Gardenia Essential Oil: Potential Benefits and Uses

Gardenia essential oil comes from the flower of Gardenia Jasminoides. The plant is a member of the Rubiaceae plant family and is native to parts of the Pacific Islands and Asia.

This essential oil was traditionally derived through a process called enfleurage. It involves odorless animal fats to pull out the essence of the flower at the room temperature. [1]

But, enfleurage is an intense process and takes too much time and resources. That’s why, today, gardenia essential oil is mostly steam distilled.

Due to its extraction method, 100% pure gardenia essential oil is quite expensive. Steam distilled oils aren’t 100% potent but still contain potentially good qualities.

The oil comes with numerous benefits as well. The oil can be a good choice for people with poor digestion, coughs, colds, low sex drive, poor circulation, etc.

Continue reading to learn about some potential benefits and uses of gardenia essential oil.

Properties of Gardenia Essential Oil

Gardenia essential oil contains a wide array of potent compounds, including antioxidants. [2, 3]

The active components include:

linalool
benzyl and phenyl acetates
ursolic acid
terpineol
stigmasterol
rutin
crociniridoids
phenylpropanoid glucosides

10 Potential Benefits of Gardenia Essential Oil

1. Gardenia Essential Oil Can Reduce Inflammation.

Gardenia essential oil can reduce inflammation. It’s because the oil contains two unique compounds – geniposide and genipin.

In a study published in 2006, these two components showed acute anti-inflammatory activities. [4]

Gardenia essential oil can ease the aches and pain in the body, soothe the digestive tract, reduce symptoms of arthritis, etc.

2. It Works as An Anti-Seizure.

Due to its sedative effects, gardenia essential oil can help prevent seizures.

A 2008 study showed that this essential oil exhibited anti-seizure, sedative, and hypnotic effects on mice. [5]

The study concluded that gardenia oil shows better results when mixes with jujube seed oil. [5]

3. Gardenia Essential Oil Has Antioxidant Effect.

Gardenia essential oil contains antioxidants. Therefore, it can prevent the formation of free radicals and decrease oxidative stress.

According to a study published in 2010, its antioxidant properties could reduce oxidative stress. [6]

As a result, gardenia oil can help prevent cancer and other diseases caused by toxins in the body. This oil may also reduce scarring and hyperpigmentation on the skin.

4. It is An Antibacterial Agent.

Gardenia essential oil can treat sepsis, tetanus, and other bacterial infections. It’s because the oil is rich in anti-bacterial properties.

A study shows this essential oil can protect you from a dangerous bacterial infection caused by salmonella and E.coli. [7]

Due to its anti-bacterial activity, you can also use this oil to smell good or to stay germ-free.

5. Gardenia Essential Oil Speeds Up Wound Healing.

Gardenia essential oil is an anti-bacterial. Hence, this oil can be helpful if you get hurt. A topical application can provide quick healing of your wound, scratch, cut, or bruises. [8]

Gardenia essential oil can stimulate internal healing. This oil also treats damaged blood vessels and tissues.

6. It Can Stimulate Sex Drive.

Traditionally, gardenia essential oil has been an aphrodisiac. This oil is particularly helpful in boosting libido.

A study was published in the Journal of Applied Bioscience. It showed this oil’s efficacy to boost libido. [9]

Women can also use this oil to increase their passion.

7. Gardenia Essential Oil Can Reduce Anxiety & Depression.

The aroma of gardenia essential oil is popular to promote relaxation. This essential oil was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat depression and anxiety.

In a study published in 2015, Gardenia extract showed antidepressant effects in the limbic system (Emotional control center of the brain). [10]

This antidepressant effects started approximately two hours of the extract’s administration. [10]

8. It Can Help Improve Memory.

Gardenia essential oil can be helpful if you have Alzheimer’s disease.

A study was published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. It showed that gardenia extract could help with memory enhancement, especially among those with Alzheimer’s. [11]

Gardenia oil contains geniposide and gardenoside. These two components can help reduce memory deficits in the brain. [11]

9. Gardenia Essential Oil Helps Soothe The Digestive Tract.

Gardenia essential oil may protect you from so many gastrointestinal issues. It’s because this oil has genipin and ursolic acids components.

A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology showed that these two components might help to treat gastritis, ulcers, acid reflux, and infections due to H.pylori action. [12]

10. It May Treat Respiratory Issues.

Gardenia oil is rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. This oil may help soothe any respiratory problems.

Inhaling this essential oil may ease congestion, sore throats, and clogged sinuses.

How to Use Gardenia Essential Oil

You can use this essential oil in different ways. The oil is quite versatile and can be included in so many therapeutic products and cosmetics.

Massage

Add a few drops of this oil in a carrier oil or unscented lotion and use it for massage.

Inhalation

Pour a few drops of gardenia oil into the diffuser and inhale the aroma.
You can also add some oil into a bowl of hot water and use it as steam.

Compress

Add ten drops of gardenia essential oil to 4 ounces of warm water.
Soak a soft, clean cloth and use it as a compress on your affected area.
Hold the cloth for a few minutes. Repeat the process as per your need.

Bath

Pour a few drops of gardenia oil to your bath water.
Consider adding some bath salts as it will help the oil to be evenly distributed in the water.
Soak yourself in and enjoy a relaxing bath.

Facial Steam

Mix a few drops of gardenia essential oil in
a bowl of hot water.
Put a cloth or towel over your head and let the skin absorb the steam.

Other Uses

Put some of this essential oil into a candle. Enjoy the aroma when you burn it.
Pour a few drops of gardenia essential oil to your potpourri for aromatherapy.
You can also add this oil to your homemade soap.

Best Blending Combination

Gardenia essential oil blends well with some other essential oils as well. These include:

Jasmine essential oil.
Neroli essential oil.
Cinnamon leaf essential oil.
Rose Otto essential oil.
Ylang ylang essential oil.
Lemon essential oil.
Orange essential oil.
Tuberose essential oil.

Side Effects of Gardenia Essential Oil

Gardenia essential oil is quite safe. But, there are some factors that you need to consider while using this oil.

If you have sensitive skin, inappropriate amount of using may cause irritation, redness, and itchiness to your skin. So, it’s important to test this oil first. Also, use it in a moderate amount and mixing with a carrier oil.
Like other essential oils, gardenia oil is also not recommended for pregnant women.
This essential oil is not for internal ingestion.
If you’re under medication, ask your doctor if you can use this oil or not. It’s because some medicine may react with the oil’s components.

End Note

Apart from an incredible aroma, gardenia essential oil also possesses quite a good number of health benefits.

This essential oil can effectively treat respiratory issues, skin problems, and digestive problems.

But, due to its extraction process, 100% pure oil is quite expensive. So, don’t be happy if you get the oil at a lower price as it can be adulterated. Always buy any essential oil from a trusted and reputed supplier.

If you’re new to essential oil, it’s important to consult with a doctor or an expert. Read the label carefully and store them in a dry, cool place.

The effectiveness of an essential oil depends on how you use it. Moderate use with proper caution can give you the desired result.