Essential oils are always in trend. From health gurus to moms, everyone is inventing new health benefits of essential oils. Ginger is from the same plant family in which turmeric and cardamom belong. Ginger is cultivated throughout the world, but mostly in Asia and Africa. It is a flowering plant in the zingiberaceae family. The root of ginger is used widely as a spice, and it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Ginger contains digestive properties, that’s why it is an integral part of Asian cuisine. It is most commonly added to protein meals like chicken and mutton because of its digestive properties.
The root and essential oil of ginger has gained immense popularity for its flavouring and preservation capabilities. The ginger essential oil has earned the name “oil of empowerment”, as it is considered to have the ability to feelings of confidence. The most potent form of ginger is considered to be the essential oil, because of the presence of the highest levels of gingerol. If you want to use ginger as a medicine, then ginger essential oil is the best way. In this article, we will know more about ginger essential oil such as its health benefits, side effects, and other details. So let’s get started.
Firstly, let’s know what ginger essential oil actually is.
What is Ginger Essential Oil?
The flowering plant zingiber officinale is originated in China. About 5000 years ago, the people of China used ginger for the first time. From then, ginger started to grow in most tropical regions of the world. The ginger essential oil has gained wide popularity because of its spicy and warm flavor, and of course its numerous health benefits. Ginger essential oil is the more potent form of ginger. Ginger essential oil is extracted from the root of the plant. It is crafted in two ways. The first one is the distillation method, and the second one is the c02 extraction method.
The following are the potent ingredients that are found in ginger essential oil.
The potent ingredients of ginger essential oil
These potent ingredients are used to improve health. These ingredients contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of them include:
- Pinen
- Zingiberene
- Curcumin
- B-phellandrene
- Camphene
- B-bisabolene
- Geranial
- B-sesquiphellandrene.
These above-mentioned ingredients in concentrated form can impact many health benefits.
Now, we will know about the 7 amazing health benefits of ginger essential oil. Let’s have a look.
7 Must-Know Health Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil
The potential health benefits of ginger essential oil are anecdotal. It means that these are based on personal reports as opposed to scientific studies.
Prevents cold symptoms:
While rest and proper nutrition are important to feel better if you have a cold, people require a little boost sometimes to help relieve the symptoms of a cold. The properties of this oil are really helpful for feeling better fast. The ingredients prompt our body to increase the secretions in the respiratory tract. It helps in lubricating the irritated area and provides relief from a sore, dry, and itchy throat. It can be a great alternative to cough medicine, as it removes the mucus effectively.
Anxiety reducer:
Anxiety is shockingly common in this modern era. According to some reliable reports, nearly 40 million Americans are suffering from anxiety every year. Ginger essential oil provides an extra boost to them who are suffering from anxiety. Traditionally, this oil is used as Ayurvedic medicine in treating the lack of confidence and motivation. Some research suggests that ginger oil activated human serotonin receptors, which are very important for relieving anxiety. During the high-stress time, ginger essential oil can be used for additional help.
Fights nausea:
A common problem that some people suffer is nausea. Many recommend some natural remedies to treat nausea, such as eating or drinking something. These remedies can be helpful sometimes, but there are times when it is too extreme to keep it down. Ginger essential oil provides relief from nausea and vomiting. You can get relief by smelling the scent only. Ginger oil is used in aromatherapy for sickness also. This essential oil is really effective in reducing the tendency of nausea.
Beneficial for asthma:
The potent ingredients of ginger essential oil are helpful for those who are suffering from asthma. Ginger oil is really beneficial in relaxing muscles and relieving asthma attack symptoms. The oil helps in keeping the airways open. According to studies, ginger oil helps in soothing muscles in the airways to relax. The results were very impressive. Researchers found ginger to be a therapeutic option for people who have asthma. So if you want to relieve the asthma symptoms alongside your medication, the ginger essential oil can be a powerful boost.
Contains anti-aging properties:
The number of antioxidants present in ginger essential oil has a powerful anti-aging effect. Ginger oil helps in reducing the oxidant damage and stress markers. It decreases the lipid peroxidation also. This essential oil helps to reduce deterioration that often comes with aging.
Helpful in arthritis:
The ginger essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, arthritis is one of the inflammatory conditions that the oil could help. Ginger oil halts the potentially the symptoms of arthritis. According to some studies, the ginger essential oil is helpful in significantly reducing the chronic joint swelling. Ginger oil provides extra relief for those who are suffering from swelling and inflammation of joints.
Anti-inflammatory:
According to studies, ginger oil has a protective effect on kidneys. The potent ingredients are anti-inflammatory, which prevents changes in kidney function molecules related to inflammation. Ginger essential oil significantly inhibits chronic joint swelling. According to another research, ginger oil prevents weight gaining and reduces markers of inflammation.
Every essential oil has its own side effects as well. That’s why it is recommended to use essential oils in a limited amount. The following are some of the side effects of using ginger essential oil.
Side Effects of Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is recognized as safe by the food and drug administration. But it has some adverse effects as well. Ginger essential oil is considered to be concentrated and is recommended not to apply to the skin undiluted. If you are worried about any potential skin reaction, then you should test a small amount of diluted ginger oil on your skin first.
However, the other side effects of using ginger essential oil in excessive amounts are diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, burning feeling in the throat. If any of these occur, visit your doctor immediately. It’s rare, but a serious allergic reaction may occur too.
Can it be taken during pregnancy?
Yes, ginger essential oil can be taken surely during pregnancy. In fact, this oil provides a lot of health benefits to pregnant women. As we all know, ginger is very common in treating upset stomach and nausea. So ginger oil is really beneficial in giving relief to those pregnant women who are suffering from morning sickness and nausea. It aids digestion as well. But they should be careful about ginger essential oil, as some experts say that ginger oil can be responsible for miscarriage if taken in high dose. So it should not be used in excessive amounts.
The numerous health benefits of ginger essential oil are identical to the medicinal health benefits of fresh ginger. It provides great relief in nausea, menstrual disorder, inflammation, upset stomach, respiratory conditions. This essential oil can be used aromatically, internally, and topically. But it should not be used in an excessive amount, otherwise, some uncomfortable side effects may occur. Consult with your doctor before using it.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5115784/
