Mace Oil

Posted on June 11, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

‘Amaze’ is the only word that can strike every mind that thinks about Mace and its magical healing values. With its power from being a brain stimulant to its effectiveness in treating depression and rheumatism, Mace fills every heart with total astonishment.

Botanically called as Myristica fragrans, Mace is the twin sister of Nutmeg and is the golden color aril that covers the hard shelled nutmeg (seed kernel).

Called as Jatiphala or Jatisasyya in Ayurveda, Mace has been prescribed for healing various health conditions like halitosis, insomnia, congestion, rheumatism, colic, indigestion, impotence, erectile dysfunctions, dysmennorhea, asthma, headache, lumbago, jaundice and as an excellent tonic for the brain.

Purchase Mace Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Purchase Mace Essential Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Historical importance and uses of Mace and its essential oil:

Mace is a native of the tropical rainforests of Indonesia, the Maluku – Banda islands. Jatiphala is an evergreen tree that takes about 20 years to bear fruits that contains the hard-shelled ‘nutmeg’ and its protective layer ‘mace’.

The traditional Arabians used Mace and Nutmeg as effective carminative and aphrodisiac herbs, aiding in the treatment of indigestion, impotence and premature ejaculation. It was initially the Arabians who traded Mace to Venetians from where it slowly spread throughout Europe in the medieval period.

Mace was used as a folklore remedy for rheumatic problems, intermittent fevers, mouth sores, insomnia, flatulence and diarrhea. The book ‘Indian Materia Medica’ by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni denotes that Mace has excellent stimulant and carminative properties, making it a trusted gastric tonic since the medieval period.

TCM or the Traditional Chinese Medicine used Mace for its effectiveness in treating dysmennorhea or painful menstruation, abdominal pain and liver problems. The essential of Mace is extracted from the dried hairy arils and have been used in the pharmaceutical and perfume industries for its ample health benefits.

Even today, many natives of India chew mace or the dried arils after meals for promoting quicker digestion.

People also use whole nutmeg as a candy to stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric juices that enhance metabolic functions (Nutmeg is indeed a rock like candy that would never melt or reduce in size but still older people have it in their mouth to stimulate their taste buds and to support digestion).

Applying the herbal cream prepared with Nutmeg and Mace powder was applied directly on blood clots, eczema, ringworm and athlete’s foot. It has been a promising traditional remedy for treating Alzheimer’s disease, lack of concentration and cognitive disorders.

Grandmother’s remedy with Mace includes its use in curing diarrhea, insomnia, nausea, flatulence, headache due to stress and to promote menses in case of blocked or delayed periods.

Nutmeg became an expensive remedial spice for its curative powers in warding off plague during the Elizabethan rule. Mace and nutmegs were used for culinary purposes in various international cuisines including the Japanese, Asian, Indonesian, Dutch, European and Middle Eastern. It is also used in the production of toothpastes, cough syrups, sweets, beverages and baked goods.

Remedial properties, nutrients and chemical constituents of Mace essential oil:

Myristicin, camphene, a-pinene, b-terpineol, b-pinene, camphene, myrcene, myristicol, sabinene, limonene, elemicin, safrole, isoelemicin, dipentene, methoxyeugenol, linalool and safrole along with 2 resorcinols namely malabaricone C and malabaricone B (antimicrobial and antioxidant properties).

Mace essential oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, larvicidal, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, carminative, expectorant, analgesic, tonic, anti-asthmatic, antimicrobial, stimulant and anti-depressant properties.

Mace is a powerhouse of enormous nutrients including vitamin A, thiamin, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and the list goes on.

Ayurvedic uses of Mace essential oil:

Revolutions happen frequently in today’s digital era. Everything has taken a greater twist and turn. All that was found in nature at ease became a part of Ayurvedic medicine in the ancient period. Along with the depletion of nature, natural remedies like Ayurveda looked as if it has taken a back seat.

This gentle reminder is that the much simpler life that you lead with more of natural things and less of artificial stuffs is indeed an Ayurvedic way of living. You don’t need to be a saint or a disciple of an Ayurvedic Guru for taking up Ayurveda into your routine.

Remember that the deep breath (Pranayama) that you take in the morning to start your day till the use of soothing essential oils in your diffuser (Aromatherapy) before going to bed has Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is the pioneer and the mother of all healing systems on this globe. People across the sphere have given various names for different treatments as per their taste and cultural differences.

For example, Ayurveda prescribes natural medications and aims at the treatment, prevention and longevity through augmenting the life force called as ‘prana’. The same is the ideal behind TCM or the Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses natural medicines for increased life span by stimulating the life force known as ‘Qi’.

Ayurveda is in everything that you use daily and the wisdom lies in the way you use it as the word ‘Ayur+veda’ simply means ‘Life + Knowledge’ i.e., the knowledge of life. It is that knowledge for leading your life in absolute peace and bliss with less or no chaos around.

World started with a single man and a single woman and gradually spread its root everywhere across the globe, known to us today as the human race. End of the day, when we turn back or dive deep into our history, all of us would just have the same ancestors and the same forefathers in some way or the other.

All I wanted to say is just one thing that Ayurveda is the priceless gift of our ancestors and it is the innate souvenir that they left behind in each of us. All we need to do is to rekindle the Ayurvedic thoughts that are deeply vested in our souls to lead a healthy and hearty life.

These kind of deeper thoughts strike our spirits when our mind is in a highly elated and conscious state during meditation, which is why meditation is also a remedial practice in Ayurvedic healing.

I’m not going to write the usual Ayurvedic stuff in this post as well. If you want to know the technical and traditional Ayurvedic terms, then just check our other posts on Ayurvedic oils.

Mace is undoubtedly one among the spectacular herbs whose remedial values become a blessing to all those who use Mace in any form. In an Ayurvedic perspective, Mace and its essential oil possess excellent warming, stimulating and invigorating properties that fuel the mind, body and the spirit.

Ayurveda prescribes unique remedy for every individual as it firmly believes that every person on earth is a unique creation with a distinct Prakriti or individual constitution, which is a combination of the 3 vital energies known as doshas. Every individual has a combination of all the three doshas with a predominance of one dosha, which determines his/her nature, temperament, physique and behavioral patterns.

According to Ayurveda, balance between these doshas as per the law of nature determines health and doshic imbalances due to lifestyle changes, irregular food habits, change in weather conditions, and lack of physical exercises, sedentary lifestyle and few other factors lead to illnesses.

Ayurvedic remedies include herbs, essential oils, yoga, Pranayama or the art of Ayurvedic breathing, Ayurvedic routine, Panchakarma or the detoxification therapy, meditation and prayers as tonics to the soul. These holistic remedies aim at striking perfect balance between the doshas to regain health and prevent it in future.

Mace essential oil has the potent to augment pitta (responsible for metabolism, body temperature, decision-making and leadership traits) energy and pacify kapha (responsible for sustenance, physical set up, love and trust) and vata doshas (responsible for nervous functions, respiratory functions, circulatory functions, creativity and sociability).

Chalo! Let’s walk through the many… many benefits of Mace essential oil…………..

1. Trusted tonic for the brain:

Brain is often the supreme part of the body, simply questioned for any under-performance or distorted tasks. The intellectual powers, cognitive abilities and brilliance are always associated with the functioning of the brain.

Stress, mental exhaustion, anxiety, fatigue and overindulgence in any chore beyond one’s natural potency deteriorate the normal performance of the human brain. This in turn ends up in loss of memory, depression, lack of concentration, negative feelings, and lack of self-esteem, inferiority complex and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Mace and Nutmeg essential oil has an organic compound called Myristicin (along with elemicin), which has been proved in various research studies as an effective constituent that stimulates enzymes in brain. These enzymes support in enhancing the memory power and helps significantly in the treatment Alzheimer’s disease.

Mace and Nutmeg essential oil has the power to enhance the cerebral functions and awakens your inner consciousness. An extremely enlightening blend of 2 drops of Mace oil, 1 drop of Calamus oil, 1 drop of Brahmi oil along with 1 drop of Rosemary oil in your diffuser or vaporizer, especially during the early hours of the day, when your mind is in deep meditation or during prayers can bring in all the vital energy that your brain requires to bounce back into action.

The remedial properties of these brain herbs pass through your nasal passages and reach the limbic system, the ultimate control center of human brain. Practicing this invigorating ritual every day can assist in improving your concentration power, optimistic thoughts, mental stability, sense of consciousness, memory power, functions of the brain cells and the power to focus without any digression.

Massaging your system with 10 drops of Mace oil, 5 drops of Rosemary oil, 5 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 5 drops of Clary Sage oil, 5 drops of Petitgrain oil and 4 ounce of Coconut oil can help in pacifying the nerves, alleviating mental exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, stress, pessimistic thoughts and feelings of loneliness by granting a sense of courage, self-confidence, increased attention, spontaneous thinking and strengthened nervous functions.

2. Mannish problems vanish with Mace:

Mace has a handful of masculine health benefits. With its tonic, stimulating and aphrodisiac properties, this revitalizing oil has been prescribed for treating impotence, premature ejaculation, loss of libido and lack of sexual interest.

Adding 5 drops of Mace oil, 2 drops of Ashwagandha oil along with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil in your bathing tub, especially before your bedtime, preferably with your partner can help in boosting the functions of your reproductive system by strengthening the pelvic muscles, increasing your sperm count, relaxing your system, granting a sense of secured feeling with your partner and augments your sexual drive.

You can also add 2 drops of Mace and 2 drops of Patchouli oil in your diffuser during the bedtime for influencing positive feelings and sense of absolute comfort during your special moments together.

3. Mace for menstrual mayhems:

The essential oil of Mace has emmenagogue properties that help in supporting the uterine functions and hormonal imbalances in women. Gently massaging your lower abdomen, thighs and lower back with 3 drops of Mace oil, 2 drops of Wormwood oil along with 10 ml of sesame oil can aid in fostering blocked or delayed menstruation, soothe painful periods or dysmennorhea, control nausea, mood fluctuations, headache and certain other symptoms associated with menstruation.

4. Rheumatism….? Relax with Mace oil now:

According to Ayurveda, ama or toxic remains due to improper digestion is the root cause of water retention diseases (kapha vitiation) like rheumatism, obesity, edema and respiratory infections.

Excess of water deposits along with toxic substances, salt, uric acid and harmful fat deposits lead to chronic pain, inflammation, soreness, redness, improper blood circulation and muscular stiffness associated with rheumatism, arthritis and edema.

With its power to pacify kapha energy along with its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, anti-rheumatic and circulatory properties, a gentle massage on the affected parts with 3 drops of Mace oil along with 1 drop of Chironji oil and 2 drops of Ginger oil with 5 ml of coconut oil can help in relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation by discarding excess fluid and toxic remains through urine.

It increases the quantity and frequency of urination. A warm compress followed by this massage can support in quicker relief as it helps in passing the therapeutic components to the bloodstream quickly.

5. Digestive discomforts die out just like that:

Mace and its essential oil have pitta or digestive fire enhancing quality that contribute to its excellent carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic and laxative properties that help in treating indigestion, gall stones, sluggish digestion, gastritis, vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea, intestinal spasms and bad breath.

Inhaling the soothing aroma of Mace oil by adding 1 drop of it in a tissue or a hankie, especially before your mealtime and massaging your tummy with 2 drops of Mace oil, 1 drop of Grapefruit oil, 1 drop of Orange oil and 5 ml of sesame oil can enhance the secretion of hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes and gastric juices responsible for trouble-free digestion.

6. Cold or fever? Mace to your rescue:

Common cold, congestion, whooping cough, throat infection, headache, blocked nasal passages, fever and certain other respiratory problems are the effects of kapha imbalances allowing the fluid retention to build up as mucous and phlegm deposits in the bronchial, respiratory and nasal passages.

The essential oil of Mace has gentle warming and expectorant properties with its power to lessen the increased kapha energy. 2 drops of Mace oil with 1 drop of Peppermint oil and 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil added to steam inhalation and as a gentle massage of your throat, chest and back with the same blend in your vaporizing ointment can facilitate in loosening the dangerous phlegm and mucous thus alleviating nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, fever, cough, headache, asthma and congestion in the bronchial passages.

Other health benefits:

Mace oil is also used in the treatment of kidney infections and renal calculi. It is also an excellent sedative that promotes uninterrupted sleep at night. With the presence of eugenol, Mace is also a proven remedy for treating toothache and halitosis. Mace oil is also effective in relieving backache, bruises, pain in the joints and migraine headache. It is also used as a flavoring ingredient in the production of tobacco, shaving creams, soaps and air fresheners.

Various research reports have proved that essential oil of Mace and Nutmeg has the power to prevent and fight against cancer by restraining the growth of blood vessels that support cancerous tumors.

Disclaimer:

This original piece of information is meant only for the purpose of education and is not recommended to diagnose, prevent or to treat any kind of ailments. It is neither meant to replace any prescribed medicines or the advice of a healthcare professional. We, the team of Essential Depot are not experts in Traditional medicine and these facts are shared only for unveiling the myths of Ayurveda and for spreading its glory in healing humanity across the globe.

Essential oils are not recommended for internal use and remember to dilute essential oils in suitable carrier oils before using it for topical applications. This is because absolutely pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may cause allergic reactions, when used on the skin without dilution.

Pregnant and nursing women, please excuse as Mace oil has potent to cause uterine contractions and may end up in miscarriage. Speak with your Ayurvedic expert or medical professional before choosing the suitable essential oils as per your state of health and unique individual constitution. And the final friendly advice is to do a patch test on your skin before enjoying its complete benefits.

Thought for the day:

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.– By Hippocrates

Suggested Reading:

Mindfulness and Mental Health: Therapy, Theory and Science by Chris Mace
Evidence-based Essential Oil Therapy: The Ultimate Guide to the Therapeutic and Clinical Application of Essential Oils by Dr. Scott A Johnson
Nutmeg and Mace by Marian Kim
The Encyclopedia of Aphrodisiacs: Psychoactive Substances for Use in Sexual Practices by Christian Rätsch, Claudia Müller-Ebeling
Listening to Scent: An Olfactory Journey with Aromatic Plants and Their Extracts by Jennifer Peace Rhind

Reference Links:

Citriodora Oil

Posted on June 1, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Citriodora or Lemon eucalyptus is a jewel in the crown of the Eucalyptus family, Myrtaceae. With a revivifying and invigorating aroma of lemon and eucalyptus, this lemon-scented eucalyptus oil is used in fixing feelings of abandonment and mental agitation along with poor concentration and confusions. The essential oil of Citriodora is extracted from the elongated leaves of the Lemon-scented gum tree, botanically known as Eucalyptus citriodora by steam distillation.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is used in Ayurvedic treatment for asthma, cold, cough, arthritis, hypertension, shingles, migraine pain, rheumatism, wounds, inflammation, bacterial and fungal infections as well as a non-toxic insect repellent for keeping away from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

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

Purchase Citriodora Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Citriodora and its essential oil:

Lemon eucalyptus or Citriodora is a type of Eucalyptus tree in the Eucalyptus genus. This tree is indigenous to north eastern and tropical parts of Australia but few sources state that it is native to Vietnam and Madagascar. Even today about 75% of the trees grown in Australia belongs to the Eucalyptus family.

Brazil and China are the largest producers of commercial Lemon eucalyptus essential oil and this tree is also grow in India, South Africa, Guatemala, Egypt, Colombia, Indonesia and Albania. Citriodora is also said to be a cross between lemon and eucalyptus varieties. This large handsome evergreen tree grows up to 50 m tall and the broad lanceolate leaves exhibit a strong lemon and eucalyptus aroma when crushed.

Citriodora has its remedial history of being used in the traditional as well as modern medicine in the east and west, mainly as an aid for respiratory infections and for keeping insects at bay. The infusion made from the leaves of this tree has been used in reducing fever, treating gastric conditions and fighting against microbes causing such infectious diseases in the Aboriginal tradition.

Ayurveda and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used the aromatic leaves of this plant in steam inhalation for clearing nasal congestion, easing cold, flu, asthma and sore throat. The paste of this leaves or the leaves poultice were also used in healing wounds, cuts, skin infections, sores, cuts, blisters, chicken pox, joint pain, rheumatic pain, fungal infections and other few other infections.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is a famous ingredient in soaps, aromatic candles, natural insect repellents, lotions, shampoo, toothpastes, deodorants, perfumes, detergents, insecticides, waxes and in the flavoring of few other products since the traditional times.

Remedial properties and chemical components of Citriodora essential oil:

The medicinal benefits of Lemon eucalyptus oil are often attributed to its high content of citronellal component (about 80%). The other chemical constituents include citronellol and other monoterpenes.

The citronellal constituent of the cultured oil is transformed into cis- and trans- isomers of p-menthane-3,8-diols (PMD), which is a natural process that happens as the Eucalyptus leaves grow old. This oil is also called by other names like Para-menthane-3,8-diol, OLE, PMD, P-menthane Diol, Wild Eucalyptus Citriodora, P-menthane-3,8-Diol, Spotted Gum and Quwenling.

The therapeutic properties of this oil are calmative, insecticide, antibacterial, expectorant, diuretic, analgesic, fungicidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-rheumatic, germicidal, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antiseptic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Citriodora essential oil: Ayurveda is the ancient Indian healing methodology which exactly means ‘the knowledge of life (Ayur-life + Veda-knowledge)’. If you are completely new to this oldest healing science on earth, then join for a wonder ride where you can explore what Ayurveda has intact for you.

Ayurveda has thousands of dimensions and everything that is natural and organic falls into this bucket, as Ayurvedic principles abide by Mother Nature and strongly believe that everything in the universe is a part of nature and is built with the same five elements of nature, namely earth, fire, air, water and space.

The most imperative approaches of the Ayurvedic regime are holistic approach, which fervently states that health is a combination of the wellness of the body, psyche and the soul. This is clearly stated in Charaka Samhita, the most trusted Ayurvedic encyclopedia as “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.” Ayurveda trusts that a healthy body is the absolute home for a healthy mind and a pure soul.

Spiritual aspects play a vital role in Ayurvedic healing. It has been said a small, sincere prayer can bring in enormous positive energy to deal with a difficult day. Spirituality simply means the trust and the natural bond with the Supreme Power that shells and leads the Cosmos. By inculcating this practice, every individual will understand his responsibilities and righteousness to lead a glorious life.

Ayurvedic philosophies bring in the other few vital practices of Ayurveda that includes prevention of illnesses by treating the root cause of a disease instead of the symptoms. Prescribing natural remedies like herbs, essential oils, meditation, yoga, prayer and a meaningful Ayurvedic routine is the key to this healing wisdom. By this way, it promotes a disease-free living and leads to healthy aging and longevity.

Every Ayurvedic treatment starts with the analysis of the dynamic biological energies that are a pictogram of the five natural elements. They are known as doshas, namely pitta (fire + water), vata (air + space) and kapha (earth + water). These three energies are there in every person in unique ratios to make up the individual constitution. Balance between these doshas indicates health and imbalance leads to sickness.

Ayurvedic therapies are prescribed in such a way that they treat the doshic imbalances and help strike absolute balance according to the Prakriti (fundamental constitution or nature) of an individual. With its moisturizing and heating energy, Citriodora essential oil is known to lessen the excess of kapha and vata energy and increase pitta dosha when deficit.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Citriodora essential oil are:

1. Alleviates rheumatic and arthritic pain:

Rheumatism and arthritis are mainly caused due to surplus deposits of toxic substances, salt, uric acid and excess water causing improper blood circulation especially in the joints. Water retention and stagnation of other fluids in the body are the symptoms of kapha intemperance.

Citriodora essential oil treats kapha surplus and regulates its flow in the system. Massaging the affected parts with 5 drops of Citriodora oil blended with 2.5 ml of coconut oil can help in eliminating the excess deposits and toxins through sweat and urine and enhances blood circulation. This massaging can also help in treating sore muscles, joint pain, and backache and can also serve as a vitalizing massage for people indulged in sports.

This oil relieves pain and reduces swelling with its heating effect along with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding 2 drops of Citriodora oil in warm bathing water or in hot or cold compress is also another alternative to treat arthritic and rheumatic pain. Performing Pranayama, the art of balanced breathing can help in discharging about 70% of the toxins in the body through exhalation.

2. Non-toxic insect repellent:

The essential oil of Eucalyptus citriodora is suggested by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, U.S) as a non-toxic alternate for DEET, which an element used in other repellants, making it unsafe. With a rosy-citronella fragrance and faint lemon undertones, Citriodora essential oil is an ultimate natural remedy for keeping away from harmful insects including mosquitoes, bugs, ticks and fleas.

All you need to do is to add 3 to 4 drops of Citriodora oil in lamp oils, diffuser, lotions, patio sprays, body mists and vaporizers for preventing your lovely family from the adverse effects of insects and pests, which may otherwise cause infectious diseases like malaria, dengue etc.,

3. Relieves respiratory infections:

Problems of the respiratory system become severe when the mucous and phlegm discharges thicken and block the bronchial and nasal passages. Deposits of mucous and phlegm is due to the vitiation of kapha dosha, which is responsible for problems caused due to stagnation of water and fluids in the body.

Citriodora essential oil has kapha-reducing properties along with the antiviral and antimicrobial properties that assist in destroying the harmful virus and microbes responsible for making respiratory infections vulnerable. 2 to 3 drops of this oil added to hot water for steam inhalation helps in loosening the phlegm and mucous deposits.

By this way it helps in relieving chest congestion, nasal congestion, cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat and cold. Adding 2 drops of Lemon eucalyptus oil to your decongesting ointment and gently rubbing on your chest, back and throat can fasten your healing process.

4. Grants mental clarity and improves concentration:

Pitta energy is responsible for body temperature, metabolic functions, decision-making potential and for instilling the feelings of perfection in your routine. Deficit of pitta energy or pitta imbalance along with other environmental and lifestyle factors can end up in chaos, poor concentration, sluggishness, lack of self-confidence, lonesomeness and distress.

Eucalyptus citriodora oil enhances pitta energy. It has a positive effect and supports in opening the heart chakra, which is responsible for forgiveness, compassion, love for self and others and the solar plexus chakra that is incharge for feelings of self-empowerment and self-esteem.

Adding 3 drops of Citriodora oil in your burner, vaporizer, diffuser or air freshener can help in improving your self-confidence, focus, shrewdness and clarity of thoughts with its fresh, citrusy, warming, camphoraceous and woody aroma.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Citriodora oil mixed with 5 ml of olive oil or adding 3 drops of this oil to your bath can help in rejuvenating the mind, body and the soul.

5. Benefits for skin and hair:

Since the traditional times, Citriodora leaves and its essential oil have been used in the treatment of various skin disorders like burns, scabies, wounds, dermatitis and erysipelas. Citriodora oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that help in combating the growth of hazardous micro-organisms causing skin disorders and making wounds, cuts and burns more infectious.

A 2002 study on ‘Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo’ by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Belgium published that Eucalyptus citriodora is one among the most effective essential oils exhibiting the most active antibacterial effects and inhibited the growth of various bacteria.

Another research done in 2007 on ‘The antibacterial effect of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil against a battery of clinically important bacterial strains’ at the Phytochemical Pharmacological and Microbiological Laboratory in India proved that “Citriodora oil is highly active against Alcaligenes fecalis and Proteus mirabilis, and active against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas testosterone, Bacillus cereus, Citrobacter freundii. Its healing efficiency was said to be equally comparable to the powerful Piperacillin and Amikacin antibiotics.”

As a potent antifungal oil, Citriodora has been proved effective in treating candida. When tested in a laboratory analysis in comparison with other essential oils possessing synthetic antibiotics against candida, Eucalyptus citriodora oil showed strongest anti-candidal properties.

5 drops of Citriodora oil blended with 3 ml of Almond oil and applied to infectious wounds, cuts, blisters, boils, ringworm, candida, athlete’s foot, rashes and redness due to insect stings and bites, acne and few other skin conditions with its eucalyptus and citrusy effects.

Eucalyptus citriodora oil is also a famous ingredient in shampoos, hair oils and few other hair care formulas. 10 drops of Citriodora oil added to 5 ml of coconut oil can serve as an assured remedy for alleviating dandruff, dry scalp, itching and lice, when massaged gently on the scalp followed by a hair wash with a mild shampoo (preferably 8 ml) mixed with 10 drops of Citriodora oil will leave you with a dandruff-free, lice-free, oil-free and clean smelling hair.

6. Disinfects and purifies the air:

Citriodora essential oil has a lemony, fresh, woody and energizing aroma that makes its use imperative in disinfecting, deodorizing and purifying the air. 5 to 10 drops of Citriodora essential oil can be added to your sprayer pump, diffuser, air freshener or vaporizer for killing the microbes in the atmosphere and spreading the magic of freshness around.

Disclaimer:

This article is for the purpose of education only and is not meant for curing, preventing or diagnosing any health condition or for substituting any prescribed medication or professional advice of your medical expert.

Do not use essential oils internally and always dilute essential oils before using it externally. Keep out of reach of children and avoid this oil if you are pregnant or a nursing mom. Ensure that you seek the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare expert before selecting the appropriate essential oil for your unique state of health and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

Eucalyptus: The Genus Eucalyptus (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
Eucalyptus Plantations: Research, Management and Development by Run-Peng Wei, Daping Xu
Modern Phytomedicine: Turning Medicinal Plants into Drugs from Wiley-VCH
Phytochemical and Antifungal analysis of E citriodora L. extracts: Phytochemical Constituents of Eucalyptus citriodora L. Responsible for Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Organisms by Sehrish Iftikhar, Shabnam Javed
Effect of NaCl on emergence and growth of a range of provenances of Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus populnea, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia … article from: Forest Ecology and Management] by P.A. Madsen, D.R. Mulligan

Reference Links:

Cubeb Oil

Posted on May 24, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Cubeb, the tailed-pepper is an exceptional fertility aid for both the Kings and Queens out there, with its significant aphrodisiac properties. “It stimulates the parathyroid, and so it would be an excellent addition to menopausal formulas, helping with problems of osteoporosis”, says Jenny Rose in her Aromatherapy Book.

Cubeb essential oil is extracted from the dried Cubeb berries through steam distillation method. This plant is botanically called as Piper cubeba and is a limb of the pepper family Piperaceae.

Cubeb was recommended by Charaka and Sushruta, the legendary Ayurvedic philosophers for treating halitosis, cough, loss of voice, fever, gonorrhea and certain other oral problems. Cubeb is known in Sanskrit as kankol and in Hindi as kabab chini and is a part of the Ayurvedic family Pippali kul. It is also used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating impotence, tastelessness, asthma, inflammation, piles, indigestion and menstrual problems.

Purchase Cubeb Oil – 4oz – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Cubeb:

Native to the Java and Sumatra islands of Indonesia, Cubeb is often called as Java pepper and is also grown widely in India and Malaysia. It’s taste is often compared to allspice or pepper like. Cubeb is said to have reached the European subcontinent through the ancient trades by the Arabs through India and Arabians call it as Kababa and is also talked about in the writings of Alchemy.

The use of Cubeb dates back to 4^th century BC in various parts of the world. It was brought to China during the Tang dynasty and was called by the Sanskrit names vidanga and vilenga.

The most interesting uses of Cubeb by the Tang physicians are to darken hair, treat demon vapors, loss of appetite and as a natural perfume for the body. Cubeb was also used in the Tibetan Medicine for treating problems associated with the spleen.

Hildegard of Bingen prescribed the use of Cubeb as an antiseptic and as a good tonic for the nervous system. The London Dispensatorie written by Nicholas Culpeper in 1654 says “Cubebs were hot and dry in the third degree… (snip) they cleanse the head of flegm and strengthen the brain, they heat the stomach and provoke lust“. Theophrastus has stated the use of Cubeb as an important ingredient in making sweet-smelling confections along with cassia and cinnamon.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Cubeb oil:

The chemical constituents of Cubeb essential oil are sesquiterpenes (namely α- and β-cubebene, caryophyllene, germacrene, δ-cadinene and copaene) and monoterpenes (including carene, 50% sabinene and α-thujene) along with camphor, pinene, azulene, lineal, alcohol cubebol and other oxides like 1,4- and 1,8-cineole.

The remedial attributes of Cubeb essential oil are carminative, diuretic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, analgesic, disinfectant, astringent, gastro-protective and stimulant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Cubeb essential oil:

Ayurveda implanted strong roots of health through prevention of illnesses, disciplined lifestyle and absolute balance with nature leading to aging in the pink and extended life-span even beyond a hundred years. This 5,000 years old ancient healing methodology strongly insists to be on par with nature for leading a hale and harmonious living.

According to Ayurveda, everything on Earth is a combination of the 5 vital elements of nature and they are earth, fire, water, air and space.

It says that the only difference between a living thing and a non-living thing is the element of space that rests within living organisms as the soul. Bones and muscles represent earth, fire stands for the metabolic processes and body temperature, blood is a symbol of water, air assists in breathing and space is the soul, which indicates that we are alive.

Ayurvedic philosophy states that each human being is created with a unique individual constitution that comprises of three bio-energies known as doshas, namely vata, kapha and pitta types. Vata is a combination of air and space, pitta stands for fire and water and kapha represents water and earth.

Ayurveda denotes that every individual has a predominance of any one these doshas and that determines their physical set up, mental makeup and their personality. Balance between these doshas is a symbol of good health and imbalances of these biological energies due to food and lifestyle changes causes illnesses.

Treatments in Ayurveda vary from person to person even if it is for the same illness because this common sense science examines the individual constitution, patient history and the root cause of an illness before prescribing the suitable medication.

The most prevalent Ayurvedic remedies are herbs, plant essential oils, Abhyanga (the art of Ayurvedic massaging), yoga, Ayurvedic routine, prayer, simple physical exercises and mediation depending upon the unique individual constitution for correcting the doshic imbalances.

Cubeb oil is an effective Ayurvedic remedy for treating excess of kapha and vata energies and regularizing the pitta deficit.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Cubeb essential oil are:

1. Natural aid to fertility problems:

Cubeb essential oil has natural aphrodisiac properties for which it was used by ancient Arabians and in the Unani medicinal system in the treatment of fertility problems like infertility, loss of sexual interest, impotence, erectile dysfunction, all stages of gonorrhea and other STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

In Ayurvedic terms, Cubeb oil contains Ushan as its Virya means hotness as its main potency. Warmth and increased body temperature influence better intimacy in a sexual relationship. Excess of vata dosha can also be a reason for lack of sexual interest and impotency. Cubeb essential oil is known for reducing increased vata dosha and helps treat various sexual problems.

Unani medicinal system suggests the use of Cubeb corns for increased sexual contentment and is it because of this attribute Cubebs were initially called in Arabic language as ‘Habb-ul-Uruus. It has also been noted in the book ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ as a key ingredient in the preparation of an aphrodisiac cure for infertility.

Cubeb oil has a warm, pungent and slightly camphoraceous fragrance with a feel of Nutmeg aroma. Add 3 drops of Cubeb oil in 3 ml of olive oil and massage your body for arousing intimate sexual feelings naturally. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in warm bathing water before going to bed and add 1 drop of Cubeb oil along with 1 drop of Lavender or Ylang Ylang oil in your diffuser to set the right mood perfectly.

2. Alleviates dental and oral infections:

Cubeb gets a special mention in both the highly-held Ayurvedic encyclopedias, the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita as an oral cleanser and as an aid for treating dental problems.

The essential oil of Cubeb has natural antiseptic, antimicrobial and astringent properties that assist in killing the harmful organisms in the mouth causing halitosis or bad breath, bleeding gums, plaque and cavities. Mix 1 drop of Cubeb oil in a cup of warm water and use it as a gargle for relieving all kinds of dental and oral infections.

3. Relieves congestion and other respiratory illnesses:

Vitiated kapha dosha is responsible for water retention, excess deposits of phlegm and mucous, thus leading to respiratory problems like nasal congestion, chest congestion, cold and other pulmonary infections including bronchitis. The ability to reduce increased kapha energy is the major reason for Cubeb oil being used as a promising remedy in treating respiratory illnesses.

Many popular Physicians and Herbalists like Nicholas Culpeper have said that Cubeb is an excellent remedy for clearing phlegm deposits, strengthening the brain, alleviating bronchitis; asthma, relieving congestion and treating cough and throat infections. Add 2 to 3 drops of Cubeb oil in steam inhalation or to your vaporub and massage it gently on your throat, back and chest to experience quick relief from respiratory infections with its expectorant and antimicrobial properties.

4. Discards toxic substances in the body:

Cubeb essential oil has diuretic properties that help in discharging the toxic substances in the body known as ama, which is nothing but the remains of improper digestion which slowly turns toxic. These toxic remains along with salt deposits, uric acid, cholesterol and fat can lead to numerous medical conditions including kidney problems and heart diseases.

Light Miller and Bryan Miller in their book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ say about Cubeb as “This herb has a light peppery smell. On occasion, when substituted into a formula for weight loss instead of black pepper, patients reported greater effectiveness .”

Cubeb oil acts as a stimulant in the body and promotes the proper functioning of the system. Its diuretic properties increase the quantity and frequency of urination and helps in cleansing the system.

Adding 2 drops of Cubeb oil in warm bathing water or in an Ayurvedic massage blend with 2 drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of Cubeb oil along with 5 ml sesame oil assists in excreting toxic substances in the body, thus treating urinary infections, obesity, inflammatory conditions and other genito-urinary problems.

5. Assists in proper digestion and bowel movements:

Just like Pepper, Cubeb also has hot, spicy and pungent flavor. It’s potent to increase pitta energy is of great value in dealing with digestive problems like tastelessness, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, intestinal worms etc., where Pitta dosha represents fire and water and is in charge of the metabolic functions. Massage your abdomen with 2 drops of Cubeb oil mixed with 2 ml of coconut oil for effective relief from digestive disorders.

A 2012 study on ‘In vitro efficacy of the essential oil of Piper cubeba L. (Piperaceae) against Schistosoma mansoni by Universidade de Franca published in Pubmed’ suggests that, “Piper cubeba essential oil possesses an effect against cercariae, schistosomula, and adult worms of the S. mansoni.” Schistosoma mansoni are adult worms that cause intestinal schistosomiasis (combined name for parasitic diseases).

Other uses:

Cubeb oil is also used as an important ingredient in lozenges, spirits, chewing gum, oral cleansers, toothpastes, cough drops, cigarettes for hay fever, asthma and chronic pharyngitis. It is also used in Ayurvedic healing for treating joint and bone problems.

Disclaimer:

This article is meant only for the purpose of education and information. Using it as a substitute for prescribed medicines or professional medical advice is not recommended. Always use essential oils for topical application in a diluted form only as organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and can cause allergic reactions.

Cubeb oil is a possible skin irritant and it is good to be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Always consult your Ayurvedic expert before making the right choice of essential oils that suit your medical condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia. -Charles Lindbergh

Suggested Reading:

ISO 3756:1976, Oil of Cubeb by ISO TC 54
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
All About Spices: Pepper, Cubebs, Nutmegs, Cloves, Ginger, Vanilla, Pimento, Cinnamon (1889) by Alastair Mackenzie Ferguson, John Ferguson
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless

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