Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Leaf

Flavors/Temps: Acrid, Hot, Slightly Sweet, Dry

Caution: Generally considered very safe. Use carefully if stomach condition is hot, as ginger is already a hot, dry herb.

History/Folklore: Ginger is often used with honey to help mask the flavor of other herbs that are either very bitter or distasteful. The American Cancer Society has promoted ginger as a treatment to prevent cancer tumors from developing. Ginger is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in many foods and beverages. Ginger has a potent, perspiration-inducing action that helps cleanse the system of toxins. Recent research has verified that ginger helps other herbs reach their destination, confirming its title as a key guide herb (or tropism enhancer).

Many cultures have benefited from using this herb. The Chinese recognize ginger as a whole body Yang tonifying herb that is good for warming the body and lifting the spirit. The ancient Hawaiians used to drink the sweet juice from the stems of flower heads after a long hike. In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is used to treat pain, arthritis and blood platelet clumping. The creation of the soft drink, ginger ale, sprang from the folkloric use of ginger to treat upset stomachs.