Lavandulyl acetate

Posted on June 1, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Lavandulyl acetate is the acetate ester of lavandulol, and an important component of lavender oil. It has several biological activities and is known for the treatment of acne, anxiety, athlete’s foot, itching, asthma, bruises, allergies, burns, headache and insect bites.

It has been a proven component in essential oils like Lavender that support the treatment of colic, cuts, chicken pox, cystitis, dermatitis, depression, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hypertension, labor pains, migraine, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, sores, scars, sprains, stress, stretch marks, strains, vertigo and whooping cough.

Therapeutic uses of Lavandulyl acetate:

Helps maintain skin health:

Lavandulyl acetate of lavender oil is used to treat various skin disorders like psoriasis, acne, eczema, and wrinkles. It can also help soothe insect bites and itchy skin, help form scar tissues, which may be essential in healing wounds, cuts, and burns. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps reduce itching, swelling, and redness.

Relieves respiratory disorders:

It can be applied on your neck, chest, or back, or inhaled via steam inhalation or through a vaporizer. By this method of treatment, it can help alleviate respiratory problems like throat infections, colds and flu, cough, whooping cough, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.

Keeps your hair healthy:

When used on your hair, Lavender oil aids in killing lice and nits. According to ‘The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCB)’ lavender is possibly effective for treating dandruff, alopecia areata (hair loss), and boosting hair growth by up to 44 percent after just seven months of treatment.

Relieves pain and soothes the nervous system:

The constituent of Lavandulyl acetate in Lavender oil may also help to reduce pain after an insertion of needle acting like a topic anesthetic. By massaging the oil onto the affected area it can be used to relax tensed muscles, ease pain in joints, which also includes conditions of rheumatism, and treat sprains, backache, and lumbago.

A 2013 study on ‘Lavender and the Nervous System’ reported to be useful in the treatment of acute as well as chronic or intractable pain.

Studies that have been conducted prove that foot massages using aromatic oils like lavender among a group of 100 ICU patients, of whom 50% were receiving artificial ventilation proved to be extensively positive in treating patient by increasing the wakefulness, reducing blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate and pain.

In the case of recurrent aphthous ulceration, a study was conducted on 115 patients and usage of lavender oil did make a difference.

From the very first dose, many experienced significant pain relief, speedy mucosal repair, reduction in the size of the ulcer, and complete to partial healing within three day from the initiation of treatment. In another group of 30 volunteers, the bispectral index, stress levels, intensity of pain felt after a needle insertion was said to be minimal to nil after receiving oxygen with a face mask coated with lavender oil for a period of 5 minutes.

The result, “Forty-seven patients suffering with migraine issues were studied, and most of them reported decline in pain, the severity of the occurrence of migraines also decreased. This result was noted with jut as simple remedy of rubbing lavender oil on the upper lip of the person. Relief was felt within 15 minutes after the application. Off-course this was only monitored during the early stages of the migraine attack.”

Cognition:

Medicinal plans have been analyzed and used as cognitive enhancers’ right from the medieval ages. It is said that the aroma of the essential oil have the characteristics to boost the mood.

To study the effect of essential oil on cognition abilities, Lavender oil, proven neuro-protective oil was used in 144 healthy participants. It was extremely effective in augmenting general mental health and quality of life in neurasthenia (post-traumatic stress disorder) patients.

Reference Links:

Lavender and the Nervous System by Universitätsklinikum Münster, Germany, published in the Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and PubMed

Lavender oil by Wikipedia

Limonene

Posted on June 1, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Limonene is a neutral liquid hydrocarbon classified as a cyclic terpene. Limonene is the name that has been derived from the word lemon as it’s one of the major constituents seen in the rind of citrus fruits.

It is the Limonene in the rind that contributes to their odor. The more common d-isomer possesses a strong smell of oranges. The chief element of most citrus odor is (+)-limonene which can be up to 97% of the oil. It is in charge for the base sensory character of the citrus oils.

Limonene is a chiral molecule, and biological sources produce one enantiomer: the most important developed source, citrus fruit, contains D-limonene ((+)-limonene), which is the (R)-enantiomer. Racemic limonene is known as dipentene.

D-Limonene is retrieved for commercial purposes from citrus fruits through two primary procedures: steam distillation and centrifugal separation. It is commonly used as base in producing cleaning product as a solvent; and is also used in chemical synthesis as a precursor to carvone.

Essential Oils with Limonene:

The few essential oils that contain Limonene are, Wild Orange (90% D-Limonene), Bergamot (30% D-Limonene), Lemon (70% D-Limonene), Grapefruit (92% D-Limonene) and Lime (65% D-Limonene)

Medicinal uses of Limonene:

The most important therapeutic uses of Limonene are:

Metabolism and Weight loss:

Appetite Control:

Limonene acts as a mild appetite suppressant, which can be used by individuals who are looking to curtail their appetite in case of diet plans or in nutritional requirements.

According to a study in 2002, limonene was seen to exhibit characteristics of probiotics such as adjuvants , digestive enzyme inhibitors such as hibiscus tea, marine algae, L-arabinose, Nomame Herba, inhibit glucose intake like phlorizin, and anorexics like monoterpenes such as perillyl alcohol, d-limonene.

This makes things a lot safer and easier for individuals looking to execute appetite control, as they can opt for the more natural, healthy option rather than to go in for lethal procedures.

Fatty Liver:

Limonene helps combat a fatty liver. Limonene was included in the diet of animals that were regularly fed a high fat diet. The D-Limonene helped prevent the fat buildup resulting in a non- fatty liver seen in animals. It even showed signs of preventing insulin resistance.

According to a study in 2012, regular supplementation of D-limonene caused a reverse action on HFD and L-NAME-induced changes, and retuned pathologically damaged liver and pancreas to normal. The study showed that it eased out insulin resistance and the effects of oxidative stress-induced liver injury in conditions of a fatty diet.

Anti- Inflammatory:

Limonene is a naturally found nutrient that helps manage inflammation. Limonene has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used on a daily basis as a routine health program. A study in 2010 suggests that “D-limonene may be considered a potential anti-inflammatory candidate.”

Antifungal & Antibacterial Properties:

Citrus oils are composed of monoterpenes, in particular D-limonene, which exhibit antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, and even inhibit the growth of certain parasites as well.

The 2016 study concluded that, “The mixture of oils containing limonene like most citrus oils, along with MgCl could be used as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent”

Cytotoxic Properties:

Limonene is good for the body in general and should be a part of daily diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle program toward the goal of reducing breast cancer risk. The mechanism of benefit is not limited to breast cancer; researchers have proved that Limonene has anti-cancer properties for liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.

D-Limonene Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer, a study conducted in the year 1994 suggested, “Usage of limonene was seen to decrease the development of mammary carcinoma, and also increased the dormancy period or carcinogenic cells. However the usage of Limonene did make much of a difference in the percentage of carcinomas with activated rats.”

Non- Medicinal uses of Limonene:

It is used as a botanical insecticide, the element d enantiomer is most active as an insecticide.

D-limonene is an alternative medicine that is marketed to relieve gastro esophageal problems and heartburn.

It is used as a fragrant alternative to turpentine, and also as a paint stripper.

Philatelists use air propellants, containing limonene to remove self-adhesive postage stamps from envelope paper.

It is also seen in all-natural commercial air fresheners.

Its ability to dissolve oils and its lemony fragrance makes it an important ingredient in cleaning products such as hand cleansers.

Limonene is obtained from a renewable source such as citrus oil and as a byproduct of orange juice manufacturing. It is extremely strong and hence it’s increasingly being used as a cleaning solvent to remove oil from machine parts, and in household cleaning as well.

Limonene is also frequently seen in cosmetic products such as aftershave lotions, masks, bath products, perfumery, and many other products as a flavoring agent.

Reference Links:

Nagarmotha Essential Oil

Posted on June 1, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

How can the ‘world’s worst weed’ embrace innumerable health benefits to mankind!!? That’s the magnitude and immaculate love of ‘Mother Nature’. Besides being regarded as the most invasive weed in the world, Nagarmotha has its name etched in the Ayurvedic encyclopedia, Charaka Samhita (ca. 100 CE) as an excellent natural remedy for treating digestive disorders, fevers, dysmennorhea and certain other health conditions. This herb has also been an incredible part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) where it is highly regarded as the primary qi (prana or life force) regulating herbal medicine.

The essential oil steam distilled from the rhizomes of this plant has been documented for treating numerous health conditions ranging from Hepatitis B to stress related degenerative diseases. Nagarmotha is the Hindi name of the plant and it is also known as ‘Nut Grass and Cypriol in English, Musta or Mustak in Sanskrit, Shacao in Chinese and Motha in Gujarati.

Purchase Nagarmotha Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance Nagarmotha: Indigenous to India, it has been said that Nagarmotha essential oil is extracted from the roots of Cyperus scariosus or Cyperus rotundus plant. Nagarmotha is given 8^th rank among 250 potential anti-fertility plants in China. It is also said that this herb has been recorded in the ancient Chinese medicinal book around 500 A.D.

Popularly known as a qi-in-blood medicine in China, Nagarmotha is trusted to penetrate the blood stream and treat irregular menstruation, dysmennorhea or menstrual pain, overdue periods and depression in women mainly during menstruation. Numerous Islamic and Western herbalists like Avicenna, Serapion, Dioscorides, Rhazes, Galen, Charles Alston and Paulus Aegineta have denoted Nagarmotha as deobstruent, stomachic and emmenagogue.

The decoction extracted from the tuber of this plant is used in India for washing hair mainly for its hair strengthening and scalp rejuvenating properties. The ethnic communities of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, India use the rhizome of this herb as an antidote to venomous snake bites. It was also used as a home remedy in treating gastroenteritis and fever.

Nagarmotha essential oil is a part of the ancient art of Vashikarana, where it is trusted that the person who applies this oil on their forehead is certain to enjoy the privilege of a long-lasting string of thriving love affairs. This oil is famous even today in many parts of India as a renowned perfume for scenting saris and other traditional outfits. It has been in use in the production of perfumes, attars, incense sticks, soaps, compounds, hair treatments and in flavoring tobacco products.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties: Nagarmotha essential oil contains about 27 chemical constituents that make it extremely effective in treating numerous health disorders. The major chemical constituents are cyperine, pinene, cyperol, cyperone and isocyperol and sesquiterpenes like patchouleneone, rotundene, cyperotundene, kobusone, a-cyperone, isokobusone, sugeonol and b-selinene. The remedial properties of this oil are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, antipyretic, diuretic, astringent, decongestant, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, antimicrobial, stimulant, tonic, stomachic, hypotensive, diaphoretic and cordial.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Nagarmotha essential oil: The essential oil of Nagarmotha is illustrated in Ayurveda as a natural enhancer of the biological fire and is an effective digestive aid. This ancient natural healing system trusts that every human being is unique and their illnesses should also be treated in a unique manner according to their individual constitution. According to Ayurveda, every individual is made up of three energy elements known as vata, pitta and kapha. Predominance of any one of these doshas determines the personality, traits and characteristic features of a person and dosha imbalances cause sickness.

Ayurvedic therapies mainly focus on treating the pathogenesis or the root cause of the illness rather than just treating the disease for the time being like the contemporary medical practices. The root cause for many illnesses including autoimmune disorders according to Ayurvedic texts is the invasion or the deposits of the toxic substances in the body known as ‘ama’. Ayurveda illustrates Nagarmotha as a detoxifying herb and as the best ama-pachaka (eliminator of endo-toxins).

Nagarmotha essential oil is known to pacify pitta and kapha energies. Let’s take a look at the prominent Ayurvedic health benefits of Nagarmotha oil in accordance to their usage.

1. As an Ayurvedic massage oil: Abhyanga or the art of Ayurvedic massaging grants numerous benefits to the mind, body and the spirit. Massaging is known as the best technique to transform the energies of the essential oils extracted from the herbs to the human body and soul. This is because the therapeutic properties of the oil deeply penetrate through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Maneuvering the affected parts of the body with 3 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil blended with coconut oil assist in treating numerous health disorders.

As an effective carminative and stomachic oil, Nagarmotha when massaged on to the abdomen aids in promoting the process of digestion by augmenting digestive fire, kills intestinal worms, binds stool, controls nausea, treats dysurea, irritation of the bowel and soothes upset stomach. The diuretic properties of this oil also help in eliminating the toxic substances from the body through sweat and urine, making it useful in reducing inflammation as well. Gently massaging the painful areas can help in treating dysmennorhea and rheumatoid arthritis.

The decoction of the rhizomes has been in use for hundreds of years as a natural hair wash. Massaging your scalp with this nourishing blend aids in opening the small capillaries on the scalp, work efficaciously on the sebaceous glands and fortify the hair from the roots by stimulating its strength naturally.

2. In vaporizers and burners: The spicy, earthy, woody, lingering, smoky and camphoraceous aroma of Nagarmotha oil acts as a tonic for the nervous system and influences the regular functioning of the body. Adding 2 drops of this oil in steaming water and inhaling this medicated steam helps in reducing respiratory congestion, cough, bronco-pulmonary congestion, bronchitis, loosening the mucus and phlegm deposits and comforts the digestive system.

The magical aroma of this oil aids in alleviating stress, relieve tension, tone the system and regain your lost energy especially after a long day in the sun. Inhaling the aroma of this oil by adding 2 drops to your burners or diffusers will assist in building up the nervous system and treating digestive disorders like stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

3. In baths and compress: Using 4 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil in warm bathing water helps in calming down a nervous stomach, check weight gain, discard toxins from the body, relieves menstrual pain and discomfort, reduces rheumatic pain and treats inflammation and anorexia.

A 2007 research on ‘Administration of Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prevents weight gain in obese Zucker rats’ state “Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prove to be a new herbal supplement for controlling body weight preferentially in beta3-AR sensitive species”. This oil can also be used in hot or cold compresses for treating stomach pain, fibromyalgia, muscular aches, kidney stones, abdominal pain, fever and colitis.

4. In cream and lotions: Nagarmotha essential has natural tonifying properties that make its use inevitable in many skin care formulations. 2 to 3 drops of this oil added to your mild skin care cream or lotion can help in curtailing the growth of harmful microbes that affect the skin health. Gently applying this blend on the inflamed parts will help in reducing inflammation and augment blood circulation. Add 4 to 5 drops of Nagarmotha essential oil to unscented cream to lessen skin irritability and other discomforts due to heat.

The research on ‘In Vitro Antioxidant activity and Total Polyphenolic Content of Cyperus rotundus Rhizomes’ by the Department of Siddha Medicine, Tamil University, India have proved that the rhizome extracts of “Cyperus rotundus show free radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity” with its polyphenolic content and other phytochemicals constituents contributing to its antioxidant properties, which aid in preventing age related oxidative stress associated degenerative diseases.

A 2006 study on ‘Natural composition for curing hepatitis-B, methods for making the same and pharmaceutical formulations thereof’ have proved that a natural antiviral composition with extracts of Cyperus rotundus or Cyperus scariosus and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier aids in treating disorders related to chronic and acute hepatitis B and certain other viral diseases of the liver. This is mainly due to the herb’s positive effect on the liver, easing its detoxification and healing.

Other benefits: Nagarmotha essential oil is said to add a distinguishing and appealing aroma to masculine perfumes. Tom For Men is known as the first perfume to use this herbal formula, followed by other perfumes like Eau d’Issey pour Homme, Xeryus and numerous other popular brands in the market for men. It is also used in making soaps, potpourri, air fresheners, scented candles and certain other aromatherapy products.

Disclaimer: Do not take essential oils internally. Always remember to dilute essential oils in suitable carrier oils before using it topically as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Avoid using Nagarmotha essential oil on children, epileptics, pregnant or nursing women. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using any essential oil to check whether it would suit your present health condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. -John Burroughs

Suggested Reading:

The Natural Remedy Bible by John Lust, Michael Tierra
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless
Greco-Arab and Islamic Herbal Medicine: Traditional System, Ethics, Safety, Efficacy, and Regulatory Issues by Bashar Saad, Omar Said

Reference Links: