Polianthes tuberosa, mostly known as the tuberose, is a perennial plant related to the century plant. Regardless of its name, tuberose has no olfactory or botanical relation to roses. Tuberosa means swollen, referring to the plant’s tuberous root; while, Polianthes means ‘many flowers’ in Greek.
Tuberose has features elongated stems with clusters of cannular, velvety blossoms that produce a powerfully seductive fragrance. Likewise, the flowers only bloom at night; hence, it earned the moniker, ‘Mistress of the Night.’ The flower is also known as ‘Raat Ki Raani’ in Hindi. Moreover, the origin of the said nocturnal flower remains a moot point, but at present, it thrives mainly in India and Central America. The tuberose blossoms are still in the bud when harvested, and continue to give more off its full-bodied fragrance as they wilt.
It is no surprise that the bombastic flower is exploited mainly in perfume manufacturing. In fact, it is among the richest, sultriest, and most sensual notes in perfumery. Although tuberose is not religiously used in herbal medicine as in the world of perfumes, tuberose also exhibits health-benefiting qualities. Tuberose, when extracted through a solvent extraction method, produces its essential oil that offers aphrodisiac, deodorant, and sedative properties among many others.
1. Useful In Aromatherapy
Using tuberose essential oil in aromatherapy makes for a pleasurable and health boosting experience for the mind and body. Among its best uses in aromatherapy includes its effectiveness for relieving stress and calming the mind from anxiety. The tuberose’s rich and creamy fragrance release certain compounds that help stimulate the vagus nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming you down.
In addition, tuberose essential oil is as effective in dispelling emotional and mental negativity. It dispels depression, treats obsessive-compulsive behavioral problems, and promotes a sense of wellbeing.
Unlike prescription drugs, aromatherapy is a holistic approach to addressing certain mental and physical issues without producing any adverse effect.
2. Treats Nausea and Headaches
Nausea can range from queasiness to an extreme headache or vomiting. Tuberose essential oil can treat the onset of nausea to avoid the uncomfortable sensation of wanting to puke all the time. This is believed due to it’s the anti-emetic properties of its oil, which suppress activity of the vagus nerve and sensitivity of odors.
3. Improves Blood Circulation
Inhaling the powerful, fragrant essential oil of the tuberose flowers stimulates and improves blood circulation throughout the circulatory system. This property is most beneficial for individuals who endure joint pains and arthritic conditions brought by poor circulation. Proper blood circulation helps eliminate toxins from organ systems and out of the body. Receiving sufficient supply of oxygen is vital in maintaining normal bodily functions, especially the preservation of optimal cardiac function.
4. Benefits the Respiratory System
Tuberose essential oil is capable of lending itself to respiratory support via inhalation of its aromatic oils. In helps to remove catarrh, relieve bronchoconstriction and overall inflammation of the airways. It also reduces nasal congestion and can allow for easier breathing.
5. Promotes Sleep
Our body ideally needs about 8-9 hours of sleep nightly, but sadly this isn’t achieved by the majority of us. This sleep deficiency which ensues is implicated as a maj0or cause of numerous health conditions we suffer from, both physically and mentally. These health problems can include headaches, fatigue, depression, and lastly, a vulnerable immune system. Fortunately, tuberose is an effective herbal sleeping aid. The Sweet smelling oil has already been scientifically proven to encourage good quality sleep. Tuberose essential oil triggers neurochemicals in the brain to go to sleep. You can either diffuse tuberose oil at night via use of a diffuser, or add a few drops on your pillow to sleep more easily.
6. Tuberose Essential Oil Increases Libido
Tuberose essential oil is a tested and proven aphrodisiac. Modern aromatherapy uses such oil to assist with fertility in women and boost libido in both sexes. Tuberose essential oil’s powerfully seductive fragrance stimulates nerves that are responsible for sexual arousal. Likewise, its fragrance is very effective in creating a romantic ambiance that can’t help but put you in the mood!
Apart from its moniker ‘Mistress of the Night,’ tuberose was also referred as the ‘Harlot of Perfumery’ during the Victorian era. Young maidens were forbidden from inhaling its scent to prevent spontaneous orgasms and sexual desire.
7. Effective At Masking Unpleasant Odors
Air fresheners contain naphthalene, a hydrocarbon used as fumigant. Long-term exposure to such a compound is associated with an increased risk of asthma development, or worse DNA mutations. Fortunately, you can freshen your home without airborne toxins that harm your health. The olfactory properties of the tuberose essential oil make it a natural air freshener. Tuberose essential oil can mask any unwanted smell with its rich and long-lasting fragrance. Likewise, tuberose essential oil can mask body odor. Tuberose essential oil can resolve body odor problems in people who always have to deal with sweat due to hot and humid climates, and may prefer a more natural alternative.
8. Protects The Skin from Infections
Eugenol, Nerol, Farnesol, and Geraniol are the active ingredients of tuberose that make up its rich and overwhelming fragrance. Eugenol, also known as eugenic acid exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties. With its antimicrobial properties, eugenol kills pathogens that cause bacterial and fungal skin infections such as impetigo, boils, athlete’s foot, candida skin infections and much more. Nerol, on the other hand, complements the antibacterial properties of eugenol, which as an alcohol, exhibits antiseptic properties.
9. Provides Skincare Benefits
While eugenol provides a line of defense against bacterial and fungal skin infections, farnesol also possesses its own superb skin caring qualities. Farnesol promotes collagen synthesis in the dermis; thereby encouraging the production of new, healthy cells as well as a faster cell turnover. Likewise, farnesol promotes elastin, which is crucial in maintaining skin elasticity. It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles as well as augmenting the moisture binding capability of the skin. As a result, skin looks younger and suppler.
10. Tuberose Essential Oil is An Antispasmodic
A spasm is a non-voluntary contraction of muscle that is often harmless and goes by quickly. However, some spasms are accompanied with pain because of magnesium deficiency, as a reaction to foreign substances, or as a symptom of an underlying condition. Consider using some tuberose essential oil. Tuberose essential oil can ease spasms such as those associated with the abdomen. Its antispasmodic property is also beneficial for spasmodic coughs, convulsions, as well as for reducing muscle tension.
11. Tuberose Essential Oil Regulates Sebum
Overactive sebaceous glands on the scalp produce more oils that can lead to dandruff. Nonetheless, a few drops of tuberose essential oil can help eliminate excess grease on hair and prevent the accumulation of dirt that cause dandruff and some associated inflammatory conditions. Likewise, adding tuberose essential oil to your regular facial products help eliminate sebum that cause acne, and coupled with its antibacterial properties, make it an efficient treatment for pimples.