Cedar Wood Oil Uses

CEDAR WOOD OIL

MEDICINAL VALUES:

Cedar wood oil is used as:

• Anti-bacterial- an agent that inhibits bacterial growth or kills bacteria.
• Anti-fungal- help cure fungal infections both internally and externally.
• Neuroleptic-used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired.
• Anti-diabetic- lowering glucose levels in the blood.
• Antioxidant- strengthens your ability to fight infection and disease.
• Anti-secretory and anti-ulcer-reduces ulcer pain.
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic- used to treat arthritis, sprains, painful periods, and other painful conditions.
• Wound healing - can be applied on wounds because it has antiseptic properties.
• Anti-malarial- used for the treatment and prevention of malaria infection.
• Mast cell stabilizing - used in asthma, having the property of mast cell stabilization.
• Anti-allergic - used to treat allergic reactions.
• Antiseptic - can also be used for minor cuts or wound.
• Antispasmodic- can be used as a tonic to stimulate metabolism.
• Anti-tubercular- used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
• Immunomodulatory- modulates the activity of the immune system.
• Sedative- soothes inflammation, cures itching skin and relieves tension and anxiety.
• Insect repellant-use as a mosquito and insect repellant.
• Restful sleep- reducing anxiety and nervousness.

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COSTUS ROOT OIL

                      COSTUS ROOT OIL

BOTANICAL NAME: Saussurea lappa.

COMMON NAME: Costus root oil.

PARTS USED: comminuted, dried roots.

EXTRACTION METHOD: Steam Distilled.

AROMA: Woody, musty.

DESCRIPTIONS:

                                  Costus root oil is one of rare essential oil, it extract using steam distilled from the comminuted, dried roots of saussurea lappa. It is an herbaceous perennial plant with yellow composite flowers growing in the Himalayan highlands. It is also extracts by using vacuum distillation of the resinoid extract obtained by extraction of the roots with solvents.it is a viscous, light yellow to brown liquid.

                                Major components of the oil are sesquiterpenoid lactones, e.g. dehydrocostuslactone. Other components contributing to its characteristic odor are costol, bergamotenal and alpha-ionone.

                                   The essential oil has an antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic properties. It is also used as incense, and as a fixative and fragrance component in cosmetics and perfumes. The food industry also used Costus Root essential oil as a flavor ingredient - especially in confectionery, alcoholic and soft drinks.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:

                                             Costus root include resin, volatile oil, inulin and alkaloids. The alkaloids contain costunolide, dehydrocostulactone and dihydrocostulactone, 12-methoxy dihydrocostunolide, costol, B-ionone, B-Sitosterol, stigmasterol, betulin, saussurine and kushtin.

 HEALTH BENEFITS:


RESPIRATORY DISORDERS:

                                            Costus root is beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma and cough, especially controlling attacks of bronchial asthma. The combined action of the essential oil and the alkaloid in the root restrict the paroxysms. It produces a slight but persistent rise in blood pressure and increases the force of contraction and amplitude of the ventricles. The essential oil not only relaxes the bronchial muscle, but also has a marked expectorant action, which relieves turgescene of the mucosa.

CHOLERA:

                                          This powerful aromatic stimulant is also useful in cholera. An infusion made of 3 grams of fresh saussurea, I gram of cardamom and 120 ml of water can be administered in 30 gram doses every half an hour in treating this condition. The essential oil in the herb produces reflex inhibition by its stimulating properties. It helps in controlling the disease. The depressant action of the drug on the brain helps in relieving the spasm.




ULCER:

                                                      Costus root oil is useful for severe ulceration. The dried and powdered root is the principal ingredient in any astringent and stimulant ointment. Premature Greying of Hair The herb prevents premature greying of hair. The dried and powdered root can be used as hair wash.

HEALS WOUNDS FASTER:

                                                Wound healing is one of the uses for which Ayurveda utilized the roots of Costus. The root paste is used locally to promote healing. Tests on animals showed that applying the root paste on wounds sped up the process of healing without producing any infections. The research further recommended the use of Costus into mainstream wound healing medicines.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES:

                                             Apart from wound healing, Costus plant root has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat inflammations and also arthritic conditions. Studies have shown that the root extracts which contain different alkaloids; flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins and tannins had a substantial control on inflammation and arthritis.

ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY:

                                          The anti-microbial activity of Costus was tested against known bacteria species, which affect humans. Bacteria species such as Bacillus subtalis, Entereococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus in gram positive and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi in gram negative categories are inhibited by this. The rate of inhibition was comparable to standard drugs.

IMMUNOMODULATORY PROPERTIES:

                                            In a study conducted on the root extracts of Costus, it was found that when root extracts interacted with blood, the lymphocytic count was increased to a significant extent. This suggests that the root can be used for enhancing immunity.

VALERIAN ROOT OIL

                                      VALERIAN ROOT OIL

DESCRIPTIONS:

                                         Valerian root essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation. The oil content in the valerian roots is of the order of 1.5 % to 2 % only. Therefore, the oil yield is very small. Valerian root oil is yellow in color, and has a balsamic, musky aroma.

                                      In order to make it useable and to harness its therapeutic properties, valerian root oil is usually blended with other aromatic oils such as lavender essential oil and rose essential oil.

                                   Valerian is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy primarily in conjunction with massage; it is used to treat disorders of the nervous system including migraine, insomnia, nervous indigestion, tension and restlessness. Its actions are diuretic, bactericidal, sedative, carminative, a depressant of the nervous system and hypnotic.

                                         Valerian can also be used as a herbal tea and in pharmaceutical preparations. The essential oil of Valerian is used as a fragrance component in soaps and fragrances; it is also used as a flavor ingredient in liqueurs, tobacco, root beers and as an apple flavoring. An infusion of Valerian root is used for the bath.

MAJOR CONSTITUENTS:

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

PROPERTIES OF VALERIAN OIL:

                                     Dried roots of Valerianca officinalis are steam distilled to extract essential oil from them. Average yield of this oil is in the range of about 0.8 percentages. The color of this essential oil ranges from yellowish green to brownish yellow. The smell of this oil is extremely pungent and is similar to that of a well matured cheese.

TREATING INSOMNIA:

                                         Commonly called as sleep aid, Valerian roots have been used for the treatment of sleep disorders from ancient days. Results have suggested that, people with insomnia on consuming valerian root health supplements feel restful and refreshing.

TREATING EPILEPSY:

                                         Epilepsy is a seizure disorder caused by disruption of the electrical activity in the brain. Results have shown that, valerian extracts lessened the seizure formation by their anticonvulsive properties in the brain. 





SEDATIVE:

                                   Valerian essential oil is sedative in nature. Number of studies conducted to demonstrate its sedative effects prove that it can help in sleep latency, wake up time after sleep, frequency of waking up during sleep and quality of sleep. What makes it even better is that it is non-addictive in nature and has no morning hangovers.

ANTI SPASMODIC:

                                    Valerian root oil is also a very good antispasmodic. Therefore, this oil finds wide use in the treatment of muscular spasms. It also provides relief from rheumatic and gout pains. If you suffer from recurring spasms or muscular cramps, a massage with this oil will help alleviate the pain.

ANTI DYSMENORRHOEA:

                                    Use of Valerian oil is also quite effective in treatment of migraine and rheumatic pains.

STRESS RELIEF:

                                  Valerian essential oil has mild tranquilizing effect, which is helpful for treating emotional stress and anxiety.  Patients already using anti-depressant drugs are use this oil to get them away from these drugs.

SKIN DISORDERS:                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                             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.

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.

JUNIPER BERRY OIL

JUNIPER BERRY OIL

BOTANICAL NAME: Juniperus Communis.

EXTRACTION METHOD: Steam distillation.

PARTS USED: Berries.

AROMA: Pleasant, spicy, woody scent.

COLOR&ODOR: Pale yellow transparent liquid and    woody perfumes

DESCRIPTION & EXTRACTION:

                                         Juniper essential oil is extracted from Juniperus communis, of the Cupressaceae family and is also known as common juniper. Juniper Berry oil is used in aromatherapy to help stimulate and strengthen the nerves and bolster the spirits in challenging situations, while helping to relieve urine retention. It is used for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout, as well as cellulite, acne, dermatitis, blocked pores, psoriasis and weeping eczemas.

                                            Juniper oil is extracted from dried, crushed or slightly dried ripe fruit by steam distillation and yields 0.2 % - 2 %.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

                                          The main chemical components of juniper oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene, y-terpinene, 1,4-cineole, b-phellandrene, p-cymene, terpinen-4-ol, bornyl acetate, cayophyllene and trace amounts of limonene, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, borneol.

                              Juniper helps to eliminate excess water without causing the loss of potassium and other electrolytes. Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems such as edema, kidney stones, and lower back (lumbar) pain. Juniper's detoxifying properties are also employed in the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis because it helps to prevent the buildup of uric acid in the system.

PROPERTIES

      

ANTIARTHRITIC - an agent that combats arthritis
.

ANTI-RHEUMATIC - eases rheumatic pain, inflamed muscles & joints
.

ANTISEPTIC – prevents, halts infection.

ANTISPASMODIC – calms nervous muscular spasms, colic & indigestion.


ASTRINGENT - causes contraction of organic tissues
.

ANTITOXIC - counteracts the effects of poison.


CIRCULATORY STIMULANT - agent that quickens physiological

Functions of the circulatory system
.

DIGESTIVE - substance that promotes or aids digestion of food.


DIURETIC - Increases urine flow.

APPLICATIONS OF JUNIPER OIL

                                                For acne, eczema, oily complexions, and wounds, place enough oil on a cotton ball to make it wet, but do not soak it. Wipe directly on skin condition, using gentle movements.

                                               To alleviate anxiety, drowsiness, mental exhaustion, nervous tension, and combat stress-related disorders, use 8-10 drops in bath water. Can also use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.

                                              For arthritis and rheumatism, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas.

                                             As an appetite regulator, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or use as a steam inhalation.

                                               For cellulite and detoxification, add 2-3 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into affected areas regularly. Can also use 8-10 drops in bath water.

                                               To fight colds, flu, and infections, use 3-5 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also use 8-10 drops in bath water, or 3-5 in a diffuser.

                                                  To help prevent hair loss, mix 3-5 drops in unscented conditioner. Leave on hair for 3-5 minutes, rinse as normal. Use regularly.

                                                  For headaches, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in a bath. Can also use 2-3 drops in one ounce of carrier oil, and massage gently into temples. Increase benefit by adding lavender.

                                                 As a home disinfectant, use approx. 5 drops in a quart of water. Transfer to a spray bottle, and shake before use.

                                           To boost the immune system, use 8-10 drops in bath water, or use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.

                                             To regulate period and to fight cramps, use 2-3 drops in one ounce of carrier oil and massage on lower abdomen.