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Gardenia Essential Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Gardenia Oil has a sweet floral scent. The essential oil is extracted by enfleurage, due to the fact of the delicacy of the Gardenia flower. The petals are the most fragrant are soaked in fat. The fat absorbs the fragrance of the Gardenia flower and then placed in alcohol to dissolve. The process is very labor intensive and takes a lot of pounds of flower petals to make just a ml of oil. The hard work is well worth it as you inhale the Gardenia Essential Oils and the aroma is so strong even after all the processing the flower went through.

Gardenia is an evergreen bush type or a small tree that is part of the Botanical family of Rubiacea, with the Botanical name Gardenia jasminoides. The plant grows to between two and five feet tall and has glossy, light green leaves. Gardenia blooms are a bright white flower and may sometimes have various colors. The Gardenia plant is grown in Japan and is native to China. In the United States, Gardenia grows well in the south and west. The Gardenia has 43 species and is an original native to the tropics and subtropical regions. The Gardenia has been labeled “the White angle” by some.

The Gardenia roots and leaves have been traditionally used in treating fevers and cleansing the body. The beautiful Gardenia flowers have been used to scent teas.

Gardenia Essential Oil Benefits

Gardenia Essential Oil is a major essential oil in aromatherapy. The aroma is so sweet and strong smelling, which can induce feelings of deep attraction by smell alone. Aromatherapy is one of the most widely practiced alternatives of healing systems today. Aromatherapy allows the many different types of aromatic compounds. These compounds aid to cure various ailments. Gardenia Essential Oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid that is the main ingredient for the more popular aroma compounds used in aromatherapy.

Gardenia Essential Oil blends well with cinnamon leaf,  clove bud, jasmine, neroli, rose otto, tuberose,citrus oils, and ylang ylang

Gardenia Essential Oil Uses

  • Chinese herbal medicines commonly use Gardenia Oil to treat infections, especially bladder infections; abscesses; jaundice; and blood in the urine, sputum, or stool.
  • Candles are a popular use for Gardenia Essential Oil for its wonderful fragrance. The strong aroma is present whether the candle is lit or not. Add a few drops on your less scented candles for an added aroma.
  • Potpourri is another wonderful use for Gardenia Essential Oil. The dried flowers, pine cones, and other dry components absorb the flowery scent of the Gardenia. You can keep refreshing your potpourri with a few drops as needed.
  • For that relaxing bath and shower Gardenia Essential Oil added to our soap makes your bath so much more enjoyable.
  • Gardenia Oil can be added to perfumes for a strong flowery aroma.
  • The best ways to utilize your Gardenia Essential Oil iclude:
  • Inhalation – Gardenia Essential Oil can be inhaled from hot compress, hot water (steam), or diffuser. The recommended dose is ten drops for respiratory, headaches, and sinus afflictions.
  • Baths – regarding baths and essential oils, it is best to mix them with salts or an emulsifier to aid in the dispersing of the oil. Usually five to ten drops of Gardenia Essential Oil mixed with ½ to one cup of salt or emulsifier. These baths are great for skin problems, respiratory symptoms, circulatory issues, nervous tension, stress, insomnia, muscular pain, and menstrual pain as well.
  • Compress – Take a soft cloth and soak it in this solution of ten drops of Gardenia Essential Oil and four ounces of hot water. Apple the compress to the affected area for a few minutes, then soak the cloth and apply again. The compress swill help muscle aches, bruises, wounds, skin problems, and dysmenorrhea.
  • Facial Steam – Get a towel and heat water in a pot. Add five drops of Gardenia Essential Oil into the hot water. Place the towel over your head and let the steam hit your face and inhale. This method is especially productive for opening headaches, sinuses and facial skin health.
  • Massage – For a stress relieving healthy massage, add a few drops of Gardenia Essential Oil to a moisturizing lotion. If the lotion tends to be too cold try rubbing your hands together to generate heat prior to putting the lotion in your hands for the massage.
  • Direct Palm InhalationTake one to two drops of Gardenia Essential Oil in your palm and rub gently together, then inhale deeply. This is a quick and easy method when needed.

Gardenia Essential Oil Side Effects

Gardenia essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.

Frances Masters

Frances Masters is a BACP accredited psychotherapist with over 30,000 client hours of experience. Follow her @fusioncoachuk, or visit The Integrated Coaching Academy for details about up coming training.