purging effect
Ayurvedic classical formulations with ginger as ingredient in it
Few of the medicines are listed amongst Ennumber of medicines
Like ashta choornam, triphala gugulu, togaraja gugulu, trikatu, ardraka ghritham, sowbhagya sunti, ardrakasavam, bhavana sunti, samskara choorna, ardraka kanda, kottemchukkadi thailam, nagaradi kashayam, ardraka rasayanama, ardraka khanda avaleha, sunti samangadi kashayam, ashtavargam kashayam, dasamoolakatutrayam kashayam, lasoonerandadi kashayam, dusparshakadi kashayam, brihat manjitadi ashayam, saptasaram kasjhyam, sunti baladi akshyam, gandharva hasthadi kashaym, sukumaram kashayam, dhanadanayanadi kashaym, vyagradi kashayam, kaidaryadi kashayam, amruthotharam kashayam, nagaradi kashayam, thaleesadi choornam, gulardraakam, sothagna lepa, maharasnadi kwatham, amrutharistam, panchasakar choornam etc etc
So bid farewell to those tummy aches and embarrassing belches and welcome in the era of smooth digestion with every delicious meal. Here’s to you ginger for all the wonderful benefits you bring to us
Thus said the benefits
Ah that sounds delightful. A moment to relax , stretch and enjoy a sip of Adrak chai .Now what are you waiting for ?
Is ginger and adrak same?
The English name of adrak is ginger
What is the Indian name of ginger?
Zingiber is the official name , called as adrak in hindi ,sunti in Kanada and tulu called as inji in tamil and Malayalam ,
Is it safe to take ginger everyday?
Yes you can but in recommended doses
What are the negative side effects of ginger?
Taken in excess may cause acidity , diarrhea or heartburn
Is too much ginger bad for the liver?
No , owing to its anti-oxidant property, its good for liver.
What are the benefits of ginger to a man?
Ginger can protect sperm-producing cells owing to its androgenic property
Can pregnant women consume ginger?
In a limited quantity to reduce morning sickness and nausea
Does ginger have any benefits for hair?
It helps in the circulation of blood in the scalp and promotes hair follicles
How to Use Ginger?
You can use it in chais ,breads ,soups ,candies and in daily gravies
Benefits of ginger?
Carminative
Anti cancerous .oral hygiene ,reduces risk of diabetes ,cholesterol ,cardiac diseases ,tackles all digestive issues ,reduced muscle and joint soreness ,reduced menstrual cramps
Is too much consumption of ginger bad for you?
When not taken in recommended dose, it can cause heart burn ,acidity and diarrhea
Which potential harms and benefits of using ginger in the management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy should be addressed?
In a study about the potential effects of ginger , the Delphi technique was used to achieve consensus on a core list of important harms and benefits of using ginger in the management of NVP(nausea and vomiting of pregnant lady ) to be addressed during the clinical consultation. A Delphi process was followed in two panels in parallel sessions. One panel was composed of 50 gynecologists and other physicians who are often consulted by pregnant women suffering NVP and the other panel was composed of 50 women who suffered NVP.
In this study, panelists were of the opinion that physician should address the potential anticoagulant effects of ginger with pregnant women who are at higher risk of bleeding to make a better informed decision whether to use ginger or not.
Both physicians and women agreed that the risks associated with abortion should also be addressed during the clinical consultation when pregnant women are advised to take ginger for their NVP
Is it mandatory to remove the skin of Ginger, whether its poisonus?
The outer skin may be tough to digest because its highly fibrous and also it is advised to clean to remove the dirt or pesticides being underground.
Is Ginger Ale Good For You?
The carbonation in ale can help to relieve bloatedness and gas