Ayurvedic Essential Oils For Babies: The Kings and Queens Of Your Family

William Wordsworth might have considered his time with Daffodils as a jocund company but according to me, the time spent with the little ones is the most cherishing and worth-remembering moments of my life. No one can deny this truth right! Babies are always special be it of nation or culture, they spread their charm and loveliness even faster than the rays of the mighty sun. That is why they are often called as the Kings and Queens of our family. Ayurveda states that the regular massaging and bathing given to a baby will help nurture his/her growth naturally while strengthening their immune system. Let’s have a look at the different ways in which Ayurvedic essential oils can help your baby grow up in the pink.

Ayurveda in babies’ well-being: The Ayurvedic treatment is classified into 8 branches and ‘Balaroga chikitsa or Kaumarbhritya’ means pediatrics. This branch exclusively deals with the ways for bringing up a hale and hearty child with mental as well as physical strength. It talks about the best practices to be cultivated by the parents to develop the psychological balance, remove fear, develop confidence and build up emotional stability. Ayurveda has recommended the natural ways of treating health disorders of your younger ones in Kashyap Samhita, which protects the baby even without vaccinations.

Ayurvedic essential oils in massaging and medicated bath: Ayurveda strongly recommends natural oil massage for your babies to improve the overall health mechanism. This oil massage is known as ‘Snehana or Abhyanga’. Ayurveda trusts that this initial massage fortifies the mental power, improves complexion, amplifies blood circulation, strengthens the muscles and bones fostering good growth and augments the newborn’s immunity. Oil massage is generally followed by a medicated bath where you can add Ayurvedic essential oils or Ayurvedic herbs to your baby’s bath tub.

Safe and proven essential oils for your babies: Before using essential oils for your babies it is always good to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner, especially when it is for your little ones under 2 years of age. The essential oils that have been proven safe and effective for babies are Lavender essential oil, Roman Chamomile essential oil, Geranium essential oil, Dill essential oil, Mandarin essential oil, Sweet Orange essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, Anise essential oil, Rose essential oil, Tea Tree essential oil and Spearmint essential oil.

How to use? Consult your Ayurvedic expert about the right quantity, blend and about the right time of use. Generally do not exceed over 3 to 4 drops for massaging and 2 to 3 drops of oil in the bath tub of your baby. This gives a nourishing, calming, soothing and relaxing effect while inducing good sleep and improves the suppleness of your baby’s mind and body. Massaging and bathing time are considered as the most important time for developing a bond between the mother and the baby where the tot feels the mother’s warmth and the mother feels the baby’s health.

Make your baby feel special by vitalizing their senses and promoting their health with these essential oils, as the entire family’s happiness is always vested with health and happiness of the baby dwelling in it.

Reference Links:

  1. How to know which essential oils are safe for babies by wikiHow
  2. Eight branches of Ayurveda by Ayurvedamrita
  3. Baby Care by Health epic.Com

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cracked Foot

Ouch!!! It aches, especially on every step that I take. What can I do?’ These are the mind words of people who have sore, cracked foot. Women are often affected and suffer with dry, cracked and not so appealing heels more than men. Your dream footwear will just be sleeping on the shelves of the shoe rack, till you treat your cracked foot. I have seen people hide their foot, with the fear of unveiling their thorny, flaky and busted heels also known as heel fissures. Painful, cracked and dry heels is a predominant cosmetic problem and has been termed as Padadari in Ayurveda and has been explained in Kshudra Rogas in Sushruta Samhita. There are innumerable remedies for cracked foot in Ayurveda and let’s have a look at the promising Ayurvedic essential oils for healing heel fissures.

Causes for cracks or fissures: Human foot is the powerful part of the body helping one to withstand all severe climatic conditions and roam around, yet it is this part of the body that is often neglected. Cracks on foot have no age limit and it can affect anyone for that matter irrelevant of the sex, color and origin. The major causes for cracks or heel fissures are:

  • Cracks are occupational especially for farmers and other people who are involved in laborious tasks that demand standing always, which lead to huge pressure on the foot forcing it to develop cracks.
  • Prolonged standing on hard floor and this is the reason why most of the homemakers develop cracks.
  • Dry, dull and lifeless skin that lacks moisture, especially during winter has the tendency to develop cracks.
  • Uncomfortable, not so fitting or open back footwear compels pressure on the foot, while widening and deepening the cracks.
  • Obesity or excess accumulation of fat and deficiency of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
  • Dry, hot, humid and tropical climatic conditions make your feet dull, dry and hard paving way to develop cracks.
  • Aging and skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, athlete’s foot etc.
  • High exposure of feet to dust, dirt, germs and other harmful organisms leading to infection in the foot.
  • Excess sweating of feet or other causal illnesses like thyroid and diabetes can also cause cracks on the foot.

Symptoms: Cracks generally appear on the external or outer walls of the heels, when it is thick and dry. The symptoms of cracked foot are dry, itchy and painful heels with flaky and red patches and partition of skin looking like root hairs. When left unnoticed, fissures may start bleeding with excruciating pain and might even lead to developing Calluses, Cellulites, and Lymphangitis etc. Anyone with cracked feet will have greater discomfort while walking and the cracks can act as a dangerous channel for bacteria, virus, fungi and other harmful organisms to enter into the body and complicate the situation.

Ayurvedic treatment for Cracked foot: Ayurveda, the natural healing science suggests the systematic way of living in harmony with nature. Following an Ayurvedic routine can weaken your illness woes and strengthen your immunity. Padadari or cracked heels occurs mainly due to Vata imbalance. Ayurvedic texts recommend human beings to keep themselves clean and maintain perfect personal hygiene, which can help in controlling and preventing illness.

1. Pamper your feet with an Ayurvedic massage: Feet is one such vital part of the body that needs complete pampering and with such care it would remain soft, supple and glowing. Abhyanga or an Ayurvedic massage with effective natural and hydrogenated vegetable oils like Coconut oil, Sesame seed oil etc can heal your cracked heels effectively. Essential oils like Lavender essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil etc, can heal your infected heels and make the foot skin soft. This helps the hard, rough and dry skin to turn tender and smooth by enhancing the blood circulation in your feet.

2. Comforting foot bath or Padasnana: For cracked foot, this miraculous science suggests foot bath also known as Padasnana to revitalize your foot skin and prevent the fissures in the future as well. Padasnana along with certain effective Ayurvedic essential oils can help you save your foot from such painful, displeasing and unappealing heel fissures.

Take a small tub of warm water and add 2 to 4 drops of Patchouli essential oil, Tea tree essential oil, Rose essential oil and Lavender essential oil. Soak your feet in this water for about 15 to 20 minutes and the cicatrisant, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, calming and anti-inflammatory properties in these essential oils will make your feet petal soft when done two or three times a week.

Adding few drops of Tea tree oil, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus oil and Lemon oil to a small basin of water and soak your feet into this medicated solution for about 10 to 15 minutes. This relaxes your heels, loosens the cracks, moisturizes the dry scaly skin and helps combat fungal infections as these oils have anti-fungal, analgesic, anesthetic and astringent properties.

3. Moisturize your feet with soothing essential oils: The best essential oils for moisturizing your feet are Peppermint oil, Myrrh oil, Lavender oil, Rose oil, Geranium oil, Patchouli oil, Tea tree oil and Eucalyptus oil. These oils can be used for massaging your feet either as a blend with carrier oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil or can be added to warm water for your foot bath. 5 to 10 drops of essential oils of Geranium, Benzoin, Lavender, Myrrh and Tea tree mixed with 1 ounce of natural cream or mild lotion can act as the best daily moisturizing rub for your feet, especially after a shower.

4. Care your heels with Carrier oils: Carrier oils like Jojoba oil, Calendula oil, Avocado oil, Olive oil and Sweet Almond oil can guard your foot from cracks and other infections. These oils enrich your skin with the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. A gentle massage with any of these oils can aid in nourishing your dehydrated and dry skin while preventing it from painful cracks.

5. Healthy and nutritious diet: Drink enough water daily and eat a balanced diet with rich nutrients like essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, which make your skin smooth and combat dead skin cells in your body. Green leafy vegetables and juicy fruits can supply the essential resilience to your skin.

Regular physical exercises and yoga can help you in treating your cracked heels. Hmmm…. Now you can use your dream footwear on your shelves again and dance in joy with the comfort and confidence of having crack-free, clear and supple heels. Happy Dancing!!!

Thought for the day:

The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.                                                                        – Leonardo da Vinci

Suggested Reading:

  1. Natural Foot Care: Herbal Treatments, Massage, and Exercises for Healthy Feet By Stephanie L. Tourles
  2. Whole Body Massage: The Ultimate Practical Manual of Head, Face, Body and Foot Massage Techniques By Francesca Rinaldi, Nitya Lacroix, Sharon Seager, Renée Tanner
  3. Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda By Pratima Raichur, Mariam Cohn

Reference Links:

  1. Kshudra Roga Critical Understanding by Scribd
  2. Effect of Madhusiktadi Lepa and Padasnana in the Management of Padadari by S.J.G. Ayurvedic Medical College
  3. Dry Cracked Feet by essential3

Tuberose Absolute Oil

Tube-rose-bannerWhat more is needed to prove the mesmerizing aroma of Tuberose oil when it has the word ‘rose’ as a part of its name? Yes! Tuberose absolute oil is one such mythological oil known for its magnificence, floral and sensual aroma. Popularly known with various names like ‘The Mistress of the Night’, ‘Night Queen’ and ‘Raat Ki Raani’ in Hindi, this flower is said to rule the silence of the twilight with its irresistible fragrance.

Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing humanity employs natural remedies to empower the five senses such as smell, touch, taste, sound and colors for harmonious living. With smell being the primary one this ‘Mother of all healing sciences’ use aromatics to heal and prevent illnesses.

This is the major reason for using incense, flowers, attars, fragrance oils and aromatic essential oils during prayers, spiritual gatherings and meditation. Tuberose oil has been used in making attars that are apprehended in high regard in Ayurvedic medication for their ability to strengthen the mind and enhance the emotional stability.

Purchase Tuberose Absolute – 5% Dilution in Pure Jojoba – 4oz – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Tuberose Absolute Oil:

Botanically known as Polianthes tuberosa, this plant is a member of the Amaryllis family and is indigenous to Central America. The early Aztec healers called Tuberose absolute as omixochitl, meaning bone flower mainly because of its radiant white and waxy flowers that stood stiff and strong just like bones.

It is also known as the favorite flower of the Mexicans and it was added to chocolate drinks. In certain cultures unmarried girls are advised not to smell the fragrance of Tuberose absolute flowers after sunset, due to its strong aphrodisiac properties.

Tuberose flowers are a vital part of the traditional Hawaiian weddings where these flowers are intermingled with Plumeria flowers for an elegant, rich, exquisite and an aromatic wedding garland.

The brides of Hawaii wear Haku meaning a wreath around their crown, which is made up of Tuberose flowers and pikaki. This is mainly to bring joy, harmony and intimacy as well as to give a great start to the newly married couple. The ancient Victorians attributed the fragrance of Tuberose flowers to sensual and voluptuous qualities and on the other hand certain Victorians also called Tuberose as funeral flower.

Ayurvedic benefits of Tuberose Absolute Oil:

Tuberose absolute is called as Rajnigandha in Ayurveda meaning ‘night fragrance’. The flowers of this plant bloom during the night time and release their scent for attracting the attention of nocturnal moths for pollination. Just like Jasmine, tuberose also has a strong floral scent that is effective even hours after plucking it.

Essential oils have been used for their aroma and therapeutic values by priests, devotees and worshipers to draw the attention of Gods, Goddesses and Spirits, to ward off evil powers and to sanctify the places of worships. In this way, the aroma of Tuberose absolute oil with Venus as the guiding planet is said to be the blessed oil to Maya who is respected as the origin of Gods.

This oil was also used in the primordial times for opening the heart chakra, capturing compassion, vision, love, psychic sensitivity, creativity and trance work.

Ayurveda’s use of aromatics as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, sedative, calmative and as a natural remedy for various psycho-spiritual conditions is well-known. According to Ayurveda, the aroma of Tuberose absolute oil is said to open the crown chakra, which is responsible for augmenting creative powers, peacefulness of the mind, intensify the emotional powers and strengthen the psychic potential.

The predominant Ayurvedic benefits of Tuberose absolute oil are:Tube-rose-broucher1. Naturally defensive:

The sweet-smelling oil of Tuberose flowers is proven to possess anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it as one among the perfect medicated oil for use. A prominent study on ‘Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, Evening Primrose, Lavender and Tuberose’ proved that Tuberose absolute oil was effective in treating gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Another study on ‘Anti-fungal activity of tuberose absolute and some of its constituents’ proved that the three constituents present in Tuberose absolute namely indole, geraniol and methyl anthranilate revealed effectiveness against the mycelia growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on potato-dextrose-agar medium.

2. Accepted Aphrodisiac:

Tuberose absolute oil is a time-honored aphrodisiac with narcotic properties. This is proven with its romantic name ‘Fragrance of the night’, ‘Night Queen’ and certain others. Inhaling the aroma of this mind-blowing oil or taking a fragrant warm bath before bed with 2 or 3 drops of Tuberose absolute oil added to your bathing water can do the magic for you.

This is done by the function of the aromatic compounds that reaches the limbic system of your brain through your nasal passages. This part of the brain is responsible for controlling emotions, sexual feelings and stimulating your system.

The warm, floral, deep, honey-like aroma encircles your room and your mind, leaving behind a perfect ambiance for love. The therapeutic properties of this oil enhances blood circulation of the body and assists in treating lack of libido, erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual interest. It grants you complete repose and is also said to treat frigidity and impotence due to lack to sexual health and drive.

3. Reviving Relaxant:

The pleasing and satisfying aroma of this oil aids in relieving tension, stress and anxiety. Experiencing the tranquilizing fragrance of this oil relaxes the nerves and muscles, soothes the senses and appeases the brain. This assists in alleviating anger and other negative feelings by intensifying your emotions and granting peace of mind.

4. Delighting Deodorant:

The long-lasting fragrance of Tuberose absolute oil makes it a perfect pick for dealing with problems like body odor due to the presence of bacteria in the sweat especially in tropical countries. It is for this unique reason, tuberose absolute oil has been in use in the perfume industry for ages together.

The most celebrated perfumes with the notes of Tuberose absolute oil are Fracas de Robert Piguet, April Aromatics from Natural Perfumer Tanja Bochnig, Nasomatto Narcotic Venus, Forbidden with tuberose and wormwood, Tallulah, Christian Dior Poison, Creed Tubereuse Indiana, Chanel Gardénia, Les Parfums de Rosine Mea Culpa and much more.

5. Wonderful Oil of Warmth:

The warming quality of this oil stimulates blood circulation and helps you in keeping your body warm by granting sufficient heat to your body. This gives you a feeling of security as it is trusted to embrace the person who wears it. Using this oil in your massage blend aids you in managing cold during winters, treats cracks on dried skin, protects the respiratory system and prevents the formation catarrh and phlegm.

Tuberose absolute oil also has sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that aids in treating muscular pains, spasms, skin infections, nausea and certain other health conditions. You can also use it as a soothing massage oil by adding 3 to 4 drops of Tuberose oil to your favorite carrier oil like jojoba oil and enliven your senses with a warm massage.

For your information: It approximately requires 3500 pounds of handpicked Tuberose flowers to extract 1 pound of Tuberose absolute oil and this noteworthy reason makes it the most expensive oil on this universe. Unlike other essential oils, tuberose oil is not extracted through steam distillation process as it cannot withstand high temperatures and it is extracted by enfleurage, which is a gentle but labor intensive process.

Disclaimer: This information is only for educational purposes and is not deliberated to diagnose any health condition. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and never take them internally without the guidance of your Ayurvedic Practitioner. Blend essential oils with appropriate carrier oils before using them topically and keep away from children.

Thought for the day:

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.  –William Shakespeare

Suggested Reading:

  1. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose
  2. Creating Fairy Garden Fragrances: The Spirit of Aromatherapy by Linda Gannon
  3. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, Evening Primrose, Lavender and Tuberose by PubMed
  2. Tuberose A Treasure by Jeanne Rose
  3. Tuberose: Perfume Ingredients and Notes by Bois de Jasmin