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Ginger Root:  The Burn Without the Fire 
-by yielding 
  

A recent email to this site prompted this slave
to write an article related to the use of ginger
root, or "figging," as it is called. The practice
involves purchasing fresh ginger root (a "hand")
from the supermarket's produce department and
using its offshoots ("fingers") in the anus to
produce a fiery, burning sensation that can
range from an uncomfortable heat to an exquisite
torture to a most effective punishment. 

A question was raised about the safety of using
ginger, and there appeared to be some miscommunication
about the product Master Stern uses.  This slaves
logs do refer to the practice without explaining it,
so this slave will do its best to explain how Master
Stern uses the root and its effects on His slave. 

First, we must be be clear about what we are talking
about.  While ginger is widely used by herbalists to
treat everything from stress to hemmorhoids, and from 
rectal itching to worms, it is usually mixed with other
herbs and used in dried and powdered forms.  Master 
Stern uses fresh ginger root, not a compound, an 
herbalist's formula or a ground, dried product.  
The root is thoroughly washed and stored in a ziplock
bag in the refrigerator.  Its "fingers" must be cut
and peeled to be effective.  The "fingers" are 
chosen for shape and size; the ideal size being 
small enough to be inserted into the anus and large
enough not to disappear inside. (A hole can be 
punched through one end of the "finger," and a string
attached for ease of removal.)  The finger should be
thick enough not to break off, and it should not be 
completely inserted.  Opposite the iceberg, more 
of the root should protrude than should be placed 
inside.  The "finger" can also be placed and held 
between the cheeks if anal insertion is not 
appropriate in your relationship. The remainder of
the root is stored in a plastic ziplock baggie and
refrigerated for later use. 

Almost immediately upon insertion the ginger root 
goes to work and burning sensation begins.  With 
each squeeze of the the buttocks or rectal muscles 
(as one would do while receiving a spanking) comes
a heightened intensity and burn. The same renewing 
effect is achieved if the ginger root "finger" is 
wiggled or pumped in and out.  

For this slave squirming is inevitable unless it has
been bound, and within minutes, this slave is usually
begging for mercy and promising good future behavior.  
Fortunately, Master Stern does not give in to these 
initial pleas.  When this slave finds out it will be
punished or disciplined with the root, it expects
thirty to forty-five minutes of discomfort.  

The sensation of being "burned" by the ginger root 
doesn't go away immediately upon its removal.  While 
the effects are dependent upon how fresh the root is,
the heat and burning continues at a lower level for 
several hours after the root is removed. It is, however,
a level that cannot be ignored or put out of mind, even
for a few seconds. "Sitting down gingerly" has taken on
a whole new meaning for this slave.  The further 
humiliation of knowing the ginger is protruding and 
visible to Master Stern compounds the humiliating 
intensity of the experience. 

One of the benefits of using ginger root as punishment
has been that it doesn't cut into Master Stern's time.  
He can go about His business without having to keep 
continual watch over His slave, or He can expect 
the same amount of service from  without diminishing 
the punishment's effects.  Dinner can still be served, 
dishes can still be washed, and errands can still be run.  
Serving in proper form despite the torment being unleashed
is as much of a challenge as remaining still. 

When Master Stern inserts a "finger" of ginger root, He 
might as well be lighting an internal fire and then keeping 
it stoked and red hot.  It is a relentless torture, which 
this slave endures with difficulty and remembers with 
humility. Unlike other forms of corporal punishment, 
the 'sting' doesn't quickly die down to a dull ache, 
but remains constant, except when this slave tries to 
escape it through squirming, which creates the "catch-22"
 of intensifying the burning sensation.  

As to its safety, ginger is a widely used food product, 
and if it has not been tampered with or added to another 
product as a compound, it holds all the risks food products 
hold.  If you are allergic to ginger, "figging" is probably 
not a very good idea. If you develop an allergy, which would 
probably manifest as a rash, stop using ginger root.  If you 
are prone to skin rashes, it would be wise to test the product 
on the underside or your arm and wait 24 hours to see if you 
have an adverse reaction (like a person is encouraged to do 
with almost any over-the-counter skin medication, facial 
product or hair dye.)  If you have any medical condition 
that is aggravated by various food products, check with 
your doctor.  If you are afraid to ask your doctor, you 
should either find a doctor you can trust, or you should 
not engage in any activity that you feel may be risky. 

The issue of safe use of this product should, of course, 
be addressed - just as any practice in the world of BDSM, 
S/M and D/s should be considered for safety.  We are a 
community that deals with bondage, beating and any number
of areas that hold physical, even life-threatening dangers,
if done improperly.  Both Master Stern and this slave have
stated that we are not qualified to offer medical advice 
when it comes to physical or emotional safety.  The most 
we can do is suggest caution, place a disclaimer at the 
bottom of each page, and hope that people will do the 
appropriate amount of research before engaging in any 
first-time activity.