Page 61 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

and make sure it completely covers the chopped ginger. Place the lid on the jar and let
this infuse for four to six weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake this daily to promote further
infusion. When four to six weeks have passed, strain the mixture out with a cheesecloth,
making sure to tightly squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the liquid out of the ginger. Bottle
the liquid in a dropper bottle.

Take one to three droppers-full, up to three times daily. Start with one dropper full three
times daily, and slowly up this dosage if needed.

Ginger and Turmeric Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil is another popular way to utilize ginger for its therapeutic qualities.
Essential oils are the very concentrated product of steam distillation or CO2 extraction.
These oils are much more potent than any extract or tea. This is because it takes a great
amount of plant material to create this small amount of concentrated plant material
containing plant isolates (essential oil).

Although some suggest taking essential oils internally, this can result in serious
complications, due to their potency. It is always best, and just as effective, if essential oils
are used topically for their benefits. After all, the practice of using essential oils
therapeutically is referred to as “aromatherapy” for a reason. Even the inhalation of these
amazing oils can help provide relief from a variety of ailments. For example, the
inhalation of ginger essential oil has been shown to effectively combat nausea.

To create an anti-inflammatory massage oil for sore, inflamed joints, simply add four
drops of ginger essential oil to a glass roller bottle that holds fifteen milliliters. Fill the
bottle up the rest of the way with a carrier oil like olive oil. Put the roller and cap back on
the bottle and shake it well to mix the ginger and olive oils. Apply the roller bottle to joints
and massage the oil blend into the skin well. This can help provide relief to joints at the
source of the problem.

This oil blend can also be applied to the stomach during times of gastrointestinal
discomfort to help settle the stomach and bowels. Rub the roller bottle onto the stomach
and use your hand to massage the oil into the skin, allowing it to fully absorb for best
results. Other oils that work great with ginger essential oil for pain and inflammation
include peppermint, black pepper, eucalyptus, and spearmint.

Ginger essential oil is much easier to obtain, but there are a few companies that sell
turmeric essential oil as well. You can use turmeric essential oil in much the same way as
ginger essential oil in the recipes previously mentioned. Turmeric essential oil pairs great
with black pepper essential oil, or even ginger essential oil, to further enhance the benefits
of any oil blend you create for inflammation.

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