Health Benefits of Tuberose Essential Oil
The health benefits of Tuberose Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like aphrodisiac, deodorant, relaxing, sedative and warming.
Tuberose is not a popular name in the world of herbal medicines. Rather, it is very popular and priced among perfume manufacturers. Its flower has a beautiful fragrance which is active at night and this flower blooms at night. Due to this, tuberose is popularly known as “Night Queen” or “Mistress of the Night” or “Raat ki Raani” as it known in Hindi. It grows well in Central America and India and is very much in demand in the countries of the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and Africa for making perfume. Its scientific name is Polianthes Tuberosa and its essential oil is extracted from its flowers by solvent extraction method. The main components of Tuberose Essential Oil are benzyl alcohol, butyric acid, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, menthyl benzoate, menthyl anthranilate and nerol.
The various medicinal properties of this essential oil are given as follows.
- Aphrodisiac: Justifying its romantic and sensual names “Night Queen” and “Mistress of the Night”, this oil behaves as an aphrodisiac. This is used as an aphrodisiac both in aromatherapy as well as in herbal medicines. The very strong, intense and intoxicating floral fragrance of the Essential Oil of Tuberose makes fills the atmosphere with romanticism and builds an atmosphere of love. This oil is found very effective in treating frigidity and lack of libido etc. Certain components of this essential oil stimulates those parts of the brain which are responsible for arousals, sexual feelings and libido, both when used in aromatherapy as well as taken orally (there are very rare examples of oral administration of this oil, the aroma being very strong). It also relaxes the mind which is a pre-requisite for a successful sex, as tension and stress are two of its biggest enemies. Further it has a warming effect on the organs as it increases circulation of blood which in turn helps cure erectile dysfunctions, impotency etc.
- Deodorant: I don’t think that I need to explain its deodorant properties. The essential oil, which is world famous for its use in perfumes, does certainly not need an introduction as a deodorant. The rich, intense and long lasting floral fragrance is an ideal choice for a deodorant and that is why it is so popular in the countries with hot and humid climate, as they have to deal with sweat and resultant body odour.
- Relaxing: The pleasant fragrance and some components of this oil have relaxing effects on the brain, nerves and the muscles. It calms down and gives relief from stress, tension, anxiety, depression, anger, nervous afflictions, convulsions, cramps, spasmodic coughs and diarrhoea etc.
- Sedative: This essential oil is good in sedating inflammations,particularly pertaining to nervous system and the respiratory system. But to have this sedating effect, it should be used in good dilution.
- Warming: Tuberose Essential Oil stimulates and increases blood circulation in the body thereby inducing a warming effect. This effect counters feeling of cold in winters, keeps the respiratory system warm and prevents deposition of phlegm and catarrh, increases activity and also helps cure sexual disorders.
- Other Benefits: In addition to the benefits described above, this essential oil can also be used to keep the skin free of infections and cracks, in hair oils (this does not suit everybody and may cause headaches) and to counter nausea, tendency of vomiting, effect of foul smell etc.
Few Words of Caution: It is non toxic, non irritant and non sensitizing. But since it has a very strong and intense aroma, it may cause headache and can get on the nerves if used in higher concentration. Hence, very mild doses should be used for best results.
Blending: In most cases, the Essential Oil of Tuberose is found blended with the essential oil of Jojoba, since in pure form its fragrance is excessively strong and overpowering. It also forms good blends with essential oils of bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and vetiver.
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This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee.
