Vetiver Essential Oil

Posted on July 6, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Vetiver 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.

Purchase Vetiver Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Vetiver and its essential oil:

The history of Vetiver backs to the 12^th 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:1. 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:

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

Reference Links:

Balsam Peru Oil

Posted on July 6, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

“The balsam is stimulant and tonic, and is of use in chronic coughs, whites, palsy and chronic rheumatism. As an external application, it is employed with advantage in cleansing and stimulating foul and indolent ulcers”, quotes the book Ayurvedic Materia Medica for domestic use by Thomas John Graham.

Also called as Peruvian balsam, the essential oil and the balsam as such are being used in the field of Complementary and Alternative medicine like Ayurveda and Homeopathy as well as in Modern medicinal practices.

With its decongestant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-rheumatic properties, Balsam Peru is prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for treating bronchial asthma, whooping cough, bruises, bed sores, burns, eczema, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, headache, fever, diaper rashes, cold, scabies, ringworm and rheumatic conditions.

Purchase Balsam Peru Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Balsam Peru essential oil and its other extracts: This tree is scientifically called as Balsamum tolutanum. Balsam of Peru is the resin extracted from the tall tree that grows in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and France.

Balsam Peru is also called by other names like Balsamum Peruvianum, Surinam balsam, Balsam fir oleoresin, Quina quina, Balsam Tolu, Toluifera pereirae, Indian Balsam, China oil, Myroxylon Balsamum, Balsams Peru, Myrosperum pereira balsam etc.

Initially, Peru was the major and largest exporter of Balsam oil and it was for this reason, this Balsam was called as Balsam of Peru. In recent times, Balsam of Peru is exported by various other major Balsam growing countries. This tree has a natural potential of producing resin, which is sticky in nature. Balsam of Peru is collected from Balsam trees that are roughly 20 years old by tapping method.

Balsam of Peru has been a part of the traditional healing methodologies for centuries together. It was used as a natural remedy for treating digestive disorders, headache, cold, cough, respiratory infections and certain skin problems. The Native American populace used the powder extracted from this tree as a deodorant.

Balsam of Peru and its essential oil has been a trusted remedy of the Europeans and other Asian folks for healing skin diseases like bedsores, ringworm, scabies, eczema, diaper rashes, wounds and itches. It is also used as an important ingredient in the manufacturing of female hygiene sprays, shampoos, insect repellents, topical salves, soaps, mouthwash, surgical dressings, skin care lotions and certain other fragrant ingredients.

Chemical constituents and remedial properties of Balsam Peru essential oil:

Studies have proved that the resin extracted from the Peruvian balsam tree consists of about 80% of cinnamic acid along with the presence of cinnamein. This is the reason for its vanilla and cinnamon like aroma. It’s essential oil is said to contain various volatile oils and the major components are benzyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate, and nerolidol.

These components contribute to its remedial properties like antiseptic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-parasitic, expectorant, decongestant, antifungal, diuretic, antioxidant, deodorant, cicatrisant, anti-stress and anti-dandruff.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Balsam Peru essential oil:

The word ‘Ayurveda’ simply means ‘the knowledge of life’, where ‘Ayur’ stands for life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. This oldest remedial system states that illness occurs when there is disharmony between an individual and nature.

Ayurvedic healing considers every human being as a unique part of nature with a unique individual combination. According to this philosophy ‘no two individuals are given the same medicine, even for the same disease’. The first Ayurvedic consultation aims at analyzing the unique individual constitution of a person, which comprises of three biological energies known as doshas. They are vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth).

These Ayurvedic doshas are nothing but a combination of the five vital elements of nature called as Panchamahabutas, namely fire, water, earth, air and space. Ayurveda states that every person has a prakriti (individual constitution), which is a combination of these doshas in a unique proportion with a predominance of any one of them.

This prevalence determines the character, personality, uniqueness and behavioral attributes of a person. Based upon these fundamental qualities, the unique Ayurvedic treatment methodology and remedies are prescribed. Ayurvedic writings reveal that the absolute balance between these doshas indicates perfect health and harmony with nature, whereas doshic imbalances lead to sickness.

The most notable Ayurvedic remedies include Ayurvedic essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, Pranayama or the art of balanced breathing, prayers, simple physical exercises, Ayurvedic routine, Abhyanga, and Panchakarma. With these remedies, Ayurveda focuses on treating the root cause of an illness instead of diagnosing its symptoms.

With its stimulating and invigorating properties, Balsam Peru essential oil has been recommended in Ayurveda for augmenting pitta dosha and pacifying kapha and vata dosha.

Let’s look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Balsam Peru oil:

1. Controls dandruff and checks hair-fall:

The essential oil of Balsam Peru has been used as an important ingredient in many hair care products including shampoos and conditioners for its antifungal, anti-parasitic and anti-dandruff properties. These remedial values help in clearing away dandruff, killing head lice and treating dry and itchy scalp conditions.

Massaging your scalp with 3 drops of Balsam Peru oil, 2 drops of Lemon oil and 2 drops of Rosemary oil along with 5 ml of Coconut oil can be of great assistance in nourishing your scalp, clearing away the itchy flakes on the head, repairing your damaged hair and act as a hair tonic. You can also add 2 drops of Balsam Peru oil to your regular shampoo and enjoy the richness of your shining hair, free from dandruff and head lice.

2. Extremely beneficial to the skin:

Balsam Peru oil is a time-honored skin care remedy that has been employed in the treatment of numerous skin problems including ringworm, bedsores, skin ulcers, wounds and diaper rashes. The antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of this oil helps in quicker healing of wounds, combats the growth of microbes responsible for skin infections, and fights aging symptoms.

Blend 2 drops of Balsam Peru oil with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil with 3 ml of Olive oil. Gently apply this blend on skin problems like eczema, scabies, wounds, ringworm, acne, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, rashes and wrinkles.

This natural skin tonic works like a wonder in treating fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot with its anti-fungal properties; acne, rashes, wounds and eczema with its antimicrobial properties; wrinkles and dull lifeless skin with its antioxidant properties.

Bedsores generally occur in sick people who are bed-ridden. This includes especially the aged population with sensitive skin. Mixing 1 drop of Balsam Peru oil with 2 ml of Jojoba oil can reduce pain and help in promoting quicker healing of wounds. This blend can also be used externally on diaper rashes for babies as well as the aged.

3. Alleviates respiratory infections:

According to Ayurveda, amassing of toxic substances or ama in the system is a major cause for many illnesses including respiratory problems. It is a known fact that excess of kapha dosha (blend of water and earth elements) is responsible for diseases based on the surplus fluid deposits in the system causing respiratory infections, obesity, rheumatism, edema and other inflammatory conditions.

Balsam Peru oil has diuretic, expectorant and antimicrobial properties that aid in eliminating the excess fluid deposits in the system through urine and sweat, discarding phlegm and mucus secretions in the respiratory tract and arresting the growth of microbes that worsen respiratory problems. It has been used in the United States since 1800s as a respiratory aid and cough suppressant. Balsam of Peru was also used as an ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges.

2 drops of Balsam Peru oil along with 1 drop of Peppermint oil and 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil added to steam inhalation can help in relieving cold, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, sinusitis, watery eyes, chronic cough, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma and inflammation of the pharynx.

Gently rubbing your throat, chest, back and forehead with 2 drops of Balsam oil along with 1 drop of Tea tree oil mixed with your vaporizing ointment can help in relieving sore throat, bronchial congestion, blocked nasal passages, chest congestion, headache, sinusitis and drowsiness due to cold and other respiratory infections.

4. Enhances the functions of the digestive system:

Indigestion is the key cause for building up of toxic substances in the body. This is due to improper metabolic functions, including digestion, absorption and elimination. Pitta dosha is responsible for ‘Agni’ or digestive fire in the system. Vitiation of pitta energy often ends up in sluggishness, nausea, constipation, flatulence, loss of appetite and other digestive disorders.

Balsam Peru oil has the ability to enhance pitta energy and can re-kindle the digestive fire. Inhaling the warm aroma of Balsam Peru oil by adding 2 drops of this oil to your vaporizer especially before your meals can help in enhancing your appetite, stimulating your bowel movements, treating constipation and promoting proper digestion. Massaging your abdomen with 2 drops of Balsam Peru oil and 2 drops of Nutmeg oil with 2 ml of sesame oil can support your digestive functions.

5. Improves blood circulation and treats rheumatic disorders:

Ayurvedic writings denote that rheumatism is an auto-immune disease that arises mostly due to the upsurge of ama or toxins in the system owing to the disparity of digestive fire. These harmful substances may even block the working of the essential organs in the body.

Basically, ama stored in the body reaches the kapha dominated parts like fingers, joints, stomach, brain, chest, toes and few other parts. Thus rheumatism is identified with the symptoms of inflammation, redness of joints, soreness of muscles, lack of energy, swelling of joints, irregular blood circulation, insomnia and fatigue.

With its diuretic, anti-rheumatic, antioxidant and analgesic properties, the essential oil of Balsam Peru has the potent to improve blood circulation, reduce pain, decrease swelling and inflammation by eliminating the toxic remains, excess water deposits, salt and uric acid through urine and soothe the joints and muscles.

Massaging the affected parts with 3 drops of Balsam Peru oil with 2 drops of Cardamom oil, 2 drops of Yarrow oil, 2 drops of Bay oil blended with 20 ml of coconut oil can help in alleviating pain, inflammation, swelling, soreness, stiff muscles, water retention, insomnia and other symptoms associated with rheumatism.

Ayurveda also recommends the practice of Pranayama or the art of balanced breathing in Ayurveda, through which the toxic remains in the system are discarded through exhalation. Along with this certain yogasanas can also help in treating rheumatic problems at ease and this has also been proved by various scientific studies.

Other health benefits:

With its mild, warm and soothing aroma, Balsam Peru oil acts like a marvel in treating depression, mood fluctuations and negative feelings. To attain this solace, 2 drops of Balsam Peru oil and 2 drops of Benzoin Res oil can be added to your burner, candle diffuser or vaporizer during the practice of yoga, meditation and Pranayama. This can also aid in enhancing self-confidence and positive thoughts.

Disclaimer: This information is meant only for the use of education and is not meant to diagnose or treat any health condition or replace any prescribed medications or professional medical advice. We are not healthcare practitioners and this info is shared only with the idea of highlighting the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda, the mother of all healing sciences.

Never take essential oils internally and do remember to dilute essential oils before using it on your skin, as pure and organic essential oils are extremely concentrated substances and may lead to allergic reactions when used on the body directly. Ensure that you seek advice from your Ayurvedic professional/healthcare expert before selecting the appropriate essential oil for your health condition and unique individual constitution. Avoid using Balsam Peru oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is regarded as a sensitizing oil that may cause allergic reactions.

Thought for the day:

The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. -Voltaire

Suggested Reading:

10 Ways to Use Balsam Of Peru (Recipe Book) by Sam Enrico
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils by Joni Loughran, Ruah Bull
Scabies Natural Home Treatment Solution by Alyson Rodgers
A Practical Treatise On Materia Medica And Therapeutics by Roberts Bartholow

Reference Links:

St John’s Wort Essential Oil

Posted on July 5, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

What comes to your mind when I say ‘Amber Touch-and-heal’? Sounds like a magical spell right? But won’t you be surprised and delighted if I say that it’s the other popular name of St. John’s Wort herb? Absolutely yes! The star-shaped bright yellow flowers are the most mesmerizing part of St. John’s Wort herb.

Nature’s beauty meets healing quality through these flowers as the essential oil of St. John’s Wort is extracted by steam distillation from these flowers. St. John’s Wort herb is claimed as “one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States”.

This herb is named after St. John, the Baptist mainly because the admirable flowers of this plant were said to bloom initially around 24^th June when the birthday of St. John is celebrated. Scientifically known as Hypericum Perforatum L, this herb is a member of the Guttiferae plant family. Ayurvedic system of healing use this medicated oil as a traditional remedy for treating joint pains, skin problems, symptoms of aging, inflammation, trauma, cracking and irritation.

Purchase St Johns Wort Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical Uses of St. John’s Wort:

St. John’s Wort herb and its essential oil have a long history and were used by Naturopaths and Physicians of all the predominant traditions in the world. This herb is indigenous to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa and is used for various therapeutic applications for more than 3,000 years. St. John’s Wort was popularly known as ‘Arnica of the nerves’ during the thirteenth century from the time it was used to treat psychiatric problems by the Swiss Physician Paracelsus.

The impeccable use of this herb starts from Greece, where the renowned Greek physicians like Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Theophrastus and Galen used this herb for treating numerous illnesses including neuralgic conditions, nervous disorders and wounds.

Native Americans used St. John’s Wort herb as a natural antiseptic and was also used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties for treating pain, inflammation, spinal irritation and certain other health conditions. This herb was also used as a traditional abortifacient agent. St. John’s Wort is also an important part of many well-liked dietary supplements in various forms like oil infusion, aqueous infusion, capsules, powders, alcoholic tinctures etc, in the United States.

The American Physicians of the nineteenth century prescribed St. John’s Wort herb to treat nervous afflictions with depression and hysteria. This herb was also trusted to ward off evil spirits and helps in getting the blessings of St. John, the Baptist for another year. The anti-depressant properties of this herb are attributed to the presence of the active components hyperforin and hypericin.

Studies prove that this healing quality has made this herb vital in treating depression and it is demonstrated to have lesser side effects than many other over-the-counter antidepressants.

With all these historical importance, St. John’s Wort is regarded as an official herb in the national pharmacopeias of Russia, Czechoslovakia, Romania, France and Poland. It is also approved as a standardized medicine by the Commission E monographs and is listed in the German Drug Codex.

Ayurvedic health benefits of St. John’s Wort Essential Oil:

Ayurveda is a common sense science that aims at bringing perfect health and harmony through natural and practical methodologies. The ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita talk about all kinds of illnesses and the simple Ayurvedic approaches to treat those health conditions.

In addition to this, these Ayurvedic encyclopedias also insist on following an Ayurvedic routine that helps us to follow a systematic living for healthy aging and longevity.

According to Ayurveda human body is made up of a combination of 3 energy elements known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. Every individual has all the 3 doshas with the predominance of any 1 of these and this predominant Ayurvedic body type determines the characteristics and behavior of an individual. The imbalance of any one of these doshas causes illnesses indicating that the body is of out of balance with nature.

Before suggesting Ayurvedic remedies, every Ayurvedic physician will thoroughly examine your medical history, Ayurvedic body type, your preferences, dislikes and other factors affecting your physical, mental, social, environmental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Herbs, yoga, essential oils, meditation, physical exercises, Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage therapy and a balanced lifestyle are all the major pillars of an Ayurvedic treatment. St. John’s Wort herb and its oil according to Ayurveda is good for reducing the excess of pitta and kapha doshas and aids in supporting vata deficiency (P K- and V+).

Claimed as ‘The long-time favorite herb of Herbalists’, St. John’s Wort essential oil is said to have numerous health benefits and the most predominant ones among them are:

1. Hemorrhoids:

Adding few drops of St. John’s Wort essential oil to soothing carrier oils like jojoba oil aids in treating the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. The flavonoids and hypericin compounds in this oil assists in reducing the burning and itching sensation while alleviating inflammation.

You can also add few drops of this oil to any of your skin care creams or lotions and apply it directly on the affected area to treat both external and internal hemorrhoids. Few drops of this oil added to your warm bathing water can also grant relief from external hemorrhoids.

2. Rheumatism and arthritis:

Swollen and inflamed joints along with excruciating pain are the predominant symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis. Using St. John’s Wort essential oil for treating rheumatic conditions remains as a popular herbal remedy since the primordial times.

Applying few drops of this essential oil blended with mild carrier oils like coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism.

Ayurvedic texts say that rheumatoid arthritis occur due to excess of pitta, the fire element and kapha, the water element along with the deficit of vata, the air element. As St. John’s Wort oil has the potential to control the excess of pitta and kapha and normalize vata shortfall, using this oil as therapeutic massage oil, bath oil or in vapor therapy can help control the symptoms of rheumatism.

3. Pain and inflammation:

The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties of St. John’s Wort essential oil makes it an ideal remedy for treating muscular pains, bruises, sores, sprains, tennis elbow, nervous afflictions, stiff achy joints, varicose veins and burns.

You’ll be amazed to know that St. John’s Wort oil is prescribed to neuropathic patients and also for treating incision pain after surgery. Using this oil as massage oil or remedial oil for external application along with any of your skin creams and lotions can grant you relief and foster speedy recovery.

4. Wounds:

St. John’s Wort essential oil has astringent and antibacterial properties that help in killing microbes and other harmful foreign bodies that worsen wounds and other skin infections. This oil can be used as a tincture and topical application of this oil on the affected areas augments the epithelialization of wounds. The presence of flavonoids and tannins supports the protein precipitating action for quicker healing.

5. Fibrositis, menopause and PMS:

These 3 disorders looks like a chain of womanly problems that often cause sharp pain and interrupt the normal functioning of the body. Fibrositis or fibromyalgia means pain in the muscle and connective tissue.

Numerous research studies have proved the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort essential oil in treating physical pain and emotional disturbances of premenstrual syndrome along with cramps, nausea, breast tenderness etc., anxiety and mood fluctuations during menopause and the muscular and tissue pains associated with fibromyalgia.

Massaging with few drops of St. John’s Wort oil added to soothing carrier oils like sesame oil can grant you complete relief. You can also use it as a bath oil by adding 2 drops of this oil to warm bathing water for assisting your health in a refreshing manner.

6. Other health benefits:

Kurt Schnaubelt rightly quoted the aroma of St. John’s Wort essential oil as “The penetrating smell can be felt as a warm pleasant relaxed feeling, travelling from the nose to the brain”.

The cooling and moisturizing energies of this oil aids in treating anxiety, social phobia, Obsessive compulsive disorder, stomach inflammation, smoking cessation, nervous pain, insomnia, sciatica, dysentery, pulmonary complaints, elimination of toxins in the body, bed-wetting, peptic ulcers and many other health disorders. ‘The Aromatherapy Book’ by Jeanne Rose states the use of this oil in the treatment of AIDS.

Disclaimer:

This is only for information purpose and is not recommended to replace any prescribed medicines or the consultation of your medical professional. Do not use essential oils directly on your skin or take it internally without the advice of your Ayurvedic Practitioner as it may cause negative effects. Essential oils are highly concentrated so keep it away from children.

Thought for the day:

Earth laughs in flowers. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

St. John’s Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good by Norman Rosenthal
St. John’s Wort: The Premier Herb for Relieving Depression, Healing Wounds and Easing Nerve Pain (Keats Good Herb Guide Series) by Roy Upton
Natural Care Library St. John’s Wort: Safe and Effective Self-Care for Anxiety, Inflammation and Pain Relief by Stephanie Pedersen

Reference Links: