Before we look at the potential benefits of ginger oil (hint: there are many), you may be wondering what this thing is. Simply put, ginger oil is an essential oil extracted from the rhizome (ie, edible part) of the ginger plant.
What are the benefits of ginger oil?
Fights inflammation.
In case you missed it, inflammation is a fairly common immune system dysfunction that can lead to a host of health-related problems, so fighting inflammation is crucial when it comes to relieving the symptoms associated with she.
So what does this have to do with ginger oil? According to many research studies (such as this 2013 review and the 2018 study), ginger extract contains many compounds - namely ginger and its secondary metabolites - that reduce inflammation biomarkers and act as regulators of the immune system.
In other words, ginger extract has anti-inflammatory benefits - a feature that has far-reaching implications.
Relieves pain.
In addition to having some serious potential as a treatment for conditions associated with chronic inflammation, ginger oil has been shown to relieve symptoms associated with acute inflammation.
In fact, a 2016 review from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that oral ginger therapy could be just as effective as ibuprofen in managing annoying menstrual pain, thanks to its analgesic properties.
Although ginger oil is not recommended orally, another study on ginger oil for menopausal pain - which looked at its aromatherapy potential - came to a similarly favorable conclusion.
Calms the stomach.
Ginger is widely used to relieve nausea and indigestion.
A recent study from South Korea found that aromatherapy using ginger essential oil can be an effective treatment for nausea, so the next time you have an upset stomach, a bottle of this powerful extract and a diffuser can be the only medicine you need.
Improves skin.
It turns out that ginger oil can also be a benefit to your beauty routine.
According to a certified dermatologist Dr. Gonzalez, ginger oil "has over 40 antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from free radicals" (that is, the unstable, unpleasant small molecules that are known to cause premature aging, among others).
In addition, the astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of ginger oil mean that "it can help repair the outermost layer of the skin ... and [it] can also be good for acne prone skin".
"It is said to even help skin tone, improve elasticity, increase circulation and weaken scars." Sounds great, right?
Promotes hair and scalp health.
Experts agree that - when applied to the hair and scalp - ginger oil can strengthen the strands, soothe itching and reduce dandruff.
Dr. Gonzalez says this powerful elixir is high in minerals that can help keep your hair healthy, while its "antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties" go a long way toward "[contributing] to health." aspects of hair care.
Also, the ability to eliminate broken limbs and unsightly flakes definitely gives ginger oil some serious bonus points.
Ginger oil is good for arthritis
A recent study published in the journal PharmaNutrition suggests that ginger oil has soothing, anti-arthritic properties and can play an important role in protecting the joints as well.
How do you use ginger oil?
There are a few things you need to know about proper use before you start experiencing the benefits of this essential oil.
As mentioned earlier, pure ginger essential oil is not intended for oral use. (However, if you want to use ginger oil to flavor food, there is a solution:
"Just dilute the ginger essential oil in a mild confectioner's oil like almond oil or coconut oil ...
You can take full advantage of the health benefits of this essential oil through aromatherapy and topical use.
The application is quite simple - just add a few drops to your diffuser every day.
Side effects
To reap the benefits of ginger oil as a skin and hair care treatment, you should know that it is not recommended to apply the essential oil immediately on the skin, as insoluble ginger oil is more likely to irritate the area.
Instead, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil.
As regards the safety of using ginger essential oil, it is recognized as safe by the FDA.
Always try on a small area of skin before applying it normally.
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