Author Archives: Keith Cleversley

About Keith Cleversley

A record producer turned herbalist and author, I'm passionate about plants that have rich spiritual traditions or psychoactive effects on our bodies and minds.

Clove Bud Oil and Its Anti-Tumor Potential

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Clove Bud Oil and Its Anti-Tumor Potential Anyone who has tried Mexican, Indian, or Vietnamese cuisine has tasted dried cloves mixed with cinnamon and cumin but may not have recognized the flavor. Cloves have been used for centuries to accentuate the taste of foods all over the world. The locals in Indonesia use cloves to make cigarettes called kreteks, which are smoked throughout Europe, Asia, and the US, and cloves are an important incense ingredient in China and Japan as well as in Jewish ceremonies.

Clove bud oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in Chinese medicine. The oil helps relieve stomach, kidney, and spleen issues. The Western world adopted the use of clove bud oil in dentistry as well as in aromatherapy due to its natural antihelmintic ability, and its ability to warm the digestive tract. The oil is also used as a topical remedy for hypotonic muscles, and it helps with symptoms of multiple sclerosis. West Africans and Tibetans use clove bud oil to calm upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are few physical disturbances that have not been treated at one time or another with cloves and the essential oil extracted from them. Clove bud oil blends well with other essential oils like cinnamon bark, peppermint, rosemary, citronella, grapefruit, lemon, orange, and nutmeg.

Eugenol is the main constituent in clove oil. Over seventy percent of the essential oil extracted from cloves contains eugenol, which is well known for its anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. The clove oil has an impact on contaminants like tetrachloromethane, and cancer related to the digestive tract. Joint inflammation is another ailment that’s relieved when clove bud oil is used in massage therapy.

New studies show that clove bud oil has the potential to prevent cancerous growth since it contains an abundance of flavonoids as well as calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids as well as other phytonutrients.

Other studies show that when clove bud oil is combined with cod liver oil it makes a huge difference in inflammatory disease treatment. Clove oil is a proven pain reliever when blended with marjoram oil. It is an excellent topical agent, especially when it is combined with coconut and almond oil. The antispasmodic properties of the oil also alleviate muscle aches and pains when combined with other ingredients.

The positive aromatherapy results of using clove bud oil are highly valued due to its ability to remove harmful toxins from the body, and to stimulate the excretory system.

Vetiver Oil Offers Relief for Dry Irritated Skin

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Vetiver Oil Offers Relief for Dry Irritated Skin Vetiver, a tall tufted perennial grass with long narrow green leaves, has been used for centuries in Tahiti, India, Java, and Haiti to make awnings, blinds, and sunscreens. In Java the roots of the vetiver plant are woven into mats as well as thatching for huts, and this gives the rooms a fresh fragrant smell, which insects strongly dislike and avoid. Growing the tall grass protects the soil from erosion, and the plant is also a popular ingredient in perfume, soap, and toiletries in these countries.

The vetiver essential oil extracted from the root contains vetiverol, furfurol, a-vetivone, b-vetivone, benzoic acid, vetivenyl vetivenate and vetivene, which give the essential oil nervine, sedative, tonic, antiseptic, vulnerary, aphrodisiac, and cicatrisant properties.

The Chinese assert that vetiver oil has calm, moist energy that enters the cells in the brain and intermingles with the energetic heat that accumulates from anger and vindictive thoughts, cooling and calming the consciousness. Vetiver oil grounds and stabilizes emotions that develop from a hyperactive mind as well as an insecure self. Vetiver oil also has the ability to rejuvenate dry skin.

In Ayurvedic medicine, vetiver oil is used to alleviate heatstroke, fevers, and headaches, as well as to alleviate thirst. The oil has been used for centuries in India to relieve skin and joint disorders and to reduce inflammation. The oil has been used for decades to ease the pain of arthritis and to clear up eczema.

Modern research discovered why vetiver oil has such a powerful effect on the skin and emotions. The aromatherapy oil stimulates the endocrine glands, helps boost a weak immune system, and lowers the heart rate when an emotional response is triggered. The oil helps the cardio-respiratory system reach a calmer state because it interacts with hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Vetiver oil can help reduce anxiety and depression, and it has the ability to get rid of acne when used in cream or lotion form. When the oil is massaged into the skin or diluted in a bath, physical exhaustion, insomnia, and arthritic pain lessen. When the vapor is inhaled, nervous complaints and hysterical tendencies seem to evaporate like steam.

Vetiver oil is commonly used to treat dry, irritated skin in aromatherapy. The oil can be blended with other essential oils such as jasmine, lavender, and ylang-ylang to enhance results, and to increase the effectiveness of the oil on the skin.

Roman Chamomile Oil and Clinical Treatment of Insomnia

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Roman Chamomile Oil and Clinical Treatment of Insomnia The medicinal benefits of Roman chamomile are well known in the Mediterranean region. This essential oil has been a nerve soother for over 2,000 years. The oil has always been a highly prized treatment to relieve an assortment of body ailments such as cramps and spasms. The Greeks and the Romans used it when mild shock developed from trauma. They also blended it with ginger when belly-aches interfered with daily activities.

Roman chamomile is currently listed in the British pharmacopoeia as a treatment for nausea, anorexia, dyspepsia, vomiting in pregnancy, and flatulent dyspepsia associated with mental stress. This essential oil is also a popular skin treatment and is used in hair care products as well.

The cosmetic uses for Roman chamomile oil are not new discoveries; the ancient Greeks blended it with other essential oils like lavender, jasmine, and tea tree oil and developed an elixir that could stimulate hair growth as well as maintain a healthy head of hair.

The Greeks also rubbed the oil into the solar plexus to relieve tension and alleviate stomach issues. The skin-regenerating and central nervous system-balancing qualities of the oil have been written about for centuries. Chamomile essential oil was combined with vanilla and lavender oil and given to children to relieve irritability and nervousness. This combination is still used today to help children settle down and focus.

The traditional uses for Roman chamomile oil include relieving anxiousness and stress, and it is use to treat cuts and scraps because of its antiseptic and skin-healing abilities. This ancient remedy is one of the safest oils used in aromatherapy so parents have no trepidations when it comes to using it to treat children who have skin or stomach issues.

Since the oil has such a calming effect on the nervous system, many people who suffer from insomnia use it regularly to get a good night’s sleep. The sweet aroma stimulates the senses, which allows tension to be released. Some people call it a sedative and rub it on the back of the neck and on the temples before visiting the dentist, while other people blend it with sweet marjoram to relieve joint and muscle pain.

Roman chamomile blends with other essential oils like cinnamon, bergamot, clary sage, blood orange, lavender, redwood, sandalwood, oakmoss, lemon, neroli, and sweet marjoram, so there are many aromatherapy blends that include Roman chamomile which may be used for numerous internal and external applications.

The oil from Chamaemelum nobile has gained a respected reputation as a natural non-habit-forming sedative that can relieve minor pains, calm the nerves, and instigate a good night’s sleep. In fact the Romans and the Greeks called it the earth apple for sleep. We’re sure you’ll find it just as valuable as they did.

Frankincense Oil – Fit for the Gods!

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Frankincense Oil and Cancer - A Quality Standard Approach A ceremonial incense of divinity, the tree resin Boswellia serrata (frankincense) and its essential oil derivative have historically been used to ward off evil spirits and connect humans to divine spirits and realms. It is primarily a popular incense and perfume, but is also used in cosmetics and skin treatments with some indication that it may fight cancerous cells – although this is a claim that has yet to be affirmatively and scientifically proven.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Background: Another name for frankincense is olibanum and this refers to the aromatic resin that is retrieved from trees of the genus Boswellia. Frankincense essential oil is derived from the Boswellia resin. There are only four species that are known to produce what can be considered real frankincense resin, and the resin is produced by these trees in varying quality levels. Adding to the romanticism of frankincense is the origin of its name, having evolved from the Old French “frank encens” – which is directly translated as “high quality incense” [6].

Frankincense is famously well-known, especially if you’ve grown up in a Christian, Christmas-celebrating household: in the bible frankincense is reported to have been carried to baby Jesus by the three wise men as a gift in honor of his birth [6]. In fact, frankincense has also historically been one of the most popular essential oils – having been used religiously or spiritually in ceremonies and celebrations throughout many ancient cultures. Additionally, frankincense is an incense consistently found throughout historical religious and meditational practices of the Western world. Just about every ancient western culture is known to have used frankincense ceremonially – particularly throughout Sumeria, Babylon, Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome [2].

It is believed to have come to these major social or cultural centers through trade with the Arabs, Somalis and Bedouins – who purportedly obtained the resin from small desert trees in Saudi Arabia and Somalia and had been doing so for thousands upon thousands of years [2].

Use: Traditionally, frankincense is probably most widely used as an incense – in fact the word was essentially synonymous with incense throughout Western cultures. “It was the scent of purification”, burned to ward off evil and to open oneself to divine presences – enabling a connection with higher spirits and a level of contemplation necessary for these divine connections; frankincense represented a divine connection between heaven and earth [2].

This spiritual affiliation of frankincense with the world of divinity overlapped with its use as a perfume and its use in skin care regimens. The ancients as well as people today have used frankincense widely within their hygiene practices, and in some cultures this is correlated with its use to ward off illness and bad energy. As a kind of aesthetic extension of its spiritually related purpose, the resin was also combined with kohl and used as black eyeliner to ward off “the evil eye” and was even used in a special concoction that removed unwanted hair [2]!

It has also been used in Asian, African and Ayurvedic traditional medicine to treat several digestive and skin-related health conditions as well as arthritis, wounds, female hormonal balance and air purification [6].

Frankincense Resin

Blending: Frankincense is a component of “kyphi” – a house incense within the temples of Heliopolis, burnt every sunset to honor the evening departure of the sun god. Frankincense can also be found along with about 16 other ingredients in sacred incense recipes of the Talmud. One particular biblical recipe includes stacte (might be myrrh), onycha (musk), galbanum and frankincense [2].

Safety: While the resin of frankincense is reported to be edible [6] it is extremely important to consult with a physician before ever ingesting essential oils in any form. Essential oils can be incredibly potent – and even if they yield benefits in small doses, too much can often be harmful and some aren’t supposed to be ingested at all. If they are ingested it is often under the direct recommendation or oversight of a health practitioner that is specialized in the use of natural health remedies.

Additionally, although there are several studies linking Boswellia resin and essential oil to the termination of cancer cells, it has not yet been proven conclusively and it would be best to discuss such a topic with a health practitioner.

The online resource Pubmed perhaps says it best: “limited conclusions can be drawn from the preliminary findings of this laboratory study as it is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. And some of the claims should not be taken at face value; in particular the press release’s claim that frankincense has no known side effects. Such claims would need rigorous scientific evaluation before they could be verified [5].” However, it is worth noting that frankincense has since been discussed in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific platforms that were discussed briefly above.

All considered though, frankincense is clearly one of the most romantic and sensually elegant of the essential oils; with its divine history, frankincense essential oil is truly fit for the gods and the beautiful human spirits amongst us!

Sources:

1. Asian News International. “Frankincense could harbor breast cancer cure”. Al Bawaba (Middle East) Ltd. New Delhi, Nov 7, 2013.

2. Holmes, Peter. “Frankincense Oil: The Rainbow Bridge”. International Journal of Aromatherapy, Vol. 9 (4), January 1998: p. 156-161.

3. Howell, Jeremy. “Frankincense: Could it be a cure for cancer?”. BBC World News, Feb 9, 2010: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505251.stm

4. Ni, Xiao; Suhail, Mahmoud M; Yang, Qing, et al.“Frankincense essential oil prepared from hydrodistillation of Boswellia sacra gum resins induces human pancreatic cancer cell death in cultures and in a xenograft murine model”. BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, Vol. 12 (1), 2012: p. 253.

5. Pub Med Health. “Can frankincense really fight cancer?” Behind the Headlines, Health News from NHS Choices, Dec 23, 2013: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/behindtheheadlines/ news/2013-12-23-can-frankincense-really-fight-cancer/

6. Wikipedia. “Frankincense”. Last updated, Sept 22, 2014:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense#Perfume

Rosemary Oil and Its Ability to Enhance Memory

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Rosemary Oil and Its Ability to Enhance Memory

Rosemary essential oil is most famously known as a memory stimulant, but is also used as an antimicrobial and an antibacterial, to aid muscle tension, and to treat arthritic conditions. Additionally, the rosemary plant has also been traditionally used for its fragrant aroma and in cooking as a flavouring agent. Read all about the Scientific Evidence for Essential Oils elsewhere in this blog.

BACKGROUND:

The rosemary plant is scientifically named Rosmarinus officinalis and has a beautiful flower that is either pink, purple, blue or white. The rosemary plant is part of the evergreen family with needles and a robust lifespan – making it one of the easier herbs to grow year round and in tough climates [6].

Buy Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary has a bit of a mythological origin: it played a role in the conception of Aphrodite – having been draped around her neck as she rose from the sea – and given that she is the goddess of love and beauty, this is very fitting for the beautiful flowering rosemary bush. This mythological account tells us a bit about how it got the name rosemary as well, since “ros” means dew and “marinus” means sea, so that Rosmarinus means “dew of the sea”. Aside from its mythological origins indicating its ancient use in Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean, it is noted that it was quite popular throughout ancient Egypt and is famously referenced in Shakespeare’s Hamlet [6].

USES:

As mentioned above, rosemary is famously and historically known for its ability to enhance the memory functions of our brains. It is known that the Egyptians used the rosemary plant both physically and symbolically during weddings and funerals as a ceremonial plant meant to represent remembrance. There has even been a series of studies and experiments that have proven rosemary’s link to memory enhancement – including one study out of Northumbria University that concluded that rosemary increases the functioning of long-term memory by up to 15% [2]. Additionally, rosemary is used more generally as a mental stimulant and students could and do use rosemary inhalants during exams to reap better results [1].

But, what could account for this enhancement of memory and mental clarity? There isn’t much literature circulating on the exact physiological reasons for rosemary’s ability to enhance memory and stimulate mental processes – but, there is one factor that might have something to do with it. There is some indication that rosemary can increase the production of Nerve Growth Factor [6] – which is a secreted protein used by the body to aid in the growth, maintenance and survival of key nerve cells [5]. This enhanced growth of brain cells could of course offer some insight into how rosemary enhances memory, especially considering that the Northumbria study only found an increase in long-term memory and actually found no increase in short-term or working memory.

Other medicinal uses of rosemary essential oil include employing the oil as an antioxidant, antibacterial [4], and for its antimicrobial activity against certain harmful microbes – particularly with regard to its use in food packaging and natural preservative methods [3]. Additionally, it has many extra beneficial uses including possibly preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, treating jet lag, muscle tension and arthritic pain [1].

Of course, let us not forget rosemary’s use as a spice in many of our favourite dishes and the desirable aroma it exudes. There is even some implication that it could aid in digestion, which gives us even more of a reason besides its great flavour to add it to our favourite dishes [1]!

BLENDS:

Because rosemary can be quite a strong essential oil, it is best to blend it with carrier oils when using it to massage muscles or to rub into your scalp as a hair growth aid. For hair growth, jojoba oil is probably the best option as a carrier because it has similar properties to our natural skin oils that contribute to its easy absorption, allowing rosemary essential oil to penetrate tissues deeply. Rosemary oil can also be blended with full fat milk into a warm tub of bathwater for a deeply soothing bath [1].

SAFETY:

However, like most essential oils, rosemary essential oil can be quite strong and so when using as a massage or otherwise it is important to only use a few drops and to use along with carrier oils or other mixing agents that will dilute its strength [1].

Additionally, because rosemary essential oil is an incredibly stimulating oil, it should not be used by the elderly, pregnant women or by those who have high blood pressure [1].

As we know rosemary is a very popular spice used in many delicious and nutritious dishes – so, speaking relative to other oils, it is fairly benign and a good essential oil to begin your journey toward alternative medicine. On a spectrum of fairly safe essential oils like lavender or spearmint, to very strong oils that can be potentially dangerous when used incorrectly, rosemary probably stands on the softer side of the spectrum — and given its memory stimulating qualities, who wouldn’t want to get started with rosemary essential oil!

REFERENCES:

1. Gulf Weekly, Manama. “Essential Benefits of Rosemary Oil”. Al Bawaba (Middle East) Ltd, 02 May, 2010.

2. Nanaimo Daily News. “Tests Affirm Rosemary Aids Memory”. Infomart, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., March 2002.

3. Sarikus G., A. C. Seydum. “Antimicrobial Activity of Whey Protein Based Edible Films Incorporated with Oregano, Rosemary and Garlic Essential Oils”. Food Research International, June 2006: 39 (5), p. 639-644.

4. Van Baren, Catalina M. “New Insights into Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Rosemary Essential Oils and Their Main Components”. Food Control, May 2013: 31(1).

5. Wikipedia. “Nerve Growth Factor”. Last Modified Aug, 2014: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_Growth_Factor

6. Wikipedia. “Rosemary”. Last Modified Aug. 2014: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary

Nutmeg Oil and Its Actions on the Central Nervous System

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Nutmeg is primarily used as an aromatic spice in foods. But, it has also been indicated for various medicinal purposes including treatment of psychosis, flatulence, and diarrhea. However it has also been recorded as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogenic when taken in high quantities. Oddly, there is some indication that it is also a naturally occurring pesticide.

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Background:

Nutmeg essential oil comes from the nut or seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree that is scientifically named Myristica fragrans. The fruit of the nutmeg tree or Myristica fragrans is yellow and fleshy; it contains the nut that the tree has become so well known for and where the alluring aromatic nutmeg spice and oil comes from [2].

It is believed that nutmeg originated in the Banda Islands of modern Indonesia (the “Spice Islands”), or what is known as the Maluku Province of Indonesia. Historically in ancient Egypt and Rome nutmeg was used as incense for burning – it was a spice for the privileged as it was quite costly at that time [1, 2]. And in medieval times, nutmeg was an expensive flavoring, medicinal and preservation agent in Europe [6].

It is believed that nutmeg was first brought to Europe by the Arabs in the 12^th century and it is known that during the Middle Ages the Arabs sold nutmeg to the Italians as a pricey and luxurious item. During the course of the Portuguese expeditions, the Portuguese went to Indonesia and came away with control over the Indonesian nutmeg trade in the sixteenth century – 1512, to be specific. [1, 2]

Sometime during the seventeenth century the Dutch dominated the nutmeg trade and later Britain monopolized the trade, having acquired seedlings from the Banda islands themselves – clearly it was a desirable commodity even back then! There was actually a period, prior to British dominance of the trade, when the English believed nutmeg could ward off disease – specifically the bubonic plague — which might give us some understanding as to why they went to Indonesia to get the seedlings in the first place.

However, in 1576 there was a case reported in England of a woman who ate 10-12 nutmeg nuts and was intoxicated; in another case, someone became lethargic upon eating three nuts. Cases like these and others have contributed to a better understanding of nutmeg’s effect on the central nervous system – including its hallucinogenic and euphoria-inducing properties. Even the autobiography of Malcolm X speaks of his use of nutmeg while in prison for its effects on the central nervous system – my, it certainly was a popular spice! These cases along with others are probably what prompted the studies that lead to our now thorough understanding of how to best use nutmeg. [1, 2]

Use:

Fortunately, today nutmeg in all forms is financially approachable and has adopted an array of different uses – including, but not limited to olfactory, food and medicinal uses. The essential oil of nutmeg is acquired through a steam distillation process and is pretty much colorless, although it could be sometimes said to have a pale yellow hue. It is the oil that can take the credit for the spicy nutmeg smell that nutmeg is so well known for. The oil contains 60%-80% d-camphene as well as d-pinene, limonene, d-borneol, l-terpineol, geraniol, safrol and myristicin [6]. It is the myristicine that is mostly responsible for the psychoactive properties of nutmeg [2].

While it is important to know that nutmeg is not used as a hallucinogenic in traditional Indonesian culture, it is still no wonder that nutmeg has been traditionally used to combat anxiety and psychosis, given how it has been known to act on the central nervous system with euphoric and hallucinogenic properties. But it has also been traditionally used for many other purposes, such as combating diarrhea, flatulence, rheumatism, cholera, stomach cramps and nausea. While nutmeg is traditionally used for aiding the digestive and nervous system, it is probably best known for its aphrodisiac properties – that’s right, nutmeg has become known as a spice that really does spice things up [2]!

Nutmeg is probably most interestingly used to treat psychosis. Why this is so interesting is because nutmeg itself is a psychomimetic substance and has been abused as such by adolescents, students and prisoners. For something to be used as a psychomimetic means that the substance “mimics” psychosis, and for something that mimics the very symptoms of something it is used to treat – namely, psychosis – is indeed very peculiar. Although it is probably worth noting that the not so wonderful taste, limited potency, and unwanted side effects make its abuse relatively rare in comparison to other substances [2].

Nutmeg essential oil isn’t just used for the medicinal or pharmaceutical purposes explained above. It is also widely used as a food flavoring in meat preparations, liqueurs [1], syrups, drinks, baked goods and sweets, and of course we all know the wonderful flavor it adds when sprinkled on top of eggnog [6]! It has also been widely used in ancient and current Indian culture as well as in other cultures as a scent for perfumes [4]. Another lesser-known use of nutmeg is as a pesticide due to its quantity of myristicin (the main compound in nutmeg essential oil), which is a naturally occurring type of pest repellant.

Blending:

A lot of food spice blends contain nutmeg, such as apple pie and pumpkin pie spice mixes. Additionally, however, there is one study indicating that nutmeg and camphene oil, when inhaled in combination, may contribute to the alleviation of respiratory conditions. In the study – which was unfortunately done on lab rabbits – when nutmeg oil was inhaled it acted on the bronchomucotropic activities of the respiratory system, that is to say that the mechanisms of mucus augmentation was no longer active [3]. Additionally, in combination camphene and nutmeg inhalation may act as a pharmacological expectorant [3] – which is just a scientific way of saying that something clears up mucus and lubricates the irritated respiratory tracts in the process [5]. However, further study that needs to be done on this topic before anything can be said for certain.

Safety:

Although nutmeg has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, there aren’t any recognized medicinal uses of the essential oil. It is also important to note that although lab tests have indicated central nervous system intoxication in lab experiments, the same effect has not been yet seen in humans. It is the compound myristicin that acts as a point of concern in some cases as it is possible that it may act as a serotonin receptor agonist (activates the receptors) and as a hallucinogenic. However, the amount of myristicin in nutmeg is so low that it’s unlikely to have any negative effect – although doses of myristicin as low as the equivalent of two whole nutmeg nuts did induce episodes of reduced alertness [2].

As always it is wise to err on the side of caution with essential oils, especially those that do not have documented medicinal qualities. However, when it comes to nutmeg it is certainly safe to say that its use as a spice is more than okay and is definitely a very desirable addition to many wonderful recipes and aromatic preparations.

Sources:

1. Attokaran, Mathew. “Natural Food Flavor and Colorants: Nutmeg”. Blackwell Publishing, LTD and Institute of Food Technologists 2011.

2. Barceloux G. Donald. “Medical Toxicology of Natural Substances: Nutmeg”. John Wiley and Sons, INC, 2008.

3. Boyd M. Eldon and Sheppard, Patricia. “Nutmeg Oil and Camphene as Inhaled Expectorants”. Vol. 92 (4): Arch Otolaryngol, 1970. pg 372-378

4. Neelima, M. et al. “Historical Perspectives on the Usage of Perfumes and Scented Articles in Ancient Indian Literatures”. Vol. 28 (2): Ancient Science of Life, 2008. pg 33-39

5. Wikipedia. “Mucokinetics”. Last updated June 3, 2014: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucokinetics

6. Wikipedia. “Nutmeg”. Last updated July 17, 2014: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutmeg

Wintergreen Oil is a Natural Pain Relief Alternative

Rosewood Oil Acts As a General Tonic for the Nervous System

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Rosewood Oil Acts As a General Tonic for the Nervous System Peoples living in the Amazon jungle have been using rosewood for centuries. In particular, the Brazilians say they combine rosewood oil with other oils and use the blend to treat various skin conditions. On its own, the oil is used to treat impotence. The French call it ‘bois de rose‘ and say that it helps relieve stress, sexual issues, and respiratory problems. The global demand for rosewood oil didn’t really kick in until the 1900s, but in Brazil, rosewood trees and rosewood oil have been a big part of the rich local culture for centuries. However, thanks to an increasing demand for rosewood, abuses of rosewood forests have been brought to the forefront in the last twenty years.

This interesting essential oil has some powerful chemical components, which are also found in a variety of other essential oils that treat similar physical and mental ailments. For example, myrcene, limonene, linalool, and 1,8-cineole found in rosewood oil are common chemical compounds found in other evergreen species, as well.

The camphene, geraniol, neral, geranial, a-pinene, benzaldehyde, and a-terpineol in Brazilian rosewood trees are also found in other species. Benzaldehyde is not always found in evergreens, but it is found in almonds, apples, apricots, and cherry kernels. It’s this compound that gives those essences a slight almond aroma.

Rosewood oil is extracted from the wood chips of the rosewood tree by steam distillation. The therapeutic properties of the oil are tonic, antiseptic, stimulant, and antibacterial. This means that minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites can heal faster when rosewood essential oil is applied to the area. When the oil is used in aromatherapy, depression, sadness, and disappointment seem to lift and lessen.

Rosewood oil interacts with several hormones, functioning as a stimulant that gets the internal systems running properly, which means indigestion, acid and bile build-ups, and poor circulation issues vanish as the chemicals in the oil rejuvenate damaged cells and tissue. In vapor therapy, rosewood oil helps to relieve coughs, headaches, nausea, and nervous tension, as well as infections. When rosewood oil is added to floral oils to make skin lotions, wrinkles begin to fade, and the skin has a healthy glow after just a few treatments.

One of the most important uses for rosewood oil is as a tonic to treat nervous tension. Rosewood oil lowers the anxiety level, clears confusion, strengthens focus, and balances female hormones. Stress-related allergies diminish, and in some cases disappear altogether when the oil is used in aromatherapy products.

Rosewood oil blends well with bergamot, orange, neroli, rose, grapefruit, geranium, palmarosa, lime, lemon, jasmine, and lavender oils, and is found in lotions, tonics, and creams designed to treat skin cell degeneration as well as muscle and joint pain.

The rest of the world used to wonder why Brazilians had smooth skin, easy dispositions, and a carefree lifestyle. The answer is obvious now. It’s not the water; it’s the rosewood oil…well…maybe.

Mandarin Oil for Flavour and Memory Recall

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