Inula Essential Oil

Inula graveolens

Other Names : Inula graveolens, Sweet Inule, Inule odorante
A native of the Mediterranean area, Inula is an erect, bushy, aromatic annual herb with small yellow to yellow/white flowers that smell of camphor. D. graveolens is a nitrophilous (Thriving in a habitat rich in nitrogen) species, generally associated with disturbed, open (unshaded) habitats, such as cultivated land, abandoned fields, roadsides, ruderal places, overgrazed pastures and other open (cleared) habitats. D. graveolens is widespread in the Mediterranean region, extending marginally into the western Atlantic-European coast and Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, north-west India). It has naturalized in many temperate parts of the world, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and California. It is also found in disturbed sites in England, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. It is considered to be an invasive weed.

Special Precautions of Inula Essentia Oil

Inula graveolens (Inula Essential Oil) should not be confused with Elecampane oil; both oils have been referred to as ‘inula oil’.

Health benefits and Uses of Inula Essentia Oil

Analgesic, Anti-allergenic, Anti-anxiety, Anti-asthmatic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antihistamine, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Antiviral, Cicatrisant, CNS depressant, Decongestant, Expectorant, Immune support, Mucolytic, Sedative, Skin care (wounds)

• Inula essential oil is renown among skilled aromatherapists as the most powerful essential oil for all sorts of adverse respiratory conditions. From bronchial conditions such as asthma or congestion to the flu, Inula is an impressive mucolytic although this remarkable essential oil does not possess the degree of camphoraceous notes one would expect as is generally the case with mucolytic essential oils. The aroma is camphoraceous as evidenced by its Camphene content, but there is a unique slightly floral sweetness that transforms this essential oil into a most pleasant aromatic.In chest rubs and inhalers Inula essential oil is a must have! If suffering from sinus infection or flu/cold symptoms just a few drops in a diffuser bedside during the night opens sinus passages, gives clear breathing and is calming to the body especially during flu aches and pains. Blending with other mucolytic essential oils such as Angelica Root, Saro or Rosalina results in an extremely pleasant and comforting aroma for the diffuser.
• Bornyl acetate exhibits a wide range of activity including:
  • analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • relaxes the autonomic nervous system
  • bactericidal, expectorant, sedative and spasmolytic activity.
• Borneol exhibits:
  • vasorelaxant effects.
  • anticoagulant activity.
  • sedative activity and may be useful in treating anxiety.
  • antimicrobial activity.
  • anti-inflammatory activity.
• Inula graveolens contains upwards of 26.2% borneol. Inula exhibits antibacterial activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that the bactericidal activity of I. graveolens and S. corsica essential oils resides in their ability to detrimentally affect the integrity of the plasmic membrane and the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus.
• Inula graveolens exhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity.
• anti-leukemic?

References

• Csurhes S and Zhou Y. (2008). Pest plant risk assessment: Stinkwort Dittrichia graveolens.The state of Queensland. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
• Blanc M C, Muselli A, Bradesi P, Casanova J. (2004). Chemical composition and variability of the essential oil of Inula graveolens from Corsica. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, Vol 19 (4), page 314.
• Wu X, Li X, Xiao F, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Wang H. (2004). Studies on the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of bornyl acetate in volatile oil from Amomum villosum. Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Jun;27(6):438-9. Chinese. PMID: 15524301 Retrieved on April 10, 2007 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez
• Wu X, Xiao F, Zhang Z, Li X, Xu Z. Research on the analgesic effect and mechanism of bornyl acetate in volatile oil from amomum villosum. Zhong Yao Cai., 2005 Jun;28(6):505-7.
• Tung Y-T, Chua M-T, Wang S-Y, Chang S-T. Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresource Technology 99 (2008) 3908–3913
• Wu X, Xiao F, Zhang Z, Li X, Xu Z. [Research on the analgesic effect and mechanism of bornyl acetate in volatile oil from amomum villosum]. Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Jun;28(6):505-7.
• Tung Y-T, Chua M-T, Wang S-Y, Chang S-T. (2008)Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresource Technology 99, pp 3908–3913
• Matsubara E, Fukagawa M, Okamoto T, Ohnuki K, Shimizu K, Kondo (2011) R.(-)-Bornyl acetate induces autonomic relaxation and reduces arousal level after visual display terminal work without any influences of task performance in low-dose condition. Biomed Res., 32(2):151-7.
• Petropoulou A, Tzakou O, Verykokidou E. (2004). Volatile Constituents of Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter from Greece. J Essen Oil Res, 16, 400-401.
• Silva-Filbo J C, Neylanne N, Oliveira P M, Arcanjo D D R, Quintans-Junior L J, Cavalcanti S C H, Santos M R V, Oliveira RdC M, Oliveira A P. (2011) Investigation of Mechanisms Involved in (-)-Borneol-Induced Vasorelaxant Response on Rat Thoracic Aorta. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol.
• Li YH, Sun XP, Zhang YQ, Wang NS. (2008) The antithrombotic effect of borneol related to its anticoagulant property. Am J Chin Med. 36(4):719-27.
• Granger RE, Campbell EL, Johnston GA.(2005) (+)- And (-)-borneol: efficacious positive modulators of GABA action at human recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2L GABA(A) receptors. Biochem Pharmacol. 69(7):1101-11.
• Tabanca N, Kirimer N, Demirci B, Demirci F, Baser KH. (2001) Composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Micromeria cristata subsp. phrygia and the enantiomeric distribution of borneol. J Agric Food Chem. 49(9):4300-3.
• Tung Y-T, Chua M-T, Wang S-Y, Chang S-T. (2008) Anti-inflammation activities of essential oil and its constituents from indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) twigs. Bioresource Technology 99, pp 3908–3913
• Juhas S, Cikos S, Czikkova S, Vesela J, Il’Kova G, Hajek T, Domaracka K, Domaracky M, Bujnakova D, Rehak P, Koppel J. (2008) Effects of Borneol and Thymoquinone on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice. Folia Biologica (Praha) 54, 1-7
• Guinoiseau E, Luciani A, Rossi P G, Quilichini Y, Ternengo S, Bradesi P, Berti L. (2010)Cellular effects induced by Inula graveolens and Santolina corsica essential oils on Staphylococcus aureus. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 29:873–879
• Dohi S, Terasaki M, Makino M. (2009) Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and chemical composition of commercial essential oils. J Agric Food Chem. 57(10):4313-8.
• Schnaubelt, K. (2011). The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
• Aghel N, Mahmoudabadi A Z, Darvishi L. (2011). Volatile constituents and anti candida activity of the aerial parts essential oil of Dittrichia graveolens (L.) Greuter grown in Iran. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Vol. 5(6), pp. 772-775.