☘ Ayurvedam : Sonth = Ginger

Ginger is used so widely in ayurveda that it is an entire medicine chest in itself. There is an ayurvedic sutra (verse) that says that everyone should eat fresh ginger just before lunch and dinner to enhance digestion. Not only does ginger stoke the digestive fire, but it also whets the appetite, improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to targeted body tissues, and clears the microcirculatory 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.

Ginger is used as a spice, flavoring agent as well as an herbal remedy in almost every Indian household. It is rich in nutrients and certain bioactive compounds that have potent medicinal benefits.

BENEFITS OF GINGER :

• Ginger for Morning sickness:

Chew a piece of Ginger with added rock salt (Sendha namak) to control morning sickness during pregnancy.

• Ginger for Post-operative nausea and vomiting :

Ginger is used to control nausea and vomiting. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive) and Rochana (improves taste) properties.

* Tip

Chew a piece of Ginger with added rock salt (Sendha namak) to control nausea and vomiting.

• Ginger for Menstrual pain:

Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Ginger has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.

• Ginger for Obesity :

An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu and resulting in obesity. Ginger is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It balances meda dhatu and thus reduces obesity.

• Ginger for High cholesterol :

Ginger might be beneficial in managing high cholesterol. It helps to lower cholesterol by converting it into bile acids. It also increases the level of HDL or good cholesterol in the blood.

• Ginger for Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy :

Ginger might be beneficial in managing nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. This is due to its antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea) and carminative (prevent gas formation) properties. It decreases the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux (a digestive disorder in which the stomach contents flow backward, up into the esophagus). It also promotes gastric emptying and helps to release trapped gas.

• Ginger for Osteoarthritis :

According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and joint mobility. Ginger has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.

• Ginger for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic lung disease which causes difficulty in breathing. According to Ayurveda, COPD is due to an imbalance of all the three doshas (mainly Kapha). Regular intake of Ginger helps to reduce symptoms of COPD as it helps balance Kapha and gives strength to the lungs.

• Ginger for Irritable bowel syndrome :

Ginger helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Grahani. Grahani is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Ginger helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control the symptoms of IBS.

* Tip

Chew a piece of Ginger with rock salt (Sendha namak) to manage the symptoms of IBS.

• Ginger for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2) :

Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Regular intake of Ginger helps to correct impaired digestion and reduces Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.

• Ginger for Hypertension (high blood pressure) :

Ginger might be beneficial in the management of high blood pressure. It has hypotensive and antioxidant properties. Ginger helps to inhibit the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Ginger also inhibits lipid peroxidation and protects the blood vessels.

Dried ginger( sonth):

Dried ginger( sonth) is nothing but fresh ginger, which has undergone a drying process.The fresh rhizomes are soaked in water overnight after which the outer peel is carefully removed using a knife or a peeler.They are washed again and then sun-dried on mats or barbecues for around a week.During this period, they are turned periodically.The end result is a pale white dried ginger.Many a times, dried ginger is bleached with calcium carbonate to get a whitish coating, but this is unnecessary and better avoided. When this dried ginger is powdered in a mixer, we get dried ginger powder.It is a fine off-whitish powder, which has a strong aroma and slightly pungent flavor.

Health Benefits of dried ginger powder (sonth):

 Dried ginger powder is an effective cure for indigestion, sore throat, cold and cough. It is used to treat nausea. Ginger's therapeutic properties help stimulate blood circulation, cleanse the bowels and kidneys, remove toxins from the body and nourish the skin.

• Ginger tea :

1. Take 2 inches of fresh Ginger.

2. Crush it roughly with a pestle and mortar.

3. Now take 2 cups of water and add the crushed Ginger to a pan and bring it to a boil.

4. Boil it for 10-20 minutes so that Ginger can impart more flavor.

5. Strain and add sugar-free natural sweetener or honey.

6. Drink this Ginger tea 2-3 times a day.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING GINGER :

*Use Ginger in the recommended dose and duration. This is because a high dose can lead to heartburn, diarrhea and stomach discomfort due to its hot potency.

*Use Ginger in small quantity and for a short duration if you have any bleeding disorder and excessive Pitta in the body.

*If you are allergic to Ginger or other herbs of Ginger family like Cardamom, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Ginger

*Ginger should be used in small quantity and for a short duration if you have any bleeding disorder and excessive Pitta in the body.

*Monitor your blood sugar level while using Ginger as medicine if you have already under antidiabetic medication.

*Ginger may interfere with blood pressure and normal functioning of the heart. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure and pulse rate while taking Ginger along with anti-hypertensive drugs

*Avoid the use of Ginger or use it under medical supervision during pregnancy.