This rhizome packs a delightful punch. It’s spicy, and warming, and its health benefits are incredible. I took Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa’s Culinary Herbalism Course (I recommend anyone who is beginning their herbalism journey to checkout Learning Herbs online classes: HerbMentor) and learned that as a sufferer of migraines, I could benefit from Ginger. Boy-howdy was he right!

Ginger’s history stretches back thousands of years, intertwining with its use as food, medicine, and even as a magical charm! Ginger’s history is fascinating and even today, ginger still bridges the gap between fact and folklore. Modern science backs up its effectiveness against nausea, while its warming properties and digestive benefits are still recognized. So next time you enjoy a ginger cookie or take a bite out of a pickled ginger slice, remember the long history and rich folklore this humble spice carries. Let’s dive in!

The earliest documents noted come from China and India dating over 5,000 years ago! In both of these cultures and their respective traditional medicines (TCM and Ayurveda), Ginger is valued for its ability to aid in digestion, soothing respiratory issues, and its warming properties.

Ginger became a valuable trade good and traveled the world. By the Middle Ages, Ginger reached Europe. It was used for digestion and found its way into breads, candies, and even in cookies (thank Queen Elizabeth I for the inspiration of the Gingerbread Man!).

Across different cultures, Ginger became a centerpiece of their folklore. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity in Hindu folklore, was said to have created Ginger. No longer was ginger just used in the kitchen but this rhizome was seen as a symbol of inner fire and vitality. Some cultures believed that ginger held magical properties and would ward off evil spirits, invite love, and was even made into love charms.

Ginger is warming to hot energetically. Fresh ginger tends to be warming while dried ginger tends to be hot. So what does this mean? Let’s break it down!
This spicy rhizome is considered warm/hot, meaning that it disperses warmth throughout the body, dispelling cold and dampness (think stuck mucus for example). If you drink a strong ginger tea or even take a bite out of ginger, you’ll feel its effects immediately.
Since ginger is warming or heating, and helps stimulate the loss of fluids (sweating, mucus, etc.) it falls into the category of drying. Because of this, people with cold and damp constitutions will benefit from ginger.
Furthermore, ginger is pungent in taste, which is believed to stimulate digestion and circulation.

Most know of or have heard of Ginger. It is a very common and well-known plant, used all around the world. However, not everyone knows that there is culinary ginger and ornamental ginger which is not edible! There are about 50 species of the Zingiber genus and about 1600 species of ginger around the world!

Ginger is known for its knobby, hand-like root, known as a rhizome. Ginger root has a brown exterior or skin and has a golden hue on the inside. It has a distinct pungent taste, a strong citrusy aroma and flavor.

Coming off the root, slender leafy shoots can grow up to 3 feet in height. Ginger flowers are small and spiky. They grow from a different shoot of the plant and are typically shorter than their leafy counterparts. The flowers tend to be in small clusters and range in color from yellows with typically purple edges.

Originally from Southeast Asia, Ginger thrives in warm and humid climates. Preferring temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F and well-drained, loamy soil. The key to a happy ginger plant is keeping it consistently damp but making sure the soil is not soggy.

Ginger’s leaves can be sensitive to the sun so full sun is not recommended. Finding a shaded area or at least partially shaded would be best.

Like many plants, harvesting in the morning or the evening is best. Depending on the climate the ginger is being grown in will determine when to harvest the plant. In cooler zones, harvesting before the first frost is recommended. In warmer zones, waiting until the leaves start to yellow and die back would be the best time to harvest.

A thing to note: waiting to harvest will result in longer rhizomes.
If you are lucky enough to live in a USDA zone 8 or above, you can grow ginger as a perennial! When harvesting throughout the season, be sure to leave some of the rhizomes in the ground. The roots will go dormant in winter and will start sprouting in the spring!

To harvest, you will essentially dig up the entire plant. Be sure to go slowly and carefully to ensure not to cut into any roots. You can break apart individual rhizomes or use the whole clump. Shake off any excess dirt and wash thoroughly.

After washing be sure the root is fully dry before storing it. There are different methods of preserving, refrigeration and drying being the most popular.

Learning about the chemical composition of a plant is intriguing. Confusing at times, but intriguing nonetheless. And Ginger is no exception. Let’s break down this rhizome’s chemical makeup and learn why it has such a flavorful punch!

Ginger is filled with carbohydrates, mainly starches (and some fiber) which contribute to the bulk and texture of ginger. These range from 50 to 70% of its dry weight.

However, the true superstars of Ginger come in the form of Phenolic Compounds. These compounds contribute to ginger’s health properties. We’re talking about Gingerols and Shogaols. Gingerols are responsible for ginger’s spiciness and have anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More and antioxidant properties. Shogaols are formed as gingerols degrade naturally or once ginger is dried or heated. These have a different flavor profile but are still pretty pungent. Shaogaols may have positive effects on circulation and blood sugar control.

However, the true superstars of Ginger come in the form of Phenolic Compounds. These compounds contribute to ginger’s health properties. We’re talking about Gingerols and Shogaols. Gingerols are responsible for ginger’s spiciness and have anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More and antioxidant properties. Shogaols are formed as gingerols degrade naturally or once ginger is dried or heated. These have a different flavor profile but are still pretty pungent. Shaogaols may have positive effects on circulation and blood sugar control.

Ginger has a long history of use in herbal medicine and is still widely used today. It’s a popular choice for digestive issues and nausea. However, ginger is more than just something to soothe an upset tummy!

The cold and flu can be a common thing during the fall and winter season. Upper respiratory infections can be exhausting and downright annoying. One way to prepare for this season is to make sure you have ginger in your house!
The theme of this section is all about Ginger Tea. Ginger is antimicrobialdestructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, an... and can help to prevent further infection. Drinking ginger tea with honey (you can even make ginger-infused honey!) can soothe sore throats, get stuck mucus flowing (ginger is stimulating), and in turn, relieve congested coughs and sinuses.
Bonus? If you have a fever with chills, Ginger Tea! Since it is warming in nature, it will warm you from the inside, spreading a metaphorical blanket upon you.

The actions and energetics of Ginger are key when it comes to pain. Having actions and energetics like being warming in nature, blood-moving, and being anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More, for example, is important. These types of actions will help with ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, bruising, and migraines.
Studies have shown that ginger’s anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. More properties are quite effective. Incorporating ginger (internally or topically) has been known for relieving arthritis and even sore muscles after working out.
Bruising and even menstrual cramping are known to be stagnant blood. Since ginger is blood-moving it is a wonderful ally in relieving pain associated with bruising and menstrual cramping.

Ginger is widely known for and recommended for digestion and nausea. This is because of ginger’s ability to help with stagnant and cold digestion. Being warm and carminativeexpelling gas from the body; relieving flatulence. More, ginger can help with all sorts of stomach discomforts. Bloating, gas, constipation, and feeling heavy after meals are all signs of stagnant digestion.
During all my pregnancies, I was fortunate enough to not get morning sickness. However, I did in turn get motion sickness, which I still get to this day. If you are a mama suffering from morning sickness, talking with your doctor (or midwife) about incorporating small amounts of ginger can help. If you are a sufferer of motion sickness (and not pregnant) you can use ginger freely. Candied ginger is a wonderful choice for both options.

I feel like nowadays everyone has heard of ginger at some point in their life. It is a commonly used culinary spice! From soups to being pickled next to sushi, ginger adds depth to many different dishes.
When buying ginger, it is important to examine the rhizome. Choosing ones that are smooth and plump can indicate that it is more fresh. Rhizomes that look more wrinkly in texture may be older; however, if you are in a pinch it can still work. Before using, cut it open and check to see if it has a strong aroma and if it tastes its signature spiciness.
For cooking, ginger is very strong, in both aroma and taste. You do not need a lot! You can find ginger in paste or powdered form as well.

This robust root is said to lend you strength, energy, and power while enhancing and powering up spells. It’s recommended before starting any spell work (or setting intentions) that you eat some ginger. Ginger is popular for love and success; the roots are even planted to attract money. Some even sprinkle powdered ginger in their pockets and on their money to invite/attract more.
Ginger is known for its ability to support your overall well-being. That doesn’t stop at the body’s physical attributes either. It also supports the body’s energies and unwanted habits. It’s said that you can use ginger to scan your body (from head down) and it will grab hold of negative energies that are attached to you, causing any discomfort. Making sure to boil down (to release the negative energies) and to bury it.
If you wish to clear any blocks or bad habits, ginger is there to help move you forward, guiding you toward your purpose and into the path of self-discovery. Inviting Ginger into your home is a wonderful way to enhance your well-being.

Ginger is considered generally safe however there are things to be mindful of. It is very warming in nature and in turn, drying. People who already have signs of heat or dryness will want to be mindful of the amount being used.
People on blood thinners or with diabetes should consult with their doctor before taking or consuming large amounts of ginger.
Ginger is generally considered safe in pregnancy in -small- amounts however it should -not- be taken in large doses. It is important to discuss with your doctor concerning any ginger taken medicinally during pregnancy.