Gardenia

Gardenia Oil & Benefits

Are you already considering adding a beautiful essential oil to your home remedy cupboard? In addition to the seductive and intoxicating scent of gardenia, gardenia oil can be the right choice to help overcome many small and large ailments.
Let’s explore some of its beneficial properties.

Anti-Inflammatory
Gardenia essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore an effective agent in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis and intestinal inflammation. The two special chemicals in gardenia oil (geniposide and genipin) are strong anti-inflammatory agents and can even help treat the symptoms of jaundice, oedema, fever and liver disease.

Antibacterial
Gardenia essential oil is an effective remedy for treating bacterial infections such as sepsis and tetanus due to its strong bactericidal properties. Because of this bactericidal activity it is also a great agent to be used to keep surfaces germ-free, whilst spreading its lovely smell. Simply add a few drops of the gardenia oil to water in order to use it as a spray. Gardenia oil can also help to protect you from potentially dangerous bacterial infections caused by bacteria like salmonella and e-coli.

Antioxidant
The amount of antioxidants contained in gardenia oil is high! Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit free radical formation and reduce oxidative stress. They can also help reduce the risk of cancer and remove damage-causing toxins from the body. Antioxidants play an important role in skin health, healing minor injuries, reducing scars and pigmentation.

Antiviral
Gardenia is also said to be a great remedy to relieve colds. The reported antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral compounds can help fight respiratory or sinus infections. Clear a stuffy nose by evaporating some gardenia oil or add a few drops to hot water for a liberating steam bath.

 Sedative
Gardenia essential oil is an effective sedative and has many other health benefits, such as helping to overcome seizures. Some studies have concluded that gardenia oil exhibits sedative, anti-epileptic and hypnotic activities in mice.

Aphrodisiac
Being a purported aphrodisiac, the intoxicating scent of gardenia essential oil is believed to stimulate libido. A few drops of this oil added to a bath or used as a stimulating massage oil can boost passionate feelings and spice things up in the bedroom.