Leleshwa Essential Oil

More Information

Leleshwa Oil is an oil almost unheard of amongst UK Aromatherapists.

Leleshwa is a small tree or shrub common in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Its uses are numerous and impressive. Tests have shown that Leleshwa is extremely effective as an antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and natural detergent. These properties combine to make Leleshwa an ideal application in skin care - cosmetics, soaps, cr�mes and gels and even as an insect repellent. When crushed, Leleshwa leaves emit a strong camphoraceous scent. Many wild animals that live in the areas where Leleshwa grow, particularly cape buffaloes and black rhinos, have been observed rubbing themselves against a Leleshwa tree or shrub. Upon closer inspection, it is revealed that those animals which had crushed the leaves onto their skin were relatively free from ticks. Leleshwa also discourages the sharp biting tsetse flies. This symbiotic relationship opened new ideas as to the potential uses of Leleshwa - a tree long considered as a weed. Leleshwa essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh leaves and flowers. The oil is pale yellow/green in color and is a clear mobile liquid at room temperature. The scent is herbaceous and floral with a distinct camphoraceous top note. Leleshwa blends well with lavender, geranium, sandalwood, frankincense, cederwood, ginger, clove and pine. The distillation process of Leleshwa is wholly organic and natural. Leleshwa wood and charcoal is used to fuel the boiler, which in turn produces the steam used to distill the fresh leaves and flowers. The pressure of the steam is marginally low compared to other distillation practices which allows for a longer distillation period - thus ensuring a more pure and natural oil.

Uses:

Antiseptic skin cleanser

Leleshwa has been proven to be more effective than Tea Tree for helping cleanse the skin. As a strong antiseptic, Leleshwa can be used in lotions, cr�mes and face masks to get under the top layer of the skin and thoroughly clean dirty pores. As with most essential oils, Leleshwa should be used with care. Although the pure oil is non-irritant in small doses, it is suggested that Leleshwa be blended with a carrier oil for maximum effect. 3% -4% pure Leleshwa oil to the remaining volume of carrier oil or cr�me and lotion base is recommended.

Anti-acne products

Due to the antiseptic qualities of Leleshwa oil, it is extremely effective in disinfecting sores and cuts. In addition, Leleshwa helps clear up acne and other related conditions. Solubilised in an aqueous base, Leleshwa oil, applied one or twice a day will greatly reduce itching and help heal sores caused from acne.

Insect repellent

Leleshwa oil is an excellent insect repellent. Applied as a solution in a carrier oil or in a solubilsed water based cr�me, Leleshwa has a long lasting effect against insects. As little as 0.5% Leleshwa oil in a solution is sufficient to repel insects, like mosquitoes, for as long and successfully as synthetically manufactured brands.

Foot and leg cremes

Leleshwa has been used with success for soothing sore feet and easing painful chilblains. The anti-fugal properties of Leleshwa make it an excellent remedy for athletes foot and other fungal diseases. Leleshwa is also frequently massaged on to the legs and feet before long journeys.

Anti-dandruff and Psoriasis

Added to a shampoo, Leleshwa has proved to be an extremely successful component in helping reduce dandruff. The anti-fungal properties of this oil fight the spread of dandruff and helps reduce itching for Psoriasis sufferers. Leleshwa can be applied either in a shampoo base, as a creme or as pure oil directly to the affected areas.

Disinfectant

Although in a solution, Leleshwa is less powerful than synthetic detergents, it makes a very effective all-natural disinfectant. Non-toxic and a non-irritant, Leleshwa has a niche with its natural origin and is harmless to the environment.

Natural Preservative

Leleshwa is the only essential oil that has been proven to be sufficiently active to act as a preservative on its own at usable levels (0.5%) in detergent systems, such as shampoos and shower gels. Leleshwa also has some activity in emulsions and it would make a major contribution to increase the shelf life of cr�mes and lotions without using a synthetic preservative.

Aromatherapy

As an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral, Leleshwa has remarkable healing properties. The following conditions would be appropriate for applications using Leleshwa essential oil. (Note: As with many essential oils, Leleshwa pure essential oil should be used sparingly unless diluted with a carrier oil or any other solubilised solution).

Skin care: Abscesses, acne, athlete�s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts, and infected wounds.

Respiratory system: Coughs, sinusitis, catarrh and bronchitis.

Immune system: Colds, fever, flu and other infectious diseases.

In addition, Leleshwa is a relaxing oil that promotes sleep and it is said to prevent bad dreams. It is also excellent for treating over-anxiety and head-aches.

Source: http://oxford-consultants.tripod.com/more_about_aromatherapy.htm