Tiếng Việt
The plant is said to originate from India, China, and Java, yet is also native to Vietnam. It was most likely brought to Europe between the 10th and 15th centuries as a condiment and spice.
Ginger is a perennial herb and grows to about 3 – 4 feet high with a thick spreading tuberous rhizome. Every year it shoots up a stalk with narrow spear-shaped leaves, as well as white or yellow flowers growing directly from the root.
It has been used as a medicine since very early times and is recorded in both Vietnam and Chinese texts and is also mentioned in the literature of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabians.
Vietnamese and Asian medicine uses ginger for stomach problems such as stomach-ache, diarrhea, and nausea. The Chinese also use it to boost the heart and to help with mucus and phlegm.
The oil is extracted by means of steam distillation from the unpeeled or dried root of the plant and can yield about 0.5-1% oil.
Oil properties
Ginger oil can vary in color from pale yellow to a darker amber color and the viscosity also ranges from medium to watery. It is a strong-smelling oil – spicy, sharp, warm and with a hint of lemon and pepper, which smells of actual ginger.
The Ginger essential oil has various chemical constituents including the following: a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, borneol, y-terpineol, nerol, neral, geraniol, geranial, geranyl acetate, b-bisabolene, and zingiberene.
| Appearance | : Pale yellow to brownish-yellow color |
| Odour | : Fresh, strong, warm & spicy |
| Specific Gravity | : 0.870 – 0.882 |
| Refractive Index | : 1.488 – 1.494 |
| Optical Rotation | : -47° to -28° |
| Main components | : Zingiberene >26% |
Uses
Ginger oil is used in the treatment of fractures, rheumatism, arthritis, bruising, carbuncles, nausea, hangovers, travel and seasickness, colds and flu, catarrh, congestion, coughs, sinusitis, sores on the skin, sore throat, diarrhea, colic, cramps, chills, and fever.
Precautions
Ginger oil is non-toxic and non-irritant (except when used in high concentrations) but could irritate sensitive skin and can also cause photosensitivity.
Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
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