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Calamondin Oil

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Belonging to a genus termed as “Citrofortunella” within the plant kingdom is an essential oil known as Calamondin. This oil has been extracted from a species within the plant kingdom known as “Citrofortunella microcarpa”. Furthermore, this oil is basically extracted from a small shrub about  3 to 6 meters in height known as “Calamodin” using steam distillation process, cold press method, and centrifugal extraction. This shrub basically consists of leak stalks with wing like appendages and white or purple coloured flowers. It is often also used as substitute for lime or lemon essential oil.

A. Chemical constituents of the Calamondin Oil:

This oil is basically extracted from a shrub known as Calamondin belonging to a plant species known as “Citrofortunella microcarpa”. Furthermore, this oil basically comprises of high percentage of an organic compound called “Limonene” i.e. a colourless liquid hydrocarbon.

B. The uses and benefits of the Calamondin Oil:

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

  1. Antidepressants: Depression is a major health issue which can be resolved by using this oil since it possesses “antidepressant” properties.
  2. Anti-anxiety: This oil also comprises of medicinal properties that help in resolving anxiety issues, and thereby serve as an anti-anxiety agent.
  3. Antioxidant: This oil possesses curative properties that are capable of inhibiting the process of oxidation that cause damage to the skin. In other words, this oil helps in preventing the development of wrinkles.
  4. Deodorizer: “Bad odour formation” is what this essential oil is capable of masking. Furthermore, it inhibits odour by ensuring that the “armpits” of an individual remains dry.
  5. Exfoliator: This oil due to its high acid content acts by removing unwanted uppermost layer of dead cells thereby adding glow to the skin and serving as an ideal exfoliator.

 C. The adverse effects of the Calamondin oil:

There are a couple of side effects that one may experience on using this oil. They are as follows:

  1. The use of this oil may severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant woman should avoid using it.

This oil usage may also cause skin irritation or allergies especially in individuals possessing sensitive skin.

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Cannabis Flower Oil

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Derived from a plant known as “hempi” is an essential oil known as Cannabis Flower oil. This essential oil is said to belong to the “Cannabis Sativa” species in the plant kingdom. This oil is basically pale yellow in colour, and comprises of about 140 different types of “terpenoids” (an organic compound). Furthermore, this oil is extremely is mainly used in as scent in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and candles. In addition, it is also used as flavouring agent in food especially in the manufacturing candy and many other beverages.

A. Chemical components of the Cannabis Flower Oil:

This oil is extracted from the upper leaves of a plant known as “hemp” belonging to the “Cannabis Sativa” family within the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil is extracted using a process known as “steam distillation”.  Furthermore, this oil comprises of a mixture of organic compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and several other “terpenoid” compounds. It also includes a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) rich extracts that comprise of dried hemp flowers i.e. marijuana and resin i.e. hashish.

B. The uses and benefits of the Cannabis Flower Oil:

There are a few benefits one can derive by using this essential oil although one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

  1. Anxiety and stress: This oil is extremely useful in providing relief from “anxiety and stress” the most common health issue that human beings deal with on a daily basis in this highly competitive world that we live in.
  2. Insomnia: “Lack of sleep” is yet another serious health ailment that can be resolved by using this essential oil.
  3. Analgesic: “By enabling relief of pain” this essential oil serves as an ideal “Analgesic”.
  4. Antispasmodic: This oil possesses curative properties that suppresses “muscle spasms”, and thereby serves as an antispasmodic.
  5. Antiretroviral: This oil possesses medicinal properties that help in suppressing the growth of the lethal HIV (Humanimmunodeficiency) virus.
  6. Anticancerous: “Inhibition of the growth of cancerous tumors” is what this essential oil is capable of doing according to ongoing research.
  7. Antiepileptic: This oil has properties that prevent the occurring of frequent seizures, and hence serves as an ideal antiepileptic.

 C. The adverse effects of the Cannabis Flower Oil:

Apart from benefits this oil (like most others) also comprises of a number of adverse effects, and they are as follows:

  1. The use of this oil could cause irritation in the lungs.
  2. This oil when used could also lead to increase in heart rate.
  3. This oil use could also lead to decreased concentration and sex drive respectively.
  4. Finally, the frequent use of this oil could lead to dependence which is also commonly referred to as “addiction”.

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Camphor Oil

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Derived from “camphorwood” is an essential oil commonly referred to as Camphor. This oil has been extracted from an “evergreen tree” known as Cinnamomum camphora belonging to genus Cinnamomum within the “plantae” kingdom.  Furthermore, this oil is basically extracted from two types of trees namely the “Common Camphor Tree” also known as “Cinnamomum Camphora”  and the “Borneo Camphor”  also known as “Dryobalanops Camphora”.  In addition, the oil obtained from both these tree differs from each other in aroma and in the concentration of the organic chemicals.

A. Chemical constituents of Camphor Oil:

This oil is extracted from an “evergreen tree” called Cinnamomum camphora. In addition, this oil comprises of volatile organic compounds such as borneol, pinene, camphene, terpene, and safrol.

B. The uses and benefits of Camphor Oil:

There are a number benefits to using this oil and they are listed below but one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

  1. Antiseptic: This oil comprises of chemical components that enable the killing of disease causing microorganisms, and thus serve as an antiseptic.
  2. Carminative: This oil also comprises of chemical components that help in clearing the gastric system from issues such as gas formation i.e. flatulence.
  3. Anesthetic: This oil contains chemical components that are capable of numbing down the sensory nerves, and thereby acting as an ideal anesthetic.
  4. Antispasmodic: The oil contains chemical components that inhibit spasms and cramps, and thereby serve as an ideal antispasmodic.
  5. Aphrodisiac: This oil also contains chemical components that stimulate sexual desire, and thus serves as an aphrodisiac.

 C. The adverse effects of the Camphor oil:

Although, there are a few benefits to using this oil there also comes along with it certain side effects, and they are as follows:

  1. This oil is extremely toxic and therefore it would be advisable to use it in low dosages.
  2. As in the case of many other essential oils, camphor oil too severely affects pregnancy and hence pregnant women or women planning for pregnancy must avoid using it.

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Birch Oil

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“Sweet birch” is a sobriquet that is given to the essential oil known as birch oil. This oil has been extracted from a hardwood tree known as birch and belongs to the Betulaceae family. Furthermore, this oil comprises of an extremely sweet “aroma”, and is used as an astringent. In addition, this oil possesses medicinal property that enables “body detoxification”. This oil is also used as a vital component in the manufacturing of leather in Russia.

A. Chemical constituents of Birch Oil:

This essential oil is basically extracted from a hardwood tree known as Birch and belongs to a genus known as “Betula” within the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this oil also consists of a lot of phytochemicals and comprise of organic chemical compounds such as betulin and betulinic acid.

B. The uses/benefits of the Birch Oil:

There are a number benefits to using birch oil and they are listed below but one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:

  1. Antiseptic: This oil comprises of “antiseptic” properties that destroys disease causing microorganism, and thereby helps in treatment of wounds.
  2. Antidepressant: This oil also comprises of medicinal properties that inhibit mental conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression etc, and thereby serves as an antidepressant.
  3. Analgesic: This oil comprises of curative properties that relieves pain experienced during headaches and toothaches.
  4. Antispasmodic: The oil comprises of medicinal properties that inhibit the spasms of the muscles, and thereby acts as an antispasmodic.
  5. Astringent: This oil also possesses powerful “astringent” properties, and therefore is extremely effective in reducing wrinkles and sagging of skin and muscles.

 C. The adverse effects of the Birch oil:

Apart from the beneficial effects of the Birch oil there are also a few adverse effects which exists, and they are as follows:

  1. This oil basically consists of chemical compounds that could be toxic to the skin and cause irritation. Therefore this oil must be handled with care.
  2. As in the case of many other essential oils, Birch oil too severely affects pregnancy and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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BUCHU OIL- AGASTHOSMA

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Also referred to as “Agasthosma” is an essential oil known as Buchu. This essential oil is extracted from a plant known as Agasthosma belonging to the Rutaceae family in the “plantae” kingdom.  Furthermore, this plant basically belongs to South Africa and comprises of two types namely the “Round Leaf Buchu” also known as “Agothosma Betulina or Barosma Betulina” and “Oval Leaf Buchu”  which is also known as “Agothosma Crenulata or Barosma Crenulata”. In addition, this essential oil contains organic compounds that could be toxic and hence must be used with lots of care.

A. Chemical components of the Buchu Oil:

This oil is derived from a plant called “Agasthosma” which belongs to the genus in the “plantae” kingdom also known as “Agasthosma”. In addition, this plant basically belongs to the Rutaceae family.

B. The uses/benefits of the Buchu Oil:

An essential oil when used can be beneficial as well as have adverse effects on the body in equal measures. So here is presenting a list of benefits that the use of Buchu oil provides:

  1. Antiseptic: This oil comprises of components that comprise of “antiseptic” properties, and hence is useful in resolving issues related to treating wounds by destroying disease causing microorganisms.
  2. Anti-rheumatism: This oil comprises of organic compounds that possess medicinal properties that are capable of treating a condition known as rheumatoid arthritis. It does so by detoxifying the body via the removal of uric acid from the body.
  3. Carminative: This oil also possesses organic compounds that have “carminative” properties, and thereby help in the removal of formation gases from the stomach and intestines.
  4. Digestion: This oil also possesses medicinal properties that help in the normal functioning of the digestion process by stimulating the secretion of appropriate amount of digestive juices into the stomach.
  5. Diuretic: This oil also comprises of “diuretic” properties that help in flushing out wastes such as toxins like uric acid, excess salts and water from the body.

 C. The adverse effects of the Buchu oil:

Apart from benefits there are also a few adverse effects that come along with the use of this oil, and they are as follows:

  1. Since this oil contains components that are highly toxic, care must be taken that it is used only in small doses.
  2. Like many other essential oils, this oil too could severely affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using it.

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BLACK PEPPER OIL- BLACK PEPPER

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Derived from a “flowering vine” is an essential oil known as Black Pepper. This oil is extracted from a plant known as “Black pepper” belonging to a family known as “Piperaceae”. In addition, this oil consists of organic chemical known as “piperine” which possesses properties that makes the “digestive system” strong and protects it against oxidation process (i.e. a process capable of damaging cell membranes and vital components such as cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA). Furthermore, this essential oil is also used as a preservative during the manufacturing of perfumes.

A. Chemical components of the Black Pepper Oil:

This oil is obtained from a plant called “Black Pepper” which belongs to a species called “Piper Nigrum” in the “Plantae” kingdom. In addition, this oil includes “phytochemicals” such as amides, piperidines, pyrrolidines, and a small amount of safrole.

B. The uses/benefits of the Black Pepper Oil:

There are a few health related benefits that an individual can acquire by using this essential oil. These benefits are as follows:

  1. Digestion: This oil comprises of medicinal properties that help in maintaining the normal functioning of the gastric system. In other words, it helps resolving conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas formation i.e. flatulence.
  2. Blood Circulation: This oil consists of organic components that helps stimulate good blood circulation throughout the body. In addition, it also promotes the normal flow of mucus and bile.
  3. Anti-spasmodic: This oil comprises of organic chemicals that suppress the spasms of the muscles, and thereby help resolve issues such spasms of the stomach, intestine, or urinary bladder.
  4. Hypolipidemia: This oil also comprises of components that help lower the cholesterol level in the human body. In other words, this oil lowers the concentration of LDL and VLDL cholesterol while elevating HDL cholesterol.
  5. Anticancerous: According to a research conducted in 2010 by Michigan University this oil is said to have organic compounds that help inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

C. The adverse effects of the Black Pepper Oil:

Like most essential oils Black pepper oil too possesses a few adverse effects which are as follows:

  1. This oil can cause irritation to the eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas of the body, and hence must be used with extreme care.
  2. Similar to most other essential oils, Black pepper oil can also seriously affect pregnancy, and hence pregnant women must avoid using this oil.

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BERGAMOT OIL- BERGAMOT ORANGE FRUIT

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Considered to be “cold pressed” is an essential oil known as Bergamot. This essential oil is basically extracted from cells located within the peel of a fruit called “Bergamot orange”. Furthermore, this essential oil is a major component of the original “Eau de Cologne” perfume first prepared by Johann Maria Farina in 1709. In addition, this essential oil was first extracted from the “Bergamot orange” using a technique known as “Sfumatura” (also referred to as slow folding process).

A. Chemical constituents of the Bergamot oil:

This oil has basically been extracted from a fruit called Bergamot orange which belongs to a species known as “Citrus bergamia” in the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this oil contains 95% of volatile organic compounds, and 5% non-volatile compounds. Furthermore, the volatile compounds consists of organic chemicals such as terpenes, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, while non-volatile compounds include heterocyclic chemicals such as coumarins and furanocoumarins.

B. The uses/benefits of the Bergamot oil:

There are certain benefits that can be derived from the use of this essential oil. These benefits are as follows:

  1. Antidepressant: This oil comprise of components such as Alpha Pinene and Limonene that serve as “antidepressant”, and help curb depression by improving the circulation of blood to the brain. In addition, this oil actually helps stimulate the feeling of joyfulness and increase energy.
  2. Analgesic: This oil consists of “Analgesic” properties that help relieve pain within an individual. They do so by stimulating the release of certain hormones within the body that act by providing relief from all kinds of pain.
  3. Digestive: This oil comprises of components that promotes good digestion, and thereby serves as a digestive. In addition, this oil also helps reducing strain on the intestines and fastens digestion via regulation of peristaltic movements.
  4. Anti-spasmodic: This oil consists of “anti-spasmodic” properties and thereby helps reducing spasms in the muscles and nerves. In other words, this oil helps in providing relief from conditions such as body cramps, convulsions, and painful muscle contractions.
  5. Antiseptic: This oil also consists of “antiseptic” properties and thereby helps in providing rapid healing of wounds. In addition, it also helps in resolving issues such as cracks on the skin and heels, ulcers, and eczema.

 C. The adverse effects of the Bergamot oil:

There are a couple of side effects that could occur on use of the Bergamot oil. They are as follows:

  1. The use of this oil could lead to skin irritation unless it is diluted properly before use. In addition, the use of this oil could also lead to blisters, scabs, redness and pigmentation of the skin.

The use of the oil could also lead to “photosensitivity” i.e. sensitivity to the sun rays.  Furthermore, such sensitivity to the sun could lead to severe sun burn and changes in the cell leading to a possibility of skin cancer.

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BAY OIL- BAY LEAF

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Basically derived from an “aromatic leaf” is an essential oil known as Bay.  This oil is extracted from the “Bay leaf” which essentially belongs to the “Lauraceae” family within the kingdom “plantae”. Furthermore, this leaf is basically obtained from a tree known as “Bay” which can be found on the Caribbean Island.  In addition, the oil is then extracted from the leaf using the “steam distillation” process.

A. Chemical Constituents of the Bay Oil:

This oil is basically extracted from Bay leaf which belongs to a species known as “Laurus Nobilis”. In addition, this oil also comprises of chemical organic compounds such as alpha pinene, alpha terpineol, beta pinene, chavicol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, myrcene, and neral.

B. The uses/benefits of the Bay Oil:

Bay oil possesses a number of beneficial medicinal properties, and they are as follows:

  1. Antiseptic: This oil comprises of “antiseptic” properties and hence when used helps in destroying disease causing organisms such as bacteria, and therefore proves to be extremely useful in treatment of wounds.
  2. Antispasmodic: This oil also consists of medicinal properties that prevent any kind of muscle spasms. For example, conditions such as coughs, aches, diarrhea, convulsions etc caused by muscle spasms can be cured using this oil.
  3. Analgesic: This oil also possesses curative properties that relieve pain. And so this oil can be used to inhibit pain caused during conditions such as cough, cold, viral infections, infections, and sprains.
  4. Antibiotic: This oil also possesses “antibiotic” properties which help inhibit the growth of microorganism and, thereby cure infections that are bacterial, viral, and parasitic in nature respectively.
  5. Anti-neuralgic: This oil also possesses “anti-neuralgic” properties that help in providing relief from “neuralgic pain” that mainly affects areas such as throat, ears, tonsil, base of the nose, larynx, and pharynx.

 C. The adverse effects of the Bay Oil:

There are a couple of adverse effects that could occur if Bay Oil is used. These effects are as follows:

  1. The high concentration of an organic compound called eugenol in this oil could lead to skin and mucus membrane irritation, and hence must be avoided.
  2. The use of this oil could also affect pregnancy so pregnant women must avoid using it.

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BASIL OIL- BASIL LEAF

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“Warm and spicy” would be the apt way to describe the aroma of an essential oil called Basil. This essential oil is derived from a “herb” known as Basil, and is even is referred to as the great basil. Furthermore, this essential oil is mainly used as a flavoring agent in food. In addition, this oil has been commonly used as medicine in the ancient Indian medical system known as “Ayurveda”. Moreover, it is also commonly used as an antiviral, antibiotic, and diuretic.

A. Chemical components of the Basil Oil:

This oil is extracted from a “herb” known as “Basil” belonging to the “Ocimum Basilicum” species in the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this herb comprises of a variety of organic compounds such as citronellol, linalool, myrcene, pinene, ocimene, terpineol, linalyl acetate, trans-ocimene, 1,8 cineole, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, and beta caryophylline.

B. The uses/benefits of the Basil Oil:

The use of Basil oil benefits a few body systems in a major way, and they are as follows:

  1. Gastrointestinal system: This oil possesses medicinal properties capable of clearing the gastric system. And so issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, constipation, and flatulence can be resolved using this oil.
  2. Respiratory system: This oil when used is also capable of resolving respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infection.
  3. Urinary system: This oil when used is capable of treating serious bladder infections.
  4. Nervous system: Issues such as migraines, mental fatigue, melancholy, and depression can be cured by using this essential oil.
  5. Ophthalmological system: This oil also possesses medicinal property that is capable of resolving issues such as bloodshot eyes.

 C. The adverse effects of the Basil Oil:

Apart from its usefulness there are however a few adverse reactions that could result from the use of Basil Oil.  These reactions are as follows:

  1. The use of the oil can cause slowing down of “blood clotting” which could result in increase of excessive bleeding during and post surgery.
  2. A diabetic individual should avoid using this oil, since using it could cause lowering of the blood pressure i.e. hypoglycemia.
  3. This oil could interact with drugs such as NSAID’s, and hence it must not be used along especially with products containing acetaminophen.

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BALSAM OF PERU- MYROXYLON

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Derived from a tree known as “Myroxylon” popular mainly in Central America (El Salvador) is an essential oil known as Balsam of Peru. This essential oil is derived from a balsam (i.e. a resinous substance that is secreted from a tree). Furthermore, this essential oil is deep brown in colour, and is slightly pungent (similar to clove) in odour. In addition, Balsam of Peru blends beautifully with oils such as cinnamon and vanilla.

A. Chemical constituents of the Balsam of Peru Oil:

The Balsam of Peru is derived from a tree called Myroxylon belonging to a species called “Myroxylon Balsamum”. In addition, it also comprises of compounds such as benzyl benzoate, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid alcohol, aldehyde, farnesol, and nerolidol.

B. The uses/benefits of the Balsam of Peru Oil:

There are certain “benefits” that an individual can experience while using the Balsam of Peru oil. These benefits are as follows:

  1. Antiseptic: This oil comprises of “antiseptic” properties and thereby helps in destroying disease causing germs and bacteria.
  2. Expectorant: This oil also comprises of “expectorant” properties that helps in clearing up chest/lung congestion related issues.
  3. Diuretic: This oil basically consists of “diuretic” properties and helps flushing out toxins, kidney stones, excessive water, and fat from the body.
  4. Dental hygiene: This oil with its pleasant “aroma and taste” helps in maintaining the overall dental hygiene by eliminating unwanted bacteria and germs.
  5. Hair health: This oil comprises of medicinal properties that enables the killing of the dead skin cells and cleansing of the hair scalp.

 C. The adverse effects of the Balsam Peru Oil:

There are a few adverse effects on using the Balsam Peru oil, and these effects are as follows:

  1. Using this oil could lead to possible allergic symptoms such as formation of blisters, watery eyes etc.
  2. It is advisable for those individuals suffering from a serious renal disease to avoid using this oil since it might worsen the condition.

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