Ginger - Zingiber officinale

Ginger glycerite

I love the warm spicy nature of fresh ginger. 
If I have the chills from either having a cold or from it being a cold winters day, I'll sip a cup of warm tea made with either fresh root or a ginger herbal. 
Those warming properties open up the blood vessels allowing for better blood circulation, which warms a body up in no time. 😊  

This herb has quite an extensive list of medicinal properties. Be sure to read up on all it has to offer. In brief, ginger works on the gastrointestinal system to relieve gas, bloating, colic, nausea, morning sickness, diarrhea, motion sickness and stomach flu. You can utilize the benefits of ginger from teas, essential oils, herbals, and by incorporating in your everyday cooking.      

Diluting a few drops of ginger essential oil in a carrier oil can be used to massage into the back of the neck for tension headaches. Also works as a massage oil for backaches and muscle pain. Applying the oil or a poultice made from fresh ginger over the lower abdomen can also be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps. 

One of the chemical compounds in ginger is an oily resin called gingerol. Gingerol is a potent anti-inflammatory. It works by reducing chronic inflammation in the body, which leads to reduced pain and swelling associated with illnesses such as; colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Also improves mobility by decreasing inflammation and pain in arthritic joints. If left unchecked chronic inflammation can cause other illnesses too -  

diabetes

heart disease 
kidney disease 
cancers
stroke
autoimmune disease

I encourage you to reflect on your current health. Do some research on the benefits of ginger and chronic inflammation. Also, check out turmeric as it also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. If you find that you have an illness caused by inflammation be sure to talk with your health care provider about incorporating ginger in your daily diet. Also, as you are doing your research, be sure to take note on the types of  foods that cause chronic inflammation. As if one does not change their diet by eliminating the root causes the body will have a difficult time healing.   💗

Essential Oil Dilution Chart

Dilution rate is 2% to 10% essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil for adults. And for kids over the age of 3, 1% essential oil per one ounce carrier oil. You can always start with a lesser amount of essential oil and add more if needed. 


1% = 6 drops of essential oil per one ounce or carrier oil.

2% = 12 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.

3% = 18 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.

5% = 30 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.

10% = 60 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.


* Essential oils are about 70 times more concentrated than the fresh or dry herb. So you only need to use a small amount when diluting with your carrier oil. Because essential oils are so concentrated it's important to always dilute them in a carrier oil (grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil to name a few) before applying to your skin. Using undiluted essential oils on your skin can cause burns, rashes and allergic reactions in some people.  
   
* Some essential oils, especially the citrus types, may cause phototoxicity (an allergic reaction) in some people when applied to the skin and then you're exposed to sunshine. Please, always do your own research on any particular oil before using. 

* Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant and or nursing women. Again, please, do your research first before using.

* Some essential oils can interact with certain medications. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any potential drug interactions before using.    

* Aaaand, fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils. Fragrance oils are made from chemicals. 

Goldenrod - medicinal properties can lessen seasonal allergies. 😷