Tropical Botanicals Rich in Medicinal Properties

Introduction

Being an Australian, I have been fascinated with the indigenous plants of the tropics.  Not only the lovely scents of tropical flowers that bring to mind beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees and friendly locals, but the medicinal benefits of creating your own healthy and safe therapies that are wild-crafted and pure as nature which is so important now that the world is better educated in natural therapies.

The tropical South Pacific is endowed with rich floral biodiversity having an interesting microcosm with diverse species including aromatic medicinal plants, offering interesting biological activities.

I have been researching the many differences and health benefits of the tropical oils, different methods of producing traditional oils and investigating some little known oils from the tropics.

Although there are many essential oils and aromas in the world today, such as Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Jasmine etc. there hasn’t been very much emphasis on tropical oils and there are so many more to consider.

My intent in researching tropical oils is that it is part of my business; “Bula Botanicals – Nature’s Plant Therapy”, where I not only produce pure natural tropical products for health and beauty but also am continuing my studies to be an educator in this field.  Bula is a word that originated from the Fijian culture and means hello and much more. It simply translates to life. The idea that each ‘Bula‘ greeting is tied to life itself is both warm and beautiful.

To start let’s clarify the differences in oil types.  Chances are that you have frequently heard the terms carrier oils and essential oils used together. You may have even assumed that the two could be used interchangeably. While both are used in holistic products and practices, they are actually quite different. It is crucial to understand these differences to ensure proper usage.

Carrier oils are commonly used in situations where oil is applied directly to the skin. Generally, this includes oils used for massage, pain relief or beauty treatments.

The oil is derived from the fatty portion of a nut, seed, fruit or kernel of a vegetable or other plant using one of two main methods of extraction: maceration or cold-pressing. Cold-pressing, however, is the preferred method. Cold-pressed carrier oils use expeller pressing, which consists of pressing the nut, seed, fruit or kernel at temperatures under 122 degrees Fahrenheit to extract oils. Cold-pressing preserves more of the desirable properties of the plant than other methods. The extracted cold-pressed carrier oils are suitable for direct skin application and can be used to dilute essential oils. 

Essential Oils are more concentrated than carrier oils and are often too strong to apply directly to the skin. Because of this, they are frequently used in aromatherapy but must be diluted with a carrier oil or water for most other purposes. To extract the potent oil, a process known as steam distillation is used. This method involves suspending plants over boiling water to draw out the oils into the steam, which is captured in a vessel. The steam cools as it works its way through tubing; condensing the steam back into water. The oils do not mix with water and the two separate to create essential oils and what remains is called hydrosols. But some flowers are too delicate for steam (heat) distillation and are extracted using solvents instead to make an absolute oil. An absolute oil is an essence, having an extremely high concentration of fragrance very close to the natural smell of the plant material. ¹

According to NAHA.org “Solvent extraction is the use of solvents, such as petroleum ether, methanol, ethanol, or hexane, to extract the odoriferous lipophilic material from the plant. The solvent will also pull out the chlorophyll and other plant tissue, resulting in a highly colored or thick/viscous extract. The first product made via solvent extraction is known as a concrete. A concrete is the concentrated extract that contains the waxes and/or fats as well as the odoriferous material from the plant. The concrete is then mixed with alcohol, which serves to extract the aromatic principle of the material. The final product is known as an absolute.”²

There are other things other than carrier oils suitable for diluting essential oils prior to topical application: while Aloe Vera jelly is not a carrier oil, it has cooling, soothing, moisturizing and other beneficial properties to make it suitable for diluting essential oils. I defer to the extensive experience of essential oil and skin care expert Robert Tisserand of the Tisserand Institute for his suggestions regarding aloe vera products for use with essential oils. Within his presentation at the 2016 NAHA Conference Robert says “aloe vera gel can be an effective carrier to potentially enhance essential oil absorption. When contained within aloe vera jelly, essential oils are more likely to be drawn to the natural oil within our skin and thus be more readily absorbed into the skin than if the essential oil is instead diluted in a lipid based carrier oil.” ³

And now… back to the tropics and comparing different techniques and varietals. Coconut Carrier Oil (Cocos nucifera) – Comparing Processing Techniques: I chose coconut oil for this project because I’m fascinated with the wide variety of functions this oil provides. At present, in most of the world, there are many pure essential oils made from cold-pressed technology. Is coconut oil produced by cold pressing method better than pure coconut oil in a hot processing or steam distillation?  Let’s investigate…

Main Chemical Component: Lauric Acid

• C12H24O2
• Also known as dodecanoic acid
• Saturated, medium-chain fatty acid with 12 carbon backbone
• Lauric Acid is most commonly found in coconut oil (approximately 46%)

 

Both partially hydrogenated and virgin coconut oil possess high concentrations of Lauric acids, which helps to raise the cholesterol profile in the blood. But, not to worry, Lauric acid can increase the high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol, while lowering the low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol.

There are three kinds of virgin coconut oil; refined oil, pure oil and virgin coconut oil, produced in three different ways. Partially hydrogenated coconut oil passes through multiple processes in order to make the chemical composition of the oil itself change, making way for changes the way it works in the body. On the other hand, unrefined virgin coconut oil has medium-chain triglycerides, which may not carry the same threats as other saturated fats.

Traditional processing, using heat techniques and methods passed down through generations, heightens the flavor, creating sweet, toasted coconutty oil.  Cold pressed is processed entirely without heat and has less taste and aroma than traditional.  Cold-pressed is more common in North America. ⁴

There is one huge difference between steam-distilled coconut oil and traditional and cold pressed. The process of distillation causes its molecular size to be the same as essential oils.  Therefore the molecules blend perfectly, they never separate; and, this special oil never turns rancid to ruin your valuable essential oils.   Just as importantly, it does not interfere with the penetration of essential oil into your skin.  It spreads so smoothly over your skin it will distribute just a few drops of essential oil over a large area of skin.  So, it extends the life and value of your precious essential oils. ⁽⁵⁾

Steam distilled fractionated oil has a milder taste and smell, and does not go “solid” in the refrigerator.  It still possesses an extremely high-grade source of omega 3. The healing and beauty value of coconut oil is legendary.

So it’s not surprising that soon after this form of coconut oil was developed as a special food source, high-end cosmetic companies learned to value its place in their lotions and for skin therapy.  

Beware; not all coconut oil is created equally.  Only a small amount is actually made from raw fresh coconut meat into clean pure oil known as “virgin” or “extra virgin”.

Copra-based refined coconut oils are usually referred to as “RBD coconut oils.” RBD stands for: refined, bleached, and deodorized. If no description is given and just the plain term “coconut oil” is used on the label, it is probably an RBD coconut oil. It should be noted that copra is also exported to the United States by container loads, where companies refine it into non-edible uses.

Let’s turn now to “virgin coconut oils”.  The common denominator that should exist in all virgin coconut oils is that they start with fresh coconut and not copra.  Extracting and gently refining coconut oil from freshly squeezed coconut meat is an ancient tradition in tropical countries.  Virgin coconut oil is derived through a “wet-milling” process. With this method, the oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat without drying the coconut meat first. The oil is then further separated from the water. Methods that can be used to separate the oil from the water include boiling, fermentation, refrigeration, enzymes, mechanical centrifuge, and steam distillation.

Steam-distilled coconut oil is more refined. However, the process demands that it begins fresh wet-milled coconut from which it can be distilled.    It is derived from the purest coconut meat with no chemical processing whatsoever.  Granted, the product is no longer a whole food since one of the mid-chain fatty acids disappears in the process.  However, it meets all the high standards of essential oil creators, as well as satisfying rigorous demands of the medical profession to provide specialized fats for severely critical patients.  Dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and high-end cosmetic manufacturers love it for its marvellous benefits to the skin. 

You will be the judge of what’s right for you, but I highly recommend the steam distilled pure virgin coconut oil for a massage oil, but I also love the smell of the toasty traditional method for some body butters.  So it is important to know which type you should use for different applications. 

Sandalwood Oil, as an essential oil, is today available for purchase in various species. Traditionally, East Indian Santalum album has been the favorite for use as an essential oil but other species such as New Caledonian, Australian, Fijian and Royal Hawaiian are now becoming more popular for aromatherapy use. Here is a quick look at the “newcomers” to the market.

New Caledonian sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum) is the closest in aroma to Santalum album. It has the santalol-rich, woody, balsamic aroma that I associate with traditional sandalwood. Tisserand and Young state in their book, Essential Oil Safety, that New Caledonian sandalwood oil “is the closest to (Santalum album) in terms of both composition and aroma^.” New Caledonian sandalwood essential oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of the tree.  An absolute is also produced. ⁷

Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicta) is not as close in aroma to East Indian sandalwood, probably because it does not contain the same high quantity of the santalol chemical component. However, some who do not like deep aromas may prefer its lighter aroma. Australian sandalwood essential oil can be steam distilled from the heartwood of the tree – or is produced by solvent extraction into an absolute.

Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum) essential oil is produced in Hawaii. It does contain a high percentage of the santalol component ⁽⁶⁾ and it is more preferable in aroma, to me, than Australian sandalwood essential oil. It is also steam distilled from the heartwood of the sandalwood tree.

Fijian Sandalwood: (Santalum yasi).  Ahhhh, Yasi my favorite. This is very special earthy, more complex aroma, in my view, than the Indian and Australian varieties. While yasi has economic potential, their populations in the wild are depleted, and need to be regenerated. Since 1996, the Forestry department in Fiji, with assistance from the AUS-Aid funded SPRIG (South Pacific Regional Initiative on Forest Genetic Resources) program, have been conducting conservation programs and developed techniques on methods of growing yasi, and have been supplying seedlings to communities interested in growing and selling yasi as a source of income.

Australian Oils – Australia is still a new continent to many; this provides Australia with an opportunity to introduce some exciting aromas and essential oils, which have many excellent benefits.

Australian Blue Cypress (Callistris intratropica) essential oil adds more than just a zing of sweet piny aroma to your moisturizer—its constituents promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin.  The Aroma is rich, resinous, woody, smoky and honey-like.   With main Chemical constituents of Guaiazulene, guaiol (20-30%), guaienes, selinenes, eudosmols, beta-elemene, furanones and rich properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, analgesic.

I love the color! Australian Blue Cypress essential oil has a natural sky blue colour which makes it one of the most unique of the essential oils to start with, however its real asset as an aromatherapy essential oil, is its ability to calm and relax people, it is great in an diffuser (use 2 to 5 drops), you can also use it in creams, where you can use it at various mix rates depending on its purpose. It has been used efficiently to ground emotionally distraught or nervous people with immediate lasting effect. The oil mostly contains sesquiterpenes with balancing, calming, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties in contrast with Cupressus Sempervirens (Italian Cypress) that contains up to 75% monoterpenes with stimulating, decongesting and expectorant properties. The oil has good anti-inflammatory properties and has been found useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, general joint pain and swelling. It is also an anti-irritant, soothing diaper rash and relieving pain from insect bites and burns^. Its anti-viral properties make it very useful against common warts, shingles and cold sores (herpes simplex).

Fiji – Ginger Essential Oil: As we know, Ginger is a flowering plant that is harvested for many culinary spice and essential oil natural therapies. With its nutrient-rich soil and abundant tropical rainfall, Fiji is perfectly suited to ginger farming. They’ve partnered with local farmers and invested in a new, fully accredited processing facility, helping to create opportunities for the communities making sure Fiji ginger is pure.

Science Direct has produced an abstract explaining this unusual chemical analysis… “The essential oil of ginger (Zingiber officinale) from Fiji was analysed by GC-MS and a number of sesquiterpenes not reported previously in ginger oil were identified including α-copaene, β-bourbonene, α-bergamotene, α-selinene, calamenene and cuparene. The composition of the oil was unusual in having a much higher neral and geranial content than oils reported from India, Australia, Japan and Africa.”⁽⁸⁾

Tahiti: Tiare Absolute Oil (Gardenia taitensis) with its sweet aroma symbolizing the spirit of exotic islands, it is the dominant floral ingredient in many exotic perfumes for both men and women. It is used by aroma therapists for feelings of sense and calm and is considered by some to be a potent aphrodisiac. This Absolute is one of the most loved absolutes in aromatherapy, as it is so calming and balancing to every aspect of the system encompassing body, mind, and spirit. Tiare Absolute is also useful for formulating blends to help purify, support pain and inflammation relief, and encourage skin healing. Tahitian Gardenia Absolute Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regeneration of the skin.

Green Papaya Carrier Oil (Carica papaya):  The papaya’s enhanced antioxidant action slows the oxidation process that leads to skin aging and stimulates collagen synthesis. Papaya enzymes can promote skin metabolism, help dissolve the accumulation of sebum in the pores and aging skin, making skin appear brighter and refreshed. Green papaya contains nutrients of potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C, E and B.

Dilo Carrier Oil (Calophyllum Indophyllum) AKA Tamanu Oil: Known as ‘the tree of a thousand virtues’, the Sacred Dilo tree makes its home on white coral sands in the pristine Islands of Fiji – drawing its sustenance directly from the nutrient rich warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Dilo has a unique fatty essential lipids (Calophyllic Acid) that can ONLY be found in Dilo Oil that is an anti-inflammatory & antibacterial fatty acid. ⁹ By working in harmony with the skins own lipid layer, it is known to possess a unique capacity to enhance the skin’s own repair mechanism, soothe pain and irritation as well as promote the growth of healthy skin. For this reason, dilo oil is widely used as a traditional topical aid in the Islands and regarded with much reverence for its healing powers. For centuries, Islanders believed that the dilo tree was a sacred gift of nature that the Gods hid in its branches.^{9 &10}

Sikeci Oil (Aleurites moluccana): Sikeci nut oil contains high levels of the linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids, vitamins and anti oxidants that help soothe dry skin and heal wounds. This oil is readily absorbed into the skin, providing tissues the essential elements that it needs. ¹¹

I find the scents of the tropics very appealing.  They are very uplifting and relaxing at the same time extremely beneficial. One thing I really love about the South Pacific islanders is their hearts are in the right place to be sustainable and productive for the whole community.  They are very happy people and the love is shown through in the way they produce pure oils.  Polynesians are well aware of how these unique and special oils affect people spiritually and emotionally as well as having therapeutic properties.  Throughout the ages they have been regarded as sacred oils, delivered from the Gods for their healing properties. These tropical carrier oils and essential oils will teleport you to a beautiful sandy beach and also have some of the best chemical compositions out shining products from other countries. Do yourself a favour and give them a try, I know you will enjoy the results.

Bibliography

 

1. http://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy
2. http://www.engineering.iastate.edu/brl/files/2011/10/brl_essentialoils.pdf

 

3. https://naha.org/store/entry/naha-beyond-aromatics-2016-conference-full-conference-11-discs
4. Agritech Website: http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/expert_system/coconut/coconut/coconut_processing.html
5. https://medcraveonline.com/MOJFPT/extraction-processes-of-virgin-coconut-oil.html
6. Lawless, Julia, 1995,The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons
7. Tisserand, Robert, Rodney Young, 2014,Essential Oil Safety, UK: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
8. Science Digest Volume 20, Issue 2, 1981, Pages 203-206
9. Dilo Oil: Pacific Panacea Dweck, A. C.1; Meadows, T.2 International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Volume 24, issue 6 (December 1, 2002), p. 341-348.
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583440/
11. Fijian Medicinal plants Cambie and Ash, 1994 CSIRO & Medicinal Plants in the South Pacific WHO Series 19, 1998