Food Therapy: Ginger

Traditional nature and flavour of ginger: slightly sweet and warm.

During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius is said to have kept ginger with him throughout the year. The Analects states that ginger should be available with every meal, but only a few slices should be eaten at a time.

A Chinese saying goes: “Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer, and you will not need to ask the doctor for a prescription.” In summer, Yang Qi moves towards the surface and the internal organs are considered relatively cooler. People also eat cold food and remain in air-conditioned rooms, allowing more cold and dampness to enter the body. Because ginger is warm, a small amount in summer is traditionally used to dispel cold. In winter, Yang Qi is more internal and people eat richer strengthening foods, so radish is traditionally used to cool the body.

A single day can also be compared to the four seasons: morning resembles spring and night resembles winter. Another saying therefore recommends radish before bed and ginger after rising. Morning ginger is traditionally thought to support Yang Qi and disperse the cold of the night.

It is also said: “Ginger in the morning is like ginseng soup; ginger in the evening is like arsenic.” People interested in traditional health care may therefore eat a few slices after breakfast.

Ginger can also be used in the following ways:

1. For the scalp

Traditionally used for scalp inflammation or headaches attributed to wind and cold. Because Swiss water is relatively hard, some people may develop scalp irritation. After washing the hair, chopped ginger and garlic may be rubbed gently on the scalp and washed off after three to five minutes.

2. For a cold

Boil three or four slices of ginger, add a little brown sugar, and continue boiling for about fifteen minutes. Drink while hot. This soup is traditionally used for a cold attributed to cold, especially in winter, but not for a heat-type cold. Signs of the latter include sore throat, dry throat, and dry stools. The same preparation has also been used for menstrual pain.

3. For diarrhoea attributed to cold

Crack a raw egg into a bowl and pour freshly boiled ginger water over it. Traditionally this is taken two or three times a day, then continued for another day to warm the stomach.

4. To warm the stomach and reduce vomiting

Ginger is traditionally known as an important remedy for nausea and vomiting. It has been used for cold-type stomach pain, vomiting, acid regurgitation, and motion sickness. A slice may be chewed while travelling. The original article also describes giving a baby a very small amount of boiled ginger water before feeding to reduce regurgitation.

5. For frostbite

Ginger, chilli, and radish are boiled in water, which is then traditionally used for a foot bath.

Ginger should not be eaten in excessive amounts, as too much internal heat is traditionally thought to harm the eyes. It is not recommended for people with Yin deficiency or haemorrhoids. Do not use rotten ginger, as it may harm the liver.

Although ginger can be eaten throughout the year, I do not recommend much ginger in autumn, when the weather in Switzerland can be particularly dry.