Yuzu Essential Oil

Citrus junos is a small tree that produces yellow-golden coloured citrus fruits resembling small oranges or tangerines. The peel of the fruit produces a delightful citrus fragrance with a floral overtone which is quite unique and difficult to describe. This fruit is known in Japan as Yuzu, and like most citrus fruits will yield an essential oil by cold expression.

I first encountered this unusual fruit whilst lecturing in Japan, and was immediately captivated by its distinctive fragrance. I decided I must learn more about this little-known member of the citrus family and see if it might prove a useful addition to aromatherapy.

Several trips to Japan later, I finally tracked down a producer of this fragrant fruit and arranged to purchase some of the essential oil on a regular basis. Sadly, the essential oil is not produced in very large quantities which therefore makes it quite expensive for a citrus oil, and very difficult to purchase other than directly from source.

Physical description

From the Rutaceae family, Citrus junos bears a physical resemblance to the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium ssp amara), reaching a height of approximately 4 metres (13ft). It has a rounded top of deep green, smooth, oval shaped leaves and attractive white flowers which bloom in early autumn.

In Japan during the late autumn, the small fruits ripen from dark green to a yellow-golden colour, and now resemble oranges which measure about 7.0 cm (2¾ inches) in diameter. The peel is much less smooth than that of an orange, often having a more 'pitted' and 'bumpy' appearance. Interestingly, yuzu is one of the most cold resistant citrus fruits.

Current and traditional uses

Both the fruit-juice and the rind of yuzu are extremely popular as flavouring agents in Japan, imparting an absolutely delicious, lemon-fruity and floral tang wherever it is employed. It is used to make a refreshing lemonade-type beverage, blended in salad dressings, made into marmalade and is even employed in ice-cream (my favourite!). In fact there seems to be no end of ways the Japanese have found to utilise the rind of this delicious fruit!

Traditionally, the fruits were used in a hot bath on the day of the winter solstice (Toji) to ward off a range of winter ills, such as colds and flu. To make a 'Yuzu yu' (Yuzu bath), the whole fruits or just the peel are added to the hot bathtub, and just as in aromatherapy, a nice long relaxing soak would bring about a feeling of wellbeing.

Of course, yuzu baths can be enjoyed at anytime for other conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and general aches and pains. The oil from the fruit produces a tonic effect that stimulates the circulatory system and digestive system.

Origins

Although Citrus junos grows wild in Tibet and Korea, it is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan for cultivation in the 10th century. Due to its popularity here, it is cultivated on a grand commercial scale especially in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, where large yuzu groves can be found.

Curiously, these other countries do not appear to produce the essential oil in very large commercial quantities, and despite many attempts I have been unable to locate producers of yuzu oil who are interested in exporting the oil. This is a pity, since it would be fascinating to compare the oils produced from the different origins.

Extraction and aromatherapy uses

The essential oil is extracted by cold expression of the rind, producing a pale yellow essential oil with an exquisite citrus aroma. This body of this fragrance exists somewhere between grapefruit and mandarin, with subtle overtones of bergamot and lime. It has a very dry, tangy quality whilst producing an almost floral note that is very appealing.

Used in aromatherapy, we have found that yuzu oil is very similar in action to bergamot, having a refreshing and uplifting effect on the body whilst calming the mind. Also in common with bergamot, this oil has a powerful anti-bacterial action which makes it effective against colds and flu, which would account for its success and popularity in Japanese folk medicine.

It is a very effective oil for use with stress, burn-out, nervous tension or anxiety, where it helps to bring a soothing and calming effect to the emotions. Likewise it gives upliftment to depressive states, frustration, regret and also helps to build confidence.

As you might expect, yuzu blends easily with all citrus oils, although to do so simply dilutes its unique fragrance. Try blending it instead with basil, benzoin, clary sage, chamomile Roman, cypress, frankincense, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose (absolute & otto), sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang.

I find yuzu a very intriguing and rewarding oil to use, and hope that more will soon be discovered about its therapeutic properties. After a long and stressful day, I find it really gives a welcome boost to both mind and body. Try yuzu yourself, and see if you don't agree it is the king of all citrus oils.

Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

The health benefits of Citronella Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti bacterial, anti depressant, anti septic, anti spasmodic, anti inflammatory, deodorant, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, insect repellent, stomachic, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.

Citronella is a grass that grows in mainly in some Asian countries and some islands of Asia Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus got the name Citronella. The Essential Oil of Citronella is extracted from two varieties of citronella. The first one is the Ceylon variety, whose scientific name is Cymbopogon Nardus and the second one is Java variety, called Cymbopogon Winterianus in botanical terminology. In both the cases, the essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh plant. While the first variety yields an oil whose main components are citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, limonene and methyl isoeugenol, the oil obtained from the second variety contains citronellal, geraniol, geranyl acetate and limonene as its chief constituents, with geraniol and citronellal higher in concentrations than the former variety. Hence, the oil obtained from the Java variety is considered better in quality. The main producers of this essential oil are China and Indonesia. This oil is also produced by certain other Asian, South & Latin American and African countries.

Apart from being used as a flavouring agent for foods & beverages, it has varied medicinal uses, which are listed below.

* Anti Bacterial: Components like methyl isoeugenol and a few others, found in this essential oil, are responsible for this property. They kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth in the body. This is particularly helpful in treating infections in wound, colon, urethra, urinary bladder, stomach, intestines, urinary tracts, prostrate and kidneys.
* Anti Depressant: This oil fights depression and gives relief from anxiety, sadness, negative feelings etc. It induces a fresh, happy feeling and hope.
* Anti Septic: The anti septic properties of this essential oil fights infections in the wounds, urinary tracts, urethra, prostrate and kidneys etc. and protects them from being septic.
* Anti Spasmodic: It relieves spasms of the muscles, respiratory system and the nervous system. It also helps cure menstrual spasm and gives relief from symptoms such as cramp, coughs etc.
* Anti Inflammatory: It sedates inflammations. Particularly those pertaining to the liver, stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive system. The inflammations caused to side effects of drugs, excessive use of alcohol or narcotics, hard & spicy food, any disease or any toxic element getting into the body, can be sedated using this oil.
* Deodorant: The crisp, rich citrus or lemon like aroma of this oil drives away body odour and is used in deodorants and body sprays, although in very small quantities, since it heavy doses it may give skin irritations. It can also be mixed with the bathing water to have a refreshing, body odour ending bath.
* Diaphoretic: The diaphoretic properties of this essential oil increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins and other unwanted stuff like excess water, fat and salts from the body. This makes the body feel lighter, keeps the skin healthy and also reduces fever. This also protects you from certain infections.
* Diuretic: The increase in the frequency and quantity of urination due to this property of Citronella Essential Oil has many benefits. It disposes waste substances and toxins from the body, such as uric acid, excess bile and acids, salts etc. as well as water and fats. This helps reduce weight, drain out infections in the urinary system, frees the body from toxins, reduce chances of renal calculi, rheumatism and arthritis, improves digestion and keeps the heart healthy.
* Febrifuge: While the diaphoretic property of this oil increases perspiration, anti inflammatory property reduces inflammation and the anti microbial property fights infections, the combined effect of these three properties fights fever and reduces body temperature.
* Fungicidal: This oil kills fungus and inhibits fungal growth. This is very useful in countering fungal infections in the ear, nose and throat region (the fungal infection in ears is very common and is a serious one too) and other parts too and helps cure fungal dysentery.
* Insect Repellant: This is one of the most used properties of this essential oil, as it kills and keeps away insects. It has been found particularly effective on a species of mosquito, called Aedes Aegypti whose bite causes the dreaded Yellow Fever. This is also effective on lice, body and head louse, fleas etc.
* Stomachic: The use of this oil frees stomach from infections and other problems and helps it function properly.
* Stimulant: The stimulating effect of the Essential Oil of Citronella stimulates blood circulation, secretions and discharges like hormones and enzymes from the glands, brain and the nervous system and other functions. This also stimulates the immune mechanism and the metabolism of the body.
* Tonic: This property is meant for the overall toning effect on the body. It tones up digestion, excretion, nervous system and the brain and fortifies the body.
* Vermifuge: The Citronella Essential Oil kills intestinal worms. It should be administered in mild doses to children (children are most prone to worms). It is effective on both round worms and tape worms. Since presence of worms interfere with the normal physical and mental growth and also with the absorption of nutrients by the body, the use of this oil can promote this obstructed growth by eliminating worms.
* Other Benefits: Further, this oil can be used in treatment of problems like oily skin, oily hair, abnormal palpitations, colitis, migraine, neuralgia, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain resulting from gas or cramps etc.

Few Words of Caution: No toxicity but seen to produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitization in skin if used in higher concentrations. It should not be used on skin of small children and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Blending: The Essential Oil of Citronella forms good blends with the essential oils of cedar wood, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, peppermint and rosemary and tea tree.

Health Benefits of Camomile Essential Oil

The health benefits of camomile essential oil can be attributed to its properties anti spasmodic, anti septic, anti biotic, anti depressant, anti neuralgic, anti phlogistic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emenagogue, analgesic, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, sudorific, stomachic, anti inflammatory, anti infectious, vermifuge, vulnerary, etc.

Camomile Oil is extracted from the flowers of the Camomile plant which is very popular as a flowering plant. There are two types of Camomile, namely, the Roman Camomile which is scientifically known as Anthemis Nobilis and the German Camomile whose scientific name is Matricaria Chamomilla. Although the essential oils extracted from both the varieties are quite similar in medicinal properties, yet they differ to some extent when it comes to their composition and certain properties.

The Roman Camomile oil is constituted of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Farsenol, Cineole, Propyl Angelate and Butyl Angelate.

The German Camomile oil, on the other hand, is composed of Azulene (here called Chamazulene, since found in Camomile), Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol Oxide-A & B and Bisabolene Oxide-A.

While the Roman Camomile Oil is more calming and is a better emenagogue, the German Camomile is a very powerful anti inflammatory due to presence of a compound called Azulene (It is a nitrogenous compound and is responsible for giving it a characteristic deep blue color). But these are not the only medicinal properties of Camomile Oil. There are lots and lots of them. The properties given below include those of the Roman as well as the German variety, except where mentioned otherwise.

Just go through them and you’ll discover a whole range of safe medicines.

* Anti Septic, Anti Biotic, Disinfectant, Bactericidal & Vermifuge: They have very good anti septic and anti biotic properties and do not let biotic infections (infections due to biotic factors such as bacteria, fungi etc.) develop. They also wipe off infections already present. These are good vermifuge too and kill all sorts of intestinal worms. If applied on hair, it kills lice and mites, keeping hair and scalp free from infections and damage.
* Stimulant & Anti Depressant: Both the varieties have been seen very effective in fighting depression and for raising spirit. They eliminate feeling of sadness, depression, disappointment, sluggishness etc. and induce a sort of happy or charged feeling. Even smelling these oils can help a lot overcoming depression and bring about good mood.
* Anti Inflammatory & Sedative: While Roman Camomile is found effective in calming down annoyance, anger and irritation, particularly in small children. The German variety, on the other hand, is found more effective on adults for curing inflammations, particularly those in digestive and urinary system. They also reduce blood pressure and check swelling of the blood vessels.
* Analgesic & Anti Neuralgic: They have analgesic properties and efficiently reduce pain in muscles and joints, headache, sinus, toothache, bone injuries etc. They are also very effective in giving relief in the severe pain of Neuralgia by constricting the blood vessels surrounding the Ninth Cranial Nerve and relieving pressure on it.
* Stomachic, Digestive and Hepatic & Cholagogue: Being stomachic, they tone up stomach and set it to proper function. They promote secretion of digestive juices into stomach and facilitate digestion. They also promote digestion. Being Hepatic (meaning good for liver), they ensure good health of liver and proper flow of bile from it. They are also Cholagogue, meaning they increase secretion of Hydrochloric Acid, bile and enzymes in stomach, thereby promoting digestion.
* Anti Rheumatic & Anti Phlogistic: They cure dysfunctions of the circulatory system, stimulate circulation and detoxify the blood of toxins like uric acid, thereby helping cure ailments like Rheumatism, Arthritis etc. which are caused due to improper circulation and accumulation of uric. These make them good Anti Phlogistics, the agents which reduce swelling and edema.
* Anti Spasmodic, Relaxant & Nervine: They calm all nervous disturbances or hyper-reactions which result in convulsions, spasms, nervousness, loss of control over limbs etc. They are Nervine, that is, keep the nerves and the nervous system in a state of good health and proper functioning.
* Cicatrisant & Vulnerary: They are very popular in the world of cosmetics, as they diminish the scars, marks and spots on the skin and on the face (being a Cicatrisant) and also protect wounds, cuts and bruises from getting infected, thus serving as a Vulnerary.
* Sudorific & Febrifuge: They induce profuse perspiration (being Sudorific), thus removing toxins and agents causing infections and cooling down the body, effectively giving relief in fever, thus serving as a Febrifuge.
* Carminative: Expel gas from the intestines and stomach and also check gas formation. This also helps relax the body and lower blood pressure. It also ends the chances of other risks from gas, such as trapping of gas in the wind pipe etc.
* Tonic: They are tonic in nature, i.e. they tone up skin, muscles, internal organs etc.
* Other Benefits: They are anti allergenic, help cure acne by removing toxins and cleaning Sebaceous and Eccrine glands through sweating, clean up the urinary system and the kidneys through increased urination (being diuretic), detoxify blood and increase strength as they are also fortifying in nature. They can help cure viral infections like mumps, measles etc. Can be used in mouth wash too, to keep away bad breath and eliminate oral infections. German Camomile oil is a vasoconstrictor.

Few Words of Caution: No specific threats noticed, except that it should be avoided if someone has allergies with it or with any other member of Ragweed Family, to which Camomile belongs.

Blending: Camomile Oil forms find blends with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Rose, Lemon, Lime and Ylang-Ylang Oil.

Health Benefits of Cajuput Essential Oil

The health benefits of Cajuput Essential Oil includes its properties like anti septic, cosmetic, bactericide, insecticide, decongestant, analgesic, expectorant, febrifuge, vermifuge, anti spasmodic, anti neuralgic, carminative, stimulant, tonic, sudorific, emenagogue etc.

Cajuput Essential oil is extracted from the twigs and leaves of Cajuput tree. The scientific name of Cajuput tree is Melaleuca Cajuputi. Chief components of Cajuput Oil are Caryophyllene, Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Limonene, Alpha Terpinene, Alpha Terpineol, Gamma Terpinene, Terpinolene, Terpineol, Cineole, Cymene, Linalool, Myrcene etc. The process of extraction of Cajuput Oil involves steam distillation of its twigs and leaves, which is quite similar to that of extraction of Eucalyptus Oil.

This oil is not used in culinary but has many medicinal uses. Here they are.

* Anti Septic & Bactericide: These are perhaps the most priced properties of Cajuput Oil. It is very efficient in fighting infections from bacteria, virus and fungi, such as tetanus (bacteria), influenza (virus) etc. and infectious diseases like cholera, typhoid etc. It can be externally applied on cuts and wounds from rusty iron etc. to protect against tetanus, until vaccine is taken.
* Insecticide & Vermifuge: Very efficient in killing and driving away insects. Its insecticidal properties are so strong that its diluted solution can be sprayed or it can be vaporized with the help of a vaporizer to drive away mosquitoes, ants etc. (of course, not the cockroaches) from the rooms. Mosquito nets can also be dipped in its solution for added benefits. Its diluted solution can also be rubbed on the body to keep away insects. It also kills the intestinal worms if a very mild diluted solution in water is taken.
* Decongestant & Expectorant: Just like the Eucalyptus Oil, it is also an expert decongestant and expectorant. Being a decongestant, it gives immediate relief in congestion of nose, throat and other respiratory organs as well as in coughs, infection and resultant inflammation of throat and respiratory tracts such as laryngitis (for larynx), pharyngitis (for pharynx) and bronchitis (for bronchi) etc.
* Cosmetic & Tonic: It smoothens and brightens skin and keeps it free from infections, thus used extensively in cosmetics, anti septic creams etc. It also tones up the skin and hence used as a tonic.
* Stimulant & Sudorific: It stimulates the organs, gives a warming effect, promotes circulation and activates secretions. Being a stimulant, it also stimulates the Eccrine glands promoting perspiration and thus serving as a Sudorific. These effects are very beneficial to the body as with the help of these, the toxins are removed from the body.
* Analgesic: It is analgesic in nature, i.e. it reduces feeling of pain. When applied locally, such as on an infected tooth in case of a toothache or rubbed on forehead in case of headache or on sprains, it gives quick relief. If ingested, it can reduce pain in joints, headache and muscles etc. in case of fever, cold etc.
* Febrifuge: It helps reducing fever by fighting infection as well as by bringing sweat, which cools down the body.
* Carminative: Cajuput Oil can give you a good relief from the gas trouble as it has carminative properties. It restricts formation of gas as well as helps remove the gas already formed in the intestines.
* Anti Neuralgic: Neuralgia is a very painful situation in which the almost the entire oral zone, including the throat, ears, tonsils, base of the nose, larynx and pharynx and the surrounding areas suffer from severe pain due to compression of the Glossopharyngeal or the ninth cranial nerve by the surrounding blood vessels which tend to swell from chewing, eating, laughing, shouting or any other excitement or movement in that region. Here Cajuput Oil can give immense relief. It, being an analgesic, reduces the feeling of pain on the one hand and on the other, cools down or relaxes the blood vessels reducing their swelling, thereby relieving the pressure on the ninth cranial nerve, giving immediate relief from the pain.
* Other Benefits: Cajuput Oil is Anti Spasmodic and relieves cramps. It, being a stimulant, acts as an Emenagogue too and opens menstruations. Being a detoxifier, it helps cure pimples or acne and as an anti inflammatory, gives relief in inflammation.

Few Words of Caution: Although no serious threats were found to be associated with this oil, still, ingestion of large quantity or application in highly concentrated form may cause irritation. Hence, always low and mild doses should be administered.

Blending: The oils that can be blended well with Cajuput Oil are Angelica, Bergamot, Cloves, Lavender, Geranium and Thyme Oil.

Health Benefits of Rose Essential Oil

The health benefits of Rose Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti depressant, anti phlogistic, anti septic, anti spasmodic, anti viral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, cholagogue, cicatrisant, depurative, emenagogue, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, nervine, stomachic and uterine.

Rose! No doubt it is the most beautiful flower in the world. The flower with innumerable stories, legends, myths and legacies associated with it. With its varied colors, incomparable fragrance and shapes and sizes, you will find one for every mood and every occasion. One who does not know about any of its medicinal properties, can still tell you of one property for sure, and that is that a beautiful red rose can invoke romantic feelings in even the heart of hardest of rocks. The Essential Oil of Rose is extracted by steam distillation of fresh Damascus Rose (Rosa Damascena, as it is known among botanists) and is composed of hundreds of components, out of which the major contributors are Citronellol, Citral, Carvone, Citronellyl Acetate, Eugenol, Ethanol, Farnesol, Stearpoten, Methyl Eugenol, Nerol, Nonanol, Nonanal, Phenyl Acetaldehyde, Phenylmenthyl Acetate and Phenyl Geraniol. Why Damascus Roses? It is because they are the most fragrant ones and are believed to be the original red roses with strongest aroma and highest oil content.

We know about the emotional and psychological effects of rose. Now let us know the medicinal properties of its essential oils.

* Anti Depressant: Rose Oil boosts self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength and efficiently fights depression. This can be very helpful to drive away depression from those who are suffering from depression due to any reason. This also relieves anxiety. Being an anti depressant, patients of acute depression or who are undergoing rehabilitation can be given routine and regular doses of this essential oil to bring hope in their lives. This oil is widely used in aromatherapy and invokes positive thoughts, spiritualism and feelings of joy, happiness and hope.
* Anti Phlogistic: It may calm down a patient of high fever by sedating the inflammation caused by fever. It can also be beneficial in other cases of inflammations caused by microbial infection, ingestion of poisonous stuff, indigestion, dehydration etc.
* Anti Septic: This is the most fragrant and perhaps a majestic way (Just imagine treating wounds with Oils of Rose instead of those ordinary anti septic lotions) to treat your wounds and protect them from being septic and catching infections.
* Anti Spasmodic: It efficiently relieves spasm in respiratory system, intestines and muscular spasms in limbs. It also helps cure convulsions, muscle pulls, cramps and spasmodic cholera which are caused due to spasms.
* Anti Viral: Getting a protection from viruses or getting yourself vaccinated against all of them is a tough task, since some of them change their disguise every time they return and make a fool of our immune system, like our old friend who gives you cold and influenza. So what to do? Better use an anti viral which behaves as a shield against any virus that comes. Here is one such shied. The Essential Oil of Rose that protects against viral infections.
* Aphrodisiac: Better I don’t try explaining this property of Rose Oil! Right from Cupid himself to modern day’s high tech lovers, every body knows how roses are indispensable in romance. And so is this Essential Oil of Rose. The very scent of it can arouse you. It boosts up libido and invokes romantic feelings which are essentials for a successful sex.
* Astringent: The astringent property of Rose Oil has many benefits. It strengthens gums, hair roots, tones and lifts skin, contracts muscles, intestines and blood vessels, thereby giving protection from untimely fall of tooth and hair, wrinkles, loss of firmness of intestines and muscles of abdominal area and limbs associated with age, and above all, helps stop flow of blood from wounds and cuts by contracting the blood vessels. This astringent property can also cure certain types of diarrhea.
* Bactericidal: It is a good bactericide. It can be used in treatment of typhoid, diarrhea, cholera, food poisoning and other diseases which are caused by bacteria. Further, it can cure internal bacterial infections like in colon, stomach, intestines and urinary tract as well as external infections on skin, ears, eyes and in wounds.
* Cholagogue: It promotes flow of bile from the gall bladder and helps regulate the acid level in the stomach as well as in the blood, thus keeping you safe from problems like acidity and acidosis. This bile also helps in digestion of food, together with the acids secreted into the stomach.
* Cicatrisant: This property of Rose Essential Oil can be of great interest for those who care a lot about their looks. It makes the scars and after marks of boils, acne and pox etc. on the skin to fade away. This includes fading of stretch marks and surgery marks, fat cracks etc. associated with pregnancy and delivery.
* Depurative: It purifies blood by helping removal and neutralization of toxins from blood. Once your blood is purified and free of toxins, you are protected from nuisances like boils, rashes, ulcers, skin diseases etc.
* Emenagogue: This is yet another beneficial property of Rose Oil. It stimulates the hormone secretions which trigger off menstruations. It is particularly effective on those who are suffering from obstructed and irregular menses. It also eases cramps, treats nausea, fatigue and reduces pains associated with the menstruations and Pose Menopause Syndromes.
* Haemostatic: This property of the Essential Oil of Rose can be very useful for people who are suffering from hemorrhage (bleeding, external or internal) after an injury or surgery. This speeds up clotting or coagulation of blood and stops bleeding and can save life of such patients.
* Hepatic: It simply means it is good for liver’s health. It keeps it strong, functioning properly and protected from infections. It also treats problems like excess flow of bile and acids, ulcers etc.
* Laxative: There cannot be a laxative with a better scent than this and I can bet it, if not for its laxative properties. It can serve as a harmless and effective laxative with a beautiful smell and without any adverse side effect. It actually influences the intestinal and anal muscles to help clear bowels.
* Nervine: It acts as a tonic for the nerves. It gives them strength to bear shocks and protects them from disorders resulting from age, injuries etc. It won’t let your hands tremble or let you go nervous when saying those three magic words to your dream girl for the first time, of course, with a rose in your hand.
* Stomachic: Rose Oil is a stomachic too. It soothes stomach, sedates inflammations in it, helps it function properly and protects it from infections. It also protects it from ulcers which often happen due to over production of acids and their release into the stomach.
* Uterine: This can take care of many feminine problems such as uterine discharges, tumors, bleeding, irregular menses etc. It purifies the uterus too and keeps it functioning properly even in higher ages and can push away the time of menopause.
* Other Benefits: It regulates hormone production and helps balance them. It is one of the best oils which can give you a shining, fresh and youthful skin. Its aroma keeps you charged and feeling happy. It promotes circulation, takes care of heart, reduces blood pressure and helps cure headaches, asthma, dehydration and effect of loo (very hot winds), leucorrhea and certain infections.

Few Words of Caution: It can take away your headache if used in mild concentrations, but its strong aroma can just play the opposite if very high concentration is used. Being an Emenagogue, it should not be used during pregnancy.

Blending: This Essential Oil blends well with Geranium, Jasmine, Clove and Palma Rosa essential oils

Jasmine Essential Oil (Minyak atsiri melati)

Jasmine essential oil is in common use. Its flowers are either extracted by the labour-intensive method of enfleurage or through chemical extraction. It is expensive due to the large number of flowers needed to produce a small amount of oil. The flowers have to be gathered at night because the odour of jasmine is more powerful after dark. The flowers are laid out on cotton cloths soaked in olive oil for several days and then extracted leaving the true jasmine essence. Some of the countries producing jasmine essential oil are India, Egypt, China and Morocco.

Minyak atsiri sereh dapur (Lemongrass oil)

Lemongrass Oil is extracted from the Cymbopogon Citratus, is one of the most widely used essential oil in the aromatherapy industry. Lemongrass oil is gaining its popularity owing to its lemony, sweet smell. This Lemon equivalent scent of Lemongrass oil has enabled it to be used in all the places where a Lemon flavor is preferred. Moreover the Lemon flavor has an acidic property where as the Lemongrass oil is not acidic and is also rich in Vitamin A. This has given the Lemongrass oil an edge over the Lemon Flavor. Lemongrass essential oil properties also extend to creating a sense of emotional well-being, an important attribute to have in this fast-paced world.

Though Lemongrass is native to India, now it is grown in various temperate countries of the world. The lemon grass is dried and powdered or used fresh in the Asian cuisine especially in the Thai foods.

The main chemical components of Lemongrass oil are: Citral, Farnesol, Nerol, Citronellal and Myrcene. Andropogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon flexuous has far higher Citral content than that of cymbopogon citrates.The essential oil of the lemongrass plant is characterized by its yellow color and watery consistency compared to other oils. Though lemongrass is watery in viscosity, it is very much concentrated and should be mixed with a carrier oil before applied on the body.

Apart from its sweet Citrus flavor, Lemongrass oil provides a lot of health benefits for the human body. The properties of Lemongrass essential oil include antiseptic, analgesic, anti fungal, antimicrobial and antidepressant. This oil is very apt for relaxing a tired body. Lemongrass oil is also believed to rejuvenate the body and relieves the symptoms of jet lag, clears headaches and also aids in combating nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions.