HERBS A-Z · G
Ginger · Shunthi (dry) / Ardraka (fresh)
Zingiber officinale — The "universal medicine" (Vishwabheshaja) of the classics — the single most useful household herb for digestion, nausea, colds and body aches.
Classical properties (Dravyaguna)
Rasa (taste): Pungent
Virya (potency): Heating
Vipaka (post-digestive): Sweet (dry ginger)
Dosha effect: Pacifies Vata and Kapha
Parts used: Rhizome
Key benefits
- Kindles digestion before meals
- Settles nausea and motion sickness
- Clears colds and coughs
- Eases muscle and joint aches
- Relieves menstrual cramps
Conditions this herb helps with
Each links to our full guide — causes, home remedies, diet and when to see a doctor.
Common Cold & Sinus Congestion (Pratishyaya)
Full condition guide →Cough (Dry & Wet) (Kasa)
Full condition guide →Joint Pain & Stiffness (Sandhivata)
Full condition guide →Menstrual Cramps & Irregularity (Kashtartava)
Full condition guide →Migraine & Headache (Ardhavabhedaka)
Full condition guide →Allergic Rhinitis & Sneezing (Vataja Pratishyaya)
Full condition guide →How to use at home
A thin slice of fresh ginger with rock salt before meals kindles appetite; ginger-tulsi tea for colds; dry ginger paste on the forehead is a classical migraine measure.
Typical safe range: 1-2 g dry powder or 5-10 g fresh daily
Precautions: Reduce in high Pitta (burning acidity), bleeding disorders and with strong blood thinners. Always inform your physician about herbs you take alongside prescribed medicines, and never stop prescriptions on your own.