Plai Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Zingiber cassumunar

The root of this tropical perennial plant is tuberous, much like Ginger, with long, white, fleshy fibers, and jointed appendages.

This essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh roots, of Plai plants wild grown in Thailand.This Plai oil is a complex and balanced combination of floral, spice and herbaceous aromas: top notes of floral citrus, middle notes of ginger, nutmeg and all spice and a thick undertone of resinous wood and wildflower honey.

It will blend well with: Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Grapefruit, Lime, Jasmine, Neroli or Petitgrain oils.

Thai massage therapists have used the essential oil of Plai as an effective muscle relaxant, while physicians have classically used it as an analgesic for joint pain, inflammation and a treatment for acne.

Analgesic, Anti-neuralgic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitoxic, Anti-viral, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Laxative, Rubefacient, Stimulant, Tonic, Vermifuge. (See Definitions.)

Muscles and Joints:

Plai essential oil is foremost used for the relief of pain and inflammation in a great number of muscular and tissue conditions.

While in the ginger family, Plai does not possess the classic heat that is common to most rhizomes; It instead has a cooling action on areas of inflammation.

• Pain reduction in cases of: injury, arthritis, rheumatism
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Effective at reducing post-operative pain and inflammation in muscle tissue and ligaments

Respiratory System:

• Effective at calming the attacks and lesser symptoms of asthma
• Clears catarrh
• Heals chronic colds

Digestive System:

• Can counter symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Aids to cure constipation and diarrhea
• Can dissipate nausea

Inhalation:

• Using Plai for asthma, with either tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), causes the attacks to diminish greatly in intensity.

Topical:

• As an anti-spasmodic, Plai has also been noted to greatly reduce discomfort during menstrual cramping. A 10% concentration of Plai can be massaged around the abdomen and low back.
• Plai, blended with Nutmeg and Lemon in a carrier oil, or without (neat) was evaluated for relief of post-operative pain.
• For analgesic and anti-inflammatory applications, Plai may be blended with oils such as: 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, and Bergamot. Plai has been most often used in a 10% dilution (this is 3ml [75 drops] of 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.
• Plai, together with black pepper, orange and tarragon, has been used topically to effectively ease and cease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Apply this blend across the abdomen and rectal tissue after each bowel movement or anytime there is any cramping or pain in the abdominal area.

Plai essential oil is considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It may be used 'neat' if the condition would benefit from this. As with all essential oils, test a patch of skin before liberal application and if pregnant please consult a physician prior to use.