Gingergrass Oil

Gingergrass-bannerEnsconced with enormously sensual, spicy, warming, lemony and peppery aroma, Gingergrass essential oil is extracted from the aromatic and herbaceous grasses of Cymbopogon martini var. sofia, the most loved sibling of Palmarosa known as Cymbopogon martini var. motia.

It is also beckoned as the most popular botanical cousin of Lemongrass. Gingergrass oil has excellent properties for nurturing healthy skin and it is for this reason, it has been used for centuries together in making Indian soaps for treating acne, wrinkles, scars and marks.

Indigenous to India, Gingergrass and its extracts, including its essential oil is a time-honored ingredient of numerous Ayurvedic formulations prescribed for the treatment of inflammation, sinusitis, allergies, joint pain, muscular aches, sore throat, depression, loss of libido, dermatitis, acne, cough, common cold and certain other health disorders. Gingergrass is called as Sofiya in Sanskrit.

Purchase Ginger Grass Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Ginger Grass Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Gingergrass:

Gingergrass (Cymbopogon martini var. sofia) is a thickly growing perennial grass variety that reaches up to a height of 2m and is found growing in the wild, especially in lower altitudes. Gingergrass essential oil is steam distilled from its aromatic grass in India since the 18th century. The herbaceous, sharp and woody aroma have paved ways for its use in making perfumes, colognes, soaps, herbal medicines, ointments, toiletries and skin care ranges.

A multilingual multi-script plant name database sorting Cymbopogon names quotes, “Two kinds of oil can be obtained from Cymbopogon martinii; Palmarosa oil from the variety known as “Motia” and Ginger-grass oil from “Sofia.”  It has also been mentioned that these two types are differentiable both aromatically and morphologically, where Motia variety is diploid and Sofia is tetraploid.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Gingergrass essential oil:

The major therapeutic properties of Gingergrass essential oil are analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, uplifting, bactericidal, anti-depressant, revitalizing, decongestant, anthelmintic and insect repellant.

The chemical constituents contributing to its healing powers are geraniol, trans-p-menthene-8-diol-1,2, cis- and trans-dihydrocarvone, cis- and trans-carveol, menthadienols limonene oxide and piperitenone. The grassy notes of this oil are due to the presence of Perilla alcohol, meaning dihydro cuminyl alcohol.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Gingergrass Essential Oil:

Ayurveda is a holistic healing methodology that considers and treats an individual as a whole person instead of treating any specific diseases or parts of the body. Legendary Ayurvedic Physician Mr. Vasant Lad rightly quotes in the Textbook of Ayurveda as, “Ayurveda treats the whole person, not just the organ or system involved.

This ancient healing system means ‘knowledge of life’ and aims at treating an illness after analyzing the root cause lying behind so as to help humanity to prevent such illnesses in the future. Health in Ayurveda means the wellness of the mind, body and spirit as it trusts that a healthy mind can survive only in a healthy body supported by a hale and hearty spirit.

The aim of Ayurvedic treatment according to National Institutes of Health is, “The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit. This is believed to help prevent illness and promote wellness.

The modesty of Ayurveda vests in its way of treating every individual in a unique manner even if it is for the same illness. According to Ayurvedic texts, every human on earth is unique with a distinct individual constitution and similarly the way of treating human beings should also be unique according to his constitution, which is made up of three biological energies known as doshas. Everything on earth (including human beings) is made up of five vital elements namely air, water, fire, earth and space. Doshas are nothing but a combination of these vital elements.

Vata is a combination of space and air and governs the functions of the respiratory system and nervous system; Pitta represents fire and water and takes care of digestion, absorption and cognitive functions; Kapha stands for water and earth and is responsible for structure, movement of fluids in the body and sustenance.

Every individual has a predominance of any one of these doshas that determine their personality and traits. Balance between these doshas denotes health and imbalance due to change in lifestyle and food habits cause sickness.

Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, physical exercises, prayers, meditation and Ayurvedic routine are prescribed according to the individual constitution in such a way to treat doshic imbalances. Gingergrass essential oil is said to lessen vata, pitta and kapha energy.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Gingergrass essential oil:

Ginger-grass-boucher1. Pacifies the hassled mind:

Gingergrass essential oil has a sensual and warming aroma that calms the stressed, tensed and confused mind. Most often used for alleviating anxiety and depression, the citrusy, peppery and spicy fragrance of this oil assists in revitalizing your nerves and uplifting your senses. Massaging your body with 5 drops of Gingergrass oil mixed with 2.5 ml of almond oil can be of great assistance in lessening fatigue, anxiety, stress and depression.

The greatest news is that Gingergrass oil can implant complete freshness, happiness and a clean feeling even on a damp and drenched rainy day. All you need to do is to add 2 drops of Gingergrass essential oil to your room freshener and spray it to recharge your mood with absolute newness on a dull soggy day.

2. Relieves nasal and chest congestion:

Cold, cough, allergies and sinus congestion can rule your routine tasks, as you might find it difficult to concentrate on your work with such respiratory problems. The best thing that you need to do is to use a safe decongestant and expectorant that assists in discharging the mucous and phlegm deposits that lead to cough, cold, congestion and breathing difficulties. Increased kapha dosha is responsible for respiratory problems, stagnation of water, phlegm and mucous deposits.

Gingergrass essential oil is said to lessen kapha dosha and is a good expectorant, decongestant, bactericidal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Adding 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation can help you in relieving from blocked nasal passages, sinus congestion, headache and congestion.

You can also add 1 drop of Gingergrass oil to your vapor rub and gently massage your chest, throat and back to get rid of throat allergies, dry cough, stuffy nose and watery eyes. With its antiseptic and bactericidal properties, Gingergrass essential oil aids in arresting the growth of microbes causing respiratory infections.

3. Alleviates muscular and joint pain:

Most of us complain about back pain, headache, muscular pain or joint pain at the end of the day, after struggling for a full day with our official and household chores. Human body is the most delicate and sensitive set up. Often, we forget to give the priority that our body requires and our mind looks up to.

Mix 5 drops of Gingergrass essential oil with 2.5 ml of olive oil and gently massage your body and leave it for 15 minutes, followed by a warm bath (add 2 drops of Gingergrass oil in bathing water as well) before going to bed. Trust me; this will create a great difference in the quality of your sleep and the kind of relaxation your body can get after a tiring day. This massage and warming bath helps in promoting blood circulation, eliminating toxic substances in the body causing pain and inflammation and supporting muscular relaxation.

4. Repels mosquitoes and other insects:

Gingergrass and its extracts have been used as a powerful insect repellent and as the most effective natural aid against mosquitoes since the ancient times. A 1994 study was conducted on the ‘Repellent action of Cymbopogon martinii martinii Stapf var. sofia oil against mosquitoes’ by the Malaria Research Center, India to assess the repellent action of Gingergrass essential oil against mosquitoes under field conditions.

The results of this study depicted that Gingergrass oil has strong repellent power and it granted complete protection for 12 hours, against Anopheles culicifacies mosquitoes, which is the primary vector of malaria in India. It also said that this oil showed about 96.3% protection for 12 hours against a pest mosquito type. The best way to keep away from mosquitoes and other insects like bugs is to add 2 drops of Gingergrass oil to your diffuser or burner.

Another study on ‘Evaluation of repellent action of Cymbopogan martinii martinii Stapf var sofia oil against Anopheles sundaicus in tribal villages of Car Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India.’ Concluded that “Cymbopogan martinii martinii Stapf var sofia oil is an indigenous product, its application is safe and can be widely used for protection from malaria.”

5. Nurtures skin health:

How can something with the touch citrus be less benefiting to the skin? Absolutely not, Gingergrass essential oil has a lemony aroma and the citrusy touch in its therapeutic properties has excellent benefits for the skin. With its antiseptic, anti-fungal and bactericidal properties, Gingergrass oil is effective in treating pimples, black heads, boils, cuts, dermatitis, burns, ringworm, athlete’s foot, wounds and other skin infections.

Just like Palmarosa essential oil, Gingergrass oil is also said to be effective in treating marks, scars and wrinkles. Mix 2 drops of Gingergrass oil in your skin care cream or lotion and apply it the affected parts for effective results.

You can also add 2 drops of Gingergrass oil with 1 ml of olive oil and massage it gently on your skin and leave it over for 30 minutes, followed by a refreshing bath can help in improving your skin tone, reducing marks and scars, augmenting the circulation and regenerating the formation of new skin cells.

Other health benefits:

Gingergrass essential oil also has aphrodisiac properties that assist in treating loss of libido, impotence and loss of sexual interest along with clearing cluttered thoughts in the mind that weaken the intimacy with your partner. This oil is also used in making perfumes, soaps, colognes and other skin care products.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of education and is not meant to diagnose or substitute any prescribed medication or professional medical advice. Always use essential oils in a diluted manner and never use it internally as organic and pure essential oils are highly concentrated solutions and can cause harm if not used properly.

Gingergrass essential oil has slight phototoxic effect like the citrus oils, so do not go out in sun immediately after using it topically, to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Consult your Ayurvedic expert before choosing the appropriate essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.   -Wendell Berry

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
  2. Traditional Systems of Medicine by M. Z. Abdin
  3. Get Healthy for Good: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Mind and Body Well-being (52 Brilliant Ideas): 52 Brilliant Ideas for Mind and Body Well-being (52 Brilliant Ideas) by Kate Cook
  4. The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia (Volume 2 of 2): A Concise Guide to Over 385 Plant Oils by Carol Schiller

Reference Links:

  1. Sorting Cymbopogon names by University of Melbourne
  2. Essential Oils and Their Constituents: XXVII. Composition of Oil of Gingergrass by M. C. Nigam, Ishwar C. Nigam, Leo Levi published by NRC Research Press in The Canadian Journal of Chemistry
  3. Repellent action of Cymbopogon martinii martinii Stapf var. Sofia oil against mosquitoes’ by Ansari MA, Razdan RK, the Malaria Research Center, India published in PubMed
  4. Cymbopogon martinii by Wikipedia

Jamarosa Oil

Jamarosa-Banner-newDiscerning lovers of nature will always choose Jamarosa oil instead of 4 different oils to explore the magic of rosy, citrusy, spicy and grassy fragrance put together in a single bottle. Yes! Jamarosa essential oil is the proud owner of these entire diverse aromas, for which it has been used in the perfume industry for ages together.

Scientifically termed as Cymbopogon khasians, Jamarosa is a brilliant hybrid variety crossed between Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus (Citronella) and Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jwarankush).

Often used for instilling rose like fragrances, Jamarosa has also been used in the field of Ayurvedic medicine for treating fever, insect bites, blood impurities, fungal infections, vomiting and skin problems.

Purchase Jamarosa Essential Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Historical significance and cultivation of Jamarosa:

Also called as Jamrosa, this aromatic herb is a popular grass hybrid and a renowned wing of the Cymbopogon family. Like most of the celebrated herbs, Jamarosa is also indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is grown extensively in Southern India and certain other states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Being a hardy and tough grass variety, Jamarosa grows well in various types of soils supported by humid and warm climatic conditions and enough sunshine and water. This grass hybrid is characterized with its light yellowish color and this hybrid variety is generally a medium sized one. Jamarosa grasses have the potential to purify environmental toxic waste, renew the level of ground water and check soil erosion.

The most exotic fragrance and medicinal attributes of this grass variety comes from its parental hybrids, Cymbopogon jwarancusa and Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus. Among these, Jwarancusa is an interesting species and its name is extracted from two Sanskrit terms, “Jwar and Ankusha”, which means “fever and breaker” respectively. Just like its name, this herb is a trusted remedy for treating fever and blood impurities.

Cymbopogon jwarancusa has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are contributed to its bio-chemical components. Many researchers have proved the effectiveness of this Ayurvedic herb in the treatment of blood disorders, vomiting, skin problems, unconsciousness and abdominal tumors.

The next parental hybrid of Jamarosa plant is Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus, which is commonly called as Citronella. This fresh lemony and sweet-smelling grass variety is a natural air purifier and an established insect repellant. Being a blend of these two beneficial plant varieties, Jamarosa is also said to inherit the medicinal and therapeutic values from its parental hybrids.

The enriching aroma of this grass hybrid has made its use vital in the perfumery industry especially for creating rose like fragrances. The sturdy grass fibers are used in the making of statues and idols having splash of Paris. Jamarosa grass is also been supplied as raw materials for industries that use fibers. It is also used as a feed for cattle and as natural manure.

Jamarosa is a popular ingredient in the making of agarbatti or traditional incense sticks, raw agarbatti and organic insect repellants.

Therapeutic uses and chemical constituents of Jamarosa oil:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has bactericidal, antiseptic, febrifuge, sedative, relaxant, antimicrobial, digestive and stimulant. The primary chemical components of Jamarosa oil are geraniol (75%), geranyl acetate (20%) and limonene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jamarosa essential oil:

Ayurveda is undoubtedly the pioneer of the medicinal world, and is lovingly beckoned as the Mother of all healing systems on earth. Being a 5000 years old healthcare methodology, Ayurveda focuses on natural remedies for curing illnesses, prevention of diseases and longevity.

Ayurvedic medicine was known to be gifted by Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation to Acharya Dhanvantari, famously called as the God of medicine of Ayurveda and as the physician of Gods. Among the 4 sacred books (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvaveda) or Vedas of the ancient Hindu mythology, Ayurveda is a vital part of Atharvaveda.

The idealistic practices of Ayurveda rests on Mother Nature for treatment of mankind as it is raised on the trust that everything on earth is a part of Nature and the wellness and illness of a person is strongly determined with his/her balance with Nature.

The principles of the mythological saints and Vedic entities strongly state that the entire universe is made up of five fundamental elements of nature, namely space, earth, water, fire and air.

Mankind is also made of these vital elements, where earth represents the muscles and bones, water represents the blood and other vital fluids, fire represents the metabolic force and body temperature, air represents the breathing mechanism and space is the soul or life energy that keeps a person alive.

Based on these fundamental elements, Ayurveda classifies human beings as a representation of the biological energies known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is a combination of space and air, pitta is fire and water and kapha is water and earth.

Every person has a unique individual constitution or Prakriti with a combination of all the three doshas in a particular order based upon Nature’s law with a predominance of any one of these doshas. This predominance assists in determining the character, personality, traits and behavioral patterns of a person.

Absolute balance between these doshas as per their natural setup indicates heartiness and doshic imbalances due to lifestyle changes, irregular food habits, climatic variations and other disruptive behavior leads to illnesses.

Ayurvedic treatment begins with the tracing of the unique individual constitution and the treatment methodologies also differ from individual to individual even for the same sickness. This is because Ayurveda strongly believes that individual is unique and the means of treating their health condition should also be unique.

The major Ayurvedic therapies include herbs, Ayurvedic essential oils, yoga, Pranayama (the art of balanced breathing), simple physical exercises, meditation, Panchakarma or the detoxification techniques, Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massaging, taking up an Ayurvedic routine and much more.

The essential oil of Jamarosa is known to appease vata, pitta and kapha imbalances. Come let’s go through the Ayurvedic health benefits of Jamarosa essential oil in a jiffy.

I’m ready to take you through the effective uses of Jamarosa oil in detail. Are you ready for the retreat?!

Jamarosa-broucher1. Pampers the skin and placates skin disorders:

Few sources state that Jamarosa has similar medicinal benefits like its sibling grass variety, Palmarosa. The book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Light Miller and Bryan Miller quote Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) as “Palmarosa is widely used in Ayurvedic skin care. It is good for all skin types because it is a cellular stimulator and supports all cell regulation. It’s highly antiseptic, calming, uplifting and anti-depressive.”

Jamarosa essential oil also has bactericidal, antiseptic, stimulating and invigorating properties that aids in assisting cellular regulation and repairing of the damaged skin cells. The antiseptic value of this oil helps in combating germs and infectious micro-organisms like bacteria that inflates skin problems.

A blend of 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Palmarosa oil and 2 ml of Jojoba oil can work like a wonder on your skin. Applying this nourishing blend on your skin can help in restoring the natural sustenance of the damaged skin cells, eliminating the dead cells and in promoting the growth of new and healthy cells.

Applying it in slow circular movements on wrinkles and scars can support in invigorating the skin, retaining the skin suppleness, enhancing the collagen and helping in diminishing scars, marks and wrinkles, treat fungal infections with its antioxidant, antifungal and anti-bacterial properties.

The great news is that Jamarosa oil suits all types of skin and is perfect for use during all seasons of the year. It is also helpful in the treatment of scar tissues in wounds, dermatitis and other skin infections.

2. Calms the nerves and beats the ill-effects of stress:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has a pleasant, engaging, refreshing and energizing aroma that stimulates the nerves, calms the mind and inculcates positive effects in the limbic system, the control center of the brain that is responsible for passing on commands to the system on feelings, thoughts and behavioral responses.

Stress is the slow poison that hinders the normal functions of the body and leaves a blank effect on the mental abilities. The main reason for stress is suppressing the mind with too many things at a particular time. When the mind struggles or suffers in tackling with too many factors than its ability, mental stress or distortion occurs.

Stressful situations spoil the entire curriculum and results in mood-fluctuations of the entire environment around us. It also ends up in depression and deep ill-effects on the central nervous system. Fatigue, anger, anxiety, fear, memory problems, feelings of loneliness, lack of appetite, low productivity, insomnia and suppression are certain other ill-effects of stress and nervous tension.

Jamarosa essential oil has stimulating, relaxant and sedative effects that supports the functions of the limbic system and aids in promoting positive feelings. Massaging your system with 5 drops of Jamarosa oil along with 5 drops of Rose Geranium oil, 5 drops of Juniper Berry oil with 100 ml of coconut oil can uplift your senses, pacify your nerves, soothe tensed muscles and support in bringing absolute tranquility.

You can also add 2 drops of Jamarosa oil in your diffuser or air freshener or bathing water every day for an energetic start on every rising day. 1 drop of this oil added to your hankie or a tissue can recharge your mental power on any given time during the day.

3. Aromatic insect repellant:

Being an offspring of the most popular natural insect repellant, Citronella, Jamarosa also inherits the power of combating harmful insects like mosquitoes and bed bugs. 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Citronella oil along with 2 ml of  olive oil can be rubbed into your skin to protect you from insect bites. This blend can also help in treating the ill-effects of insect bites like rashes, itching and allergies.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in your burner, vaporizer or diffuser is also a great idea to safeguard your loved ones from mosquitoes and other insect bites.

4. Appeases the digestive system:

Jamarosa oil has digestive, stimulant and relaxant properties. This helps in promoting trouble-free digestion, calming upset stomach, appeasing the irritable bowel along with stomach lining and treating indigestion.

Adding 1 drop of Jamarosa oil to your hankie or a tissue paper can help in enhancing the appetite and assisting in soothing the lining of the stomach and intestines. You can also massage your abdomen with 2 drops of Jamarosa oil mixed with 2 drops of Rose Geranium oil and 2 ml of sesame oil for supporting your digestive difficulties.

5. Fights anxiety and promotes peaceful sleep:

The essential oil of Jamarosa has a slightly rosy and fruity aroma that instills uplifting and calmative effects on the nervous system. These attributes helps the body in fighting against insomnia, anxiety and fatigue.

2 drops of Jamarosa oil mixed with 1 drop of Palmarosa oil in your diffuser or air freshener can be an excellent aid in promoting peaceful sleep by relaxing your nerves, tranquilizing your mind, and in reducing anxiety, restlessness and worries. What next? A refreshing start to a promising day is guaranteed.

6. Reduces fever and helps relieve respiratory infections:

As mentioned earlier, Cymbopogon jwarancusa is one of the mother hybrids of Jamarosa oil, where the term ‘jwarancusa’ is taken from the two Sanskrit terms, “Jwar and Ankusha”, literally meaning “fever and breaker”.

Jamarosa essential oil also extorts this property from its parental hybrid and is used in curing fever, cold, microbial infections, blood impurities and certain other respiratory disorders with its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties.

Generally, common cold and few other respiratory infections are highly vulnerable. Using Jamarosa oil in your bathing water daily (preferably 2 drops) can assist in controlling the spread of such infections by combating the growth of microbes responsible for health conditions like fever and cold.

You can also use 2 drops of Jamarosa oil in steam inhalation for relieving from blocked nasal passages and sore throat. Massaging your foot soles with 2 drops of Jamarosa oil with 2 drops of Gingergrass oil mixed with 3 ml of coconut oil can aid in reducing fever.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for educational uses and is not suggested for diagnosis or for replacing any expert medical advice or prescription medicines. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is circulated only with the idea of sharing the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine, the mother of all remedial practices.

Never take essential oils internally and is only recommended for dermatological purposes. This is because pure and organic essential oils are extremely concentrated substances and may cause allergies or other negative effects, when used on the skin directly.

Consult with your healthcare expert or Ayurvedic professional before choosing the suitable essential oils for your health condition and dosha type or your unique individual constitution. Keep away from children and care should be taken if you are nursing or a pregnant mom.

Thought for the day:

Bare feet on the grass comfort the spirit and connect the body to the earth all at once!  – Maximillian Degenerez

Suggested Reading:

  1. Essential Oil-Bearing Grasses: The genus Cymbopogon (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  2. Cymbopogon; The Aromatic Grass – Monograph from Central Institute of Medicinal and Aroma
  3. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 4e (Price, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals)by Shirley Price Cert Ed FISPA MIFA FIAM, Len Price Cert Ed MIT (Trichology) FISPA FIAM
  4. Insect Repellents Handbook, Second Edition from CRC Press

Reference Links:

  1. Oil of Jamarosa – Specification published by the Bureau of Indian Standards
  2. Jamarosa by Agricultural Products India
  3. Antifungal, anti-aflatoxigenic, and antioxidant efficacy of Jamrosa essential oil for preservation of herbal raw materials by Prashant Kumar Mishra, Ravindra Shukla, Priyanka Singh, Bhanu Prakash, Akash Kedia, Nawal Kishore Dubey published in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation

Ayurvedic Essential Oils And Mood Blends

Mood differs from season to season, from person to person, from time to time and from odor to aroma. Sounds confusing? Let me put in more specific terms, Christmas brings in joy, New Year brings in newness, Halloween brings in adventure, Valentine’s Day brings in romance and Independence Day brings in patriotism. Each and every occasion is special on its own. Aromatic therapy or Aromatherapy is a part of Ayurveda, where aroma is used in treating illness and improving health conditions. It is based on the principle that natural fragrances, especially from pure essential oils can affect our moods, and consequently change the way we think or feel at any given time. Aroma affects our moods through the action or the start of the limbic system where the therapeutic properties of natural essential oils are slowly passed on to the entire system.

Pure essential oils support wellness and are extracted from various parts of a plant like flower, leaf, stem, resin, stalk, root, fruit, bark and seed. Ayurveda suggests the use of natural and wholesome essential oils instead of the synthetic or artificially fragranced oils because only pure essential oils will have the prana, otherwise known as the vital celestial energy to revivify your senses, enliven the mind and stimulate the key channels of the body for spreading the essential energy for strength and efficacy in an uniform manner. There are innumerable Ayurvedic essential oils, each of which can support some or the other moods of human beings. Let’s now look at the most predominant types of moods and the mood swings along with the essential oils that support such situations with their therapeutic properties.

1. Oils for depression: Depression is a deadly disorder that can literally spoil your days. The National Institute of Mental Health says that “Depression is a common but serious illness”. It causes extreme pain to you and to your near ones also. Ayurveda is the best way of treating depression as it has everything to soothe your senses and calm your mind. It suggests meditation and yoga for replenishing your mind, soul and spirit, while granting you an opportunity to realize your worth and come out of your deep mental worries. The best Ayurvedic essential oils for depression are Lavender essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, Frankincense essential oil, Jasmine essential oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil that can help one come out of depression with their calming, stimulant, antidepressant, nervine, sedative and hypotensive properties.

2. Oils for stress: We never knew that stress is the root cause for many major health disorders. Stress brings with it certain threatening symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, muscular tension, improper functioning of the digestive system, insomnia, weakened immune system and much more. Practicing an Ayurvedic routine along with the comforting and relaxing essential oils like Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, Ylang Ylang oil, Patchouli oil, Peppermint oil and Orange oil.

3. Oils for loneliness: Nothing else like isolation and the feeling of loneliness can harm us, during the adverse times when we really need someone besides us. The best thing that Ayurveda, the mother of all healing sciences suggests is to speak with God through meditation and by offering a small prayer. This brings in the real difference and you will naturally inculcate the feeling that ‘You are not lonely anymore’. Few drops of Rose oil, Roman Chamomile oil, Frankincense oil, Clary Sage oil or Bergamot oil added either to your bath tub, diffuser or to your hankie will bring in the real energy to fight lonesomeness and support your mind.

4. Oils for anxiety and grief: Anxiety imparts nervousness along with an uneasy feeling, leading you to worry, stay restless, experience difficulty in sleeping, concentrating and few other health problems like nausea, headache and diarrhea. Most of the times work pressure, post-pregnancy blues, difficult terms in relationships, health problems or financial crisis may lead to anxiety disorder and would gradually make you sad. Ayurvedic essential oils like Sandalwood oil, Lavender oil, Cedarwood oil, Frankincense oil, Mandarin oil, Neroli oil, Rose oil, Ylang Ylang oil and Jasmine oil will regain the strength and confidence to face the tougher situations of life.

5. Oils for fatigue and fear: Oh! A single day with 3 important meetings, 2 conference calls, 4 reports to submit and attend to the queries of your subordinates is more than enough to make you tired, twisted and weary. This is called as fatigue. The fear of losing a job, a relationship or failing the examination, insecurity, pregnancy etc will make you panic. The best way to get out of it is to practice Pranayama, the art of breathing. Ayurveda suggests that deep breathing and meditation grants inner peace and strength, helping one to come out of fear and fatigue. A warm bath after your tiresome work with few drops of consoling essential oils like Peppermint oil, Rose oil, Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Lemon oil, Bergamot oil, Frankincense oil, Sandalwood oil and Basil oil can grant you the warmth and energy that your mind and body demands.

Ayurveda considers that unhealthy or problematic relationships are the fundamental reason behind most of the problems mentioned above. This vitalizing science also grants incredible ways to maintain healthy relationships for your well-being.

Caution: Do not apply essential oils directly to your skin as pure essential oils are highly concentrated and may harm your skin or cause other allergic reactions. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using the right essential oils for your individual body type.

Thought for the day:

Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around.  –Bill Watterson

Suggested Reading:

  1. The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood
  2. Change Your Mood with Aromatherapy (Teach Yourself) by Denise Whichello Brown
  3. The Interrelationship between the Body, Mind and Spirit in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicine by C. Scott Ryan

Reference Links:

  1. What is Aromatherapy? The Theory Behind Aromatherapy by Medical News Today
  2. Mood Swings-Mental Health and Behavior Overview by Better Medicine
  3. What is depression by National Institute of Mental Health
  4. Pranayama (From Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga) by Yoga Point