Description

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.

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.

More information about Allspice

 

Bodycare ~ aphrodiasiac properties

Skincare ~ can create colour in your skin ~ increases blood circulation below the skin ~ helps treat acne

Hair Care ~ may help hair loss

Digestive System ~ used for constipation, dyspepsia, cramps, flatulence, indigestion, nausea

Immune System ~ acts as a tonic for health & boosts the immune system ~ excellent anesthetic & antiseptic properties ~ when applied has a numbing effect ~ beneficial for all types of pain ~ effective for insect bites & stings ~ heals wounds & inhibits bacterial growth ~ helps with chest infections & headaches

Muscuskeletal System ~ warms the body & promotes circulation ~ used for arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms & cramps, stiffness & soreness, bone & joint pain

Nervous System ~ helps overcome fatigue, listlessness, depression, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, tension & stress ~ sedates nervous afflications & hyper reactions ~ helps induce a relaxing & calming effect on the body & mind & relief from insomnia

Respiratory System ~ helps treat chills, congested coughs, bronchitis, colds, sinusitis

Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ warming, comforting & nurturing ~ increases energy & determination ~ offers prosperity ~ helps clear anger

Blends Well With ~ Aniseed, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cananga, Citronella, Fennel, Fir Needle, Geranium, Ginger, Gingergrass, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Pine, Rose Geranium, Spearmint, Tangerine, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang

Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising ~ but use in low dosages ~ best to avoid during pregnancy