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What are Ginger Aromatherapy Oils?

Tawnya P.
Tawnya P.

A perennial herb, ginger plants have bright yellow or white flowers and a spreading rhizome root. Ginger aromatherapy oils are distilled from dried, unpeeled ground roots and generally have a succulent, woodsy aroma. The oil usually has an amber color and is recommended to be used in small doses. These oils are renowned for their healing properties, especially stimulating circulation, soothing muscle pain, and reducing swelling. They can be inhaled on a tissue to help relieve indigestion and nausea as well.

Ginger has long been used for cooking and for medicinal purposes. In ancient times, the Chinese touted its use for toothaches, diarrhea, and arthritis. African women used to string ginger from a belt to invigorate the libido of men; ginger aromatherapy oils have since earned the reputation as an aphrodisiac. Originally grown in Southern Asia, ginger has spread its roots to be grown throughout China, Japan, Jamaica, and India.

Ginger aromatherapy oils might help relieve abdominal cramps.
Ginger aromatherapy oils might help relieve abdominal cramps.

In aromatherapy, oil is absorbed into the body’s circulatory system through the skin or airways. Once the oils are in the blood, they can travel to each organ and deliver healing effects. Ginger aromatherapy oils are used largely as digestive aids but can also relieve inflammation, flatulence, and stuffiness.

Typical aromatherapy delivery methods include inhalation, massage, bathing, and spray. A hot compress sprinkled with ginger aromatherapy oils and placed across the chest typically will relieve congestion; a few drops rubbed across the abdomen usually will help alleviate cramps. Ginger aromatherapy oils also can be mixed with distilled water and isopropyl alcohol to be sprayed on bedding, pillows, and towels, or they can be placed in a diffuser to enhance the aroma of a room.

Ginger aromatherapy oils are made from dried ginger roots.
Ginger aromatherapy oils are made from dried ginger roots.

Ginger aromatherapy oils can be added to a warm bath to ease muscle pain. The oils can be mixed with olive oil or grape seed oil to create an after-bath treatment. Also, they can be infused with a base lotion to create a body rub to thwart effects of arthritis. Ginger aromatherapy oils are also said to have germicidal properties and are thought to combat infections.

Ginger plants have a spreading rhizome root.
Ginger plants have a spreading rhizome root.

Highly fragrant, ginger aromatherapy oils can cause a reaction on sensitive skin and should be used sparingly. Ginger is not to be confused with Galangal, which is from the same plant family. Though sometimes called ginger root or Chinese ginger, Galangal does not have the same properties as true ginger.

Discussion Comments

andee

I keep ginger capsules on hand to use for an upset stomach. These capsules contain ginger essential oil, and are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of this oil.

If I eat something that does not agree with me and my stomach is not feeling right, I will take a couple of these ginger capsules. I feel much better about taking something like this than a medication, especially when it seems to do the trick.

I always carry some with me when I go on a trip because that is when I am eating different foods and never know how I am going to react. My friend who was with me tried some a few months ago and had the same good results that I did.

bagley79

On the first cruise I took I became very nauseous even after taking something prescribed by my doctor. I told myself if I went on another cruise I was going to find something else to combat my nauseous stomach.

We took a cruise last year, and after reading that ginger help with nausea, I decided I would take this along with me. I have read many inspiring stories about the benefits of aromatherapy essential oils and was looking forward to giving them a try.

I put a few drops of this oil on a tissue and would breathe it in if I felt like I was going to be sick. I was surprised that it worked as well as it did. I don't know if it was the oil or the calmer seas, or maybe a little bit of both, but I would definitely use it again.

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    • Ginger aromatherapy oils might help relieve abdominal cramps.
      By: Johan Larson
      Ginger aromatherapy oils might help relieve abdominal cramps.
    • Ginger aromatherapy oils are made from dried ginger roots.
      By: valery121283
      Ginger aromatherapy oils are made from dried ginger roots.
    • Ginger plants have a spreading rhizome root.
      By: zigzagmtart
      Ginger plants have a spreading rhizome root.
    • Traditional healers have long used ginger to soothe toothaches.
      By: Eléonore H
      Traditional healers have long used ginger to soothe toothaches.