Camphene

Camphene is a monoterpene that is bicyclic and exhibits a pungent aroma. It is soluble in general organic solvents and vaporizes at room temperature.  It is seen as a vital constituent in Citronella oil, Ginger oil, Camphor oil, Cypress oil, Neroli and Valerian. In the industry, this oil is produced by catalytic isomerization of alpha-pinene.

Commercially, Camphene is seen used as a food additive and in the production of fragrances. Camphene is similar to that of camphor and is a white crystalline solid which imparts a fragrance that is close to camphor. When heated, these crystals give out vapors that cause irritation to the eyes and throat. It is commonly used in the production of insecticides and man-made camphor.

Therapeutic Properties of Camphene:

The predominant remedial attributes of Camphene are as follows:

Antifungal properties of Camphene:

Camphor and camphene in the essential oil of Sage attributes to its antifungal properties. It works effectively in the treatment of fungal skin infections, dysentery, athlete’s foot and dermatitis. It is for the antifungal property displayed by camphene and camphor in Sage oil that it finds its use in skin care products.

Anti-biotic and Cytotoxic properties of Camphene:

The constituents like Camphene, Cineole and Eugenol seen in Tulsi oil is responsible for treating bacterial, fungal and viral infections that affect the respiratory system. It completely cures congestion, and has also been used in the treatment of severe respiratory disorders like bronchitis as well.  It has also been reported that the active ingredients present in Tulsi oils can be used to treat damage caused to the lung by smoking cancer and tuberculosis.

Camphene found in Holy Basil leaves and in Tulsi leaves can be used directly as a paste or as an oil extract on the skin to treat antifungal and antibacterial diseases. The extract can be used to keep away mosquitoes, and to create a cooling effect on the irritated parts of the skin.

Antioxidant properties of Camphene:

Camphene along with vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps repair damage caused by stress. They work together and exhibit a soothing effect on the nerves, thereby reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and eventually stress.

Analgesic properties of Camphene:

Constituents of Tulsi such as Eugenol, Camphene, Methyl-Chavicol, Carvacrol, and Cineol, have been understood to show sedative, anti-congestive, analgesic, and disinfectant properties. Tulsi and its essential oil can be used to treat sinus pressure, migraines, cough and cold, and even high blood pressure.

 Hyper-Lipidemia and Camphene:

Camphene was used in a study to treat the effects of hyperlipidemia and its reduction. The results proved that camphene was quite effective in treating hyperlipidemia and can be used in conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.

Antinociceptive properties of Camphene:

To study the antinociceptive and Redox Profile of the Monoterpenes (+)-Camphene, p-Cymene, and Geranyl Acetate an experiment was carried out. It was identified that the entire three constituents displayed anti-inflammation and analgesic properties, with p-cymene and geranyl acetate showing minimal therapeutic uses. It was decided that camphene had better opportunities in the pharmacological angle enabling it to find a place in the development of new therapeutic ideologies.

Reference Links:

  1. Camphene, a Plant-Derived Monoterpene, Reduces Plasma Cholesterol and Triglycerides in Hyperlipidemic Rats Independently of HMG-CoA Reductase Activity, published in PLOS journals
  2. Antinociceptive Activity and Redox Profile of the Monoterpenes (+)-Camphene, p-Cymene, and Geranyl Acetate in Experimental Models, published in Hindawi, International Scholarly Research.
  3. Comparative antifungal activities and biochemical effects of monoterpenes on plant pathogenic fungi by Damanhour University and Alexandria University, Egypt

Ayurvedic Essential Oils for Combating Your Back to School Woes

My kid started going to school, and I really miss him a lot. I can’t believe that the lazy days of summer have come to an end so soon. Generally, going back to school means weary and crabby mornings, loads of home works and assignments, and of course, most importantly, exposure to warfare of germs and spiteful viruses. As you know, school environment is the breeding ground for all germs, viruses and pathogens. Moreover, the kids are buckled up to learning and a more tiresome routine. This makes them feel totally exhausted, sleepy, depressed, stressed, and they fall sick due to the attack of barrage of germs and viruses.

When will my kids enjoy happy mornings, relaxed evenings and peaceful slumbers? How can I bring a little joy to his humdrum life? How can I keep my kid resistant to all germs that throng in schools? As a loving parent, I can understand that these are the questions running through your head every day. No worries! Mother Nature has gifted us, invaluable Ayurvedic essential oils to combat these things in a natural way.

Importance of Ayurvedic Essential Oils: Ayurvedic Essentials Oils help in reducing stress and anxiety, enhance mental focus, support concentration and memory retention, boost immunity and finally, induces good night’s sleep. Apart from stimulating your olfactory system in the limbic system, the molecules of these Ayurvedic essential oils has the ability to enter your bloodstream and passes its aromatic essences to all the parts of your body, for the entire well being. It’s the right time to know about certain Ayurvedic essential oils that every parent should have in their family’s medicine cabinet.

Lavender essential oil: Known for its cell regeneration properties, lavender oil is one of the most versatile essential oils that every parent must have. From cuts and stings to insect bites to insomnia, this is your “all-purpose” Ayurvedic oil. Lavender oil, also aids in relaxing and balancing your mind and body. It has remarkable healing, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, anti-convulsive properties, thereby serving as an exceptional remedy for your kid’s burns, cuts and stings.

Eucalyptus essential oil:  Does your child suffer from any respiratory issues such as stuffiness and congestion associated with a cold or flu? Then, you are left with no option other than using Eucalyptus oil. This oil has a powerful bactericidal with antiviral properties. It also serves as an excellent immune-stimulant Ayurvedic oil. It can also be used for sore muscles, aches and pains.

Tea Tree essential oil:  Arm yourself and your children with Tea Tree Oil, as it helps in sorting out all kinds of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The efficacious antiseptic and immune-stimulating properties of this oil make it a must-have-oil in your medicine cabinet. It even aids in relieving muscular aches and severe pain in the body. Tea tree oil is extremely mild and hence, it can be directly applied on cuts and scrapes to clean and reduce agony.

Peppermint essential oil: “Mummieee!!! My tummy hurts!!!!!.” Well, most of the moms hear these words on a regular basis. I feel like, why don’t you try using Peppermint oil that has been credited as an excellent digestive aid for both adults and children. This oil is extracted from peppermint leaves that contain menthol, ensuring the well-being of your digestive system. This refreshing and energizing essential oil can also be used for treating headaches, sinus, chest congestion, migraine and itchiness. It’s warming and cooling traits stimulate your mind and increase the mental agility and focus.

Apart from these essential oils, you can also use lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil, orange essential oil, cardamom essential oil, sandalwood essential oil and bergamot essential oil to defend your children from being assaulted by harmful germs.

Well, I think, now, you have got yourself motivated with these awe-inspiring Ayurvedic essential oils, what next? Add these Ayurvedic essential oils to your medicine cabinet to combat all the worries related to your child’s back to school challenges!

Wishing you and your family, a good health!

Thought for the day:

Even though your kids will consistently do the exact opposite of what you’re telling them to do, you have to keep loving them just as much.                                                                                    -By Bill Cosby

Suggested Reading:

  1. Perfect Health for Kids: Ten Ayurvedic Health Secrets Every Parent Must Know By John Douillard
  2. Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child: The Ayurvedic Approach to Parenting By Joyce Seyburn
  3. Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More Than 300 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends By Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links:

  1. Essential oils by Wikipedia
  2. Lavender oil by University of Maryland Medical Center
  3. Eucalyptus – MedlinePlus Supplements

1,8-Cineole

Eucalyptol is a cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid. It is identified and ascribed the name eucalyptol in 1870 by F. S. Cloez. It is a natural organic compound that is a colorless liquid, also known by various names like 1,8-cineol, cajeputol, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane,  1,8-epoxy-p-menthane,  eucalyptole , eucalyptol, and cineole.

The name eucalyptol was given to it based on the dominant portion of Eucalyptus globulus oil. The constituent Eucalyptol is seen in 90 percent of the essential oil in most species of Eucalyptus oil. It’s component is majorly constituted of 1,8 cineole syn eucalyptol and monoterpenes, and hence it gets its’ name Eucalyptol.

1,8-Cineole  is also found in Common Sage,  Bay leaves, Camphor laurel, Tea tree, Sweet basil, Wormwood, Mugwort, Rosemary, Cannabis sativa and other aromatic flora.

Therapeutic Properties of 1,8-Cineole:

1,8-Cineole finds itself serving multiple therapeutic purposes such as  analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, airborne antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, mucolytic, hypotensive, antispasmodic and it also increases the cerebral blood flow.

1,8-Cineole & Its Uses:

Flavoring and Fragrance:

A report in 1994 stated that the top cigarette companies used eucalyptol as an ingredient in about 599 additives in cigarettes, to improve the flavor. Cineole-based eucalyptus oil is used as a flavoring in various products, including beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and meat products, owing to its pleasant spicy aroma and taste. 1,8-Cineole is also used in flavorings, fragrances, and cosmetics.1 8-cineole

Remedial benefits of 1,8-Cineole:

In the areas of medicine, 1,8-Cineole is widely used as an ingredient in many popular brands of cough suppressant, mouthwashes, and as well as an inactive ingredient in body powder. It serves well in treating system related disorders as mentioned below.

Digestive system: 

A study conducted in 2010 with details from the Aromatherapy Journal of the NAHA states that Eucalyptol does play a crucial role against Candida and fungi. It is seen to restrict the filamentation in fungi, and is also effective on intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea.

It’s does exhibit anti-fungal activity on candida albicans.  When the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were taken internally during an experiment with diabetic rats, Candia albicans and its proliferation were inhibited.

Musculoskeletal system: 

It can be used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, sprains and plantar fasciitis. Studies suggest that both analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, were projected by Eucalyptus globules and Eucalyptus citriodora.

Immune System:

The Aromatherapy Journal (2010) of the NAHA indicates, “Eucalyptus globules was able to instinctively put into action a cell-meditated immune response, making it actively function as a immuno-regulatory agents which can be used in infectious diseases, and in chemotherapy, as adjuvant in immuno-suppressive pathologies.”

Respiratory system: 

1,8-Cineole is indicated in several respiratory conditions right from sinusitis, asthma, acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. It is also preferred in the treatment of sore throat and infections such as laryngitis, for its antiseptic qualities.

It is also used to clear the head especially when used in a combination of Peppermint and Rosemary under conditions of nasal congestion, coughs, cold, flu and pertussis.

1, 8-cineole is seen to provide positive responses even under the conditions of severe respiratory illnesses such as lung function parameters during the treatment of COPD and the common cold.

Eucalyptus globules have been identified to create positive battling effects on bacterial strains which have been isolated from respiratory infections. It has been proved effective for its growth restraining activity against bacterial strains including Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, H. parainfluenzae, S. pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Staphylococcus aureus.

Skin: 

For the skin, 1,8-Cineole is used in the treatment of shingles, herpes simplex, measles, acne, chickenpox, ulcers, wounds, boils, burns, cuts. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Journal concurs, “bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity was extensively displayed by 1,8 cineole”.

Insecticide and repellent

Eucalyptol is used as an insect repellent and as an insecticide. This oil is said to elevate territorial behavior and specifically attracts the male bees. This was done so these males would periodically leave their territories to forage for chemicals such as cineole, to attract and mate with females, to synthesize pheromones.

Reference Links:

  1. 1,8-Cineole by Wikipedia
  2. About Eucalyptus globulus and 1,8 cineole by The School for Aromatic Studies
  3. Eucalyptus globulus & 1, 8 cineole – Seasonal Self Care Issue by The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Journal