Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea-tree-bannerTea tree oil is a knight in shining armor as it acts as a shield against all kinds of infections including bacterial, viral, fungal and microbial. It is a must-have essential oil in your medicine cabinet and can assist you in times of distress. Although Tea Tree has nothing to do with the tea we drink, I often remember this magnificent herb as a tea for the entire system that has the potential to heal, pacify and cure us in a number of ways.

The essential oil of Tea tree is extracted from the leaves of this tree. Ayurveda, the science of natural healing makes use of Tea tree and its essential oil for treating many infectious diseases, respiratory problems like asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis, venomous bites and skin problems like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Purchase Tea Tree Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Tea Tree Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Tea tree oil:

Born in Australia, Tea tree is the love and pride of the Australian kingdom where more than 300 species of Tea trees grow naturally. The Aborigines are regarded as the first ones to use Tea tree leaves before thousands of years as an antiseptic for healing wounds, cuts, burns and insect bites.

It was the British explorer Captain Cook who named this tree as ‘Tea tree’ when he found the native people using the leaves of this tree in preparing a medicated tea and he used this drink to prevent scurvy in his men.

As an excellent antimicrobial and antiseptic oil, Tea tree oil was prevalently used in war fields for healing the wound of soldiers (especially in the Australian Army during World War II) and keeping them protected from the infestation of harmful microbes.

One of the pools in Australia is known as the ‘Magical Lagoon’ just because it was surrounded by Tea trees and leaves fall in the water and make it a medicated bathing pool. People who take bath in this pool have said that it helped in healing burns, wounds and certain other skin infections.

Tea tree oil is held-high for its anti-poisonous effects and is generally known as Snake oil just because the fact that this oil has enormous detoxifying properties that aids in taking way the venom of a poisonous snake bite.

The fresh leave juice was also applied on the affected area for treating scorpion stings and other poisonous insect bites. Tea tree leaves are also used in poultices and the decoction extracted from boiling these leaves are known to heal wounds and inflammations both internally and externally.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Tea tree oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Tea tree oil constitutes of 8 chemical components that contribute to its unique fragrance, remedial properties and quality. Tea tree oil is enriched with about 41.9% of Terpinen-4-ol constituent.

Just click on:

For knowing more about the specific information of these key constituents of Tea tree oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the principal chemical constituents and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Tea tree oil.

Teatree-OilRemedial properties of Tea tree oil:

This oil has antimicrobial, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, stimulant, disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-infectious, antipyretic, vulnerary, expectorant, balsamic, cicatrisant, sudorific and insecticide.

The chemical constituents responsible for these therapeutic properties are 1,8-cineole, limonene, terpinen-4-ol, myrcene, a-pinene, linalool, sabinene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, a-terpineol,  b-pinene a-phellandrene, terpinolene and p-cymene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Tea tree essential oil:

Ayurveda is a holistic healing methodology that not only treats illnesses but aims to prevent it in future. It does not recommend same remedies for all even with the same disease as it regards that every individual is a unique part of nature and their illnesses should also be treated in a unique way.

For this, Ayurvedic treatment starts with identifying the unique individual constitution that is built up of 3 energy elements known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta dosha. Vata is said to govern the movement of air, metabolic functions, process of elimination and much more.

Pitta is responsible for digestion, decision making, body temperature and creation of energy. The structure of our body, movement of fluids, skin health, stability and lubrication of joints are all controlled by kapha dosha.

Every human being is said to have a predominance of any one of these doshas that determines their personality, character and behavior. Balance between these three doshas indicates that a person is healthy and imbalance causes illness. Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic routine are prescribed in such a way that it helps in bringing perfect balance between these doshas.

Tea tree essential oil is said to have equal effects on all the three doshas with its cooling and moisturizing energies. The book on ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Light Miller and Bryan Miller states that Tea tree oil is extremely beneficial for skin, respiratory system and nervous system.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Tea tree essential oil.Tea-tree-broucher1. Benefits to the skin and hair:

Tea tree essential oil has been proved 12 times better than carbolic acid that has been used as an antiseptic bactericide in primeval times. This is mainly because of its effectiveness in treating various skin ailments with its antimicrobial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, disinfectant and antiviral properties.

Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for acne and this is substantiated by a 1990 study on ‘A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne’, which states that both Tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide are effective in treating acne.

It says that Tea tree showed “a significant effect in ameliorating the patients’ acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions (open and closed comedones)” with fewer side effects than BP where about 79 percent of people who used BP had various side effects like dryness, itching, stinging and burning sensation.

This exemplary oil also has antiseptic and cicatrisant properties that promote wounds, boils, cuts, burns and rashes to heal quickly. It reduces scars and marks by stimulating the growth of new skin cells and eliminates the dead skin cells.

Mix 2 drops of Tea tree oil with 15 drops of Jojoba oil or with your skin care cream or lotion and apply it on your acne for visible results and on your wounds for quicker healing. This blend is also effective on scars left by pox, accidents, acne, surgical and stretch marks.

Dandruff and lice are the major hair problems that screw your hair’s health most often. Being an effective fungicidal and antimicrobial oil, Tea tree oil fights against the harmful agents causing dandruff and nourishes the dry scalp with its moisturizing properties and it also kills head lice. Add 2 drops of Tea tree oil in your mild shampoo and massage it gently on your scalp for quick relief.

2. Benefits to the respiratory system:

Having enormous anti-infectious properties, Tea tree oil is one among the best essential oils for fighting against viral infections like cold, cough, congestion and other respiratory problems like sinusitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma and pharyngitis. Most of these problems start worsening when the infection spreads all over the system.

Tea tree oil fights against all kinds of contagious foreign bodies and arrest their further growth. The expectorant properties of this oil make it powerful in loosening the phlegm and mucous deposits that causes breathing difficulties.

Add 2 to 3 drops of Tea tree oil to warm bathing water and go for a refreshing bath. You can add 2 drops of this oil to steam inhalation for opening blocked nasal passages, treat chest congestion and get relief from headache and sinusitis. You can also add 2 drops of Tea tree oil to your rub and gently massage on your chest, neck and back for significant relief.

3. Benefits to the mind:

With its warm, spicy, refreshing, camphoraceous, soothing, aromatic-terpenic (monoterpenes of pine) fragrance pacifies and encourages the mind. Tea tree oil is said to appease the mind and body after shock, anxiety, fear and fatigue.

Massaging your body with 5 drops of tea tree oil blended with 40 to 45 drops of coconut oil can help in uplifting your mood, relax the muscles, strengthen your emotions and alleviate stress and depression. You can also add 3 drops of Tea tree oil to your burner, diffuser or vaporizer to encircle your mind with a clean and fresh feeling.

4. Guards against all kinds of infections:

Tea tree oil protects the body from harmful organisms and by killing the existing ones and preventing the growth of new ones. It strengthens your immunity and makes your body resistant against the effects of all kinds of infections.

A comparative study of Tea tree oil along with clotrimazole tested 112 people affected by toenails fungal infection and Tea tree oil was proved as powerful as an antifungal remedy. Add 2 drops of Tea tree oil in warm foot bath to cleanse your skin and kill the infectious agents on the skin followed by topical application of 2 drops of Tea tree oil with 8 drops of olive oil can help in treating fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal infection of the toenails, dermatitis, vaginal infections and other skin ailments caused due to fungi.

The study on ‘Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties’ proved that Tea tree oil is effective in fighting against numerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium avium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes. This contributes to the antiseptic and antibiotic values of this oil.

This oil has been studied in Europe and US as an effective douching treatment for candida albicans. 5 drops of this oil added to 1 half pint of water can serve as a powerful vaginal douche Susanne Fischer-Rizzi.

Topical application of 2 drops of Tea tree oil mixed with 10 drops coconut oil aids in treating bed sores, psoriasis, abscesses, boils, wounds, insect bites, cold sores, diaper rashes, herpes, dermatitis, genito-urinary infections, cystitis, vaginal thrush, ear infections and deep wounds.

Other health benefits:

Tea tree has become a common ingredient in many popular anti-dandruff shampoos, acne soaps, skin care creams and lotions. It can also be used to treat rheumatic pain, bad breath, oral infections (as a gargle by adding 2 drops of this oil to warm water), cankers, candida, flea bites, jock itch, plantar warts, mosquito bites, sciatica, ticks, seborrhea, sunburn and much more.

Disclaimer: Never use essential oils internally. This article is only for the purpose of educations and is not meant for diagnosis or to replace any prescribed medication or professional advice. Always remember to use essential oils in a diluted form for topical application. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health condition and individual body type.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Tea tree oil.

Thought for the day:

Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral. -John Burroughs

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF TEA TREE OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) By KG Stiles
  2. How to Use Tea Tree Oil – 90 Great Ways to Use Natures “Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle” – Acne, Boils, Head Lice, Nail Fungus, Ringworm, Skin Tags, – Health … Uses, Dilutions and Lots More! (What Is?) By Ruth Elston
  3. How to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) By Miriam Kinai
  4. Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide By Cynthia Olsen

Reference Links:

  1. Tea tree oil by Wikipedia
  2. Tea tree oil by The American Cancer Society
  3. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne by Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW published in PubMed
  4. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties by C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, and T. V. Riley published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews by the American Society For Microbiology

Sandal Wood Essential Oil

Sandal-wood-bannerWell begun is half done’ is a great saying that is often related to the use of the most mesmerizing and reviving Sandal wood essential oil for spiritual ceremonies, meditation and other Ayurvedic remedies for treating a wide range of health conditions.

Extracted from the woods of the Santalum Album Linn trees that are 30 to 60 years old by steam distillation method, Sandal wood oil is celebrated as the priceless treasure of the Indian Subcontinent.

Popularly known as Chandana in Sanskrit, this oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine for attaining enlightenment, awakening selfless love and for treating an array of physical and emotional health problems. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore said “if to prove that love would conquer hate, the sandalwood perfumes the very axe that lays it low”.

Purchase Sandalwood Absolute – 5% Dilution in Pure Jojoba – CLICK HERE

Historical Importance of Sandal Wood:

In my perspective, I’ve never seen such a fascinating history as that of Sandal wood. Indigenous to the Southern parts of India, Sandal wood is often a ‘Signature’ of the primordial Indian culture and is the traditional leader in the production of Sandal wood oil for pharmaceuticals and perfumery.

The oil of Sandal wood was used in ritual bathing of Gods of the Hindu religion. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana, one of the ancient mythological manuscripts mentions that the most powerful Goddess Lakshmi alleged to reside in the Sandal wood tree.

Vamana Purana suggests the use of Sandal Wood for worshiping Lord Shiva, one among the 3 major Gods of the Hinduism. It is also used for decorating new born babies, brides and bridegrooms along with flowers and other aromatic substances.

Sandal wood oil is highly respected by numerous ethnicities of the world including Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. This oil is a vital ingredient in the manufacturing of attar since the medieval times.

The primeval Egyptians used Sandal wood oil for embalming the deceased, for treating skin disorders and in spiritual flaming for honoring the Gods. Certain Hindu communities place a piece of Sandal wood in the funeral pyre.

Saints and priests of India use Sandal wood in homam and yagna yagam for glorifying and inviting Gods for getting their immaculate blessings. Even today, Sandal wood paste is applied on the forehead as a symbol of religious belief and for augmenting the concentration power when applied on the forehead.

The heartwood of this tree is considered as a symbol of sacredness in the Vedic texts. It is named after Indra, the Lord of the paradise as Indra’s Sandal wood tress and is said to adore the entire paradise with its compelling aroma.

Therapeutic properties and components of Sandal wood oil:

The major constituents of Sandal wood oil are Santyl acetate, Santalol and Santalenes. The remedial properties of this oil are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, anti-phlogistic, regenerating, cicatrisant, expectorant, sedative, emollient, hypotensive, tonic, diuretic, carminative, disinfectant and aphrodisiac.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Sandal wood oil:

Sandal wood is undoubtedly one of the strongest smelling plants in the world. It is a dignified natural medicine and the best among the sanctified herbs in the Ayurvedic world. Apart from the spiritual uses, Sandal wood oil is used as a distinguished remedy for numerous illnesses. Among the 3 energy elements (doshas) of the human body, Sandal wood and its oil treats vata (air) aggravation and is said to pacify and balance the fire energy pitta and the water energy kapha.

With its exceptional and uniform tenacity, exceptionally soft, magnificent, uplifting and sweet-woody aroma, Sandal wood oil has the potential to benefit the reproductive system, nervous system, marrows, plasma, muscular system and circulatory system.

The predominant Ayurvedic health benefits of Sandal wood oil are:Sandal-wood-broucher1. Repairs, rejuvenates and nourishes the skin and hair:

Sandal wood oil is an extremely skin-friendly oil that helps in treating vata based skin problems like flaking, dryness, wrinkling, cracking, roughness and coldness. Pitta imbalances cause acne, oily skin, black heads, blemishes, sensitivity and skin irritations.

Using Sandal wood oil in your skin care cream or lotion aids in repairing the damaged cells, eliminating the toxin deposits in the skin, moisturizes and soothes the skin, enriches the skin cells, enhances the skin texture, keeps your skin fresh and helps you get a fair complexion.

The astringent, antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-aging, cicatrisant and disinfectant properties of Sandal wood oil protect the skin from harmful bacteria, virus and other fungal infestations.

A recent study have proved that the presence of α-santalol and β-santalol in Sandal wood oil fights effectively against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and another gram negative bacteria Helicobacter pylori while it also exhibited anti-influenza effect against virus activity.

When applied on the skin as an antiseptic, this oil aids in healing wounds, cuts, sores, scars, inflamed skin, pimples and burns very quickly while preventing it from turning septic.

Sandal wood powder and oil along with the ‘Golden herb’ Turmeric is a traditional beauty secret of the Queens of the Indian kingdom and is now followed to enhance the beauty of the Brides before their marriage.

Apart from benefitting the skin, Sandal wood oil is extremely good for treating hair problems. In their book ‘Ayurveda and AromatherapyBryan Miller and Light Miller have wrote that Sandal wood oil is effective in treating split ends and dandruff due to vata imbalance.

They also suggest a natural blend of medicated oils for massaging your hair for treating dandruff. This blend includes adding 10 drops of Sandal wood oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of cypress oil and 10 drops of yarrow oil with 4 ounce of Sesame oil.

2. Augments mind power:

Sandalwood essential oil has a cooling effect on the brain and a calming effect on the mind. The sedative properties of this oil guard the nervous system and alleviate the off-putting effects of stress and other negative feelings.

For this invigorating reaction, Sandal wood essential oil is celebrated as a perfect meditation tool for more than thousands of years. When used in the form of incense sticks, in diffusers, burners or vaporizers this oil stimulates sensuality, grants a sense of awareness, invokes tranquility, awakens the divine thoughts within and promotes profound relaxation.

Inhaling the energizing aroma of this oil enhances memory power, unlocks the cellular memory of past experiences, clears confusions in the brain, augments spiritual bond and supports trouble-free concentration.

Applying 1 drop of Sandal wood essential oil on the third eye (in between your eyebrows) is said to boost intelligence and lessen depressive feelings. This point is also known as the point of concentration.

3. Treats pain, inflammation, digestive and respiratory problems:

The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil grants complete relief from various types of inflammation in the digestive system, excretory system, nervous system, brain and circulatory system as a result of fever, adverse effects of over-the-counter antibiotics, venomous bites, infections, wounds, fever, poisoning etc.,

Being a natural diuretic, Sandal wood essential oil pacifies the urinary system and helps discharge the toxins and infections in the body through urine.

Used in vapor therapy, this oil is also known to treat respiratory problems like bronchitis, chest infections, cough, cold and asthma. A 1999 study by the College of Pharmacy, Brookings proved that Sandalwood oil has the potential to prevent skin tumour development and is an effective chemo-preventive agent against chemically induced skin cancer.

4. Traditional aphrodisiac:

Sandal wood paste and oil are a time-honored aphrodisiac that boost the libido in both men and women, treats impotence, increases the sexual desire, and promotes reproductive health. Sandal wood essential oil is extensively used in yoga therapy for crafting sexual energy in nature.

Using perfumes with Sandal wood oil, adding 1 or 2 drops of this oil to your bath tub before bedtime, spreading the magic of love in your bedroom by adding 2 drops of Sandal wood oil to your diffuser or massaging your partner with 1 to 2 drops of this oil blended with soothing carrier oils like jojoba oil will bring in a natural feeling of togetherness.     

5. Classic relaxant:

Sandal wood oil is nature’s best relaxant. With its sedative properties and enriching fragrance, this oil soothes the nerves, calms your senses, and relaxes your tensed muscles and blood vessels.

The encouraging aroma of this oil keeps away from anxiety, fear and restlessness. 2 drops of this oil added to your diffuser can act as a daily dose of relief for treating tension headache, tiredness, stress and for influencing positive feelings.

A 2006 study on ‘East Indian Sandal wood and alpha-santalol odor increase physiological and self-rated arousal in humans’ states that Sandal wood is an important medicine in Ayurvedic treatment for treating both mental and somatic problems.

This research also proved that Sandal wood oil raised skin conductance level, pulse rate and systolic blood pressure. The regenerating odor of Sandal wood was proved to augment physiological and self-rated arousal in human beings.

The cooling and energizing attributes of this oil aids in quick relief at the time of panic attacks, bladder infections, irritability and nervous tension. It upholds tranquility and brings absolute harmony between the mind and the body.

These health benefits can be attained either by diluting 2 to 3 drops of this oil in the bath or by using it as a blend with carrier oils in massaging. For all these compelling medicinal values, Sandal wood oil is used in various treatments of Ayurvedic healing like Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage, meditation, aromatherapy, marma therapy and in numerous other medicinal practices.

Sandal wood is the beauty secret of Queens and ladies of the imperial families and is now a part of high quality perfumes, soaps, beauty creams, skin care products, incense sticks and many other products.

Disclaimer:

Pure Sandal wood oil is highly concentrated and is not recommended to be applied directly on the skin. Always dilute it in mild carrier oils before using it for topical application. This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to replace any prescription medicines or professional advice of your healthcare professional.

Thought for the day:

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

  1. How to Use Sandalwood Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  2. Heal With Oil: How To Use The Essential Oils of Ancient Scripture by Rebecca Totilo
  3. Ayurvedic Healing by Frena Gray-Davidson

Reference Links:

  1. Sandalwood: history, uses, present status and the future by Geeta Joshi, Arun Kumar A.N. and Mohan Ram H.Y.
  2. East Indian Sandalwood and alpha-santalol odor increase physiological and self-rated arousal in humans published in PubMed
  3. Health Benefits of Sandal Wood Essential Oil by Organic Facts

Thuja Wood Essential Oil

thujawood-bannerBy saying ‘the tree of life’, I am not talking about the premier English movie of 2011 or about the common motif in mythologies and philosophies. Tree of life is a common name of the Thuja tree, botanically known as Thuja occidentalis. This name indicates the restorative and medicinal values of this herb in addressing various illnesses.

The essential oil of Thuja is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves, branchlets and wood of this tree. Thuja as a promising herb has been used prevalently in Ayurveda to treat warts, psoriasis, bronchial catarrh, uterine carcinomas, rheumatism, cystitis and certain other chronic infections of the upper respiratory system.

Purchase Thuja Wood Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Thuja and its essential oil:

Thuja is known to the world most popularly as an ornamental tree and has been used widely for hedges. The word ‘Thuja’ is a Greek word meaning thuo (to sacrifice) or ‘to fumigate’. The aromatic wood of this tree was initially burnt as a sacrifice to God in the ancient times. It has been a part of the traditional healing system like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy for treating numerous illnesses naturally.

Thuja occidentalis also known as Eastern White Cedar was celebrated as a powerful remedy for treating and preventing scurvy. The native Canadians used the leaves (needles) of this tree to prepare tea that has been claimed to contain 50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of leaves. This tea was also used as an effective remedy for treating rheumatism and menstrual pain. Thuja is also used in evidence-based phytotherapy for treating chronic and acute infections of the upper respiratory system, angina, pharyngitis and bronchitis.

Indigenous to northeastern parts of North America, Thuja essential oil is claimed to be first used by the American Indians for treating insomnia, gout, cold, dandruff and eczema. The leaves were also used in preparing a decoction for treating cold, congestion, uterine carcinomas, intestinal parasites, cystitis, fever, headache and stomach pain.

Thuja was listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as a diuretic to enhance urine flow and as a treatment to stimulate the functions of the uterus. It was used as incense by the ancient people. Thuja is also used in making pest repellants, shoe polish, perfumes and furniture polishes.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Thuja essential oil:

Thuja oil consists of camphene, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, delta-sabinene, alpha-pinene, camphone, bornyl acetate, terpinenol and fenchone. These chemical components contribute to its therapeutic values like emmenagogue, stimulant, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, rubefacient, astringent, tonic, febrifuge, expectorant, vermifuge and insect repellant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Thuja essential oil:

Ayurveda means the ‘science of life’ or the ‘knowledge of life’. This incredible healing system is treating humanity for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is adorably called as the mother of all healing sciences just because the other popular healing practices like Siddha, Homeopathy, Unani, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) are all the branches of the Ayurvedic tree. The success behind this sacred healing methodology is its intimate connection with ‘Mother Nature’.

Human beings are a part of nature according to Ayurvedic philosophy and it strongly insists that a disciplined life style along with the use of herbs, essential oils, meditation, yoga and spiritual oneness is the secret behind healthy aging and longevity. Anything that makes use of natural remedies automatically falls under the Ayurvedic wing and paves way for prevention of diseases and complete well-being.

Health according to Ayurvedic texts is the combination of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. It defines that every individual has a unique constitution made of three biological energies known as doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha dosha. Every one of us will have a predominance of any one of these doshas deciding our physical, mental and behavioral qualities. Perfect balance between these doshas means that a person is hale and hearty and imbalance of these doshas leads to illnesses.

Ayurvedic remedies are focused towards striking an ideal balance between these doshas as these energies are responsible for controlling our metabolic functions, nervous system, lymphatic system, functions of the brain, respiratory system, excretory system and the circulatory system. Thuja herb and its essential oil are commonly used in Ayurveda for treating many diseases and is said to pacify kapha and pitta dosha and increase vata dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Thuja essential oil are:

thujawood-broucher1. Treats menstrual discomforts:

Thuja is one among the best natural remedies for treating menstrual problems. Vata dosha is responsible for the process of elimination from the body like sweat, urine, feces and menstrual fluids. As this oil aggravates vata energy, it has been proven effective in treating delayed menstruation, blocked periods and promoting regular menstruation in case of very little flow during periods.

Apart from this, Thuja oil is also powerful in alleviating other symptoms of menses like severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, fatigue, cramps and loss of temper. Thuja is a popular homeopathic remedy for dealing with menstrual disorders and ovarian cysts.

You can add 2 drops of Thuja oil to warm bathing water or mix 1 drop of Thuja oil with 10 drops of sesame oil and gently massage on your lower abdomen to treat menstrual pain, fatigue, nausea and restlessness.

2. Alleviates serious skin problems:

Thuja essential oil extracted from its leaves, wood and root is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for treating warts including genital warts and venereal warts. HPV is the human pappiloma virus that is responsible for genital warts. It’s been found that there are about 1 million new HPV cases every year and about 15 to 40% of the adult population is affected by HPV in the United States.

Thuja essential oil has been proved effective in treating warts by stimulating the immune system and making it defensive against viruses and in treating the existing cells that are virally affected. Notably, this herb was used externally in the form of ointment or tincture for treating venereal warts, ringworm, warts and thrush in the 19th century.

Blend 2 drops of Thuja oil with 15 to 20 drops of Olive oil and apply topically on the affected areas for quick relief. This blend is commonly used in Homeopathic medicine for treating warts and it is also recommended for treating other skin problems like itching, aging spots, syphilis, distorted nails, burns, bed sores, psoriasis, eczema and vaginal infections.

3. Relieves rheumatic pain:

Excess deposits of fluids, salt, uric acid, toxins and improper blood circulation are the major causes for rheumatic pain, arthritis, inflammation and gout. Excess kapha is responsible for stagnation of water and other fluids in the body and decreased vata leads to improper blood circulation.

Thuja oil works by reducing kapha and promoting vata dosha. Gently massaging 2 drops of Thuja oil mixed with 15 drops of coconut oil promotes blood circulation and helps in relieving pain, reduce inflammation and promote the elimination of salts, excess water, uric and other toxins through urine.

4. Eliminates harmful toxins:

Ayurvedic texts state that accumulation of ama or toxins in the body is the primary cause for numerous health conditions like obesity, acne, renal calculi, urinary infections, prostate problems, digestive disorders, intestinal worms, respiratory problems and heart diseases.

Thuja is a promising detoxifier, astringent and diuretic that aids in eliminating the harmful toxins and other excessive deposits like salt, uric acid etc., through urine and purify the blood stream. Mix 2 to 3 drops of Thuja oil with 20 drops of sesame oil in massage or add 2 drops in hot compress or bathing water or in your vaporizer for getting rid of toxins.

This oil also assists in killing bacteria and viruses responsible for many diseases. Thuja oil also acts as and expectorant and helps in relieving cold, cough, bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, asthma and other respiratory problems due to congestive heart failure. Add 2 drops of Thuja oil in steam inhalation and gently rub your chest, neck and back with 2 drops of this oil blended with 15 drops of warm coconut oil for good relief from respiratory problems.

5. Stimulates the entire system:

Thuja acts as a tonic to the entire system by stimulating the functions of digestive system, excretory system, nervous system and endocrinal system. It promotes the secretion of gastric juices, bile, hormones and other enzymes in the body. This oil also aids in regenerating the growth of red blood cells and white blood cells that are responsible for the body’s immune power.

Thuja essential oil has a strong and appealing aroma, when added (2 drops) to your burner, diffuser or vaporizer during meditation, prayer, exercise or your leisure time can make your body resistant to diseases and your mind against stress and worries.

Other uses: Apart from these health benefits, Thuja essential oil is also used in making perfumes, cold rubs, soaps, cosmetics, cologne, insect repellants, household cleaners, cold rubs and toiletries.

Disclaimer: Never take essential oils internally. Remember to dilute essential oils before external use as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids. Thuja essential oil is an abortifacient and it should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Always consult your Ayurvedic physician before using suitable essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution. This is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to diagnose or replace any prescribed medication or medical supervision.

Thought for the day:

Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong-Winston Churchill

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism By Julia Lawless
  2. How to Remove Warts, Moles and Skin Tags: Your Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Effective Removal By Patricia Santhuff
  3. Vaccinosis and its cure by Thuja By J. Compton Burnett

Reference Links:

  1. Thuja by Wikipedia
  2. Thuja by The American Cancer Society
  3. Thuja for the Treatment of Warts by eHow Health
  4. Phytoconstituents and Therapeutic potential of Thuja occidentalis Kumar Brijesh, Rani Ruchi, Das Sanjita, Das Saumya published in Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences
  5. Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae): A Review of its Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Clinical Properties Belal Naser, Cornelia Bodinet, […], and Ulrike Lindequist published in PubMed