Fàilte (Welcome)!
Ginger is an oil that was used by many ancient civilizations for both culinary and medicinal purposes; the ancient Greeks were known to use ginger extensively in their pharmacopoeia. The Chinese used ginger for tooth ache, malaria, rheumatism, diarrhea and excess mucus. Traditionally, ginger has been used for its aphrodisiac properties. Ginger was also one of the first spices to be traded from Asia to Europe in the Middle Ages and has since been used in the Western world principally as a digestive aid. So I thought it might be helpful to share 3 of the major benefits of ginger essential oil although as described below, there are a myriad of other benefits.
1. Rheumatic pain
Rheumatic pain can be eased by massage or compresses, using a low dilution of the essential oil, since high concentrations will irritate the skin.
2. Winter Ailments/Diarrhea
For colds, ‘flu and diarrhea, stomach cramps (whether digestive or menstrual in nature), the most effective use of ginger is an infusion (or ‘tea’) made from the fresh root. Cut very thin slivers from the ginger root, and simmer them for about ten minutes, using about six thin slices from a root of average thickness, to each cupful of water. With a little honey this makes a very pleasant winter drink which is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a preventative against winter ailments.
3. Nausea
Ginger quells nausea and can be a great help with both travel sickness and the ‘morning sickness’ of pregnancy.
The Distillation of Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is steam distilled from the dried ground root, also known as the rhizome root. The aroma of ginger essential oil is warm and spicy
The Properties of Ginger Oil
Ginger is also an analgesic, expectorant, digestive, stimulant, anti-catarrhal and it is invigorating. For medicinal purposes, ginger oil can be used to treat insomnia, impotence, angina, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, rheumatism, tooth ache and fatigue. Ginger is useful for travel sickness, hangovers and to stimulate the appetite of children and can be used in relieving the symptoms of bronchitis.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is used in any condition where the body is not coping effectively with moisture, whether the moisture originates within the body or without. Diarrhea and catarrh (the buildup of mucous in the nose and throat) are examples of inability to deal with moisture of internal origin, while rheumatism and many of our winter ills are aggravated by external damp, and the fiery properties of ginger are used to combat this.
I have had great success using a blend of ginger essential oil in a carrier oil for three clients who are suffering from arthritis. They have found that the swelling goes down and that the pain is reduced.
Have you used this essential oil? Share your experiences with me. I love getting feedback. And here on this blog you’ll get commentluv so don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog if you have one.
Slán go fóill (goodbye for now),
Faye
If you can please share more ginger articles that would be great!
Greetings; I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the article. I certainly would enjoy sharing more about Ginger at a later date.
Blessings, Faye