Ginger
Zingiber Officinale
Ginger Oil is a warming and spicy oil, often associated with cooking and bringing out flavour across a number of cuisines. The oil can help eliminate toxins, regulate your digestion as well as soothing aches and pains. It is also popular to be used to treat congestion in your respiratory system, similar to Eucalyptus Oil.
History of Ginger Oil
Ginger Oil has been used for thousands of years, and the ginger root was commonly used in alternative medicine practices, soothing pain and inflammation as well as treating nausea, fever and other symptoms related to being sick. Ginger has been recorded to be used by the Ancient Chinese, Greek, Arabian and Romans and was traded for over 2,000 years. It was a popular and highly sought after commodity throughout ancient history; In fact, it is one of the most traded spices in the world!
The plant belongs to similar families such as turmeric and cardamom, and has native roots in China, India, West Africa and Europe. Today, the ginger root as well as the oil is still popular in cooking, aromatherapy and alternative medicine, and is also used in some skin and hair care products on a commercial scale. It is easily accessible to most of the world and providing you have the right conditions, can be grown in the comfort of your own home.
So, why is Ginger Oil still so popular today?
Because it really works wonders! Not only is ginger easy to access and fairly cheap to buy, but it can be used in multiple ways. The oil can be used to treat a number of complex mental and physical issues in aromatherapy, and it can be combined with other oils, creams, soaps and natural products to create remedies that you can rely on. If you don’t have access to Ginger Oil, you can also use the root to assist with a number of health problems - physical and mental. For example, a few slices of ginger in hot water with lemon and honey has been a go-to home remedy for the common cold for hundreds of years!
Its popularity isn’t just from the natural health scene. Commercial brands understand how powerful Ginger Oil is, and it is often a key ingredient in facial washes, toners, creams and serums. Brands such as Kiehls, Aesop and Caudalie all have products that contain ginger in them, and the commercial exposure that ginger has had outside of its culinary benefits has enabled it to cement itself in multiple industries, further verifying its amazing properties!
Extracting Ginger Oil
Like most essential oils, Ginger Oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. It involves the ginger root to be ground down and put into the distiller, where over the course of a few hours steam will gently lift the oil from the pieces of ginger, where it will condense and be removed at the end of the distillation process. This is a non-invasive and practical way of extracting the oil, as you are able to yield a substantial amount without damaging the properties of the oil along the way. Ginger grows in hot, moist climates, and India is one of the biggest producers of Ginger in the whole world, with Nigeria coming second.
Can I make Ginger Oil at home?
Yes, you can! If you own or rent a small steam distiller, you could yield high amounts of Ginger Oil at home, especially if you have access to ginger in your local supermarket or via an online retailer. The process takes a few hours but if you are someone who regularly makes essential oils at home, we recommend investing in a steam distiller so you can create as much as you want! Another method (if you don’t have access to a steam distiller) is using a carrier oil to extract the Ginger Oil. although it may not be the purest oil, it’s a simple way of still extracting some of the wonderful properties of Ginger Oil with very little equipment.
You would need to thinly slice ginger and place it into a saucepan with a carrier oil in it. We recommend using either coconut or jojoba as these are rich carrier oils that are easy to access and aren’t overpowering in terms of their scent. Cook the ginger in the oil on a low heat for 6-8 hours and then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, separating the slices of ginger with the oil mixture. Leave to cool, and use whenever you desire!
Can I make Ginger Oil at home?
Yes, you can! If you own or rent a small steam distiller, you could yield high amounts of Ginger Oil at home, especially if you have access to ginger in your local supermarket or via an online retailer. The process takes a few hours but if you are someone who regularly makes essential oils at home, we recommend investing in a steam distiller so you can create as much as you want! Another method (if you don’t have access to a steam distiller) is using a carrier oil to extract the Ginger Oil. although it may not be the purest oil, it’s a simple way of still extracting some of the wonderful properties of Ginger Oil with very little equipment.
You would need to thinly slice ginger and place it into a saucepan with a carrier oil in it. We recommend using either coconut or jojoba as these are rich carrier oils that are easy to access and aren’t overpowering in terms of their scent. Cook the ginger in the oil on a low heat for 6-8 hours and then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, separating the slices of ginger with the oil mixture. Leave to cool, and use whenever you desire!
Ginger Oil Varieties
Ginger Oil Varieties
There are over 1,000 species of ginger, but the most commonly found ginger is the traditional edible ginger, which is also known as Zingiber Oficianale and is what you’ll commonly find in your grocery store. You can buy other types of edible ginger but most of the essential Ginger Oils will be made from an edible ginger. From our research the properties of the oils will be pretty much the same, and it’s a rarity that you’d find a non-ingestible ginger oil on the market due to it having potential toxicity. There are types of ginger that aren’t able to be eaten, but those will be a lot harder to access due to the fact that they are not for human consumption.
So, which type of Ginger Oil should I go for?
As we’ve mentioned, we recommend always going for an oil that has come from traditional edible ginger, as this is the most common type available. However, if you have another type of edible ginger, you could always try to make this essential oil at home and see if you can notice a difference! If you have the right climate, ginger is easy to grow, so you could test out a few different types and see if one in particular works for you. You’ll need a steam distiller to make the oil. Something that we do always recommend, though, is to ensure that the oil that you’re buying is a 100% essential oil or ‘absolute’ - which means the same thing. This means that you won’t have any nasties or unwanted extracts in your oil, and you can guarantee that it’s 100% natural. If a distributor does not state that it is absolute or essential, then don’t buy it.
What do you think of Ginger Oil? Is there a particular variety that works for you? We love developing our knowledge and learning from our community about essential oils, so feel free to reach out to one of the team today - we look forward to hearing from you!
So, which type of Ginger Oil should I go for?
As we’ve mentioned, we recommend always going for an oil that has come from traditional edible ginger, as this is the most common type available. However, if you have another type of edible ginger, you could always try to make this essential oil at home and see if you can notice a difference! If you have the right climate, ginger is easy to grow, so you could test out a few different types and see if one in particular works for you. You’ll need a steam distiller to make the oil. Something that we do always recommend, though, is to ensure that the oil that you’re buying is a 100% essential oil or ‘absolute’ - which means the same thing. This means that you won’t have any nasties or unwanted extracts in your oil, and you can guarantee that it’s 100% natural. If a distributor does not state that it is absolute or essential, then don’t buy it.
What do you think of Ginger Oil? Is there a particular variety that works for you? We love developing our knowledge and learning from our community about essential oils, so feel free to reach out to one of the team today - we look forward to hearing from you!
Benefits of Ginger Oil
Ginger has been used for thousands of years, and was mostly used by the Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Romans and Arabians for medicinal and beauty purposes. The ginger root grows in hot, moist conditions and when it was initially scarce, was traded for high prices, as it was sought after by many due to its healing properties. Today, Ginger Oil and ginger root is widely accessible and has been used commercially by beauty brands as well as some medications. It is a tried and tested remedy to help with the common cold, and can be used to alleviate pain, help stomach upset and soothe menstrual pain (to name a few...)
So, what are the benefits of Ginger Oil?
Benefits the respiratory system
Whether used topically or via inhalation, Ginger Oil can improve your respiratory system, especially when you are congested and feeling unwell. You can also combine it with another decongesting oil such as Eucalyptus Oil or Mint Oil.
Alleviates pain in the body
Whether you use it as a massage oil, internally, or through aromatherapy, Ginger Oil works hard to alleviate pain in the body. This can be muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines, chest pains, stomach aches and sore throats.
Antioxidant
The antioxidant properties found in Ginger Oil means that it can be used for a number of problems, whether it’s irritated skin, stress, anxiety and more. Whether you ingest the oil or use it topically, it can help to expel unwanted toxins in the body, leaving you feeling healthier and clearer.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties found in Ginger Oil are great when used in skincare, particularly for those who suffer with sensitive skin and are prone to flare ups of redness, or blemishes. Ginger Oil is used in some acne treatments due to its soothing anti-inflammatory problems.
Improve skin's appearance
As previously mentioned, the anti-inflammatory properties of Ginger Oil can improve your skin's appearance. It also brightens the skin's complexion and can work as an anti-ageing remedy.
What do you think of Ginger Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you use your oils and what is working best for you. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Uses of Ginger Oil
For thousands of years, ginger has been used in alternative medicine as it is proven to help with inflammation, an upset stomach, respiratory and menstrual cramps to name a few. The root is commonly used in cooking, and the oil is popular in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as help your mind feel cleansed. The scent of Ginger Oil is warming, spicy and fresh, and is likened to other essential oils such as cardamom.
Aromatherapy
Ginger Oil is a popular oil in aromatherapy because it can combat a number of issues. It can relieve stress, feelings of anxiety and symptoms of pressure. The spiciness of the oil can leave your respiratory system feeling cleansed, and your head feeling clearer. Ginger Oil also works well with other essential oils on the market to create interesting and beneficial blends.
Facial scrub
Ginger Oil can work well as a facial scrub, brightening your skin and breathing life into it. Mix with a carrier oil and granulated sugar, and you have a homemade facial scrub at the ready! You can also use this mixture on your body as an all body scrub.
Dandruff/excess oil on scalp
If you are struggling with a greasy scalp or dandruff, you can massage Ginger Oil and Jojoba Oil into your scalp and leave overnight before washing out - do this on a regular basis and you’ll see that your dandruff will slowly but surely improve!
Infections and minor cuts
An antibacterial and an antimicrobial oil, Ginger Oil can be used to treat minor cuts to prevent infection and help your wound heal faster. If you have irritated skin, you can mix this with a bit of carrier oil before applying to the area.
Menstrual cramps
If you struggle with severe menstrual cramps, often a painkiller can do the trick - but it is not a long term solution. Natural remedies such as Ginger Oil can help relieve menstrual cramps, we like combining ginger, clary sage and castor oil together and massaging into the area causing you pain!
Upset stomach
Ginger Oil can help regulate your digestion as well as manage bloating and other stomach issues that cause discomfort.
Blends well with
Usually, we would include a range of carrier oils in this section, but due to its potency and lack of extensive use in skincare and massage, we have only included one of our favourites! Please note that if you have sensitive skin that you should always apply your essential oil with a carrier oil so as not to irritate your skin.
Jojoba Oil
One of our favourite carrier oils, Jojoba Oil is great for most skin types and has acne fighting properties as well as being delicate on the skin. Blended with Ginger Oil can be great for massage oils as well as diluting the oil for topical applications. The makeup of Jojoba Oil is similar to your own skin's natural oils, meaning that you won't be clogging your pores with excess oil should you choose to use this carrier oil.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Cooling, medicinal and soothing, eucalyptus and ginger work powerfully together to combat the common cold as well as headaches and discomforts associated with being sick. Inhale this blend to clear your sinuses and respiratory system, and feel uplifted and clearer in the head!
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Frankincense Oil
Musky and warming, frankincense and ginger can work to create a warming blend that can be massaged into the skin to relieve stress and anxiety, or combined to create soaps, and fragrances that can be used in the home.
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Jasmine Oil
Fragrant and refreshing, the delicacy of jasmine with the spiciness of ginger can create an amazing aromatherapy blend that can calm your senses and leave you feeling relaxed before bed.
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Orange Oil
Fruity and zesty, orange and ginger work well together when creating DIY candles and bath oils that empower the senses and leave you feeling calm and soothed.
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Bergamot Oil
Citrusy but also floral, bergamot and ginger work well together to create soaps and lotions that boost the skin and body without feeling too intense. In aromatherapy this blend can clear your mind and leave you stress-free.
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Cinnamon Oil
Warming and homely, the blend of ginger and cinnamon can remind you of christmas, and is a comforting blend that can be used in an electric diffuser to leave your home feeling welcoming and snug.
