Overview

Two of the most popular herbs in traditional medicine are ginger and turmeric. They have widespread real life applications pertaining to health and are perhaps the most researched herbs. Even turmeric essential oil and ginger essential oil are used for health benefits.

Some people may not be a fan of its aroma, but these oils are blended with floral or citrus-based essential oils and diffused or topically applied for preventing and treating ailments. Ginger and turmeric essential oils are natural plant extracts with the same compounds and therapeutic properties as the plant.

Ginger and turmeric have been used for centuries, especially in the Indian traditional medicine Ayurveda, in dealing with various ailments including stomach distress, tiredness and headaches. Turmeric is used in several rituals. It is used in marriage ceremonies and applied on the skin of the bride and groom to give the skin a glow for their special day. An informational book on the benefits of these and other herbs has been published in 2011. Another study that details the benefits of turmeric essential oil and its uses was also published not long back.

Let us look at some of the benefits of ginger and turmeric, the herbs and its essential oils.

What Is Ginger And Ginger Essential Oil?

Ginger is a flowering plant botanically called Zingiber officinale, which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. (Other herbs and plants of this family are turmeric, cardamom and galangal.) The plant rhizome of ginger root is used as the herb or spice. It is widely used for culinary and therapeutic purposes.

Some of the compounds present in ginger are – gingerol, zingerone, paradol, shogaol, curcumin elemol, camphene, and others.

The bioactive compounds and their bioactivities of Zingiber officinale or ginger were investigated in a study and published in Food in May 2019. (1)

What Is Turmeric And Turmeric Essential Oil?

Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant botanically called Curcuma longa and belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The rhizomes (rootstalk) of the plant have long been used in cooking. This plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and has therapeutic properties which have been utilized in Ayurveda. The herb (and hence the oil) has a sharp yellow color due to the presence of curcumin.

Some of the compounds present in turmeric are – curcumin, curcuminoid, piperine, elemene, curcumol, valeric acid, zingiberene and others.

Ginger and Turmeric: A Dynamic Duo

Ginger and turmeric are popular herbs with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Both herbs are known for their properties that treat various ailments like digestive issues. When combined, ginger and turmeric can provide a powerful boost to overall health and wellness.

Ginger essential oil is extracted from the roots of the ginger plant native to Asia. The oil contains gingerol, which may help improve digestion and relieve nausea and vomiting.

Turmeric essential oil is derived from the roots of the turmeric plant, also native to Asia. The oil contains a compound called curcumin that can help to soothe and moisturize dry or irritated skin.

Both ginger and turmeric essential oils can be used topically, inhaled, or ingested (with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional). Topically used, these oils should be diluted appropriately with carrier oils, such as coconut or jojoba, to prevent skin irritation. In addition, when inhaling these oils, they should be diffused in a well-ventilated area to prevent respiratory irritation.

Topical Application

Ginger and turmeric essential oils can be used topically to help alleviate a variety of conditions. However, it's important to properly dilute them with carrier oils before applying. This is because undiluted essential oils can be irritating to the skin and even cause burns.To use ginger and turmeric essential oils topically, add a few drops with a carrier oil in a small bowl or container. The essential oil to carrier oil ratio should be 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Once the oils are mixed, apply the mixture and gently massage it into the skin.

When using ginger and turmeric essential oils topically, it's important to avoid applying the oils to sensitive areas of the skin, such as the eyes or mucous membranes. In addition, it's important to perform a patch test on a small area of the skin before applying the oils more widely to ensure that you do not have skin irritation.

Overall, ginger and turmeric essential oils can be a useful addition to your topical application routine, provided they are properly diluted and used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Benefits in Aromatherapy

Ginger and turmeric essential oils can are widely used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, and provide a range of other benefits. Here are some ways that you can use these essential oils in aromatherapy:

• Diffusion: You can add a few drops of ginger and turmeric essential oils to a diffuser or a bowl of hot water to create a calming and invigorating atmosphere in your home or workspace.
• Inhalation: Add a few drops of ginger and turmeric essential oils to a tissue or a cloth and inhale deeply to help clear your sinuses and promote respiratory health.
• Massage: Mix a few drops of ginger and turmeric essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and use it to give yourself a relaxing massage.
• Bath: Add a few drops of ginger and turmeric essential oils to your bathwater for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak. This can help promote relaxation.

Ginger and turmeric essential oils can also be diffused together for aromatherapy and there would be several benefits. However, not many people would like the strong and spicy aroma of both the oils together. Hence, a few drops of any floral or citrus oils are added to make the aroma more likeable.