Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Essential Oil from dōTERRA®

About ginger essential oil:

Ginger root has offered health and culinary benefits to mankind since the beginning of recorded history.  Esteemed from antiquity as a spice, and recognized for its affinity for the digestive system, ginger root was used by the ancient Egyptians, in cuisine and for other purposes.  As long as 4,000 years ago, and the Greeks, used ginger in gingerbread.  In China, ginger was used in tonics.  In India, it was used for as a soothing tea.  And other people groups,from around the world, have long enjoyed its delightful benefits.

Taken from the rhizome, or rootstock, ginger root has many traditional uses.  A featured ingredient in many Asian dishes, it features a hot, fragrant flavor.  In Western tradition, ginger root is most often used in sweets — gingerbread and ginger snaps being two examples.

Ginger essential oil is steam distilled from this rhizome, or rootstock, of the Zingiber officinale, a flowering plant in the family Zingiberaceae, yielding an oil with a warm, citrus-like, spicy, earthy, sweet aroma.

Its unique scent is the expression of hundreds of individual compounds.  In fact, ginger is one of nature’s most complex essential oils.  And, an almost infinite cascade of beneficial properties results from the synergistic reaction of its chemical constituents, making it one of the most valuable of the oils.

Best known for its support of overall digestive health, and for helping to ease occasional indigestion and nausea, ginger also promotes digestion.  It can also be applied topically or inhaled, to help ease occasional digestion issues.

Primary benefits of ginger oil

• Helps ease occasional indigestion and nausea
• Promotes digestion
• Supports overall digestive health

Uses for ginger oil

Ginger oil is certified GRAS, so it can be used topically, internally and diffused into the environment.

• Put 1–2 drops in water, to help with occasional indigestion or nausea.
• If you are feeling nauseated, put a drop of ginger in the palm of your hands and inhale.
• Rub 1–2 drops on your stomach, or the bottom of your feet, to promote digestion.
• Use ginger oil in your favorite sweet and savory dishes.

How to use:

Ginger oil is intended for aromatic, topical and internal use.  While dilution may not be required, it is recommended for those with sensitive skin.

• Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
• Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl oz of liquid.
• Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area.  While not necessarily required, dilution with dōTERRA‘s fractionated coconut oil will help to minimize any possible skin sensitivity.  See additional precautions below.

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.

Chemical Profile

Chemo-type: α-Zingiberene

Primary constituents:

→ Sesquiterpene (up to 90%):

α-zingiberene (up to 50%)

→ Aldehydes:

citronellal