Humming bird oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the Heliconia bihai plant, which is commonly known as the hummingbird plant or lobster claws. The Heliconia bihai plant is native to tropical areas of Central and South America and is best known for its bright red and yellow flower bracts which resemble the beak and body of a hummingbird. Humming bird oil has a variety of traditional and modern uses thanks to its chemical composition.
Traditional Uses
Humming bird oil has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in Central and South America for a variety of purposes:
- Medicinal oil – Humming bird oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. It has been used topically to treat skin irritations, bruises, joint pain, and muscle aches. It also has digestive benefits when taken internally.
- Insect repellent – The oil has a strong aroma that helps repel insects when applied topically. This provided protection against mosquitos and other biting insects.
- Perfume – The sweet, floral aroma of humming bird oil made it a popular natural perfume for ceremonial and cosmetic purposes.
- Hair and skin care – Humming bird oil has emollient properties that nourish and hydrate the hair and skin. It has been used in hair oils and skin creams.
- Spiritual practices – Some cultures believed humming bird oil had energizing and uplifting properties and would burn it as incense or use it in prayer rituals.
Humming bird oil played an important role in traditional plant medicine and self-care practices thanks to its many beneficial properties when applied topically or taken internally.
Modern Uses
Today, humming bird oil continues to be valued for its therapeutic effects and pleasant aroma:
- Aromatherapy oil – Humming bird oil is soothing and energizing. The sweet, floral aroma makes it a popular oil for diffusion, inhalation, massage, and baths.
- Personal care products – Humming bird oil is added to lotions, creams, shower gels, perfumes, and lip balms. It moisturizes, softens, and nourishes the skin while providing a beautiful fragrance.
- Household cleaner – The antimicrobial activity of humming bird oil allows it to be used as a natural disinfectant and cleaning agent for countertops, floors, and other surfaces.
- Flavoring – Food grade humming bird oil can flavor sweets, beverages, and other foods with its distinctive floral taste.
- Incense and candles – Humming bird oil is commonly found in aromatherapy candles and incense for its mood-enhancing scent.
The constituents in humming bird oil responsible for its therapeutic properties and fragrance include:
Main Chemical Components
- Linalool – This monoterpene alcohol has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It also provides a floral, lavender-like scent.
- Geraniol – Another monoterpene alcohol with antifungal and insect repellent properties. It has a pleasant rose-like aroma.
- Nerol – This monoterpene alcohol imparts a sweet, citrusy scent and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Limonene – A mood-elevating monoterpene found in many citrus oils that has antioxidant effects.
Other phytochemicals also contribute to the therapeutic profile and fragrance nuances of humming bird oil.
Therapeutic Benefits
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the top scientifically-studied benefits of using humming bird oil:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Humming bird oil contains several anti-inflammatory compounds like linalool that inhibit inflammatory markers like NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
By fighting inflammation at the cellular level, humming bird oil can help treat inflammatory conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Muscle strain
- Skin irritations
- Sinus issues
- Digestive inflammation
Topically applying humming bird oil can provide localized relief while inhaling it may offer more systemic anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pain Relief
The anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties of humming bird oil contribute to its analgesic effects. When applied topically or inhaled, it can temporarily relieve:
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Arthritic pain
- Headaches
- Nerve pain
Components like linalool and limonene reduce pain perception through their interaction with the nervous system and pain signaling pathways.
Antimicrobial Properties
Studies show that humming bird oil can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This includes common household microbes like:
- E. coli
- Candida albicans
- Staphylococcus aureus
Using diluted humming bird oil to disinfect surfaces and the air provides natural antimicrobial protection. These properties also support immune health when used aromatically or topically.
Skin Care
The nourishing terpenes and antimicrobial effects make humming bird oil beneficial for various skin conditions when applied topically:
- Dry, irritated skin – Soothes and hydrates skin.
- Acne – Can reduce breakouts due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Eczema – Calms inflammatory flare ups.
- Cuts and wounds – Prevents infection and speeds healing.
- Dark spots and uneven tone – Antioxidants fight free radical damage.
- Signs of aging – Stimulates collagen production.
Be sure to dilute humming bird oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to prevent sensitization.
Hair Care
Humming bird oil also provides benefits when incorporated into hair care routines:
- Dry, damaged hair – The emollient terpenes coat the hair shaft to hydrate, reduce split ends, restore shine, and prevent breakage.
- Dandruff – The antifungal action helps control scalp fungus.
- Hair loss – By improving scalp health, it can help curb hair shedding.
- Lackluster hair – Imparts luminous shine and softness.
Try making a hair mask by mixing a few drops of humming bird oil with coconut or olive oil to nourish strands.
Stress Relief
Inhaling the scent molecules of humming bird oil can stimulate the limbic region of the brain which controls emotions and hormone balance. This aromatherapy effect promotes relaxation and alleviates stress.
Diffusing humming bird oil at home or work creates a soothing environment. Massaging diluted oil onto the wrists, neck, temples, and chest also provides calming aromatherapy benefits.
Sleep Aid
The relaxing properties of humming bird oil can also help improve sleep. Studies confirm that smelling or absorbing certain essential oils before bed can:
- Lessen anxiety
- Regulate circadian rhythms
- Induce drowsiness
This makes humming bird oil an ideal natural sleep aid. Try diffusing it in your room, adding a few drops to your pillow, or massaging it into your feet before bed.
Mood Enhancer
Research shows that inhaling essential oils like humming bird oil modulates brain chemicals involved in regulating mood, energy, focus and cognition. The predominant components of humming bird oil, including linalool and limonene, have demonstrated anti-anxiety and antidepressant capabilities.
Enhancing mood with essential oils may help:
- Boost motivation
- Increase alertness
- Curtail brain fog
- Elevate joy
- Lessen irritability
For an emotional pick-me-up, apply diluted humming bird oil to your wrists or diffuse it at home throughout the day.
How to Use Humming Bird Oil
Humming bird oil has a wide range of uses. Here are some of the top ways to harness its benefits:
Aromatherapy
Inhaling humming bird oil atoms is the fastest way to experience its therapeutic effects. Try these aromatherapy methods:
- Diffusers – Add 5-10 drops to a diffuser and inhale the vapor.
- Spritzer – Make a room spray by mixing the oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Inhalation – Directly inhale the aroma by putting 1-2 drops on a tissue or cotton ball.
- Bath – Add 5-10 drops to a warm bath and soak in the aromatic water.
- Steam bowl – Add 2-4 drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe the vapors.
Topical Use
It’s important to dilute humming bird oil with a carrier oil before applying it to skin. Try adding it to:
- Body oil – Use a 2% dilution (12 drops per 1 ounce) for massage or moisturizing oil.
- Lotions – Add 10-15 drops per 1 ounce of unscented lotion and rub into skin.
- Skin care – Add 1-3 drops to your daily serums, creams, or cleansers.
- Bath – Mix 10-15 drops with a carrier then add to bath water.
- Compresses – Soak a cloth in a diluted solution and apply to aches, pains, cuts, infections.
Always do a patch test before wider topical use to test for sensitivities.
Hair Care
Add a few drops of humming bird oil to:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair mask treatments
- Homemade hair oil
This will help moisturize, add shine, protect against microbial growth, and enhance manageability.
Household Uses
Take advantage of the antimicrobial activity of humming bird oil around your home. Add a few drops to:
- All-purpose cleaners
- Surface sprays
- Laundry detergent
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Garbage cans
This provides natural disinfecting power and leaves a pleasant aroma in your space.
Oral Use
Ingesting very small amounts of food grade humming bird oil can provide internal therapeutic benefits. However, do not consume the oil straight. Always mix just 1-2 drops into:
- Water, juices, or smoothies
- Yogurt, oatmeal, or soups
- Salad dressings and sauces
- Herbal teas
Start with only 1 drop at a time to assess your tolerance.
Precautions
Humming bird oil is generally safe for most people when used properly. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Perform a patch test before wider use to check for allergic reactions or sensitization.
- Always dilute humming bird oil before applying it to skin with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
- Avoid getting the oil in your eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes.
- Do not take the oil internally unless you have food grade oil intended for consumption.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid direct sunlight after topical use to prevent photosensitization.
- Discontinue use if any irritation develops.
- Avoid using if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications as interactions are possible.
- Store the oil in a dark glass bottle, tightly sealed and away from heat and light.
Bottom Line
Humming bird oil is steam distilled from the vibrant red and yellow flowers of the Heliconia bihai plant. It has a long history of medicinal and aromatic use in its native regions of Central and South America.
Modern research has confirmed many of the traditional uses for humming bird oil. It displays antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects that can help treat skin and respiratory ailments, relieve pain, fight infections, and enhance emotional well-being.
The predominant terpene alcohols like linalool and limonene contribute to its pleasant floral and citrus aroma. This makes humming bird oil a popular component in natural perfumes, aromatherapy, and home cleaning products.
Humming bird oil is also gentle enough to use in hair and skincare preparations to nourish, protect, and scent the hair and body. With so many versatile applications, it is easy to see why this essential oil remains prized today.
