The Health and Beauty Benefits of Allspice Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, allspice essential oil has many health and beauty benefits, the fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant can be found in the West Indies and South America, even though the berries are distilled in both Europe and the Americas. It features a flavor similar to a blend of cloves, cinnamon, pepper and juniper berries—hence the name “allspice”.
Allspice essential oil has traditionally been used to treat a number of health conditions like arthritis, colds, depression, exhaustion, fatigue, flatulence, infections and tooth pains. It is thought to aid in digestion, muscle relaxation and muscle pain, and may help ease coughs.
This particular essential oil is regarded as beneficial to one’s mood as it can create a sense of relaxation, ease stress, and help obtain a deeper sleep. It can be used in massage oil blends effectively, however it should be noted that in higher concentrations or if not properly diluted, allspice essential oil can irritate the skin. It should never be used in its pure form, and a patch test should always be performed first.
Allspice essential oil is popular in the winter and fall months, often used in a diffuser or vaporizer since it features a fragrance that resembles clove and cinnamon. Allspice essential oil is warming and fragrant in nature; people enjoy diffusing it throughout the home, as it can make the whole house feel warm and inviting. This essential oil, in spite of not being well–liked by aromatherapy practitioners, features a number of therapeutic uses.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allspice | Pimenta dioica | Native to the Caribbean—Greater Antilles, and possibly parts of Central America—from southern Mexico to Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua | Good for Diabetes, Heart Health, Circulation, Reduced constipation (Bulking), Dental Health, Slows Aging, Immune System, Cancer Prevention, Digestion, Makes You Energetic, Anti-Inflammatory Qualities, Strong bones | If used in higher concentrations or in poorly diluted combinations, it may irritate the skin. A patch test should be performed before applying | Airtight dark vial kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight |
The History of Allspice Essential Oil
It was documented by Christopher Columbus during a visit to Jamaica, but was not brought to Europe until the 16th Century. It continues to be used in the Caribbean and other regions as an essential culinary component in dishes, and is thought to have properties that kill food–borne bacteria.
The Health Benefits of Allspice Essential Oil
The health benefits of allspice essential oil are related to its anesthetic, analgesic, antioxidant, antiseptic, carminative, relaxant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic properties. Read this PDF file for more detailed information about the Health and Beauty Benefits of Allspice Essential Oil. Allspice essential oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Allspice Essential Oil
Take care to dilute allspice essential oil in a carrier oil first. You can use it in any of the following ways:
- Allspice oil features a warm, spicy–sweet aroma. It is used as a fragrance in spicy and manly scents.
- It blends well with orange, ginger, patchouli and the other spice oils, which include cinnamon leaf, cassia and clove.
- To soothe muscles, combine 2–3 drops allspice essential oil with 1 oz. carrier oil. Massage onto affected region.
- Diffuse to relax and open air passages.
- To uplift mood, add a few drops to a diffuser or vaporizer.
- Add a few drops to a dryer ball or a small cotton cloth and throw it in the dryer with your linens to help encourage better sleep.
- Allspice essential oil can aid the digestive system, to ease intestinal cramps, flatulence, indigestion and nausea.
- It may help in cases of depressive disorders, anxiety, tension, neuralgia and stress.
- A small quantity of diluted allspice essential oil can be used as a massage oil for chest congestion, muscle spasms, and cold and flu symptoms.
- In very small diluted doses it can treat the symptoms from rheumatism, arthritis, joint stiffness, chills, chest congestion, coughs and bronchitis.
- An inhalation of allspice leaf essential oil can ease a cough and speed recovery from colds. Add a few drops of allspice and allspice leaf essential oils to a large bowl of hot water. Mix well. Cover your head with a towel over the bowl and breathe in the steam.
- It is an effective treatment for headaches, fatigue, exhaustion and deficiencies in hunger.
- A compress of allspice leaf essential oil can alleviate a headache. Mix allspice and allspice leaf essential oils well in water. Soak a washcloth with this mixture and place it on your forehead.
- Allspice leaf essential oil can be effective at relieving moderate pain from a toothache.
- Allspice leaf essential oil has mild antibacterial properties that can be used as a natural herbal alternative detergent to clean home and laundry.
- The stimulating, harmonizing effect of allspice leaf essential oil might be used as a natural herbal mood enhancer, to treat mild depressive disorders, particularly when combined with soothing lavender and bergamot essential oils.
- A bath containing allspice leaf essential oil can have a relaxing, soothing effect and may promote better blood circulation and a more restful sleep.
- Lotions containing allspice leaf essential oil can nourish and moisturize the skin. Additionally, this essential oil can have a tightening effect on the skin, albeit a temporary one.
Precautions
It may cause irritation to the skin and in the mucus membranes if used in higher concentrations or in higher doses. The essential oils of allspice and allspice leaf must be diluted in a carrier oil first, and should be kept away from children. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using allspice and allspice leaf essential oils.
The allspice and allspice leaf essential oils discussed in this article are 100% pure, USDA organic and undiluted, unless otherwise noted. The distillation process took place at the site where the plants were grown or in a distillery. Each essential oil was examined for purity and potency using the technique of gas chromatography.
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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https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/allspice/
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