Ginger is touted as one of the highly valued spices in the world. Although it is unattractive in its natural appearance, ginger is a storehouse of medicinal values. Its use in home remedies is recorded in both Sanskrit and Chinese manuscripts and it is also mentioned in the literature of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabians. Traditional Chinese medicine employed the use of fresh ginger for a variety of health issues starting from respiratory challenges to toothaches. Ginger was believed to counteract the effects of poison too. It emits a pungent smell and it a 3foot perennial herb having a thick rhizome. Although no food association formally approves the use of ginger in the treatment of illnesses and diseases, there is no dearth of people who swear by it. The medically active constituents of ginger are also responsible for ginger's characteristic odor and taste. This can be extracted from a dry ginger rhizome. Now, ginger contains approximately 1-4% volatile oils which are considered very precious. Due to the manifold advantages that ginger essential oil offers, it has become a popular choice of oils in aromatherapy. Read on to know more about the uses and properties of ginger essential oil.
Ginger Essential Oil Use
Inflammation
'Zingibain', the active substance in ginger is analgesic in nature and it helps reducing the pain caused by arthritis. Aroma therapists use ginger oil to decrease the prostaglandin content and thus increase threshold for pain. Rubbing it on aching muscles can also give instant relief.
Improves Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation is the main reason why the body stays cold. This can be a major issue for people suffering from it. Consuming ginger root oil can tremendously improve blood circulation and keep the body warm.
Heart Diseases
Ginger oil is used in the Chinese cuisine as it prevents the occurrence of heart ailments by boosting the cardiovascular system. It helps decrease cholesterol, which is the main reason for strokes and cardiac arrests. Regular usage of ginger essential oil also reduces the risk of blood clots thus, preventing arteriosclerosis.
Other Disorders
Preliminary research at the American Cancer Society has shown that the health benefits of ginger even extend to the treatment of cancer through chemotherapy. Ginger oil can also be used in hair care. Using it regularly can keep dandruff at bay. For those having a problematic kidney, using this essential oil has the power to dissolve kidney stones.
Food Poisoning
Ginger oil is so helpful that it is also used to overcome any symptoms of food poisoning. It has antiseptic and carminative properties that are useful in curing and relieving stomach problems.
Tummy Easing
Remember that time when you experienced a stomach full of gas, acid reflux or bloating. Ginger oil to the rescue! A small amount of this essential oil can help ease any uncomfortable feeling and it may also alleviate other intestinal issues.
Aromatherapy
Ginger oil is used extensively in aromatherapy massages. It is also used to clear any moisture from runny noses. To maximize the effect, ginger oil is often blended with other oils for the desired effect.
Ginger Essential Oil Properties
Ginger essential oil is an effective antidepressant and a wonderful pain killer. Read about its properties, uses and health benefits.
Ginger Essential Oil
| Botanical Name: | Zingiber officinale Roscoe |
| Aroma: | Peppery and Spicy |
| Properties: | Antidepressant, Stimulant, Aphrodisiac |
| Uses: | Bronchitis, Constipation, Flatulence, Arthritis, Flu, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism |
- Antiseptic – It helps in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on external surfaces of the body.
- Antifungal – Ginger oil helps prevent the growth of fungi.
- Expectorant – This oil facilitates for the expulsion of mucus from the lungs and throat.
- Anti-spasmodic – Ginger oil helps in relieving or preventing convulsions and spasms.
- Laxative – This particular oil combats constipation by facilitating the evacuation of bowels.
- Cephalic – In aromatherapy, the oil is used to stimulate the mind.
- Analgesic – One of the biggest benefits of ginger oil is its ability to relieve pain without loss of consciousness.
- Antibacterial – Ginger essential oil inhibits the growth of microorganisms without necessarily killing them.
- Carminative – It also has the power to induce the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines.
- Stomachic – Ginger oil is beneficial in increasing digestion of food in the stomach.
- Antiviral – The oil helps in destruction of growth and reproduction of viruses in the body.
Apart from the above mentioned uses, ginger essential oil is also used as a hypotensive, sudorific, stimulant, anti-clotting agent and a bactericidal.