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

Jamarosa Oil

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