The Health and Beauty Benefits of Amyris Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, amyris essential oil has many health and beauty benefits. Amyris is an essential oil obtained from the wood of the Amyris balsamifera tree. The tree belongs to the Rutacea family which includes flowering shrubs like orange, lemon, lime, kumquat and other citrus. As well as plants like the Sichuan pepper and Zanthoxylum. Amyris is a bushy tree that can grow up to 60 feet in height, produces clusters of white flowers, compound leaves and blackish fruit which is edible.
The tree must be a minimum of 30 years old before its wood can be used to extract the essential oil. The pale yellow viscous essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from the seasoned wood of the tree. Also known as West Indian sandalwood, since its wood features a fragrance similar to that of true Indian sandalwood. This oil is a popular and less costly alternative to sandalwood essential oil for making incense sticks, scented candles, perfumes and soaps. Since Indian sandalwood has been put on the endangered species list due to the way it is being deforested, people have turned to amyris as a more sustainable alternative.
The viscosity and aroma of amyris compared to sandalwood are different as the fragrance of amyris is much more herbaceous, however amyris essential oil functions similarly. The essential oil of amyris can be used alone or combined with other essential oils like rose absolute, lavender, myrrh, sassafras, cedarwood, citronella, spruce, pine, or geranium. Amyris essential oil is also used in numerous skincare treatments and cosmetics. The oil aids in skin regeneration, and is a great home remedy to treat wounds, moisturize and soften dry skin and improve other skin conditions. And just like sandalwood, amyris wood can be used to make furniture, read on for some suggested therapeutic uses of amyris essential oil.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amyris | A. balsamifera and A. elemifera | Haiti and the Caribbean | Good for treating flu symptoms and diarrhea. Used in massage to relieve muscle aches. Used in aromatherapy to ease stress, anxiety, uplift mood, treat insomnia, as a decongestant for the sinuses, and to ease breathing by loosening tight airways. When applied topically, aids in skin regeneration, so it’s used to clean wounds, moisturize and soften skin, and even as a bug repellent. Oil is used in lacquers varnishes, perfumes, medicines, skincare, cosmetics, scented candles, soaps, and incense. Wood is used to manufacture furniture. | Should be kept out of reach of children, should not be ingested, brought in direct contact with eyes, or mucus membranes. Should be diluted in a carrier oil and never used in its pure form. A patch test should be performed before applying | Airtight dark vial kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight |
The History of Amyris Essential Oil
The amyris tree an exotic evergreen tree that is native to Haiti, where wild amyris groves cover the island. It also grows throughout the world in places with tropical climates like Jamaica, Australia, South America, Central America, as well as Cuba. Oftentimes local fishermen and traders in Jamaica and Haiti would make reference to amyris as “candlewood” due to the high oil content which made it practical to use as firewood, since it has a tendency to burn longer than other woods.
The Health Benefits of Amyris Essential Oil
Amyris essential oil has been used to treat influenza, diarrhea, and has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent. As an ingredient in massage oils, it provides relief from muscle pains. Amyris also has a (albeit questionable) reputation as an aphrodisiac and has been used to make tonics and love potions.
Amyris essential oil is known to have calming qualities and is frequently used in aromatherapy to help ease anxiety and stress, which makes it helpful as an herbal antidepressant. This essential oil can produce a calm, uplifted mood. It may promote feelings of peace and mental clarity. With similar chemical compounds as those in valerian root, amyris is preferred for promoting sleep and as an herbal treatment for insomnia.
Amyris essential oil is also known to have germicidal properties, and is used as an antiseptic to clean wounds. And as a stimulant to the circulatory system.
Amyris is effective when used as a decongestant for the sinuses. From a therapeutic standpoint, amyris essential oil might ease breathing by loosening tight airways, in addition to boosting the immune system, and aiding the heart and lymphatic system. Read this PDF file for more detailed information about the Health and Beauty Benefits of Amyris Essential Oil. Amyris essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Amyris Essential Oil
Take care to dilute amyris essential oil in a carrier oil first. You can use it in any of the following ways:
- For anxiety, tension, and stress: diffuse throughout the day.
- To ease a cough: add 1-2 to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale for 10 minutes.
- For dry skin: apply 1-2 drops to coconut oil and apply to skin.
- For high blood pressure: add 5-6 drops amyris to diffuser and diffuse for 30-60 minutes.
- To treat insomnia: diffuse 15-20 minutes before going to bed. Alternately, you can add 5 drops amyris, 5 drops vetiver, and 5 drops cedarwood.
- For an insect repellent sachet: fill an empty sachet bag with dried flowers, herbs, or cotton balls. Add 6-10 drops amyris, cinch bag closed and place in drawers, or hang inside closet.
- For a mature skin cleanser: add 6 drops amyris for every ounce of facial cleanser.
- For a mature skin toner: in a 2 ounce spray bottle mix 12 drops amyris and 2 ounces witch hazel. Shake well to combine before spritzing your face. Best if used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
- For swollen lymph nodes: In a 10ml roller bottle mix 4 drops amyris essential oil, and 2 teaspoons hazelnut oil (a 2% dilution). Roll over swollen lymph nodes.
- To clean wounds: apply 1 drop of diluted amyris oil to the wound.
Making Amyris Essential Oil
The essential oil is obtained through steam distilling the trunks and branches of the plant, which are put through a hammer mill. It can take up to three and a half days to extract oil from one charge of wood material. A steam boiler is used for its distillation.
Generally, the yield of oil varies from 2 to 4 percent depending on which part of the tree was used, its age, and its moisture content. The steam distilling of the fresh wood, will produce oil with a harsh odor and lower specific gravity. However, after it is stored for 2–3 months, the odor will change and improve.
Precautions
The essential oil of amyris must be diluted in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Amyris essential oil is safe to use. It is non–toxic and for the most part non–irritating, however those with sensitive skin should always perform a patch test first. Some people might display allergy symptoms like itch or skin reddening. As with any essential oil or alternative therapy, consult a physician before using in aromatherapy or in a topical application.
In highly concentrated amounts, amyris essential oil it can over–stimulate the central nervous system. This essential oil should not be ingested or brought in direct contact with the eyes or mucus membranes, and should be kept away from children. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician before using.
Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Sources:
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-amyris-essential-oil/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyris