Medicinal plant of the month

The ginger rhizome (zingiberis rhizoma) has found it’s use as condiment and cure for many years. Especially in Southeast Asia where it’s also assumed to originate. However, nowadays it’s cultivated in almost every land with tropical climate.

It’s typical spicy taste is attributed to Gingeroles which are chemically related to Capsaicin and Piperin, the substances that give chilli peppers and black pepper their spice. Through dehydratisation of Gingeroles Shangaole which are three times as spicy can be obtained.

Gingeroles and Shangaoles are attributed with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic effects as well as stimulating effects on the development of gastric juice, saliva and bile and also intestinal functions. That’s why especially in the traditional asian medicine they are used fort he treatment of rheumatism, muscular pain and colds.