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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 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 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

Warm, spicy, earthy, woody.

Ginger Oil Uses

Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 60-64.]

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

[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.]

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 Youngstate 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.

Shelf Life

View Shelf Life Information

Important Information About the Profiles

The essential oil information provided on AromaWeb is intended for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The oil photos are intended to represent the typical and approximate color of each essential oil. However, oil color can vary based on harvesting, distillation and other factors. Profiles for several absolutes are included within the directory, and are denoted as such.

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. 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. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Essential Oil Book Suggestions

Click on a book's title to view details and read a full review for the book. Visit AromaWeb's Books area to find details about many other essential oil and aromatherapy books.

Own Safety Profiles for 400 Essential Oils and 206 Constituents:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals
Level: Intermediate • Advanced
Authors: Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Also known as "The Fragrant Pharmacy" in the UK.
Level: Beginning • Intermediate
Author: Valerie Ann Worwood

Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, The
Level: Beginning • Intermediate
Author: Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele

The Heart of Aromatherapy
Level: Beginning
Author: Andrea Butje

The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Essential Oils
Level: Beginning • Intermediate • Advanced
Author: Julia Lawless

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