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Plai
Essential Oil
(Zingiber cassumunar)
Therapeutic Grade
Wildcrafted
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From Ananda Aromatherapy, pure Plai essential oil steam distilled from the rhizome (roots) of Plai, wild-grown in Thailand. Plai essential oil has long been in the "toolkit" of Thai massage therapists, and is highly regarded for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenative and relaxing therapeutic properties. It is from the same family as Ginger, though it's actions are considered more potent. It also has very high levels of Terpinine-4ol, the constituent in Tea Tree considered to give the oil most of its antimicropbial properties - which makes this an excetptional, all-around healing oil!
What makes Ananda's oils
different? Learn about our conscientious selection process here... |
Plai oil has a wonderful, uplifting peppery-green eucalyptus aroma, and is highly regarded for its therapeutic properties in massage*. We've found this wildcrafted variety to be especially bright and fresh...a very fine distillation to be sure! The oil is steam distilled from the roots, which are very similar in appearance to ginger. Also similar to ginger are the anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions, though it has an overall cooling, rather than warming effect.
Plai essential oil's foremost use is for the relief of pain and inflammation in a great number of conditions involving the joints and muscles. Plai seems to be beneficial whether the pain is from an injury, arthritis, rheumatism, or other source. The oil has been tested eve for post-operative pain and inflammation, significantly reducing both pain and visible inflammation.
For muscle, tendon and joint pain and inflammation, Plai has been most often used in a 10% dilution (this is 3ml — 90 drops — essential oil per ounce of carrier). It may also be used 'neat' in spot locations where the pain or inflammation is considered near the surface of the skin.
For analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications, Plai may be blended with other essential oils for a synergistic effect. Other oils to consider are: Helichrysum, Ginger, Marjoram, Nutmeg and Black Pepper (all of which have known anti-inflammatory and potentially analgesic action), or soothing oils such as Lavender, Neroli, or even Bergamot. Plai, blended with Nutmeg and Lemon, was evaluated for relief of post-operative pain for knee surgery. Amazingly, it was noted that the normal course of pain-relieving drugs was not needed, as the essential oil formula was so effective!
Plai essential oil has also been noted for its anti-histaminic action, with its cooling, anti-inflammatory action. It has the potential to significantly reduce the severity of asthma attacks in some individuals. The oil has been blended with Cypress and/or Rosemary for this application.
As an anti-spasmodic, Plai has also been noted to greatly reduce discomfort during both menstrual cramping and pain from irritable bowel syndrome. For both conditions, a 10% concentration of Plai, with other essential oils in a carrier, or alone, can be massaged around the abdomen and low back.
Plai also is considered a general tonic, as you can imagine, with all these wonderful properties. In addition to the already listed actions, it is also an immune system stimulant, and has antiviral and antimicrobial properties as well. All in all, Plai is one fantastic oil for health-supporting massage!
Plai essential oil is considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It may be used 'neat' if the condition would benefit from this. It blends well with many other essential oils — be creative and create your own exquisite massage formula!
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| Suggested Uses: |
Apply topically in concentrations between 5 and 20% in any carrier, or use neat if desired. |
| Possible Actions: |
Plai is noted to be analgesic anti-neuralgic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic,
and general tonic. |
Possible
Indications: |
Can be supportive in cases of aches and pains, inflammations, joint problems,
muscle spasms, sprains and strains, torn muscles and ligaments, asthma and respiratory problems. |
| Cautions: |
Considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic
reaction. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. |
Blends and
Recipes: |
Plai mixes well with many other oils. For support with pain relief, blend with Helichrysum, Sweet Marjoram, Ginger or Black Pepper. For accompanying stress relief, use Lavender or Bergamot. |
About
Ananda Aromatherapy
Essential Oils: |
All oils from Ananda Aromatherapy are therapeutic grade,
meaning they are produced to the highest quality standards possible. Our
essential oils are chosen for their integrity (all chemical constituents important for
aromatherapy are intact), ecological 'soundness' (many are claimed
organic, certified organic, or wild grown), and wonderful aromas. You may order
a sample of any oil before trying larger amounts. Most samples are about .75ml; exotic oils
such as Melissa, Rose, Angelica and Jasmine are only a few drops, but certainly enough to enjoy
their aroma! |

*The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal
value of this oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intendedd to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. |