Decongestant of the venous and lymphatic systems, the essential oil of pistachio mastic treats varicose veins, congestions and venous stasis, phlebitis and haemorrhoids. It is also used to stop minor nosebleeds.
Find all the virtues and uses of essential oils in our tips section.
Pistacia Lentiscus
Pistacia lentiscus
A regular of the maquis scrubland and garrigues, Pistacia lentiscus, also called "mastic" or "terebinth", is a shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, which may reach three metres.
It grows in Mediterranean climates and its name derives from the Latin lentus (viscous) referring to its gum. Its leaves are green and persistent, and resemble those of the olive tree. It has a small, non-comestible fruit with a stone.
Main aromatic molecules: Monoterpenes (myrcene, α-pinene, limonene), sesquiterpenes, monoterpenols and sesquiterpenols.
Family: Anacardiaceae.
Producing organs: Branches and leaves.
Yield: 15g of essential oil per 100kg of plants.
Equivalence: 1ml → 24 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
-
Bath
-
Skin application
-
Oral route
-
Respiratory route
Main properties
recipes
Digestive pains
3 drops of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus, 30 drops of calophyllum plant oil. Apply the mixture by massaging the abdomen. Repeat morning and evening.
Haemorrhoids
Apply 2 drops essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus diluted in 2 drops of carrier oil on the haemorrhoidal vein after each shower and each bowel movement.
Heavy legs, varicose veins
5 drops of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus, 50 drops of calophyllum plant oil. Apply the mixture on the zone concerned. Repeat the application morning and evening.
3 drops of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus, 30 drops of calophyllum plant oil. Apply the mixture by massaging the abdomen. Repeat morning and evening.
Haemorrhoids
Apply 2 drops essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus diluted in 2 drops of carrier oil on the haemorrhoidal vein after each shower and each bowel movement.
Heavy legs, varicose veins
5 drops of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus, 50 drops of calophyllum plant oil. Apply the mixture on the zone concerned. Repeat the application morning and evening.
CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTION
Pistacia lentiscus is present in Morocco (since the 1950s), in Algeria and in Corsica. The yields are only profitable when the tree reaches adulthood between ten and fifteen years.
FRAGRANCE
The odour of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus is intense and herbaceous.
EXTRACTION AND YIELD
Steam distillation of the branches and flowers gives essential oil of pistacia lentiscus. Its yield is excessively low: 0.015%, i.e. only fifteen grams of essential oil per hundred kilograms of plant, therefore its price is high.
CHEMICAL FORMULA
The chemical constituents of essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus are principally monoterpenes (75%), sesquiterpenes (15%), some monoterpenols and sesquiterpenols.
Precautions for use
Pistachio essential oil must be diluted before application to the skin. Diffuse away from young children.
Not to be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women, by children under 7 years of age, by people allergic to one of the components (limonene, linalool), by asthmatics without the advice of an allergist, for a long period of time by people suffering from functional renal insufficiency, by people suffering from epilepsy or with a history of convulsive disorders.
Not to be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women, by children under 7 years of age, by people allergic to one of the components (limonene, linalool), by asthmatics without the advice of an allergist, for a long period of time by people suffering from functional renal insufficiency, by people suffering from epilepsy or with a history of convulsive disorders.
Pistacia lentiscus was used to cure all ailments or almost in the ancient pharmacopoeia. The Encyclopaedia states that its decoction "was celebrated as potable vegetable gold". It is an interesting panacea to cure gout, stomach weaknesses, relieve stubborn vomiting, dissipate winds, expel urine and firm loose teeth". The essential oil of Pistacia lentiscus is certainly multivalent, however its ambitions are much more limited. The Greeks still use it to perfume their ouzo. In the old days in Corsica, a "listincu" collar was put on dogs to preserve them from sickness and a branch was placed in barrels to disinfect them. This is the reason why bars in Ajaccio were identified to passers-by with a Pistacia lentiscus branch.
AROMATHERAPIA
Extracts from the book 'Aromatherapia - All about essential oils', by Isabelle Pacchioni, watercolors by Patrick MORIN, Aroma Thera Editions . Extracts from the book '41 essential oils essential for treating yourself differently' and '48 essential oils which every home needs to be healthy' by Isabelle Delaleu and Isabelle Pacchioni, Publications of the Mandadori France group. Botanical illustrations by Agathe Haevermans.
The properties, benefits and method of use are given for information; they cannot in any case constitute or replace medical information that only health professionals can provide. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, please consult your GP or pharmacist.
The properties, benefits and method of use are given for information; they cannot in any case constitute or replace medical information that only health professionals can provide. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, please consult your GP or pharmacist.
