While it might be a common staple in most grocery produce sections, over 5,000 years ago, ginger was considered a luxury. Indians and ancient Chinese use the root of ginger as a tonic for treating a range of common ailments. By the first century, ginger was traded around the Mediterranean areas. It was used extensively in Ancient Rome, but nearly disappeared from use when Rome fell. [1]
Ginger regained its popularity as Arabs took control of the spice trade from the East. Eventually, it made its way to Europe where like other spices, it became costly. In medieval times, ginger was commonly used to make delicacy sweets. [2]
Demand for Ginger Essential Oil continues today
Offering a wealth of healthful benefits, demand for ginger essential oil, which is obtained from the root of the ginger plant continues today. Ginger essential oil is high in gingerol, the active ingredient of ginger that that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger essential oil also is composed of sesquiterpenes, which are strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. Among the benefits of ginger essential oil for mind and body:
Reduces muscle pain: Ginger essential oil is used for relieving muscle and joint pain and inflammation due to excessive overuse, injury or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis owing to its high gingerol content and analgesic properties. A massage with ginger essential oil combined with a good carrier oil will help ease discomfort from aching muscles and swollen joints.
Lowers stress: Ginger essential oil’s spicy aroma helps to bring feelings of warmth and relaxation in addition to its pain-relieving properties. Used in aromatherapy, it helps to relieve depression, mental stress, restlessness and anxiety.
Preserve the skin: The antioxidants in ginger essential oil prevent damage from free radicals to preserve the skin’s youthful appearance. Ginger essential oil also improves the skin’s elasticity, and it has powerful skin antiseptic and cleansing qualities.
With its antiseptic and cleansing properties, ginger essential oil also can help the skin stay clean, smooth and free of blemishes. It also invigorates and stimulates skin. [3]
BIOTONE products with ginger essential oil
Ginger essential oil is available in the following BIOTONE products:
- Ginger EO Single Note: 100% Pure. Common Uses: Uplifting, astringent, bactericidal, muscle fatigue
- Energy Aromatherapy Massage Lotion Energy massage lotion is made with a 100% essential oil blend of mandarin, ginger, lemongrass, clove, cinnamon and sweet orange. Contains jojoba, avocado and olive oils, which are known for their skin-soothing benefits. Shea and mango butters give a luxuriously silky feel and smooth finish. This lotion is excellent for all massage modalities. Extended glide with less reapplications. A light, natural aroma helps energize the body and sharpens the senses.
- Herbal Select Body Massage Oil: Gel-textured feel without oily residue. Arnica, Hawaiian White Ginger, Bayberry and Violet Leaf stimulate circulation, relieve soreness, soothe and calm. Great glide over dense body hair.
[1] Priebe, Katie, “Know Your Spice: A Brief History of Ginger,” Accessed February 10, 2022. https://content.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/know-your-spice-a-brief-history-of-ginger#axzz36FIglErN
[2] Ibid
[3] Choudhary, Tanya, “25 Benefits of Ginger for Skin and Health,” Stylecraze, February 4, 2022 https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-ginger-for-skin-hair-and-health/