Valerian Root Essential Oil

Posted on April 17, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

‘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’.

Yes! You might have now known why this therapeutic herb is celebrated all through these years in treating a wide range of illnesses since the 2^nd 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.

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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:

1. 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:

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

Reference Links:

Patchouli Essential Oil

Posted on April 11, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Patchouli essential oil, the phenomenal oil with extraordinary health benefits is often neglected and fails to attract the aroma lovers unlike Lavender and Rose oils, as many believe that it has a strong misty fragrance.

If you ask me the best thing about Patchouli oil, I would rather say that it is an instant remedy for fighting and fixing anxiety and help you stay relaxed all day long when rubbed on your wrist as a stimulating perfume.

Mesmerized with its enlivening fragrance, I would ask you to wear the aroma of Patchouli essential oil on your wrists as it will help you better to fight the challenges of your busy day better than your wrist watch could do.

Patchouli is an Indian name, meaning ‘Green leaf’ (Patch-green and ilai-leaf). Many of us still remember Patchouli as the significant incense of the 60s and 70s but the truth is that Patchouli oil has its roots vested deeply in the field of Ayurveda for more than 5000 years for treating innumerable health conditions since the primordial times.

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Immemorial history of Patchouli Essential oil:

Scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin, this herb is a member of the mint family, Labiatae and is native to India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The essential oil is steam distilled from the young leaves of this plant. Patchouli and its oil are often associated to the sixties where it was used by people to cover up the smell of their smoking. It was traditionally used as an effectual aphrodisiac in perfumes and as a powerful moth repellant.

The ancient Indians used Patchouli in shawls and linens traded to Britain in 1800s to generate a unique aroma and for its germ-killing effects. It was also used as an important constituent for scenting Indian inks. This herb and its essential oil are of high religious importance as it is still trusted to keep away pessimism, negative feelings and evil powers.

Patchouli essential oil is the major ingredient of the tribal prescriptions for treating poisonous snake bites, bites and stings of various insects including mosquitoes and other animals. For mosquito bites and stings of other insects, mix 2 drops of Patchouli oil with 6 drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply on the affected part for complete healing.

For venomous snake bites like King Cobra’s bite, few drops of pure Patchouli oil is taken on a cloth or cotton and put on the bitten part instantaneously as first aid before the patient is taken to the doctor for intense treatment. After which 2 drops of Patchouli oil is mixed with 4 drops of carrier oils like coconut oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil or grape seed oil and applied on the bitten surface twice daily to promote quicker healing of the wound.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Patchouli oil constitutes of 8 chemical components that contribute to its magnificent aroma, remedial properties, consistency and quality.

Just click on:

For knowing more about the detailed information of these key constituents of Patchouli essential oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the chief chemical components and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Patchouli oil.

The chemical constituents responsible for the healing values of this oil are a-patchoulene, b-patchoulene, a-bulnesene, a-guaiene, norpatchoulenol, pogostol, caryophyllene, seychellene and patchouli alcohol (comprises of cadinene, luglviol, patchoulol, aldehydes, cinnamic, benzoic, evenol and phenol).

Therapeutic properties and growing importance of Patchouli oil:

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India stated about the importance of Patchouli and its essential oil in its report submitted on Medicinal and Aromatic plants. According to this report Patchouli has developed extensively as a prominent aromatic plant and every year, the world consumes about 1000 Metric Ton of Patchouli essential oil.

The predominant therapeutic properties of Patchouli essential oil are aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, cytophylactic, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, antiseptic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, cicatrisant, relaxant, febrifuge, sedative, insecticide and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil:

Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system with its origin in India has the longest history in the field of medicine for more than 5000 years.

Ayurvedic texts define health as a perfect harmony between the emotional, physical and spiritual wellness of an individual to which his diet, lifestyle and other innumerable factors contribute to. This noble science aims at disease prevention rather than treating the disease at the disrupting stage.

Ayurveda trusts that every individual is made up of three energy elements known as doshas. The book’ Absolute Beauty’ by Pratima Raichur defines dosha as “metabolic principles governing mind and body; the intelligence of the body- mind”. These doshas are a combination of the five elements namely air, water, ether, earth and fire. Imbalance of any of these doshas ends up in illness or lack of health.

Patchouli essential oil is said to treat kapha deficit and aggravation of vata and pitta. This helps in treating emotional imbalances like depression, stress and anxiety along with numerous skin problems.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil are:1. Amazing natural oil for skin care:Patchouli is one among those best essential oils for skin care. The cicatrisant property of this oil makes it a perfect companion in quicker healing of cuts and wounds while helping in fading away the marks and scars left by injuries, acne, burns, chicken pox, measles, stretch marks etc.

Patchouli essential oil is also a good tissue re-generator that promotes the growth of new skin cells. The antiseptic and antifungal properties of this oil helps in healing wounds, burns, boils, sores, eczema, dry skin, rough skin, cracks, excessively dehydrated skin and fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

The astringent effects in Patchouli oil helps in tightening loose skin and muscles especially after weight loss and post-delivery. It stops the sagging of skin effectively and treats contractions of nerves, skin and muscles.

All you need to do to work out these wonders is to add 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli essential oil to gentle carrier oils like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil or to your mild skin creams or lotions and gently massage on the affected area.

2. Patchouli oil for Spiritual Influence:

The rich and energizing aroma of Patchouli essential oil grants mental clarity for many years. Among the seven chakras of the human body, Patchouli essential oil is used for connecting the heart chakra with the sacral and root chakras, where chakra is defined as “The centers of psychic energy located at points along the spinal cord. They are associated with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Each chakra corresponds to a specific mantra (sound) and geometric pattern (yantra). Through meditation on these chakras we can gain mastery over our body and each corresponding element.”

Inhaling the aroma of this oil through a diffuser, vaporizer or applying it on the chakra or vital flex points, will aid in discharging jealousy, feelings of insecurity, obsessions and enhance the quality of one’s life to a greater level.

2 drops of Patchouli oil added to potpourri, vaporizer, diffuser or burner during an intense meditation will kindle your confidence, creativity, endurance, will power, self-confidence, self-esteem, positive feelings and the fortitude to live in the present moment.

3. Exceptional essential oil for intimacy:

Ayurveda considers sex as a positive force that helps restore the vital energy of life and is misused; it can be the strongest binding attachment stopping one from attaining higher spiritual reality. Ayurvedic texts does not encourage loveless sex as it considers that sex can be complete and beautiful only when there is intimacy and absolute love between the two partners involved in it.

Robert Svoboda’s translation quotes that “For the perfect love tryst Ayurvedic Scholar Sushruta recommends a full moon night in a bower of flowers, soft silk garments, sweet and intoxicating perfumes, light and nourishing food and sweet music.”

It also talks about the use of sweet perfumes, where the partners are said to bathe in or anoint their body in sensual essential oils like Patchouli essential oil before sex. Adding few drops of this essential oil with natural aphrodisiac properties in your burner or vaporizer is also said to add to the erotic mood and deeper intimacy.

4. Alleviates stress and deprives depression:

Patchouli essential oil is grounding and calming to the mind and body. This extremely versatile oil uplifts the mind, helps overcome depressive feelings, tranquilize the mind and paves way for new hopes ahead. The sweet herbaceous and ethereal floral charm brings peace and harmony for the ruined mind.

Fear, fatigue, anxiety, nervous tension, work pressure and prolonged stress can be cleared by enchanting your limbic system with the classic aroma of Patchouli essential oil. 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli oil added to your diffuser, vaporizer, burner, wrist, pillow or to a tissue assists in strengthening your mental power and wash away depressive thoughts that drain you.

Adding 5 to 6 drops of Patchouli in warm bath before going to bed will invigorate your senses, refreshes your mind and strengthens your immune system. You can also choose to enjoy the benefits of a reviving Ayurvedic massage by blending 4 drops of Patchouli oil in cold pressed Sesame oil followed by a warm bath for lessening stress, depression and other related health conditions.

Other health benefits:

1 drop of Patchouli oil added to a cup of warm water for gargle can assist in treating halitosis or bad breath, strengthening the gums and refreshing your breath all through the day. Adding 3 drops of this oil in calming coconut oil for massage or in bath aids in treating fever, pain, inflammation and tones the entire system by stimulating the metabolic functions and boosts the immune power.

The febrifuge and antiphlogistic properties of this oil aids in reducing inflammation, fever and body pain associated with it. Adding few drops of Patchouli essential oil in your air freshener, burner or vaporizer can keep away from insects like bed bugs, mosquitoes, ants, moths and flies.

Disclaimer:

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated in nature and always use them externally after diluting in appropriate carrier oils. Avoid taking essential oils internally. Seek the advice of your Ayurvedic professional regarding the usage of specific essential oils for your unique constitution and state of health.

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

Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli essential oil.

Thought for the day:

Patchouli has always been a part of my fragrance, like a line through my life. -Julia Roberts

Suggested Reading:

The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood
Jeanne Rose: Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women by Jeanne Rose
The Essentials of Aromatherapy Essential Oils by Dr Miriam Kinai
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

Tagetes Essential Oil

Posted on April 3, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Tagetes minuta is how the botanical world calls Marigold, also known as Mexican marigold, African marigold, Khaki Bush and Tagetette. It is another popular member of the Compositae plant family along with Sunflower and other daisies. With its strong, sweet, wild, fruity and slight citrus-like aroma, the essential oil of Tagetes is used worldwide for its effectiveness in treating infections and foot problems.

Ayurveda calls Tagetes as Sthulapushpa and the flowers of this plant were offered to God as a strong sign of surrender. Symbolizing auspiciousness, the bright orange or saffron color flowers of tagetes plant instills divine trust and its striking aroma is said to grant the willpower to surmount impediments.

Historical importance of Tagetes and its essential oil:

‘Tagetes’ is named after the Etruscan God ‘Tages’, the eminent God of wisdom. The familiar name ‘Marigold’ gets its name after Mother Mary and was initially called as ‘Mary’s Gold’.

The most popular historical use of Tagetes was its use as a promising insect repellent and this was the major reason for using these flowers as decorative hangings in the entrance of the homes. Infectious insects such as mosquitoes, flies and few other pests are kept at bay with the use of these flowers in the Indian sub-tropical regions.

Marigold is offered to Mother Mary on 25^th March every year. This day is considered as the sacred day when the Angel Gabriel informed Mother Mary about the arrival of Jesus Christ. Certain traditions sow the seeds of this plant in pots, especially as a representation of blessedness and endurance to invite the heavenly power.

Australian troops brought Tagetes plants to their native land from South Africa after the Boer War and used it as an important ingredient in numerous foot medications. It is also said that Marigolds were traditionally used for creating psychic awareness and is known to augment mental alertness.

The essential oil of Tagetes is also used in many perfumes and was also used as diluted oil for killing young insects in open wounds.

The traditional Chinese medicine used the flowers of Tagetes minuta in the treatment of cold, whooping cough, sore eyes, colic and mumps. The famous perfume substance ‘Attar Genda’ in India is prepared with the flowering tops of this plant.

The dried herb is used as a famous condiment for flavoring stews and rice in Argentina and Chile. Known as Sadbarga in Pakistan, the paste of the fresh leaves of Tagetes is applied on wounds to kill germs.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Tagetes essential oil:

Ayurveda is a spiritual science that considers human body as a temple where the real spirit dwells in. It aims in granting a balanced living with the wellness of mind, body and spirit.

Being the mother of all healing sciences on earth like Traditional European Medicine, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine and much more, Ayurveda appreciates individual differences and considers every individual as a unique part of nature with a unique combination of doshas or vital energies (vata, pitta and kapha).

With this belief, Ayurvedic treatments suggest the use of natural remedies like herbs, essential oils extracted from parts of plants, practicing simple physical exercises, yoga, meditation and following a simple Ayurvedic routine to lead a serene life on par with nature.

Ayurvedic texts state that the moisturizing and gentle heating energies of Tagetes essential oil have antispasmodic, vulnerating, hypotensive, tranquilizing, anti-inflammatory, alterative and antiseptic properties. This oil is highly beneficial for individuals with pitta predominance.

Let’s take a look at the natural healing benefits of Tagetes essential oil according to the methods of usage.

1. Ayurvedic massage therapy:

Massaging is the best way of using essential oils as the therapeutic properties of these oils heal the system by easily penetrating through the skin cells when massaged in an authentic manner. Massaging your body or the affected areas with few drops of Tagetes oil blended with carrier oils like coconut oil, sesame oil or jojoba oil is proven to treat many health conditions.

Respiratory infections:

Tagetes essential oil has been an age old remedy in treating infections and other problems of the respiratory system. The antispasmodic and calming properties of this oil are highly beneficial in dealing with all kinds of spasms in the body. It provides great relief from convulsions, diarrhea, cramps and spasmodic coughs.

A warm massage aids in eliminating congestion, expanding the bronchial channel, enabling the flow of mucus and soothe certain other types of chest infections.

The study on ‘Herbal Remedies for Asthma: An Overview’ published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research states that the presence of the active chemical components like α-Terthienyl, Quercetagetrin and Patuletrin in Tagetes minuta essential oil showed ‘bronchodilatory, spasmolytic, tranquillizing, hypotensive and anti-inflammatory activities’, thus proving it effective against respiratory disorders including asthma.

Pain and inflammation:

The essential oil of Tagetes has tranquilizing and sedative properties that sedates pain, irritation and inflammation in the nervous system, digestive system and respiratory system.

It calms the body, soothes the mind and helps alleviate stress, anxiety, anger, depression and other negative feelings. The most reliable book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Light Miller and Bryan Miller states that Tagetes oil is very effective in ‘softening any hardened tissue such as scars, calluses, rough skin etc’.

2. Bath oil:

Adding few drops of Tagetes oil to your warm bathing water can be of great assistance in treating coughs, wounds, cold, chest infections, flu and infestations of micro-organisms. A hot foot bath with 2 to 3 drops of Tagetes oil is recommended to soften corns and calluses and heal bunions.

3. Creams and skin care lotions:

When added to your favorite creams and lotions, tagetes oil works wonders on your skin. The antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-biotic and antimicrobial properties of this oil helps in dealing with infections caused due to microbes like bacteria, virus and fungi. The most common health conditions due to the effect of microbes are dermatitis, septic, athlete’s foot, malaria, tetanus and typhus.

Open wounds, cuts, scratches, sores and skin ulcers get affected and worsen with the invasion of biotic growth of bacteria, protozoa and certain other parasites. Tagetes oil restrains the biotic growth of similar organisms and helps in healing such skin conditions. A 2004 study on ‘Antibacterial activity of Tagetes minuta essential oil with different chemical composition’ proved that Tagetes oil has antimicrobial properties and is effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

4. Vapor therapy:

Using few drops of Tagetes essential oil in vapor therapy supports in treating bronchitis, coughs and other chest infections. Inhaling the steam with the medicinal properties of this oil aids in loosening the mucus formation and opens up the blocked bronchial and nasal passages.

5. Insecticides and pesticides:

Tagetes essential oil is a powerful pesticide and insecticide that helps in getting rid of harmful insects and parasites like fleas, bed-bugs, mosquitoes, lice and few others. Applying the diluted Tagetes oil on the affected area will also normalize the pain and allergies caused due to stings and bites of such insects.

You can add few drops to your room spray or add it to your burners or diffusers to keep away from pests and insects. A 2010 Pakistani research validates the traditional use of Tagetes minuta as insecticide and proved that Tagetes contains ‘economically important compounds effective against human disease and seed pests’.

Disclaimer:

Tagetes essential oil is powerful and should be used only after diluting in mild carrier oils. Avoid using this oil on children and on pregnant women. This oil is also said to have phototoxic effects that may cause skin irritation if exposed to sun within 12 hours of application. Do not take this oil internally as it is recommended only for topical application and consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using it.

Tagetes Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

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Tagetes oil is said to cause phototoxic effects mainly due to the presence of limonene, just like the citrus oils. It expresses skin sensitization if the oil is oxidized and it is safe to avoid oxidized and old oils. Essential oils that are phototoxic in nature can cause skin sensitization, irritation of the skin, contact dermatitis, hyperpigmentation and certain other allergic reactions.

This is the result of photosensitivity stimulating effect, when the skin is in contact with visible sunlight for up to 12 hours of use of this oil for cosmetic purposes. Tagetes oil has photoactive chemical components that observe the ultra-violet light radiation and accounts to toxic effects by way of molecular changes in the skin surface.

The maximum level for dermal use is 0.01% according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), on the parts of the skin that are exposed to sunlight and is not applicable for rinse-off products. IFRA recommends this safety level based on the unpublished study of RIFM (The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials).

SCCP (The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products) suggests that, since “no safe limit of use in cosmetic products has been demonstrated”, Tagetes oil and its absolutes should be avoided for use in the manufacturing of Cosmetic products.

Tagetes oil is said to cause allergic reactions like skin rashes for people who are generally allergic to daisy flowers and any other flowers from the plant family, Asteraceae, including Chrysanthemum, Marigold and Ragweed.

Never use essential oils internally and for topical application, ensure that you blend Tagetes oil with gentle carrier oils, as essential oils are highly concentrated substances and may harm the skin, when used directly.

Though Tagetes oil has been claimed as an oil with the lowest toxicity, studies have proved the mild irritating effects of Tagetes oil on rabbits, its allergic contact dermatitis, primary eye irritation and acute inhalation toxicity.

Sufficient information is not available on the safety of Tagetes oil and higher concentration might be tough to resist. So it is safe to avoid Tagetes oil on children, pregnant women and nursing moms.

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Tagetes Oil:

Thought for the day:

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. –Luther Burbank

Suggested reading:

Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose
Ayurvedic Remedies for the Whole Family by Dr. Light Miller
Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies from CRC Press

Reference Links:

Your resource for quality Essential Oils. Every batch is GC tested to ensure purity and authenticity.