Nicknamed “the Oil of Empowerment” for the feeling of confidence it inspires, ginger essential oil is also famously known for its many uses throughout history. From the Chinese to the Indians to the Europeans, no one could resist the lure of this prized underground stem.
So, today, we are answering the siren song of the enigmatic ginger essential oil and finding out just what is so appealing about this essential oil. Let’s delve deeper into this essential oil, focusing particularly on its myriad uses and benefits.
What is Ginger Essential Oil Made Of?
Ginger essential oil is derived from the root Zingiber officinale or, as it is more commonly known, ginger. This herbaceous perennial is a member of the same plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom. Its stems produce narrow green leaves and yellow flowers.
Once indigenous to the south of China, ginger is now grown throughout the world especially in Asia, India, the Moluccas Islands (also known as the Spice Islands), Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Today, the largest producer of ginger is India. Other countries where you can find ginger abundantly include China, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand, and Indonesia.
How is Ginger Essential Oil Extracted?
Ginger essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the root of the ginger plant. Here, the ginger root is macerated and distilled over high heat.
Once extracted, the oil is light yellow and rich in gingerol — a potent (and extremely beneficial) oily resin from the root of ginger. It also bears a spicy, sweet, and pungent scent.
Additionally, ginger essential oil’s many benefits are nearly identical to that of the herb it originates from. In fact, it is the most potent form of ginger because it contains the highest levels of gingerol.
Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil
1. Reduces inflammation
Ginger essential oil is said to provide relief for inflammatory conditions such as pain, bloating, discomfort, and swelling.
According to experts, a component of ginger essential oil, zingibain, is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil. This component alleviates different types of inflammation and pain such as migraine, muscle aches, headaches, arthritis, and muscular spasms.
Besides that, it has also been shown that ginger essential oil reduces the number of prostaglandins — a substance that causes pain in the body.
On top of that, there are many published animal studies on the anti-inflammatory nature of ginger essential oil. For example, this 2013 animal study found that ginger essential oil contains antioxidant activity as well as significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive (inhibition of the sensation of pain) properties.
Then you have this 2018 study that found that the essential oil’s anti-inflammatory nature had a protective effect on the kidneys of rats treated with the toxin cadmium.
2. As a remedy for respiratory illnesses and difficulties
There is nothing worse than having trouble breathing. So, if you are suffering from respiratory difficulties, ginger essential oil may be the answer to helping you breathe more freely.
Ginger essential oil is a known (and tested) natural remedy for colds, flu, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and loss of breath. Besides that, the essential oil also acts as an expectorant and lubricates irritations in the respiratory tract.
Apart from that, a study in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology also found that ginger essential oil possesses substances that can address irritations, inflammations, and infections in the airway. Hence, patients with asthma and other airway difficulties may find the oil helpful for some reprieve.
To ease congestion and respiratory irritations, mix and diffuse two drops each of ginger, tea tree, sage, and eucalyptus essential oils.
3. Treats stomach issues and promotes healthy digestion
One of the best natural remedies around for indigestion, diarrhea, stomachaches, and intestinal spasms, let ginger essential oil work its magic if you are experiencing these painful and troubling conditions.
An animal study to investigate the gastroprotective activity of ginger essential oils in rats found that the essential oil inhibits lesions and erosion of the stomach wall.
Besides that, it has also been shown that inhaling ginger essential oil can effectively reduce nausea, especially after surgical procedures.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Ginger essential oil is also filled to the brim with important antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help to prevent or slow down certain cell damages caused by oxidation. This is vital as oxidation is the leading cause of health conditions such as heart diseases, cancer, and dementia.
Therefore, ginger essential oil can help to ward off these conditions and promote overall good health.
5. Assuages anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Mitigate the feelings of anxiety, depression, and exhaustion with ginger essential oil. A research in Switzerland confirmed that the essential oil can activate your serotonin receptor to relieve anxiety. Besides that, the oil can stimulate feelings of courage (it is, after all, the Oil of Empowerment) and comfort, too.
Additionally, ginger essential oil’s warmth also makes it excellent as a sleep aid if you are having trouble dozing off at night. Simply add three to four drops of the ginger essential oil to the diffuser to improve sleep quality.
6. Promotes healthy hair and scalp
If you read the labels of shampoos and other hair products, you will often see ginger essential oil or ginger extract listed as one of the ingredients in these products. This is because ginger essential oil (or extract) is believed to aid in promoting healthy hair and scalp, getting rid of dandruff, and accelerating hair growth.
To do away with dandruff and itchy scalp, add two drops of ginger essential oil to your regular shampoo. If you need something a little more potent, blend 10 to 12 drops of ginger essential oil with five drops of carrier oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage this combination onto the scalp and rinse it off with shampoo after 15 to 30 minutes.
If you want to stimulate hair growth, on the other hand, mix 10 to 12 drops of ginger essential oil with equal parts of jojoba oil. Massage the blend onto the scalp in a circular motion and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Next, rinse it off and shampoo as usual. This hair mask helps in boosting circulation to the scalp and, therefore, stimulates hair growth.
Mixing Ginger Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
Ginger essential oil’s spicy yet sweet potent flavor blends well with many essential oils. This includes citrus essential oils such as bergamot, lemon, lime, and orange.
It mixes well with woodsy and earthy scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, clary sage, and frankincense essential oils, too.
For a more floral combination, consider pairing ginger essential oil with patchouli, rose, and ylang-ylang essential oils.
Other Good-to-Know Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that ginger essential oil is “generally recognized as safe” with little adverse effects reported.
However, in high doses, the essential oil may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and certain irritations. Besides that, if you have any sort of medical condition or on certain medications, talk to your doctor before taking ginger essential oil.
Is Ginger Essential Oil Right For You?
If you are unbothered by ginger essential oil’s slightly overpowering scent, definitely give this formidable essential oil a try. Its amazing benefits will no doubt win you over.
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