Jun 29 2009
Two Unique Chemotypes of Plai Essential Oil
We recently got introduced, in a cyberspace kind of way, to a new distiller in Thailand. He told us about two other distillers he knew who both distilled Plai essential oil. I have been wanting to buy Plai for Aromatics International for a few years now, but had not found a source. You can imagine my delight! I ordered samples from both distillers; one has his distillery in Central Thailand, the other in the North East.
When the samples arrived I was surprised at how different they smelled from each other. I liked them both and was quite sure from the aromas that the chemistry of the central Plai would be quite different from the N.E Plai. I sent the samples to Daniel to test in France. The results showed that each oil was excellent, and that they were significantly different from each other.
The N.E Plai distiller harvests the roots and then stores them in a root cellar until he has requests for the essential oil, then he distills it. The N.E Plai has a typical chemistry for Plai from Thailand. There is almost as much terpinene-4-ol in this Plai as in Tea Tree (sometimes more, depending on the Tea Tree. Our Tea Tree from Australia is quite high in terpinene-4-ol). terpinene-4-ol has been well researched and is to known to activate white blood cells for dealing with infections, it has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, and is quite supportive for the immune system. Very appealing essential oil component to use for healing infections (also found in Sweet Marjoram).
The N.E Plai also has a significant percentage of sabinene, a component noted by many aromatherapists for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains a nice percentage of 2 isomers of terpinene, known for their anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties.
What does all that mean? Its a great oil if you are sick, especially with inflamed sinuses, or dealing with a fungal infection! Also, Plai is used by Thailand Massage Therapists to ease joint and muscle pain, or sprains and strains.
The Plai from Central Thailand has an interesting story. The distiller produces the oil right after it is harvested, and the roots are not stored. The resulting chemistry is different but equally interesting! This oil has a large percentage of sabinene and a small but significant percentage of dimethoxyphenyl butadiene, known for its analgesic effects. Plai is considered a great oil to reduce pain and inflammation, and these properties are often associated with the dimethoxyphenyl butadiene (DMPBD).
The Central Thailand Plai is an excellent oil to add to blends for reducing inflammation for injury, sprains, muscle and joint issues. Plai is from the same plant family as ginger (Zingiber officinale) but does not possess the classic heat that is common to Ginger. Instead Plai has a cooling action on inflamed areas. It is very effective!
We decided to purchase both essential oils and we have been blending them together! Best of both worlds! Next time you feel some muscle pain, or have a bad cold or flu that leaves you feeling sore and achy, try some Plai essential oil blended into a soothing carrier oil or lotion. Apply to your chest, neck and back.
You ROCK!!!
[Reply]
Admin
Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Thanks!!!
[Reply]
So what does it smell like for those of us that haven’t had a chance to test?
~Regina
[Reply]
Admin
Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Earthy, pungent, strong!
[Reply]
Maria
Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I’m totally excited to try this one out!
[Reply]
I never even heard of this. I made up a sheet and put in my notebook of oils and uses. Thank you so much for this kind of information. What made me even happier was that I understood what you wrote. The information from the Certification for Aromatherapy course is sinking in! Have I mentioned how excited I am about takiing this course??
Pat
[Reply]
I recently heard about and purchased plai essential oil. Not many suppliers in the UK stock it at the moment and many people haven’t heard about it. I’m not sure which chemotype I have but it is excellent for muscular aches and pains. I love the smell of it too – it has to be one of my favourites now! I really enjoyed reading this post and it is very informative – thank you. Find out more about the anti-inflammatory properties of plai essential oil.
[Reply]
How is Plai pronounced? I have been calling it Play or Pla with a long “a”. I can ask this question about many of the oils you sell e.g. Suganha Kokila or Iary or even Xanthoxylum.
[Reply]
Admin
Reply:
July 18th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Great question! These are fun words to say!
Plai is pronounced Pli with a long “i”
Suganda Kokila is pronounced Sue-gan-duh Ko-key-la
Xanthoxylum is pronounced Zan-tho-zy-lum
[Reply]
Jo Ann
Reply:
July 19th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Thanks a lot. I spelled Sugandha incorrectly above. I shall have to practice saying these names.
[Reply]