Jute, like diclofenac, treats headache —Scientists

From ancient Egypt to modern times, essential oils have been used to treat anxiety, aches, and even acne. The benefits of aromatherapy are well-researched. Inhaling certain essential oils, like sweet orange, can help ease symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Now, scientists say like a massage with peppermint and eucalyptus oils reduces muscle cramps, oil from leaf stem and root of Corchorus olitorius can treat swelling and pain associated with conditions like gout, migraine, rheumatoid disease.

In a study designed to investigate the antioxidant and analgesic properties of the essential oils of Corchorus olitorius in the leaf, stem, root, fruit and flower, researchers suggested that Corchorus olitorius essential oils may be used for analgesic and antioxidant purposes.

From the study, leaf essential oils had better inhibition (79.27 per cent) as compared to the standard drug, diclofenac, at 26.70 per cent inhibition. Also, essential oil from stem showed better effect than leaf, followed by root.

Given that 5 ml/kg bodyweight stem essential oils had 93.67 per cent analgesic activity, they suggested that the stem essential oils showed good promise against pain.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve swelling (inflammation) and pain associated with conditions like gout, migraine, rheumatoid disease.

From the study, since stem essential oils were more active than vitamin C, they suggested that stem essential oils of C. olitorius can be used as a source of vitamin C.

In this 2018 study, researchers based on the Journal of Applied Biosciences extracted essential oils from the different parts of C. olitorius, determined their antioxidant activity and compared with synthetic and natural standards such as vitamin C, garlic, bitter kola, ginger and carrots. Also measured was their analgesic property in mice.

The abdominal constriction was induced in mice that were pretreated with leaf, stem and root essential oils of C. olitorius at doses of 5, 10 and 15 ml/kg and the percentage inhibition of analgesic activity was determined.

Also, there was no detectable sign of toxicity on the animals, which suggests that the essential oils are safe at the maximum administered dosage of 20 ml/kg body weight for leaf, stem and root essential oils.

The leaves of Corchorus olitorius or Jute, which is popularly called Ewedu in Yoruba, Atiever or Adigbor in Tiv, Epo-Ipin (Mbo) in Idoma and Lalo in Hausa, is rich in beta-carotene, iron, calcium and vitamin C. Its leaves have been found to suppress elevation of blood glucose levels two hours after a meal in rats and humans.

The seeds are used as purgative and the methanol extracts of the seeds have been reported to possess a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

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Essential oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits, barks or roots of plants, and are widely used in lotions and perfumes as well as in aromatherapy. The chemical composition of each essential oil determines its aroma, how well it can be absorbed on, or in the body, and how it affects physiology.

Many concentrated extracts can influence mood and have been used over the years to address a number of health problems, including, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and migraine headaches.

Some essential oils have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties and documented health benefits. Research on peppermint essential oil, for example, shows it helps to feel more alert. In a study, basketball players who sniffed peppermint oil had better energy and performance.

Japanese researchers found that folks with depression who sniffed citrus fragrance were able to lower their dose of antidepressants; the scent helped normalise hormone levels.

Research on tea tree oil, for example, shows it to be as effective as an antibiotic-based topical treatment for clearing MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) bacteria from the skin.

One small study of rats published in the journal Neuroscience Letters found that inhaling grapefruit oil can inhibit a key gastric nerve, dulling the sensation of hunger.

Peppermint oil is the scented oil to keep awake. Research conducted by Dr. William Denver from the University of Cincinnati discovered that regular use of peppermint oil increases alertness by 30 per cent. The oil can also help to deal with nagging headaches. Peppermint oil can also benefit your digestive system.

A study from the University of California San Diego revealed how peppermint oil capsules significantly improved symptoms and abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow can guarantee an insomnia-free night. According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, an individual in the study who doused their pillows with lavender oil showed an improvement in their sleeping patterns as well as an overall improvement in well-being.

Whether it’s dabbing a few drops onto the skin, adding them to the bathwater or ingesting them as supplement capsules, essential oils are the perfect addition to daily routine.