Cypress Oil

Posted on July 1, 2020 by AyurvedicOils

“Cypress allows the mind to collect itself and takes people out of sorrow and depression; it regulates female hormones and helps with ovarian cysts”, says Light Miller and Bryan Miller in their book Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.

Having its uses inscribed in the Holy Bible, Cypress essential oil has been used by mankind for more than 4,000 years. Though associated with death and underworld, this tree is known for regenerating the inner soul.

Botanically known as Cupressus sempervirens, Cypress trees bear the Eastern Mediterranean region as their native. As the Greek name Sempervirens means ‘ever living’, Cypress trees are found to be ever living with the oldest known as Sarv-e-Abarkooh being found in Iran’s Yazd Province that is estimated to be of approximately 4,000 years old.

Extracted from the needles and twigs of Cupressus Sempervirens, Cypress essential oil has plenty of reasons to be celebrated as one of the ancient bliss of mankind. It is used in Ayurveda for treating various ailments like cardiovascular problems, cellulites, varicose veins, menstrual problems, cold and other respiratory illnesses.

Purchase Cypress Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

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Historical uses and importance of Cypress and its essential oil:

Having mentioned in the Bible as a valuable medical aid for strengthening oneself mentally and physically, Cypress essential oil captures a remarkable position in the list of natural medications.

As quoted in the Bible on Isaiah 44: 14, the verse ‘He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the Cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it‘ is just enough to sing the glorious history of Cypress.

The wood of Cupressus sempervirens were used in the primordial times for building ships, houses and for making furniture. The doors of the ancient church ‘St. Peter’s Basilica’ in Vatican City is made of Cypress woods. Some of the valuable sources state that the ever-living property of this tree led the Egyptians to make coffin out of Cypress woods and the Greeks to make statues of God. Some Biblical scholars even state that the cross of Jesus Christ has been made of Cypress wood.

Indigenous to Cyprus Island, Cypress trees were initially worshipped as an earthly symbol of the Goddess Beruth. This tree signifies immortality and death in ancient art and literature and is often correlated with meditation and reflection.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine prescribed Cypress for treating hemorrhoids. The significant aroma of this tree is said to grant mental clarity and the cones were used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for curing bleeding gums and other oral problems.

Cypress and its essential oil have been used since ancient times mainly to treat various illnesses associated with the circulatory system. It was also used in treating all types of common diseases ranging from cold, cough, skin diseases and hair loss problems to inflammation in the internal and external parts of the body.

The essential oil of Cypress was also used as an effective perfume agent that spreads the sweet memories of a lovely surrounding. It is for this cause, Cypress and its essential oil are always used in religious rituals and in mourning ceremonies where its healing attributes is believed to calm the mind, strengthen it and assist one in recovering quickly from losses.

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Cypress oil:

Cypress essential oil contains various chemical components, the majority of which are a-pinene, delta carene and limonene. The other constituents include sesquiterpene, a-terpinene, sabinene, carvone, 4-terpinol, b-cymene, carveol, cedrol, a-thugene and santene.

Contrary to its depiction as a symbol of mourning, Cypress essential oil has a handful of health benefits with its astringent, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, firming, anti-seborrheic, anti-dandruff, anti-aging, antioxidant, aromatic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, diuretic, vasoconstricting, mucolytic, fluid retention, decongestant, sedative, hepatic and haemostatic properties.

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Cypress Oil:

Celebrated as one of the 12 sacred oils of Bible, Cypress is also known as one of the oldest trees on earth. It is also used in Ayurvedic healing in the treatment of numerous health disorders for more than 4,000 years.

Ayurveda is held high as the oldest healing system and is adorably called as the mother of all healing sciences including the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Acupuncture and Chiropractic.

Ayurveda firmly states that all things on earth are a part of nature and nature is made up of five vital elements namely fire, water, earth, space and air. Perfect health symbolizes perfect balance of the human body with nature and illnesses occur when there is imbalance with nature.

Every individual is unique according to Ayurveda with a distinct individual constitution comprising of three biological energies known as doshas. These doshas are nothing but a representation of the five vital elements.

Vata dosha represents air and space, pitta dosha stands for fire and water and kapha symbolizes water and earth. Just like nature, human body is also made up of five elements where earth is the physical structure of the body, fire is the force supporting body temperature and metabolism, water is the blood and other vital fluids, air is what we breathe and space is the soul that rests within us.

Every person has a predominance of any one of these doshas and it determines the personality, character and behavioral attributes. Balance between these doshas represents health and heartiness and imbalance causes sickness.

Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, healthy balanced diet, yoga, prayer, meditation and Ayurvedic routine progresses towards striking balance between these doshas.

Cypress essential oil is said to lessen increased kapha and vata dosha and pacifies pitta dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Cypress oil are:

1. Alleviates respiratory ailments:

As a natural tonic for smooth respiration, Cypress essential oil is effective in curing various respiratory illnesses like whooping cough, spasmodic coughs, cold, flu, sore throat, emphysema, influenza and bronchitis.

The explicit antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and decongestant properties of this oil greatly attribute in toning up the respiratory system by freeing it from infectious microbes and increase the effectiveness of the lungs simultaneously.

A 2012 study on the chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Cypress essential oil states that it fights actively against infectious microbes like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Halomonas elongate and Salmonella typhimurium and thus it can be readily used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.

2 to 3 drops of Cypress oil added to warm bathing water or in steam inhalation assists in loosening heavy mucus and phlegm deposits in the nasal passages and respiratory tract.

Adding 1 drop of Cypress oil with cold rubs or ointments and massaging it gently on your chest, throat and back followed by steam inhalation helps in treating cough, cold, sore throat and flu by reducing the inflammation and irritation caused due to infection.

2. Enhances the human circulatory system:

Cypress essential oil is an exuberant natural medication that enriches the human circulatory system and helps in its better functioning. It is held high as one of the most commonly used essential oils for the circulatory system.

Cypress essential oil helps in improving circulation by strengthening the blood vessels and capillaries. Good circulation results in the supply of nutrients to the entire body, hormonal balance, a stabilized body temperature and a good immune system.

Few of the complicated diseases like cardiovascular problems and hypertension can be kept away with proper blood circulation.

Massaging your body with 6 drops of Cypress oil blended with 5ml of coconut oil can help in treating a variety of circulation problems like low blood pressure, hemorrhoids, hair loss, varicose veins and hormonal imbalances.

Regular massaging has been proved effective in treating baldness, curing broken capillaries and checking the proper functioning of blood vessels.

3. Controls inflammation:

Inflammation in the muscles, veins, capillaries and blood vessels causes pain and irregular flow of blood to various organs of the body. Being an anti-inflammatory agent Cypress essential oil effectively reduces the inflammation in various parts of the body.

Adding 2 drops of Cypress oil in warm bathing water or in massaging blend can help in the treatment of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, muscular pain and inflammation of the respiratory system.

4. Helps in tightening the human cells:

Aging symptoms force most of the people to lose their beauty and confidence gradually. Cypress essential oil is a wonderful astringent that helps in strengthening and tightening the human cells, the outcome of which is strong gums and teeth, less hair fall, youthful skin and it also aids in retaining perfect structure.

2 drops of Cypress oil blended with mild skin care cream or 1 ml of virgin olive oil and massaged slowly into the skin in circular motion helps in tightening the sluggish, wrinkled and lifeless skin.

This property also assists in contracting blood vessels to prevent loss of blood and promotes blood clotting. Cypress essential oil is also found to be effective in treating nose bleeds and other severe wounds that result in huge blood loss.

5. Helps in getting rid of excess fluid in the body:

Human body comprises of more than 50% of water and appropriate level of fluid in the body determines active functioning of the system. Excess water content might lead to obesity, sluggishness, swelling, rheumatism and respiratory problems.

Being diuretic in nature, Cypress essential oil helps in eliminating the toxic substances such as acid, urea, salts and excess fluid by increasing the frequency and quantity of urine. Less urination results in accumulation of toxins in the body and might lead to increased cholesterol level, malfunctioning of kidneys and rise in blood pressure.

Cypress essential oil is often recommended to treat problems with kidneys and high blood pressure. It is also a sudorific and helps in excreting the toxins from the body in the form of sweat and perspiration by opening up the sweat glands. It was used in folklore medicine for treating rheumatism, cold, swelling in the legs, diarrhea, acne and few other skin problems.

Gently massaging the foot sole or the affected parts of the body with 2 to 3 drops of Cypress oil mixed with 1 ml of sesame oil or adding 2 drops of Cypress oil in warm bathing water can help in discharging excess water deposits, toxic substances and promote urination and sweating.

6. Heals wounds quickly:

Infectious microbes play a major role in making wounds septic. Cypress essential oil is an excellent antiseptic and antibacterial agent that fights against the disease causing micro-organisms and help in quick healing of wounds. It is for this reason that Cypress oil is often used in making antiseptic ointments, creams, lotions and hair care products. Mix 1 drop of Cypress oil with 10 drops of coconut oil and apply it topically for treating external wounds.

7. Aids womanly problems:

Cypress essential oil plays a prominent role in helping woman to get rid problems associated with menstruation and menopause. Add 2 drops of Cypress oil with 1 ml of sesame oil and massage it on your lower abdomen treating menstrual pain, heavy blood flow, irregular periods, mood swings and anxiety.

With its unique healing properties, this natural massage regulates the blood flow in the pelvic area thus relieving blocked menstruation and regularizing hormonal imbalances. The pacifying aroma of Cypress oil also aids in relaxing the mind and calming the soul.

8. Calms the mind and results in inner peace:

Cypress essential oil acts as a sturdy support that makes you stronger both mentally and physically. It relaxes the nervous system and makes you calm during times of anger, anxiety, abandonment and fear. It makes you feel mentally strong and helps to recover from heavy losses.

For these immortal values, Cypress essential oil remains as a symbol of mourning since ancient times. To sense the touch of absolute peace and sacredness, add 2 drops of Cypress oil to your diffuser, vaporizer or burner during any time of the day.

Other health benefits of Cypress Oil:

Few sources state that Cypress oil has hepatic properties that help in proper functioning of the liver by regulating its production of enzymes. It cleanses the liver and frees it from toxins thus helping in the treatment of jaundice, indigestion and other liver problems.

Cypress oil is well known for its aroma and is used in perfume industry to make perfumes, deodorants, room fresheners, soaps and beauty care products. With its antimicrobial properties, it is also used in making powerful insect repellents.

Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for treatment or for replacing any prescribed medication or professional medical advice. Never use essential oils internally and also dilute essential oils before using it topically as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances that can cause harm if used directly on the skin. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the right essential oils for your unique health condition and individual constitution.

Thought for the day:

The poetry of the earth is never dead. – John Keats

Suggested Reading:

HEALING POWERS OF CYPRESS OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils) by KG Stiles
The Cypress Tree by Kamin Mohammadi
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: How to Use Essential Oils for Beauty, Health, and Spirituality by Gregory Lee White
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay
Aromatherapy for Women: A Practical Guide to Essential Oils for Health and Beauty by Maggie Tisserand

Reference Links:

Fir Needle Oil

Posted on June 23, 2020 by AyurvedicOils

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

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

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

Purchase Fir Needle Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE

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Historical uses of Fir needle and its essential oil:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just click on:

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

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

Therapeutic properties of Fir Needle essential oil:

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

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

Ayurvedic health benefits of Fir Needle essential Oil:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Alleviates rheumatic and muscular pain:

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

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

3. Valued in skin care treatments:

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

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

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

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

4. Emulsifies your emotional strength:

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

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

5. Discards toxins and improves metabolism:

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

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

Other health benefits of fir Needle Oil:

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

Disclaimer:

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

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

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

Thought for the day:

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

Suggested Reading:

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

Reference Links:

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Sugandha Bala Essential Oil

Posted on June 21, 2020 by AyurvedicOils

Flowering plants are always appealing and Sugandha Bala, scientifically known as Pavonia Odorata is even more interesting with its natural healing values. It is an offspring of the mallow family, Malvaceae. Known as Sugandha Bala in native Indian sub-tropical areas, the roots and shoots of this plant are extremely aromatic. Ayurveda, the oldest of all healing sciences has recorded the use of Sugandha Bala herb and its essential oil as a natural cooling agent with stomachic properties. The most popular Ayurvedic fever drink known as Shadanga Paniya has a major composition of Sugandha Bala in it. It has been said that this powerful herb is often used in combination with other herbs to treat hemorrhage of the internal organs, inflammation, digestive disorders and fever.

Purchase Sugandha Bala Essential Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Therapeutic properties: The antimicrobial properties of this essential oil has made its use inevitable in Ayurveda for treating dysentery, inflammation and certain other intestinal infections. Sugandha Bala essential oil has carminative, antimicrobial, demulcent, cooling, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiprotozoal, astringent and diaphoretic properties. This oil also has strong anthelmintic activity against roundworms and tapeworms.

Traditional home remedies suggest the use of 2 teaspoons of fresh juice of the leaves of this plant along with black pepper for treating dysentery of babies. These leaves also have emollient properties and the fresh juice extracted from the leaves of Sugandha Bala herb was used for soothing and softening the skin.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Sugandha Bala essential oil: Sugandha Bala is an erect glandular-pubescent annual herb that grows up to 1m tall. This herb is indigenous to India (Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Bihar), which is the birthplace of the ancient healing wisdom known as Ayurveda. The word ‘Ayurveda’ stands for knowledge of life. What makes Ayurveda the mother of all medical sciences is its simplicity and understanding about human beings and their entire constitution, which is nothing but the combination of physical, mental and emotional attributes of an individual. The main aim of Ayurveda is to grant holistic healing that not only stops with treating the illnesses but travels a step ahead in preventing it in the future also.

Ayurvedic system considers human beings as a part of nature and believes that they are made up of the five elements of nature namely fire, water, earth, air and ether. Every individual is considered unique and is believed that every one of us are made up of a specific set of energy elements or doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha. These doshas are a combination of the five vital elements of nature. It is for this special reason Ayurveda grants specific treatment for each individual even if they have a common illness.

This environmental art trusts on natural remedies like herbs, essential oils extracted from plants, yoga, meditation, physical exercises, and a healthy lifestyle comprising an Ayurvedic routine for a hale and hearty life assuring longevity and healthy aging. Exploring the remedial values of herbs and essential oils highly help in perceiving their ability in treating several health conditions. The major health benefits of Sugandha Bala essential oil are:

Anti-microbial: Sugandha Bala essential oil has strong anti-microbial properties that are effective against harmful bacteria, fungi and certain other microbes. A 1992 research on ‘Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Pavonia Odorata Wild’ by Doctor Hari Singh Gour University, India proved the microbes fighting ability of this essential oil. This was substantiated after testing Sugandha Bala essential oil for antifungal and antibacterial activity against thirteen fungi and ten bacteria (4 gram positive bacteria and 6 gram negative bacteria) by means of paper disc agar diffusion technique.

The results of this research highly recommended the use of Sugandha Bala essential oil for inhibiting the growth of all the test fungi and bacteria while this oil was stated ‘excellent against Gram (+ve) bacterium Diplococcus pneumonia and Gram (-ve) bacterium E.coli’. This report disclosed that “The oil was also found to inhibit the growth of keratinophilic fungi Trichophyton mentagreophytes and Chrysosporium indicum along with Aspergillus sp., Botrydiplodia sp. Fusarium solani etc”.

It also depicted the effectiveness of this oil against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which is responsible for wound and infections getting septic. This property makes Sugandha Bala essential oil as a promising antiseptic for treating cuts, sores, abrasions and certain other skin problems.

Other pharmacological actions: The intense study on the ‘Pharmacological screening of essential oil of Pavonia Odorata’ revealed that this essential oil contains a series of interesting pharmacological actions based on various parameters. When tested on a choice of living organisms, this oil caused relaxation in the rabbit’s intestine, created fall in blood pressure in anaesthetized dog, lessened the spasmogenic effect of acetylcholine and potassium and produced cardiac inhibition in the isolated heart of a frog.

Applications: With its excellent therapeutic properties, Sugandha Bala essential oil is used as an important ingredient in cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, pomades, hair tonics, massage oils for rheumatism and much more. You can use this essential oil as a gentle massaging oil after blending it with mild carrier oils like olive oil for treating digestive disorders, pain, inflammation, infections, skin problems and rheumatism. Adding 2 to 3 drops of this oil to your bath tub can also grant you similar health benefits and alleviate pain. Using it in diffusers, air fresheners, burners and vaporizers can protect you from the invasion of harmful micro-organisms.

Disclaimer: This article is only for information purpose and do not use it as a substitute for prescribed medicines or Professional advice. Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not use them directly on your skin (use it after blending with carrier oils). Do not ingest essential oils and consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using essential oils for treating your health conditions.

Thought for the day:

God sleeps in the minerals, awakens in plants, walks in animals, and thinks in man. -Arthur Young

Suggested Reading:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment by Valerie Ann Worwood
Major Herbs of Ayurveda, 1e by Elizabeth M. Williamson BSc (Pharm) PhD MRPharmS FLS

Reference Links: