Ginger

Ginger

Botanical Family: Zingiberaceae (ginger)

Extraction Method/Origin: Steam distillation from rhizomes—China, West Indies, and many others

Chemical Constituents: Sesquiterpenes (up to 90%): zingiberene (up to 50%), α- & β-curcumene (<33%), β-farnesene (<20%), β-sesquiphellandrene (<9%), β- & γ-bisabolene (<7%), β-ylangene, β-elemene, α-selinene, germacrene-D; Monoterpenes: camphene (8%), β-phellandrene, l-limonene, p-cymene, α and β-pinenes, myrcene; Alcohols: nonanol (<8%), citronellol (<6%), linalol (<5%), borneol, butanol, heptanol; Sesquiterpene Alcohols: nerolidol (<9%), zingeberol, elemol; Ketones (<6%): heptanone, acetone, 2hexanone; Aldehydes: butanal, citronellal, geranial; Sesquiterpene Ketones: gingerone.

Properties: Antiseptic, laxative, stimulant, tonic, and warming.

Common Primary Uses: TAAngina, ITdiarrhea,ITgas/flatulence, Tindigestion, IAmorning sickness, Amotion sickness, IAnausea,Trheumatic fever, Tscurvy, Tteething pain,Itonsillitis, Tvertigo, IAvomiting.

Historical Uses: Anciently esteemed as a spice and recognized for its affinity for the digestive system, ginger has been used in gingerbread (up to 4,000 years ago in Greece), in Egyptian cuisine to ward off epidemics, in Roman wine (for its aphrodisiac powers), in Indian tea (to soothe upset stomachs), and in Chinese tonics (to strengthen the heart and relieve head congestion). It has been used by the Hawaiians to scent clothing, cook with, and cure indigestion. The Hawaiians have also added it to their shampoos and massage oils.

French Medicinal Uses: Angina, prevention of contagious diseases, cooking, diarrhea, flatulence, impotence, rheumatic pain, scurvy, and tonsillitis.

Other Possible Uses: Ginger may be used for alcoholism, loss of appetite, arthritis61, broken bones, catarrh (mucus), chills, colds, colic, congestion, coughs, cramps, digestive disorders, fevers, flu, impotence, indigestion, infectious diseases, memory, motion sickness, muscular aches/pains, nausea62, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throats, and sprains. Ginger is also used in cooking.

Body System(s) Affected: Digestive and Nervous Systems.

Aromatic Influence: The aroma may help influence physical energy, sex, love, money, and courage.

Application: Apply to Vita Flex Points and/or directly on area of concern; diffuse.

Oral Use As Dietary Suppliment: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA. Dilute one drop oil in 1 tsp. honey or in 4 oz. of beverage (i.e. soy/rice milk). Not for children under 6 years old; use with caution and in greater dilution for children 6 years old and over.

Safety Data: Repeated use can possibly result in contact sensitization. Avoid direct sunlight for 3 to 6 hours after use.

Blend Classification: Personifier and Equalizer.

Blends With: All spice oils, all citrus oils, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, myrtle, rosemary, and spearmint.

Odor: Type: Middle Note (50–80% of the blend);Scent: Sweet, spicy-woody, warm, tenacious, fresh, sharp; Intensity: 4.