Plant Information
Plant History
Ginger oil is derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale herb, better known as the Ginger plant. It is originally from India, China and Java and in the 10th-15th centuries, was brought to Europe to be used as a spice. Although it makes a great condiment or flavouring agent, it had been documented in Sanskrit and Chinese texts for its exceptional medicinal properties. In Asian medicine, Ginger was dried and used to make teas to treat an upset stomach or to alleviatecold symptoms. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ginger essential oil has been used to soothe emotional turmoil such as; nervousness, sadness, low self-confidence and lack of enthusiasm by diffusing the oil or adding to warm baths. In its origins, Ginger and the oil were also known to be used to decrease inflammation, arthritic pain, assist fevers, colds and respiratory ailments, support feelings of nausea and menstrual cramps and was used in culinary dishes for its anti-microbial properties.
Botanical Information
Ginger is a perennial herb that belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom and can reach 3-4 ft in height. The narrow, spear shaped leaves grow up the stalk and white or yellow flowers grow from the root of the plant.
Growing Information
To successfully grow ginger, it is advised to soak the root in warm water overnight to prepare it for planting. It is best to plant right into the desired area, rather than uprooting later. If planting indoors, fill a wide pot (the roots grow horizontally) with a well draining potting soil that is rich with nutrients. If planting outdoors, provide adequate space between plants and also use a well draining soil that contains adequate nutrients or fertilizer. Place the soaked root with eye buds pointing up and cover with 1 or 2 inches of soil and lightly water. Since ginger originates from subtropical climates, this plant likes a warm, moderately lit environment and thrives when watered regularly. It requires some patience as it is a slower growing plant, however after a couple of weeks some shoots may start to perk up and after a few months, it may be ready for its first harvest.
Parts Used For Ginger Oil
For culinary use, the rhizome is used and for essential oils, the root of the plant is used.
Ginger Oil Information
Extraction Method for Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the unpeeled or dried root that’s been ground up. The ground up root is then placed into a steam apparatus where it heats up the plant and the oils are drawn out. The steam and oil travel through the apparatus where they are then cooled and turned back into liquids. The oil is then siphoned off the top of the water and used in aromatherapy practices.
Active Ingredients Found in Ginger Oil
The active ingredients found in ginger oil are: Camphene, B-Phellandrene, a-Pinene, Geranial, Zingiberene, ß-Bisabolene, ß- Sesquiphellandrene and Curcumene.
Ginger Oil Benefits & Applications
Pain Support
Ginger oil supports arthritic, muscular and menstrual pain and has also been known to assist in healing bruises when applied topically to the area. To use it to relieve such pain:
- Dilute 9 drops of ginger in 15ml of carrier oil of your choice and rub or massage onto affected area.
- Fill a warm bath with 20 drops ginger and relax in the tub until water starts to cool.
- In a bowl of warm-hot water, add 4 drops of ginger and dip a hot compress into water. Hold compress on affected area, being sure to move it around regularly to avoid burning.
Respiratory Help
This essential oil is an expectorant, therefore it makes for a great decongestant during cold and flu season, breaks up phlegm and relives congested feeling associated with allergies and sinusitis. To use ginger oil to support symptoms of congestion and make breathing easier:
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 4 drops of ginger, with a towel over the head, hold face 4” from pot and take deep breaths to inhale and exhale steam.
- Place 6 drops ginger in a diffuser and run throughout the day or night as a vaporizer.
- Dilute 9 drops of ginger in 15ml of carrier oil of your choice and rub on chest before bed.
Digestive Support
Ginger oil is a stimulant and can help alleviate feelings of stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion. To use it topically to help support these digestive symptoms:
- Mix 4 drops ginger with 4 drops peppermint oil into 15ml of carrier oil of your choice and rub in a clockwise motion on the whole abdomen.
- In a bowl of hot water, add 5 drops ginger and place a hot compress in the water, take out and move around abdomen to alleviate symptoms.
- In a roller ball, mix 4 drops ginger with 10ml of carrier oil and rub on wrists to smell all day or simply inhale when needed.
Buying Quality Ginger Oil
When shopping for ginger essential oil, look for one that is pure, potent and solvent free. This can be done by selecting an oil that has been steam distilled. Here's a range of high quality ginger oil to shop.
