Boronia essential oil is definitely not the among the most popular therapeutic oils and its high cost may have something to do with that. It is popular in perfumery owing to its exotic, fruity fragrance but it does still have a variety of health benefits mainly related to emotional well-being.
What is Boronia Essential Oil?
Boronia essential oil is derived from the Boronia megastigma plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. The plant is native to Australia and its island of Tasmania. Also commonly known as Cornish pepper leaf, Mountain pepper and Brown boronia, the plant is known for its amazing floral displays and distinctive scent.
The boronia plant is actually a small shrub belonging to the citrus plants. The perennial typically grows in and thrives in woodlands and open forests. It grows to a height of between one and two meters with thin leaves that appear in whorls about the stems. The leaves remain green the year round but although they are also scented, it is actually the flowers that are used to produce the essential oil.
The flowers are around a centimeter in width, bright yellow on the inside and a deep purple color on the flower’s cup. They are incredibly fragrant and attractive and very popular for stunning floral arrangements with a scent that can fill an entire room.
Boronia Essential Oil Production
Boronia essential oil is one of the more expensive essential oils. The high cost is due mainly to its rarity and the difficulty cultivating the plant. It is derived by means of a complicated process of solvent extraction.
The plant flowers during the spring and is usually harvested when the vast majority of its buds have opened. The boronia flowers are then removed from the plant either by machine or by hand.
The flowers are then chilled and stored at cold temperatures until the extraction process begins. The oil gets extracted from the petals using hydrocarbon solvents or a liquid form of carbon dioxide. This crude extract gets refined further into waxy solids called ‘concrete’ or liquid known as ‘absolute’. This process of extraction is more complex than the process of steam distillation used to extract most other essential oils and along with the plant’s relative rarity is responsible for the high price of the product.
Chemical Composition of Boronia Essential Oil
When tested for its active components, studies found that boronia essential oil contains a variety of compounds. These include eugenol, plant phenols, a-pinene, B-pinene, limonene, ethyl formate, ethyl alcohol and ionone.
The Benefits of Boronia Essential Oil
The market for boronia essential oil is somewhat niche. This is largely due to its expense but also the fact that Rutaceous plants have been banned in the U.S. While boronoia essential oil is best known for its fragrant uses, it does also boast a number of potential health benefits especially with regard to emotional health and well-being.
1) For Depression
We have written a lot on this site about the ways in which essential oils can help overcome various common emotional problems including stress, anxiety and even mild forms of depression.
Boronia oil may help improve your mood and treat depression naturally. Depression is a major issue affecting millions of people. While many continue to suffer silently, others are prescribed powerful pharmaceutical medications like Zoloft, and Prozac. These powerful medications come with a risk of dependency and a number of adverse side effects.
Many people respond very well to the scent of essential oils including boronia oil. One of the great things about these oils is that you can give them a try without worrying about the myriad side effects common in pharmaceutical medication. Like many essential oils, boronia can elevate mood and help to center your mind. Try diffusing the oil at home or inhaling directly whenever you feel the need.
2) For Stress and Anxiety
If you are prone to bouts of anxiety or stress, then boronia essential oil can help calm the mind and spirit. Whether you are suffering from the stresses of your busy life or are prone to some type of anxiety disorder, essential oils like boronia can help a great deal.
If you are finding it difficult to unwind after a stressful day at the office then diffusing an uplifting, aromatic essential oil can do wonders for your emotional state. Another option is to add 5 or 6 drops to your bathtub and let the goodness flow over your body.
If your muscles and body are tense, then consider using your boronia oil as a massage oil. Make sure that you dilute it first with a suitable carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba and massage it into your body. This will help ease the aches in your muscles and is a great antidote for a troubled mind.
Many people suffering from anxiety and stress also have problems sleeping and stress is a major factor in insomnia. Try adding a few drops to your pillow or diffusing the oil near your bed at night and it may well help you to achieve a good night of real quality sleep.
3) For the Skin
Boronia essential oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. It does not possess as many medicinal properties as so many of the other essential oils but it can help your skin feel more alive and fresh.
Before applying boronia essential oil to your skin, it is important that you dilute it first with a skin friendly carrier oil. There are a number to choose from but some of the most popular are coconut oil, sweet almond and jojoba.
4) For the Thyroid
If you are suffering from an under active thyroid, essential oils can help to improve its health and function. People with poorly functioning thyroids experience a variety of symptoms including mood issues, weight gain, fatigue and illness. Boronia essential oil may help provide some natural relief.
Applying some of the oil to the base of your feet allows the essential oil to absorb quickly into the body. It can be used alone but is even more effective when combined with another essential oil such as frankincense, lemongrass or myrrh. Again, it is important to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil before applying it topically.
5) As an Aphrodisiac
According to traditional use, boronia essential oil can act as a natural aphrodisiac and put you in the mood for love. There are many contributing factors to a person’s lack of interest in sex including emotional issues like depression and stress.
Because boronia can calm the mind so effectively, it may also help put you boost your sexual desires. There is no hard scientific evidence for the use of essential oils to boost libido but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. It is certainly worth trying if you feel the need to bring some desire back into your relationship.
6) Deodorant and Perfume
Boronia essential oil is often used as a perfume ingredient because of its rich, powerful and long lasting fragrance. It is often used in combination with honeysuckle or violet to enhance the aroma. Its fragrance is fresh, floral and fruity and a few drops applied to the skin can help you smell sweet and fresh throughout the day.
7) To Freshen the Home
Diffusing boronia essential oil throughout your home can help eradicate nasty smells from pets, cooking or even cigarette smoke.
Precautions and Side Effects
Boronia essential oil is safe as long as it is used correctly. However, there are a few safety precautions that you should be aware of.
- Do not take boronia essential oil internally.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not use boronia essential oil unless they are under expert supervision.
- Do not use boronia essential oil on young children.
- Make sure that you dilute your oil with a carrier oil before applying it topically.
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