ginger

    Ginger is a plant and an herb.

• botanical information
• history
• nutritional information
• astrological correspondences
• magick correspondences and uses
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Zangiber officinale.

    Common name: ginger

history:

    History: Gingerbread cookies were U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s favorite kind of cookie.

nutritional information:

The rhizome of ginger is used not only as a flavoring for drinks like ginger ale but has also been used as an herbal remedy for asthma and coughs related to inflammation or allergies. There are over 80 species of ginger, historically found in China, Japan, Australia and Hawaii. Ginger has been used to treat nausea, indigestion, cramps, migraine headaches and to lower blood cholesterol and as a cleanser. —courtesy of Austin Nutritional research

astrological correspondences:

    Astrological planet: Mars

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Western element: fire

    Magickal uses: power. prosperity, romance, and victory

    Love bath: A love bath is a safe and easy way for anyone to cast a love ritual. Ginger is used in Scott Cunningham’s love bath number three. See the article on love baths for more information.

    Mars spells: Ginger (as an herb or an essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Mars matters (aggression, courage, defensive magick, exorcism, healing after surgery, hex-breaking, lust, physical strength, politics, protection, sexual energy, sexual potency, and strength). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on Mars for a list of herbal substitutes for ginger.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

    Ritual uses: Use in beverages and brews intended for consecration

wild ginger

cautions and contraindications:

    Cautions and contraindications: Fresh ginger root is believed to be safe.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: herbs

next herb