Ginger Root has been widely distributed in the tropic and semi-tropic regions of the world. Chinese ships carried pots of Ginger on board long sea voyages to prevent scurvy and sea sickness. A Chinese folk remedy recommends rubbing the cut root of the plant on the scalp to stop hair loss. In India, before religious festivals, devotees would avoid Garlic, so as not to offend the deities. Instead, they consumed Ginger, which left them fragrant and pleasing. A product of India, Ginger is considered the "Universal Medicine" by India's Ayurvedic herbalists. Ginger Root has also been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine for the positive effects it has on the body, as well as to enhance herbal combinations. Ginger's sweet taste has made it a popular herb, and it is found today in ginger ale, breads, candies, and tonics. Ginger is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid. By increasing the production of digestive fluids and saliva, Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping. The primary known constituents of Ginger Root include gingerols, zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, starch, essential oil (zingiberene, zingiberole, camphene, cineol, borneol), mucilage, and protein. Ginger Root is also used to treat nausea related to both motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger has been found to be even more effective than Dramamine® in curbing motion sickness, without causing drowsiness. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms. Ginger's therapeutic properties effectively stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin. Other uses for Ginger Root include the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems by loosening and expelling phlegm from the lungs. Ginger Root may also be used to help break fevers by warming the body and increasing perspiration. |
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Red Raspberry is believed to be native to Europe, but it's widely cultivated in North America, Britain, Scandinavia and Scotland. Red Raspberry was used by colonial Americans as an astringent. They used an infusion of the root bark and applied it to the sore eyes. The fresh fruit of Red Raspberry was used for dissolving tartar on the teeth. The leaves may be collected throughout the growing season - they are rich in vitamin C and contain astringent qualities due to their high tannin content. Red raspberry leaves have been used by women for centuries as a support to the reproductive system, especially during pregnancy. When used after birthing, it can decrease uterine swelling and minimize postpartum hemorrhaging. This herb is beneficial in normalizing blood flow during menstruation and reducing painful menstrual cramps. Red Raspberry supports the reproductive system by strengthening the tissues of the womb, increasing lactation and easing nausea caused by morning sickness. It also cleanses and prepares breasts for a pure milk supply for the nursing infant by cleansing and purifying the blood. The Raspberry fruit is fragrant, containing a crystallizable fruit-sugar, a fragrant volatile oil, pectin, citric and malic acids, mineral salts, and water. Raspberry leaves and fruit can benefit visual acuity when used for a period of time. It also benefits the joints and tendons. Primary chemical constituents of Red Raspberry include flavonoids, alkaloids (fragarine), organic acids, vitamin C, iron citrate, calcium chloride, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and tannins. Red Raspberry's astringent properties make it helpful in relieving diarrhea, and its antiseptic properties make it beneficial for treating sore throats and canker sores. Topical applications of this herb have included use as a mouth wash for sores, an eyewash for discharge, a douche for leucorrhoea, and a hair rinse. Raspberry vinegar is an acid syrup made with the fruit-juice, sugar, and white-wine vinegar, and water. This herb even makes a useful gargle for sore throat pain.
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