Ginger
Zomgiber officinalis
Ginger has been treasured for its rich taste, its hot, sweet, spicy scent and its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It was also an important part of the spice trade from Asia to the west. The essential oil is steam distilled from the rhizome root, which is also used as a cooking spice and for tea.
Ginger has warming and toning properties which make it excellent for massage to relieve the pain of sore muscles and rheumatism, especially when brought on by cold, damp weather. It can be used in a footbath for tired, sore, cold feet. Ginger’s warming properties can also help people who often catch colds by clearing the lungs of white mucus and relieving headaches caused by sinus congestion. If used at the start of winter, ginger’s stimulating properties are thought to strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to colds and flu. Ginger is also useful in strengthening digestion, relieving flatulence and improving assimilation of food.
PROPERTIES: Strengthening, warming, digestive aid, immune stimulant.
BLENDS WELL WITH: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Sandalwood, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Rosemary.
PRECAUTIONS: Do not use Ginger in the bath because it can irritate mucous membranes. Dilute well in massage oils.
For a sensual massage: The potent combination of one drop Ginger, ten drops Jasmine (3% in Almond oil), and five drops Sandalwood diluted in 1 oz. Almond massage oil create a spicy aphrodisiac massage.
For strengthening ginger tea: The root of ginger when steeped in hot water makes an enjoyable tea that helps with digestion and strengthens the immune system.
For reducing sore muscles and rheumatism: A massage with ginger warms stiff muscles and joints and helps to reduce pain, common during cold damp weather. Combine six drops Ginger with one oz. massage oil.
For a stimulating atmosphere: Burn four drops Ginger and two drops Rosemary in the diffuser to strengthen memory and keep the mind alert.
