Widely known for adding spice and flavor to many popular dishes, the ginger root has a variety of benefits and uses that reach far beyond the culinary realm. Taken from the underground stem of the ginger plant, Ginger essential oil has warming and soothing properties that make it useful in everyday life. Taken internally, doTERRA Ginger oil can be used to ease occasional nausea and aid in digestion.* With a spicy, fresh aroma, it works well in a variety of diffuser blends. Ginger oil can also substitute for ginger flavoring in your favorite recipes.
Ginger Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
For centuries, ginger has been an integral ingredient in many recipes, particularly for Asian dishes. When you want to add the sweet, spicy flavor of ginger to a meal, you can simply use Ginger essential oil in the place of whole ginger in your favorite recipes.
Ginger oil is also very useful for baked goods like ginger snaps, banana bread, pies, and more. If you are looking for a Ginger essential oil recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth, take a look at our recipe for Mini Pumpkin Pies. This is the perfect recipe for the holidays, and uses the warm, spicy flavors of Clove, Ginger, and Cassia oil to put a twist on a traditional dessert.
Because of its soothing properties, Ginger may help reduce occasional nausea when taken internally*—making it a good essential oil to carry with you on-the-go. When you experience occasional moments of nausea, you’ll want a bottle of Ginger oil close by. Just take a drop or two in water to help ease your discomfort.* When you take a long car ride or drive along winding roads, diffuse Ginger oil in the car or place a drop of Ginger in the palm of your hand and inhale to enjoy its calming, soothing aroma. You can also apply Ginger oil topically, diluting with Fractionated Coconut Oil, as part of a soothing abdominal massage.
Ginger essential oil may help reduce bloating and gas when taken internally.* This benefit can be helpful before a big workout, especially if you are feeling bloated or uncomfortable. Before working out, take a drop or two with water or in a doTERRA Veggie Capsule to reduce bloating.*
Have you tried adding Ginger essential oil to your diffuser blends? You can diffuse Ginger oil in the essential oil diffuser of your choice to help create a balanced, grounded feeling. If you feel your energy lagging in the late afternoon, diffuse Ginger oil for an extra emotional boost. For a soothing, tropical blend, try three drops of Wild Orange, two drops of Ylang Ylang, and two drops of Ginger essential oil in your diffuser.
One common internal use for Ginger essential oil is to aid with digestion.* To experience these benefits of Ginger oil, take one to two drops of the oil daily to help with digestion.* You can add a few drops to a glass of water, or place one or two drops in a doTERRA Veggie Capsule.
To help support healthy joint function* and for antioxidant benefits,* add one drop of Ginger essential oil to your morning smoothies. To see how you can use other essential oils in juices and smoothies, take a look at a few of our favorite essential oil smoothie recipes.
The warm, earthy nature of Ginger essential oil makes it useful for massage. When you want a stimulating or warming massage, dilute Ginger oil with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut oil and apply topically. Due to its chemical makeup, Ginger is known as a soothing essential oil. Essential oils like Ylang Ylang and Myrrh oil share similar chemical components with Ginger oil, and are also known for their soothing properties.
Fun Fact:
The scientific name for ginger, “Zingiber,” is derived from the Greek zingiberis, which comes from the Sanskrit sringabera, meaning “horn shaped.”
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.
Bottle of Ginger oil on plate. Ginger essential oil is most commonly known for its digestive benefits.
Chemistry of Ginger Essential 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.
Oils that Blend Well with Ginger Essential 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.
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.
Where to Buy Ginger Essential Oil
To add this amazing oil to your collection, visit my SHOP!
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.