Ginger Oil for Hair

Ginger, a rhizome native to southern Asia, India, China has been popularly used in Indian, Asian and Arabic herbal medicines for centuries. Ginger's antiseptic, laxative, tonic, stimulant and other medicinal properties have been recognized by the Chinese for more than 2000 years, wherein it was used to treat various ailments like diarrhea, common cold, arthritis, colic, etc.

Moreover, ginger has played a major role as a culinary spice in Asia for more than 4,400 years. Today ginger is regarded as a very important spice and incorporated in cuisines across the world. Besides ginger root form, ginger is also used in the form of oil.

Ginger oil is extracted by steam distillation from unpeeled dried ginger roots. It takes several kilos of ginger root to extract a small quantity of ginger oil, which is why commercially available oil is very expensive. The oil emanates a wonderful sharp, peppery, warm and pungent aroma which has a tinge of woody and lemony undertones.

The color of the oil varies from golden yellow to dark amber in color. Health benefits of ginger root oil vary from treating nausea, vomiting, to healing inflammation, sinusitis, etc. But ginger oil for the hair is also very popular. It is believed to increase hair growth, giving it a sheen, preventing hair loss and revitalizing damaged hair.

Ginger oil treatment will result in soft, clean and pleasant smelling hair. It is often used in combination with other essential oils (as carrier oils) such as jojoba oil, lavender oil, rose oil, chamomile oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, etc. to enhance the benefits attained. Let's have a look at the different ginger oil benefits for hair care treatment.

Ginger oil's stimulating properties will enhance blood circulation in your scalp and conduce to faster-growing hair. To enhance the rate of hair growth, take four drops of ginger oil and mix it into one tablespoon of jojoba oil. Apply this mixture onto your scalp and massage well. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning with tepid water.

This oil has been used for treating dandruff for centuries. Mix five drops of ginger oil with one tablespoon of olive oil and apply it to the scalp. Allow the roots of the hair follicles to absorb the oil and massage well. This mixture nourishes the hair roots and ginger oil's anti-inflammatory properties counter dandruff problems.

A mixture of sesame oil (natural sunscreen) and ginger oil is known to treat damaged hair follicles. This combination has a conditioning effect on the hair and protects the hair from further damage. Massaging the scalp increases blood circulation and alleviates the scalp's dry condition and increases the rate of healthy hair growth.

The scores of benefits have given them a place in aromatherapy as well. Sought mainly for its stimulant and aphrodisiac properties, this oil is extensively used to treat stress, alleviate depression, enhance one's mood, etc. This warm, soothing oil is also used to tone the body, treat sinusitis problems, enhance appetite and alleviate muscle pains, etc. It is also known to improve one's memory and sharpen one's senses.

Ginger oil is a safe, non-toxic and non-irritating oil. However, since it is strong, one should not use it in high concentrations. It can cause photosensitivity and can irritate sensitive skin types. Moreover, make sure you are not allergic to ginger oil, so do check for allergies before you apply it on your hair.

While purchasing it from the store be careful! Check for additives that can alter the properties of ginger oil. Do not buy the cheap oil found in most pharmacies, but make sure you get a good quality one for your hair.