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Dec 2021

Lavender Essential Oil- Benefits, Uses, and

Origin

June 22, 2021Lavender flowers are known for their calming and relaxing scent.
But there is more to lavender than just a pretty color and an invigorating scent.
Lavender essential oil is packed with health benefits and so much more.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifola) is a famous plant that belongs to the mint

family which originated from the Mediterranean, India, and the Middle East. Its
ability to promote calm and relaxation made it famous for people who suffer
from anxiety. Even just having lavender flowers in a jar or vase inside the
home makes much difference. But lavender is not just for aesthetics.

The lavender flowers range from light purple to purplish-blue color. More
uncommon hues are pink, blue, and dark purple. Lavender plants can grow up
to 1.3 ft and can live for around 20-30 years. They are grown for the essential
oil extracted from lavender flowers. It is famous for aromatherapy and a
component of food and pharmaceutical products.

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Lavender flowers are known as a symbol of purity, serenity, devotion, and
calmness, to name a few. These lavender flowers carry with them the oil that
is composed of linalyl acetate, linalool, pinene, limonene, geraniol, and
cineole. What gives the lavender its distinct smell is the linalool present in the
oil.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile oil, with the ability to fight
infections, treat anxiety, ease nausea, and menstrual cramps while keeping
the room fragrant at the same time. There are quite a few different species of
lavender from where the essential oil is derived. Although they may come from
the same family, it is important to have a background on the type of lavender
that will meet specific needs.

Three of the most common sources of lavender essential oils are

the Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, and Lavandula x
intermedia species.

Lavandula angustifolia

(Common names: true lavender, Bulgarian lavender, English lavender, high

altitude lavender, Himalayan lavender, lavender Kashmir)

This species grows primarily in Europe and is dubbed as the true lavender.
Both the leaves and the lavender flower of this species are highly aromatic. It
has a high linalyl acetate associated with where it was cultivated. The higher
the altitude where the lavender is grown, the higher the ester content of the oil
is, making it one of the most sought-after lavender oil.

This oil is deemed to be an exceptional oil to relieve symptoms of stress such

as headaches and restlessness. Pregnant women and children can use this
oil to treat respiratory problems and is one of the safest essential oils. It can
also ease the pain brought about by menstruation.

Lavandula latifolia

(Common name: spike lavender, Spanish lavender, French lavender)

Lavender flowers of this species have a pale lilac hue. Its higher cineole
content compared to the true lavender makes the oil from Lavandula
latifolia the top choice for those who prefer to use it for its strong antibacterial
property. It can also ease the pain brought about by sore muscles or joints.
Because of its strong camphor and cineole content, it is not recommended for
children and pregnant women.

The oil of spike lavender may be more stimulating to people instead of having
the calming effect that L. angustifolia has.

Lavandula x intermedia

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(Common name: Lavandin)

This lavender flower is a hybrid of the two previous species earlier stated and
has a bright blue-violet color. Its components are more similar to L.
angustifolia than L. latifolia. It offers the best of both types of oil. It is both used
as a calming agent and an antibacterial serum. But it is not as potent as its
parent plants.

Lavandins are mostly used in making perfumes more than they are used as
essential oils.

Traditional Uses of Lavender Essential Oil

For the Ancient Egyptians, lavender is a vital oil used in the mummification
process. It was also used as a perfume. Like the ylang-ylang essential oil,
lavender has an attractive scent that is why women put lavender flowers on
small pouches and tuck them in their cleavage. This was thought to attract
suitors. It was even said that Cleopatra seduced Julius Caesar and Mark
Anthony using lavender fragrance.

Hanging dried lavender flowers above doors was also practiced to ward off
evil spirits from entering the house. Because of its antimicrobial ability, it
works not only against spirits but with preventing certain diseases as well.
Lavender flowers were pinned on shirts to avoid evil spirits as well.

Glove makers of the sixteenth century also used lavender essential oil to
perfume their products. Doing this saved them from catching deadly cholera.
During the time of the plague, grave thieves who washed with lavender after a
night of robbing did not contract the disease.

Romans used to dose their bathwater with lavender essential oil and realized
that aside from a relaxing after-effect, it is also effective in working against
disease-causing microorganisms. The name lavender was derived from the
Latin word ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash’ associating the name to how the
Romans would use the plant.

Benefits from Lavender Essential Oil

Insect repellant

Lavender essential oil acts both as a repellant and relief for insects and insect
bites. The oil can be incorporated in candles to give the room a relaxing feel
while warding off insects when lit. Clothes sprayed with lavender oil diluted in
water can also keep insects away. Lavender flowers are also used to repel
insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

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Anti-inflammatory

The lavender essential oil works well with eczema. Its anti-
inflammatory property alleviates the pain, itching, and redness of the skin. It
also works to ease the symptoms of psoriasis.

The lavender oil mixed with water and aloe vera can also help soothe
sunburns.

For wrinkles and blemishes

The lavender essential oil can lighten dark spots and discoloration because
of hyperpigmentation. The antioxidants present in the oil acts as a moisturizer
for the skin and works in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other fine
lines.

Acne and Dry Skin

This essential oil can be mixed with facial toners to further clear the skin of
debris and pollutants after a long day. This can further prevent the
development of breakouts and infection. When diluted in carrier oils, this can
be used as a regular facial moisturizer.

Lifts mood and boosts memory

Thanks to the oil's linalool and linalyl acetate, the oil's aroma can give a
relaxing effect and is believed to treat anxiety and improve mood. Lavender
essential oil can also be mixed with other oils such as chamomile essential oil
for a soothing aroma that is guaranteed to give a much more positive mood.

Aromatherapy sessions using lavender oil can help ease the symptoms of
postpartum depression for women.

For better sleep

Lavender essential oil can induce quality sleep and improve its duration. For
people battling with insomnia, lavender can be a soothing remedy to help in
improving sleep onset.

Lavender essential oil mixed with cedarwood essential oil is a relaxing blend
that induces sleep.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Lavender's sedative effect does not sit well with anesthesia as it can slow
down the nervous system too much. It is recommended to avoid using

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lavender essential oil two weeks before a scheduled operation or surgery.
This is also true with other sedative medications that can interact with
lavender. Taking both at the same time can cause too much sleepiness.

It is always best to dilute essential oils with carrier oils and take a skin test
before using the product throughout the body. It is not recommended to apply
to areas that are too sensitive, such as the skin around the eye.

If allergies develop, it is best to stop using lavender oil and consult a physician
right away.

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 Bergamot Essential Oil- Benefits, Uses, and
Origin
June 26, 2021

Earl Grey tea has been a favorite among many, thanks to bergamot, which is its chief
flavoring agent. Bergamot essential oil is also known to help cleanse and purify, uplift,
and calm the mood at the same time, and its numerous health benefits made it stand out
from other citrus oils.

Citrus bergamia, also known as bergamot orange, belongs to the family Rutaceae. The fruit
of this plant is where the bergamot essential oil is extracted. The plant is native to the
Calabria region in Italy and is believed to be a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. According
to research, it may initially have come from Greece and Canary Islands, where it was
imported by Christopher Colombus. The name bergamot came from the Italian word
bergamotto which means “lord’s pear.”

To stray away from confusion, it is important to note that bergamot orange is very much
different from wild bergamot or bergamot mint, which is an herb.

Trees of bergamot orange are evergreen plants can grow up to 12 meters in height. The
fragrant fruit of these trees ranges from yellow to green and looks similar to a lime. Bergamot
essential oil is derived from the fruit’s peel. It gives off a floral, spicy, citrus scent that is
highly fragrant. The cells inside the rind of bergamot orange produce the oil.

Bergamot essential oil is a clear yellow-green liquid derived by cold pressing the fruit’s peel.
In the past, extraction of oil was done by hand where the fruit peel is pressed until its oils are
squeezed out of them. In this modern time, mechanical devices are used to extract the oil and
separate them from the water and fragments of the fruit.

The main chemical constituents of Bergamot Essential Oil are limonene, linalyl acetate,
linalool, pinene, bergaptene, terpineol, nerol, neryl acetate, β-bisabolene, geraniol, geraniol
acetate, and myrcene. These components are the contributors to the oil’s anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, and anti—septic properties to name a few.

The oil’s refreshing citrus aroma made it famous in folk medicines and as Ayurvedic
remedies for several health problems and discomforts. Bergamot essential oil is commonly
used in aromatherapy to boost or give a positive mood and ease stress. But there’s more to the
oil’s mood enhancing abilities.

Traditional Uses of Bergamot Oil

Italians had traditionally used bergamot oil for its health-related benefits. It was used to
disinfect the skin and to treat minor wounds. It was also used to reduce fevers.

Germans have used bergamot oil in their tobacco because of its fruity flavor. Bergamot
orange plants have also been grown next to crops because of its scent that repels insects and
pests.

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Bergamot oil has been used in food preparations as citrus flavoring. The famous Earl Grey
tea is originally black tea dosed with a bit of bergamot oil which gives it its distinct scent and
signature taste.

Uses of Bergamot Essential Oil

For cosmetics

Bergamot oil is one of the most important perfume materials because of its refreshing and
pleasant scent. This is also why the oil is incorporated into soaps, lotions, and colognes.

For unblemished skin

Bergamot’s anti-bacterial property makes it an excellent oil to fight acne, warts, and boils. It
facilitates the healing of skin infections and reduces unwanted lines and other signs of skin
aging. This is because bergamot essential oil can balance out the skin’s oil production, which
evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of marks. Bergamot can also be used with
lavender essential oil for skincare regimes.

Relieves pain and tension

When diluted in a carrier oil and topically applied, bergamot essential oil helps ease muscle
soreness and pains. It can also treat headaches when massaged on the forehead or on the
temples.

Linalool and carvacrol, compounds found in bergamot oil, have anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
and anticonvulsant property that helps reduce pain such as muscle spasms, arthritis, and joint
pain.

Fights off infections and food poisoning

The oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can treat not only infections on the skin but
works with infections on the mouth and digestive tract as well.

The oil works against certain strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus so it can be
safely used in preventing the occurrence of minor skin infections. Bergamot essential oil also
works against E. coli, Lysteria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus.

According to investigations, linalool is an effective anti-bacterial component which can

destroy different bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Reduces stress and promotes sleep

Bergamot essential oil mixed with warm water and inhaled is proven to relieve anxiety and
fatigue. It signals the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, hormones associated with
mood, memory, sleep, libido, and appetite, among a few. This helps decrease stress hormones
which work against anxiety-related symptoms and stress disorders.

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Sleeplessness is one sign of stress which can be treated by bergamot oil. Several massage
therapies make use of bergamot oil to help reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone,
therefore providing quality and peaceful sleep. This can also be blended with chamomile
essential oil or lavender oil for a more calming effect.

Lowers cholesterol level

According to studies, brutieridin and melitidin, both compounds of bergamot oranges, are
effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Some animal studies have shown that polyphenols in
bergamot oil have anti-inflammatory property which helps the liver recover from
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Neutralize body odor

Bergamot oil works against bacteria that causes unpleasant body odor. Aside from this, the
citrus scent masks body odor. It can also be sprayed rooms and incorporated in pot-pourri
preparations to neutralize odor.

Relieves Congestion

Bergamot essential oil loosens mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel from the
respiratory tracts together with the germs that cause colds and congestion.

Enhances hair growth

The oil improves blood circulation in the hair follicles and helps in the collagen formation.
Massaging the diluted oil on the scalp can stimulate hair growth, prevent hair from falling,
and add shine.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Although helpful in treating certain skin conditions, exposure of bergamot oil to ultraviolet
light or sunlight produces certain compounds that results to pigmentation. Bergamot oil had
been used as sun tanning products but was eventually banned because of photosensitivity
reactions and skin burns. Even the ones used as perfumes may cause skin reactions once
exposed to sunlight. It is recommended to purchase only bergapten-free versions of bergamot
oil if the skin is sensitive.

There are also reports about allergic reactions after using the oil which includes redness,
blisters, burning sensations, and pain. It is best to dilute the oil in carrier oil and do a skin test
to see if it is safe to use.

It is not recommended to ingest bergamot oil, especially without the advice of a medical
practitioner. It may interact with medications such as antibiotics.

For pregnant women, children, and pets, it is not advised to use bergamot oils in diffusers as
it can have negative effects.

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Sandalwood Essential Oil- Benefits, Uses, and
Origin
Sandalwood is one of the highly valued plants since the prehistoric ages. Not
only are they commercially important, but these shrubs are also culturally
significant. Sandalwood essential oil is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and
for its medicinal values.

Sandalwood (Santalum sp) is a small, semi-parasitic plant that is native to

some parts of Asia such as India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Hawaii, and
Australia. There are about 15 species of sandalwood grown worldwide.

The flowers and wood of this tree are harvested for their oil. It takes 10 to 30
years to harvest the plant because it is believed that the oil’s effectiveness
depends on age. The heartwood or the center of the wood is where the
coveted is mainly extracted. It is deemed to be one of the most expensive
wood in the world because of its oil.

The two key components of sandalwood oil a-santalol (45.8%) and b-santalol
(20.6%) These are what give the sandalwood oil its distinctive woody scent
that is described as rich and earthy, making it a favorite among perfume
makers.

History of Sandalwood Oil Uses

Sandalwood essential oil has been used in pretty much everything, from
cosmetics, to medicines, and even in religious rituals.

Sandalwood is a vital part of the religious beliefs in some Asian countries.

They are associated with gods, used in sacred rituals and religious
ceremonies. It is one of the most prevalent scents used in incense offered in
temples.

The use of sandalwood oil dates back to 3100 BC in Egypt and India.
Egyptians used this oil in the embalming process to preserve bodies. Hindus
embalm the corpses of their leaders with sandalwood oil to help them gain a
higher incarnation.

Aside from its many uses in different cultural ceremonies, sandalwood

essential oil is also highly prized in beauty product manufacturing. It is
soothing and moisturizing, making it an ideal ingredient in soaps, creams, and
other beauty products. Its scent also makes it an important component for
most perfumes.

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Sandalwood essential oils have been used for therapeutic and medicinal ways
in the past. And with the help of technology, it was further developed, thus
incorporating the oil into a lot of things we use nowadays.

Benefits of Using Sandalwood Essential Oil

Antiseptic and Anti-viral

Sandalwood essential oil’s antiseptic property makes it perfect to treat

wounds, cuts, sores, and even acne. It prevents the occurrence of infection. It
was found out that this oil can work against certain strains of bacteria, such
as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

This essential oil was also found to work against common types of viruses
such as herpes. It prevents the virus from replicating further thus proving to be
an effective anti-viral means.

Sandalwood essential oil is also used with other compounds to produce paste
which is used to care for wounds.

Because of its antiseptic properties, sandalwood oil can also be used to

disinfect things at home.

Anti-inflammatory

Sandalwood oil helps with mild skin inflammations such as insect bites, acne,
and rashes by leaving a cooling effect, which provides relief. Based on a
study, certain compounds of sandalwood essential oil can reduce the body’s
inflammation markers, making it not only effective against skin irritation but
also offers relief from inflammation of the muscle, in the excretory system and
even in the circulatory system.

For a healthy respiratory system

Sandalwood essential oil has been used to relieve symptoms of respiratory

infections by proving to be an excellent expectorant. It is effective in treating
cough and also works against cold and flu. The blend of myrrh essential
oil with sandalwood essential oil works for respiratory benefits.

Aids digestion

Sandalwood essential oil has been proven to ease abdominal pain. It works
against microorganisms that contribute to the development of ulcers and other
gastrointestinal problems.

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Insomnia

Sandalwood essential oil gives a calming effect that can promote better sleep.
This is because of the presence of the beta-santalol compound, which is a
mild sedative effect.

Boosts the immune system

Sandalwood oil, when used in aromatherapy, can boost immunity. This

triggers white blood cell production that works against infections and foreign
bodies that may cause harm.

Boosts mental alertness

Although it has a calming effect, inhaling sandalwood can also trigger a mild
increase in blood pressure, pulse rate, and skin temperature. These effects
actually improve the brain’s functions and are brought about by the oil’s alpha-
santalol compound.

This effect can vary from person to person. To some, using sandalwood oil
can bring a calming sensation while to other people, it can increase alertness.

Photo by dragana991 from Canva

Anxiety

Several studies showed that sandalwood essential oil can be effective in

easing anxiety. It aids in keeping the blood pressure at a normal level and the
tension level at bay. It also improves mood by reducing the spasms and
contractions in the muscles and nerves. Ylang-ylang essential oil and
sandalwood is blended to uplift the mood and relieve stress.

Safety Tips and Precaution

Although sandalwood essential oil can be topically used, it is best to not apply
pure oil directly. Rashes, skin irritation, and skin burn can result from doing so.
Before using the oil, contact a doctor for advice.

When using sandalwood for massages, it is best to dilute it with carrier oils
such as coconut or argan oil. A skin test is always recommended to those with
sensitive skin.

Experts also recommend not to take the oil internally for it can cause some
serious damages in the abdomen and kidney. Proper dosage is the key to

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experience calming relief from sandalwood essential oil. Prolonged exposure
can trigger an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

It is best to keep sandalwood oil away from children. For pregnant women,
consulting a doctor before using the oil is the first step.

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 Sage Essential Oil- Benefits, Uses, and Origin

Sage essential oils come from a variety of plants under the genus Salvia. This plant group is
comprised of hardy, evergreen shrubs that thrive in full sun and grow wild in most areas in
the Mediterranean region. Sage is valued throughout history for its uses in medicine, magic,
and meal preparations. The most common sage varieties include common sage (S. officinalis)
and clary sage (S. pratensis).

Common sage is also known as True sage or Dalmatian sage, the latter due to the fact that
most of the sage grows wild in the Croatian region of Dalmatia. It was later naturalized
throughout Europe and North America.

Essential oils from common sage are made through the steam distillation of partially dried S.
officinalis leaves. The process produces a colorless to yellow liquid with a warm
camphoraceous odor and bitter taste. The oil is made of 50% thujone, camphor, pinene, and
cineol.

Ancient Uses of Common Sage

Sage was once treated as a “cure-all” plant. The Romans revered it as sacred, while the
Egyptians used sage as a treatment during the plague. Ancient folk placed sage under the
influence of Venus and used it to aid contraception. Other traditions believe that eating a
small amount of sage at a particular time would grant immortality. Sage was also a
preferred tea in China and France for its healing and antioxidant properties.

Benefits of Using of Sage Essential Oil

Sage is widely popular as the main element burned for “spiritual cleansing” of certain beliefs
and traditions. It is also the go-to spice for many cuisines nowadays, such as stuffing for the
Thanksgiving turkey. But sage has more modern uses in addition to the annual holiday.

Improves and soothes skin

Sage is commonly used on the hair, skin, and nails. As a rinse, sage can improve the texture
and tone of the hair, giving it a healthy shine. It is also infused in water to be used as toner to
prevent oily skin. With tea tree, arrowroot, and basil oils, sage oil can also be used to prevent
and treat fungal infection in toenails.

Defense against bacteria

Studies have shown that clary sage essential oil has anti-staphylococcus properties. It was
also found to be potentially effective against other disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli,
Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis. It is also used as mouthwash to treat gingivitis and

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sore throat. Sage is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for bleeding
and inflamed gums.

Supports memory

Sage has a long history of being used against mental decline. Modern studies on common
sage show that the essential oil is a promising aid for improving memory and cognition.
Along with Spanish sage, common sage oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
that may prevent the progress of dementia.

Source of antioxidants

Sage is a popular tonic and is the preferred tea in many cultures such as China because of its
soothing and healing qualities. Sage has antioxidant properties that have been utilized by the
food industry to improve the stability of oils that must be kept in storage for long periods of
time.

Reduces anxiety and depression

Early research tested the efficacy of clary sage oil as an antidepressant on rats. The rats were
injected with and allowed to inhale clary sage oil, which was found to serve as anti-stressor
on the test animals. Further tests may be needed to conclude its efficacy as antidepressant on
humans, but it has already been proven to calm the central nervous system and reduce
anxiety. Rosemary and lavender oil can be blended to sage oil to create a calming
environment around the home.

Promotes healthy menstrual and menopausal cycles

Sage can soothe spasms in smooth and skeletal muscles, making it useful against menstrual
cramps and other muscular discomforts. It also has estrogenic substances that help regulate
menstruation. Cold infusions serve as astringent and diuretic that help reduce night sweats
in menopausal women and reduce milk flow in breast-feeding mothers.

Safety Tips and Precautions

While the use of sage essential oil has been proven to have several benefits, there are also
some risks in taking them.

Sage oil should not be used during pregnancy, although small amounts of sage for culinary
purposes is safe. People with epilepsy should also avoid using sage due to the oil’s thujone
component, which may trigger convulsions. As essential oils tend to accumulate in the body,
long-term use is not recommended.

It is important to note that it should be diluted before it can be applied to the skin. Three to
five drops of essential oil can be mixed with an ounce of mineral oil or olive oil. Doing a skin
patch test first can help determine one’s reaction to sage oil.

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People who receive regular medication should talk to their doctor first before using sage as it
can react with other drugs.

Parents are advised to keep sage oils away from children’s reach. It is also not advised to use
sage oil for children below six years of age.

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