Ginger is a large tuberous perennial plant that can be seen in all tropical and subtropical regions and is very famous in India, China & USA. It is used in food as a Spice and in the Holistic medicine of Ayurveda for countless formulations. In this article, we will share Sonth’s user benefits and full details.
Ginger is used either dry or fresh, dry ginger is called Sonth. Both have almost the same qualities. Rhizome is the main part normally used.
- Sonth Botanical Name – Ginziber Officinale
- Family – Scitamineae
Ginger/Sonth Benefits
Stomach disorder
- Ginger contains many useful phytochemicals which are beneficial for stomach problems, one of them is Gingerol. A study from 2020 has shown that bioactive compounds like Gingerol are beneficial to treat Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. More research is needed in this context.
- Sonth has the property to Increase the speed of emptying of the stomach.
Cancer
- A study from 2015 has shown that Sonth might have the properties to fight against cancer Like stomach, colon, and breast cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds like Shagols, and Gingerol.
- According to PubMed, Gingerol which is found in large amounts in Ginger may have anti-cancer properties and may be very powerful against it.
- Study on Consuming Ginger extract for 28 days Significantly reduced Pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon.
Bacterial infections
According to a study from 2008 phytochemicals of Sonth like Sesquiterpenoids and Zingiberene May have the properties to fight against bacteria like Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Nausea and Morning sickness
- It is helpful in pregnant women having Nausea and morning sickness
- It is useful in people who are undergoing surgery or chemotherapy who might get nausea.
Lowers Blood Glucose levels
- A study from 2015 has proven that it reduced fasting blood sugar in type 2 diabetes if taken regularly in a certain dosage.
- It also improved the HbA1c A marker for long-term Blood sugar levels.
- More research is needed to prove these facts.
Headache
A study from 2022 has shown that Sonth may have the property to reduce headaches during migraine. It may help to reduce the severity, but more research is needed in this context.
May Help lower Cholesterol levels
- High levels of LDL mean there is more risk of heart disease.
- A study from 2018 conducted on patients with hyperlipidemia Prescribed with Ginger pasted powder showed a tremendous result of a decrease in 17.4% of Cholesterol levels over a 3-month period.
Brain function
- Research studies on animals have shown that it has the properties to reduce the inflammatory responses in the brain and protect it.
- It can also help to increase brain function if taken regularly.
- Also, it can help to increase brain function in age-related problems of the brain like Alzheimer’s.
Menstrual Pain
- Severe pain and discomfort during the menstrual cycle are known as dysmenorrhea.
- Ayurvedic medicine practitioners have used Shunti as a painkiller for many centuries.
- Research conducted in 2009 showed that should is as effective as mefenamic acid and above ibuprofen, for menstrual pain
- More research studies are needed to prove these results.
Osteoarthritis
OS involves infection in the joint, Ginger has the property to reduce the infections in the body which includes joints also. if consumed for 3 months regularly under doctor supervision may get great results.
Weight loss
- Ginger has been used to reduce body weight in many Ayurvedic medicines
- A study from 2019 showed that it can help to reduce body weight In overweight and obese patients.
- It can also reduce the unwanted excess fat and cholesterol deposited in the body.
Cough
- Sonth Has been used for the treatment of respiratory problems for many centuries in hundreds of Ayurvedic formulations.
- A study from 2016 conducted on guinea pigs showed that it has the properties to reduce Cough due to the presence of Polysaccharides.
- Decoction of Shunti hot water may help to reduce cough.
Antioxidant
- Ginger contains bioactive compounds like shogaols and ginger in huge quantities.
- These phytochemicals may act as powerful antioxidants that can remove the free radicals present in the body and protect the body from further damage.
Shunthi Nutritional value
| Nutrient | Value |
| Protein | 9% |
| Carbohydrate | 60-70% |
| Fibre | 3-8% |
| Fat | 3-6% |
| Water | 9-12% |
Ginger properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancerous
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Increase blood glucose tolerance
- Balances blood lipid Profile
Actions according to Ayurveda
- Pachana
- Bhedana
- Vrishya
- Rochana
- Deepana
- Swarya
Side effects
- Generally, it is considered safe to consume if taken with proper dosage.
- US Food and Drug Administration has categorised Ginger under the Safelist
- Common side effects may be Heartburn, diarrhoea and Abdominal discomfort.
In Pregnant women
- It is considered safe if taken with a doctor’s supervision
- Very less research studies are available to confirm the safety of pregnant women
- Please consult your doctor for more information
- Self Administration is not suggested
In Lactating mothers
- For lactating mothers, it is considered safe if taken with a doctor’s opinion.
- More research studies are needed to prove its safety in breastfeeding mothers.
- Please consult your doctor to know whether it is safe or not
In Kids
Please consult your doctor about whether to use this in kids or not.
Interaction with allopathic medicines
- Generally, it doesn’t interact with allopathic medicines
- There are not enough scientific studies available to prove this statement.
- If you want to consume both allopathic medicines and Ginger at the same time maintain a 30-minute interval between the two
Interactions with Homoeopathic medicines
- Sonth Doesn’t interact with homoeopathic medicines.
- More research studies are needed to prove its safety with homoeopathic medicines.
- Please consult a doctor for more information.
Interaction with health supplements
- Shunti doesn’t interact with health supplements like Multivitamins, Omega 3 fatty acids etc.
- If you want to consume both at the same time consider maintaining a 30-minute interval between the two
- Reach your healthcare provider for more information
Pharmacological actions
- Rubefacient
- Stimulant
- Carminative
- Gastrointestinal stimulant
- Stomachic
Vedio
Part used
Rhizome
Dosage
- Powder – 1 to 2 grams
- Fresh juice – 5 to 10 ml
- Syrup – 2 to 5 ml in single or divided dose
Famous medicines
- Saubhagya shunti paka
- Trikatu
- Ardraka ghrita
FAQ
Is Ginger tea good for a cold?
Yes, it is a great option if you have a cold. You can make ginger tea, enjoy it and get rid of the cold.
Does Ginger cause acidity?
No, it doesn’t cause acidity if taken properly with a proper dose. If you have any disorder related to the stomach, contact your doctor.
Does Ginger help in weight loss?
Yes, it helps to lose weight by reducing the deposition of unwanted fat and cholesterol in the body. It is also used in many weight-reducing Ayurvedic formulations.
Does ginger help Increase testosterone?
According to the ancient Ayurvedic scripture ‘Vrishya,’ that means the aphrodisiac property is one of the qualities included by famous doctors. so it may be helpful to increase testosterone levels.
Does Ginger help in hair growth?
Yes, it is helpful in hair growth, it has many phytochemicals and natural antioxidants that can help to increase the blood circulation in the scalp and provide proper nourishment. so it may be helpful for an increase in hair growth
Does ginger help to relieve joint pains?
Yes, it is helpful in joint pains involving infections like Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, it can help to eliminate the infections in those areas.
Is ginger helpful in reducing Cholesterol?
Yes, it is beneficial for those who want to reduce cholesterol levels, contact your doctor for safe administration.
Also read about these famous Medicinal Herbs
Conclusion
From ancient times Ginger has been used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment and also in delicious preparing foods. it can help to increase immunity, can reduce infections, can help to reduce blood glucose levels, helpful in relieving joint pains, for those who want to reduce body weight can reduce by consuming this and many more such benefits are thereby consuming this. consider it as a health supplement and use it wisely under the Health Care provider’s supervision.
This article is only for educational purposes, contact your doctor for more information and forever health safety.