Nagarmotha Essential Oil

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.

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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 8th 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:

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

Reference Links:

  1. Nagarmotha: A detoxifying herb by Dr. R. Vatsyayan, Ayurvedacharya published in The Tribune
  2. Nagarmotha by Planet Ayurveda
  3. Cyperus scariosus or Cyperus rotundus, an old famous Sedge from ancient Egypt and China published in MDidea
  4. In Vitro Antioxidant activity and Total Polyphenolic Content of Cyperus rotundus Rhizomes by Nagulendran, Velavan, Hazeena Begum and Mahesh from the Department of Siddha Medicine, Tamil University, India published in e-Journals.net

Hyssop Oil

hyssop-bannerBible reveals the genuine use of Hyssop by saying “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” in Psalm 51:7. Hyssop is held-high as a spiritual herb since the Biblical times for its potential to purify the mind, cleanse the soul and improve divinity and supports nourishment from within.

The name Hyssop is extracted from the Hebrew word ‘azob’ meaning ‘holy herb’ and was used in temples and other sacred places as a cleansing agent. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of this perennial plant and is botanically known as Hyssopus officinalis and is a part of the mint family, Lamiaceae.

It has been honored as one among the 12 main oils of the Scripture. Ayurveda recommends the use of Hyssop and its essential oil for treating respiratory problems like chronic catarrh, cold, cough, congestion and asthma.  It was also used for regulating high blood pressure, treat flatulence and colic, reduce fever, release heavy emotions, support deep breathing and improve the immune power.

Purchase Hyssop Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Hyssop and its essential oil:

Hyssop is known as one among the oldest herb used by human beings. Hippocrates, the renowned physician prescribed Hyssop for treating bronchial problems, inflammation, chest congestion, throat infections and pleurisy.

The ancient Romans used Hyssop for protecting themselves from plague. They prepared a medicated wine using Hyssop leaves and flowers and valued it as a natural remedy for plague and certain other health disorders. Hyssop tea, infusion and tincture have been used in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice.

Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.” Exodus 12:22, is another Biblical verse talking about the greatness and purifying abilities of Hyssop herb. Bible also records the use of Hyssop by influential Biblical leaders including Jesus, Moses, Solomon and David. There are about 126 verses in the Bible that talk about Hyssop. It was also used in cleaning and polishing sanctified places.

Persians used Hyssop oil in skin lotions to augment their complexion and enhance skin health. It was used by the Europeans as air freshener and the traditional Indians used Hyssop for healing wounds, treat bruises, lessen excess fluid content in the body and to alleviate muscular pain. Hyssop is also a popular ingredient of Chartreuse liquor.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Hyssop essential oil:

The most important chemical constituents of Hyssop essential oil are myrcene, a-pinene, limonene, camphene, isopinocamphene, b-pinene, 1,8-cineole, sabinene, y-terpineol, thujone and pinocamphone.

These components contribute to its remedial properties like expectorant, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, astringent, stimulant, antiseptic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, vulnerary, carminative, sudorific, cicatrisant, nervine, digestive, vermifuge, febrifuge, tonic and hypertensive.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Hyssop essential oil:

Ayurveda is the wisdom of spiritual and holistic healing that has been in practice since 5,000 years. This ancient philosophy identifies disease as an opportunity to explore the actual cause lying behind an illness.

Identifying the root cause of an illness and treating it paves way for prevention of diseases in the future, leading a healthy life and progressing towards longevity. Whereas the contemporary medical system treats illnesses without analyzing its root cause, by this way the disease gets suppressed inside for the time being and grows as a major root for chronic disorders in the future.

Ayurvedic philosophy is based upon five major elements of nature, namely fire, water, earth, air and space. It is strongly believed that the universe is made up of these five elements and everything on this universe is made up of these elements including human beings. With a combination of these vital elements, every individual has a unique constitution that comprises of three biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of the five elements of nature. Vata represents air and space, pitta is combination of fire and water and kapha signifies water and earth.

Vata dosha is responsible for nervous functions, movement, circulation and respiration.  Pitta energy governs digestion and metabolic functions. Kapha type controls the structure and sustenance of the body and the movement of fluids in the system. Every human being has a predominance of any one of these doshas that depicts their personality, behavior, physical and emotional attributes. Balance between these doshas symbolizes health and imbalance causes illnesses.

Ayurvedic remedies focus on regularizing dosha imbalances and include essential oils, herbs, meditation, yoga, physical exercises, prayers, Ayurvedic routine and a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet. Hyssop essential oil has been used in Ayurvedic healing for treating excess kapha along with pitta and vata deficit.

Let’s take a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Hyssop essential oil based on the suggested methods of usage.

Hyssop-broucher-info1. In baths and Ayurvedic massage therapy:

Ayurveda trusts in healing humanity through the five major senses namely the sense of sight, sense of sound, sense of touch, sense of taste and the sense of smell. Using Ayurvedic essential oils in bath and in Abhyanga, the art of Ayurvedic massaging treats illnesses of the mind and body through the sense of touch and the sense of smell.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and is the fastest mode to transmit the therapeutic molecules of essential oils to penetrate deeply into the blood stream. When used in bathing water, the aroma of the essential oil passes through the nasal passages and passes onto the limbic system, which is the control center of the brain. By this way the remedial properties of the oil gets conveyed to other parts of the body in the form of control waves by the limbic system.

Add 2 drops of Hyssop essential oil in warm bathing water for relieving from fatigue, anxiety, menstrual pain, flatulence, viral infections, low blood pressure, respiratory infections, urinary problems, fever and skin infections. Taking bath in this medicated water before going to bed can assist in promoting peaceful sleep, mental clarity, relaxation of muscles and nerves. It also helps in eliminating excess fluids and toxic substances in the body through urine and sweat.

Blend 3 drops of Hyssop essential oil with 1.5 ml of sesame oil and gently massage it on your abdomen for treating dysmennorhea, promoting blocked or delayed menstruation, regularize the menstrual cycle and alleviate menopausal symptoms like stress, hot flashes and discharges with its emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic properties.

Massaging the painful area with this blend also helps in expelling excessive salts, fluids, sodium and other toxic substances in the body through urine. By this way it helps in reducing swelling, inflammation and rheumatic pain. A 2002 study on ‘The muscle relaxing activity of Hyssopus officinalis essential oil on isolated intestinal preparations’ have proved that Hyssop oil is effective in treating muscular pain by relaxing the muscles and reducing the amplitude of spontaneous movements.

Hyssop essential has the potential to increase pitta dosha, which is responsible for metabolic functions and digestive fire. Massaging your stomach and abdomen with 2 drops of Hyssop oil blended with 1 ml of olive oil can help in relieving from gas, flatulence, colic and indigestion. The carminative, digestive, vermifuge and stomachic properties of Hyssop oil aids in increasing the secretion of digestive acids and gastric juices that supports indigestion, colic, intestinal gas and spasms and kills intestinal worms.

Massaging your foot soles with 2 drop of Hyssop oil mixed with 1 ml of warm coconut oil can help in reducing your body temperature and treat fever effectively with its febrifuge properties. It promotes urination and supports to get rid of all infectious organisms causing fever through sweat and urine. A 2010 study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Hyssop essential oil has been proved to weaken the flu virus and weakens the ability of influenza to affect cells.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Hyssop essential oil mixed with 5 ml of coconut oil can assist in relieving tension, mental fatigue, anxiety, sore muscles, microbial infections, pain, inflammation, headache, low blood pressure, flu, tonsillitis, dermatitis, eczema, sore throat and asthma.

This massage blend aids in stimulating your system by enhancing your immune powers and acts as a tonic to your digestive system, nervous system, endocrinal system, excretory system and circulatory system. Go for a Hyssop massage every weekend to revitalize your senses and your system for the week ahead.

2. In steam inhalation:

Excess of kapha dosha is responsible for respiratory problems like cold, cough, chest congestion, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. Hyssop essential oil controls excess kapha and assists in relieving respiratory disorders including heavy catarrhal conditions. This oil also has expectorant, decongestant and diuretic properties that help in expelling excess of phlegm and mucus deposits in the chest, bronchial and nasal passages.

Hyssop is listed as an effective expectorant by the University of Maryland Medical Center that can support in eliminating mucus from lungs and in alleviating whooping cough. All you need to do to relieve from your respiratory problems is to add 2 drops of Hyssop essential oil in steam inhalation.

3. In burners or diffusers:

The sweet-camphoraceous, warm and powerful aroma of Hyssop oil assists in treating anxiety, mental fatigue, stress, negative feelings and other mental woes. Hyssop is used as an effective mental stimulant for calming the mind and soothing the nerves.

Add 2 to 3 drops of Hyssop essential oil to your diffuser, burner or aromatic lamp for relieving nervous tension, alleviate negative emotions and purify the mind. This oil is also known to grant mental clarity, augment creativity and assist meditation peacefully. On a spiritual perspective, Hyssop essential oil is recognized as a spiritual remedy to forgive sins and attain spiritual oneness.

4. In creams, lotions and rubs:

Hyssop essential oil has antiseptic, cicatrisant and vulnerary properties that make it the most ideal oil for treating skin problems. Being an antiseptic and vulnerary oil, Hyssop aids in protecting wounds, cuts and abrasions from being septic. It invades the presence of micro-organisms like bacteria and virus and protects the wound from microbial infections, paving way for quicker healing process.

The cicatrisant value of Hyssop essential oil assists in diminishing scars and prevents the skin from permanent scarring left by acne, boils, accidents, insect bites, pregnancy, pox and surgeries.  Mix 2 drops of Hyssop essential oil to your regular skin care cream or daily lotion and apply it on wounds, infections, cuts, scars, marks, acne and insect bites for effective results.

Using this aromatic blend on your scars, stretch marks and other marks on the skin helps in promoting cellular regeneration and growth of new skin cells that assist in fading away existing scars and marks on the skin. Add 2 drops of Hyssop oil to your vapor rub and apply it gently on the chest, throat and back for effective relief from whooping cough, cold, headache and nasal congestion.

Disclaimer:

This is only for the purpose of information and is not intended for treatment or to substitute any prescribed medication or professional medical advice. Never take essential oils internally.

Ensure to use them in a diluted form as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can cause harm if used directly on the skin. Consult your Ayurvedic physician before choosing the right essential oils for your unique individual constitution and precise health condition. Be cautious before using essential oils if you are nursing or pregnant.

Thought for the day:

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. – David in Psalm 51:7

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Hyssop Supplement: Alternative Medicine for a Healthy Body (Health Collection) by William Wagner
  2. Beautiful Plants of the Bible from the Hyssop to the Mighty Cedar Trees by Dr. David Darom
  3. A 21st Century Herb: Hyssop Superior Healing Power: By Willie Southall
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  5. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Hyssop by University of Michigan Health System
  2. Hyssop by Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
  3. Hyssop Essential Oil by FireStorm Ministries
  4. Hyssop Seeds and Hyssop Essential Oil by Diet Health Club
  5. The muscle relaxing activity of Hyssopus officinalis essential oil on isolated intestinal preparations by Department of Pharmacology of Natural substances and General Physiology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy published in PubMed

Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli, the less known secret behind the unsurpassed creativity and the magnanimous works of the legendary archetype of the Renaissance Man, Leonardo Da Vinci who loved to be in the midst of perfumes and aromatic oils always.

Neroli-bannerNeroli essential oil was his all-time favorite and he used it to instigate his intellect and contemplation while creating celebrated piece of artworks. Neroli oil also known as ‘Orange Blossoms’ is the prized ingredient of the classic Eau-de-Cologne since the 17th century. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Bitter Orange tree, Citrus aurantium through steam distillation method.

Neroli has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years and it is said that the name ‘Neroli’ is extracted from the Sanskrit word ‘Nagaranj’. Bryan and Light Miller in their book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ quote Neroli as “one of the most intense-smelling oils.

It gives confidence and strength to the mind, has relaxing properties which help with sleeplessness, and can be an ally during times of stress.”  Ayurvedic uses of Neroli are for treating aging skin, anxiety, insomnia, headache, emotional instability, PMS and for certain other health disorders.

Purchase Neroli Essential Oil – 5% Dilution in Pure Jojoba – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Neroli:

History lists a number of myths about the origin of its name. There are line of differences between the east and west on this commendation. Indigenous to the Far East, few say that the name ‘Neroli’ is derived from Anne-Marie of Nerola, the Italian princess during the 16th century.

She used Neroli perfume everyday and set an example for other noble women to follow the same tradition. Certain other sources say that Neroli was named after Nero, the Roman Emperor while some say it was derived from the name of ‘The Duchess of Tremoille’, the 17th Duchess also known as ‘la Nerola’.

Neroli and its essential oil were highly regarded as a symbol of virginity and sexual purity. Neroli was worn by the bride to assert her virginity and it was also a part of the bride’s bouquet to signify happiness, good luck, fertility and prosperity to the newly-married couple. As an aphrodisiac, Neroli was also spread on the bed of the newly-wedded couples to enhance their intimacy and calm their nervous apprehension.

Known as the ‘queenly elixir’, the essential oil of Neroli was held high by the primeval Egyptians for its power to cure the mind, spirit and the body and for its blissful properties. Neroli was also used in bathing water to soothe the nerves, calm the mind, relax the muscles and instill positive feelings.

The Yogic tradition of India trusted Neroli for its relaxing, tranquilizing and sleep inducing properties. The Traditional Chinese Medicine use Neroli to organize chi (aura or the life force).

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Neroli essential oil:

The remedial properties of Neroli oil are aphrodisiac, carminative, antidepressant, emollient, cicatrisant, disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tonic, cytophylactic, anti-infectious, cordial, sedative, bactericidal, antispasmodic and digestive.

The chemical constituents that contribute to these therapeutic values are nerol, a-pinene, a-terpinene, farnesol, nerolidol, geraniol, b-pinene, neryl acetate, camphene, linalyl acetate, methyl anthranilate, indole and linalool.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Neroli essential oil:

Ayurvedic healing have a high regard for Neroli because of its cheering, encouraging, soothing, strengthening and invigorating properties that can benefit anyone who wears its exceptional fragrance.

Ayurveda being the oldest of all remedial systems in the world has been much-admired and accepted all over the universe for its immaculate wisdom and the sense of personal care and touch it renders without fail.

Ayurvedic philosophy believes that every human being is unique with specific physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and environmental attributes. Similarly the treatment for each one of them should also be unique based on their individual constitution, which is nothing but the combination of bio-energies or energy elements known as doshas.

The predominant Ayurvedic body types or doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Food, lifestyle changes and numerous other factors have an impact on our health and it is for this reason Ayurveda suggests Ayurvedic routine, healthy and balanced diet, essential oils, herbs, physical exercises, meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic massage techniques based upon on your doshas and treat imbalances systematically.

Neroli oil aids in lessening increased vata and pitta and in increasing kapha deficit.

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

neroli-broucher1. Excellent oil for female problems:

Neroli oil is said to “have a special affinity for the female immune system, and is part of all our female immune regulatory formulas” says Light Miller in her book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’. She also states that Neroli essential oil aids women in every stages of transition including menstruation, menopause, irritation, anxiety, depressive thoughts, negative feelings and heart health.

Neroli essential oil is known as women’s best pal throughout her life especially in every maturing year by assisting menopausal problems, fighting against wrinkles and supporting the generation of new skin cells. It acts as maturing woman’s best friend by combating wrinkles and improving the skin texture with aging and acts as a promising anti-aging agent.

Blending 2 drops of Neroli oil with coconut oil or jojoba oil can aid you as a great massage blend followed by a warm bath enriched with 3 to 4 drops of Neroli oil can relax your system, reduce pain, promote good sleep and lessen stress and depression especially during menstrual discomforts and menopausal symptoms.

You can also add 2 drops of this oil to your diffuser or wear it on your wrist to keep you calm throughout the day. Mixing 2 drops of Neroli oil in your mild skin care cream or lotion aids in combating the effects of aging on your skin.

2. Enormously skin-friendly:

Neroli is indeed a great oil for managing your skin problems effectively. It guards your skin from harmful bacterial infections causing acne and other skin problems with its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Applying 2 drops of Neroli oil mixed with coconut oil can help in fighting against bacteria and other harmful organisms while protecting wounds and other skin conditions from infections and tetanus.

Neroli essential oil has cytophylactic effects that supports in maintaining the health of existing skin cells and promoting the formation of new cells. This aids in augmenting the elasticity of skin, making it supple, reducing wrinkles and treating varicose veins. Being a cicatrisant, Neroli oil helps in fading away scars, stretch marks and other marks let by acne, pox, accidents and wounds.

Use 2 drops of Neroli oil in vaporizer aids you in clearing the clogged pores and purify the skin surface. Adding 2 to 3 drops of this oil to your regular skin care cream or lotion aids in treating wrinkles, scars, control excess oil in the skin, retain its natural moisture, clear blemishes, curtail enlarged pores and leave it glow naturally just like the ‘Orange blossoms’.

3. Boosts your mental capabilities:

Neroli has been behind the glorious works of the great icon of art, Leonardo Da Vinci. He trusted that the enlivening fragrance of this oil augmented his concentration, granted calmness to the mind and paved way for deepening his creative powers.

It is said that the refreshing and intense aroma of this oil improves your memory, enhance your mental power, helps in self-purification, filters negative feelings and support you in bringing out your fullest potential in studies and at work. Charge your mind by adding 2 drops of Neroli oil in your room freshener and start exploring your excellence right away!

4. Calms your mind:

The enriching, energizing, encouraging and stimulating smell of Neroli essential oil drives away depression, inculcates positive thoughts, boosts your confidence and energy level and has a direct impact on your mood and behavioral patterns. One of the studies by the Brown University on the physiological effects of aromatherapy oils like Neroli proved that such aroma persuade temper and actions.

A study by the Stem Cell Medical Research Center and Department of Applied Cosmetology of Hung Kuang University, Taiwan on ‘Inhalation of Neroli essential oil and its anxiolytic effects in animals’ proved that the inhalation of essential oils like Neroli and Lavender can activate the limbic system of the brain granting the corresponding beneficial effects. This study also concluded that inhaling Neroli oil exhibited effectiveness and improvements in the potential treatment of anxiety.

Using Neroli for depression and distress is a traditional method for staying calm and collected. You can involve in self-massaging with 4 drops of Neroli added to one cup of almond oil or add it to warm bath or to your diffuser for recovering your mind from hopelessness, uplifting your mood and enjoying the feeling of warmth and relief naturally.

5. Adds spice to your love life:

Orange blossoms and its essential oil are celebrated for years together for its natural aphrodisiac and arousal properties. The profound and long-lasting aroma of Neroli acts as a tonic for the nervous system, reproductive system and the cardiac system.

This aids in paving way for intimacy and a quixotic time together for the couples even in their late 30s or 40s when loss of sexual interest can ruin one’s sex life. Using 2 drops of Neroli oil in the room freshener or in the bath tub or in massaging with jojoba oil aids in augmenting your sexual interest, improve libido in both men and women, treat erectile dysfunctions, impotence and  frigidity.

6. Assists digestive and sleeping disorders:

Neroli essential oil is claimed as one of the best massaging essential oils for treating numerous health disorders like insomnia and depression. Massaging with 3 drops of Neroli oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil blended with wheat germ oil can assist in relieving anxiety and tension, generate a soothing effect on the nervous system and enhance blood circulation. All these actions will help in promoting a peaceful sleep without any kind of mental disturbances.

Neroli oil has been used in the traditional and folklore medicine as a natural aid for gastrointestinal problems. It is still used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of anorexia and vomiting.

With its carminative and digestive properties, this oil assists in expelling unwanted gas in the intestine and stomach, increasing the appetite, promoting digestion, regulating the metabolic process and leaving you feel light and refreshed.

Other health benefits:

Neroli oil has been approved by the German Commission E for safe use. It is also used in treating cramps, spasmodic coughs, neuralgia, diarrhea, kidney and urinary tract infections, cold, headache and hysteria.

Neroli oil is also said to have anti-cancer effects with the presence of farnesol that has been proved effective in inhibiting the growth of tumor especially in lung cancer, causing death of the cancerous cells or stimulate apoptosis. This oil is also used as an insect repellant with the presence of components like geraniol and farnesol.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and always use it after diluting in suitable carrier oils. This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to diagnose or replace any prescribed medication or professional advice. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the suitable essential oil for your unique individual constitution and health condition.

Thought for the day:

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.    Luther Burbank

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice, Second Edition by Jane Buckle
  3. Citrus Essential Oils: Flavor and Fragrance from Wiley
  4. Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body by Kathi J. Kemper

Reference Links:

  1. Neroli/Citrus aurantium var. amara in History, Myths and Legends of Aromatherapy Part 2 by Aromaticamedica
  2. Inhalation of Neroli essential oil and its anxiolytic effects in animals by the Stem Cell Medical Research Center and Department of Applied Cosmetology of Hung Kuang University, Taiwan
  3. Neroli by Wikipedia
  4. Molecular mechanisms involved in farnesol-induced apoptosis published in PubMed