Cucumber Oil

Will you be delighted or dreary if someone beckons you, “As Cool as a Cucumber”? I would rather recommend you to take pride when somebody calls you with that phrase because it simply means the attitude of being calm, composed and in absolute control of your emotions, even if a particular situation demands your aggressiveness and anger.

Cucumber-bannerThis is because Cucumber is one among the coolest fruits as scientific facts state “the inside temperature of a Cucumber can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the outside air”, besides growing well in tropical conditions.

Called as Kantakiphalam, Svetakarahatakam, Mutralam and Sudhavasah in Sanskrit, Cucumber is commonly called as Kheera in the traditional healing methodology.

Proudly representing India as its Motherland, Cucumber has been a part of the ancient Ayurvedic regimen in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, constipation, urinary disorders, cholera, wrinkles, dandruff, arthritis, vaginal infections, loss of appetite, duodenal ulcer, erectile dysfunctions, high cholesterol, eczema and hyperacidity.

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Historical uses and importance of Cucumber and its essential oil:

Cucumber, as far as its history is known to the world is said to be a 3,000 years old fruit variety of the gourd family, cucurbitaceae. Besides its use in culinary, Cucumber has been preferred for raw eating, mainly for its cool, mild and enhancing flavor.

This cylindrical fruit is a powerhouse of various nutrients, for which it has been used in various civilizations across the world including the Rome, Israel, Greek, Egypt, The United Kingdom, France, China, and USA. The three famous varieties of this creeping vine are pickling, slicing and burpless cucumbers.

Cucumbers are absolutely edible and are found across the globe, all around the year but the high seasonal growth curtails to May – August. Pliny The Elder, the Roman philosopher quotes that Cucumber is the most favorite fruit of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius. His gardeners grew cucumbers using artificial methods, just to ensure that the king had cucumbers on his table every day.

It is being said that cucumbers were used in the primordial Roman province for treating more than 40 medical conditions, including scorpion stings, blurred vision, frigidity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The Biblical reference of cucumber goes like this “We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely/the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.” After which the Israelites started cultivating cucumbers by themselves.

Certain sources state that cucumbers were brought to Haiti in 1494 by Christopher Columbus and were cultivated by the early Spanish settlers. South and North Dakota boasts for owning the finest cucumber farmers of Native America.

These fresh and refreshing fruits are often used in making salads (Indian raita), sauces, pickles, cold soups, sausages, chutneys, lamb chops, relishes and dressings. Cucumber and its essential oil are also used in the manufacturing of soaps, moisturizing lotions, anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners and skin care creams, especially anti-aging products, for its nourishing properties.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Cucumber oil:

The oil of Cucumber contains about 14 to 20% of oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and 60 to 68% of omega-3-linoleic acid. It also contains potassium, silicon, cucurbitacins, sulphur and certain fatty acids like 9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienoic acid and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid.

Cucumber oil has antioxidant, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-ulcer, relaxing, antidote, rejuvenating, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, tonic, anti-dandruff, and laxative properties. It is rich in Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C along with magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, iron and folic acid.

Next time, when you are exhausted and drained out, stop sliding on toxic caffeine drinks, instead grab a Cucumber and bank upon it for all your nutritional requisites.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Cucumber oil:

Ayurveda and Cucumber share the mutual joy of being indigenous to India, the land of rich cultural heritage. This oldest healing science on the globe states that everything on earth is made up of the five vital elements of nature, namely fire, water, earth, space and air.

Among which the living things on this planet acquires prana, the vital energy of life and ojas, and the nutritive quintessence from Mother Earth. While animal and human beings utilize prana and ojas for vitality and livelihood, plants grab ojas and prana from the ground and renovate them as food, herbal medications and essential oils for the absolute well-being of all other organisms.

The greatest news about the nobility of plants and trees are that they capture enormous life force and spiritual energy straight from the space by constantly looking up to the sky. Thus, any source of food or medicines acquired from plants instills the purest form of energy directly to our soul. It is because of this reason; we call invigorating plant fragrances (especially from essential oils, the life essence of plants) as soulful aromatic substances.

Cucumber is a bundle of joy and instant coolant that refreshes everyone even on a bright sunny day. It bears all the heat in the atmosphere, yet remaining absolutely cool in the inside makes it a special fruit with enormous healing attributes and nutritional values. India, being a country of tropical climatic conditions, rests upon Cucumber to quench its thirst and no Indian summer is complete without Cucumbers on the street.

Being a complete traditional remedy, Ayurveda regards health as a combination of physical, emotional and spiritual wellness and this ideology is based upon its philosophy of considering the human system as a place of worship or temple.

Ayurveda believes that the soul vested within each of us connects with Divinity and this connection or synchronization is the rationale behind hale and heartiness.

Ayurveda says that every individual is made up of three distinct doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) or biological energies. The most predominant among the three doshas acts as a deciding factor for your personality, character and behavioral traits.

Imbalance of any one of these doshic elements end up in health problems signaling that the body is out of balance with nature.

Imbalance of vata dosha can end up in memory loss, lack of concentration, fear, insomnia, dry skin, restlessness and constipation. Pitta unevenness might lead to disgust, ulcer, anger, heartburn, high blood pressure, jealousy, fever and skin ulcers.

Fluid retention, toxic remains, congestion, sluggishness, delayed menstruation, uterine fibroids, obesity and procrastination are the results of Kapha vitiation.

Cucumber oil has pacifying effects on pitta and kapha dosha. The cooling and refreshing properties of this oil can help in treating high blood pressure, heartburn, ulcer, fluid retention, skin eruptions, constipation and stress.

Cucumber is absolutely a treat for the four senses of healing, whereas its lucid green color soothes the sense of sight, it’s refreshing taste energizes the sense of taste, its cooling properties penetrate deeply into the skin to transfer its therapeutic values through the sense of touch, it’s refreshing aroma reaches the limbic system in the form of aromatic molecules to control emotions.

The other significant Ayurvedic health benefits of Cucumber oil are:

Cucumber-oil1. Augments skin health and supports radiating complexion:

Cucumber oil has stupendous revitalizing and nourishing properties that help in treating dull, damaged or mature skin conditions. The presence of linoleic acid and oleic acid in cucumber makes it an excellent aid for skin problems including acne, blackheads, sunburns, psoriasis, eczema and certain other inflammatory skin conditions.

The antioxidant properties of cucumber oil are attributed to the significant existence of tocopherol and tocotrienol substance along with the three lignans including secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol. These elements make Cucumber oil powerful in fighting against the free radicals responsible for aging symptoms, skin damages and several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer.

Massaging your skin with 10 drops of Cucumber oil blended with 2 drops of Orange oil and 4 ounce of coconut oil can help in retaining the natural moisture in the skin, repair dry and dull skin surface, treat eczema, psoriasis, rough, scaly and mature skin, reduce wrinkles, aging symptoms and skin eruptions.

A 2011 study on “Exploring Cucumber Extract For Skin Rejuvenation” by Naveed Akhtar, Arshad Mehmood, Barkat Ali Khan, Tariq Mahmood, Haji Muhammad Shoaib Khan and Tariq Saeed, Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan, Published in the African Journal of Biotechnology, states that cucumber extract has been proven extremely beneficial for the skin.

These experts also say that Cucumber extracts have passed the maximum number of dermatological tests including skin melanin test, skin erythema test (safety of cosmetics), pH tests, skin moisture content test, skin sebum content test, and trans epidermal water loss test.

This study concludes stating that this was a preliminary initiative in exploring the unknown effects of Cucumber as a topical cream for skin rejuvenation.

It also states that cucumber extracts aid in reducing the melanin content (responsible for skin pigmentation and complexion); has anti-acne effects with its potent to decrease the content of skin sebum.

This study also declares that these analyses have proved to be capable in the context of prospective topical applications of cucumber extract (with its varied skin care properties), as cosmetics, skin-care items and in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparations.

You can also add 2 drops of Cucumber oil in a cup of cool water and wash your face for locking the moisture and fight against acne causing micro-organisms.

2. Combats dandruff and explores the natural shine of your locks:

Bouncy, strong, silky and dandruff-free lustrous locks are the dream of many women out there. Men are not an exception though, in longing for healthy hair that is free from hair loss, dandruff and other scalp conditions.

Cucumber is one among those natures’s richest owner of the minerals like silica and sulphur, of which sulphur is known for promoting hair growth and silica fortifies the hair follicles and protect from breakage and loss of hair. Silica is an essential element for supporting the health of connective tissues like skin, muscles, ligaments and bones.

The moisturizing properties of Cucumber oil helps in hydrating the scalp and aids in reducing dryness, itchy and flaky scales on the scalp surface and nourishes the scalp and roots of the hair from within.

Massaging your scalp with 5 ounce of Cucumber oil mixed with 5 drops of Rosemary oil and 5 drops of Brahmi oil and leaving it for 1 hour by wrapping a warm towel (helps the medicated blend to penetrate deeply into your scalp) can assist in reducing dandruff, replenishing the scalp, enhancing the luster of your hair and prevent excessive hair fall. You can also add 5 drops of Cucumber oil in your mild shampoo for fastening the natural moisture in your hair for a longer duration.

This blend can be applied by the swimmers before their swimming voyage in the chlorinated and chemical filled water. This helps in preventing the hair damage naturally.

3. Helps control high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes:

Certain studies witness that the presence of sterols in Cucumbers may help in reducing the high level of cholesterol, while the presence of fiber, magnesium and potassium assists in treating high blood pressure. Cucumber also stimulates the secretion of insulin hormones in the pancreas, thus assisting in the treatment of diabetes.

Eating fresh cucumber daily along with adding 5 drops of Cucumber oil in your liquid soap can help in vitalizing your cells and augment your energy levels.

4. Soothes the digestive system, thus helps in treating ulcers and halitosis:

Cucumber oil has the power to soothe and pacify pitta dosha. The excess of which would end up in overindulgence of digestive fire leading to ulcer, high blood pressure, acidity, heartburn, acne, negative emotions, feelings of rage, insomnia, acne and certain other skin eruptions.

Massaging your abdomen and chest with 10 drops of Cucumber oil blended with 2 drops of Peppermint oil can help in cooling the digestive system (intemperance of digestive fire) by soothing the lining of the stomach and intestines. Using 2 drops of Cucumber oil in warm gargle can assist in fighting against bad breath with the presence of phytochemicals.

5. Flushes out toxins and aids in treating rheumatic and inflammatory conditions:

Cucumber has enormous amount of ascorbic acid, contributing to its diuretic properties. This moisture-rich oil helps in replenishing the system with its anti-rheumatic, antioxidant and diuretic properties by flushing out the excess fluid deposits, toxic remains, salt, uric acid, free radicals and fat deposits in the system, which is often responsible for inflammatory conditions like gout, rheumatism, arthritis, swelling, redness, obesity and puffy eyes.

Massaging the affected parts with 5 ounce of Cucumber oil with 5 ounce of Sweet Almond oil can help in promoting frequent urination, thus eliminating toxic remains, free radicals, salt, fat deposits and uric acid, which helps in reducing swelling, skin irritations, muscular soreness, pain, redness and muscular stiffness associated with rheumatism and arthritis.

Pranayama or the art of balanced breathing can help highly in expelling ama or excess toxic substances in the system, where all these toxins are discharged through exhalation.

Inhaling the refreshing fragrance of Cucumber by adding 2 drops of this oil in your air freshener, especially during Pranayama and meditation can grant quicker relief by releasing your mind and body from toxic emotional blocks and harmful toxins in the system.

Other health benefits:

Cucumber is also helpful in treating vaginal itching, erectile dysfunctions, heart problems, renal calculi, cancer therapy, dark circles, urinary infections, cholera, and cellulites.

Disclaimer:

This piece of information is meant only for the purpose of information and is not recommended to treat or prevent any kind of medical conditions. It is not meant to replace any prescription medicines or the advice of a medical professional. We, the team of Essential Depot are not experts in Remedial practices or Traditional medicine and these facts are shared only for spreading the greatness of Ayurveda in treating mankind.

Essential oils are recommended only for topical applications and do dilute essential oils in suitable carrier oils before using it on the skin. Never ingest essential oils as absolutely pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and may cause allergic reactions, when used internally or on the skin without dilution.

Speak with your Ayurvedic expert or medical professional before choosing the right essential oils for your state of health and unique individual constitution. Performing a patch test on your skin before enjoying its complete benefits is an amicable advice.

Thought for the day:

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.

– By Pedro Calderon de la Barca.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Cucumber Recipes by Jackie Swansen
  2. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeial Plant Drugs: Expanded Therapeutics by C. P. Khare
  3. Dying to Look Good by Christine Hoza Farlow
  4. Asian Secrets of Health, Beauty and Relaxation by Sophie Benge, Luca Invernizzi Tettoni
  5. The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to over 385 Plant Oils by Carol Schiller, David Schiller

Reference Links:

  1. Cucumber by Wikipedia
  2. Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) – Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics, published in Cosmetic Ingredient Review
  3. The anti-aging effects of Cucumbers by Dr. David Jockers, published in Natural News
  4. Exploring Cucumber Extract For Skin Rejuvenation by Naveed Akhtar, Arshad Mehmood, Barkat Ali Khan, Tariq Mahmood, Haji Muhammad Shoaib Khan and Tariq Saeed, Department of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan, Published in the African Journal of Biotechnology
  5. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber by Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, India, published in PubMed

Agarwood Oil

‘Wood of God’ and Adam’s only permitted tree to be taken from the Garden of Eden is none other than Agarwood, where the resinous heartwood of this tree of epic charisma has been used across the globe for extracting its therapeutic essential oil and mesmerizing fragrance ranges.

Agarwood-banner‘Hitting the heaven’ is the kind of feeling one can get at breathing in the aromatic aura of Agarwood oil. Held high as the most captivating fragrance for progressing towards a divine journey, Agarwood and its sacred fragrance has been a part of various earliest cultures of the globe for attaining clarity of mind, enlightenment and inner peace, essential for realizing and reaching Divinity through meditation and other sacred rituals.

Called as Aguruh kul in Ayurveda with the Sanskrit meanings like Vruksha, Shreshta, Rajarha and Vishvaroopakam, Agarwood is popularly known as Agar has been an Ayurvedic medication for neuro-muscular conditions, pleurisy, anemia, halitosis, impotence, blood impurities, urinary infections, indigestion, skin problems, heart problems, pain and bed wetting.

Purchase Agarwood Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Agarwood oil:

Agar is a limb of the Thymelaeaceae plant family and the most popular among the 15 species of this plant variety are Aquilaria agallocha, Aquilaria sinensis, Aquillaria crassna and Aquilaria malaccensis, based upon its origin and growth.

Popularly beckoned as Oudh, Oud, Gaharu, Agar, Eaglewood, Aloeswood and Agarwood, this tree has been claimed indigenous to various parts of the world, including India, Malaysia, Southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Cambodia.

The source of this tranquilizing fragrance of this oil is from its heartwood, which gets developed very slowly, may be hundreds of years after being infected by a parasite fungus, namely phialophora parasitica. Owing to this fungus attack, Agarwood tree starts producing an aromatic resin deep within the heartwood, naturally.

Agarwood has its mention in numerous rich Vedic and historic texts like Sahih Muslim, Charaka Samhita, Torah, Bhagavat Gita, Sushruta Samhita, Islamic scriptures and Gospel. Agarwood has been the favorite fragrance of Lord Krishna, held as the God of protection and the hero of the ancient Sanskrit text Bhagavat Gita.

Buddha has stated that the fragrance of burning Agarwood is the authentic “scent of Nirvana” (the state of attaining Divinity). The string of beads counting 108 in Buddhism is made up of Agarwood. Bible also mentions that Jesus Christ have been scented with Aloes (Oud).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the cultural tradition of fumigating with Agarwood and is followed even today among the Orthodox Islamic community.

He also states that Agarwood is a part of the Paradise and his quote, “The first group of people who will enter Paradise, will be glittering like the full moon and those who will follow them, will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. The aloes-wood will be used in their centers” proves it commendably.

It is also said that the valiant Samurai warriors used Agarwood smoke to perfume their armour as a lucky charm before going to the battle. The celebrated king of France, King Louis XIV had his garments washed in a blend of water boiled with Agarwood and rose for lasting fragrance and energy.

Agarwood has been a part of various Alternative medicinal practices including Ayurveda, Unani, the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sufi medicines, Tibetan, Arabic and certain other East Asian medicinal systems as a medication for psychological conditions, cirrhosis of the liver and for various skin problems.

Chemical constituents and remedial properties of Agarwood oil:

The most prominent chemical constituents of Agarwood oil are agarol (sesquiterpene), aquillochin (couinarinolignan), α- agarofurans, β- agarofurans, agarospirol, jinkohol, jinkohol-eremol, selinene, iso- dihydroagarofuran, kusenol, and dihydroagarofuran.

The therapeutic properties accounting to its enormous healing benefits are rejuvenative, tonic, anti-rheumatic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti-stress, antimicrobial, carminative, anti-convulsant, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, relaxant, analgesic, transformative, digestive, antioxidant, psychoactive, detoxifying, diaphoretic, anti-depressant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Agarwood oil:

Anyone in today’s contemporary and perfunctory world would simply opt for Ayurveda, if given a chance to relax, revitalize and charge up the entire system. This is no wonder because the world knows that Ayurveda is the oldest of all the healing methodologies in the Universe and its existence dates back to more than 5000 years.

Having its roots tied up with the ancient Indian mythology, Ayurveda is talked about in 114 verses in Atharvaveda, one among the four prized Vedas or Sacred books of the Hindu tradition.

Ayurveda is not just a system of healing with natural medicines and Ayurvedic essential oils, instead it’s a whole pack of holistic healing comprising of healthy lifestyle, natural and nutritious food, Karma or the dutiful life practices, maintaining absolute harmony with Nature, Dharma or the disciplined living, detoxification or the eliminating of toxic remains in the system, treating the root cause of the illnesses, unique healing practices like Abhyanga and Panchakarma, unity with the Divine force through prayer or meditation and staying fit by taking up yoga, Pranayama or the Ayurvedic breathing technique and simple physical exercises.

Ayurveda regards that every person is a unique individual with unique physical, psychological, social and emotional set up. As no two persons are the same, the treatment and medications should not be the same for two persons affected even with the disease.

Ayurvedic philosophy declares that every person is made up of the five elements of nature, namely fire, air, water, sky and earth. The combination of these five fundamental elements combine together to form the biological energies called as doshas. They are vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth).

Every person has a predominance of any one these doshic energies that determine his character, traits and personality. Balance between these doshas indicate that the human body is in harmony with Nature and imbalance of doshas result in diseases and are direct pointer that the system is out of balance with Nature.

Ayurveda studies this individual constitution of a person along with his medical history and traces out the root cause of a disease. It helps an individual to renew his balance with nature and prevent such illnesses in the future also.

Ayurvedic essential oils are the life essence of plants and are used in Ayurvedic medication for thousands of years in the treatment methods like Ayurvedic massaging or Abhyanga, Ayurvedic detoxification or Panchakarma, Pranayama or Yogic breathing, Aromatherapy and in meditation and prayers.

Agarwood has been an important part of the Ayurvedic regimen and has been talked about in Ayurvedic encyclopedia, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

Bhagavata Purana quotes, “The men and women of the city, arrayed in spotless raiment and anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, wore precious necklaces, flower garlands and jeweled ornaments, and their opulent homes were filled with the aroma of aguru”, where Aguru is nothing but Agarwood. This proves the use of this spiritual fragrance even during the primordial times.

Agarwood essential oil is said to pacify vata and kapha doshas in excess and enhance pitta energy.

The most significant Ayurvedic health benefits of Agarwood oil are:

Agarwood-broucherApart from these promising health benefits, Agarwood and its essential oil has been a vital part of the perfume industry since ages together. It’s time to learn the medicinal uses in detail.

1. Illuminates the mind and fortifies the power of thinking:

Mind is a faculty of thought, consciousness, intellect and one’s ability to think, sense and reason. Your thoughts are the first move to your actions. The power of thinking would always be healthy and positive only when you have a clear mind sans negative ideas.

Known as the inner organ of awareness or consciousness in Ayurveda, Mind is often termed as electricity generated from the power station called as soul, which is the only reserve of intelligence and it glows with its own light. When you have clarity of mind, your mind never wanders around, it starts focusing only on the right with the kind of consciousness it has acquired from the soul.

The heartening fragrance of Agarwood oil has the power to fuel the mind with mental clarity and drives in inner consciousness. Inhaling 2 drops of Agarwood oil by adding it to diffuser can assist in driving away negative energies, alleviating anxiety, enhancing alertness, increasing the sense of strength, bringing in tranquility, augmenting cerebral functioning and strengthening the nervous system.

This can also support in enhancing your power of creative thinking. It is mainly because creative thoughts strike the mind when it is absolutely free from worries, anxiousness and negative feelings. This way Agarwood can help everyone in your family to think better, may be in performing your duties better in the office, to cook innovative food varieties, to learn and understand better and what not.

2. Elevates the emotional quotient:

Agarwood is often regarded as a glorious tree in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for its excellent medicinal and spiritual benefits. The Chinese usually call the captivating fragrance of Agarwood oil as “a sweet, deep but balanced fragrance”.

Agarwood oil is often regarded as a unique oil of rescue, especially from emotional trauma. It has been also said that the therapeutic properties of this oil is highly powerful in harmonizing the electrical frequencies of the brain.

Agarwood oil has been used by the Tibetan Monks for increasing the inner energy that could pass on absolute tranquility to the mind and the soul. It is for this reason; Agarwood oil has been a part of numerous traditions during spiritual ceremonies and esoteric gatherings. In Buddhism, Agarwood is used for clearing away lack of ignorance.

The famous Chinese tradition Feng Shui, which is an art of controlling the flow of energy in a particular spot, has associated Agarwood in helping with it as the sacred fragrance of Agarwood is said to penetrate through the senses and enrich the spirit.

3. Paves way for spiritual enlightenment:

Meditation, prayers and certain other divine gatherings aim at the realization and oneness with Divinity. This is the most complex chore, as it requires absolute concentration, mental stability and clarity of the mind to attain the heavenly powers.

The sacred fragrance of Agarwood and its oil is said to have psychoactive properties that aid in progressing towards a sanctifying spiritual journey by instilling deep inner peace, consciousness, emotional constancy, positive energy, increased awareness and enhanced psychological functioning.

Certain ancient texts quote that the incense of Agarwood transmits the prayer to the Almighty. Adding 2 drops of Agarwood oil with 1 drop of Sandalwood oil in diffuser or vaporizer during prayer, meditation, Pranayama or other sacred gatherings can help in feeling the connection with the transcendent, alleviating detrimental or negative thoughts that spoil concentration and supporting the insight of experiencing divinity from within.

Agarwood and its enthralling aroma has been said to stimulate Qi, which is the ‘vital force’ or ‘life energy’ and is the fundamental principle in the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts. Ayurvedic medication recommends Agarwood oil for augmenting mental clarity, opening Agna or the third eye and all of the chakras in the upper part of the body, which is often associated with divinity.

4. Alleviates pain including rheumatic and arthritic conditions:

Agarwood oil is an excellent kapha suppressant, which eliminates surplus water deposits and toxic remains in the body through sweat or urine. With its analgesic, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory attributes, this oil supports in relieving pain quickly and reducing inflammation associated with rheumatism and arthritis.

Massaging the affected parts, especially the joints with 2 drops of Agarwood oil, 2 drops of Clove oil with 2 ml of coconut oil can help in clearing blood impurities, flushing out toxins, salt and uric acid in the system by promoting frequent urination, reducing pain and soreness and enhancing blood circulation. You can also use 2 drops of Agarwood oil in hot or cold compress for soothing muscular pain.

5. Spices up your sexual verve:

The oil of Agarwood often becomes an interesting remedy for reproductive problems with its stimulating aroma and spirited aphrodisiac properties. Since the primeval period, Agarwood and its enticing oil has been used for people undergoing sexual problems.

As it works as an excellent relaxant that promotes peaceful sleep, treats fatigue, alleviates stress and boosts mental health, Agarwood is often used as an “All in one remedy” for improving vigor and vitality.

Massaging your body with 5 drops of Agarwood oil, 5 drops of Ashwagandha oil, 2 drops of Sandalwood oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil with 10 ml of Olive oil can help in influencing good sleep, soothing the system, enhancing the libido, treating premature ejaculation, increasing sperm count and for curing erectile dysfunction. You can also add 2 drops of Agarwood oil in warm bathing water before going to bed.

6. Supports the digestive functions:

The digestive, carminative, anti-flatulent and stomachic properties of Agarwood oil supports in expelling gas in the intestines and stomach and it also prevents the digestive system from building up of gas.

Adding 1 drop of Agarwood oil along with 1 drop of Peppermint oil in a cup of warm water and gargling with this medicated solution can help in alleviating bad breath, tastelessness and nausea. Massaging your tummy with 3 drops of Agarwood oil along with 2 ml of sesame oil can help in supporting the secretion of gastric juices and digestive acids that treat indigestion, bloating, flatulence and intestinal infections.

7. Invigorates your skin health:

Agarwood oil is an excellent natural remedy for nourishing the skin from within. With its ability to scavenge free radicals in the system, Agarwood oil fight against the symptoms of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and marks.

Ayurveda beckons Agarwood as Kushtanut, means remedy for skin diseases. It is called as Dushta Vranashodhana for its power to clean wounds, Krumihara for treating infected wounds, and Kushtahara for relieving itching and soreness of skin. It is also known as Tvachya for it is extremely useful in detoxification of skin.

1 drop of Agarwood oil and 1 drop of Lemon oil added to your soap-free cleanser can help in clearing away marks, improving skin complexion, encouraging blemish-free glow and granting a younger and healthy looking skin. It is for these reason Agarwood has been a part of various celebrated skin care products including skin lightening creams and soaps.

Other health benefits:

Agarwood oil is also used in the treatment cirrhosis, epilepsy, hepatitis, fever, depression, gastric cancer, abdominal and lung tumors and nervous system disorders.

Disclaimer:

This information is only for the use of education and is not meant for replacing any prescribed medicines or professional medical advice or for diagnosing any kind of health conditions. We are not healthcare professionals and we take up a collective interest to share and spread the awareness of Ayurveda, the holistic and oldest of all remedial practices in the world for which it is rightly called as the Mother of all healing sciences on earth.

Never ingest essential oils and do remember to dilute them in appropriate carrier oils like Jojoba oil. This is due to the fact that organic and unadulterated essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and direct application of essential oils on the skin may lead to allergic reactions. Due care should be taken if you are a nursing mother or carrying. Keep out of reach of children.

Speak with your healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert before taking your call on the suitable essential oils for your state of health and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Beyond a pleasant smell, a drop of Agarwood essence will softly invade your lungs, your mind, your body and spirit”  – Trygve Harris, aromatherapy expert.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Natural Beauty: Radiant Skin Care Secrets & Homemade Beauty Recipes From the World’s Most Unforgettable Women (Essential Oil for Beginners Series) by Elizabeth Fellow
  2. The Encyclopedia of Aphrodisiacs: Psychoactive Substances for Use in Sexual Practices by Christian Rätsch, Claudia Müller-Ebeling
  3. Fragrance & Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche by Jennifer Peace Rhind
  4. Healing Your Life: Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda by Marc Halpern
  5. The Incense Bible: Plant Scents That Transcend World Culture, Medicine, and Spirituality by Dennis J Mckenna, Kerry Hughes

Reference Links:

  1. Agarwood by Wikipedia
  2. Overview of the Agarwood oil industry by Dr. Pakamas Chetpattananondh, Department of Chemical engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
  3. Agarwood, a closer look at the ‘Wood of God’ published in the Special Feng Shui Edition
  4. Medicinal and traditional uses of Agarwood by The Cropwatch files

Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver-oil-bannerVetiver is a holy herb that has its name etched in the oldest sacred book of Hindus known as Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna says, “I am the fragrance of the soil“. This reminds us about the universal truth that the Creator is present in all creatures born on the planet Earth and is nurtured by the rich flavors of Mother Nature.

Vetiver is an aromatic grass that grows up to a height of six feet and the essential oil of Vetiver is extracted from the roots of this mythological herb.

The sweet, woody, earthly and reviving fragrance of this natural oil instills confidence and kindles the aura of human body by transforming the aura of nature flawlessly, where aura is the uniqueness or radiation of every substance in the cosmos.

Ayurveda is the oldest of all healing practices that celebrates the therapeutic values of Vetiver essential oil by attributing its divine aroma and curative properties in the treatment of innumerable health conditions. Come let’s love learning the magic of Vetiver essential oil.

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Historical uses of Vetiver and its essential oil:

The history of Vetiver backs to the 12th century. Vetiver herb and its essential oil have been in use in many cultures across the globe for thousands of years together. The massive use of this sacred herb is often attributed to its uplifting, soothing, healing, calming and shielding properties. Vetiver oil is known as the ‘Oil of tranquility’ in India and Sri Lanka.

Ayurvedic treatments involved the use of this oil to treat the imbalances of an individual’s constitution and to heal health disorders like muscular aches, fevers, arthritis pain, loss of energy, heat strokes, joint disorders, skin problems, headaches and to cool the body during extremely high temperatures. Vetiver essential oil was used in massaging brides to sanctify them before their marriage.

The comforting, deep, woody, earthy and distinct aroma of this oil has made it a strict masculine fragrance in the perfume industry. The most popular use of Vetiver oil in the Middle Ages is its use in scents along with lime and rosewood.

Ancient Chinese believed that Vetiver essential oil had high calmative powers that cool the system, energize the brain cells, stabilize emotions, invigorate dry skin and pacify hurtful thoughts and anger.

Vetiver oil was recommended even for patients suffering from Yin deficiency often ending up in dissociative state of depression. For all these special reasons it was used as an aid for meditation and other problems related to the mind.

The cooling property of Vetiver herb made its use inevitable to bring in the natural freshness and coolness especially during hot summer seasons. Vetiver roots were used as a substitute to straw or wood shaving pads in evaporative coolers. Muslin sachets with Vetiver roots are put in earthen water pots to cool the drinking water naturally and to retain its medicinal values.

Mats weaved with Vetiver roots are trusted to cool, protect and refresh Indian homes during scorching summer season. Gods and idols in India are honored with garlands made of Vetiver grass.

This grass is also used in making roof thatches and Africans used this grass in making rugs, baskets and certain other parts of their homes. The tenacious root system of this plant helped in preventing soil erosion and protecting the fertility of the soil.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Vetiver essential oil:

According to Ayurveda, every living thing on this earth takes up the life energy known as prana and the nutritive essence known as ojas from earth. Plants take up prana and ojas from soil and convert it into medicines, foods and essential oils for the use of other living organisms on earth.

Among all the plant varieties on the universe, the best one to incarcerate the fine intricacies of the earth’s mystifying aroma is Vetiver.

Commonly known as Khus in India, Vetiver has come a long way from a cooling herb to a vital ingredient in thousands of contemporary perfumes and the base for all these evolutions is its miraculous medicinal values celebrated in the world of Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that considers human body as a temple where the soul unites with the Creator and trusts that this union is the underlying reason for good health. According to this miraculous science every human being has three distinct doshas among which one dosha stays predominant and this decides the character and persona of an individual. They are vata, pitta and kapha.

The imbalance of any one of these doshas causes illness and indicates that the body is out of balance. Vata imbalance can cause insomnia, loss of memory, fever, dry skin, constipation, restlessness and fear. Pitta imbalance might cause anger, high blood pressure, disgust, heartburn, ulcer, jealousy and skin irritation. Lethargic attitude, congestion, delayed digestion, sluggishness and obesity are caused by Kapha imbalance.

Ayurvedic texts exclaim Vetiver essential oil as a pacifying oil with its relaxing effects for treating vata imbalances and calming the mind. It is also said that the cooling properties of this oil can be highly beneficial in treating pitta imbalances like anger, heartburn and much more.

The historical healing practices and priceless medicinal values of Vetiver essential oil has made it a principal part of Abhyanga or the Ayurvedic massage therapy that is trusted to strengthen the nervous system, calm the nerves, soothe the senses, work against stress and exhaustion.

The other major Ayurvedic health benefits of Vetiver essential oil are:Vetiver-oil-broucher1. Benefits the mind and spirit:

Vetiver essential oil is used as an anointing oil or incense since the primordial times. It is considered as a sacred oil that has the potential to open the crown and root chakras where chakra is considered as the vital center of power of the human body according to Ayurveda. Among the seven basic chakras, the oil of Vetiver is trusted to kindle the root chakra and pass the vital energy to other chakras also.

The evolution of each chakra has direct connection to the spiritual qualities of an individual and opening up of chakras paves way to mental consciousness and greater spiritual insight. With this awareness, your mind and spirit strives hard in fighting agonizing stress, deep depression, negative energies that drive you hard and your attachment to misleading worldly pleasures.

Applying 1 to 2 drops of Vetiver essential oil on the Chakra points or using it in a diffuser or inhaling its balancing aroma benefits the mind and spirit paving way to increased self-confidence, inner wisdom and your link with the divine force.

2. Benefits for the skin:

With its promising antiseptic properties, vetiver essential oil has been proven effective in combating bacteria and other harmful microbes. It stops wounds and other skin infections from being septic and it efficaciously curbs the growth of the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria that is often accountable for causing septic.

This oil helps in healing the wounds quickly and promotes the growth of new tissues on the affected area by protecting it from the effects of harmful foreign bodies. In the book Encyclopedia of herbal remedies, Shealy says that vetiver oil “helps to clear acne, and because it promotes skin regeneration and strengthens the connective tissue, it assists with wound healing and benefits aging skin.”

Vetiver essential oil is an established cicatrisant that aids in speeding up the process of treating scars and other ugly marks. It rejuvenates the skin and often gives you a young and healthy look. The anti-aging benefits and the cell regeneration properties of this oil makes it an effective natural remedy for treating stretch marks, acne, burns, fat cracks and certain other skin disorders.

3. Effective essential oil for ADHD:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a health condition that is generally associated with children and it usually starts before the age of seven and persists throughout the life. Reports say that about 4 to 6 percent of Americans are affected by ADHD. This arises when an individual is excessively diverted, agitated and impetuous for more than six months.

ADHD drastically affects the routine life and the best way to treat it is by using therapeutic oils like Vetiver essential oil. Dr. Terry Friedman in his study about the effects of essential oils on ADHD and ADD compared the efficiency of Cedarwood, vetiver and lavender essential oil.  He proved that inhaling the aroma of Vetiver essential oil was 100% effective in improving the performance of children affected by ADHD with its extremely tranquilizing and calming properties, whereas Cedarwood oil contributed to 83% and Lavender oil contributed to 53% improvement.

4. Excellent tonic and sedative:

Vetiver essential oil has been traditionally used for alleviating emotional stress, nervousness, panic attacks, trauma, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, debility and depression. The sedative, strengthening, tonic and nervine properties of this oil make it the perfect natural choice for assisting problems associated with the mind.

It stabilizes the mind, strengthens the nervous system, tranquilizes the mind and body, rejuvenates the entire system, boosts the immune power and induces peaceful sleep.

Adding few drops of Vetiver oil to carrier oils like Grape seed oil or Coconut oil for an enlivening massage can grant you great relief from all these conditions. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of Vetiver oil to warm bathing water and bathing in this medicated water before sleep will relax your muscles, reduce pain and help you sleep tight.

5. Proven antioxidant: The essential oil of Vetiver was proved to possess “a strong free radical scavenging activity when compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and alpha-tocopherol”, according to a research by the Clemson University.

This study reinstated that the inherent components of Vetiver essential oil can be an eventual alternative natural antioxidant. Another study on “Antioxidant potential of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides” evidenced that the essential oil extracted from Vetiver root has been proven to have antioxidant activity and can fight against the free radicals in the body.

6. Promising pesticide and insecticide:

Apart from benefitting mankind in a number of ways, vetiver oil is also an effective pesticide, insecticide and has antitermitic properties. A study on the Chemical analysis and Comparison of Antitermitic activity of essential oils of Neem, Vetiver and Mint against Heterotermes indicola from Pakistan proved that Vetiver oil was the most efficient repellent and valuable fumigent with its long lasting activity and has 60% potential to kill Heterotermes indicola, while mint and neem oil showed 56.66% and 54% effectiveness. Another study proved the Larvicidal property of Vetiver essential oil and its power against the control of mosquito larvae responsible for Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, yellow fever and filariasis.

7. Strengthens the reproductive system and kindles sexual desire:

Vetiver essential oil is a natural aphrodisiac that increases libido and stimulates the sexual desire. Healthy and harmonious sex often has a deep connection with state of mind. A stress-free mind is the most vital requirement for sexual health and sexual disorders like frigidity, impotence, lack of libido are often vested with the limbic system of the brain.

Vetiver essential oil stimulates the limbic system, pacifies the mind and serves as an effective natural remedy for such health disorders. This oil strengthens the female reproductive system, aids in treating menstrual discomforts, balances female hormones and assists female infertility due to uterine problems with its gentle estrogen-like effects. Adding few drops of Vetiver essential oil to your massage blend, in a diffuser or your bath tub can help bring the best times together with your partner.

According to Shealy, the most invigorating recipe for a tranquilizing bath is to “add 2 drops of vetiver (oil), 2 drops of lavender (oil), 4 drops of rose (oil) to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of sweet almond oil. Add to a running bath and disperse with your hands. Relax for at least 10 minutes”.

Vetiver essential oil is also known to promote oxygen, fortify the red blood cells and support blood circulation. It is also used as a warm pain-relieving oil to treat muscular pains, stiffness, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains and few other inflammatory conditions.

For all these medicinal values, vetiver oil is a part of the favorite massage oils like Ortho Sport and Ortho Ease. Vetiver essential oil is also used as flavoring oil in beverages and certain food items. It is also used in cosmetics, soaps and celebrated perfumes like Guerlain Vetiver and Dior Eau Sauvage and the amazing information is that it is used in 90 percent of every western perfume.

Disclaimer:

Vetiver essential oil is non-toxic and non-irritant but avoid taking this oil internally. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using it directly on your skin. It is good to keep away from the use of this oil on children, pregnant women and pets.

Thought for the day:

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.  -Hippocrates

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy
  2. HEALING POWERS OF VETIVER OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils by KG Stiles
  3. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
  4. Vetiveria: The Genus Vetiveria (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) From CRC Press
  5. The ADD / ADHD Revolution: Treatments That Work by LaVonne Kirkpatrick

 Reference Links:

  1. Chrysopogon zizanioides by Wikipedia
  2. The Utilization of Vetiver as Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with Special Reference to Thailand By Narong Chomchalow
  3. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) oil and identification of its antioxidant constituents by PubMed
  4. LARVICIDAL PROPERTY OF VETIVER ESSENTIAL OIL (VETIVERIA ZIZANOIDES. L) AGAINST CULEX TRITAENIORHYNCHUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) by International Journal Of Current Science And Technology