Best Ginger Essential Oils of 2022

Ginger (the root of the zingiber officinale plant) has been at the heart of the human story for thousands of years. From ancient China it spread by way of the spice routes to India, Europe and beyond and has left a lasting impression on the culinary and medicinal traditions of every culture it’s come in contact with. Ginger essential oil is an integral part of the story of ginger. Long prized for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and relieve the pain associated with arthritis and other ailments it’s found renewed popularity here in the digital age. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and other benefits are the stuff of both legend and scientific fact. And we’ve brought together the 10 best ginger essential oil products right here.

1. Sun Essentials Ginger Essential Oil

Sun Essentials Ginger Essential Oil is produced in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility to the highest standards of purity and potency. They use only organically grown ginger root and process their oil under strict third party supervision.

The company is so confident in the quality of their product that each and every bottle comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.

The scent is light and aromatic, the oil mixes well with carrier oils and lotions, and just a couple of drops in your diffuser will create a regenerative, relaxing atmosphere in your home, shop or office.

Sun Essentials has a proven track record of producing some of the highest quality essential oils on the market. And this one is yet another feather in their company cap.

2. Majestic Pure Ginger Root Essential Oil

Majestic Pure Ginger Root Essential Oil is steam distilled from whole, organically grown ginger root, which is an old fashioned extraction method. There are no chemicals involved at any stage of the process and no superfluous additives tossed in that make for good marketing, but might undermine the effectiveness of the product. All you get is pure, potent, unfiltered, all-natural product that’s safe for everyone. Including vegans and vegetarians.

The oil is advertised as being “therapeutic grade,” which in this case means you can use it in your diffuser, add it to a carrier oil or use it during a massage. Just don’t try cooking with it. This is a very potent oil, so make sure to never use more than a few drops and keep it well out of the reach of children.

3. Healing Solutions Organic Ginger Essential Oil

Healing Solutions goes to great pains to ensure their product meets the rigorous quality standards of the USDA when it comes to organic oils. They subject all their essential oils to regular 3rd party testing to ensure the product you purchase is as pure and effective as nature allows.

You can smell the difference when compared to cheap products that are laden with artificial additives. What you get here has a delightfully bright, slightly tangy aroma that’s perfect for diffusers and does a wonderful job clearing stuffed nasal passages when used as an inhalant.

Be forewarned, however: when they say this oil is potent, they mean it’s potent. 2 drops in the diffuser should suffice. And you should think carefully before applying it directly to the skin without a carrier oil.

4. Ola Prima Premium Quality Ginger Essential Oil

This premium quality offering from Ola Prima is pure and potent, organic and effective, and provided to you in a larger than average 4-ounce bottle. That bottle also happens to be resistant to UV light, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally leaving the oil on the counter in the sun for a while.

In our humble opinion, other options on this list have more pleasing aromas. But considering the combination of potency and price at work here, we could not deny it a place on our list of best ginger oil. Not that the smell is offensive in any way. Just a bit more brutish than some of the other oils we tested.

As a bit of icing on the cake, Ola Prima offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not entirely satisfied.

5. Diffuse Essential Oils Pure Ginger

Diffuse Essentials not only produces a highly pure, undiluted ginger essential oil, they go one step further and provide you a means to dispense it in a controlled fashion. The eye dropper integrated into the cap is a welcome feature we’d like to see every essential oil producer copy. It just makes dispensing the product much more straightforward.

Beyond the eye dropper, however, the oil itself has quite a pleasing scent. This makes it ideal for using with your diffuser or as a bath additive. You can also mix a couple of drops directly into your favorite body lotion or just to rub directly into your temples to alleviate a headache. Just be careful. 2 drops tops.

6. Artizen Ginger Essential Oil

Here’s another producer who had the good sense to include an eye dropper with their outstanding oil. Not that an eye dropper is the be-all-end-all of the essential oil world. But it does help you avoid accidental overuse and such. And that’s a big plus.

Artizen’s is unfiltered and undiluted. There are no chemical fillers that cheapen the effect and cause irritation to the skin and lungs. The source is organically grown ginger, and the oil is extracted using the tried and true steam method.

The company provides you with 4 full ounces of pure, potent ginger oil with no carrier oils added. And the lifetime quality assurance guarantee is a nice thick layer of icing on the cake.

7. L&I Apothecary Organic Ginger Essential Oil

A quick check of the ingredient list on a bottle of L&I Apothecary Organic tells you just about everything you need to know. All that’s in the bottle is 100% pure. That’s it. No preservatives, no chemical fillers or dilutants, and no phony aromas tossed in to make it more appealing. The truth is it’s plenty appealing just like it is. The scent is mellow and easy to snuggle up to.

The oil itself is certified 100% organic by the USDA. It mixes well with carrier oils, lotions and the like. Or you can work a drop or two (no more) into your temples to gain relief from a headache and to relieve stress. We love pure, unadulterated essential oils, and this is one of the best. Also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

8. SVA Organics Ginger Essential Oil

SVA Organics high-quality oil is pure and unadulterated and free of artificial colors, scents and fillers. It’s processed in a certified organic facility in India. Although it is bottled right here in the US.

There are no genetically modified organisms involved in any stage of the cultivation process, and SVA Organics oils are never tested on animals.

SVA is certified by the Indian Programme for Organic Production. The country’s highest level of organic certification. You get 4 fluid ounces of pure, potent oil, a money-back guarantee, and one of those eye droppers we covet so dearly.

9. Purify Skin Therapy Ginger Essential Oil

Purify Skin Therapy uses organically grown ginger from Madagascar to create their offering. That ginger is then transported to the US, where it is processed in a Good Manufacturing Practices facility under the watchful eye of USDA inspectors.

Every aspect of the process is verified to meet organic production criteria. And the organic certificate issued by the USDA guarantees the product is free of pesticides, toxins, chemical fillers, artificial additives and carrier oils.

This is the only oil on our list that is certified “food grade.” That means it’s one of the few products in this category on the market that can be safely eaten. So if you’ve been looking for a product you can use to add to your coffee, protein shakes or muffin batter, here it is.

10. Pure Gold Ginger Essential Oil

The final item on our best ginger oils list comes to us from Pure Gold. This is another essential oil distilled from organically grown ginger. Only this time that ginger is sourced in the US rather than overseas. It’s bottled here too under the watchful eye of the USDA. Which means you don’t have to worry about quality.

Each 30 ml bottle of Pure Gold comes in a UV resistant glass bottle that helps the oil retain its potency, even if left for a time in direct sunlight (though you really shouldn’t do that). Each bottle also comes with its own eye dropper to ensure accurate dosing.

Pure Gold’s product has a pleasant, slightly exotic aroma that makes it a good choice for the diffuser. And it mixes well with all manner of lotions, massage oils and more. If you’re not completely satisfied, the company will provide you with a 100% refund.

Buying Guide

Different Ways Ginger Essential Oils Are Used

Ginger oil is used in a variety of different ways. This wide ranging applicability is one of the main reasons it has become such a popular choice for individuals and therapists the world over. Here are some of the various ways it’s used:

• To create a healing atmosphere – Essential oil diffusers create a fragrant, healing atmosphere that lifts your mood and enhances your overall feeling of wellbeing. If you want to relax after a rough day, add a few drops to a diffuser and feel the stress melt away.
• To detoxify and relieve muscle pain – Adding a few drops to your bath can help detoxify your skin, relieve muscle aches and pains and alleviate digestive issues.
• For a relaxing massage – There’s more than one way to benefit from the ability of this essential oil to relieve muscle aches and pains. You can spice up your bath with some as we just saw, or you can ask your masseuse to mix a few drops into a “carrier” oil and apply it that way.
• To alleviate respiratory distress – If you have a cold or the flu, place a few drops into a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors for 5 minutes. Do this right before bed and you’re sure to sleep easier.
• To relieve headaches – Take a couple of drops, work it into your fingertips and then gently massage your temples for several minutes to obtain relieve from headache symptoms.
• To enhance libido – If you have found your sex drive to be wanting of late, try massaging a few drops into your lower abdomen. Alternately you can try massaging a small amount into your feet.
• To relieve stomachaches – Many find that by suspending a few drops of ginger essential oil into a carrier oil and massaging it into their belly, they can obtain significant relief from upset stomach, regardless of the cause.
• To improve cardiovascular health – Apply a couple of drops suspended in a carrier oil to your chest area, and gently rub it in until it’s absorbed.

Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil

Above we touched on the wide ranging applicability of this essential oil, and some of the ways people use it to strengthen body, mind and spirit. Let’s take a closer look now at some of the many benefits of this remarkable oil.

A Healthier Heart

Nothing is more important to a person’s overall health than the health and wellbeing of their heart. Heart disease in all its myriad forms is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and that is a trend that has only accelerated in recent years with the spread of junk food and our increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

Ginger essential oil is rich in beneficial antioxidants that relieve oxidative stress and help promote a healthier cardiovascular system.

Research also suggests that it can help reduce cholesterol levels and reduce, at least to some extent, the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Whether distributed through the air by a diffuser and inhaled, or rubbed directly into the chest, it’s one of the best friends your heart can have.

More Effective Recovery from Workouts

Strenuous exercise is a great way to stay in tip top shape. But pushing your muscles beyond their comfort zone has a tendency to create muscle and joint pain the next day. Ginger essential oil is one of the most effective of the essential oils when it comes to relieving muscular aches and pain.

Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory abilities and has been used for centuries to treat everything from everyday aches and pains to inflammation associated with arthritis.

If you regularly engage in strenuous workouts and have been looking for an alternative to NSAIDs or other mainstream pain relievers, you would be well-advised to give ginger essential oil a try. Ask your masseuse to add a few drops to the oil they normally use. Or mix a few drops with your favorite lotion and rub it into your sore, aching muscles.

If someone you love suffers from arthritis, suggest they give it a try too. They’re likely to be surprised by how effective it is in providing fast relief from stiffness and the pain that accompanies it.

Enhanced Digestion

Since the dawn of civilization, man has used ginger to obtain relief from upset stomaches, diarrhea, indigestion, colic and more. In his diaries, Confucius wrote about never going anywhere without ginger or eating without having some nearby in case of an upset stomach.Anecdotal accounts, the testimony of medical professionals and modern scientific research all confirm the efficacy of ginger – and by extension ginger oil – in helping to relieve digestive issues.

But the role of ginger in digestive health goes beyond its ability to calm an upset stomach. It is also believed to play a protective role in preventing toxins, intense spices, bacteria and more from damaging the stomach wall or taking hold and causing hemorrhages or even necrosis (tissue death). This protective role has been confirmed in clinical studies involving rats where it reduced lab-induced necrosis, erosion of the stomach lining and hemorrhages of the stomach wall by a significant amount.

With the gut/brain axis being as important as it is maintaining a healthy, well-balanced digestive tract can also help to relieve, or even prevent, stress. Ginger oils have also been used to reduce nausea in the aftermath of surgical procedures. And it has demonstrated – through its analgesic properties – the ability to alleviate pain after surgery as well.

Relief from Respiratory Distress

Ginger has long been used to treat an array of respiratory conditions ranging from asthma and bronchitis, to breathing difficulties arising from seasonal allergies. Its ability to help relieve respiratory distress in those suffering from colds and flu is also well-known, and well-documented. It is believed that the oil produces its respiratory benefits largely by being able to break down built-up mucus in the bronchial tract.

Once the mucus has been cleared, its anti-inflammatory properties take over. Swelling is reduced and the walls of the throat and lungs are restored to their natural, relaxed state. Breathing becomes easier, feelings of discomfort and stress are relieved and the person is able to get the restful sleep they need. As you might imagine these benefits are particularly important when it comes to asthma patients.

And indeed asthma studies in both the US and abroad found that the active components in ginger produce almost immediate relaxation of inflamed airways in asthma patients. Ginger is now considered a viable option asthma sufferers should consider adding to their treatment regimen.

To take advantage of the ability of ginger essential oil to provide respiratory relief simply place a few drops into some piping hot water, and breathe in the resulting vapors. While other essential oils such as melaleuca oil are also capable of providing respiratory relief, none is more effective than the oil derived.

Protection from Oxidative Stress

In many cases cells don’t just up and die on their own. They have help from some nasty little things known as “free radicals”. Free radicals occur when oxygen molecules in the body split into single atoms that possess an odd number of electrons. Since electrons want to be paired with other electrons these unbalanced atoms (the free radicals) rummage around inside us seeking out other electrons they can pair with. They wind up scavenging electrons from healthy cells which in turn causes damage to those cells, the DNA they contain and the immune system.

The various types of damage caused by the process of free radicals stealing electrons from healthy cells is known collectively as “oxidative stress”. And it’s at the root of numerous diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and many, many more. It’s also responsible for sagging, dry, worn out looking skin.

Our only defense against the plague of free radicals is the antioxidant. Antioxidants seek out and destroy free radicals. Thereby helping us to live healthier, potentially longer lives. And ginger essential oil is rich in antioxidants.

A Natural Antiseptic

Ginger oil is known for its antiseptic qualities as well as its antioxidant properties. For thousands of years ginger has been used to combat infections, even long before anyone understood exactly what infections were. There is historical evidence of ginger being applied to wounds in ancient China and India and many people today still use it for exactly the same purpose.

Ginger has also demonstrated the ability to battle microorganisms and invasive bacteria in the stomach. Dysentery, food poisoning and other bacterial conditions respond positively to ginger oil treatment. Meaning it may have broad application in less developed countries where water safety and purity is often an issue.

In addition, it has demonstrated antifungal properties. It’s been shown that people suffering from mycotoxicosis (poison stemming from food contamination with fungi) often respond positively to treatment with ginger oil. In fact this remarkable oil has been clinically proven to be effective against a range of bacteria including escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus, bacillus subtilis and candida albicans.

A few drops can also be added to a glass of water and used to gargle with in order to maintain a healthy environment inside the mouth. Although you’ll want to take care not to swallow it if possible. Since not all essential oils are safe for human consumption.

Ginger root is still used throughout Asia today as a way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of toothaches. (Keep in mind though that if you have a serious gum or tooth infection there is no substitute for effective and timely antibiotic treatment.)

Relief from Menstrual Symptoms

Many of the various aches and pains associated with menstruation and pre-menstrual syndrome are the result of inflammation. As we’ve previously discussed ginger essential oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties which in this case make it an excellent choice to help reduce the symptoms of menstruation and PMS.

It also has the ability to stimulate circulation. Which is one of the things that make is so effective at alleviating muscular aches and pains. And since many women also experience plenty of those during their period, ginger oil can help.

As we’ve also discussed, when you use it with a diffuser, it can help create a relaxing, regenerative atmosphere that can relieve stress and calm the mind. This aspect can also be very useful for women suffering from PMS.

Enhanced Sexual Function

Research strongly suggests that ginger can be effective in enhancing male sexual function in a number of ways. Ginger supplementation increases sperm production, increases testosterone production and enhances the integrity of erections. While there have historically been plenty of skeptics out there who dismissed this notion, recent studies on both animals and humans is beginning to silence the dissenters.

Ginger essential oil should not be thought of as an aphrodisiac, but rather as an assistive agent that can help people who have had trouble engaging sexually get past their difficulties and resume a normal, healthy sex life. To enjoy this benefit it’s suggested you inhale the ginger oil compound by way of a diffuser or that you rub a small amount of it into the lower part of your midsection on a regular basis.

Treatment of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a vexing and incurable condition characterized by fluid retention and swelling in one or both of the arms and/or one of both of the legs. It happens when the lymphatic system has been compromised either by cancer treatment or because of a parasitic infection. Symptoms of lymphedema include:

• Swelling in the legs or arms.
• An overall feeling of heaviness.
• Discomfort or chronic aches and pains.
• Greatly restricted range of motion.
• Thickening and toughening of the skin.
• Recurrent or resistant infections.

This type of swelling, also known as “edema”, may be hard to notice at first but typically gets worse over time and may wind up being very severe. So much so that people find it hard to use the affected limb or limbs. Also, in cases where lymphedema results from cancer treatment symptoms may not manifest for months or years afterward.

Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective treatment for lymphedema symptoms. It can also play a role in treating the infections that often beset those suffering from this condition. In clinical studies it has been shown to unblock clogged lymph nodes, promote lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. It also promotes the fast and effective expulsion from the body of various toxins and waste products resulting from lymphedema.

Improved Mood

At a couple of points in this guide we’ve touched on how it can help improve your mood and relieve stress. Whether you inhale it via the use of a diffuser, rub some into your temples to achieve a more peaceful state of mind or absorb it through your skin during the process of a massage ginger oil will help you achieve a more relaxed state of mind.

It should also be noted that ginger essential oil can be used to help you get a better nights’ sleep. And that by itself will produce a variety of dividends. Those include being more mentally alert, being less susceptible to injury and illness and feeling less stressed and anxious.

In addition, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have for centuries used ginger oil to treat a range of psychological issues including anxiety, fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, excessive worrying and feelings of impending doom. It’s believed to perform its therapeutic magic in this regard by activating serotonin receptors in the brain.

Healthier Hair

It’s not uncommon to find ginger oil extracts in shampoos and other types of hair products. And there have been a lot of claims bandied about regarding its ability to positively impact hair. Including claims that it can combat hair loss, stimulate hair follicles, promote hair growth and prevent patchiness. However, it’s safe to say that the jury is still out.

Some people swear by it as the thing that saved their scalp and clinical trials seem to back them up. There are several ways to put it to work on your scalp to reduce dryness and dandruff.

• Add a few drops to your regular shampoo. Just squeeze a bit of shampoo into your palm, add a couple of drops of ginger oil and work it in.
• Create a hair mask by mixing a half dozen drops with an equal amount of extra virgin olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice. This can be massaged into the hair and left for 15 minutes. Wash it out with your regular shampoo. Do this every other day to relieve itchy scalp.
• You can also create a hair mask that will slow hair loss by mixing equal parts ginger and jojoba oil then massaging it into your scalp and leaving for 30 minutes.

Enhanced Liver Function

You can live without one of your lungs. You can live without one of your kidneys. You can even live without much of your intestine. And people are living for years now with artificial hearts. But you can’t live without your liver.

Although we only have animal studies to go on at this point they nonetheless suggest that ginger essential oil can play a role in helping to treat alcohol related liver diseases such as cirrhosis. But even for the majority of people who do not abuse alcohol the antioxidant properties this oil contains will help ensure overall liver health and vitality.

Healthier Skin

Because it is rich in antioxidants ginger essential oil is a naturally smart way to improve the condition of aging or damaged skin. Including skin that’s been damaged by overexposure to the sun. There are a few ways to employ it for these purposes. Here are a couple of the best recipes:

• Make an exfoliating facial scrub by combining half a cup of brown sugar with half a cup of coconut oil and 10 drops of ginger oil. Mix it thoroughly and then work it into your face using your fingertips. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm This will remove dead skin cells and reduce the action of free radicals in the underlayers of skin. This type of mask is also good for reducing acne and lessening acne scars.
• Make a toning face mask by combining 5 drops of ginger oil with 2 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly then place the mixture in the refrigerator for half an hour. Apply the cool mixture to your face, rubbing it in with your fingertips in gentle circular motions. Leave it on for a further 30 minutes and then rinse off thoroughly using room temperature water.

FAQs

Is There a Difference Between Ginger Oil and Ginger Root?

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. But the fact is that ginger essential oil is distilled from ginger root. So while some people will refer to it as “ginger oil” or “ginger essential oil” others will refer to it as “ginger root oil”. But the fact is they are one in the same thing.

What is “Therapeutic Grade” Ginger Essential Oil?

In order to set their oil apart from the competition, some producers will use the marketing terms “therapeutic grade” or “medical grade” or “aromatherapy grade”. But that’s really all they are; marketing terms. So take these grading distinctions with a grain of salt.

How Does Ginger Oil Work?

It gets its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties from compounds called sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. These beneficial compounds counteract the effects of free radicals, thereby preventing cell damage and reducing related inflammation. Having fewer compromised cells in your body will make you less likely to develop a host of health problems.

Can This Type of Oil Cure My Cold?

Unfortunately, this type of essential oil does not have the ability to cure the common cold or to cure or prevent the flu. It may however be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of the cold or flu and return you faster to a feeling of wellness.

Can You Apply This Type of Oil Topically to a Baby?

Essential oils are quite potent. Even for full grown adults it is recommended that you mix just a couple of drops with a carrier oil to prevent a negative reaction. As such it’s not recommended that you use ginger or any other essential oil on your baby without first consulting your doctor.

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Ginger Oil?

The FDA has concluded that ginger essential oil is generally safe and that few, if any negative effects would result from using it. Keep in mind, however, that essential oils are highly concentrated. Therefore, they so should only be used in very modest amounts lest they cause skin or lung irritation.

Can You Cook With Ginger Essential Oil?

Just because something can be rubbed into the skin or inhaled doesn’t mean it’s okay to eat. The fact is you can’t just take any old ginger essential oil and toss it in the blender with your morning protein shake. Unless, that is, the ginger oil specifically states on the label that it is a “food grade”.

How Long Does Ginger Oil Last?

Unlike spicy frankincense oil that doesn’t usually last more than a year, high-quality ginger essential oil should last anywhere from 8-10 years. However, opening the bottle every day and exposing it to air, exposing the oil to heat and exposing the oil to direct sunlight will all drastically reduce how long the oil lasts.

Is it Easy to Make Ginger Oil?

Making your own ginger oil blends is actually pretty easy.

• Rinse fresh ginger root thoroughly then cut it into small pieces.
• Put the pieces in a blender for 10 – 15 seconds.
• Bake the resulting mash on low for 1-2 hours.
• Blend it in a crock pot with a carrier oil.
• Heat on warm for 24 hours.
• Strain and use.

When Should I Stop Using This Essential Oil?

We’ve seen some websites where the writer claims that if your skin turns red after exposure to this type of oil, that means you’re detoxifying. Lucky for them, these sites usually have a robust disclaimer. Because this is a dangerous myth. If your skin turns red or a rash develops, stop using this type of oil immediately.

Conclusion

The beauty of ginger essential oil is that it has many and various applications for your health. From reducing stress to relaxing tired, sore muscles and improving circulation this powerhouse essential oil is a must-have for any health conscious individual. And because its side effects are few and generally mild in character, there is very little downside associated with using essential oil to achieve better health.

But don’t just take our word for it. The products profiled above are not only the cream of the crop, they’re also highly affordable. So you have little to lose by giving one a try. We’re pretty sure you’ll be glad you did.