Ginger: a key herb for January wellness in the Northern hemisphere

Ginger is currently in season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Nature provides us with this warming herb, at this time of year because it's useful for easing winter ailments amongst others. This aromatic root has been used in medicinal and culinary traditions for centuries. Its actions range from improving circulation, aiding digestion, easing nausea and pain and reducing phlegm experienced with colds. You can easily incorporate it into your diet and selfcare practices.
Conditions Ginger as a food, tincture, homeopathic remedy and essential oil can benefit
Circulation: warming the body from within
During cold weather, your blood vessels narrow (vasoconstriction) to conserve heat. Though this is a survival mechanism it can cause circulation to become sluggish, leaving hands and feet feeling cold.
Fresh ginger acts on small blood vessels, promoting vasodilation and sweating to increase peripheral circulation to your extremities (hands, feet, nose). It can be useful for Raynaud’s disease and tingly feet / hands.
Dry ginger has more thermogenic properties making it particularly effective for addressing internal coldness, sluggish digestion, and conditions requiring a stronger warming influence such as immune deficiencies.
Digestion: revving up your digestive fire
In Ayurveda, ginger is known to increase ‘agni’ or digestive fire, essential for breaking down food efficiently. It is particularly useful in alleviating:
Nausea: the gingerols and shogaols inhibit serotonin receptors in the gut, reducing nausea from pregnancy, motion sickness, or chemotherapy.
Flatulence, indigestion, constipation, inefficient digestion: gingerols and zingerone stimulate digestive enzymes, easing indigestion, flatulence, and constipation. Fresh ginger can soothe an upset or nervous stomach, while dry ginger’s hotter nature clears symptoms of congestive digestion. For irritable bowel-related constipation, fresh ginger acts as a gentle laxative.
Metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits
Shogaols enhance fat breakdown and improve insulin sensitivity, helping manage prediabetic states and obesity. Research shows it reduces inflammatory markers associated with diabetes type 2.
Musculoskeletal: easing pain and stiffness
Gingerols and shogaols suppress inflammatory markers, making ginger effective for arthritis and muscular pain. It provides immediate warming and stimulating effects while promoting longer term inflammation management. Its ability to improve blood supply helps clear congestion. High in potassium ginger also helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Its spasm-relieving properties extend to benefits for menstrual pain, making it a versatile natural analgesic. High in magnesium ginger supports healthy bones and muscle function.
Respiratory: clearing congestion and enhancing immunity
Ginger’s expectorant qualities make it effective at clearing phlegm and congestion in coughs and colds, helping to soothe irritated lungs and improve breathing. High in Vitamin C, ginger enhances the immune system to combat infections.
Reproductive health
Fresh ginger tea can provide significant relief for menstrual cramps. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and nourishing effects support long-term reproductive health and can even boost milk production in lactating women.
How to use ginger
Add freshly grated ginger to hot water with lemon and honey for a soothing tea.
Use freshly grated or dry ginger powder in soups, curries, tagines and stews for a warming kick and to enhance digestion.
Blend fresh ginger into smoothies for a digestion-boosting breakfast.
Add a few drops of ginger essential to a diffuser to alleviate nausea, promote digestion or clear congestion caused by a cold.
Dilute ginger essential oil with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba oil) and massage onto the abdomen in a clockwise motion for digestive relief or onto sore joints or muscles or cold feet / hands or chest for coughs and colds NOTE – do a patch test first to check that you don’t have a reaction to the oil.
Add 5-8 drops of essential to a warm bath with Epsom salts to soothe aching muscles.
Steam Inhalation: Add 2-3 drops of ginger essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
Conditions Ginger as a Flower Essence can benefit
Ginger flower essence uses the plant's vibrational energy for emotional and spiritual well-being. It can be useful for those:
seeking to boost self-confidence or assertiveness. It can help individuals who feel timid, hesitant, or stuck in self-doubt, encouraging them to take action and assert themselves in life.
experiencing fatigue, low energy, or lack of motivation. It promotes a sense of drive and determination to pursue goals and overcome challenges.
dealing with fear, insecurity, or hesitation. It helps in breaking free from feelings of insecurity, promoting a sense of safety and rootedness.
looking for grounding and emotional stability during stressful times. It is said to provide a sense of stability and calm, making it beneficial during times of transition or upheaval. It can encourage openness, compassion, and improved interpersonal dynamics.
How to Use Ginger Flower Essence
Oral use: add 2-4 drops to water or take directly under the tongue 2-4 times a day.
Topically: apply a few drops to pulse points, such as the wrists or temples, for emotional support.
Meditation or rituals: use it during meditation, journaling, or spiritual practices to enhance grounding and clarity.
In a bath: add a few drops to a warm bath for emotional rejuvenation and relaxation.
Finding support
If you’re dealing with any of the conditions mentioned above, consider ginger as part of your wellness strategy. However, do consult with a professional practitioner to tailor its use to your specific needs.
At Ilkley Complementary Therapies we offer therapists qualified in Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Flower Essences and Aromatherapy. Please do contact us for an appointment to develop a personalised plan on how ginger could support your health.
Over to You
How will you add ginger to your diet and lifestyle this January to stay warm, support digestion, and promote overall well-being?
I'd love to hear in the comments.
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