Tag Archives: Ayurvedic oils for digestive problems

Orange Sweet Essential Oil

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Orange-sweet-bannerBeing fit as a fiddle is the dream of every one of us in this wobbly world where perfect health looks like a forbidden fruit to humanity. When this contemporary living demands swallowing pills, regular gymming and deficient diet to make you look like Mr. / Ms. Perfect, Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences on earth suggests the holistic treatment to your five senses for a harmonious living.

Colors for the sense of sight, sound for the sense of hearing, aroma for the sense of smell, massage and topical application for the sense of touch and herbal remedies for the sense of taste.

And now, here’s the key for opening your door to perfect health, yes you are right and the key is Orange and its essential oil. With an appeasing orange color it instills peace, happiness and spiritual wisdom, the tangy and mesmerizing aroma calms your senses and soothes your nerves, the therapeutic properties ease numerous functions of the body when massaged gently and its numerous medicinal benefits strengthen your aura when ingested in the form of juices.

Purchase Orange Sweet Oil – Retail – CLICK HERE

Purchase Orange Sweet Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical Importance of Sweet Orange:

It is native to China and is scientifically known as Citrus sinensis. The first literary presence of orange dates back to 500 BC in the book ‘Yu Kung’ written under the reign of the Chinese Emperor Ta Yun. The ancient Chinese considered Orange as a symbol of good luck and used it for treating numerous health problems, whereas the Europeans regarded it as a sign of richness. Sweet oranges were celebrated as a Qi-tonic (tonic for the aura or the life force) to eliminate obstacles in the energy meridians.

Vasco da Gama was the first person to bring Sweet Oranges to Europe when he discovered it in the 15th century in East Africa, which was considered as the Arabian trade routes. It gained greater reputation in Portugal and was called as ‘Portugal Orange’.

Few sources say that Columbus took the seeds of Citrus sinensis to America in 1493 and it slowly spread across California, Florida and Louisiana by the middle of the 18th century. Sweet orange and its oil has been in use in a number traditional cuisines like roast duck (other water birds also), fennel and orange salad, orange-almond tart and in many savories, desserts and confectionery items across the globe.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report of Orange sweet oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Orange sweet oil constitutes of Limonene as the key component with about 97.2%, contributing to its distinctive fragrance, remedial properties and quality.

Just click on Limonene for knowing about the exclusive information of this prime constituent of Orange sweet oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the prime chemical constituent and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Orange sweet oil.

Orange-sweet-OilTherapeutic properties of Orange sweet oil:

The essential oil of Sweet orange is extracted by cold pressing the rinds of this fruit that instills a fresh and strong aroma. The healing properties of this oil are antidepressant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic, chemo-preventive, cholagogue, antispasmodic, carminative, antioxidant, sedative, anti-inflammatory and diuretic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Orange sweet essential oil:

Nothing is as complicated as studying human physiology and human psychology even with today’s modern devices. You will now feel highly impressed with the kind of wisdom that Ayurveda has imparted to this world even before our scanning machines or X-ray devices were found.

It is for this reason people call Ayurveda as a common sense science that transforms the knowledge about human mind, body and spirit in an easier manner for everyone to understand thoroughly as this noble methodology considers that knowledge about one’s own health condition is vital for healthy living.

Ayurvedic texts indicate that human beings are an essential part of nature and everything that corresponds to their illness or wellness depends upon their balance or harmony with nature.

Thus illness in Ayurveda means that your body is out of rhythm with nature and natural remedies like essential oils, herbs, healthy lifestyle, yoga, meditation and prayers can assist in treating imbalances that bring you back to balance with nature and help prevent such diseases in the future also.

Ayurvedic remedies are always unique for every individual as it trusts that every human being is made up of a unique combination of energy elements known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) in Sanskrit.

Predominance of any one of these doshas determines an individual’s personality and health condition and imbalance of any one these doshas leads to illness. Ayurvedic treatment is solely based upon the individual constitution and the dosha imbalances of a person. Sweet orange oil is said to reduce excess vata and kapha and increase pitta deficit.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Orange sweet essential oil are:Orange-sweet-broucher1. Benefits to the skin:

Sweet orange essential oil has a handful of benefits to the skin when added to your regular skin care cream or lotions. Massaging your skin gently with 2 drops of Orange sweet oil blended with mild carrier oil like jojoba oil can help in treating acne, skin irritation, microbial infections, wounds, cuts, abrasions and dermatitis with its antiseptic properties.

Known as a skin tonic, this oil stimulates the lymphatic system and aids in eliminating the toxins of the congested skin surface.

As a natural skin energizer, Orange sweet oil penetrates deeply into the pores and supports the formation of collagen in the skin. This helps in augmenting the elasticity of the skin, reduces wrinkles, removes excess oil, improves skin complexion and grants a never before brighter, fairer, spotless, healthy and glowing skin.

Adding 2 drops of Orange sweet oil in lukewarm bathing water or in facial steam helps in refreshing and revitalizing your skin and aids in fighting the symptoms of aging.

2. Benefits to the mind:

As a trusted antidepressant, sedative and mild aphrodisiac, Orange sweet oil has been used for treating depression, anxiety, mood fluctuations, sleeping difficulties and sexual problems like loss of interest in sex, loss of libido, impotence etc.

Adding 2 drops of this oil in your diffuser, air freshener, vaporizer, burner or in bath will uplift your mood, grant mental clarity, pacify your nerves, induce positive feelings and reminds you of the happy moments in your life.

Sweet orange oil with its inspiring, encouraging, stimulating and versatile aroma grants a sense of support, warmth and happiness. With this motive, Orange oil is recommended for use in the bed room to treat sleeping problems, mental worries and for assisting stubborn children to fall asleep.

A 2012 study on ‘Effect of Sweet Orange Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans’ presented results stating “an acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange aroma, giving some scientific support to its use as a tranquilizer by aromatherapists.” This proves that the aroma of Sweet orange is effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels in human beings.

Another research on ‘Anxiolytic-like effect of sweet orange aroma in Wistar rats’ also proved that the acute anxiolytic aroma of sweet orange is better than the aroma of tea tree oil when tested on the same animal model.

3. Benefits to the digestive system:

Orange sweet oil has carminative properties that aids in expelling the formation of gas in the intestines. If left unnoticed intestinal gas can create sharp pain in the chest, severe stomach pain, indigestion, abdominal discomfort and increase your blood pressure.

Using 2 drops of this oil with sesame oil for massaging your tummy will help in preventing gas formation, driving out existing gas, treating intestinal spasms, cramps and killing intestinal parasites.

A 2010 study on ‘Efficacy of an orange oil emulsion as an anthelmintic against Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and in sheep (Ovis aries)’ tested the effectiveness of Orange oil in killing Haemonchus contortus, a blood-sucking abomasal gastrointestinal parasite that affects goats and sheep. This research proved that orange oil is 97 percent effective in treating parasitic worms in sheep and goats.

4. Benefits to spasms and pain:

Sweet orange oil with its antispasmodic effect helps relieve spasms that can cause chronic diarrhea, persistent coughs, muscular cramps and convulsions. This oil has excellent diuretic properties that eliminate the toxic substances from the body through urine. It also helps in treating obesity, water retention and inflammation due to the presence of harmful toxins in the body.

Add 2 to 3 drops of Orange sweet oil in your bath tub for treating inflammation and spasms. Massaging the affected area with 2 drops of Orange sweet oil blended with coconut oil can grant instant relief from painful spasms along with external and internal inflammations.

5. Benefits to the entire system:

The essential oil of Orange sweet benefits the entire system by balancing various functions of the body. Being a cholagogue, this oil stimulates the secretion from all the glands, helping to regularize menstrual flow, digestive juices, hormones and milk in nursing mothers.

The presence of limonene constituent in Orange sweet oil has been proved to combat free radicals and check the growth of cancerous tumors by preventing cellular mutations. This oil also enhances the immune power of the body and helps to fight against cold, flu, nervous tension and numerous other diseases.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally. Always use essential oils after diluting it in carrier oils as pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and may harm you when used directly on the skin. Citrus oils in general have photo-toxicity effect so avoid using it before going out in the sun. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the right essential oil for your individual constitution and appropriate health condition.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Orange sweet essential oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and superior usage.

Gas Chromatography Report of Orange sweet essential oil.

Thought for the day:

When life gives you lemons, make orange juice and leave the world wondering how the hell you did it.      – Unknown

Suggested Reading:

  1. HEALING POWERS OF SWEET ORANGE OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
  2. How to Use Orange Essential Oil (Aromatherapy) by Miriam Kinai
  3. Citrus Essential Oils: Flavor and Fragrance from Wiley
  4. Citrus Oils: Composition, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Contaminants, and Biological Activity (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press

Reference Links:

  1. Oranges: History, Types and Uses by HubPages
  2. Efficacy of an orange oil emulsion as an anthelmintic against Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and in sheep (Ovis aries) submitted to Veterinary Parasitology, published in USDA Agricultural Research Service Website
  3. Citrus sinensis by World Agroforestry Centre
  4. Effect of Sweet Orange Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Melissa Essential Oil

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Mlissa-bannerMelissa………., the name that sounds sweet, smells great and means ‘honeybee’ in Greek is claimed as one of the rarest essential oils just because it requires about 12,000 pounds of Melissa leaves to obtain 1 pound of its essential oil.

Scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, this herb is also known to the world as Lemon balm, Life’s elixir, Cure-all, English balm, Sweet balm, Blue balm and Honey plant and is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae.

This herb is trusted to enhance cognitive performance, treat Alzheimer’s disease, venomous bites and fight against viral attacks like herpes in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing systems in the world. Melissa essential oil is also used in treating insomnia, depression, nervous headache and known to clear one’s mind for right decision-making.

Purchase Melissa Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Melissa and its essential oil:

Wow!!! Is all I have to say when I read about a handful of pages about the history of Melissa herb and the way its medicinal importance have travelled all around the universe. From America to Australia, from Arabia to India, Melissa has not left any part of this world unhealed.

Lemon balm has been in use for more than 2000 years and few sources state that its use was recorded in Theophrastus’ Historia Plantarum around 300 B.C. and was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. French Emperor King Charles V and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V are said to have taken Melissa beverages for augmenting their health.

Pliny The Elder, the renowned Roman naturalist have said that planting Lemon balm near bee hives will attract bees to return to their hives and “causeth the Bees to keep together and causeth others to come unto them” said English herbalist Gerard denoting that rubbing the leaves of Melissa on bee hives will encourage the bees to come back.

An Arabian proverb quotes Lemon balm as “Balm makes the heart merry and joyful” and the Arabian physician Avicenna (11th century) used Melissa in the treatment of melancholy and depression. Called as the ‘heart’s content’ in southern parts of Europe, Lemon balm tea was the most famous morning tea after it was taken along with honey after breakfast by the Princes of Sydenham and Glamorgan who lived 116 and 108 years respectively.

Paracelsus, the Swiss alchemist and physician called Melissa as “the elixir of life” for he trusted that this magical herb has the power to augment strength and pave way for longevity. Lemon balm was regarded as a sacred herb in the temple of Diana, the ancient Roman Goddess.

Greek physician Dioscorides used Lemon balm for treating toothaches, dog bites, scorpion stings, blocked menstruation, toothache and gout. Popular herbalist Nicholas Culpeper said that Melissa is effective in treating melancholy and boils and is good for the mind, spleen, heart and liver. Melissa has been associated with moon, water and feminine.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Melissa essential oil: The essential oil of Lemon balm has effective chemical constituents like geraniol, β-caryophyllene, citronellal, geranial, caryophyllene oxide, trans-ocimene, methyl heptenone, linalool, neral, 3-octanone, cis-ocimene, a-humulene, geranyl acetate and certain other components.

Antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, tonic, nervine, antidepressant, sedative, bactericidal, antiviral, stomachic, cordial, hypotensive, carminative and febrifuge are its therapeutic values.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Melissa essential oil:

Lemon balm essential oil is regarded as one of the most potent remedial essential oils in all of the oils used in Complementary and Alternative medicine system, amongst which Ayurveda is the oldest healing science. Melissa herb and its essential oil has been used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various illnesses associated with various tissues of the body like blood, spleen, nerve, organ tissue and lymphatic muscle.

The book on Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Bryan Miller and Light Miller talks about certain important health indications where Lemon balm essential oil is used in Ayurveda as a natural remedy for treating menopause, fever, melancholy, depression, infant and child afflictions, cold and flu.

Ayurveda strongly believes that human beings are a significant part of nature. It phenomenally states that every individual is unique and their individual constitution is made up of three vital biological energies known as doshas.  They are vata, pitta and kapha. Every human being according to Ayurveda has a predominance of any one of these doshas that determines their physical, mental and spiritual set up.

Balance between these doshas indicates that the person is healthy and imbalance due to environmental factors, food habits, emotional factors and behavioral patterns cause illnesses. Ayurvedic remedies aim at bringing balance between the doshas with its natural healing methodologies.

Ayurveda turns towards nature for treating humanity and using essential oils is one of the most effective remedy that has been a part of this ancient wisdom. Ayurvedic texts claim that essential oils are the prana or life force of plants. Melissa essential oil is said to alleviate pitta and kapha while improving vata dosha.

Let’s take a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Melissa essential oil.

Melissa-brouchre1. Treats bacterial, viral and certain other infectious disorders:

Lemon balm essential oil is an excellent natural aid for treating all kinds of infections and health disorders that are associated with the infestation of micro organisms like bacteria and viruses. Numerous scientific evidences have witnessed that the antibacterial effects of this oil is due to the presence of eugenol and its ability to fight against virus is mainly because of tannins present in it.  

Bacteria and virus cause cold, flu, fever, infections in the intestine, kidneys, urinary tract and colon, skin problems like acne, rashes, herpes, allergies, severe itching and certain other respiratory infections.

Lemon balm essential oil has febrifuge, sudorific and diaphoretic properties that fights against bacteria, virus and other harmful microbes causing fever. Gently massaging the soles of your feet with 2 drops of Melissa oil with 20 drops of coconut oil will aid in reducing the temperature of your body by promoting sweat through which the destructive toxins are expelled.

Blend 2 to 3 drops of Lemon balm oil with 15 to 20 drops of olive oil and apply topically on pimples, boils, cuts, herpes, cold sores, ringworms, athlete’s foot, wounds, allergies, black heads, rashes and itches for effective remedy. This application also aids in preventing the wounds from getting septic as it combats bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that are responsible for the wound becoming septic and defenseless.

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the topical application of ointments containing Lemon balm essential oil aids in healing cold sores caused by HSV (herpes simplex virus). It witnesses this effect by quoting several studies and one among them is the vast study that involved 1 dermatology clinic and 3 German hospitals where Lemon balm was used in treating the primary infection of HSV I. The cream with Lemon balm formula was proved to lessen the healing time of oral as well as genital herpes.

Certain other studies proved the effectiveness of Lemon balm oil when applied to lip sores, herpes lesions and it also exhibited a concentration-dependent activity and improved effect against HIV infection. You can also add 2 drops of Melissa oil to steaming water and steam inhalation aids in treating cold, headache, sinus pain and flu by pushing out excessive fluids and toxic substances in the body through sweat.

2. Calms the digestive system:

Melissa essential oil has carminative and stomachic properties that assist in expelling gases in the stomach and intestines without any pain in the abdominal muscles and by promoting proper flow of bile and other digestive juices.

Applying 2 drops of this oil blended with 15 drops of sesame oil on your stomach and abdomen assists in treating flatulence, colic, dysentery, vomiting, intestinal spasms, dyspepsia, convulsions and also helps in strengthening the digestive system with its tonic and antispasmodic properties. You can also add 3 drops of Lemon balm oil to warm bathing water to stimulate your digestive process.

3. Pacifies your emotional instabilities:

Lemon balm and its essential oil has been held high as a perfect remedy for treating melancholy, mental disturbances, depression, hopelessness, negative emotions and lack of confidence. The uplifting, energizing, refreshing and revitalizing aroma of this oil helps in driving away mental agony, feelings of loneliness, fear, emotional shock, anxiety and anger.

The calming and encouraging touch along with the presence of terpenes in this essential oil is said to grant soothing effects on the mind and drive in understanding, self-confidence, hope and acceptance to proceed with life’s challenges. It helps in balancing your emotions and few popular studies have proved its effects in lessening agitation and have considerable quality-of-life effects.

It is because of these reassuring and comforting properties, Melissa essential oil is lovingly called as the ‘Nectar of life’ or ‘The elixir of life’. Dr. Hill recommends diffusing few drops of Lemon balm oil at night to treat depression, insomnia and restlessness. Add 2 to 3 drops of this oil your diffuser, burner or vaporizer to relieve from worries and treat emotional blocks.

You can also massage your body with 2 drops of Melissa oil, 2 drops of Lavender oil, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang oil and 2 drops of Frankincense oil blended with a small cup of coconut oil to ease tension, stress and fatigue and for relaxing the nerves and muscles.

4. Boosts your brain power:

Lemon balm essential oil is known to enhance brain power and improve the cognitive performance. Certain studies witness that Lemon balm aids in enhancing cognitive function and reduce agitation in people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Lemon balm has been approved by the German Commission E for treating nervous disorders, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems. Diffusing 2 drops of Lemon balm oil and 1 drop of Rosemary oil during the day or at night can help in treating dementia, cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Helps mitigate womanly problems:

With its emmenagogue properties, massaging 2 drops of Melissa oil blended with 15 drops of sesame oil will promote blocked menstruation, relieve menstrual pain, nausea, irritability and mood fluctuations during menstruation. This herb was also used in the traditional medicine to treat depression during menopause, to grant strength during and after childbirth.

Other health benefits:

Melissa essential oil is also used to treat hair loss, baldness, nervous disorders, trauma, inflammation, high blood pressure, insect stings, hyperactive thyroid, phobias and palpitations. It is also used as a culinary herb and as a flavoring agent in various products.

Kurt Schnaubelt in his book Advanced Aromatherapy quotes Melissa oil as “The way in which Melissa oil combines an excellent antiviral component with a soothing but pervasive sedative power is difficult to imagine; it has to be experienced. In its complexity, power, and gentleness, Melissa oil perfectly illustrates how nature time after time works better than one-dimensional synthetic medicines.”

Disclaimer: Never use essential oils internally as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and always remember to use it in a diluted form. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health condition and unique individual constitution. This article is meant only for informational purpose and is not meant to diagnose or replace any prescribed medications or expert advice.

Thought for the day:

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

Suggested Reading:

  1. Melissa Extract: The Natural Remedy for Herpes by Jan de Vries
  2. Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar
  3. Effects of chronic administration of Melissa officinalis L. extract on anxiety-like reactivity and on circadian and exploratory activities in … Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology by Alvin Ibarra, Nicolas Feuillere, Marc Roller, Edith Lesburgere, Daniel Beracochea
  4. Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex virus type-2.: An article from: Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology by A. Allahverdiyev, N. Duran, M. Ozguven, S. Koltas

Reference Links:

  1. Lemon Balm by University of Maryland Medical Center

  2. Melissa officinalis by Boston University School of Medicine

  3. Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide by Herb Society

  4. Melissa officinalis by Wikipedia

Mentha Piperita Essential Oil

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Mentha-pepperita-bannerThe 3 greatest chronicles of my visit to India are the monumental Taj Mahal (one that you can see on my Facebook profile pic) that enthralled my sight, the deep-rooted cultural differences within a single country that moved my heart and finally the lip-smacking Samosas (the most popular Indian snack) pairing its pride with the mouthwatering mint chutney that are still deeply vested within my taste buds.

Power-packed with immeasurable health benefits, mint leaves botanically known as Mentha arvensis has a distinct aroma that’ll uplift you instantly. Mentha oil or Mentha Piperita oil is extracted from the leaves of this plant by steam distillation.

Known as Pudina or Podina, the fresh and dried leaves along with its essential oil have been in use in Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences for more than thousands of years. The most popular Ayurvedic uses of this herb are for treating digestive disorders, respiratory problems, menstrual discomforts and skin problems like acne, itching and rashes.

Purchase Mentha Piperita Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Mentha Piperita Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance and uses of Mentha piperita:

The history of Mentha piperita dates back to 3,000 years and is still trusted to be cultivated first in the temperate climate of Europe, after which it was slowly spread to Asian countries like India, Japan and China along with certain other countries in Africa and North America. Currently India is the largest producer and exporter of Mentha oil contributing to 80% of the world’s total production.

Among many other members of the mint family Lamiaceae, Mentha arvensis is the only member that thrives well in subtropical areas. It is also known to the world with other names like Japanese mint, Corn mint, Wild mint, Field mint and Pudina.

This herb was used by the Aztecs to promote perspiration, treat stomach pain, flatulence and colic. Mentha oil was also used in treating pain, headache and oral problems. The herbal infusion prepared with these leaves was really effective in treating insomnia and sleeping disorders.

Mentha Arvensis was also used by the Native Americans for treating pain, inflammation and stomach ache. The traditional Europeans used mint as a remedy for cough, gastrointestinal disorders, flatulence and gall bladder problems. There are numerous home remedies using fresh mint leaves.

The Ojibwa community uses this plant in sweat-bath, whereas it is a part of the Sun Dance ceremony of the Northern Cheyenne Indians of Montana. This medicinal plant is also a part of Ayurveda, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and various other contemporary healing methodologies.

Therapeutic properties and chemical components of Mentha piperita essential oil:

This oil consists of about 95% menthol and other active ingredients are isomenthone, methyl acetate, menthone, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, piperitone, flavonoids, limonene, beta-caryopyllene, neomenthol and tannins.

The healing properties are carminative, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cholagogue, anti-fungal, expectorant, stimulant, tonic, antiphlogistic, antidepressant and nervine.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Mentha piperita essential oil:

Pudina is an incredible kitchen herb in India and many other Asian countries for its tempting and refreshing aroma along with its excellent medicinal values. Ayurveda aged for about 5000 years is a holistic medicinal practice that considers every human being as a part of nature.

Ill-health and good health according to Ayurvedic texts depend upon nature and natural remedies are the best way to treat it. Based upon this principle, Ayurvedic remedies encompass nature’s gifts like herbs and essential oils along with a balanced lifestyle, yoga, meditation and simple physical exercises that can assist in preventing diseases and pave way for longevity.

Every human being is considered as a unique creation and just like Hippocrates words ‘One man’s food is another man’s poison’, Ayurvedic treatments differ from individual to individual even for the same disease. This uniqueness is identified by one’s individual constitution that is made up of three bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta doshas.

Perfect balance between all the three doshas with the predominance of any one of the dosha determines a human’s health, attributes along with his physical and mental set up. Imbalance of doshas end up in illness and Ayurvedic treatments often prescribe remedies that can stabilize dosha disparities. Mentha and its essential oil are said to pacify pitta and kapha doshas and aggravate vata dosha with its easy, clear, dry and light properties.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Mentha piperita essential oil are:

Mentha-pepperita-broucher1. Soothes the digestive system:

Mentha arvensis is a natural carminative that speeds up sluggish digestion, treats indigestion, motion sickness, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, food poisoning, nausea, intestinal peristalsis and gas.  The active ingredients present in Menthol essential oil pacifies the inner lining of the stomach and intestines and its cooling property aids in treating ulcers as well.

The stomachic and digestion promoting properties of mint has made it a vital ingredient in many lamb and other meat dishes in the Middle East, America, Great Britain, Asia and Africa. Ancient people also used mint for preventing coagulation of milk.

All you need to do to treat your digestive chaos is to add 3 to 4 drops of Mentha piperita oil in warm bathing water and let that warmth and refreshing energy of the medicated bathing water treat your digestive difficulties. You can also gently massage your abdomen and tummy with 2 drops of this oil blended with sesame oil for assisting your digestive problems.

The simplest way to treat nausea (especially while traveling), morning sickness and loss of appetite is to add 1 drop of Mentha oil to your hanky or tissue and inhale its invigorating aroma that can put an end to your giddiness and nostalgic feeling just like that.

A 2010 study on ‘Protective effects of bioactive phytochemicals from Mentha piperita with multiple health potentials’ state “The essential oil of mint may be exploited as a natural source of bioactive phytochemicals bearing antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials that could be supplemented for both nutritional purposes and preservation of foods.”

2. Emancipates all forms of stagnation:

Mentha piperita essential oil is known to clear all forms of stagnation in the body causing sickness and affecting the body’s normal functioning. It alleviates excess kapha energy that is responsible for stagnation of excess fluids in the body leading to obesity, rheumatism, respiratory problems etc.,

(i)Treats respiratory problems:

Inhaling the healing aroma of Mentha oil by adding 2 drops to steam inhalation assists in treating respiratory problems like cold, asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, blocked nasal passages and congestion of lungs and bronchi.

Adding 2 drops of this oil to your cold rub and gently rubbing it on your chest, throat, back and forehead can aid in relieving headache, sore throat, chest congestion and runny nose. This speedy action is due to the presence of menthol, which is a primary ingredient in all the popular vaporub and balms in the market.

(ii) Alleviates fever and neuralgia:

The febrifuge and diaphoretic properties of Mentha essential oil helps in reducing fever by releasing the heat of the body through sweat. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of this oil assist in curbing the growth of harmful microbes causing fever and other respiratory infections.

2 drops of Mentha oil can be added with coconut oil and applied on the soles of your feet to reduce your body temperature and treat neuralgia as the vital points of all the parts of your body are connected to the soles.

(iii) Regularizes menstruation:

The power to emancipate all types of stagnations in the body makes Mentha essential oil as a promising remedy for treating menstrual pain and blocked menstruation. Massaging your lower abdomen with 2 to 3 drops of Mentha oil along with sesame oil helps in regularizing your menstrual cycle, treat dysmennorhea, nausea and other painful symptoms of menstruation by balancing the level of estrogen.

3. Nurtures the skin:

Undoubtedly, Mentha essential oil is a natural antiseptic that aids in healing wounds and treating numerous skin problems. It acts as a protective shield on the skin and guards against the infections of micro organisms like bacteria, fungi and other microbes.

A 2008 study on ‘Enhancement of the Antibiotic activity against a Multiresistant Escherichia coli by Mentha Arvensis L. and Chlorpromazine’ has proved that the extracts of Mentha Arvensis can be used as natural weapon for bacterial resistance.

This oil has excellent skin cleansing properties. Adding 2 drops of Mentha oil to your skin care cream or lotion supports in treating pimples, blackheads, blemishes and dark circles. This oil also has anti-pruritic effect that can be effective in treating itching, rashes and insect bites.

4. Relieves pain and inflammation:

The rich menthol content in Mentha piperita oil helps in relaxing the muscles, treat muscular spasms, reduce pain, alleviate inflammation and promote blood circulation. Massaging the affected area with 2 drops of Mentha oil blended with coconut oil can aid in relieving pain, rheumatism, arthritis, numbness, soreness and irritation.

5. Grants absolute tranquility:

No one can deny the fact that mint has an enlivening aroma that can drive us straight to a whole new world of freshness and fragrance. Inhaling the aroma of Mentha oil by adding 2 drops to your aromatic lamp or diffuser or air freshener can trim down your fatigue, stress, depression, nervous tension and anxiety after a long tiring day.

The aromatic molecules of this tranquilizing oil travel through your nasal passages and reach the limbic system of the brain, which is the body’s control hub of feelings and emotions. By this way Mentha oil motivates, pacifies, rejuvenates and replenishes your senses and augments your mental power by boosting your confidence.

Other health benefits:

Mentha piperita essential oil is also used in lotions, toothpastes, gargles, cough drops, analgesic balms, perfumery, pharmaceuticals, mouth fresheners, shampoos, tobacco products and as a flavoring agent in numerous other products. You can also use this oil as a natural oral cleanser by adding 1 drop of Mentha oil to a cup of warm water and use it as a gargle in the morning and at night. This assists in killing germs, restricting bacterial growth, refreshing your breath, strengthening your gums and whitening your teeth.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for educational purposes and is not meant to treat or diagnose any health condition or to substitute any prescribed medications or expert professional advice. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is shared with the idea of spreading the significance of Ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system on earth.

Never use essential oils internally. Ensure that you dilute them in appropriate carrier oils before using it for external purposes as pure and organic essential oils are extremely concentrated liquids and undiluted use on the skin might cause allergic reactions. It is highly recommended to speak with your Ayurvedic expert/ healthcare professional prior to choosing the appropriate essential oils for your unique individual constitution and state of health.

Thought for the day:

Nothing except the mint can make money without advertising.  -Thomas B. Macaulay

Suggested Reading:

  1. Mint: The Genus Mentha (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  2. Cultivation of Mentha arvensis and production of menthol in India by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India)
  3. ISO 9776:1999, Oil of Mentha arvensis, partially dementholized (Mentha arvensis L. var. piperascens Malinv. and var. glabrata Holmes) by ISO TC 54
  4. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

  1. Mentha Arvensis Piperascens by Boston University School of Medicine
  2. Enhancement of the Antibiotic activity against a Multiresistant Escherichia coli by Mentha Arvensis L. and Chlorpromazine University of the Region of Cariri, Crato and Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
  3. Protective effects of bioactive phytochemicals from Mentha piperita with multiple health potentials published in PubMed