With its warm, earthy aroma and centuries of traditional use, Ginger Essential Oil remains a favourite in aromatherapy and natural wellness. But what makes it so popular?
In this blog, we'll explore what Ginger Essential Oil is, its history, benefits, uses, and popular ways you can incorporate Ginger Oil into your daily routine.
What Is Ginger Essential Oil?
Ginger Essential Oil, also known as Ginger Root Oil, is extracted from the Zingiber officinale herb, commonly known as Ginger. It carries a refreshingly warm, earthy and somewhat spicy aroma, thanks to its natural constituents zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene and β-bisabolene. That distinctive smell has made Ginger Oil a popular choice in aromatherapy, natural wellness routines and DIY personal care products.
History of Ginger Oil
Over the centuries, the ginger root has been used in folk medicine as a way of reducing inflammation, arthritis, and rheumatism. It is also widely recognised for its ability to alleviate symptoms associated with nausea, respiratory discomfort, digestive issues, colds, and mensural-related cramping. Today, Ginger Essential Oil continues to be widely used in aromatherapy, massage, natural wellness practices, and personal care formulations around the world.
What’s the Difference Between Ginger Essential Oil and Ginger Fresh Essential Oil?
There are two main types of Ginger Oil. While both oils come from the same plant (Zingiber officinale), they are produced from different parts of the ginger harvest, giving each one a unique aroma. Understanding the difference can help you choose the best option for your intended application, whether you're creating aromatherapy blends, natural skincare products or home fragrance formulations.
Ginger Essential Oil: Traditional Ginger Essential Oil is steam distilled from dried ginger rhizomes (roots). It has a warm, earthy and spicy aroma that is rich, comforting and grounding.
Ginger Fresh Essential Oil: Contrarily, Ginger Fresh Essential Oil is steam distilled from fresh ginger rhizomes, resulting in a brighter, sweeter and slightly zesty aroma with a fresher overall character.
Despite their different scents, both Ginger Essential Oil and Ginger Fresh Essential Oil carry incredible benefits and are highly versatile ingredients, widely used in aromatherapy, massage blends, natural skincare and DIY personal care formulations.
Benefits Of Ginger Essential Oil
From its traditional use in natural wellness to its place in modern aromatherapy and personal care, Ginger Essential Oil is appreciated for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most commonly recognised benefits of Ginger Oil.
Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil for Medicinal Use
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Ginger Essential Oil is naturally rich in aromatic constituents such as zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene and β-bisabolene, which contribute to its distinctive warm, spicy aroma. Traditionally, Ginger Essential Oil has been used in aromatherapy and natural wellness practices to support digestive comfort and general wellbeing.
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These anti-inflammatory properties also make this a popular essential oil for muscle spasms, soreness, headaches, migraines, back pain and menstrual related cramping.
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Other Ginger Oil benefits have been seen to assist with respiratory related issues such as excessive coughing, asthma, bronchitis and cold and flu-like symptoms.
Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil for Cosmetic Use
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When diluted and applied topically, the benefits of Ginger Essential Oil for skin include its ability to reduce dryness, redness or itchiness.
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When it comes to skincare, the antibacterial properties within Ginger Oil are known to cleanse and tone the skin while alleviating acne and reducing further breakouts.
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Ginger Oil is also believed to inhibit signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
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When used on the hair, the minerals within Ginger Oil encourage healthy hair growth on the scalp. The anti-inflammatory properties also work to reduce dandruff.
Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
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In aromatherapy, Ginger Oil is prized for its stimulating and warming effects, which are known to enhance concentration while reducing feelings of sadness, dizziness, and fatigue.
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Commonly referred to as the ‘Oil of Empowerment’, Ginger Oil is known to encourage inspiration and confidence.
Popular Uses and Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil for Nausea
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Nausea
- Ginger Oil is known to be one of the best essential oils for nausea and for this reason, it is commonly used by those who suffer from travel and motion sickness.
- Those wanting to ease travel and motion sickness may benefit by adding a few drops of Ginger Oil to a Car Diffuser.
- The benefits of Ginger Oil for nausea can also be received by simply inhaling its aroma.
Ginger Essential Oil for Digestion
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Digestion
- When diffused and inhaled or diluted and applied to the abdomen, the benefits of Ginger Oil have been seen to assist with digestive complaints such as flatulence, diarrhoea, spasms, stomach aches and loss of appetite.
Ginger Essential Oil for Hair
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Hair
- When diluted and used on the hair Ginger Oil is believed to stimulate blood circulation on the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth.
- The antifungal and antiseptic abilities within this oil also contribute to cleanliness, while the anti-inflammatory properties further assist with reducing dandruff.
Ginger Essential Oil for Skin
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Skin
- The naturally occurring antioxidants within Ginger Oil are said to protect the skin from environmental factors such as dust, wind and pollution.
- When diluted and applied topically, it is believed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The stimulating properties within Ginger Oil also work to revitalise the skin’s complexion, leaving you with a radiating glow.
Ginger Essential Oil for Inflammation
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Inflammation
- In aromatherapy, Ginger Essential Oil is known to be fantastic for reducing aches, muscle spasms and inflammation.
- It is commonly used by people who live an active lifestyle to reduce muscle tightness and soreness.
- The anti-inflammatory properties within Ginger Oil have also been seen to assist with headaches, arthritis, back pain and menstrual related cramping.
Ginger Essential Oil for Vertigo
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil for Vertigo
- It has been said that Ginger Essential Oil may be effective for those who suffer from dizziness and vertigo.
- This was discovered in a 2013 study - although it is important to know that the study was conducted using Ginger Essential Oil, not Ginger Fresh Essential Oil.
- The benefits of Ginger Oil for vertigo can be received through inhalation.
How To Use Ginger Essential Oil Safely?
How to Use Ginger Essential Oil in Aromatherapy?
- Diffusing: One of the most common ways to use Ginger Oil is to diffuse it in an aromatherapy diffuser or electric vaporizer. This is particularly useful to those wanting to receive the aromatic benefits of Ginger Oil.
- Inhaling: hose without a diffuser can receive the benefits of Ginger Oil by adding a drop to a tissue or handkerchief (make sure to hold the tissue at a safe distance to avoid skin contact, which may result in irritation).
- Warm Bath: Ginger Oil can be added to epsom salts and then added to a warm bath water, which can be particularly beneficial to those wanting to ease inflammation, cramping or muscle soreness.
How to Use Ginger Essential Oil on the Skin? (Topical Application)
- Massage: To create a ginger infused massage oil simply dilute your Ginger Essential Oil into a carrier oil or base massage oil and massage into sore areas. This may be beneficial to anyone experiencing tight and sore muscles.
- Skin Serum: To address various skin complaints you can create your own serum by adding a few drops of Ginger Oil to a carrier oil.
- Moisturiser: Ginger Essential Oil can also be added to any base moisturisers or lotions to enhance existing benefits.
Where To Buy Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger Essential Oil can generally be found in any health, cosmetic and wellbeing retail stores however, it is important to know that the quality and purity of essential oils will vary according to where they are purchased. For this reason, we always recommend finding a reputable and reliable supplier who is willing to provide product documentation.
At AWO, quality and purity are of paramount importance and that is why we only provide Ginger Essential Oils that are 100% pure. We have two variations available to purchase: Ginger Essential Oil and Ginger Fresh Essential Oil. You can view the entire range below:
What Customers Are Saying About Ginger Oil
“I bought this product and Fractionated Coconut Oil and mixed together to use as a pain management. It’s amazing and has changed my pain management to a level that is now manageable”
Sally (Verified Customer)
“I have used this in my shampoo, it’s amazing!”
Olga (Verified Customer)
“Great oil needed for stiffness on my ankle after a trip… It helped a lot!”
Carole (Verified Customer)
Ginger Essential Oil Safety
While essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Ginger Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Ginger Essential Oil is very concentrated and is likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Directions for Use’ section.
Resources
Tanu, B & Harpreet, K, 2016, ‘Benefits of essential oils’, Journal Of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 143 – 149
Risk, S 2013, ‘Effect of aromatherapy absominal massage using Peppermint versus Ginger Oils on primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls’, Journal of American Science, vol. 9, no. 11
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.
FAQs
What is Ginger Essential Oil?
Ginger Essential Oil, also known as Ginger Root Essential Oil or Ginger Essence Oil, is a steam-distilled essential oil extracted from the rhizomes (roots) of the Zingiber officinale plant. It is prized for its warm, spicy aroma and is widely used in aromatherapy, massage, and natural personal care products.
What is the difference between Ginger Essential Oil and Ginger Fresh Essential Oil?
Both oils come from the same ginger plant, but Ginger Essential Oil is distilled from dried ginger rhizomes, while Ginger Fresh Essential Oil is distilled from fresh ginger. This gives each oil a distinct aroma, although they share many similar uses and benefits.
What is Ginger Essential Oil commonly used for?
Ginger Essential Oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, massage blends, skincare and hair care formulations. It is also valued for its warming aroma and has a long history of traditional use in natural wellness practices.