How to use ginger?

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its roots, commonly referred to as rhizomes, are traditionally used as a condiment or spice in the culinary field. In addition to this usage, ginger is also employed in phytotherapy to alleviate nausea and digestive disorders.

Beyond these applications, ginger also finds its place in theworld of cosmetics. Indeed, it is possible to extract from the rhizomes of this plant an oil with skin and hair benefits, giving ginger a varied range of beneficial applications for the health of the skin and hair.

If ginger is so widely used in cosmetics, it's because it possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Indeed, it contains several beneficial active ingredients, notably gingerol and shogaol, which are effective in protecting cells from free radicals and, by extension, in delaying skin ageing. These compounds also act to reduce inflammation and soothe irritations and itching.

Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that ginger has a protective effect on collagen and elastin by reducing the synthesis of enzymes responsible for their degradation. In doing so, this ingredient promotes epithelialisation and tissue regeneration. Given all these properties, the topical use of ginger proves relevant for skin lacking radiance, exposed to oxidative stress and prone to imperfections or skin sagging.

How to apply ginger as a skincare treatment?

• Hot Compress: mix hot water with ginger extract, then soak a clean cloth in it. Apply the compress to the area of your choice for approximately 15 minutes.

• Massage Oil: mix ginger extract with a vegetable oil (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil) and gently massage to allow the oil to penetrate.

If you are using ginger essential oil, the recommended dilution in a carrier oil is 1 to 2%, as a higher concentration may potentially irritate the skin.

Ginger also finds its place in hair care cosmetics. Antiseptic, it helps to control the bacterial populations of the scalp. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good ally to alleviate scalp tightness and itching. Finally, ginger has a protective effect on the hair. Indeed, its antioxidant virtues preserve the hair fibres from oxidative stress, which can weaken the hair bulb and accelerate the appearance of split ends.

How to use ginger for hair application?

• Hair mask: mix ginger extract with a vegetable oil and apply it from mid-lengths to ends. Allow it to act for about half an hour before rinsing with warm water.

• Hot compress/massage oil: similar to the skin, it is possible to mix ginger extract with a vegetable oil or hot water before applying it to the scalp. This technique is primarily used to soothe itching and reduce irritation.

Finally, ginger finds its place in the culinary field and has several benefits for the body and health. It can particularly strengthen the immune system, promote digestion and combat nausea.

How to use ginger for oral consumption?

• To season dishes.

  You can enjoy the various benefits of ginger by incorporating it into your dishes, which will also enhance their flavour. Whether fresh, powdered, grated or pickled, there are countless ways to use ginger in cooking. It is particularly appreciated in stir-fried vegetable dishes and salads. You can also steep ginger in hot water to make a revitalising tea.

• As a dietary supplement.

  Ginger capsules also exist, intended for individuals suffering from motion sickness or morning sickness. These capsules are typically dosed at 250 mg and should be taken between 2 and 4 times a day. It's worth noting that it's always preferable to seek advice from your doctor before starting a course of dietary supplements.

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• BALIGA M. S. & al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) the Dietary Agent in Skin Care: A Review. Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plants Extracts in Dermatology (2012).

• DUFFY N. & al. Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: what the dermatologist needs to know. American journal of clinical dermatology (2015).

• ZAAKU J. S. & al. Medicinal Properties of Ginger and Garlic: A Review. Current trends in biomedical engineering & biosciences (2019).

• ZAFRILLA P. & al. Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases. Molecules (2022).