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Ginger Essential Oil: Powerful Uses & Benefits
Ginger: an ancient aroma in modern times
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the world's most familiar warming spices, used in kitchens and folk traditions for thousands of years. In Ayurveda it is sometimes called a "universal" spice, and in traditional Chinese practice it is associated with warmth and vitality. Spicy and warming, ginger essential oil brings a lively, comforting aroma that many people reach for in the cooler, damper months.
Ways to enjoy ginger essential oil
Warming body oil
Ginger essential oil has a fiery, warming aroma that makes it a lovely choice for a comforting body massage blend. Dilute up to 5 drops of ginger essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil for a warming body oil. Enjoy it on its own, or blend it with turmeric essential oil and a little rosemary essential oil for a richer, spicier scent.
Simple inhalation
Ginger has a bright, penetrating aroma that many people find refreshing and grounding. For a quick pick-me-up, simply inhale the scent directly from the bottle, or add a few drops to a bowl of warm water for a facial steam and breathe in the warming aroma.
Cold-weather favourite
With its warming, spicy character, ginger is a popular choice when the weather turns cold and damp. Its bright, clearing aroma pairs beautifully with citrus. Combine ginger with lemon essential oil in a diffuser or steam for an extra zesty lift.
Comforting massage for the tummy
Ginger has long been a kitchen companion across Asia and the Far East, and its warming aroma makes it a comforting choice for a gentle abdominal massage. Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil or unscented body balm and massage the tummy in slow, circular movements. Alternatively, add a few drops to a diffuser for a warming, spicy aromatherapy moment.
Recipes using ginger essential oil
Ginger-lemon facial steam
This facial steam is warming and refreshing, a lovely way to enjoy the bright aromas of ginger and lemon and refresh the senses.
Ingredients:
- a bowl of warm water
- 3 drops ginger essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
Take care with the temperature of the water. It should be comfortably warm, never so hot that it could burn the skin or be uncomfortable to lean over.
Grab a towel, drape it over your head and the bowl, close your eyes and breathe in the aromas gently, steaming for 5 to 10 minutes.
Once you've finished, splash a little cool water on the face and neck to refresh.
Warming ginger bath
This ginger bath soak is a wonderfully warming way to unwind at the end of a cold day.
Combined with rosemary and lemon, it fills the bathroom with an invigorating, spicy-citrus aroma that helps you relax and feel comforted.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 tbsp carrier oil (e.g. sweet almond, jojoba or olive oil)
- 1/3 cup bicarbonate of soda
- 4 drops ginger essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
- optional: a few slices of lemon
Mix the salts and bicarbonate of soda with the carrier oil and essential oils first, stir into a warm bath, and soak for as long as you like.
FAQs
How do I dilute ginger essential oil for the skin?
A good general guide is up to 5 drops of ginger essential oil per 30ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba. If you have sensitive skin, start with fewer drops and patch test first.
What does ginger essential oil smell like?
It has a warm, spicy, slightly woody aroma with a fresh, peppery lift – cosy and energising at the same time. It blends especially well with citrus oils like lemon and orange.
Which oils blend well with ginger?
Ginger pairs beautifully with citrus oils such as lemon and orange, warming spices, and grounding oils like turmeric, rosemary and frankincense.
Can I use ginger essential oil in a diffuser?
Yes. Add a few drops to your diffuser, on its own or with lemon, for a warming, spicy aroma that suits cooler days.
Is ginger essential oil suitable for everyone?
Always dilute before applying to skin and patch test first. Take care if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, and speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure.