AYURVEDIC FOODS

Ginger (fresh) Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Coconut Water with Lime, Ginger & Cardamom
Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Coconut Water with Lime, Ginger & Cardamom

Introduction

A steaming hot mug of ginger tea on a damp day warms up your bones and burns away thick, heavy congestion. When the weather is soggy, you feel tired and groggy. You naturally crave sunlight and heat. Pungent and light, fresh ginger clears away the damp clouds of winter, invigorating your whole system as it lifts your mood and boosts enthusiasm. The perkiness of ginger bids you to say goodbye to dullness and depression.

Ginger, Sore Throats & Congestion

Ginger's heat & pungency is key to warming you up and liquefying mucus. On damp, rainy days you may feel heavy and sluggish. Even your skin feels clammy. The back of your throat may be swollen and irritated due to a thick coating of "reactive" mucus - mucus filled with dead bacteria. By stimulating your heart to beat faster and opening up blood vessels, ginger flushes damp, cold areas with warm, enlivening blood. It is particularly beneficial for clearing congestion in the upper respiratory tract, including the throat, nose and sinuses.

A simple cup of fresh ginger tea, made by boiling an inch of the root in two cups of water, does the trick. As it warms the head and your whole body, it brings a sense of lightness back to a heavy, congested head. A client explained how fresh ginger helped them relieve this stuffed up feeling, "My nasal passages opened up and my congestion cleared." Another shared, "Breathing was much easier. My mind had more clarity. My chest felt far less dense, like I had been doing breathing exercises to open up my thoracic cavity." You can also place grated ginger in a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam to clear a stuffy nose.

Try this syrup for a sore throat: Mix together 1/2" grated fresh ginger root, 1/4 tsp dried turmeric, and 1/4 tsp black pepper with 1 tsp raw honey. Slowly lick over 15 minutes and repeat up to three times a day to clear throat congestion. Ginger is most effective in late winter. Its light, clear, and warm qualities combat a slushy and soggy time of year.
Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Sprouted Mung Bean & Rice with Coconut Flakes
Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Sprouted Mung Bean & Rice with Coconut Flakes

Restore Warmth

The mobile, revitalizing quality of fresh ginger allows it to support peripheral circulation, dispelling feelings of cold from extremities. Although many spices share ginger's warmth, they also make you sweat which leaves you vulnerable to catching a chill as the effects wear off. Ginger operates internally only (in antara marga), kindling heat & agni without making you sweat.

A client notes, "My hands and feet tend to be cool. With ginger, I did not sweat but felt warmer to my core." Another reports, "After eating fresh ginger, the center of my chest felt hot, as if I had a heating pad inside the back of my sternum."

On cold days, a hot ginger and baking soda bath is one of the best ways to warm your entire body, stimulate circulation, and rev up metabolism. To enjoy these benefits, simply mix 1/2c of ginger and 1/2c of baking soda into a hot bath.

Ginger & Digestion

Fresh ginger is considered to be one of the best digestives, and for this reason is among the most revered roots in Ayurveda. It is suitable for all body types (tridoshic) to stimulate digestive strength (agni). A few pieces of tummy warming ginger, salt, & lime appetizer before a meal stimulates appetite, and gets digestive juices flowing. "It was like my digestive system was getting a kickstart," a client noted.

Purifying & Cleansing

Fresh ginger purifies the mouth, awakens the taste buds, and stimulates salivary secretions. You might just notice fresher breath and a sharper palate after having some. A client explained the effect it had in their mouth, "When I chewed on the fresh ginger, it gave my mouth a tingling, cleansing and hot sensation, like mouthwash almost. The peppery taste made me feel refreshed."

When food becomes stagnant in the gut, it starts to ferment and rot, leading to indigestion, gas, bloating, and the formation of digestive toxins (ama). Light, easy, and warming, fresh ginger stimulates digestion and metabolism, acting as a cleansing aid for detoxification. The volatile oils in ginger increase motility in the gastrointestinal tract, helping clear food stagnation and relieve constipation. One client notes, "My peristalsis increased with the ginger. My elimination sped up and the end result was I felt lighter."

Eating a slice of ginger can help relieve nausea in the stomach or burping due to stagnant food or excess mucus. One client who was feeling nauseous tried this trick with great results. "My gut was feeling heavy and a little nauseated, so I tried this appetizer," they shared. "It was like magic! Within 5-10 minutes, I felt much lighter and was able to eat with the family again."
Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Sweet Potato, Kale & Black Bean Saute with Roasted Walnuts
Recipes with Ginger (Fresh): Sweet Potato, Kale & Black Bean Saute with Roasted Walnuts

Ginger & Inflammation

One of the amazing qualities of fresh ginger is that it stimulates digestion without aggravating acidity. Despite the heat of this root, fresh ginger is actually anti-inflammatory. Only fresh ginger, due to the volatile oils, has this special anti-inflammatory quality. Dry ginger does not, due to evaporation of essential oils.

Even though fresh ginger tastes initially pungent on your tongue, it has a sweet post digestive effect (vipaka). In Ayurveda, the post digestive effect means the effect a substance has throughout your body, after you have digested it. The sweet post digestive effect of ginger moistens and nourishes tissues, and is anti-inflammatory.

Dry ginger is much hotter than fresh ginger, and can be aggravating to the digestive tract. It does not have the same soothing or nutritive effect of fresh ginger, but increases heat and dryness in the body. A fiery spice, those who are overheated or feel agitated by heat should steer clear of dry ginger and favor fresh. Those who need the extra heat, however, can benefit from dry ginger. It depends on the individual.

Other Uses

Minced, chopped, grated or sliced, fresh ginger can be used in a variety of ways. It is well known for its pain relieving qualities, and its ability to settle an upset or nauseous stomach. It also acts as an antispasmodic, helping reduce tension, spasms, and cramping. A cup of the hot tea can relieve menstrual cramps due to its antispasmodic properties, and its sweet post digestive effect has a nourishing effect on the reproductive tissues. 1 tsp of fresh ginger mixed into 1 tbsp of castor oil is a home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. 1 tsp of fresh ginger mixed with 1 tsp of ghee is reputed to help osteoarthritis.

Fresh ginger is also a powerful antibacterial agent, and has been proven to kill the harmful bacteria salmonella under certain conditions. Ginger, therefore, can also be beneficial as a food preservative. Its warming effects can help encourage a low grade fever - improving immunity.

Contraindications

For some Pitta individuals the heat of ginger is too much. One client writes, "After a while the warmth in my stomach went to a sour feeling. My stomach kind of churned." Another notes, "My eyes felt dry, my face flushed, and the whites of my eyes became bloodshot." Fresh ginger is used widely in Asia to prevent nausea in pregnant women, although it is contraindicated for pregnancy in the USA.

Buying & Preparation

If you buy organic ginger, you won't have to peel the skin. For non-organic ginger, scrape the skin off with the edge of a knife or a spoon instead of using a peeler or a knife. This method is faster and creates less waste.

Cooking Ginger (Fresh)

Ginger appears in recipes from all over the world, in many unique and versatile ways. In the West, ginger is often made into candy, crystallized, or added to desserts like gingerbread. Ginger is considered to be one of the "sweet spices" along with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and anise. However, its use appears frequently in savory dishes as well. In Asian cuisine, ginger, garlic, and onion form tri-root, a common spice combination. Ginger is ground with garlic into a paste and then sauted in Bengal. The Burmese shred ginger and preserve it in oil, mixing it with a variety of nuts and seeds. Ginger beer, a carbonated fermented soda, is popular in Jamaica. The people of the Ivory Coast mix ginger with orange, lemon, and pineapple to make a juice. In Japanese cuisine, ginger is pickled with red shisho leaves. Koreas kimchi is studded with ginger, added before the fermentation process.

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Is Ginger (Fresh) Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Ginger (Fresh)' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

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AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1/4 inch
SPECIES: Zingiber officinale

PREPARATION: PICKLED-FERMENTED
EAT IN: SPRING
FOR OCCASION: ON-THE-MEND

Metabolic Nature of Ginger (Fresh)

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS


Affinity:
Anti Aging

ANTI-AGING

Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

, Digestion,
Energy Vitality

ENERGY-VITALITY

Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.

SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

, Respiratory Health
Family: Zingiberaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Ginger (Fresh)
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Antiemetic

ANTIEMETIC

Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. Generally refreshing, aromatic herbs.

SEE ALL 'ANTIEMETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Sialogogue

SIALOGOGUE

A sialogogue increases saliva. Sour foods are often great sialogogues, and increase output of all exocrine glands. Salty taste is very moistening as well. Bitter, pungent and sweettastes also increase salivary output but to a lesser degree. Astringents.

SEE ALL 'SIALOGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stomachic

STOMACHIC

An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.

SEE ALL 'STOMACHIC' FOODS / HERBS

Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Wakes You Up

WAKES-YOU-UP

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.

SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nervine

STRONG NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Analgesic

ANALGESIC

Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.

SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Brain Tonic

BRAIN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability.

SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Neuroprotective

NEUROPROTECTIVE

Repairs / restores damaged nerves. Protects nerve health.

SEE ALL 'NEUROPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Adrenal Tonic

ADRENAL-TONIC

Strengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.

SEE ALL 'ADRENAL-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antifibrotic

ANTIFIBROTIC

Fibrosis of an organ is often a progressive leading to organ failure (i.e lungs, liver, kidney). While vulneraries usually help restore collagen, antifibrotic herbs often clear collagen. Aka fibrinolytic.

SEE ALL 'ANTIFIBROTIC' FOODS / HERBS

Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lung Tonic

LUNG-TONIC

Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.

SEE ALL 'LUNG-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antiplatelet

STRONG ANTIPLATELET

An herb that inhibits clotting, dissolves clots, thins the blood, or destroys platelets, therefore reducing the tendency of blood to form clots. They are useful in cardiovascular disease, clots, and stroke. Aka anticoagulant.

SEE ALL 'ANTIPLATELET' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calcium Channel Blocker

STRONG CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER

Reduces blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Blocking calcium (Ca2+) inhibits smooth muscle contraction.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Thinner

BLOOD-THINNER

Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hypotensive

HYPOTENSIVE

An herb that lowers blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Hepatoprotective

STRONG HEPATOPROTECTIVE

An herb that is capable of preventing liver damage. Many hepatoprotectives work via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SEE ALL 'HEPATOPROTECTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

SEE ALL 'GALACTAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Antiarthritic

ANTIARTHRITIC

Herbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health.

SEE ALL 'ANTIARTHRITIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Ginger (Fresh)

Turmeric

Turmeric has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet, Brain-tonic, Carminative, Hypolipidemic, Spleen-tonic, Antiarthritic, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Antifibrotic, Blood-thinner, Calcium-channel-blocker, Hepatoprotective, Neuroprotective

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Crystallized Ginger

Crystallized Ginger has these Actions in Common

Antiemetic, Brain-tonic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Antiplatelet, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Neuroprotective, Stimulates-energy, Analgesic, Appetizer, Calcium-channel-blocker, Hypotensive, Sialogogue, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Ginger (Dried)

Ginger (Dried) has these Actions in Common

Antiemetic, Brain-tonic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Antiplatelet, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Neuroprotective, Stimulates-energy, Analgesic, Appetizer, Calcium-channel-blocker, Hypotensive, Sialogogue, Vasodilator

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Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds has these Actions in Common

Analgesic, Brain-tonic, Carminative, Galactagogue, Nervine, Stomachic, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Lung-tonic, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Allspice

Allspice has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy, Antiarthritic, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Nervine, Stomachic, Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Vasodilator, Anti-inflammatory, Appetizer, Carminative

LEARN MORE

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Spleen-tonic, Wakes-you-up, Antiarthritic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Stimulates-energy

LEARN MORE

Turmeric Root (Fresh)

Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet, Carminative, Hypolipidemic, Spleen-tonic, Adrenal-tonic, Antiarthritic, Brain-tonic, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Analgesic, Antifibrotic, Burns-toxins, Hepatoprotective, Neuroprotective

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Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Spleen-tonic, Wakes-you-up, Antiarthritic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator

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Nigella (black cumin)

Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Hypotensive, Spleen-tonic, Analgesic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Cardiac-stimulant, Galactagogue, Nervine

LEARN MORE

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antiemetic, Antispasmodic, Decongestant, Sialogogue, Analgesic, Antifibrotic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Spleen-tonic

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Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Ginger (Fresh)

Dong Quai

Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Hypotensive, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Calcium-channel-blocker, Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Analgesic, Carminative, Vasodilator, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Antifibrotic, Hepatoprotective, Antiplatelet, Hypolipidemic

LEARN MORE

Angelica

Angelica has these Actions in Common

Calcium-channel-blocker, Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Decongestant, Stomachic, Digestive, Vasodilator, Analgesic, Hepatoprotective, Antiplatelet, Hypolipidemic, Antispasmodic, Hypotensive, Blood-thinner, Lung-tonic

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Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Vasodilator, Hypolipidemic, Adrenal-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Lung-tonic, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Appetizer, Refreshing, Burns-toxins, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Stomachic

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Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

Carminative, Digestive, Analgesic, Internal-detoxicant, Sialogogue, Antiemetic, Spleen-tonic, Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy, Appetizer, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant

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Yogaraj Guggulu

Yogaraj Guggulu has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Vasodilator, Blood-thinner, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Analgesic, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Antiarthritic, Internal-detoxicant, Antiplatelet, Nervine

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Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Wakes-you-up, Carminative, Decongestant, Digestive, Analgesic, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Refreshing, Antiarthritic, Stimulates-energy, Antispasmodic, Vasodilator

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Ginkgo

Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antifibrotic, Nervine, Antiplatelet, Neuroprotective, Blood-thinner, Vasodilator, Brain-tonic, Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic, Analgesic, Hypotensive

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Bitter Orange Peel

Bitter Orange Peel has these Actions in Common

Carminative, Wakes-you-up, Decongestant, Digestive, Hepatoprotective, Nervine, Adrenal-tonic, Refreshing, Appetizer, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Stomachic

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Eleuthero Ginseng

Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

Digestive, Hepatoprotective, Internal-detoxicant, Hypolipidemic, Nervine, Hypotensive, Stimulates-energy, Adrenal-tonic, Wakes-you-up, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic

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Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Wakes-you-up, Decongestant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Lung-tonic, Nervine, Adrenal-tonic, Refreshing

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Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Lung-tonic, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Spleen-tonic, Appetizer, Stimulates-energy, Burns-toxins, Vasodilator, Decongestant

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Impact of Ginger (Fresh)

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Ginger Fresh affect your temperature?

0
0
5
15
8
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your ear temperature?

13
14
1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your sweat quantity?

1
0
16
10
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your skin?

0
0
5
0
23
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your tongue body?

0
15
1
12
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
6
21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your appetite/hunger?

0
5
7
13
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your digestion speed?

2
23
3
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

TOXINS

How did Ginger Fresh affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
17
9
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool smell?

0
3
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

1
18
9
0
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your tongue coating?

4
0
1
1
22
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your throat soreness?

3
17
8
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine smell?

0
0
23
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
0
26
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your sweat smell?

0
2
22
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your acne?

0
26
2
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your freckles/moles?

0
28
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

1
0
0
0
2
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
25
No Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
27
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

HYDRATION

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
1
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the dryness of your skin?

2
0
26
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
24
4
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
2
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Ginger Fresh affect your ear pressure?

1
22
5
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your congestion?

0
7
21
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

1
5
22
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Ginger Fresh affect your energy levels?

0
0
7
21
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your muscle tension?

0
8
16
4
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your anxiety?

0
4
18
6
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the stillness of your tongue?

2
22
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

DIGESTION

How did Ginger Fresh affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
17
9
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your appetite/hunger?

0
5
7
13
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

0
3
14
9
2
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your digestion speed?

2
23
3
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

TONGUE

How did Ginger Fresh affect the stillness of your tongue?

2
22
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

1
18
9
0
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
2
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your tongue body?

0
15
1
12
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your tongue coating?

4
0
1
1
22
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
6
21
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

STOOL

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool smell?

0
3
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool consistency?

1
9
14
4
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool frequency/quantity?

0
2
15
10
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool color?

2
0
2
1
23
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your stool lightness?

0
7
18
3
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

URINE

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine smell?

0
0
23
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine lightness?

0
1
24
2
1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
1
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
0
26
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your urine clarity?

2
24
2
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SWEAT

How did Ginger Fresh affect your sweat smell?

0
2
22
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your sweat quantity?

1
0
16
10
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SKIN

How did Ginger Fresh affect the dryness of your skin?

2
0
26
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your skin?

0
0
5
0
23
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your freckles/moles?

0
28
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your acne?

0
26
2
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

EYE

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
27
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
24
4
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

1
0
0
0
2
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
25
No Change
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

ENT

How did Ginger Fresh affect your congestion?

0
7
21
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your ear pressure?

1
22
5
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your throat soreness?

3
17
8
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

1
5
22
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your ear temperature?

13
14
1
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SYSTEMIC

How did Ginger Fresh affect your anxiety?

0
4
18
6
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your temperature?

0
0
5
15
8
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your energy levels?

0
0
7
21
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your muscle tension?

0
8
16
4
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

HEART

How did Ginger Fresh affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0
1
25
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your heart rate?

0
0
17
10
1
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Ginger Fresh affect your heart rhythm?

4
24
0
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 28 Study ID:85 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Ginger (Fresh) may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Ginger (fresh)'

Do you like 'ginger (fresh)'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'ginger (fresh)'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 5 ratings, 900 likes
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Hi, I use ginger and castor oil for Osteoarthritis. Should it be ginger and ghee? Is there a huge difference? Please clarify. Jaya
- Jaya, Boynton beach, FL , 04-17-13 (Reply)
Ginger and castor oil is the traditional recipe. Castor oil is a purgative and very cleansing. Ghee is soothing and building. There is a large difference between the two. Castor oil has a quite strong effect and ghee is mild.
You may use fresh or dried ginger. Take 1-3 tsp of the castor oil, depending on your constitution. Castor oil has several contraindications. Please research before taking.
Hi, The recipe for Ginger and Castor oil/Ghee what is it for? I recently injuried my knee sking. I am looking for something to help with the inflammation. Thanks
- Marcella, Huntington beach, CA , 01-13-15 (Reply)
Hi, does anyone know what to do for candida? I was told I might have it.
- yvette, Milwaukee , 02-01-15 (Reply)
You might check out our write up on candida:https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/symptom/Candida-Yeast-Infection-Thrush/618
- Kimberly Kubicke, Asbury park, NJ , 07-21-16 (Reply)
- Ali Jafri, Chicago
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 05-15-23 (Reply)

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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