Zingiberaceae is popular plant family that is widely used for medicinal purposes, as cooking spices, and as a source of essential oils. The Zingiberaceae family is characterized by its significant reliance on essential oils. This study aims to inventory, analyze distribution, and review the potential of essential oils from Zingiberaceae species. The species inventory is based on observations of herbarium specimens, and the potential of essential oils is known through a literature review. A total of 2,500 herbarium specimens stored at the Andalas University Herbarium (ANDA) and the Bogoriense Herbarium (BO) were identified. The results showed 100 species belonging to 20 genera of Zingiberaceae in West Sumatra. Zingiberaceae are found administratively in almost all cities and districts in West Sumatra, with Padang City and Mentawai Islands District. Geographically, Zingiberaceae are distributed in secondary and mixed forests in the lowland, medium elevation, and hilly to montane zones. Based on a literature review, 12% of Zingiberaceae species have been commercialized, 24% have potential for essential oil production, and the rest have not been studied for their essential oil content. The main components of essential oils found in Zingiberaceae are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.