Fir Needle Oil

Posted on February 4, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Fir needle oil is indeed a sacred oil and is known as the forest healer for its immaculate medicinal uses that sanctify one with an array of health benefits and heartiness. Used as a primordial remedy for treating cold, cough, joint pains and muscular cramps, this highly spirited oil purifies the air and gifts us with a heavenly and infection-free atmosphere.

Fir Needle oil is extracted from the needle like leaves of Silver fir tree, scientifically known as Abies Alba. It has also been said that Fir needle oil is also extracted from the needles of the Balsam fir tree botanically called as Abies Balsamea and these trees belong to the pine family Pinaceae.

Ayurveda prescribes the use of Fir Needle oil in Abhyanga, the art of Ayurvedic massaging and other remedial practices for treating rheumatism, joint pain, sinusitis, muscular cramps, skin problems and other problems associated with the lymphatic system and the respiratory system.

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Historical uses of Fir needle and its essential oil:

Fir needle tree and its various extracts have a long history for its enormous remedial values. The fresh balsamic scent of this tree makes you feel like walking in a forest and reminds of the captivating Christmas Eve.

Fir needles have the real power to purify the air and the soul with its disinfecting and calming properties. And it is for these great reasons; fir needles were burnt in the past after childbirth, to impart good health for the mother and the newborn. The pitch of the tree was used to treat womanly problems like menstrual irregularities. Various parts of the fir trees when mixed with other medicinal herbs were used to treat cancer, tuberculosis and rheumatism.

Poultices made with Fir needles were used in folklore medicine for relieving arthritis, rheumatism and muscular pain. The gums of fir trees were used to prepare ointments to treat itches, sores, wounds, insect bites, boils and infections. The decoction extracted with the bark was used for curing kidney problems and the roots were used in the treatment of heart diseases and rheumatism.

Native Americans widely used fir needles for padding the pillows for peaceful sleep and they also used it as a sudatory for women after childbirth. Fir Needle essential oil is utilized in the manufacture of cosmetic products, perfumes, bath oils, air fresheners, aerosol inhalants and incense. Ancient Egyptians used Fir needle oil to prepare hair growth formula that would elevate and energize the root of the hair when massaged onto the scalp.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Fir Needle oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Fir Needle oil constitutes of 17 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Bornyl acetate contributes to the highest proportion of Fir Needle oil constituents with about 34% of its total composition.

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

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

Therapeutic properties of Fir Needle essential oil:

Fir needle essential oil has numerous effective chemical compounds and the majority of which is monoterpenes. The other constituents include sesquiterpenes, beta-pinene, delta-3-carene, alpha-pinene and terpene ester bornyl acetate, where beta-pinene and delta-3-carene have effective anti-bacterial properties.

The therapeutic properties of Fir needle essential oil are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, invigorating, stimulating, analgesic, anti-tussive, diuretic, antioxidant, astringent, energizer, aromatic, expectorant, deodorant, stimulant and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Fir Needle essential Oil:

Ayurveda is a common sense science that has a strong reason for everything that pertains to human health. It simply preaches that health is the outcome of one’s harmony with nature and illness occurs when things does not act in sync with nature. This 5,000 years old ancient science aims at striking balance between human health and nature with the use of natural remedies including essential oils, herbs, yoga, Ayurvedic routine, simple physical exercises, meditation and prayers.

Ayurveda is adorably called as the mother of all healing sciences for its brilliance in treating the root cause of an illness rather than just treating its symptoms. By this way, it helps in curing the sickness initially and prevent it in future as well. Charaka Samhita, one among the greatest Ayurvedic encyclopedia states “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Ayurvedic treatments are not the same for every person as Ayurveda strongly believes that every individual is distinctive with a unique individual constitution just like our thumb impression. So it says that illnesses of individuals should also be treated in a unique manner.

This constitution comprises of three biological energies known as doshas, namely vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of five elements of nature, which are fire, water, air, earth and space.

Just like nature, our body also has all the five elements. Where vata represents air and space and is responsible for movement. Pitta stands for fire and water and is accountable for transformation of energies. Kapha symbolizes earth and water and is in charge of structure and fluids in the body.

Perfect health is determined with the balance of all these three doshas and imbalance causes illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies are involved in the act of correcting the imbalances of doshas. Fir needle oil is said to lessen kapha, pitta and vata aggravation.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Fir needle oil are:1. Relieves cough, cold and other respiratory illnesses:

According to Ayurveda, respiratory illnesses occur mainly due to aggravated kapha energy, which causes water retention and excess phlegm and mucous deposits. Along with this, increased vata dosha is responsible for sinusitis, asthma and breathing problems.

Fir needle oil is said to lessen both aggravated kapha and vata and for which it has been used for centuries in the treatment of cold, cough, fever, flu and other respiratory illnesses. Natural Fir needle oil inhalers are used in Ayurvedic healing for treating cold and breathing problems.

The exquisite antiseptic property of this oil helps in maintaining the sanitation of the surrounding by preventing the spread of harmful microorganisms, which are among the primary reasons for respiratory infections.

Fir Needle oil has antitussive properties that acts as an effective cough suppressant. As a refreshing expectorant, this oil loosens the mucous and the phlegm deposits in the lungs and respiratory tract, thus cleansing the respiratory passages and speeding up the recovery process.

Adding 2 drops of Fir needle oil in steam inhalation and inhaling the pine-forest aroma assists in clearing blocked nasal passages, preventing the inflammation of the respiratory organs, alleviating breathing difficulties, treating bronchitis and it helps in maintaining clear sinuses.

Mix 2 drops of Fir needle oil with 1 ml coconut oil and rub it gently on your chest, back and throat for helping with nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough and flu. Add 3 to 4 drops of Fir needle oil in warm bathing water for feeling light and re-energized as respiratory infections generally make the body feel heavier and drowsy.

2. Alleviates rheumatic and muscular pain:

Fir needle oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties that soothes and eases pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and muscular tension. Also known as Silver Fir, the essential oil of Fir is extremely soothing to joints and muscles and acts as an effective aid in lessening pain and inflammation.

With its kapha reducing properties, massaging 3 drops of Fir needle oil mixed with 1.5ml of sesame oil on the painful areas aids in treating water retention, discharging detrimental toxins, salt and other micro-organisms in the body through urine and sweat, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain with its powerful analgesic values. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of Fir needle oil in hot compress or in warm foot bath for decreasing pain and promoting relaxation.

3. Valued in skin care treatments:

Fir needle oil has been in use since the primordial times to protect the skin and retain its natural glow. The astringent properties of this oil is effective in treating acne, injuries, infections, sores, wounds, cuts, mild allergies, insect bites etc.

The anti oxidant properties of Fir needle oil fights against the free radicals and prevents premature aging. Mix 2 drops of Fir needle oil with 1 ml jojoba oil or to your regular skin care cream and apply it on the affected areas in circular movements. This stimulating application to the skin results in mild coagulation of the skin proteins, thus elevating it natural beauty and retaining its youthfulness.

Fir Needle oil is often recommended by dermatologists and Alternative medicine experts in the treatment of psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, poor skin, scabies and sores. This is mainly due to the presence of antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties of this oil.

A 2006 study on ‘Composition and antibacterial activity of Abies balsamea essential oil’ published in PubMed states that the three constituents in Fir needle oil namely alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene were effective against the gram negative and gram positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, where Staphylococcus aureus is mainly responsible for wounds and other skin infections to turn septic and worsen.

4. Emulsifies your emotional strength:

Your success depends upon your mental strength and amidst the stress and tension of this contemporary world, nothing better than the natural remedies like essential oils can grant us the real peace and serenity.

Fir needle oil is a boon to mankind with its rich invigorating, stimulating and energizing properties contributing to a potential uplift of the emotional strength. 2 to 3 drops of Fir oil added to your diffuser or burner can act as a mood elevator that aids in revitalizing your mind, refreshing your soul, weakening the element of depression, lack of self-confidence, agony, fear and emotional stress.

5. Discards toxins and improves metabolism:

Being a diuretic, Fir Needle Oil is helps in eliminating the toxic remains, uric acid, fat deposits and salts in the body through urine by stimulating the frequency and quantity of urine.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Fir needle oil mixed with 10ml of coconut oil can improve the health of the kidneys, treat kidney stones or renal calculi, urinary infections, food poisoning by enhancing the functions of the excretory system and boosting the metabolic functions naturally.

Other health benefits of fir Needle Oil:

Fir needle oil is also used in manufacturing soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, hair oils, body lotions etc. It can also be used on pet animals as it is a non-toxic repellent of fleas. Certain research studies have also proved the antitumor activity of Fir needle oil by the production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action.

Disclaimer:

This is only for the purpose of information and is not meant for diagnosis or as a replacement for prescribed drugs or professional medical advice. Never use essential oils internally and topical use should always be in a diluted manner as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated extracts and can cause harm if used directly on the skin. It is advisable to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before making the right choice of essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Fir Needle oil.

Thought for the day:

Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions. -Mary Webb

Suggested Reading:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
Healing Power Beyond Medicine by Carol A. Wilson
The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines by Matthew Wood
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood
Genetics and breeding of the Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) =: Genetika i oplemenjivanje obicne jele (Abies alba Mill.) (Anali za sumarstvo) by Stefan Korpel

Reference Links:

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Gultharia Oil

Posted on January 30, 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.

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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

Reference Links:

Harshiangar Oil

Posted on January 28, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Night-flowering Jasmine, Parijat or Harshiangar, scientifically known as Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is known as the ‘Tree of sorrow’ and the word ‘Nyctanthes’ means ‘sad tree’. This is due its flowers that appear dull during the daytime and turn bright during the night.

The entire tree including its leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and stem is known to have amazing medicinal properties for which the tree has been used in various traditional and alternative healing methodologies for more than thousands of years.

Harshiangar essential oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation method. These curative leaves have been used in the Ayurvedic medicine for treating arthritis, sciatica, fever, pain, constipation, anxiety and rheumatism.

Purchase Harshiangar Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Harshiangar:

Harshiangar tree has a long history behind its name and its use in the traditional healing systems. The most fascinating myth behind this tree is a heartbreaking romance where an ancient princess named Parijataka fall in love with the Surya Dev, the Sun God captivated by his brilliance and masculinity.

The God of Sun was also impressed by her affection and devotion and favored her with his love as well, after which he started ignoring Parijataka due to his other interests.

This despondency made Parijataka to kill herself and the Parijat tree is said to have started from the cremated ashes of this true to life princess. Due to this, Parijat tree is not able to put up with the sight of her love, Sun God during the day and blooms only during nightfall and sheds the fragrant flowers as tears before sunrise.

Harshiangar flower is the official flower of Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand and for West Bengal, India. The leaves have been used as an insecticide and the decoction extracted from the fresh leaves have been used in Ayurvedic healing in the treatment of malaria, bilious fevers, arthritis and sciatica. The traditional Indian medicinal system used these leaves as anti-allergic, ulcerogenic, purgative, anti-histaminic and antibacterial remedies.

The tribal Indians used all the parts of this tree to treat dysentery, sores, cough, venomous bites and dysentery. The powder extracted from the seeds was used in treating alopecia and scurvy. The infusion of Parijat flowers were used by the ancient Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka as an effective sedative.

People of Malaysia and Indonesia use the Parijat flowers to promote menstruation and treat dysmennorhea and blocked menstruation. These leaves are also used as a natural diuretic, cholagogue and laxative. Harshiangar blossoms known as Shiuli in West Bengal, India signify the arrival of Goddess Durga, which is celebrated as Durga Pooja, the greatest religious ceremony of Bengal.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Harshiangar oil:

The essential oil of Harshiangar consists of linalool, hexenyl benzoate, e-phytol, a-terpineol, methyl salicylate, geraniol, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, eugenol and hexenol as its major chemical constituents.

The therapeutic properties of this oil are anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-leishmanial, anti-pyretic, immunostimulant, antinociceptive, anti-allergy, anti-plasmodial, hepatoprotective and sedative.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Harshiangar oil:

Ayurveda is by far the oldest of all healing systems on earth and is known as the mother of all healing sciences including Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, Chiropathy, Acupressure and Aromatherapy. The most significant aspect of Ayurveda is that it aims at prevention of diseases, healthy aging and longevity through the use of essential oils and herbs and by practicing simple physical exercises, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and a balanced diet.

Ayurveda considers every human being as a part of nature and states that the wellness and illness of an individual solely depends on his/her balance with nature. This theory believes that nature is made up of five vital elements namely fire, water, air, earth and space.

Everything that is a part of nature is also made up of these elements. Human beings according to Ayurveda are a distinct part of nature with a unique individual constitution that comprises of three biological energies known as doshas, where each dosha represents a combination of the vital elements of nature.

Vata symbolizes air and space and it governs the blood circulation, movement and respiration. Pitta is a representation of fire and water and is responsible for digestion and other metabolic functions. Kapha stands for water and earth and is accountable for structure and sustenance of the system.

Balance between these doshas symbolizes perfect health and doshic imbalances lead to illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies like herbs, yoga, meditation, essential oils, balanced diet, physical exercises and Ayurvedic routine are prescribed to strike balance between these doshas.

Harshiangar essential oil is said to lessen kapha and aggravate vata and pitta doshas.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Harshiangar essential oil are:

1. Relieves pain and inflammation:

With its powerful anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Harshiangar essential oil is a highly recommended Ayurvedic medicine for treating pain and inflammatory conditions. It is highly effective in relieving pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism, sore muscles, stress and muscular tension.

‘Antiarthritic studies on Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Maharasnadi ghan’ by VES College of Pharmacy and K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India studied the effectiveness of Harshiangar herb on arthritis, especially Gouty arthritis which is caused due to the deposits of urate crystals in the synovial cavity. This study concluded that the use of Parijat leaves helped in controlling irritation, pain and inflammation associated with Gouty arthritis.

Mix 4 to 5 drops of Harshiangar essential oil with 2ml of coconut oil and heat it slightly. Gently massage the painful and inflamed parts with this warm blend and follow it with a hot compress.

This is a powerful medication for treating rheumatic pain, arthritis, joint pain, knee pain, headache, sciatica, muscular aches, menstrual pain, back pain and arthritic pain. Its efficiency to reduce kapha dosha helps in clearing the stagnation of excess fluids causing swelling and inflammation in case of rheumatism and other related problems.

A 1984 study on “Study of anti-inflammatory activity in the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn.–an Indian medicinal plant” proved that the use of Harshiangar leaves helped in reducing acute and chronic phases of formaldehyde induced arthritis. It was also said that these leaves were of great help in treating inflammatory conditions in Ayurveda.

2. Cures malaria and other bilious fevers:

Parijat leaves are a proven natural remedy for treating malarial fever and other bilious fever that are accompanied by nausea, strong diarrhea and increasing internal temperature mainly due to bile disorders.

Dr. Ashok B Vaidya, Research Director of ICMR Advance Centre for Reverse Pharmacology in Traditional Medicine at Kasturba Health Society, Mumbai said “Parijat leaves’ extract was being used in anti-malarial activities in western India, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The Parijat leaf extract is effective against both types of known malarial parasite, but it is especially useful against even the resistant strain of Plasmodium Falciparum, and even the crude extracts of Parijat leaves kill the parasites of malaria.”

Add 2 drops of Harshiangar essential oil with 1ml Olive oil and gently massage the soles of your feet for reducing the body temperature during high fever and for arresting the growth of infectious organisms causing fever.

3. Fights against free radicals:

Free radicals are nothing but atoms or molecules that cause cellular damage precisely known as oxidative damage leading to aging and other malignant disorders. Human body requires ample amount of antioxidants to guard it against the harmful effects of free radicals that affect healthy cells in the body.

A 2010 study on the Invitro antioxidant effects of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves have proved this herb as a potential source of natural antioxidants that help in combating the detrimental effects of free radicals and prevent the early symptoms of aging and the development of cancerous cells.

A refreshing Ayurvedic massage with 3 drops of Harshiangar oil with 2 ml of Jojoba oil can help you in checking the effects of these hazardous free radicals and their subsequent effects.

4. Combats virus and other micro-organisms:

Harshiangar essential oil is an effective natural remedy for fighting against harmful virus and other micro-organisms.

A 2012 study on “The chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from leaf and bark of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.” by the University of Alabama, Huntsville and Tribhuvan University, Nepal screened the effectiveness of Parijat essential oil against Gram positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, proved that Harshiangar essential oil is an established traditional remedy that has potent antimicrobial activity.

Certain other studies have witnessed the effectiveness of this oil in combating viruses like Semliki Forest Virus and encephalomyocarditis virus. Gently applying 2 drops of this oil mixed with 1 ml coconut oil acts as an effective remedy in protecting wounds and injuries from getting septic as it arrests the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which is accountable for wounds becoming septic and vulnerable to other health complexities.

This blend can also assist in treating pimples, blackheads and other skin disorders. With its anti-allergenic effect, this oil is also of great help in treating skin allergies and itches.

Other health benefits:

Apart from these major health benefits, Harshiangar essential oil is helpful in stimulating the immune power, make the body resistant against diseases, prevent illnesses that affect the liver, calms the mind with its sedative effect, clears congestion, treats constipation, asthma, dyspepsia, bronchitis and many other health conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purpose only and is not intended for treatment or for replacing any professional advice or prescribed medication. Never use essential oils internally. Ensure that you always use essential oils in a diluted manner before using it topically as organic essential oils are extremely concentrated substances and can harm the skin if used directly. Consult your Ayurvedic professional before choosing the right essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
-Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Suggested Reading:

Tropical and Subtropical Trees: An Encyclopedia by Margaret Barwick
Flowering Plants. Eudicots (The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants) from Springer
The Modern Ayurveda: Milestones beyond the Classical Age from CRC Press
The Materia Medica of the Hindus (Classic Reprint) by Udoy Chand Dutt

Reference Links: