Ginger Oil

Ginger oil is extracted from ginger roots and is used for various purposes, especially in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. Read on to know more about ginger oil uses.

Ginger has been used by mankind for a very long time. Ginger plant, Zingiber officinale belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, which consists of other plants, like, , etc. This plant is native to some regions in Asia, like, India and China. Now, it can be found in almost all tropical regions of the world and is very popular as a delicacy, spice and medicine. The medicinal properties of ginger have been recognized by ancient Chinese and Indians, as they had used this herb to treat cold, cough, diarrhea, indigestion, rheumatism, etc. The therapeutic properties of ginger has been mentioned in the ancient Chinese texts and the Ayurvedic texts of India. It is also believed that the ancient Greeks, Romans and Arabs also used various purposes. Ginger is still very widely used as a herb and is a part of the traditional medicine of many regions. Apart from ginger root, ginger oil is also used for various purposes. Scroll down for more information about ginger oil benefits.

Ginger Oil Uses

Ginger oil is extracted from fresh or dried ginger roots, through the process of steam distillation. This oil has a very strong spicy and peppery aroma and the color may range between pale yellow to dark amber. The viscosity of the oil may also vary from medium to watery. Studies show that ginger root as well as ginger oil contain compounds called zingerones, shogaols and gingerols. It is these compounds, especially gingerols, that give this herb, its characteristic hot, pungent taste and aroma. Studies show that most of the health benefits offered by ginger is due to the action of these compounds. Hence, the properties of ginger root and ginger oil are almost similar. Ginger oil benefits include its therapeutic effects and it is used as an analgesic, expectorant, carminative, stimulant, anti-emetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, laxative, tonic, etc. The following are some of the health benefits of ginger oil.

• Ginger oil is used to treat nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. It has also been observed that this essential oil is effective in tackling morning sickness too.
• Ginger root has long been used in the treatment of digestive problems. So, ginger oil is one of the best remedy for stomach pain, indigestion, , flatulence, dyspepsia, spasms and other such problems of the oil is also found to be effective against food poisoning and intestinal infections.
• As mentioned earlier, ginger oil is used an expectorant. So, it is effective in case of cold, flu, cough, , etc. It is also used to treat mucus accumulation in the lungs and throat.
• Ginger and ginger oil contain a compound called zingibain, which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of this herb. Ginger oil is also used to reduce pain in people with muscle aches, migraine, rheumatism, etc.
• Ginger oil is also believed to be effective in preventing as there are suggestions that the compounds in this product can aid in lowering cholesterol and preventing blood clotting. Ginger oil is good for kidneys too, as some people use it to dissolve
  
• Ginger oil is used in treating irregular and abnormal menstrual discharges. Some researches suggest that ginger oil can be effectively used in preventing/destroying
  
• While in some regions, ginger is used to treat impotency and prevent premature ejaculation, it is also found to be effective in tackling stress-related problems.
• Ginger has been used by humans for treating and yellow fever for a very long time.
• Hair care is another area, where ginger oil can prove beneficial. Apart from boosting hair growth, ginger oil is also useful in . Read more on
  
• Ginger oil aromatherapy is also equally popular. Ginger oil is used as such or in combination with other , in order to treat stress, depression, loss of appetite, muscle pains, etc. Read more on
  

Now, you know more about ginger oil and . However, it always better to consult a qualified herbal practitioner, before using it. You can also seek the opinion of your doctor, before starting treatment with ginger oil. Even though, ginger oil side effects are very rare, some people may experience rashes, itching, swelling, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and dizziness.