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Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Jatamansi Oil

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Jatamansi-bannerRespected as a divine herb in Ayurveda, Jatamansi is used as a tonic for the brain and the nervous system. It has been suggested by numerous Ayurvedic texts for treating sleeping troubles, depression, stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and nervous problems.

Charaka Samhita, the celebrated Ayurvedic Encyclopedia recommends Jatamansi herb for improving memory power, treating insomnia, hysteria and mental instability. Scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi, this herb is known as Balchara or Mamsi in Ayurveda and is also known by other names like Indian Spikenard, Nardus root, Jaila, Musk root, Nardin and Nard.

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Historical uses of Jatamansi and its essential oil:

Indigenous to the Himalayas, Jatamansi grows up to 1 m at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. This plant bears red, pink or blue color flowers and has been used in various traditional medicines for its medicinal and aromatic rhizomes.

There are many Biblical references of this herb and it is used to represent St. Joseph in the Catholic iconography. It is mentioned in the New Testament where Mary, the sister of Lazarus uses a pint of pure Jatamansi oil to anoint the holy feet of Jesus Christ. It is also noted in the Song of Solomon as nard and is included in the coat of arms of Pope Francis in reference to St. Joseph.

Jatamansi oil was an important part of the Ayurvedic tradition since the primordial times where the medicated oil is known to cure insomnia, digestive problems, epilepsy, hysteria, weak mental health, improper blood circulation and as a tonic to the entire system. This herb was used as a diuretic and as a herb for the heath of heart and liver in Unani medicine.

The powdered rhizomes of Jatamansi were taken internally to treat hepatitis, infertility, menstrual disorders, cleanse the uterus, mental agitation, enhance the appetite and helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Jatamansi was also used by renowned Physicians like Dioscorides and Apicius. The Persian and Arabian Physicians praised this herb as Sumbul-i-Hindi. The medicated Nard oil was offered on the precious incense altar when Tabernacle was positioned in the First and Second temples of Jerusalem.

Spikenard or Jatamansi was also used as a flavoring agent in the ancient Roman cuisines and as a seasoning in the Medieval European food varieties. It is used in making attars, perfume (L’eau De Jatamansi), incense sticks, hair care products and numerous beauty products. Jatamansi is also used along with certain other herbs in Vedic prayers performed with fire since the ancient period.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Jatamansi oil:

The principal constituents of Jatamansi oil are valeranone, nardostachone, bornyl acetate, jatamansinol, dihydrojatamansin, isobornyl, terpineol, jatamansinone, tetramenthyloxatricylodecanol, oroselone, aromadendrene, Menthylthymyl-ether, nardosinone, seselin, nardostachyin, valeranal, cineol-1,8, spirojatamol and jatamansic acid and few other coumarins. The remedial properties of this oil are nervine, antiseptic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, anti-pyretic, deodorant, fungicidal, sedative, anti-depressant and calmative.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil:

Ayurveda is a righteous science that trusts that every creature on earth is a part of nature and it believes that one’s illness and wellness depends upon their balance or imbalance with nature. Ayurvedic texts strongly state that human body is a temple where the spirit dwells in, so it is very important to keep the body, mind and spirit clean and composed just like preserving a place of worship.

Ayurveda is called as a holistic healing methodology as it approaches health as being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually fit. It is for this reason; Ayurvedic physicians recommend herbs, essential oils, yoga, physical exercises, balanced diet, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and prayers to keep one hale and hearty.

Every individual is treated in a unique manner even if they are affected by the same illness because the theory of Ayurveda identifies every human being as a unique part of nature and as a distinct creation with a unique individual constitution. This constitution is built up of three major bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta. These doshas govern various functions of our body and imbalance of these energies cause sickness.

Each and every human being has a predominance of any one these Ayurvedic body types that determine their personality, physique, mental attributes, behavior and preferences. Ayurvedic remedies aim at balancing the dosha imbalances as perfect balance between these doshas are a clear sign of healthy and heartiness.

Jatamansi is a promising Ayurvedic remedy that has the potent to pacify all the three doshas, especially pitta and kapha energies.

And it’s time to look at the amazing Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil.jatamansi-broucher-11. Alleviates depression, stress and insomnia:

The rhizomes of Jatamansi herb have strong anti-depressant properties that calms the mind, relaxes the body and grants absolute peace to the entire system. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to your diffuser, burner, vaporizer or to bathing water is said to alleviate depression, chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and tension.

Blend 5 drops of this oil with 2.5 ml of sesame oil and massage your body for relieving from chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous headache, negative feelings, sleeping difficulties, lack of self-confidence and sluggishness. Jatamansi is loved as a herb for the mind and emotions with its anti-depressant, anti-stress and antioxidant properties that help in lessening oxidative stress thus mitigating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Since the traditional times, several studies have proved the effectiveness of Jatamansi as a promising de-stressing and sedative agent by increasing the rest time. A 2012 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats’ stated that this herb has potent anti-stress qualities representing its therapeutic significance in disorders related to stress.

A 2008 study on ‘Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice’ revealed that the ethanolic extracts of Jatamansi emerges to be a potent anti-depressive means when compared to reference drugs like Sertaline and Imipramine in decreasing depressive signs in mice. This study also state that “the extract may have potential therapeutic value for the management of mental depression.”

2. Tonic to your intellect:

Jatamansi and its essential oil have been used in many Ayurvedic preparations as a neuro-protective agent and brain tonic for improving memory power, cognitive performance and thinking capacity. It has been trusted to promote intellectual power, improve mental weaknesses, instability and mental sluggishness.

A 2006 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mic’e by Joshi and Parle, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, India proved that Jatamansi extracts significantly enhanced memory power and learning in both aged and young mice.

This study also reiterates the clinically proven use of Jatamansi herb in Ayurveda as an antioxidant, anti-ischemic, neuro-protective and anticonvulsant agent and it also states that Jatamansi can also be used as a memory uplifting agent in the healing of dementia in elderly people.

You can wear 1 drop of Jatamansi oil on your wrist, handkerchief or a tissue paper at the time of studying or in your room whenever you feel like refreshing your mind power. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in air freshener, diffuser, burner or vaporizer for adding muscles to your brain power and intellect.

3. Puts an end to hostile and obstinate behaviors:

The essential oil of Jatamansi has calming, soothing, cooling, restoring and relaxing qualities that assist in holding back the burning sensation of the mind and body. Being a natural coolant that calms pitta or the fire energy, Jatamansi essential oil can work wonders in controlling your negative emotions like anger, aggressiveness, stubborn behaviors, tension and intimidating attributes.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil in warm bathing water or in your diffuser or aromatic lamp can effectively control resentment by tranquilizing your mind and body. You can also opt for a calming massage by blending 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml sesame oil.

4. Treats nervous disorders:

Jatamansi is held high in Ayurveda as a powerful neuro-protective agent that calms vata energy, clears pitta force and decreases kapha dosha. By this way, Jatamansi nourishes and cools the worn out and burning nervous system.

It aids in treating various nervous disorders along with bipolar disorders, delusions and certain other psychological problems. Jatamansi have been clinically proven effective since the primeval period in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, nervous breakdown and hysteria.

Abhyanga or the art of Ayurvedic massaging is the best method to use Jatamansi for treating nervous disorders. Mix 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml of coconut oil and massage it gently on the affected parts. The deep penetrating quality of this oil supports in improving nervous problems.

5. Relieves respiratory problems:

Jatamansi oil has the potent to reduce kapha energy, the excess of which is responsible for the creation of mucus and phlegm. This oil assists in expelling the excess mucous deposits and phlegm accumulated in the chest, nasal passages and respiratory tract.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil to 1ml of coconut oil or your cold rub and massaging it on your throat, back and chest can aid in opening up blocked nasal passages, clear chest congestion, treat cough and cold, spasmodic cough, asthma, whooping cough and sinusitis. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation for quick relief from respiratory troubles.

6. Reduces heart palpitations and convulsions:

Palpitations of the heart are caused when vata energy shoves pitta dosha and leads it to rush through the channels characterized by unnoticed skipped beats, increased heart rate, breathing difficulty and dizziness.

The oil of Jatamansi is used in the treatment of palpitations of the heart and convulsions mainly because of its anti-convulsive and anti-arrhythmic activity. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to warm foot bath or bathing water or gently massaged on the affected area after blending it with 1 ml olive oil can ease tension and grant relief from convulsions and palpitations.

Other health benefits:

Jatamansi is indeed a miraculous part of nature that has innumerable healing properties ingrained in it. The essential oil of Jatamansi has been used as a uterus stimulant for promoting menstruation, cleansing the uterus, treating dysmennorhea and inflammation of the uterus. It was also used as an aphrodisiac in treating impotence and seminal debility. It is also known for promoting the growth of hair, retain its natural color and slow down the process of graying.

Jatamansi oil is a natural antiseptic that assists in healing wounds, eczema, burns, rashes, allergies and certain other skin infections due the infestation of microbes like bacteria and fungi. It is also effective in the treatment of renal colic, liver enlargement, hepatitis, jaundice, pancreatitis, fever and lung problems.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not destined to substitute any professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never take essential oils internally and use it topically in a diluted form only, as organic and pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and can harm you if used in a concentrated form. Remember to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the appropriate essential oil for your health condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.     -Victor Hugo

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine by Virginia M Tyler, M.S. Premila
  2. THE COMPLETE BOOK ON JATROPHA (BIO-DIESEL) WITH ASHWAGANDHA, STEVIA, BRAHMI & JATAMANSI HERBS (CULTIVATION, PROCESSING & USES) by NIIR BOARD OF CONSULTANTS AND ENGINEERS
  3. Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way: Creating Happiness with Meditation, Yoga, and Ayurveda by Nancy Liebler, Sandra Moss
  4. The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health by David Simon M.D., Deepak Chopra M.D.
  5. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) by Wikipedia
  2. Nardostachys jatamansi by Examine.com
  3. Benefits of Jatamansi by Ayurveda Yogashram
  4. Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice by Dhingra D, Goyal PK, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, India published in PubMed
  5. Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats by Lyle N, Chakrabarti S, Sur T, Gomes A, Bhattacharyya D, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, India published in PubMed
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Pine Scotch Essential Oil

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Pine-bannerPine oil has such a great honor as it can garland anybody with the bliss and blessedness of the Christmas occasion at any given time. Apart from its use in Christmas decoration, Pine tree and the essential oil extracted from its needles through steam distillation method has many uses in the field of Complementary and Alternative medicine and in household cleaning. There are many species of Pine trees and the common ones used for essential oil extraction are Pinus sylvestris, Pinus alba, Pinus pinea and Pinus pinaster.

The book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Bryan Miller and Light Miller quotes Pine oil as “The world’s largest production of any one essential oil is Pine.  It is known to be a stimulant, helping people to be comfortable with any situation”.

With similar properties like Eucalyptus oil, Pine oil was used as a strong medicinal aid in many traditional healing practices including Ayurveda for treating chronic respiratory problems like pneumonia and bronchitis.

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Historical importance of Pine tree and its essential oil:

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine used Pine in the treatment of pulmonary conditions and established its healing effects on the respiratory system. Pine oil was recommended by the ancient physician Pliny for treating respiratory and lung problems.

The Native Americans chewed the needles of the Pine tree to defend against scurvy. They also used the clean-scented Pine needles on their bed to ward off fleas, lice and bed bugs. The highly ornamental timber of Pinus pinaster also known as Maritime pine was used in making furniture, building frames, panels, internal flooring, veneers, particle board etc. The pinecones are also used as Christmas decorations.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Pine Scotch oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Pine Scotch oil constitutes of 15 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, alpha-Pinene contributes to the highest proportion of Pine Scotch oil constituents with about 34.7% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I believe that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about these prime chemical constituents of Pine Scotch oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these biochemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Pine Scotch essential oil.

pine-scotch-oil

Therapeutic properties of Pine essential oil:

The therapeutic values of Pine pinaster oil are anti-inflammatory, expectorant, restorative, stimulant, antiviral, antibacterial, circulatory, decongestant, disinfectant, analgesic and deodorant. The bark of this tree contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPC’s) that make it an effective antioxidant that can fight against free radicals responsible for cancerous diseases.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Pine essential oil:

Ayurveda is a common sense science that considers illness as an opportunity to trace what is out of balance and what is the actual root cause for an illness. Ayurvedic remedies aim at treating the individual as a whole and the root cause of the disease instead of the disease alone. This helps in preventing illnesses in the future and paves way for healthy aging and longevity.

According to this traditional methodology, same medicine is not given to two individuals even if they have the same health problem because Ayurveda trusts that every individual is unique with a special combination of energy elements known as vata, pitta and kapha doshas and every person needs a unique treatment based on their individual constitution.

Every human being will have a predominance of any one of these doshas, which determines his/her personality. Dosha imbalance is the major reason for all kinds of sickness. Among the three doshas, Pine essential oil has the power to reduce surplus of vata and kapha and treat pitta deficiency.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of using Pine essential oil are:pine-broucher1. Soothes respiratory problems:

5 drops of Pine essential oil added to steam inhalation helps you in treating sinusitis, cough and cold. The decongestant and expectorant properties of this oil aids in breaking up the mucus deposits and expelling it from the lungs.

Painful cough, congestion, flu, bronchitis, blocked nose, chest congestion, asthma and sinus infections can be treated with this natural aid. You can also mix 2 drops of Pine oil with 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil in a base of coconut oil for using it as a rub or in warm bath for lessening the effects of such respiratory infections.

2. Alleviates stress:

The sweet, slightly balsamic, evergreen, woody and fresh aroma of Pine essential oil instills a warm feeling of newness on the mind.  The aromatic molecules in the essential oil that pass through the nasal passages reach the limbic system of the human brain, where emotions, feelings and responses are controlled. This aids in transforming the relaxing, calming, invigorating, balancing, detoxifying, uplifting, strengthening and energizing effects of Pine essential oil on the mind and body.

This makes Pine essential oil as an excellent mood enhancer and makes it a powerful remedy in alleviating mental strain, stiffness, stress, fatigue, nervous tension and fear. Pine oil is known to help people remember the ways to get along with the flow of life; just like the Pine tree does by the ebb of the sea.

It is for this reason Pine essential oil is a proven remedy in treating memory loss and lack of concentration power. Inhaling the aroma of the divine Pine oil by adding 3 to 4 drops in your diffuser, potpourri, pillows or to a napkin aids in granting emotional stability and the power to go on and on.

3. Reduces pain and boosts metabolism:

Pine essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that aids in treating rheumatic pain, muscular aches, stiff joints and arthritis. Massaging the affected area with 5 to 6 drops of Pine oil added to soothing carrier oils like sesame oil or coconut oil followed by a hot bath blended with 3 drops of Pine oil can grant you relief from all kinds of pain. This massaging also helps in boosting your metabolism and stimulates the process of digestion. Pine essential oil is also used as a diuretic for eliminating water retention and toxins from your body.

4. Fights against bacteria and other harmful organisms:

A 2001 study on ‘Chemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils of Five Moroccan Pinaceae’ suggested that the examination of the antibacterial activity witnessed that the essential oils of Pinus pinaster and Pinus pinea demonstrated a definite activity against all types of organisms tested and also possess a remarkable antiseptic activity.

5 drops of Pine essential oil blended with carrier oils like almond oil can be used in massaging, in bath or as a topical application for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, virus and certain other harmful organisms. This aids in protecting one from skin infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial infections and viral infections like flu and cold.

5. Protects the skin:

As a natural antiseptic, astringent, circulatory, antiviral, restorative and antibacterial oil, Pine essential oil is known for treating an extensive range of skin problems like acne, burns, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, dry scaly skin, boils, itching, eczema and wounds. You can add 4 drops of Pine essential oil to your antiseptic cream or skin care lotion and apply it on the affected part for quicker healing.

Tremendous health benefits of the bark extract of Pinus pinaster: Apart from the essential oil, the extracts from the bark of the Pinus pinaster tree has gained great recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of illnesses.

A recent research on ‘Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract’ proved that “P. pinaster bark extract (PBE) contains polyphenolic compounds (these compounds consist of catechin, taxifolin, procyanidins of various chain lengths formed by catechin and epicatechin units, and phenolic acids) capable of producing diverse potentially protective effects against chronic and degenerative diseases.”

This extract was also evidenced with anti-inflammatory effects, cholesterol-lowering effects, antimicrobial and antiviral effects, benefits for cardiovascular system, venous disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergy and asthma, menstrual disorders, pregnancy associated pain and endometriosis.

Disclaimer:

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes when used undiluted. It should always be used after diluting in carrier oils. Do not take essential oils internally as it may be harmful for your system. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using essential oils for your unique individual constitution.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Pine Scotch oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Pine Scotch oil.

Pine Scotch Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

Greener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 – Possible Skin Issues:

See => http://www.essentialdepot.com/GreenerLifeDiamond.html

The essential oil of Pine Scotch is said to cause mild skin irritation, contact dermatitis, sensitization, allergic reactions and irritation of the mucous membrane. It has been certified as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by the FEMA (Flavouring Extract Manufacturers’ Association). The chief chemical components responsible for the adverse skin impacts of Pine Scotch oil are α-pinene, delta-3-carene and limonene, mainly due to their autoxidation effects.

Certain studies report the effects of Pine scotch oil on contact dermatitis and sensitivity.  When used in large doses α-pinene has the potent to cause irritation of the mucous membrane, kidney damage, CNS (Central Nervous System) depression, growth of benign tumors, skin sensitization, allergies and irritation.

According to the Food and Cosmetic Toxicology edition (1976) by L.J. Opdyke, Pine Scotch oil sensitizing and irritating to certain individuals and is nonphototoxic in nature. When tested on repeated dermatitis patients at 2%, this oil provoked allergic reactions in about 12 members of the 1606 tested.

As Pine scotch oil has the tendency to irritate the lining of the mucous membrane during inhalation, it is good to avoid this oil if you have asthma, allergies in the respiratory passages and bronchial disorders.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) claims Pine Scotch oil as a sensitizing oil. Pine Scotch oil is recommended only for dermal use and not for ingestion. Besides being proved as an effective cytotoxic agent (fights against cancerous cells), certain studies have witnessed the renal failure, genotoxic and acute toxicity effects of the ingestion of Pine scotch oil.

Never use Pine scotch oil in an undiluted form and make certain that you always blend essential oils with gentle carrier oils like coconut oil and olive oil, as organic essential oils are very concentrated and may cause negative effects on the eyes, skin and the body. Stay safe by using diluted Pine scotch oil and avoid using it on allergies, damaged skin, eyes and inflammatory skin conditions.

It is better to avoid the use of Pine scotch oil if you are pregnant or nursing as there is insufficient information on the safe use of this oil during these sensitive times when the system experience enormous changes in the hormonal functions.

These possible skin issues are applicable only for leave-on products like creams and lotions and not for rinse-off products like soaps, shampoos and other bath preparations.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Pine Scotch Oil:

  1. Pine oil by Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals By Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young
  2. Pine side effects and safety by WebMD
  3. Pine Needle Oil Toxicology by Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics by Ikhlas A. Khan and Ehab A. Abourashed
  4. Medicinal Plants in Australia Volume 2: Gums, Resins, Tannin and Essential Oils by Cheryll Williams
  5. Selectivity of Pinus sylvestris extract and essential oil to estrogen-insensitive breast cancer cells Pinus sylvestris against cancer cells by Nguyen Thi Hoai, Ho Viet Duc, Do Thi Thao, Anne Orav and Ain Raal, published in the Pharmacognosy Magazine
  6. Scotch Pine Needle Oil by The Good Scents Company
  7. Pinus Species by Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2

Thought for the day:

Trees are the earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.
-Rabindranath Tagore

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Practice of Aromatherapy by Dr. Jean Valnet
  2. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  3. The Aromatherapy Companion: Medicinal Uses/Ayurvedic Healing/Body-Care Blends/Perfumes & Scents/Emotional Health & Well-Being (Herbal Body) by Victoria H. Edwards

Reference Links:

  1. Maritime Pine by Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries
  2. Chemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils of Five Moroccan Pinaceae published in The Journal of Essential Oil Research
  3. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract published in PubMed

 


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Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Shea Butter

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Weekend Retreat $200 Oct 10-11 Sheraton Orlando

Did you use Shea butter today?

If yes, then you deserve a ‘PAT ON THE BACK‘ for being the ultimate reason behind the smiles of thousands of African women, who bank upon Shea butter for earning their livelihood.

Shea butter is the Blessed and Benevolent ‘BRAINCHILD’ of Almighty Himself.

I utter this statement simply because of a solid reason that ‘Shea’ is the most generous tree in the world, which is counted on by the economically-challenged and toiling African community.

Extraction of Shea butter has become the ‘bread winning’ profession of the most deprived and the valiant African women.

Women are nobly, the best creation in the planet. They adorn the world, wherever they are. All she touches turn to gold and all these florid words are to explore the secret behind the magnificence of Shea trees.

Shea-butter-bannerShea trees can live up to 200 years and Shea nuts are harvested by women in a traditional way.

It is a well known fact that Shea Butter comes from the tropics of Africa and you’d be glad to know that the process of extracting the butter is extremely unique. I for one thought that there was a very elaborate and strenuous procedure to it, but the ingenious way was actually quite simple.

The nuts of the Shea-Karite tree are first collected. It is said that these trees take nearly 15 years to bear fruit, and only after completion of 30 years, the tree begins to produce its best. Well, after the nuts are collected they are cracked, grilled and pounded. Next they are dropped into a pot of boiling water where they are boiled for hours till the butter floats to the surface.

The butter is then carefully scooped up from the surface and placed in a holding container to cool off. This is called unrefined or raw Shea Butter. Though West Africa used to be the major producer of Shea Butter, East Africa is beginning to take its turn in making the softest Shea Butter that you’d ever seen.

Purchase Shea Butter – Unrefined – 8 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Shea Butter – Grade A- Unrefined – 32 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Shea Butter – Unrefined – 5 lbs – CLICK HERE

What makes us talk about this?

When people of today list out their concerns, most of them focus on beauty and fitness! Even psychiatrists believe that a person’s physical appearance can certainly change the total well being of the individual. Coming to the conclusion that a lot of things in today’s world revolves around physical appearance, people have started focusing on the best of the best that can make them look and be their best.

While we are on the page of talking of what’s the best that could happen to the cosmetic industry, none can deny that Shea Butter is yellow gold from the God’ s themselves. Well that’s how most cosmeticians have gotten to know it.

For those of you who are quite new to the topic of discussion, let me guide you through the in and out of this buttery gold.

Let’s start by learning about the history and culture of Shea Butter.

History of Shea Butter:  

Shea Butter had found its place in the land of Africa centuries ago and has been mentioned of how well it has been cherished over the years. The butter has been immensely popular that it has been trapped in the history and culture of the West African wooded savanna.

You’ll find its mention in almost all the African historical documents which also dates back to the reference as early as Cleopatra’s Egypt, where caravans bearing clay jars of Shea butter for cosmetic use where mentioned back then.

The History also speaks of funeral beds of kings which were engraved in the woods of the old Shea trees, and the mention of Shea Butter as a primary ingredient in African pharmacology.

Shea butter has many useful properties and has been used for traditional hair and skin care, as cooking oil, and as a lamp fuel. The butter is of an ivory color which contains triglycerides and Unsaponifiables, including Katitene, Lupeol, Butryospermol, Parkeol, Karisterols, and cinnamic esters.

The butter is a resourceful active component known for its anti-aging, soothing and moisturizing properties. Shea Butter has been used as an important ingredient in beauty products across the world, for both skin as well as the hair to prevent them from drying out in the harsh African environment.  Observations carried out in 1940 found that the folk of Africa who used the butter had fewer occurrences of skin diseases than those who didn’t.

Culture of Shea Butter:  

Shea Butter in Togo:

Learning from a person who was bred in Togo I found that each linguistic group has their own name for the Shea tree and Shea butter., and in the language of Kaboli native of Togo, it was called oyi and the Shea tree is eggi-oyi.

In northern Togo, Shea Butter is very essential, and a valuable natural resource for this region. It’s used in food, cosmetic oil, and in the ceremonial practices of various ethnic groups in central Togo.

Shea Butter in Fulani Group Cultures:

Among the Fulani group Shea butter was used by the bride for 3 months before the wedding to beautify herself for the big day. The butter would be made by her mother or other female relatives.

The groom would also need to use the butter to prepare for the wedding. Godja ritual, which is a ritual of whipping, will be carried out by the bride parents to check the son-in-law’s willingness to endure physical pain for his bride.

If he shows the lightest signs of weakness during the ritual, the wedding will be called off and he will have to wait a year to try it again.  Shea Butter along with honey is used to treat the wounds before the wedding day.

Shea Butter in the Okalakun Plateau:

In central Togo, Shea Butter and its byproducts do play an important role in daily life. The residue that is left behind after the collection of the butter from the boiling water is nothing but milky red water. This water is said to have a certain scent that can ward away termites. Living in Africa termites can be a major cause of destruction to food and property.

So, the red milky water that is collected after removing the Shea oil is mixed with clay to form bricks. This is very effective, and has been adopted throughout central and northern Togo and is used for making granaries to store corn, millet and yams, which are susceptible very to termites.

Nature of Shea Butter:  

The butter is adaptable to all climatic conditions and is normally solid at room temperature. The aspect that I really like about the butter is that it quickly melts at body temperature making it extremely easy to use. Though this is the natural quality of the butter, the color and smell, even the quality of the butter may vary based on the method of extraction of the butter.

Though that this is the most suitable variety of Shea Butter to use, Shea Butter is also received in the market in two other varieties.

The first and the purest variety being the raw or unrefined butter that is obtained using water. This variety is similar to whipped butter, and sometimes takes the color of a grayish yellow.

The second would be the refined one which is highly processed taking extra effort to maintain its natural qualities.

The third would be the highly refined or processed solvent which uses hexane through the process to help with increasing the yield. Also to make the butter more pleasant to the eye, the processed Shea Butter is pure white.

Shea Butter and its Smell:

Understanding that the butter is derived from a nut, it is quite obvious that the butter has a nutty fragrance to it. This smell is seen only in the raw form of the butter and for those who find the smell to be unpleasant, may look or the processed forms of the butter.

Though, over a period of time the smell of the raw butter might diminish.  Since butter can go rancid, you might want to be on the look out to see if your butter is beginning to smell. ‘Your butter should never smell rotten.’

Properties & Composition of Shea Butter:  

As Shea Butter melts at body temperature, it gets rapidly absorbed into the skin and acting as a “re-fatting” agent. It is also pretty good at binding with water and hence extensively used in skin care. The butter contains fatty acids like stearic acid (20-50%), palmitic acid (2-9%), oleic acid (40-60%), linoleic acid (3-11%), and arachidic acid (<1%).

The stearic acid of the butter has the property of mixing and blending with oils and water, hence is commonly used in low concentrations to function as an additive in liquid cosmetics for skin and hair.

Because stearic acid helps water and oil mix, the ingredient is also added to many liquid cosmetics, and skin and hair care products in low concentrations to function as an additive rather than an active ingredient or cleansing agent.

Oleic acid on the other hand is a monounsaturated fat which is known for its preservative properties and also used as a cleaning agent in the manufacturing of soaps and detergents. Oleic acid is also an emollient and used in creams, lipsticks, lotions, and skin products.

Health Benefits of Shea Butter:

In general Shea Butter finds itself extensively used in the areas of the cosmetics industry for skin- and hair-related products. The butter contains an abundance of unsaponifiables which make it any cosmetic’s best friend. It is basically used as a conditioner for dry and brittle hair, skin moisturizer, creams and emulsions, and even seen in lip gloss.

You’d be surprised to know that the butter is also used as cooking oil, for candle-making, used as a cosmetic in hairdressing, a waterproof waxing, and also in medicinal ointments.

Musicians of Africa are even known to use the butter as a wax on their percussion instruments to increase the durability of wood. The butter is also used to bring out flavor in organic broths, and in the UK there are used to make softer tissue products for daily use (Toilet Paper).

SHeabutter-broucherShea Butter for the Skin:

As already stated in the nutritional facts, Shea Butter is loaded with vitamins. The focus of today is going to be on Vitamins A, E and F. These vitamins generally have a lot to do with maintaining and healthy nourished skin.

Vitamins A and E help keep the skin clear and healthy. On comparison with many extensively used fats and oils, we see that Shea Butter is high in Unsaponifiables, containing between 7-12% Unsaponifiables; which in relation to avocado oils that contain only 2-6%.

Anti-aging Properties of Shea Butter:

Regular usage of Shea Butter may prevent premature wrinkling of skin and the occurrence of facial lines, this being most women’s dream come true. The Vitamin F seen in the butter acts as a general skin protector, and a rejuvenator. Since the butter also contains essential fatty acids like vitamins A and E, they help in maintaining your skin’s elasticity and suppleness.

Shea Butter as a Moisturizer:

A research carried out in 2012 by the Tennessee State University states, “The properties of the tree are stearic acid, which promotes and protects skin barrier health (Fowler, 2008) and various ingredients such as triterpene alcohols, known to reduce inflammation; cinnamic acid esters, that have limited capacity to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation; and lupeol, this property prevents the effects of skin aging by blocking the action or function of enzymes that degrade skin proteins.”

The butter can also be used in treating sun damaged skin, mature skin, severely dry skin, chapped lips and also used in the treatment of damaged hair.  The presence of high level of Unsaponifiables seen in the butter is truly one of the reasons that make Shea Butter the choice in the treatment of above mentioned disorders.

The butter has the ability to soothe, hydrate and balance the skin and can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin and eczema, as a dry scalp treatment. The butter is often used on chapped lips, and to treat cracked dry skin on heels, elbows and knees.

Shea Butter as a Sun Screen:

Unlike other product of skin care, Shea Butter melts and gets absorbed into the skin allowing the skin to breath, favoring few skin related complications. Shea Butter also acts as a natural sun screen and provides a degree of protection from the sun due to the presence of cinnamic acid in it.

Shea Butter for Minor Skin Problems:

The butter is known for its soothing effect on the skin and has little evidence that it can treat minor skin conditions like eczema and acne. People who have used Shea Butter for treatment of psoriasis, claim that it has no side effects and is half as expensive as their regular treatment regimen.

There were even several instances when users of the butter reported absence of regular occurring rashes ever since they have put Shea butter to use. The properties of Shea Butter are extensive effective that as of today the butter is also used in getting rid of stretch marks as well. The butter I also good to use as a skin softener while you shave; you can use it instead of soap, or even post shave to make the skin smoother.

The American Shea Butter Institute strongly believes that; raw Shea butter maintains its therapeutic qualities, whereas processed Shea butter loses its healing properties. So sticking to the raw form of Shea Butter can make a worlds difference if you are looking for prompt results.

Shea Butter for the Hair:

Shea Butter is just great for the hair. It nourishes and moisturizes hair from the roots to the tips. Besides this, it also serves in protecting your hair from dryness, brittleness, and weather damage.  It serves bet for treating dry damaged hair, and can be used to restore life into damaged hair caused by heating iron.

The butter is readily absorbed into the scalp and prevents side effects such as the itchy, sticky feeling that you get when you use oils. On regular usage of Shea Butter on your hair, you’ll see life breathed into it and luster returned to those damaged shafts. Shea butter can also be used in conjunction with coconut or olive oil and other essential oils to nourish the skin, hair and scalp.

Medicinal Benefits of Shea Butter:

Shea butter is a good emollient and has found its way into making medicinal ointment as well. The butter has anti-inflammatory properties, and humectants properties. The butter is commonly used in sun blocks, lotions as treatment of sun tanned or skin damaged by the sun.

Shea butter is also used in the treatment of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion in Nigeria, and also massaged into joints and parts of the body where pain is experienced. Besides this, the butter is also used in treating insect bites and rheumatism.

A research on ‘Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of triterpene cinnamates and acetates from Shea fat’ in the year 2010 states that, “The biological activities of triterpene acetate and cinnamate esters, together with the exceptionally high levels of these triterpenes in Shea fat, indicate that Shea nuts and Shea fat (Shea butter) constitute a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds.”

Conditions to Use Shea Butter:

Just to make things very clear, I am listing out a few conditions where you might want to put Shea Butter to the task for immediate effects.

Some of them are skin rash, Blemishes and wrinkles, Skin peeling, after tanning, dry skin, Itching skin, Sunburn, Small skin wounds, Skin cracks, Tough or rough skin, Frost bites, Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave, Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, Insect bites, Cold weather, Muscle fatigue, aches and tension, Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak, Dermatitis, Eczema, For before and after strenuous exercise, Healthy skin, and Skin damage from heat.

What makes Shea Butter Stand Apart?

When it comes to comparing seed oils they are divided or categorized based on two fractions. One being the saponifiable fraction, which refers to the moisturizing properties of the product of concern, and the other, refers to nonsaponifiable fraction, which pertains to the healing properties.

The fraction that makes Shea Butter looks like the emperor is when it comes to the healing fraction.  We see that Shea Butter contains important nutrients, vitamins, and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing, and this fraction increases from 5% upto 17% depending on the source from which the butter is retrieved. This quite explains, the larger the healing fraction, the better the quality of butter.

This in comparison to other seed oil we see, that most of them have less than 1% or not more than 1% of healing fractions.

On the other and since Shea Butter has both the moisturizing fraction and the healing fraction, using it as a cream on a regular basis can be used to treat itching, sunburns, blemishes, insect bites, frost bite, wrinkles, eczema, small skin wounds, skin allergies, and other skin conditions. For this reason the Shea Tree is also termed as the karite tree, meaning the TREE OF LIFE.

Storing Shea Butter:

Like most butters Shea Butter doesn’t have to be refrigerated. The butter can be stored in a cool dry place, making sure that it’s covered in a dry, air-tight container. This butter can be stored and used for a period of two years, and though its properties might reduce over a period of years, it can always be used as a moisturizer.

Greener Life Diamond™ & Essential Depot: 

At Essential Depot our products are animal friendly, bio healthy and all business are performed under fair trading. Our Shea Butter is one of our first to be approved and certified under Greener Life Certified TM along with the new Greener Life Diamond™ Here we sell only the finest Organic African Unrefined Shea Butter, which is completely raw, unrefined and has a thick and often nutty aroma. We abstain from using bleaches, deodorizers, or chemicals to change the scent or appearance of Shea Butter.

To understand the quality of the product, Greener Life Diamond™ gives a numeric value in each sector so that consumers can quickly make ethical purchasing decisions. This numeric value is based on 4 quadrants representing the four major aspects of health, social and environmental responsibility.  At Essential Depot, Shea Butter is rated with a 0 in each sector, signifying that the highest standards for each quadrant have been met.

Essential Depot takes absolute pride in presenting the best ever Shea Butter in the world with its mind-blowing Greener Life Diamond certification that grants you the promise of using the best Shea butter that is skin safe, environment friendly, manufactured with complete animal friendliness and adheres to absolute fair trade practices.

Producers of Shea Butter in Ghana:

The producers of the Shea Butter are usually the local women who are just trying to feed their families.

But theirs is a lot of struggle in Ghana just to get a meal on the table. According to the International Journal of Development Research, in May 2014 a study was done on ‘AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING WOMENS’ CAPACITIES AS TRADITIONAL SHEA BUTTER PROCESSORS IN NORTHERN GHANA ’ ; where we see that 600,000 women in Northern Ghana depend on incomes from the sale of Shea butter and other Shea-related products as a means of their daily sustenance via, supplementing the family food budget and meeting medical and educational expenses. But with the problems that are faced such as decreased income, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and social disruption things are becoming no easier to handle.

To Reflect:

Shea butter is by far the smoothest natural plant butter in the world but with the hardest efforts of the African women populace.

By using Shea butter, you can take absolute pride in honoring and saluting the determination and perspiring efforts of such beautiful ladies on the earth.

Every time, you use Shea butter, you would be the reason behind their smiles (earning their living).

And own the joy of partnering with these resolute women in making the world much more beautiful.

Reference Links:

  1. Shea Butter by Wikipedia
  2. Shea Butter by Shea Institute
  3. Shea Butter by Digital Scholarship TN state
  4. Shea Butter by PubMed
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Jasmine Sambac Oil

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Jasmine-sambac-banner‘King of flowers’, ‘Queen of the Night’ and ‘Moonlight of the Grove’ are the ways by which the world adores Jasmine. The exotic, musky, mystifying, mesmerizing, sensual, zesty and the most masculine of all the flowery aromas in the world, Jasmine flowers grab the attention during their fullest blooms in the midnight.

Botanically known as Jasminum Sambac, Jasmine is known as Mallikaa, Nava-Mallikaa, Shita-bhiru, Madyantikaa, Vaarshiki and Madayanti in Ayurveda. It is commonly known as Arabian Jasmine.

According to the book, Indian Medicinal Plants Volume 3, the flowers, essential oil, leaves and the roots of this evergreen plant are widely used in Ayurvedic healing for treating ophthalmic problems, headache, epilepsy, ulcer, insanity, fever, leprosy, vomiting, glactorrhoea, impotency, wounds, itches and few other skin problems.

It takes about 8,000 hand-picked Jasmine blossoms to extract 1ml of its essential oil, which makes Jasmine as one among the most expensive oils on earth.

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Historical importance of Jasmine Sambac:

Jasmine Sambac is native to India and has its use etched in the history of various countries since the ancient times. The name Jasmine is extracted from the Persian name ‘Yasmin’ which means a fragrant flower.

It is the national flower of Philippines and one among the three national flowers of Indonesia. Known as Sampaguita (means “I promise you” and is a pledge of mutual love) in Philippines, Jasmine Sambac is regarded as a symbol of strength, simplicity, sacredness, humbleness and purity and is also used as a herbal remedy for fractures, abdominal distention, diarrhea, fever, swelling of the eyes and sprains.

The traditional Indians use the fresh juice of the ground flowers in treating sores, itching and wounds. The medicated root paste of Jasmine plant is used in treating labour pain for centuries in the rural parts of India.

Fresh Jasmine blossoms are used in making ceremonial garlands, crowns and other decorations on special occasions and as offerings to God in India, Indonesia and Philippines. Jasmine flowers are worn as hair ornaments by Indian women especially after marriage for its natural aphrodisiac, euphoric and sensual properties.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Jasmine Sambac in the treatment of diarrhea, tumors, conjunctivitis, skin ulcers, dysentery and fever. The native Chinese used the roots in curing severe pain, headache, insomnia and pain and inflammation due to broken bones or dislocated joints mainly attributed to the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties of this aromatic herb. The dried Jasmine flowers are used in making herbal tea in China.

The young leaves of Jasmine Sambac plant is used in making a herbal infusion for curing gallstones and the infusion of the roots were ingested to cure diabetes mellitus in Borneo. Jasmine Sambac has also been used for culinary purposes especially in making candies, teas, puddings, desserts, liqueurs and dairy products.

Therapeutic properties and chemical components of Jasmine Sambac essential oil: Jasmine Sambac oil is known to have antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, analgesic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, antiseptic, expectorant, antinociceptive, carminative, uterine tonic, cicatrisant, parturient, uplifting, stimulating, lactifuge and antitumor properties.

The major chemical constituents of Jasmine Sambac oil are cis-3-hexenyl acetate, benzyl acetate, methyl anthranilate, benzyl alcohol, cis-3-hexnyl benzoate, cis-3-hexnol, cis jasmone, linalool, methyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, indole, α-franasene, linalyl acetate, α-cadinol and β-elemene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jasmine Sambac essential oil:

Ayurveda is the ancient wisdom of healing humanity for more than 5,000 years. It aims at prevention of illnesses along with healthy aging and longevity. Ayurvedic philosophy treats every individual in a unique manner even for the same disease as it trusts that every human being is unique in this world just like our finger prints.

It is the unique individual constitution of a person that helps differentiate his physical, mental and spiritual set up. According to Ayurveda, this constitution is made of three predominant biological energies known as doshas.

They are vata, pitta and kapha dosha. Each of these doshas represents a combination of two elements of nature. Whereas vata represents air and space, pitta represents fire and water and kapha is a representation of water and earth.

Vata energy governs circulation, process of elimination and the power of creative thinking. Pitta is responsible for digestion, absorption of energy along with leadership and decision making skills. Kapha controls the movement of fluids in the body, structure, sustenance and love.

Every human being is classified based upon the predominance of any one of these doshas and balance between these three Ayurvedic body types determines healthiness. Doshic imbalances denote that the individual’s health is out of balance with nature.

Ayurvedic remedies aim at balancing the doshas and help an individual to lead a systematic, disciplined and healthy life. The major Ayurvedic remedies are essential oils, herbs, physical exercises, Ayurvedic routine, meditation, yoga, prayer and a healthy balanced diet. Jasmine Sambac essential oil is a tridosha essential oil that is good for pacifying all the three doshas especially good in treating vitiated pitta conditions.

Let’s have a look at the major Ayurvedic health benefits of Jasmine Sambac essential oil.Jasmine-sambac-broucher1. Excellent aphrodisiac:

Jasmine has an ecstatic, compelling, sensual and miraculous aroma that has magical powers vested in it. This mystical fragrance grants excellent relaxation, open up blocked sexual inhibitions, treat the senses, supports the strength of female energies and naturally fortify the vigor of male energies. Jasmine is also known to nurture the health of male and female reproductive system and stimulates the secretion of male and female hormones.

A recent study on the ‘Comparative olfactory analysis of Jasminum Sambac and Jasminum Grandiflorum absolute’ has come up with the findings stating that Jasmine Sambac has a more appealing aroma that has a positive effect on the olfactory system that plays a vital role in governing numerous feelings and emotions that are distinct yet interconnected.

It is for these special reasons; Jasmine blossoms are used in making garlands, hair ornaments and in decorating the rooms of the newlywed couples in India, Philippines and Indonesia. Blend 2 drops of Jasmine oil in warm bathing water and enjoy a romantic bath together before going to bed. You can also add 2 to 3 drops of Jasmine Sambac oil to your burner, aromatic lamp, diffuser or air freshener during the night to enjoy the special time with your life partner.

2. Natural antidepressant:

Depression has become a common phenomenon in people of all ages including teenagers, professionals (both men and women) and aged people. Ayurveda recommends meditation, yoga and the use of pacifying aromatic oils like Jasmine Sambac oil. The aromatic compounds in Jasmine oil pass through the nasal passages and reach the limbic system of the brain, which is the control center of the brain.

Inhaling the aroma of Jasmine Sambac essential oil is said to pacify the senses, control negative feelings and paves way for venting out the depressed emotions that spoil one’s day. Adding 2 drops of this oil to vaporizer, burner, diffuser or air freshener can assist in treating tension, fatigue, depression, nervousness, anxiety, postnatal depression and addiction.

You can also add 2 drops of Jasmine Sambac oil in warm bathing water or massage your body by blending 5 drops of Jasmine oil with 2.5 ml of Jojoba oil for uplifting your senses, instilling positive feelings, strengthen your mind, augment your self-confidence and boost your emotions from within.

3. Antitumor and antibacterial oil:

Such a small flower possessing antitumor properties is absolutely a wonder to me and this witnessed by numerous studies. A 2011 study on ‘In vivo and In vitro Antitumor Activity of Jasminum Sambac (Linn) AIT Oleaceae Flower Against Dalton’s Ascites Lymphoma Induced Swiss Albino Mice’ evaluated the anticancer effect of Jasminum Sambac on mice affected by affected by cancerous tumor in the lymphatic system.

This study proved that the methanolic extracts of Jasmine Sambac flowers possessed significant cytotoxic and anticancer activity that helped in increasing hepatic levels of RNA and DNA in the mice.

The leaves and flowers of this plant are used since the ancient times in Ayurveda for treating and preventing breast cancer and controlling uterine bleeding. It is also used as anti-cancer, antiulcerative and antileprotic.

Jasmine Sambac essential oil also has antibacterial properties that aid in combating bacteria and other harmful microbes causing infectious diseases. A 2008 study on ‘Antibacterial potential assessment of Jasmine essential oil against E.Coli’ stated that Jasmine oil contains antibacterial activity that makes it effective in the treatment of removing corns, purify the kidney, treat ulcers and other inflamed conditions.

4. Relieves pain and inflammation:

Jasmine Sambac oil has mild analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. ‘Preliminary Studies on Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Jasminum Sambac (L.) Aiton in Experimental Animal Models’ have proved that Jasminum Sambac extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties that are helpful in treating muscular aches, rheumatism, back pain, headache and inflammation.

Mix 2 drops of Jasmine Sambac oil with 1 ml of olive oil and massage gently on the painful area or add 2 drops of this oil to warm bathing water or to hot compress for effective relief from pain and inflammation.

5. Acts as a tonic to the skin:

Jasmine Sambac oil is extremely good for the skin and it acts as a natural tonic and improves the skin health. Add 2 drops of this oil to your regular skin care cream or lotion and massage it gently on to your skin for treating dry skin, sensitive skin, greasy skin and for fading away scars and stretch marks. Using 1 drop of Jasmine Sambac oil in vapor therapy can help in removing excess oil and blemishes in the skin and helps bring out its natural radiance.

Other health benefits:

Jasmine Sambac oil is also used as a tonic to the brain. The flowers are also used for reducing fever, treating hiccoughs, bee stings, swollen eyes, insomnia and vomiting. It is proven effective in the treatment of gastric ulcer and peptic ulcer with its antigastric ulcer effect. Being a lactifuge, Jasmine Sambac flowers are used traditionally for arresting the secretion of breast milk in a day or two.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for educational purposes and is not directed to diagnose or replace any professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never take essential oils internally. Organic essential oils are highly concentrated in nature and are always advisable to use them in a diluted manner.

Certain compounds in Jasmine sambac oil can be allergenic and is good to do a small patch test on the skin to check the reaction or the sensitivity of your skin. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oils for your unique constitution and health condition, especially if you are pregnant or a nursing mother.

Thought for the day:

Plants that wake when others sleep. Timid jasmine buds that keep their fragrance to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.  -Thomas Moore

Suggested Reading:

  1. Jasmines by Harshita Joshi
  2. Precision Production Technology in Jasminum sambac Ait: Comparison of Precision and conventional production technology in Jasminum sambac Ait by S.T. Bini Sundar, M. Kannan, G. Ashok Kumar
  3. The Genus Jasminum in Cultivation (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Botanical Magazine Monograph) by Peter Green, Diana Miller
  4. Jasmine Recipes: Cooking with Nature’s Super Flower (Quick and Easy Series) by Dogwood Apps

Reference Links:

  1. Jasminum Sambac by Wikipedia
  2. Jasmine Sambac by Fragrant Harvest
  3. Antibacterial Potential Assessment of Jasmine Essential Oil Against E. Coli by C. C. Rath, S. Devi, S. K. Dash, and R. K. Mishra published in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and PubMed
  4. Mechanisms of Gastro protective Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Jasminum sambac against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Hindawi Publishing Corporation
  5. Preliminary Studies on Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Jasminum Sambac (L.) Aiton in Experimental Animal Models published in the American Journal of PharmTech Research
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Patchouli Essential Oil

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Patchouli-bannerPatchouli essential oil, the phenomenal oil with extraordinary health benefits is often neglected and fails to attract the aroma lovers unlike Lavender and Rose oils, as many believe that it has a strong misty fragrance.

If you ask me the best thing about Patchouli oil, I would rather say that it is an instant remedy for fighting and fixing anxiety and help you stay relaxed all day long when rubbed on your wrist as a stimulating perfume.

Mesmerized with its enlivening fragrance, I would ask you to wear the aroma of Patchouli essential oil on your wrists as it will help you better to fight the challenges of your busy day better than your wrist watch could do.

Patchouli is an Indian name, meaning ‘Green leaf’ (Patch-green and ilai-leaf). Many of us still remember Patchouli as the significant incense of the 60s and 70s but the truth is that Patchouli oil has its roots vested deeply in the field of Ayurveda for more than 5000 years for treating innumerable health conditions since the primordial times.

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Immemorial history of Patchouli Essential oil:

Scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin, this herb is a member of the mint family, Labiatae and is native to India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The essential oil is steam distilled from the young leaves of this plant. Patchouli and its oil are often associated to the sixties where it was used by people to cover up the smell of their smoking. It was traditionally used as an effectual aphrodisiac in perfumes and as a powerful moth repellant.

The ancient Indians used Patchouli in shawls and linens traded to Britain in 1800s to generate a unique aroma and for its germ-killing effects. It was also used as an important constituent for scenting Indian inks. This herb and its essential oil are of high religious importance as it is still trusted to keep away pessimism, negative feelings and evil powers.

Patchouli essential oil is the major ingredient of the tribal prescriptions for treating poisonous snake bites, bites and stings of various insects including mosquitoes and other animals. For mosquito bites and stings of other insects, mix 2 drops of Patchouli oil with 6 drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply on the affected part for complete healing.

For venomous snake bites like King Cobra’s bite, few drops of pure Patchouli oil is taken on a cloth or cotton and put on the bitten part instantaneously as first aid before the patient is taken to the doctor for intense treatment. After which 2 drops of Patchouli oil is mixed with 4 drops of carrier oils like coconut oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil or grape seed oil and applied on the bitten surface twice daily to promote quicker healing of the wound.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Patchouli oil constitutes of 8 chemical components that contribute to its magnificent aroma, remedial properties, consistency and quality.

Just click on:

For knowing more about the detailed information of these key constituents of Patchouli essential oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the chief chemical components and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Patchouli oil.

Patchouli-OilThe chemical constituents responsible for the healing values of this oil are a-patchoulene, b-patchoulene, a-bulnesene, a-guaiene, norpatchoulenol, pogostol, caryophyllene, seychellene and patchouli alcohol (comprises of cadinene, luglviol, patchoulol, aldehydes, cinnamic, benzoic, evenol and phenol).

Therapeutic properties and growing importance of Patchouli oil:

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India stated about the importance of Patchouli and its essential oil in its report submitted on Medicinal and Aromatic plants. According to this report Patchouli has developed extensively as a prominent aromatic plant and every year, the world consumes about 1000 Metric Ton of Patchouli essential oil.

The predominant therapeutic properties of Patchouli essential oil are aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, cytophylactic, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, antiseptic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, cicatrisant, relaxant, febrifuge, sedative, insecticide and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil:

Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system with its origin in India has the longest history in the field of medicine for more than 5000 years.

Ayurvedic texts define health as a perfect harmony between the emotional, physical and spiritual wellness of an individual to which his diet, lifestyle and other innumerable factors contribute to. This noble science aims at disease prevention rather than treating the disease at the disrupting stage.

Ayurveda trusts that every individual is made up of three energy elements known as doshas. The book’ Absolute Beauty’ by Pratima Raichur defines dosha as “metabolic principles governing mind and body; the intelligence of the body- mind”. These doshas are a combination of the five elements namely air, water, ether, earth and fire. Imbalance of any of these doshas ends up in illness or lack of health.

Patchouli essential oil is said to treat kapha deficit and aggravation of vata and pitta. This helps in treating emotional imbalances like depression, stress and anxiety along with numerous skin problems.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil are:1. Amazing natural oil for skin care:pATCHOULI-BROUCHERPatchouli is one among those best essential oils for skin care. The cicatrisant property of this oil makes it a perfect companion in quicker healing of cuts and wounds while helping in fading away the marks and scars left by injuries, acne, burns, chicken pox, measles, stretch marks etc.

Patchouli essential oil is also a good tissue re-generator that promotes the growth of new skin cells. The antiseptic and antifungal properties of this oil helps in healing wounds, burns, boils, sores, eczema, dry skin, rough skin, cracks, excessively dehydrated skin and fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

The astringent effects in Patchouli oil helps in tightening loose skin and muscles especially after weight loss and post-delivery. It stops the sagging of skin effectively and treats contractions of nerves, skin and muscles.

All you need to do to work out these wonders is to add 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli essential oil to gentle carrier oils like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil or to your mild skin creams or lotions and gently massage on the affected area.

2. Patchouli oil for Spiritual Influence:

The rich and energizing aroma of Patchouli essential oil grants mental clarity for many years. Among the seven chakras of the human body, Patchouli essential oil is used for connecting the heart chakra with the sacral and root chakras, where chakra is defined as “The centers of psychic energy located at points along the spinal cord. They are associated with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Each chakra corresponds to a specific mantra (sound) and geometric pattern (yantra). Through meditation on these chakras we can gain mastery over our body and each corresponding element.”

Inhaling the aroma of this oil through a diffuser, vaporizer or applying it on the chakra or vital flex points, will aid in discharging jealousy, feelings of insecurity, obsessions and enhance the quality of one’s life to a greater level.

2 drops of Patchouli oil added to potpourri, vaporizer, diffuser or burner during an intense meditation will kindle your confidence, creativity, endurance, will power, self-confidence, self-esteem, positive feelings and the fortitude to live in the present moment.

3. Exceptional essential oil for intimacy:

Ayurveda considers sex as a positive force that helps restore the vital energy of life and is misused; it can be the strongest binding attachment stopping one from attaining higher spiritual reality. Ayurvedic texts does not encourage loveless sex as it considers that sex can be complete and beautiful only when there is intimacy and absolute love between the two partners involved in it.

Robert Svoboda’s translation quotes that “For the perfect love tryst Ayurvedic  Scholar Sushruta recommends a full moon night in a bower of flowers, soft silk garments, sweet and intoxicating perfumes, light and nourishing food and sweet music.”

It also talks about the use of sweet perfumes, where the partners are said to bathe in or anoint their body in sensual essential oils like Patchouli essential oil before sex.  Adding few drops of this essential oil with natural aphrodisiac properties in your burner or vaporizer is also said to add to the erotic mood and deeper intimacy.

4. Alleviates stress and deprives depression:

Patchouli essential oil is grounding and calming to the mind and body. This extremely versatile oil uplifts the mind, helps overcome depressive feelings, tranquilize the mind and paves way for new hopes ahead. The sweet herbaceous and ethereal floral charm brings peace and harmony for the ruined mind.

Fear, fatigue, anxiety, nervous tension, work pressure and prolonged stress can be cleared by enchanting your limbic system with the classic aroma of Patchouli essential oil. 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli oil added to your diffuser, vaporizer, burner, wrist, pillow or to a tissue assists in strengthening your mental power and wash away depressive thoughts that drain you.

Adding 5 to 6 drops of Patchouli in warm bath before going to bed will invigorate your senses, refreshes your mind and strengthens your immune system. You can also choose to enjoy the benefits of a reviving Ayurvedic massage by blending 4 drops of Patchouli oil in cold pressed Sesame oil followed by a warm bath for lessening stress, depression and other related health conditions.

Other health benefits:

1 drop of Patchouli oil added to a cup of warm water for gargle can assist in treating halitosis or bad breath, strengthening the gums and refreshing your breath all through the day. Adding 3 drops of this oil in calming coconut oil for massage or in bath aids in treating fever, pain, inflammation and tones the entire system by stimulating the metabolic functions and boosts the immune power.

The febrifuge and antiphlogistic properties of this oil aids in reducing inflammation, fever and body pain associated with it. Adding few drops of Patchouli essential oil in your air freshener, burner or vaporizer can keep away from insects like bed bugs, mosquitoes, ants, moths and flies.

Disclaimer:

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated in nature and always use them externally after diluting in appropriate carrier oils. Avoid taking essential oils internally. Seek the advice of your Ayurvedic professional regarding the usage of specific essential oils for your unique constitution and state of health.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Patchouli essential oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli essential oil.

Thought for the day:

Patchouli has always been a part of my fragrance, like a line through my life.                                                                                           -Julia Roberts

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood
  2. Jeanne Rose: Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women by Jeanne Rose
  3. The Essentials of Aromatherapy Essential Oils by Dr Miriam Kinai
  4. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants – Patchouli by National Bank For Agriculture and Rural Development
  2. Patchouli by Kamlesh Ayurveda
  3. Sex, Spirituality and Ayurveda by Caroline Robertson, Ayurveda Elements
  4. 10 Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil by Become A Healthier You
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Organic Mango Butter

PICK-UP 1 TO 20 FREE 4oz Essential OilS - SPIN THE WHEEL!

Weekend Retreat $200 Oct 10-11 Sheraton Orlando

mango-butter-bannerMango is an epitome of love and celebrated as the king of fruits in India and Mango butter extracted from its kernel can never disappoint in amusing you with its enormous health benefits for the skin and hair.

Do you know that the very sight of the bright and glowing yellow colored mangoes can instill absolute personal and professional success? Trust me, yellow is the color of the Solar plexus chakra (Manipura), which is often associated with the inner fire and power of intellect, confidence, exuberance, decision making and optimism.

Mango is also an excellent choice for stimulating the sacral chakra (Swadhisthana), which is responsible for reproduction, vitality, creativity and sexual wellness.

Botanically called as Mangifera indica, Mango is beckoned as Aamra in Sanskrit and is known as Hridaya (supports the heart functions), Bala (strengthens the system) and Vrysya (excellent aphrodisiac that enhances reproductive functions, semen count and vitality) in Ayurveda.

Mango butter is also called as Mango kernel fat. With its exceptional moisturizing and emollient properties, this creamy butter nourishes the skin and hair from within. The easily melting quality of this butter during contact with skin makes it a vital ingredient in many sunscreen lotions, baby creams, frizz control products and moisturizing balms.

Purchase Organic Mango Butter – Retail – 3 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Organic Mango Butter – Retail – 8 oz – CLICK HERE

Historical importance and uses of Mango and its golden butter:

Mango is a proud member of the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. With about 1,000 varieties of mangoes grown across the world, Mango is said to have originated in the Indo-Burmese region before 5,000 years, as old as the Ayurvedic medicine. Mango is the national fruit of India.

The mango tree is a large lushes green tree seen at a height of 15–30 meters and favored for both its green and ripe fruits. It grows particularly well in well-drained sandy loam and does not favor heavy wet soils.

Mango trees thrive well in tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. The soil ph is expected to be between 5.2 and 7.5 to obtain the best results in the growing process.

The interesting historical reference is that the most renowned Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great, planted about 100,000 mango trees in Eastern parts of India.

The flowers of the mango tree are seen growing in pretty bunches, and start to appear at the end of winter to the beginning of spring. Both the male and female flowers are both seen on the same tree.

The flowering stage in the tree is noticed at different months of the year in different regions of India, as they favor certain specific climatic conditions. A specific variety of mango called Neelum is seen to grow two crops in a year in Kanyakumari, but only once a year in the Northern regions of India.

Along with Jackfruit and Banana, Mango is cherished as one among the three imperial fruits in Tamilnadu, India and is popularly called as Maa, Pala and Vazhai (Mango, Jackfruit and Banana).

The fruit of the mango tree, which is the most cherished part of the tree, is an egg shaped fleshy drupe. These fruits are green in color and turn yellow when ripe.

They are approximately 8-12 cm long and are seen in shapes of round, heart shaped, oval, or kidney shaped. The flesh is white and tart to taste when unripe and is bright yellowish orange and sweet when ripe with a flat pit in the middle.

Mangoes are mostly available in the months of April and May and nearly 210 species of the fruit are harvested during the season. Most of them are exported around the globe. The skin and the pulp of the mango form 85% of the fruit and the seed makes 15%. The raw or green mango is used in making chutneys and pickles, and the yellow is used most commonly in desserts.

Mango butter contains a natural polyphenol known as Mangiferin. It has been used since the primordial times for treating inflammation and pain with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mangiferin is used as an antioxidant in the brand name Vimang and is used in Sri Lanka to deal with diabetes in the brand name Salaretin.

Extraction of Mango butter:

The seeds of the mango fruit are first collected and washed with water immediately after collection. Later the seed are then sundried to reduce the moisture content to 12-15%. Later they are roasted in a drum roaster and the hull is mechanically removed, or sometimes manually removed by beating them with wooden clubs.

The separated pieces are then sent to a hammer mill where they are made into pellets in a pellet making machine. They are then cooled in a cooler and brought to room temperature. Next they are transported to the solvent extraction plant.

The processor is then used to produce flakes by crushing the seeds using a flaking roller mill and thus Mango butter is extracted. Mango butter is solid at room temperatures and melts at 35-43 °C, thus making it the most appropriate butter for sunscreen creams, moisturizing products, baby lotions and hair care items.

Composition and properties of Mango butter:

Chemical constituents of Mango fat are palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, arachidic acid and linoleic acid. The butter has antioxidant, emollient; wound healing, anti-aging and regenerative properties.

A 2013 study on the ‘Protective Nature of Mangiferin on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Tissues of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats’ published in ISRN Pharmacology states that “Mangiferin reveals a broad range of pharmacological effects, including antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.”

Health benefits of Organic Mango butter:

The butter obtained from the pressed seed of the kernel of the Mango Tree is one of the highly prized butters and is looked for in the industry cosmetics to be used as a major ingredient that forms the base for soap making and products that deal with body care.

The most prominent uses of Mango butter are:

  • With its rich Vitamin A, C and E, Mango butter combats the damage of free radicals and guards the skin from sun damages.
  • Works as an excellent scalp moisturizer with high level of fatty acids.
  • Acts as an effective sunscreen agent and heals sunburn, wounds and other infections.
  • Nourishes the scalp, locks natural moisture in the hair, fights hair fall and is a boon to dry, dull and lifeless hair.

mango-butter-broucher

Excellent antioxidant that combats free radicals thus fights aging and sun damages:

Mango butter is rich in antioxidants and with the presence of enormous nutrients, including Vitamins A and E. These constituents help in keeping the skin healthy and young, supporting it to fight against the damage of free radicals and aging.

A 2013 study by the Medical University of Wroclaw on ‘Mangiferin – a bioactive xanthonoid, not only from mango and not just antioxidant’ have stated that Mangiferin is a natural polyphenol extracted from plant, especially the mango tree (Mangifera indica).

Various other pharmacological studies have witnessed that Mangiferin portrays various activities including, “analgesic, antidiabetic, anti-sclerotic, antimicrobial and antiviral, cardio-, hepato-, and neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, MAO inhibiting and memory improving, as well as radio protective against X-ray, gamma, and UV radiation.”

This research also concludes about various other studies that have proved the ability of Mangiferin to restrain the growth of cancerous cells and cancerogenesis. Owing to its ultra violet radiation-protecting properties and antioxidant ability, Mangiferin is used in the manufacturing of cosmetics and skin care products.

Blending Mango butter with natural oils like Jojoba oil can elevate its beneficial quotient to the skin in terms of enhancing the natural sebum secretion in the skin and making it look younger and softer.

It can also aid in lessening wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s foot and sagging skin, thus granting firmness by boosting the suppleness and elasticity of the skin surface.

Natural moisturizer that promotes cellular regeneration:

Mango butter is much similar to Shea and Cocoa butter but it is light and varies in its fatty acid content. The butter is fatty and sweet in its natural form, making it the best additive used in body care and cosmetic products.

The butter of mango is rich and creamy, which is hard at room temperatures and exhibits natural emollient properties. It is a rich source of essential fatty acids and has been traditionally used in the rain forests and tropics for its soothing and moisturizing properties. For this reason it has been used in lotions and creams to serve as a moisturizer and mild lubricant for the skin.

The moisturizing and emollient properties of the oil help restore moisture and promote cell regeneration again facilitating younger looking skin. The butter can also be used to treat diseases like eczema, skin rash, insect bites, and poison ivy as well.

Applying Mango butter on your skin as a massaging aid can assist in the production of collagen, which is responsible for the verve and vitality of the skin surface.  It helps in diminishing acne scarring, fading stretch marks and scars.

Mango is called as ‘Varnya’ in Ayurveda for its ability to enhance the natural glow and fairness of the skin. It also assists in opening blocked pores of the skin, thus releasing impurities from the skin surface.

Mango butter is non-greasy and it easily penetrates into the skin, helps repair dry skin, mature skin conditions, eczema and dermatitis. You can also blend Mango butter with few drops of skin enriching oils like Lemon oil or Patchouli oil and guard yourself against UV radiation and changes in weather conditions.

Nourishes the scalp and locks natural moisture in the hair:

The high level of fatty acids present in mango butter makes it suitable to be used as a moisturizer on the scalp as well. The lack of moisture in hair can lead to hair damage through breakage, and hair fall.

Regular application of Mango butter on the scalp and hair can preserve and seal the moisture content in the hair making it lushly healthy and protecting it from drying.

Since Mango butter contains huge amounts of vitamins such as A, C, and E, and also antioxidants, it can enrich the root of your hair, strengthen the hair follicles, and add up to its volume and control frizz and breakage.

Mix 5 drops of Rosemary oil with a tablespoon of Mango butter and massage it gently on your scalp. Wrap your hair with a warm towel and let this blend penetrate deeply into the scalp for about an hour. Wash it with a mild shampoo for controlling dandruff, dry and itchy scalp conditions.

Since vitamins A and C have positive effect and direct relation to the growth of hair, it’s quite obvious that Mango Butter can contribute to healthy hair. The butter naturally helps protect the skin and the hair from the sun’s rays giving protection as an extremely effective sunscreen to the skin and the scalp also.

Disclaimer:

This information is only meant for educational purposes. It is not prescribed for diagnosis or as a substitute for prescription medicines or professional medical advice. We are not healthcare experts and this information is shared only with the idea of enlightening the healing wisdom of Ayurveda.

Organic butters and essential oils are only for topical application and not for ingestion. Consult your Ayurvedic expert/ medical professional prior to choosing the appropriate essential oils or organic butters for your unique individual constitution or Prakriti and your Vikruti or current state of health.

Thought for the day:

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. Organic Body Butter Made Easy: Nourish, Hydrate and Heal with Luxurious Homemade Body Butter Recipes by Karina Wilde
  2. Antimicrobial and antioxidant potency of Mangifera indica L. stem: Ethnopharmacology by Kalpna Rakholiya, Mital Kaneria, Sumitra Chanda
  3. The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to Over 395 Plant Oils by Carol Schiller, David Schiller
  4. Organic Body Care: 101 Homemade Beauty Products Recipes-Make Your Own Body Butters, Body Scrubs, Lotions, Shampoos, Masks And Bath Recipes (organic … homemade body butter, body care recipes) by Gabrielle Landreau
  5. Natural Butters To Make Skin Care Products (How To Make Natural Skin Care Products Series Book 18) by Miriam Kinai

Reference Links:

  1. Mango by Wikipedia
  2. Mango butter by Wikipedia
  3. Mangiferin – a bioactive xanthonoid, not only from mango and not just antioxidant by the Department Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Medical University of Wroclaw, published in PubMed
  4. Magnificent Mango by Dr. Savitha Suri, Ayur Help.com
  5. Protective Nature of Mangiferin on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Tissues of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by International Scholarly Research Notices Pharmacology and PubMed
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Jamarosa Oil

PICK-UP 1 TO 20 FREE 4oz Essential OilS - SPIN THE WHEEL!

Weekend Retreat $200 Oct 10-11 Sheraton Orlando

Jamarosa-Banner-newDiscerning lovers of nature will always choose Jamarosa oil instead of 4 different oils to explore the magic of rosy, citrusy, spicy and grassy fragrance put together in a single bottle. Yes! Jamarosa essential oil is the proud owner of these entire diverse aromas, for which it has been used in the perfume industry for ages together.

Scientifically termed as Cymbopogon khasians, Jamarosa is a brilliant hybrid variety crossed between Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus (Citronella) and Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jwarankush).

Often used for instilling rose like fragrances, Jamarosa has also been used in the field of Ayurvedic medicine for treating fever, insect bites, blood impurities, fungal infections, vomiting and skin problems.

Purchase Jamarosa Essential Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Historical significance and cultivation of Jamarosa:

Also called as Jamrosa, this aromatic herb is a popular grass hybrid and a renowned wing of the Cymbopogon family. Like most of the celebrated herbs, Jamarosa is also indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is grown extensively in Southern India and certain other states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Being a hardy and tough grass variety, Jamarosa grows well in various types of soils supported by humid and warm climatic conditions and enough sunshine and water. This grass hybrid is characterized with its light yellowish color and this hybrid variety is generally a medium sized one. Jamarosa grasses have the potential to purify environmental toxic waste, renew the level of ground water and check soil erosion.

The most exotic fragrance and medicinal attributes of this grass variety comes from its parental hybrids, Cymbopogon jwarancusa and Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus. Among these, Jwarancusa is an interesting species and its name is extracted from two Sanskrit terms, “Jwar and Ankusha”, which means “fever and breaker” respectively. Just like its name, this herb is a trusted remedy for treating fever and blood impurities.

Cymbopogon jwarancusa has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are contributed to its bio-chemical components. Many researchers have proved the effectiveness of this Ayurvedic herb in the treatment of blood disorders, vomiting, skin problems, unconsciousness and abdominal tumors.

The next parental hybrid of Jamarosa plant is Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus, which is commonly called as Citronella. This fresh lemony and sweet-smelling grass variety is a natural air purifier and an established insect repellant. Being a blend of these two beneficial plant varieties, Jamarosa is also said to inherit the medicinal and therapeutic values from its parental hybrids.

The enriching aroma of this grass hybrid has made its use vital in the perfumery industry especially for creating rose like fragrances. The sturdy grass fibers are used in the making of statues and idols having splash of Paris. Jamarosa grass is also been supplied as raw materials for industries that use fibers. It is also used as a feed for cattle and as natural manure.

Jamarosa is a popular ingredient in the making of agarbatti or traditional incense sticks, raw agarbatti and organic insect repellants.

Therapeutic uses and chemical constituents of Jamarosa oil:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has bactericidal, antiseptic, febrifuge, sedative, relaxant, antimicrobial, digestive and stimulant. The primary chemical components of Jamarosa oil are geraniol (75%), geranyl acetate (20%) and limonene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jamarosa essential oil:

Ayurveda is undoubtedly the pioneer of the medicinal world, and is lovingly beckoned as the Mother of all healing systems on earth. Being a 5000 years old healthcare methodology, Ayurveda focuses on natural remedies for curing illnesses, prevention of diseases and longevity.

Ayurvedic medicine was known to be gifted by Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation to Acharya Dhanvantari, famously called as the God of medicine of Ayurveda and as the physician of Gods. Among the 4 sacred books (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvaveda) or Vedas of the ancient Hindu mythology, Ayurveda is a vital part of Atharvaveda.

The idealistic practices of Ayurveda rests on Mother Nature for treatment of mankind as it is raised on the trust that everything on earth is a part of Nature and the wellness and illness of a person is strongly determined with his/her balance with Nature.

The principles of the mythological saints and Vedic entities strongly state that the entire universe is made up of five fundamental elements of nature, namely space, earth, water, fire and air.

Mankind is also made of these vital elements, where earth represents the muscles and bones, water represents the blood and other vital fluids, fire represents the metabolic force and body temperature, air represents the breathing mechanism and space is the soul or life energy that keeps a person alive.

Based on these fundamental elements, Ayurveda classifies human beings as a representation of the biological energies known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is a combination of space and air, pitta is fire and water and kapha is water and earth.

Every person has a unique individual constitution or Prakriti with a combination of all the three doshas in a particular order based upon Nature’s law with a predominance of any one of these doshas. This predominance assists in determining the character, personality, traits and behavioral patterns of a person.

Absolute balance between these doshas as per their natural setup indicates heartiness and doshic imbalances due to lifestyle changes, irregular food habits, climatic variations and other disruptive behavior leads to illnesses.

Ayurvedic treatment begins with the tracing of the unique individual constitution and the treatment methodologies also differ from individual to individual even for the same sickness. This is because Ayurveda strongly believes that individual is unique and the means of treating their health condition should also be unique.

The major Ayurvedic therapies include herbs, Ayurvedic essential oils, yoga, Pranayama (the art of balanced breathing), simple physical exercises, meditation, Panchakarma or the detoxification techniques, Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massaging, taking up an Ayurvedic routine and much more.

The essential oil of Jamarosa is known to appease vata, pitta and kapha imbalances. Come let’s go through the Ayurvedic health benefits of Jamarosa essential oil in a jiffy.

I’m ready to take you through the effective uses of Jamarosa oil in detail. Are you ready for the retreat?!

Jamarosa-broucher1. Pampers the skin and placates skin disorders:

Few sources state that Jamarosa has similar medicinal benefits like its sibling grass variety, Palmarosa. The book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Light Miller and Bryan Miller quote Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) as “Palmarosa is widely used in Ayurvedic skin care. It is good for all skin types because it is a cellular stimulator and supports all cell regulation. It’s highly antiseptic, calming, uplifting and anti-depressive.”

Jamarosa essential oil also has bactericidal, antiseptic, stimulating and invigorating properties that aids in assisting cellular regulation and repairing of the damaged skin cells. The antiseptic value of this oil helps in combating germs and infectious micro-organisms like bacteria that inflates skin problems.

A blend of 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Palmarosa oil and 2 ml of Jojoba oil can work like a wonder on your skin. Applying this nourishing blend on your skin can help in restoring the natural sustenance of the damaged skin cells, eliminating the dead cells and in promoting the growth of new and healthy cells.

Applying it in slow circular movements on wrinkles and scars can support in invigorating the skin, retaining the skin suppleness, enhancing the collagen and helping in diminishing scars, marks and wrinkles, treat fungal infections with its antioxidant, antifungal and anti-bacterial properties.

The great news is that Jamarosa oil suits all types of skin and is perfect for use during all seasons of the year. It is also helpful in the treatment of scar tissues in wounds, dermatitis and other skin infections.

2. Calms the nerves and beats the ill-effects of stress:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has a pleasant, engaging, refreshing and energizing aroma that stimulates the nerves, calms the mind and inculcates positive effects in the limbic system, the control center of the brain that is responsible for passing on commands to the system on feelings, thoughts and behavioral responses.

Stress is the slow poison that hinders the normal functions of the body and leaves a blank effect on the mental abilities. The main reason for stress is suppressing the mind with too many things at a particular time. When the mind struggles or suffers in tackling with too many factors than its ability, mental stress or distortion occurs.

Stressful situations spoil the entire curriculum and results in mood-fluctuations of the entire environment around us. It also ends up in depression and deep ill-effects on the central nervous system. Fatigue, anger, anxiety, fear, memory problems, feelings of loneliness, lack of appetite, low productivity, insomnia and suppression are certain other ill-effects of stress and nervous tension.

Jamarosa essential oil has stimulating, relaxant and sedative effects that supports the functions of the limbic system and aids in promoting positive feelings. Massaging your system with 5 drops of Jamarosa oil along with 5 drops of Rose Geranium oil, 5 drops of Juniper Berry oil with 100 ml of coconut oil can uplift your senses, pacify your nerves, soothe tensed muscles and support in bringing absolute tranquility.

You can also add 2 drops of Jamarosa oil in your diffuser or air freshener or bathing water every day for an energetic start on every rising day. 1 drop of this oil added to your hankie or a tissue can recharge your mental power on any given time during the day.

3. Aromatic insect repellant:

Being an offspring of the most popular natural insect repellant, Citronella, Jamarosa also inherits the power of combating harmful insects like mosquitoes and bed bugs. 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Citronella oil along with 2 ml of  olive oil can be rubbed into your skin to protect you from insect bites. This blend can also help in treating the ill-effects of insect bites like rashes, itching and allergies.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in your burner, vaporizer or diffuser is also a great idea to safeguard your loved ones from mosquitoes and other insect bites.

4. Appeases the digestive system:

Jamarosa oil has digestive, stimulant and relaxant properties. This helps in promoting trouble-free digestion, calming upset stomach, appeasing the irritable bowel along with stomach lining and treating indigestion.

Adding 1 drop of Jamarosa oil to your hankie or a tissue paper can help in enhancing the appetite and assisting in soothing the lining of the stomach and intestines. You can also massage your abdomen with 2 drops of Jamarosa oil mixed with 2 drops of Rose Geranium oil and 2 ml of sesame oil for supporting your digestive difficulties.

5. Fights anxiety and promotes peaceful sleep:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has a slightly rosy and fruity aroma that instills uplifting and calmative effects on the nervous system. These attributes helps the body in fighting against insomnia, anxiety and fatigue.

2 drops of Jamarosa oil mixed with 1 drop of Palmarosa oil in your diffuser or air freshener can be an excellent aid in promoting peaceful sleep by relaxing your nerves, tranquilizing your mind, and in reducing anxiety, restlessness and worries. What next? A refreshing start to a promising day is guaranteed.

6. Reduces fever and helps relieve respiratory infections:

As mentioned earlier, Cymbopogon jwarancusa is one of the mother hybrids of Jamarosa oil, where the term ‘jwarancusa’ is taken from the two Sanskrit terms, “Jwar and Ankusha”, literally meaning “fever and breaker”.

Jamarosa essential oil also extorts this property from its parental hybrid and is used in curing fever, cold, microbial infections, blood impurities and certain other respiratory disorders with its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.

Generally, common cold and few other respiratory infections are highly vulnerable. Using Jamarosa oil in your bathing water daily (preferably 2 drops) can assist in controlling the spread of such infections by combating the growth of microbes responsible for health conditions like fever and cold.

You can also use 2 drops of Jamarosa oil in steam inhalation for relieving from blocked nasal passages and sore throat. Massaging your foot soles with 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Gingergrass oil mixed with 3 ml of coconut oil can aid in reducing fever.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for educational uses and is not suggested for diagnosis or for replacing any expert medical advice or prescription medicines. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is circulated only with the idea of sharing the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine, the mother of all remedial practices.

Never take essential oils internally and is only recommended for dermatological purposes. This is because pure and organic essential oils are extremely concentrated substances and may cause allergies or other negative effects, when used on the skin directly.

Consult with your healthcare expert or Ayurvedic professional before choosing the suitable essential oils for your health condition and dosha type or your unique individual constitution. Keep away from children and care should be taken if you are nursing or a pregnant mom.

Thought for the day:

Bare feet on the grass comfort the spirit and connect the body to the earth all at once!  – Maximillian Degenerez

Suggested Reading:

  1. Essential Oil-Bearing Grasses: The genus Cymbopogon (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  2. Cymbopogon; The Aromatic Grass – Monograph from Central Institute of Medicinal and Aroma
  3. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 4e (Price, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals)by Shirley Price Cert Ed FISPA MIFA FIAM, Len Price Cert Ed MIT (Trichology) FISPA FIAM
  4. Insect Repellents Handbook, Second Edition from CRC Press

Reference Links:

  1. Oil of Jamarosa – Specification published by the Bureau of Indian Standards
  2. Jamarosa by Agricultural Products India
  3. Antifungal, anti-aflatoxigenic, and antioxidant efficacy of Jamrosa essential oil for preservation of herbal raw materials by Prashant Kumar Mishra, Ravindra Shukla, Priyanka Singh, Bhanu Prakash, Akash Kedia, Nawal Kishore Dubey published in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Parsley Seed Essential Oil

PICK-UP 1 TO 20 FREE 4oz Essential OilS - SPIN THE WHEEL!

Weekend Retreat $200 Oct 10-11 Sheraton Orlando

Persley-bannerParsley cannot be isolated just as a part of appetizing and aesthetic food presentation. More than just a culinary herb, Parsley leaves and its seeds are used throughout the world as a magnificent spice that kindle the taste and zest of the food to which it is added to. Scientifically known as Petroselinum sativum, Parsley is native to the eastern parts of the Mediterranean region.

Parsley seed essential oil, just as the name suggests is extracted from the dried seeds of the Parsley plant through steam distillation method. Ayurveda  has recorded the effects of Parsley herb and its essential oil as a powerful diuretic without leading to any drying out of the body.

Purchase Parsley Seed Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Parsley:

Parsley was traditionally used in making tea for treating gallstones and dysentery. Trusted as a powerful carminative, the leaves, seeds and roots of Parsley were used in treating numerous digestive problems including diarrhea, ulcer, flatulence and colic pain. The juice extracted from the roots of this plant was used in folklore medicine as a diuretic and for treating kidney disorders like nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).

Parsley seeds are used as an important spice in the Asian countries and specifically there is no Indian kitchen without Parsley seeds as the seeds and its powder are used in all kinds of routine cooking. The essential oil extracted from Parsley seeds was used in massage for normalizing menstruation and as a natural abortifacient. This oil is said to be effective in treating amenorrhea and menstrual pain or dysmennorhea.

Parsley herb is used for garnishing and adding extra flavor to all types of food items and is a major ingredient in tabbouleh, the national food of Lebanon. Crushed Parsley leaves have been used for topical application for insect bites, skin parasites and skin tumors. Other conventional uses of Parsley include its use for treating arthritis, anemia, cancer, prostate problems and liver disorders.

Chemical components and therapeutic properties of Parsley Seed Oil:

The healing effects of Parsley seed essential oil are antiseptic, diuretic, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, astringent, digestive, stomachic, tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, laxative, hypotensive, uterine, stimulant, febrifuge, detoxifying and antimicrobial.

The major chemical constituents that contribute to its therapeutic values are limonene, myristicin, tetramethoxyally benzene, alpha-thujene, eugenol and certain flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, appiin and crisoeriol.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Parsley Seed oil:

Ayurveda has gained great honor mainly due the fact that it appreciates individual differences and treats every individual with a specific therapy. This holistic approach trusts that no two human beings on earth are the same and so are their health conditions as well. With this faith, Ayurvedic treatment varies from person to person even if a group of people are affected by the same disease.

Ayurveda identifies individuals based on their individual constitution that comprises three major energy elements known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. Dosha predominance is the deciding factor for determining your physical and mental attributes whereas imbalance of doshas leads to sickness.

Parsley seed essential oil is known for reducing increase of vata and kapha doshas and increasing pitta deficit, for which it is known as an excellent digestive aid.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of Parsley seed oil are:Persley-broucher1. Eliminates toxins from the body and purifies the kidneys:

Since the prehistoric period, Parsley is known as a diuretic and detoxifier that aids in eliminating dangerous toxins from the body through urine. The depurative property of this oil purifies the blood and promotes the trouble-free flow of oxygen to all the tissues in the body. Gently massaging your body with 2 drops of Parsley oil blended with coconut oil aids in promoting blood circulation and helps expel the unwanted substances from the body without any side effects.

You can also add 2 to 3 drops of Parsley seed oil in your warm bathing water for treating fluid retention, urinary problems, kidney disorders and certain other problems like rheumatism.

Parsley seed oil as a natural diuretic increases the frequency of urination without making you tired or dehydrated. This aids in the removal of harmful toxins like salt, uric acid, fat deposits and microbes in the body, when left unnoticed can cause renal calculi, arthritis, skin diseases and may affect the overall functioning of the body.

2. Fights against cancer:

Parsley in general is claimed as an effective chemoprotective food that guards the body from harmful free radicals that lead to dangerous diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, asthma and diabetes. Parsley seed essential oil and the herb is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients like luteolin and other flavonoids have been proved to function as antioxidants that join with highly reactive oxygen radicals and aid in preventing oxygen-based damage to cells.

A study on ‘Cancer Prevention’ by Salman Hyder from the University of Missouri proved that the presence of apigenin compound in parsley and celery helps fight the growth of cancerous tumor in breast by blocking the formation of new blood vessel in tumors. Myristicin compound in Parsley oil has also been proven to restrain the growth of tumors especially in lungs.

3. Treats menstrual problems:

This oil has emmenagogue properties that stimulate blocked menstruation and regularize the menstrual cycle. Massaging your abdomen with 2 drops of Parsley oil mixed with sesame oil helps in treating various problems associated with menstruation like abdominal cramps, fatigue, nausea, headache and back pain. Parsley seed oil also promotes the secretion of estrogen, the female hormones and nurtures the health of female reproductive organs.

4. Guards the system from rheumatism:

The major causes behind rheumatism and arthritis are fluid retention, obstructed blood circulation and amassing of uric acid in the joints and muscles. The detoxifier, depurative, stimulant and diuretic properties of this oil removes toxins like salts and uric acid from the joints and muscles, expels water retention, helps get rid of impurities in the blood and promotes blood circulation.

The Ayurveda and Aromatherapy book by Bryan Miller and Light Miller quotes “Parsley is excellent for the circulation and is known to eliminate broken capillaries in combination with Rose oil and cold compresses.” Parsley seed oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that aids in reducing rheumatic pain and inflammation.

A warm massage with 3 drops of Parsley seed essential oil blended with sesame oil helps in reducing pain, inflammation and promotes frequent urination without loss of energy through which the harmful toxins in the body are eliminated. You can also use few drops of Parsley oil either in warm compress or in warm bathing water for complete relief from rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

5. Natural remedy for digestive problems:

As a laxative with carminative and stomachic properties, using Parsley seed essential oil in massage or in bath tub aids in enhancing the secretion of bile and certain other gastric juices along with digestive enzymes. This assists in stimulating regular bowel movements, treat constipation, flatulence, stomach infection, ulcer and pain.

Other health benefits:

Apart from these major health benefits, Parsley seed essential oil is also used for various other health problems like cough, high blood pressure, hypertension, colic, gastrointestinal disorders, wounds, swollen breasts, prostate conditions, jaundice, gall stones, cellulite, cystitis, sciatica, loss of libido, hemorrhoids and gum problems.

Thought for the day:

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
-Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Suggested Reading:

  1. Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Arthritis: Reverse Underlying Causes of Arthritis With Clinically Proven Alternative Therapies Second Edition by Ellen Kamhi, Eugene R. Zampierson
  2. The Mediterranean Prescription: Meal Plans and Recipes to Help You Stay Slim and Healthy for the Rest of Your Life from Ballantine Books
  3. The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications by Christian Ratsch, Albert Hofmann
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Link:

  1. Parsley by Drugs.com
  2. Parsley by The World’s Healthiest Foods.com
  3. Health Benefits of Parsley Essential Oil by Organic Facts
  4. Parsley, Celery Carry Crucial Component for Fight Against Breast Cancer by Salman Hyder, University of Missouri
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

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Rose Geranium bannerWith a much similar aroma of rich roses, Rose Geranium essential oil is known as the poor people’s Rose oil as it is less expensive than the original Rose essential oil.  Botanically known as Pelargonium roseum, this plant belongs to the Geraniaceae plant family and is indigenous to Cape Province, South Africa.

Often used as a substitute for Rose essential oil, Rose Geranium oil is extracted from the soft rosy flowers with the touch of deep fuchsia of this perennial shrub. With a smooth, rosy, fresh, warming, herbaceous, purifying and sensual aroma, Rose Geranium oil is known for regenerating female energies and for treating an extensive array of skin problems in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing practices.

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Purchase Rose Geranium Essential Oil – 5% Dilution in Pure Jojoba – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Rose Geranium Essential Oil:

Rose Geranium is said to have originated in South Africa along with Egypt, Morocco, Reunion and Madagascar. It was then introduced to the European countries like France, Italy and Spain in the early 17th century.

The herb and the essential oil of Rose Geranium has been used in the pre-historic period as a powerful injury healer including cuts, abrasions, burns, skin ulcers and infections. This is attributed to the antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The sweet citrus-floral fragrance of this oil made its use prominent in the fragrance industry since the ancient times.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties:

A 2009 study on ‘Volatile Components of Pelargonium roseum’ proved that Rose Geranium essential oil contains thirty-two compounds and the major ones among them are citronellol (27.3%), citronellyl formate (17.2%), β-caryophllene (10.3%), limonene, a-pinene, terpenes, myrcene, menthone, geraniol, cetones, ϒ-muurolene, geranyl butyrate, linalool, aldehydes and geranyl acetate.

The most significant healing properties are antiseptic, vulnerary, antidepressant, cicatrisant, vermifuge, astringent, styptic, diuretic, deodorant, cytophylactic, haemostatic and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil:

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing methodology that means science of life. It is more than just a system of dealing or diagnosing illnesses, it is a common sense science that guides humanity on leading a holistic life preventing illnesses for an enduring bliss.

Ayurvedic approaches rely on nature for their treatment and trust that nothing else other than essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, balanced living and spiritual oneness can grant optimal wellness to a human’s life.

Ayurveda classifies individuals based on their unique constitution that is composed of three basic energy elements namely vata, pitta and kapha doshas. Imbalances of any one of these doshas open door to diseases and interrupts a human’s body’s balance with nature.

Vata is the lightest of these 3 doshas and imbalance of vata ends up in insomnia, constipation, PMS, stress, nervousness and fatigue. Pitta being the hottest energy element and when out of balance it causes digestive disorders, anger, emotional distress, high blood pressure and lack of interest.

Kapha is the heaviest dosha and its disparity leads to sluggishness, blockage, depression, improper blood circulation, high cholesterol, weak metabolism, depressive thoughts and fluid retention. Ayurvedic texts classify Rose Geranium essential oil as an ideal healing force for pacifying and controlling the imbalances of all the three doshas with its balancing effects.

The most important Ayurvedic health benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil are:

rose-geranium-broucher1. Lessens stress, depression and treats autonomic nervous system imbalances:

A German based research has clinically proven that the presence of the Geraniol component in Rose Geranium essential oil is very effective in treating autonomic nervous system imbalances known as Vegetative dystony.

A balanced autonomic nervous system is highly essential for the normal functioning of the body, mind and its emotions as it influences the production of hormones and the corresponding responses in the system. Imbalance of which can cause nervousness, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, headache and irregular heartbeat.

The essential oil of Rose Geranium has a perfect harmonizing effect on the central nervous system, making it idyllic in uplifting the spirits and handling stress. Using 2 drops of this oil in your potpourri or diffuser, in bath or as a massage oil blended with carrier oils like coconut oil transforms positive energy in your body and your atmosphere.

This helps greatly in alleviating stress, depression and anxiety at it best. The convincing aromatic molecules present in Rose Geranium oil reach the limbic system through the nasal passages and inculcates a stimulating force in the adrenal cortex.

Renowned author K.G. Stiles says that Rose Geranium oil is “Definitely a first-aid oil everyone should consider having on hand Rose Geranium oil’s tonic action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, energy swings and tearfulness.”

2. Athlete’s companion:

Rose Geranium oil is used in many popular health supplements for body building, athletic performance and weight loss for a fit physique. This is mainly due to the stimulant property of this oil where certain supplement manufacturers claim that the presence of the stimulant component dimethylamylamine in Rose Geranium oil makes it powerful naturally.

The University of Wisconsin Steven Point suggests an effectual massage oil blend that contains few drops of Rose Geranium oil with few drops of Lavender essential oil with the base of Almond and Vitamin E oil for relieving muscular tension and grant a relaxing effect on the mind and body. This is what an athlete would essentially require to trigger his/her efforts and chase their passion without any blocks.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt quotes Rose Geranium oil as, “The tonifying effect of the terpene alcohol combined with the soothing influence of the esters are responsible for the fact that geranium is perceived differently for each individual. One person will perceive it as antiseptic, another as calmative, and a third as stimulant…because of this versatile character, geranium is an excellent foundation for massage and body oils.”

3. Women’s friend:

The regenerative and haemostatic properties of this oil enhances circulation, has positive effects on the functions of liver and spleen, stop hemorrhages and helps in treating blocked menstruation, PMS, hot flashes and mood swings in menopausal women.

Using 2 to 3 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil with Sesame oil for massaging your abdomen or added to your warm bathing water helps in regulating the lymphatic system, promoting the release of toxic substances in the body while checking heavy periods and vaginal secretion. This oil is also known to ease labor pain and childbirth.

4. Benefits for the skin:

The great news is that Rose Geranium oil benefits all types of skin including dry, oily, sensitive and normal skin. 2 drops of Rose Geranium oil blended with 2 drops of Lavender oil along with soothing carrier oil like jojoba oil applied on the affected area aids in reducing dryness, sting, itching and peeling of skin due to severe sunburns.

Adding few drops of Rose Geranium oil in your skin care cream or lotion helps in controlling the excess secretion of sebum responsible for acne and dull oily skin. It balances the skin naturally, treats congestion, sluggishness and leaves your skin supple and healthy.

Topical application of Rose Geranium essential oil is known for treating cellulite by fighting against fat metabolism, varicose veins, breast soreness, eczema, psoriasis, broken capillaries, premature symptoms of aging and dermatitis. The anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of this oil makes it effective against acne, ringworm, burns, cuts, wounds and other skin problems.

5. Other health benefits:

Rose Geranium oil is also used as a diuretic for eliminating toxins through urine in case of fluid retention. It also assists in the treatment of nerve pain, inflammation, shingles, dry cough, nose bleeding, head lice and as an effective insect repellent.

Disclaimer: Do not use essential oils directly on your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and might be harmful. Never take essential oils internally without the guidance of your Ayurvedic practitioner. Keep it away from children and avoid using if you are pregnant.

Thought for the day:

Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.                                                                          – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF ROSE GERANIUM OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
  2. Natural solutions: Women’s health conditions by Ann Lisette Wesso
  3. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  4. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Volatile Components of Pelargonium roseum R. Br. Published in Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants
  2. Rose Geranium Essential Oil by The Ananda Apothecary
  3. Rose Geranium Essential Oil Uses by Livestrong.Com
Essential Oils - Learn About and Purchase

Palmarosa Essential Oil

PICK-UP 1 TO 20 FREE 4oz Essential OilS - SPIN THE WHEEL!

Weekend Retreat $200 Oct 10-11 Sheraton Orlando

Palmarosa--bannerPalmarosa oil is an absolute skin supporter for its immense medicinal benefits to the skin. With a much similar aroma like rose, this oil is used for moisturizing the skin and pacifying the mind. Scientifically known as Cymbopogon martini, Palmarosa is indigenous to the Indian sub-tropical regions and is a member of the grass family Graminaceae.

The essential oil of Palmarosa is extracted by steam distillation method from the dried grassy leaves that are harvested before flowering. In her book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’, Light Miller says “Palmarosa is widely used in Ayurvedic skin care. It is good for all skin types because it is a cellular stimulator and supports all cell regulation. It’s highly antiseptic, calming, uplifting and anti-depressive.”

Purchase Palmarosa Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Palmarosa Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Palmarosa oil:

The most popular historical use of Palmarosa oil is that it has been used as a substitute as well as to adulterate rose oil with its rosy aroma. This oil was also used in making incense blends in India and was traded from India to Persia after which the western use of this oil began slowly.

It was also prescribed by the Indian doctors to lower fever and fight against infections. The ancient Indians also used Palmarosa oil for treating nerve pain, fever, rheumatism and certain other infectious diseases.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Palmarosa oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Palmarosa oil constitutes of 14 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality. Of which, Geraniol contributes to the highest proportion of Palmarosa oil constituents with about 79.4% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I believe that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about these prime chemical constituents of Palmarosa oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these biochemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Palmarosa essential oil.

palmarosa-oil

Therapeutic properties of Palmarosa essential oil:

Palmarosa essential oil has regenerative, antiseptic, antibacterial, cytophylactic, febrifuge, aphrodisiac, stimulant, moisturizing, antiviral, hydrating and digestive properties.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Palmarosa essential oil:

The richness of Ayurveda lies in its holistic approach towards health and harmony. Ayurvedic texts state that illness is just an indication symbolizing that there is imbalance between the mind, body and spirit with nature. It illustrates that human body is made up of three energy components namely vata, pitta and kapha together known as doshas in Ayurveda.

Vata is a combination of air and space and promotes biological functions responsible for external and internal movements of the body. Pitta represents fire and water and is responsible for metabolic functions and certain psychological attributes.

Kapha is a blend of water and earth and governs the functions of tissues, retains the balance of water, fat and other fluids in the body. Imbalance of any one of these doshas or all the three doshas results in illness. Palmarosa essential oil is known to reduce the excess of vata, pitta and kapha flow.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Palmarosa oil are:

Palmarosa-Oil1. Fights against harmful organisms:

As an effective bactericide and antiviral oil, Palmarosa essential oil helps in killing harmful bacteria, viruses and other microbes. When applied topically after adding few drops of Palmarosa oil to ointments, skin care creams or lotions, this oil inhibits the growth of dangerous viruses that protect themselves by developing a hard cyst around them. Viral infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm and prolonged itching can be treated effectively by applying this blend externally.

A 2009 study on ‘Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, Evening Primrose, Lavender and Tuberose’, proved that among these four tested essential oils, the essential oil extracted from Palmarosa reflected the highest activity against both gram negative bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and gram positive bacteria like Escherichia coli.

Staphylococcus aureus causes numerous infections like urinary tract infections, skin lesions, pneumonia and meningitis. Escherichia coli are generally present in human intestines and cause food poisoning. You can add 2 drops of Palmarosa oil in warm bathing water or blend it with jojoba oil and use it as a massage oil for inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

2. Heals wounds and skin rashes:

The antiseptic properties of Palmarosa oil makes it an aromatic remedy for healing your wounds, cuts, burns, rashes and other skin infections. Using it as an liniment after adding 2 to 3 drops of Palmarosa oil to your skin care cream or lotion, aids in mending your wounds as well as protect them from being septic.

This is mainly because Palmarosa oil has antibacterial properties that ward off gram negative bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that is wholly responsible for a wound to become septic. You can also use 2 to 3 drops of this oil in your bath for alleviating pain, spasms, convulsions and other skin infections.

3. Moisturizes and regenerates the skin:

Palmarosa oil is known as one of the best oils for treating problems with dry, dull and oily skin. It acts as a natural tonic to your skin and helps retain its moisture without allowing it to dry and turn lifeless.

Gently massaging your skin with 2 drops of Palmarosa oil and coconut oil will help in regulating the secretion of sebum, hydrating the skin, keeping it soft and supple and fighting against wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.

With its cytophylactic properties, Palmarosa essential oil assists in generating the growth of new skin cells and restores skin health by repairing the damaged skin cells due to environmental conditions, ageing and lack of moisture.

It enhances the defensive mechanism of the cells in the body and strengthens the immune system. The anti-inflammatory and cooling mechanism of this oil aids in treating eczema, psoriasis, boils, dermatitis, inflamed skin and wrinkles.

2 drops of Palmarosa essential oil can drive in the magical remedy for your skin. You can use it as a massage oil by blending it with jojoba oil or add it to your bath tub or to your skin care cream and lotions for visible results.

Palmarosa oil is also said to cure candida, shingles, rashes, acne and blemishes. It is also known for treating acne scars and for reducing the appearance of broken capillaries.

4. Calms the mind:

Palmarosa essential oil has a gentle, misty and lemony-rose fragrance that is comforting and calming to the mind and body. Adding 2 to 3 drops to your diffuser, air freshener, burner, vaporizer, linen or to your pillows grant a feeling of contentment, sense of security, adaptability to the existing situation, rekindles the aura, clarifies thoughts and augments the trust in the sacred stream of life.

Palmarosa oil also aids in treating nervousness, anger, anxiety, fear, possessiveness, jealousy, insomnia and resentment.

Other health benefits:

Palmarosa essential oil has been in use since the primordial times for cooling down fever with its triple healing power of being an antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic oil.  It is also effective in treating digestive disorders, intestinal problems, stiff and sore muscles, bruising, heart palpitations and for strengthening the heart yin.

Disclaimer:

Always use essential oils for topical application and for aromatherapy uses only. Never ingest essential oils without the proper guidance of your healthcare provider. Keep away from children and do not use essential oils if you are pregnant. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using specific essential oils for your unique health condition.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Palmarosa oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Palmarosa oil.

Thought for the day:

Beauty is only skin deep. I think what’s really important is finding a balance of mind, body and spirit.    –Jennifer Lopez

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Essential Guide to Natural Skin Care: Choosing Botanicals, Oils & Extracts for Simple & Healthy Beauty by Hélène Berton
  2. The Book of Beauty: Making Natural Skin Care Products with Aromatherapy and Ayurveda by Samyukta Blanchet
  3. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment by Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links:

  1. Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, Evening Primrose, Lavender and Tuberose published in PubMed
  2. Palmarosa Oil by The Ananda Apothecary
  3. Health Benefits of Palmarosa Essential Oil by Organic Facts
  4. Palmarosa Essential Oil by Tracesetc.com

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