Ginger is a plant that grows in tropical regions and is recognized for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is derived from the family of Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric and cardamom.
What Is Ginger Oil?
Originally from China and India (Southeast Asia) the ginger plant can grow successfully in areas with partial shade, including inside the house. You can plant it in a large shallow pot, which will give you the ideal space to grow properly.
Extracted from the root of ginger, ginger oil is an elevating and energizing oil that has a wide range of uses. Ginger oil is yellow in color and has a pleasantly spicy aroma with a thin consistency.
With the numerous health benefits, ginger oil is something you can use to improve your health naturally.
Uses of Ginger Oil
Ginger oil blends well with other essential oils such as cedarwood, lemon, black pepper, clove, cardamom and clary sage. Ginger essential oil is a useful household ingredient that serves as a natural remedy against various infections.
Ginger oil can be used in the following ways:
- In diffusers, steam baths and saunas
- In antiseptic creams
- In aromatherapy
- As a digestive aid
- In vapor rubs and pain balms
Benefits of Ginger Oil
The multiple benefits of ginger oil are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, digestive, expectorant, antiseptic, carminative, analgesic and stimulant properties.
Ginger oil has the following benefits:
1. Treats stomach and intestinal disorders
Ginger oil helps to improve digestion and can be an excellent remedy for spasms, dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence. It can also increase appetite, something ideal for people looking to gain weight.
2. Reduces nausea and vomiting
Research has shown that ginger root and its oil are effective against nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The use of ginger can also result in a reduction in vomiting related to pregnancy in women.
3. Heals respiratory infections
Ginger oil can help relieve and treat respiratory infections like a cough, flu, asthma, dyspnea and bronchitis. In fact, fresh ginger can expectorate both the throat and the lungs.
It has expectorant and decongestant properties that loosen the mucus deposited in the respiratory tract and expel it from the body. It is generally added to tea because of its calming effects.
4. Reduces hypertension
Adults who consume ginger oil every day have an 8 percent lower risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). It can also lower blood pressure by blocking calcium channels.
5. Helps dissolve kidney stones
Ginger oil is an excellent tonic for the kidneys. It is believed that ginger root juice can dissolve kidney stones. Ginger oil also helps treat other kidney and urinary tract infections.
6. Relieves stress and anxiety
Ginger oil has stimulating properties that can help to relieve depression, mental stress, fatigue, dizziness, agitation and anxiety. It uplifts the mood and induces a positive influence on the mind and body.
7. Can be helpful to treat cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, preliminary research in animals has shown that ginger may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
8. Cures malaria and yellow fever
Ginger oil can be used as a repellent of Anopheles mosquitoes, a genus of the Culicidae family, which is the primary carrier of malaria in India.
9. Treats heart diseases
It is firmly believed that ginger promotes and strengthens the health of the heart. Many people use ginger oil as a measure to prevent and cure heart diseases.
Preliminary research indicates that ginger may be useful in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. With reduced cholesterol levels and blood coagulation, the possibility of blood vessel obstruction decreases, thus reducing the incidence of infarction.
Side Effects of Ginger Oil
Always remember, the essential oil of ginger is very intense, so it is advisable to dilute it with water, other essential oils or natural creams.
Apart from the benefits mentioned, ginger essential oil has a few side effects:
- Can cause allergic reactions such as heartburn, sores in the mouth, nausea and skin rashes (when applied topically).
- Can interfere with the activity of drugs.
- Could lower the blood sugar level, therefore, exercise caution if you have diabetes.
- High doses of ginger may worsen some heart diseases.
- There is not enough information about the safety of using ginger during breastfeeding, therefore, it is recommended to be cautious and avoid its use.
