Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison’s contribution to the March 15, 2007 edition of Buckston and Huber’s Alternative. Huber’s contribution is current.

WE continue our exploration of the traditional, all-time favourite ginger which has been used over generations for medicinal purposes and as a key ingredient in many Jamaican dishes. Last week we spoke about its origin and the many ancient civilisations that have utilised this plant. This week we will look at its varied uses as well as its nutritional benefits. In the 18th century, powdered ginger was mixed with liquid and taken as a remedy for gout, arthritis and rheumatism. It was also noted that ginger was good for respiratory problems such as bronchial catarrh, whooping cough and some lung problems. During these times it was widely claimed that ginger mixed with honey was beneficial for gas, coughs, colds, colic stomach pain, menstrual cramps and indigestion. It is also good for inducing a delayed period. Ginger is also beneficial for people who have suffered a stroke. It can play an important role in the recovery programme. A very good friend of mine — a former Custos of Hanover — has a nephew who suffered a stroke. Every week he would ask me to deliver ginger powder, which he gave to him. The Custos and his family continuously and consistently fed him with ginger and also applied the powder to the parts of his body that were affected until he was fully recovered.

Apart from its medicinal uses, ginger is a wonderful condiment and spice. It brings out the flavours in recipes such as rice and peas, chicken, mutton, soups, vegetable and meat pots and pastries. Ginger beer is an all-time favourite. So is grater cake with ginger and the old-time log candy. Ginger in syrup served with shaved ice is also nice. As a child, ginger was a household rescue remedy and on every street corner in many towns you could find the snow cone or shaved ice man ready to serve you with his ginger beer. People were not dying from strokes as much then. Ginger is rich in Niacin. It also contains vitamins A, C, B complex, plus calcium, iron, sodium potassium and magnesium. It is claimed that Jamaican ginger is the best in the world and is said to be useful for the treatment of bowel spasms and bronchitis. Ginger is a heating herb which stimulates circulation due to the action of its niacin content. It is good for strokes because it permeates the blood vessels and improves circulation. When boiled with guava leaves it may be used for colic, diarrhoea, dropsy, fever, flu, heart palpitations, nausea, gas pains and toothache.

It is also said to promote perspiration.

Fresh or dried ginger may be used at all times and combined with other herbs for greater effectiveness.

Buckston Harrison was well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resided in Sheffield, Westmoreland until his untimely passing on Monday March 22, 2010.