The effect of the essential oil of Zingiber officinale on the inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The essential oil was obtained by the method of steam distillation; it was diluted in 0.1% Tween 80 until obtaining concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. To determine the sensitivity of Staphylocccus aureus, the Kirby Bauer agar diffusion method was used. The measurement of the diameter of millimeters in millimeters was made for the quantification of growth inhibition. The results of the test showed measures of 9.1 mm of inhibitory halo in a concentration of 5%, 12 mm in 10%, in 15%, 14.1 mm in 15% and 16.0 mm in 20%, demonstrating the inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. There is a significant difference between the concentrations applied.