Ginger: A Spice Worth Growing in Your Backyard

Introduction

Ginger is grown all over India and is so familiar that it does not need much introduction. It grows underground and its edible rhizome is used for medicinal purposes. It is called ginger (adruk) when fresh and moist and when it dries up it is called saunth.

Chemical Composition

It contains 80.9% moisture, 2.3% protein, 0.9% fat, 2.4 % fibre, 12.3 % carbohydrates and 1.2% minerals, which include 20 mg calcium, 60 mg phosphorus, and 2.6 mg iron/per 100 gm. In addition, it also has small amounts of chlorine and vitamin A, B and C. Dry ginger root (Saunth) has 10.9% moisture, 15.4% proteins, 6.2% fiber, 5.3% starch, 6.6% ash and 1-2.6% volatile oil. The volatile oil is exmacted from ginger root with peel intact because ginger peel has pores which let the oil flow through. The oil can be extracted from fresh ginger, but the oil from sawnth is

known as ginger

is not Siteer The of meluderin oil and it
gingibarin and gingibaral as its components. The constituents in sannib are not volatile. Therefore when sanath powder is placed in alcohol or ether, a thick, dark brown coloured oily substance – an oily resin is obtained, which is commonly known as gingerine. The bitterness of oil is due to gingerine. There is approximately 6.5% gingerine in the oil. In addition, the oily resin includes 6-28% fragrant oil and 30% non-bitter components. Gingerol, shogaol and gingerine are the main contributors to bitterness.

Chemical Composition :

It contains 80.9% moisture, 2.3% protein, 0.9% fat, 2.4 % fibre, 12.3 % carbohydrates and 1.2% minerals, which include 20 mg calcium, 60 mg phosphorus, and 2.6 mg iron/per 100 gm. In addition, it also has small amounts of chlorine and vitamin A, B and C. Dry ginger root (Saunth) has 10.9% moisture, 15.4% proteins, 6.2% fiber, 5.3% starch, 6.6% ash and 1-2.6% volatile oil. The volatile oil is exmacted from ginger root with peel intact because ginger peel has pores which let the oil flow through. The oil can be extracted from fresh ginger, but the oil from sawnth is

known as ginger is not Siteer The of meluderin
oil and itgingibarin and gingibaral as its components. The constituents in sannib are not volatile. Therefore when sanath powd…

Properties

It suppresses kapha and sata because it is warm. It eradicates cold, cures swelling and oedema and relieves anhtrengthreadeyes and cures asla. It quenches thirst, is purgative, and enhances digestion; it makes wind go down and cures piles. It improves functioning of the

circulatory system and purifies blood. Ginger is bitter

and unctuous and so cures cough and bronchial asthma.

It also stimulates sexual desire and is anti-pyretic. Saunth is a useful digestive material. It cures all disorders related to indigestion

Medicinal used

Headache: Prepare paste of ginger root with milk and use this to give watyw to the patient. It cures severe headache.

2. Cooked form of ginger root, chiretta, nut-grass and Guduchi is also anti-pyretic and enhances body power. It cures thirst and disinterest in food.

Rhinitis: Give 2 teaspoonful ginger juice and add honey in it. Give this to the patient every morning and evening. It curas bronchitis, thinitis and bronchial asthma.

Cold: Warm 2 teaspoonful ginger juice and add homey in it. Give this to the patient. It controls the intensity of cold and cough.

Asthms: Give mixture of powder of pippali and sandbav salt with ginger juice to the patient, to be taken at night before going to bed. It cures bronchial asthma within 7 days of treatment.

Syncope: Give natye of its juice. It cures faintness during fever

Toothache: To cure toothache in winters, chew ginger

pieces. It cures toothache. Ear pain: Heat its juice and put 2-5 drops of its lukewarm juice in the ears. It cures ear pain.

Pneumonia: Mix ginger juice with 1-2 years old ghee and camphor and apply this mixture on the chest of the patient.

Indigestion: Prepare decoction of equal quantities of

Tinospora, atis, ginger root and nut-grass. Give this to the patient, every morning and evening. It cures weakened state of digestive power and cures colitis. (quantity: 20-25 ml) Digestive power:

1. Give 250 ml Yaaksbar or 2 gm powder of ginger root with ghee, or give only ginger root powder with warm water, every morning to the patient. It acts like appetizer and increases the appetite of the patient.

1. Botanical Characteristics:

• Rhizome: The most important part of the ginger plant is its rhizome, which is knobby and fleshy, with a characteristic spicy flavor.
• Leaves: Ginger plants have long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow from the rhizome in a dense cluster.
• Flowers: Ginger flowers are usually yellow-green with purple streaks, but they are relatively rare when ginger is grown commercially for its rhizomes.

2. Growth Conditions:

• Climate: Ginger grows best in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm temperatures (between 25°C and 30°C) and high humidity.
• Soil: Ginger thrives in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5.
• Sunlight: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
• Watering: The plant requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, but should not be waterlogged.

3. Cultivation:

• Planting: Ginger is usually propagated by dividing the rhizomes into pieces, each with at least one growing bud. These pieces are planted shallowly in the soil.
• Harvesting: The rhizomes can be harvested after about 8 to 10 months when the plant’s leaves begin to yellow and die back.
• Yield: A single ginger plant can produce multiple rhizomes, which continue to grow as long as the plant remains healthy.

4. Uses of Ginger:

• Culinary: Fresh ginger is used as a spice in various dishes, including curries, soups, marinades, and stir-fries. It is also used in drinks like ginger tea and ginger ale. Dried and ground ginger is a common spice in baked goods.
• Medicinal: Ginger is widely known for its health benefits, especially in traditional medicine. It is used to treat nausea, indigestion, colds, and inflammation. Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in herbal remedies.
• Essential Oils: Ginger essential oil, extracted from the rhizome, is used in aromatherapy and skincare.

5. Varieties of Ginger:

There are several varieties of ginger, each with subtle differences in flavor and appearance:

• Chinese Ginger: Commonly available and used in cooking, it has a more pungent taste.
• Indian Ginger: Known for its strong flavor, often used in curries.
• Baby Ginger: A milder, less fibrous variety harvested early for tender, young rhizomes.

Ginger Plant Care:

• Mulching: Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds.
• Fertilization: Organic fertilizers or compost can be added to provide nutrients during the growing season.
• Pests and Diseases: Ginger can be affected by root rot, bacterial wilt, and nematodes. Proper drainage and crop rotation can help prevent these issues.