Geranyl acetate

Geranyl acetate is an organic compound that is present in the essential oils of Ceylon Citronella, Palmarosa, Geranium, Coriander, Neroli, Lemongrass, Petitgrain, Carrot and Sassafras. It is also obtained semi-synthetically by the condensation of Geraniol with acetic acid.

Geranyl acetate is a monoterpene with the chemical formula C12H20O2. It is an ester which is also identified by various other names such as Geraniol acetate, Bay pine (oyster) oil, Geraniol ethanoate and so on.

Attributes of Geranyl acetate:

Geranyl acetate is a colorless transparent liquid. In the condensed form, Geranyl acetate is slightly pale yellow in colour. It has sweet lavender smell or floral or fruity smell of rose. It owns a tempting fruity taste similar to those of banana, pear, apple and peach. It is not soluble in water but it dissolves in organic solvents like oils and alcohol.

Antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect of Geranyl acetate:

A study titled “Composition and biological activity of the essential oil from Thapsia minor, a new source of geranyl acetate” was conducted to evaluate the biological activity of the essential oil from Thapsia minor which is a source of Geranyl acetate. It was found that Geranyl acetate exhibit antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect.. Further, it also acts as the main contributor of these attributes to the essential oil of Thapsia minor.

Antimicrobial effect:

According to the study “Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Four Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) Varieties“, the essential oils of four varieties of lemongrass and their constituents were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi and two fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. It was found that Geranyl acetate was reasonably active against Staphylococcus aureus.

In another study titled, “Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from the Seeds of Artemisia aucheri Boiss”, the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil in Artemisia aucheri Boiss was evaluated. It was found that Geraniol and Geranyl acetate found in the essential oils in the aerial parts of the plant are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of the oil.

Commercial Uses:

As a fragrant and flavouring agent:

Geranyl acetate finds its use in perfumery because of its sweet floral rose or lavender fragrance. It is used for its fragrance in soaps and creams and also as flavor enhancer. It is used in the formulation of rose, lavender and geranium flavors to impart a sweet fruity or citrus smell.

In the food industry:

In the food industry, it is used to enhance the flavor. It is recognised as safe to be used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

References:

  1. Geranyl acetate by Wikipedia
  2. Geranyl acetate by PubChem
  3. Composition and biological activity of the essential oil from Thapsia minor, a new source of geranyl acetate
  4. Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils of Four Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) Varieties
  5. Antimicrobial Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil From the Seeds of Artemisia aucheri Boiss

Ayurvedic Oils: The Incredible Power To Bring Heaven On Earth

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

Ayurvedic Essential Oils for Combating Your Back to School Woes

My kid started going to school, and I really miss him a lot. I can’t believe that the lazy days of summer have come to an end so soon. Generally, going back to school means weary and crabby mornings, loads of home works and assignments, and of course, most importantly, exposure to warfare of germs and spiteful viruses. As you know, school environment is the breeding ground for all germs, viruses and pathogens. Moreover, the kids are buckled up to learning and a more tiresome routine. This makes them feel totally exhausted, sleepy, depressed, stressed, and they fall sick due to the attack of barrage of germs and viruses.

When will my kids enjoy happy mornings, relaxed evenings and peaceful slumbers? How can I bring a little joy to his humdrum life? How can I keep my kid resistant to all germs that throng in schools? As a loving parent, I can understand that these are the questions running through your head every day. No worries! Mother Nature has gifted us, invaluable Ayurvedic essential oils to combat these things in a natural way.

Importance of Ayurvedic Essential Oils: Ayurvedic Essentials Oils help in reducing stress and anxiety, enhance mental focus, support concentration and memory retention, boost immunity and finally, induces good night’s sleep. Apart from stimulating your olfactory system in the limbic system, the molecules of these Ayurvedic essential oils has the ability to enter your bloodstream and passes its aromatic essences to all the parts of your body, for the entire well being. It’s the right time to know about certain Ayurvedic essential oils that every parent should have in their family’s medicine cabinet.

Lavender essential oil: Known for its cell regeneration properties, lavender oil is one of the most versatile essential oils that every parent must have. From cuts and stings to insect bites to insomnia, this is your “all-purpose” Ayurvedic oil. Lavender oil, also aids in relaxing and balancing your mind and body. It has remarkable healing, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, anti-convulsive properties, thereby serving as an exceptional remedy for your kid’s burns, cuts and stings.

Eucalyptus essential oil:  Does your child suffer from any respiratory issues such as stuffiness and congestion associated with a cold or flu? Then, you are left with no option other than using Eucalyptus oil. This oil has a powerful bactericidal with antiviral properties. It also serves as an excellent immune-stimulant Ayurvedic oil. It can also be used for sore muscles, aches and pains.

Tea Tree essential oil:  Arm yourself and your children with Tea Tree Oil, as it helps in sorting out all kinds of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The efficacious antiseptic and immune-stimulating properties of this oil make it a must-have-oil in your medicine cabinet. It even aids in relieving muscular aches and severe pain in the body. Tea tree oil is extremely mild and hence, it can be directly applied on cuts and scrapes to clean and reduce agony.

Peppermint essential oil: “Mummieee!!! My tummy hurts!!!!!.” Well, most of the moms hear these words on a regular basis. I feel like, why don’t you try using Peppermint oil that has been credited as an excellent digestive aid for both adults and children. This oil is extracted from peppermint leaves that contain menthol, ensuring the well-being of your digestive system. This refreshing and energizing essential oil can also be used for treating headaches, sinus, chest congestion, migraine and itchiness. It’s warming and cooling traits stimulate your mind and increase the mental agility and focus.

Apart from these essential oils, you can also use lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil, orange essential oil, cardamom essential oil, sandalwood essential oil and bergamot essential oil to defend your children from being assaulted by harmful germs.

Well, I think, now, you have got yourself motivated with these awe-inspiring Ayurvedic essential oils, what next? Add these Ayurvedic essential oils to your medicine cabinet to combat all the worries related to your child’s back to school challenges!

Wishing you and your family, a good health!

Thought for the day:

Even though your kids will consistently do the exact opposite of what you’re telling them to do, you have to keep loving them just as much.                                                                                    -By Bill Cosby

Suggested Reading:

  1. Perfect Health for Kids: Ten Ayurvedic Health Secrets Every Parent Must Know By John Douillard
  2. Seven Secrets to Raising a Happy and Healthy Child: The Ayurvedic Approach to Parenting By Joyce Seyburn
  3. Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More Than 300 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends By Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links:

  1. Essential oils by Wikipedia
  2. Lavender oil by University of Maryland Medical Center
  3. Eucalyptus – MedlinePlus Supplements