Costmary oil, also known as Costmary, Alecost, Balsam Herb, Costmarie, Bible leaf, Alecoast, Costus, Sweet Mary is an aromatic herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family that bears button-shaped yellow flowers. It has the scientific name Tanacetum balsamita. It is commonly used for cooking purposes. The essential oil of Costmary is extracted from the leaves of the Costmary plant by using the steam distillation method. The oil has a sweet and minty fragrance. The essential oil has the color of yellow-brown to light yellow color. It possesses antiseptic, astringent, aromatic, aperient, diaphoretic, and carminative properties. This oil is used as a treatment for worms, colds, dysentery and also lowers the pain during childbirth. It effectively cures indigestion, tetras ulcer, rheumatism, and gas.

Costmary (tanacetum balsamita) is an herb that goes by many names, such as alecost, bible leaf, and balsam herb. The leaves of the plant have used a spice and a flavoring. When its essential oil is extracted, the sweet and minty fragrance of the herb is intensified, making it suitable not just for aromatherapies, but also for soothing skin rashes, nerves, and muscle pain.

History

It was originated in India. This plant was carried to Asia Minor about 1000 years ago and then it got arrived in Europe. Then it entered into a new world with English settlers. Costmary was called bible leaf because it was used by Christians in Bible pages to mark their place and enjoy the scent and aroma. People at early ages used it to scent bed linens and blankets. They chew leaves to be awake in church for long sermons.

Origin and spread

The plant seems to have originated in the Mediterranean. Whether the plant called “balsamic a” described by Columella in 70 AD is the same is unclear. According to Heinrich Marzell, it was first mentioned in 812 in a plant catalog. Costmary was widely grown since the medieval times in herb gardens until the late 19th and early 20th centuries for medical purposes. Nowadays, it has mostly disappeared in Europe but is still widely used in southwest Asia.^[6] It was used in medieval times as a place marker in Bibles.^[5] It is referred to by Nicholas Culpeper as the ‘balsam herb’.^[4]

Chemical constituents

Leaves of the plant have been found to contain a range of essential oils. A Spanish study found the oil includes carvone as the main component (51.5%, 41.0%, and 56.9% in three samples), together with minor amounts of β-thujone, t-dihydrochalcone, c-dihydrochalcone, dihydrocarveol isomer, c-carveol, and t-carveol. Levels of β-thujone, a toxic ketone, were 9.8%, 12.5%, and 12.1% in the respective samples.^[7]

Sowing

February to June or September to October.
Sow the seeds on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover seed with only a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite as light aids germination. Water from the base of the tray, Place in a propagator or warm place, ideally at 20°C (68°F). Keep the compost moist but not wet at all times.
Prick out each seedling once it has its first set of true leaves and transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots containing free-draining compost and grow them on in frost-free conditions until large enough to plant outside. When the plants are 15cm (6in) tall, gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost has passed. Overwinter autumn sown plants in frost-free conditions before planting out the following spring.

Cultivation

Plant 45 to 60cm (16 to 24in) apart, in a dry sunny situation. The plant will thrive in almost every soil or situation but when grown in the shade, Costmary goes strongly to leaf, but will not flower. Frost resistant but drought tender, it is hardy to minus 30°C (-20°F).
In late summer, when the leaves look tattered, prune back half of them to the ground. They will grow 60 to 90cm (24 to 36in) tall if left unclipped. Feed and water the plant; when new growth appears, shear back the rest of the old leaves. Cut back flower stems to promote leaf growth.
Costmary is a perennial that should be renewed by division every few years since the old plant becomes bare at the center. As the roots creep freely, the plants will probably spread over the intervening spaces in a couple of years and need dividing and transplanting every second or third year.

Harvesting

If drying, pick the leaves just before the plant flowers as this is when their flavor is at its most intense.
Harvest in small quantities, then harvest the rest of the leaves before the costmary leaves turn yellow in autumn. The leaves dry quickly at 37°C (100°F) and can be stored for long periods of time.

Nomenclature

The genus name Tanacetum refers to the family relationship with Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare. It is derived from the Greek Athanasia meaning ‘immortality’, which is perhaps a reference to its long-lasting odor.
The species name balsamic a derives from the Latin balsamum also from the Greek balsamic meaning aromatic. The word originated from Old Hebrew bōshem denoting the balsam tree but also meaning ‘fragrance’ or ‘spice’ in general.
Tanacetum balsamita has a number of synonyms: Balsamita major, Balsamita vulgaris, Chrysanthemum balsamita and Chrysanthemum majus. In some old herbals, it appears as Balsamita mas or Maudlin.
It gets its common name of Costmary, (Middle English costmary or course may) from the oriental herb Saussurea costus or Indian orris which is an aromatic herb mentioned by Theophrastus in regard to its use in perfumes in ancient Greece. The root of which is used as a spice and as a preserve. The Latin name costus comes from the Sanskrit, kustha.

Costmary has a special place in the Christian tradition. In the Middle Ages, the plant was widely associated with the Virgin Mary and was known in France as ‘Herbe Sainte-Marie’ or ‘Saint Mary’s herb’. The other name, Sweet Mary, possibly denoted Virgin Mary also, but it is possible that this name talks about Mary Magdalene. According to medieval legend, costmary was the balsam with which Mary Magdalene washed Jesus’ feet. The herbalists Gerard and Culpeper discussed an herb known at that time as Maudlin or Magdalene that was matching or extremely analogous to costmary.

List of known nutrients

Costmary is touted for its high nutrient content that plays a central role in its efficacy against a host of ailments. According to an entry published on these constituents include:

• Alkaloids
• Caffeic Acid
• Coumarins
• Cyanidin
• Ferulic Acid
• Flavonoids
• Glycosides
• Hennotannic Acid
• Kaempferol
• Magnesium
• Napthaquinones
• Pectin
• Pelargonidin
• Phenol
• Quercetin
• Saponins
• Scopoletin
• Sinapinic Acid
• Sulfur
• Tannins
• Terpenes

Health Benefits of Customary essential oil

Customary essential oil is also known as bible leaf and balsam herb. It has carminative, aromatic, astringent, and antiseptic properties. It is used as a flavoring agent in foods and assists in skin health.

Treat wounds

Customary essential oil helps to treat the wounds such as blisters, burn and bruise. Put this oil in the affected area. This helps to speed up the healing process. Use a couple of drops to treat the injury and coat the wound surface. Costmary oil can serve as an excellent first aid kit due to its antiseptic properties. A little dab of this oil on blisters, bruises, burns, or any other affected area will heal the wounds quickly and gently.

Reduces Pain And Inflammation

Costmary essential oil is known to have an anti-inflammatory quality and can be simply applied to aching joints and wounds, among other advantages; using it results in better heart health and lower blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory characteristic of the costmary essential oil is probably the most critical and versatile trait of the plant. This is especially essential for those who often suffer from hemorrhoids since it is a conventional curative approach to this uncomfortable condition.

Inflammation could be classified as chronic or acute. Acute inflammation is usually the body’s initial response to any harmful stimuli; it can be achieved by increasing the flow of leukocytes and plasma from the bloodstream into the injured body tissues. Several biochemical reactions trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which involves the immune system, the vascular system, and the different body cells in the injured tissue.

Clears Respiratory Tract

If you often suffer from any respiratory affliction, the medical nature of this essential oil is probably what you require. Used in the diffused form in aromatherapy, costmary essential oil could help stimulate the lungs to get rid of the collected phlegm, in addition to clearing up the congestion in your respiratory tract. Mucus and phlegm trap bacteria and germs, which allows them to grow and be uncontrollable. Costmary essential oil can aid in giving you good health and remaining in that state for quite some time.

In most cases, phlegm is often associated with most diseases than mucus, and it could be troublesome for people who are excreting it from the body. Phlegm is often a kind of secretion in the airway when one has inflammation or is dealing with a disease. Phlegm contains mucus typically with bacteria, viruses, dust, and inflammatory cells that are sloughed off. Once the phlegm has been excreted by a cough, it eventually becomes sputum.

Reduces Stress Levels And Anxiety

Many people have often turned to costmary essential oil for purposes of mental relief, especially the nerves, stress, and anxiety. A short session of inhaling this aroma will cause costmary essential oil to trigger hormonal shifts and, therefore, reduce stress hormones in your body. This lets you calm down and gives your body a break from its exhaustive state of stress.

Stress is usually a way in which our bodies react to harmful situations, whether perceived or real. When you are threatened, a chemical reaction takes place in the body to help you act in a manner that will prevent any injury. This kind of response is known as the stress response or “fight or flight.” During a stress response, your breathing quickens, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and the muscles tighten.

Skin health

It possesses astringent properties, it is used as a toner to lower oily or acne-prone skin. The addition of a few drops to the face helps to enhance the skin’s texture and appearance. It makes the texture smoother.

Prevents Dandruff And Itch

Many people often mix costmary essential oil with water and use the mixture to wash their hair. This helps get rid of the dead skin cells in addition to cleansing the scalp. This, in turn, prevents the development of dandruff.

Dandruff is known to have numerous causes that include seborrhoeic dermatitis, dry skin, shampooing too often, and not scrubbing or cleaning regularly. Some other possible causes of dandruff are sensitivity to some hair care products, eczema, psoriasis, or a yeast-like fungus. Flaking dandruff is mostly caused by dry skin.

Gets Rid Of Germs And Bacteria

Some of the active ingredients in costmary essential oil have been closely linked to the elimination of bacteria and germs, thus cleansing the parts that could be prone to infection or invasion. Applying this essential oil to your skin could create a protective barrier for your body’s internal organs. It is for this reason that costmary essential oil is often used in treating and preventing scabies – an infection caused by mites.

This oil is typically viewed as anti-mite. It is one of the most widespread applications in the countries where it was initially discovered. It is often used for eliminating mites on their bodies and their surroundings.

Prevents Chronic Diseases

This might not be the most impressive feature of the costmary essential oil medicinal applications. Research reveals that this essential oil can help boost the immune system and aid in eliminating free radicals in the body. This can go a long way in mitigating the development of chronic ailments, like cancer.

Cancer is usually a collection of diseases that involve the abnormal growth of cells with the potential to attack or even spread to other sections of the body. This is contrary to benign tumors that don’t spread to other body parts. Some of the most prevalent signs and symptoms are abnormal bleeding, a lump, unexplained weight loss, prolonged coughing, and a lot of bowel movement.

For Dental Care

It has a pleasant taste and aroma. It also has astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial qualities. Hence, this oil is a common ingredient in many dental hygiene products.

This essential oil helps in eliminating infections and dangerous bacteria from the gums and teeth, like gingivitis. Gingivitis is a kind of periodontal disease. It is an infection and inflammation of the teeth-supporting tissues, like the periodontal ligaments, tooth sockets, and gums.

Improves the texture of the skin

Costmary oil contains astringent properties that help tone the skin and reduce excess oil. Regular usage of costmary oil reduces acne and makes the texture of the skin smooth and soft.

Reduces fatigue

Fatigue is an inevitable part of our daily life and can affect our productivity and mood. Costmary oil is considered to be an effective remedy to reduce fatigue and alleviate mood due to its pleasant aroma that works to make you more alert.

You can place a cotton ball dipped in costmary essential oil near your desk or bed table, or inhale its fragrance through a diffuser or oil burner.

Relieves spasms

Costmary oil contains antispasmodic properties that help treat internal spasms and cramps. It also alleviates bronchitis, cough and intestinal spasms.

Eliminates gas

Costmary oil is stomachic in nature and is known to cure digestive disorders of any kind. It also helps eliminate flatulence and intestinal gas.

Regular consumption of this essential oil also increases appetite and promotes digestion.

Acts as a diuretic

Costmary oil is an effective remedy to treat water retention. Due to its diuretic properties, costmary oil increases urine output thereby eliminating toxins and reducing water retention from the body.

Eliminates worms

Many people are prone to suffering from worm infections that manifest in the digestive system. Costmary oil is known to be an excellent de-wormer that helps in effectively eliminating worms from the body and gives you relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Various Uses of Costmary

• This plant was used as an aid in the preservation of beer and ales, culinary, medicinal aromatherapy or ornamental.
• The leaves are used as an ingredient in salad
• It is used as a substitute for mint in iced drinks and can be used with fruits and cakes.
• Costmary can be grown as a showy plant in the herb garden or perennial border.
• It goes well with meaty food products and seafood dishes.
• This plant can be grown in all types of soil but needs good sunshine.
• Fresh and young leaves are added as an ingredient to salads, soups, bread, and cold beverages.
• It is used mint in lemonade and other iced drinks and beverages.
• It can be used in salads and fruit salads, cakes, and teas.
• The flower petals are added as an ingredient to jams and conserve.
• During ancient times the leaves of this plant were used for treating the diseases of the women and that is the reason it is called Costmary.
• Costmary goes well with tuna, egg, and seafood dishes. It can be substituted as a sage.
• It is a fantastic flavoring for poultry stuffing. It is delicious with vegetables and can be blended with melted butter as a dressing.
• The mint-flavored leaves of Costmary can be used in salads, soups. It is especially good in carrot soup, as well as homemade beer.
• This fragrant rich plant retains its sweet-smelling scent when dried.
• This plant also brings out the scents of other dried flowers and leaves.
• The crushed dried leaves act as an excellent insect and ant repellent.
• This plant can be also used with other soothing herbs such as Roses, Lemon balm, and Cloves for a sleep pillow.
• The leaves can be infused in the water and used on hair and leaves.
• Crushed leaves will relieve the pain of bee stings and minor wounds and burns.
• For bruises, blisters, and mild irritations of the skin, an ointment using dried costmary leaves is effective.
• Tea is useful for colds, upset stomachs, and cramps and to ease childbirth.
• Costmary inhalation is a useful remedy for catarrh, helping to clear the nasal passages.
• It provides relief from childbirth pain.
• It provokes delayed menstrual periods.
• It heals colds, intestinal worms, fever, diarrhea, flu, and dysentery.
• It effectively treats rheumatism, indigestion, digestive gas, and swelling caused due to bee stings.
• It is a cure for ulcers and sores.
• It eliminates mental tiredness and calms down hatred, hysteria, fear, and anger.

Costmary Essential Oil Recipe

Producing Costmary Essential Oil is fairly easy. For this, you just need a significant amount of Costmary leaves, olive oil, and optionally, vitamin E oil, which may be purchased from cosmetic stores. For materials, prepare a cooking pan, sterilized glass jar/s, and a filter.

1. Set Costmary leaves in a clean place and leaves to dry (wilt). Consider using a large volume of these as extracting essential oils usually yields very small amounts.
2. When leaves have completely dried, chop or pound them finely.
3. Bring olive oil to a boil in the cooking pan and mix in the chopped herbs. The heat should be switched to low after mixing the herbs.
4. Regularly check the lid of the cooking pan and wipe evaporation off if present.
5. The cooking process takes about three to eight hours depending on the amount. You will know that the mixture is ready when the oil has changed color.
6. Filter out plant remains in the mixture and store in a sterilized glass jar/s. If you purchased vitamin E oil, add it to the essential oil before placing it in the jar.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Do not use during pregnancy.
• Patients with liver, cancer, or kidney infections should use it.
• Do not use it undiluted.
• People with health problems should consult the doctor for use.
• Avoid using it on sensitive areas like eyes and ears.

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