Ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People around the world use ginger to treat everything from nausea to arthritis.
Ginger oil, extracted from the ginger root, can be applied topically or ingested to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It’s a concentrated form of ginger’s beneficial compounds, making it a potent natural remedy.
Want to know how to harness the power of ginger at home? This article will guide you through how to make ginger oil for pain relief and explore its potential health benefits.
What are the benefits of ginger oil?
Ginger oil can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Research suggests ginger oil can ease the pain from arthritis and other conditions that cause inflammation.
Ginger’s active compounds, like gingerol, are thought to be responsible for these effects. Gingerol appears to prevent the body from creating molecules that cause inflammation.
Research also suggests that ginger oil can reduce oxidative stress and gastric ulcers. A 2015 study in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology supports this idea.
Ginger oil also has antioxidant properties. A 2013 laboratory test published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology revealed this.
It may also boost the antioxidant abilities of your liver. A 2016 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that ginger did this in mice.
In addition to pain relief, ginger oil may help with:
- gastrointestinal problems
- headaches
- migraines
- nausea
When you apply it to the skin, it can help with muscle aches and joint pain, similar to the benefits of using Ayurvedic oil for muscle pain.
Choosing Your Ingredients and Equipment
Selecting Your Ginger
You can use fresh or dried ginger to make ginger oil. Fresh ginger will give your oil a stronger smell and taste, but dried ginger lasts longer, so it’s a great substitute if you can’t get fresh.
No matter what you choose, make sure you get good quality ginger for the best results.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
You’ll also need to select a carrier oil, like olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. Olive oil is easy to find and has health benefits. Almond oil is light and soaks into skin easily. Jojoba oil is similar to your skin’s natural oils, much like applying castor oil on feet at night.
Whatever you choose, make sure the carrier oil is good quality, too.
Essential Equipment
To make ginger oil, you’ll also need:
- Glass jars or bottles for making and storing the oil
- A blender or food processor to chop or blend the ginger
- Cheesecloth or muslin cloth to strain the oil
- A double boiler or saucepan for heating
Method 1: The Maceration (Soaking) Method
This method takes time, but it’s easy and effective. Here’s how it works:
- Prep your ginger. Wash your fresh ginger root and dry it thoroughly. Then, chop or grate the ginger into small pieces. If you’re using dried ginger, you can skip this step.
- Combine the ginger and carrier oil. Put the chopped ginger in a clean glass jar and pour your carrier oil over it, making sure the ginger is completely covered.
- Let it soak. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Let the mixture sit for at least 4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days. This is the “maceration” process.
- Strain the oil. After 4 weeks (or longer!), strain the oil through a cheesecloth or muslin cloth. Squeeze the cloth to get as much oil out as possible.
- Store it right. Pour the strained oil into a clean, dry glass bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate it to make it last longer. When refrigerated, your homemade ginger oil can last for a whopping 2-3 years.
Method 2: Heating it up
This method uses gentle heat to draw out the beneficial compounds from the ginger. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep the ginger: Wash and dry fresh ginger root. Then chop or grate it finely. If you’re using dried ginger, you can skip this step.
- Combine ginger and oil: Put the ginger and your carrier oil into a double boiler, or a heat-safe bowl sitting over a pan of simmering water.
- Heat it gently: Heat the mixture for 4 to 8 hours. Be careful to keep the oil temperature below 110°F (43°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temp.
- Strain the oil: Let the mixture cool down a bit. Then, strain the oil through cheesecloth or muslin cloth, squeezing to get as much oil out as possible.
- Store it right: Pour the strained oil into a clean, dry glass bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place, or keep it in the fridge.
How to use ginger oil to relieve pain
Once you’ve made your ginger oil, here’s how you can use it to help manage your pain:
- Topical application: Apply the oil directly to areas where you’re experiencing pain or inflammation. Gently massage the oil into your skin until it’s absorbed, much like with an Ayurvedic massage.
- Ingestion (use caution): While some sources recommend ingesting ginger oil, I can’t recommend it. Swallowing undiluted essential oils can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor before you ingest ginger oil.
- Blend with other oils: Ginger oil works well mixed with other carrier oils or essential oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use ginger as a painkiller?
Ginger boasts natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain. Consuming ginger, whether fresh, dried, or in supplement form, may reduce muscle soreness, osteoarthritis pain, and menstrual discomfort. Topical applications of ginger oil or creams can also provide localized pain relief. Remember to consult your doctor before using ginger as a pain remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Can you put ginger oil straight on your skin?
No, it’s generally not recommended to apply undiluted ginger essential oil directly to your skin. Ginger essential oil is highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation, redness, or burning sensations. Always dilute ginger essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil, before applying it topically.
How to use ginger oil for pain?
To use ginger oil for pain relief, dilute a few drops of ginger essential oil in a carrier oil. Gently massage the diluted oil onto the affected area for several minutes. Repeat this process a few times daily. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of ginger oil to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes to ease muscle aches and pains. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying ginger oil more widely to check for any adverse reactions.
The Bottom Line
Making ginger oil at home is pretty easy. You can use the maceration method, which takes a few weeks, or the heat method, which takes just a couple of hours.
Ginger oil is thought to be a great natural remedy for pain and inflammation. It may also help with other conditions, but more research is needed.
Why not try making your own ginger oil? It’s a simple project, and you might find it helps with your aches and pains.
Keep in mind that you should always talk with a healthcare professional before using ginger oil, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take any medications.