Derived from “leaves and stems” belonging to different species of lemongrass is an essential oil known as Citronella Oil. This essential oil is extracted from a plant belonging to genus known as “Cymbopogon”. Furthermore, this oil is commonly used in the perfume industry as well as an insect repellant. In addition, this oil is also used in the manufacturing of soaps, candles, cosmetics,  used as a flavouring agent in food, and is also used to calm barking dogs.

A. Chemical constituents of the Citronella Oil:

This oil is basically extracted from different species of lemongrass belonging to genus known as Cymbopogon within the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil mainly comprises of organic compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol.

B. The use and benefits of the Citronella Oil:

There are a number of benefits that can be gained by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Anitbacterial:

This oil possesses medicinal properties capable of inhibiting the growth of disease causing bacteria, and thereby serving as an antibacterial.

2. Antidepressant:

“Relief from depression” is what this oil provides for when used, and thereby serves as an antidepressant.

3. Antiseptic:

This oil is also capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and help in treatment of wounds thereby serving as an antiseptic.

4. Antispasmodic:

This oil also possesses “antispasmodic” properties which enables the inhibition of muscle spasms, and therefore acts as an antispasmodic.

5. Diuretic:

“Flushing out toxins and waste material from the body” is how this oil functions when used, and thereby acts as a diuretic.

C. The adverse effects of the Citronella Oil:

Apart from the benefits the use of this oil could lead to a few adverse reactions. They are as follows:

1. This oil when used could cause irritation to the skin especially in those individuals who have sensitive skin.
2. This oil also like many other types is also harmful to pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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Extracted from a fruit belonging to the “Citrus” family is an essential oil known as Citron Oil. This oil is derived from a fruit belonging to the “Citrus Medica” in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit using a process known as “cold process”. In addition, the fruit used to produce this oil is mainly found in Italy in an island known as Sicily.  This oil also possesses an extremely refreshing and sweet aroma. It is also commonly used in aromatherapy and as insect repellents.

A. Chemical constituents of Citron Oil:

This oil is extracted from a fruit belonging to a species known as “Citrus Medica” in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil mainly comprises of organic compounds such as limonene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene, neral, geranial, nerol and geraniol.

B. The uses and benefits of the Citron Oil:

There are a few benefits to using Citron Oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antimicrobial:

This oil comprises of curative properties that help inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and thereby serve as an antimicrobial.

2. Antibiotic:

This oil also possesses useful “antibiotic” properties and when used helps in inhibiting or destroying the growth of microorganism and help in treating several bacterial and viral infections.

C. The adverse effects of the Citron Oil:

Unfortunately, there are number of adverse effects derived from this oil that also follows the benefits. They are as follows:

1. Using this oil could lead to skin irritations especially in those individuals who posses sensitive skin.
2. Similar to other oils, this oil can be extremely harmful to pregnancy and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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Extracted from a group of flowering plants belonging to the “Cistaceae” family is an essential oil known as Cistus Oil. This oil is derived from a perennial shrubs belonging to the “Cistus” genus in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this flowering plant family (from which the oil is extracted) comprises of a variety of species (i.e. about 20). In addition, this oil is aromatic and is extremely useful in the treatment of the respiratory conditions. The oil is basically extracted from the leaf and the branch of the shrub belonging to the “Cistus” genus.

A. Chemical constituents of the Cistus Oil:

This oil is extracted from a group of flowering plants belonging to the genus “Cistus” and the “Cistaceae” family. In addition, the “Cistus Landanifer” species consists of organic compounds such as trans-pinocarveol (about 20%), bornyl acetate (about 7.03%), and terpinen-4-ol (about 6.37%).

B. The uses and benefits of the Cistus Oil:

With proper use of this essential oil there comes along with a few benefits. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antimicrobial:

This oil when used is capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, and thereby serves as an “antimicrobial” agent.

2. Astringent:

This oil when applied is capable of reducing bleeding of the skin by stimulating the contraction of cells, and thereby serves as an astringent.

3. Expectorant:

This oil when used can also stimulate the secretion of sputum and thereby serves as an expectorant.

4. Sedative:

This oil also possesses medicinal properties which help “induce sleep” and thereby acts as a sedative.

5. Emmenagogue:

By “stimulating blood flow” in the pelvic area this oil when used serves as an “emmenagogue”.

C. The adverse effects of the Cistus Oil:

Apart from the benefits there are a few adverse effects that come along with its use. There are as follows:

1. This oil when used could cause skin irritation especially for those who possess sensitive skin.
2. Like several other oils, this oil too affects pregnancy severely and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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Popularly used as a “flavouring agent” in several alcoholic beverages is an essential oil known as Cinnamon Oil. This oil is extracted from the inner bark of a tree species belonging to a genus called “Cinnamomum” in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is extracted from the bark initially by “pounding”, then “macerating” the extract in sea water, and finally “distilling” it. In addition, this oil is basically “golden-yellow” in colour and also consists of a strong aroma.

A. Chemical constituents of the Cinnamon Oil:

This oil is extracted from the inner bark of a tree species belonging to the genus “Cinnamomum” in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this essential oil consists of about 80 organic compounds. In addition, eugenol and cinamaldehyde comprise of the major chemical compounds available in this oil.

B. The use and benefits of the Cinnamon Oil:

There are a number of benefits that usage of this oil provides for. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Anti-inflammatory:

This oil possesses properties that inhibit pain produced by inflammation of the joint and muscles, and thereby serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.

2. Antiviral:

This oil when used can also inhibit the growth of viruses, treat viral infections such as bronchitis, and thereby serve as an antiviral agent.

3. Antidepressant:

This oil when used can exhibit properties that can stimulate the nervous system and help resolve serious mental disorders such as depression.

4. Aphrodisiac:

“Stimulation of sexual desire” is also what this oil promotes when used, and thereby serves as an “aphrodisiac”.

5. Anti-parasitic:

This oil also possesses curative properties that help in clearing organisms such as helminthes, amoeba, parasitic fungi, and protozoa from within the gastrointestinal system.

C. The adverse reactions of the Cinnamon Oil:

Apart from the benefits that this oil provides, there are a few adverse reactions too that must be noted. They are as follows:

1. This oil when used may cause nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
2. This oil when used may also cause allergies especially in those individuals that possess sensitive skin.

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Derived from a monocotyledonous plant “Calamus” is an essential oil referred to as Acorus Calamus Oil. This oil is extracted from a tall flowering plant (grown mainly in the wetlands) belonging to a species known as “Acorus Calamus” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this plant used to extract the oil is also commonly referred to as “sweet flag”. In addition, this oil is extremely popular within the Indian Medical system known as “Ayurveda” and its stem, roots, and leaves are regularly used for its curative properties.

A. Chemical constituents of Acorus Calamus Oil:

This oil is extracted from a monocotyledonous plant belonging to the “Acorus Calamus” species in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil mainly consists of organic compounds i.e. phytochemicals such as alpha-asarone, beta-asarone, and eugenol.

B. The uses and benefits of Acorus Calamus Oil:

There are a number of benefits to be gained by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antispasmodic:

This oil comprises of curative properties that enable the inhibition of “muscle spasms” and thereby serve as an antispasmodic.

2. Antibiotic:

This oil also possesses “antibiotic” properties, and hence functions by inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes.

3. Antirheumatic:

“Inhibiting rheumatoid arthritis” is also one of the properties that this oil possesses, and hence serves as an antirheumatic.

4. Antiarthritic:

This oil functions by stimulating rate of blood circulation in the body thereby reliving pain and swelling experienced in arthritis.

5. Cephalic:

This oil also possesses medicinal properties that are capable of curing serious brain disorders by stimulating neural pathways.

C. The adverse effects of the Acorus Calamus Oil:

With relation to this oil apart from the benefits there is also a major adverse effect that must be noted. This effect is as follows:

1. This essential oil is supposedly extremely toxic, and hence needs to be used with a great deal of care.

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Derived from a “short perennial plant” is an essential oil known as Chamomile Oil. This oil is extracted from a plant known as “Chamomile” belonging to a species called “Chamaemelum nobile” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this plant from which this oil is extracted is grown extensively in Europe, North America, and Argentina. In addition, this oil is used as a flavouring agent in food and drinks such as herbal teas, in the perfume industry, as well as in the cosmetic industry.

A. Chemical constituents of the Chamomile Oil:

This oil is extracted from a short plant known as Chamomile which belongs to a species known as “Chamaemelum nobile” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, there are two types of chamomile oil comprising of various organic compounds. They are as follows:

1. Roman Chamomile Oil: Also known as “Anthemis Nobilis” and includes organic compounds such as Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Farsenol, Cineole, Propyl Angelate and Butyl Angelate.
2. German Chamomile Oil: Also known as “Matricaria Chamomilla” and includes organic compounds such as Azulene (also called Chamazulene), Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol Oxide-A & B and Bisabolene Oxide-A.

 B. The uses and benefits of the Chamomile Oil:

There are a few benefits one can experience while using this oil for health purposes. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antiseptic: Since this oil possesses properties capable of destroying disease causing microbes, and thereby help in the treatment of open wounds it serves as an ideal antiseptic.
2. Carminative: “Formation of gas i.e. flatulence” within the stomach can be resolved using this oil, since it possesses “carminative” properties.
3. Analgesic: An issue like “Pain” can be resolved by using this oil, since it basically comprises of “analgesic” properties.
4. Sedative: “Instilling calmness” within an individual is the major function of this oil, and thereby serves an ideal “sedative”.
5. Anti-inflammatory: “Inhibition of pain” derived from inflammation of joints and muscles can be resolved by using this oil which comprises of “anti-inflammatory” properties.

 C. The adverse effects of the Chamomile Oil:

Apart from the benefits in using this oil there also exist a few adverse effects. They are as follows:

1. The use of this oil could result in skin irritation especially in those individuals who possess sensitive skin.
2. Similar to many other oils, this oil too could severely affect pregnancy, and hence its use must be avoided by pregnant women.

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“Cedarwood” is another term that has been coined for an essential oil known as Cedar oil. This essential oil is extracted from various types of junipers and cypresses and belongs to the family Cupressaceae. Furthermore, this oil is commonly used in the pharmaceutical, art, and perfume industries respectively. In addition, this oil also comprises of “bactericidal” and “pesticidal” properties. This oil is basically extracted from the wood, roots, stumps, or foliage regions of coniferous trees.

A. Chemical constituents of Cedar Oil:

This oil is extracted from trees such as junipers and cypresses belonging to the “Cupressaceae” family in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil basically comprises of organic compounds such as “cedrol” and “cedrene”.

B. The uses and benefits of Cedar Oil:

There are few benefits to using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antiseptic: Useful in treating external “wounds” this oil possesses an “antiseptic” property which thereby enables the destruction of disease causing microorganism.
2. Anti-inflammatory: This oil also consists of curative properties that can help reduce pain generated by “inflammation” in joints and tissues.
3. Antirheumatic: The disease “Rheumatoid arthritis” can be inhibited by the use of this oil since it possesses “antirheumatic” properties.
4. Antiseborroeic: “Seborrhoeic Eczema” a condition caused by the over secretion of the “sebaceous gland” can be treated using this oil since it possesses “antiseborroeic” properties.
5. Decongestant: This oil is also useful in treating “chest congestion” by clearing out the lungs and thereby serving as an ideal “decongestant”.

 C. The adverse effects of the Cedar Oil:

Now, along with a few benefits that this oil provides there exist also are a few adverse effects that one needs to understand. They are as follows:

1. The use of this oil could lead to skin irritation especially in those individuals with sensitive skin.
2. Like many other oils this oil too can severely affect pregnancy and, hence pregnant women must avoid using it.
3. This oil when used may also stimulate an “asthma attack”, and hence “asthmatics” must avoid using it.

This use of this oil could also cause damage to the kidneys and liver, and hence must be used in the proper dosage.

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Derived from the seed of the “carrot plant” is an essential oil known as Carrot Seed oil. This oil has been extracted from a plant belonging to species called “Daucus Carota” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil is basically “amber” in colour, and comprises of a sweet fragrance. In addition, this oil after extraction from the plant is then distilled and used in the manufacturing of perfumes as well as in food aromatization.

A. Chemical constituents of the Carrot Seed Oil:

This oil is basically extracted used a process known as “cold pressing” from seeds of the carrot plant which belongs to a species known as “Daucus Carota” in the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil mainly comprises of organic compounds such as luteolin, luteolin 3′-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin 4′-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

B. The uses and benefits of the Carrot Seed Oil:

There are a few extremely useful benefits of using the Carrot Seed Oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antiseptic: Since this oil possesses medicinal properties capable of destroying disease causing microbes and helps heal wounds, it serves as an ideal antiseptic.
2. Carminative: “Gas formation in the stomach” is another common health issue that can be resolved by using this oil since it possesses powerful “carminative” properties.
3. Antioxidant: This oil possesses medicinal properties that inhibit the process of oxidation and helps prevent damage of the skin. In other words, it helps prevents formation of wrinkles and hence serves as an ideal “antioxidant”.
4. Antiviral: “Viral infections” such as bronchitis can be cured using this oil since it possesses “antiviral” properties.
5. Cytophylactic: This oil also possesses properties that “promote the growth of new cells and tissues” and thereby serves as a cytophylactic.

 C. The adverse effects of the Carrot Seed Oil:

Apart from the benefits the use of the oil could also have a few adverse effects. They are as follows;

1. The use of this oil could lead to allergic reactions especially in those individuals having sensitive skin. Its use could also lead to skin discolouration.
2. This oil could be harmful for people having diabetes, and so diabetic individuals must avoid the use of this oil.
3. This oil (like many others) can be extremely harmful if used during pregnancy, and hence a pregnant woman must avoid it at all cost.

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Derived from “one of the world’s most expensive spice” is an essential oil known as Cardamon or Cardamum.  This oil is extracted from a spice called “Cardamum” which belongs to the genus “Elettaria” and “Amomum”.  Furthermore, this essential oil in a country such as India is used as a flavouring agent in food while, in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Finland this essential oil is used in “Baking”. In addition, it is also used as an important ingredient in a popular Indian beverage known as “Masala Chai” or spiced tea.

A. Chemical constituents of the Cardamon Seed Oil:

This oil is extracted from a spice known as “Cardamum” belonging to the genus “Elettaria” and “Amomum” and the “Zingiberaceae” family within the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil comprises of organic compounds such as Alpha terpineol i.e. 45%, myrcene i.e. 27%, limonene i.e. 8%, menthone i.e. 6%, Beta- Phellandrene i.e. 3%, 1,8- cineol i.e. 2%, sabinene i.e. 2% and heptane i.e. 2%.

B. The uses and benefits of the Cardamon Seed Oil:

There are a number of benefits that can be gained using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antispasmodics:

By resolving issues related to “muscle spasms” this oil serves as an ideal “antispasmodic”.

2. Antiseptic:

This oil possesses properties capable of treating wounds and infections by killing disease causing microorganisms, thereby serving as an antiseptic.

3. Digestion:

This oil also comprises of properties that helps maintain a functional gastrointestinal system.

4. Diuretic:

This oil when used can also help in the flushing out the toxins and waste materials from the body, and thereby serve as a diuretic.

5. Stimulant:

This oil is also effective in resolving issues such as depression and fatigue by promoting the stimulation of the body system by secreting enzymes, hormones, gastric juices etc.

C. The adverse effects of the Cardamom Seed Oil:

There are also a few adverse effects that one may experience while using this oil. They are as follows

1. This oil when used could cause a condition called the Irritable Bowel Syndrome so it must be used with care.
2. This oil could also cause conditions such as nausea and bronchitis.
3. Sore mouth and throat could also occur if this oil is not handled with care.
4. Like many other essential oils, the use of this oil also has a harmful effect on pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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Used mainly as a “flavouring agent” in food is an aromatic essential oil known as Caraway. This oil has been extracted from a biennial plant known as Caraway and is also referred to as “Meridian Fennel” or “Persian Cumin”. Furthermore, this oil apart from food is also used in the manufacturing of soaps, lotions, and perfumes. In addition, this oil consists of a “pungent anise like aroma”. In terms of the total production, the major producer of this essential oil (according to the 2011 statistics) was Finland supplying about 28% all over the globe.

A. Chemical constituents of the Caraway Oil:

This oil was extracted from a plant known as “Caraway” which belongs to the “Carum carvi” species within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil mainly consists of organic compounds such as carvone, limonene, and anethole.

B. The uses and benefits of the Caraway oil:

There are number of benefits to be gained by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

1. Antiseptic: This oil basically possesses “antiseptic” properties and enables clearing up of a wound by destroying disease causing microbes.
2. Antispasmodic: This oil comprises of curative properties that inhibits muscle spasms, and thereby serves as an antispasmodic.
3. Carminative: This oil can also act by resolving issues related to gas formation i.e. flatulence in the stomach, and thereby serves as a carminative.
4. Antihistaminic: “Allergic reactions” can be resolved using this oil since it possesses “antihistaminic” properties.
5. Galactogogue: “By increasing production of milk in mothers” this oil serves as an ideal “Galactogogue”.

 C. The adverse effects of the Caraway Oil:

Apart from the benefits mentioned above there are a few adverse effects that one should take into account. They are as follows:

1. This oil contains “neurotoxins” and hence its use could severely affect pregnancy. Therefore pregnant women must avoid using this oil.
2. It could also cause skin irritation when applied, and so its use must be carefully monitored.

It could also cause issues such as drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting, and hence must be used wisely.

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