You may know a slice of Ginger root as something you add to honey, lemon and hot water when you feel a cold coming on, but did you know it also has many other benefits for both mind and body? So, what is Ginger Essential Oil good for?
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, the essential oil is steam distilled from the rhizome, the fleshy root of this tropical plant. It’s a herbaceous, perennial plant that produces spikey leaves and yellow flowers. Ginger originated in Asia and became one of the first spices to travel the ‘spice route’. However, it is now extensively cultivated in most tropical countries, where the plant thrives in hot, humid conditions. In the 16th century, it made its way to the West Indies, where it grew in abundance.
Our essential oil Ginger is grown in Madagascar. Its aroma is instantly recognisable, warm and spicy with earthy and woody notes too.
What can it be used for?
In Aromatherapy, Ginger is used as a digestive tonic and to warm and relieve tired muscles. This is due to its ability to add heat to a blend which will relieve achy muscles. In a diffuser, it brings a warm, rounded note to a blend and adds an invigorating spicy note, as well as an aphrodisiac quality.
It blends well with the ‘sweeter’ citrus essential oils and compliments other spices, such as Black Pepper or Cardamom.
Ginger is a wonderful oil to use through the winter months. Its warming aroma and therapeutic properties so can be used to bring comfort and support. Also encouraging motivation, it leaves you feeling inspired!
Here are some blends for you to try at home:
Winter Warming Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
- 2 drops of Ginger – Zingiber officinale
- 4 drops of Orange – Citrus aurantium dulcis
- 2 drops of Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum
This is a wonderful blend to bring warmth and comfort into your home.
Massage oil for a digestive tonic
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil for a soothing tummy rub, useful for easing digestive discomfort.
- 4 drops of Ginger – Zingiber officinale
- 4 drops of Coriander Seed – Coriandrum sativum
- 2 drops of Chamomile Roman – Anthemis nobilis
Gently rub over the abdomen in clockwise circles around the navel.
Massage oil for tired, achy muscles
Add the following drops to 20ml of blending oil, perfect for easing worked muscles!
- 4 drops of Ginger – Zingiber officinale
- 4 drops of Black Pepper – Piper nigrum
- 2 drops of Lemongrass – Cymbopogen citratus
Massage into sore muscles for a warming massage.
DO NOT USE IT ON THE FACE
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
