Popularly known as Bible leaf for its ability to fight fatigue during colonial times, Costmary is an aromatic herb that belongs to the Asteraceae, or daisy, family. The costmary oil that is extracted provides a wide range of uses and health benefits, making it a popular go-to natural remedy to keep in your medicine cabinet.
What Is Costmary Oil?
Primarily used in perfumes and for culinary purposes, costmary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant through the process of steam distillation for its various health benefits.
The oil is yellow-brown in color and has a sweet minty fragrance.
Costmary oil blends well with other essential oils like ginger, bergamot, lemon, lavender, grapefruit and cinnamon. Its sweet minty aroma makes it one of most pleasant essential oil with therapeutic properties.
Uses of Costmary Oil
Costmary oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- To treat bee stings
- For menstrual cycle regulation
- As a pain reliever during childbirth
- In perfumes and deodorants
Benefits of Costmary Oil
The health benefits of costmary essential oil can be attributed to its antiseptic, carminative, astringent and aromatic properties.
The health benefits of costmary oil include:
1. Improves the texture of the skin
Costmary oil contains astringent properties that help tone the skin and reduce excess oil. Regular usage of costmary oil reduces acne and makes the texture of the skin smooth and soft.
2. Reduces fatigue
Fatigue is an inevitable part of our daily life and can affect our productivity and mood. Costmary oil is considered to be an effective remedy to reduce fatigue and alleviate mood due to its pleasant aroma that works to makes you more alert.
You can place a cotton ball dipped in costmary essential oil near your desk or bed table, or inhale its fragrance through a diffuser or oil burner.
3. Heals wounds
Costmary oil can serve as an excellent first aid kit due to its antiseptic properties. A little dab of this oil on blisters, bruises, burns or any other affected area will heal the wounds quickly and gently.
4. Relieves spasms
Costmary oil contains antispasmodic properties that help treat internal spasms and cramps. It also alleviates bronchitis, cough and intestinal spasms.
5. Eliminates gas
Costmary oil is stomachic in nature and is known to cure digestive disorders of any kind. It also helps eliminate flatulence and intestinal gas.
Regular consumption of this essential oil also increases appetite and promotes digestion.
6. Acts as a diuretic
Costmary oil is an effective remedy to treat water retention. Due to its diuretic properties, costmary oil increases urine output thereby eliminating toxins and reducing water retention from the body.
7. Eliminates worms
Many people are prone to suffering from worm infections that manifest in the digestive system. Costmary oil is known to be an excellent de-wormer that helps in effectively eliminating worms from the body and give you relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
Side Effects of Costmary Oil
There are no reported side effects or disadvantages of costmary oil. However, the oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Make sure to consult your doctor to know the right concentration of costmary oil and how to use it in the right dosage.
- Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use costmary oil.
- Patients suffering from kidney disorders, liver diseases and cancer are strictly recommended to avoid costmary oil.
- Costmary oil should not be used on sensitive areas like ears and eyes.