Ginger (Shunthi)

Ginger is so valued in Ayurveda that the Bhavaprakasha calls it vishwabheshaja, 'the universal medicine'. Fresh ginger (ardraka) and dried ginger (shunthi) are treated almost as two different remedies: fresh is moister and milder, dry is hotter, more drying and more concentrated.

Ginger in Ayurveda

Ginger is classed as deepana and pachana: it kindles the digestive fire and helps digest what is already there, including ama. It is also used to clear Kapha from the chest and to warm cold hands and a cold stomach. Because its post-digestive effect is sweet, it is less drying than most pungent spices.

Fresh vs dry ginger

• Fresh (ardraka): milder, moister, better before meals and in hot weather; gentler for Pitta
• Dry (shunthi): hotter and more drying; better for Kapha, congestion and cold, damp weather
• Dry ginger is roughly two to three times stronger, so use less of it

Ayurvedic properties

Taste · rasa

Pungent (katu)

Potency · virya

Heating (ushna)

After digestion · vipaka

Sweet (madhura)

Effect on the doshas: Balances Vata and Kapha; can increase Pitta in excess (fresh ginger is gentler for Pitta).

How to use it

• A slice of fresh ginger with lemon and salt before meals to kindle appetite
• Ginger tea after heavy meals or on cold days
• Added to dals, soups and stir-fries
• Dry ginger in warm milk at bedtime (traditional for Vata)

How to make ginger tea

1. Slice or grate a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger (about 2.5 cm)
2. Simmer in 2 cups of water for 5 to 10 minutes; longer makes it stronger
3. Strain, and add a squeeze of lemon
4. Let it cool a little before stirring in honey, if you like

Benefits

Ginger is one of the better-studied kitchen remedies. Clinical trials support it for nausea, including morning sickness in pregnancy, where guidelines list it as an option, and it may help with nausea after surgery and during chemotherapy alongside standard care. Smaller studies suggest it can speed stomach emptying and ease period pain. Most studies use 1 to 1.5 g of dried ginger a day, roughly a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger.

Safety

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or qualified practitioner — never stop prescribed treatment based on it.

Questions