3 Uses of Ginger - 'The Great Remedy'
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3 Uses of Ginger - 'The Great Remedy' 

© 2015 by Hakim M. Salim Khan 

M.D. (M.A.) M.H. D.O. M.I.R.C.H. F.G.N.I.

Ginger Fresh and Powdered

Zanjabeel, whose common name is ginger, is a very old plant. Botanically, it is known as zingiber officinale. The Arabic word Zanjabeel is said to have been derived from the Sanskrit word of Sringeber.

The common name, ginger is also derived from Sanskrit "Gringa" meaning horn and "Vere" meaning body, in reference to the shape of the root.

Ginger is a very old plant known to many societies. It was first mentioned in China around 400 BC. In China, ginger (Jiang) has been cultivated since before written history began. Marco Polo also reported seeing it in China between 1280 and 1290 CE. In Chinese traditional medicine, ginger has long and reputable uses. Ginger ranks as the fifth most important plant in traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient Greeks and Romans were familiar with ginger as a spice and medicine. 

During the time of the prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), the Byzantine Emperor once sent a jar of pickled ginger to Allah’s messenger (S.A.W) as a gift and Allah’s messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) ate from it and gave a piece to each of his companions (radiAllahu anhum). It is stated in Tafseer Mazhari that the Arabs had a great liking for ginger and they used it as a medicine and as a drink. Ginger has been grown since ancient times in India too. The Indian physicians considered ginger to be an important medicine and gave it names such as "Great remedy" and "Panacea".

3 Ways to Use Ginger for Health and Wellbeing

1. Stomach and Digestion

  • One of the most important and best known uses of ginger is on the digestive system. It is the classic medicine for dealing with many digestive disorders. Ginger promotes Haraarate Gharazi (digestive and metabolic fire), thus promoting digestive heat burning toxins and removing and lowering cholesterol deposits. Ginger is a pungent herb par excellence; we may call ginger as being stimulating carminative for digestion.


2. Improve Memory

  • Dried ginger improves poor memory. For this purpose, 1 gram of powder in warm milk is an excellent way of using ginger.


3. Travel Sickness / Nausea

  • Nausea and vomiting can be a problem when travelling. Dried ginger is found to be effective for nausea and vomiting due to travelling. For this purpose, 1 gram of dried ginger may be used 30 minutes before starting the journey and then one dose every four hours. Many women experience nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy. Dried ginger helps in these conditions too. The only condition in which ginger should not be used is when there are ulcers in the digestive system.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for education and information purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for personal advice.