Are you a fan of Ginger? Recognized by its beige and knotted appearance, Ginger is a rhizome that grows beneath the soil. For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have used Ginger for its vast healing properties. We love to sing the praises of this anti-inflammatory herbal hero.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.

Historical Use

Based on its appearance, Ginger originally received the Sanskrit name srngaveram, meaning “horn root.” Its common name hails from the Middle English gingivere, and its Latin name is known as Zingiber officinale.

Ginger’s medicinal uses were first recorded in China, India, and Southeast Asia about 5000 years ago. In the 14th century, the cost of Ginger was incredibly high. By the Middle Ages, it could be found on the dinner table much like salt and pepper are today. Ginger was enjoyed dried, pickled, preserved for sweets, mixed into beer as “ginger ale,” and as a tonic for wellness.

This herbal hero was traditionally used to ward off the plague, soothe nausea, and provide relief from headaches. It was also used to improve circulation, and even to increase libido.

Benefits of Ginger

Soothe Inflammation

Inflammation is a symptom associated with many ailments of the body. Fortunately, Ginger has been valued for its potent anti-inflammatory properties for centuries. It’s packed with several compounds that inhibit the inflammatory response in the body (1). Ginger can combat Rheumatoid Arthritis (2) and there is promising evidence showing it may provide relief from asthma triggered by allergies (3).

Fortify Immunity

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties provide deep support for the immune system. Ginger can increase levels of Natural Killer cell lysis, which breaks down cells that are infected by a virus (4). It also boosts levels of antibodies that combat pathogenic infection (5).

Support Digestion

Another well-known benefit of Ginger is its soothing effects on the digestive system. In many cultures, this herbal ally is used to provide relief from IBS, gas, and bloating by increasing digestive enzymes (6). It can even prevent nausea and discomfort associated with motion sickness (7). Ginger has also been shown to increase levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, including essential Bifidobacterium (8).

Boost Reproductive Wellness

Recent studies are proving Ginger’s benefits for women’s reproductive wellness. Its antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory compounds provide soothing relief from symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, including bloating, cramping, and mood swings (9). Ginger can also combat dysmenorrhea, also known as severely painful menstruation (10).

How to Add Ginger to Your Routine

We’ve intentionally added this potent herbal ally to a wide variety of our formulations.

Artisan Teas

Our Defense Artisan Tea provides herbal support for the immune system.

Our Calm Belly Tea features a fusion of tummy-loving herbs that you can sip on before or after a meal.

Moontime is a blend of balancing herbs that provide soothing relief during the menstrual cycle.

Elixirs

Our Golden Mylk Elixir is comforting and restorative, providing the perfect drink to sit back and relax with.

Syrups

Soothe inflammation and find digestive relief with our Ginger Syrup.

Our Elderberry Ginger Syrup works to combat pesky cold and flu symptoms and fortify immunity.

Tincture Blends

Protect your immune system from pathogens with Cold Defense.

Support digestive function with our Herbal Bitters and Digestive Harmony Tincture Blends.

Cultivate balance and ease menstrual discomfort with Female Harmony. 

Single-Herb Tincture

Get a potent and bioavailable dose with our Ginger Root Tincture.  

Dried Ginger

Find dried organic Ginger Root and Ginger Root Powder in our Botanical Dispensary.

References

1. Kumar, S., Saxena, K., Singh, U., & Saxena, R. (2013). Anti-inflammatory action of ginger: A critical review in anemia of inflammation and its future aspects. International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 1(4), 16–20. https://www.florajournal.com/archives/2013/vol1issue4/PartA/2.1.pdf 
2. Aryaeian, N., Shahram, F., Mahmoudi, M., Tavakoli, H., Yousefi, B., Arablou, T., & Karegar, S. J. (2019). The effect of ginger supplementation on some immunity and inflammation intermediate genes expression in patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis. Gene, 698, 179–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2019.01.048 
3. Ahui, M. L. B., Champy, P., Ramadan, A., Pham, L., Araujo, L. M., André, K. B., Diem, S., Damotte, D., Kati-Coulibaly, S., Offoumou, M. A., Dy, M., Thieblemont, N., & Herbelin, A. (2008). Ginger prevents Th2-mediated immune responses in a mouse model of airway inflammation. International Immunopharmacology, 8(12), 1626–1632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2008.07.009 
4. Zakaria, F. R., Nurahman, Prangdimurt, E., & Tejasari. (2003). Antioxidant and Immunoenhancement Activities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Extracts and Compounds in In Vitro and In Vivo Mouse and Human System. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 8(1), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.3746/jfn.2003.8.1.096 
5. Mahassni, S. H., & Bukhari, O. A. (2019). Beneficial effects of an aqueous ginger extract on the immune system cells and antibodies, hematology, and thyroid hormones in male smokers and non-smokers. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 15, 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2018.10.001 
6. Bodagh, M. N., Maleki, I., Hekmatdoost, A. (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systemic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition, 7(1), 96-108. doi:10.1002/fsn3.807 
7. Zadeh, J. B., & Kor, N. M. (2014). Physiological and pharmaceutical effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a valuable medicinal plant. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 4(1). http://pelagiaresearchlibrary.com/european-journal-of-experimental-biology/vol4-iss1/EJEB-2014-4-1-87-90.pdf 
8. Jing, W., Chen, Y., Hu, X., Feng, F., Cai, L., & Chen, F. (2020). Assessing the Effects of Ginger Extract on Polyphenol Profiles and the Subsequent Impact on the Fecal Microbiota by Simulating Digestion and Fermentation In Vitro. Nutrients, 12(10), 3194. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103194 
9. Khayat, S., Kheirkhah, M., Moghadam, Z. B., Fanaei, H., Kasaeian, A., & Javadimehr, M. (2014). Effect of Treatment with Ginger on the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology (Print), 2014, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/792708 
10. Mozafari, S., Naz, M. S. G., & Ozgoli, G. (2018). Effect of Ginger on primary Dysmenorrhea: A systematic review of clinical trials and Quasi- Experimental studies in the world. Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. http://eprints.mums.ac.ir/10470/