Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is sometimes known as Anthopogon oil. Rhododendron Anthopogon is a kind of dwarf Rhododendron flowering tree. Flowers and leaves from this plant possess essential oil. Generally, in this case, stream distillation is the most followed to extract oil.
This oil is vastly known for its earthly and flowery odor. Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is primarily used in aromatherapy, curing joint pain, and supporting the respiratory system. Besides, it has a relaxing effect that may help calm, soothe, and fall asleep.
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What is Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil?
A specific Rhododendron plant grows in Nepal, Pakistan, and the Himalayas known as Anthopogon Rhododendron. It is very short in its size compared to its other species. The leaves, twigs, and flowers of Anthopogon Rhododendron are distilled via Stream and produce essential oil.
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is thin in consistency, making it helpful to apply on skin and hair. Besides, this oil has a cooling effect that may enable it to be used for calmness and relaxation. It has other benefits in mitigating muscle soreness, using bath salt, and helping digestion.
History of Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil and Cultivation
Nepal is the origin country of Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil. There are 1024 species of Rhododendron around the world. But only Rhododendron Anthopogon can produce essential oil.
Rhododendrons came to know by humans not that much ago. In the 16th century, the first Rhododendron was discovered. It is a native tree to the mountainous terrain of southern Asia and Southern China. The essential oil from this plant is also a new phenomenon.
This plant prefers cool temperatures and moist soil. This plant may survive higher pH in soil than other Rhododendron trees but does not tolerate fertilizer. You may notice them at the sloppy mountains’ altitudes of 3200 to 4700 meters. It is difficult to cultivate them at home, but it is not impossible.
Nutritional Values
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil contains these chemical compositions:
- Limonene: A colorless liquid commonly seen in essential oil. It is beneficial for its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidiabetic, and gastroprotective properties.
- A-Pinene and B-Pinene: These chemicals effectively protect from neuronal damage and oxidative stress
- A-Amorphene: A is part of the cadinene family. This chemical is helpful for its anti-microbial effect.
- a-Muurolene: This compound has anti-cancer compounds.
- Delta-Cadinene: It has an anti-oxidant capability. Besides, it helps wounds to be cured.
- (3Z)-B-Ocimene: This chemical has anti-convulsant, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor abilities.
- P-Cymene: It has a woody fragrance that makes this Rhododendron Anthopogon smell impressive.
Anthopogon Essential Oil Features
| Serial | Features | Description |
| 01 | Botanical Name | Rhododendron Anthopogon |
| 02 | Plant Family | Ericaceae family |
| 03 | Common Method of Extraction | Stream distillation |
| 04 | Plant Part Typically Used | Leaves and flowers |
| 05 | Color | Pale Yellow |
| 06 | Consistency | Thin |
| 07 | Perfumery Note | Middle |
| 08 | Strength of Initial Aroma | Medium to Strong |
| 09 | Aromatic Description | It has a flowery smell with a slight touch of greenery and sweetness. It also gives a woody odor. |
| 10 | Major Constituents | Limonene, a-Pinene, B-Pinene, a-Amorphene, a-Muurolene, Delta-Cadinene, (3Z)-B-Ocimene, and p-Cymene |
How to make Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil at home
The stream distillation process of extracting essential oil is tricky. But it can be done by following some simple steps at home. Though it will not be equivalent to industrial grade, it will be usable.
- Step 01: Collect flowers and leaves of Rhododendron Anthopogon.
- Step 02: Now place the plant materials in a non-metal container.
- Step 03: Pour some pre-collected Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil or alcohol. At least try to give a coating of oil or alcohol at the bottom of the container or enough to cover the flowers and leaves.
- Step 04: Set aside the container for 24-72 hours in some safe place. Meanwhile, you may heat the mixture for 1-2 hours at a low temperature.
- Step 05: Pour the mixture through a strainer and remove the used leaves and flowers from the oil.
- Step 06: Repeat this process until you get consistency and volume.
- Step 07: Store the produced oil in a glass jar for better shelf life.
How to use Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil
Skin: We recommend diluting three drops of Rhododendron Anthopogon oil to 1 tablespoon of regular massaging oil. Try to massage the skin once a day. Please apply this mixture immediately after mixing.
Hair: Mix 2 or 3 drops of this oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil. Essential oil is highly concentrated, so it must be diluted with another lighter oil. Now, use your fingertips to massage this oil on your scalps. Try to massage vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes.
Aromatherapy: Add 3 to 7 drops of Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil to a bowl of hot water. It would be best to drape your head with a wet towel so the vapor can not escape. Now, inhale the vapor with a deep breath.
Benefits and Uses of Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil
1. Ease Sore Muscles
After a long, hectic day, you can ease your muscle pain or soreness using Rhododendron essential oil. It would help to lighten it with other carrier oil and apply it to the affected area. You should gently massage the area for 5 to 7 minutes.
Additionally, you can add two drops of this essential oil to your hot bath water. It will help eliminate sore feet, muscle aches, and other muscle-related pain.
2. Treat Coughs
If you have a dry cough that may not be treated for some time, use Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil besides your regular medication. This essential oil promotes a fit respiratory system and kills viral fungi and bacteria from the respiratory organ.
Leaves of the Rhododendron Anthopogon plant have been used in Nepal for many years to treat colds and Coughs. They boil the leaves of this plant and inhale the vapor to clear away the nasal congestion and mitigate dry coughs.
3. Relieving Anxiety and Stress
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is very familiar for its aromatherapy. It may relieve you from acute stress and anxiety. This essential oil has calming and relaxing abilities. It has a beautiful fragrance of sweetness and floral aroma with a slight touch of spicy odor.
You can add this oil to your bath water. Besides, you can directly inhale the vapor of Rhododendron Anthopogon oil. Or you can diffuse this oil with water and spray it around your home for a relaxing effect that may reduce your anxiety.
4. Mitigate Headache
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is quite effective in relieving headaches. This oil has a relaxing and calming effect that cools down your nerves and mitigates head pain. This essential oil has a tranquil aroma that gives you a pressure-free and apparent environment.
In Tibet, this plant is used to cure headaches. They blend the leaves of the Rhododendron Anthopogon plant into hot tea. This herbal tea also helps with nausea, vomiting, and difficulties relating to digestion.
5. Hair Growth
You may use Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil if you face hair loss. You should mix this essential oil with Coconut oil because this carrier oil is effective for massaging the scalp. Add 2 to 3 drops of this oil with one tablespoon of Coconut oil. You can heat the mixture a little.
Then, gently massage the oil on your scalp for a few minutes. Then, leave it for 30 minutes before taking a bath. For more effective results, leave it for the whole night. This oil increases blood circulation in the scalp and cleans the follicles so new hair may grow.
6. Cure Cancer
Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil is enriched with tons of anti-oxidants. This oil is blessed with a component named Delta-Cadinene, a mass producer of anti-oxidant particles. Anti-oxidants are the core remedy to prevent cancer cells from growing.
Free radicals damage the cellular DNA, which leads the human cell to Cancer. In this situation, the body releases a protein named p53 that suppresses the cancer tumor. In research conducted on humans and mice, researchers found that the p53 protein’s release is halted by injecting anti-oxidants because the anti-oxidant kills free radicals.
7. Gives Brighter Skin
You can make facial mist and clay masks from Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil. They keep your skin moistened and safe from ultraviolet rays. As a result, you get brighter skin and a smoother outlook.
Besides, it is a great natural moisturizer for your skin. You can diffuse this oil with Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Lavender oil. You may add three drops of this essential oil to carrier oil. Then, gently apply it to your skin.
8. Treats Insomnia
The most common reasons for Insomnia are anxiety, depression, and noise pollution. You may consult a doctor if you have a sensitive hearing system that causes Insomnia. But if you are facing sleeping issues due to anxiety and depression, then Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil may be your solution.
Add 5 to 7 drops of this essential oil to hot water. Then have a bath with that water. You may have this bath before sleep. You can also drop some oil droplets onto your sleeping pillow. By following this process regularly, you may get rid of Insomnia.
8. Prevent Aging
You may look older if you have wrinkles and fine lines. Generally, these happen at an early age if your skin is dry and dusty. If you moisturize your skin regularly, then these problems may be prevented. However, the market moisturizer is high in chemical components that are sometimes unsafe for the skin.
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is a natural moisturizer. Add 2 to 3 drops of this oil to one tablespoon of Jojoba oil. Then, gently apply this mixture to your skin. Add this oil to your shampoo if your scalp is dehydrated and flaky.
10. Healing Lungs
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is a potent antiseptic and decongestant. It can be beneficial to the lungs and cause improvement in the whole respiratory system. The inhalation of this essential oil strengthens and cleanses the lungs.
Add 5 to 7 drops of this oil to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the vapor of this liquid. Using this method regularly may benefit your respiratory system. In this case, Eucalyptus essential oil is considered the best alternative to Rhododendron Anthopogon oil.
11. Helpful to Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural reaction of your immune system to an irritant. Your skin may get red and hurt as a sign of Inflammation. The irritant can be any germs or foreign objects. Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil reduces Inflammation and pain.
You can mix five drops of this essential oil with five drops of Lavender oil and two drops of Chamomile oil. Then, add this mixture to two tablespoons of any light carrier oil. Apply this serum on the affected area after washing thoroughly. Sweet Marjoram essential oil can be a great alternative in case of treating Inflammation.
12. Spiritual Uses
Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil is familiar for its exotic aura and sweet, fruity fragrance. It is widely used in the Southern part of Asia for spiritual purposes. Especially in Buddist monasteries, it is a widespread phenomenon to use this essential oil for its odor.
Buddhist monks crush dried leaves of Rhododendron Anthopogon and mix them with Ghee, this essential oil. They use the vapor of this mixture in their monastery and indulge in their spiritual practices.
13. Killing Germs
This essential oil also gained acclamation for medical purposes recently. Research conducted at the University of Padova, Italy, shows that this essential oil is preventive against certain germs.
Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcusfecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and C. Pseudotropicalis can be reduced as low as 0.04% after using Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil. Besides, this oil is very effective against the growth of cancer cells.
Side Effects of Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil
This oil is safe to use. Though no visible threat has ever been recorded against this oil, you may be aware of the following cases:
- You may get skin irritation after using this oil directly. So, always try to dilute it with another light carrier oil. You should avoid this essential oil even if you face skin irritation.
- For some people, inhaling the vapor of Rhododendron Anthopogon oil can be harmful. It is called pneumonia, which causes lung cancer. For this reason, try not to exceed 15 minutes of taking aroma therapy.
- You must avoid using Rhododendron essential oil if you are allergic to essential oil.
- It is considered unsafe to use essential oil for pregnant women. You may be aware of this issue before using Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil.
- You may also be careful to use this oil if you have surgery. Avoid using this essential oil at least two weeks before the surgery.
- This essential oil can be reactive to children under 12. It would help if you detoured from using this oil for children.
- Essential oil is safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it should be harmful to children, so breastfeeding mothers should avoid Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil during this period.
Where to buy Rhododendron Anthopogon Essential Oil
Though this oil is new, it has already gained its reputation. Besides, the Rhododendron Anthopogon plant is not easy to find everywhere, so the production is manageable in volume. But you may find them easily if you search medicine and cosmetics stores online.
Online Store
You may easily find this essential oil in online stores and deliver it to your doorstep without any hassle. Stores like Amazon, LG Botanics, Nature in a Bottle, Still Point Aromatics, Miracle Botanicals, etc., may get a considerable discount if you keep your eyes on these sites on special days for this oil.
Botanic Shops
If you search for this essential oil in botanic shops around your corner, you may find this oil easily. Primarily, you will find 100% organic and fresh oil in these shops because all these brands mix other chemical components into the original oil. In contrast, botanic shops sell raw and authentic essential oils.
Pharmacy
This essential oil can be found in medicine shops. But only a variant of Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil used for medical purposes may be available there. For example, oils for aromatherapy, respiratory treatment, and cure for cold should be available there.
Quick facts
Some interesting facts about Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil are:
- Rhododendron Anthopogon plants can only be found in Nepal and the Himalayas.
- This essential oil is seen to be used in monasteries in Southern Asia
- The plant itself is the most dwarf variant out of 1400 species of Rhododendron plant.
- In Tibet, Myanmar, and Pakistan, this Rhododendron species is called Dwarf Rhododendron.
- In some parts of Asia, this essential oil is used in tea for treating respiratory difficulties.
Final Thought
The Rhododendron flower is considered one of the world’s most beautiful and well-smelled flowers. Essential oil from this plant provides this extraordinary odor to its users and benefits them in many spheres. This oil will offer respiratory help, aromatherapy to relieve anxiety and stress, and many nerve and skin-related benefits.
We already learned that only a single species of this plant could produce essential oil, so the availability is not too frequent. Even if you face difficulties finding Rhododendron Anthopogon essential oil in the market, it is worth the hassle because of its usefulness.
