Adrak/Zanjabeel:Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

People use the ginger plant all over the world as a spice and medicine. It is a member of the same family as cardamom and turmeric. 

Long-established uses of ginger include Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and other types of traditional medicine.   

It contains a variety of beneficial chemicals that can support human health. You can benefit greatly from ginger!    

People have a tradition of healing illnesses at home in every culture on earth. Whether they reside in wealthy or underdeveloped nations, this is true.    

Zanjabeel is one of many herbal remedies that people use to treat themselves at home. This is actually the dried root of the ginger plant, also referred to as Adrak or Sonth.  

 Ginger has long been used as medicine in addition to being a common cooking spice. In fact, ginger was regarded as a crucial medicine by ancient Unani doctors. Today, many homes still keep ginger in their medicine cabinets. 

Plant Morphology:

 The root of a plant species known as adrak is used in medicine, and it grows continuously.

 This root smells strongly and tastes spicy. When grown on farms, it can grow up to 90 cm tall and is brown, white, and slightly yellow in colour.

 Adrak is an Asian beverage that is grown throughout India, but is especially popular in Kerala, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, and Karnataka. 

It thrives in regions with high rainfall and at altitudes of between 1000 and 1500 metres above sea level.

 The Adrak plant's roots are planted by farmers in June, and it grows for a few months before being harvested.

 Sources :

Adrak is a herbal remedy that primarily uses the root, or rhizome, of the plant. The root can be used medicinally in both fresh and dried forms.   

 Properties  of Adrak:

Adrak (ginger) is described as having numerous health benefits in the traditional Unani medicine books, including preventing nausea, lowering cholesterol levels, acting as an antioxidant, combating bacteria and other microbes, protecting the heart, relieving gas, improving digestion, treating coughs, stimulating appetite, assisting in bowel movements, treating vomiting, promoting sexual desire, improving brain function, getting rid of worms in the body, and aiding in coughing. 

Here are some usage types, and dosage of ginger for various medical issues: 

1. For digestive issues:  

Ginger can ease upset stomachs by easing gastrointestinal irritation, boosting saliva and bile production, relaxing the muscles of the stomach, and facilitating the passage of food through the digestive tract. Use it once daily after a meal by combining 1 tsp of ginger juice with salt and water.

 2. For cancer: 

Studies have shown that ginger extract has anti-cancer properties that can be helpful in treating various cancers like ovarian, breast, and pancreatic cancer. Take 1 teaspoon of ginger extract or include ginger in your food to use it. 

3. Alzheimer's disease and improving brain function: 

Ginger's antioxidants and bioactive compounds may help lower brain inflammation, which may be helpful for preventing Alzheimer's disease and reversing age-related decline in brain function. One ginger tablet should be taken each day to use it. 

4. Ginger for cases of morning sickness and vomiting:

It is very effective against motion sickness. Pregnancy, traveling, especially on winding roads for those who experience motion sickness, and chemotherapy patients are all common causes of nausea. Ginger calms body processes, particularly in the digestive system. Additionally, it aids in accelerating food absorption. Because of this, it effectively treats nausea without causing any negative side effects.

Drink a glass of water with 2-3 teaspoons of adrak juice and some honey once a day as your dose.

 5. Ginger can help with flatulence:

 It is common for the body to produce gas. However, when it occurs frequently, it raises concerns and causes pain and discomfort. Ginger, a fantastic carminative, aids in releasing the extra gas and discourages further buildup.  

Take one tablespoon of adrak powder with lukewarm water two times daily, before meals. 

6. Ginger for comfort Menstrual cramps: 

Prostaglandin hormone, which act as chemical messengers, is decreased by ginger. The body experiences cramps, pain, and fevers as a result of this hormone.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules of adrak or 1 tablespoon of the powder twice daily with a glass of water. 

7. Diabetes and Ginger : 

Adrak's outstanding hypoglycaemic ability is very important in lowering the body's blood sugar levels. When someone consumes Aadar as a formulation, the pancreas' ability to produce insulin is activated. It aids in reducing the conversion of starch to glucose, which causes low blood sugar levels. 
Use: Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powder twice daily 

8. Ginger in Arthritis:

 A disease known as arthritis is characterised by the vitiation of sauda (black bile humour) and the accumulation of toxic waste products in the body as a result of improper digestion in the joints. Ginger aids in regulating digestive fire. Additionally, it balances black bile and provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like joint pain and swelling. Take one tablespoon of adrak powder twice daily as a dose. 

Multiple benefits Of Adrak

The staphylococcus bacterium, which is known to cause sore throats, is successfully defeated by the antibacterial properties, which also aid in the treatment of colds and the flu. 

Antiviral qualities aid in the defence against viruses and lessen the risk of respiratory infection.

 Inflammation is reduced by strong anti-inflammatory effects, which eases joint and muscle pain. 

Strong antioxidant properties fight the effects of free radicals and lower the risk of illness. 

The analgesic effects help ease cramps and muscle pain. 

Serotonin release is boosted by calming effects, which also reduce stress. 

The digestive fire is sparked by ginger, which also increases metabolism and treats all other gastrointestinal conditions. 

By converting cholesterol into bile acids, ginger lowers cholesterol levels. 

To treat the symptoms of IBS, chew a piece of ginger with rock salt (Sendha namak). (Irritable bowel syndrome). 

Ginger juice combined with a tiny bit of honey offers almost immediate relief from phlegm and sore throats. Within a few days, taking 3–4 teaspoons a day will restore one's health.

Hot ginger-based tea has been shown to lessen muscle pain brought on by exertion or during a challenging workout.

Ginger juice applied topically may reduce the occurrence of acne.

Due to its aphrodisiac properties, ginger increases the viability and movement of sperm. Men's sexual performance is aided by this. 

Forms of herb & it's Dosage: 

1. Ginger Juice - 1-2 teaspoons .

2. Ginger Powder - ½-1 teaspoon                                                                                  

3. Ginger Tablet- Take 1-2 Ginger tablets, Swallow it with lukewarm water or milk twice daily.

 Also Read: Arka ayurvedic herb uses benefits dosage and side effects

Disclaimer: Dosage should only be taken after careful consultation with an Ayurvedic or Unani consultant and depends on the patient's condition and age.