Superfoods - Nutrient Rich Foods - Ginger

Question 1

Ginger:
Description

Answer 1

Aka: Zingerber officinalis

Beige bulbous rhizome with yellow fibrous flesh

Question 2

Ginger:
Energetics

Answer 2

• Dry ginger is hot
• Fresh ginger is warming
• Dry

Question 3

Ginger:
Composition

Answer 3

Volatile oils and compounds called ‘gingerols’

Question 4

Ginger:
Dose and delivery

Answer 4

Incorporate easily into cooking. Alternatively:
* Ginger tea; pour boiling water over a thumb-sized chunk of grated fresh ginger. Can combine with fennel and peppermint to make a soothing tea for the GIT.
* Use fresh rather than dry ginger for digestive complaints.
* Can alternatively mix with lemon and raw honey for sore throats
* Capsules: split the dose when using for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties (e.g. 400 mg X 3 per day)

Question 5

Ginger:
Benefits and clinical applications

Answer 5

• Digestive health
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti nausea agent
• Cardiovascular health

Question 6

Ginger:
Digestive health

Answer 6

• The warming properties of ginger stimulate the ‘digestive fire’. It is a pro– kinetic that can be used to support the MMC, which is particularly useful in conditions such as SIBO. Ginger can also be effective in cases of IBD (E.g. tea).
• Dry ginger might be too strong for someone with a spleen Qi deficiency (weak digestion), so fresh ginger is generally more applicable for digestive complaints. N.b; spleen Qi deficiency contraindicates very hot spices
  MMC = migrating motor complex

Question 7

Ginger:
Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory

Answer 7

Inhibits LOX, COX and TNF-a –effective for inflammatory joint pain (i.e. pain worse in the mornings). It has direct anti–microbial capabilities similar to garlic.

Question 8

Ginger:
Anti nausea agent

Answer 8

Associated with its carminative effects. Can be used for travel, pregnancy and cancer related sickness. Ideally use fresh ginger for nausea (or a very small amount dry); dry ginger should not be used during pregnancy as it is too hot

Question 9

Ginger:
Cardiovascular health

Answer 9

Circulatory stimulant and lowers LDLs