Tangerine Essential Oil

Posted on December 31, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

Who will hate the citrus, tangy, warm, refreshing and uplifting aroma of tangerine essential oil? Not many of us knew that this invigorating oil has a natural tonic effect on our digestive system and checks tension and stress. Indigenous to China, tangerine and the essential oil extracted from the peels of the tangerine fruit by cold press method has been a vital part of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine).

Ayurveda, the science or knowledge of life calls tangerine as Santra Sal and this fruit is highly regarded as a natural detoxifying agent, helping to eliminate the toxins known as ama from the human body. Elimination of toxins according to Ayurveda is the initial step for purifying the tissues, getting rid of toxic substances left by poor nutrition and disease, strengthening the immune system, augmenting mental clarity and nurturing the overall health condition of an individual.

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Historical uses of Tangerine essential oil:

Tangerine has its birth recorded more than 3000 years ago and this is the predominant cause behind its popular use in the world of integrative medicine. More than the fruit, the external rind or the peel from which the essential oil of Tangerine is extracted is said to have enormous medicinal benefits.

The ancient Chinese philosophers used Chen Pi or tangerine peel to treat digestive disorders like vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea and stomach upset. It was trusted to increase the flow of liquids throughout the body. Chinese medicine call life force as Qi and tangerine peel is believed to control, reconcile and stabilize the flow of Qi.

The decoction extracted from tangerine peel was used in various medications for treating morning sickness in pregnant women, gout and sexual problems in men like premature ejaculation and impotence. Tangerine peel was an important ingredient in Chinese Dr. Huang’s internal injury poultice for treating inflammation, sports injuries, sprain and muscular problems. French and other European medical practitioners used tangerine essential oil for dealing with digestive problems in children and the elderly people.

Ayurvedic texts denote tangerine oil as one of the mildest essential oils that can be used by pregnant women also. It is used to detoxify the body, purify the soul and for tranquilizing the entire system. This was also mentioned in the book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ where Bryan Miller and Light Miller said that Tangerine oil is one of the favorite oil of pregnant women and children because of its uplifting and soothing qualities.

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

According to the Gas chromatography report, Tangerine oil constitutes of 9 chemical components that contribute to its fragrance, therapeutic attributes, consistency and quality of this oil. Of which, Limonene contributes to the highest proportion of Tangerine oil with about 95.8% of its total composition.

Just click on:

Limonene

I trust that this must certainly help you in getting to know the exclusive information about the prime chemical constituents of Tangerine oil.

The table crafted below clearly depicts the unique nature and contributions of these bio-chemical constituents to the healing magnificence of Tangerine essential oil.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Tangerine essential oil:

Ayurveda trusts in healing humanity through the use of five senses therapy namely the sense of smell, sight, touch, sound and taste. Besides treating illnesses, Ayurvedic methodology focuses on a disciplined lifestyle that would help in preventing illnesses.

Prana is the essence or life force of any living being on earth. The Vedic texts denote that essential oils were used as a part of Ayurvedic treatments trusting that essential oils, the vital life force or prana of plants will certainly aid in enriching the prana of human beings.

Among the three dynamic forces of nature or doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha that form the constitution of an individual, tangerine oil is said to benefit the vata and pitta doshas with its drying and cooling energies.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Tangerine essential oil based on their usage.1. Abhyanga or the Ayurvedic massage therapy:

This treatment method falls under the sense of touch where the tissues of the body are maneuvered gently and firmly by hands, forearms, elbows, feet and few other effective massaging equipments. Ayurveda suggests the use of essential oils and certain other herbal oils, without which an Ayurvedic massage cannot be fulfilled.

The simple concept behind this healing methodology is that the therapeutic values of the essential oils used for massaging enter your body through the pores of your skin and deeply penetrates into your bloodstream. This way, a systematic massage with healing essential oils can have a positive effect on your mind, body and spirit.

Massaging with few drops of Tangerine essential oil blended with carrier oils like jojoba oil, almond oil or coconut oil can assist in healing numerous health conditions.

Calms your system:

Tangerine essential oil is a calming agent that is proven effective in relaxing your body absolutely. It treats mood fluctuations, assists nervous afflictions and completely pampers the troubled nervous system. Anxiety, stress, depression, pain, impulsive responses and emotional imbalances are controlled with its soothing and uplifting properties.

Boosts metabolism:

The stomachic and tonic properties of Tangerine oil supports in boosting the process of metabolism. It stimulates the proper flow of digestive juices ensuring appropriate secretion of bile and other digestive acids, aids in absorbing the essential nutrients from the food, heals irritation in the stomach lining and intestines and supports the entire process of digestion. For all these reasons the essential oil of Tangerine is used in relieving pain, treating ulcers, inflammation and wounds in the stomach.

Detoxifying agent:

Tangerine essential oil is an excellent detoxifier that facilitates in removing the toxic substances and other impurities in the body. The depurative property of this oil purifies the blood. It excretes the toxins and other harmful substances like pollutants, excess salt, uric acid and excess water in the body through urine, excreta and sweat.

Any human body free from toxic substances is the base for absolute health and grants complete newness to the aura. Tangerine essential oil is also efficacious in treating severe coughs, asthma, spasmodic cholera, convulsions, muscular cramps, spasms, severe pain and other breathing problems.

Repairs and replenishes the skin cells:

The active components and cytophylactic properties of Tangerine oil, makes it valuable in treating damaged tissues in the body. It promotes cell division and creation of new skin cells. This oil also aids in rejuvenating the existing cells and cure all kind of damages in the cellular system. This is why Tangerine essential oil is known as woman-friendly oil for treating stretch marks in pregnant women and other marks or scars due to accidents, obesity, acne etc.

2. A natural antiseptic:

Tangerine is one such mild essential oil that can be directly applied on cuts, wounds, sores and burns. The natural antiseptic values of this oil helps fight against the most harmful Staphylococcus Aureus bacterium, which is said to be responsible for wounds and infections to turn septic and contagious. Applying tangerine oil directly on the affected areas or a mix of few drops of this oil to your skin care lotions or cream is known to thwart the growth of bacteria, check swelling and redness of the skin and speed up the process of recovery.

3. In vaporizers and burners:

Tangerine essential oil can be used in aroma lamps, vaporizers, burners and diffusers to lessen stress, grant relaxation, alleviate depression, pacify the nervous system, induce peaceful sleep, appease the respiratory system and boost the digestive mechanism. The aromatic compounds of this oil enter the body through the nasal passages and reach the limbic system of the brain, which is said to control the functions of the body and influence your feelings, desires, emotions, creativity and other vital actions.

4. In bath tub:

Add 2 to 3 drops of Tangerine essential oil to your bath tub especially in the morning. This is because the revitalizing and encouraging aroma of this oil fosters your energy level, increases blood circulation, treats digestive problems, supports the functions of the nervous system and can give a great start to your day.

5. As a captivating perfume oil:

The fresh and energizing citrus aroma of Tangerine oil will be cheering and comforting to your mind and senses. You can add few drops of tangerine oil to your perfume, detergent or fabric conditioner, handkerchief, pillows etc to embrace your mind, body and spirit flawlessly. Inhaling the aroma of Tangerine essential oil augments your body’s potential to retain oxygen and stay fresh and keyed up all throughout the day.

Tangerine essential oil is also a natural tonic with antioxidant properties and can boost the immune power, making your body resistant against infections and illnesses.

Disclaimer:

Tangerine essential oil is safe on skin and is also recommended for children and pregnant women but is said to show photo toxicity effect in certain skin types. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids so consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before taking them internally or applying them directly on your skin.

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

Gas Chromatography Report (GC analysis) of Tangerine oil.

Thought for the day:

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein

Suggested Reading:

Tangerine peel: An entry from Thomson Gale’s Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Peter Gregutt
An Aromatic Life: Natural Lifestyles using Essential Oils by Jen Gallagher
Treatment Alternatives For Children by Dr. Lawrence Rosen, Jeff Cohen
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet Beinfield, Efrem Korngold

Reference Links:

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Neroli Essential Oil

Posted on December 27, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

Neroli, the less known secret behind the unsurpassed creativity and the magnanimous works of the legendary archetype of the Renaissance Man, Leonardo Da Vinci who loved to be in the midst of perfumes and aromatic oils always.

Neroli essential oil was his all-time favorite and he used it to instigate his intellect and contemplation while creating celebrated piece of artworks. Neroli oil also known as ‘Orange Blossoms’ is the prized ingredient of the classic Eau-de-Cologne since the 17^th century. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Bitter Orange tree, Citrus aurantium through steam distillation method.

Neroli has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years and it is said that the name ‘Neroli’ is extracted from the Sanskrit word ‘Nagaranj’. Bryan and Light Miller in their book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’ quote Neroli as “one of the most intense-smelling oils.

It gives confidence and strength to the mind, has relaxing properties which help with sleeplessness, and can be an ally during times of stress.” Ayurvedic uses of Neroli are for treating aging skin, anxiety, insomnia, headache, emotional instability, PMS and for certain other health disorders.

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Historical importance of Neroli:

History lists a number of myths about the origin of its name. There are line of differences between the east and west on this commendation. Indigenous to the Far East, few say that the name ‘Neroli’ is derived from Anne-Marie of Nerola, the Italian princess during the 16^th century.

She used Neroli perfume everyday and set an example for other noble women to follow the same tradition. Certain other sources say that Neroli was named after Nero, the Roman Emperor while some say it was derived from the name of ‘The Duchess of Tremoille’, the 17^th Duchess also known as ‘la Nerola’.

Neroli and its essential oil were highly regarded as a symbol of virginity and sexual purity. Neroli was worn by the bride to assert her virginity and it was also a part of the bride’s bouquet to signify happiness, good luck, fertility and prosperity to the newly-married couple. As an aphrodisiac, Neroli was also spread on the bed of the newly-wedded couples to enhance their intimacy and calm their nervous apprehension.

Known as the ‘queenly elixir’, the essential oil of Neroli was held high by the primeval Egyptians for its power to cure the mind, spirit and the body and for its blissful properties. Neroli was also used in bathing water to soothe the nerves, calm the mind, relax the muscles and instill positive feelings.

The Yogic tradition of India trusted Neroli for its relaxing, tranquilizing and sleep inducing properties. The Traditional Chinese Medicine use Neroli to organize chi (aura or the life force).

Chemical constituents and therapeutic properties of Neroli essential oil:

The remedial properties of Neroli oil are aphrodisiac, carminative, antidepressant, emollient, cicatrisant, disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tonic, cytophylactic, anti-infectious, cordial, sedative, bactericidal, antispasmodic and digestive.

The chemical constituents that contribute to these therapeutic values are nerol, a-pinene, a-terpinene, farnesol, nerolidol, geraniol, b-pinene, neryl acetate, camphene, linalyl acetate, methyl anthranilate, indole and linalool.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Neroli essential oil:

Ayurvedic healing have a high regard for Neroli because of its cheering, encouraging, soothing, strengthening and invigorating properties that can benefit anyone who wears its exceptional fragrance.

Ayurveda being the oldest of all remedial systems in the world has been much-admired and accepted all over the universe for its immaculate wisdom and the sense of personal care and touch it renders without fail.

Ayurvedic philosophy believes that every human being is unique with specific physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and environmental attributes. Similarly the treatment for each one of them should also be unique based on their individual constitution, which is nothing but the combination of bio-energies or energy elements known as doshas.

The predominant Ayurvedic body types or doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Food, lifestyle changes and numerous other factors have an impact on our health and it is for this reason Ayurveda suggests Ayurvedic routine, healthy and balanced diet, essential oils, herbs, physical exercises, meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic massage techniques based upon on your doshas and treat imbalances systematically.

Neroli oil aids in lessening increased vata and pitta and in increasing kapha deficit.

Let’s have a look at the Ayurvedic health benefits of Neroli essential oil.

1. Excellent oil for female problems:

Neroli oil is said to “have a special affinity for the female immune system, and is part of all our female immune regulatory formulas” says Light Miller in her book ‘Ayurveda and Aromatherapy’. She also states that Neroli essential oil aids women in every stages of transition including menstruation, menopause, irritation, anxiety, depressive thoughts, negative feelings and heart health.

Neroli essential oil is known as women’s best pal throughout her life especially in every maturing year by assisting menopausal problems, fighting against wrinkles and supporting the generation of new skin cells. It acts as maturing woman’s best friend by combating wrinkles and improving the skin texture with aging and acts as a promising anti-aging agent.

Blending 2 drops of Neroli oil with coconut oil or jojoba oil can aid you as a great massage blend followed by a warm bath enriched with 3 to 4 drops of Neroli oil can relax your system, reduce pain, promote good sleep and lessen stress and depression especially during menstrual discomforts and menopausal symptoms.

You can also add 2 drops of this oil to your diffuser or wear it on your wrist to keep you calm throughout the day. Mixing 2 drops of Neroli oil in your mild skin care cream or lotion aids in combating the effects of aging on your skin.

2. Enormously skin-friendly:

Neroli is indeed a great oil for managing your skin problems effectively. It guards your skin from harmful bacterial infections causing acne and other skin problems with its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Applying 2 drops of Neroli oil mixed with coconut oil can help in fighting against bacteria and other harmful organisms while protecting wounds and other skin conditions from infections and tetanus.

Neroli essential oil has cytophylactic effects that supports in maintaining the health of existing skin cells and promoting the formation of new cells. This aids in augmenting the elasticity of skin, making it supple, reducing wrinkles and treating varicose veins. Being a cicatrisant, Neroli oil helps in fading away scars, stretch marks and other marks let by acne, pox, accidents and wounds.

Use 2 drops of Neroli oil in vaporizer aids you in clearing the clogged pores and purify the skin surface. Adding 2 to 3 drops of this oil to your regular skin care cream or lotion aids in treating wrinkles, scars, control excess oil in the skin, retain its natural moisture, clear blemishes, curtail enlarged pores and leave it glow naturally just like the ‘Orange blossoms’.

3. Boosts your mental capabilities:

Neroli has been behind the glorious works of the great icon of art, Leonardo Da Vinci. He trusted that the enlivening fragrance of this oil augmented his concentration, granted calmness to the mind and paved way for deepening his creative powers.

It is said that the refreshing and intense aroma of this oil improves your memory, enhance your mental power, helps in self-purification, filters negative feelings and support you in bringing out your fullest potential in studies and at work. Charge your mind by adding 2 drops of Neroli oil in your room freshener and start exploring your excellence right away!

4. Calms your mind:

The enriching, energizing, encouraging and stimulating smell of Neroli essential oil drives away depression, inculcates positive thoughts, boosts your confidence and energy level and has a direct impact on your mood and behavioral patterns. One of the studies by the Brown University on the physiological effects of aromatherapy oils like Neroli proved that such aroma persuade temper and actions.

A study by the Stem Cell Medical Research Center and Department of Applied Cosmetology of Hung Kuang University, Taiwan on ‘Inhalation of Neroli essential oil and its anxiolytic effects in animals’ proved that the inhalation of essential oils like Neroli and Lavender can activate the limbic system of the brain granting the corresponding beneficial effects. This study also concluded that inhaling Neroli oil exhibited effectiveness and improvements in the potential treatment of anxiety.

Using Neroli for depression and distress is a traditional method for staying calm and collected. You can involve in self-massaging with 4 drops of Neroli added to one cup of almond oil or add it to warm bath or to your diffuser for recovering your mind from hopelessness, uplifting your mood and enjoying the feeling of warmth and relief naturally.

5. Adds spice to your love life:

Orange blossoms and its essential oil are celebrated for years together for its natural aphrodisiac and arousal properties. The profound and long-lasting aroma of Neroli acts as a tonic for the nervous system, reproductive system and the cardiac system.

This aids in paving way for intimacy and a quixotic time together for the couples even in their late 30s or 40s when loss of sexual interest can ruin one’s sex life. Using 2 drops of Neroli oil in the room freshener or in the bath tub or in massaging with jojoba oil aids in augmenting your sexual interest, improve libido in both men and women, treat erectile dysfunctions, impotence and frigidity.

6. Assists digestive and sleeping disorders:

Neroli essential oil is claimed as one of the best massaging essential oils for treating numerous health disorders like insomnia and depression. Massaging with 3 drops of Neroli oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil blended with wheat germ oil can assist in relieving anxiety and tension, generate a soothing effect on the nervous system and enhance blood circulation. All these actions will help in promoting a peaceful sleep without any kind of mental disturbances.

Neroli oil has been used in the traditional and folklore medicine as a natural aid for gastrointestinal problems. It is still used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of anorexia and vomiting.

With its carminative and digestive properties, this oil assists in expelling unwanted gas in the intestine and stomach, increasing the appetite, promoting digestion, regulating the metabolic process and leaving you feel light and refreshed.

Other health benefits:

Neroli oil has been approved by the German Commission E for safe use. It is also used in treating cramps, spasmodic coughs, neuralgia, diarrhea, kidney and urinary tract infections, cold, headache and hysteria.

Neroli oil is also said to have anti-cancer effects with the presence of farnesol that has been proved effective in inhibiting the growth of tumor especially in lung cancer, causing death of the cancerous cells or stimulate apoptosis. This oil is also used as an insect repellant with the presence of components like geraniol and farnesol.

Disclaimer:

Never take essential oils internally. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and always use it after diluting in suitable carrier oils. This article is only for the purpose of information and is not meant to diagnose or replace any prescribed medication or professional advice. Consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing the suitable essential oil for your unique individual constitution and health condition.

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
Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice, Second Edition by Jane Buckle
Citrus Essential Oils: Flavor and Fragrance from Wiley
Mental Health, Naturally: The Family Guide to Holistic Care for a Healthy Mind and Body by Kathi J. Kemper

Reference Links:

Wormwood Essential Oil

Posted on December 10, 2024 by AyurvedicOils

Wormwood is botanically known as Artemisia absinthium. It is widely known as an effective remedy for treating worms like tape worms, round worms, hook worms etc in the human body. With its narcotic effects, Wormwood was an important part of the popular alcoholic beverages like Absinthe, which is prohibited now.

Wormwood essential oil is extracted from the flowering tops, twigs and leaves through steam distillation process. Ginger is an incredible part of numerous Ayurvedic remedies and with an alternative name as Green Ginger, wormwood herb and its therapeutic oil has been used for more than thousands of years in Ayurveda, the ancient wisdom of healing humanity.

Historical uses of Wormwood and its essential oil:

The spectacular fact about Wormwood is that it was used by Hippocrates, the ancient Greek Physician and the father of western medicine. Many ancient monks and nuns used this bitter herb in the form of an elixir for its detoxifying properties.

The prehistoric use of Wormwood has been mentioned in Bible and the first century writings of Greece and Rome, where the herb was said to be placed in the sandals of Roman warriors to pacify their sore feet.

Saint Hildegard of Bingen, known as the Doctor of the Church and Sibyl of the Rhine was highly celebrated for her brilliance in medicinal and botanical writings, philosophy, music and much more. She used Wormwood herb to treat melancholy, digestive disorders, elimination process, improper functioning of lungs and heart.

She advised her patients to consume the fresh juice of wormwood leaves mixed with honey and warm wine on empty stomach on every third day from the month of May to October. Hildegard trusted that the use of wormwood herb helped in promoting the functioning of the entire system by effectively eliminating the toxins from the arteries through kidneys and preventing the accumulation of black bile, which is the melancholic humor.

Health benefits of Wormwood essential oil:

Wormwood was used for spiritual and psychic work in the primordial times and the essential oil of Wormwood is trusted to treat numerous health disorders ranging from fever to flatulence.

The predominant health benefits of Wormwood essential oil are:

1. Effective against worms and parasites:

Worms and parasites in the body are often the main reason for curtailing the normal growth, especially in children. This is mainly because these foreign bodies absorb the nutrients from the food and restrict the system from gaining the required nourishment.

With its Vermifuge property and high toxic effects, wormwood herb and its essential oil is considered as the most powerful natural remedy in killing worms and parasites. In certain cases this oil is given as an enema in treating worms in the rectum and intestines.

2. Supports the digestive system:

Wormwood essential oil nurtures the digestive system and effectively helps in removing the toxic substances known as ama from the body. According to Ayurveda, improper digestion is the root cause for all kinds of illnesses as the undigested food particles turn as toxins and curb the normal functioning of the body. Wormwood essential oil strengthens the entire digestive system with its carminative, stomachic, cholagogue, anthelmintic, tonic and stimulant properties.

The presence of artabsin and absinthin in Wormwood oil are responsible for the bitter taste, which acts as a stimulant in enlivening the taste buds and improving the secretion of saliva and perking up the natural appetite of an individual.

It promotes proper discharge of bile secretion from the liver to the stomach and effectively counterbalances the excess acid substance while assisting the complete process of metabolism. All these healing properties of Wormwood essential oil make it a promising remedy in the treatment of acidosis, ulcer, liver and gall bladder problems and numerous other digestive disorders.

3. Alleviates stress and depression:

Disturbed sleep, insomnia, convulsions, fatigue, nervous afflictions, epileptic attacks and certain other mental disturbances often end up in unwanted stress and deep depression. Wormwood essential oil has a natural narcotic effect that helps in calming your nerves and grants complete relaxation by pacifying the entire system.

A well-known research on ‘The Debate About Wormwood and Thujone Psycho-activity‘ proved that the presence of α-thujone (alpha thujone) and β-thujone (beta thujone) in Artemisia absinthium are responsible for Psycho-activity and the higher-potency α-thujone is considered as the primary psychoactive agent. Adding 2 drops of Wormwood essential oil to a tissue and placing it near your pillow can give you great relief for a peaceful night’s sleep.

4. Womanly essential oil:

Being a promising emmenagogue, wormwood essential oil is extremely beneficial in treating womanly problems like irregular menstruation, obstructed periods, uterine fibroids, menopausal problems, dysmennorhea and all other symptoms that accompany menstruation.

The emmenagogue property in this oil enhances the blood circulation in the uterus and pelvic region while strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. This oil is also used as a pain reliever during labor.

Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga or the art of massaging in an Ayurvedic manner for treating problems related to menstruation and menopause. Gently massaging 2 to 3 drops of wormwood essential oil along with sesame oil or coconut oil can grant significant relief and support the health of the female reproductive system.

5. Keeps away fever and infections:

Wormwood essential oil is effectual in treating fever due to bacterial and viral infections and this healing property is attributed to the presence of the toxic components like α-thujone and β-thujone, which act as a shield to the body and protects it from microbes and other harmful infections.

A research by the Cancer institute on the effectiveness of Complementary and alternative medicine in 2004 witnessed that Wormwood is powerful in treating fever and was used in Malaria treatment. The ancient Africans and Asians used Wormwood to combat malaria and to treat few other mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Fights against cancer:

The chemical properties of Wormwood have been proved as a potent cancer treatment by the Bioengineering researchers of the University of Washington. It has been witnessed that this derivative killed almost all the human breast cancer cells exposed to it within a time span of 16 hours. They also said that this wormwood derivative is “highly toxic to the cancer cells, but has a marginal impact on normal breast cells”.

7. Enriches the human body:

The great news is that Wormwood essential oil acts as a tonic to the entire system by stimulating the digestive system, improving the functioning of the circulatory system, strengthening the immune system, acting as a cardiac tonic, fortifying the nervous system and supporting the working of the excretory system, enabling the body to expel the unwanted toxic substances and stay vigilant at all times.

The natural and strong aroma of Wormwood essential oil makes it an important component of certain deodorants. This oil can also be used as a powerful insect repellant with its poisonous effects. Adding few drops of Wormwood oil to your vaporizers, sprays and fumigants can help you keep the harmful insects at bay.

Disclaimer:

Wormwood essential oil is a neurotoxin and has narcotic effects so never ingest this essential oil as it may harm the system. Essential oils are highly concentrated and do not apply this oil directly to your skin and always remember to blend it with carrier oils. Consult your medical practitioner before using the right essential oil for your health and your constitution.

Wormwood Essential Oil – Possible Skin Issues:

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

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Wormwood oil is considered as a narcotic oil when used in higher doses. The adverse effects of Wormwood oil is attributed to the presence of chemical constituent thujone, which contributes to about 50 percent of the oil. Thujone containing oils are restricted prevalently, mainly due to the concern of its psychotropic, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects. It may cause skin irritation, redness, eruptions in sensitive skin and dermatitis.

Studies witness the excitation of the autonomic nervous system due to convulsions and binding of the GABA receptors caused due to α and β-thujone. It is also a known fact that high amount of thujone and its metabolites can induce convulsions, unconsciousness, seizures, gastrointestinal cramps, insomnia, tremors, dizziness, hallucinations, vomiting, headaches, retention of urine, renal lesions, congestive heart failure and rhabdomyolysis (collapse of muscular fibers).

Wormwood should never be used internally as there are numerous studies witnessing the severe toxic effects of ingesting this oil and few cases include absinthism and the acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis in a person who drank about 10 ml of Wormwood oil; In an another case, the intake of 60 ml of Wormwood oil ended up in seizure, altered mental faculty, attention disability, rhabdomyolysis and hyperthermia.

Blend Wormwood oil in mild carrier oils like Coconut oil or Avocado oil before topical use as pure and organic essential oils are highly concentrated substances and can harm the skin surface if used in a concentrated form. The safe level of dermal use for this oil is 0.4% by IFRA (International Fragrance Association).

Dr. William Smith in a Medico-Chirurgical transaction study talks about the case of poisoning by Wormwood oil. It is stated that this oil has narcotic influence that may have negative impact on the nervous system, causing headache, convulsions, giddiness, vomiting, tremors and paralysis.

The PanAfrican Medical Journal study talks about the burning effects of Wormwood herb, where a 50 year old woman reported a severe pain in the facial skin with a dry and delicate erythema in the cheeks and forehead classified as an initial degree burn.

It was concluded that the presence of toxic agents, like thujone and malic acid were responsible for the adverse effects like redness, skin sensitivity and chemical burns. It was termed as a phytodermatose, which are lesions on the skin due to the frequent contact with certain herbs. Research reports also state that thujone is porphyrogenic in nature and can be hazardous for patients with defective hepatic heme synthesis.

With thujone being the toxic component, using Wormwood oil can act as a threat to pregnancy as it may affect the health of the uterus with its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and is good to continue avoiding this oil during lactation as well.

It is advisable to restrict the use of this oil on children as they have a sensitive skin. Wormwood oil can also cause allergic reactions on the skin for those who are susceptible to plants of the Compositae/Asteraceae family like the Marigold, Ragweed, Chrysanthemum etc.,

Reference Links Substantiating the Possible Skin Issues of Wormwood Oil:

Thought for the day:

Life is not living, but living in health.

– Martial, Roman poet

Suggested Reading:

Artemisia (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) by Colin W. Wright
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood

Reference Links: