[Balanced Health] Ginger

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Misty L. Trepke

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Ginger

Posted by: " Cindi/Epona'Bri " wafstet cindiwafstet

Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:54 pm (PST)

Ginger

 

Known as Zingiber officinale in Latin, ginger is another 'kitchen

medicine' easily found on grocery store shelves. The wild variety,

Asarum canadense, has distinctively heart-shaped leaves and a tiny

maroon flower. It is usually found growing under the leaf cover in

moist woods.

 

Ginger is known as an herb that moves internal secretions. It will

break up a badly congested chest cold, improve digestive conditions

of all kinds, and is warming to the body, making it a classic

wintertime tea.

 

To make the tea, simply chop up a root, using about two teaspoons of

herb per cup of water, and simmer for twenty minutes in a non-

aluminum pot with a tight-fitting lid. Adding honey and lemon to the

brew will make it more palatable. Try adding a pinch of cayenne

pepper for a really bad cold with tightly congested lungs. Take

about three cups a day of the mixture.

 

Ginger root can be sliced and pressed with a spoon to expel the

essential oils, which can then be rubbed into sore muscles and

arthritic joints. Ginger tea with a little sage steeped into it will

help to move lactic acid out of muscles that are sore from exercise.

 

Cold viruses have a very low tolerance for temperature variations in

the human body. Ginger can be used to raise the body temperature to

drive off a cold or a chill. At the onset of fever and chills, make

a strong ginger tea to drink and use as a foot bath. You could also

put a pot of strong ginger tea in the bathtub. Drink a cup of the

tea while you soak in the tub, and after the bath get into a warm

bed, making sure that you are well covered with mittens, a wool cap,

and a sweater. The idea is to sweat as much as possible.

 

Ginger improves the digestion and is antinauseant. Try putting the

powdered herb in gelatin capsules and take one when there is a

problem with motion sickness. A capsule can be safely given to a

child or even the family dog if car sickness, sea sickness, or air

sickness is likely.

 

Powdered ginger can be inhaled as a form of snuff to open impacted

sinuses, and a fresh piece of the raw root can be chewed to relieve

a sore throat.

 

Namasté, Cindi

Peace and Ble§§ings