Ginger Essential Oil
The aroma of Ginger Essential Oil can vary widely, depending on the distillation and quality of the root being distilled. The distillation of fresh ginger root can lead to an aromatically superior oil, one that I absolutely adore.
Topically, Ginger Essential Oil can be useful in blends and formulations intended to help improve circulation. It's a frequent addition to blends for massage, arthritis and muscle aches and pains.
When used topically at low dilutions or in a diffuser, Ginger Oil can help to ease nausea and motion sickness. Since Ginger Oil is so strong, I do not recommend that anyone without a formal education in herbalism or aromatherapy take it without being under the care of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner (instead, try Ginger Tea or Crystallized Ginger).
Aromatically, Ginger Essential Oil is spicy and warming. Though it is especially well suited for fall and winter months, I use it all year round. I love combining Ginger Oil in the diffuser with citrus oils and other spice oils.
Ginger Oil is one that is not a personal favorite to everyone, but is an oil that can significantly enhance a blend or synergy.
Emotionally, I find Ginger Essential Oil energizing and uplifting. It is considered an aphrodisiac. Its aroma is a wonderful addition to blends especially formulated for men (women love it too).
Spiritually, I personally find Ginger Essential Oil to be a welcome addition to my blends for expressing gratitude.
Botanical Name
Zingiber officinale
Common Method of Extraction
Steam Distilled
Plant Part Typically Used
Root
Color
Light Yellow
Consistency
Thin
Perfumery Note
Middle/Base
Strength of Initial Aroma
Medium - Strong
Aromatic Description
Ginger Essential Oil smells warm, spicy, earthy and woody.
Ginger Essential Oil Uses
- Aching Muscles
- Arthritis
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Poor Circulation
- Nervous Exhaustion
Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 101-102.
Major Constituents of Chinese Ginger Essential Oil
- Zingiberene
- ar-Curcumene
- B-Sesquiphellandrene
- B-Bisabolene
- Camphene
- B-Phellandrene
- Borneol
- 1,8-Cineole
- a-Pinene
- B-Elemene
Source: B.M. Lawrence, Progress in Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 20 no. 2, 1995), 55. Source cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 295.
Ginger Essential Oil Safety Information
Tisserand and Young do not indicate any known hazards for Ginger Oil. Some sources do indicate that Ginger Oil is phototoxic. However, Tisserand and Young state that "Low-level phototoxic effects reported for ginger oil are not considered significant (Opdyke 1974 p. 910-902)." Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 295.]
Marge Clark of Nature's Gift mentions that Ginger CO2 extracted from the fresh root can be stronger and more sensitizing, and I agree.
This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted.
General Safety Information
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Before using this or any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Shelf Life
Important Information About the Profiles
The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for educational purposes only. The references to safety information, constituents and percentages is generalized information. The data is not necessary complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The essential oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, essential oil color can vary based on harvesting, distillation, age of the essential oil and other factors. Profiles for several absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.
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