​Zingiber officinale (Ginger Root)

Zingiber officinale (Ginger Root)

Product Name: Имбирь аптечный, Zingiber officinale, Ingwer, Jengibre, Gingembre, زنجبيل, ขิง

Synonyms: Имбирь настоящий, Ginger, Echter Ingwer, Jengibre verdadero, Gingembre vrai, الزنجبيل الحقيقي, ขิงแท้, корень имбиря, белый имбирь, жёлтый корень, ginger root, rhizoma zingiberis, ingwerwurzel, raíz de jengibre, racine de gingembre, جذر الزنجبيل, เหง้าขิง

Main Indications for the Use of Zingiber officinale: Acute gastritis, functional dyspepsia, nausea of pregnancy, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, knee osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, catarrhal sinusitis, acute bronchitis, chronic cough, alimentary obesity, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, viral rhinopharyngitis, Helicobacter pylori infections, hypokinetic biliary dyskinesia, climacteric syndrome, secondary immunodeficiency, chronic stress, autonomic dystonia.

Use of Zingiber officinale in Mixtures and Complexes: Atrophic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, duodenitis, chronic pancreatitis, fatty hepatosis, dyslipidemia, varicose veins of the lower extremities, migraine, chronic pelvic pain, obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma, secondary infertility, neurocirculatory dystonia, Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative diseases, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, hypoestrogenism, psoriasis.

Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber officinale: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, cardiotonic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antifungal, spasmolytic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, thermogenic, adaptogenic, anxiolytic, antidiabetic, angioprotective, choleretic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Zingiber officinale

Powder — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Powder): Acute gastritis, flatulence, nausea of pregnancy, dyspepsia, functional vomiting, knee osteoarthritis, hypercholesterolemia, sluggish digestion, chronic stress, climacteric syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 500–1000 mg of powder 2–3 times a day 15 minutes before meals, with warm water. Average daily dose — 1.5–3 g.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): Up to 4 g per day, divided into 2–3 doses. Recommended for pronounced dyspepsia, flatulence, chronic nausea, and osteoarthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 6 g per day in acute phases (for example, chemotherapy-induced nausea or hypochlorhydria), no more than 3 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 500 mg once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Suitable for patients with obesity, autonomic dystonia, hypercholesterolemia, and perimenopausal women. Take in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 6 years of age, with a body weight of at least 20 kg — no more than 250 mg twice a day. For weight 30–40 kg — 300–400 mg twice a day. Gender does not matter.

Contraindications (Powder): Acute ulcerative gastritis, peptic ulcer in the acute stage, severe forms of hypertension, active gastrointestinal bleeding. Contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood at doses not exceeding 1 g per day have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): Heartburn, irritation of the gastric mucosa, burning in the stomach, less commonly — tachycardia and irritability at doses above 5 g per day.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): Patients with body weight less than 60 kg — start with 500 mg 1–2 times a day. Patients over 60 kg — standard dosages are applicable without adjustment.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 g of powder, 100 g of fresh peeled ginger rhizome is used. The root is cut into thin slices and dried at a temperature of 40–45 °C in a dehydrator for 18–20 hours until completely brittle. After drying, it is ground into powder in a ceramic or stone mortar and stored in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in an airtight glass jar at a temperature of +10 to +25 °C, in a dark, dry place, shielded from electromagnetic sources. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Extract — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Extract): Functional dyspepsia, chronic pancreatitis in remission, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, catarrhal sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, obesity, chronic fatigue syndrome, premenopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Extract): 1 ml of aqueous or glycerin extract (1:5) 2–3 times a day 15 minutes before meals. Daily dose — 2–3 ml. Diluted with water (1:4).

Enhanced Dosage (Extract): 2 ml of extract (1:5) 3 times a day. Used for pronounced insulin resistance, chronic fatigue, climacteric disorders, and recurrent bronchitis.

Maximum Dosage (Extract): Up to 8 ml per day for no more than 5 days for acute inflammatory conditions (bronchitis, arthritis, pronounced catarrhal symptoms).

Preventive Dosage (Extract): 0.5 ml diluted with warm water once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Suitable for patients with obesity, lipid metabolism disorders, and hypoglycemic tendencies. Course — 21 days with a 7-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Extract): From 7 years of age with a body weight of 25 kg or more — 0.25 ml of extract once a day after meals, diluted with water. From 10 years — up to 0.5 ml twice a day. Do not use on an empty stomach.

Contraindications (Extract): Acute gastritis, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer in exacerbation, severe cardiovascular diseases, acute forms of hypertension. Contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood have not been recorded when using aqueous and glycerin forms at doses up to 1 ml.

Side Effects (Extract): Heartburn, palpitations, and headache are possible when taking more than 6 ml per day for several days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Extract): For body weight less than 60 kg — initial dose no more than 0.5 ml 2 times a day. For body weight over 80 kg, an increase in the single dose to 2 ml is allowed with good tolerability.

Preparation method (Extract): To prepare 100 ml of extract (1:5), 20 g of dried ginger root powder and 100 ml of solvent (purified water, vegetable glycerin, or a 70:30 mixture) are used. The mixture is kept in a water bath at a temperature of 60 °C for 2 hours in an airtight glass container. After cooling, the extract is filtered through gauze and poured into sterile bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Extract): Store in a dark, airtight glass container at a temperature of +4–+10 °C, away from sources of light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 3 months. After opening, use within 20 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Tincture): Nausea of various origins, biliary dyskinesia, colds, catarrhal laryngitis, rheumatoid pain, chronic stress, neurovegetative disorders, decreased libido, hypotension.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops (about 1 ml) 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of warm water 20 minutes before meals. Duration of intake — up to 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): Up to 30 drops (1.5 ml) 2–3 times a day, applicable for exacerbation of seasonal asthenia, chronic rhinitis, sluggish bile secretion, and reduced sexual activity.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): No more than 40 drops (2 ml) 3 times a day for no more than 5 days in a row. Used for pronounced nausea, migraine attacks, and acute colds.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10–15 drops in water once a day in the morning. Recommended for patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypotension, and frequent colds. Course — 14 days with a 10-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Use of Tincture in children under 12 years of age is not recommended. From 12 years — 5–10 drops in water once a day after meals with a body weight of 35 kg or more.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcohol intolerance, epilepsy, pregnancy, lactation, organic liver diseases, history of alcoholism. Contraindicated for children under 12 years of age. When the dosage is observed, specific contraindications for moderate hypertension have not been recorded.

Side Effects (Tincture): With overdose, tachycardia, dizziness, nausea, headache, sensation of heat, and skin rash are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): Up to 60 kg — initial dosage 10–15 drops. Over 60 kg — 20–30 drops are acceptable, no more than 2 ml per dose.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of tincture, 20 g of dry ground ginger rhizome and 100 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol are used. Infuse in a dark glass container for 14 days at a temperature of +18–+22 °C with daily shaking. Then strain and pour into glass bottles with a tight stopper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature not exceeding +25 °C, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening, use within 30 days.

Oil Infusion — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Oil Infusion): Osteoarthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, chronic bronchitis with viscous sputum (external rubbing), local edema, peripheral circulatory disorders, colds in the initial phase, muscle stiffness, neuropathic pain, rheumatism.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally, 3–5 ml on the affected area 1–2 times a day, with gentle massaging movements. For inhalation use — 5 drops per 1 liter of hot water, procedure duration 10 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally, up to 10 ml on the area of inflammation 2–3 times a day. Recommended for rheumatoid pain, pronounced joint stiffness, and cold cough. Can be combined with a hot compress.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 15 ml per day for external use on large areas of the body (back, thighs) for no more than 3 days. For inhalations — no more than 10 drops per day.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 2–3 ml on the joint or lumbar area once a day, in courses of 10 days with a 10-day break. Applicable for elderly patients, people with a sedentary lifestyle, and in the off-season.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): From 6 years — only externally. 1 ml on the chest or feet, no more than once a day. From 10 years — up to 2 ml, in a course of up to 5 days. Inhalations not earlier than 8 years, 2–3 drops.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Damage to the skin, acute dermatoses, individual intolerance, high body temperature, epilepsy. Contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been recorded for external use at doses up to 5 ml.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Local hyperemia, burning, allergic rash with individual intolerance. With overdose — skin irritation, headache with excessive inhalation.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Patients with body weight less than 60 kg — start with 2 ml on an area no larger than 10×10 cm. Patients over 60 kg — up to 5 ml on an area up to 20×20 cm.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 ml of infusion, 20 g of fresh grated ginger root and 100 ml of organic cold-pressed sesame or olive oil are used. The ingredients are placed in a glass container and infused in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Then filtered through gauze and poured into a sterile dark bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store at a temperature of +10–+25 °C in a dark place, away from sources of heat and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days, avoiding contact with moisture and air.

Root Ointment — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Root Ointment): Osteoarthritis, localized myalgia, radiculitis, trigeminal and sciatic neuralgia, joint stiffness in arthrosis, fibromyalgia, lumbago, chronic sinusitis (externally on the sinus area), lumbar osteochondrosis, muscle strain.

Standard Dosage (Root Ointment): Apply a thin layer 2 times a day to the affected area (1–2 g per application). Rub in with gentle circular movements until partially absorbed. Course — 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Root Ointment): Up to 3 g on the area of inflammation 3 times a day. Used for intense pain, chronic osteochondrosis, and neuralgia. It is recommended to combine with dry heat.

Maximum Dosage (Root Ointment): Up to 10 g per day on different areas of the body for no more than 3 days in a row. Applicable for pronounced muscle and joint pain and soft tissue injuries.

Preventive Dosage (Root Ointment): 1 g on the lumbar or neck area once a day for 5–7 days in conditions of hypothermia or chronic load. Suitable for the elderly, office workers, and people with sedentary work.

Pediatric Dosage (Root Ointment): Use is possible from 8 years of age, 0.5 g once a day for myalgia or hypothermia. Do not use on mucous membranes and the facial area. Duration no more than 3 days.

Contraindications (Root Ointment): Open wounds, acute skin diseases, active phase of dermatitis, individual intolerance. There is no reliable data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation for external use in a limited volume.

Side Effects (Root Ointment): Local irritation, hyperemia, redness, burning sensation; with overdose, a contact allergic reaction is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Root Ointment): Patients with weight less than 60 kg — up to 1 g per application, no more than 2 times a day. Over 60 kg — up to 2–3 g per application is possible.

Preparation method (Root Ointment): To prepare 100 g of ointment, 20 g of fresh grated ginger root, 70 g of organic beeswax, and 10 g of cold-pressed coconut oil are used. All components are heated in a water bath at a temperature of 60 °C until completely dissolved. The mixture is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained and cooled to 40 °C before pouring into a glass jar with an airtight lid.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Root Ointment): Store at a temperature of +5–+20 °C in a tightly closed dark glass container, away from sunlight and heating appliances. Shelf life — 4 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Massage Oil — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Massage Oil): Chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle strain, spasms, osteochondrosis, fibromyalgia, neurasthenia, autonomic dysfunctions, peripheral circulatory disorders, colds in the initial phase, restless legs syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Massage Oil): 5 ml (1 teaspoon) per massage session on the back, neck, or limbs. Massage duration — 10–15 minutes. Apply once a day in a course of 5–7 procedures.

Enhanced Dosage (Massage Oil): Up to 10 ml per session, applicable for severe physical exertion, pronounced overwork, and chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Massage duration — up to 20 minutes.

Maximum Dosage (Massage Oil): No more than 15 ml per day, distributed over two areas (back and legs), allowed once for intense pain or muscle spasm. No more than once every 48 hours at this dosage.

Preventive Dosage (Massage Oil): 3–4 ml (on the lumbar and occipital area) once every 2 days. Recommended for elderly people, office workers, and those with prolonged standing or a sedentary lifestyle. Course — 10 applications.

Pediatric Dosage (Massage Oil): From 7 years — 1–2 ml as part of a general relaxing massage no more than once every 2 days. From 12 years — up to 3 ml. Do not apply to the face, chest, and mucous membranes. Do not use in children with sensitive skin.

Contraindications (Massage Oil): Allergy to components, acute inflammatory skin diseases, eczema, psoriasis in the acute phase, general malaise, and fever. Not contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation when applied to limited areas of the body.

Side Effects (Massage Oil): Rarely — redness of the skin, local itching, hyperemia. With prolonged intensive use, manifestations of photosensitization on exposed areas of the skin are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Massage Oil): For body weight less than 60 kg — 3–4 ml per massage area. For body weight of 60 kg and above — standard and enhanced dosages are acceptable.

Preparation method (Massage Oil): To prepare 100 ml of oil, 15 ml of ginger oil infusion (on olive or sesame oil), 80 ml of organic jojoba or grape seed oil, and 5 ml of ginger essential oil are used. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed in a glass container, then kept in a cool, dark place for 48 hours to stabilize the composition. Shake slightly before use.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Massage Oil): Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature of +5–+20 °C, protect from sunlight and overheating. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Essential Oil — Zingiber officinale

Indications (Essential Oil): Nausea, vestibular disorders, colds in the initial stage, bronchitis, rhinopharyngitis, chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, asthenoneurotic syndrome, decreased libido, tension headache, anxiety disorders.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): 2–3 drops in an aroma lamp per 10 m² of room, 20–30 minutes 1–2 times a day. For external use — dilution 1:10 in a carrier oil, apply 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): Up to 5 drops in an aroma diffuser or 4 drops in an inhalation with hot water (per 1 liter), no more than 2 times a day. Used for colds, nasal congestion, motion sickness, and sexual dysfunction due to stress.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): Up to 8 drops per day with combined forms of use (aroma space, rubbing, inhalation). Used no more than 5 days in a row. External use no more than 0.5 ml of essential oil per day.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): 1 drop on an aroma medallion or aroma pendant for 4–6 hours, once a day. Used in cold seasons, for chronic fatigue syndrome, and decreased attention. Course — 7–10 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): From 6 years — only aroma lamp: 1 drop per 10 m² for no more than 20 minutes, once a day. External use is allowed from 10 years — dilution at least 1:20, no more than 1 ml of the mixture per application.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): Individual sensitivity, epilepsy, first trimester of pregnancy, children under 6 years of age (internal and inhalation), acute dermatoses. During lactation and with external use, data on contraindications have not been registered.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): Irritation of mucous membranes during inhalation, headache, tachycardia, skin rashes. With overdose — anxiety, nausea, insomnia.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Essential Oil): Patients up to 60 kg — start with 1–2 drops. For body weight over 80 kg, a single dose of up to 5 drops in an aroma diffuser or with external dilution is possible.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): To obtain 100 ml of essential oil by steam distillation, about 10 kg of fresh crushed ginger root is used. The process lasts 6–8 hours at a temperature of 100 °C. The resulting oil is collected in a receiving vessel, separated from the hydrolate, and filtered through an organic paper filter. Not used at home — industrial technology.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature of +5–+15 °C, away from direct heat sources, light, and electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale demonstrates a low toxicological profile and high biological safety upon oral and external use. In preclinical studies on rodents, the following acute toxicity indicators have been established:

— upon oral administration of aqueous ginger extract, the LD₅₀ in rats exceeds 10,000 mg/kg, which indicates extremely low toxicity of the substance;
— alcoholic extract demonstrates an LD₅₀ of 5000–7000 mg/kg in mice when administered via gastric tube;
— upon inhalation and dermal application, no data on toxic reactions at therapeutic concentrations have been identified;
— repeated administration of powder at a dosage of up to 2000 mg/kg for 28 days does not cause significant histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

According to the results of subchronic and chronic studies, ginger does not possess cumulative toxicity, mutagenic, embryotoxic, or carcinogenic activity at doses equivalent to therapeutic ones.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Zingiber officinale

Ginger exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, spasmolytic, and neuroprotective properties. The main active compounds — gingerols and shogaols — demonstrate inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNF, IL-6), suppression of NF-κB and COX/LOX enzyme activation, as well as activation of the antioxidant system (in particular, an increase in the activity of GSH-synthesizing enzymes and the Xc− system). Reference: researchgate.net+10link.springer.com+10frontiersin.org+10.

hey are able to modulate the functions of immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils), reducing the production of NO, TNF, and IL-6 during LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, gingerols activate TRPV1 receptors, providing a local analgesic effect and improving microcirculation. Reference: spandidos-publications.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+15.

Pharmacokinetics — Zingiber officinale

The active components of ginger (gingerols, shogaols) are absorbed upon oral administration mainly in the small intestine, undergo phase II conjugation with the formation of glucuronides and sulfates. Reference: frontiersin.org. These metabolites are distributed to tissues, including the liver, lungs, kidneys, and intestines, where they can release active forms again with the participation of β-glucuronidase. Reference: researchgate.net+13nature.com+13researchgate.net+13.

Upon transdermal, inhalation, and mucosal administration, the components provide a rapid local effect without systemic accumulation. Metabolism is carried out mainly in the liver, excretion — with bile and urine, with minimal excretion through the lungs and skin.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Zingiber officinale

Gingerols and shogaols block the NF-κB and MAPK cascade, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and the production of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF. They inhibit COX-2 and LOX enzymes, weakening the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

The antioxidant effect is provided by enhancing the activity of glutathione peroxidase, the Xc− system, and catalase, which prevents lipid peroxidation. Reference: link.springer.com.

At the neuronal level, they activate TRPV1 receptors (analgesia and thermoregulation), and also exhibit modulating effects through interaction with PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, and FoxO signaling cascades. Reference: biodatamining.biomedcentral.com+14spandidos-publications.com+14frontiersin.org+14.

Synergy — Zingiber officinale

There is reliable data on the synergy of ginger with turmeric: combined use leads to enhanced suppression of NO, TNF, and IL-6 production, inhibition of NF-κB, and suppression of JNK and MAPK activation, with more significant activity than individual extracts. Reference: frontiersin.org.

Ginger components function as bio-enhancers: gingerols increase the bioavailability of other plant and synthetic substances and modulate the activity of CYP and UGT enzymes. This contributes to additive or synergistic enhancement of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxification action in multicomponent formulas.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Zingiber officinale

Ginger has one of the widest and most ancient geographies of use among cultivated spice and medicinal plants. The homeland of the plant is Southeast Asia, most likely the Indian subcontinent or the southern regions of China, from where it was distributed to Indochina, Persia, East Africa, and the Mediterranean. In Chinese traditional medicine, Zingiber officinale was described as early as the 3rd–2nd centuries BC in texts related to the "Shennong Bencao Jing." In China, it was used in the form of decoction, powder, and fresh juice for warming the body and "dispersing wind," and was considered a plant that restores the internal balance of qi.

In Ayurveda, ginger is known as "vishvabheshaji" — a universal remedy accompanying most formulations in the form of dry powder, paste, and decoction. In Indian medical culture, it is used as a "digestive fire igniter," traditionally associated with Surya (the solar principle) and considered a plant that promotes clarity of mind. In Tibetan medicine, the plant was used in compositions of a "warming" orientation, sometimes in combination with saffron and nutmeg, in the form of tincture and paste.

In the Arabic pharmacopoeial tradition, ginger is mentioned in the works of Ibn Sina (Avicenna), where it is described as a warming, stimulating remedy. It was part of many ointments, rubs, and also used in the form of dry powder in mixtures with honey. In the cultures of North Africa (in particular, Berber and Coptic), forms of wraps with ginger are known, as well as its use in incense and cleansing mixtures.

In Southeast Asia — in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam — ginger is traditionally used in village phytotherapy, Thai bath and compress procedures. In the Thai tradition, it is part of "kom-press" — fabric bags soaked in ginger infusions and oils, heated and applied to the body. Ginger juice and freshly grated root are used in steam inhalations and oil infusions for rubbing. In Lao folk practice, fresh root was also used in smoking mixtures and as a means for fumigating dwellings during illness.

In the countries of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia (starting from the 16th century), ginger began to be used in herbalism in the form of powder, tinctures, as well as in warming wines and home-made tinctures. In Slavic village folk healing, it was used as a "fiery root" capable of "driving out cold," especially in ritual mixtures with wormwood and juniper.

In West African and Caribbean cultures, ginger is considered a plant that "revives the spirit" and is used in rituals of purification and attraction of strength. Ginger powder was added to protective amulets, and the space was fumigated during rituals of exorcising evil spirits. In Haiti and in the culture of the southern tiers of Louisiana, forms of using ginger as a "magical remedy for bringing a person home" are known — it was placed in shoes or sewn into the lining of clothing. Thus, Zingiber officinale is part of the centuries-old medical and non-medical practices of dozens of cultures, acting not only as a medicinal remedy but also as a sacred, warming, purifying, and symbolically significant component in rituals, everyday, and ceremonial traditions.