Adraka

(Fresh Ginger)
Sanskrit: आर्द्रक • Botanical: Zingiber officinale Roscoe (fresh)

Fresh ginger differs from dry ginger in properties. Fresh ginger is Guru (heavy) with Katu Vipaka, while dry ginger is Laghu (light) with Madhura Vipaka. Fresh ginger is better as a food additive, while dry ginger is better as medicine.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Also Known As
English: Fresh Ginger
Sanskrit: आर्द्रक
Hindi: अदरक, आदी

What is Adraka / Fresh Ginger?

Fresh ginger differs from dry ginger in properties. Fresh ginger is Guru (heavy) with Katu Vipaka, while dry ginger is Laghu (light) with Madhura Vipaka. Fresh ginger is better as a food additive, while dry ginger is better as medicine.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Rochana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Vibandha hara (relieves constipation)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Vata-Kapha Shamaka

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Adraka by Condition

Explore how Adraka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶
Adraka for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.