Inula (Inula graveolens), also known as stinkwort and camphor inula, is a bushy aromatic annual herb, that has small yellow/white flowers and a distinct aroma of camphor.  Native to the Mediterranean, it now grows in Europe, the Middle East and other temperate areas worldwide. Considered a noxious weed it is often found on roadsides, overgrazed pastures and cleared open spaces.

Like Chamomile, Yarrow, Helichrysum and Tagetes, Inula belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, which I always remembered as the ‘Daisyaceae family’ when studying, as all the plants have daisy-like flowers.

Inula essential oil is commonly steam distilled from the flowers (and sometimes the leaves and twigs). It is pale yellow in colour but can have a green hue depending on the vessel used for distillation - green is common when distilled in copper containers.  Its fragrance is clean and fresh, with a subtle chamomile undertone, but in some way reminds me of Cherry Pop and Fisherman’s Friends! It has a beautiful smell which isn’t overpowering, and it certainly opens the airways without the bracing feel of the usual respiratory oils I would choose.

Its chemistry is dependent on the country of origin, with the most commonly sourced oil from Corsica being high in esters. Oil from Iran is high in oxides and oil from Greece has more sesquiterpenes.

Our ester-rich oil from Corsica also contains terpenes and oxides, making it great for so many different blends.  As well as being highly sedative, skin-healing, balancing and soothing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and adaptogenic (assisting with reducing stress) it is also good for the respiratory system, making it a fantastic addition to winter blends.

Therapeutic benefits of Inula essential oil

In Phytoguide I, Pierre Franchomme describes Inula as the ‘queen of mucolytic essential oils’. As with many oils from the same plant family, it is most effective for deep congestion and loosening mucous, as an antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory, making it especially beneficial when blending for coughs/colds, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.  It is particularly useful in aromatherapy treatments for asthmatics due to its mucolytic and sedative activity and can also be used as a tonic for acne prone skin. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is indicated for excess congestion and lethargy.

How to use it

Respiratory

Inula is most useful for supporting the respiratory system and with all the bugs and germs we come into contact with on a daily basis, makes for an excellent addition to our aromatic routine. It is particularly recommended for chronic conditions that haven't responded to other treatments. In Advanced Aromatherapy (1998), Kurt Schnaubelt suggests this oil is best used at night in a diffuser on a low setting.  Alternatively, you could put a drop either on a tissue or cotton ball and place inside your pillowcase or on your bedside table. Other ideas are listed below.

Burner or diffuser

Add 5 drops of Inula, 3 drops of Frankincense, 3 drops of Lavender Spike and 4 drops of Sweet Orange to your burner or diffuser to support the respiratory system. Alternatively, pop 3 drop of Inula into a burner with 10 drops of our new Anti-Virus Oil to further enhance the blend.

Steam inhalation

To help clear congestion add 2 drops of Inula and 2 drops of Eucalyptus smithii to a bowl of steaming hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale the vapours for 5 to 10 minutes. If you suffer with asthma or other allergies inhale for 30 seconds initially and gradually increase if no adverse reaction.

Aromatherapy inhaler

Blend 5 drops of Inula, 3 drops of Frankincense, 4 drops of German Chamomile , 4 drops of Vetivert and 4 drops of Ylang Ylang.  Fully soak an inhalator wick and insert into the inhaler with tweezers. Inhale regularly as required.  This is also great for calming the breathing and reducing feelings of anxiety/panic.

Sedative

As with many oils from the Asteraceae family they have sedative affects, both on the mind and the body. Adding it to your night-time routine can therefore aid restful sleep, giving your body time to fully re-charge. 

Bath soak

Combine ½ cup of either Dead Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt with ½ a cup of Epsom Salt and mix in 5 drops each of Inula, Petitgrain and Patchouli and 2 drops each of Tangerine and Lime. Add to your bathwater and lay back and relax. 

Alternatively, if you don’t have time to soak mix this blend with a little carrier oil and use as a body scrub in your evening shower.

Burner or diffuser

Add 3 drops of Inula, 3 drops of Nutmeg, 2 drops of Valerian root, 2 drops of Patchouli and 3 drops of Lemon – this blend is ideal for aiding relaxation or meditation.

Skincare

Like many oils, Inula also has fantastic benefits for the skin.  It is particularly useful for supporting acne prone skin when blended with Geranium and Niaouli. 

Acne cream

Blend 30ml of Lotion/Cream with 4 drops of Inula, 2 drops of Niaouli, 3 drops of Geranium and 1 drop of German Chamomile, apply after cleansing and toning.

Joint care

Due to its multi-faceted chemistry, Inula is useful as both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, making it an excellent choice for joint pain and arthritis (it contains borneol, a compound found in many popular anti-arthritic medications). Try adding it to any of your usual anti-inflammatory blends to increase their potency, or use as follows:

Soothing cream

Blend 100ml of Lotion or Cream (depending on your chosen texture) with 10 drops of Inula, 5 drops of Plai, 6 drops of Lime, 3 drops of Rosewood and 2 drops of Sweet Birch. Massage gently into affected areas.

Intensive compress

Mix 100ml of Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel with 10 drops of Inula and 5 drops each of Rosemary, Ginger and Spearmint. Apply to the sore joint, cover with clingfilm and a towel and leave to soak for up to 2hrs.

Alternative essential oils you may like:

Camphor, Chamomile, Lavender, Kanuka, Clove

Inula essential oil blends well with:

Frankincense, Rose, Lavender, Lemon, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Rosemary

Safety information

No known safety concerns or contraindications