Basil Essential Oil

Basil is commonly known as Tulsi in India. It has been widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines as it has natural healing and immunity properties. There are 18 types of Basil, out of which most commonly used for essential oils are Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Basil Linalol (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool). Basil oil is extracted via steam or hydro-steam distillation. Krishna Tulsi has purple fringed leaves and purple stems. Sweet basil plant has bigger green color leaves and stems.

Basil is a sacred plant in many countries including India. In the Mediterranean area it is grown around the house to confer protection and keep away flies. In Greece a pot of basil is often found outside houses and shops. In India Tulsi is so valued that it has acquired the moniker “the elixir of life”.  The plant is considered sacred in Hinduism and is offered to Lord Vishnu and his many forms. The leaves are seen as the presentation of Goddess Lakshmi. The plant is often found outside Hindu homes.

Basil is also regularly used in cuisines and recipes all over the world. It is popular in Europe, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia and is extensively used for culinary purposes in the Mediterranean region and still forms active ingredient many Italian recipes such as pesto, pizza, pasta and salads. 

Basil essential oil has become quite popular in recent years because of it because of its antiseptic properties that help in curing acne breakout; improve blood circulation, ward of skin irritation, small wounds and sores. The goodness of vitamin C boost skin cells metabolism an elasticity which further helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Basil is a wonderful choice for a natural remedy to clear out pores and to get a naturally glowing skin. Basil oil also helps to clear dandruff. Massaging basil oil with mixed with a carrier oil helps to elevate itching, increases blood flow and make the hair roots healthy.

Basil essential oils carminative property helps to release intestinal gas thereby facilitating the release of uneasiness associated with poor digestion and constipation. Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold, influenza and associated fevers. Along with its function in relieving cough it can also be used to treat asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is considered antibacterial and antiviral and also access and expectorant.

Basil essential oil is ideal for soothing or eliminating headache, fatigue, sadness and for inspiring psychological endurance. Basil oil helps promote mental clarity and increases concentration and alertness. It is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy,  migraine and depression. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue and gives the mind strength.

Basil essential oil can be used to prevent vomiting particularly occurring due to motion sickness. Basil is also considered a cooling herb and is used for rheumatic pain and irritable skin conditions. Basil essential oil is also used as an insect repellent.

Basil oil is used as a fragrance component in colognes and perfumes; some use in pharmaceutical preparations like cough syrup and low level use uses in major food products especially baked goods. the oil is also used in soaps and cosmetics.

Basil oil blends well with Bay, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Coriander Seed, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Sweet Fennel, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet Marjoram, Orange, Oregon, Palmarosa,  Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Lime, Yang  Ylang.

Tulsi leaves have mercury in them and they are acidic in nature, which can cause your teeth enamel to wear off soon since your mouth is alkaline. It has to be had with boiled water, curd and honey.

Basil essential oil and basil in any other form should be avoided by pregnant, breastfeeding, or nursing women. If you're considering using basil essential oil for any health purpose, make sure to consult your physician first. Basil essential oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional. Internal use of basil essential oil may have toxic effects. In addition, some individuals may experience irritation when applying essential oils to the skin. A skin patch test should be done before using any new essential oil.

We at Sugandhāḍhya can provide you Tulsi essential oil and Aura (tulsi-chandan) dhoopcones and dhoopsticks. Do check out our Facebook page and our products are even sold  https://shop.empowerji.com/sugandhhya-845449 .

Vetiver Essential Oil

If I say that Vetiver is famous all over the Indian Subcontinent, people may not understand what I mean, since many people are unfamiliar with this name. Instead, it is popularly known by the name of “Khus”.It is extensively used in the perfumes, cooling, food and beverage industries. In India and Sri Lanka the essence of vetiver is also known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’.

Vetiver essential oil is dark brown, olive or amber in color viscous with a deep, smoky, earthy order. The oil is extracted from the roots of vetiver plant by steam distillation or using the deg and bhapka method. The color and scent can vary according to the source and the method of distillation.

The botanical name of vetiver is Vetiveria Zizanoides or Andropogon Muricatus.the dried grass and Its root is used to thatch roofs of earthen houses and mattresses. It is also used as curtains on doors and windows, which, apart from cooling and scenting the rooms, keeps insects away. its demand rises excessively during the summer because of its cooling properties. particularly in hot countries like India and its neighbors. The grass of vetiver plant is used for the weaving of floor mat, screens, and fans. The roots are dug up, washed , dried and then used for distillation. Small pieces of roots are placed between stored clothing to deter insects. it is a very pungent essential oil which can easily overpower other oils in a blend.

Vetiver Essential oil is used as a fixative and fragrance ingredient in soaps cosmetics and perfumes especially Oriental type. Vetiver oil is a lesser known essential oil but it has powerful properties. This oil can combat absent mindedness alleviate depression and provide an overall sense of calmness.

Vetiver oil is used in cosmetics as a deeply hydrating moisturizers. it promotes the growth of new skin. This regenerative property facilitates the healing of wounds as well as disappearance of scars, stretch marks, and acne among other skin ailments.

Vetiver essential oil works as a natural antioxidant or for inflammation of joints or inflammations caused due to sunstroke or dehydration. It is known to relieve the body of aches and pains while easing mental and physical exhaustion. It balances and preserves emotional well being while enhancing concentration. It enhances circulation and boost metabolism as well as digestion. It also boosts immunity.

It blends very well with bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, citronella, Clary sage  coriander seed, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass, Mandarin, sweet orange, peppermint, petitgrain, sandalwood, tangerine, valerian, cedarwood, Jasmine, lemon  Yang Yang, Wintergreen.

Vetiver oil is safe in most applications as long as it is used in moderation and is diluted with a carrier oil. if you're pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before using. Vetiver oil carries very little risk of toxicity as long as you have no allergies.do a Patch test on a small section of your skin before applying it all over your body. inhaling vetiver oil through a diffuser should be safe for most people but always always proceed with caution when using for your child. Never use aromatherapy or topical application for children younger than two years old without speaking to their doctor

We sell vetiver essential oil as per the requirement and availability.

Do check out our Facebook page and our products are even sold  https://shop.empowerji.com/sugandhhya-845449

Orange oil

Orange is a very known colour and a fruit but little do know that orange colour got its name from orange fruit. Fascinating, in Europe colour orange didn't have a name, it was called yellow-red or saffron was used prior to 16th century. This changed when oranges were brought to Europe from Asia by Portuguese merchants. The colour was then named after this ripe fruit. 

It originates from native region between Himalayas and South-Western China, Israel, Brazil, North America and Australia. Orange essential oil let it be sweet or bitter is cold-pressed from the ripe or almost ripe outer peel of the orange fruit. Sweet Orange oil is made from sweet oranges whose scientific name is  Citrus sinensis and Bitter Orange oil from Citrus aurantium. The leaves of orange evergreen tree are used for production of petitgrain oil. The blossoms are used for neroli oil. 

Centuries ago, oranges were considered as the fruit of gods. They are pictured as 'golden apples' in the story of Hercules and Titan Atlas. In China, the sweet orange is believed to symbolise good fortune and is also used in traditional offering and gifts. 

Orange essential oil is a rich yellow-orange to dark-orange-coloured mobile liquid with a sweet, fresh citrus odour, distinctly reminiscent of the odour from a scratched orange peel.

Sweet orange essential oil has a mild aphrodisiac properties. It provides quick and effective relief from inflammation, whether internal or external. It can help people avoid both septic, fungal infections and tetanus as they inhibit microbial growth and disinfect the wounds. The scent of essential oil creates a happy, relaxed feeling and works as mood lifter. It also relaxes muscular spasm as well as nervous spasms. It can effectively flush body toxins as well.

It is a good tonic and a carminative. A tonic helps in toning body systems as it keeps the metabolic system in proper shape, contributes to strength and boosts immunity. Being a carminative means being an agent that helps in the removal of excess gas from intestines. Furthermore it does not let additional gas to form. It helps in maintaining smooth and glamorous skin, helps to cure acne and dermatitis.  

Bitter and Sweet orange oil is employed as fragrant components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, colonge and perfumes. It is extensively used as used as a flavouring material, especially in liqueurs and soft drinks. Sweet orange peel tincture is used to flavour pharmaceuticals.

In manufacturing, bitter orange oil is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soaps. Bitter orange is frequently used in "ephedra-free" products since the FDA banned ephedra in 2004 for serious side effects on the heart. The oil has a distinct phototoxic effect.

As mentioned in our previous blogs, any essential oil applied topically can cause skin irritation is even applied here. Before applying orange essential oil on skin always do a patch test to know if it suits your skin or not. Do not apply orange essential oil near your eyes or any sensitive areas of your body. If you use the essential oil for aromatherapy make sure you are in well ventilated area. keep the oil away from children and pets. If it is ingested in large quantities, it may result in nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Before taking bitter orange, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications. It can interact with many drugs.

Rose Oil

Rose is a very famous and a very common flower. Roses can be found throughout the world due to commercial breading. The cultivation of roses has resulted in creation of 13000 varieties of roses. Certain species of wild rose are even listed as endangered because of the lost of their natural habitat. Colour of rose depends upon the species. They can be found in different shades of and so on. Different colours of rose have different symbolisation. Red colour symbolises love, Yellow colour symbolises friendship, White colour symbolises purity and Orange colour symbolises enthusiasm.

Rosa damascena (Damask Rose), Rosa alba (The White Rose of York) and Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose) are the species most commonly used as a source of rose oil. These species are used as they have the strongest aroma and high content oil. Rose oil is extracted from rose petals through steam distillation. It is known as "Queen of Oils".

Rose oil has various usages apart from using in making of perfumes. Traditional rose is associated with Venus the goddess of love and beauty and in today's time the goddess is well and alive in the cosmetic industry for rose oil (synthetic as well as natural). It beautifies skin as it can be used for wrinkles, acne, scars, eczema and dark spots. It improves skin texture and skin health.  It also strengthens hair roots.

Rosehip seed oil extracted from Rosa rubiginosa has been found to be very effective in skin treatment as it promotes tissue regeneration and has a high content of vitamin C.

 Rose oil improves self-confidence and metal strength which are key parameters for fighting depression, making it a depression fighter. It boosts confidence. It also has a relaxing effect, resulting in decrease of anxious feeling. It works well on digestion process. It serves as an effective laxative. It has a positive impact on intestine health.

Rose oil used alone or combined with other oils like lavender, cinnamon and clove oil can be used as a massage oil (mixed with carrier oil) to relieve from menstrual cramps. It is an aphrodisiac. It plays a role in regulating the hormones that increase sexual desire. Antioxidants are found in rose water. Using rose water on skin can protect against cell damage. It has antiseptic properties making it excellent for treating wounds. It also has astringent properties.

Rose blends well with Jasmine, Cassie, Mimosa, Neroli, Geranium, Bergamot, Lavender, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Sweet Orange and Mandarin. 

A few drops of rose oil should be mixed with carrier oil before dabbing it directly onto your skin. Its use can be harmful for babies, pregnant women and breast feeding women. It is advisable to talk to your veterinarian before usage if you have pets at your home. You can perform a patch test to check for allergies before using the oil for the first time. You can perform a patch test by simple applying rose oil which is mixed with carrier oil on the skin inside of your elbow or on neck. If there is no redness, swelling or itching within a few, then you can use it on your skin. If essential oil is inhaled too much then it can give you headache.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon is one of the most popular herbs for flavoring and medicinal uses. Although cinnamon oil has numerous health benefits, it often causes irritations and allergic reactions. Therefore people prefer to use cinnamon directly instead of using the oil. 

Cinnamon whose scientific name is Cinnamomum zeylancium, originated in tropical Asia and was widely used in Sri Lanka and India. Now, this shrub is grown in almost every tropical region of the world. It is one of the most popular herbs for flavouring and medicinal purposes. Cinnamon oil is obtained from bark and leaves of cinnamon tree, so you can get cinnamon leaf oil or cinnamon bark oil. The oil is extracted by steam distillation or hydro-steam distillation. 

 

It is considered to be one of the first spices to be traded in the ancient world. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon for the ritual of embalming. In middle ages physicians used to cure cold, sore throats and hoarseness with the help of this spice.The inner bark of the new shoots from the cinnamon tree are gathered every two years and sold as sticks for use as domestic spice.

 

The cinnamon leaf of is used in aroma therapy. It is darkish yellow with warm, earthy and spicy aroma. Cinnamon oil produced from bark stems and roots are not recommended for home use. Cinnamon has a lot of health benefits. The scent of cinnamon has the ability to boost brain activity. Using cinnamon can improve the score on cognitive activities such as attention span, visual recognition memory, working memory and visual-motor response speed.  

 

Cinnamon has the ability to control blood sugar, so diabetes (type 2) finds it very useful. It also improves the health of the colon. Due to its antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it is effective on treating infections. It is often used in chewing gums, as it's a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath. It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in perfume making. It works great as a mosquito repellent.

 

Commercially, cinnamon oil extracted from both bark and leaf are used in production of toothpaste, mouthwashes, cough syrup and dental preparations. They are also extensively used in food flavouring, alcoholic and soft drinks. Cinnamon leaf oil is used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. 

 

Being strong in nature, cinnamon oil should be avoided for internal consumption. Furthermore, it can have adverse effects on skin if used topically in concentrated form. Therefore, it should be diluted using a carrier oil before use. Before using cinnamon oil, it should be tested to make sure it suits your skin. You should apply only a small quantity of cinnamon oil initially and check if you develop any allergic reaction symptoms. Do not use cinnamon oil on the face and other sensitive areas. Cinnamon oil should always be used in moderation.

 

It blends well with Bergamot, Cardamom, Carnation, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Palmarosa, Rose, Tangerine And Ylang Ylang.  

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is not only known for it's pretty purple colour and it's alluring fragrance but also for it's therapeutic uses. Lavender's scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia. The origin of Lavender is said to be from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Russia. Lavender is a flowering plant of the mint family. It is known to symbolise peace, serenity, calmness, purity and grace. Dried lavender has been used as potpourri.

 

Traditionally, lavender essential oil has been used in making perfumes. The Romans used lavender for scenting their clothes, linens and even hair. Lavender oil played a vital role in the process of mummification in ancient Egypt.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy.

The smell of lavender oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges and moths. Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduces the irriation and pain associated with bug bites. It induces sleep as it has a relaxing and calming effect and thus can be used to treat insomnia as well as anxity issues. The refreshing aroma of lavender oil is helpful in treating migranies, headache, depression, nervous tension, emotional stress and is rejuvenating.

When used in vaporizer lavender essential oil can be used to treat cough, cold, congestion and other respiratory problems.

Lavender essential oil is good for improving the circulation of blood in body. It lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension.

Lavender oil is useful for hair care because it has been shown to be very effective on lice, lice eggs and nits. It is sometimes used as a preventive measure for baldness. 

Add lavender oil to your favorite carrier oil to sooth you skin. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditiones. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns.

Lavender plant isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) therefore it should not be taken in place of approved and prescribed medicines. As with many other essential oils,pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that patients with diabetes stay away from lavender essential oil. It can cause allergic reaction to people with extreme sensitive skin. Nausea,vomiting and headaches may also be witnessed due to either common or excessive use of lavender oil. Most importantly, lavender oil should also never be ingested. It should only be topically applied or inhaled through means of aromatherapy or similar activities.

Lavender essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Cedarwood , Geranium , Lemon , Neroli , Patchouli , Rose , Sandalwood and Vetiver

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass is known by the scientific name Cymbopogon citratus. lemongrass smells just like lemons, but milder & sweeter. It has been commonly used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

Lemongrass essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation of dried lemongrass.The oil is yellow or amber like colour with a strong lemon like smell (citrus scent).The main constituents of it's essential oil are Myrcene, Citronellal, Geranyl Acetate, Nerol, Geraniol, Neral, Limonene and Citral. At present it is cultivated throughout tropical asia and in India it largely grows it in the state of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka.

In Oriental Research Institute in Mysore,India Lemongrass oil is used to manuscripts that were written on brittle palm leaves.The oil not only keeps the palm leaves supple precenting them from breaking but also keeps the manuscript dry.In addition to that it also helps in keeping the leaves free from decay and insects. 

Lemongrass oil is tremendously benefical in many aspects as it is considered to reduce pain and inflammation. It is effective in inhibiting bacterial or microbial infections. It not only helps to remove gas from intestine, but also stops further gas from forming. Its is an antipyretic and because of this property it is often served in tea.  Lemongrass oil helps to cure cellulite, fungal infections and digestive problems while simultaenously reducing excessive perspiration. Lemongrass Oil boosts self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength, and it uplifts spirits and fights depression.

Lemongrass is often used in making tea,which is one of the best and easy way of consuming it. Lemongrass oil is likely to irritate the skin and produce other types of irritations too. Hence it should be avoided during pregnancy, and kept away from the eyes.

Lemongrass Essential Oil can be used in blends with the essential oils of Basil, Cedar Wood, Coriander, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender and Tea Tree.