Health Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil

Manfaat kesehatan dari Minyak akar wangi, kegunaan minyak akar wangi

The health benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti inflammatory, anti septic, aphrodisiac, cicatrisant, nervine, sedative, tonic and vulnerary.

If I say Vetiver is famous all over the Indian Subcontinent, it may be difficult to understand for many since they are not well acquainted with this name. Instead, it is very much popular by the name of “Khus” or “Khus-Khus” and it is extensively used in the perfume, cooling, food and beverages industries. The botanical name of vetiver is Vetiveria Zizanoides or Andropogon Muricatus. This grass has a very pleasant and mild earthy, musky smell which has a cooling effect on the body and the mind. The dried grass and its roots are used to thatch the side panels of water based room and window coolers, since it cools and adds its fragrance to the moist air. It is also used to thatch roofs of earthen houses and its mattresses are used as curtains on doors and windows, which, apart from cooling and scenting the rooms, keeps insects away. That is why its demand rises excessively during summers, particularly in hot countries like India and its neighbours. The Essential Oil of Vetiver is obtained through steam distillation of its roots and its main components are alpha vetivone, benzoic acid, beta vetivone, furfurol, vetiverol, vetivene and vetivenyl vetivenate. Its essential oil is also used extensively in perfume industries (perfumes for body, room fresheners, coolers etc.), cosmetics, soaps, oils and as a flavouring agent in beverages and sorbets and food stuffs.

This Essential Oil is very popular in aromatherapy and has many medicinal properties, which are described in brief below.

* Anti Inflammatory: The very soothing and cooling effect of this essential oil calms and pacifies all sorts of inflammations. But it is particularly good in giving relief from inflammations in circulatory system and nervous system. It is found to be an appropriate treatment for inflammations caused by sun stroke, dehydration and loo (name given to very hot and dry winds prevalent during summers in the dry regions of India and few neighbouring countries).
* Anti Septic: In tropical countries like India and its neighbours, microbes and bacteria grow very fast due to their favourable hot and humid climate found in this region. Then it becomes obvious that your wounds are most likely to get septic in these places since there are plenty of bacteria here. But Mother Nature is very kind and she has provided the remedies too, right in those places. One such remedy is this Vetiver and the essential oil extracted from it. This oil efficiently stops the growth of Staphylococcus Aureus, the bacteria responsible for causing septic, and eliminates them, thereby helping cure septic and giving protection against it. Being totally safe, this oil can be applied externally on wounds or taken orally, to protect wounds as well as internal organs from septic.
* Aphrodisiac: Mixed in sorbets and beverages as a flavouring agent, this oil has an aphrodisiac effect. It enhances libido and gives arousals. Since sex has more to do with the psychology (brain) than the physiology, remedy for most of the sexual disorders like frigidity, lack of libido, impotence etc. lays in the brain. Certain components of this oil stimulate those portions of brain and the problems are over.
* Cicatrisant: Cicatrisant is a property by virtue of which a substance speeds up the eradication or disappearance of the scars and other marks from the skin. It promotes growth of new tissues in the affected places which replace the dead and discoloured tissues and helps achieve a uniform look. This is also useful for the post delivery stretch marks, fat cracks, after spots left by pox, burns etc.
* Nervine: A tonic for the nerves is called a nervine, like our Essential Oil of Vetiver is. It takes care of the nerves and maintains them in good health. It also heals the damages done to the nerves by shock, fear, stress etc. Further, it helps get rid of nervous disorders, afflictions, epileptic and hysteric attacks, nervous and neurotic disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, lack of control over limbs etc.
* Sedative: The Essential Oil of Vetiver is a well known sedative. It sedates nervous irritations, afflictions, convulsions and emotional outbursts such as anger, anxiety, epileptic and hysteric attacks, restlessness, nervousness etc. and even benefits patients of insomnia.
* Tonic: The effect of a tonic on the body is quite similar to that of overhauling and servicing on a vehicle. A tonic tones up every system functioning in the body, namely the digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, excretory system, immune system, endocrinal system, nervous system and the neurotic system. Thus, in nutshell, it keeps the metabolic system in order, rejuvenates the body, gives strength and boosts immunity.
* Vulnerary: This property of Vetiver Essential Oil helps heal wounds by promoting growth of new tissues at the wounded place and also by keeping it safe from infections by inhibiting growth of microbes and promoting crowding of leucocytes and platelets at the place.
* Other Benefits: It also benefits patients of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscular aches, dryness and cracking of skin etc.

Few Words of Caution: This essential is completely safe, being non irritant, non sensitizing and non toxic.

Blending: The essential oils of benzoin, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender and ylang-ylang blend well with the Essential Oil of Vetiver.

Deskripsi Minyak Akar Wangi (Vetiver Oil)

Apa itu Minyak akar wangi, penjelasan mengenai minyak akar wangi (Vetiver Oil)

Vetiver oil is an oil that is used in aromatherapy and is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant. Read the following article on vetiver oil for more information on what is vetiver oil and vetiver oil extraction.

Vetiver plant, whose botanical name is Chrysopogon zizanioides is a grass plant that is native to India. The name 'vetiver' is derived from Tamil (a language spoken in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India) and the meaning is 'hatch up'. The vetiver plant grows upto a height of 1.5 meters and is cultivated all around the world for its numerous benefits. Other aromatic plants of the same family include lemon grass and Palmarosa. Vetiver oil is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant. This oil is also popularly known as khus oil, which is also referred to as the 'Oil of Tranquility' in India. Vetiver oil is found in most perfumes, beauty and cosmetic products. Vetiver oil extraction is a very laborious procedure, where the roots of the vetiver plant have to be specially harvested to extract this essential oil. The roots of the vetiver plant have to be cultivated for two years before they are ready for the extraction of vetiver oil. For the extraction, the roots are washed, dried, chopped and soaked after which they undergo steam distillation. Let's see more about the benefits of vetiver oil.

Vetiver Oil Benefits

Vetiver oil is dark brown or amber in color and has a very earthy and woody aroma. The color of the oil can also be olive green depending on the source. It is used as a fixative for many oriental type perfumes and used to give a fragrance to soaps and incense sticks. It is also a popular oil used for massages in aromatherapy because of its soothing effect. Vetiver oil has many therapeutic properties and plays an essential role in Ayurveda. It has got antispasmodic, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Applying vetiver oil on open wounds curbs the growth of bacteria, hence stopping the wound from becoming septic. This oil also eliminates scars and marks (especially caused due to burns) on the skin since it is cicatrisant (the property to eliminate scars). The oil also triggers the growth of new cells in the affected area.

Vetiver oil has sedative properties and is used as an aromatherapy oil for its soothing and calming effect on the body. This oil can be used for treating various ailments since it has an all round benefit in most of the systems in the body. Vetiver oil is an effective remedy for calming down the nervous system, irritability, dispels anger, hysteria and neurotic behavior. Vetiver oil acts as a circulatory stimulant that helps in revitalizing and fortifying the red blood cells, which in turn increases the level of oxygen in the blood. It is a rubefacient, that increases the flow of blood to the sore and aching muscles. Vetiver oil is also effective in treating disorders like nervousness, depression, emotional disturbances and nervous irritation. Skin problems like acne, stretch marks and other skin related disorders like dermatitis and psoriasis are effectively treated by the topical application of vetiver oil. Due to its antispasmodic properties, vetiver oil is known to ease abdominal cramps during menstruation.

There have been many researches conducted to prove the benefits of vetiver oil. In order to enjoy the complete benefits of vetiver essential oil, the oil needs to be absorbed in the blood stream. You can add vetiver oil in your bathing water to get a refreshing and rejuvenated effect. You can even inhale this essential oil in the form of steam by adding a few drops of vetiver oil in a bowl of hot water.

Vetiver oil is easily available in the market in the form of bath oils, massage oils and perfumed oils etc. Even though vetiver oil has no proven side effects, it is always beneficial to use an essential oil after consulting an expert.

Nutmeg Essential Oil (Minyak Pala)

Penjelasan mengenai minyak atsiri pala, apa itu minyak atsiri pala?

The Properties and Uses of Nutmeg Oil in Aromatherapy

Nutmeg is one of the spice oils, similar to Cinnamon essential oil: used also as a culinary spice, Nutmeg has a number of properties and use in aromatherapy.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) has been used for centuries, particularly as a remedy for kidney and digestive problems; Nutmeg oil is obtained from an evergreen tree of the Myristicaeae plant family. The tree grows up to sixty five feet in height with small, yellow flowers and fruit, shaped like a small peach; the bark of the tree is smooth and gray-brown in color. It is native to the Molucca Islands and cultivated in the West Indies, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Nutmeg Use Through History

Ancient Indian and Chinese royalty carried ground Nutmeg in small, ivory boxes and added the substance to drinks for hallucinogenic reasons; in Malaysia, pregnant women used Nutmeg in the final weeks of their confinement in the belief it would strengthen the uterine muscle for labor. The Romans used Nutmeg to make incense.

Nutmeg was considered to be a valuable spice for trading; both the British and the French smuggled Nutmeg seeds in the eighteenth century. By the nineteenth century, ground Nutmeg was being used in many English recipes; it became a popular addition to Christmas eggnog in the United States.

The Extraction of Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg oil is obtained from the kernel of the fruit and the outer layer of the fruit also produces another spice, Mace; the essential oil of Nutmeg is extracted by steam distillation of the kernel seed. Nutmeg oil is primarily made up of the chemical component of monoterpenes hydrocarbons (including camphene, dipentene, pinene, sabinene and cymene) but also includes geraniol, borneol and linalol.

Uses of Nutmeg in Aromatherapy

Nutmeg oil has a warm, spicy, sharp aroma; it has a number of properties including being analgesic, anti-septic, digestive, an aphrodisiac, stimulant, tonic and anti-oxidant. In aromatherapy, Nutmeg is used in the treatment of a number of conditions; it is used to treat arthritis, gout, rheumatism, poor circulation, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, nausea, nervous fatigue and anxiety.

Other Uses of Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg is also used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals; it is used in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, detergents and lotions. Mace oil is also used interchangeably with Nutmeg and is found in many colognes and perfumes, particularly fragrances for men; Mace is also found in many foods and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Cautions for Using Nutmeg Oil

Nutmeg is considered to be a 'Winter' oil, due to its warming properties and can be used as an alternative to Cinnamon essential oil; however, Nutmeg is more powerful than Cinnamon and care should be taken not to use it in large quantities. High toxicity levels may be fatal if used incorrectly in some situations.

Health Benefits of Nutmeg Oil (Manfaat minyak pala)

Manfaat kesehatan dari minyak atsiri pala (Nutmeg Oil)

The health benefits of nutmeg oil include its ability to treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, indigestion, blood pressure, cough and bad breadth. The health benefits of nutmeg oil can be attributed to its medicinal properties such as sedative, stimulant, relaxing, anti inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericide, etc.

Nutmeg has the Latin name Myristica fragrans. It is also known by other common names such as mace, muscdier, magic, muskatbaum, noz moscada, myristica, nuez moscada and nux moschata.

The nutmeg tree grows very tall and may reach up to seventy feet. Nutmeg oil is obtained from the seed of the fruit of this tree. The fruit when dried gives nutmeg which is the seed and mace which is the covering. Traditionally, nutmeg was believed to be effective against plague and hence it was popular during the time of Elizabeth.

The health benefits of nutmeg oil include the following:

Brain Tonic: Nutmeg oil stimulates the brain and therefore removes mental exhaustion and stress. It is also believed that nutmeg oil improves the quality of your dreams, making them more intense and colorful. It is a good remedy for anxiety as well as depression. Nutmeg oil is often used in homeopathy. In the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, nutmeg was popular as an effective brain tonic in spite of its high cost and rarity. Nutmeg oil also enhances concentration and increases your overall efficiency at study and work.

Pain Relief: Nutmeg oil is very useful for treating muscular and joint pain and sores as it is an excellent sedative. Nutmeg oil is also anti-inflammatory and therefore massaging the part that is in pain with nutmeg oil is an effective treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, etc. Nutmeg oil is an essential part of the Chinese medicine when it comes to treating abdominal pain, and inflammation. It reduces the swelling of joints. Often, overexertion leads to body or muscle ache. In such cases nutmeg oil can be very useful to remove the pain.

Menstrual Cramps: Some women often face menstrual irregularities and have menstrual cramps. Nutmeg oil is very helpful for these people.

Indigestion: Nutmeg oil is good for digestion and helps in removing stomach aches and removing gas from stomach and intestine. Therefore, nutmeg oil is good for indigestion, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. It also encourages appetite. Care should be taken to consume nutmeg oil internally in lower doses.

Blood Pressure: Nutmeg oil is a good stimulant not just for the mind but also for the entire body. Its relaxing aroma comforts the body, increases blood circulation and therefore helps those who have poor blood circulation.

Respiratory Problems: Nutmeg oil form an important ingredient in many cough syrups and cold rubs as it helps in relieving cough and cold. It is also believed that nutmeg oil can be used for treating asthma.

Heart Problems: Nutmeg oil also stimulates the cardiovascular system and therefore is a good tonic for the heart.

Bad Breath: The woody aroma of nutmeg oil helps in removing bad breadth. It is also antiseptic in nature and is effective for toothaches and aching gums. As a result, it is also added in numerous toothpastes.

Liver Tonic: An important health benefit of nutmeg oil is its ability to treat liver diseases. The oil is capable of removing toxins from the liver, thereby making it a good liver tonic.

Kidney: Nutmeg oil is often recommended for treating kidney infections and kidney diseases. It also helps in dissolving kidney stones.

Nutmeg and nutmeg oil also has numerous other benefits. These include:

* Spice: The herb is very popular as a spice and is often used for culinary purposes. In cooking nutmeg is versatile and can be used in potato dishes and meat preparations in Europe, garam masala in India, and curry ingredient in Japan.
* Incense: Nutmeg is used in various incense sticks due to its woody fragrance. It is also believed that Roman priest used to burn nutmeg as incense.
* Flavor: Nutmeg or Jaiphal as it is called in Hindi is a very popular flavoring agent in making sweets in India. It is also used in baked goods, sauce, ice cream, custards, etc. Certain coffee drinks including cappuccino are used are flavored using nutmeg and cinnamon.
* Soaps: The antiseptic properties of nutmeg make it useful in the manufacture of antiseptic soaps. Nutmeg essential oil is used for bath due to its refreshing nature.
* Cosmetics: Since nutmeg oil is antibacterial and antiseptic, it is used in many cosmetics meant for dull, oil and wrinkled skin. It is also used in making after shave lotions and creams.
* Room Freshener: Nutmeg oil can also be used as a room freshener.
* Tobacco: Nutmeg oil is also used in the tobacco industry.

Nutmeg oil blends well with many other essential oils including lavender, rosemary, orange, black pepper, clary sage, eucalyptus, ginger, ylang ylang, etc.

Health Benefits of Calamus Essential Oil

Apa itu minyak Jeringau dan apa saja manfaat kesehatan minyak Jeringau

The health benefits of Calamus Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti rheumatic, anti spasmodic, anti biotic, cephalic, circulatory, memory boosting, nervine, stimulant and tranquilizing.

The use of Calamus was known to ancient Romans and Indians and it has made a significant place in the Indian system of medicines, called the Ayurveda. Calamus is a plant that preferably grows in watery, marshy places. It is a native to Europe and Asia. Botanically, Calamus is known as Acorus Calamus. Its essential oil is derived from fresh or dried roots through steam distillation. The chief components of this essential oil are acorenone, alpha calacorene, alpha aselinene, beta gurjunene, beta asarone, calamendiol, calamusenone, camphone, iso shyobunine and shyobunone.

Although toxic, the Essential Oil of Calamus has many medicinal properties which are enlisted below.

* Anti Rheumatic & Anti Arthritic: This oil is particularly stimulating for the nerves and the blood circulation. It stimulates and increases the rate of blood circulation in the affected area and gives relief from the pain and swelling associated with rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
* Anti Spasmodic: The Essential Oil of Calamus is known for its anti spasmodic properties. It relaxes all sorts of spasm, but is particularly effective on nervous spasm. Thus, in cases of nervous afflictions and disturbances, this can be administered, but in very mild doses.
* Anti Biotic: Due to its toxic nature, the Calamus Essential Oil does not allow any biotic growth and acts as an anti biotic. This property can be used to fight infections, both internal and external.
* Cephalic: This essential oil has a refreshing effect on brain (of course, when taken in very mild doses, else the effects may be devastating on the brain). It activates it and is also effective in curing neurotic disorders. This oil is also considered to induce and promote positive thoughts.
* Circulatory: Being a stimulant, this increases blood circulation and helps nutrients and oxygen reach every corner of the body. This circulation also stimulates metabolism.
* Memory Boosting: The Essential Oil of Calamus has memory boosting effects. This can be administered to those who are undergoing or have undergone memory loss due to ageing, trauma or any other reason. This also helps repair certain damages done to the brain tissues and neurons.
* Nervine: Most of the effects of this essential oil deal with brain and the nervous system. So, as expected, this oil is a nervine and helps maintain good health of the nervous system. It helps recover them from shock and other damages. It also reduces chances of epileptic and hysteric attacks, nervous afflictions etc.
* Stimulant: The Calamus Essential Oil is particularly stimulating for the nervous system and the brain. It stimulates nerves and the neurons and helps attain alertness and steadiness. It also stimulates certain discharges such as those of hormones, blood circulation and other functions going on inside the body.
* Tranquilizing: A low dose of this oil can induce sleep and work as a tranquilizer. This may be of great help to those who suffer from sleeplessness or insomnia. This effect relaxes the body and the mind and helps get a good rest.
* Other Benefits: It can be used to treat neuralgia, which is caused due to the pressure exerted on the Ninth Cranial Nerve by the surrounding blood vessels, triggering off acute pain and swelling. Calamus Oil makes the blood vessels to contract and reduce pressure on the cranial nerve. Further, due to its numbing and tranquilizing effect on the brain and the nerves, it reduces feeling of pain. This oil is also used for treatment of headache, vertigo etc. and it is a sedative.

Few Words of Caution: The Essential Oil of Calamus contains a compound called asorone, which is toxic and considered carcinogenic. It has narcotic effects too and can cause convulsions and hallucinations if taken in higher doses. Studies have shown that its oral ingestion can cause prolonged severe convulsions and tumours. So, oral ingestion should be avoided unless under guidance of an expert practitioner. Pregnant ladies should avoid its use.

Blending: Calamus Essential Oil blends well with essential oils of cedar wood, cinnamon, clary sage, labdanum, lavender, marjoram, olibanum, oregano, patchouli rosemary, tea tree and ylang-ylang

Essential oil and pregnancy

Yang perlu di perhatikan mengenai penggunaan minyak atsiri / aroma terapi selama masa kehamilan. Bolehkah menggunakan minyak atsiri selama masa kehamilan? apakah minyak atsiri baik buat bayi? apakah minyak atsiri bisa mengatasi sulit tidur? Dapatkan jawabannya disini.

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy?
We used to advise not at all in the first three months, and then maybe only quite prudently, pointing to a long history of anecdotal reportage of safe use. However various regulatory bodies concerned with the toxicological effects of essential oils on both sides of the pond have pointed out that detailed evidence of the effects of essential oils on human reproductive toxicology is missing. We also know that foetal and infant detoxification mechanisms are under-developed and we understand them poorly. It would be the choice of (Safety Chair) therefore to err on the side of extreme caution and not use essential oils during pregnancy, although this policy might be considered rather extreme by some.

Are there any essential oils or aromatherapy products that should not be used during pregnancy?
Turning the question around, these well diluted oils arguably might have less potential for possible adverse effects: chamomile oils, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

Can essential oils be used during the birthing process?
Traditionally we have said that oils like lavender can help relax mom by scenting the air, when used as a back rub etc. However it has also been said that relaxants work counter to the process of giving birth. We are unaware of any studies done on the effect of oils such as lavender on the CNS (central nervous system) of a new born baby - personally it wouldn't be our choice (Safety chair) to administer psycho physiologically depressant substances to a new born baby. But again, this attitude might be considered extreme by some.

What about topical application of aromatherapy blend to the skin of the perineum before giving birth?
Not recommended.

Can essential oils be used for breast tenderness during pregnancy?
Yes very dilute massage with chamomiles/lavender perhaps.

Can essential oils be used during breast feeding or if mastitis occurs?
Not during the process, could interfere with baby sense of smell, finding mom, etc. For mastitis, compresses with anti-inflammatory oils may be useful after breastfeeding (only if your doctor agrees), but essential oil treatment is no substitute for medication. It is important that the oils are not used on the breasts when baby will come into contact.

I have heard that there are some essential oils that can help to increase the production of breast milk. Is this true? And if so, how would I apply the essential oils?
Folk law stories have it that this is the case (especially with farm and domesticated animals), but we know of no controlled clinical studies which substantiate the claim in humans.

What essential oils and or bases would be beneficial for stretch marks?
Cocoa butter has always been recommended, no oil will remove scars yet there are scar formulas all over internet. Massage during pregnancy will help reduce maybe….

Are there any essential oils that are useful for constipation during pregnancy? How would the oils be applied?
Don’t use essential oils for constipation, but a fixed oil massaged onto the abdomen may help

What essential oils are helpful for morning sickness from nausea?
Traditionally peppermint and chamomile (Roman) have been taken as a tea in traditional teabag form, not via essential oils in water.

Can essential oils be used in a full body bath and or foot bath for edema and swelling?
Full baths are not recommended near end of pregnancy: foot baths might be used to advantage.

I have heard that essential oils can be incorporated with a sitz bath to aid in healing of hemorrhoids as well as soothing the perineum after giving birth. If so, which essential oils would be useful?
Suggest cypress, sandalwood, and lavender.

Is aromatherapy useful for postpartum effects, like fatigue, depression and not sleeping well?
Of course, now is the time to use them! Use lavender for sleeping, and uplifting scents for fatigue and depression

Can I use essential oils on my baby for colic?
Some authorities say that essential oil flavored waters (e.g. gripe water) are not now recommended on safety grounds. We would recommend you to find alternative cures. Very dilute lavender could be used to massage cranky babies, and this may help relieve some tension in mom and baby

I've read your site on essential oils but is this for straight out of the bottle oils or is it safe to use skincare products with the oils in them. Such as face cleansers, toners, moisturizers, homemade real/castile soap. Are these safe for during pregnancy/nursing since there not straight/full strength?
In fact essential oils should not be used full strength on the skin. period. But I see what you mean - you could regard the essential oil content of these cosmetic products as coming 'prediluted'.

If you've read the Safety of Essential Oils Safety Data, and the concerns about the Methyl Eugenol Content of Essential Oils articles authored by myself, you will have some awareness of the issues involved. Although we are exposed on a daily basis to small amounts of essential oils & synthetic fragrance chemicals from many sources (e.g. soaps & cosmetics, perfumes, household & cleaning materials, space odorants, dental products, spiced food. medicated confectionary (cough sweets), muscle rubs, bath & sauna products etc. etc.), the direct application of fragranced products to the skin - even when diluted as they generally are - can represent a higher potential dose event per unit of body weight, than, say, breathing normally for a while in a slightly fragranced environment such as a hotel lobby room. Under our obligation of due diligence, we are therefore extra cautious when giving safety advice to clients of aromatherapists of child-bearing age, just because the potential dose of essential oils from this type of exposure could be over and above that normally encountered (although I should also say at this point that there are even toxicological investigations being conducted presently on indoor air quality, looking at the effect of background levels of aroma chemicals from incense, air freshener perfumes etc etc. on human health. So even background levels of fragrance in the home are presently being considered for Health & Safety risks). The advice about essential oils in our profession generally takes the form that, if at all possible, avoid or minimise exposure to essential oils in pregnancy, especially, some would say, in the first trimester. I would think that this advice holds good for fragranced cosmetic products also - and if it is seem by some as being over-cautious: then so be it - personally, I would rather err on the side of caution in this particular matter.

There are national guidelines for ingredients which can be safely used in cosmetics, and these are under constant review by bodies concerned with toxicological matters. Although the big names in cosmetics will almost certainly be aware of, and abide by, these regulations, it is a matter of conjecture as to whether smaller cottage industries are always 'up to speed' with these issues. Further, new regulations currently being introduced on both sides of the pond require that data on many more heavily-used essential oils is assembled for (amongst other things) any carcinogenic. mutagenic and reproductive toxicological properties, as well as their potential eco-toxicity. It probable that this data is incomplete in many respects, or is missing, for many major essential oils, and it is almost certainly missing for the more minor essential oils (say those produced at production volumes of under 1 ton/annum). The bottom line is that although up to now we (in aromatherapy) have assumed that certain essential oils are probably safe to use in pregnancy in the (best-practice) way that we recommend aromatherapists use them, it remains to be seen whether this view will change when we eventually have this new data.

In the meantime there is no reason why you should nor direct your question about particular fragranced consumer items to the appropriate cosmetics manufacturer - but make sure you are not 'fobbed off 'with a 'public-relations' type answer, and that you get a proper appraisal from the technical/regulatory department. In my experience, several of the larger cosmetics companies have well-qualified, knowledgeable staff who should be able to put any risk factor in context for you.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil

Manfaat kesehatan dari minyak lada hitam

The health benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like digestive, diaphoretic, carminative, aperient, anti spasmodic, anti rheumatic & anti arthritic, anti bacterial, anti oxidant etc.

Black Pepper is a condiment (spice) which is very common and popular worldwide. It is extensively used in culinary. It tastes hot and has a nice appetizing aroma. Black Pepper is the dried fruit of pepper plant, whose scientific name is Piper Nigrum.

Once upon a time, it was considered sacred and even used as currency. It was so valuable that it was traded in exchange with gold (gold was considered cheaper to Black Pepper) and was one of the most priced trade items exported from India to the rest of the world. The main components of its essential oil are Limonene, Pinene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Beta Caryophyllene, Beta Bisabolene, Sabinene, Linalol, Pinocarveol, Alpha Termineol, Camphene and Alpha Terpenene. Apart from them, black pepper is rich in minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin-K, Beta Carotene, Phosphorus, Potassium and Selenium. Let us see what health benefits Black Pepper Oil has in store for us.

* Digestive: It is remarkably beneficial for digestion. It stimulates the whole digestive system, right from the salivary glands in the mouth to the large intestine, promoting secretion of digestive juices like acids and bile into the ingested food, thereby facilitating digestion. Black Pepper can be safely used as a spice to the food of those who are on a bland diet or otherwise forbidden to have chilies (those suffering from ulcer of the mouth of the digestive system or jaundice or extreme acidity are forbidden to consume chilies).
* Carminative: Black Pepper Oil is carminative and helps remove gases and prohibit gas formation in the stomach and in the intestines. It also helps inhibit bacteria which are responsible for formation of gas.
* Aperient: The Black Pepper oil has mild purgative properties and it is safe too, unlike other purgatives like Castor Oil. It helps clean the intestines and at the same time, cure infections in the digestive and the excretory system.
* Anti Spasmodic: It is an effective anti spasmodic and gives good relief in cases of cramps, muscles pulls, spasms, convulsions etc.
* Anti Rheumatic & Anti Arthritic: These are two of the best qualities of the Black Pepper oil. It is warming, stimulating and improves circulation, thereby giving immediate relief in rheumatism and arthritis, particularly in winters when the symptoms aggravate. It is also effective in removing toxins like uric acid from the blood, thereby benefiting people suffering from chronic rheumatism and arthritis, gout etc.
* Diaphoretic & Diuretic: Black Pepper oil, when ingested, increases sweating and urination. Both of these properties play an important role in removal of toxins from the body, clearing of the pores in skin and also disinfecting the body. Sweating and urinating help lose extra water and fat from the body, thus reducing weight, lowering blood pressure and making the body relaxed. These properties are also helpful in reducing inflammation.
* Anti Oxidant: This is yet another beneficial property of Black Pepper oil. It protects the body from damages done by oxidants (free radicals) and also helps repair them. It also delays adverse affects of aging such as vision loss, macular degeneration, wrinkling of skin, degeneration and loosening of muscles, loss in mobility of joints, nervous disorders, memory loss etc.
* Anti Bacterial: It has good anti bacterial properties and that too, without side effects. It is very effective in curing bacterial infections in mouth, colon, digestive system, urinary tract etc. It also disinfects food stuffs in which it is added and protects them from bacterial infections for long.
* Other Benefits: Black Pepper oil is rich in certain very useful minerals and vitamins too. For example, there is vitamin-A (Beta Carotene) in it, which is very beneficial for ocular health as well as is a very good anti oxidant. It has vitamin-K which is essential for maintaining proper circulatory and metabolic functions, muscles, bones etc. Then it has calcium, potassium and selenium. While calcium is good for bones and potassium for regulating blood pressure, selenium is essentially required for proper formation of bones, nails, hair, follicles and teeth and for proper functioning of brain.

Few Words of Caution: As such, there is nothing to be scared about Black Pepper oil, except that if taken in large quantity, it may cause uneasiness, unrest, vomiting, loose motions, irritation and inflammation of the intestines, sleeplessness etc. being hot and pungent. But there is nothing serious about these symptoms.

Blending: Black Pepper Oil can be blended with Lemon, Lime, Lavender, Sage, Sandalwood, Mandarin, Ylang-Ylang, Juniper, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Ginger, Geranium, Coriander, Grapefruit, Fennel and Frankincense Oil.