MEDICINAL USES:
Wild
Ginger root, also known as Canada Snakeroot, is a stimulant, diuretic and
diaphoretic, though it we mostly know it for its diaphoretic properties. Though
not as strong a vasodilator as commercial ginger, it acts similarly to stimulate
mucosal secretions and circulation to the peripheral areas of the body.
Wild Ginger makes you sweat copiously, which helps bring a fever on or
bring it to a head.
Its
capacity for stimulating secretions however can have other uses, for the term
secretions refers to more than sweat. It
can mean uterine secretions, to help move along a slow, crampy, clotty period or
it can mean mucous secretions to disperse a dry and painful head cold or hot and
dry bronchials. It can also be
helpful in stimulating the skin eruptions that bring measles and chicken pox to
completion.
It
is especially useful for congestion in the reproductive system. Its vasodilating properties direct blood to the pelvic area,
which, in combination with the increased secretions and antispasmodic
properties, helps to relieve pelvic blockages.
It
also has antispasmodic properties to help relax the smooth muscles of the uterus
and thus help alleviate menstrual cramps and labour pains.
These properties can also help ease coughing, even in whooping cough and
bronchitis.
Wild Ginger will stimulate gastric secretion to help with indigestion and heartburn, although in some people it may cause mild nausea, especially if there is gastric irritation where the tongue is red and the mouth moist. In addition, its stimulation of the uterine mucosa and musculature makes it inadvisable for use during pregnancy. Many First Nations tribes of BC used Wild Ginger to treat colds and flu. The tea can be taken as needed in a standard infusion. Dosage for the tincture is 20 – 50 drops.
CAUTION: Wild Ginger should not be used by pregnant women. In fact it is listed as an abortifactant by Finley Ellingwood in his 1919 American Materia Medica. Additionally, large doses may cause nausea.