Herb of the year 2023

 Ginger

Zingiber officinalis

This year we celebrate Ginger as herb of the year for 2023 according to the International Herb Association. This is an important herb to us, and was cherished by Dr. Christopher. He used ginger in many of his herbal formulas. He called it a lead sheep because it has the ability to take the other herbs where they need to go. He was able to target the area in need because of the ginger in the formula.

Dr. Christopher tells the following story about ginger. 

“I remember when a lady called from Salt Lake to my residence in Cottonwood at three o’clock in the morning. Her daughter was screaming in the background with terrible stomach pain. I was tired, as I had been out on night calls and had just barely retired to bed, and I said, “Take some ginger and baking soda. The pain will stop; and go back to bed. I’ll call in the morning.” She begged, “Oh, you’ve got to come.” So I said, “all right.” I pulled on my clothes and set out. It was eight or ten miles, so before I got there the pains grew so acute that she finally decided to do what I told her to do. And when I arrived, the daughter met me at the door - all smiles - no pain.”

In the School of Natural Healing book, it mentions ginger as a mild stimulant. It goes from the capillaries, through the venous structure, to the heart and back again. It is more diffusive than cayenne, but may be used as a substitute for it when it is unavailable. Ginger is well known for its circulatory and digestive properties.

Studies have shown ginger to be useful in motion sickness and nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Historically ginger has been used as a carminative. It helps to expel excess gas out of the intestinal tract. Its qualities are antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sternutatory (makes you sneeze), rubefacient, pungent and condiment. Some of the things it has been used for are boils, bronchitis, colds, congestion, diarrhea, flatulence, flu, gout, headache, menstruation, nausea, neuralgia, paralysis of tongue, sore throat, and toothache.

Externally ginger can be used for inflammation. A decoction can be made and used as a fomentation to relieve pain and congestion. In the tub a couple of tablespoons can be added to the water to promote perspiration in case of fevers. This can also help relieve tired and achy muscles.

I think ginger is a great selection for herb of the year. We have used it many times for a variety of reasons and we often mix it with other herbs to enhance their use. May we all honor the herb Ginger this year and always.