Ginger Essential Oil: Powerful Uses & Benefits
Ginger essential oil benefits and uses, from a warming body oil and tummy massage to a ginger lemon facial steam, with dilution tips.
In this guide
Ginger essential oil is good for warming, comforting and refreshing the senses. Its spicy, bright scent is a favourite for cold, damp days, a warming body or tummy massage, and a clearing facial steam. Below are the main benefits of ginger essential oil, how to use it safely, and three easy recipes.
Key takeaways
- Ginger oil has a warm, spicy, slightly woody scent that feels cosy and energising at the same time.
- Use it in a diffuser, a facial steam, a bath, or diluted in a carrier oil for massage.
- For skin, use up to 5 drops of ginger oil in 30ml of carrier oil.
- It blends well with lemon, orange, turmeric, rosemary and frankincense.
- Do not swallow essential oils. Patch test first, and take care in pregnancy.
What is ginger essential oil?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the world's most familiar warming spices. It has been 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 linked with warmth and vitality.
Our organic ginger essential oil is made from the root of the plant. It is 100% pure, with a lively, comforting scent that many people reach for in the cooler, damper months.
What is ginger essential oil good for?
Ginger oil is best known as a warming, uplifting oil. Here are the main ways people enjoy it.
| Benefit | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Warming and comforting on cold days | Diffuser, bath or body oil |
| Refreshing and grounding when you feel flat | Inhale from the bottle or a steam |
| A clearing aroma in the cold and flu season | Facial steam with lemon |
| Comfort for the tummy | Gentle abdominal massage, well diluted |
| A warming massage for tired bodies | Body oil with a carrier oil |
What are the properties of ginger oil?
Ginger oil smells warm, spicy and a little woody, with a fresh, peppery lift. One of its main natural compounds is zingiberene, which gives the oil much of its typical spicy scent.
It is a middle to base note, so it adds warmth and depth to a blend. A little goes a long way, so start with fewer drops than you think you need.
How to use ginger essential oil
- Inhale it: for a quick pick-me-up, breathe in the scent straight from the bottle, or add a few drops to a bowl of warm water.
- Diffuse it: add a few drops to your diffuser, on its own or with lemon essential oil, for a zesty, spicy lift.
- Massage it: mix it into a carrier oil for a warming body oil or a slow, circular tummy massage.
- Bathe with it: mix it with salts and a carrier oil first, then stir it into a warm bath.
Pro tip
For the tummy, dilute ginger oil in a carrier oil or an unscented body balm. Massage in slow, clockwise circles, and breathe in the warm, spicy scent as you go.
Is ginger a good aromatherapy oil for colds?
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. Many people use it in a steam or diffuser with lemon when they feel run down.
For more ideas, read our guide to essential oils for colds and coughs.
Recipes using ginger essential oil
1. Warming Body Oil
Best for: a comforting massage on cold days
- Up to 5 drops Ginger oil
- 30ml Carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba
- Optional Turmeric oil and a little rosemary oil
Enjoy it on its own, or swap in a drop of turmeric and rosemary for a richer, spicier scent. Keep the total to 5 drops in 30ml. Massage into the skin with long, warming strokes.
2. Ginger-Lemon Facial Steam
Best for: refreshing the senses and a clearing aroma
- 1 bowl Warm water
- 3 drops Ginger oil
- 2 drops Lemon oil
The water should be comfortably warm, never hot enough to burn. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, close your eyes and breathe gently for 5 to 10 minutes. Finish with a splash of cool water on your face and neck.
3. Warming Ginger Bath
Best for: unwinding at the end of a cold day
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/3 cup Bicarbonate of soda
- 1 tbsp Carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba or olive
- 4 drops Ginger oil
- 3 drops Lemon oil
- 3 drops Rosemary oil
- Optional A few slices of lemon
Mix the salts and bicarbonate of soda with the carrier oil and essential oils first. Stir it into a warm bath and soak for as long as you like. The spicy citrus scent helps you relax and feel comforted.
What does ginger essential oil blend well with?
Ginger pairs beautifully with citrus oils such as lemon and sweet orange. It also works with other warming spices, and with grounding oils like turmeric, rosemary and frankincense. Find them all in our essential oils collection.
Is ginger essential oil safe?
Safety first
Always dilute ginger oil before it touches your skin, and patch test on your inner arm first. If you have sensitive skin, start with fewer than 5 drops per 30ml.
- Do not swallow essential oils or add them to food or drinks.
- Keep oils out of reach of children, and away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional first.
- Lemon oil can make skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid strong sun on skin where you have used it.
- Diffuse in a well-aired room, and let pets leave if they want.
FAQs
What are the benefits of ginger essential oil?
Ginger essential oil is warming, comforting and refreshing. People use it for a cosy massage on cold days, a comforting tummy massage, and a clearing steam or diffuser blend with lemon.
Can you ingest ginger essential oil?
We do not recommend swallowing ginger essential oil or any essential oil. It is very concentrated. Enjoy fresh ginger in food and tea, and keep the essential oil for aromatherapy and diluted skin use.
How do I dilute ginger essential oil for the skin?
Use up to 5 drops of ginger essential oil per 30ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba. If you have sensitive skin, use 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. It feels cosy and energising at the same time.
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.
Which oils blend well with ginger?
Ginger pairs well with lemon, orange, turmeric, rosemary and frankincense. Citrus brightens it, and woods and resins make it deeper and warmer.
The bottom line
Ginger essential oil is a warming, comforting oil for cold days, gentle massage and a refreshing steam. Start with one of the three recipes above. For more ideas, see our posts on essential oils for digestion and boosting circulation, or browse our essential oils collection.
