Tag Archives: #Zanjabil

In the study of classical Islamic medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi), translating historical wellness texts provides direct insight into the dietary habits and remedies of the past. One such foundational ingredient is Zanjabil (Ginger), widely known as Sonth (dry ginger) or Adrak in the subcontinent.

Let us examine the divine references, historical anecdotes, and strict medical profile of ginger as recorded in classical texts.

Divine and Prophetic References

Ginger holds a very elevated status in Islamic tradition, being one of the few earthly foods explicitly mentioned as a drink of Paradise. Allah Almighty states in the Quran:

“And they will be given to drink there a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of ginger.” (Surah Al-Dahr 76:17)

Historically, it was also a prized diplomatic gift. In a Hadith recorded by Abu Nu’aim in “Al-Tibb al-Nabawi,” Sayyiduna Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (R.A) narrates:

“The King of Rome sent a gift of ginger in the service of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), He (ﷺ) fed one piece from it to everyone and also bestowed one piece to me.”

The Humoral Temperament of Dry Ginger (Sonth)

In classical humoral medicine, dry ginger (Sonth) is classified as hot in the second degree and wet in the first degree.

Because it contains moisture along with heat, it is highly prescribed for specific temperamental imbalances:

• Digestive Aid: It acts as a powerful digestant and effectively dissolves wind (flatulence) in the belly.
• Cold Temperaments: It is exceptionally beneficial for individuals with a naturally cold temperament.
• Phlegmatic Diseases: It provides direct relief for illnesses rooted in excess phlegm or those born from coldness in the body.

The Properties of Sweet and Sour Ginger

When ginger possesses a sweet and sour taste, its temperament shifts to hot and dry. Classical physicians noted a wide array of benefits for this specific profile:

• Internal Heat: It provides necessary heat to the liver and stomach, correcting coldness in these vital organs.
• Digestion & Diet: It makes food tasty and actively removes the excess moisture produced in the stomach after eating fruits. It also neutralizes the harm caused by consuming heavy foods of a cold temperament.
• Memory and Phlegm: It is known to eliminate excess phlegm and improve memory.
• Vitality: It awakens the desire for intercourse and increases seminal fluid.
• Oral Hygiene: Chewing it finishes bad odor in the mouth.

The Classical Remedy: Ginger Jam (Murabba)

One of the most potent classical preparations of ginger is its jam (Murabba), preserved in a syrup of honey and sugar.

According to the texts, this sweet preparation not only delivers all the aforementioned digestive and humoral benefits but also serves as a specific cure for several severe ailments, including:

• Strangury (a condition where urine is passed drop by drop with pain)
• Cough and Asthma
• Tremors (Ra’sha)
• Elephantiasis (Feel Pa)
• Flatulent hemorrhoids (Bawasir-e-Baadi)

Disclaimer: This article is an adaptation of translated historical wellness texts for educational purposes based on classical Islamic medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi). It is not intended to replace modern professional medical advice