Benefits of gardenia essential oil include prevention of chronic diseases, anti-depressant and anxiety, reducing inflammation/oxidative stress, relieving pain, reducing fatigue, fighting infection, and soothing the digestive tract.
But the gardenia itself is also a very high value of use.
What is gardenia？
Most of us know gardenia as the large white flower that grows in gardens, it is a bit like jasmine, but it is not, it is mostly a source of fragrance with a strong floral scent used to make lotions and candles.
Gardenia jasminoides is a member of the gardenia family of plants in the Rubiaceae family and is native to parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands, including China and Japan.
Today, extracts of gardenia fruits and flowers (ethanol extraction method) are still used in herbal and aromatherapy in a variety of ways.
There are more than 250 different types of plants in the genus Gardenia, and one of them, the Latin name Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (which means “gardenia jasmine”), is mainly used to make essential oils.
As you will learn, gardenia has been shown to have many effects, including as a natural antibacterial, pain reliever, antifungal, diuretic, antiseptic, detoxifier and antispasmodic.
The most widely used type of extract for medical purposes is gardenia essential oil, which has many uses, such as anti-infection and tumor.
It is also used in the manufacture of lotions, perfumes, body washes, and many other skin applications due to its strong and “seductive” floral scent and ability to promote relaxation.
6 Benefits of gardenia essential oil?
The following are some of the medicinal values of the flowers, extracts, and essential oils:
Fight against inflammation and obesity
Gardenia contains many antioxidants that can help the body fight free radical damage.
There are also two compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, geniposide, and genipin.
Studies have found that it may help reduce high cholesterol, insulin intolerance, and liver damage.
May offer some protection against diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.
Kyonipin glucoside is easily soluble in water and is one of the main medicinal components of gardenia fruit, but it is not contained in gardenia essential oil.
Reduces depression and anxiety
The scent of gardenia is known to promote relaxation and help de-stress those who feel stressed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, gardenia is included in aromatherapy and herbal formulas for the treatment of mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and restlessness.
Soothing the digestive tract
Components isolated from gardenia fruit, including ursolic acid (ursolic) and genipin (genipin), have been shown to have anti-gastric inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, and acid-neutralizing ability to prevent a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.
Genipin has also been shown to help digest fats by promoting the production of certain enzymes.
Anti-infection and wound repair
Gardenia contains a variety of natural antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral compounds.
To fight colds, respiratory congestion, or sinus infections, try sniffing and inhaling gardenia essential oil, massaging it into your chest, or using drops in a diffuser or facial fomenter.
Mix a small amount of essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to the skin to fight infection and promote healing.
Simply mix with coconut oil and apply to scrapes, scrapes, bruises or cuts (remember to dilute before applying).
Reduces fatigue and pain
Gardenia extract, essential oils and flower teas are used to relieve headaches, PMS, arthritis, injury-related pain and discomfort including sprains and muscle spasms.
It also has some stimulating properties and may even help lift your mood and enhance cognition.
Studies have found that it improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to areas of the body that need to heal.
For this reason, it is traditionally used to treat chronic pain, chronic fatigue.
Improve awareness and memory
A study found that gardenia extract helps improve memory, especially in people with memory deficits in old age, including those with Alzheimer’s disease.
In this study, two of the main components found in gardenia extract, kynepin, and gardenia glycosides, appear to help inhibit the expression of immune-related genes in the brain, implying that they have anti-inflammatory effects that could address potential mechanisms of memory deficits.
The uses of gardenia in TCM and Ayurveda
TCM
According to Chinese medicine, gardenia has strong bitter and cold properties that help protect the heart, lungs, and stomach.
Its uses include dipping residual heat, draining damp heat, and cooling the blood.
Gardenia is used in herbal medicine to help lower blood pressure, stop bleeding, improve insomnia, treat urinary tract infections, reduce swelling and bruising from trauma, and relieve pain from sprains and abscesses.
Traditional Chinese medicine recommends taking 3 to 12 grams per day. And dried gardenia seed powder, tea, or extract can be taken internally. It can also be applied directly to the skin.
Ayurvedic
Gardenia has several different names in Ayurvedic medicine, including Dakamali and Nahi hingu.
It is used to help treat ailments, including fever, indigestion, wounds, skin conditions, and abdominal pain. It is said to have a pungent, bitter taste.
These properties are believed to aid in digestion and reduce dampness and heat.
It is recommended for Kapha and Vata types who can benefit from it for indigestion or infection.
KAPHA-hydraulic energy: the energy in charge of structure, shape, weight, and softness.
VATA-Wind Energy: The energy in charge of function, movement, and connection.
A common use of Ayurveda is to use the resin, either applied to the skin or taken in the form of a powder.
For conditions such as intestinal worms, bloating, constipation, coughing and inflammation of the gums, an intake dose of 200 to 500 mg’s per day is recommended.
Gardenia vs Jasmine
How does gardenia compare to other medicinal plants such as jasmine?
Jasmine essential oil is another mood-boosting and stress-relieving oil.
Like gardenia, jasmine (Jasminum officinale) has been used for centuries in parts of Asia as a natural remedy for depression, anxiety, emotional stress, loss of libido, and insomnia.
Both of these oils are said to have “seductive” qualities because their scent helps increase sensuality and sexual arousal.
In fact, jasmine oil is known as the “queen of the night” for its ability to increase sexual desire and energy.
Jasmine essential oil is believed to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, much like gardenia.
Studies have found that using jasmine can also improve mood and reduce physical and emotional low energy states.
It also helps fight harmful bacteria and viruses, helping to prevent disease, irritation, fungal and viral infections.
Jasmine essential oil can be used either by sniffing and inhaling or by applying it directly to the skin.
Try using jasmine and gardenia with massage oils or add to body lotions, body washes, homemade soaps and perfumes, and homemade candles.
How to use gardenia products?
Gardenia essential oil
Essential oils are made by extracting volatile active ingredients from plants.
The petals of gardenias are usually the source of the extract or essential oil, although the leaves and roots can also be used.
It can be diffused at home, applied to the skin when diluted with a carrier oil, or added to shower gels, lotions, body sprays, and perfumes.
Gardenia essential oil has a delicate, sweet, botanical scent.
If using gardenia oil on skin and hair, it is recommended to mix it with coconut, jojoba or almond oil to enhance absorption and moisturize.
To use it to de-stress, try adding a few drops of the oil to the tub when soaking before bed, or diffusing the fragrance in the room.
For best results and to be safe, it is recommended to purchase 100% pure, organic gardenia essential oil.
Gardenia supplement/capsule
Gardenia supplements or capsules are considered safe when taken orally from 3 to 12 grams per day.
Gardenia supplements can be purchased online, although they have not been as widely studied as essential oils.
Related supplements are often found in some herbal combination products.
These supplements should not be confused with Garcinia Cambogia supplements, which are used to promote weight loss and reduce appetite.
They do not come from the same plant and have different effects.
Gardenia Tea
Gardenia tea, which is made from dried flowers, has a light, sweet flavor and a natural diuretic effect.
Other herbs can also be added to gardenia tea for added benefit, such as rosemary, oregano, basil, and thyme.
Gardenia tea is made as follows: pick the flowers when they are in bloom, put them on a tray to dry, and turn them twice a day until they become dry.
To drink the tea, put the dried flowers into a teapot, pour in hot water, let it sit for a few minutes, and drink, and you can also add other herbal teas to enjoy together.
What is gardenia fruit?
Some products claim to use gardenia fruit in their capsules or formulations, but the plant doesn’t actually grow edible fruit as you might think.
Gardenia jasminoides is another name for gardenia, which is a part of the gardenia plant that grows in the warm months of the year.
This fruit is an orange-red berry with a sticky pulp inside. It is usually dried or ground into a powder. Gardenia resin, on the other hand, comes from the stems or branches of the plant.
Considerations for using gardenia essential oil
Potential side effects associated with the use of Gardenia essential oil or capsules may include loss of appetite, diarrhea or loose stools, skin irritation and inflammation, and possible complications in pregnant and lactating women and children.
Although it has been used for many years to support milk production in nursing mothers, there have not been many studies to prove that it is absolutely safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Because not enough is known about the potential effects of pregnancy or breastfeeding, use caution and consider consulting your doctor first.