Zingiber officinale. A flowering plant that is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, along with galangal and turmeric. It is said that the name ginger traces back to Sanskrit words for “horn” and “body” in reference to the shape of the root.  

Native to: Ginger is thought to have originated in tropical rainforests of Maritime Southeast Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and East Timor). It is a true cultivar plant – meaning that it must be cultivated and does not exist in a wild, natural state and was likely domesticated by the Austronesian peoples. 

Today, ginger is cultivated more widely with India, China and Nepal as the top three producers.  

Other Names: True Ginger, Jengibre, Jenjibre Dulce, Ginger, Adrak, and Kion 

Parts used – active compounds : Ginger root is rich in various chemical constituents, including, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds with its main therapeutic components – specifically gingerols, zingiberen, paradols, and shogaols. 

Main Therapeutic Uses  

Ginger has been found to have many properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities! It has used therapeutically in China, India and Japan for centuries. 

Nausea 

Ginger is well-known for its effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting, and can be used for indigestion, motion sickness, morning sickness, seasickness throughout pregnancy, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. 

Respiratory Issues 

The phenolic compounds in ginger have been found to act as an expectorant, can help to relax airway smooth muscle and potentially act as bronchodilators. This helps to relieve symptoms of bronchitis-like cough and other respiratory symptoms form common viruses.  

Ginger at St. Francis  

The ginger we use in our plant medicine formulas comes from our suppliers in a dried form and is processed (like all other herbs and plants). There is an extra step at the end where we concentrate the tincture using evaporation to make it extra potent.  

We bring it from a 1:5 to a 1:1 concentration. It’s also very noticeably spicy, so potent that you’ll feel the burn in lungs and eyes from just smelling it!  

Fun facts! It is said that Confucius ate ginger with every meal, and that it was brought on ships in China to prevent scurvy on long voyages.  

Folklore and symbolism: Due to its warming and spicy properties, ginger is associated with heat and the sun.

In Chinese folklore, ginger has been associated with the hero Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who had a quick with and fiery temper.  

In Hindu mythology, it is said that the first ginger plant was created when a piece of ginger was thrown into the churning of the ocean of milk by Lord Vishnu’s wife, the goddess Lakshmi! In Hindu rituals, ginger is considered a sacred offering and often used in ceremonies and festivals.  

Contraindications : Consult a Health Practitioner before use if pregnant and/or breastfeeding.   

Products Featuring Ginger