Category Archives: Ayurvedic Essential Oils

Ayurvedic Essential Oils

Free 4oz Essential & Fragrance Oils

Geranial

Posted on by

Geranial is an oily liquid aldehyde, also known as citral A and is an E-isomer of Citral. Citral is a pair or a combination of terpenoid which goes by the name lemonal or 3, 7-dimethyl-2, 6-octadienal.

Geranial cannot be characterized alone, and it goes hand in hand with the nature and qualities of citral. It has a rich lemon aroma.

Citral is widely available in natural form and can be extracted from several plant oils such as lemon(2-5%), Calypranthes parriculata (about 62%), Litsea lemon verbena (30-35%), lemon ironbark (26%), lemongrass (65-85%), cubeba (70-85%), Lindera citriodora (about 65%), lemon balm (11%), lime (6-9%),  petitgrain (36%), Ocimum gratissimum (66.5%), lemon myrtle (90-98%), Litsea citrata (90%), lemon tea-tree (70-80%), and orange.

As you can see that its derived from most plant that belong to the lemon family, and this makes it quite obvious where Geranial expresses its prominent lemon fragrance.

Due to this citrus effect, it is used in perfumery. Therapeutically geranial has a strong fragrance and is highly capable in keeping away insects, and also exhibits sedative and antimicrobial qualities.

Uses of Geranial:

Geranial in citral is seen to have a sensitivity effect on use, and as per the International Fragrance association, it has been advised that citral be used with desensitizing agents.

On the grounds of therapeutic usage, citral is seen to be effective in regards to genotoxicity and as a carcinogenic, though test claim that they have dose dependent effect on the kidneys. Geranial can also be used to treat infections in relation to the urinary tract and also in the treatment of kidney stone.

Effect of Geranial in Chemotherapy:

A study was conducted to understand the effect of ginger on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. The chemical constituents of ginger include neral, borneol, b-fellandren, sogaoles, gingeroles, geranial, sineol, bisabolen, oleoresin, zingiberen, diterpenes, lypids, protein, starch and vitamins.

During the study the participants were divided into 2 groups, one received the anti-emetic, and the other was given ginger. The results proved that the group receiving the anti-emetic was only 75% effective when compared to the group receiving only ginger which proved to have completely absence of nausea and vomiting.

Effect of Geranial attributes in Lemon Grass:

To understand the therapeutic qualities of lemon grass a study was carried out. The result proved that lemon grass with the constituents of lemon grass, Citral α, Nerol Geraniol, Citral β, Terpinolene, Citronellal, Myrecene, Geranyl acetate, and Terpinol Methylheptenone showed several therapeutic activities.

Lemon grass had proved hypoglycemic, antimutagenicity, antimalarial, antimycobacterial, antioxidants, neurobehaviorial, anti-amoebic, antidiarrheal, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Prophylactic & Antinociceptive effects of Geranial:

A study was carried out to understand the effects of citral when administered orally to treat conditions of inflammation, acute and chronic nociception, and gastric ulcers caused by the usage of NSAIDS.

The result suggested that citral repressed the pain responses caused by inflammation and the neurogenic effects caused as an effect of intra-plantar injection of formalin; it also displayed therapeutic anti-nociceptive and prophylactic effects towards mechanical hyperalgesia seen in plantar incision surgery.

Citral was also seen displaying gastro-protective effects towards ulcers caused by NSAIDs. All these effects prove the positive response of citral towards the treatment of pain.

Reference Links:

  1. Citral by Wikipedia
  2. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass), published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research
  3. Citral: A monoterpene with prophylactic and therapeutic antinociceptive effects in experimental models of acute and chronic pain, published in European Journal of Pharmacology

Ayurvedic Oils: The Incredible Power To Bring Heaven On Earth

Posted on by

We live in an unstable world and none of us are aware of what might happen tomorrow. Besides our busy schedules and countless number of our routine tasks, most of us want to reach the heaven at the end desperately. We never know how heaven would be but we dream and aspire to be there someday or the other. How will you actually feel if someone says that you can feel the divinity and the bliss of heaven on earth? Great…..is what I have to say and expect the same from you also. Yes! The heavenly touch of Ayurvedic essential oils and their vital values have indeed the incredible power to make us feel how heaven would truly be. These oils have the clout in them to revoke the holistic spirit that lies deep within you. Ayurvedic oils are often a symbol purity and integrity; hence they directly penetrate into the cells of our body.

The use of Ayurvedic essential oils that are natural extracts from plants are one of the    oldest practices of Ayurvedic healings. There are certain special Ayurvedic oils that mesmerize you with their rich and heavenly power, especially Almond oil, Jojoba oil, Juniper Berry Essential Oil and Palmarosa Essential Oil. These Ayurvedic oils invigorate your mind while providing complete relaxation to your entire system.

Almond oil: Almond, commonly known as ‘The King of nuts’ is originated from the Mediterranean countries. The sweet oil extracted from Almonds is versatile with manifold healing properties. Almond oil does not carry much fragrance with it but highly helps in nourishing your skin in all climatic conditions. Almond oils are used in the cosmetics manufacturing industry for providing natural glow to the skin along with lustrous shine to your hair. Regular usage of Almond and its oil can create wonders to you both physically and mentally.

Jojoba oil: Age is the only critical factor that cannot be gained back in our lifetime but Ayurveda strongly suggests that nothing is impossible in this world as the term ‘Impossible itself says I’m Possible’. Jojoba oil extracted from jojoba seeds aims at retaining your age as sweet 16 always. Wondering how..??? One of the most prominent features of Jojoba oil is to prevent your skin from wrinkles. This non-greasy oil enters vividly into your skin and helps you retain a soft, supple and beautiful skin throughout your life, thereby helping you stay younger from within. Jojoba oil is used as an effective replacement to whale oil that has been banned to be imported in the US since 1971.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil: Juniper Berry Essential Oil is extracted from Juniper berries that are being collected from few of the rarest species of evergreen shrubs. Juniper Berry essential oil is best when used for meditation purposes and has sky-scraping medicinal values. It is used in the treatment of numerous contagious diseases. Its pleasant and sweet fragrance relieves your mind from stress and aids you to step into a new-fangled world.

Palmarosa Essential Oil: Palmarosa essential oil is derived from the aromatic grassy leaves of Palmarosa plant. It is used by several physiotherapists in their ailment procedures. Palmarosa oil acts as an effective antioxidant in treating all sorts of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It is also proven to be the best oil to prevent one from rashes and other skin infections. Habitual use of Palmarosa oil keeps you free from tension and extreme stress.

Food, clothing and shelter were the basic amenities of human beings but in this modern world, beauty, youth, health and peace have become the basic necessities inevitably. Thus Ayurvedic oils provide you the best of the best things granting you the ultimate pleasure of being in heaven while you are still on earth.

Thought for the day:

To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour.                                -William Blake

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing By Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. The Aromatherapy Companion: Medicinal Uses/Ayurvedic Healing/Body-Care Blends/Perfumes & Scents/Emotional Health & Well-Being (Herbal Body)
    By Victoria H. Edwards
  3. Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide, Revised and Updated Edition By MD Deepak Chopra

Reference Links:

  1. Jojoba Oil by  Wikipedia
  2. Almonds – The King of Nuts by Dr. Verena
  3. Ayurveda Oils by Siddhalepa

Carvone

Posted on by

Carvone is a monoterpene hydrocarbon seen in excessive quantities in the seeds of caraway, dill and spearmint. The chemical belongs to the family of terpenoid. It is a liquid and is seen in a color that is slightly yellow to colorless, and is soluble in ether, alcohol, propylene glycol, chloroform, and mineral oils.

Carvone is seen as two mirror images, R-(–)-carvone and S-(+)-carvone. They two have very different distinctive smells that can be identified even by squirrel monkeys.

R-(–)-carvone smells like spearmint leaves and S-(+)-carvone smells like that of caraway seeds. It has been in use from ancient times, and has been used for its medicinal purpose in Rome.

It was only in 1877 when a pure form of carvone was isolated by Franz Varrentrapp. When it was first discovered, Schweizer called it carvol. Carvone is isolated in large quantities from caraway seeds (60-70%), in dill seed oil (40-60%), in spear mint oil (50-80%) and is also found in mandarin orange peel oil.

R-(–)-carvone is extracted from spearmint leaves, and is recognized to be a valuable source that helps with Carvone extracts naturally. R-(–)-carvone, which hits upon its use in commercial purposes finds it’s availability in limonene, kuromoji oil, gingergrass oil and peppermint oil.

Studies conducted state that carvone possesses decongestant, diuretic, antiviral, and tonic biological properties. They also seem to a have an elevated anti-tumor effect as seen in one of the studies conducted at the US National Cancer Institute on mice.

Uses of Carvone:

In general carvones are used in the food industry, and in aromatherapy like many essential oils, it is also used in air fresheners for it pleasant smell. It also has several therapeutic effects that make it a perfect choice in the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Carvone in Food:

It has been used in food for over millennia. The very famous Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum uses natural spearmint oil that has been extracted from Mentha spicata, and the other spearmint flavored Life Savers use the same.

Carvone that has been extracted from dill and caraway have also been in use in the food industry. The famous European drink Kummel is created with a mixture of an extract from caraway and alcohol.

Carvone in Agriculture:

It is commonly used in Netherlands to prevent the sprouting of potatoes that have been kept in storage.

A study was conducted to understand the antifungal activity of carvone on potato tubers and other plant diseases, it was also meant to analyze the suppression of sprout in potatoes.

The results suggested that during in-vitro experiments, carvone exhibited antifungal activity towards various fungal species. Thus carvone has taken the trade name ‘talent’ to serve as an antifungal agent in the treatment of potato tubers in Netherlands.

Carvone as a Pesticide:

The extract of carvone is seen to be effective as a mosquito repellent, and at present it is being reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to check its potency and safety as a pesticide.

Carvone & its Therapeutic Uses:

Carvone displays biological activities as an expectorant tonic, disinfectant, cardiac, stomachic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, and digestive stimulant.

Carvone as a Relaxant:

Carvone is a major constituent of the oil extracted from the caraway seed and is seen in huge quantities with a percentage as far as 99%. As a relaxant it helps relieve from stress, emotional exhaustion, and clear respiratory tracts by acting as an expectorant in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.

In the treatment of laryngitis and sore throats it helps by flushing out the toxins to aid in a speedy recovery. It aids in relaxing the digestive system and in the treatment of stomach colic, gastric spasms, flatulence, and nervous digestion. It’s also used in clearing the urinary tract as well.

Reference Links:

  1. Carvone by Wikipedia
  2. The use of carvone in agriculture: sprout suppression of potatoes and antifungal activity against potato tuber and other plant diseases, published in Industrial Crops and Products Journal