Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an annual upright herb 30-60 cm tall of the Zingiberaceae family, originating from India and South China, with three main varieties: elephant ginger, red ginger, and small ginger (bahing). Its rhizome is one of the world's most iconic spices and cooking seasonings, as well as a perfume ingredient. Ginger is traditionally believed to relieve sore throats, nausea, and boost immunity.

Grows well in tropical to subtropical regions, at elevations of 200-1,000 m above sea level, rainfall between 2,500-4,000 mm/year, pH 6-7 and receives sunlight (70-100%) throughout the day with an optimum temperature of 20-35 °C. Prefers sandy clay soil and fertile, loose lateritic soil rich in organic matter.

• Roots in the form of a rhizome, a) branching, thick, wide (not cylindrical), pale yellow; b) red, scaly, slender, very spicy taste and very aromatic; c) yellowish-brown, small size, spicy taste and aromatic.
• Stem pseudostem; a) grooved, green; b) dark green, round, coated with fine hairs; c) round, small diameter, reddish-green.
• Leaves single, green, lance-shaped, alternating.
• Flowers compound, cone-shaped, a) and b) reddish-green, c) purple.
• Fruit a capsule, elongated round, brown.
• Seeds round, black in color.

Propagated by rhizome from a quality parent plant (genetic, physiological, and physical quality).

Geraniol, sesquiterpene, cadinol, limonene, zingerone compounds, essential oils (including a) zingiberene, gingerol, camphene, limonene, shogaol, paradols, b) α-zingiberene, arcurcumene β-bisabolene, β-sesquiphellandrene, monoterpenoid), farnesol, aspartic acid, chlorogenic acid.

Treats sore throat, cough, colic, diarrhea, influenza, rheumatism, aches, back and stomach pain, boosts appetite, worm infections, immunity, Alzheimer's therapy, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive.

• Wash fresh rhizome thoroughly with running water.
• Slice to a thickness of 5-7 mm.
• There are two drying methods: using a heating device (oven) at 50-60 °C, or sunlight. During drying, turn over every 4 hours for even drying, do this for 3-5 days or until dry.
• Pack the dried material in a clean, airtight bag. Store in a dry place at room temperature.

 Bahing (Karo), Lahia (Nias), Haila (Aceh), Sipodeh (Minangkabau), Jahi (Lampung), Jae (Java), Jhai (Madura), Melito (Gorontalo).