Essential Oil of the Month: Ginger
Ginger: (Zingiber officinale)
“Ginger yields a sweet perfume to catch and hold the heart in woven leis.”
- Don Blanding, Poet
Spicy, sweet, warm and woody, Ginger essential oil offers its warmness and vitality to mind, body and spirit. It’s no coincidence that the Latin name for Ginger (Zingiber officinale) begins with “Zing!” Its invigorating scent helps stimulate initiative and determination, encouraging action and helping us realize our goals and visions with a spark of confidence.
Associated with the Fire element in Chinese medicine and the planet Mars (courage, ambition, passion, and physical strength), Ginger’s dynamic energy can strengthen inner drive, motivation, and help us achieve transformation and forward movement.
“Ginger is a fragrance of valor and courage.”
- Valerie Worwood, The Fragrant Heavens p. 233
Ginger essential oil is extracted from the rhizome (root) of the plant by many different methods. Typically, Ginger is steam distilled but can also be solvent or CO2 extracted, or by carrier oil infusion. You may recognize slices or chunks of it in some of your favorite Asian dishes that give it that familiar “zing.” (Note: Ginger essential oil is not recommended for internal use and should not be used in place of fresh ginger).
The History of Ginger
Ginger is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, likely in India or China. It has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, used not only as a spice but also in ancient traditional practices such as in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine to “ignite the fire” in the body emotionally, physically and energetically.
8th–12th centuries: The well-known Persian polymath Avicenna refined steam distillation, the process still used to extract essential oils, contributing to the birth of perfumery as we know it. Ginger was one of the spices distilled and studied during this era.
Medieval Europe
- By the Middle Ages, Ginger was so valuable in Europe that a pound of ginger was said to cost as much as a sheep.
- It became a key spice in feasts, drinks (ginger ale and ginger beer trace back to this time), and even in love potions.
Renaissance to 18th Century Europe
- Ginger became popular in scented waters and pomanders, used both for fragrance and as protection against “bad air.”
- It appeared alongside other warming spices like clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg in festive perfumes, sachets, and early eau de toilettes.
Modern Perfumery (19th Century to Current)
- As perfumery evolved into an art and industry in France, Ginger essential oil was recognized for its lively, spicy-citrus note.
- Ginger essential oil began to appear in colognes, fougères (a classic blend of fresh, green, and woody notes) and in Oriental fragrances, valued for the sparkle and complexity it imparts. Interestingly, when added to a composition, ginger can
transform the character of a blend, lending it a more distinctly Oriental quality. - In the 20th and 21st centuries, Ginger became a favorite in niche perfumery, often used to create scents that at once feel exotic, sensual, and energizing.
Spiritual and Emotional Properties of Ginger
Ginger essential oil is often regarded as a potent catalyst for intention, believed to attract wealth and prosperity while offering spiritual protection against negative energies. Long associated with passion, it is also valued as an aphrodisiac, enhancing sensuality and deepening intimacy in relationships. Beyond matters of the heart, Ginger is thought to ignite the inner fire that draws abundance and opportunity, making it a cherished ally in rituals of romance, manifestation, and personal growth.
Ginger essential oil’s warm, spicy aroma stirs vitality and awakens the senses, fanning a radiant flame of passion, sweetness, and desire.
For a diffuser blend that stirs the senses: Create an atmosphere of warmth, intimacy, and connection - “Ember Glow”
- 2 drops Bergamot – fresh, warm and heart-warming
- 1 drop Ginger – warm, spicy, ignites passion
- 1 drop Jasmine Sambac – euphoric, inspiring, harmonizing, and heart-opening
- 1 drop Sandalwood – grounding, smooth, sensual and harmonizing
Add the above drops to your diffuser to set a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Massage Oil Variation: A sweet and spicy indulgence to soothe the body and energize the spirit.
1 drop Ginger – enhances vitality and inner fire
2 drops Frankincense- sacred, protective, inspiring, tranquil
2 drops Sweet Orange- sweet, joyous, playful
1 drop Ylang Ylang – exotic, euphoric, voluptuous, and deeply romantic
Dilute into 2 tablespoons of jojoba or almond oil. Massage gently and rhythmically into shoulders down to low back for a relaxing, blissful experience.
“Ginger also helps blow away the winter blues."
- The Aromatherapy Bible p. 343
To create a brighter feeling that is more uplifting to the spirit, try adding a couple of drops of either bergamot or pink grapefruit essential oil to the blend.
PRECAUTIONS: Possible skin irritant for those with sensitive skin. A patch test before using is recommended. Not for use by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with bleeding disorders, upcoming surgeries, or for people taking blood-thinning medications.
