The health benefits of ginger root are numerous. When used in a massage (diluted in a carrier oil), its warming and tonic properties can ease muscle pain and rheumatism. It can also be used to eliminate mucus and reduce headaches and pain caused by sinus congestion.
Ginger health benefits also include being an effective way to treat nausea, with a possibly great reduction in motion sickness and morning sickness for some people.
When used in a recipe, ginger root can provide personality to an otherwise plain dish. Its peppery, spicy and rich taste works wonderfully well with Asian cuisine.
Ginger root comes in many forms, and to each its proper use. Of course, you can buy it fresh from your local grocery store to use in recipes, but you can also purchase liquid ginger extract, ginger extract capsules, ginger supplements, ginger essential oil to be used for aromatherapy purposes
and even ginger herbal tea
for a relaxing way to improve your digestion!
Properties and Benefits of Ginger Root
Here are a few facts about ginger essential oil:
Botanical Name | Zingiber officinale |
Family | Zingiberaceae |
Extraction Method | Steam distilled from the rhizome (root) or CO2 distillation |
Essential Oil Colour | Pale yellow to light amber |
Consistency | Thin |
Description | Depending on the extraction method, the note will be high or middle. Its woody and spicy aroma is mildly stimulating. It is well known for its spicy, warming and digestion stimulating properties. |
Important Constituents | Sesquiterpenoids, zingiberene and monoterpenoid |
How to Maximize the Benefits of Ginger Root
- Cooking. Fresh or powdered ginger root is used in various Asian dishes such as stir-fries. Pickled ginger root is a common condiment in Japanese cuisine and is an essential part of the sushi and sashimi experience. Dried ginger powder is a common ingredient in various Indian dishes as well as cookie, gingerbread and cake recipes. Let’s not forget candied ginger
- Tea. To improve your digestion, try this ginger tea recipe: bring 3 to 4 cups of water to a boil, then add thin slices of fresh ginger root (about a thumb’s length). Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool slightly, then drink slowly. You can add a touch of honey or lemon to make it more enjoyable to drink. You can also purchase ginger herbal tea bags. The most commonly known benefits of ginger root tea are to reduce or eliminate nausea, digestive problems as well as help soothe a sore throat and treat other symptoms of colds and flus.
- Other drinks You’ve probably heard of ginger ale
and ginger beer. Both are tasty drinks! I’ve recently discovered a refreshing twist on drinking plain water with the added health benefits of ginger root. Add about an inch of fresh ginger (thinly sliced), the juice of half a lemon and 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper to a cool glass of water. It’s perfect for a detox drink and it tastes a lot better than I first imagined… - Essential Oil To stimulate memory and brain functions, burn 4 drops of ginger essential oil with 2 drops of rosemary oil mixed into 2 tablespoons of water. This mixture is perfect on a lamp ring or candle-lit aromatherapy diffuser.For a pain-relieving and warming massage, combine the following: 6 drop of ginger essential oil and 2 tbsp of carrier oil.
DO NOT apply this essential oil in a bath tub (it could irritate your mucous membranes) or directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil first. You should use it at a concentration of 1% or less as it can irritate the skin.
Where Can You Find This Essential Oil?
This essential oil normally comes in various sizes and can be found in major drugstores and specialized aromatherapy retail stores. Many internet-based aromatherapy companies carry this essential oil, so it’s easy to find.
You can purchase Ginger 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil- 10 ml from Amazon.
Go ahead and give it a try! You too could soon discover the benefits of ginger root. Learn more about how aromatherapy works for you.