alpha.-Thujene

Posted on December 16, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Thujene is a natural flavoring obtained from Eucalyptus. It is a natural organic compound classified as a monoterpene. It finds it place in the cosmetic industry as it attributes it’s fragrance to the essential oils that it’s seen in. It forms a major part of the constituents in essential oils of a variety of plants, and contributes a strong spicy flavor of certain herbs as seen in Summer savory.

The term thujene usually refers to α-thujene which is less commonly known and is chemically related double-bond isomer is known as β-thujene (or 2-thujene). Another double-bond isomer is known as sabinene. Thujene also goes under other names as well 3-Thujene, and Thujiene.

alpha.-Thujene & its Therapeutic Uses:

Antioxidant Activities:

A study carried out on the Artemisia species, an important medicinal plant proved the antioxidant capabilities of thujene. Not many reports on the biological activity and chemistry of the oil are available as the amount of quality oil generated is minimal in this genus. A study was performed where the chemical oils were derived from the stem and leaves of Artemisia aucheri and Artemisia sieberi that is found growing in Kashan rangelands of central Iran.

On analysis using the GC-MS technique, where 50 compounds isolated from 96.55% of the oil was from Artemisia sieberi, and 23 identified compounds were isolated from Artemisia aucheri.

The study was quite successful in extracting the highest amounts of α-thujene as its yield was quite higher than expected. Both the specimens extracted showed that α-thujene was in its highest concentrations, with the aucheri species showing as far as 74.42%. Results showed that antioxidant activities were seen during the research using β-carotene/linoleic acid assay.

Anti- Malarial (Anti-Viral):

A study conducted in Iran stated that Thujene also acts as an active anti- malarial agent as well. Using the essential oils of A. aucheri and A. sieberi from parts of central Iran the anti-malarial activity of the chemical constituent a-thujene was studied.

The specimen derived showed high concentration of α-thujene which was analyzed to have high flavor, and served as an anti-microbial and anti-malarial agent. This makes K-HP and K-HS an important constituent in the industry of medicine.

Anti-Bacterial:

The anti-bacterial effect by thujene was detected in a test conducted on Juniperus thurifera L. essential oils. According to the study the oil derived contained, Δ-amorphene, α-thujene, p-cymene, α-pinene, linalyl acetate, germacrene D-4-ol, α-phellandrene and 4-epi-abietal.

The constitutes were seen in larger quantities when derived from the female tree, rather than the male tree, resulting in the female tree extracts showing a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity towards both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus clinical, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and MRSA) and gram negative bacteria (Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli clinical, Proteus permeri, Shigella sp, Meningo sp.).

Antimicrobial Activity:

During the testing the anti-microbial activity of thujene, the study read, the essential oils of three major Salvia species were derived and studied to identify the possibilities of having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and also to understand its chemical compositions.

The partakers of the study were Salvia aucheri var. aucheri (endemic), Salvia aramiensis and Salvia pilifera (endemic). Of the extracts derived, alpha-thujene (36.1%), S. pilifera oil, and alpha-pinene (13.8%) were seen in their respective concentrations. The results of the experiment were that S. aramiensis showed a higher extent of antioxidant activity than those of the others. In terms of antimicrobial activity, the results proved most sensitive for Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida albicans.

Herbicidal Activity:

A study on the ‘Chemical composition, antifungal and herbicidal effects of essential oil isolated from Chersodoma Argentina’ was conducted. During the study, hydrodistilled essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Chersodoma argentina Cabrera by the process of GC-MS was used.

On performing a NMR spectroscopy, the derived composition was found containing 80% of its content to be monoterpene hydrocarbons which included alpha-thujene, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Results obtained proved the herbicidal activity of a-thujene by revealing by reduced root growth of Solanum lycopersicon, Allium porrum, and Sorghum halepense in both assays.

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Ayurvedic Essential Oils for Adding Strength to Toddler’s Health

Posted on December 16, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Babies who learn to walk are called Toddlers. What an awesome sight it is to see your little one take up his/her initial steps with interest and adventure!! We being adults have a lot to learn from toddlers who never give up even though they fail hundreds of times, while they are trying to walk. Every single day during this stage, generally when they are 1 or 2 years old, i.e. the time connecting infancy and childhood is incredibly imperative in a child’s life, as it gets to grow in a plenty of ways. What toddlers actually need at this stage is the love, strength and support from their parents along with certain healthy practices that make them grow with a sturdy foundation for their lifetime. Nutritious food, hygienic habits and an energizing massage with Ayurvedic essential oils can give them the real power in strengthening their muscles and nourish their skin.

Ayurveda and toddlers: Ayurveda states that this is the phase for complete physical, emotional, social and intellectual development for children. A baby is considered as an individual in Ayurveda from its birth itself. Ayurveda treats every newborn as a unique creation with distinctive state of body and mind, known as doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha. Every one of us will have one or two doshas as predominant in our character with the remaining one as less important.

Vata babies are generally lean and find it difficult to gain weight, prone to colic and constipation with dry skin. These fearful babies do not sleep well and can be easily disturbed during sleep. They are extremely brilliant in learning new things.

Pitta predominant toddlers have a good appetite and they may tend to suffer from digestive disorders like diarrhea and heartburn, skin problems like eczema and rashes, due to the imbalance in pitta dosha. With a strong body, these babies have an average weight. Pitta toddlers have a tendency to get angry very easily and are really active during the day with a moderate sleep at night.

Attractive, chubby and mesmerizing babies, often under limelight are all the ones with high proportion of kapha in their constitution. These toddlers are really close and attached to their moms than anyone else. They share things with other babies and are the well-behaved ones unlike the toddlers with vata or pitta predominance. Kapha toddlers are often hungry and have a deep sleep with less response to noise and other disturbances. Kapha imbalance might end up in cold, cough, obesity, sinusitis, sluggishness, lethargic behavior etc.

Identifying the doshas in your children with their behavior will help you greatly for being the best parents in attending to your toddler’s health concerns wisely.

Ayurvedic essential oils for Toddlers: Essential oils are just the purest element of a plant just like a baby who is a purest form of innocence and love. These oils when used with care and precaution will help your toddlers in many aspects while they are still learning to grow in a multitude number of ways. The most appealing and the safest Ayurvedic essential oils for toddlers are:

1. Lavender essential oil: How can someone forget lavender oil, the therapeutic properties and its gentle healing remedies when it comes to babies especially? Diluting 2 drops of Lavender essential oil in 2 tablespoons of Almond oil or Jojoba oil can act as the best massage oil for toddlers. This blend helps in nourishing their skin and augments the strength of their muscles. It induces good sleep and it is a perfect choice for fuzzy toddlers with vata predominance, often having difficulties in sleeping. Few drops of lavender essential oil can also be added to the diffuser mainly before bedtime. Diaper rashes, skin problems, fever and sleep disorders especially during illness can be assisted with the help of lavender oil and its calming aroma.

2. Roman Chamomile essential oil: Most of the mommies might have come across this situation, where you might not know why your baby is actually crying and if it is going to be the nighttime then it’s gone, as it would spoil the peaceful sleep of the entire family. The best Ayurvedic essential oil that can help you in such worst case scenarios is Roman Chamomile essential oil. Add a drop of this oil to your baby’s pillow or to a cotton ball and place it inside your shirt, near your shoulders. When you try pacifying your toddler, the warmth of your body along with the gentle aroma of Chamomile oil will help them sleep peacefully.

3. Tea Tree essential oil: Tea tree oil is extremely good for toddlers, especially at times of treating cold, earache, tonsillitis and other pain related to babies of this stage. You can bank upon this miraculous oil for treating skin problems like itches due to insect bites, diaper rashes, healing bruises and cuts that are common among toddlers who are deeply vested with their journey excavating new things every day. With its effective anti-bacterial properties, one drop of tea tree oil added to baby wipe solutions can protect your baby from harmful germs, bacteria and other infectious bodies.

When your toddler steps ahead his/her life with 1 2 3…… you support them with these oils, 1 for Lavender, 2 for Roman Chamomile and 3 for Tea tree oil. Sounds great to me and it will be spectacular indeed to you also, when you start using these greatest gifts of nature to your loved little ones. Give my love and Muahhhhhhhhhhh…………To the little Princes and Princesses of your families.

Disclaimer: Consult with your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using Ayurvedic essential oils for your toddlers as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and may harm your babies if used without proper consultation.

Thought for the day:

What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all. -By Benjamin Spock

Suggested Reading:

Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child: The Ayurvedic Approach to Parenting By Joyce Seyburn
Perfect Health for Kids: Ten Ayurvedic Health Secrets Every Parent Must Know By John Douillard
Aromatherapy For Babies And Children By Shirley Price

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Linalool

Posted on December 15, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Linalool is seen in over 200 species of plants especially in the ones of the Botanical family, Lamiaceae, which includes scented herbs and mints. This is a very commonly seen terpene alcohol chemical which is present in spice plants that find many commercial applications.

They are also seen in Rutaceae plant family (citrus fruits), and the Lauraceae family (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood) families that are found in the tropical to boreal climate zones.

Linalool has also been found in some fungi and cannabis. They have a pleasant scent similar to a floral fragrance, with a touch of spiciness. Linalool also goes by other names such as β-linalool, p-linalool, linalyl alcohol, linalyl oxide, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, and allo-ocimenol.

Therapeutic attributes of Linalool:

Anti-inflammatory:

Linalool is seen to reduce inflammation. It is one of the major constituent seen in most essential oils, and exhibits the properties and characteristics of an anti-inflammatory agent.

A 2002 from the Journal of Phytomedicine suggests “The results obtained indicate that linalool and the corresponding acetate play a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by the essential oils containing them, and provide further evidence suggesting that linalool and linalyl acetate-producing species are potentially anti-inflammatory agents.” This seems to indicate that it would be acting to decrease the inflammation.

Anti-epileptic:

Linalool is seen to reduce seizures and convulsions. The study on Anticonvulsant activity of the linalool of 2010 concludes that linalool was efficient in the prevention of tonic convulsions provoked by transcorneal electroshock in the experimented animals and linalool was proved to be very powerful than phenytoin in its anticonvulsant quality.

Sedative and anxiolytic:

It helps promotes sleep. A study in 2008 was unsuccessful in proving the anxiolytic effects of linalool. Instead, it provided strong support for evidence of its sedative qualities.

It suggests that linalool an extract of lavender has been known for its sedating and its calming effects and it’s interaction with the GABA receptor. The study raised desire to further investigate the chemical to identify its role as an anesthetic in future.

Analgesic:

According to a study in 2002, Linalool helps relieve pain. It first proved to be an anti-inflammatory and in 2003 it proved to be an analgesic as well. The study claimed that being a monoterpene compound, Linalool is a major constituent in various essential oils that are extracted from sweet-smelling plant species.

Most of which are employed in different complementary and alternative medicinal practices, especially for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

“The more pronounced effect of (-)-linalool on the writhing test with respect to the hot plate test is consistent with the observation that (-)-linalool possesses anti-inflammatory activity.”

Besides these, Linalool is also found to be an antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic.

Other uses of Linalool:

Linalool is also used as a chemical intermediate and has found its usage as a scent in 60–80% of perfumed hygiene products and cleaning agents including detergents, soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Linalool is used by pest professionals as an insecticide against fleas, fruit flies and cockroaches.

It is also used as a mosquito-repellent in certain products, but the EPA notes that “a preliminary screen of labels for products containing linalool indicates that efficacy data on file with the Agency may not support certain claims to repel mosquitoes.”

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