It must have been quite a surprise when Indian farmers discovered the thick, knotted underground rhizome or stem of the ginger plant. Some ancient texts say that event happened over 5,000 years ago, but the Chinese say they stumbled on ginger root long before then. When ginger oil was first distilled from the thick stem is anybody’s guess, but it’s safe to assume humans have been enjoying the benefits of the oil for centuries.
The first thing Chinese and Indian’s did when they discovered the stem was to cut a small piece and taste it. The date of that act is also unknown, but from that moment on ginger rhizome was a food supplement, and it was sprinkled over a curry or a piece of meat that was simmering or sizzling on an open fire.
Both cultures loved the flavor so the obvious thing to do was to steam the root to extract the natural oil so it could be used to scent the skin and massage tire muscles. The oil was vaporized and inhaled to take advantage of the therapeutic properties that the ancients believed the root possessed. It didn’t take long to realize that ginger taken internally could soothe the stomach and relieve indigestion. When it was inhaled, it relieved headaches and the common cold.
Ginger Oil Was A Game Changer
Ginger oil was a game changer when it was noticed in those ancient times. Stomach cramps and diarrhea disappeared when ginger oil was taken internally, and bacterial dysentery vanished when ginger was used on a daily basis. Toothaches subsided when ginger oil was rubbed into the gums, and respiratory as well as cardiovascular functions were normalized when the oil made it way through the bloodstream.
The yellow essential oil of ginger was a crowd pleaser from the start since the hint of lemon and pepper captivated the taste buds, and the aroma heightened the senses. The oil became a natural healer and was a major player in Ayurvedic medicine as well as Chinese medicine. The natives of Java also used wild ginger to flavor food and relieve the pain of rheumatism. The therapeutic qualities of ginger oil were well known throughout Asia for centuries, but ginger didn’t reach Europe until the 10th century.
Some reports say it wasn’t until the 15th century, but Indian spice traders were carrying ginger long before then. When the oil did make an appearance in Europe the analgesic and antiseptic properties of ginger were tested almost immediately.
Ginger oil was considered a liquid spice that had digestive benefits as well as the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting when sailors took to the high seas to discover other parts of the world. Ginger oil is still used to prevent nausea during pregnancy, and for several other health issues. The ancients would be proud of this chunky root with the big aroma and tantalizing flavor. Ginger is an accepted essential oil in all parts of the world today.
