Ginger essential oil
Although I am very familiar with ginger for cooking and the significant smell I have to be honest that I had no idea what a ginger plant looks like. I was really surprised that it is such a pretty plant.
The ginger plant grows in tropical countries and can grow up to four feet high. The plant has a stem that looks like a reed with these lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers. The rhizomes are the part of the plant used in cooking as well as in essential oils.
Ginger has been used by many cultures for centuries in both cooking and for medicinal purposes. Today Ginger is a very useful spice and essential oil.
Uses and benefits:
Digestion
Ginger is a digestive stimulant and very helpful for indigestion, poor appetite, abdominal bloating and flatulence. It is also useful to bring relief of nausea and travel sickness. I came down with a stomach bug earlier this week and put a castor oil pack with some Ginger oil on for a couple of hours and it cut down the nausea tremendously. Mix with Fennel essential oil diluted in a carrier oil to use a digestion aid before bedtime.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is not fun at all and I had that with all my pregnancies. Ginger oil is effective to deal with morning sickness. Mix a drop of Ginger with a drop of Roman Chamomile and a drop of Orange oil diluted in 20 ml of a carrier oil and apply to the stomach area. Always use certified organic essential oil when pregnant.
Circulation
Helps to improve circulation so great to use for those whose hands and feet are always cold. Even on cold winter days it is a great way to warm up from he inside. Ginger is a warming oil and therefor helpful for muscular fatigue. Ginger is also a real tonic for the heart in the sense of bringing some warmth and hope to the heart and soul.
Respiratory health
The expectorant properties of ginger oil makes it useful to get rid of phlegm. Great oil to use for the common cold. It is a very effective oil to use for steam inhalation and a single drop of ginger oil in a bowl of boiling water is enough to open the airways and clear up some congestion.
Muscle aches and pains
Ginger is a warming oil and therefor helpful for muscular fatigue and sore, aching joints. Mix it with Black Pepper oil to combat pain.
Motivating
Help to boost confidence – especially for those procrastinators who lack self-motivation and always doubt themselves. Often these individuals have great ideas but need to be spurred on.
Ginger oil – Zingiber officinale
Parts used :
roots, either fresh or dried
Method :
steam distillation
Blends well with:
Citrus oils
Wood oils
Resin oils such as Frankincense
Black Pepper and Fennel are good companions for Ginger oil
Warning – Ginger can be quite irritating on the skin so always dilute well with a carrier oil
General Safety Information
Do not take essential oils internally or apply essential oils undiluted topically.
Follow Dilution recommendations on the Essential oil Dilution chart.
Pregnant women have to consult with a qualified aromatherapist and or midwife and doctor before using essential oils, especially topically.
If you have liver damage, cancer, suffers from epilepsy or other medical problems and take medicine on a regular basis then you have to use essential oils under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist.
Before using essential oils on children you should consult with a qualified aromatherapist.
Check whether the essential oil of your choice is safe to use around your pets. Here is a list of essential oils safety for dogs.