Spiritual Benefits of Ginger and How People Use It

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is the knobbly root behind your zobo, kunu and pepper soup. In Hausa it is citta and in Yoruba atale. Southern Kaduna is Nigeria's main ginger growing area, and Nigeria is one of the world's big exporters.

Because ginger is hot and sharp, people around the world have linked it with fire, power and quick action. Written history of its spiritual use is thin, so this page describes what people believe and do today, not proven effects. This is faith practice, not medical advice. If you are unwell, see a doctor.

Spiritual benefits of ginger

People believe ginger adds heat and power to whatever it is used with. These are the most common beliefs.

• Spiritual strength and boldness: its heat is seen as a sign of fire in prayer and courage to face problems.
• Cleansing: a ginger bath is used to wash off heaviness, tiredness and a feeling of being spiritually dull.
• Protection: some carry a piece of root or keep one at the door to guard against evil.
• Speed: people add ginger to other prayer items to make things happen faster, the same way it is added to food for a quick kick.
• Money and success: some keep a dry piece in the shop or wallet for customers and sales.
• Love and warmth: its heat is linked with passion and warmth between couples.
• Health and long life: in Ayurveda, India's traditional medicine, ginger is called the universal medicine, and many cultures see it as a root that keeps the body strong.

Is ginger in the Bible?

No. Ginger is not mentioned in the Bible. Christians who use it do so as a point of contact, praying to God over it, the same way some use a glass of water or salt and honey. The power, in their belief, is in God, not in the root.

How to use ginger spiritually

These are the ways people commonly use it. Pick one, keep it simple and pray with a clear heart.

Chewing ginger before prayer

1. Wash and peel a small slice of fresh ginger, about the size of your thumbnail.
2. Pray over it, asking for strength and fire in prayer.
3. Chew it slowly and swallow, then begin your prayer.

A small slice is safe for most adults. Skip this if ginger gives you heartburn.

Spiritual bath with ginger

1. Wash and slice one medium ginger root, about 2 to 3 fingers long.
2. Boil it in about 1 litre of water for 10 minutes.
3. Let it cool completely, then strain out the pieces.
4. Pour the water into a bucket of clean bathing water and pray over it.
5. After your normal bath, pour it over your body from the neck down. Keep it away from your eyes.

Ginger water can sting broken or sensitive skin. Rinse with clean water if it burns or itches. Some people add scent leaf to the same bath; see bathing with scent leaf water.

Carrying ginger for protection

• Dry a small piece of root in the sun for a few days.
• Pray over it and keep it in your bag, pocket or car.
• Some place a piece above the main door or under the shop counter.

Ginger with garlic and onion

Many people combine ginger with garlic or onion, which have their own strong traditions. Read garlic and sea salt and the spiritual powers of onions for those uses.

A prayer some people say over ginger:

"Lord, as this root is hot and strong, let your fire burn in my spirit. Remove every weakness and delay from my life. Give me boldness and favour today, in Jesus' name. Amen."

What you need

• Fresh ginger root
• A knife and clean water
• A pot to boil it in
• A bucket of clean bathing water
• A small cloth bag if you will carry it
• Your Bible or prayer points

Health benefits of ginger: what the evidence says

Ginger has more human research than most kitchen herbs, but even here the results are mixed. This is what the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports.

Use	What research shows
Morning sickness in pregnancy	May help. Most studies used supplements.
Period pain	Supplements may reduce cramps.
Knee arthritis	Might help, but much of the research is poor quality.
Nausea from chemotherapy or surgery	Unclear.
Motion sickness	Most studies show no help.

Side effects of ginger and who should be careful

Ginger is safe for most people in food amounts. Large amounts can cause problems.

• Heartburn, stomach discomfort, loose stool, and mouth or throat irritation.
• Blood thinners: ginger may have a mild effect on blood clotting. If you take warfarin, aspirin or similar drugs, or have surgery coming, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts.
• Pregnancy: food amounts are generally fine, but ask your antenatal doctor before taking ginger supplements or strong daily ginger drinks.
• Diabetes and blood pressure medicine: check with your doctor before using it in large amounts.
• Ginger does not cure infections, typhoid, fibroids or any serious illness. See a doctor for those.

Frequently asked questions

What does ginger do spiritually?

People believe it brings strength, boldness, cleansing, protection and speed in prayer. These are beliefs, not proven results.

Can I bathe with ginger water?

Yes, many people do. Boil it, cool it fully, strain it and keep it out of your eyes. Rinse if your skin stings.

Is it good to chew ginger before prayer?

Some people chew a small slice as a point of contact for fire in prayer. A small slice is safe for most adults, but avoid it if it gives you heartburn.

Is ginger mentioned in the Bible?

No. Ginger is not named in the Bible, so its spiritual use comes from tradition, not scripture.

Can I mix ginger and garlic for spiritual purposes?

Yes, many people combine them. For a drink made with both, see our guide to the onion, garlic, ginger and lemon drink on MandyNews.

What is ginger called in Yoruba and Hausa?

Atale in Yoruba and citta in Hausa.