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Herb library

Ardraka / Shunthi (Ginger / Dry Ginger)

Ginger (Ginger / Dry Ginger)

Zingiber officinale

Called vishwabhesaj, the universal medicine, for good reason.

Ginger plant · Herb · Parts: Rhizome (root)

Taste (rasa)
Pungent, sweet
Energy (virya)
Heating
Balances
Vata, Kapha

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Well-evidenced for nausea, including motion and pregnancy sickness
  • Kindles digestive fire and relieves bloating
  • Warming support during colds and damp weather

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Shunthi (dry) and Ardraka (fresh) are the universal medicine — vishvabheshaja — for weak agni and cold, damp conditions.

Traditional uses

  • Nausea, travel sickness and heavy, slow digestion
  • Cold-type coughs with clear mucus
  • Warming stiff joints in damp weather

Practical guidance

  1. 1Fresh ginger before meals kindles appetite; dry ginger after meals settles bloating.
  2. 2A thin slice with rock salt ten minutes before lunch is the classical appetiser.
  3. 3Reduce it if you run hot, have acidity or ulcers.

How much

Dosage

Up to 1 g dried powder or 3 g fresh root daily, split across doses.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Appetiser slice

Thin slice of fresh ginger with a pinch of rock salt and a squeeze of lime.

15 minutes before a meal

Ginger decoction

Simmer 1 tsp grated root in 2 cups water for 10 minutes; strain.

After meals, or through the day when unwell

Read this first

Precautions

  • Reduce with active gastritis, ulcers or reflux
  • High doses may interact with blood thinners
  • Keep under 1 g/day in pregnancy

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forDigestion & GutImmunity & RecoveryJoints & Inflammation

Common questions

What is Ginger used for?

Called vishwabhesaj, the universal medicine, for good reason. In traditional use the main applications are: Well-evidenced for nausea, including motion and pregnancy sickness; Kindles digestive fire and relieves bloating; Warming support during colds and damp weather.

What is the typical dosage of Ginger?

Up to 1 g dried powder or 3 g fresh root daily, split across doses. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Ginger be taken?

Appetiser slice: Thin slice of fresh ginger with a pinch of rock salt and a squeeze of lime. Timing — 15 minutes before a meal

Are there any precautions with Ginger?

Reduce with active gastritis, ulcers or reflux High doses may interact with blood thinners Keep under 1 g/day in pregnancy Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Ginger replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.