Ginger (Cago)
Zingiber officinale
About Ginger (Cago)
Ginger (Cago) (Zingiber officinale) is a herb used in the Hawaiian & Polynesian Medicine tradition to help with Nausea, Digestive Issues, Cold, and Arthritis. The rhizome is the part traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Botanical background
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or simply ginger, is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ginger (Cago) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Ginger (Cago) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Ginger (Cago) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Ginger (Cago) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Ginger (Cago).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Steam Inhalation
- Add 2–3 tbsp of Ginger (Cago) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
- Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Ginger (Cago) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
Pregnancy
Likely SafeOne of the best-studied herbs for pregnancy — widely used and generally recommended in typical culinary/tea doses (up to ~1g/day) for morning sickness. Very high doses are usually advised against in the final weeks due to a theoretical mild antiplatelet effect.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeCommonly used in normal culinary amounts; no significant concerns documented in typical use.
Children
Likely SafeWidely used in diluted tea or crystallized form for children's nausea and stomach upset; well tolerated in age-appropriate amounts.
Contraindications
Warnings
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
Mild antiplatelet activity may add to bleeding risk at high doses.
Diabetes medications
May have an additive blood-sugar-lowering effect.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Southeast Asia (cultivated worldwide)
Climate
Tropical and subtropical
Habitat
Originally from Southeast Asian tropical forests. Now cultivated globally in tropical gardens and farms. Prefers partial shade and moist, rich soil.
🌿 To see Ginger (Cago) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Ginger (Cago), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.