Nutmeg Essential Oil

Nut meg-bannerNutmeg enjoyed its sovereignty as worth its weight in gold in the European kingdom since the prehistoric period, especially for its effectiveness in treating plague. More than just a cheap and cheerful spice, Nutmeg has innumerable health benefits and can leave you in awe if you get to know its immense healing values. Indigenous to the Banda islands in the eastern Indonesia, this evergreen tree takes nearly 20 years to groom itself into a fully mature tree for fruiting.

The essential oil of Nutmeg is extracted by steam distillation method from the hard egg-like seeds of its fruit. Popularly known as Jatiphala in India, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Nutmeg and its essential oil have been used for treating fever, respiratory problems, headaches, digestive disorders, pain, bad breath, convulsions, inflammation and sleep disorders.

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Historical importance of Nutmeg:

History has a handful of things to talk about this magical herb also known as magic for its mind-blowing assistance to healthiness. Nutmeg was one among the most expensive herb in the European countries after being proved as a potential remedy to ward off plague in the Elizabethan times and was also used as a medicinal, preservative and flavoring agent. Botanically known as Myristica fragrans, Nutmeg slowly spread from Indonesia to Malaysia, India and other parts of the world including the Caribbean islands.

Nutmeg has its name etched in the works of the Roman writer, Pliny during the 1st century and in the medicinal book written by Hildegard of Bingen, the first herbalist of the middle ages.  It was initially the Arabian sailors who traded this herb to the Venetians and introduced to the Europeans in the middle ages.

Nutmeg was used to treat liver diseases and impotence in the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ancient Arabians used it as an aphrodisiac and Nutmeg was used in the treatment of depression and anxiety in the Homeopathic medicine.

Egyptians used it for embalming and was used as incense by the Romans. It was also used as an ointment for treating hemorrhoids in the middle ages. Nutmeg is believed to be a symbol of health, money, loyalty and luck.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Nutmeg oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Nutmeg oil constitutes of 25 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Sabinene contributes to the highest proportion of Nutmeg oil with about 24.0% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I trust that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about the prime chemical constituents of Nutmeg oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these bio-chemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Nutmeg essential oil.

nutmeg-gct

Therapeutic properties of Nutmeg essential oil:

The remedial properties of this oil are antiseptic, digestive, laxative, emmenagogue, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, parturient, tonic, sedative, bactericide, anti-inflammatory and relaxant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Nutmeg essential oil:

Known as Jaiphal in Hindi and Jatiphala in Sanskrit, Nutmeg is always a part of the spice boxes in every Indian kitchen. Nutmeg is one among those Grandma’s remedy for treating indigestion, cold, fever and headache. Even today, many people take whole Nutmegs just like candies as the fresh juice of this herb is said to ease the difficulties in respiration and absorption.

As a naturally warming spice, this herb is used in Ayurvedic cooking along with other spices like bay leaves, black pepper and cinnamon. Ayurvedic texts suggest the use of a pinch of Nutmeg powder in warm milk before going to bed to calm the nerves, stimulate the system and promote peaceful sleep. There are other numerous Ayurvedic remedies using Nutmeg and are still practiced in India.

Ayurveda is celebrated as the mother of all healing sciences mainly because of its healing wisdom since 5,000 years. This noble discipline trusts in healing an illness after identifying its root cause and aims at preventing it in the future. Ayurvedic treatments are unique for every individual based on their specific set of energy elements known as doshas. The three types of doshas are vata, pitta and kapha.

Vata represents air and controls metabolism, blood circulation, nervous functions, heartbeat, respiration, muscular movements, functions of the brain and eliminations from the body. Pitta stands for fire and governs digestion, thinking potential, body temperature, vision, mental and physical strength.

Kapha stands for earth and is responsible for muscular strength, stamina, energy and the power to repair and recover from illnesses. Every individual will have a predominance of any one of these doshas and imbalance between these doshas cause sickness.

Nutmeg herb and its essential oil is said to increase pitta thus assisting in digestive problems and pacify kapha and vata imbalances.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Nutmeg essential oil are:

Nut-meg-broucher1. Assists digestive problems:

Pitta dosha is responsible for the digestive fire that aids in problem-free digestion and Nutmeg essential oil has the power to increase pitta thus helping with indigestion and other problems with digestion. Adding 5 to 6 drops of Nutmeg essential oil in warm bathing water or massaging your tummy with 3 drops of Nutmeg oil blended with warm sesame oil can aid in treating loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, chronic vomiting and gallstones.

Bad breath or halitosis is not just an oral problem; it may be due to intestinal ulcers or harmful toxins in the body. Nutmeg with its antibacterial properties aids in killing a number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and helps eliminate the toxins from the body.

It soothes the stomach and intestines and assists in controlling bad breath and foul smell. Add 2 drops of Nutmeg essential oil in a cup of lukewarm water and use it as a gargle to assist with bad breath. You can also add 2 drops of this oil to your diffuser to regularize your metabolic functions and refresh your aura.

2. Acts as a tonic to the brain and mind:

Nutmeg essential oil augments the brain power and aids in improving concentration and memory skills. The presence of the chemical component myristicin in this oil has been proved to enhance memory power and restrain the growth of an enzyme in the brain, which is responsible for Alzheimer’s disorder.

Inhaling the unique spicy and musky aroma of Nutmeg essential oil by adding 2 drops to your diffuser or to your hankie can bring in self-confidence, encouragement, efficiency and spontaneity. This aids in enhancing your performance at work and in studies.

Adding 4 to 5 drops in bathing water helps alleviate stress, fatigue, anxiety and mental exhaustion by stimulating the functions of the brain and the sensory nerves. The deep and enriching aroma of Nutmeg oil has a thoughtful impact on our feelings and emotions. Using 2 drops of Nutmeg essential oil in your diffuser during meditation will grant you the power to resist, recover and relive your life’s most meaningful moments.

3. Alleviates pain and inflammation:

Nutmeg essential oil is banked upon for its effectiveness in relieving all kinds of pain and inflammation in the body. When gently massaged onto the affected area with 2 to 3 drops of Nutmeg oil along with coconut oil, it is known to enhance blood circulation and clear the blocked passages causing pain and swelling. With all these powers, Nutmeg is yet another perfect choice for treating rheumatic pain where pain, inflammation and improper circulation join hands with.

The most popular sports science consultant to athletes in Malaysia, Mr. Fadhil Omar makes use of Nutmeg essential oil on stroke patients and for sports injuries. When he worked with Chelsea Football Club, he said “Nutmeg oil used to be very expensive and was only used to treat members of royal families. I spent three months in India studying the use of nutmeg.  It is certainly good for muscle cramps and stiffness of joints.”

This oil is also helpful in treating muscular pain, nerve pain, gout, arthritis and rheumatic pain when applied topically or used in hot compress. With its emmenagogue properties, this oil aids in normalizing irregular periods, blocked menstruation, pain, fatigue and nausea during menstruation.

All you need to do is to put on 4 drops of Nutmeg oil to your bath tub or massage gently on your abdomen along with sesame oil for instant relief. It is also known as an effective oil for treating toothache, strengthening gums and reducing the swelling due to toothache with the presence of the eugenol component. Add 1 drop of Nutmeg oil to cotton swab and apply it around the gums of the aching tooth.

4. Serves as a natural sleeping aid:

Nutmeg has been used as a natural sleeping aid for centuries together for its soothing, sedative, calming and relaxing properties. When massaged gently on your body with 5 to 6 drops of Nutmeg oil along with coconut oil followed by a warm bath with 3 drops of Nutmeg oil in your bath tub can help you in calming your senses, alleviating depression, soothing your nerves, enhancing your blood circulation, improving the quality of your sleep and making your dreams more passionate and vibrant. You can also add 2 drops of Nutmeg oil to a tissue and place it besides your pillows for inducing peaceful sleep.

Other health benefits:

Nutmeg essential oil is also effective in treating frigidity, impotence and is said to increase the libido in both the sexes. It also aids in treating kidney infections and helps dissolve kidney stones.

Nutmeg is also known as a liver tonic and aids in eliminating the toxins from the liver. It is also effectual in treating cold, cough, fever and other respiratory problems like asthma. You can add 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation for effective relief from respiratory problems. Nutmeg essential oil is also used in making soaps, cosmetics, incense, perfumes, after shave lotions, vicks vaporub, cough syrups, breathing inhalers and dental creams.

Disclaimer:

Never use essential oils internally and always dilute in suitable carrier oils before using it topically. Nutmeg essential oil is abortifacient in nature and should strictly be avoided by pregnant women. This article is only for informational purpose and is not meant to replace any prescription drugs or professional advice. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using appropriate essential oils for your specific health conditions.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Nutmeg oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Nutmeg oil.

Thought for the day:

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.     -Aristotle

Suggested Reading:

  1. RELEASING THE HIDDEN POTENT POWERS OF NUTMEG!: Discover Exactly How To Unleash All The Wonderful Benefits Of This Powerful Plus All Natural Nutmeg Skin … Remedies (The Kitchen Cupboard Series) by Isabelle Wilcox
  2. The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World’s Oldest Healing System by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Michael Tierra
  3. Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide to Arthritis: Reverse Underlying Causes of Arthritis With Clinically Proven Alternative Therapies Second Edition by Ellen Kamhi, Eugene R. Zampierson
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Nutmeg by Wikipedia
  2. The History of Nutmeg by InDepthInfo
  3. Jaiphal Health Benefits in Ayurveda by Ygoy Health Community
  4. Nutmeg by British Library Online Gallery

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Tangerine Essential Oil

tangerine-bannerWho will hate the citrus, tangy, warm, refreshing and uplifting aroma of tangerine essential oil? Not many of us knew that this invigorating oil has a natural tonic effect on our digestive system and checks tension and stress. Indigenous to China, tangerine and the essential oil extracted from the peels of the tangerine fruit by cold press method has been a vital part of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine).

Ayurveda, the science or knowledge of life calls tangerine as Santra Sal and this fruit is highly regarded as a natural detoxifying agent, helping to eliminate the toxins known as ama from the human body. Elimination of toxins according to Ayurveda is the initial step for purifying the tissues, getting rid of toxic substances left by poor nutrition and disease, strengthening the immune system, augmenting mental clarity and nurturing the overall health condition of an individual.

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Historical uses of Tangerine essential oil:

Tangerine has its birth recorded more than 3000 years ago and this is the predominant cause behind its popular use in the world of integrative medicine. More than the fruit, the external rind or the peel from which the essential oil of Tangerine is extracted is said to have enormous medicinal benefits.

The ancient Chinese philosophers used Chen Pi or tangerine peel to treat digestive disorders like vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea and stomach upset. It was trusted to increase the flow of liquids throughout the body. Chinese medicine call life force as Qi and tangerine peel is believed to control, reconcile and stabilize the flow of Qi.

The decoction extracted from tangerine peel was used in various medications for treating morning sickness in pregnant women, gout and sexual problems in men like premature ejaculation and impotence. Tangerine peel was an important ingredient in Chinese Dr. Huang’s internal injury poultice for treating inflammation, sports injuries, sprain and muscular problems. French and other European medical practitioners used tangerine essential oil for dealing with digestive problems in children and the elderly people.

Ayurvedic texts denote tangerine oil as one of the mildest essential oils that can be used by pregnant women also. It is used to detoxify the body, purify the soul and for tranquilizing the entire system. This was also mentioned in the book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ where Bryan Miller and Light Miller said that Tangerine oil is one of the favorite oil of pregnant women and children because of its uplifting and soothing qualities.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Tangerine oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Tangerine oil constitutes of 9 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Limonene contributes to the highest proportion of Tangerine oil with about 95.8% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I trust that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about the prime chemical constituents of Tangerine oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these bio-chemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Tangerine essential oil.

tangerine-gct

Ayurvedic health benefits of Tangerine essential oil:

Ayurveda trusts in healing humanity through the use of five senses therapy namely the sense of smell, sight, touch, sound and taste. Besides treating illnesses, Ayurvedic methodology focuses on a disciplined lifestyle that would help in preventing illnesses.

Prana is the essence or life force of any living being on earth. The Vedic texts denote that essential oils were used as a part of Ayurvedic treatments trusting that essential oils, the vital life force or prana of plants will certainly aid in enriching the prana of human beings.

Among the three dynamic forces of nature or doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha that form the constitution of an individual, tangerine oil is said to benefit the vata and pitta doshas with its drying and cooling energies.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Tangerine essential oil based on their usage.tangerinebroucher1. Abhyanga or the Ayurvedic massage therapy:

This treatment method falls under the sense of touch where the tissues of the body are maneuvered gently and firmly by hands, forearms, elbows, feet and few other effective massaging equipments. Ayurveda suggests the use of essential oils and certain other herbal oils, without which an Ayurvedic massage cannot be fulfilled.

The simple concept behind this healing methodology is that the therapeutic values of the essential oils used for massaging enter your body through the pores of your skin and deeply penetrates into your bloodstream. This way, a systematic massage with healing essential oils can have a positive effect on your mind, body and spirit.

Massaging with few drops of Tangerine essential oil blended with carrier oils like jojoba oil, almond oil or coconut oil can assist in healing numerous health conditions.

Calms your system:

Tangerine essential oil is a calming agent that is proven effective in relaxing your body absolutely. It treats mood fluctuations, assists nervous afflictions and completely pampers the troubled nervous system. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain, impulsive responses and emotional imbalances are controlled with its soothing and uplifting properties.

Boosts metabolism:

The stomachic and tonic properties of Tangerine oil supports in boosting the process of metabolism. It stimulates the proper flow of digestive juices ensuring appropriate secretion of bile and other digestive acids, aids in absorbing the essential nutrients from the food, heals irritation in the stomach lining and intestines and supports the entire process of digestion. For all these reasons the essential oil of Tangerine is used in relieving pain, treating ulcers, inflammation and wounds in the stomach.

Detoxifying agent:

Tangerine essential oil is an excellent detoxifier that facilitates in removing the toxic substances and other impurities in the body. The depurative property of this oil purifies the blood. It excretes the toxins and other harmful substances like pollutants, excess salt, uric acid and excess water in the body through urine, excreta and sweat.

Any human body free from toxic substances is the base for absolute health and grants complete newness to the aura. Tangerine essential oil is also efficacious in treating severe coughs, asthma, spasmodic cholera, convulsions, muscular cramps, spasms, severe pain and other breathing problems.

Repairs and replenishes the skin cells:

The active components and cytophylactic properties of Tangerine oil, makes it valuable in treating damaged tissues in the body. It promotes cell division and creation of new skin cells. This oil also aids in rejuvenating the existing cells and cure all kind of damages in the cellular system. This is why Tangerine essential oil is known as woman-friendly oil for treating stretch marks in pregnant women and other marks or scars due to accidents, obesity, acne etc.

2. A natural antiseptic:

Tangerine is one such mild essential oil that can be directly applied on cuts, wounds, sores and burns. The natural antiseptic values of this oil helps fight against the most harmful Staphylococcus Aureus bacterium, which is said to be responsible for wounds and infections to turn septic and contagious.  Applying tangerine oil directly on the affected areas or a mix of few drops of this oil to your skin care lotions or cream is known to thwart the growth of bacteria, check swelling and redness of the skin and speed up the process of recovery.

3. In vaporizers and burners:

Tangerine essential oil can be used in aroma lamps, vaporizers, burners and diffusers to lessen stress, grant relaxation, alleviate depression, pacify the nervous system, induce peaceful sleep, appease the respiratory system and boost the digestive mechanism. The aromatic compounds of this oil enter the body through the nasal passages and reach the limbic system of the brain, which is said to control the functions of the body and influence your feelings, desires, emotions, creativity and other vital actions.

4. In bath tub:

Add 2 to 3 drops of Tangerine essential oil to your bath tub especially in the morning. This is because the revitalizing and encouraging aroma of this oil fosters your energy level, increases blood circulation, treats digestive problems, supports the functions of the nervous system and can give a great start to your day.

5. As a captivating perfume oil:

The fresh and energizing citrus aroma of Tangerine oil will be cheering and comforting to your mind and senses. You can add few drops of tangerine oil to your perfume, detergent or fabric conditioner, handkerchief, pillows etc to embrace your mind, body and spirit flawlessly. Inhaling the aroma of Tangerine essential oil augments your body’s potential to retain oxygen and stay fresh and keyed up all throughout the day.

Tangerine essential oil is also a natural tonic with antioxidant properties and can boost the immune power, making your body resistant against infections and illnesses.

Disclaimer:

Tangerine essential oil is safe on skin and is also recommended for children and pregnant women but is said to show photo toxicity effect in certain skin types. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids so consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before taking them internally or applying them directly on your skin.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Tangerine oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Tangerine oil.

Thought for the day:

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.   -Albert Einstein

Suggested Reading:

  1. Tangerine peel: An entry from Thomson Gale’s Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Peter Gregutt
  2. An Aromatic Life: Natural Lifestyles using Essential Oils by Jen Gallagher
  3. Treatment Alternatives For Children by Dr. Lawrence Rosen, Jeff Cohen
  4. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet Beinfield, Efrem Korngold

Reference Links:

  1. Tangerine Peel by AltMD Smart Alternatives
  2. Tangerine Oil by Yoga Wiz.com
  3. Health Benefits of Tangerine Essential Oil by Organic Facts

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γ-Terpinene

A group of isomeric hydrocarbons known as terpinenes are commonly classified as terpenes. They have similar molecular formulas and carbon framework but differ in the position of placement of carbon double bonds.

α-Terpinene is extracted from natural sources and oils like Marjoram and Cardamom. β-Terpinene on the other hand is synthesized from sabinene, γ-Terpinene and δ-terpinene, are extracted from various plants.

Gamma-Terpinene forms a major part of citrus based essential oils such as cumin oil, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, lemon, ginger, cumin seeds, celery, coriander, grapes and tea.  Gamma-Terpinene smells like white spirit and hence used as a flavor and fragrance agent and hence used in the cosmetics and food industries.

Uses:

It is used in food as an ingredient, in the production of peppermint and lemon essential oil, in the production of pharmaceutical drugs, and even in perfumes.  The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia contains an extremely good yield of γ-Terpinene which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial antioxidant, and anti-proliferative properties.

Therapeutic Uses of γ-Terpinene:

Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of γ-Terpinene:

A study was carried out to understand the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of Satureja intermedia C.A.Mey Essential Oil which contains γ-terpinene (37.1%) as one of its active ingredients. In this study, the essential oil was used to identify the antimicrobial effect on oral pathogens, and its cytotoxicity on human cancer cells.

The results proved that the essential oil displayed antifungal and antibacterial activities on S. salivarius, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutants, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and C. glabrata.

On the grounds as an anticancer agent the essential oil displayed cytotoxic activities on hepatocellular carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma of human cancer cells, depending on the concentration of the oil used. Further study in this field is required to understand the effects of the S. intermedia essential oil on the human cancer cells.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of γ-Terpinene:

A study conducted on the effects of tea tree oil as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of dental plaque and chronic gingivitis was conducted. The study suggested that the topical application of tea tree oil gel caused reduction on PBI and GI scores, but the plague did seem to re-appear over the period of time during the study, but its application on inflamed gingival tissues did prove fruitful.

Reference Links:

  1. Gamma-Terpinene by Sigma – Aldrich
  2. The effects of a tea tree oil-containing gel on plaque and chronic gingivitis, published in Aromatic Science