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ADRAK


WHAT IS ADRAK

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Adrak is Zingiber officinale which belongs to the Scitamineae family. It is also called Ginger which is used in most of the cuisines for various purposes in Indian households.


What are the other names of ADRAK in various languages

English – Ginger

Tamil – Inji

Telugu – Allamu

Sans – Adrakam

Hindi – Adarakh

Kannada – Alla

Bengali – Ada

Marathi – Aale

Gujarati – Adu

Punjabi – Adarak

Malayalam – Inchi

Farsi – Anjeebeele

Arabian – Janjabeele Ratab


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF ADRAK

Ginger is originated from Asia and is cultivated throughout the world in the tropical region. For commercial use, it is cultivated in Africa and South America. It usually grows in fertile, moist, and drained soil.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant that easily gets adapted to warm climates. It produces pink and white flowers in a cluster. The leaves are 3-4 feet in height. The rhizome of the ginger may vary according to the type. It may be yellow, white, and red with brownish skin.

Part used: The rhizome

Taste: Pungent

Potency: Hot


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN ADRAK

On chemical compound analysis of Adrak, it includes

A-Curumene, B-D-curcumene, B-Bourbornene, d-Borneal, Citral, D-Camphene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Gingerol, A and B Zingiberenes, Zingiberol, Zingerone, Giniberenes, Zingiberol, Zingerone, Gingerols, Paradol, Gingerone A, Ginner glycolipids

Action:

  • Carminative
  • Stomachic
  • Sialogogue
  • Digestive
  • Stimulant
  • Rubefacient


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF ADRAK

It is used to treat arthritis, hypertension, rheumatism, sprains, helminthiasis, muscular pain, dementia, cramps, indigestion, vomiting, fever, sore throats, infectious disease, and constipation

Traditionally, it is used to treat gastrointestinal problems like dyspepsia, motion sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum

The hot infusion prepared from the ginger used to treat cold

  • In Chinese traditional medicine, ginger acts as an antiemetic, expectorant, anti-diarrheal, stomachic, anti-asthmatic, hemostatic, and also used to cure gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases
  •  In Indonesian, red ginger is used to treat arthritis pain           

The rhizome has a carminative and anti-nausea, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory effect

  • In India, dried ginger get relief from arthritis, muscular aches, indigestion, coughs, rheumatism, sprains, congestion, fever, sinusitis, sore throats, diarrhea, and loss of appetite

The leaves and rhizome of ginger used to treat cough, nausea, and diarrhea during pregnancy

  • In Ethiopia, Rhizome is used to treat malaria and abdominal pain
  • In Morocco, an infusion prepared from the rhizome used as an appetite stimulant, aphrodisiac, and antipyretic
  • In Egypt, a decoction prepared from the rhizome used to treat voice problems
  • In Ghana, rhizome used as a poultice for boils and wounds
  • The leaves are macerated and ingested to treat piles and backache in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The juice obtained from the root is used to treat burns

  • In India, dry ginger is used along with black pepper and long pepper


DOSAGE OF ADRAK

The dose of the drug used according to the physician

Fresh juice: 5-10ml

Powder: 1-2g  

Syrup: 2-5ml


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING ADRAK

  • Without consulting with a doctor do not use ginger if you have ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and Gall bladder stones
  • The use of ginger may interfere with the function of the liver so it is advised to take a liver function test
  • At high dose, the use of ginger may cause heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort
  • The use of ginger may interact with antacids and blood thinners
  • The use of ginger may lower blood glucose levels in the blood. So, monitoring of blood sugar levels is required in patients who are taking the anti-diabetic drug
  • The use of ginger may lower blood pressure. So, monitoring of blood pressure is required in patients who are taking the anti-hypertensive drug


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING ADRAK

  • It is contraindicated to use this herb while you are pregnant because the use of adrak may increase the discharge of the uterine and lead to miscarriage

  • Do not use ginger if you are allergic to the ginger family-like Cardamon


BENEFITS OF ADRAK

Morning sickness:

The use of Ginger helps to reduce the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy by its anti-emetic property

Nausea and Vomiting:

Traditional view: Due to itsDeepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive), the use of ginger helps to control nausea and vomiting

Chew the ginger with rock salt to control nausea and vomiting

Modern view: Due to its carminative and anti-emetic effect the use of ginger helps to prevent nausea and vomiting

Menstrual pain:

According to Ayurveda, this is called Kasht-aartava which is controlled by Vata dosha. The use of adrak regulates the Vata and reduces the abdominal pain that occurs during the menstrual cycle by its Vata balancing properties

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to control menstrual pain

Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy:

Due to its anti-emetic effect, the use of ginger reduces the risk of developing gastro-oesophageal reflux and it also improves the gastric emptying

Obesity:

Obesity occurs due to lifestyle modifications which lead to poor digestive fire and this increases the accumulation of toxins in the body and causes an imbalance in the Meda dhatu which results in obesity. The use of ginger helps to reduce the body weight by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and it also helps to improve the metabolism and remove the extra fluid or toxins from the body

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to reduce the accumulation of fat

High cholesterol:

According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol occurs due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). This impaired digestion occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the body which leads to the accumulation of cholesterol and causes obstruction in blood vessels. The use of ginger helps to improve the improper digestion by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) produces which remove the accumulation of bad cholesterol and main normal cholesterol level

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to reduce the accumulation of fat

Irritable bowel syndrome:

According to Ayurveda, inflammatory bowel disease is called Grahani. It occurs due to the imbalance of Agni. Turmeric helps to improve the digestive fire by its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) activity

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to treat inflammatory bowel syndrome

Rheumatoid arthritis:

According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis is called Amavata. It mainly occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha and the accumulation of toxins that occurs due to improper digestion and this toxin is carried to different parts of the body through Vata and gets accumulated in the joints. The use of adrak helps to improve digestion and reduce the accumulation of toxins by its hot properties. This also balances the Vata and reduces the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to reduce the pain associated with rheumatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis:

According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is called Sandhivata and it occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which causes pain, inflammation, and joint movement. The use of ginger helps to reduce the symptoms of arthritis by balancing the imbalance of Vata dosha

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to reduce the pain associated with Osteoarthritis

Diabetes mellitus:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. It occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosh and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the pancreatic cells and affects insulin function. The use of ginger control diabetes by maintaining the function of insulin normally by balancing the Vata-Kapha and improving impaired digestion by reducing the accumulation of toxins which is responsible for impaired digestion.

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and consume it to reduce the accumulation of fat


TYPES OF ADRAK



HOW CAN YOU ADD ADRAK IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

Ginger churna:

Take the required amount of ginger and mix it with honey or lukewarm water after your meals

Ginger capsule or tablet:

Take the required amount of ginger capsule or tablet and mix it with lukewarm water after your meals

Ginger tea:

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 20 minutes. Filter the content and squeeze it with lemon and honey to treat cold and sore throat

Ginger Gargle:

Take the required amount of ginger and crush it with a pestle and mortar. Then add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 10 minutes. Filter the content and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Use this remedy to treat sore throat

Ginger juice:

Take the required amount of ginger juice and add it to a bucket of lukewarm water. Have a bath with this water to treat muscle spasms or muscle cramps


SIDE EFFECTS OF ADRAK

  • Heartburn

    • Blenching


    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ADRAK

    • Can ginger be harmful?

    Ginger can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Some women have reported more menstrual bleeding while taking ginger. When applied to the skin: Ginger is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately, short-term.

    • What happens if you drink ginger every day?

    There is only anecdotal evidence to support this use. Since ginger may fight germs, illness, inflammation, and cancer-causing molecules, taking a little bit every day can support your overall health. Ginger is a natural root, so drinking it will also give you added nutrients.

    •  Is it safe to drink ginger tea every day?

    Ginger tea is safe to drink. However, people should avoid consuming more than 5 g of it per day. The NCCIH suggests that those with gallstone disease should be cautious when using ginger. This is because it may increase the flow of bile.

    • What is the benefit of drinking boiled ginger?

    Ginger water is full of antioxidants, which play an important role in helping your body handle free radicals, lowering your risk of health conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Ginger water is also rich in the mineral potassium.