Ginger Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale

Ginger root is a tropical perennial herb that grows up to four feet tall with reed-like stems, narrow, spear-shaped leaves, and yellow flowers with purple markings. It was one of the first commodities to travel the spice route from Asia to Europe and take up a notable residence on the shelves of ancient Greek and Roman physicians.

It is native to southern Asia, and has become a popular cultivar in the tropical regions of Nigeria, the West Indies, India, China, Jamaica and Japan.

This Ginger essential oil is deep orange yellow and called a 'total' extract, due to the CO2 distillation method. There is no heat involved and the root never is carried in a gaseous state, therefore, a greater number of aromatic compounds and larger molecules get transferred than with other methods of distillation.This Ginger oil has a fresh jasmine-like top note, a candied orange and clove middle note and deep, gently spiced wood undertones.

This distillation blends well with Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Frankincense, Rosewood, Cedarwood, Rose, Lime Neroli, Orange, Lemon and Grapefruit oils.

Years before British surgeon Dr. James Lind discovered that lime could prevent scurvy, 5th century Chinese sailors were using the vitamin C found in Ginger for the same purpose on long voyages.

The Japanese soothed spinal and joint pain with it. The Chinese found it helpful with tooth aches, the common cold, flu and hangover symptoms from alcohol consumption. Progressive early-twentieth century U.S. physicians prescribed ginger for menstrual pain.

Ginger oil has been used for centuries to alleviate motion sickness, as a general digestive tonic for upset stomachs and in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, it is noted for curing flatulent intestinal colic.

Analgesic, Anticatarrhal, Antiemetic, Aperitif, Carminative, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Sexual tonic, Stimulant (digestive system), Stomachic. (See Definitions.)

Psychological:

• The aroma of Ginger essential oil is gently stimulating. It encourages physical energy, mental stamina for focus and feelings of heightened courage.

Digestion:

• Ginger has a long history of healing for its warming, digestion stimulating properties. In Ayurvedic cooking, it is added to dishes to enhance a meal's digestibility. Interestingly, ginger essential oil has been noted to assist other essential oils in reaching their target organs.

Internal Balance:

• Ginger helps with the nausea that often accompanies motion sickness by bringing the internal chemistry back into alignment. The specifics on exactly how this functions remains in debate.

Circulation:

• Ginger essential oil has also been indicated for improvement of circulation in the joints and muscles, possibly helping arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains. It may be added to almost any massage blend for this purpose; its relative strength allows for low concentrations.

Sexual:

• Ginger has long been reputed as a sexual tonic - women in Senegal weave ginger root into the belts of their mates to increase sexual potency.

• For respiratory system support, ginger oil can be blended into a chest rub blend, a few drops put into a bath, or hot tea.

• For stomach upset, add a few drops of Ginger oil to warm water and drink slowly.

• Rub on temples and stomach for motion sickness.

• Use in a diffuser to bring energy to a room.

Non-toxic. Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction. Ginger can be sensitizing with repeated use. Avoid direct sunlight after use.