Chai Pilgrimage

There is nothing in the universe that is non-medicinal and cannot be made use of for many purposes and by many modes. — Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hrdayam

Botanical: Zingiber officinale

English: Ginger

Sanskit: Ardraka (fresh), Sunthi (dried)

Hindi: Adrak, Adarakh

Nepali: Aduwaa

In the ancient Ayurvedic tradition, ginger was referred to as Vishvabhesaja, meaning “the universal medicine.”  It has been utilized as a botanical healer around the world since antiquity for a broad range of conditions. Ginger’s warming quality counteracts many cold-induced illnesses brought on during the winter. It is a common home remedy that is safely used with children for colds, flu, sore throat and sinus congestion. It can calm stomach nausea, vomiting and motion sickness and help relieve intestinal gas and abdominal cramping, including menstrual cramps. We found it indispensable for these conditions while traveling in Nepal and India and always carried it in our daypack, eating it raw as a first aid treatment.

ginger vendor in Bhaktapur, Nepal

Ginger breaks up mucus congestion and acts as an expectorant for the lungs. It cleanses the body by burning toxins or eliminating them through the skin by promoting perspiration. By neutralizing toxins and aiding circulation, it helps treat rheumatic conditions and osteo-arthritis.

Ginger is a powerful digestive because it stimulates saliva flow, ignites the digestive fire and tones the stomach. Dr. Vasant Lad suggests eating a slice of ginger with a few drops of lime juice and a pinch of mineral salt before eating to promote digestion. As an entire medicine chest in one plant, it is a good idea to always have some on hand in your home.

Ginger is the primary spice in masala chai. The fresh root (actually a rhizome) is available at most supermarkets. To use it, grate, smash or thinly slice the fresh root and add it to the simmering masala. Using a cheese grater is the simplest method and there is no need to peel it. In a pinch, you can use dried ginger powder, but the whole, fresh ginger root will offer the best flavor.