Looking for a little spice in your life? The scent of ginger is invigorating and energizing… but the health benefits of ginger essential oil go far beyond a quick perk up!
The ginger plant comes from tropical areas. The knobby root is used in cooking and can be distilled into a pale yellow essential oil. Don’t know the scent of ginger? Open up a can of ginger ale or a box of ginger snap cookies. The scent, like the taste, is sharp, pungent, and warm.
Ginger is a great choice for reducing inflammation because of its warming properties. Mix a few drops of ginger essential oil into a cream or lotion and it can be used to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis, sore muscles, and muscle cramps. Ginger is also a great pain reliever — it can soften or delay pain signals from the brain. It can also be useful in relieving sinus and lung congestion. Try a warm ginger compress: place a few drops of ginger essential oil in hot water and soak a towel or washcloth. Wring the towel and wrap it around the neck for relief of soreness, swelling, and congestion.
If you are experiencing stomach problems — like indigestion or nausea — ginger can help. Just the scent of ginger can make your mouth water and get your stomach working, producing digestive juices that can ease the source of discomfort. Because ginger (and other food scents) can make your mouth water, it can be used as an appetite stimulant.
The scent of ginger is mentally stimulating. The sharp, warm scent can help wake you up and keep you alert during a long day at work or a long drive. A drop of ginger essential oil on your handkerchief can give your brain a quick jump start to help you think and concentrate. It may also help reduce irritability.
Ginger is thought to be an aphrodisiac, so you may find yourself feeling more amorous after a meal that includes the spicy root.