Pumpkin Seed Oil

Posted on July 22, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

There’s no Halloween without Pumpkin and there are no Pumpkin seeds without enormous healing values. These seeds are highly nutritious and the oil extracted Pumpkin seeds are often celebrated for its amazing remedial benefits to prostate problems like benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, diabetes, arthritis and kidney disorders.

Widely known as Pepitas, Pumpkin seeds and its oil are used and recommended in Ayurvedic healing for treating urinary problems, low bone density, arthritis, bed-wetting, joint pain, vascular diseases, controlling cholesterol levels (LDL) and for supporting the functions of the kidneys and prostate.

Purchase Pumpkin Seed Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Pumpkin Seed Oil:

Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, linolenic acid and behenic acid are the major chemical components of Pumpkin seed oil. It also contains carotenoids like β-carotene and lutein and tocopherols including ϒ- gamma, β- beta and delta tocopherols.

Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of zinc, proteins, magnesium, tryptopan (serotonin), thiamine and manganese.

The remedial values of Pumpkin seed oil are antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, alterative, antimicrobial, detoxifying, anti-hypertensive, emollient, nutritive, anti-inflammatory, sedative, moisturizing and tranquilizing.

Historical uses and importance of Pumpkin Seed and its oil:

Pumpkins are one among the most popular staple food and are said to have been originated in America. The term ‘Pumpkin’ is extracted from the Greek word Pepon and the meaning is ‘large melon’. Pumpkin seeds are also known as Pepitas and the Mexican Spanish term ‘pepita de calabaza’ simply stands for ‘little seed of squash’.

These petite but powerful seeds are said to have been discovered in the Mexican caves in 7,000 BC. The tribal populace of Native America, including the Aztec cultures (1300 to 1500 AD) has used Pumpkin and its seeds for food and medicinal purposes.

The greatest news is that Pumpkins have been planted in about 100,000 acres across U.S and Illinois is the leading producer of Pumpkins. China is the largest producer of Pumpkins in the world followed by U.S, India, Mexico, Ukraine and Russia.

The United States pharmacopoeia listed Pumpkin seeds as an effective medicine for treating parasites and these seeds have been used in the traditional and alternative medicinal practices for treating gastric disorders, urinary illnesses, prostate problems, tapeworms and intestinal parasites.

Pumpkin has been an excellent food for Pilgrims, especially for its high nutritious profile and its potent to stay fresh. This pilgrim verse written in circa 1633 utters all that is vital about Pumpkins.

“For pottage and puddings and custards and pies
Our pumpkins and parsnips are common supplies,
We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon,
If it were not for pumpkins we should be undoon.”

Even today Pumpkins and its seeds are used as a wholesome food by the pilgrims and have been employed as an essential part of everyday cooking across the world, including the Asian, European and Mediterranean countries.

Pumpkin seeds are loved and recommended as a healthy snack across the globe for numerous reasons and you can bank upon them during your next munch.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Pumpkin Seed oil:

Pumpkin seed oil is said to have a positive effect on all the three doshas or the fundamental energies of life.

Botanically called as Cucurbita pepo, Pumpkin like all other members of the Cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae, it is trusted as an excellent detoxifying agent in Ayurvedic healing. Thus Pumpkin and its nutrient seeds and oil are prescribed for discarding ama or toxic deposits in the system.

Ayurvedic texts prescribe its use in cleansing the bladder and other adjoining organs of the body.

The most awe-inspiring fact is that Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in an amino acid called as tryptopan that assists in eliminating the toxins in the mind, thus assisting the treatment of stress, anxiety, trauma, anger and is also proven to enhance your cognitive abilities and tranquilize the nervous system.

Ayurveda beckons Pumpkin and its seeds as livotonic, means a tonic for the liver that helps in strengthening the liver, regulates its normal functioning and support in the treatment of hepatitis, degeneration and inflamed liver conditions.

None of us can deny that every day is a new day and a new birth in your life and it’s appropriate to call it as a newer opportunity and a souvenir indeed.

The fruit of pessimism can suppress you while the seeds of optimism can impress your living. In a much similar way, disease is not a matter of agony and is instead a blessing to be happy about.

Ayurveda regards disease or sickness as an opportunity to discern the imbalance in your system. Treating the root cause of an illness can save your head now and prevent such conditions in the future as well.

Nature is the best medicine and everything present in nature is made up of five fundamental elements of Nature like earth (muscles and bone), fire (digestive fire and body temperature), water (blood and other vital fluids), air (all that we breathe) and space (spirit and soul).

Being a part of nature, any illness is an indication of being of out of balance with nature. Using natural medications can certainly assist in permanent remedy of a disease and support in leading a balanced and hearty living.

Ayurveda prescribes natural medications like herbal remedies, Ayurvedic essential oils (life force of plants), yoga (sister science of Ayurveda), meditation (tonic to the soul), Pranayama (conscious breathing technique), Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massaging), Panchakarma (detoxification practices), Dinacharya (Ayurvedic routine) and more.

Here’s the heart of this article and you’re right. Pumpkin seed oil can assist in the treatment of the following health conditions:

1. Supports in the treatment of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and certain other prostate problems:

Pumpkin seeds are the most favorite snack of men in Bulgaria, Ukraine and Turkey. These seeds are loaded with high zinc content and are responsible for supporting prostate health and aids in decreasing the size of prostrate.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a medical condition in men, which is characterized with enlarged or inflamed prostates. Even though it is non-cancerous in nature, BPH requires prompt medical attention. This in general enlarges in middle-aged and elderly men along with age.

Recent studies witness that the presence of cucurbitacins, a chemical component in Pumpkin seeds assist in thwarting testosterone (male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone (an associated element) that is said to encourage the production of prostrate cells.

The celebrated book ‘An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods’ by Elise Marie Collins describes that Pumpkin seed oil have been proved as an alternative remedy for treating benign prostate enlargement and its varied symptoms. Marie also suggests that the use of Pumpkin seed oil along with other natural medications like Saw Palmetto for effective treatment of prostate conditions.

What is all in Pumpkin seeds that can help in the treatment of BPH? The presence of zinc, lignans and phytosterols in these tiny little seeds has been effective in reducing the risk associated with BPH.

Various research analysis reports on the phytosterol components in Pumpkin seeds, including sitostanol, beta-sitosterol, avenasterol, campestanol, stigmasterol and campesterol are responsible for its efficacy in the diagnosis of BPH.

Ayurveda calls Pumpkin seed as Basti Shoda, which means a remedy for cleansing the bladder and the adjacent parts of the body.

Pumpkin seeds and its oil were also prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for increasing sperm count and for treating impotence and premature ejaculation, for which it is known as ‘Virya Vardhak’, which enhances intense power and vitality.

2. Combats against cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol levels:

Pumpkin seeds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in preventing the growth and spread of cancerous cells and support the recovery of patients during their treatment tenure and healthy cardiovascular system.

The presence of phytosterol compounds in Pumpkin seeds has been associated with controlling the level of cholesterol in the system. Phytosterols work by restraining the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine and enhance the level of HDL cholesterol.

A 2011 study on ‘The effect of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) seeds and L-arginine supplementation on serum lipid concentrations in atherogenic rats’ published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, states that about 37 days of regular supplementation of Pumpkin seeds on rats that are on atherogenic diet-induced atherosclerosis showed a 78 % fall in LDL (bad) cholesterol and 47% reduction in total levels of cholesterol and a promising increase in defensive HDL cholesterol (imperative for healthy heart functions).

A 2013 study on ‘Effects of phytoestrogen extracts isolated from pumpkin seeds on estradiol production and ER/PR expression in breast cancer and trophoblast tumor cells’ by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Rostock, Germany states “Phytoestrogens have a controversial effect on hormone-dependent tumors” and it concludes by reporting that the presence of lignans in Pumpkin seed are effective in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

Numerous researches suggest that the presence of omega-3 fatty acids like α-linolenic acid in Pumpkin seed oil might aid in reducing inflammation and the occurrences of chronic health problems like high blood pressure, cancer and heart diseases, quotes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Pumpkin seeds are alkalizing in nature to the body’s natural pH levels, where most of the snack foods might cause acidity, pain and even cancer. Pumpkin seed oil is also effective in reducing the oxidative stress responsible for cancer, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

A research study led by Tao Xia in the East China Normal University have concluded that certain compounds in Pumpkin extracts are known to encourage regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells, thus enhancing the levels of insulin in blood.

3. Assists in diagnosing osteoporosis, bone disorders and low immunity:

The most promising attribute that makes Pumpkin seed oil as an armament against osteoporosis is its high zinc, phosphorous and magnesium content, where insufficient consumption of zinc, magnesium and certain other minerals are often associated with weak bones and increased rate of osteoporosis.

Zinc plays a vital role in cellular growth, immune power, sensory functions and sleep patterns. Deficiency of zinc is characterized by acne, frequent cold and cough, depression, fatigue, poor cognitive abilities and more.

Low levels of blood of the trace mineral and osteoporosis diagnosed at the spinal and hip area were reported due to the deficient levels of zinc in the diet, states a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition with 400 men in the sample group.

4. Alleviates stress, depression and sleeping difficulties:

Pumpkin seed oil contains numerous amino acids like tryptophan, which gets transformed to niacin and serotonin (neuro-transmitter in the brain for stirring your mood). These compounds have been proved universally for its ability to assuage stress levels, social anxiety turmoil, and depression along with fostering a tranquilizing sleep.

Sleep is nature’s medicine for repairing, healing and renovating the physical, emotional and spiritual throbbing and damages. Stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue often curtail natural sleep patterns that agonize your nights and ruin your days throughout.

By promoting a peaceful sleep at night, Pumpkin seed oil pacifies the mind, body and the soul. Stress, anxiety and depression are often the factors behind excessive loss of hair. With its potent to alleviate stress, depression and fatigue, Pumpkin seed oil can control stress related hair loss conditions like Alopecia Areata, Trichotillomania, and Telogen Effluvium.

Pumpkin seed oil promotes hair growth by augmenting the follicular strength, and natural sheen says Marnie Nussbaum, celebrated Cosmetic dermatologist. She also states that Pumpkin Seed oil curtails 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme has been proven to delay and impede the growth of hair.

Pumpkin seeds are packed with rich nutrients including vitamins A and B, zinc, protein, iron and omega-6 fatty acids that are extremely beneficial for the growth of healthy hair, nourishment of dry and scaly scalp conditions.

5. Helps mitigate kidney disorders and inflammatory conditions:

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are proved in treating inflammatory problems by reducing inflammation, particularly in joints without any negative effects (According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology Research). It is mainly for this reason; Pumpkin seed oil is recommended for treating arthritis.

Frequent urination and the excess pressure to urinate recurrently are among the few symptoms of an overactive bladder. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent remedy for supporting the overall health of the excretory system and treats overactive bladder and other urinary problems effectively (With reference to the Journal of Traditional and Complementary medicine – 2014 study).

BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia) might also pave way for stones or calculi in the bladder and frequent infections in the urinary tract.

The presence of B vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins in Pumpkin seeds are also proved to maintain regular functions of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tracts by restraining surplus levels of DHEA (dihydro epi-androstenedione).

Best ways to use Pumpkin Seed oil:

The best possible ways to use Pumpkin seed oil for enhancing your health condition is to use it in an enriching massage blend with your favorite essential oils like Peppermint oil, Mace oil, Lavender oil, Patchouli oil, Ashwagandha oil, Orange oil and more, as the great news is………….. Pumpkin seed oil blends well with all the oils.

Other health benefits:

Ayurveda suggests the use of Pumpkin seeds and its oil for balancing excess vata and pitta doshas, especially during the fall season and discarding toxic remains in the system. Pumpkin seeds in general are known to strengthen the functions of the lungs and intestines.

The potent to relieve excess sogginess in the body, makes Pumpkin seeds a friendly all time snack for supporting human health in general. It is also used in eliminating parasites and tapeworms.

Disclaimer:

This article is meant only for the purpose of information and is not indented for the treatment of any health conditions or as a replacement for any prescribed medicines or the advice of a medical expert. We, at Essential Depot are not healthcare professionals and this information is shared only with the view of cascading the traditional wisdom of Ayurvedic healing.

Essential oils are prescribed only for topical use. This is due to the fact that 100 percent pure and organic oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause allergic reactions when used internally.

Always speak with your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare expert before choosing the appropriate essential oils for your unique individual constitution and state of health. Extra care should be taken in using essential oils if it is for children, elderly populace, nursing and pregnant women.

Thought for the day:

I love the scents of winter! For me, it’s all about the feeling you get when you smell pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread and spruce.

– Taylor Swift

Suggested Reading:

Dr. Katz’s Guide to Prostate Health: From Conventional to Holistic Therapies by Aaron E. Katz
Pumpkin, a Super Food for All 12 Months of the Year by DeeDee Stovel
Pumpkin Seed Flour and its Micro-nutrient levels: Production of Pumpkin Seed Flour and Evaluation of its Potential to Enhance Vitamin A and Iron Levels of Maize Flour by Twinamasiko Andrew
How Does A Pumpkin Grow?: Discover the secrets about how pumpkins grow! Be inspired to plant a seed and watch the beauty unfold in your own backyard. (Country Garden Book 2) by Renae Smith
Pumpkin Seeds :Healthy and Easy Homemade for Your Best Friend by Heviz’s

Reference Links:

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Posted on July 22, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Ylang 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.

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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 20^th 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:

Benzyl acetate
Linalool
Benzyl salicylate
Geranyl acetate

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.

Ayurvedic 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:

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:

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

Reference Links:

Aromatherapy from Ayurveda’s Perspective by Yayoi Stavish
Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) by Pacific Island Agroforestry
Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption by PubMed
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

Mustard Essential Oil

Posted on July 21, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

‘Sarson ka tel’ or Mustard essential oil is a vital part of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian therapy where it is used for cleansing, stimulating and revitalizing the body. Besides all the controversies across the world, Mustard oil is popular and extensively used in India, Bangladesh and few other Western countries.

Though extracted from the same Mustard seeds, Mustard edible oil is totally different from Mustard essential oil by the method of extraction where the vegetable oil is extracted by cold compressing the seeds and the essential oil of Mustard is extracted by steam distillation of seeds that are soaked in water.

Mustard oil is to Asian countries just like Olive oil is to Mediterranean countries. Besides the myth of being banned in certain countries for internal use, Mustard is a legendary oil used for more than thousands of years in the world’s oldest mythologies like India, Rome and Greece.

Historical importance of Mustard and its oil:

Used as a spice, condiment, herb, cooking oil and medicinal agent, Mustard and its oil are said to have been found since the Stone Age settlements. Among the 40 species of Mustard plants, the most popular and the ones used for extracting essential and edible oils are Brassica nigra (Black mustard), Brassica hirta (White mustard) and Brassica juncea (Brown mustard).

It is still trusted that Mustard was grown in the Indian subcontinent around 3000 B.C.E. Hippocrates used mustard seeds in the preparation of many poultices and medicines. The ancient Romans mixed ground mustard seeds to wine for its unique flavor and remedial values. It was also used as a natural remedy to treat scorpion stings in the 6^th century B.C. by Pythagoras, the renowned Greek scientist.

Mustard was used as a condiment in Greece and Rome for fermenting fish sauce known as garum. The love for mustard made Pope John XXII of Avignon create the post of ‘Grand Moutardier du Pape’ (Grand Mustard-Maker to the Pope). Mustard oil has been a part of North Indian cooking for more than 4000 years and this oil has been the secret behind healthy and lustrous hair growth of Indian women.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Mustard essential oil:

The essential oil of Mustard has Allyl isothiocyanate, oleic acid, omega-6 linoleic acid, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and erucic acid. These constituents contribute to the remedial properties including cordial, tonic, anti-rheumatic, stimulant, appetizer, antifungal, antimicrobial, diaphoretic, hair vitalizer, insect repellant and irritant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Mustard essential oil: Mustard oil has been used in Ayurvedic healing as a promising body massage oil for improving blood circulation, enhancing the texture of the skin, muscular development and to lessen the dryness of skin. Ayurveda meaning the knowledge of life skillfully explains the vibrant relationship between one’s mind, body and spirit and the way it relates to the world around.

The Ayurvedic approach of healing starts with an Ayurvedic consultation where your unique individual constitution, likes and dislikes, food habits and your medical history is thoroughly analyzed.

Your treatment starts with the tridosha concept as the guiding principle where Ayurveda believes that every individual is unique and is born with a unique fundamental constitution knows as prakriti. It is built up with 3 major biological energies known as doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha.

The dynamic balance between these three doshas determine one’s health and predominance of any one of these doshas is the deciding factor for one’s personality, behavior and attributes.

Ayurvedic remedies are always based on your individual constitution and to balance any one or all the three doshas that are out of rhythm. With its warming properties, Mustard essential oil is said to increase pitta dosha and pacify kapha and vata doshas. It’s time to have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Mustard essential oil:

1. Benefits to the hair:

Ayurvedic Mustard oil is extremely good for hair. The essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and certain other components present in this oil makes it an effective natural remedy for treating hair loss, premature graying, dull and lifeless hair. Using Mustard essential oil on your scalp augments natural pigmentation and vitalizes your hair follicles by acting on the roots.

This way it prevents early graying and helps you in maintaining a natural dark hair even in your late 40s or early 50s. Indeed Ayurvedic Mustard oil is a long time secret of many grandmothers in India who still have healthy black hair.

Slightly heat 3 to 4 drops of Mustard essential oil blended with sesame oil and gently massage it on your scalp. Leave this blend for about an hour and wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo or shikakai for nourishing your scalp health, reducing hair fall, enhancing blood circulation, conditioning your hair, strengthening the roots, augmenting its natural shine and to lessen the more salt than pepper on your head.

2. Benefits to the respiratory system:

Mustard essential oil is generally used as a mucolytic in many parts of the world. Herbs and vegetables like wasabi, horseradish and nasturtium along with essential oils that are used as traditional mucolytics and are proved effective in breaking up mucous deposits and help sinus drainage in chronic sinusitis.

The antimicrobial property of Mustard essential oil assists in combating numerous pathogenic organisms and microbes that worsen sinusitis and certain other respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis.

A 2009 study on ‘Antimicrobial activity of Mustard essential oil against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhi’ by the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Korea states “Mustard essential oil affected the cell membrane of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhi. It affected cell membrane integrity, resulting in a loss of cell homeostasis”.

On an Ayurvedic perspective respiratory problems like cold, cough, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma are caused due to imbalance or increased kapha dosha responsible for fluid retention, congestion, phlegm and mucous deposits. Mustard essential oil is known to pacify and reduce kapha energy and it is used as an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for treating such respiratory problems.

Blend 2 drops of Mustard essential oil with little coconut oil and heat it. Massage this herbal blend on your chest, back and throat for loosening mucous deposits, removing phlegm from lungs and respiratory tract and to help trouble-free breathing. You can also add 2 to 3 drops of Mustard essential oil in hot bathing water that can work wonders on respiratory ailments and certain other pulmonary problems.

3. Benefits to the skin:

Mustard essential oil is an effective antifungal, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, disinfecting and antimicrobial oil that protects the skin from infections, wounds from getting septic and heals minor skin problems like cuts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, insect bites, small lacerations, abrasions etc. Mustard essential oil has been in use for massaging for many centuries.

When gently massaged onto the skin after mixing 2 drops of Mustard essential oil with jojoba oil, it aids in increasing blood circulation with its warming properties, helps open the pores and supports in eliminating the toxins in the body through sweat. This essential oil has high level of vitamin E that promotes healthy skin, moisten the skin, protect the skin from harmful ultra-violet rays, and effectively treat blemishes, wrinkles and fine lines as well.

4. Benefits to the entire system:

The essential oil extracted from Mustard seeds is beneficial to the entire system with its tonic and stimulating properties that foster trouble-free functioning of the body. The pungent aroma of this oil increases hunger by stimulating the digestive juices and by increasing the appetite.

Massaging your tummy and abdomen with 2 drops of Mustard oil mixed with sesame oil can help in burning the excess fat, promotes quicker digestion by encouraging the secretion of digestive juices and assists in treating constipation, flatulence and intestinal gas.

Mustard essential oil penetrates deeply into the skin and is a powerful Ayurvedic remedy for treating excess vata based nervous problems and kapha based problems like inflammation and retention of fluids. Mix 2 drops of Mustard oil with coconut oil and gently massage in circular movements on the affected areas to treat rheumatism, lumbago, back pain, headaches and inflammation. Adding 1 drop of this oil to a cup of warm water can serve as an exceptional gargle for protecting your teeth and gums from germs.

This is an excellent massaging oil especially during winter to keep the body warm, trigger the functioning of the muscles and to treat numbness with its irritant properties. This oil is also said to slow down the process of aging naturally and aids in preventing cancer.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally. Pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and might cause adverse effects on the skin and system. Always remember to use it after diluting in baths or suitable carrier oils. Ensure that you do a patch test on the skin before using essential oils for massage. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner for choosing the right essential oil that is apposite for your individual constitution and health condition.

Mustard Essential Oil Possible Skin Issues:

Greener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 Possible Skin Issues:

See => http://www.essentialdepot.com/GreenerLifeDiamond.html

Mustard oil is regarded as one of the most unsafe essential oils mainly due to the presence of Allyl isothiocyanate and erucic acid (a toxic monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid). According to the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubChem), Allyl isothiocyanate compound is poisonous by skin penetration and ingestion. It is also known to emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperature.

The European Union has prohibited Mustard oil as a cosmetic ingredient and the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has forbid the use of this oil in fragrances. Allyl isothiocyanate in Mustard oil is not recommended for therapeutic use, primarily due to its toxicity, irritating nature and rigorous lachrymatory effect (potent to produce tears) that draw a question mark on the safe use of this oil in the healthcare industry.

Generally, essential oils are listed with possible safe levels for therapeutic purposes but there is no viable information on the safe levels for the use of Mustard oil.

The immune system of mammals reacts excessively to allergens thus generating antibodies known as IgE (Immunoglobulin). Allergic reactions are further caused when these antibodies move to cells that discharge chemicals.

The most prominent adverse skin effects of Mustard oil are allergic reactions due to IgE, itchiness, redness, severe skin irritation, followed by blistering and irritation of the mucous membranes as well.

Prolonged use of Mustard oil on skin might interfere the function of the skin, thus augment the loss of water of epidermis and subsequently modifying the epidermal keratinocytes structure.

Few sources also state that inhaling of Mustard oil might end up in irritation of the eyes, nose, mucous membrane, respiratory system along with an obnoxious sensation in the head.

Certain studies state that the topical use of Mustard oil can cause irritant contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions. It is also evidenced that this oil is linked to the development of pityriasis rosea-like skin eruption (cutaneous lesions), which was proved by patch testing.

Tests on Chinese hamster cells proved the genotoxic effects of Allyl isothiocyanate and is also said to cause transitional cell papillomas and hyperplasia, when tested on male rats.

Mustard oil should be strictly avoided by pregnant women as it has the potent to induce uterine contractions and may lead to unusual bleeding and miscarriage and safety measures for using this oil during nursing is also not witnessed.

Mustard oil has the tendency to lower the levels of blood sugar and might interfere with your regular medications for diabetes and low blood sugar may obstruct surgical procedures, thus it is recommended to avoid Mustard oil for about 2 weeks before and after your scheduled surgery.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Mustard Oil:

Thought for the day:

I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars. -Walt Whitman

Suggested Reading:

Mustard Seeds: The Tiny Seed That May Save Your Life! (Plant & Seed Legacy Series) by Mary Jo Montanye
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar, Urmila Desai
Traditional Systems of Medicine by M. Z. Abdin

Reference Links:

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