Argan Oil

argan nut

Liquid Gold From Argan Nut

“May you live 100 years with all the wealth and wellness”, is the traditional way of blessing in India. Hope, Argan tree has been blessed twice as its estimated life span is more than 200 years. Argan is dotingly called as the ‘Tree of life’ by the Moroccan populace and is awarded with the title ‘Liquid gold’, for its innumerable healing benefits.

Cherished and kept as a beauty secret by the women of Morocco since 12 B.C., Argan oil has made a clean sweep of the cosmetic and medicinal streams with its natural potent to treat enormous skin conditions, hair problems, rheumatism, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and many other health conditions.

Being one among the oldest extant trees on earth dated back to the Tertiary period, Argan oil is recommended in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine for treating acne, stretch marks, wrinkles and other aging symptoms, dandruff, rough and dry hair, high cholesterol levels, inflammatory conditions and more.

Ayurveda recommends Argan oil for treating pitta dosha vitiations like acne, boils, skin inflammation, blemishes, microbial infections, digestive disorders along with vata problems including dry, scaly skin, wrinkles, fatigue, anxiety, constipation and frizzy hair conditions.

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Argan-bannerChemical constituents and therapeutic values of Argan oil:

Argan oil is cold pressed from the seed kernels of the Argan fruit and is rich in fatty acids including oleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearidonic acid, linoleic acid and myristic acid along with tocopherols, carotenes, phenols (present in Argan oil are resorcinol, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, oleuropein, catechol, epicatechin, catechin and tyrosol.)

Since the traditional times, Argan oil is admired as a promising source of vitamin E, vitamin A, unsaturated fatty acids along with Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids (has antioxidant properties).

All these constituents contribute to the remedial properties of Argan oil. They are antioxidant, moisturizing, cicatrisant, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic, anti-aging, anti-acne, hepatoprotective, immune stimulant, anti-obesity, anti-sebum, anti-proliferative (cancer preventive), choleretic and anti-diabetic.

Historical uses and importance of Argan oil:

Argania spinosa is the botanical name of the Argan tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae plant family. Indigenous to Morocco, the conical or oval bulb-shaped fruits possess the magical seed or the nut holding the nourishing oil-rich kernels.

Even today, in this mechanized world, the extraction of Argan oil is regarded as the most complex method that any oil can be extracted. In an economically poor setup, the Berber women involve in the toiling and long-drawn-out work of extracting oil from the kernels. The fruit pulp is often used as a cattle feed, followed which the nut is cracked open to reach the kernels.

The disheartening news is that Argan tree is one among those endangered species, mainly due to deforestation, drought and inappropriate extensive use. The primordial native women of the Amazigh community were among the oldest populace to use edible Argan oil.

The edible Argan oil is a part of the scrumptious habitual breakfast of the Moroccans, where home-made bread varieties are complimented with honey and Argan oil. It is also taken with a different combination, along with fresh salads and goat cheese. The authentic Moroccan sweet Amlou is a much-relished aphrodisiac with a blend of almonds, Argan oil and honey.

Morocco sets right the best examples of Argan oil employment, especially for topical applications, in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, joint pain, dry skin, inflammatory skin conditions and wrinkles. People of various Moroccan tribes used Argan oil as a preventive aid for frizzy hair and hair fall.

UNESCO has enlisted Argan tree in the World Heritage record and utters, “Argan tree is not only the focus for conservation, but also for research and socio-economic development. Traditional uses of the Argan tree are for example forestry, pastoralism, food, medicine and cosmetics. Growing along the border of Sahara, it also functions as a buffer against desertification.”

Ayurvedic health benefits of Argan oil:

Anything and everything that is a part of nature comes under the Ayurvedic roof. This is because Ayurveda, the knowledge of life strongly states that everything on earth is a part of Mother Nature and is made up of the five vital forces of Nature.

Ayurvedic philosophy states that the origin of all existing things on earth is the real consciousness called as Purusha. It states that energy and matter are the same, where energy is evident through the 5 vital elements namely earth, fire, water, air and space. These elemental forces lay a foundation for all matters in the universe.

In the human body earth is present in the physique like muscles, bones, cartilages, tendons, skin, hair and nails. Space exists in digestive tract, lungs, thorax, mouth and the abdominal area.

Fire is instituted in the process of metabolism, vision, intellect and body temperature. Air is evident in heart palpitations, muscular movements, nervous and respiratory functions. Water endures in the form of blood, digestive juices, functions of the salivary glands, cytoplasm and mucous membranes.

Known as Panchamahabhutas, these five elements entail the functions of the five senses. The sense of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste match up accordingly with air, fire, space, earth and water.

These 5 vital elements combine to form the 3 doshas or the biological energies of nature, namely vata (space + air), pitta (fire + water) and kapha (earth + water). According to the Ayurvedic principle, every individual is made up of a combination of three doshas with a predominance of any one dosha. This predominance determines the personality, spirit and the behavioral patterns.

Every person is treated in a distinctive manner based upon his/her Prakriti or the unique individual constitution and Vikruti or the state of health. Balance between these doshas indicates a healthy state whereas doshic imbalances end up in illnesses.

Ayurvedic treatment involves the natural remedies and techniques for striking proper balance between the doshas. According to this remedial system, health encompasses the wellness of the mind, body and spirit, also known as Swasthya.

More than a healing methodology, Ayurveda is a way of living that embraces spirituality, philosophy, and science. It aims at diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, healthy aging, self-realization and longevity.

For attaining this freedom of living and blissful aging, Ayurveda treats the individual (not the disease) by recommending herbal medicines, Ayurvedic essential oils, Dinacharya or Ayurvedic routine, yoga, simple physical exercises, Pranayama or conscious breathing, Panchakarma or cleansing technique, prayers and meditation (to connect with the Divine energy).

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Argan oil are:

Argan-oil-broucher1. Twachya and Kusthaghna – Supports skin health and treats various skin problems:

Integrating the Ayurvedic essence of the Eastern provinces with the nurturing herbs of the Western world is indeed an enlightening experience.

Argan oil is such a nourishing, moisturizing and enriching oil for the skin, for which it can be honored as Twachya, meaning a remedy that backs up healthy skin and as Kusthaghna for its effectiveness in repairing various skin damages and healing numerous skin conditions.

The rich presence of tocopherols, squalene, carotenes, sterols and phenolic antioxidants from its vitamin E, vitamin A, Omega 6, Omega 9 and unsaturated fatty acids make Argan oil, the best ever oil on earth for skin in the pink.

It is effective for all the three types of skin:

i. Dry, rough and scaly vata skin – With its moisturizing, nourishing, emollient and circulatory properties, Argan oil pampers your skin by kicking out dryness and leaving it supple and soft. It is one among the trusted remedies to mend itchy, flaky and rough skin.

ii. Sensitive, broken and inflammatory pitta skin – Argan oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial oil that can support in treating boils, irritating and acne-prone skin, cracks, burns and repair inflamed skin conditions.

Mr. Majda Alaoui Sosso, Director of Morocco’s oil cooperative said, “Recent scientific studies have showed benefits of Argan oil has antimicrobial properties, and can be used in treating damaged skin and inflammation.”

iii. Oily, puffy and thick kapha skin – Kapha based skin has a natural tendency to secrete excess sebum from the sebaceous glands of the skin. This greasy, oil-like secretion helps to retain the moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Over-secretion might end up in oily skin, acne, blemishes and dullness. Argan oil has active anti-sebum property that regulates the secretion of sebum.

A 2007 study on “Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream” by Dobrev H, Department of Dermatology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, tested the effectiveness of a sebum control cream containing Argan oil. Topical application of this Argan oil based cream on 20 healthy volunteers for 4 weeks reveals an evident sebum-regulating effect in about 95 percent of the participants.

This study concludes that the Sebum control cream with Argan oil shows efficacy in “reducing the greasiness and improving the appearance of oily facial skin.”

It works on suppressing surfeit fat cells and reduces water retention, which might otherwise end up in leaving the skin thick and puffy.

Argan oil has been in use for more than thousands of years in healing wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and acts as a protective layer for your skin from harmful UV (ultra-violet) rays, pollution, change in weather conditions, stress and other environmental factors.

Gently massaging your skin in slow circular motion with 2 drops of Argan oil, 1 drop of Tea tree oil and 1 drop of Evening primrose oil can help in reducing acne, inflammation, acne marks, chicken pox scars, rashes, eczema, boils, repairing damaged skin cells and in preventing microbial infections from spreading all through skin surface.

This tranquilizing massage also helps in regulating the pH balance of the skin and supports in locking the natural moisture in it. The presence of vitamin E, linoleic acid and other nutrients in Argan oil aid in boosting cellular production.

2. Rasayana – Rejuvenates and restores skin health:

Argan oil is absolutely a Rasayana in Ayurvedic terms, mainly due to its anti-aging, rejuvenative, tonic, circulatory and regenerating properties. It aids in restoring the skin health that has turned thick, dry, inflamed, mature and aged skin with wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and other aging symptoms.

The phenolic antioxidants along with the presence of Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids contribute to its free radicals scavenging activity. Free radicals are often the terrible cause behind the symptoms of aging.

The oil of Argan extracted from its seed kernel is an excellent skin toner with exfoliating qualities that can discard dead skin cells, tone the cellular structure, tightens the skin cells, influences the replenishment of new skin cells and guards skin elasticity by supporting the collagen production.

Collagen is the essential protein in the body that supports the strength of the connective tissues and grants that natural cushioning effect for various parts of the body.

Massaging your system with 5 drops of Argan oil blended with 4 ounce of Jojoba oil can do all that is required to retain your youthful looks and leave you look like ‘you’re 16 even at 36.’

This aids in moisturizing dry feet, hands, heels, cracked lips, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation disorders, wrinkles and in granting that glossy look to your nail and cuticles.

3. Deepana and Medohara – aids in metabolism, reduces cholesterol and treats obesity:

Argan oil is a Deepana, which aids in strengthening the digestive system and is a Medohara that assists in reducing cholesterol and deal with obesity.

Massaging your abdomen with 3 drops of Argan oil with 2 drops of Peppermint oil can help in enhancing the secretion of pepsin, digestive enzymes and other gastric juices.

This aids in supporting metabolic functions and promote quicker digestion and proper bowel movements. The gentle properties of Argan oil also helps in soothing the lining of the stomach and intestinal walls.

Argan oil has antioxidant properties and the potent to enhance HDL – good cholesterol and reduce LDL – bad cholesterol with the presence of phenolics and phytosterols that contribute to its hypocholesterolemic activity. This helps in enhancing heart health and in treating cardiovascular disorders and obesity.

Polyphenols, sterols and tocopherols are antioxidant components present in Argan oil. This helps in treating cellular damage and according to certain studies; Argan oil reduced the rate of cellular division, especially in prostate cancer conditions with its antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic and hypocholesterolemic properties.

A 2008 study on ‘Effect of Argan oil on platelet aggregation and bleeding time: A beneficial nutritional product’ by Mekhfi H, Bnouham M and Gadi D states, “Argan oil prevents thrombin- or epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Argan oil can reduce platelet aggregation, therefore minimizing the risk of thrombosis in cardiovascular event.”

4. Keshya – Encourages hair growth and strengthens your hair follicles: Conditioning and styling of hair, deep conditioning treatment.

“Argan oil has an amazing oil balance feature which hydrates dry hair and spreads and balances excess in oily hair. The oil can leave a beautiful shine without any greasiness and aims to reduce the impact of environmental pollution,” says Sangeeta Mahimtura, technical director of Juice.

She also adds, “Argan oil also hydrates and nourishes. It regenerates your cells thus strengthening the hair and its elasticity and increasing its growth. When used on skin it can make ugly marks, spots and acne disappear. This oil can also protect your skin from early aging which can be caused due stress, pollution, sun and chemicals. It adds shine and has a calming effect on flyaway and frizzy hair and significantly detangles the hair, reducing blow-dry time.”

Argan oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, which is predominantly recognized to help with the ducts or the growth of capillaries on the skin and scalp. This helps in cascading the therapeutic values along with natural nutrients of Argan oil and also supports proper blood circulation. And! The result is strong, healthy and voluminous hair.

With its natural emollient and moisturizing properties, Argan oil works as a conditioner and a repairing serum that works wonders in treating frizzy hair, split ends, dandruff, itchy and flaky scalp conditions.

Gently massage your scalp and hair (especially the ends), by starting from the roots and extending to the length with 2 drops of Argan oil blended with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 2 drops of Tea tree oil and 1 ounce of coconut oil. Leave it overnight by covering your head with a shower cap.

Wash your hair in the morning with ½ drop of Argan oil mixed with your mild shampoo. That’s it and you are perfectly ready with those soft, shiny, silky, detangled and bouncy locks.

You don’t need a conditioner anymore and you’d love to have your hands on your hair, just to keep caressing them.

5. Medhya – Enhances cognitive abilities and increases intelligence:

Argan oil is a Medhya herb in Ayurvedic terminology for its potent to stimulate the functions of the brain, cognitive performance, memory power, positive thinking and treat mood fluctuations.

Rosemary is there for remembrance’ is an encouraging phrase for all those wonderful people in the world, involved in an effort for greater achievements. Argan oil joins the queue with Rosemary oil in augmenting your cognitive performance and improved functions of the mind.

Argan oil has the same 1,8-cineole, the proven active constituent in Rosemary that has been proved as an effective contributor for Rosemary oil’s improved cognitive abilities. This is substantiated by the research conducted by Lorraine Oliver and Mark Moss, the Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Center, Northumbria University, UK.

This study states that ‘1-8-cineole present in Rosemary oil’ was candidly associated with the enhancement of the cognitive function in the 20 volunteers who were a part of the experiment. It concludes “the compounds absorbed from rosemary aroma affect cognition and subjective state independently through different neurochemical pathways.”

Blend 1 drop of Argan oil and 1 drop of Rosemary oil and rub soothingly on your temples and wrist to alleviate headache, loss of memory, mood fluctuations, tension, lethargic attitude, stress, lack of motivation, feelings of loneliness and low self-confidence and self-esteem.

1 drop of Argan oil and 5 drops of Rosemary oil added to your bath is an excellent way to trigger a uplifting, new-fangled and a great day with full of positive energy to just get-up-and-go!!!

What more? Welcome our dear ‘Rock Star’.

6. Vrushya – Supports reproductive health as a natural aphrodisiac:

Though claiming Argan oil as Vrushya, aid for enhancing reproductive wellness as an aphrodisiac, lacks scientific evidences, Argan oil has nourishing properties that help withstand the natural potency and vigor for a hale and hearty relationship.

Argan oil has fatty acids like Omega 6, Omega 9, linoleic acid, oleic acid, tocopherols and phenols. This makes it an excellent aid in enhancing immunity with its antimicrobial, immune stimulant, anti-aging and antioxidant properties that assists in fighting against free radicals and augments the body’s natural ability to resist against infections and symptoms of aging.

This oil also increases prana or the life force and ojas or vitality. Supporting the health of skin and hair also adds upon your beauty quotient.

With all these benefits, Argan oil is absolute an aphrodisiac package that might help in treating impotence, lack of vitality, loss of libido due to stress and mood fluctuations, premature ejaculation and other reproductive problems.

Somersaulting into the invigorating Ayurvedic massage with 4 drops of Argan oil mixed with 3 drops of Cinnamon oil, 2 drops of Lavender oil and 5 ounce of Evening Primrose oil might extremely benefit one in soothing the nervous system, relieving stress and muscular tension, enhancing blood circulation, promoting positive thoughts, increasing life force and conceding all the vital energy required for spicing up your ‘time together’ as ‘Mr. Handsome and Mrs. Gorgeous!!!! 🙂

Other health benefits:

Argan oil has also been witnessed scientifically in assisting the treatment of diabetes, liver infections, digestive disorders, and cancerous growths.

Disclaimer:

This article is crafted only for the use of information and is not in any ways meant to treat any health condition or substitute any prescription drugs or the professional medical advice of your healthcare expert. We, at Essential Depot are not medical professionals and this information is published only with the thought of sharing the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, the pioneer of all medical systems on earth.

Never take essential oils for internal use as pure and organic oils are highly concentrated liquids and might lead to allergic reactions when ingested or used on the skin directly without dilution. Make sure that you use Argan oil only for topical application, preferably after a patch test on your skin.

Remember to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare expert before choosing the appropriate essential oils for your Prakriti or unique individual constitution and Vikruti, current state of health. Talk with your Doctor before using Argan oil on children, nursing or pregnant moms – to – be.

Thought for the day:

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.

-Martin Luther King.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Argan Oil Beauty Secrets: 50 Natural Skin Care and Anti-Aging Beauty Treatments for Glowing, Healthy Skin! (Organic Skin Care Recipes & Homemade Remedies) … Essential Oil, Natural Beauty Secrets) by Laura Watson
  2. Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold from Morocco: Tips to Best Uses of Argan Oil for Skin, Hair, and Nails by Sara Abdel
  3. Argan Oil Secrets for Beautiful Hair and Skin: 40+ Cosmetic Recipes for All Types of Hair and Skin by Lynn Alex
  4. Argan Oil: The Magical Moroccan Cure: Powerful Natural remedies for Anti-aging skin, Healthy Hair, and Long Life (argan oil,argan,argan essential oil,moroccan oil,liquid gold) by Alex Ham
  5. Beauty Secrets Of Argan Oil: Powerful Natural remedies for Anti-aging skin, Healthy Hair, Nails and Long Life (argan oil, essential oils, 100 percent pure … of Essential Oil, Argan Oil Benefits,) by Steve A. Hamilton

Reference Links:

  1. Argan oil by Wikipedia
  2. Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells by Myra O. Villareal, Sayuri Kume, Thouria Bourhim, Fatima Zahra Bakhtaoui, Kenichi Kashiwagi, Junkyu Han, Chemseddoha Gadhi, and Hiroko Isoda, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, listed in PubMed
  3. Argan Oil by Dr. Dom Guillaume and Dr. Zoubida Charrouf, published in Alternative Medicine Review
  4. Health benefits of Argan oil by Herbcyclopedia
  5. Benefits of Argan Oil – Healing Liquid Gold From Morocco by Underground Health Reporter

Agarwood Oil

‘Wood of God’ and Adam’s only permitted tree to be taken from the Garden of Eden is none other than Agarwood, where the resinous heartwood of this tree of epic charisma has been used across the globe for extracting its therapeutic essential oil and mesmerizing fragrance ranges.

Agarwood-banner‘Hitting the heaven’ is the kind of feeling one can get at breathing in the aromatic aura of Agarwood oil. Held high as the most captivating fragrance for progressing towards a divine journey, Agarwood and its sacred fragrance has been a part of various earliest cultures of the globe for attaining clarity of mind, enlightenment and inner peace, essential for realizing and reaching Divinity through meditation and other sacred rituals.

Called as Aguruh kul in Ayurveda with the Sanskrit meanings like Vruksha, Shreshta, Rajarha and Vishvaroopakam, Agarwood is popularly known as Agar has been an Ayurvedic medication for neuro-muscular conditions, pleurisy, anemia, halitosis, impotence, blood impurities, urinary infections, indigestion, skin problems, heart problems, pain and bed wetting.

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Historical uses and importance of Agarwood oil:

Agar is a limb of the Thymelaeaceae plant family and the most popular among the 15 species of this plant variety are Aquilaria agallocha, Aquilaria sinensis, Aquillaria crassna and Aquilaria malaccensis, based upon its origin and growth.

Popularly beckoned as Oudh, Oud, Gaharu, Agar, Eaglewood, Aloeswood and Agarwood, this tree has been claimed indigenous to various parts of the world, including India, Malaysia, Southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Cambodia.

The source of this tranquilizing fragrance of this oil is from its heartwood, which gets developed very slowly, may be hundreds of years after being infected by a parasite fungus, namely phialophora parasitica. Owing to this fungus attack, Agarwood tree starts producing an aromatic resin deep within the heartwood, naturally.

Agarwood has its mention in numerous rich Vedic and historic texts like Sahih Muslim, Charaka Samhita, Torah, Bhagavat Gita, Sushruta Samhita, Islamic scriptures and Gospel. Agarwood has been the favorite fragrance of Lord Krishna, held as the God of protection and the hero of the ancient Sanskrit text Bhagavat Gita.

Buddha has stated that the fragrance of burning Agarwood is the authentic “scent of Nirvana” (the state of attaining Divinity). The string of beads counting 108 in Buddhism is made up of Agarwood. Bible also mentions that Jesus Christ have been scented with Aloes (Oud).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the cultural tradition of fumigating with Agarwood and is followed even today among the Orthodox Islamic community.

He also states that Agarwood is a part of the Paradise and his quote, “The first group of people who will enter Paradise, will be glittering like the full moon and those who will follow them, will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. The aloes-wood will be used in their centers” proves it commendably.

It is also said that the valiant Samurai warriors used Agarwood smoke to perfume their armour as a lucky charm before going to the battle. The celebrated king of France, King Louis XIV had his garments washed in a blend of water boiled with Agarwood and rose for lasting fragrance and energy.

Agarwood has been a part of various Alternative medicinal practices including Ayurveda, Unani, the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sufi medicines, Tibetan, Arabic and certain other East Asian medicinal systems as a medication for psychological conditions, cirrhosis of the liver and for various skin problems.

Chemical constituents and remedial properties of Agarwood oil:

The most prominent chemical constituents of Agarwood oil are agarol (sesquiterpene), aquillochin (couinarinolignan), α- agarofurans, β- agarofurans, agarospirol, jinkohol, jinkohol-eremol, selinene, iso- dihydroagarofuran, kusenol, and dihydroagarofuran.

The therapeutic properties accounting to its enormous healing benefits are rejuvenative, tonic, anti-rheumatic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti-stress, antimicrobial, carminative, anti-convulsant, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, relaxant, analgesic, transformative, digestive, antioxidant, psychoactive, detoxifying, diaphoretic, anti-depressant.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Agarwood oil:

Anyone in today’s contemporary and perfunctory world would simply opt for Ayurveda, if given a chance to relax, revitalize and charge up the entire system. This is no wonder because the world knows that Ayurveda is the oldest of all the healing methodologies in the Universe and its existence dates back to more than 5000 years.

Having its roots tied up with the ancient Indian mythology, Ayurveda is talked about in 114 verses in Atharvaveda, one among the four prized Vedas or Sacred books of the Hindu tradition.

Ayurveda is not just a system of healing with natural medicines and Ayurvedic essential oils, instead it’s a whole pack of holistic healing comprising of healthy lifestyle, natural and nutritious food, Karma or the dutiful life practices, maintaining absolute harmony with Nature, Dharma or the disciplined living, detoxification or the eliminating of toxic remains in the system, treating the root cause of the illnesses, unique healing practices like Abhyanga and Panchakarma, unity with the Divine force through prayer or meditation and staying fit by taking up yoga, Pranayama or the Ayurvedic breathing technique and simple physical exercises.

Ayurveda regards that every person is a unique individual with unique physical, psychological, social and emotional set up. As no two persons are the same, the treatment and medications should not be the same for two persons affected even with the disease.

Ayurvedic philosophy declares that every person is made up of the five elements of nature, namely fire, air, water, sky and earth. The combination of these five fundamental elements combine together to form the biological energies called as doshas. They are vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and earth).

Every person has a predominance of any one these doshic energies that determine his character, traits and personality. Balance between these doshas indicate that the human body is in harmony with Nature and imbalance of doshas result in diseases and are direct pointer that the system is out of balance with Nature.

Ayurveda studies this individual constitution of a person along with his medical history and traces out the root cause of a disease. It helps an individual to renew his balance with nature and prevent such illnesses in the future also.

Ayurvedic essential oils are the life essence of plants and are used in Ayurvedic medication for thousands of years in the treatment methods like Ayurvedic massaging or Abhyanga, Ayurvedic detoxification or Panchakarma, Pranayama or Yogic breathing, Aromatherapy and in meditation and prayers.

Agarwood has been an important part of the Ayurvedic regimen and has been talked about in Ayurvedic encyclopedia, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

Bhagavata Purana quotes, “The men and women of the city, arrayed in spotless raiment and anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, wore precious necklaces, flower garlands and jeweled ornaments, and their opulent homes were filled with the aroma of aguru”, where Aguru is nothing but Agarwood. This proves the use of this spiritual fragrance even during the primordial times.

Agarwood essential oil is said to pacify vata and kapha doshas in excess and enhance pitta energy.

The most significant Ayurvedic health benefits of Agarwood oil are:

Agarwood-broucherApart from these promising health benefits, Agarwood and its essential oil has been a vital part of the perfume industry since ages together. It’s time to learn the medicinal uses in detail.

1. Illuminates the mind and fortifies the power of thinking:

Mind is a faculty of thought, consciousness, intellect and one’s ability to think, sense and reason. Your thoughts are the first move to your actions. The power of thinking would always be healthy and positive only when you have a clear mind sans negative ideas.

Known as the inner organ of awareness or consciousness in Ayurveda, Mind is often termed as electricity generated from the power station called as soul, which is the only reserve of intelligence and it glows with its own light. When you have clarity of mind, your mind never wanders around, it starts focusing only on the right with the kind of consciousness it has acquired from the soul.

The heartening fragrance of Agarwood oil has the power to fuel the mind with mental clarity and drives in inner consciousness. Inhaling 2 drops of Agarwood oil by adding it to diffuser can assist in driving away negative energies, alleviating anxiety, enhancing alertness, increasing the sense of strength, bringing in tranquility, augmenting cerebral functioning and strengthening the nervous system.

This can also support in enhancing your power of creative thinking. It is mainly because creative thoughts strike the mind when it is absolutely free from worries, anxiousness and negative feelings. This way Agarwood can help everyone in your family to think better, may be in performing your duties better in the office, to cook innovative food varieties, to learn and understand better and what not.

2. Elevates the emotional quotient:

Agarwood is often regarded as a glorious tree in the Traditional Chinese Medicine for its excellent medicinal and spiritual benefits. The Chinese usually call the captivating fragrance of Agarwood oil as “a sweet, deep but balanced fragrance”.

Agarwood oil is often regarded as a unique oil of rescue, especially from emotional trauma. It has been also said that the therapeutic properties of this oil is highly powerful in harmonizing the electrical frequencies of the brain.

Agarwood oil has been used by the Tibetan Monks for increasing the inner energy that could pass on absolute tranquility to the mind and the soul. It is for this reason; Agarwood oil has been a part of numerous traditions during spiritual ceremonies and esoteric gatherings. In Buddhism, Agarwood is used for clearing away lack of ignorance.

The famous Chinese tradition Feng Shui, which is an art of controlling the flow of energy in a particular spot, has associated Agarwood in helping with it as the sacred fragrance of Agarwood is said to penetrate through the senses and enrich the spirit.

3. Paves way for spiritual enlightenment:

Meditation, prayers and certain other divine gatherings aim at the realization and oneness with Divinity. This is the most complex chore, as it requires absolute concentration, mental stability and clarity of the mind to attain the heavenly powers.

The sacred fragrance of Agarwood and its oil is said to have psychoactive properties that aid in progressing towards a sanctifying spiritual journey by instilling deep inner peace, consciousness, emotional constancy, positive energy, increased awareness and enhanced psychological functioning.

Certain ancient texts quote that the incense of Agarwood transmits the prayer to the Almighty. Adding 2 drops of Agarwood oil with 1 drop of Sandalwood oil in diffuser or vaporizer during prayer, meditation, Pranayama or other sacred gatherings can help in feeling the connection with the transcendent, alleviating detrimental or negative thoughts that spoil concentration and supporting the insight of experiencing divinity from within.

Agarwood and its enthralling aroma has been said to stimulate Qi, which is the ‘vital force’ or ‘life energy’ and is the fundamental principle in the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts. Ayurvedic medication recommends Agarwood oil for augmenting mental clarity, opening Agna or the third eye and all of the chakras in the upper part of the body, which is often associated with divinity.

4. Alleviates pain including rheumatic and arthritic conditions:

Agarwood oil is an excellent kapha suppressant, which eliminates surplus water deposits and toxic remains in the body through sweat or urine. With its analgesic, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory attributes, this oil supports in relieving pain quickly and reducing inflammation associated with rheumatism and arthritis.

Massaging the affected parts, especially the joints with 2 drops of Agarwood oil, 2 drops of Clove oil with 2 ml of coconut oil can help in clearing blood impurities, flushing out toxins, salt and uric acid in the system by promoting frequent urination, reducing pain and soreness and enhancing blood circulation. You can also use 2 drops of Agarwood oil in hot or cold compress for soothing muscular pain.

5. Spices up your sexual verve:

The oil of Agarwood often becomes an interesting remedy for reproductive problems with its stimulating aroma and spirited aphrodisiac properties. Since the primeval period, Agarwood and its enticing oil has been used for people undergoing sexual problems.

As it works as an excellent relaxant that promotes peaceful sleep, treats fatigue, alleviates stress and boosts mental health, Agarwood is often used as an “All in one remedy” for improving vigor and vitality.

Massaging your body with 5 drops of Agarwood oil, 5 drops of Ashwagandha oil, 2 drops of Sandalwood oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil with 10 ml of Olive oil can help in influencing good sleep, soothing the system, enhancing the libido, treating premature ejaculation, increasing sperm count and for curing erectile dysfunction. You can also add 2 drops of Agarwood oil in warm bathing water before going to bed.

6. Supports the digestive functions:

The digestive, carminative, anti-flatulent and stomachic properties of Agarwood oil supports in expelling gas in the intestines and stomach and it also prevents the digestive system from building up of gas.

Adding 1 drop of Agarwood oil along with 1 drop of Peppermint oil in a cup of warm water and gargling with this medicated solution can help in alleviating bad breath, tastelessness and nausea. Massaging your tummy with 3 drops of Agarwood oil along with 2 ml of sesame oil can help in supporting the secretion of gastric juices and digestive acids that treat indigestion, bloating, flatulence and intestinal infections.

7. Invigorates your skin health:

Agarwood oil is an excellent natural remedy for nourishing the skin from within. With its ability to scavenge free radicals in the system, Agarwood oil fight against the symptoms of aging like wrinkles, fine lines and marks.

Ayurveda beckons Agarwood as Kushtanut, means remedy for skin diseases. It is called as Dushta Vranashodhana for its power to clean wounds, Krumihara for treating infected wounds, and Kushtahara for relieving itching and soreness of skin. It is also known as Tvachya for it is extremely useful in detoxification of skin.

1 drop of Agarwood oil and 1 drop of Lemon oil added to your soap-free cleanser can help in clearing away marks, improving skin complexion, encouraging blemish-free glow and granting a younger and healthy looking skin. It is for these reason Agarwood has been a part of various celebrated skin care products including skin lightening creams and soaps.

Other health benefits:

Agarwood oil is also used in the treatment cirrhosis, epilepsy, hepatitis, fever, depression, gastric cancer, abdominal and lung tumors and nervous system disorders.

Disclaimer:

This information is only for the use of education and is not meant for replacing any prescribed medicines or professional medical advice or for diagnosing any kind of health conditions. We are not healthcare professionals and we take up a collective interest to share and spread the awareness of Ayurveda, the holistic and oldest of all remedial practices in the world for which it is rightly called as the Mother of all healing sciences on earth.

Never ingest essential oils and do remember to dilute them in appropriate carrier oils like Jojoba oil. This is due to the fact that organic and unadulterated essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and direct application of essential oils on the skin may lead to allergic reactions. Due care should be taken if you are a nursing mother or carrying. Keep out of reach of children.

Speak with your healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert before taking your call on the suitable essential oils for your state of health and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Beyond a pleasant smell, a drop of Agarwood essence will softly invade your lungs, your mind, your body and spirit”  – Trygve Harris, aromatherapy expert.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Natural Beauty: Radiant Skin Care Secrets & Homemade Beauty Recipes From the World’s Most Unforgettable Women (Essential Oil for Beginners Series) by Elizabeth Fellow
  2. The Encyclopedia of Aphrodisiacs: Psychoactive Substances for Use in Sexual Practices by Christian Rätsch, Claudia Müller-Ebeling
  3. Fragrance & Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche by Jennifer Peace Rhind
  4. Healing Your Life: Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda by Marc Halpern
  5. The Incense Bible: Plant Scents That Transcend World Culture, Medicine, and Spirituality by Dennis J Mckenna, Kerry Hughes

Reference Links:

  1. Agarwood by Wikipedia
  2. Overview of the Agarwood oil industry by Dr. Pakamas Chetpattananondh, Department of Chemical engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
  3. Agarwood, a closer look at the ‘Wood of God’ published in the Special Feng Shui Edition
  4. Medicinal and traditional uses of Agarwood by The Cropwatch files