GINGER
HISTORY OF GINGER
What a humble herb, to be so grand, so mighty in strength, so hard working, all for such little recognition. This is a herb to be discovered, experienced and enjoyed in abundance! There is far too little celebration, understanding and appreciation today for the wonder of ginger, but this has not always been the case.
From its origin to the present, ginger is the world’s most widely cultivated herb. Testimonials of both the medicinal and economic importance of ginger have been recorded first in five thousand-year-old Greek literature. Ancient literature from the Middle East, Asia and Europe also write of its impact. Chinese records chronicle the immense wealth associated with growing acres of ginger. Trade in spices like ginger could easily be associated with one’s wealth and power. In the Middle Ages, as little as just one pound was worth 1 shilling and 7 pence, approximately equivalent to the price of a sheep. Explorers like Marco Polo and Vasco de Gama described the cultivation of ginger and its properties.
The historical reverence for usage of ginger is simply staggering. Ginger had great medicinal value as a spiritual beverage, aphrodisiac, digestive aid, etc. Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Indian systems viewed ginger as a healing gift from God. Chinese pharmacopeias claim long term use of fresh ginger as putting a person in contact with the spiritual advantages. Writings of the Koran describe ginger as a beverage of the holiest heavenly spirits. Its healing heritage is unmatched in the history of medicine.
Throughout history, ginger is reported for its value as an aphrodisiac. The list of references of ginger’s sexual tonic properties is impressive, including endorsements by the Greek Dioscorides; a citation in Arabia’s A Thousand and One Nights, John Gerard’s prescriptive herbal; and Italy’s famed University of Salerno medical school prescribed that a rule for happy life in old age was to “eat ginger, and you will love and be loved as in your youth.”
Throughout history, ginger is reported for its value as an aphrodisiac. The list of references of ginger’s sexual tonic properties is impressive, including endorsements by the Greek Dioscorides; a citation in Arabia’s A Thousand and One Nights, John Gerard’s prescriptive herbal; and Italy’s famed University of Salerno medical school prescribed that a rule for happy life in old age was to “eat ginger, and you will love and be loved as in your youth.”
Ginger’s value as an aphrodisiac is undoubtedly connected to its widespread use as a systemic tonic, hormone balancer, energy enhancer, and agent for improving the appetite and circulation. It is no wonder that ginger is so widely used as a prerequisite for a healthy sexual appetite.
Chinese philosopher Confucius wrote as far back as 500 B.C. of never eating without ginger. In the famous De Materia Medica 77 A.D. Dioscorides recorded that ginger “warms and softens the stomach”. Virtually every culture has recorded the virtues of ginger as a digestive aid. History states that ginger was part of the soldier’s diet in many countries. In U.S. early twentieth century, ginger was named the herb of choice for digestive support.
Either alone or in combination with other herbs, ginger has been the herb of choice for thousands of years. As a testimony to its numerous usages, it remains a component of more than 50% of all traditional herbal remedies.
The Japanese soothed spinal and joint pain with it. The Chinese found it helpful with tooth aches, symptoms of a cold, flu and hangover. Progressive early-twentieth century U.S. physicians prescribed ginger for painful menstruation.
The fifth-century Chinese sailors were using ginger for its vitamin C nutritive value during their long voyages.
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