Ayurveda

Sacred Oils

Sacred Oils

Sacred oils are plants that have a long history of use in religion, ceremonies and rituals. For centuries medicinal plants have been worshipped and used as medicine by indigenous cultures. Used in many Western medicinal formulas, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. Many of these oils are used in modern aromatherapy and natural perfumery.

Here are some example of these precious oils.

Davana (Artemisia pallens) The oil of ritual. Associated with Shiva the Moon-God. Used in pancha karma clinics in India for ovarian and uterine cysts. In Aromatherapy use it is beneficial for anxiety and has a calming effect on the nervous system. In natural perfumery use it scent is sweet and fruity with a wet mossy undertone.

Mogra (Jasminum sambac) Mogra has been used for centuries to make garlands for the Gods and Goddesses. Associated with the Hindu God of love, Kama. In Aromatherapy use it is beneficial for nervous anxiety associated with depression. In natural perfumery it’s scent is warm, sweet and floral with a tea like undertone.

Tulsi (Ocymum basilicum) Not the same species as European basil, Indian basil is associated with Krishna as it is believed that Krishna always wore garlands of the basil around his neck. In Aromatherapy use it is beneficial for upper respiratory tract infection such as cold and coughs. In natural perfumery use it’s scent is spicy-sweet with a green fresh woody undertone.

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) Is a relatively new essential oil although the Palo Santo tree or ‘sacred wood’ tree from which the essential oil is obtained has an ancient ethnobotanical history. Today it is used as an anti-inflammatory agent and with its uplifting lemony-woody scent can ease nervous tension and anti-anxiety.

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