Insert contents.
Insert contents.
|
Insert contents.
|
|
Insert contents.
|
Enter a title.Description
Insert contents.
Enter a title.Insert contents. |
Ginger: the age-old universal medicine USED medicinally in Ayurveda, ginger is a very important herb to be acquainted with. It was mentioned in Charak Samhita, the most respected treatise of Indian medicine, and was called Vishvabhaishajam — universal medicine. Ginger was brought to the West through trade with India much later. Now, when we understand many of the chemical constituents responsible for ginger's remarkable medicinal properties, its use in Ayurveda continues
as much as it did 5,000 years ago.
The medicinal use of ginger involves the utilisation of the rhizome, in fresh form called ardraka or in the dried form referred to as shunthi or nagar in Sanskrit. It has been described as katu and tikta (pungent and bitter) in taste and light, unctuous and hot in effect.
While pacifying vata and kapha, it is known to aggravate pitta.
Ginger contains a yellowish volatile oil, a bitter substance known as gingeroil and an oily resinous substance — ginger in — which is its main active principle. Besides this, from time to time, one usually comes across various research reports originating from different parts of the globe regarding the benefits of ginger which only validate the assessment of ancient Ayurvedic acharyas.
Ginger is carminative, digestive, sialagogue (which produces saliva), blood purifier and anti-colic. It also has cardiac stimulant, aphrodisiac and anti-rheumatic properties. It has been described as one of the best ama-pachaka, meaning a substance helping to nullify toxins produced in the body by improper digestion.
Nowadays many multinational drug companies are working to come up with different derivatives of ginger which have been successfully tried as anti-emetic agents during the course of chemotherapy in cancer patients. However, some of the common uses of ginger are as under -
Digestion: Ginger aids in digestion from the beginning to the end. It has traditionally been used for setting right an upset stomach, gas trouble and nausea. It also helps in the digestion of proteins because of the overwhelming presence of an enzyme called protease. In Ayurveda it is the drug of choice for controlling the mucous coming with stool.
Cold and flu: Ginger is a diaphoretic; it brings heat into the body, increases perspiration and stimulates the circulatory system. Therefore, it is good for chill and cold. It also has cough-suppressing qualities. It soothes sore throat and relieves congestion and sinusitis. The use of ginger tea is common, in such conditions.
Rheumatism and migraine: The use of the famous Panchkol Churna, which contains ginger along with four other ingredients, is the first step according to Ayurveda in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in its flare-up phase. Ginger can also incite delayed menstruation, relieve menstrual cramps and lessen the intensity of migraine.
There are various classic Ayurvedic preparations in which ginger is used as an important constituent. To name a few, Trikatu Churna (for indigestion and sinusitis) Vyoshadi Ghrit and Churna (for cough and allergies) and Saubhagya Shunthi Pak (a general tonic and metabolic corrector) are in practice. The dose of the fresh juice of ginger varies from 2 to 5 ml and of its tried powder from 1 to 2 gm. However, patients having gall-bladder stones, severe acidity and ulcers are advised to consult their
physicians before using ginger as a single drug.
Dr Vatsyayan is based at the Sanjivani Ayurvedic Centre at Ludhiana. Phones - 0161-423500, 431500; E-mail-sanjivni@satyam.net.in
|
Enter a title.Insert contents.
Enter a title.Insert contents.
|
|
Insert contents. |