Ginger Root
Ginger is the spicy little root that's been running the world's medicine cabinet for about 3,000 years. A warming circulatory herb and carminative, it's traditionally used to kindle digestion, support healthy circulation and bring comfort to cold, crampy, sluggish days. Ayurveda calls it the "universal medicine," and Chinese medicine uses it to warm the body from the inside out. Hot, bossy and always shows up when you need it.
Find it in:
- Botanical nameZingiber officinale
- Plant familyZingiberaceae (ginger family)
- Also calledShunthi (dried, in Ayurveda), sheng jiang / gan jiang (fresh / dried, in Chinese medicine)
- Part usedDried root (rhizome) and powdered root
- TasteSpicy, warming and a little citrusy
- CaffeineNone
Traditional Uses & Folklore
Ayurveda: the universal medicine
In Ayurveda, ginger is called vishwabheshaj, "the universal medicine." Dried ginger is valued for kindling agni, the digestive fire, and it shows up in countless classic formulas. Fresh ginger with a pinch of salt before meals is a household tradition across India.
Chinese medicine: warmth from within
Traditional Chinese medicine uses fresh and dried ginger as two different herbs. Fresh ginger is for chills and the first signs of a cold, and dried ginger warms the center of the body. A warm ginger drink is a classic remedy for period discomfort in many Chinese households. Confucius was said to eat ginger with every meal.
The spice that built trade routes
Ginger was one of the first spices traded from Asia to the Mediterranean. Ancient Romans paid dearly for it, and in medieval England a pound of ginger could cost as much as a sheep. Queen Elizabeth I is often credited with popularizing gingerbread figures.
The scienceWhat Modern Research Is Exploring
Ginger is one of the most researched herbs in the world, with many human trials, usually using capsules of powdered root. Here's what researchers are looking at:
- Period cramps. Several clinical trials have looked at ginger powder for menstrual discomfort, and reviews of those trials have found encouraging results.
- Nausea. Ginger is well studied for queasiness, including motion sickness and morning sickness. It's one of the most researched uses of any herb.
- Inflammation. Ginger's active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, are studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
We share this to show where the conversation is going, not to make promises. Herbalism is slow medicine, built on ritual, consistency, and how a plant feels in your own body.
From Tea LadyWhy Ginger Is in Our Blends
Ginger is our heat. It warms up Luteal Phase Tea and Moon Phase Tea for the crampy, bloaty, cozy-blanket days, and it fires up digestion in Happy Gut Tea and Happy Gut Powder. It also adds a spicy kick to Glow Up Powder. Every blend that needs a little backbone gets a little ginger.
Sip mindfullySafety & Who Should Check First
Ginger is a common food and spice and is generally considered safe in tea-sized amounts. Please check with your healthcare provider before drinking it regularly if you:
- are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- have gallstones, or take medication for blood sugar or blood pressure
- have a surgery coming up (pause herbal teas about two weeks before)
Ginger is spicy, so if you're prone to heartburn, start with a lighter cup.
Sources & Further Reading
- Daily JW, Zhang X, Kim DS, Park S. "Efficacy of ginger for alleviating the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials." Pain Medicine, 2015; 16(12): 2243–2255.
- Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, et al. "Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence." International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2013; 4(Suppl 1): S36–S42.