Amyris Essential Oil
Amyris essential oil is closely related to sandalwood, and in fact, is sometimes called West Indies sandalwood. Although it originated in Haiti, it is now being grown in South and Central America. The plant that amyris is made from grows to a height of about 60 feet and it is easy to recognize, as when it begins to bloom, white flowers will grow, which will then turn into edible fruit that are shades of dark blue or black. One of the interesting things about amyris is that it is extremely flammable, and in fact is known by the nickname torchwood, because it has such a high oil content and is used to create torches that burn easily.
The Basics about Amyris Essential Oil
Amyris, which bears the scientific name Amyris balsamifera, is part of a botanical family called Rutaceae. Amyris’s cousin, sandalwood, is an endangered species, and so it is very expensive. Amyris is not as valuable as actual Sandalwood but it still offers some terrific health benefits. True sandalwood is known as Australian sandalwood, and prices are very high. The common name for amyris is Indian Sandalwood, and many people use it as an alternative to sandalwood, because it is very similar, and especially amyris essential oil which is used for everything from aromatherapy to alternative medicine. Besides, the use of amyris in place of sandalwood is ecologically responsible.
How is Amyris Essential Oil Manufactured?
Amyris essential oil is made from the amyris tree, which is a tropical evergreen that can be found in many different countries. The oil is manufactured through a distillation process like hydrodistillation. Distillation is the most common process used to create essential oils.
Types of Amyris Essential Oil
There are six different types of amyris, and although the tree can be found in many places across the globe, certain species are only present in a few locations. For example the tree that commonly goes by the name of Sea torchwood, is found only in Central America, the Caribbean and the US state of Florida. Here are the types of amyris that are out there.
- Sea Torchwood (Amyris elemifera )
- Mountain Torchwood (Amyris madrensis )
- Amyris polymorpha
- Balsam Torchwood (Amyris balsamifera )
- Hairy Torchwood (Amyris diatrypa Spreng)
- Texas Torchwood (Amyris texana)
How to Use Amyris Essential Oil
Amyris essential oil is used several different ways and sometimes the way that it is used will give a different benefit than others. For example, this essential oil can be combined with a carrier oil and then used for massages or can be added to a bath; either of these two ways will help heal sore, painful muscles. Another way that amyris is commonly used is for aromatherapy – in its diffused form. Many people use it to meditate and clear their minds. Other ways that amyris can be used is by inhaling it directly from the bottle or in combination with a light bulb ring.
Composition of Amyris Essential Oil
There are six main ingredients of amyris essential oil as well as a number of smaller loans. The oil is created from the bark of the amyris tree to the process of distillation and is composed of the following main ingredients:
- Valerianol
- a-Eudesmol
- 7-epi-a-Eudesmol
- 10-epi-Gamma-Eudesmol
- Elemol
Aromatic Description of Amyris Essential Oil
When it comes to the smell of amyris essential oil, it is a similar scent to benzoin, and is used often in aromatherapy circles. It is a sweet and warm smell that is very woodsy and definitely has a lot of character, but along with the wood smell there is just a hint of vanilla.
Precautions & Side Effects of Amyris Essential Oil
There are no known side effects when it comes to amyris essential oil, and as far as precautions go, the only thing that you need to be aware of is that some types of skin may be sensitive to amyris if you use it topically. As with all essential oils, never ingest oils or apply them topically onto the skin without dilution unless you have expert knowledge of essential oils. Consult with your physician if you have any questions. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid most essential oils. Also, always get medical advice before you give any essential oils to children.
Attributes of Amyris Essential Oil
Besides the attributes listed below, what you need to know about amyris essential oil is that it is good for heart health and is often used to treat hemorrhoids. When it comes to aromatherapy and meditation, people often use amyris essential oil to relax a person, loosen their tight muscles and make them breathe deeper. It is also used to treat dry skin, soften it and reduce irritation.
| Attribute | X | Definition |
| analgesic | Reduces pain in muscles and joints | |
| anti-infectious | Prevents infection | |
| anti-inflammatory | X | Reduces inflammation |
| antibiotic | Keeps biotic infections from developing | |
| antidepressant | Helps to alleviate depression | |
| anti-neuralgic | Counteracts nerve pain | |
| anti-rheumatic | Counteracts pain from rheumatoid arthritis | |
| antiseptic | X | Prevents growth of organisms which cause disease |
| antispasmodic | Prevents spasms from occurring | |
| antiviral | Kills viral agents | |
| aphrodisiac | X | Increasing someone’s sexual desires |
| bactericidal | Kills bacterial agents | |
| carminative | Prevents formation of gas in the GI tract | |
| cholagogue | Assists with the discharge of bile | |
| cicatrisant | Assists in the formation of healthy scar tissue | |
| decongestant | X | Reduces or eliminates congestions of nasal cavities |
| expectorant | X | Loosens mucous and helps clear it from the body |
| digestive | Helps with the digestion of food | |
| emenagogue | Promotes healthy menstrual discharge | |
| febrifuge | Aids in the reduction of fever | |
| hepatic | Promotes healthy liver function | |
| hypotensive | Helps to lower blood pressure | |
| Insecticide | Kills certain types of insects or pests | |
| muscle relaxant | X | Relaxes tight muscles and prevents muscle spasms |
| nervine | Reduces anxiety and calms the nerves | |
| sedative | X | Aids in calming or induces sleepiness |
| stimulant | Increases physiological or nervous system activity | |
| Stomachic | Aids in a healthy appetite or digestion | |
| sudorific | Promotes or aids in activation of sweat glands | |
| tonic | X | Tones the skin or muscles |
| vermifuge | Kills parasitic worms |
What is Amyris Essential Oil Used for Primarily?
The main purpose of amyris is to be used in place of Sandalwood is a less expensive and more abundant alternative, but often it is part of massage oil and aromatherapy concoctions as well. Also, the sedative antiseptic properties make a great for cleaning wounds and reducing pain in some of the other uses that people get out of it include spicing up their love life, lowering their blood pressure, treating cold and flu symptoms, helping to manage hemorrhoids symptoms and to build strong internal organs and muscles. Another primary use for amyris is to act as a muscle relaxer, which combined with the sedative effects so that he can aid in meditation.
Other Uses for Amyris Essential Oils
Besides the primary use of amyris, there are a number of secondary uses as well. Since amyris is fairly abundant and available all over the world, it is used in place of Sandalwood or to extend Sandalwood, and as an insect repellent or pesticide. In fact, many people put a couple drops of amyris into their grain storage bins in order to keep it free of pests for at least a month or two. It is also made into incense because of its attractive fragrance. In addition, amyris may be used in other ways to promote physical or mental health, which are not necessarily listed here.
Recommended Combinations Involving Amyris Essential Oil
As for what you should combine amyris with in order to get good results here is a list of some essential oils that work well with amyris. You can combine them together as a pairing or you can even combine more than two if you prefer. That’s because each essential oil may have slightly different benefits. Try these pairings: Nagarmotha, Oakmoss, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lavandin and Lavender.
The Final Word on Amyris Essential Oil
There definitely some good reasons to keep amyris on the shelf. This is an essential oil that has health benefits in many different areas, and while it is not nearly as potent as actual Sandalwood, it is a good substitute for many things. When it comes to relaxing and healing the body, amyris a good choice because it is a muscle relaxant; plus, it is an excellent sedative that can help you relieve stress and get rid of anxiety. Use it as part of aromatherapy or as part of your massage oil for best benefit.
