HISTORY OF GINGER OIL
Ginger Essential Oil or Ginger Root Oil is derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale herb, better known as Ginger, which is named after the Greek word “zingiberis” meaning “horn shaped.” This flowering perennial belongs to the plant family that includes Turmeric and Cardamom and is native to the south of China; however, its growth has spread to other parts of Asia, India, the Moluccas – also known as the Spice Islands, West Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.
For thousands of years, Ginger Root has been used in folk medicine for its ability to soothe inflammation, fevers, colds, respiratory discomforts, nausea, menstrual complaints, upset stomachs, arthritis, and rheumatism. It has also traditionally been used as an anti-microbial food preservative that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, and it has been used as a spice for its flavoring and digestive properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ginger Oil has traditionally been believed to soothe emotional difficulties such as nervousness, sadness, low self-confidence, and a lack of enthusiasm.
The health benefits of Ginger Oil are the same as that of the herb from which it originates, with the oil even being considered to be more beneficial due to its higher Gingerol content, a constituent that is mostly reputable for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. With a warm, sweet, woody, and spicy scent that has an energizing effect, especially when used in aromatherapy, Ginger Oil has earned the nickname “The Oil of Empowerment” for the feeling of confidence that it is known to inspire.
BENEFITS OF GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL
The main chemical constituents of Ginger Oil are: Camphene, B-Phellandrene, α-Pinene, Geranial, Zingiberene, β-Bisabolene, β-Sesquiphellandrene, and Curcumene.
CAMPHENE is known to:
- Exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Be soothing
B-PHELLANDRENE is known to:
- Exhibit a pleasant odor that has been described as peppery, minty, and/or slightly citrusy
- Exhibit anti-septic, antiviral, bactericidal, and decongestant properties
PINENE is known to:
- Have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties
- Be a bronchodilator
GERANIAL is known to:
- Be a fragrance ingredient with a Rose-like scent
- Have insecticidal and anti-oxidant effects
ZINGIBERENE is known to:
- Be the fragrance ingredient responsible for the characteristic scent of Ginger
- Exhibit anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and antiseptic properties
Β-BISABOLENE is known to:
- Be a fragrance agent
- Exude a warm, woody, and fruity scent characteristic of “oriental” aromas
- Exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties
Β-SESQUIPHELLANDRENE is known to:
- Have anti-viral, carminative, and stomachic properties
CURCUMENE is known to:
- Have hypotensive and analgesic effects
- Exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Used in aromatherapy applications, Ginger Oil is known for its stimulating and warming effects, which can enhance concentration while soothing and reducing the feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, lethargy, agitation, dizziness, and fatigue.
Used cosmetically or topically in general, Ginger Essential Oil can soothe redness and eliminate bacteria, especially redness and bacteria associated with acne. Its antioxidant properties are known to have a protective effect on the skin, inhibiting the signs of skin damage and aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Its stimulating properties make it an ideal ingredient in revitalizing moisturizers that restore color and radiance to a dull complexion. Used in hair, Ginger Oil’s rich mineral content contributes to the health of the scalp and the strands, while its antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties contribute their cleanliness while soothing dryness and itchiness characteristic of dandruff. By stimulating and improving circulation, it is known to enhance healthier hair growth.
Used medicinally, Ginger Essential Oil’s detoxifying and digestive properties facilitate the elimination of toxins and boost digestion. Additionally, it eases discomforts associated with the stomach and bowel, including flatulence, diarrhea, spasms, dyspepsia, stomach ache, and colic. For those with the intention of gaining weight, Ginger Oil is known to enhance the appetite. Its expectorant property works to eliminate mucus from the respiratory tract and to effectively reduce symptoms of respiratory ailments, including breathlessness, asthma, cough, cold, flu, and bronchitis. When massaged into the muscles, Ginger Oil’s analgesic property is known to soothe and reduce aches as well as inflammation, thus benefitting complaints such as headaches, migraines, arthritis, back pain, and contractions of the uterus, which are commonly referred to as menstrual cramps.
As illustrated, Ginger Oil is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:
- COSMETIC: Tonic, Stimulant, Warming, Anti-Inflammatory, Firming
- ODOROUS: Tonic, Stimulant, Warming, Expectorant, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Aphrodisiac, Memory-Enhancing, Soothing, Anti-Nausea, Appetite-Boosting, Immune-Boosting
- MEDICINAL: Antiseptic, Laxative, Tonic, Stimulant, Warming, Digestive, Carminative, Expectorant, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Soothing, Anti-nausea, Appetite-Boosting, Circulatory, Diuretic, Detoxifying, Immune-Boosting, Sudorific
GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL USES
Used in aromatherapy applications, diffusing 2-3 drops of Ginger Oil in a diffuser of personal preference can improve a negative mood and low libido. By facilitating the onset of sleep and improving sleep quality, diffusing Ginger Oil is known to benefit those suffering from insomnia. It is also believed to enhance energy levels by inspiring positive and hopeful feelings and promoting a balanced and grounded mindset.
For a calming and heartening diffuser blend with a tropical nuance that releases anxiety, fatigue, and sadness, combine and diffuse 3 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, and 2 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil.
For a diffuser blend that is reputed to enhance the feeling of self-empowerment, combine and diffuse 3 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil, and 2 drops Patchouli Essential Oil. This blend is also known to create a sense of mental and emotional balance. For a blend that eases the mind and lifts the spirit, combine and diffuse 2 drops each of Ginger, Geranium, and Orange essential oils.
For a diffuser blend that eases congestion and irritation of the respiratory tract by reducing mucus and inflammation, simply combine 2 drops each of the following essential oils before adding the mixture to a diffuser, based on the amount indicated by the diffuser: Ginger, Tea Tree, Sage, and Eucalyptus. This blend also eases stress, balances the hormones, and alleviates symptoms of allergies. To soothe nausea and an upset stomach, blend and diffuse 3 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 3 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil, and 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil.
Ginger Essential Oil blends well with any of the following oils, contributing to scent combinations that are aromatically appealing: Bergamot, Cassia, Cedarwood Atlas, Cinnamon, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Lime, Myrtle, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang.
Used in cosmetic applications, Ginger Essential Oil is known to inhibit cellular oxidation that is responsible for skin damage and signs of aging. For a facial scrub that reveals a softer, healthier layer of skin by removing dead and dull skin, combine ½ cup Brown Sugar, ½ cup Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil, 10 drops Ginger Essential Oil, and 5 drops Lime Essential Oil in a bowl, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container. To use this Ginger Oil-infused facial exfoliant, with the fingertips scoop a small amount into the hands and gently massage it into the face until the sugar softens. Rinse off the scrub with warm water and pat the skin dry with a soft, clean towel. This scrub is known to soothe inflammation, such as that associated with acne, and to smooth the look of fine lines. For a scrub that diminishes the appearance of cellulite, an exfoliating mixture can be made by using the aforementioned recipe and replacing the Brown Sugar with ¼ cup Coffee Powder and ¼ cup Cocoa Powder.
To create a toning and nourishing face mask with softening, illuminating, and even aphrodisiac qualities, thoroughly combine 5 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 2 Tbsp. Raw Organic Honey, and 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice, then refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes. Apply this blend to the face like a mask and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. This mask is known to have a rejuvenating effect on the complexion.
To naturally and effectively sooth a scalp afflicted with dandruff, 2 drops of Ginger Essential Oil can be added to a regular shampoo. For an anti-dandruff Ginger Oil hair mask, combine 10 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 5 drops Extra Virgin Olive Carrier Oil and 1 tsp. Lemon Juice. Massage this anti-septic hair blend into the scalp and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it out with a regular mild shampoo. This treatment can be repeated three times a week to prevent a dry and itchy scalp and to stimulate hair growth.
For a hair mask that stimulates hair growth by boosting circulation to the scalp, combine 10 drops Ginger Essential Oil and 10 drops Jojoba Carrier Oil in a small bowl. In circular motions, massage this blend into the scalp and leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, before rinsing it off in the shower and shampooing the hair as usual. This mask will not only inhibit the thinning and loss of hair, but it will also nourish the strands with fatty acids, thereby stimulating hair growth.
Used in medicinal applications, Ginger Oil eliminates bacterial infections on the skin with its antiseptic property. To avert or treat topical infections, dilute 1-3 drops of Ginger Essential Oil in 1 tsp. of Coconut Carrier Oil – or any other carrier oil of personal preference – and gently massage it into the affected area.
To soothe sore muscles, headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps, simply dilute 2-3 drops of Ginger Essential Oil in a bathtub filled with water that is comfortably warm rather than hot, as the oil itself has warming properties. Soak in this Ginger Oil-infused bath until the water cools. This also alleviates inflammation while soothing the digestive system to enhance its function. For a bath blend that is reputed to promote an overall sense of well-being, dilute 3 drops Ginger Essential Oil and 2 drops Cardamom Essential Oil.
For a massage blend that soothes aches, in a dark bottle mix 5 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 5 drops Orange Essential Oil, and 5 drops Jojoba Carrier Oil. Cap the bottle and gently shake it to thoroughly combine all the ingredients before applying it as any massage oil. For a more complex blend that can be used in both a hot bath and a massage, combine 4 drops Ginger Essential Oil, 4 drops Rosemary Essential Oil, 2 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and 4 Tsp. a carrier oil of personal preference.