Ginger

 Botanical Name -Zingiber officinale

Ginger is probably one of the world's favourite medicines and cooking ingredients. Ginger root has been used in Ayurveda for centuries and its fresh pungent flavour makes it an essential spice for Indian and Asian cuisine.
Most  ayurvedic formulations have ginger as an ingredient because its believed to enhance the healing properties of other herbs.

Part used:    Root. [In Ayurveda, distinction is made between fresh ginger root and dried ginger root. Its said that they have different action and effect inside the body when consumed. For example, in conditions like nausea and digestive disorders fresh ginger is suggested,  while dry ginger is suggested for chronic respiratory illnesses, neurological cases etc..]

Powerful anti inflammatory and antibacterial agent. Ginger root contains large amounts of a oil, zingiberene, which gives the spice its anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Ginger cures

Painful joints    Mix 3 drops essential oil of ginger root and 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Rub on inflamed or painful joints and cover with a dry cloth to hold in the heat.

Asthma    A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed in a cup of fenugreek tea made with 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and honey to taste acts as an excellent expectorant in cases of asthma.

Bronchitis    Take a mixture of half a teaspoon each of powdered ginger, pepper and cloves three times daily with honey or as an infusion or tea.

 Eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner to enhance digestion. Not only does ginger stoke the digestive fire, it whets the appetite, improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues, and clears the micro circulatory channels of the body. The few situations in which ginger is contraindicated are in cases of hyperacidity, during any form of hemorrhage (including menstruation), vertigo and chronic skin disease.
Other than in these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Colds and Cough

Blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, congestion, headaches and fever are all symptoms of the common cold.
Causes
The aggravation of kapha due to the intake of cold food, drinks and fried foods causes cough. Seasonal changes is also one of the reasons for cough. Improper digestion of food transforms into a mucus toxin (Ama) and this circulates through the body and reaches the respiratory system, where it causes colds and coughs.

Home Remedies

• Take half a teaspoon of ginger juice with half a teaspoon of honey, three times a day (morning, noon and night). In winter, warm the mixture by mixing a teaspoon of warm water in it.
• Mix half a cup of warm water with one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey.
  Dosage: Take several times a day.
• In cases of dry cough (especially during the night), peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Sprinkle some sugar on it and chew.
• Take equal amounts of cardamom, ginger powder, black pepper and cinnamon (1 teaspoon each). Add sugar equal to the total amount of mixture and grind to make a fine powder.
  Dosage: Take half a teaspoon twice daily, with honey or warm water after meals.
• In cases of sore throat, a clove or two cardamoms or a few raisins can be chewed.Gargling with warm salty water two to three times a day is also beneficial.

Try to avoid fry foods, milk products, cold foods and drinks . Keep warm.

•