History of Magnolia Essential Oil
Magnolia essential oil comes from the flowers of the Michelia Grandiflora plant, a species in the Magnoliaceae family of herbs. This plant is native to the forests of South-east Asia but now grows as far as North America. It has broad green leaves and produces large white fragrant flowers twice a year.
The Magnolia plant has long been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for regulating bodily functions like respiration, digestion, and excretion. To date, Magnolia flowers are steeped into a fragrant tea called yulan which is prescribed for general good health.
Magnolia flowers are harvested by hand to prevent breakage. Night-time harvesting and distillation is preferred, as this is the time the aroma is at its peak.
Distilled Magnolia flowers produce an intensely fragrant essential oil. Magnolia oil is pale to orange-yellow but can harbor a green hue depending on the distillation vessel. Like lavender and bergamot, Magnolia possesses high linalool concentrations, which make it a beneficial oil for uplifting the mood.
Magnolia oil uses
Research places Magnolia in the same chemical group as ylang-ylang, bergamot, and lavender. The linalool in these oils is beneficial in many ways. Some of them are listed below.
Relaxes the mind
Magnolia’s linalool content makes it a natural sedative. When inhaled after a long day, Magnolia calms the mind and induces relaxation. You can also diffuse it in your bedroom to prevent insomnia and regulate your sleeping pattern.
Treats skin conditions
Magnolia Oil is commonly used in skin regimens because of its excellent moisturizing qualities. When added to regular lotion, Magnolia can help make the skin healthier and rejuvenated. It can also fade scars away and keep wrinkles at bay.
elieves menstrual cramps
The calming effect of magnolia essential oil makes it effective against painful menstrual cramps. Rubbing it on the lower abdomen can give you quick relief from cramps and induce a good night’s sleep. It can also reduce the mood swings associated with menses.
Treats Alzheimer’s disease
Besides linalool, Magnolia oil is well endowed with magnol and honokiol. These natural chemicals are known to stimulate the brain and nervous system. Aromatherapists commonly prescribe Magnolia for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in its early stages.
Promotes healthy respiration
Magnolia’s soothing effects can positively influence the respiratory system. If you have a cough that won’t go away, inhaling some Magnolia can calm your reflexes and give you relief. Rubbing the oil on your chest can also help prevent inflammation related to respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma.
Regulates blood sugar
Magnolia is often purchased for its power over diabetes. This rare oil has compounds with characteristics similar to Cortisol. Consequently, it exhibits a controlling effect on sugar in the body, preventing the onset of diabetes. People with diabetes can also use magnolia to stabilize sugar levels in the body.
Supports cardiovascular health
Magnolia does not only influence the body’s sugar content. It also balances salt and water in the blood. High salt levels make blood vessels stiff and narrow, requiring the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. By regulating salt levels, Magnolia can help prevent heart-related conditions like high blood pressure and cardiac arrest.
Prevents cancer
Magnolia essential oil has been shown to have some cancer prevention properties. The linalool in Magnolia interrupts cell division, giving the immune system enough time to respond. Medical research particularly supports its use against prostate cancer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.