Benefits Of Ginger Oil And How To Make It At Home

Ginger, whose scientific name is Zingiber officinale , is a plant appreciated for its medicinal and culinary uses. The most used part is the rhizome, an underground stem that grows horizontally and is used to prepare teas and flavor food. Today, we’ll talk specifically about the benefits of ginger oil.

Its most widespread therapeutic uses include treating digestive problems, relieving the pain of arthritis, and eliminating nausea caused by  pregnancy. Discover other ways ginger and its oil can contribute to your health.

What is Ginger Oil?

Ginger oil is a fatty liquid obtained by subjecting the rhizome of the plant of the same name to a distillation process. In general, it is a concentrated oil, yellow in color and whose aroma is characterized by being strong and spicy. Its uses span the medical and cosmetic industries.

What are the benefits of ginger oil?

While many of the benefits attributed to ginger oil are anecdotal evidence, there is also research that certifies the ways in which it can improve health.

1. Natural anti-inflammatory

A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science showed that ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties, able to prevent changes in kidney function associated with inflammation. Likewise, it can protect the kidneys from cadmium-intoxicated rodents.

An experiment with rats with rheumatoid arthritis found that while an injection of ginger oil could not reduce the acute inflammation suffered in the joints, it did eliminate chronic inflammation.

Other research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food has suggested that adding ginger oil extract to the diet of obese rodents can prevent weight gain and reduce markers of inflammation.

However, it must be considered that research in humans is still needed to attest to the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger essential oil.

2. Relieve nausea

According to traditional Chinese medicine, inhaling ginger oil vapor can eliminate nausea. Let’s see what science says about this.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of this oil against postoperative nausea. In the results, participants reported lower levels of vomiting than those who took a placebo.

On the other hand, a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed conflicting results. In this research, postoperative nausea levels were compared in children who inhaled a mixture of oils (including ginger) or a placebo, and no difference was found.

3. Skin and joint care

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science , ginger oil acts as a powerful antioxidant that, when combined with creams and other essential oils, can reduce skin roughness.

In turn, rodent research published in Phytotherapy Research has shown that daily topical application of ginger oil, combined with other essential oils, can reduce the severity and inflammation of arthritis. However, more studies in humans are still needed.

Other Benefits of Ginger Oil

Other benefits associated with ginger oil include the following:

• Natural Aphrodisiac: According to a study published in the Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products , ginger oil acts as a natural aphrodisiac and a remedy for erectile dysfunction.
• Reduces anxiety: For Ayurvedic medicine, ginger oil is effective in treating emotional problems such as fear, abandonment and lack of confidence. Also, a study published in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry showed that it can relieve anxiety.
• Treats upset stomach and other digestive problems: Ginger essential oil is considered by folk medicine as one of the best natural remedies for indigestion, diarrhea and cramps.
• Promotes Hair Growth: Traditionally, ginger oil has been used in shampoos and other products for its supposed effects on hair growth. However, one of its active ingredients, 6-gingerol, has been found to suppress hair growth in animals.

How can ginger oil be used?

In cooking, ginger oil is used to add flavor to foods. As it must be used in small amounts due to its invasive character, the recommendation is to combine it with others (such as extra virgin olive oil).

aromatherapy

To get the benefits of this oil through aromatherapy, one can use a diffuser or spray, as well as do steam inhalations. With the diffuser, just follow the instructions of the model you have. Keep in mind that there will be cases where you will need to dilute the oil with a little water.

To make steam inhalations, it is interesting to follow these steps:

1. Heat the water until it is boiling and pour into a container.
2. Add 1-2 drops of ginger oil.
3. Put a towel on your head.
4. Close your eyes, place your head over the container and inhale deeply.

Topical use

If you are going to apply ginger oil to your skin, you should always dilute it with a carrier oil. Some oils that fulfill this function are almond, coconut, jojoba and avocado.

Side Effects and Precautions

Ginger oil is considered safe, with few side effects. Also, keep in mind that many of them are caused by ignorance, such as applying the oil to the skin without diluting it. It is also advisable to test a small amount first.

High doses of this oil can cause heartburn, diarrhea and mouth irritation. Pregnant and lactating women cannot consume it without consulting a doctor. Pregnant women, especially, cannot ingest more than 1 gram per day.

Children older than 2 years can take it to relieve nausea, spasms and headaches. However, consultation with an expert is also required.

People who take anticoagulants should also not take it without professional supervision, as it increases the risk of bleeding. Something similar happens with diabetics and hypertensives, as a combination of medicine and oil can greatly lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

How to prepare ginger oil at home?

You can prepare it in the comfort of your own home with these ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients

• fresh ginger
• Olive oil.

Instructions

1. Peel the ginger, chop it into small pieces and grate.
2. Add the ginger zest to a bowl of oil.
3. Mix, bake and leave for 2 hours.
4. While in the oven, prepare a container that you will cover with a sterile white cloth.
5. After 2 hours, pour the mixture onto the cloth and squeeze into the container.
6. Then transfer the oil to an airtight glass container that should be stored in a cool, dry place.

What should we remember about ginger oil?

Extracted from the rhizome of the plant of the same name, ginger oil is easy to recognize by its strong and pungent smell. It is often used, when combined with other oils, to flavor salads.

In addition, benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving skin health and relieving anxiety can be obtained through its topical use and techniques such as aromatherapy.

As for its side effects, despite being considered safe, its intake should not be exceeded. Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult a doctor before starting their consumption.