Extracted from a perennial herb known as “alecost” is an essential oil known as Costmary Oil. This oil is extracted from perennial temperate herb belonging to the “Tanacetum balsamita” species within the plant kingdom. Apparently, this oil during the medieval ages was commonly used to resolve menstruation problems that females face. In addition, this oil can also be used in treating conditions such as melancholy and hysteria. The plant/herb from which this oil is extracted is grown widely in Elizabethan knot gardens.
A. Chemical constituents of Costmary Oil:
This oil is extracted from herb/plant belonging to species within the plant kingdom known as “Tanacetum balsamita”. Furthermore, this oil basically comprises of organic compounds such as cavone (a major component), beta thujone, c-carveol, t-dihydrocarvone, c-dihydrocarvone, dihydrocarveol isomer, c-carveol, and t-carveol.
B. The uses and benefits of Costmary Oil:
There are a number of benefits to using the Costmary Oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antiseptic:
This oil possesses properties that enable the inhibition of microorganism growth and help in the treatment of open wounds thereby serving as an antiseptic.
2. Carminative:
This oil also consists of a property that helps in the resolution of gas formation (i.e. flatulence) within the GI system and serves as a carminative.
3. Astringent:
This oil when used also possesses a property that enables to constrict or contract mucous membranes and thereby serve as an astringent.
4. Decongestant:
“Clearing of the lung” is how this oil also functions when used and helps cure conditions such common cold, and thereby serve as a decongestant.
5. Anti-rheumatic:
This oil also consists of curative properties that help in the treatment of a condition known as “Rheumatoid arthritis”, and thereby serve as an anti-rheumatic.
C. The adverse effects of the Costmary Oil:
Apart from the benefits this oil also comprises of a couple adverse effects. They are as follows:
- This oil is harmful for those suffering from cancer, liver infections, or kidney infections.
- This oil when used is extremely harmful to pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it at all cost.
