Kokum Butter

Posted on March 28, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Called as Komal and Vrikshamla in Ayurveda, Kokum butter is a gentle remedy to treat skin infections, dead skin cells, dry skin, stretch marks, sores, stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammation and constipation.

Sharing its origin with Ayurvedic healing to the Indian subcontinent, Kokum butter has excellent nutritional benefits and has been used in Ayurveda for treating dryness in the skin, cracked lips, ulceration, mature skin conditions, oral diseases and skin infections.

With its rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties, Kokum is held high as an excellent cardiac tonic and is trusted to enhance the kidney functions and support metabolism.

Kokum is popularly known as Wild Mangosteen tree, Red Mango, Brindonia tallow tree, Indian butter tree and Malabar Tamarind tree. Called in the vicinity as Punarpuli and Punampuli, the fresh and dried fruits are used as a tasty substitute for tamarind in the preparation of fish and other traditional culinary varieties.

Purchase Organic Kokum Butter – Retail – CLICK HERE

Historical uses and importance of Kokum and its velvety butter:

Kokum butter is extracted from the seed of Garcinia Indica also known as the Kokum tree, which is commonly seen in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Western Ghats and the Eastern parts of India. The butter is extracted by cold pressing the seeds collected from the Kokum tree and then further refined to give a white butter that has a mild odor.

The residue or the rind of the seed is collected and used in herbal medications. It is one of the most stable butters known and also one of the hardest vegetable butters available.

As the butter extends properties such as high oxidative stability and emollient properties, Kokum Butter has found itself a spot in the industries of toiletries and cosmetics. Though the butter is found to have a high melting point it does melt and blend with skin as it touches the surface making it a top choice for lipsticks, balms, soaps, and lotions.

Butters like Kokum butter is one of the perfect choices among the ingredients of soap bars, lotion bars and lipsticks as they have a high melting point (38-40 C) and keep from melting in the purse during long summers.

Kokum butter serves the purpose of encouraging elasticity, suppleness and preventing dryness of the skin. It also helps to restore balance of the damaged skin caused by prolonged negligence. The raw unrefined form of Kokum butter is dark in color and has an earthy scent to it; when melted, it takes the color of light coffee.

Besides being used in the cosmetic industry, Kokum butter is also used as an edible oil. It is a rich source of vitamin E making it an ideal ingredient in products related to skin and hair.

Along with the butter, other extracts from the plant that are effective in treating medical conditions are the juice of the Kokum. It is the most celebrated refreshing drink in summer that serves effectively against sunstroke and dehydration with its instant energy.

The pulp of the Kokum fruit is used as spice in various parts of India, especially in Kerala and other coastal areas as a popular substitute for tamarind. Syrups are also made from the Kokum tree and they are presently bottled and sold for its medicinal effects. Besides this, Kokum is very popular in making chutneys and pickles.

From ancient history, it has been understood that Ayurvedic physicians have used butter from Kokum to cure ear infections, reduce pain caused by arthritis, prevent infections, treat sores, diarrhea, improve digestion and treat constipation.

Kokum is very popular in the Southern states of India and is a trusted traditional remedy for piles, dysentery and infections, insect bite, bee bites and gastric issues.

Kokum is available in the market as a dried fruit, which are soaked in hot water to extract the juices. It has a shelf life of more than a year and the concentrated versions of the fruit can be retrieved. It can also be stored as pickles by blending with salt and drying it out in the sun to increase its shelf life.

Chemical composition and therapeutic properties of Kokum butter:

Kokum naturally contains garcinol in abundance. Garcinol is a derivative of poly-isoprenylated benzophenone that is extracted from the rind of the berries. It exhibits the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Thanks to all these naturally existing properties in the butter, the degeneration of skin cells and the elasticity of the skin can be maintained. The butter of Kokum contains nearly 60-65 percent saturated fatty acids, which makes the oil solid at room temperatures. The fatty acids seen in the butter are stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.

This therapeutic butter exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which control the primary causes that lead to heart diseases, and also helps reduce the production of excess of fat, aiding weight loss. Kokum also exhibits anti- paralysis properties.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Kokum and its butter:

Held high across the world as the oldest remedial science, Kokum is a primordial Ayurvedic remedy for addressing various health conditions. The documented Ayurvedic health benefits of Kokum are as follows.

With its soothing and pacifying properties, Kokum has been prescribed in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, for these attributes it has been called as Grahi and Sangrahi.

The book on ‘Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Spices’ quotes that Ayurvedic experts prescribed the use of Kokum in the treatment of irregular menstruation, inflammatory conditions, ear infections, dermatitis, rheumatic pain, sores and intestinal parasites.

Kokum is also a vital ingredient in Ayurvedic preparations like Yavanyadi Choornam for respiratory ailments and Hingvadi Choornam for treatment of pain in the abdomen along with improper digestion and bloating.

For it’s potent to enhance taste and alleviate loss of appetite, Kokum is called as Ruchikrut and Rochana and Deepana for strengthening the digestive system.

Denoted as an excellent natural thirst quenching agent, Kokum juice has been a celebrated Ayurvedic drink that has been trusted to control Trushna or extreme thirst and dehydration.

The fruit of Kokum in general is a friend for the digestive system in the Ayurvedic regimen. It is mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts in the treatment of a range of metabolic and abdominal disorders.

Ayurveda recommends Kokum in the treatment of Jantu or the invasion of worms, Grahani or constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, Vataja Udara or flatulence and bloating, Shoola or colic pain in the abdomen and Atisara or dysentery.

Kokum and its butter are cited in many classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Dravya Guna Vijnana, Haritakyadi varga and few others.

Kokum is held to pacify vata dosha (extremely beneficial in nourishing dry skin conditions) and enhance pitta and kapha energies (excellent natural moisturizer that leaves the skin supple and smooth).

The predominant health benefits of Kokum butter are:

Exceptional anti-aging agent, attributed to the presence of rich antioxidants like vitamin E that nourish the skin cells and prevent aging.
With its rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties, Kokum is an excellent cardiac tonic and is trusted to enhance the kidney functions and support metabolism.
With its bactericidal properties, Kokum butter has been proved effective against bacteria like Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, flavononyl flavone and Escherichia coli.
The presence of hydroxycitric acid helps reduce lipogenesis cycles; reduce cholesterol and thereby assists in weight loss.
Being a non-comedogenic agent, Kokum butter doesn’t clog pores like other creams and lotions, hence prevent acne and other skin damages.

Kokum butter is an excellent anti-aging agent:

All butters are generally good on skin and Kokum also known as ‘Goa Butter’ is not going to let you down. Though the butter is a bit dry in its nature, it does serve the purpose when it comes to helping with skin regeneration.

The essential fatty acids seen in the butter aids in the oxygenation of the cells, making its tissues available to absorb nutrition. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which nourish the skin and prevent aging.

It is a non-comedogenic agent, which doesn’t clog pores like creams and lotions do, thereby avoiding the occurrence of acne and pimples, and also helps easy absorption of the butter into the skin. Usage of Kokum butter in lotion and creams give it that lush texture that makes the skin feel soft and supple through-out the day.

The major symptoms of aging are wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s foot, dull and dehydrated skin. These skin conditions are often caused by the infestation of harmful free radicals that prevent skin cells from being hale and hearty.

Damaged cellular structure often pave way for dermal problems including aged skin conditions. Antioxidants are powerful micronutrients that have the potent to scavenge the effects of free radicals.

A 2006 study on the ‘Antioxidant activity of Garcinia indica (Kokam) and its syrup’ proved that Kokum is an exceptional antioxidant agent with potent compounds including Garcinol, HCA (hydroxycitric acid), polyphenols and anthocyanin pigments.

Kokum aids in fighting free radicals and assist in repairing the damaged skin, enriching the skin cells from within and helps in restoring the natural glow and texture of the skin, leaving it supple and hydrated.

It has also been prescribed in the treatment of burns, allergies, sunstroke, rashes, chaffed skin, dry skin and scalds.

With all these commendable benefits to the skin, Kokum butter is used as a nourishing base product for organic soaps, moisturizing creams, sunscreen lotions and other skin care products.

This is the kind of ingredient that would be perfect in rejuvenating dry, tired and worn out skin. Blend Kokum butter with your favorite skin-nourishing oils like Lavender oil or Ylang Ylang oil for better results.

Kokum butter as an anti-bactericidal:

The butter exhibits anti-bacterial and bactericidal properties hence it’s used topically to cure skin infections. The juice extracted from Kokum is an appetite stimulant and also has biological properties and has been in use as an effective anti-helmintic agent.

It has also been used to treat piles, GIT infections, and dysentery as well. It also helps stabilize liver functions, and helps strengthen the cardiovascular system. A study involving the involvement of Polyphenols of Garcinia Indica against bacteria was carried out. The result proved that Garcinia indica was effective towards Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, flavononyl flavone and Escherichia coli.

Antioxidant activity of Kokum butter:

A study was conducted to understand the anti-oxidant activity of kokum butter. The experiment was carried out on rats and the results proved that there was effective support contributed by GIE in ATD-induced oxidative damage of liver and Kokum exhibited a hepatoprotective activity contributed by its antioxidant effect.

Kokum butter in cholesterol reduction:

A study was conducted to understand the effects of Kokum butter and cholesterol levels. During the study it was comprehended that the chemical constituents and properties of the butter were a lot similar to sunflower oil, sesame oil, and peanut oil.

Though the process of heating and melting of the butter were the same as ghee and hydrogenated fats, the high unsaturated fatty acid composition seen in Garcinia-butter makes it a lot healthier choice.

Also, the hydroxycitric acid seen in the butter helps reduce lipogenesis cycles; reduce cholesterol, thereby assisting in weight loss.

Other health benefits of Kokum butter:

In general, Kokum has been used in the treatment of fissures and ulcers on lips, hand, and sole. It has also been used as an astringent. Kokum butter is a tender way to treat skin infections, dead skin cells, dry skin, stretch marks, sores, stomach ulcers, gastritis, inflammation and constipation.

On skin and hair, Kokum butter is used to treat acne, dry hair, split ends and dandruff. It helps eliminate bacteria such as H. pylori bacteria which are general causes of ulcers.

Kokum aids in strengthening the brain power by increasing the growth of neurons through preventing the substances that can cause damage by oxidizing them, and suppressing the growth of reactive oxygen related species that can cause cancer and cardiovascular related diseases.

Besides this it also contains hydroxycitric acid also known as HCA which can act as an appetite suppressant and aid in weight gain issues. It has a triglyceride composition and hence used as a substitute for cocoa butter.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the use of information. It is not meant to make a diagnosis or thwart any medical conditions. Do not replace with any other prescribed medications or expert medical advice. We are not healthcare professionals and this information is shared only with the notion of bringing Ayurvedic healing wisdom under limelight.

Organic butters and essential oils are meant only for topical application and do not ingest. Consult your Ayurvedic expert/ medical professional ahead of picking the perfect essential oils or organic butters for your prakriti or unique individual constitution along with your medical condition.

Thought for the day:

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Suggested Reading:

A Monograph on Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy): Uses, Morphophysiology, Propagation, Production and Post Harvest Management by Parag Haldankar, Yogesh Parulekar, and Pradip Haldavanekar.
Organic Body Care Recipes Box Set: Organic Body Scrubs, Organic Lip Balms, Organic Body Butter, And Natural Skin Care Recipes by Karina Wilde.
30 Best Homemade Body Butter Recipes by Kate Hilton.
Natural Remedies Book Collection: 6 Books About Weight Loss, Natural Skin Care And Healthy Life: (Weight Loss Books, Alternative Medicine, 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, Cannabis) by Mary Anne Heller, Pamela Arnold, Pamela Green, Irene Edwanson, Adrienne Cooper, Tasanee Mookjai.
Natural Butters To Make Skin Care Products (How To Make Natural Skin Care Products Series Book 18) by Miriam Kinai.

References:

Clove Bud Oil

Posted on February 14, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

‘Hit the nail on the head of your illness‘ is not a ruthless statement and the nail that is recommended to treat most of your illnesses is the ‘nail-shaped’ Clove and its essential oil extracted from the dried unopened flower buds of the Clove tree (Scientific name: Eugenia caryophyllata) by steam distillation.

It is a much celebrated emergency aid for treating toothache with its potent pain-relieving effect that causes numbness in the painful area and alleviates pain instantly.

Clove is a vital part of the Ayurvedic rebellion for more than 3,000 years and is known in Sanskrit as Devapuspa, meaning ‘Heavenly flower’ and the name is attributed to its exotic aroma and its stupendous healing benefits.

It is prevalently known in India as Laung or Lavnga. Clove and its essential oil in used in many Ayurvedic treatments for dealing with digestive problems, oral infections, diabetes, hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, impotence, sinusitis, improper blood circulation, prostate problems, arthritis and few other respiratory infections.

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Historical uses and importance of Clove and its essential oil:

Clove is native to the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia and was previously known as the Spice Islands. It is an evergreen tree which bears pink color flower buds and these buds are picked before they bloom and are dried to enrich mankind with the tiny brown buds known as ‘Cloves’. This tree grows naturally in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, West Indies, Zanzibar, Madagascar and Tanzania.

Clove was traded to Europe initially in the 4^th century A.D where the ancient herbalists of Germany used Cloves as vital ingredient of their anti-gout remedy. Later it was used in treating wounds, infertility, nausea, diarrhea, worms and toothache.

Cloves were also used in poultices in England during the Middle Ages for treating infections and lesions caused due to bubonic plague. It was also recommended by Hildegard of Bingen for alleviating gout, nasal congestion, hiccups and intestinal swelling.

The traditional Ayurvedic medicine used Cloves as an effective aphrodisiac for addressing male reproductive problems and for assisting respiratory problems like asthma, cough, cold, sore throat, laryngitis and congestion.

It is blended with other popular herbs like cinnamon, ginger, peppercorn and cardamom and used as an immunostimulant, blood purifier, anti-parasitic, breath freshener and for relieving digestive disorders.

The historical use of Cloves in China evolved during the Han Dynasty (207 B.C.) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescribes Cloves for easing fungal infections, hernia, digestive problems, ringworm, nausea, kidney infections and impotence.

Cloves were also a part of the Western Herbal Medicine for enhancing circulation, supporting digestion, treating erectile dysfunction, hiccups, vomiting, toothache and halitosis.

Chemical components and therapeutic properties of Clove essential oil:

The primary component of Clove is Eugenol that adds up to 70 to 90% of the Clove essential oil constituent. Other major components are beta caryophyllene, methyl salicylate, kaempferol, acetyl eugenol, triterpenoids, gallotannic acid, rhamnetin, vanillin and eugenin.

Eugenol contributes to the sensible aroma of Cloves and its therapeutic properties including antifungal, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. The other healing values of Clove essential oil are antioxidant, carminative, anti-carcinogenic, immunostimulant, stomachic, digestive, antibacterial, decongestant, expectorant and aphrodisiac.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Clove essential oil:

Woman/man in this modern world is judged by the gadgets she/he owns and the latest technology that has been swirling around. While most of us are aware about the techniques and tools in the mere man-made machines, how many of us know about our own body and its mechanisms? Not many of us know what is happening in our system? What causes pain? What causes hunger? What causes cellular damage? Or what causes death before the predestined day of death?

More than the knowledge of the world around you, the real wisdom lies in the awareness of the world within you, within the human mind and body, the greatest wonder in this Cosmos.

Ayurveda simply introduces you to a never before living where you will explore and discover about yourselves and the word ‘Ayur + Veda’ by itself means the ‘the knowledge + life’. This ancient philosophy trusts that everything on earth is part of nature and is built with the same five elements that ‘Mother Nature’ is made up of.

The tremendous five elements are earth, water, air, fire and space. Earth signifies bones and muscles, water stands for blood, air assists breathing, fire notifies the body temperature and aid for metabolic functions and space is the spirit that stays in.

Every human being is created with a unique individual constitution comprising of three vital biological energies namely vata, pitta and kapha. These doshic elements are a combination of the five vital elements.

Air and space makes Vata and is responsible for circulation, nervous functions and aging symptoms, fire and water joins together for Pitta and is incharge of body temperature and metabolism and water and earth signifies Kapha energy and is accountable for structure and continuity. Every individual has a predominance of any one of these doshas that determines his personality, behavior and attribute.

Ayurvedic wisdom states that human health solely depends upon his/her harmony with nature, means the five elements of nature that are a representation of the three biological energies. Balance between the three doshas based upon the individual’s unique constitution indicates health and imbalance causes sickness.

The natural remedies in Ayurveda including the herbs, essential oils, meditation, yoga, physical exercises, prayers, Ayurvedic routine and Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massaging) aim at treating these imbalances of doshas.

Clove and its essential oil have been in use in the Ayurvedic regimen for addressing an extensive range of illnesses ranging from oral problems to kidney disorders. The essential oil of Clove is said to augment pitta energy and soothe excess of kapha and vata dosha.

Let’s check out the Ayurvedic health benefits of Clove essential oil.

1. Alleviates digestive problems:

Clove and its essential oil have been a part of many Ayurvedic preparations used in the treatment of various digestive disorders including bloating, intestinal gas, nausea, stomach upset, distention and dyspepsia.

According to Ayurveda, pitta dosha is responsible for the body temperature, warmth and the fire generated for stimulating the process of metabolism like digestion, absorption and excretion.

Pitta imbalance or insufficiency causes sluggishness in the digestive system and it is during these critical times , Clove essential oil is used in Ayurveda for triggering the metabolic functions and warming the digestive tract.

Massaging your abdomen with 2 drops of Clove oil mixed with 1 ml of coconut oil assists in encouraging the digestive system, increasing the secretion of hydrochloric acid, bile and other digestive juices for enhancing trouble-free digestion. You can also take bath in lukewarm water enriched with 3 to 5 drops of Clove oil for supporting bowel movements and recover peristalsis.

With its carminative, stomachic and anthelmintic properties Clove oil is a natural remedy for alleviating flatulence, intestinal worms, gastric irritability and various intestinal infections caused by bacteria, virus, protozoa and other pathogens leading to serious digestive problems like cholera.

2. Relieves respiratory disorders:

Ayurvedic system of healing prescribes Clove as an effective remedy for treating upper respiratory problems like cough, asthma, sinusitis, cold, sore throat, bronchitis, flu, whooping cough, fever and tuberculosis.

Excess of kapha dosha due to change in food habits or climatic conditions contribute mainly to respiratory problems, as excess water deposits accumulate in the nasal and bronchial passages in the form of mucous and phlegm deposits.

Clove essential oil added to steam inhalation, preferably 2 drops of this oil when inhaled in the form of steam helps in loosening the phlegm and mucous deposits by causing warmth in the nasal passages and the respiratory tract.

This also aids in killing the harmful germs and pathogens that worsen the illnesses. You can also add 2 drop of Clove oil to your decongesting ointment and massage it soothingly on your chest, back and throat for improved results.

3. Aids in pain, inflammation and skin problems:

Clove essential oil is an excellent aid in treating skin infections caused due to bacteria, virus, fungi and other harmful microbes mostly with its natural antiseptic properties.

Using 2 drops of Clove oil along with your mild skin care cream or lotion or with 1 ml of jojoba oil on your skin can aid in healing wounds, athlete’s foot, cuts, bruises, scabies, acne, prickly heat and insect stings.

It also helps in preventing the wounds from becoming septic. These skin-friendly properties of Clove oil is attributed to the presence of the eugenol compound which has rich antiseptic qualities.

Massaging the inflamed or painful parts of the body with 3 drops of Clove oil mixed with 2 ml of sesame oil helps in alleviating pain, reducing inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties and discharges the excess water deposits, uric acid and toxic substances causing swelling, redness and irritation in rheumatism and arthritic conditions.

The presence of eugenol and its other derivative compounds like flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones are extremely advantageous in the perpetuation of bone density and aids in retaining the mineral content in the bones and support its tensile potency. By this way, Clove oil can be used as an effectual remedy for curing and preventing Osteoporosis.

4. Mitigates toothache and other oral problems:

Cloves are celebrated all around the globe for its natural dental assistance. Both the herb and its essential oil have been used in various traditional practices including Ayurveda, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Western herbalism as a promising anodyne for treating dental emergencies.

Adding 1 drop of Clove oil to a small cotton ball or bud and keeping it on the painful area in the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes can help in alleviating toothache by causing numbness in the aching part.

You can follow this treatment by gargling your mouth with a cup of warm water nourished with 2 drops of Clove oil for eliminating the microbes, germs and other harmful organisms causing pain and other oral infections.

Even today in many countries, Clove herb is directly applied to the gums for controlling pain during dental aid, treating toothache and for dry socket, which is a problem experienced during tooth extraction.

It has also been used in India as a natural breath freshener and as a guard against oral pathogens for treating gum problems like periodontitis and gingivitis. Clove oil is also an important ingredient in various Ayurvedic toothpastes and the most popular among them is the Dabur Red toothpaste.

5. Combats cancer and fights against free radicals:

Antioxidants are the soldier force that can combat the growth of cancerous tumors by fighting against free radicals causing cellular damage. The antioxidant capacity of a particular component is measured by its ORAC, meaning Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity. This measuring attribute was developed for the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) by the Scientists of Tufts University.

According to the study by the Essential Oils Desk reference amongst the numerous essential oils, Clove essential oil stands high with ORAC of 10,786,875 where the preceding oil was Thyme essential oil with 159,590 as its ORAC. This simply means that Clove oil is the best antioxidant in the world amongst all the other fruits, herbs and spices with 10 million ORAC. This is more than 400 times of the most powerful antioxidant fruit, the wolfberry.

Clove essential oil has antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties that help in treating all types of cancer including lung cancer and liver cancer, if traced in the early stages.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Clove essential oil blended with 5 ml of Evening Primrose oil can help in decreasing the free radical production, discouraging the increased lipid profile in the liver, detoxifying the system, postponing the aging process (helps reduce wrinkles and other aging symptoms) and augmenting the body’s natural immune power.

6. Safe insect-repellant and instant air freshener:

Clove is by far known as the safest and non-toxic insect repellant that repels harmful insects like mosquitoes, bugs, fleas and ticks and it has been proved by the researches of the Duke University School of Nursing. This oil has a strong aroma that is intoxicating for the olfactory senses of various insects.

Adding 2 drops of Clove oil in diffuser, air freshener or vaporizer can revive the air instantly and protect your family from insects. You can also add 2 to 3 drops of Clove oil in your skin care lotion and apply it on your skin for keeping away from insects.

7. Assists in reproductive health:

Many traditional medical systems including Ayurveda and Unani medicine suggest the use of Clove oil as an aphrodisiac for treating reproductive problems especially in men. The spicy and warming aroma of Clove oil kindles the feelings of togetherness and supports the health of male and female reproductive system.

The book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ by Bryan Miller and Light Miller says that Clove essential oil is effective “ to arouse, stimulation of hormones, ‘stimulate the juices’, dispel inertia and depression”, which are all the causes of Kapha imbalances. Clove oil is a popular mental stimulant that alleviates fatigue, depression and other negative feelings that ruin your sexual life.

Massaging your body with 10 drops of Clove oil mixed with 5 ml of virgin olive oil can help in treating premature ejaculation, impotence, loss of sexual interest, erectile dysfunctions and loss of libido. You can also add 2 drops of Clove oil to your bath before going to bed.

Other health benefits:

Clove oil is a renowned flavoring agent in various food items and beverages. It is also used in the manufacturing of soaps, toothpastes, cosmetics, clove cigarettes and perfumes. Epilepsy, poor blood circulation, dizziness, earache and certain other health conditions are also treated with Clove essential oil.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of information and is not directed to use as a substitute for prescribed medicines or professional medical advice. Never use essential oils internally as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated liquids.

Always use Clove essential oil in a diluted manner for external use only, as this oil is a skin and mucous membrane irritant, if used directly on the skin. Always speak with your Ayurvedic Practitioner before choosing the right essential oils for your unique individual constitution and medical condition.

Thought for the day:

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. – Anais Nin

Suggested Reading:

Clove Oil! Discover The Essential Oil Of Cloves Health Benefits For Toothaches, Acne, Hair & Much More: A Book On Clove Oil Secrets (Natural Health Books Series) by Tina Cody
Scents Of Life: Use And Effect Of Essential Oils by H. M. Schemske
The Modern Ayurveda: Milestones Beyond the Classical Age from CRC Press
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links:

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

Grapefruit Pink Oil

Posted on January 31, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Are you on diet? Then Grapefruit can be your best pal as it is called as ‘Dieter’s best friend‘, for its ability to assist dissolving fat and stays strong to be a vital part of your fitness regimen.

Give that perfect lift to your self-esteem and self-worth with Grapefruit oil, as it works like a magic by cleansing the aura and flushing out depression, lack of self-confidence, mental chaos and other negative feelings at ease.

Adorably called as Madhukarktikum and Kadaaram in Sanskrit, Grapefruit is yet another powerful Ayurvedic remedy for dealing with digestive disorders by stimulating the gall bladder and assisting the secretion of bile and other digestive juices.

The essential oil of Grapefruit is cold pressed from the external rind of this fruit and is recommended for treating weight loss, acne, cellulite, edema, PMS, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Purchase Grapefruit Oil – Retail – 4 oz – CLICK HERE
Purchase Grapefruit Oil – Wholesale – CLICK HERE

Historical importance of Grapefruit:

Grapefruit is trusted to be a hybrid variety found in the 18^th century by Captain Shaddock in Jamaica; hence it was called as ‘Shaddock’ or ‘Shattuck’ initially. Later it was named as ‘Grapefruit’ mainly because of its manifestation like clusters of grapes on the trees. Grapefruit was once celebrated as one of the ‘Seven wonders of Barbados’.

Grapefruit is indigenous to the tropical parts of Asia and was originally brought to Europe by the medieval Arabian traders and it slowly spread to other parts of the world. Currently, United States is the world’s leading producer of Grapefruit, followed by People’s Republic of China and South Africa.

As it is an excellent source of various nutrients and phytochemicals, it was used ever since the ancient times as a part of a healthy diet. Whereas Grapefruit essential oil was used in baths for preventing the skin from harmful microbes, supporting healthy skin, enhancing the shine and growth of hair and as a cleansing agent in homes.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report (GC) of Grapefruit Pink oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Grapefruit Pink oil constitutes of 7 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Limonene contributes to the highest proportion of Grapefruit Pink oil constituents with about 96.6% of its total composition.

Just click on:

Limonene

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

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

Therapeutic properties of Grapefruit essential oil:

The remedial values of this oil are antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-tumoral, antioxidant, lymphatic, stimulant, tonic, diuretic, disinfectant, aperitif and fat dissolving.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Grapefruit essential oil:

Health is a three-tier foundation according to Ayurveda, where these three layers are mind, body and soul. It is rightly mentioned in Charaka Samhita, one of the most famous Ayurvedic encyclopedias as “The three – body, psyche, and soul – act as a tripod. The world stands upon them, and within them, the world abides.”

Ayurveda means ‘the knowledge of life’ and this traditional healing methodology aids in granting that awareness in every human being. Understanding the physical and mental health of oneself helps in leading a blissful life paving way towards longevity.

It has been said that nature is made up of five vital elements namely fire, water, earth, air and space and Ayurvedic texts strongly state that everything that is a part of nature is also made up of these five elements.

The science of Ayurveda follows a holistic healing system, where every individual is considered as a unique part of nature with a unique individual constitution just like our fingerprints.

This constitution comprises of three vital biological energies known as doshas. They are vata, pitta and kapha doshas, where each dosha represent a combination of two vital elements.

Kapha represents earth and water, and is responsible for structure of the body, sustenance and the movement of fluids in the system. Pitta represents fire and water and is in charge of digestion, absorption, excretion and certain other metabolic functions.

Vata stands for air and ether, and is accountable for circulation, respiration and nervous functions of the body. When an individual’s health is on par with nature, there is perfect health and harmony and when there is imbalance due to food, lifestyle and certain other factors, illnesses occur.

Balance between these three doshas indicates complete health and imbalance causes diseases. Ayurvedic remedies like essential oils, herbs, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic routine and simple physical exercises focus on striking balance between these doshas. Grapefruit essential oil is said to pacify vata and kapha dosha and aggravate pitta dosha.

The Ayurvedic health benefits of Grapefruit oil are:1. Fights the symptoms of aging naturally:

Aging can be the worst enemy for all those beauty conscious kings and queens out there, especially in the late 30s when everyone’s dreams are on the route of reaching their destination. When thousands of chemical-based products flood the market with the claim of ‘guaranteed younger look’, how will you feel if I say that the simple, natural and glorious fruit like Grapefruit can fight against all the symptoms of aging, just like that? Feeling awesome right!

FRTA or the Free radical theory of aging can assist you in understanding the real causes of aging. This theory states that “organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.” These free radicals cause oxidative damage in the cells, which pave way for aging and other age-related disorders like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Numerous studies have proven that antioxidants are the best remedy for arresting the oxidative damage of cells by passivating the cellular structure from the damage caused by free radicals.

To your wonder, Grapefruit and its essential oil have the most powerful antioxidant lycopene, which is responsible for its attractive pink or red color. It has been established that antioxidants like lycopene assists in fighting aging of cells and fight against malignant tumors caused due to the harmful effects of free radicals.

According to a study by the Brigham Young University, “Small concentrations of grapefruit essential oil showed an 80.5% cell inhibition value for skin cancer cells.” The presence of limonene in Grapefruit oil supports about 80% of carcinomas in breast cancer to degenerate with comparatively lesser toxicity, says the reports on Grapefruit essential oil by the Purdue University.

In addition to this, Grapefruit essential oil has adequate amount of spermidine, which is a polyamine compound playing significant roles in the survival of cells. Every cell has spermidine like compounds and cellular aging happens when the growth of spermidine falls.

Using 2 drops of Grapefruit essential oil blended with 1ml of Jojoba oil or along with a mild skin care lotion or cream as a massaging blend can promote the secretion of spermidine compounds that support the growth of healthy cells, helping you look younger and youthful.

This massaging can also help in fighting against the free radicals that cause aging and other chronic illnesses. Adding Grapefruit to your daily diet is also a great idea to retain your beauty and nurture your skin health.

2. Protects the skin from microbial infections:

Grapefruit essential oil has antiseptic and disinfectant properties that wrestle against harmful organisms like bacteria and virus. The antiviral and antibacterial effects of this oil make it one among the best essential oils for treating wounds, cuts, bruises, acne and other microbial infections. It kills the existing microbes in the body that cause infections and prevents the entry of new microbes.

Using 2 drops of Grapefruit essential oil in warm bathing water in the morning or before going to bed can help in combating the growth of microbes and protect the body microbial infections all day long.

You can also add 1 drop of Grapefruit oil to your daily lotion or skin cream for pampering your skin. Along with this, the fresh and refreshing citrus aroma of Grapefruit oil keeps your skin fresh, regenerated and absolutely clean.

3. Boosts positive energy and adds up to your mental strength:

Grapefruit essential oil has an immaculate aroma that is neat as a new pin and has excellent aromatic effect on the mind. The anti-depressant properties of this oil flushes out the negative thoughts, depressive feelings and emotions that demotivate the mind and stop you from moving ahead.

The uplifting aroma of Grapefruit essential oil reaches the limbic system, the control center of the human brain through the nasal passages and passes the therapeutic properties of this oil in the form of commands to other parts of the body. Add 2 drops of Grapefruit oil to your diffuser, burner or vaporizer during the night or at the time of prayer or meditation. This oil is said to calm the mind and nerves and grant peaceful sleep at night.

Inhaling the sacred aroma of Grapefruit oil is said to broaden the heart chakra, which is responsible for love and affection along with the solar plexus chakra, which is accountable for self-esteem, confidence and discipline and the third eye chakra meant for intelligence, creativity, spiritualism, consciousness and inner awakening.

By this way, Grapefruit essential oil cleanses the aura, mind and the life force of the human body, which helps in restoring the power and spiritual realm.

4. Burns excess fat and backs up your diet regimen:

Obesity has become a common phenomenon in people of all ages mainly due to unhealthy food habits, lifestyle changes, fast food mania and the lack of physical exercises. Most of these factors seem unavoidable in this contemporary world, where there’s no time to spare for our health and happiness.

According to a popular Complementary and Alternative medicine expert, “taking medicines or drugs for reducing weight or dissolving fat is a hazardous practice and a life-threatening system as well.”

So what to do and what is the natural way to burn away those excess fat and calories that rule your health and harmony? Here you go, Grapefruit and its essential oil have been an effective natural remedy for treating obesity and supporting weight-loss.

This is attributed to its diuretic, lymphatic and aperitif properties. Grapefruit oil works by improving the metabolism process, lowering the cholesterol content, reducing insulin levels and supporting loss of fat positively.

Ayurvedic texts state that the bitter and sour tastes of Grapefruit reside as the predominant reason for enhancing the flow of bile and other digestive juices and it helps in putting an end to food cravings, liver congestion and amassing up of excess fat, cholesterol and other toxic substances.

Mix 5 drops of Grapefruit essential oil with 2.5ml of sesame oil and massage it gently on your stomach and abdomen to stimulate the secretion of saliva, bile and other gastric juices.

Ama or the toxins in the body are mainly due to improper digestion. As Grapefruit essential increases pitta energy, which is responsible for digestive fire, the chances of indigestion, constipation and other digestive disorders are very less.

Excess of kapha energy is one major cause for obesity according to Ayurveda. Grapefruit oil is a boon to mankind as it pacifies kapha and increases pitta force, through which it eliminates the excess deposits of water, fat, toxic substances and cholesterol through urine and sweat.

Including Grapefruit in your diet or inhaling the aroma of Grapefruit essential oil before eating (by adding 1 drop of Grapefruit oil to your diffuser in your dining hall) can grant a feeling of fullness and put an end to unhealthy food cravings.

“Consumption of Grapefruit can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides”, says The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner and know the right exercises, yoga and meditation for your unique constitution. This can speed up your fat-dissolving resolution at absolute ease.

Other health benefits:

Apart from this, Grapefruit essential oil is an excellent pain reliever that can help you in treating headache, back pain and migraine pain quickly, when 2 drops of this oil is mixed with 1ml of coconut oil and applied on the affected area.

Grapefruit essential oil has tonic properties that increase the immune power, stimulate hair growth, cleanse the scalp, boosts the functions of the nervous system and strengthen the muscles and nerves. This oil also helps in relieving mental and physical fatigue, menstrual discomforts, rheumatism, muscular stiffness, cellulite, nervousness, delayed menstruation and nervous exhaustion.

Disclaimer:

This article is only for the purpose of education and is not directed to diagnose or replace any Professional medical advice or prescribed medication. Never use essential oils internally and always use them in a diluted form, as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can cause harm if used directly on skin.

As other citrus oils, Grapefruit essential oil also has phototoxic effect that can cause damages to the skin when exposed to sunlight immediately after use, due to the hazardous effects of ultra violet rays. Always consult your Ayurvedic expert before using the right essential oils for your unique constitution and health condition.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Grapefruit Pink oil.

Grapefruit Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

Greener Life Diamond – Bio-Healthy Score => 3 – Possible Skin Issues:

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Grapefruit oil showcases photosensitive effects if oxidized, contributing to its phototoxic, photo-carcinogenic and effects of sensitization. The possible skin issues of using Grapefruit oil are hyperpigmentation, allergic reactions, irritation, sunburns, blisters and rashes and this mainly occurs when the skin is exposed to visible sunlight for up to 12 hours of use of this oil.

The underlying reason is the reaction of the photoactive chemical constituents in Grapefruit oil that attracts light and leads to toxicity through molecular changes in the skin surface. Certain studies state that Grapefruit oil has been stated to promote the formation of tumors on the skin of mouse, by the key carcinogen, 10-dimethyl-l, 2-benzanthracene.

The primary chemical component responsible for the phototoxic and adverse skin effects of Grapefruit oil is Limonene, which accounts to about 90% of this oil along with few other furanocoumarins ( the non-volatile compounds like bergapten, bergamottin and epoxy-bergamottin.)

The safe dilution level of Grapefruit oil by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is 4%, which is about 24 drops per ounce of any mild carrier oils. This is particularly to prevent phototoxicity in products used for dermal applications except for bath products like soaps, shampoos and other wash-off preparations.

According to the European decree, essential oils that contain furanocoumarins must be used preferably when the level of bergapten does not exceed 15 ppm (parts per million) in finished cosmetic products preordained for use on parts of the skin that are in contact with sunlight (other than rinse-away products) and 1 ppm in bronzing and sun protection products.

Grapefruit oil should be used only for topical application, preferably blended with mild carrier oils (good for use after a patch test on your skin), and never use essential oils for ingestion, as internal use of essential oils might pose adverse health effects. Undiluted Grapefruit oil can cause skin irritation and this oil is claimed to be toxic to cats.

A 2005 study published in Brain Research states that “the scent of Grapefruit oil and its active constituent, limonene affects the autonomic neurotransmission and blood pressure through central histaminergic nerves and the suprachiasmatic nucleus.”

Studies state that ingesting furocoumarins may also cause phytophotodermatitis. It is better to avoid Grapefruit oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as the safety of this oil during carrying or nursing are not established.

In a much similar way like Bitter orange oil, Grapefruit oil is said to restrain important enzymes in the intestines and liver, leading to have an impact on the blood levels at the time of taking medicines that are antidepressant, antiviral, anti-anxiety, calcium channel blockers, steroids, anti-malarial, immune modulators, prokinetics, statins and on par with caffeine intake. The presence of furocoumarins has led to the term ‘Grapefruit effect’, which signifies the interaction between furocoumarins and enzymes that are engaged in drug metabolism, specifically cytochrome P450.

Use Grapefruit oil only after medical advice, if you are taking any other prescription medicines. Startlingly, furocoumarins are also used in different remedies along with the long-wave ultraviolet light therapy for curing psoriasis, mycosis fungoides and vitiligo.

Reference Links Substantiating Possible Skin Issues of Grapefruit Oil:

Thought for the day:

You forget that the fruits belong to all and that the land belongs to no one.
-Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Suggested Reading:

The Grapefruit Solution: Lower Your Cholesterol, Lose Weight and Achieve Optimal Health with Nature’s Wonder Fruit by Daryl L. Thompson, M. Joseph Ahrens
Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing by Dr. Light Miller, Dr. Bryan Miller
The Complete Master Cleanse: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing the Benefits of the Lemonade Diet by Tom Woloshyn
The Grapefruit Diet Plan by M Marose
Daily Aromatherapy: Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils by Joni Keim, Ruah Bull

Reference Links:

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