Benzyl acetate

Benzyl acetate is an ester made from the condensation of acetic acid and benzyl alcohol. It has a pleasant odor and is the chemical that imparts the sweet fruity smell to strawberries, apples, and bananas. It is also responsible for the pleasant smell in flowers like roses, and jasmine.

Owing to its fragrance, benzyl acetate finds a place in the industry of cosmetics and food, to impart fragrances of Jasmine and Rose to perfumes and cosmetics, and the flavor of apples and pears to confectionary and more in the food industry.

The fragrance is seen to be attractive to bees, and helps in the synthesis of pheromones. It is also used in the bee industry to attract them for the purpose of study. It also acts as a chemical intermediate and used to produce other organic compound. It is also used in plastics, resins, ink and polishes as a solvent.

It is found in limited amounts in ester and flowers. In ester benzyl acetate is seen to be antispasmodic, and sedative and less irritant when compared to the others like Methyl salicylate. Benzyl acetate is commonly seen in perfume oils and is most commonly seen in Jasmine, ylang-ylang, and Gardenia fragrances.

Therapeutic uses of Benzyl acetate:

Benzyl acetate as an antidepressant in Jasmine oil:

Benzyl acetate in Jasmine oil is said to be effective in boosting the mood. It elevates the sense of happiness and stimulates a poetic and romantic mood as experienced in poetic history and music. This is an effect of release of hormones like serotonin in the body as a result of inhalation of the aroma, causing an upliftment in the mood.

Benzyl acetate as an antiseptic in Jasmine oil:

The constituents like Benzyl acetate, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid and Benzyl benzoate seen in jasmine oil exhibit fungicidal, bactericidal, germicidal, and antiviral properties. It is used topically to eliminate infections, and prevent open wounds from tetanus. It does also serve to resolve internal problem as well.

In the case of respiratory illnesses, Jasmine oil is inhaled to relieve coughs and colds. A study was conducted to understand the antibacterial activity of jasmine oil against E.coli. The results stated that the effect was bactericidal, and this was reflected due to the inhibited synthesis of the cell membrane.

Benzyl acetate as a sedative in Jasmine oil:

The constituents of Jasmine oil have a very calm soothing effect in addition to its antispasmodic, sedative and expectorant qualities. When used it facilitates a deep sleep, and helps you stay asleep.

It’s a beautiful, naturally available remedy that can be used in the treatment of insomnia. A study was conducted to understand the sedative effects brought about by jasmine tea odor in 24 volunteers. The results proved positive with the decrease in heart rate resulting in a calm and restless sleep.

Benzyl acetate as an aphrodisiac in Jasmine oil:

The chemical constituents of Jasmine oil have the capacity to spark off a romantic life. Inhalation of the fragrance can alter the senses by bringing about a change in the release hormones.

It is said to be effective in treating premature ejaculation, impotency, frigidity and other sexual related disorders. It’s also used to boost or enhance the sexual desire making it one of the most used flowers in a newly- wed couple’s room; and is been followed as a culture in the subcontinent of India.

References:

The Family of Esters (Benzyl acetate) by iTech Dickinson

Antibacterial Potential Assessment of Jasmine Essential Oil Against E. Coli published in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Ayurvedic Ways of Treating The Disgusting Dysmennorhea

Dysmennorhea is often sickening and agonizing. Severe menstrual pain that comes before or on the onset of cyclical menstrual periods is referred to as Dysmennorhea. It lasts for 1 to 3 days of menses and is often accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, depression, headache, nausea, stress, fatigue and bloating. The discharge of the prostaglandins and oxytocin hormones during menstruation is the basic reason for primary Dysmennorhea. The best way to treat this threatening physical condition is with the use of Ayurvedic treatment that can completely cure Dysmennorhea without any adverse side effects.

It’s nature’s law and the beauty of nature often ends up in gifting all the biological complexities to the most elegant, steel-hearted and the greatest creation in the world, none other than ‘Women’. Generally women scrawl in pain during their regular menstruation and whisper a solid statement that says ‘Why everything for women? Right from menstrual pain to labor pain, why everything for women and nothing for men?’ Young ladies, never curse your creation and love to cherish it as Ayurveda considers human body as a temple and appreciates your individuality.

Blessed are women: Men have higher risks of heart disease than women as the female hormone called estrogen is active till menopause and the impurities in the blood are often discharged during your cyclic menstrual period. You are safe because of your reproductive cycle!

Ayurvedic treatment for Dysmennorhea: Ayurveda has its own magnificence in treating each health condition. It treats Dysmennorhea according to the Vata, Pitta and Kapha body types.

  • Ayurvedic herbs: The science of life suggests the use of effective herbs like Sweet fennel, Lemon balm, Pasque flower and Dong Quai, popularly known as the tonic for assisting the reproductive health of women. It also suggests the use of combination of Aloe vera with black pepper.
  • Ayurvedic essential oils: Using Ayurvedic essential oils with emmenagogue, analgesic and antispasmodic properties are trusted to treat womanly problems like Dysmennorhea, Amenorrhea, Leucorrhea and much more. Few such special essential oils with emmenagogue properties are Clary Sage essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, Angelica essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Juniper essential oil, sweet fennel essential oil, Jasmine essential oil, Myrrh essential oil and Peppermint essential oil can balance your hormones and help alleviate the painful menstrual cramps. Gently massage any of these essential oils or a blend of two or three to calm your nerves and soother your abdominal pains.
  • Yoga asanas: Ayurveda suggests practicing asanas like Padmasana for lessening menstrual pain as it gradually improves blood circulation in the lower part of the body while steadily enhancing metabolism, treating hormonal imbalances and control menstrual pains.

Ayurveda recommends the intake of healthy diet with green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and food items rich in magnesium like banana, barley, whole grains, broccoli, spinach, artichoke, beans and few others. Drink lot of water to restore the energy levels. Ayurveda also insists on the detoxifying system called Panchakarma that cleanses and removes the toxic substances from your body assisting in improved circulation and stress-free living.

Reference Links:

  1. Painful Menstrual Periods / Dysmennorhea – Symptom Evaluation by Med India
  2. Aging and Heart Disease by Heart Health Women.Org
  3. Angelica Sinensis by Wikipedia
  4. Padmasana and Benefits by answers.myYOG.com

Ayurvedic Essential Oils for Adding Strength to Toddler’s Health

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:

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

Reference Links:

  1. Ages & Stages – Toddlers by Urbanext, University of Illinois Extension
  2. Healthy Mother and Baby Through Ayurveda by Green Kiddie
  3. Essential Oil Care for Children and Babies by Abundant Health