The world of alternative medicine is filled with amazing natural remedies for illnesses and maladies ranging from the common cold to migraines, to even chronic diseases like arthritis or Crohn’s. Amongst all the herbs and spices, one of the most highly regarded natural remedies is ginger root. While it is very good remedy for many different ailments, one of it’s lesser known forms is concentrated ginger oil.

Ginger oil, like all essential oils, are super concentrated versions of their parent plant. This means that just a small drop of oil can go a long way as it is very powerful. Ginger essential oil is also made up of nearly 90 percent sesquiterpenes, which are defensive agents that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [1].

Ginger Oil

Ginger essential oil is comprised of 115 different chemical components, but the components that contribute to its therapeutic properties are gingerols. Gingerol is the oily resin that comes from the ginger root and acts like a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Before you scramble to eat a few drops of ginger oil, it’s important to note that ginger essential oil should only be used topically or through inhalation, not ingestion, unless it is under the supervision of a licensed aromatherapist. If you’re going to use ginger oil topically, make sure that you mix it with a carrier oil, as it could cause irritation to your skin. Some great carrier oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.

Health Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil

The components found in both ginger root and the oil have been proven to be very effective and research suggests using it daily. Here are some health benefits you’ll see when you start using ginger oil.

Relieve Upset Stomachs

Ginger oil is one of the best natural remedies for nausea, indigestion, and stomach aches. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology  also evaluated the gastroprotective activity of ginger essential oil in rats.

The researchers used ethanol to induce gastric ulcers in Wistar rats and they found that the ginger essential oil treatment inhibited the ulcer by 85 percent. Examinations showed that ethanol-induced lesions, such as necrosis, erosion and hemorrhage of the stomach wall, were significantly reduced after the oral administration of the essential oil [2].

Although this research was done on the basis of ingestion, anecdotal reports suggest applying ginger oil topically can help relieve feelings of nausea or indigestion. Simply mix a few drops od ginger oil with a carrier oil and massage your abdomen. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath, or into a diffuser.

Prevent Infection

Ginger oil has also been shown to be effective in fending off infections from certain bacteria. One study conducted by the Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences,  at A. Mira University in 2014 found that the compounds found in ginger essential oil were more effective than the oleoresin, which is a naturally occurring mixture of oil and resin that can be extracted from plants.

The study found the essential oil was more effective at combating E. coli, Bacillus subtilis (grass or hay bacillus), and Staphylococcus aureus [3]. If you’re looking for a great way to help prevent infection, try mixing a few drops of ginger oil with tea tree oil into some coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the affected a few times a day to heal quickly and avoid an infection. [4]

Relieve Cough and Bronchitis

Ginger is also known for helping relieve coughs and other respiratory ailments. Ginger oil has been shown to remove mucus built up in the chest and lungs and help restore normal breathing functions [5].  Ginger is also effective in helping relieve symptoms caused by asthma, which causes bronchial muscle spasms, swelling of the lung lining and increased mucus production.

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects help relieve the swelling in the lungs and helps to open airways [6]. To use ginger oil to help relieve respiratory issues, try diffusing a few drops of essential oil in some warm water and breathing in the steam, or try a ginger tea.

Anxiety Relief

When used in aromatherapy, ginger oil has been known to relieve feelings of anxiety, anxiousness, depression and exhaustion [6].  The warming quality of ginger oil also serves as a sleep aid and stimulates feelings of courage and ease. In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger oil is believed to treat emotional issues like fear, abandonment, and lack of self-confidence or motivation [5].

Muscle and Joint Pain

We’ve spoken about the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger when it comes to helping with respiratory issues, but it is also effective in helping to reduce muscle and joint pain caused by inflammation. The compound called Zingibain is what gives ginger oil it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

You can combine a few drops of ginger oil with your favorite carrier oil and apply to the areas where you’re feeling pain or discomfort. The ginger oil works to promote blood flow to those areas, reducing any inflammation in the area, and giving relief from muscle pain or chronic conditions like arthritis.

Now that you have the tools and the knowledge, make sure to try and incorporate ginger root and ginger oil next time you are in need of a quick fix but for best results make sure and add this powerful natural remedy into your daily holistic health routine.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Essential oils are very highly concentrated and potent and it is important to always check the specific safety data provided. Keep out of reach of children, the elderly, and pets. For external use only. Avoid contact with mucus membranes and eyes. If any essential oils have contacted your eye, wash out with a vegetable oil such as olive oil, not water.

Some oils may cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. It is recommended to perform a patch test before use. To patch test, place one drop on the back of your wrist and leave for an hour or more. If irritation or redness occurs wash the area with olive oil then cold water and do not use the oil.

We do not recommend the ingestion of essential oils except while under the care and direction of a qualified health practitioner.

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