Herb of the Day for January 8th is Ginger

Herb of the Day

Ginger


Ginger was recorded as a subject of a Roman tax in the second century after being imported via the Red Sea to Alexandria.                                      

Medicinal Uses: The root is warming to the body, is slightly antiseptic, and promotes internal secretions. Chop about two inches of the fresh root, cover with one cup of water, and simmer for about twenty minutes, or one-half teaspoon of the powdered root can be simmered in one cup of water. Add lemon juice, honey, and a slight pinch of cayenne. A few teaspoons of brandy will make an even more effective remedy for colds. This preparation treats fevers, chest colds, and flu.  
                                                                                                
A bath or a foot soak in hot ginger tea is also beneficial. The tea without additives helps indigestion, colic, diarrhea, and alcoholic gastritis. Dried ginger in capsules or in juice is taken to avoid carsickness and seasickness. Use about one-half teaspoon of the powder. It works well for dogs and children. Dry ginger is a stimulant and expectorant; fresh ginger is a diaphoretic, better for colds, cough, and vomiting.

Magickal uses: When ginger is eaten before performing spells it will increase your power. Since ginger is a spicy and “hot” herb, it is most effective in love spells. Plant the root to attract money or sprinkle powdered root into pockets or on money for prosperity. Ginger also ensures success. The Dobu tribe of the Pacific Islanders use ginger in much of their magick. By first chewing it, they then spit it at the “seat” of an illness, or at an oncoming storm to stop it while still at sea.

Properties: Antispasmodic, anti-emetic, analgesic, antiseptic, appetizer, aromatic, carminative, condiment, diaphoretic, expectorant, febrifuge, pungent, sialagogue, stimulant Topically: increases blood flow to an area.            Contains bisabolene, borneal, borneol, camphene, choline, cineole, citral, ginerol, inositol, volatile oils, PABA, phellandrene, phenols, alkaloids, mucilage, acrid resin, sequiterpene, vitamins B3, B5, zingerone, and zingiberene.

Growth: The ginger plant is an erect herb with scaly underground stems that branch in a finger-like fashion and is known as “hands.” The stem reaches a height of about of 3-4 feet, the leaves growing 6-12 inches long. The sterile flowers are white with purple streaks and grow in spikes. The stem is surrounded by the sheathing bases of the leaves. The flowers are yellowish with purple lips. It is indigenous to tropical Asia and cultivated in other tropical areas, especially Jamaica.
Source:
Author: Crick