Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Profile
Latin name: Zingiber officinale. Family: Zingiberaceae. Steam-distilled, or sometimes CO2-extracted, from the rhizome.

Aroma
Warm, spicy, earthy.

Traditional uses
Traditionally used by inhalation for stomach comfort when travelling, in warming massage for cold and tired muscles and in warming winter blends.

How to use
One drop on a tissue to sniff while travelling is a practical way to use it. As a general guide, about 2% is used for adult body applications (4 drops in 10 ml carrier oil) and 1% for the face (2 drops in 10 ml). A few drops are enough in a diffuser.

Safety
According to Tisserand & Young, it has no known hazards. It should still be diluted for skin use. Less safety data is available for CO2 extracts.

Children
Essential oils are not used routinely at home for babies (0–6 months); between 6 months and 2 years they are only considered under the guidance of a professional trained in paediatric aromatherapy. Adult dilutions are not used for older children either; see “Aromatherapy and Its Safe Use in Children” for details.

Essential oils are not taken internally, not applied undiluted to the skin, and are kept away from the eyes and out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a professional. This information describes traditional uses and does not replace medical treatment.