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Allspice (Pimenta Dioica)
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Allspice! Doesn’t the name sound strange? Yes! It does! And it is worth its name. Like the name goes, the taste (or rather say its aroma) is a strange mixture of those of clove, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and a few other spices or condiments. Allspice or Pimento, as it is popularly known there, is an inhabitant of some countries of the Caribbean Islands and South America. It is a big evergreen tree whose botanical name is Pimenta Dioica or Pimenta Officinalis, the later suggesting its medicinal properties. The Essential Oil of Allspice is extracted by steam distillation of its leaves and fruits, which slightly differ from each other in colour and aroma. The chief constituents of its essential oil are cineol, caryophyllene, eugenol, methyl eugenol and phellandrene.
This essential oil, despite being not so popular with aroma therapists, has a variety of medicinal of therapeutic uses, which can be summarized as under.
Anaesthetic: This oil, when applied, has a numbing or anaesthetic effect, although local and not on the central nervous system. This can help withstand certain pains, such as those of neuralgia, bone and muscular injuries, joints etc. as well those of insect bites, stings etc.Analgesic: The anaesthetic property of the Essential Oil of Allspice is responsible for this second property, the analgesic property, of this oil. Since it has a numbing effect on the nerves, it does not let them sense pain and carry its sensation to brain, thereby giving relief from pains, such as those of headache, cold, sinusitis and others. This is certainly far better than swallowing those analgesics and pain-killers (most of them based on narcotics such as opium), which cost heavy on your heart, brain and nervous system and inflict permanent damage on them.
Anti Oxidant: This is one of the most wanted properties today. People are just crazy over it. This is because anti oxidants can work miracles. They can actually stop aging by neutralizing the free radicals or oxidants and also healing the damage already done by them. Oxidants or free radicals are not only responsible for age related problems such as weakening of muscles, hair loss, loss in vision and hearing, nervous disorders, macular and muscular degeneration and lots others, but can also trigger off certain types of cancers in the body, such as those of colon, intestines and prostrate. The anti oxidant property of this oil can be very effective in countering these threats and can help you lead a healthy and youthful life.
Anti Septic: A simple looking wound can be very dangerous if it turns septic or catches tetanus and you believe it or not, it can be seriously fatal. Septic and tetanus are situations of infection of wounds with certain bacteria and they spread very quick, engulfing the whole body, resulting in severe convulsions, cramps, breathlessness, pain, hydrophobia and even insanity. The anti septic property of this oil protects wounds against such infections and inhibits bacterial growth, thus avoiding situations discussed above.
Carminative: Whenever we talk of gas in intestines, we seem to enjoy and it brings laughs to us. But the situations are just reversed when it happens to us. It can be very painful, disturbing, embarrassing and even fatal in extreme cases. Moving from simpler to more complex ones, gas causes indigestion, unrest, stomachaches, heaviness, rheumatism, cramps, chest pain, high blood pressure, heart problems and even death.
Relaxant: This essential oil sedates nervous afflictions and hyper reactions and induces a relaxing, calming effect on the body and the mind. This property is also effecting giving relief from cramps and spasm. This is also helpful for bringing sleep to those suffering from insomnia.
Rubefacient: Want some redness in your face? You may if you have a very fair complexion and it can give you a more beautiful and blushing look. The stimulating property of this oil increases blood circulation below the skin (and also in the whole body), giving a reddish touch.
Stimulant: It stimulates blood circulation, digestion and secretions in the body, thereby helping maintain proper metabolism. This also stimulates growth of cells and generation of new cells.
Tonic: The Essential Oil of Allspice acts as a tonic for the health and for boosting the immune system of the body.
Other Benefits: This oil is helpful in giving relief from flatulence, indigestion, bronchitis, cough & cold and arthritis.
Few Words of Caution: It can cause irritations in mucus membrane and skin if used in higher concentration or in higher dosages. Hence, it should always be used in lower concentration and low dosages. Pregnant ladies should avoid this oil.
Blending: The essential oils of ginger, geranium, lavender, orange, patchouli and ylang-ylang blend fine with Allspice Essential Oil.
Disclaimer: The information presented
herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements,
it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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