Niaouli is a plant that we know particularly well because for a time in 2003 we distilled its leaves thanks to a small mobile unit.
Botany
It grows freely in the wild in New Caledonia and in Madagascar and has been known by indigenous populations for many generations for its antiseptic and bactericide properties.
The tree is close to Eucalyptus and native to Gomen (North of New Caledonia). It originates from a tree belonging to the same family as the Tea Tree and Cajeput.
The use of Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) began in 1893 with the creation of the brand Gomenol (trademark) that used this oil in various preparations (suppositories, poultices, inhalations, ointments) to decongest the respiratory tract.
With its strong camphor odour, the Niaouli leaves is a traditional ingredient used for its healing and relaxing properties. It is, therefore, an indispensable oil to have in the family medicine cupboard and a precious ally to combat daily aches.
Composition of the Niaouli essential oil
The biochemical composition can evolve depending on the production conditions.
Main chemical compound:
- Oxides (Cineole: 50 to 65%) – which makes it similar to eucalyptus
- Monoterpenes (15 to 20%)
- Sesquiterpenoids (5 to 20%)
Its very balanced composition, with numerous components, make it an oil very well tolerated by the skin
Properties and indications of Niaouli essential oil
The use of Niaouli EO allows the attenuation of headaches, migraines and muscle aches.
Because it is so well-tolerated and without side effects, it makes it a very useful oil with many uses. Indeed this EO has a lot of potentials:
– Anti-infectious (anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal – fungus)
- treatment of earaches, sinusitis, bronchitis, head colds, nasopharyngitis and flu.
- skin complaints such as eczema, burns, wounds, acne, psoriasis or even sunburn
- labial herpes
– Expectorant (eliminates glair), Asthma (frees up and opens pulmonary alveoli)
– It fights mucous inflammation (except for the eyes and inner ear).
– Prevention of burns from radiotherapy
– Invigorating, it stimulates natural immune defences
– Venal and lymphatic decongestive
- cellulite,
- varicose veins
- heavy legs sensation
- haemorrhoids
– Strong antiseptic used for:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Respiratory problems with mucous congestion (bronchitis, head cold, blocked nose, flu, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis)
- Urinary tract infections (cystitis)
- Wounds: excellent healing ability even in infected wounds. One drop on the wound every 3 or 4 hours and healing can be achieved within 3 days
It does not sting, even on open wounds, on the contrary: the inflammation is soothed in a few seconds, even on an infected wound (instantaneous disinfection).
For wellbeing, it has the particular virtue of being an effective relaxant. In addition, it is a tonic to body and mind.
Usage:
Use a small drop every 2 or 3 hours on the first day, then 3 times a day on the 2nd and 3rd day. You can oil the skin with a VO if it becomes too dry (can be the case when using the EO for a prolonged period of time).
Some French veterinarians use it on dogs (always diluted) because it is so effective on infected wounds and skin irritation in general.
Its therapeutic value is highly appreciated. It is considered one of the best EO for overall usage and is very powerful and safe, being a good EO to add to Fine Lavender EO.
Indications and routes of administration of Niaouli essential oil
The information provided in this post could not be considered as medical information nor engage my responsibility
or that of the Pacific Scents blog as to your usage of essential oils for yourself or anyone else.
Therefore, I strongly invite you to compare the information with that of authoritative experts and the opinion of health professionals.
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Dermal route
(bath*, cold pad, massage)
* Do not use this EO pure in the bath. Always dilute 5 drops for a tablespoon of a soap or oil basis and spread in the bath
Enjoy all the benefits of Niaouli EO on all infections of a viral or bacterial origin:
- acne, scar, itch, carbuncle, labial herpes, skin infection, tired skin, mycosis,
- ENT infection, ear infection, wound, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, wet cough,
- chicken pox, shingles, blood circulation (heavy legs, varicose veins, phlebitis, haemorrhoids).
It is valuable as a face cream or lotion to fight signs of ageing.
It can also intervene in menopause problems and irregular periods thanks to its hormone-like properties (by massaging the lower abdomen).
Examples of skin applications:
- Labial herpes: dilute one drop of EO then apply to the labial herpes with a cotton bud
- Skin infections (acne, carbuncle): dilute in a VO and apply to the area concerned
- Radiotherapy: dilute in a VO and apply immediately after radiotherapy
- Burns: mix 10 drops of Tea Tree EO + 20 drops Niaouli EO and apply to the area concerned
Atmospheric route: olfaction, inhalation, diffusion
Inhalation is for respiratory tract problems.
For olfaction: smell the bottle directly or pour 2 drops on a handkerchief in the case of tiredness. It stimulates concentration and can soothe infections and chronic pain.
Make the most of all the goodness of Niaouli EO on the respiratory tract (diffusion, inhalation, olfaction): Asthenia, productive bronchitis, concentration, tiredness, flu, viral or bacterial infection, ENT or respiratory infection with mucous, nervousness, stress, nasopharyngitis, productive cough.
Examples of use:
IMMUNE BENEFITS
Fatigue, bacterial or viral Infection: in olfaction, in diffusion or diluted in a VO.
RESPIRATORY OR ENT BENEFITS
- Productive Bronchitis or ENT and respiratory infection with mucous, productive cough: in diffusion, in olfaction or in inhalation. You can also dilute in a VO before applying by massage on the soles of the feet, the anterior and posterior thorax.
- Ear infection: dilution in a drop of VO behind each ear and then massage behind the ear with the index and middle finger (never inside the ear, no EO must be introduced directly into the ear canal).
Oral Route
Only a doctor can advise the oral route
Beware of the oral route because it is rich in cineol. The stomach does not tolerate this molecule, because it produces short term flatulence and long term gastritis in some people
Infections of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, head cold, nasopharyngitis…), urinary tract infections (cystitis), genital infections (fibroids, vaginitis, prostatitis).
Internal Route (rectal, vaginal)
Only use with medical advice
Productive bronchitis, flu, ENT or respiratory infection with mucous, viral or bacterial infection).
Dangers and counter-indications of Niaouli essential oil
Please note that niaouli cannot treat digestive infections.
Avoid massage of the chest for asthmatics. However, it is not an essential oil that they have to avoid since it can be useful in the case of an asthma attack if rubbed on the back.
