Its aroma is warm and earthy with a spicy-wood tone from the dried root. Ginger is a great warming, stimulating yet grounding oil. Externally ginger is reputed to help reduce bruising by increasing local vascular activity; it warms the skin by stimulating blood flow and accelerates healing. It is also used to increase circulation to help relieve muscle and joint pain. Ginger is useful as an antiseptic and known to effectively treat colds and other upper respiratory conditions, and is used for digestive problems. Ginger is one of the most storied of essential oils, with references in ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic, Chinese and Sanskrit medical texts.
