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 a 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.
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.
Ginger Essential Oil Quick Description
Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Origin: Southeast Asia, India
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Plant Parts Used: Root rhizome
Note Classification: Base to Middle
Scent: Sharp, warm, spicy-peppery, toffee-like, balsamic-woody, earthy with a hint of lemon
Blends Well With: Bergamot, ylang ylang lemongrass, helichrysum, grapefruit, lemon, lime, neroli, orange, mandarin, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, cedarwood, coriander, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, juniper, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and vetiver essential oils.
Shelf Life: 6 years
Cautions: For a list of cautions associated with the use of ginger essential oil, please review this article.
Maximum Dilution: 4%
Read more about Essential Oil To Avoid And Why
Benefits Of Ginger Essential Oil
For the purpose of clarity; I am going to discuss the benefits of Ginger essential oil based on its chemical components; which are: Camphene, B-Phellandrene, α-Pinene, Geranial, Zingiberene, β-Bisabolene, β-Sesquiphellandrene, and Curcumene.
The CAMPHENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Be soothing
The B-PHELLANDRENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Exhibit a pleasant odor that has been described as peppery, minty, and/or slightly citrusy
- Exhibit anti-septic, antiviral, bactericidal, and decongestant properties
The PINENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties
- Be a bronchodilator
The GERANIAL Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Be a fragrance ingredient with a Rose-like scent
- Have insecticidal and anti-oxidant effects
ZINGIBERENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Be the fragrance ingredient responsible for the characteristic scent of Ginger
- Exhibit anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and antiseptic properties
Β-BISABOLENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Be a fragrance agent
- Exude a warm, woody, and fruity scent characteristic of “oriental” aromas
- Exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties
Β-SESQUIPHELLANDRENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
Have anti-viral, carminative, and stomachic properties
CURCUMENE Chemical Component has the following benefits:
- Have hypotensive and analgesic effects
- Exhibit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
How To Produce Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger oil helps relieve muscle pain and rheumatism, as well as fractures. Ginger oil is generally safe, but make sure not to use it in strong concentrations.
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.
Things Needed To Produce Ginger Essential Oil
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1 ½ cups olive oil
- 1 cup fresh ginger
Step by Step Guide On How To Produce Ginger Essential Oil
Step 1: Rinse your ginger thoroughly; allow it to dry completely or for a few hours. Shred your ginger using a cheese grater.
Step 2: Pour the olive oil into an oven-safe bowl. Add ginger and mix well to combine.
Step 3: Transfer your mixture to the oven; leave it to simmer at 150 degrees F for at least 2 hours.
Sep 4: Pour your mixture through an unbleached cheese cloth in order to filter ginger oil.
Step 5: Pour the ginger oil into clean bottles; store in a cool and dry place. Store for up to 6 months.