Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale)

Clinical Methods of Use in France

Pages from Chapter X: Ginger – French Medical Aromatherapy

By Clinical Herbalist and Medical French Aromatherapist, Melissa Farris, 2025

Page 1

1. Inhalation (Voie olfactive)

Clinical Indications:

- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
- Motion sickness
- Postoperative nausea
- Anxiety, mental fatigue
- Bronchitis, coughs, chills

Protocol:

Dry Inhalation: Place 1–2 drops of Zingiber officinale EO on a tissue, gauze pad, or personal inhaler stick. Inhale deeply for 1–2 minutes.
Steam Inhalation: Add 2–3 drops to steaming water and inhale.

Clinical Uses of Ginger Essential Oil in French Medical Aromatherapy

Overview

Ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale) is used extensively in French medical aromatherapy for its anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, carminative, and circulatory properties. Below is a summary of the most clinically validated administration methods used in hospitals, pharmacies, and private practice in France.

1. Inhalation (Voie olfactive)

Used for:
- Nausea (chemotherapy, post-op, motion sickness)
- Anxiety, fatigue, cold sensations
How:
- Add 1–2 drops to a tissue or cotton pad, or use a personal inhaler stick
- For respiratory issues: Add 2–3 drops to steaming water and inhale
Frequency: As needed, every 30–60 minutes during symptoms

2. Sugar Cube (Voie orale – cube de sucre)

Used for:
- Chronic indigestion
- Nausea (including morning sickness)
- Joint pain (as systemic anti-inflammatory)
How:
- Place 1 drop of ginger EO on a sugar cube or small piece of bread
- Take after meals, 1–3× daily
Supervision: Internal use should be guided by a trained practitioner or pharmacist

3. Suppositories (Voie rectale)

Used for:
- Nausea and vomiting (when oral route is contraindicated)
- Inflammatory bowel issues (IBD, intestinal spasms)
How:
- Ginger EO diluted to 1–2% in a cocoa butter base
- Combined with other EOs like cardamom or chamomile
Source: Custom-prepared in compounding pharmacies or used in oncology/palliative care settings

4. Topical Application (Massage / Voie cutanée)

Used for:
- Joint and muscle pain (arthritis, sprains)
- Menstrual cramps
- Poor circulation, cold extremities
How:
- Dilute to 2–5% in a carrier oil
- Massage directly on the abdomen, back, joints, or legs
- Blend with wintergreen, marjoram, or lavender for enhanced effect

5. Aromatic Bath (Bain aromatique)

Used for:
- Rheumatism
- Post-viral fatigue
- Emotional exhaustion
How:
- Add 5–10 drops of ginger EO to a warm bath, using milk as a dispersant
- Soak for 15–20 minutes
Tip: Combine with black spruce or rosemary for adrenal support

6. Warm Compresses (Compresses chaudes)

Used for:
- Abdominal pain
- Joint inflammation
- Menstrual cramps
How:
- 3–5 drops in a bowl of hot water
- Soak cloth and apply to the affected area for 15 minutes

7. Capsules (Gélules aromatiques)

Used for:
- Chronic digestive issues
- Inflammatory joint conditions
How:
- Typically 30–50 drops ginger EO in a base of olive oil
- Encapsulated by compounding pharmacies
- Taken under prescription

8. Oral Drops in Honey or Olive Oil

Used for:
- Sluggish digestion
- Emotional fatigue
How:
- Mix 1 drop of ginger EO in 1 teaspoon of honey or olive oil
- Take 1–2× daily after meals
Note: Gentle delivery for children or elderly patients

9. Diffusion (Atmospheric Use)

Used for:
- Mental fog
- Depression
- Respiratory cleansing
How:
- Diffuse 5–10 drops for 15–30 minutes per hour
- Combine with citrus or conifer oils for respiratory blends

10. Aroma Stick (Stick olfactif personnel)

Used for:
- Motion sickness
- Travel anxiety
- Chemotherapy nausea
How:
- Blend ginger, lemon, and peppermint EOs in an aroma stick
- Inhale as needed throughout the day

Clinical Reminder

These methods are based on practices documented in French hospitals, pharmacies, and aromatherapy clinics. Always dilute essential oils properly and seek professional guidance for internal use or sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly).