Grapefruit Pink Oil

Posted on August 27, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Are you on diet? Then Grapefruit can be your best pal as it is called as ‘Dieter’s best friend‘, for its ability to assist dissolving fat and stays strong to be a vital part of your fitness regimen.

Give that perfect lift to your self-esteem and self-worth with Grapefruit oil, as it works like a magic by cleansing the aura and flushing out depression, lack of self-confidence, mental chaos and other negative feelings at ease.

Adorably called as Madhukarktikum and Kadaaram in Sanskrit, Grapefruit is yet another powerful Ayurvedic remedy for dealing with digestive disorders by stimulating the gall bladder and assisting the secretion of bile and other digestive juices.

The essential oil of Grapefruit is cold pressed from the external rind of this fruit and is recommended for treating weight loss, acne, cellulite, edema, PMS, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

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Historical importance of Grapefruit:

Grapefruit is trusted to be a hybrid variety found in the 18^th century by Captain Shaddock in Jamaica; hence it was called as ‘Shaddock’ or ‘Shattuck’ initially. Later it was named as ‘Grapefruit’ mainly because of its manifestation like clusters of grapes on the trees. Grapefruit was once celebrated as one of the ‘Seven wonders of Barbados’.

Grapefruit is indigenous to the tropical parts of Asia and was originally brought to Europe by the medieval Arabian traders and it slowly spread to other parts of the world. Currently, United States is the world’s leading producer of Grapefruit, followed by People’s Republic of China and South Africa.

As it is an excellent source of various nutrients and phytochemicals, it was used ever since the ancient times as a part of a healthy diet. Whereas Grapefruit essential oil was used in baths for preventing the skin from harmful microbes, supporting healthy skin, enhancing the shine and growth of hair and as a cleansing agent in homes.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Grapefruit Pink oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Grapefruit Pink oil constitutes of 7 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Limonene contributes to the highest proportion of Grapefruit Pink oil constituents with about 96.6% of its total composition.

Just click on:

Limonene

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

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

Therapeutic properties of Grapefruit essential oil:

The remedial values of this oil are antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-tumoral, antioxidant, lymphatic, stimulant, tonic, diuretic, disinfectant, aperitif and fat dissolving.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Grapefruit essential oil:

Health is a three-tier foundation according to Ayurveda, where these three layers are mind, body and soul. It is rightly mentioned in Charaka Samhita, one of the most famous Ayurvedic encyclopedias as “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Ayurveda means ‘the knowledge of life’ and this traditional healing methodology aids in granting that awareness in every human being. Understanding the physical and mental health of oneself helps in leading a blissful life paving way towards longevity.

It has been said that nature is made up of five vital elements namely fire, water, earth, air and space and Ayurvedic texts strongly state that everything that is a part of nature is also made up of these five elements.

The science of Ayurveda follows a holistic healing system, where every individual is considered as a unique part of nature with a unique individual constitution just like our fingerprints.

This constitution comprises of three vital biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha doshas, where each dosha represent a combination of two vital elements.

Kapha represents earth and water, and is responsible for structure of the body, sustenance and the movement of fluids in the system. Pitta represents fire and water and is in charge of digestion, absorption, excretion and certain other metabolic functions.

Vata stands for air and ether, and is accountable for circulation, respiration and nervous functions of the body. When an individual’s health is on par with nature, there is perfect health and harmony and when there is imbalance due to food, lifestyle and certain other factors, illnesses occur.

Balance between these three doshas indicates complete health and imbalance causes diseases. Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and simple physical exercises focus on striking balance between these doshas. Grapefruit essential oil is said to pacify vata and kapha dosha and aggravate pitta dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Grapefruit oil are:1. Fights the symptoms of aging naturally:

Aging can be the worst enemy for all those beauty conscious kings and queens out there, especially in the late 30s when everyone’s dreams are on the route of reaching their destination. When thousands of chemical-based products flood the market with the claim of ‘guaranteed younger look’, how will you feel if I say that the simple, natural and glorious fruit like Grapefruit can fight against all the symptoms of aging, just like that? Feeling awesome right!

FRTA or the Free radical theory of aging can assist you in understanding the real causes of aging. This theory states that “organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.” These free radicals cause oxidative damage in the cells, which pave way for aging and other age-related disorders like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Numerous studies have proven that antioxidants are the best remedy for arresting the oxidative damage of cells by passivating the cellular structure from the damage caused by free radicals.

To your wonder, Grapefruit and its essential oil have the most powerful antioxidant lycopene, which is responsible for its attractive pink or red color. It has been established that antioxidants like lycopene assists in fighting aging of cells and fight against malignant tumors caused due to the harmful effects of free radicals.

According to a study by the Brigham Young University, “Small concentrations of grapefruit essential oil showed an 80.5% cell inhibition value for skin cancer cells.” The presence of limonene in Grapefruit oil supports about 80% of carcinomas in breast cancer to degenerate with comparatively lesser toxicity, says the reports on Grapefruit essential oil by the Purdue University.

In addition to this, Grapefruit essential oil has adequate amount of spermidine, which is a polyamine compound playing significant roles in the survival of cells. Every cell has spermidine like compounds and cellular aging happens when the growth of spermidine falls.

Using 2 drops of Grapefruit essential oil blended with 1ml of Jojoba oil or along with a mild skin care lotion or cream as a massaging blend can promote the secretion of spermidine compounds that support the growth of healthy cells, helping you look younger and youthful.

This massaging can also help in fighting against the free radicals that cause aging and other chronic illnesses. Adding Grapefruit to your daily diet is also a great idea to retain your beauty and nurture your skin health.

2. Protects the skin from microbial infections:

Grapefruit essential oil has antiseptic and disinfectant properties that wrestle against harmful organisms like bacteria and virus. The antiviral and antibacterial effects of this oil make it one among the best essential oils for treating wounds, cuts, bruises, acne and other microbial infections. It kills the existing microbes in the body that cause infections and prevents the entry of new microbes.

Using 2 drops of Grapefruit essential oil in warm bathing water in the morning or before going to bed can help in combating the growth of microbes and protect the body microbial infections all day long.

You can also add 1 drop of Grapefruit oil to your daily lotion or skin cream for pampering your skin. Along with this, the fresh and refreshing citrus aroma of Grapefruit oil keeps your skin fresh, regenerated and absolutely clean.

3. Boosts positive energy and adds up to your mental strength:

Grapefruit essential oil has an immaculate aroma that is neat as a new pin and has excellent aromatic effect on the mind. The anti-depressant properties of this oil flushes out the negative thoughts, depressive feelings and emotions that demotivate the mind and stop you from moving ahead.

The uplifting aroma of Grapefruit essential oil reaches the limbic system, the control center of the human brain through the nasal passages and passes the therapeutic properties of this oil in the form of commands to other parts of the body. Add 2 drops of Grapefruit oil to your diffuser, burner or vaporizer during the night or at the time of prayer or meditation. This oil is said to calm the mind and nerves and grant peaceful sleep at night.

Inhaling the sacred aroma of Grapefruit oil is said to broaden the heart chakra, which is responsible for love and affection along with the solar plexus chakra, which is accountable for self-esteem, confidence and discipline and the third eye chakra meant for intelligence, creativity, spiritualism, consciousness and inner awakening.

By this way, Grapefruit essential oil cleanses the aura, mind and the life force of the human body, which helps in restoring the power and spiritual realm.

4. Burns excess fat and backs up your diet regimen:

Obesity has become a common phenomenon in people of all ages mainly due to unhealthy food habits, lifestyle changes, fast food mania and the lack of physical exercises. Most of these factors seem unavoidable in this contemporary world, where there’s no time to spare for our health and happiness.

According to a popular Complementary and Alternative medicine expert, “taking medicines or drugs for reducing weight or dissolving fat is a hazardous practice and a life-threatening system as well.”

So what to do and what is the natural way to burn away those excess fat and calories that rule your health and harmony? Here you go, Grapefruit and its essential oil have been an effective natural remedy for treating obesity and supporting weight-loss.

This is attributed to its diuretic, lymphatic and aperitif properties. Grapefruit oil works by improving the metabolism process, lowering the cholesterol content, reducing insulin levels and supporting loss of fat positively.

Ayurvedic texts state that the bitter and sour tastes of Grapefruit reside as the predominant reason for enhancing the flow of bile and other digestive juices and it helps in putting an end to food cravings, liver congestion and amassing up of excess fat, cholesterol and other toxic substances.

Mix 5 drops of Grapefruit essential oil with 2.5ml of sesame oil and massage it gently on your stomach and abdomen to stimulate the secretion of saliva, bile and other gastric juices.

Ama or the toxins in the body are mainly due to improper digestion. As Grapefruit essential increases pitta energy, which is responsible for digestive fire, the chances of indigestion, constipation and other digestive disorders are very less.

Excess of kapha energy is one major cause for obesity according to Ayurveda. Grapefruit oil is a boon to mankind as it pacifies kapha and increases pitta force, through which it eliminates the excess deposits of water, fat, toxic substances and cholesterol through urine and sweat.

Including Grapefruit in your diet or inhaling the aroma of Grapefruit essential oil before eating (by adding 1 drop of Grapefruit oil to your diffuser in your dining hall) can grant a feeling of fullness and put an end to unhealthy food cravings.

“Consumption of Grapefruit can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides”, says The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner and know the right exercises, yoga and meditation for your unique constitution. This can speed up your fat-dissolving resolution at absolute ease.

Other health benefits:

Apart from this, Grapefruit essential oil is an excellent pain reliever that can help you in treating headache, back pain and migraine pain quickly, when 2 drops of this oil is mixed with 1ml of coconut oil and applied on the affected area.

Grapefruit essential oil has tonic properties that increase the immune power, stimulate hair growth, cleanse the scalp, boosts the functions of the nervous system and strengthen the muscles and nerves. This oil also helps in relieving mental and physical fatigue, menstrual discomforts, rheumatism, muscular stiffness, cellulite, nervousness, delayed menstruation and nervous exhaustion.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of education and is not directed to diagnose or replace any Professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never use essential oils internally and always use them in a diluted form, as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can cause harm if used directly on skin.

As other citrus oils, Grapefruit essential oil also has phototoxic effect that can cause damages to the skin when exposed to sunlight immediately after use, due to the hazardous effects of ultra violet rays. Always consult your Ayurvedic expert before using the right essential oils for your unique constitution and health condition.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Grapefruit Pink oil.

Grapefruit Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

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Grapefruit oil showcases photosensitive effects if oxidized, contributing to its phototoxic, photo-carcinogenic and effects of sensitization. The possible skin issues of using Grapefruit oil are hyperpigmentation, allergic reactions, irritation, sunburns, blisters and rashes and this mainly occurs when the skin is exposed to visible sunlight for up to 12 hours of use of this oil.

The underlying reason is the reaction of the photoactive chemical constituents in Grapefruit oil that attracts light and leads to toxicity through molecular changes in the skin surface. Certain studies state that Grapefruit oil has been stated to promote the formation of tumors on the skin of mouse, by the key carcinogen, 10-dimethyl-l, 2-benzanthracene.

The primary chemical component responsible for the phototoxic and adverse skin effects of Grapefruit oil is Limonene, which accounts to about 90% of this oil along with few other furanocoumarins ( the non-volatile compounds like bergapten, bergamottin and epoxy-bergamottin.)

The safe dilution level of Grapefruit oil by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is 4%, which is about 24 drops per ounce of any mild carrier oils. This is particularly to prevent phototoxicity in products used for dermal applications except for bath products like soaps, shampoos and other wash-off preparations.

According to the European decree, essential oils that contain furanocoumarins must be used preferably when the level of bergapten does not exceed 15 ppm (parts per million) in finished cosmetic products preordained for use on parts of the skin that are in contact with sunlight (other than rinse-away products) and 1 ppm in bronzing and sun protection products.

Grapefruit oil should be used only for topical application, preferably blended with mild carrier oils (good for use after a patch test on your skin), and never use essential oils for ingestion, as internal use of essential oils might pose adverse health effects. Undiluted Grapefruit oil can cause skin irritation and this oil is claimed to be toxic to cats.

A 2005 study published in Brain Research states that “the scent of Grapefruit oil and its active constituent, limonene affects the autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure through central histaminergic nerves and the suprachiasmatic nucleus.”

Studies state that ingesting furocoumarins may also cause phytophotodermatitis. It is better to avoid Grapefruit oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as the safety of this oil during carrying or nursing are not established.

In a much similar way like Bitter orange oil, Grapefruit oil is said to restrain important enzymes in the intestines and liver, leading to have an impact on the blood levels at the time of taking medicines that are antidepressant, antiviral, anti-anxiety, calcium channel blockers, steroids, anti-malarial, immune modulators, prokinetics, statins and on par with caffeine intake. The presence of furocoumarins has led to the term ‘Grapefruit effect’, which signifies the interaction between furocoumarins and enzymes that are engaged in drug metabolism, specifically cytochrome P450.

Use Grapefruit oil only after medical advice, if you are taking any other prescription medicines. Startlingly, furocoumarins are also used in different remedies along with the long-wave ultraviolet light therapy for curing psoriasis, mycosis fungoides and vitiligo.

Reference Links Substantiating Possible Skin Issues of Grapefruit Oil:

Thought for the day:

You forget that the fruits belong to all and that the land belongs to no one.
-Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Suggested Reading:

The Grapefruit Solution: Lower Your Cholesterol, Lose Weight and Achieve Optimal Health with Nature’s Wonder Fruit by Daryl L. Thompson, M. Joseph Ahrens
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Complete Master Cleanse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing the Benefits of the Lemonade Diet by Tom Woloshyn
The Grapefruit Diet Plan by M Marose
Daily Aromatherapy: Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils by Joni Keim, Ruah Bull

Reference Links:

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Gurjun Oil

Posted on August 26, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Ashwakarna is the Sanskrit name of the Common Gurjun tree and the trusted Ayurvedic remedy for relieving respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and chronic cough, for its ability to eliminate excess mucous deposits in the system.

Gurjun essential oil is extracted from the woods and the oleo-resin (well-known globally as East Indian copaiba balsam), extracted from the woods of the Gurjun tree by steam distillation method.

Known as Dipterocarpus turbinatus botanically, Gurjun is indigenous to the Andaman Islands and the eastern parts of India. Gurjun is also called as Gurjun Balsam and referred as Chhaagakarna and Ajakarna in Ayurveda and used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions, urinary tract infections, skin problems like eczema and psoriasis and chronic respiratory problems.

Purchase Gurjun Oil – Retail – 4oz – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Gurjun:

Celebrated often as a key commercial timber species, the woods of this tree is considered vital in making of plywood. These notable reddish brown woods have been used in various countries including China, Cambodia, India and Yunnan. The resin extracted from the woods is used in making torches in Cambodia and the wood is employed in tea cabinet work, wood work and for sawing.

Gurjun tree is cultivated in India and China as a perfume as well as therapeutic plant. It is also used as a substitute for crude paint material. The leaves, wood and the resin of this tree have been in use in various Complementary and Alternative Medical systems for treating psoriasis, gonorrhea, bronchitis, leprosy, asthma and certain other skin disorders.

Chemical components and therapeutic properties of Gurjun oil:

The essential oil extracted from the oleo-resin of the Gurjun trees contains beta-caryophyllene, bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, humulene and sesquiterpene alcohol. The remedial properties of this oil are diuretic, antifungal, antimicrobial, spasmolytic, anti-ulcer, stimulant, anti-rheumatic and decongestant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Gurjun essential oil:

Cherished as the mother of all healing sciences, Ayurveda is the oldest of all healing systems on earth, trusted to have its roots deeply vested in the ancient history of the Indian mythology. The magnificence of Ayurvedic healing lies in its holistic healing approach that revolves around the principle of “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Health is not just a physical attribute according to Ayurveda and it depends upon the emotional, spiritual and environmental factors that affect an individual’s life.

The ancient Ayurvedic texts state that the world is made up of five elements namely water, air, fire, earth and space and every individual on earth is also made up of these vital elements. This paves way for the unique individual constitution that comprises of three biological energies known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha.

Every human being has a predominance of any one of these doshas that determines his physical attributes, character, mental makeup and his behavior. Balance between these doshas is a symbol of perfect health and imbalance causes illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, physical exercises, Ayurvedic routine, meditation and a healthy lifestyle aim at striking absolute balance between these doshas.

Gurjun essential oil is said to lessen aggravated kapha, pitta and treat vata deficit.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of Gurjun oil are:

1. Relieves rheumatic problems:

Rheumatism is known as ‘Amavata’ in Ayurveda and is recognized by severe pain and inflammation of the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Ayurvedic healing begins with the analysis of the root cause of an illness and aims at treating it instead of treating the illness alone.

The major underlying causes of rheumatic disorders according to Ayurveda are amassing of toxins or ama in the joints and the system, where these toxic substances are formed mainly due to poor metabolism, improper digestion and excretion; over exposure to cold weather conditions and infections in the gall bladder, teeth and tonsils.

Gurjun essential oil is regarded as one among the best Ayurvedic remedies for its potential to eliminate the toxic deposits in the joints and the entire system through urine, with its diuretic properties. This oil also has the power to reduce kapha dosha, which is responsible for excess water deposits, inflammation and swelling.

Blend 2 drops of Gurjun oil with 1 ml of coconut oil and massage it gently on the affected parts for guaranteed relief. You can also add 2 to 3 drops of this oil in hot compress for relieving pain and redness of the inflamed areas. The decoction prepared with the bark of this tree is prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for treating rheumatism.

You can assist this natural remedy along with a healthy nutritious diet, Ayurvedic routine and yogasanas like Dhanur Asana and Hala Asana for complete relief from rheumatic conditions.

2. Alleviates respiratory disorders:

Respiratory system is known as Pranavaha Srotas in Ayurveda and it includes the nose, trachea and lungs, and the illnesses in this system are known as ‘Swasa Roga’. Vitiation of the respiratory system causes disorders that affect its normal functioning, which cause breathing difficulties and chronic conditions.

Imbalance of vata, pitta and kapha doshas cause different problems in the respiratory system, where excessive mucous deposits, obstruction and blockage in the nasal and respiratory passages are caused by excess of kapha dosha.

Ayurvedic medications that lessen kapha dosha are proven effective in the treatment of respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, chronic cough, chest congestion and mucous deposits in the nasal and bronchial passages. Gurjun essential oil reduces aggravated kapha dosha that assists in discarding excess mucous and phlegm deposits that obstructs normal breathing and relieves nasal and chest congestion.

The ideal way to use essential oils for treating respiratory problems is in steam inhalation. Add 2 drops of Gurjun oil in steam inhalation for relieving from problems associated with the respiratory system. You can also add 1 drop of this oil to vaporub or medicated ointments and rub it gently on the chest, back and throat for relief.

3. Supports skin health:

Gurjun Balsam oil is a popular ingredient in many Ayurvedic skin care formulations used in the treatment of wounds, bedsores, ringworm, cuts, boils, diaper rashes and psoriasis. Gurjun oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that curb the growth of harmful organisms like bacteria and fungi.

It speeds up the healing of wounds and prevents wounds from getting septic by fighting against the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which make the wounds to turn septic. Mix 2 drops of this oil in your regular skin care cream or lotion or with 1ml coconut oil and apply it on the infected parts for quicker healing. It works by combating micro organisms and retaining the natural moisture in the skin.

Other health benefits:

Few other documented use of Gurjun oil is its ability to increase blood pressure, stimulate the functions of the heart and treat ulcer. The fresh nutty, woody and balsamic fragrance of this oil has made its use vital in the perfume industry and in flavoring tobacco products.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not intended to treat or replace any prescribed medication or professional medical advice. Never use essential oils internally and always use it in a diluted form as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances. Always seek professional advice from your Ayurvedic expert for choosing the appropriate essential oil for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

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

Suggested Reading:

Gurjun, Apitong, Keruing, Kapurand Allied Timbers by S H. Clarke
The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to over 385 Plant Oils by Carol Schiller, David Schiller
Analysis of Resins, Balsams and Gum-Resins: The Chemistry and Pharmacognosis by Karl Dieterich

Reference Links:

Gultharia Oil

Posted on August 25, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Gultharia or the Indian Wintergreen is aboriginal to India and have amazing therapeutic properties in its kitty just like it’s sibling, the American Wintergreen also known as Gaultheria procumbens. Scientifically called as Gaultheria fragrantissim, Gultharia is an aromatic Indian shrub that has been in use for thousands of years in the treatment of chronic rheumatism and joint aches.

Celebrated as Gandapura in Ayurveda, Gultharia has been an important Ayurvedic remedy for relieving joint pain, muscular spasms, sprains, rheumatism, inflammation and for healing wounds.

It is for all these healing values, Gultharia and its essential oil, steam distilled from its leaves are used as an important ingredient in the popular Ayurvedic preparations like Rumalaya liniment, Rumalaya Gel and other herbal pain balms.

Purchase Gultharia Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Gultharia Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Gultharia:

Indian Wintergreen has a unique healing aroma for which it is also known as Fragrant Wintergreen, is found growing in the sacred lands of the holy Himalayas from Uttarakhand to Myanmar and South Eastern Tibet. It is a member of the Rhododendron plant family, Ericaceae. Gultharia grows at an altitude of 1500 to 2700 m and bears dark-violet blue berries that attract the attention of birds and numerous insects towards it.

It is a known fact that the Indians of America were the first to identify the medicinal powers of Wintergreen in America and this was mainly due to the use of the Indian Wintergreen, which has been in use in the world’s oldest healing system on earth, Ayurveda before 5,000 years in India. The ancient Indians used the leaves of Gultharia herb in brewing tea for fighting against rheumatism, joint pain, toothache and other painful conditions.

These remedial leaves were also ground and used in poultices for relieving muscular aches, stiff joints and headache. It was later traced in 1800s that the pain-relieving qualities of Wintergreen plant was mainly due to the aspirin-like qualities present in these aromatic leaves helping in relieving pain in a jiffy, naturally.

Wintergreen leaves were used in making tea by the French explorers for assisting pain and this usage lead to the popular term ‘The du Canada’ means the ‘The tea of Canada’. The leaves of Gultharia plants were chewed by the traditional Indians as an aid for breathing during strenuous work, alleviating oral problems, freshening the breath and for treating back pain and joint aches.

The leaves of Gultharia plant were used in folklore medicinal system for rheumatism, sore throat, colic, inflammation, tooth decay, skin disorders, cold and body pain. It is also used as a flavoring ingredient in toothpastes, chewing gums, herbal teas, candies and health beverages. These leaves have also been a part of pesticides and insect repellants.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Gultharia essential oil:

Methyl salicylate is the major chemical constituent comprising of about 98% of its essential oil and the other components are gaultherilene, limonene, a-pinene, delta-cadinene, delta-3-carene and myrcene. These constituents contribute to its healing properties like anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative, astringent, emmenagogue, diuretic and stimulant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Gultharia essential oil:

Healing according to Ayurveda is not an external force and real healing should always happen from within, for which every individual should have a thorough knowledge about their health condition and their entire system. You will know it appropriately when I say that the word ‘Ayurveda’ actually means ‘the knowledge of life’.

Ayurvedic healing aims at longevity through prevention of illnesses and healthy aging by following an Ayurvedic routine along with the use of herbs, essential oils and a balanced diet. The basic Ayurvedic principle revolves around the health of mind, body and soul.

The ancient secrets of this herbal healing methodology were spread to the world by Charaka and Sushruta, the renowned Ayurvedic experts of the primordial times. Charaka Samhita reiterates the Ayurvedic principle by stating that “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Every human being is unique according to the Ayurvedic theory with a unique individual constitution comprised of three biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha dosha.

Vata energy is responsible for respiration, movement and circulation of the body and controls the neurological imbalances and nervous impulses of the system. Pitta represents fire and is in charge of metabolic functions like digestion and absorption of essential nutrients by the body. Kapha dosha stands for water and is responsible for structure and sustenance of the body, imbalance of which can cause obesity and respiratory problems.

Gultharia essential oil reduces kapha dosha and increases pitta and vata doshas.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Gultharia or Indian Wintergreen essential oil are:

1. Alleviates pain and inflammation:

Pain is the worst enemy of mankind, be it a joint pain or a headache, it has the power to destruct your work and drop down your day. Aspirin is one among the best over-the-counter remedies for treating pain and inflammation. You’ll be surprised to know that the remedial power of aspirin is due to the presence of methyl salicylate and with a high proportion of this constituent, generally many varieties of Wintergreen essential oil is used in various pain relievers in the market.

The pain-relieving quality of Gultharia essential oil is due its analgesic, anodyne and anti-inflammatory properties. Massage the painful area with 2 drops of Gultharia oil blended with 1 ml of coconut oil for relieving pain and reducing inflammation.

This remedial massage relieves pain by causing numbness on the painful area, boosts blood circulation, hinders the secretion of prostaglandin compounds that sensitize the spinal neurons to pain and promote peaceful sleep. You can also add 2 to 3 drops of Gultharia oil in hot or cold compress or in warm bathing water for reducing pain and inflammation.

2. Eases digestion:

Improper digestion is the primary reason for all the major illnesses in Ayurveda. Pitta energy is responsible for the digestive fire known as agni, which supports metabolic functions like digestion of food, absorption of essential nutrients and excretion of waste materials from the body.

Sluggish digestion occurs when there is an imbalance of pitta energy due to changes in the diet, lifestyle and emotional constitution of an individual.

Gultharia essential oil has the power to aggravate pitta dosha and acts as an excellent carminative, stimulant and diuretic. Massaging your stomach and abdomen with 2 drops of Gultharia oil mixed with 1 ml olive oil helps in eliminating the formation of gas, supports constipation, flatulence, promote the secretion of bile and other digestive juices and discharges excess salt, uric acid and toxic remains of undigested food through urine.

Inhaling the aroma of this oil by adding 1 drop of Gultharia oil to your diffuser or vaporizer helps in stimulating the secretion of digestive juices assisting in regular digestion.

3. Eliminates detrimental toxins from the body:

Gultharia essential oil has natural diuretic properties that promote sweating and frequent urination. By this way, it helps in flushing out the harmful toxins like uric acid, excess salt, water and fat from the body.

Massaging your body with 6 drops of Gultharia essential oil blended with 4 ml olive oil can assist in treating water logging, obesity, edema, kidney stones, urinary infections and hypertension caused due to the accumulation of fat, water, uric acid and other toxins left behind due to improper digestion. Adding 3 to 4 drops of Gultharia oil in bathing water is also a great idea for getting rid of such toxic substances.

4. Boon to arthritis and rheumatic patients:

Rheumatism and arthritis mainly occur due to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body due to poor digestion and problems in the colon, that paves way for the toxins to reach the joints causing pain, lack of circulation, swelling and inflammation.

According to Ravi Bhanot, a popular Ayurvedic Researcher at the Ayurveda Institute of Europe, the best way to treat gout and rheumatic problems is to use medicated oil for massage that is made up of Wintergreen essential oil and menthol.

Gently massaging the affected parts with 4 drops of Gultharia oil with 2ml of sesame oil aids in triggering digestion, promoting the flow of urine through which the toxic substances are eliminated, warms up the muscles, stimulate blood circulation, and reduces pain and inflammation.

This way, the Indian Wintergreen essential oil acts as a boon to arthritis and rheumatic patients who suffer from pain, swollen muscles, inflamed joints and poor blood circulation.

5. Treats menstrual and menopausal problems:

Gultharia essential oil is a proven emmenagogue that can be of great aid in assisting female problems like menstrual discomforts and menopausal symptoms.

Massaging your lower abdomen with 3 drops of Gultharia oil blended with 1.5 ml of warm sesame oil can help in promoting delayed or blocked menstruation, lessen menstrual pain, reduce spasms, and treat nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness, tension and urinary problems associated with menses.

It can also help in reducing hot flashes and mood fluctuations in menopausal women by stimulating blood circulation and strengthening the uterine walls. Adding 2 drops of Gultharia oil in warm bath before going to bed and 1 drop added to your room diffuser at night can calm the tensed muscles and promote peaceful sleep at night.

6. Supports respiratory health:

Respiratory problems are mainly caused due to excess of kapha energy. With its power to lessen kapha dosha, Gultharia essential oil can effectively act upon reducing chest congestion, spasmodic coughs, breathing difficulties, asthma and nervous afflictions.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation can help you in eliminating excess phlegm and mucous deposits through urine and excreta. With its anti-spasmodic properties, Gultharia essential oil is also effective in treating spasms in the intestine, muscles, nervous system, respiratory system and circulatory system.

Other health benefits:

Gultharia essential oil is an efficacious natural remedy for healing wounds with its antiseptic properties. This oil is also known for its ability to enhance spiritual power, logical thinking, and reasoning skills and accentuate the harmony of the soul with the divine power. It is for this reason; the ancient saints used the leaves of the Indian Wintergreen plant during sacred ceremonies, special chants and meditations.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to diagnose or substitute professional advice or prescribed medication. Gultharia essential oil has a high proportion of methyl salicylate, which is a main ingredient in aspirin and is considered toxic in excess for internal usage.

Never use Gultharia essential oil internally and always ensure that you use this oil in a diluted form for topical application. Keep it away from children and please consult your Healthcare practitioner before using Gultharia essential oil if you are pregnant, nursing or allergic to aspirin. Always consult your Ayurvedic professional before using the right essential oil for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend.
-Mao Zedong

Suggested Reading:

The Essential Herbal for Natural Health: How to Transform Easy-to-Find Herbs into Healing Remedies for the Whole Family by Holly Bellebuono
Ayurvedic Beauty Care: Ageless Techniques to Invoke Natural Beauty by Melanie Sachs
American Indian Healing Arts: Herbs, Rituals, and Remedies for Every Season of Life by E. Barrie Kavasch, Karen Baar
American Indian Medicine (The Civilization of the American Indian Series) by Virgil J. Vogel

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