Ginger is the root of the perennial plant Zingiber officinale. People have known about the medicinal uses of ginger as a herbal remedy for centuries to treat many conditions, from arthritis to abdominal pain.
People often still use ginger today when they have a cough or cold. Scientific research shows the medicinal uses of ginger can help ease the symptoms of a cold or sore throat. For many years, whenever I caught a cold with a runny nose or a slight headache, I would make some hot ginger tea. I cut fresh ginger into slices, boil it for 20 to 30 minutes, add brown sugar or lemon slices to taste, and drink it during the day to feel much better.
More medicinal uses of ginger
Canker sore
Boil fresh ginger and store it in a jar for use throughout the day. Warm it up and rinse 2-3 times a day.
Gum disease
Rinse the mouth with hot ginger water both morning and night. If the throat feels sore or itchy, gargle with salt 2-3 times a day.
Intoxication
Drinking hot ginger water can help if one has been drinking too much. Ginger water increases circulation to help remove the ethanol from the body. One can also add honey for taste.
Acne
Wash the face with hot ginger water both morning and night. The condition should improve in about 60 days.
Hair loss
Many hairdressers in China use hot ginger water when washing hair as it helps with hair loss. The ginger water hair wash is said to be an ancient recipe as it stimulates hair growth.
Back pain
Add a little salt to hot ginger water. Soak a towel with the water and place it on the area of pain. This can relax the muscles and help with blood circulation.
Tired feet and circulation
Add some salt to hot ginger water and soak your feet for about 15 minutes. It is especially good to soak one’s feet in hot ginger water at night before going to bed. Soaking the feet in hot ginger water can also help with blood circulation via reflexology.
These are just some of the medicinal uses of ginger.
