Must Have Ayurvedic Essential Oils in the Medicine Cabinet

The word’ Medicine’ carries the ailing thoughts to our mind about the dull, sick days that we are married to our bed than before. Most of the times in the company of ‘easily digestible-tasteless’ food items and extremely bitter pills, the sick days end up acrimoniously. To be honest, the medicine cabinet looked like a ‘Pandora’s Box’ to me till I enlivened it with the most vital and rejuvenating Ayurvedic essential oils. Ayurveda is the holistic healing methodology that has been in practice for more than 5000 years, striving hard for the harmony of mind and body etched with the human system. The touch of nature through the use of these essential oils has proven remedies from the hectic headache to the chronic cancer. Each of us have a preference to our favorable aromas and you can choose your range of essential oils as per your choice but the must-have Ayurvedic essential oils in your medicine cabinet to manage everything and everyone right from your baby to your grandpa are:

  1. Frankincense essential oil: It’s time to dwell in the luxury proffered by the Frankincense essential oil, rightly known as ‘The King of essential oils’. Originated from the French word ‘Franc’ meaning ‘luxuriant’, this divine oil was offered to God by the ancient Egyptians and was used as a revivifying face mask and as the incredible incense for its sweet balsamic fragrance. With its carminative, expectorant, tonic, sedative, digestive, antiseptic, stimulant, diuretic and astringent properties, this oil helps visualizing, enhances concentration, augments the spiritual power, supports digestion, treats cold, flu, fever, skin infections, alleviates stress and is an essential ingredient in most of the popular skin care products administering dry skin and effects of aging.
  2. Rose essential oil: How can the King be alone without the Queen? Yes! Rose essential oil is celebrated as the ‘Queen of essential oils’. This oil with its soft, tender, gentle and feminine qualities is known to treat skin problems, depression, stress, anxiety and is an excellent aphrodisiac gifted by Mother Nature. Rose essential oil is used as a tonic for nerves, kidney, heart and for womanly problems like irregular menstruation, uterine disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and vaginal infections with its antispasmodic, anti-depressant, astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, sedative and anti-bacterial properties.
  3. Lavender essential oil: More than its curative values, the look at the color of the lavender flowers will bring in peace and harmony at one’s home. Lavender essential oil is claimed as the safest essential oil and can be used even for kids. It has been proved effective in the pharmaco-physio-psychotherapy in the future with its vital presence in the Ayurvedic treatment named Shirodhara. It is extremely powerful in treating respiratory problems, depression, insomnia, stress, insect bites, digestive disorders, bruises and many others. For years together, Lavender essential oil has been a part of hair care and skin care products.
  4. Peppermint essential oil: This oil is an excellent tonic for the nervous system and a friend to the respiratory system protecting the body from viral infections. The fresh aroma rests a calming, relaxing, energizing, refreshing and a vitalizing feeling required to either start up a bright fragrant day or to end up a serene poise day. It is a renowned pain-reliever that supports the function of the liver, and treats asthma, sinus, nausea, intestinal gas, spasms in the bowel and many other health problems.
  5. Tea tree essential oil: How can we forget Tea tree essential oil and its splendid healing properties when we are discussing about the must-have essential oils in the medicine cabinet? This oil is tested and proven in the treatment of dandruff, acne, gum problems, nail fungus, insect bites, athlete’s foot, cold sores, eczema, ringworm, strep throat, corns, Candida and more. Tee tree essential oil is also used as a powerful insect repellent.
  6. Turmeric essential oil: Traditionally known as the ‘Golden Goddess’, Turmeric root essential oil is trusted and scientifically proven to treat and prevent cancerous diseases with its antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from this Turmeric herb and its essential oil is used in Ayurvedic treatments for more than 4000 years.

With these six priceless gems, why would you still call it a medicine cabinet? Breathe deep, smile heartily, feel fresh and call it as a ‘Healing Jewel Box’ that spreads smiles, happiness, joy and complete health for the entire family. You can also include few other favorite essential oils of your choice like Rosemary essential oil, Geranium essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil, Thyme essential oil, Clove essential oil, Chamomile essential oil and Lemon essential oil, fully packed with healing values.

Thought for the day:

To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.            -Buddha

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils by Gill Farrer-Halls
  2. 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
  3. The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being by Jennie Harding

Reference Links:

  1. An evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities of essential oil from Curcuma longa. L by Indian Journal of Pharmacology
  2. Rose Essential Oil in Herbal Medicine by Every Green Herb
  3. Peppermint Essential Oil-Remedies and Cures by Peppermintessentialoil.com
  4. Candida by Wikipedia

Citronellol

Citronellol is a colorless oily liquid usually present in the essential oils of Citronella oil, Geranium, Muscatel sage and Sandalwood. The essential oils of Rose, Lemongrass, Tagetes, Neroli, Chamomile, Basil and Lavender also constitutes of Citronellol.

It has also been found that Citronellol is a volatile component of orange juice, bilberry, lemon peel oil, guava, red wine, nutmeg, white wine, black tea, green tea, mango, plum brandy and star anise.

Citronellol is an acyclic monoterpenoid with the molecular formula C10H20O. It is also known by other names, including beta-citronellol, DL citronellol, dihydro geraniol and 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol.

Attributes of citronellol:

Citronellol is a pale viscous liquid with a sweet floral aroma of rose and owns a bitter taste. It possesses a floral rosy and fresh citrus flavor.

It is used as a fragrance enhancer in perfumery as it enhances the fragrances of floral types, especially rose. Because of its aroma and flavour, it is used in cosmetics soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, skin and hair care products, colognes, shaving creams, after shave lotion and bath products. It is used in beverages for its flavor.

Therapeutic uses of citronellol:

Citronellol has antimicrobial, antifungal, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant activities.

Antimicrobial and antifungal activity:

Citronellol exhibit antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This was evident from the study “Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Selected Essential Oils Components against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus” in which the antibacterial activity of the carveol, carveone, citronellol and citronellal against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were determined.

In the study titled “Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Four Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) varieties, the essential oils of four lemongrass were examined for their antibacterial activity. Citronellol and citronellal present in the essential oil of Cymbopogon travencorensis is responsible for the potential antifungal activity of the essential oil.

According to the research article “Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol, two monoterpenes alcohols, against Trichophyton rubrum involves inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis”, geraniol and citronellol exhibit potential antifungal activity against the strains of Trichophyton rubrum which causes dermatophytosis.

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties:

According to the study named “Effect of Citronellol and the Chinese Medical Herb Complex on Cellular Immunity of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy”, it is stated that citronellol has anticancer and anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties and it promotes wound healing.

When a mixture of Citronellol and extracts from three Chinese medicinal herbs such as Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula and Angelica sinensis given to cancer patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy, there was an improvement in the immune system improving their ability to fight against cancer and any secondary infections caused due to the treatment.

Lowers blood pressure:

Citronellol reduces the blood pressure by vascular smooth muscle leading to vasodilatation. This is evident from the study titled,” Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, in rats” in which citronellol produced hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects in rats.

Analgesic:

According to a study named “Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, reduces antinociceptive and inflammatory activities in rodents”, it was found that citronellol is as effective as an analgesic in various pain models in rats.

Treatment of cardiovascular disease:

In the study “Cardiovascular effects of monoterpenes: a review”, thirty three monoterpenes were examined for their cardio-vascular activity and it was found that citronellol is one of the monoterpenes that produced hypotension and tachycardia in conscious rats. It was also able to induce vasorelaxation in superior mesenteric artery of rats.

As insect repellent:

Citronellol is used in insect repellents. It is an effective mosquito repellent at short distances and its effect gradually decreases with increase in distances. It repels the mosquitoes effectively for 1.5 hours when it is combined with beta-cyclodextrin.

Mite attractants:

Citronellol is used on food crops and ornamentals to attract mites, which are an important agricultural pest. So it is one of the active ingredients in pesticides.

Reference Links:

  1. Citronellol by Wikipedia
  2. Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, reduces antinociceptive and inflammatory activities in rodents published in the Journal of Natural medicines
  3. Antifungal activity of geraniol and citronellol, two monoterpenes alcohols, against Trichophyton rubrum involves inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis.
  4. Antibacterial Effects and Mode of Action of Selected Essential Oils Components against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus published in Hindawi
  5. Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, in rats, published in PubMed and Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Ayurvedic Essential Oils To Lead Your Weight Loss Mission

Ayurveda is a spiritual admiration that has been healing human infirmities and addressing the pattern of genial living. It believes that human beings are a part of nature and any kind of descend in their health can be taken care brilliantly only with the help of nature. Ayurveda suggests that mind and body contributes an equal proportion both for well-being and ill-health.

Ayurvedic essential oils are trusted to treat excess weight without any kind of side effects that may affect you just like your over-the-counter medicines. You’d love yourselves and admire your young and beautiful structure as you start using them in your daily routine. There are many misleading brands of essential oils in the market that add synthetic agents for artificial aroma, which may harm the ultimate user. Be wise in choosing the real and natural Ayurvedic essential oils that are extracted in a safe and eco-friendly environment.

Why choose Ayurvedic essential oils for weight loss: Ayurvedic essential oils have therapeutic properties and are of great assistance to weight loss as they have detoxifying and uplifting properties that can aid in augmenting circulation, boosting metabolism, controlling the appetite, lessen the craving for ingesting extra calories and shatter the excess fat deposits in your body.

Governing biological effects: Hypothalamus plays a vital role in gaining excess weight due to increased consumption of food. It is an incredible chamber of the human brain that functions dynamically in connecting the nervous system and the endocrine system through the pituitary gland. It can also be called as a satiety center as it controls the feelings of fullness and satisfaction after the meals. The mystical aroma of certain potent essential oils has been proved to decrease the appetite and the desire for more food due to their capability to fuel the function of hypothalamus. Few such curative oils are:

Lemon essential oil: Lemon oil is always refreshing, rejuvenating and revives your senses with its detoxifying, anti-depressant and astringent properties. It increases the function of your stomach in secreting the essential acids for digestion that help in fostering the speedy digestive process. Limonene present in Lemon essential oil assists in free movement of fatty acids into the blood stream and it is at this juncture the fat deposits are wrecked. It boosts metabolism and stimulates the function of pancreas, stomach and liver while promoting your energy to tackle the loss of weight.

Bergamot essential oil: Bergamot oil has calmative and mood enhancing properties, which supports in alleviating stress, anxiety and nervousness. It presents you the sense of hale and heartiness. It soothes the mind and curbs your cravings for food naturally.

Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint always abets digestive disorders in an effective manner.  It has the potential to hold back your appetite when smelled before each meal as the powerful aroma of this oil has a direct impact on the hypothalamus’s ventromedial nucleus that gives you a feeling of fullness and puts an end to your desire to eat more. You can also make use of a unique blend of Peppermint and Lemon essential oil which is very effective for weight loss than using it separately.

Grapefruit essential oil: This mind-blowing oil has been in prolonged use in the treatment of cellulites contributing to reduced fat cells. It has diuretic, fat-dissolving, appetite suppressant and detoxifying properties to assist in weight loss, burning excess fat deposits and control your longing to eat extra.

Apart from these essential oils, you can also make use of cinnamon essential oil, ginger essential oil, lavender essential oil, basil essential oil, geranium essential oil and rose essential oil for deriving the fullest benefits by marrying nature and get ready to break up with obesity and no more overweight as well.

Reference Link:

  1. What are essential oils? Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils by The International Federation Of Aromatherapists (IFA)
  2. Hypothalamus by Wikipedia
  3. The Ayurvedic Guide to Diet and Weight Loss: The Sattva Program by Scott Gerson