It’s almost impossible to list all the benefits and uses of ginger. This highly medicinal rhizome is a potent anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anticancer, analgesic, antioxidant spice. Making ginger oil is simple and increases ginger’s versatility while prolonging shelf life. Read on to find out how to make your own ginger oil and why you should give it a try. (Updated June 30, 2024)
Why Try Ginger Oil?
Perhaps ginger’s best-known application as a medicine is for digestive woes. It doesn’t stop there, however: there’s much more to it than that. Preparing ginger oil allows you to easily use it topically, as well as internally.
You can combine herbs with the ginger oil to target a wider variety of health conditions:
- bergamot – reduces anxiety and relieves stress; reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- frankincense – reduces inflammation; relieves pain; neuroprotective
- neroli – relieves anxiety and depression; promotes healthy digestion; relieves insomnia
- sandalwood – relieves a headache; promotes circulation
- ylang-ylang – calming and soothing; promotes relaxation and balances hormones
Ginger contains dozens of healing phytochemicals, including mono- and sesqui- terpenoids 1,8-cineole, nerol, geraniol, B-bisabolene, B-sesquiphellandrene, zingiberene, linalool, α- and β-pinene, borneol, camphene, gingerol, and y-terpineol. These aromatic chemicals lend ginger not only its scent and flavor but its analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger has been clinically shown effective for the many ailments that “folk remedies” have used it for thousands of years. (1)
Uses for Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is more useful than you think
1. Chronic Disease
In general, ginger is used for so many different ailments because its nutritional profile is exceptional. A precursor to almost every chronic disease is inflammation and ginger arrests it. Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties in ginger kill a slew of potential pathogens. (2)
A recent study of over 4600 adults tested the effect of daily ginger consumption on various common chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), hyperlipidemia (high concentration of fats in the blood), cerebrovascular (brain and its blood vessels) disease, fatty liver, anemia, and cancer.
Researchers concluded: “…ginger has a potential preventive property against some chronic diseases, especially hypertension and CHD, as well as its ability to reduce the probability of illness…the probability of illness (hypertension or CHD) decreased when the level of daily ginger intake increased.” (3)
2. Food Poisoning
Since this very unpleasant condition is caused by bacteria and ginger is a potent antiseptic, it’s a no-brainer remedy. In fact, ginger has been proven to kill the common bacteria that contaminate food. (4)
When using ginger oil for bacterial infection, use linseed as the carrier oil, as these work synergistically to bring out the best in ginger. (5)
3. Heart Health
Ginger reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby preventing the development of atherosclerosis and reducing lesions caused by heart disease. (6) The way that ginger does this is by way of its anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds. (7)
4. Hypertension
Metabolism in the body works through electrical pathways and signals. Ginger reduces blood pressure by blocking the electricity in calcium channels to promote normal levels between cells. (8) It can reduce blood pressure and heart rate in heart-healthy people. (9) People taking heart or blood pressure medication should consult their healthcare providers before using ginger as a supplement.
5. Malaria, Dengue, and Yellow Fever
These insect-borne diseases are caused by a parasite (malaria) or virus (dengue and yellow fevers) that infects the mosquito that bites you. Ginger is effective at killing the offending parasite and stopping the progression of the viruses that cause these sometimes life-threatening illnesses. (10, 11)
6. Pain Relief
Ginger is an effective pain reliever, whether taken internally or applied topically. (12) One of the ways it works is by inhibiting prostaglandins, which are fatty acids that act like hormones. Prostaglandins are important for healing tissue damage but can also cause inflammation and muscle constriction, which are often the source of pain. (13)
Ginger has been shown to be especially effective for reducing symptoms of PMS and easing menstrual cramping. (14)
Additionally: “Topical ginger treatment has the potential to relieve symptoms, improve the overall health, and increase independence of people with chronic osteoarthritis.” (15)
Mix 2-3 drops of ginger oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (almond, avocado, coconut, olive, jojoba, etc.) and rub into sore muscles and joints to relieve pain and stiffness and improve circulation. Alternatively, add 10-20 drops of ginger oil to a hot bath or a few drops to a clean cloth for a hot or cold compress.
7. Respiratory Problems
Ginger breaks up phlegm, reduces inflammation and irritation, and