Ginger is mainly used in the treatment of digestive problems such as flatulence or bloating and in addition to this, it is also used for loss of appetite.
Furthermore, ginger is also able to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness. Motion sickness or kinetosis is caused by unaccustomed movements, for example in a means of transport, and is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Medical use of ginger
By taking ginger, predominantly symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract, but also dizziness can be attenuated or eliminated. Traditionally, ginger rhizome is used to improve malaise and support digestion.
In China, ginger is used to treat fever, cough, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Ginger in folk medicine
Ginger was also discovered and used early in folk medicine as a stomachic and digestive aid. Today, the plant is also used in folk medicine for certain forms of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), indigestion and loss of appetite.
Since ginger is said to warm from the inside, it is also used for colds. However, the main area of application is the seasoning of food and drinks.
Homeopathic use of ginger
The homeopathic application of ginger corresponds in the broadest sense to the classical application.
The plant is also used here for the treatment of stomach weakness, flatulence and indigestion. Furthermore, in homeopathy ginger is also used for the therapy of bronchial asthma and for urinary retention.
Ingredients of ginger
Ginger rhizome contains 1.5-3% essential oil with substances such as geranial, neral and zingiberol. The exact composition of the essential oil is influenced by the origin and type of ginger, among other factors. Other important active ingredients are non-volatile pungents such as gingerols and shogaols.
The pungent taste of ginger is mainly due to its gingerols content. The even sharper shogaols are formed from the gingerols by water splitting during storage of the drug. The zingiberol is mainly responsible for the characteristic ginger odor.
Ginger: for what indication?
The use of ginger is indicated for:
- Digestive problems
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Feeling of fullness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Motion sickness
- Kinetosis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Gastritis
