Kokum Butter

Posted on October 10, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Called as Komal and Vrikshamla in Ayurveda, Kokum butter is a gentle remedy to treat skin infections, dead skin cells, dry skin, stretch marks, sores, stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammation and constipation.

Sharing its origin with Ayurvedic healing to the Indian subcontinent, Kokum butter has excellent nutritional benefits and has been used in Ayurveda for treating dryness in the skin, cracked lips, ulceration, mature skin conditions, oral diseases and skin infections.

With its rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties, Kokum is held high as an excellent cardiac tonic and is trusted to enhance the kidney functions and support metabolism.

Kokum is popularly known as Wild Mangosteen tree, Red Mango, Brindonia tallow tree, Indian butter tree and Malabar Tamarind tree. Called in the vicinity as Punarpuli and Punampuli, the fresh and dried fruits are used as a tasty substitute for tamarind in the preparation of fish and other traditional culinary varieties.

Purchase Organic Kokum Butter – Retail – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Kokum and its velvety butter:

Kokum butter is extracted from the seed of Garcinia Indica also known as the Kokum tree, which is commonly seen in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats and the Eastern parts of India. The butter is extracted by cold pressing the seeds collected from the Kokum tree and then further refined to give a white butter that has a mild odor.

The residue or the rind of the seed is collected and used in herbal medications. It is one of the most stable butters known and also one of the hardest vegetable butters available.

As the butter extends properties such as high oxidative stability and emollient properties, Kokum Butter has found itself a spot in the industries of toiletries and cosmetics. Though the butter is found to have a high melting point it does melt and blend with skin as it touches the surface making it a top choice for lipsticks, balms, soaps, and lotions.

Butters like Kokum butter is one of the perfect choices among the ingredients of soap bars, lotion bars and lipsticks as they have a high melting point (38-40 C) and keep from melting in the purse during long summers.

Kokum butter serves the purpose of encouraging elasticity, suppleness and preventing dryness of the skin. It also helps to restore balance of the damaged skin caused by prolonged negligence. The raw unrefined form of Kokum butter is dark in color and has an earthy scent to it; when melted, it takes the color of light coffee.

Besides being used in the cosmetic industry, Kokum butter is also used as an edible oil. It is a rich source of vitamin E making it an ideal ingredient in products related to skin and hair.

Along with the butter, other extracts from the plant that are effective in treating medical conditions are the juice of the Kokum. It is the most celebrated refreshing drink in summer that serves effectively against sunstroke and dehydration with its instant energy.

The pulp of the Kokum fruit is used as spice in various parts of India, especially in Kerala and other coastal areas as a popular substitute for tamarind. Syrups are also made from the Kokum tree and they are presently bottled and sold for its medicinal effects. Besides this, Kokum is very popular in making chutneys and pickles.

From ancient history, it has been understood that Ayurvedic physicians have used butter from Kokum to cure ear infections, reduce pain caused by arthritis, prevent infections, treat sores, diarrhea, improve digestion and treat constipation.

Kokum is very popular in the Southern states of India and is a trusted traditional remedy for piles, dysentery and infections, insect bite, bee bites and gastric issues.

Kokum is available in the market as a dried fruit, which are soaked in hot water to extract the juices. It has a shelf life of more than a year and the concentrated versions of the fruit can be retrieved. It can also be stored as pickles by blending with salt and drying it out in the sun to increase its shelf life.

Chemical composition and therapeutic properties of Kokum butter:

Kokum naturally contains garcinol in abundance. Garcinol is a derivative of poly-isoprenylated benzophenone that is extracted from the rind of the berries. It exhibits the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Thanks to all these naturally existing properties in the butter, the degeneration of skin cells and the elasticity of the skin can be maintained. The butter of Kokum contains nearly 60-65 percent saturated fatty acids, which makes the oil solid at room temperatures. The fatty acids seen in the butter are stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.

This therapeutic butter exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which control the primary causes that lead to heart diseases, and also helps reduce the production of excess of fat, aiding weight loss. Kokum also exhibits anti- paralysis properties.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Kokum and its butter:

Held high across the world as the oldest remedial science, Kokum is a primordial Ayurvedic remedy for addressing various health conditions. The documented Ayurvedic health benefits of Kokum are as follows.

With its soothing and pacifying properties, Kokum has been prescribed in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, for these attributes it has been called as Grahi and Sangrahi.

The book on ‘Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Spices’ quotes that Ayurvedic experts prescribed the use of Kokum in the treatment of irregular menstruation, inflammatory conditions, ear infections, dermatitis, rheumatic pain, sores and intestinal parasites.

Kokum is also a vital ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations like Yavanyadi Choornam for respiratory ailments and Hingvadi Choornam for treatment of pain in the abdomen along with improper digestion and bloating.

For it’s potent to enhance taste and alleviate loss of appetite, Kokum is called as Ruchikrut and Rochana and Deepana for strengthening the digestive system.

Denoted as an excellent natural thirst quenching agent, Kokum juice has been a celebrated Ayurvedic drink that has been trusted to control Trushna or extreme thirst and dehydration.

The fruit of Kokum in general is a friend for the digestive system in the Ayurvedic regimen. It is mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts in the treatment of a range of metabolic and abdominal disorders.

Ayurveda recommends Kokum in the treatment of Jantu or the invasion of worms, Grahani or constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, Vataja Udara or flatulence and bloating, Shoola or colic pain in the abdomen and Atisara or dysentery.

Kokum and its butter are cited in many classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Dravya Guna Vijnana, Haritakyadi varga and few others.

Kokum is held to pacify vata dosha (extremely beneficial in nourishing dry skin conditions) and enhance pitta and kapha energies (excellent natural moisturizer that leaves the skin supple and smooth).

The predominant health benefits of Kokum butter are:

Exceptional anti-aging agent, attributed to the presence of rich antioxidants like vitamin E that nourish the skin cells and prevent aging.
With its rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties, Kokum is an excellent cardiac tonic and is trusted to enhance the kidney functions and support metabolism.
With its bactericidal properties, Kokum butter has been proved effective against bacteria like Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, flavononyl flavone and Escherichia coli.
The presence of hydroxycitric acid helps reduce lipogenesis cycles; reduce cholesterol and thereby assists in weight loss.
Being a non-comedogenic agent, Kokum butter doesn’t clog pores like other creams and lotions, hence prevent acne and other skin damages.

Kokum butter is an excellent anti-aging agent:

All butters are generally good on skin and Kokum also known as ‘Goa Butter’ is not going to let you down. Though the butter is a bit dry in its nature, it does serve the purpose when it comes to helping with skin regeneration.

The essential fatty acids seen in the butter aids in the oxygenation of the cells, making its tissues available to absorb nutrition. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which nourish the skin and prevent aging.

It is a non-comedogenic agent, which doesn’t clog pores like creams and lotions do, thereby avoiding the occurrence of acne and pimples, and also helps easy absorption of the butter into the skin. Usage of Kokum butter in lotion and creams give it that lush texture that makes the skin feel soft and supple through-out the day.

The major symptoms of aging are wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s foot, dull and dehydrated skin. These skin conditions are often caused by the infestation of harmful free radicals that prevent skin cells from being hale and hearty.

Damaged cellular structure often pave way for dermal problems including aged skin conditions. Antioxidants are powerful micronutrients that have the potent to scavenge the effects of free radicals.

A 2006 study on the ‘Antioxidant activity of Garcinia indica (Kokam) and its syrup’ proved that Kokum is an exceptional antioxidant agent with potent compounds including Garcinol, HCA (hydroxycitric acid), polyphenols and anthocyanin pigments.

Kokum aids in fighting free radicals and assist in repairing the damaged skin, enriching the skin cells from within and helps in restoring the natural glow and texture of the skin, leaving it supple and hydrated.

It has also been prescribed in the treatment of burns, allergies, sunstroke, rashes, chaffed skin, dry skin and scalds.

With all these commendable benefits to the skin, Kokum butter is used as a nourishing base product for organic soaps, moisturizing creams, sunscreen lotions and other skin care products.

This is the kind of ingredient that would be perfect in rejuvenating dry, tired and worn out skin. Blend Kokum butter with your favorite skin-nourishing oils like Lavender oil or Ylang Ylang oil for better results.

Kokum butter as an anti-bactericidal:

The butter exhibits anti-bacterial and bactericidal properties hence it’s used topically to cure skin infections. The juice extracted from Kokum is an appetite stimulant and also has biological properties and has been in use as an effective anti-helmintic agent.

It has also been used to treat piles, GIT infections, and dysentery as well. It also helps stabilize liver functions, and helps strengthen the cardiovascular system. A study involving the involvement of Polyphenols of Garcinia Indica against bacteria was carried out. The result proved that Garcinia indica was effective towards Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, flavononyl flavone and Escherichia coli.

Antioxidant activity of Kokum butter:

A study was conducted to understand the anti-oxidant activity of kokum butter. The experiment was carried out on rats and the results proved that there was effective support contributed by GIE in ATD-induced oxidative damage of liver and Kokum exhibited a hepatoprotective activity contributed by its antioxidant effect.

Kokum butter in cholesterol reduction:

A study was conducted to understand the effects of Kokum butter and cholesterol levels. During the study it was comprehended that the chemical constituents and properties of the butter were a lot similar to sunflower oil, sesame oil, and peanut oil.

Though the process of heating and melting of the butter were the same as ghee and hydrogenated fats, the high unsaturated fatty acid composition seen in Garcinia-butter makes it a lot healthier choice.

Also, the hydroxycitric acid seen in the butter helps reduce lipogenesis cycles; reduce cholesterol, thereby assisting in weight loss.

Other health benefits of Kokum butter:

In general, Kokum has been used in the treatment of fissures and ulcers on lips, hand, and sole. It has also been used as an astringent. Kokum butter is a tender way to treat skin infections, dead skin cells, dry skin, stretch marks, sores, stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammation and constipation.

On skin and hair, Kokum butter is used to treat acne, dry hair, split ends and dandruff. It helps eliminate bacteria such as H. pylori bacteria which are general causes of ulcers.

Kokum aids in strengthening the brain power by increasing the growth of neurons through preventing the substances that can cause damage by oxidizing them, and suppressing the growth of reactive oxygen related species that can cause cancer and cardiovascular related diseases.

Besides this it also contains hydroxycitric acid also known as HCA which can act as an appetite suppressant and aid in weight gain issues. It has a triglyceride composition and hence used as a substitute for cocoa butter.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the use of information. It is not meant to make a diagnosis or thwart any medical conditions. Do not replace with any other prescribed medications or expert medical advice. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is shared only with the notion of bringing Ayurvedic healing wisdom under limelight.

Organic butters and essential oils are meant only for topical application and do not ingest. Consult your Ayurvedic expert/ medical professional ahead of picking the perfect essential oils or organic butters for your prakriti or unique individual constitution along with your medical condition.

Thought for the day:

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

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

A Monograph on Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy): Uses, Morphophysiology, Propagation, Production and Post Harvest Management by Parag Haldankar, Yogesh Parulekar, and Pradip Haldavanekar.
Organic Body Care Recipes Box Set: Organic Body Scrubs, Organic Lip Balms, Organic Body Butter, And Natural Skin Care Recipes by Karina Wilde.
30 Best Homemade Body Butter Recipes by Kate Hilton.
Natural Remedies Book Collection: 6 Books About Weight Loss, Natural Skin Care And Healthy Life: (Weight Loss Books, Alternative Medicine, 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, Cannabis) by Mary Anne Heller, Pamela Arnold, Pamela Green, Irene Edwanson, Adrienne Cooper, Tasanee Mookjai.
Natural Butters To Make Skin Care Products (How To Make Natural Skin Care Products Series Book 18) by Miriam Kinai.

References:

Benzoin Resin Oil

Posted on October 10, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Fixing up your skin setbacks, respiratory ailments and mental mayhems is just a few steps away, until you reach the sacred aroma of Benzoin essential oil. Blessed with a divine fragrance and handful of healing values, Benzoin has been in use since thousands of years as a holy aromatic agent in temples and other religious ceremonies.

Being a pacifying agent, Benzoin and its essential oil is said to have been used for soothing depression and treat skin disorders. Scientifically known as Styrax benzoin, it is also called as gum Benjamin or gum benzoin.

Used as a natural aid to heighten spiritual oneness and divinity, Benzoin resin was burnt by the ancient saints, Hindu priests and Buddhist monks during prayers and holy congregations.

It was used in various Complementary and Alternative Medicinal systems including Ayurveda, in the treatment of depression, wrinkles, congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, cough, flatulence, urinary tract infections, premenstrual syndrome, inflamed skin and impotence.

Historical uses and importance of Benzoin resin: Benzoin resin is extracted from the bark of numerous trees of different species in the Styrax genus. Indigenous to the Sumatra and Java islands in Indonesia, Benzoin gets its name from the Arabic word ‘Luban Jawi’, which means Frankincense from Java. The Benzoin tree grows up to a height of 12 meters and is also grown as an ornamental tree in Western Africa.

The crude Balsamic resin is extracted by tapping method, which is nothing but the process of cutting the bark of the tree for obtaining the resin, generally from a seven years old tree. The extracted resin is then left out for 3 to 4 months for drying and hardening. Benzoin resin essential oil is extracted from this resin through a solvent.

It was said that the ancient Egyptians and Chinese imported Benzoin resin via the Red Sea. As an excellent fixative that has the power to embrace the fragrance of many aromatic oils and perfumery ingredients, Benzoin essential oil is a common element in the perfume and incense-making industry.

Benzoin was used in the traditional Malayan civilization as a fumigation and incense, to keep away from evil spirits as well as for ritual uses. Predominantly used as incense for more than 3000 years, Benzoin resin has been powdered and blended with other aromatic items like cypress, pine, labdanum, juniper and galbanum. This blend is then made as cones and kept on the heads of the dancers of Egypt, says Papyrus records.

Queen Elizabeth I used the dry perfumes made with Benzoin and the first use of this enchanting fragrance factor in England is traced between the 15th and 16th centuries. The resin is popular as an incense in Western Catholic Churches and certain Orthodox Christian associations all over the world.

Benzoin resin is also used in the manufacturing of scented wooden chips known as Bakhoor in Arabic. It is also used as mixed resins along with other resins in Horn of Africa and other Arabian provinces. This sweet-smelling resin is burned on charcoal as incense especially during spiritual occasions in India and the Arabian countries of the Persian Gulf.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Benzoin resin oil: The key chemical components of Benzoin resin essential oil are benzoic acid, coniferyl benzoate, phenylpropylic alcohol, benzaldehyde, cinnamic acid, benzyl benzoate, vanillin and phenylethylene.

The most significant remedial attributes of this oil are antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, astringent, expectorant, disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, cordial, vulnerary, carminative, sedative, relaxant and deodorant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Benzoin resin oil: Ayurveda embraces nature wholly and it is reflected in every single remedy it prescribes to mankind. This is the most valued attribute that has helped Ayurvedic healing survive and stay in the hearts of many across the globe.

With the immaculate meaning of ‘knowledge of life’, Ayur+Veda is the only healing system on earth that insists on self-awareness about one’s own health condition and individual constitution. This traditional wisdom of healing brings in that wakefulness, where an individual understands that every human being is being created with all kinds of mental and physical abilities in a clear order.

Ayurveda helps in appreciating this uniqueness and leading a hale and hearty life in sync with nature, which is built with five fundamental elements. They are earth, water, air, space and fire. Everything on earth including the human body is made with these five elements, where the earth takes the form of muscles and bones, water represents blood, fire helps in the biological functions including metabolism, space is the soul that keeps us alive and air assists in breathing.

According to Ayurveda, every human being is a unique part of nature with a unique individual constitution. This constitution is known as Prakriti and is a combination of three biological elements called as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. Every person has a predominance of any one of these doshas and it determines the traits, character and behavioral attributes of a person.

Ayurvedic remedies are based on the predominance of the doshas and the balance between them. Absolute health in Ayurveda is a sign of perfect balance between these doshas and illness indicates doshic imbalances. Ayurvedic healing techniques and medications aim at correcting the disparities between the doshas.

The major natural remedies prescribed in Ayurveda are herbs, plant essential oils, meditation, yoga, simple physical exercises, Ayurvedic routine, prayers and few other Ayurvedic techniques like Panchakarma or Ayurvedic detox, Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage and Pranayama or Ayurvedic art of balanced breathing.

Benzoin resin oil has moisturizing and warming energies, which helps in tranquilizing the mind and enriching the skin. This oil has the power to pacify vata, pitta and kapha dosha with its sweet-balsamic, pleasant and vanillin based aroma.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Benzoin resin essential oil are:

1. Alleviates rheumatic conditions: Rheumatism generally occurs due to the stagnation of excess water deposits in the system. This leads to improper blood circulation, inflammation, swelling, redness, pain, soreness and difficulty in the normal functioning of the body. Excess of water and fluids in the human body is mainly caused due to the imbalance of kapha dosha, which is responsible for similar diseases like obesity, respiratory illnesses etc.,

Benzoin essential oil has anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that help in promoting proper blood circulation, reducing pain, lessening inflammation, controlling soreness and swelling, and eliminating the surplus water deposits and toxic elements in the system by promoting frequent urination. This function also assists in treating obesity, controlling blood pressure, supporting the functions of the circulatory system and enhancing metabolism.

To get rid of rheumatic and arthritic problems, Ayurveda suggests a healthy diet that naturally controls kapha vitiation along with yogasanas that treat rheumatism and arthritis and the use of Ayurvedic essential oils like Benzoin resin oil.

The Arthritis Foundation reported that a research by the John Hopkins University has concluded that yoga is extremely beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis after publishing its research analysis stating that “who participated in eight weeks of yoga classes had significantly fewer tender and swollen joints than they did before starting class.”

Steffany Haaz, the grant recipient of the Arthritis Foundation also says, “We have previously reported that yoga helps people to feel better, and we wanted to make sure it wasn’t harmful to arthritic joints. So, we were glad to find that there actually seems to be improvement in joint symptoms for RA patients.”

Along with this, massage the painful parts with 3 drops of Benzoin resin oil mixed with 1 drop of Ginger oil, 1 drop of Lavender oil, 1 drop of Black pepper oil, 1 drop of Juniper berry oil with 4 ml of coconut oil. You can also add 2 drops of Benzoin resin oil and 2 drops of Marjoram oil in warm bathing water or in hot compress for improved results. This formula works quickly as the benzyl components in the Benzoin oil are easily absorbed by the pores of the skin.

2. Relieves congestion and other respiratory problems: Breathing is the natural action that sustains life. Trouble-free breathing brings in enormous health and happiness by permitting the flow of prana or vital life force in the system.

Any interruption or blockage in the breathing mechanism due to improper food habits, environmental factors, stagnation of water deposits and toxic substances in the system leading to built up of mucus and phlegm deposits (this is a kapha imbalance) cause respiratory problems.

Benzoin resin essential oil has the power to reduce excess kapha dosha, with its expectorant properties. 1 drop of Benzoin oil with 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil and 1 drop of Niaouli oil in steam inhalation aids in loosening the accumulated phlegm and mucus, relieving congestion and cleansing the breathing passages.

Gently massaging your chest, throat and back with your vaporizing ointment mixed with 2 drops of Benzoin oil and 2 drops of Frankincense oil, following the steam inhalation can aid in relieving cough, cold, congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis, blocked nose, asthma and other respiratory allergies. You can practice breathing exercises like Pranayama and yoga asanas for respiratory illnesses.

3. Drives away depressive feelings: Benzoin resin oil has a gentle, sweet and soothing aroma that tranquilizes the mind with its relaxant, sedative and anti-depressant properties. When inhaled, these remedial properties in the aromatic molecules of this oil pass on to the brain through the nasal passages. This has a positive effect on the limbic system, which is the control center of the brain.

Bryan Miller and Light Miller in their book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ say, “Benzoin resin oil is beneficial to an irritated nervous system and can be useful in depression, PMS and stress.”

2 drops of Benzoin resin oil along with 1 drop of Ylang Ylang oil and 1 drop of Orange oil added to your vaporizer, burner or diffuser can assist in stimulating the central nervous system, pacifying the mind, granting mental clarity, controlling anger, treating anxiety, improving blood circulation and instilling the power to control depressive feelings.

According to Ayurveda, among the 7 chakras, Benzoin resin oil affects the root chakra and the solar plexus chakra. Root chakra or sacral chakra is responsible for survival factors like security issues, financial independence and the ability to stand up high. Imbalance of this chakra leads to depression and various other nervous problems.

Solar plexus chakra deals with self-confidence, self-esteem, self-control, self-worth and other personal powers. The failure of the functions of this chakra leads to nervousness, lower self-confidence, inferiority complex, poor memory and digestive disorders.

Benzoin resin oil, with its power to treat the imbalances of the root chakra and solar plexus chakra, brings in self-confidence, trust and the ability to stand tall to beat depression and other negative feelings.

While talking on the relaxing effects of Benzoin resin oil on the emotional aspects of the system, Madame Maury says, ‘this essence creates a kind of euphoria; it interposes a padded zone between us and events’. You can also work out these Yoga asanas for depression and practice meditation.

4. Keeps skin problems at bay: The essential oil of Benzoin has amazing healing for nourishing your skin and helps you look younger and charming. The book on ‘Aromatherapy: Essential oil for vibrant health and beauty’ by Roberta Wilson quotes, “Benzoin was often added to cosmetics to keep skin clear and youthful. People in many different cultures have appreciated its ability to soothe and stimulate the skin.”

Benzoin resin oil has everything in its kitty for dealing with various skin problems ranging from wounds to treatment of scars. The healing properties are mainly due its chemical components including benzyl benzoate, benzoic acid and benzaldehyde.

This oil is a natural antiseptic with germicidal, disinfectant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and vulnerary properties that aid in healing wounds, cuts, sores, acne, chapped skin, eczema, scars, skin irritation, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Applying the mix of 2 drops of Benzoin resin oil with 1 drop of Lavender oil, 1 drop of Rose oil, 1 drop of Lemon oil, 1 drop of Bergamot oil, 1 drop of Frankincense oil and 4 ml of Sweet almond oil on pimples, wounds, cuts, sores, scars and other infectious skin problems can help in protecting the infected parts from germs and promote quicker healing.

Massaging this blend on your skin especially on dry, cracked, blistered or chapped skin helps repair and rejuvenate the skin cells especially on the elbows, knees and heels. It also helps in maintaining the skin suppleness and softness. Ayurveda recommends drinking ample water every day to retain healthy skin cells.

5. Benefits to the entire system: Apart from these magnificent benefits, the essential oil of Benzoin can bring in enormous other benefits to your complete system. They are the promising effects of this oil that can help in destroying germs in the mouth with its disinfectant properties and tightening the gums with its astringent properties. It also aids in treating digestive disorders with its anti-flatulent and carminative properties. It can serve as an excellent deodorant with its mesmerizing aroma, for your body as well as your home.

Other uses: Benzoin is known for its fixative and preservative values and is used in the perfume industry for these reasons, especially for reducing the dispersal of fragrance elements and essential oils in air. This oil is also utilized as a flavoring agent in baked goods, gelatins, candies, gums, puddings, frozen dairy and beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Apart from this, its use in the manufacturing of scented candles, cosmetics and veterinary medications makes it a much prized natural alternative since ages.

Disclaimer: This information is only for the purpose of education and is not intended for diagnosis or prevention of any illnesses. Do not substitute these remedies for any prescription drugs or expert medical advice. We are not medical professionals and this article is shared with the interest of throwing light on the world’s oldest healing system, Ayurveda.

Never use essential oils for internal purposes and make certain that you dilute essential oils in appropriate carrier oils before using it topically. This is mainly because pure and organic essential oils are extremely concentrated liquids and may cause allergic reactions, when used on the skin directly.

Talk with your Ayurvedic professional prior to selecting the right essential oils for your Prakriti or unique individual constitution and state of health. Care should be taken before using essential oils, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom.

Thought for the day:

Nature never did betray the heart that loved her. -William Wordsworth

Suggested Reading:

Fragrance & Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche by Jennifer Peace Rhind
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick Series) by Scott Cunningham
Making Your Own Incense: Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin A-226 by Tina Sams, Maryanne Schwartz

Reference Links:

β-pinene

Posted on October 10, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

β-pinene) found in plants is an organic monoterpene compound, and is one of the most abundant compounds released by forest trees. If oxidized in air, the allylic products of the pinocarveol and myrtenol family prevail. α-pinene, which is a colorless liquid soluble in alcohol, but not water, is one of the two isomers of pinene.

Owing to its woody-green pine-like smell, beta-pinene has been used as a flavoring and fragrance agent. It’s is pretty common in essential oils and is also used in cooking to provide flavoring effects to the food, and also to act as a preservative.

The botanical families that contain β-pinene are Humulus lupulus, Clausena anisata, Cuminum cyminum, Pinus pinaster, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis indica.

Uses of beta-Pinene:

Anti-depressant:

Antidepressant-like activity is seen in essential oils that contain β-pinene and Linalool, which are two most volatile monoterpenes.

These are components of many aromatic plants used in folk medicine around the world to relieve anxiety and depression.

A study in 2015 suggested that, linalool and beta-pinene act on the monoaminergic system by reflecting their biological activity on several receptors of the system. Since these constituents focus on multiple receptors, the resulting effects are more potent and long lasting when compared to those that focus on only a single receptor.

Linalool and beta-pinene act in balancing the brain chemistry in these receptors (multiple receptors) resulting in alterations of mood and depression.

Another study in 2012 on ‘Antidepressant activity of Litsea glaucescens essential oil: identification of β-pinene and linalool as active principles’ displayed evidence that, β-pinene and linalool which were active constituents of L. glaucescens essential oil played a role in promoting antidepressant activity. As a result, the use of L. glaucescens to treat depression was initiated in Mexican Traditional Medicine.

Antibacterial Activities:

beta-Pinene also possesses antibacterial activities. A study on Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and three of its main components α-pinene (19.43%), 1,8-cineole (27.23%), and β-pinene (6.71%) were studied to understand the in vitro antibacterial behavior and toxicology characteristics. During the study, essential oils of R. officinalis L., α-pinene and β-pinene were treated on Gram-positive, and Gram- negative bacteria. The results showed that Gram-positive bacteria were more responsive to the oil.

Another study on Biological Activities of a-Pinene and β-Pinene Enantiomers conducted in the year 2012 suggested, “This study showed that only the positive enantiomers of pinene have antimicrobial activity against -pinene, C. albicans, C. neoformans, R. oryzae and MRSA. The additive and synergistic effects of (+) – and (+)-β-pinene standards combined with commercial antimicrobials are important as they reduced the MIC of combined substances, maintained the antimicrobial activity and decreased toxicity.”

Cytotoxic Activity:

Most essential oils are used in the industries of food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and sanitary for their diverse activities that support insecticidal, anti-parasitical, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties.

Keeping this in mind, for several centuries specialists have tested essential oils from more than 20 plant families for the past 10 years. An experiment as such is what is mentioned below which proves the cytotoxic activity of beta-Pinene.

beta-Pinene is seen to show cytotoxic activity towards cancer cells. In the year 2014 a study on ‘Anticancer activity of essential oils and their chemical components’ proved, that essential oil of Schefflera heptaphylla (L.) Frodin and its major compound beta-pinene ((-)-beta-pinene and (+)-beta-pinene) showed significant anti-proliferative activity against A375 cancer cell lines. There by preventing the growth of cancer cells related to skin cancer.

Antimicrobial Activity:

Several studies were conducted to identify and prove the antimicrobial activity of beta-Pinene. One of such studies was in the year 2012 where β-pinene an essential component of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil proved positive.

During the course of this study, the anticancer, and antibacterial activities of the oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L were assessed and the three main constituents of the oil 1,8-cineole, α-pinene and β-pinene was brought under consideration.

The result- the oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L exhibited the strongest antibacterial and cytotoxic activities towards SK-OV-3, HO-8910 and Bel-7402 human tumor cell lines, which were in order: Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil > α-pinene > β-pinene > 1,8-cineole.

Reference Links: