Come on baby, light my fire. Ginger is the sun in plant form. Warm, soothing, and highly active. Ginger burns underneath the surface, piecing together the energy of the stars. Ginger gets you moving. Ginger makes you sweat. Ginger lights the fire underneath you, moving you, healing you, burning away all that you no longer need. Ginger is powerful, and purifying, use it to light your inner fire.
Zingiber officinale
Ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae plant family. This is the same plant family that includes other popular spices, such as turmeric and cardamom. Native to SouthEast Asia, ginger is a cultigen. This means it is a manmade cultivar that did not originate in nature. People have been cultivating ginger as a culinary spice for thousands of years. Ginger also has ritualistic importance amongst the Austronesians, being used in different religious rituals. It was one of the spices that made its way around the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean during the spice trade.
Just like turmeric, the part of the ginger plant we use is the rhizome, or underground stems. This is the part that most of us are familiar with.The part we never really see has long shoots that grow 3-4 feet high. It is a reedy looking plant with narrow leaf blades. At the top of the stem is a pale flower buds, often which is white and pink and blooms into a yellow and purple flower.
Fun Facts
The scientific name for ginger, “Zingiber,” is derived from the Greek zingiberis, which comes from the Sanskrit sringabera, meaning “horn shaped."
Ginger is one of the first spices to have been exported from Asia, arriving in Europe with the spice trade, and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans.
In 2019, world production of ginger was 4.1 million tonnes, led by India with 44% of the world total.
Ginger had religious significance among Austronesians, being used in rituals for healing and for asking protection from spirits.
The first written record of ginger comes from the Analects of Confucius, written in China during 475–221 BC. Confucius ate ginger with every single meal.
In 14th century England, a pound of ginger cost as much as a sheep.
Early in history, people noticed that when food had ginger in it, the food would not go bad as quickly, and so these people thought that ginger had magical protective properties.
Propogation
Native to SouthEast Asia, this herbaceous perennial loves it hot and wet. Ginger enjoys temperatures between 70-90 degrees, consistent water, high humidity, rich soil and morning sun with afternoon shade. Ideally it will get 2-5 hours of sunlight a day, as more may cause the leaves to start yellowing.
I love sprouting things Iget at the grocery store. Ginger, however, is a real hit or miss. It can be very challenging to propagate ginger you get from the store as it is often treated with growth inhibitors. I mean, if they didn’t you would only have to buy it once or twice.
If you do get it to grow, it will become full grown in eight to ten months. It’s not the fastest grower in the plant kingdom, but it’s not too bad.
Ginger in all its forms
We all know ginger, and I would bet most of us have tasted this pungent, peppery flavor. Ginger is commonly used in food, and for good reason. In stir fry or curry recipes it can go very savory. In candies form, in teas, or in beverages it can go rather sweet. Ginger is really as versatile as it is beneficial. I mean, we have cultivated this plant for thousands of years to benefit us.
You can also buy capsules of powdered ginger. These, along with ginger beer, are wonderful at treating stomach upsets. People also take them to increase circulation and as an anti-inflammatory to relieve muscle soreness after exercising. I will personally attest to the power of ginger beer at relieving morning sickness during pregnancy. It is safe and effective. What more could you ask for?
Properties of Ginger Essential Oil:
Antiemetic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diaphoretic, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, immune system tonic, antimicrobial, emmenagogue.
Skin
Ginger increases circulation. It promotes hair health and growth. Its antiseptic properties also help to reduce scalp infections and dandruff. Ginger is antimicrobial and analgesic making it a good option for healing minor cuts, abrasions, and incision wounds. Not only will it help keep infections at bay, it will speed the healing process.
Digestive System
The digestive system is where ginger really shines. If you have a problem, pretty much any problem with digestion, ginger should be your new BFF. Ginger is one of the top choices at relieving nausea and vomiting. It is especially useful for this during pregnancy, while traveling, and after any surgeries. Nausea isn’t the only thing ginger is good for. It is also wonderful for relieving the pain and discomfort associated with gas and bloating. It speeds digestion and keeps things moving, if you will. Ginger calms the digestive system. It’s antispasmodic properties ease diarrhea and IBS. Ginger can also aid in weight loss. So, ya, basically if you’re having digestive issues take or eat some ginger. You can also use the essential oil as a massage, but with ginger and digestion the herb is your best bet.
Muskulo-Skeletal System:
Ginger is highly anti-inflammatory. It will relieve pain caused by arthritis and over exercising. It also increases circulation and will expedite recovery from muscle aches and injuries.
Circulatory System
Ginger stimulates the circulatory system. It increases circulation and can ease the severity of Rynauds. It can also ease the torture that migraines bring on.
Ovarian System
Ginger promotes menstruation and should not be used if you are pregnant, or even could be pregnant. It is wonderful in treating cramps, relieving menstrual pain.
Respiratory System
Few may know that ginger is also a champion of the respiratory system. It eases spastic coughs and makes them more productive. Ginger helps relieve fever, and I know more than one person that adds ginger to a bath when they feel colds and flu coming on. Ginger is very antimicrobial and will help your body fight infections.
Mind:
Ginger is empowering. It is a fiery oil that radiates positivity and confidence. It creates harmony and balance. Ginger has been proven to ease anxiety, and burn away depression. Recent studies also show that ginger can improve memory, and slow down memory loss. There are some exciting studies looking at how ginger can help treat dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Ginger is also useful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Energetic properties
Ginger is strongly associated with fire. It is warming and soothing. In antiquity ginger was often used by priests when performing rites associated with the sun. Ginger is good to use when you need to stoke your inner fire. It will heat you up and get you moving, often putting you inline with your active, masculine energies. In Chinese medicine ginger is used to balance the chi, promoting vitality. Ginger has long been viewed as a protective plant. Use it to protect yourself against negative energies. It also is thought to attract the good. Plant ginger around your home to attract love, luck, and money.
Precautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Do not use with anticoagulants. Do not use while pregnant. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Ginger is highly detoxifying for your mind, body, and spirit. It lights your inner fire, getting you moving and motivated. It also has the ability to make you well. A panacea for your digestive system, ginger is a powerful home remedy for any and all gastric complaints. Use ginger to get you to where you want to be. It will burn away all that you no longer need and propel you into the stratosphere.
Shameless Product Promo
We use ginger in our products to promote personal power, and protection. These blends are also good for increasing circulation and easing muscle pain.
