Comment on ginger:
Ginger is most commonly used for treating colds due to its warming properties, although ginger itself has no antiviral properties. Its effect is based on its energetically warming properties (see TCM). In Asian cuisine, ginger, along with garlic and chili, is one of the most important spices. This is due to its antiparasitic effect, although ginger must be taken in high doses and not overcooked. It is particularly effective against filariasis, tiny roundworms transmitted by mosquitoes. Filariasis cause a strong release of histamine in the body and, in many cases, leads to histamine intolerance. They are a factor in the development of neurodermatitis and other skin diseases. When used to treat neurodermatitis, the parasites die, which usually causes an initial worsening of the condition. Combining it with the antihistamine citrizine is advisable.
I advise against self-medication for this indication, as dermatological problems arise from multiple factors.
Botanical name of ginger: Zingiber officinalisPlant family: Ginger family / Zingiberaceae)
Main botanical characteristics: Perennial, the rootstock grows horizontally and branches like antlers. Richly leafy, reed-like shoots up to 1 m tall with long, lanceolate leaves. Terminal flower spike with a tubular calyx, yellow corolla tube, and three lanceolate lobes.
Plant parts used: root (Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Ingredients: Essential oil (zingiberene, zingiberol), pungent substances (gingerols)
Effect: Promotes saliva and gastric juice secretion, antiemetic (against nausea and vomiting), positive inotropic, cholagogue, spasmolytic, increases intestinal tone and peristalsis. Antiparasitic (filariasis).
indicationsNausea, vomiting, travel sickness, dyspeptic complaints, nervous stomach, loss of appetite, flatulence, chronic cough with white sputum, food poisoning, aconite poisoning, neurodermatitis (beware of initial worsening!), lymphedema, histamine intolerance
Contraindication / Side effects: Do not use in case of morning sickness
Preparation and dosage form:
Internally:
- Tea (1 cup before meal)
- Tincture (10-20 drops several times a day)
- Capsules (2 pcs./30 min. before travel)
- Hom. (D1-D6, 2-3 times/day)
- Spice (fresh or dried for cooking)
- for preserving
Externally:
- As an oil for rubbing
Effects of ginger according to Chinese medicine (TCM):
- Opens the surface and drives away wind-cold
- Warms the Middle Heater
- Dispels cold and stops coughing
- Reduces toxic effects of other herbs (e.g. aconite)
- Strengthens the Weiqi in patients who sweat during an infection without improvement
Humoral quality: Warm 3, Moist 1. Relieves the melancholic principle, warms and expels raw phlegm.
