Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder that occurs in 60% to 90% of people older than 65 years. The prevalence of osteoarthritis is reported to be between 19.2% and 28.2%, and predictably this disease will be the fourth leading cause of chronic disability in the world by 20202. A consequence of osteoarthritis is the presentation of clinical symptoms including joint pain, decreased range of the joint motion (ROM), inflammation, and swelling of the joint. Treatment of osteoarthritis includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches and surgery as a last resort. Due to the wide range of side-effects of drug treatments, including nausea and peptic ulcer, it is very important to consider non-pharmaceutical treatments such as aromatherapy.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the plants used for aromatherapy. It has a fragrant smell and pungent taste and has long been used to treat various diseases such as colds, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, and stomach ulcers. Several beneficial characteristics have so far been known for ginger, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.