Jatamansi Oil

Jatamansi-bannerRespected as a divine herb in Ayurveda, Jatamansi is used as a tonic for the brain and the nervous system. It has been suggested by numerous Ayurvedic texts for treating sleeping troubles, depression, stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and nervous problems.

Charaka Samhita, the celebrated Ayurvedic Encyclopedia recommends Jatamansi herb for improving memory power, treating insomnia, hysteria and mental instability. Scientifically known as Nardostachys jatamansi, this herb is known as Balchara or Mamsi in Ayurveda and is also known by other names like Indian Spikenard, Nardus root, Jaila, Musk root, Nardin and Nard.

Purchase Jatamansi Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Jatamansi and its essential oil:

Indigenous to the Himalayas, Jatamansi grows up to 1 m at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. This plant bears red, pink or blue color flowers and has been used in various traditional medicines for its medicinal and aromatic rhizomes.

There are many Biblical references of this herb and it is used to represent St. Joseph in the Catholic iconography. It is mentioned in the New Testament where Mary, the sister of Lazarus uses a pint of pure Jatamansi oil to anoint the holy feet of Jesus Christ. It is also noted in the Song of Solomon as nard and is included in the coat of arms of Pope Francis in reference to St. Joseph.

Jatamansi oil was an important part of the Ayurvedic tradition since the primordial times where the medicated oil is known to cure insomnia, digestive problems, epilepsy, hysteria, weak mental health, improper blood circulation and as a tonic to the entire system. This herb was used as a diuretic and as a herb for the heath of heart and liver in Unani medicine.

The powdered rhizomes of Jatamansi were taken internally to treat hepatitis, infertility, menstrual disorders, cleanse the uterus, mental agitation, enhance the appetite and helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Jatamansi was also used by renowned Physicians like Dioscorides and Apicius. The Persian and Arabian Physicians praised this herb as Sumbul-i-Hindi. The medicated Nard oil was offered on the precious incense altar when Tabernacle was positioned in the First and Second temples of Jerusalem.

Spikenard or Jatamansi was also used as a flavoring agent in the ancient Roman cuisines and as a seasoning in the Medieval European food varieties. It is used in making attars, perfume (L’eau De Jatamansi), incense sticks, hair care products and numerous beauty products. Jatamansi is also used along with certain other herbs in Vedic prayers performed with fire since the ancient period.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Jatamansi oil:

The principal constituents of Jatamansi oil are valeranone, nardostachone, bornyl acetate, jatamansinol, dihydrojatamansin, isobornyl, terpineol, jatamansinone, tetramenthyloxatricylodecanol, oroselone, aromadendrene, Menthylthymyl-ether, nardosinone, seselin, nardostachyin, valeranal, cineol-1,8, spirojatamol and jatamansic acid and few other coumarins. The remedial properties of this oil are nervine, antiseptic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, tonic, anti-pyretic, deodorant, fungicidal, sedative, anti-depressant and calmative.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil:

Ayurveda is a righteous science that trusts that every creature on earth is a part of nature and it believes that one’s illness and wellness depends upon their balance or imbalance with nature. Ayurvedic texts strongly state that human body is a temple where the spirit dwells in, so it is very important to keep the body, mind and spirit clean and composed just like preserving a place of worship.

Ayurveda is called as a holistic healing methodology as it approaches health as being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually fit. It is for this reason; Ayurvedic physicians recommend herbs, essential oils, yoga, physical exercises, balanced diet, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and prayers to keep one hale and hearty.

Every individual is treated in a unique manner even if they are affected by the same illness because the theory of Ayurveda identifies every human being as a unique part of nature and as a distinct creation with a unique individual constitution. This constitution is built up of three major bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, kapha and pitta. These doshas govern various functions of our body and imbalance of these energies cause sickness.

Each and every human being has a predominance of any one these Ayurvedic body types that determine their personality, physique, mental attributes, behavior and preferences. Ayurvedic remedies aim at balancing the dosha imbalances as perfect balance between these doshas are a clear sign of healthy and heartiness.

Jatamansi is a promising Ayurvedic remedy that has the potent to pacify all the three doshas, especially pitta and kapha energies.

And it’s time to look at the amazing Ayurvedic health benefits of Jatamansi essential oil.jatamansi-broucher-11. Alleviates depression, stress and insomnia:

The rhizomes of Jatamansi herb have strong anti-depressant properties that calms the mind, relaxes the body and grants absolute peace to the entire system. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to your diffuser, burner, vaporizer or to bathing water is said to alleviate depression, chronic stress, anxiety, insomnia and tension.

Blend 5 drops of this oil with 2.5 ml of sesame oil and massage your body for relieving from chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous headache, negative feelings, sleeping difficulties, lack of self-confidence and sluggishness. Jatamansi is loved as a herb for the mind and emotions with its anti-depressant, anti-stress and antioxidant properties that help in lessening oxidative stress thus mitigating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Since the traditional times, several studies have proved the effectiveness of Jatamansi as a promising de-stressing and sedative agent by increasing the rest time. A 2012 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats’ stated that this herb has potent anti-stress qualities representing its therapeutic significance in disorders related to stress.

A 2008 study on ‘Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice’ revealed that the ethanolic extracts of Jatamansi emerges to be a potent anti-depressive means when compared to reference drugs like Sertaline and Imipramine in decreasing depressive signs in mice. This study also state that “the extract may have potential therapeutic value for the management of mental depression.”

2. Tonic to your intellect:

Jatamansi and its essential oil have been used in many Ayurvedic preparations as a neuro-protective agent and brain tonic for improving memory power, cognitive performance and thinking capacity. It has been trusted to promote intellectual power, improve mental weaknesses, instability and mental sluggishness.

A 2006 study on ‘Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mic’e by Joshi and Parle, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, India proved that Jatamansi extracts significantly enhanced memory power and learning in both aged and young mice.

This study also reiterates the clinically proven use of Jatamansi herb in Ayurveda as an antioxidant, anti-ischemic, neuro-protective and anticonvulsant agent and it also states that Jatamansi can also be used as a memory uplifting agent in the healing of dementia in elderly people.

You can wear 1 drop of Jatamansi oil on your wrist, handkerchief or a tissue paper at the time of studying or in your room whenever you feel like refreshing your mind power. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in air freshener, diffuser, burner or vaporizer for adding muscles to your brain power and intellect.

3. Puts an end to hostile and obstinate behaviors:

The essential oil of Jatamansi has calming, soothing, cooling, restoring and relaxing qualities that assist in holding back the burning sensation of the mind and body. Being a natural coolant that calms pitta or the fire energy, Jatamansi essential oil can work wonders in controlling your negative emotions like anger, aggressiveness, stubborn behaviors, tension and intimidating attributes.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil in warm bathing water or in your diffuser or aromatic lamp can effectively control resentment by tranquilizing your mind and body. You can also opt for a calming massage by blending 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml sesame oil.

4. Treats nervous disorders:

Jatamansi is held high in Ayurveda as a powerful neuro-protective agent that calms vata energy, clears pitta force and decreases kapha dosha. By this way, Jatamansi nourishes and cools the worn out and burning nervous system.

It aids in treating various nervous disorders along with bipolar disorders, delusions and certain other psychological problems. Jatamansi have been clinically proven effective since the primeval period in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, nervous breakdown and hysteria.

Abhyanga or the art of Ayurvedic massaging is the best method to use Jatamansi for treating nervous disorders. Mix 5 drops of Jatamansi oil with 2.5 ml of coconut oil and massage it gently on the affected parts. The deep penetrating quality of this oil supports in improving nervous problems.

5. Relieves respiratory problems:

Jatamansi oil has the potent to reduce kapha energy, the excess of which is responsible for the creation of mucus and phlegm. This oil assists in expelling the excess mucous deposits and phlegm accumulated in the chest, nasal passages and respiratory tract.

Adding 2 drops of Jatamansi oil to 1ml of coconut oil or your cold rub and massaging it on your throat, back and chest can aid in opening up blocked nasal passages, clear chest congestion, treat cough and cold, spasmodic cough, asthma, whooping cough and sinusitis. You can also add 2 drops of this oil in steam inhalation for quick relief from respiratory troubles.

6. Reduces heart palpitations and convulsions:

Palpitations of the heart are caused when vata energy shoves pitta dosha and leads it to rush through the channels characterized by unnoticed skipped beats, increased heart rate, breathing difficulty and dizziness.

The oil of Jatamansi is used in the treatment of palpitations of the heart and convulsions mainly because of its anti-convulsive and anti-arrhythmic activity. 2 drops of Jatamansi oil added to warm foot bath or bathing water or gently massaged on the affected area after blending it with 1 ml olive oil can ease tension and grant relief from convulsions and palpitations.

Other health benefits:

Jatamansi is indeed a miraculous part of nature that has innumerable healing properties ingrained in it. The essential oil of Jatamansi has been used as a uterus stimulant for promoting menstruation, cleansing the uterus, treating dysmennorhea and inflammation of the uterus. It was also used as an aphrodisiac in treating impotence and seminal debility. It is also known for promoting the growth of hair, retain its natural color and slow down the process of graying.

Jatamansi oil is a natural antiseptic that assists in healing wounds, eczema, burns, rashes, allergies and certain other skin infections due the infestation of microbes like bacteria and fungi. It is also effective in the treatment of renal colic, liver enlargement, hepatitis, jaundice, pancreatitis, fever and lung problems.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not destined to substitute any professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never take essential oils internally and use it topically in a diluted form only, as organic and pure essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and can harm you if used in a concentrated form. Remember to consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before using the appropriate essential oil for your health condition and unique individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.     -Victor Hugo

Suggested Reading:

  1. Ayurvedic Herbs: A Clinical Guide to the Healing Plants of Traditional Indian Medicine by Virginia M Tyler, M.S. Premila
  2. THE COMPLETE BOOK ON JATROPHA (BIO-DIESEL) WITH ASHWAGANDHA, STEVIA, BRAHMI & JATAMANSI HERBS (CULTIVATION, PROCESSING & USES) by NIIR BOARD OF CONSULTANTS AND ENGINEERS
  3. Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way: Creating Happiness with Meditation, Yoga, and Ayurveda by Nancy Liebler, Sandra Moss
  4. The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health by David Simon M.D., Deepak Chopra M.D.
  5. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) by Wikipedia
  2. Nardostachys jatamansi by Examine.com
  3. Benefits of Jatamansi by Ayurveda Yogashram
  4. Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice by Dhingra D, Goyal PK, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, India published in PubMed
  5. Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats by Lyle N, Chakrabarti S, Sur T, Gomes A, Bhattacharyya D, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, India published in PubMed

Mandarin Essential Oil

Mandarin-bannerMandarin is the only official language of the Republic of China with more native speakers; similarly Mandarin essential oil is an exceptional natural remedy with numerous documented health benefits in the world of Complementary and Alternative medicine including Ayurveda and the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known as skin-friendly oil, its essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of the Mandarin fruits.

The book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy states that Mandarin oil can be combined with Orange oil to make ‘happy oil’. It is also said that this oil is known to bring liveliness in the atmosphere. With excellent pacifying properties, Mandarin essential oil is used in Ayurveda for treating insomnia, nervous tension, stress, mental exhaustion, digestive problems and skin disorders like acne, eruptions and stretch marks.

Purchase Mandarin Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

Purchase Mandarin Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Mandarin:

Mandarin is indigenous to China and is now cultivated all around the world including America and Europe since 1805. Italy has been ranked as the top producer of Mandarin essential oil in the recent years. This fruit gained its name from the verity that it was given as a conventional gift to the Mandarins of China.

As a rich source of vitamin C, Mandarin oranges have been in use since the primordial times for meeting the nutritional requirements of children as well as elderly people. Mandarin is considered as a safe medicine for treating indigestion, strengthening the liver and the digestive system in aged people in France.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine makes use of the dried rind of these fruits for regulating the ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ meaning life force, life energy or energy flow and is defined as the basic principle that is a part of every living thing on earth. It was also used in treating improper digestion, excess deposits of phlegm and abdominal distension.

Mandarin oranges are also regarded as a Christmas tradition in the United States and Canada where they are individually wrapped in supple green paper and given in Christmas stockings. These oranges were initially a New Year gift for the Japanese immigrants and the advent of Japanese Mandarin oranges were considered as a special signal for the start of the holiday season. Mandarin oranges are also celebrated as a traditional representation of good fortune and abundance during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Therapeutic properties and chemical constituents of Mandarin essential oil: Mandarin essential oil has antispasmodic, tonic, antiseptic, cicatrisant, digestive, diuretic, sedative, circulatory, cholagogue, depurative, hepatic, stomachic, nervous relaxant and cytophylactic properties. The major chemical components of Mandarin oil are limonene, citronellal, citral, linalool, myrcene, neral, terpineol, geranial, camphene, a-thujone, g-terpinolene, a-pinene, b-pinene, geraniol, and sabinene.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Mandarin essential oil:

Ayurveda is the mother of all healing systems on earth and is said to be the strongest root for the growth of other Complementary and alternative medical practices like Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Chiropractic and Aromatherapy.

Ayurvedic philosophy trusts that every human being is a part of nature and one’s wellness depends upon his/her harmony with nature. Illness according to this science of life is an opportunity to discover what’s wrong in a person’s system.  Ayurvedic healing does not stop with treating the illness as such instead it traces out the underlying root cause of the disease. This aids in treating the sickness as well as preventing it in future.

All the natural remedies in the world fall under the roof of Ayurvedic healing as it strongly state that nature is the best medicine. Herbs, essential oils, rays of the rising sun, yoga, meditation, physical exercises and spiritualism are all the most important natural remedies used in Ayurveda.

The best thing about Ayurveda is that it considers every individual as a unique part of nature where every person is made up of an individual constitution that is comprised of three vital bio-energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These energies govern the functions of the human body physically, emotionally and spiritually. Balance between these doshas indicates healthiness and dosha imbalances cause sickness.

Ayurvedic remedies are focused on harmonizing dosha imbalances. Mandarin essential oil is known to aggravate vata energy and pacify kapha and pitta dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Mandarin essential oil are:

mandarin-brouccher1. Relieves digestive problems:

Mandarin essential oil is a popular citrus oil with excellent benefits to the digestive system. The rich, tangy and citrus aroma promotes digestion and stimulates the flow of bile and other digestive juices.

The stomachic and digestive properties of Mandarin essential oil aids in fighting against stomach infections, protects the stomach and intestines from ulcers by maintaining the optimum level of acids and enhance the appetite. You can add 1 drop of Mandarin oil to your hanky or add 2 drops of this oil to your diffuser to improve your appetite and support the process of metabolism.

Adding 2 to 3 drops of Mandarin oil to warm bathing water can help in relieving gas, flatulence, nausea and indigestion. Gently massaging your abdomen with 2 drops of this oil blended with 10 drops of wheatgerm oil can assist in treating ulcers, gastritis, esophageal spasms, intestinal infections, colitis, dyspepsia, bloating, flatulence, hiccups and indigestion.

2. Pacifies the mind:

Mandarin oil is known as ‘happy oil’ for its uniqueness in bringing joy and solace in the environment.  The well-known book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ quotes Mandarin oil as “calming and soothing for stress.”  The soothing, calming, nervine, sedative and hypnotic actions of this oil appease the mind and boost your self-confidence.

Mandarin essential oil is a natural mood-lifter that assists in reducing tension on the nervous system, promote peaceful sleep, nourish the nerves, lessen distress and encourage absolute tranquility and calmness.

2 drops of Mandarin oil added to warm bathing water before bed can alleviate your tensed muscles, mental disturbances, epilepsy, convulsions and nervous afflictions. This medicated bath can help you to fall asleep soon by evoking a sense of encouragement and stillness.

You can also add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to your diffuser, burner or vaporizer for treating anxiety, restlessness, fear, fatigue, irritability, stress, tantrums and other negative emotions. This formula works even with children who are over-excited and stubborn especially during the nighttime.

3. Enriches the skin:

Mandarin essential oil has enormous benefits to the skin with its antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, cytophylactic, tonic and depurative properties. Excess toxins and deposits of salts and uric acid in the body deteriorate skin health and lessen its natural glow. This is the major reason behind pimples, blackheads, boils and other skin eruptions. Being a depurative, Mandarin essential oil aids in eliminating the unwanted toxins from the body and purifies the skin.

This oil is effective in clearing acne, healing wounds, scars, marks, abscesses, boils and lifeless skin. Mandarin oil supports the growth of new skin cells by which it helps in healing scars and wounds. This formula works like a magic especially on stretch marks and Mandarin essential oil is considered safe even on pregnant women.

Adding 2 drops of Mandarin oil in steam therapy assists in removing skin impurities, blemishes, black heads, marks and pimples. It augments the natural beauty and glow of the skin. Massaging with 2 to 3 drops of Mandarin oil with 15 drops of jojoba oil aids in improving blood circulation, enhancing the suppleness of the skin and diminishing scars and marks. You can also add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to your regular skin care cream or lotion and apply it on the affected area.

4. Eliminates toxins and treats spasms:

Toxic deposits in the body are the predominant factor disturbing the regular functions of the body like respiration, digestion and excretion. This is known as ‘ama’ in Ayurveda. Eliminating ‘ama’ or the harmful toxins from the body is one among the major treatment methodologies in Ayurvedic Panchakarma or the art of purification of the mind and body.

Mandarin essential oil is an exuberant oil for eliminating hazardous toxins, uric acid and salts stagnated in the body in the form of sweat and urine. The high-spirited aroma of this oil is known to drain out negative emotions and purify the mind.

Add 3 drops of Mandarin oil to warm bath or massage your body with 5 drops of this oil with 2 ml of coconut oil to get rid of the unwanted substances from the mind and body. This massage also helps in treating spasms in the respiratory system, intestine, muscles and the nervous system.

5. Improves circulation and stimulates the system:

When massaged onto the skin, 5 drops of Mandarin essential oil with 2 ml of sesame oil improves blood circulation and helps in relieving from varicose veins, blood clots, rheumatic pain and arthritis.

Mandarin oil acts as a tonic to the system and checks the regular functioning of all the vital parts of the body including the nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, cardio-vascular system and the excretory system.

This oil is also said to make the body resistant against contagious diseases by improving immunity. You can add 2 drops of oil to vaporizer, burner or diffuser during any time of the day or night to get yourselves rejuvenated and recharged instantly.

Disclaimer:

All citrus oils have photo-toxicity effect and do not go out in sun as soon as applying Mandarin oil as it may harm your skin. Never use essential oils internally as these oils are highly concentrated liquids and should always be used topically in a diluted form. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using essential oils for your unique individual constitution and state of health. This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to make a diagnosis or replace prescribed medicines or professional advice.

Thought for the day:

All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God.  –Thomas Browne

Suggested Reading:

  1. Citrus Oils: Composition, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Contaminants, and Biological Activity (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) from CRC Press
  2. ISO 3528:1997, Oil of mandarin, Italian type (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by ISO TC 54
  3. Facelift at Your Fingertips: An Aromatherapy Massage Program for Healthy Skin and a Younger Face by Pierre Jean Cousin M.B.Ac.C
  4. Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller

Reference Links:

  1. Mandarin Orange by Wikipedia
  2. Mandarin in Ayurveda and Aromatherapy by Light Miller and Bryan Miller
  3. Health Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil by Organic Facts
  4. Health Benefits of Mandarin Essential Oil by Yoga wiz.com

Valerian Root Essential Oil

‘ALL HEAL’ is how the medicinal world calls Valerian herb and more than 250 species of this plant variety. This name was derived from the Latin word ‘Valere’ meaning ‘to feel good‘ or ‘to be well’.

Valerian root--bannerYes! You might have now known why this therapeutic herb is celebrated all through these years in treating a wide range of illnesses since the 2nd century A.D. In this context we are going to travel around the enormous health benefits of the species Valeriana Wallichii also known as Indian Valerian and is indigenous to India and is cultivated all around the world.

The most popular one among this family Valerianaceae is Valeriana Officinalis, which is native to Europe and North America but Valeriana Wallichii is used as an effective alternative to V. Officinalis with more or less the same healing values.

This herb is commonly known as Tagara in the Ayurvedic world of medicines. Ayurvedic texts suggest the use of Valerian root and the essential oil extracted from this root to treat an extensive range of illnesses including insomnia, skin problems and certain other nervous disorders. Valerian is listed as ‘Generally Recognized As Safe” by the United States Food and Drug Administration and has been approved as an effectual mild sedative by German’s Commission E.

Purchase Valerian Root Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical uses of Valerian root:

Aelius Galenus, the popular Roman physician, philosopher and surgeon prescribed Valerian root for treating insomnia. Valerian tea was prescribed to treat a sick woman by Pilgram Marpeck, the Anabaptist reformer in the sixteenth century.

Dioscorides, the renowned Greek physician recommended this herb for the treatment of digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, heart palpitations, epilepsy and few other skin problems. Hippocrates, the father of western medicine also suggested Valerian root as an effective anti-depressant and as a remedy for treating insomnia.

During the medieval times in Sweden, this herb was said to be placed in the wedding clothes of the bridegroom to keep away from the envy of the elves. Such a historical mark of this herb spread its use extensively as an efficacious sedative for nervous disorders, menstrual cramps, anxiety, behavioral problems in childhood, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, learning difficulties and few other health conditions. Valerian was also used in baths to alleviate pain and promote sleep for fibromyalgia patients.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Valerian root essential oil:

Valerian Wallichii is the popular species used in the Indian Ayurvedic system of healing mankind and is known as the major species of Valeriana genus. Valeriana Wallichii is used as a significant substitute for the European species Valeriana Officinalis and has been an important part of the traditional healing system for treating skin disorders, obesity, snake poisoning, sleep disorders and nervous problems.

Charaka, the Ayurvedic philosopher has named Tagara as Sitaprasamana meaning to relieve cold feeling of the skin. This herb is also known as Sirsa dosaghna, meaning treats the illnesses of the head; Chaksusya meaning effective for the eyes; Bhutapasmara nasan meaning a promising remedy for hysteria, epilepsy and certain other evil powers; Visaghna meaning a natural anti- toxin.

According to Ayurveda, human body is made up of three predominant doshas or individual body types namely vata, pitta and kapha where vata governs metabolism and is in charge of destructions and eliminations of the body, pitta controls reasoning capacity, digestion and body temperature and kapha is responsible for the shape and structure of your body and is accountable for the power to repair the imbalances of the body. According to Ayurveda, valeriana wallichii is an effective herb in treating vata, pitta and kapha imbalances.

Valerian root essential oil is known for its deep, rich, musky and woody aroma. The essential oil of Valerian root is said to have sedative, stimulant, anti-epileptic, stomachic, antispasmodic, analgesic, carminative, analeptic and nervine properties.

The major constituents of Valerian root essential oil are limonene, borneol, pienene, sesquiterpenes, nerolidol, p-cymene, valerone, malliol, valerenic acid and 1, 8-cineole.

The chief health benefits of Valerian root essential oil are:

Valerian-root-broucher1. Sleeplessness and Valerian root essential oil:

The sedative property of this oil makes it a promising remedy for treating insomnia. Valerian is a well-known alternative to prescription drugs for sleeping disorders mainly because of its safe and gentle effects on the human body. Numerous studies have proved that Valerian aids people to fall asleep quicker and is also found that they have a quality sleep without any disturbances mentally.

Researchers also ensure that not like many over-the-counter sleeping pills, valerian have lesser side effects. Valerian root essential oil can be used by burning it in an aroma lamp before going to bed or used as soothing massage oil with tranquilizing carrier oils like coconut oil or by adding few drops to your bathing water in the evening.

2. Valerian oil for depression and other psycho-spiritual problems:

Renowned scientists trust that Valerian augments the amount of GABA in the brain where GABA is a chemical by name gamma aminobutyric acid. This chemical aids in promoting a calming effect on anxiety and control the nerve cells. The distinct aroma of this oil is trusted to combat seizures, anxiety, neuralgia, emotional stress, mental strain, depression, restlessness, tension and trauma.

Recent studies have proved the effectiveness of Valerian Wallichii essential oil as an effective anti-depressant and this ability to dispirit the central nervous system aids you in attaining deep hypnotic states. Tagara assists in discharging toxins from the nerves, joints, blood, colon and tissues and acts directly on the nerve channels.

3. Attention-enhancing and neurologic benefits of Valerian root:

It is a well-known fact that numerous herbalists and physicians use preparations containing Valerian essential oil in the treatment of many psychosomatic problems, peripheral, central and autonomic nervous system conditions. The attention-enhancing property of this herb has made some German physicians to use Valerian root to treat ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

4. Valerian essential oil in the treatment of pain:

According to the PMDD information blog that talks about preventing and treating severe premenstrual syndrome, valerian root is an effective natural remedy for treating PMDD problems and dysmennorhea. It is also said that the anxiety and sleeping difficulties due to premenstrual concerns can be easily treated by using this herb.

Valerian root essential oil also aids in treating migraine pains, gout pains, rheumatism and headaches due to cold. With its antispasmodic properties, this oil is also used widely in the healing of muscular spasms. Charaka Samhita says that the best way to keep away from pain and get a peaceful sleep is to take a warm, relaxing bath before bed. Adding 2 to 3 drops of Valerian oil to your bath tub can help you fight against most of your painful conditions effectively.

5. Skin disorders and Valerian root oil:

Few drops of Valerian essential oil added to your skin cream can help in treating dry scaly skin. The antibacterial properties of this oil is helpful in the remedy of burns, cuts, wounds, open sores, eczema, bruises, psoriasis, itchiness, boils, acne, scars, insect bites, stings etc. You can apply this oil externally on the affected area after blending it with your favorite carrier oils or to your skin care cream. The soothing effect of this oil will calm and cool your skin instantly.

6. Other health benefits of Valerian root essential oil:

Valerian root essential oil is a valuable remedy for treating vata disorders like facial palsy, flatulence, and paralysis. This oil is also effective in lessening kapha imbalances and is used as a natural remedy for treating asthma, whooping cough and certain other respiratory infections. The carminative and bitter properties of this oil assist in stimulating the appetite and treat indigestion and few other digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea and digestive ulcers.

Except for its pungent odor, nothing else can stop you from using Valerian root essential oil to enjoy its greater natural health benefits.

Disclaimer: Do not ingest Valerian root essential oil unless suggested by your Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Thought for the day:

There is new life in the soil for every man. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer.                                                      – Calvin Coolidge

Suggested Reading:

  1. Valerian: The Genus Valeriana (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) From CRC Press
  2. Valerian: The Relaxing Herb (The Herbs and Health Series) By Christopher Hobbs
  3. Kava Kava, Valerian, Nervine Herbs (Woodland Health) By Rita Elkins

Reference Links:

  1. Valerian by Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH – The Longwood Herbal Task Force and The Center For Holistic Pediatric Education and Research
  2. Valerian (herb) by Wikipedia
  3. Valerian by University of Maryland Medical Center