Cajeput Oil

Cajeputoil-bannerCajeput essential oil owns the scent of purity and is an excellent haemostatic, analgesic and a proven natural remedy for respiratory problems.

Traditionally being used in long precedence to treat cold, chronic rheumatism, flu and infections related to sinus and respiratory tracts, Cajeput essential oil owes its extraction to the leaves of Cajeput trees through the process of steam distillation. Botanically called as Melaleuca cajuputi, the word Cajeput is originated from the Malay word ‘kaju putih’ which means ‘white wood’.

Known as Katupruhi in Ayurveda, Cajeput and its essential oil are being used in the traditional healing system for treating muscular pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, urinary tract infections, insect bites and stings, intestinal parasites, headache, joint pain, abdominal cramps, burns, intestinal inflammation, ear infections, oral problems, colic and psoriasis.

Purchase Cajeput Essential Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Cajeput Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE 

Historical uses and importance of Cajeput and its essential oil:

Renowned for their pointed leaves, exotic flowers, flexible trunk and attractive white bark, Cajeput trees bear their nativity to the South Asian countries and are now widely distributed in Australia, Malay Archipelago and Malay Peninsula, with Indonesia and Vietnam being the principal producers of Cajeput essential oil.

With an unusual and stimulating aroma like that of cardamom, camphor and rosemary, Cajeput essential oil earns the gratitude of extensive usage in the traditional healing systems. Bearing resemblances to Tea tree, Cajeput trees are found prevalently in Malaysia and are called as White tea tree in certain occasions.

Well known for its resistance to forest fire, Cajeput trees are small, tidy and attractive with long-life. The aromatic white flowers of these trees, in addition to contributing to the essential oil also aid in the production of flavored honey by attracting the honey bees resulting in good yield. This property attracted the beekeepers of Florida who were the ones to introduce this tree to the United States.

Being portrayed as an oil of mystical powers, Cajeput essential oil is believed to protect against all kinds of evil powers and is used in cleansing the ritual objects and idols. With its spiritual powers that targets the consciousness of a person, Cajeput oil helps in reverting the mind from addictions to uncontrollable habits such as alcohol, smoking etc.

Ritually used in Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia for its beneficial attributes such as antiseptic and analgesic in treating chronic rheumatism, cold and flu, it was introduced to Europe in the 17th century as a natural aid for almost all types of ailments ranging from infections affecting respiratory tract to urinary tract.

Ayurveda employs Cajeput essential oil for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-bacterial and anodyne properties in holistic healing of dyspepsia, stomachic disorders, influenza, rheumatism, cold, cholera, burns, asthma, yeast infections, colic, toothache, parasites in intestines, tumors and even as an insecticide.

The utilization of Cajeput essential oil in some of the renowned liniments such as tiger Balm and Olbas is just enough to prove the analgesic attribute of this oil. As an effective antimicrobial agent, it is used in skincare and in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and disinfectants.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Cajeput essential oil:

With cineol as the primary component, Cajeput essential oil comprises mainly of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and hydrocarbons, which include alpha pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, beta pinene, alpha terpineol, terpineol, cymene, alpha terpinene-4-ol, linalool, gamma terpinene, nerolidol, geranyl acetone, ketone, benzaldehyde, cajeputene hydrate, cajuputol, eucalyptol and myrcene.

The eminent therapeutic attributes of Cajeput essential oil are antipyretic, carminative, anti-neuralgic, analgesic, disinfectant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, tonic, antiseptic, expectorant, emmenagogue, stimulant, anthelmintic, cosmetic, anti-bacterial, decongestant, febrifuge, sudorific and insecticide.

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Cajeput essential oil:

Ayurveda simply means ‘the knowledge of life’. This oldest healing system trusts that the real wisdom of mankind rests in the knowledge about our system, which is the best wonder of this world.

Human mind and body work in a miraculous manner and Ayurvedic healing insists that this system is built up with the same five elements with which nature is made up of. They are fire, water, earth, air and space.

Earth represents bones and muscles, fire represents agni or the heat energy in the body, water represents blood and other fluids, air represents the breathing mechanism and space is the soul that keeps us alive.

Every individual is made up of a unique individual constitution that comprises three dynamic forces or biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha dosha. These doshas are nothing but a representation of the five elemental forces of nature.

Vata is a combination of air and space and is in charge for nervous functions, circulation and respiratory functions. Fire and water put together forms Pitta dosha, which is responsible for metabolic functions and body temperature.

Kapha dosha is a representation of water and earth and contributes to physical structure, sustenance and reproductive health. Every human being has a majority of any one of these doshas and this predominance decides one’s personality, behavioral traits and attributes.

Ayurvedic philosophy strongly believes that absolute health of human beings exclusively depend upon one’s harmony with nature. Perfect balance between these doshas depending upon the unique individual constitution signifies health and imbalance of doshas causes illnesses.

Ayurveda prescribes natural remedies like herbs, plant essential oils, simple physical exercises, prayers, meditation, Ayurvedic routine, yoga, Abhyanga (the art of Ayurvedic massaging) and Pranayama for correcting the doshic imbalances.

Cajeput essential oil reduces kapha and vata dosha, in excess cases and increases pitta energy.

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

Cajeput-broucher1. Assuages respiratory ailments:

Numerous bacteria, viruses and fungi are always on the urge to cause infectious diseases that primarily target the respiratory tract with an array of ailments affecting mankind such as bronchitis, sore throat, flu, cold, ear infections, tightness in chest, laryngitis, blocked nose, mild fever, sinus and cough; Cajeput essential oil plays an important role in stopping the advent of these harmful microbes and protects the system from all types of respiratory ailments.

With its deep penetrating aroma with a rich eucalyptol note, Cajeput essential oil is a renowned cure for sinus that it has always been an unavoidable element in most of the medications that alleviate health problems associated with sinus. Just inhaling 2 drops of this essential oil added to steam inhalation, can provide instant relief from headache, blocked nose, sinus pain and makes you feel tranquil in a matter of minutes.

Excess of kapha dosha is responsible for deposits of mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract, lungs and nasal passages. With its power to reduce kapha dosha, Cajeput essential oil helps in breaking up even heavy deposits of mucus accumulated in the respiratory organs and assists in excreting it from the body through coughing and aids in lessening the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and laryngitis.

As an effective antibacterial agent, it helps in fighting against infections and works as a decongestant, suitable to be used as an inhaler for cold and sinus. Moreover, as a natural anti-inflammatory agent it helps in reducing inflammations due to infections in the respiratory tracts such as larynx, pharynx and the bronchi.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in warm bathing water and massaging your throat, chest and back with 2 drops of Cajeput oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil mixed with vaporizing ointment can help in relieving nasal congestion, cough, cold, bronchial congestion, blocked nasal passages and chest congestion.

Cajeput oil has a warming effect and is a must to have oil in your first aid kit. 1 to 2 drops of this added to your diffuser during winter can keep you away from infections and grant you a safe environment to live in. It induces the sweat glands and promotes sweating and helps in lowering high body temperature and is also effective in alleviating fever associated with cold and pain in the body.

2. Effective insecticide and termicide:

Insects, especially the mosquitoes are always the sure shot carriers of some dreadful diseases such as malaria, filaria, dengue and chickungunya. With no specific vaccines or antiviral treatment available for the viral diseases such as chikungunya and dengue spread by mosquitoes, actions taken to control the mosquito population remains as the only means of preventing these frightful ailments.

A 2012 research article on the study of “The pesticidal and insecticidal activity of Cajeput essential oil” reveals the fact that it is effective against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which remain as the primary vectors of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Numerous natural phyto-chemicals found in this essential oil effectively function in interrupting the neurotransmitter in mosquitoes by acting as a reversible inhibitor of acetyl cholinesterase, resulting in the knockdown of these unsafe insects. Applying 2 drops of Cajeput oil to your mild skin care cream or lotion can help in keeping you away from mosquito bites.

Moreover, Cajeput oil is a natural source of antifungal and anti-microbial properties, which makes it toxic to the fungi spoiling the woods and highly toxic to the termites thus proving beneficial in the manufacture of wood preservatives and natural insecticide for controlling termites. 4 to 5 drops of this oil added to household cleaner or disinfectant can be sprayed on doors, windows and furniture items for protecting them from termites and other insects.

In addition to its insecticidal and pesticidal attributes, Cajeput essential oil actively extinguishes the parasites such as lice and fleas and thus it is recommended to use 2 drops of this mystical oil to shampoos for hair wash. It can also be added to brushes used for pets for a gentle comb that frees your pets from flees and other insects.

3. Aids in maintaining oral health:

Cajeput essential oil holds the glory of its traditional usage for quick relief from toothache and other oral health issues. With α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol greatly contributing to the anti-bacterial and the antifungal activity of Cajeput essential oil, this oil acts as a quick extinguisher of all the harmful bacteria found in the mouth and other oral cavities. Linalool acts a mild analgesic with tranquilizing properties that makes Cajeput oil to bring quick relief for all tooth and gum related pains.

Just adding 1 drop of Cajeput oil to a cotton ball and keeping it on the affected area can work wonders, resulting in instant relief from pain and toothache. It is for this reason; Cajeput essential oil has been used in dentistry in treating gingivitis and to alleviate pain in the gum after removal of a tooth.

Furthermore, as an anti bacterial agent, this oil kills all the harmful microbes and various other compounds causing bad breath and assists in alleviating the symptoms of halitosis. Numerous oral products such as tooth paste, mouth wash and mouth fresheners involve the utilization of Cajeput essential oil for its long lasting freshness and oral benefits.

In the book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’, Bryan Miller and Light Miller say, “Cajeput can be used in a gargle along with sandalwood oil for sore throat; recipe 1 drop Cajeput oil, 1 drop sandalwood oil in half cup water, mix well and gargle. This has been used with success by many singers who have lost their voice through a combination of stress and colds.”

4. Excellent pain reliever:

With numerous pain-relieving properties, Cajeput oil stands special for its excellent analgesic and soothing attributes. Comprising of limonene and a-terpineol as the best pain-reducing agents, Cajeput essential oil is used to treat all kinds of pain ranging from headache, toothache and many more.

Rich in soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgic attributes, Cajeput essential oil is indeed a blessing for those who suffer with Neuralgia – a condition that causes severe pain to the whole oral zone including ears, tonsils, throat, pharynx and larynx.

It helps in relaxing the blood vessels and reduces the pressure on the glossopharyngeal nerve and alleviates the symptoms of neuralgia. Cineole in Cajeput oil produces a warming effect on the surface to which the oil is applied and results in relieving the pain beneath the skin.

Widely prescribed in Ayurveda and other Complementary and alternative medicinal practices for treating rheumatism and arthritis, Cajeput essential oil helps in alleviating pain in addition to lessening the inflammation. As an eminent diuretic, this oil aids in maintaining the fluid level in the body and drains out excess water along with other impurities such as acids, fats etc. by inducing perspiration and increasing the frequency of urination thus treating inflammations due to excess water stagnation caused by increased kapha dosha.

Cajeput oil plays an important role in aromatherapy along with camphor oil and is used in Ayurvedic massaging to reduce body pain caused by gout, arthritis and rheumatism. Being an invaluable ingredient in the Indonesian traditional medicine – Minyak Telon and serving as a natural pain killer, Cajeput oil is full of explicit benefits to everyone, especially to those who work on laptops and desktops and remain the victims of back pain, neck pain and stress.

Massaging the painful or affected parts with 2 drops of Cajeput oil, 2 drops of Rosemary oil, 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of Camphor oil, 2 drops of Juniper oil blended with 5 ml of coconut oil is an excellent remedy for alleviating joint pain, muscular distress, back pain, arthritic pain, rheumatic pain, headache, muscular tension and much more.

5. Proven effective in skin care:

The presence of chemically antibacterial agents such as terpinen-4-ol, 1, 8 cineol, linalool and alpha-terpineol contribute to the antibacterial attribute of Cajeput essential oil, making it a best antiseptic and skin care product.

Applying 2 drops of Cajeput oil mixed with your skin care cream or lotion can be of great help in treating acne, boils, cuts, wounds, burns, psoriasis and fungal infections caused by tinea versicolor and mites due to scabies, has yielded promising results proving the efficacy of this oil in the field of dermatology.

It helps in removing the toxins, regulates the production of sebum by inducing the sebaceous glands and helps in treating acne, carbuncles and heals the damaged tissues that have turned red due to abscesses.

The high antibacterial and germicidal activity of this oil against various bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus results in speedy recovery in the treatment of furunculosis. Moreover it is an excellent aid in treating scrapes, burns, swellings around fingers or toe, scabies etc. This healing effect can be obtained by adding 2 drops of Cajeput oil in bathing water in the morning and before going to bed.

It also fights against infectious microbes and prevents any wounds or cuts from becoming more infectious and septic thus preventing the onset of tetanus. It tones up the skin and makes it bright, free from infections and thus widely used in the preparation of cosmetics, body lotions, shampoos, antiseptic creams, soaps and disinfectants.

6. Supports the digestive system:

With its pitta-enhancing properties, Cajeput essential oil possesses digestive as well as carminative properties helping in easing the digestive process and stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes that aid in the full absorption of nutrients in food. It aids in removal of gas from the body with ease and prevents its formation thus alleviating the gastrointestinal disorders.

Due to its soothing attribute, it is also useful in treating some of the digestive disorders such as colic, vomiting due to indigestion, freeing from intestinal worms, intestinal cramps, dysentery and enteritis.

Other health benefits of Cajeput essential oil:

Its ability to fight against the advent of fungal infections is used in food products to serve the purpose of a preservative. It helps in fighting against yeast infections caused by the Candida species and is also active against the protozoan such as Trichomonas vaginal and is helpful in treating the trichomonas vaginal infections.

Apart from this, Cajeput essential oil is utilized in treating tumors, to open up blocked menstruation and to aid in healing the womanly concerns and to regulate proper circulation of the blood. Generally used in air fresheners to uplift the surrounding, Cajeput essential oil cleanses the air and uplifts the spirits and elevates the mind helping to overcome depression, sluggishness, anxiety, fear and the aftershocks of radiotherapy.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of education and is articulated entirely with the thought of sharing the enlightening knowledge of Ayurveda, the 5000 year old traditional healing methodology. These natural remedies are not meant to cure, prevent or diagnose any medical condition or to substitute any prescribed medications or expert medical advice. We are not healthcare professionals or medical experts.

Never use essential oils internally and make sure that you use them topically in a diluted manner only, as unadulterated, genuine and organic essential oils are very concentrated substances and can cause allergic reactions when used on the skin directly. Talk with your Ayurvedic expert/healthcare professional before choosing the apt essential oil for your medical condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.        -Albert Einstein

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
  3. Relieving Pain Naturally: Safe and Effective Alternative Approach to Treating and Overcoming Chronic Pain by Sylvia Goldfarb, Roberta W. Waddell
  4. Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar
  5. Scents of Life: Use And Effect Of Essential Oils by H. M. Schemske

Reference Links:

  1. Cajuput Oil by Wikipedia.
  2. A research article on the ‘Essential Leaf Oils from Melaleuca cajuputi’ by J.H. Kim, K.H. Liu and Y. Yoon from the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Korea
  3. A 2012 research article on the Evaluation of Melaleuca cajuputi (Family: Myrtaceae) Essential oil in aerosol spray cans against dengue vectors in Low cost housing flats
  4. A research article on ‘Cajeput-Type Oil for the Treatment of Furunculosis’ by Henry M.Feinblatt, published in PubMed

Yara Yara Essential Oil

Yara Yara essential oil, prevalently known as Yarrow essential oil has a bundle of therapeutic properties that has made its presence inevitable in the world of Complementary and Alternative Medicine including the oldest natural healing system known as Ayurveda, meaning the knowledge of life.

Yara-yara-bannerUse of Yarrow as a natural medicine dates back to more than 60 thousand years and this was proved by its presence on the body of a Neanderthal. Such a distinguished herb is used in different forms like essential oil, decoction, powder and much more in treating a series of illnesses.

Historical uses of Yara Yara essential oil:

Yara Yara, a celebrated sacred herb was known to be used by Achilles, the Greek hero of Trojan War for healing the wounds and to curtail bleeding of his soldiers. The botanical name of this plant Achillea Millefolium is followed by his name Achilles. Historical references prove that the ancient Chinese medicinal system used Yarrow essential oil to treat problems related with menstruation whereas the primordial Scandinavians used this efficacious oil to treat rheumatism.

Yarrow essential oil was used in Scotland to protect from evil and was trusted to have an all-healing potential to treat numerous disorders all through the ages. Yara Yara oil was added to certain Swedish beers and the historical uses of this herb goes on and on as a never-ending list. This herb is also known as Milfoil for its feathery look.

Where does Ayurveda come into picture?

Ayurveda, the knowledge of life is a holistic approach and the oldest systems of medicine in treating humanity. According to Ayurveda, any disease is an indication that your body is out of balance. Every individual is considered unique with a specific set of physical, mental and spiritual values. Ayurveda trusts that human beings are imperative part of nature and every human body is made up of the five vital elements of nature, namely air, water, ether, fire and earth.

An individual’s constitution is made up of three predominant bodily humors known as doshas (Vata, pitta and kapha), which are a combination of any of these five elements of nature and it determines the personality and attributes of a person. With this belief as the fundamental principle, Ayurvedic texts indicate that the disharmony of your system with nature is the root-cause of all illnesses.

The beauty of Ayurvedic healing lies in transforming the entire lifestyle of an individual into a healthy one based upon his unique constitution. Ayurveda believes that nothing better than natural remedies can cure mankind that is a part of nature containing the vital elements of nature. For this Ayurveda prescribes the use of herbs, essential oils extracted from plants, yoga, meditation and spiritual values that binds humanity with one’s Creator.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Yara Yara Essential Oil:

Yara Yara is known as Biranjasipha in Ayurveda. With cooling properties, Yarrow and its essential oil is said to treat pitta imbalances like indigestion, fever during cold, heartburn and inflammation.  In their famous book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’, Dr. Light Miller and Bryan Miller bring out the effectiveness of essential oils for the chakras, known as the transfer points of feelings and the bodily functioning of certain endocrine glands.

Light Miller says “the essential oils increase the finest and farthest vibrations and assist all of the subtle bodies. Essential oils can stigmata and assist in the process of awakening, healing, opening the chakras, and strengthening the aura.” According to her, Yara Yara essential oil is one best essential oil in stimulating the heart chakra.

Yara-yara-broucher1. Yara Yara oil for the skin:

With its antiseptic, emollient, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, vulnerary and antispasmodic properties, yara yara essential oil is among those best natural oils in treating numerous skin problems like cuts, burns, acne, rashes, marks, open sores, stretch marks, dermatitis, psoriasis, inflamed wounds, epileptic seizures, dryness, eczema, unshorn skin due to aging and many other.

This oil stops bleeding, aids in retaining the moisture of the skin and helps significantly in the quicker formation of new skin. By stimulating the leucocytes and blood platelets in the affected region, this oil effectively checks and curbs the presence of bacteria, fungus and other microbes that worsen the wounds.

Staphylococcus aureus is a harmful bacterium that causes the infection of wounds and Yara Yara essential oil with its antimicrobial effects has been proved effective against the effects of Staphylococcus species. This study proved that the presence of chamazulene component in Yara Yara oil augments the antibacterial activity, making it the best natural remedy for wound treatment since ages.

2. Yara Yara essential oil for the respiratory system:

Just like the other essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary and hyssop essential oils with expectorant, analgesic and decongestant properties, yara yara essential oil is also effective in treating respiratory problems like congestion, cough, bronchitis, asthma attacks, cold and controls the secretion of phlegm. Adding few drops of this oil to your chest rub can grant you great relief from all sorts of respiratory problems.

A research on the ‘Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae)’ by the Cumhuriyet University revealed that “Eucalyptol, camphor, alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and borneol were the principal components comprising 60.7% of the oil”. This makes Yara Yara essential oil as a promising natural remedy in treating cold, fever, cough and other respiratory disorders.

3. Yara Yara oil for the digestive system:

Yara Yara essential oil is highly beneficial for the digestive system and supports in treating various digestive disorders like constipation, colic, indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, loss of appetite, heaviness along with pain in the chest, flatulence, gall-bladder and intestinal pain, gastric catarrh and few other dyspeptic conditions.

With its stomachic, carminative, digestive and anti-spasmodic properties, yara yara oil is said to remove and prevent gas formation in the stomach and intestines. This oil enhances the secretion of bile and other digestive juices, helping in trouble-free digestion.

A recent research proved that Yarrow has been traditionally used in the treatment of spasmodic gastro-intestinal disorders, inflammation and hepato-biliary complaints. A gentle Ayurvedic massage with 2 to 3 drops of Yara Yara essential oil blended with carrier oils like Jojoba oil, almond oil or sesame oil can grant immense relief from all sorts of digestive disorders.

4. Yara Yara essential oil for the nervous system:

This essential oil has hypotensive and tranquilizing properties that calms the heart and soothes the nerves. Hypertension, insomnia, high blood pressure, excess stress and brain hemorrhage can be assisted perfectly with the healing powers of Yara Yara oil. It tones up and relaxes the nervous system and boosts the immune power, making you resistant against harmful diseases.

5. Yara Yara essential oil for the circulatory system:

Yarrow essential oil enhances blood circulation and assists in treating hemorrhoids, varicose veins, arthritis, rheumatism, menopausal disorders, cystitis, irregular menstruation, dysmennorhea, formation of uric acid crystals in the body and few other health problems associated with the circulatory system. The anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, emmenagogue and astringent properties of this oil makes it the ideal choice for treating problems related to improper circulation.

6. Yara Yara essential oil for the entire system:

Numerous other health benefits of using Yara Yara oil are removal of toxins from the body, control of dandruff and hair fall, promotion of hair growth, aid in treating gum problems, stimulation of the metabolic functions and hostility against infections in the excretory system and reproductive system.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi talks about numerous gynecological uses of Yara Yara essential oil and she says that this oil can be used in douches, diffusers and sitz baths.

The most impressive information about Yarrow herb is its use by Hildegard of Bingen to treat breast cancer with the salve prepared with petals of yarrow flowers. She advised her patients to rub this salve on the ulcerated parts and expel the toxic things followed by the use of the ointment prepared with Yara Yara flowers to promote proper healing with its antioxidant properties.

When nature can gift us with a handful of promising remedies like these, why should you turn back to the contemporary medical system for artificial healing? Think again!!

Disclaimer:

Direct application of essential oils is not recommended as it may cause allergies or harms the skin; blend it with carrier oils before using it as massage oil or for any other topical application. Do not ingest essential oils or use it on babies and pregnant women without the advice of your health care expert.

Thought for the day:

Yarrow has been under experimental research as an antidote for radiation exposure, as an anticancer as well as antitumor agent, as an aid to detoxification from drugs and alcohol. It is useful in severe skin rashes and for wounds that will not hear.                        –Jeanne Rose

Suggested Reading:

  1. Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood
  2. The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt
  3. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Yarrow – Achillea Millefolium by Ingrid Naiman
  2. Antimicrobial effects of yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) essential oils against Staphylococcus species by Medical Sciences Faculties of Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
  3. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan (Asteraceae) by faculties of Cumhuriyet University, Turkey

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

ylang-ylang-bannerYlang Ylang essential oil is an eminent value addition to the perfume and cosmetic industry. Not many of us knew this name a few decades back and thanks to the cosmetic industry that has spread the magic of this herb just like forest fire.

The use of Ylang Ylang and its oil can be attributed to the ancient times as historical references indicate the use of aromatic plants by mankind for more than thousands of years. The essential oil of Ylang Ylang has innumerable Ayurvedic health benefits that you will certainly be amazed at.

Purchase Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Ylang Ylang oil:

Popularly known as the flower of flowers, all the parts of the Ylang Ylang tree has a celebrated history both in the West and the East. This tree is indigenous to Indo-Malaysia, Philippines and Java. It was used in salves to heal cuts, scrapes, insect bites, snake bites and few other skin disorders in Philippines.

The Ylang Ylang petals are spread over the bed of newly married couples in Indonesia for its mesmerizing aroma and sensual effects.

The essential oil of Ylang Ylang was used in making of antimacassar, an ornamental chair cover that prohibited the Macassar oil from discoloring the upholstery. This oil was also used as a prominent ingredient in Macassar oil, an effective hair pomade.

Ylang Ylang was also used as a medicinal herb in treating chronic disorders like typhus, malaria and intestinal infections. Few sources reveal that the prominent therapeutic properties were initially identified in the early 20th century by famous French chemists Rechler and Garnier on the Reunion Island.

Every part of the Ylang Ylang tree is used for various purposes and the entire tree is claimed to be highly beneficial in many ways. The people of Java use the paste of fresh flowers to treat asthma and the dried flowers to treat malaria.

In Samoa and Tonga, the bark of the Ylang Ylang tree is used as a laxative and to treat stomach disorders. The timber of this tree is used in canoe making and construction works. In Cook Islands this timber is used for making furniture, wooden shoes, crates, fishnet floats and lathe turnings. Ylang Ylang is considered as a culturally important and as a sacred tree.

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

According to the Gas chromatography report, Ylang Ylang oil is constituted of about 8 major chemical components that add to the aroma, consistency, quality and therapeutic values of this essential oil.

Just click on:

For knowing more about the exclusive information of these key constituents of Ylang Ylang oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the principal chemical constituents and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Ylang Ylang oil.

Ylang-Ylang-OIlAyurvedic health benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil:

The most incredible thing about Ayurveda is that it considers every individual as a ‘unique person’ with special individual constitution known as doshas. Ayurveda considers illness as a sign of imbalance in the system as Ayurvedic philosophy states that ideal health can be attained only by having a strong immune system and is a symbol of perfect harmony between a person’s mental, physical and spiritual wellness.

This ancient methodology trusts in treating mankind with the theory of five senses namely vision, smell, taste, touch and sound through colors, aroma, herbs, Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage with essential oils and music respectively.

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from plants using steam distillation. Every individual has a unique combination of three doshas (metabolic principles controlling mind and body) known as vata, pitta and kapha and the individual’s character, personality and health is often determined by the predominance of any of these dosha types. Imbalance of doshas acts as the basis of diseases where,

  • Vata imbalance causes weak memory, insomnia, dry skin, constipation and anxiety.
  • Pitta imbalance causes heartburn, acne, anger, indigestion, excess perspiration and criticism.
  • Kapha imbalance leads to obesity, respiratory disorders, water retention, sluggishness, possessiveness and uncaring.

With gentle, uplifting and moisturizing properties, Ylang Ylang essential oil is suitable in treating vata and pitta imbalances like frigidity, impotence, acne, boils, dry skin, wrinkles and skin irritations.

In their popular book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’, Light Miller and Bryan Miller say that individuals with imbalanced vata need warming up, calmness, relaxation, boost in self-esteem, sensuality for an attached life with their partner and using aphrodisiac essential oils like Ylang Ylang aids in augmenting the functional and hormonal ability of the sex organs.

People with pitta imbalance need help for venting out their anger and unwanted tension to experience their elated personality. Essential oils extracted from flowers like Ylang Ylang helps in supporting such conditions with their calming and cooling tendency.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil are:

Ylang-ylang-broucher (2)1. Excellent oil for skin care:

Ylang Ylang essential oil is very effective and versatile in toning and stimulating the skin cells mainly because of its power to balance the production of sebum, making it suitable for all types of skin and as a promising remedy for treating Seborrhoeic Eczema.

The soothing, anti-seborrhoeic and antiseptic properties of this oil supports in treating skin inflammation, boils, skin irritation, chapped lips, acne, wounds, burns, blemishes, wrinkles, dry skin and few other signs of aging. Adding few drops of Ylang Ylang oil in your skin care lotion will help you in retaining the moisture of the skin, leaving it healthy and glowing.

2. Long, lustrous hair:

An ancient tribe known as Bori Bori used the Ylang Ylang flowers as a hair conditioner by mixing it in coconut oil. They also rubbed these flowers all over the body and decorated themselves by making necklace, headdresses, natural crowns and garlands for its splendid fragrance and curative values.

Massaging few drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil blended with coconut oil or almond oil aids in promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, nourishing the scalp, augmenting the natural shine of the hair, making it long, lustrous, healthy and voluminous. What else? You are all set to be the proud owner of beautiful hair and gorgeous looks.

3. Relaxing and harmonizing:

Ylang Ylang essential oil is proved to be clearing heart fire and calming the heart due to the sedative quality of its primary constituent Monoterpene Alcohols. The traditional system of healing using aromatics suggests the use of Ylang Ylang essential oil to reduce and regulate rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and rapid breathing as it mainly supports the fourth chakra i.e, the heart chakra because of its connection in the initiation of the heart spirit.

An Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research on ‘Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects’ proved that inhaling essential oil blend with ylang ylang, neroli, lavender and marjoram proved effective in controlling blood pressure and is strongly recommended for preventing the progression of hypertension. This research also proved that “Ylang-ylang oil lowers blood pressure, alleviates palpitations and nervous system excitation, and promotes emotional relaxation”.

Another research titled “Evaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation” by Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand conducted a study on the effects of Ylang Ylang essential oil on human physiological parameters like pulse rate, blood pressure, skin temperature and breathing rate while self-evaluation was assessed in terms of mood, calmness, relaxation, attentiveness, vigor and alertness.

This research proved that Ylang Ylang oil has a harmonizing effect that is momentous in lessening increased pulse rate and blood pressure as well as efficacious in increasing subjective alertness and attentiveness.

4. Firm foe for depression and other mental disorders:

With its sedative, calming, uplifting, nervine, anti-depressant, relaxing, euphoric and regulative properties, Ylang Ylang essential oil is a solid enemy for mental depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension, mood fluctuations, anger and few other mental disorders.  This oil aids in balancing hormones and effectively assists in mood swings associated with menopause and PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome).

A study published in PubMed on ‘Relaxing effect of Ylang Ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption’ proved that Ylang Ylang essential oil is of great value in causing calmness, relief of stress and depression in humans.

You can use it as soothing massage oil blended with any of your favorite carrier oils like Jojoba oil, coconut oil or olive oil. Ylang Ylang essential oil can also be used in compresses, in candles, diffusers or air fresheners. Adding few drops to your bathing tub with warm water can alleviate stress and induce good night’s sleep.

5. Long lasting love and lust:

Ylang Ylang flowers and the essential oil extracted from these flowers are banked upon mainly for the aphrodisiac values adorned by its balsamic, floral, sweet, misty and woody aroma that aids in balancing male and female energy levels. It can significantly reduce emotional conflicts between these apparent opposites.

The sensual fragrance of Ylang Ylang essential oil is simply ideal for the perfect dream nights with your partner. It has positive influence on sexual feelings, tones the reproductive system, grants pleasure, treats lack of confidence and is also powerful in treating impotence and frigidity.

6. Perfect Partner of the Perfume industry:

The compelling fragrance of Ylang Ylang essential oil will make you stand out of the crowd. It is for this natural floral and delicate scent, ylang ylang oil is used in a handful of renowned perfume brands like Chanel No. 5, Escape by Calvin Klein, Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Acqua di Gio by Armani, Champs-Elysees by Guerlain and Poison by Christian Dior. Hmmmmm……………….Haaaaaaaaaaa…….. Doesn’t that smell so good? Absolutely it does.

Other uses:

Apart from all these health benefits, Ylang Ylang oil and the other parts of this tree are used in treating intestinal tract infections, symptomatic manifestation of malaria, fevers, epilepsy, tachycardia, agitation, distress, restlessness and other psycho-emotional imbalances. It is also used in making soaps, cosmetics and shampoos.

You will be surprised if I say that Ylang Ylang oil is also used as a safe flavoring ingredient in the food industry. A well-known study on “Safety assessment of Ylang Ylang as a food ingredient” indicated that “Ylang-Ylang oil has a long history of fragrance and food flavoring use, with no indication that its estimated consumption from food flavoring use (0.0001 mg/kg/day) has led to any adverse human health effects and at the current level of intake as a food ingredient, Ylang-Ylang oil does not pose a health risk to humans”.

Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted from the star-shaped Ylang Ylang flowers and indeed it is a STAR OIL of all times and one more astonishing news is that it requires approximately 50 pounds of Ylang Ylang flowers to obtain 1 pound of Ylang Ylang essential oil.

Disclaimer:

This article is just for your information and do not ingest any essential oils or apply them directly to your skin without proper consultation with your Ayurvedic Practitioner, as every individual is unique and one that suits you might not suit your partner or your kid.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Ylang Ylang oil.

Thought for the day:

 It was very pleasant to savor its aroma, for smells have the power to evoke the past, bringing back sounds and even other smells that have no match in the present.

-Tita

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Healing Trail:: Essential Oils of Madagascar by Georges M. Halpern, Peter Weverka
  2. HEALING POWERS OF YLANG YLANG OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
  3. How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

 Reference Links:

  1. Aromatherapy from Ayurveda’s Perspective by Yayoi Stavish
  2. Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) by Pacific Island Agroforestry
  3. Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption by PubMed
  4. Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects by In-Hee Kim, Chan Kim, Kayeon Seong, Myung-Haeng Hur, Heon Man Lim and Myeong Soo Lee, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2012