For millennia, the Ginger root has been used by healers as an effective aromatic. Classified as Zingiber officinale, the plant is native to the Asian and African continents, and shares its plant lineage with other natural therapeutics like Cardamom and Turmeric.   

Today, Ginger oil remains a powerful aromatic with a variety of applications, making it a fantastic addition to any essential oil collection.  

Let’s discuss the benefits, uses and how to apply Ginger oil. We will cover different types of Ginger oil and the differences between Ginger essential oil and Ginger CO2.

Ginger Essential Oil vs Ginger CO2

Although both oils are derived from the same plant, they do have some prominent differences. 

Method of Extraction

CO2: Carbon dioxide is used as the `solvent` to extract liquid from the dried ginger root.

essential oil: The unpeeled, dried, ground root is steam distilled to produce the essential oil.

To make Ginger essential oil, the Ginger rhizome must undergo a lengthy steam distillation process. The resulting Ginger EO is highly concentrated. It gives off a strong and pleasant aroma that’s best characterized as warm and spicy. Like many other essential oils, because Ginger is so pungent, it must be significantly diluted if using topically. 

Similar yet unique from essential oils, CO2 extraction results in an oil with heavier plant molecules, that produces richer therapeutic properties, a longer shelf life and aromas closer to the plants they’re derived from.

Color and Consistency 

CO2: Reddish-brown in color with a slightly thick consistency.

Essential oil: Yellow in color with a thin-medium consistency.

Aroma

CO2: Powerfully rich, warm and spicy aroma, very similar to the aroma of the fresh Ginger. 

Essential oil: Sweet, earthy and spicy similar to the aroma of Ginger candy 

While both Ginger essential oil and CO2 blend well with the same oils, Ginger CO2 is a prime pick for oils such as Allspice, Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark as well as citrus oils and woody notes. This also makes it the perfect CO2 for masculine fragrances. On the other hand, Ginger essential oil is heavenly when combined with Fennel, Lemon along with other citrus oils. 

Ginger Oil Benefits 

So, what is Ginger oil good for? 

Ginger CO2’s refreshing aroma was created to help promote overall health and continued vitality. It is commonly used as a natural remedy for digestion and nausea. Ginger CO2 also can help improve blood circulation and ease pain associated with aging and injury.

Ginger essential oil is frequently used as an antiemetic inhalant similarly to Ginger CO2. The oil’s pleasant aroma helps to settle an upset stomach and works as a digestion aid. In particular, many people swear by it as a way to support reducing:

• Motion sickness

• Morning sickness caused by pregnancy

• Altitude sickness

• Migraine nausea 

In 2017, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study on Ginger essential oil benefits for postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by surgery. Researchers concluded: 

Nausea and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the experimental group with Ginger essential oil inhalation than those in the placebo control group with normal saline. In the experimental group, nausea and vomiting scores decreased considerably in the first 6 h after inhaled aromatherapy with Ginger essential oil.

If you are suffering an upset stomach, simply add a few drops of Ginger essential oil or Ginger CO2 to your aroma diffuser with water. Slowly inhale and exhale for 30-60 minutes for the best results. 

We do not recommend ingesting essential oils but if you want to apply Ginger oil directly to your skin, please view our dilution chart for proper and safe topical usage.

Immune System Boost 

Who doesn’t want to have a stronger immune system? 

Ginger possesses immunomodulatory properties that may impact the immune system at both a cellular and molecular level. All signs point to the fact that it can promote health in both the innate and adaptive immune response.

Recently, an overarching study compiled the findings of dozens of other studies on essential oils. They found that: “Eucalyptus and Ginger EOs may have immune function enhancing or immune function balancing properties based on several studies.”

To help get an immune system boost, dilute your Ginger CO2 with a carrier oil (such as Fractionated Coconut oil or Jojoba oil) then add it to any massage oil. Additionally, at night, you can put Ginger Essential oil in your aroma diffuser and let it run while you sleep.

Headache Relief

A headache, especially a migraine, can be distracting and debilitating. Fortunately, several studies have shown that Ginger oil may help reduce both the frequency and potency of either. This natural remedy can serve as a powerful pain reliever with just a few drops of Ginger CO2 or essential oil.

Chemical compounds in Ginger CO2, including Shogaols and Gingerols, have well-known properties to support anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. 

Ginger encourages several anti-migraine responses including:

• Increasing serotonin levels

• Restricting blood vessels

• Decreasing inflammation 

Researchers suggest that these effects can help prevent migraines or reduce their strength. According to a study on migraine acute treatment, when a Ginger extract supplement was taken with ketoprofen, it had a greater impact on decreasing migraine symptoms than taking ketoprofen by itself.  

If you are experiencing a headache or feel a migraine coming on, Ginger oil for swelling and pain relief may be just the thing. Don't suffer through the pain when you have an easy, natural remedy at your fingertips. Apply the CO2 to your temples, forehead, and neck after diluting it with a carrier oil. Gently massage the oil in and breathe deeply. Repeat the process twice a day. 

Cough Relief

Traditional cough medicines can result in grogginess and impact mental function. Ginger oil, on the other hand, can be an effective alternative that doesn’t cause many of the problematic side effects, especially during the day.  

The strong aroma warms the respiratory system and helps free mucus that has built up and hardened in the lungs. Additionally, the pleasant smell has a soothing effect on lung muscles. This can help relax them, which can help reduce the muscle spasms typically responsible for coughing. 

For best effect, massage your chest and back with diluted Ginger essential oil twice a day. Then add 5-6 drops of Ginger essential oil to your aroma diffuser.

Skin Applications

Are you looking for natural ways to fortify your skin and improve its appearance? Then you should try Ginger oil for skin support.

Ginger oils are known to have high antioxidant properties, which can help reduce wrinkles, blemishes, and other types of skin issues. When Ginger essential oil is diluted and then combined with a skin creme, it may help give your skin a natural boost in several ways, including: 

• Support a healthy glow

• Promote an even skin tone

• Reduce signs of aging

• Heal minor cuts and scrapes

Because of their 100% pure concentration, Ginger CO2 and Ginger essential oil shouldn’t directly be applied to the skin. Instead, dilute with a carrier oil. For best application, the University of Minnesota recommends the following: 

     "As a rule of thumb, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil at no greater concentration than 3-5%. That means if you have one teaspoon (5cc) of the carrier, you would add 3 drops of pure essential oil. This would make a 3% solution that could be used on a portion of the body".
 

We Love Ginger Oil At Edens Garden

Whether you use it as an aromatic or topical, Ginger CO2 and essential oil have a ton of benefits. A proper application may help: 

• Ease nausea and digestive issues

• Boost the immune system

• Reduce headaches 

• Relieve coughs 

• Revitalize skin 

When you use oils to support health and healing, it’s vital that it comes from a pure and credible source. Want to see how Ginger essential oil benefits or Ginger CO2 benefits can help augment your health and vitality? Then give Edens Garden Ginger oils a try.  

You can also buy a pre-blended essential oil that contains Ginger such as the Bliss Synergy Blend. This blend can help promote joyful feelings and reinvigorate your mood with its fresh and spicy aroma. This is the perfect blend for a much needed “pick me up”. Now that you know about the top Ginger essential oil uses, you'll be able to appropriately incorporate them into your routine to ensure you get the most out of the oils. 

Sources:
1. Liberty Pub. Effectiveness of Ginger Essential Oil on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Abdominal Surgery Patients. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2015.0328

2. NCBI. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6943609/

3. Sage Journals. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102418776016

4. British Journal of General Practice. Over-the-counter cough medicines in children: neither safe or efficacious? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2573971/

5. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

6. University of Minnesota. How Do I Choose and Use Essential Oils?. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils