Ginger oil is one of the best oils to treat a wide variety of gastric complaints.

A 2015 animal study found that ginger oil could inhibit the growth of ulcers in the stomach by up to 85%, and ginger’s gastroprotective properties have also been used to treat indigestion, diarrhoea, and even colic.

One of ginger’s most famous traditional uses is in the treatment of nausea – it has long been a popular household remedy for sickness and vomiting.

A study in 2014 was able to demonstrate this link when it found that ginger oil was able to reduce feelings of nausea after surgical procedures.

Inhaling diffused ginger oil is a great way to experience these benefits and may help to provide protection to the gut and relief from nausea.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, applying a bit of diluted ginger oil in belly button can help boost these digestive benefits. This is due to the connection your naval has with the rest of the nerves in your body, as well as with your womb. It's suggested that this same method can help tackle menstrual cramps for this reason.

As ginger oil can be phototoxic, it is safer not to apply it to the skin before stepping out into direct sunlight.

Can ginger oil help treat cold symptoms?

The properties of ginger also make it a popular home remedy for the common cold.

• Ginger essential oil is a natural expectorant, meaning it can help to get mucus moving through blocked airways as well as help flush out harmful bacteria.
• Its antiseptic properties also help to protect against infections and kill the pathogens responsible for cold symptoms – whilst its anti-inflammatory properties, which it owes to the components gingerol and zingiberene, help to soothe swelling in the lungs and open airways.
• A study in 2013 found that ginger can cause a significant and rapid relaxation of human airway smooth muscles, preventing the restriction of airways and allowing easier breathing even through a stuffy nose.

Can I use ginger essential oil to help manage pain?

The component zingiberene in ginger oil has been found to have powerful pain-relieving properties.

A study in 2001 found that ginger oil was associated with reducing inflammation-induced pain and was able to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, and a further study in 2010 found that ginger was able to reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%.

Zingiberene not only has powerful anti-inflammatory properties but is also believed to help reduce the number of prostaglandins in the body - compounds associated with the sensation of pain.

This allows ginger oil to soothe swollen muscles and joints whilst also inhibiting the pain response.

Diluting ginger essential oil with a carrier oil (such as sweet almond or jojoba) and massaging it into your temples has also been known to help provide relief against headaches and migraines.

Is ginger oil good for lifting mood?

A study in 2010 found that ginger oil can activate the human serotonin receptor, providing a possible explanation as to why ginger oil has always been associated with confidence and happiness.

It has been found that ginger oil can help to reduce the severity of increased low mood in women suffering from PMS, and many people use ginger oil to help combat anxiety.

Ginger oil’s mood-boosting effects are so pronounced, in fact, that for centuries it has been considered an aphrodisiac.

Ginger’s warming and stimulating properties, as well as the stress relief that it provides, are said to help combat problems such as impotence and loss of libido.

Can I use Ginger essential oil in my skincare routine?

Thanks to its extensive antioxidant properties, ginger oil can help to effectively fight and protect against free radicals, helping to safeguard the skin against a number of issues including premature aging.

These properties can also help to improve elasticity in the skin, while ginger’s benefits as an astringent can help reduce hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and scars.

It is said that these same skin-loving benefits can effectively treat the scalp too, so using ginger oil for hair health might be a good method for tackling itching or flaking in these areas.

We always advise diluting ginger essential oil before applying to the skin or hair, as well as performing a patch test.

As ginger contains phototoxic qualities, we would recommend avoiding application before going into direct sunlight.

What's the history of Ginger Essential Oil?

Known as “the oil of empowerment” because of its ability to boost mood and confidence, ginger has had an incredibly diverse history of use.

Ayurvedic medicine considered ginger a ‘universal remedy’ for centuries, prescribing it for all manner of ailments, and the Romans and Greeks employed it in particular to aid digestion.

These gastric health benefits were so famous that the Chinese Emperor Confucius was said to never be without ginger when he ate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ginger essential oil anti-inflammatory?

Ginger oil is known as a strong anti-inflammatory thanks to its naturally high levels of zingiberene. This compound contains strong pain-relieving qualities that can help reduce redness and sooth irritation.

What does ginger do to the body?

Ginger oil can help the body in many ways: from easing nausea to cleansing skin. Some experts are even beginning to analyse the effects of ginger oil for weight loss, thought there are no evidence-based studies to support this.

Associated strongly with both good health and confidence, ginger oil works hard to keep us feeling positive.

It’s no mystery where ginger’s association with empowerment came from, and no surprise that it has endured in medicine for thousands of years.