Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger Essential Oil

Zingiber officinalis

Ginger is native to Southern Asia but can also be found in India and China.  Ginger essential oil comes from the plant with the botanical name Zingiber officinalis and is also known as Common or Jamaican Ginger.

Historically ginger was a spice used for trading and has since been used in the Western world to help with digestive problems.

What does ginger essential oil smell like?

A strong and spicy aroma that smells like actual ginger.

Which part of the plant provides the oil?

The root.

Where has ginger essential oil been sourced from?

This particular ginger essential oil originates from India.

How is ginger essential oil extracted?

Ginger oil is extracted by steam distillation.

This involves using steam from boiling water to extract the essential oil from the plant.

The heat from the steam causes the plant’s cell walls to open allowing the essential oil to be released.

What other oils blend well with ginger oil?

Ginger oil blends well with essential oils like bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, lemon, lime, neroli, Roman chamomile, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang.

How can I benefit from ginger essential oil?

Ginger may be popular in the kitchen but the essential oil is popular to those looking for relief of many common ailments. In aromatherapy ginger oil is also noted as a stimulant and antiseptic.

Ginger oil is warming to the body and has also been indicated for the improvement of circulation in the joints and muscles, helping arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains.

Ginger oil can be used as a respiratory therapy too and as part of a chest rub blend or in a bath.

Ginger is an invigorating oil, helping to lift the spirits and with relieving fatigue.

Are there precautions I should know about?

Ginger essential oil has hypersensitive properties and therefore should not be used by people with high blood pressure.

Pregnant women and children should also take medical advice before using the oil.