SHUNTHI(Ginger)

Description

Sunthi is known to have originated and widely cultivated in India and introduced to China. Ginger is a creeping perennial rhizomatous herb which can grow to a height of about 0.6-12m tall, leaves are 15-30cm long, Rhizome, laterally compressed bearing short, flattish, ovate, oblique, branches on upper side each having at its apex a depressed scar, pieces about 5-15 cm long, 1.5-6.5 cm wide (usually 3-4 cm) and 1-1.5 cm thick, externally buff coloured showing longitudinal striations and occasional loose fibres, fracture short, smooth, transverse surface exhibiting narrow cortex (about one-third of radius), a well-marked endodermis and a wide stele showing numerous scattered fibro-vascular bundles and yellow secreting cells, odour agreeable and aromatic, taste, agreeable and pungent.

Chemical constituents:
Sunthi contains Volatile Oil containing Cineole zingiberol, and sesquiterpene like zingiberene, bisobolene and sesqui phellandrene, gingerosol in the oleo-resin. It also contains Essential oil, pungent constituents (gingerol and shogaol) and starch.

Properties:
Rasa : Katu
Guna : Laghu, Snigdha
Vipaka : Madhura
Virya : Usna
Karma : Anulomana, Asmadosahara, Bhedana, Dipana, Hrdya, Pacana, Kaphahara, Rocana, Svarya, Vrsaya Vatahara, Vatakaphapaha.
Pharmacological action :It is known to be an effective spasmolytic, antipyretic, antiemetic, antioxidant, antiulcer, analgesic, hypotensive, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent
Benefits:
1-By its sheetprashaman, anti inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is used as local application in swollen joints and rheumatoid arthritis.
2-It is the best medicine for all Vata disorders. It stimulates nerves, improves impulse transmission and relieves pain..
3-Helps in the treatment of Fibromyalgia
4-This herb is used in anorexia, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence, abdominal pain, jaundice and piles.
5-In oedema, Shunthi with equal quantity of jaggery in increasing dose up to largest and decreased to the original is useful as Rasayana.
6-It is kaphaghna and antiasthamatic thus treats Asthma by its property of tikta and Snigdha.
7-This herb containing formulation are useful in typhoid fever and innumerable conditions.
8-Shuntipak is useful in general debility and particularly in post partum debility. It keeps digestive and respiratory system healthy. It ameliorates Vata diseases, swelling and increases the strength.

Contraindication:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take shunthi without a physician advice .