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A LIst of Essential Oils
Allspice/Pimento essential oil information
Allspice oil is extracted from Pimenta dioica (also known as Pimenta officinalis), of the Myrtaceae family. It is also known as Pimento oil, Jamaica pepper and Pimenta. Although this oil is not one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy, it does offer a good range of therapeutic properties, and is a very nice "warming" oil - especially useful in rheumatism, chest complaints and to combat stress and depression.
Properties of allspice oil
It can be made from the leaves or the fruit. Our allspice oil is extracted from the leaf and the oil is yellow-brown in color and has a smell similar to cloves. The oil made from the fruit is pale yellow in color and has a fresh, warm, spicy smell.
Origin of allspice / pimento oil
This evergreen tree is indigenous to the West Indies and South America and reaches about 10 meters in height. It begins to produce fruit in its third year, with each fruit containing two kidney-shaped green seeds, which turn glossy black when ripe. Allspice is so called pimento because it tastes like a combination of cloves, juniper berries, cinnamon and pepper.
Extraction
Allspice oil (from both the leaf and the fruit) is extracted by steam distillation. An oleoresin from the berries is also produced in small quantities.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of allspice oil are anesthetic, analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, carminative, muscle relaxant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic. Anti-pruritic Relieves or prevents sensation of itching Anti-sclerotic Helps to prevent hardening of arteries
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Chemical composition
The main chemical components of allspice oil are eugenol, menthyl eugenol, cineol, phellandrene and caryophyllene.
Precautions
Allspice oil should only be used in low dilutions, as it is found to irritate the mucus membrane and to cause dermal irritation.
Uses
Allspice oil can be helpful for the digestive system, for cramp, flatulence, indigestion and nausea. It can help in cases of depression, nervous exhaustion, tension, neuralgia and stress.
□ Burners and vaporizers
When a bout of the blues strike, a couple of drops in a burner or
vaporizer can help to lift the depression and to ease stress.
□ Massage oil
A very small amount of allspice oil can be used as part of a massage
oil for chest infection, severe muscle spasm or extreme cold. It is
also helpful for rheumatism, arthritis, stiffness, chills, congested
coughs and bronchitis.
Allspice / Pimento essential oil blends well with
Although most essential oils blend well together, allspice oil blends particularly well with ginger, geranium, lavender, orange, patchouli and ylang-ylang.
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