Properties and Uses of Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is a treasure in the world of aromatherapy due to its numerous therapeutic benefits and versatility in various applications.
Properties of Ginger Essential Oil
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: The components of ginger help reduce inflammation when used topically on the affected area, especially on joints and muscles.
General anti-infective: Ginger has the ability to eliminate a large number of bacteria and viruses, especially at the respiratory level.
Digestive tonic: Relieves digestion and travel-related nausea, and regulates appetite.
Nervous tonic and relaxant: Balances feelings of despair, uplifts the mood, and calms the heart.
Practical Uses and Applications of Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil has been traditionally used to help in the following situations:
Skin problems: Hair loss.
Nervous system and emotions: Fatigue, stress, low morale, repressed feelings.
Musculoskeletal system: Rheumatic pain, muscle fatigue.
Respiratory system: Cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, chronic colds.
Digestive system: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lack of appetite.
Hormonal system: Premenstrual syndrome, premenopausal syndrome.
Sexuality: Impotence, lack of appetite, low libido.
Recipes with Ginger Essential Oil
In Massage
- To relax and soothe muscles: Mix 3-4 drops of ginger essential oil with 3-4 drops of rosemary camphor essential oil and 2 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil, diluted in a teaspoon of hemp oil. Apply to the muscles.
- To improve digestion and "nervous stomach": Apply 3-4 drops of ginger essential oil with 2-3 drops of peppermint and lavender essential oils to the solar plexus, back of the neck, and temples.
In Diffusion
- To calm cough and improve breathing: Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser along with lemon, bay, and frankincense essential oils.
- To stimulate sensuality: Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser along with cinnamon and mandarin essential oils.
- To uplift the mood: Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser along with bergamot and lemon essential oils.
In Cosmetics
- As a stimulating hair tonic: Mix 2 drops of ginger with the amount of shampoo needed for washing hair.
In Food
- Digestive ginger infusion: Mix the juice of 1 lemon with 2-3 teaspoons of honey, 2 drops of ginger essential oil, and 2 cups of your favorite infusion.
Ginger Essential Oil Pairs Well With:
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Mandarin
- Lemon
- Roman Chamomile
- Hemp
- Black Cumin
Recommended Dilutions for Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is one of the few that can be used undiluted, always sparingly and avoiding sensitive areas (mucous membranes, eyes…) for muscle pain, joints, and digestive discomfort.
Maximum generic dilution for topical use recommended in adults: 5% Maximum generic dilution for topical use recommended in children: 1% (over 6 years old)
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted in almost all uses. Use our dilution table for a more detailed idea of the correct use of essential oils:
ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION GENERAL GUIDE
Notes from Our Aromatherapy Experts
“Ginger is one of the most studied plants at a therapeutic level, with a long tradition of use in oriental medicine. This makes ginger essential oil a staple in any aromatherapy kit, primarily for its effectiveness in treating digestive discomfort, but also because it helps in a variety of situations and is very safe to use.”
— Luís Rodero, Aromatherapy Expert
Identification
- Botanical name: Zingiber Officinalis L, Zingiberaceae
- Origin: China
- Extraction method: Steam distillation.
- Part distilled or extracted: Rhizomes
- INCI: Zingiber Officinale Extract
Safety
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Some natural components of this essential oil may pose an allergy risk to some people. Always perform a tolerance test prior to application by applying a few drops to the inside of the elbow.
- Topical use: Suitable when diluted.
- Diffuser: Suitable
- Phototoxicity: No
- Sensitizing: No
- Irritating: No
Allergens Naturally Present in This Essential Oil
- Limonene <2%
- Citral <1%
- Geraniol <1%
- Eugenol <0.2%
Storage of Essential Oils
It is equally important to know how to store essential oils to ensure their good condition and prevent them from becoming toxic or irritating due to oxidation or contamination. We recommend reading this small guide:
Storage of Essential Oils
Important
The information on oils provided by Essenciales comes from popular sources and is for educational purposes only. It does not intend to offer or sell this product as a diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend the ingestion or internal consumption of essential oils except under the strict supervision of a doctor or qualified practitioner in clinical aromatherapy and phytotherapy. It is always recommended to properly dilute essential oils. If you are pregnant, have epilepsy, liver failure, or any health problem, use essential oils only under medical prescription. Never use essential oils on children without the proper knowledge or directions from a professional.
Never ignore professional medical advice. Essenciales does not provide medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine.