by Jenny Perez, September 3rd 2024
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Beyond the Spice Rack: Therapeutic Uses for Organic Ginger Powder

When you think of ginger, you might imagine a zesty addition to your favorite chai or curry, but as many of you know, this ancient spice goes far beyond the culinary realm. Organic Ginger Powder, meticulously crafted from 100% organically cultivated ginger rhizomes, offers many therapeutic benefits that make it a must-have in any health-conscious household. Whether you're a practitioner looking for intentionally sourced, ethylene-oxide (ETO)-free natural remedies or a health-conscious consumer seeking holistic wellness solutions, this versatile powder deserves a place in your pantry—and your wellness routine.

The Power of Ginger: What Makes this Spice so Nice?

Ginger has been revered for thousands of years in traditional medicine, and modern research continues to support its wide-ranging health benefits. At least 115 constituents in fresh and dried ginger varieties that have been broadly divided into volatile and non-volatile compounds.1 Organic Ginger Powder is abundant in non-volatile, bioactive compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which support the body's natural defenses, promote physical comfort, and enhance overall vitality.2 In addition to these powerful compounds, ginger powder provides essential nutrients such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium—vital for supporting neurological function, immune health, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance.1

Ginger’s Ancient Uses and Healing Energetics 

For over 5,000 years, ginger has been valued and utilized as a tonic root in India and China to address common ailments—India, now the largest producer, exports ginger worldwide. Traded from India to the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago, ginger was prized for its flavor and medicinal properties. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, ginger remained a valuable commodity in Europe, controlled by Arab merchants. By the 13th and 14th centuries, a pound of ginger was as valuable as a sheep.1

In Ayurveda, ginger is esteemed as Vishawa Bhesaj, or “universal medicine,” for its ability to promote overall vitality . Ginger is classified as tridoshic, balancing all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—though particularly beneficial for Vata and Kapha. Its pungent (spicy) taste and heating (Ushna Virya) properties stimulate digestion, improve circulation, and reduce coldness and dampness in the body. The sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka) of ginger ensures that it continues to nourish and balance the body even after digestion, making it ideal for long-term well-being. These characteristics are why ginger is commonly used in Ayurveda to aid in healthy digestion and to promote overall warmth and vitality.3

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginger is characterized as spicy and hot, known for warming the body and treating cold extremities.4 It’s used to promote healthy blood circulation, address a pale complexion, and strengthen the body after blood loss.1 Ginger’s ability to promote healthy circulation and support the body’s natural detoxification processes aligns with its role as a warming and activating herb in TCM.

How to Warm Up Wellness Routines with Organic Ginger Powder

Organic Ginger Powder can be easily incorporated into your daily routine from soothing the digestive system to promoting overall vitality. Here are some simple yet effective ways to harness its therapeutic benefits:

Oral Use: Nourish from the Inside Out

One of the most effective ways to experience the benefits of Organic Ginger Powder is by consuming it in your diet, supplements, or traditional herbal preparations. through oral consumption. Whether you’re looking to support digestion, boost vitality, or simply enjoy ginger's warm, zesty flavor, these easy-to-make recipes will help ginger become part of a daily wellness routine.

  1. Ginger Honey Pills or Honey Spread: One of the simplest ways to enjoy the benefits of ginger is by creating ginger honey pills or a ginger honey spread. This combination offers the digestive support of ginger while also providing the natural goodness of honey, making it a comforting option for soothing the throat and aiding in digestive wellness.

    To prepare: In a glass bowl, blend ~two teaspoons of raw honey with ¼ cup Organic Ginger Powder until it forms a thick paste. Roll into an oblong dough ball and cut into 24 small balls for easy-to-consume pills that deliver ~1 gram per ginger honey pill. Take up to 4 per day.

    Or add a little more honey to create a ginger spread to mix with nut butter, add to stir-frys, and more!
  2. Ginger-Infused Warm Water or Tea: For a classic and easy-to-make option, mix a teaspoon of Organic Ginger Powder into warm water or tea. This simple preparation is a go-to for digestive support, easing occasional indigestion, and promoting overall digestive wellness. Add lemon or honey for additional flavor.
  3. Ginger Smoothie Booster: Add a teaspoon of Organic Ginger Powder to your morning smoothie. Not only does it give your drink a zesty kick, but it also helps support circulation, joint comfort, and overall vitality. Ginger's warming properties can help invigorate your day and support healthy digestion.
  4. Ginger-Turmeric Golden Milk: Enhance the benefits of ginger by combining it with turmeric to make a soothing golden milk. Mix a teaspoon of Organic Ginger Powder and turmeric powder into sufficient warm milk (dairy or plant-based) and sweeten with honey or maple syrup. This body-balancing beverage is perfect for warming up while winding down and supporting overall health.

Practitioner Guidance:
Ginger is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including upset stomach, heartburn, gas, or bloating. Additionally, ginger may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Monitor individuals, particularly those on anticoagulant therapy or with a history of GI issues, for any adverse effects.5,6 

Topical Use: Soothe and Rejuvenate

For centuries, ginger has been valued in traditional practices for its warming and comforting properties. These time-honored uses continue today, offering gentle support for physical comfort through topical applications.

  1. Ginger Powder-Infused Castor Oil for Joint and Muscle Discomfort: Combine Organic Ginger Powder with warm castor oil to create a potent topical treatment for joint and muscle discomfort.2 Apply the mixture to the affected area and cover it with a warm cloth to allow the oil and ginger to penetrate the skin. The warming properties of ginger, combined with the deep penetration of castor oil, can help ease muscle tension and support physical comfort, especially after strenuous activity.
  2. Ginger Powder Compress: Create an ancient, simple ginger compress by mixing Organic Ginger Powder with warm water to form a paste. Apply the paste to a cotton cloth and place it on areas of discomfort, such as joints or muscles, for 5-10 minutes.
    The warmth from the ginger enhances circulation and promotes relaxation in the affected area. Avoid using ginger compresses on open or damaged skin and remove the compress if irritation occurs. If the heat from ginger powder alone is too intense, try mixing in a small amount of almond flour or marshmallow root powder with ginger powder to buffer the heat from ginger’s pungent oils.

Practitioner Guidance:
Exercise caution when recommending topical use of ginger powder for patients with diabetes or compromised skin integrity.6 Due to potential reduced sensitivity and impaired wound healing in this population, monitor for any signs of irritation or adverse reactions and adjust treatment as necessary.

When Only the Best Will Do

For those seeking maximum therapeutic benefit, don’t settle for just any organic ginger powder. Ensure it is ETO-free, free from ethylene oxide—a chemical commonly used in conventional spice sterilization that can leave harmful residues.8

Choose PRL’s Organic Ginger Powder, intentionally sourced and crafted using the highest standards. It’s not only certified kosher and non-GMO but also rigorously tested to be free from contaminants, drying agents, and fillers, and screened for heavy metals, and pesticides. If you’re committed to clean, potent, and effective natural products, PRL’s Organic Ginger Powder is the right choice to activate health and wellness.

 

‡ The products and claims made about specific products on or through this Site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

‡ This Site is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Products, services, information, and other content provided on this Site, including information that may be provided directly or by linking to third-party websites are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult accredited healthcare professional organizations, evidence-based herbal monographs, and published clinical research regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.

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References

  1. Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/. Accessed on 8/26/2024
  2. Mao QQ, Xu XY, Cao SY, et al. Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Foods. 2019;8(6):185. Published 2019 May 30. doi:10.3390/foods8060185. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31151279/. Accessed on 8/26/2024
  3. Sandeep S. Commentary on Therapeutic Role of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as Medicine for the Whole World. Int J Pharmacogn Chinese Med 2017, 1(1): 000102. Available at: https://medwinpublishers.com/IPCM/IPCM16000102.pdf. Accessed on 8/26/2024
  4. Shahrajabian MH, Sun W, Cheng Q. Pharmacological uses and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in traditional Asian and ancient Chinese medicine, and modern practice. Not Sci Biol. 2019;11(3):309-319. doi:10.15835/nsb11310419. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336229880.  Accessed on: 8/26/2024
  5. Ginger. Alternative Medicine Review. 2003;8(3):331. https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v8-3-331-335.pdf. Accessed August 15, 2024.
  6. Ginger. Restorative Medicine Monographs. Restorative Medicine. https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/ginger/. Accessed August 15, 2024.
  7. Deep Warmth Ginger Infused Body Oil. Little Green Dot. https://littlegreendot.com/deep-warmth-ginger-infused-body-oil/. Published May 28, 2019. Accessed August 15, 2024.
  8. Toxicological Profile for Ethylene Oxide. Atlanta (GA): Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US); 2022 Aug. CHAPTER 5, POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589508/.  Accessed on 8/26/2024 

 

 

Jenny Perez is an herbal educator, researcher, and writer who has been immersed in nutrition and botanical medicine for more than twenty years. She has created curriculum, content, and educational materials for Quantum Nutrition Labs, Premier Research Labs, the American Botanical Council, and Bastyr University’s Botanical Medicine Department, where she was Adjunct Faculty, Herb Garden Manager, and Director of the Holistic Landscape Design certificate program.