Ginger, More Than a Fizzy Drink: Zingiberaceae

By Christi R. Pugh

For Nature’s Gift, Inc.

Frequently we are asked, “Why does Nature’s Gift carry so many Lavenders (Peppermints, Frankincense) or et al and why would an individual possibly need more than one type?” Understandably when one is new to essential oils, this can be confusing. (and even after years of study!)

There are many reasons, 1) No two essential oil crops are alike, even within the same family. Location, soil, climate, and many other factors can influence the outcome of a seasonal crop/plant.  2) Some genus’, such as Zingiberaceae (Ginger) cover such a wide range of uses, it is necessary to go-to different oils within the family from time to time. (Over 50 genus’, and some 1600 species within Zingiberaceae, including Ginger, Turmeric, Cardamom, and many more.) 

Mango Ginger CO2 being poured.

Mango Ginger (Curcuma amada), also known as “White Turmeric,” is just one special oil, “among the Gingers."   We all know how helpful Ginger (Zingiber officinale) can be for nausea, how warming it is, and how it can help with aching muscles, among other key uses.  And of course, in recent years, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has come into favor for health purposes, although we have evidence ancient people turned to rhizomes for a wide variety of ailments.  (Including: Stomachache, nausea, flatulence treatment via poultices and teas.) 

We added Mango Ginger CO2 in recent years for a bit of exploration after I (Christi) became curious about it.  The producer states it is antimicrobial, antioxidative, and antiallergenic with the main components of the oil comprised of: Monoterpenes, Monoterpene hydrocarbons, and the Sesquiterpene beta carophyllene, which is the purpose of our discussion today.

Interestingly, I (Christi) asked Marge to order Mango Ginger CO2 for me several years ago, as I had tried everything for pain in my wrist and thumb (trigger thumb/carpal tunnel) and the only essential oil that helped consistently was Hemp essential oil…cannabis sativa…(for pain relief, and contained no THC.)  The Hemp essential oil (Steam Distilled, not a cold pressed carrier oil) I learned, was high in beta carophyllene.  I began to research and read every GCMS (Gas Chromatography report) of any and every oil to find what else contained b-carophyllene.  I learned of Hops (didn’t try it, don’t like the smell), Black Pepper, and a few others.   Then, I began to read about Mango Ginger CO2 and had to try it! Undiluted it is somewhat thick, so we recommend using the dilution unless you are familiar with warming oils, etc.

As soon as it arrived, I began experimenting and touted its use for pain relief and inflammation to anyone who would listen! Instead, folks kept going for the costlier options, and my “discovery” just wasn’t being heeded. Finally, when two different clients had exhausted other options, I suggested Mango Ginger Co2 10%.  I had found it to be cost effective and fast acting.  When I got feedback from these clients, I was overjoyed to learn Mango Ginger CO2 was also helping them alleviate “Trigger finger,” type pain and inflammation.  An amazingly effective and cost effective remedy.

 In the past year, we’ve added Plai, as well Ginger SelectCo2 and Ginger Total Co2 to our line-up of oils, as well as Turmeric CO2 and JavaneseTurmeric Co2.  These oils offer amazing benefits for the user and we would encourage one to read more about them on our website or to request samples the next time you place an order.  

I’ve found it is easy to overlook oils from the Ginger (Zingiberaceae) family because they seem so common and numerous.  Doing so would be a mistake when this vast family of spices has so very much to offer.