Rhododendron
Rhododendron Anthopogon
Rhododendron Oil is a beautiful essential oil which can be used to decongest your respiratory system when sick, as well as helping with pain and inflammation when applied topically. It has a herby and floral scent which works well with other essential oils.
History of Rhododendron Oil
The Rhododendron plant is native to the Himalayas and has been used for centuries across multiple cultures for medicinal and healing properties. The oil itself is effective against anxiety, depression and low energy, and can be used to help with congestion in the nose, throat and lungs, too. The Rhododendron species is incredibly old, and has been present since the extinction of dinosaurs.
Its medicinal properties can support practically every organ in the body, and can benefit your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys as well as your muscles and joints, too. Although the oil originates in the Himalayas, it has also been used extensively in Nepalese culture. There aren’t specific countries or cultures that have used the oil in depth, rather it has been a universal oil that has weaved itself into many practices, namely aromatherapy and medicinal uses. Although it is an ancient oil, it didn’t start to reach commercial use until the 1800's, as prior to the oils discovery it was the Rhododendron plant that was used instead of the essential oil.
Today, the oil is often used in skincare and aromatherapy, and has a sweet, fragrant scent making it a multi-use oil and beneficial for those who are beginners in the essential oil community. Due to its pleasant scent and ability to work well with other oils it gives it a commercial appeal, not to mention that the oil has already been commercialised in medicine and home fragrance.
So, why is Rhododendron Oil still so popular today?
There are a number of reasons why the oil is so popular, the main being the fact that it has an extensive history, and is probably one of the oldest essential oils in the world. Due to its use across multiple disciplines, it has cemented itself into many cultures as it can be used in aromatherapy, medicine, perfumery and scenting the home. Although it is slightly more expensive than some essential oils on the market, it isn’t considered a high end or luxury oil, and the benefits that it provides outweigh the increase in price point. Overall it’s a reliable oil with vast history to support its claims, and one that we would consider an essential for your collection, particularly if you are new to the world of essential oils.
Extracting Rhododendron Oil
Like most essential oils. Rhododendron Oil is made using a process called steam distillation. It is the most common method used to extract essential oils as it’s the least invasive whilst also producing a high yield without compensating on quality. To make Rhododendron Oil, the twigs, leaves and flowers of the plant are put into a steam distiller, where steam gently lifts the oil from the plant. Once the process is completed, the oil will then sit on top of the condensed water where it can later be skimmed off and put into bottles. This is a common process which allows the manufacturer to still yield a high volume of oil without damaging it, or having to bulk it out with alcohols or carrier oils. Always check when purchasing an essential oil that it isn’t mixed with anything else, as that can affect the quality and benefits of an oil.
Can I make Rhododendron Oil at home?
Technically, yes, you can. Providing that you have the correct growing conditions for Rhododendron and own (or can rent) a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils you may find that owning a steam distiller would be more cost effective rather than renting one. You just have to follow the same process that a commercial distributor would, and you can yield Rhododendron Oil within a couple of days! Please note that the only variety of Rhododendron that is safe to use is the anthopogon variety, as the rest are considered toxic.
What do you think of Rhododendron Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, we love interacting with you all and finding out which oils work the best for you. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Can I make Rhododendron Oil at home?
Technically, yes, you can. Providing that you have the correct growing conditions for Rhododendron and own (or can rent) a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils you may find that owning a steam distiller would be more cost effective rather than renting one. You just have to follow the same process that a commercial distributor would, and you can yield Rhododendron Oil within a couple of days! Please note that the only variety of Rhododendron that is safe to use is the anthopogon variety, as the rest are considered toxic.
What do you think of Rhododendron Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, we love interacting with you all and finding out which oils work the best for you. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Rhododendron Oil Varieties
Rhododendron Oil Varieties
The only variation of rhododendron that doesn’t have toxic qualities is a variety called rhododendron anthopogon. This variation can only be found in Nepal, and can have a shelf life of up to 5 years if kept in the correct conditions. This unfortunately does limit essential oil distributors on how creative they can be with Rhododendron Oil, but the anthopogon variety is completely safe and free from toxicity. There may be some distributors who use other types of rhododendron to create their oils, but these may not be safe to use for therapeutic and medicinal practice.
So, which variety of Rhododendron Oil should I use?
As mentioned, the only variety which isn’t toxic is rhododendron anthopogon, and in reality should be the only type that you choose to purchase. Please note that when purchasing essential oils it’s incredibly important to check the veracity of your source and where it has come from, as well as the botanical name of the variety you have purchased. We would strongly advise against buying any variety of rhododendron that isn’t listed as an anthopogon variety, as you may be exposing yourself to a potently toxic oil, which unfortunately wouldn’t possess the same benefits that you are looking for. Remember to always check with your distributor and never compensate on the quality for a cheaper price point!
The only time where you may be able to find another variation is if it isn’t for medicinal or therapeutic use, therefore there may be some varieties that are safe in this instance. Always consult with a professional before use - and if in doubt there are a number of essential oil and aromatherapy specialists who can advise you to make the correct decision, depending on what you want to use the oil for.
What do you think of Rhododendron Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? The team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oils. So, feel free to share your stories with the team today.
So, which variety of Rhododendron Oil should I use?
As mentioned, the only variety which isn’t toxic is rhododendron anthopogon, and in reality should be the only type that you choose to purchase. Please note that when purchasing essential oils it’s incredibly important to check the veracity of your source and where it has come from, as well as the botanical name of the variety you have purchased. We would strongly advise against buying any variety of rhododendron that isn’t listed as an anthopogon variety, as you may be exposing yourself to a potently toxic oil, which unfortunately wouldn’t possess the same benefits that you are looking for. Remember to always check with your distributor and never compensate on the quality for a cheaper price point!
The only time where you may be able to find another variation is if it isn’t for medicinal or therapeutic use, therefore there may be some varieties that are safe in this instance. Always consult with a professional before use - and if in doubt there are a number of essential oil and aromatherapy specialists who can advise you to make the correct decision, depending on what you want to use the oil for.
What do you think of Rhododendron Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? The team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your essential oils. So, feel free to share your stories with the team today.
Benefits of Rhododendron Oil
Rhododendron Oil is slightly more expensive in comparison to other oils on the market, but this is outweighed by how much use you can get from having this oil in your collection. It was commercialised in the 1800s, and since then has grown in popularity and cemented itself into many industries, products and alternative medicine practices.
So, what are the benefits of Rhododendron Oil?
Decongestant
Inhaling Rhododendron Oil is a great way to decongest your respiratory system, particularly when sick. It has similar benefits to other decongestants such as mint and eucalyptus, and can also be used as a chest rub to help you breathe better.
Relieves nausea
Using the oil topically or inhaling it can help to relieve nausea, which can be effective if you are struggling with a stomach bug or travel sickness. It’s a great oil to carry around if you travel regularly and want to use natural remedies rather than anti-sickness tablets.
Relieves pain and discomfort
If you’re struggling with muscle and joint pain, using the oil and massaging it into your skin can help to relieve pain and discomfort using a natural remedy. You can also blend it with other pain relieving oils to boost its effectiveness.
Antibacterial
Rhododendron Oil is a natural antibacterial, making it perfectly placed for topical use (especially if you’re dealing with a bacterial infection or small cut that you don’t want to become infected).
Relieves stress and anxiety
In aromatherapy, Rhododendron Oil is incredibly effective for relieving stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. It can instil a calm feeling and help those with overactive minds feel rested.
Please note that the benefits of each oil will vary from person to person, and some things may work better for others than for you. Be mindful of purchasing Rhododendron Oil from a trusted distributor, as some variations of the oil can be toxic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please consult with your doctor before using essential oils, and the same goes for those with young children.
Uses of Rhododendron Oil
Rhododendron Oil can support practically every organ in the body, and can benefit your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys as well as your muscles and joints, too.
So, what can you use Rhododendron Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, Rhododendron Oil is excellent to help boost mood, clear your head and rid you of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. It can be used on its own or blended with other essential oils to create powerful blends to tackle a number of issues.
Massage
In massage, Rhododendron Oil is effective as it can relieve pain and discomfort in your joints and muscles. Simply mix with a carrier oil (and another pain relieving essential oil if you want) and massage gently into your skin, applying some pressure to help your skin absorb the oil and its benefits.
Medicine
You can inhale the oil as well as create medicinal rubs (with carrier oils or petroleum jelly) to help with respiratory issues as well as the common cold. Mix with other medicinal oils such as mint and eucalyptus for a double (or triple action) oil that can target a number of issues when sick.
Fragrance
The sweet scent of Rhododendron Oil is potent, and can work well to make your own perfume or home fragrance when used in an electric diffuser. One of our favourite blends is rose and rhododendron together. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a candle, too.
Wound care
Due to its antibacterial properties, Rhododendron Oil can be used on small cuts, bruises, scrapes and wounds to prevent further infection.
Travel
If you travel regularly and suffer from motion sickness, this is a great oil to have in your bag as it’s easy to travel with, and you can just inhale its scent to help you feel less nauseous.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding the best blends, or understanding the history behind a particular oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Rhododendron Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading.
Jojoba Oil
Silky and smooth, we love Jojoba Oil as a carrier oil as it works very well on your face, without clogging up your pores. Use this blend to help with acne breakouts as well as creating a nourishing night oil that you can use before bed.
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Coconut Oil
Thick, nourishing and packed full of fatty acids, Coconut Oil is an excellent carrier oil to blend with Rhododendron Oil, as it can work well to create a massage oil that is nourishing whilst also having pain relieving qualities. This can also be a great blend to put on as a hair mask to get rid of dandruff and excess oil.
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Lavender Oil
Floral and soothing, we love this blend because when used in aromatherapy it can help to get rid of feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as aiding those who have an overactive mind to have restful sleep. You can also put this blend in an electric diffuser around 30 minutes before bedtime, to help you sleep better.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Refreshing and medicinal, we love this blend particularly when you’re feeling under the weather and need to clear your respiratory tract to breathe easier.
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Clary Sage Oil
This is an excellent blend to relieve pain as well as menstrual cramps. Simply mix with a carrier oil and massage into the desired area, and add a hot water bottle for extra comfort.
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Jasmine Oil
Similar to rose, we love this blend as it can be used as a homemade perfume or scent for your home. It can also be used in skincare and mixed with water to tone and tighten the skin. Put a few drops of each in a spray bottle with cold water and spritz on your face as a part of your morning and evening routine.
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Bergamot Oil
Fragrant and citrusy, we love this blend as it can work well to relieve pain, as well as doubling up as an amazing home fragrance when put in an electric diffuser or a homemade candle.
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