Shunti

Description

Zingiber officinale, or ginger, is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows to about 1 meter tall, featuring a thick, branching rhizome (underground stem) that is used as a spice and has a yellow center and spicy aroma. The plant produces upright pseudostems, or false stems made of rolled leaves, bearing narrow, lance-shaped leaves. It also produces cone-like clusters of small, yellow flowers

Useful Parts

Underground stem

Benefits

Digestive System Carminative & Digestive stimulant → Reduces bloating and promotes digestion. Anti-emetic / Anti-nausea → Helps relieve nausea and vomiting. Anti-ulcer / Gastroprotective → Protects gastric mucosa and reduces acidity. Respiratory System Expectorant → Clears mucus from the airways. Anti-asthmatic / Bronchodilator → Relieves bronchospasm and improves airflow. Musculoskeletal System Anti-inflammatory → Reduces inflammation in joints and muscles. Analgesic → Provides relief from pain and soreness. Anti-arthritic → Alleviates stiffness and swelling in arthritis. Immune System Immunomodulatory → Enhances immune response by regulating cytokines and white blood cells. Cardiovascular System Cardioprotective → Improves circulation, reduces cholesterol, and protects heart tissue. Metabolic / Endocrine System Antidiabetic → Helps regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity. Hypolipidemic → Supports reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. General / Multi-systemic Antioxidant → Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress. Antimicrobial → Inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi. Anti-pyretic → Helps reduce fever. Anti-obesity → Regulates fat metabolism and supports weight management

Pharmacological Action

1. Digestive stimulant (Carminative) – improves appetite, relieves indigestion, bloating, flatulence. 2. Anti-emetic – prevents nausea and vomiting (motion sickness, pregnancy-related). 3. Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic – reduces pain, swelling (arthritis, musculoskeletal pain). 4. Antioxidant – protects against oxidative stress and cellular ageing. 5. Hypolipidemic & Cardioprotective – reduces cholesterol, prevents clot formation, supports circulation. 6. Antimicrobial – antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties. 7. Antitussive & Expectorant – relieves cough, cold, asthma, and sore throat. 8. Thermogenic – produces warmth, useful in cold conditions. 9. Hepatoprotective – protects liver and improves metabolism. 10. Anti-diabetic – helps regulate blood glucose. 11. Neuroprotective – improves memory, reduces stress and fatigue.

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Katu

Guna: Laghu, Snigdha

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Madhura

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha hara