Ginger – Essential Oil
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
For centuries, ginger has been used as a medicine, in cooking, and in the perfume industry. In Chinese medicine it is often prescribed to those who do not deal with moisture very well. Ginger is hot and fiery, and worth looking into as an oil to use.
Uses include:
Colds and flu
Rheumatism and arthritis
Muscular pain
Digestive problems
Morning sickness
Sore throat
Cautions
Do not use on babies or children under the age of 12.
Use only small amounts as it could irritate sensitive skin.
Colds and flu
Directions for use
Footbath: Put 1 drop of oil in a bowl of warm/ hot water and soak feet for up to 15 minutes.
Rheumatism and arthritis
Directions for use
Massage: Use 1 drop of this oil in a massage blend with 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) and a total of 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Compress: Add 1 drop of pure essential oil to 1 litre of warm / hot water. Lay sterile material on the surface of the water thus attracting a film of oil onto the cloth. Apply the material onto the affected area and leave for 10 minutes.
Muscular pain
Directions for use
Massage: Use 1 drop of this oil in a massage blend with 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) and a total of 10 drops of pure essential oil.
Digestive problems
Drink ginger tea also to support the treatment of digestive issues such as stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Directions for use
Massage: Use 1 drop of this oil in a massage blend with 20 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed) and a total of 10 drops of pure essential oil. Massage in to abdominal area moving in a clockwise direction.
Morning sickness
Directions for use
Handkerchief: Put a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as and when required.
Sore throat
Directions for use
Gargle: Add 2 drops of ginger oil to 1 teaspoon of vodka, mix with hot water, and gargle.
Further information
Where grown: Native to Asia, but grown in India and China.
Parts used and method of extraction: The dried root that has been ground. The oil is extracted by steam distillation.
Colour and smell: Pale yellow to amber in colour, and has a spicy pungent smell.
Active ingredients: Gingerin, gingenol, gingerone, zingiberine.
Properties: Aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic.
Mixes well with: Orange, and other citrus oils.