Citronellal

Posted on August 20, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Citronellal is a lemon- fragranced aldehyde that is acquired from the Citronella oil. Its molecular formula is C₁₀H₁₈O and it is also referred by other names such as rhodinol, b-citronellal, citronella and 3,7-Dimethyl 6-octenal. It is a monoterpenoid that imparts the lemon smell in Citronella oil.

It is purely extracted from the distilled oils of the plants Cymbopogon, lemon-scented gum and lemon-scented tea tree. It is mainly obtained by the steam distillation of the fresh leaves of Cymbopogon nardus Linn.

It is also one of the main constituents present in the essential oils of citronella grass, citrus, lemon, roses, grapes, tomatoes, nutmeg and lemon eucalyptus. It constitutes 80% of the essential oil in Kaffir lime leaves and it imparts the characteristic lime odor to these leaves.

Attributes of Citronellal:

Citronellal is a colorless to a pale yellow fragrant liquid. It has strong lemon citronella smell. It is responsible for the characteristic lemon smell in the essential oils constituting it. So it is mainly used in flavoring and in perfumery to render the typical lemon-grass like aroma.

Trusted mosquito repellent:

Citronellal is an effective mosquito repellent because of its intense lemon aroma. It is effective against mosquitoes at short distances. When it is combined with β-cyclodextrin , it provides 1.5 hour protection against mosquitoes.

Therapeutic uses of Citronellal:

Citronellal serves as an anti-microbial, antiviral and an anti-cancer agent. Citronellal contributes to the tranquilizing effect in the oils of Lavender, Valerian, Calamus and Melissa and is a vital part of Aromatherapy.

As an anti-microbial agent:

Citronellal possesses anti-microbial property and it helps to check bacterial infections. According to the study,” Antimicrobial agents from plants: antibacterial activity of plant volatile oils”, it was found that Citronellal was active against B. subtilis, Cl. sporogenes, Fl. suaveolens, M. luteus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when the essential oils of nutmeg, geranium, black pepper, oregano and thyme are tested against 25 different genera of bacteria.

When citronellal is tested for its antimicrobial activity against five food borne pathogens- Escherichia coli, E.coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenases and Vibrio vulnifucas, Citronellal showed anti-bacterial activity against a food borne pathogen Vibrio vulnifucas.

Citronellal present in Eucalyptus citriodora attributes to the anti-bacterial activity of the oil.

Anti-cancer agent:

According to a research carried out by German researchers, it had been found that terpenes, especially (-) -Citronellal inhibits the growth of cancerous cells by increasing the concentration of calcium in the cells. Thus Citronellal is one of the terpenes that exhibit anti-cancer activities.

As an anti-fungal agent:

It has strong anti-fungal activity. In the research article, “Antifungal Activity and Molecular Orbital Energies of Aldehyde Compounds from Oils of Higher Plants”, it is stated that the anti-fungal activity of the aldehydes is mainly due to its reaction with SH compounds and their potential to form charge transfer complexes with electron donors.

According to a study titled “Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)”, it was found that citronellal constituted in Cymbopogon nardus totally reduced the growth of all the tested fungal strains.

Reference Links:

Citronellal by Wikipedia

The Mosquito Repellent Citronellal Directly Potentiates Drosophila TRPA1, Facilitating Feeding Suppression.

Antibacterial activity of some essential oil components against five food borne pathogens

Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)

Niaouli Essential Oil

Posted on August 20, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Yet another natural feather in the Australian cap along with Tea Tree and Cajeput, Niaouli belongs to the same species Melaleuca and is native to Australia. Along with these 3 trees, Melaleuca contains more than 200 species and these are the most popular ones used for extracting essential oils. Niaouli essential oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of this tree through steam distillation.

The clean, camphoraceous and composed aroma of Niaouli oil heals one in a number of ways and never fails to remind you about Tea tree oil. Niaouli essential oil is used in Ayurvedic healing as an antiseptic, immune stimulant and expectorant for helping with respiratory and pulmonary infections.

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Historical importance of Niaouli essential oil:

Niaouli, scientifically known as Melaleuca quinquenervia (Melaleuca viridiflora) has been initially used by the Aborigines of Australia for rescuing Sir Francis and his crew from exhaustion and scurvy with the tea brewed from the leaves of Niaouli tree. It was used as a respiratory aid in the folklore medicine and the indigenous people used the fresh Niaouli leaves for wrapping the affected parts of their body.

Niaouli and its essential oil have been considered as a ‘cure-all’ in French Polynesia and Caledonia and have also been espoused as the national flower. The French use this oil in almost all the hospitals all over the country especially in the gynecological and obstetrics wards for its antimicrobial properties and this oil is also implemented into their pharmacopoeia. It has also been used as a water purifier in the French Pacific.

Niaouli has been used in the Middle East for preparing herbal tea to support healthy bowels. It was also used in the ancient period to keep away from malaria. Since the pre-historic period Niaouli has been a valuable additive to toothpastes, gargles, mouth sprays and cough drops. This oil is also used as a substitute for Cajeput and Eucalyptus oil in the treatment of neuralgia, cold, cough and rheumatism.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Niaouli essential oil: 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpineol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, a-phellandrene, nerolidol, linalool, piperitone and gamma terpineol. The therapeutic properties of this oil are analgesic, antiseptic, decongestant, bactericidal, cicatrisant, expectorant, balsamic, vermifuge, febrifuge, stimulant, insecticide, vulnerary and anti-rheumatic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Niaouli essential oil:

Ayurveda meaning ‘science of life’ is the oldest medicinal systems in the world. The basis of Ayurvedic philosophy revolves around the fact that perfect health can be attained only by a well-built immune system. This is because strong immunity make the body resistant and help fight against harmful organisms and infections causing illnesses. Ayurvedic perception of good health is the outcome of synchronization between a person’s physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

Ayurveda treats every individual in a unique manner trusting that no two individuals have identical individual constitution. For this identification, Ayurvedic approach recognizes human beings based on their specific metabolic principles governing the body and mind and its intelligence. They are known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).

The predominance of any one of these doshas is the primary dosha of an individual and he is identified with that dosha as his unique body type. Imbalance of any one or all these doshas ends up in illnesses. Niaouli pacifies kapha and vata doshas and aggravates pitta dosha.

Man-made medicines or menacing treatments are not a part of this holistic medicinal practice as it trusts and relies on Mother Nature for its healing system. It centers on prevention of diseases with healthy diet, Ayurvedic routine, balanced life-style changes, herbs, yoga, essential oils, meditation and other simple physical exercises.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Niaouli essential oil.

1. Heals scars and skin infections:

Niaouli essential oil has excellent bactericide, disinfectant, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that make it a wonder oil in treating skin infections, wounds and other similar disorders.

Donoyama and Ichiman study on the effectiveness of six essential oils like eucalyptus, thyme linalool, lavender, tea tree, niaouli and sage in treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was tested. This study revealed that among the six essential oils tested “niaouli oil was found to be the most effective, reducing colony count to zero at 3.125%”.

Add 1 drop of Niaouli oil in a cup of lukewarm water to make a natural cleanse for washing your wounds, skin ulcers, blemishes, cuts, acne, insect bites and burns. This cleansing solution aids in removing the harmful organisms like bacteria on your affected part of the skin and initiates its quicker healing process.

Mix 2 drops of Niaouli oil in coconut oil or your regular skin care cream or lotions and apply it gently on the infected area. The vulnerary and disinfectant properties of this oil help in healing wounds quickly, shielding your skin from microbial infections by activating platelet particles and leucocytes in the infected area and aiding in clearing your acne, marks and blemishes. With its antiseptic properties, Niaouli is also an effective oil in treating infections of the colon, uro-genital tract, kidneys, urethra, kidneys and intestines. Even today Niaouli is used as a safe vaginal douche in France.

Niaouli oil is used in an extensive range of cosmetic products in Australia. With its cicatrisant properties, Niaouli essential oil can be more forceful on your scars and marks than your expensive anti-marks and scar-removing creams. Applying 2 drops of Niaouli oil blended with jojoba oil can assist you in diminishing your scars and marks left by pimples, post-pregnancy stretches, acne or pox by influencing the faster growth of new skin cells and tissues. On prolonged use, this remedy can aid in regenerating your skin surface and replenish it with natural glow.

2. Relieves rheumatic and other pain:

The essential oil of Niaouli works effectively on sharp pain and other related discomforts. When gently massaged on to the painful area with 2 drops of Niaouli essential oil blended with coconut oil, the analgesic properties of this oil acts like a general anesthetic by numbing the nerves in the painful parts and consoles pain.

Niaouli essential oil is celebrated as a popular complementary cure for treating rheumatic pain. Massaging 2 drops of Niaouli oil added to sesame oil helps in stimulating the lymphatic system and enhancing blood circulation in the body, which controls the amassing of toxic substances and uric acid in the joints. By this way, Niaouli oil assists rheumatic patients by easing pain, inflammation and swelling in the painful areas. This oil also helps in treating toothache, joint pain, migraines, earache, headache and sprains.

3. Treats fever and respiratory problems effectively:

Niaouli essential oil has been approved in the German Commission E Monographs especially for its effective uses to the respiratory system. Niaouli oil has expectorant and decongestant properties that aid in clearing congestion and blocked respiratory passages with mucous and phlegm. It also supports in reducing the body temperature at times of fever by combating the infections responsible for fever.

Using 2 drops of Niaouli oil in steam inhalation or in vaporizer can help you fight against cold, flu, bronchitis, whooping cough, sinusitis, catarrh, pneumonia, asthma, laryngitis, sore throat, tuberculosis and cough. It helps open up clogging or obstruction of nasal passages, lungs, trachea, larynx, bronchi and pharynx by loosening phlegm, which promotes easy breathing and sound sleep. You can also add 2 drops of Niaouli oil in your rubs and massage it gently on your neck, chest and back for quicker relief.

4. Kills worms and insects:

This oil is also effective in killing intestinal worms like tape worms and round worms that interrupt the normal growth of the body and the regular process of metabolism. You can add 3 to 5 drops of Niaouli oil in warm bathing water or inhale the aroma of this oil by adding 2 drops to your diffuser for eliminating worms from your body. Niaouli essential oil can also be used along with your insect sprays and vaporizers for killing insects like ants, bugs and cockroaches.

5. Boosts immunity:

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt says “Niaouli is an excellent general immune system booster and an agent to help one with allergic reactions.” Niaouli essential oil enhances the resistant power of your body to withstand against infections and micro organisms by strengthening your immunity. This oil has been proven mild and safe for everyone so you can add 2 drops of Niaouli oil to your diffuser to facilitate the fostering aroma of this oil fortify your immune power every day.

Other health benefits:

Inhaling the aroma of Niaouli essential oil especially during meditation is said to revive your senses, improve concentration and uplift the spirit. Niaouli oil is applied to the skin of the cancer patients before every session of cobalt therapy for protecting the skin against burning due to the radiation therapy for cancer. Niaouli is also used in cough drops, rubs, mouth sprays, toothpastes, gargles and certain other cosmetic products.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Avoid using essential oils directly on the skin and always remember to dilute it in appropriate carrier oils. This information is only for educational purposes and is not meant to replace prescription drugs or expert advice of your healthcare professional. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oil for your specific constitution and health condition.

Thought for the day:

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver. – Martin Luther

Suggested Reading:

The Acne Diet: Holistic Plan to Achieve Clear, Youthful, Acne-Free Skin with Natural Nutrition, Stress Relief and Organic Skincare by Julie Gabriel
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
Tea Tree: The Genus Melaleuca (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville, Mindy Green

Reference Links:

Menthone

Posted on August 20, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Menthone is a constituent of the essential oils of peppermint, Pelargonium geraniums, pennyroyal, Mentha arvensis, and others. It is a monoterpene and a ketone; it is structurally related to menthol and is seen to have carbonyl positioned in the place of secondary alcohol. It is seen occurring naturally, with a molecular formula C10H18O, and is among the most abundant in nature of four possible stereo-isomers.

Used in the field of cosmetics and perfumery, menthone is highly acknowledged for its distinguishing minty fragrance and cooling attribute. In most essential oils, it is a minor compound.

For this reason it was first synthesized by oxidation of menthol in 1881, till it was found in essential oils in 1891. Menthone is extracted from mentha shivalik leaves and used in perfumery compositions of rose, lavender, spice and germanium fragrances.

Therapeutic properties of Menthone:

Menthone has been known for its medicinal properties. Being pure and of best quality, it is used in healing applications, in aromatherapy, in oral care like toothpaste, skin care products, chewing gum and pharmaceuticals.

It blends well with cypress, eucalyptus, Basil, benzoin, geranium, black pepper, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, marjoram, niaouli, lemon, rosemary, pine, Ravensara, tea tree.

Medicinal uses of Menthone:

Menthone, is a major constituent of peppermint oil and it performs its pharmaceutical actions by blocking the calcium channels causing smooth muscle relaxation.

Peppermint oil has been used to treat nausea, sore throat, the common cold, cramps, dyspepsia and to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches. It is used primarily as a flavoring and aromatic agent in a wide assortment of products.

It may also be used topically to treat myalgia and neuralgia, and also as an alternative medicine, it has been used as an antispasmodic, an antiseptic, and as an anti-HSV1 and anti-HSV2 antiviral. Overdose of the chemical constituent is rare, but when it occurs it happens due to the actions of menthol.

Antioxidant activity of Menthone:

A study was conducted on ‘In-vitro Antioxidant Activity and GC/MS studies on the Leaves of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae)’ from Morocco. The study was performed to understand the chemical composition and the vitro antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Mentha piperita.

Of the thirty compounds that were identified, the oil represented 58.61%. Of the yield the major compounds derived was Menthone (29.01%) followed by menthol (5.58%), isomenthone (2.12%), menthyl acetate (3.34%), 1,8-cineole (2.40%), menthofuran (3.01%), limonene (2.10%), α-pinene (1.56%), germacrene-D (1.50%), β-pinene (1.25%), sabinene (1.13%) and pulegone (1.12%).

The results found indicated that the essential oils of Mentha piperita exhibited an exceptionally high level of antioxidant capacities in comparison with vitamin C.

Anti-microbial activity of Menthone:

A study conducted on the composition, mineral content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Mentha piperita (L.) and M. spicata (L.) (Lamiaceae), tested on E. coli, P. aeroginosa, C. albicans, and S. aureus.

On conclusion, it was determined that essential oil of M. spicata and M. piperita was found to contain carvone and menthol as major components, respectively. The oil was found to be effective against S. pyogenes, S. aureus and C. albicans and E. coli, except P. aeruginosa and showed strong antimicrobial activity.

Reference Links:

Essential Oil

Essential Oils

Category Archives: Ayurvedic Essential Oils

Citronellal

Niaouli Essential Oil

Menthone