Orange Bitter Essential Oil

Orange-bitter-bannerBitter’ has been the most neglected taste all around the world and the truth is that bitter things are often better for your fitness regime. On a deeper note, most of the medicines are bitter and they pave way for the sweet fruit of health and harmony.

Unlike the sweet oranges, bitter oranges are not much favored mainly for its tart, astringent and acidic taste. Since the ancient times, bitter oranges and the essential oil cold pressed from the rind of these fruits have carried away the world of medicine with its enormous medicinal values.

Known as Narange in Sanskrit, bitter orange is used in Ayurveda in the treatment of gout, gastrointestinal problems, lack of appetite, anxiety and digestive disorders.

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Scientifically known as Citrus aurantium, bitter orange is an evergreen tree indigenous to the tropical parts of Asia and Africa. Almost all the parts of this tree are used in extracting essential oils due its healing values.

Essential oil extracted from the leaves and twigs of this tree is known as Petitgrain oil, the oil distilled from the flowers of this tree is the celebrated Neroli oil and the oil extracted from the peel of the bitter orange fruit is called as Bitter orange essential oil.

Historical importance of Bitter Orange:

The Traditional Chinese Medicine used bitter oranges as a natural carminative and tonic for treating dyspepsia. They also used dried bitter oranges in the treatment of diarrhea, ptosis of the anus and uterus, blood in feces and abdominal distention.

The rind of bitter orange fruits were used in Homeopathy for relieving abdominal pain, headache, constipation, digestive disorders, weight loss and high blood pressure. Due to the presence of the active ingredient synephrine, bitter oranges are used in herbal medicinal system as an appetite suppressant and as a stimulant.

The Brazilian folklore medicine used bitter orange and its oil in treating insomnia and anxiety. The ancient Europeans used it as a prophylactic and as a sedative for curing nervous problems, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, sore throat and gout.

This medicinal herb has been in use in various cultures across the globe in the treatment of cancer, anaphylactic shock, cardiac exhaustion, heartburn, fungal infections and certain other heart problems.

The native Latin Americans used it in the preparation of a tonic for treating insomnia, lessening anxiety and also as a laxative. It is also used in the United States as an effective aid in preventing colon, breast and skin cancer.

In addition, bitter orange essential oil is used in flavoring baked goods, alcoholic beverages, gelatins, candies, puddings, meat products, frozen desserts and certain other condiments. It is also used as a marinade for meat in the Haitian, Cuban, Nicaraguan and Dominican cooking.

Therapeutic properties and constituents of Bitter orange essential oil:

The remedial properties of this oil are antiseptic, carminative, sedative, stomachic, digestive, antidepressant, anti-hyper cholesterolemic, tranquilizer, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antifungal and antibacterial. Synephrine, tyramine metabolites N-methyltyramine, pinene, carotenoids, limonene, cymene, camphene, octopamine, ocimene and few other alkaloids are its major chemical constituents.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Bitter orange essential oil:

Ayurveda is the oldest of all the healing methodologies in the world and it still flourishes due to the simplicity it preaches and practices in its remedial rule. According to this ancient science, every individual is a part of nature and his/her poor health and good health depends upon their harmony with nature.

Sickness in Ayurveda is a strong symbol that the individual’s system is out of balance with nature and needs immediate assistance with natural remedies like essential oils, herbal medications, yoga, healthy lifestyle and meditation.

Ayurvedic remedies aim at treating the actual root cause of an illness instead of treating the illness alone and suggests an Ayurvedic routine for preventing such illnesses in the future as well.

Every human being according to Ayurvedic principle is unique with an individual constitution that comprises of three energy elements known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. The predominance of any one of these doshas determines the personality and characteristics of an individual and imbalance of any of these doshas leads to diseases.

Ayurvedic treatments vary from individual to individual based upon their dosha predominance and unique constitution. Bitter orange essential oil is said to increase vata and pitta doshas and pacify kapha dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Bitter orange oil are:

1. Treats skin problems:

Bitter orange essential oil has been proved effective in treating numerous skin problems with its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. The rind of this fruit from which its essential oil is extracted contains non-bitter flavonoids, which is known to have considerable venotonic properties.

It is for this reason; bitter orange essential oil is used in cosmetics for preventing capillary fragility. Bitter orange extracts are also used in the treatment of cellulite as it has the potent to normalize the affected parts and stimulate the cutaneous tone of the skin.

The effects and unique properties of bitter orange essential oil in the Aromatherapy Workbook by Shirley Price states bitter orange essential oil “help restore an acne skin to normal and is prophylactic against the signs of ageing”. When applied to the affected area after blending 2 drops of bitter orange oil with coconut oil, the antifungal properties of this oil help in treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Bitter orange oil also acts as a natural antiseptic and aids in clearing acne, cold sores, wounds, psoriasis, eczema and certain other skin problems due to excessive stagnation of oil. You can add 2 drops of bitter orange oil with refreshing carrier oil like jojoba oil or to your skin care creams and lotions and gently massage onto the affected parts for quicker effects.

2. Enhances the digestive mechanism:

For more than thousands of years, bitter orange has been used in the world of Complementary medicine for treating digestive problems like flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, sluggish digestion, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, nausea and indigestion.

Gently massaging your stomach with 2 drops of bitter orange oil blended with sesame oil can help you enhance the entire process of digestion. You can also add 2 drops of this oil to your bath tub to help with digestive disorders.

3. Assists in weight-loss:

Weight loss supplements with bitter orange formula are the most popular and the recent use of bitter oranges in the therapeutic world. Numerous researches have proved the effectiveness of bitter orange supplements in treating obesity.

“At present, Citrus aurantium may be the best thermogenic substitute for Ephedra” reveals the Georgetown University Medical Center study on ‘Citrus aurantium as a thermogenic, weight-reduction replacement for Ephedra’.

A recent research on ‘The safety of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) and its primary protoalkaloid p-synephrine’ states “The data indicate that based on current knowledge, the use of bitter orange extract and p-synephrine appears to be exceedingly safe with no serious adverse effects being directly attributable to these ingredients”.

It also notes that bitter orange extract and its principal protoalkaloidal constituent p-synephrine are extensively used in weight management, weight loss and products promoting sports performance.

A 2006 study on ‘Citrus aurantium and synephrine alkaloids in the treatment of overweight and obesity’ by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA states that there are certain promising evidences that Citrus aurantium containing several compounds including synephrine alkaloids is a safe alternative to Ephedra, which is a weight-loss supplement banned in US for its adverse health effects.

To boost your metabolism and lessen energy absorption, you can massage your body with 2 to 3 drops of bitter orange oil blended with coconut oil or add 3 drops of this oil to your bath tub.

4. Alleviates stress and reduces anxiety:

Bitter orange oil has a much similar aroma to that of fresh tangy oranges. Inhaling the energizing and enlivening fragrance of this oil especially during the early hours of the day promises a serene atmosphere and instills complete calmness in your mind.

This is why Ayurvedic healing suggests the use of bitter orange oil during your meditation practice. Add 1 drop of bitter orange oil to your diffuser or air freshener and start your deep meditation after which you will feel a never before freshness and increase in your confidence level.

The Aromatherapy expert, Dr. Vivian Lunny recommends an invigorating bath blend with 2 drops of bitter orange oil, 1 drop of neroli oil and 2 drops of petitgrain oil for reducing anxiety, lethargy and tiredness.

When added to your warm bathing water especially after a tiring and stressful day, this blend is said to give a new lease of life, augment stress relief, promote relaxation and stimulate positive feelings. You can also add 1 drop of bitter orange oil to your handkerchief or to your pulse points to renew yourself throughout the day.

Other benefits:

Bitter orange essential oil is also used in treating chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal ulcers, lowering blood sugar level in diabetic patients, sleep disorders, joint pain, muscular aches, bruises, cold and certain other liver and gall bladder problems.

It is also used in making soaps, cleaning products, disinfectants, cosmetics, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, eau de colognes and certain other household cleaners. Bitter orange oil is also used as a commercial flavoring agent in foods and beverages in many countries.

Disclaimer:

Pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids so always use it after diluting in suitable carrier oils. Never use essential oils internally. Citrus oils in general have a photo-toxic effect so avoid going out in the sun immediately after using it on your skin.

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people suffering from hypertension and glaucoma should avoid using bitter orange oil. Always consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the right essential oils for your unique individual constitution.

Bitter Orange Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

bitter-orange-new

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Bitter orange oil exhibits mild photosensitivity effects if the oil is oxidized, which might cause irritation and hyper-pigmentation of the skin and this happens when visible sunlight gets in touch with the skin for up to 12 hours of usage. The major cause being the response of the chemical components that are photoactive in nature attracts light and ends up in toxicity via molecular alterations.

The safe dermal use level of Bitter orange oil by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is 1.25%, specifically to thwart phototoxicity in the products used for topical application and not for soaps, shampoos and other bath preparations. This No-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) is based on various studies with Bitter orange oil on mice and swine, where the No-observed-effects-level (NOEL) was proved as 6.25%.

Besides, Bitter orange oil is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). “There are no contraindications but that photosensitization may occur in fair-skinned individuals”, quotes The German Commission E monograph for Bitter orange peel.

The major chemical constituent responsible for the skin sensitization and mild irritation of Bitter orange oil is Limonene, which accounts to about 90% of this oil and certain other furanocoumarins.

According to European regulations, essential oils with furanocoumarins should be used in such a way that the overall level of bergapten does not surpass 15 ppm (parts per million) in ready-to-use cosmetic products meant for use on the skin surface that are exposed to sunlight (other than wash-away products) and 1 ppm in sunscreen and bronzing items.

Use Bitter orange oil only for external use and ingestion of this oil should be avoided strictly, as internal use of this oil has adverse effects according to various reports. Medical research studies state that the presence of stimulants like octopamine, amines synephrine (an alkaloid with almost the related chemical structure to ephedrine in Ephedra – Ma-Huang) and N-methyltyramine are responsible for the cardiovascular toxicity of Bitter orange and this is also reported to cause increase in blood pressure and vasoconstriction.

It is recommended to avoid the use of Bitter orange in patients with tachyarrhythmia, hypertension and narrow-angle glaucoma, mainly due its potent to cause additive effects. Overdose of synephrine in children overdose ended up in tachycardia, nausea, quick increase in blood pressure and irritation. Certain researches witness the effect of Bitter orange in restraining human cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in the test tube studies.

Just like Grapefruit, Bitter orange is said to hold back a vital enzyme in the small intestine, and this may possibly have an effect on the levels of blood, when taking certain medications like antiviral, anti-anxiety, antidepressant drugs, statins and calcium channel blockers and along with the intake of caffeine.

Care should be taken if Bitter orange oil is used in massage in the abdominal area, as essential oils penetrate quickly through the skin, reach the bloodstream and may cause adverse effects. It is not recommended to take Bitter orange products when using other prescribed medications, except under strict medical supervision.

Furocoumarins are also used in various remedies on par with the long-wave ultraviolet light therapy for the healing of mycosis fungoides, vitiligo and psoriasis.

Reference Links Substantiating Possible Skin Issues of Bitter Orange Oil:

  1. Bitter Orange by University of Michigan Health System
  2. Bitter Orange, Sour News by University of California, Berkeley Wellness
  3. Bitter Orange Peel and Synephrine by American Botanical Council
  4. Bitter Orange, American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition by Zoe Gardner, Michael McGuffin
  5. Bitter Orange by Drugs.com
  6. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals By Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young

Thought for the day:

The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit. -Moliere

Suggested Reading:

  1. Citrus Essential Oils: Flavor and Fragrance from Wiley
  2. Citrus Oils: Composition, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Contaminants, and Biological Activity (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  3. Aromatherapy Workbook: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Essential Oils by Shirley Price
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Link:

  1. Bitter orange by Wikipedia
  2. Citrus aurantium and synephrine alkaloids in the treatment of overweight and obesity by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA published in PubMed
  3. Bitter Orange by Drugs.com
  4. The safety of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) and its primary protoalkaloid p-synephrine by Creighton University Medical Center, NE, USA published in PubMed


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Orange Sweet Essential Oil

Orange-sweet-bannerBeing fit as a fiddle is the dream of every one of us in this wobbly world where perfect health looks like a forbidden fruit to humanity. When this contemporary living demands swallowing pills, regular gymming and deficient diet to make you look like Mr. / Ms. Perfect, Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences on earth suggests the holistic treatment to your five senses for a harmonious living.

Colors for the sense of sight, sound for the sense of hearing, aroma for the sense of smell, massage and topical application for the sense of touch and herbal remedies for the sense of taste.

And now, here’s the key for opening your door to perfect health, yes you are right and the key is Orange and its essential oil. With an appeasing orange color it instills peace, happiness and spiritual wisdom, the tangy and mesmerizing aroma calms your senses and soothes your nerves, the therapeutic properties ease numerous functions of the body when massaged gently and its numerous medicinal benefits strengthen your aura when ingested in the form of juices.

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Historical Importance of Sweet Orange:

It is native to China and is scientifically known as Citrus sinensis. The first literary presence of orange dates back to 500 BC in the book ‘Yu Kung’ written under the reign of the Chinese Emperor Ta Yun. The ancient Chinese considered Orange as a symbol of good luck and used it for treating numerous health problems, whereas the Europeans regarded it as a sign of richness. Sweet oranges were celebrated as a Qi-tonic (tonic for the aura or the life force) to eliminate obstacles in the energy meridians.

Vasco da Gama was the first person to bring Sweet Oranges to Europe when he discovered it in the 15th century in East Africa, which was considered as the Arabian trade routes. It gained greater reputation in Portugal and was called as ‘Portugal Orange’.

Few sources say that Columbus took the seeds of Citrus sinensis to America in 1493 and it slowly spread across California, Florida and Louisiana by the middle of the 18th century. Sweet orange and its oil has been in use in a number traditional cuisines like roast duck (other water birds also), fennel and orange salad, orange-almond tart and in many savories, desserts and confectionery items across the globe.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report of Orange sweet oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Orange sweet oil constitutes of Limonene as the key component with about 97.2%, contributing to its distinctive fragrance, remedial properties and quality.

Just click on Limonene for knowing about the exclusive information of this prime constituent of Orange sweet oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the prime chemical constituent and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Orange sweet oil.

Orange-sweet-OilTherapeutic properties of Orange sweet oil:

The essential oil of Sweet orange is extracted by cold pressing the rinds of this fruit that instills a fresh and strong aroma. The healing properties of this oil are antidepressant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic, chemo-preventive, cholagogue, antispasmodic, carminative, antioxidant, sedative, anti-inflammatory and diuretic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Orange sweet essential oil:

Nothing is as complicated as studying human physiology and human psychology even with today’s modern devices. You will now feel highly impressed with the kind of wisdom that Ayurveda has imparted to this world even before our scanning machines or X-ray devices were found.

It is for this reason people call Ayurveda as a common sense science that transforms the knowledge about human mind, body and spirit in an easier manner for everyone to understand thoroughly as this noble methodology considers that knowledge about one’s own health condition is vital for healthy living.

Ayurvedic texts indicate that human beings are an essential part of nature and everything that corresponds to their illness or wellness depends upon their balance or harmony with nature.

Thus illness in Ayurveda means that your body is out of rhythm with nature and natural remedies like essential oils, herbs, healthy lifestyle, yoga, meditation and prayers can assist in treating imbalances that bring you back to balance with nature and help prevent such diseases in the future also.

Ayurvedic remedies are always unique for every individual as it trusts that every human being is made up of a unique combination of energy elements known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) in Sanskrit.

Predominance of any one of these doshas determines an individual’s personality and health condition and imbalance of any one these doshas leads to illness. Ayurvedic treatment is solely based upon the individual constitution and the dosha imbalances of a person. Sweet orange oil is said to reduce excess vata and kapha and increase pitta deficit.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Orange sweet essential oil are:Orange-sweet-broucher1. Benefits to the skin:

Sweet orange essential oil has a handful of benefits to the skin when added to your regular skin care cream or lotions. Massaging your skin gently with 2 drops of Orange sweet oil blended with mild carrier oil like jojoba oil can help in treating acne, skin irritation, microbial infections, wounds, cuts, abrasions and dermatitis with its antiseptic properties.

Known as a skin tonic, this oil stimulates the lymphatic system and aids in eliminating the toxins of the congested skin surface.

As a natural skin energizer, Orange sweet oil penetrates deeply into the pores and supports the formation of collagen in the skin. This helps in augmenting the elasticity of the skin, reduces wrinkles, removes excess oil, improves skin complexion and grants a never before brighter, fairer, spotless, healthy and glowing skin.

Adding 2 drops of Orange sweet oil in lukewarm bathing water or in facial steam helps in refreshing and revitalizing your skin and aids in fighting the symptoms of aging.

2. Benefits to the mind:

As a trusted antidepressant, sedative and mild aphrodisiac, Orange sweet oil has been used for treating depression, anxiety, mood fluctuations, sleeping difficulties and sexual problems like loss of interest in sex, loss of libido, impotence etc.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in your diffuser, air freshener, vaporizer, burner or in bath will uplift your mood, grant mental clarity, pacify your nerves, induce positive feelings and reminds you of the happy moments in your life.

Sweet orange oil with its inspiring, encouraging, stimulating and versatile aroma grants a sense of support, warmth and happiness. With this motive, Orange oil is recommended for use in the bed room to treat sleeping problems, mental worries and for assisting stubborn children to fall asleep.

A 2012 study on ‘Effect of Sweet Orange Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans’ presented results stating “an acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange aroma, giving some scientific support to its use as a tranquilizer by aromatherapists.” This proves that the aroma of Sweet orange is effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels in human beings.

Another research on ‘Anxiolytic-like effect of sweet orange aroma in Wistar rats’ also proved that the acute anxiolytic aroma of sweet orange is better than the aroma of tea tree oil when tested on the same animal model.

3. Benefits to the digestive system:

Orange sweet oil has carminative properties that aids in expelling the formation of gas in the intestines. If left unnoticed intestinal gas can create sharp pain in the chest, severe stomach pain, indigestion, abdominal discomfort and increase your blood pressure.

Using 2 drops of this oil with sesame oil for massaging your tummy will help in preventing gas formation, driving out existing gas, treating intestinal spasms, cramps and killing intestinal parasites.

A 2010 study on ‘Efficacy of an orange oil emulsion as an anthelmintic against Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and in sheep (Ovis aries)’ tested the effectiveness of Orange oil in killing Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking abomasal gastrointestinal parasite that affects goats and sheep. This research proved that orange oil is 97 percent effective in treating parasitic worms in sheep and goats.

4. Benefits to spasms and pain:

Sweet orange oil with its antispasmodic effect helps relieve spasms that can cause chronic diarrhea, persistent coughs, muscular cramps and convulsions. This oil has excellent diuretic properties that eliminate the toxic substances from the body through urine. It also helps in treating obesity, water retention and inflammation due to the presence of harmful toxins in the body.

Add 2 to 3 drops of Orange sweet oil in your bath tub for treating inflammation and spasms. Massaging the affected area with 2 drops of Orange sweet oil blended with coconut oil can grant instant relief from painful spasms along with external and internal inflammations.

5. Benefits to the entire system:

The essential oil of Orange sweet benefits the entire system by balancing various functions of the body. Being a cholagogue, this oil stimulates the secretion from all the glands, helping to regularize menstrual flow, digestive juices, hormones and milk in nursing mothers.

The presence of limonene constituent in Orange sweet oil has been proved to combat free radicals and check the growth of cancerous tumors by preventing cellular mutations. This oil also enhances the immune power of the body and helps to fight against cold, flu, nervous tension and numerous other diseases.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally. Always use essential oils after diluting it in carrier oils as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may harm you when used directly on the skin. Citrus oils in general have photo-toxicity effect so avoid using it before going out in the sun. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the right essential oil for your individual constitution and appropriate health condition.

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

Gas Chromatography Report of Orange sweet essential oil.

Thought for the day:

When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the world wondering how the hell you did it.      – Unknown

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF SWEET ORANGE OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
  2. How to Use Orange Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  3. Citrus Essential Oils: Flavor and Fragrance from Wiley
  4. Citrus Oils: Composition, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Contaminants, and Biological Activity (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press

Reference Links:

  1. Oranges: History, Types and Uses by HubPages
  2. Efficacy of an orange oil emulsion as an anthelmintic against Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and in sheep (Ovis aries) submitted to Veterinary Parasitology, published in USDA Agricultural Research Service Website
  3. Citrus sinensis by World Agroforestry Centre
  4. Effect of Sweet Orange Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Clary Sage Oil

Clary-sage-banner‘Clear Eye, Eye of Christ and See Bright’ are the popular names of Clary Sage herb for its excellent remedial properties that aid in cleansing the eyes and brightening the vision.

With its rich content of natural phyto-estrogens, this herb and its essential oil steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of the perennial plant Salvia sclarea, have been used since the primordial times for alleviating female problems like dysmennorhea or pain during menses, menopausal difficulties and pain during pregnancy and delivery.

Clary Sage herb has been used in Ayurveda as a tonic for augmenting physical, psychological and emotional strength for thousands of years. The Ayurveda and Aromatherapy book by Bryan and Light Miller quotes Clary Sage oil as, “It is antidepressant, revitalizing, aphrodisiac and helps rejuvenate the female system.

Sage detoxifies, heats up the body, cleanses, balances and stimulates perspiration, especially during hot flashes. It is specific for water retention problems, depression and hormonal imbalance.”

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Purchase Clary Sage Hydrosol – 1 Litre – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Clary Sage:

The name Clary Sage is of Latin origin from the word ‘Clarus’ means clear and the tea prepared from the leaves, flowers and seeds of this plant was trusted to grant clear eyesight and mental clarity. Indigenous to the Northern Mediterranean region along with Central Asia and North Africa, Clary Sage is cultivated widely in Russia and France for the essential oil production.

Clary Sage was held high since the primeval period as a panacea for many illnesses and was believed to have the potential for gifting immortality to mankind. The remedial use of this plant dates back to the 4th century BC in the herbal writings of Theophrastus, Pliny The Elder and Dioscorides. It is said to shed light on one’s instinct and pave way for having a clear vision on the future.

The Jamaican folklore medicine used Clary Sage herb for cooling and cleansing the eyes, treating ulcers and inflammation. It was used in the Ayurvedic medicine for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, menopausal problems, fear, anxiety and delayed menstruation. This oil has been used in Oriental medicine for strengthening and circulating the vital force of the body known as ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’.

The seeds of this plant have a mucilaginous cover that was used in ancient herbal medicine for removing the foreign object in one’s eyes and it was Nicholas Culpeper, the renowned herbalist who named Clary Sage as ‘Clear Eye’ in his book Complete Herbal (1653).

Clary Sage is a key ingredient in many European products like the Elderflowers which still uses this herb as a prominent flavoring in Italian vermouth and Muscatel wine and liquer. It is also used as a favorite flavoring ingredient for cigarettes for R.K. Reynolds and certain other famous tobacco companies.

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

According to the Gas chromatography report, Clary Sage oil constitutes of 15 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Linalyl acetate contributes to the highest proportion of Clary Sage oil constituents with about 46.7% of its total composition.

Just click on:

I believe that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about these prime chemical constituents of Clary Sage oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these biochemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Clary Sage essential oil.

clary-sage

Therapeutic properties of Clary Sage essential oil:

The remedial properties of this oil are anti-inflammatory, relaxant, mental stimulant, carminative, nervine, deodorant, aphrodisiac, euphoric, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, hypotensive, anti-convulsive, nerve tonic, bactericidal, uterine, astringent and sedative.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Clary Sage essential oil:

Devotedly called as the ‘Mother of all healing sciences’, Ayurveda is a 5000 year old healing methodology and is known as the oldest of all healing systems on earth.

Being a pioneer to almost all the medicinal practices in the world, Ayurveda preaches the techniques for leading a ‘Disciplined life’ and this discipline indicates a systematic life with a synchronized lifestyle, balanced diet, simple physical exercises, meditation, yoga and prayers, all of which are a part of the Ayurvedic routine.

The elegance of Ayurveda lies in its respect and reception of Nature as the sole reason for the wellness of humanity. When our life is in harmony with nature, we are privileged to live a healthy and enhanced living with increased life span free of illnesses. Being a part of nature, human beings are also made up of the five vital elements of nature namely earth, water, fire, air and space.

Ayurveda trusts that every individual has a unique constitution made up of three dynamic energies of nature known as doshas. These are a representation of the five elements known as Panchaboothas.

Vata is the elemental force of air and space. Pitta is the fundamental energy of fire and water and Kapha is a basic force of earth and water. Ayurvedic philosophy states that the personality, behavior, physical, mental and emotional set up of a person is determined by the natural presence of these three doshas.

Balance between these doshas indicates health and harmony with nature and imbalances due to change in lifestyle and climatic conditions cause doshic imbalances leading to illness.

Ayurvedic remedies like herbs, essential oils, Ayurvedic massaging techniques, Ayurvedic routine, yoga and meditation practices treat diseases by correcting the imbalances of doshas after analyzing the individual constitution and root cause of a sickness. By this way it treats the disease initially and aims in preventing it in the future and focusing on healthy aging and longevity.

Vata is characterized by dry, quick, cold and irregular nature and is treated with essential oils and herbs of warming, sweet and grounding nature. Kapha is identified with heavy, slow and cool nature and is treated with cleansing, stimulating and warming remedies. Pitta is recognized with sharp, hot and forceful nature and is balanced with calming, soothing and cooling Ayurvedic remedies.

Clary Sage essential oil is an all-rounder that is known to treat all the three doshic imbalances and strike absolute balance when there is vitiation of vata, pitta and kapha energies.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Clary Sage essential oil are:

Clary-sage-broucher1. Mitigate menstrual, menopausal and certain other feminine problems:

Most of the problems associated with menstrual and menopausal conditions are caused due to hormonal imbalances, especially the female hormone estrogen. Certain studies indicate that presence of sclareol constituent in Clary Sage oil may provoke an ‘estrogen-like effect’ in the body that helps in treating womanly problems related to hormonal reactions.

Light Miller and Bryan Miller in their book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy say that Clary Sage essential oil is beneficial for all the three doshas and has rejuvenative and female-immune stimulating qualities that aids in building tissues in the uterus and helps in relieving uterine pain and cramps.

Massaging your lower abdomen, thighs and around your reproductive organs with 3 drops of Clary Sage oil mixed 2 ml of coconut oil can be of great assistance in relieving menstrual pain (dysmennorhea), irregular or blocked menstruation with its emmenagogue properties, treat hot flashes and mood swings associated with menopause.

You can mix 5 drops of this oil with 3 ml of virgin olive oil and massage it gently on the feet and palms of the pregnant women before childbirth for relaxing the stretched out muscles, granting mental strength, calming the tensed nerves and lessening the pain during labor.

A 2013 study on Differential Effects on Blood Pressure in Female Patients with Urinary Incontinence Undergoing Urodynamic Examination of Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia proved that “lavender oil inhalation may be inappropriate in lowering stress during urodynamic examinations, despite its antistress effects, while clary oil inhalation may be useful in inducing relaxation in female urinary incontinence patients undergoing urodynamic assessments.”

2. Pacifies the mind and body:

Clary Sage essential oil has a positive and reviving effect on the pituitary gland of the brain, which is responsible controlling stress, growth, blood pressure, pain relief and has an impact on the behavioral pattern as well.  Inhaling the warm, sweet and soothing aroma of Clary Sage oil added to a diffuser, burner or vaporizer helps in alleviating stress, mood swings, tension, anxiety, hopelessness, postpartum depression and uncertainty.

Adding 3 to 4 drops of Clary Sage oil in bath before going to bed can assist in relaxing the nerves and muscles helping in the treatment of fatigue, restlessness, nervous tension and grant peaceful sleep at night. 1 drop of Clary Sage oil added to your pillows or to a tissue placed near your pillow can help in putting an end to your horror dreams or feelings of insecurity by promoting farsighted dreams and presenting you with a euphoric state of mind.

3. Reinforces the reproductive mechanism:

The effect of Clary Sage oil on influencing the reproductive mechanism both in men and women is again related to its enhanced action on the pituitary gland, the pea sized endocrine gland in the brain. Pituitary gland secretes the hormones responsible for uterine contractions during childbirth (release of oxytocin hormones), functions of the sex organs in both male and female, metabolism (the process of converting food into energy), regulation of body temperature and breast milk production.

Massaging your body with 20 drops of Clary Sage oil mixed with 10 ml of jojoba oil along with adding 2 drops of Clary Sage oil to your bathing water and 3 drops in vaporizer or burner at night can help in numerous ways for activating the pituitary gland and stimulate the secretion of hormones responsible for reproductive problems like impotence, frigidity, infertility, loss of sexual interest, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

4. Gifts mental clarity and boosts confidence:

Only a relaxed and calm mind can help in progressive moves and visionary thinking. Clary Sage essential oil stimulates the root chakra and the sacral chakra responsible for endurance and confidence. 2 drops of Clary Sage oil added to your vaporizer, burner or handkerchief can assist in influencing positive thoughts, grant mental clarity, clear confusions and chaos, boost creativity and confidence and induce spiritual feelings naturally.

5. Relieves respiratory infections:

This oil have been used since the ancient times for treating asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, cough and certain other respiratory problems. The positive effects of Clary Sage oil on the respiratory system is mainly because of its mucilaginous produce. The working of this mechanism is that mucilages envelope the mucous membranes and thwarts the pain and irritation of the nerve endings.

Using 2 drops of Clary Sage oil in steam inhalation followed by 2 drops of this oil added to vaporizing ointment and massaged soothingly on your chest, back and throat can be of great assistance in treating spasmodic coughs, respiratory spasms, expelling the phlegm and mucous deposits in the bronchial and nasal passages and soothes the respiratory tract.

6. Treats digestive problems:

Clary Sage oil has carminative and stomachic properties that support in promoting proper digestion, expelling gas in the stomach and intestines, stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, acids and gastric juices responsible for metabolic functions. This working can again be attributed to its encouraging effect on the pituitary gland, accountable for secretion of hormones responsible for metabolic functions.

Dilute 3 drops of Clary Sage oil in bath or massage your abdomen with 4 drops of this oil mixed with 2 ml of sesame oil for curing stomach pain, flatulence, spasmodic cholera, ulcer, cramping, abdominal discomfort, gastrointestinal problems and for regulating the bowel movements.

7. Heals wounds and other skin infections:

Clary Sage essential oil can be your best friend in maintaining youthful and adorable skin. This oil has excellent antiseptic and antibacterial properties that heal wounds speedily, eliminate toxic substances in the body causing acne and blemishes, discard bacteria and other destructive micro-organisms that ruin the skin health by affecting the healthy cellular structure.

Gently massaging your skin with 3 drops of Clary Sage oil mixed with 2 ml of almond oil can work wonders on your skin by retaining the natural moisture, purging the excess oil deposits in the skin, toning the skin, reducing wrinkles and skin inflammation (due to the presence of linalyl acetate) and nurturing its suppleness.

Also helpful in: Clay Sage essential oil is also an excellent natural remedy for treating hypertension, hysteria, nervous convulsions, body odor, uterine tumors and high cholesterol.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for educational purpose and is not meant to diagnose or replace any professional medical advice or prescribed medicines. Do not use essential oils internally without the guidance of your Ayurvedic practitioner, who can grant the best expert consultation in choosing the right essential oils for your medical condition and unique individual constitution.

Ensure that you always use essential oils for topical use only, in a diluted form as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and a skin patch test is advisable if you are using essential oils for the first time. Do not use this oil in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Clary Sage oil.

Clary Sage Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

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

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

The essential of oil of Clary Sage is expressed as non-toxic and exhibits mild skin irritation. Few studies have witnessed the moderate irritating effect of Clary Sage oil on rabbit skin. With a regulatory status of ‘Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)’authorized by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), Clary Sage oil is safe on skin when blended with appropriate carrier oils.

The safe level of dilution for Clary Sage oil is 0.25 % according to Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young in their book, Essential oil safety. In the rodent studies, it has been proved that Clary Sage oil has the greater effect of causing motor (cognitive function) impairment and sedation, thus the excess use of this oil might end up in dizziness, headache and lowering the level of concentration (especially during the use in Aromatherapy massage).

For this reason, it is recommended to avoid the use of Clary Sage oil while you’re taking alcohol or any other narcotic drugs. This oil also has the ability to potentially influence the Limbic system, especially the pituitary gland and thalamus.

Clary Sage is also said to contain hypotensive (decreasing blood pressure) properties and is advised to avoid the use of this oil if you have low blood pressure.

The most popular attribute of Clary sage oil is its estrogenic effect and is not an estrogen mimic. The presence of the sclareol, which has an estrogen-like structure is responsible for this effect and supports in the treatment of menstrual conditions. It binds with estrogen receptor sites, blocking the activity of the system’s own estrogens, ending up in the lessening of estrogenic action.

The use of Clary Sage oil, especially during the early stages of pregnancy is highly recommended as it may cause uterine contractions and stimulate menstrual flow. Clary Sage oil is also used by nursing mothers to stop lactation so do not use Clary Sage oil if you are breastfeeding as it has an anti-galactogogue property.

Never ingest essential oils and remember to dilute in suitable carrier oils before dermal application, as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and might cause adverse effects in your system. This pertains only for products engaged in topical use and is not valid for wash-off products like soaps, shampoos and other bathing varieties.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Clary Sage Oil:

  1. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals By Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young
  2. Leung’s Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics by Ikhlas A. Khan and Ehab A. Abourashed.
  3. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition by Zoe Gardner, Michael McGuffin
  4. Is Clary Sage oil Estrogenic? by Robert Tisserand
  5. Clary Sage oil by Mercola.com
  6. Randomized controlled trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: differential effects on blood pressure in female patients with urinary incontinence undergoing urodynamic examination by the Department of Nursing Science, Korea University published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
  7. The role of essential oils in the treatment and management of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder by Heather Godfrey, published in the International Journal of Aromatherapy

Thought for the day:

Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers. -Robert Green Ingersoll

Suggested Reading:

  1. Clary Sage Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  2. Mind Body Soul Aromatherapy by Rosa C Murphy M.Ed.
  3. How to Use Clary Sage Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  4. Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby by Allison England R.N.
  5. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay

Reference Links:

  1. Salvia sclarea by Wikipedia
  2. Clary Sage: Peaceful Rejuvenation by Vedic Society
  3. Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Light Miller and Bryan Miller
  4. 38+ Benefits and Uses for Clary Sage Oil by Sustainable Baby Steps
  5. Randomized Controlled Trial for Salvia sclarea or Lavandula angustifolia: Differential Effects on Blood Pressure in Female Patients with Urinary Incontinence Undergoing Urodynamic Examination submitted to the Department of Basic Nursing Science, Korea University, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine


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