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Serenity Kneaded Blog

Amazing benefits of Ginger


The health benefits of ginger essential oil are nearly identical to the medicinal health benefits of fresh ginger; in fact, the most potent form of ginger is the essential oil because it contains the highest levels of gingerol. The essential oil is the best way to use ginger as medicine. It can be taken internally to treat health conditions or rubbed topically with a carrier oil on an area of pain.

Not only is ginger known as an essence and a spice, it is known to be one of the oldest remedies known in herbal and aromatic traditional treatments, especially in China, India, and the Middle East. In China, it has been used for over 2,000 years for curing inflammation and diarrhea. Native to the Indo-Malaysian rain forests, ginger favors lush, moist, tropical soils for cultivation. Newly sourced from Madagascar, doTERRA Ginger essential oil is derived from the fresh rhizome of the ginger plant—the subterranean stalk of a plant that shoots out the root system.

Today, ginger essential oil is used to treat nausea, upset stomach, menstrual disorders, inflammation and respiratory conditions. When used as aromatherapy, it’s also known to bring on feelings of courageousness and self-assurance, which is why it’s known as “the oil of empowerment.”

Plant Description

Ginger essential oil is taken from the rhizome, or underground stem, of the ginger plant. A highly aromatic plant, ginger has thick roots, long shoots with leaves, and pale flowers—though the rhizome or root of the ginger plant is most useful for flavoring and other applications. For centuries, the ginger root has been used in cooking practices to add flavor, or dried and powdered as a spice.

Chemistry of Ginger Oil

Main Chemical Components: a-zingiberene, sesquiphellandrene Ginger essential oil is made up of a chemical group called sesquiterpenes, which are commonly found in soothing essential oils like Ylang Ylang and Myrrh oil. Ginger oil includes sesquiterpenes called zingiberene and sesquiphellandrene, which contribute to digestive health when used internally* and promote the grounding and balance of emotions when used aromatically.*

Alpha zingiberene, the sesquiterpene that is the primary chemical constituent of ginger essential oil, is what gives ginger its distinct taste. The chemical makeup of Ginger oil contributes to its soothing properties for the body, including its ability to support healthy digestion and to reduce occasional nausea when taken internally,* or to create a soothing massage.

Diffusing Oils

Diffusing essential oils is a great way to maximise their fragrance and therapeutic benefits. While you can use just one essential oil at a time, combining them opens up a whole new world of possibilities. The best essential oil blends have a synergistic effect and come together to give a different fragrance while combining the emotional attributes of individual oils. Creating essential oil blends for diffusers can be a bit of an art form. Some oils definitely work better with others and if you would like to try it yourself, simply start with two or more oils and go from there.

Nausea remedy Blend

Carsick, motion illness, morning sickness? Try making a blend. Using doTerra's essential oils; blend 4 drops ginger, 4 drops Lavendar, and 7 drops peppermint. Can be used in a diffuser or used with a carrier oil rubbed onto the skin, or put on the hands and inhaled.

Treats Respiratory disorders

Since ginger root and ginger oil are both good expectorants, they are effective in treating various respiratory problems such as cold, cough, flu, asthma, bronchitis and breathlessness. Ginger is very effective in removing mucus from the throat and lungs, so it is often added to tea in India. The health benefits of honey and ginger in treating respiratory problems are well known.

Reduces Inflammation

The extract of ginger is often used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation. Research has now proven that its anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to the presence of a substance named Zingibain. It is analgesic in nature and reduces the pain caused by muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, headaches, and migraines.

Ginger oil is often topically massaged on aching muscles to remove muscle strain. It is further believed that regular use of ginger leads to the reduction of prostaglandins, which are the compounds associated with pain. Therefore, ginger helps in pain relief. Recently, a few Chinese researchers have reported that ginger can be very effective in treating inflammation of the testicles.

Strengthens Heart

In China, it is strongly believed that ginger boosts and strengthens your heart health. Many people use ginger oil as a measure to prevent as well as cure various heart conditions. Preliminary research has indicated that ginger may be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. With reduced cholesterol levels and blood clotting, the chance of blood vessel blockage decreases, thereby reducing the incidences of heart attacks and strokes.

Lowers Stress

Ginger oil, being an essential oil, is stimulating and therefore relieves depression, mental stress, exhaustion, dizziness, restlessness, and anxiety.

Eliminates Impotency

Ginger is helpful for male health as well. Since ginger root and its oil is an aphrodisiac in nature, it is effective in eliminating impotency and preventing premature ejaculation.

Essential Oils that blend well with Ginger oil

The spicy, earthy tones of Ginger essential oil blend well with other warm oils like Cinnamon and Cassia. You can also blend Ginger oil with sweet citrus scents like Wild Orange or Ylang Ylang. It should be noted that ginger oil is very strong and should, therefore, be used carefully and sparingly. Ginger oil blends well with many other essential oils including lemon, cedarwood, lime, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, rosemary, sandalwood, patchouli, myrtle, bergamot, rosewood, neroli.

Possible Interactions

Ginger may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. If you take any of the following medicines, you should not use ginger without talking to your health care provider first.

Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.

Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar. That can raise the risk of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

High blood pressure medications: Ginger may lower blood pressure, raising the risk of low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.

*These statements have not been evaluated by Canada's Health Guide. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References:

https://draxe.com/ginger-essential-oil/

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-ginger-oil

https://www.naturalmavens.com/essential-oil-blend-recipes/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ginger.html

http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

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