The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

GINGER

Ginger is various species of perennial plant of the genus Zingiber, family Zingiberaceae found native in south east Asia, and also grown in the West Indies, South America and Africa of which Jamaican ginger is the most prized variety. Ginger grows in moist places in various parts of tropical Asia and the Asiatic islands, and was introduced into the West Indies, particularly Jamaica, as also into South America and West Africa. The rhizome, or underground stem, is what is used, being employed in various ways. It has an aromatic, pungent taste, and when young is candied, and makes an excellent preserve. It is a favourite condiment, and is used medicinally as a carminative, and in debility of the stomach and alimentary canal. It is often useful in cases of toothache, relaxation of the uvula, and paralytic affections of the tongue. It enters into the composition of a great number of confections, infusions, pills, etc. The special preparations are the tincture and the essence of ginger; syrup, prepared by mixing twenty-five parts of syrup with one of the strong tincture. Infusion of ginger is a preparation useful for flatulence.
Research Ginger