Also known as plumeria, semboja and samoja, frangipani is a popular plant which is highly regarded for its exotic, beauty and fragrance as well as its healing properties. Its flowers look really beautiful but they are often used to decorate the graves. They grow easily and they don’t require special treatment though their leaves easily wither.
When a frangipani flower is worn on the left ear, it symbolizes singleness. When it is worn on the right ear, it gives a notion that a woman is married. In the Philippines and Indonesia, frangipani is often used in decorating the graves. In Feng Shui, frangipani symbolizes love. In India, it defines immortality because of its capacity to bear flowers and leaves even after it has been lifted from the ground. It is considered as the national flower of Laos and it is often planted in the courtyards of Buddhist temples as well as the graveyards.
Health Benefits of Frangipani
Research shows that frangipani contains a number of powerful chemicals that are beneficial to the human body. Aside from its essential oil contents, frangipani is also packed with fulvoplumierin compounds which are known for its anti-bacterial effects. Fulvoplumierin are compounds found in the stems, leaves and roots of frangipani plants which are effective in preventing bacterial growth and inflammation of the respiratory organs, fighting hepatitis, preventing diarrhea and inhibiting the growth TB germs.
According to research, frangipani is also effective in strengthening the immune system and fighting off stress. Frangipani is claimed to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression, dry skin, sprain and heart disease.
In India, frangipani is used to relieve cough, fever, diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used in preventing the occurrence of fainting due to excessive heat, in treating constipation, in addressing the irregular discharge of urine and in obtaining adequate amount of high quality sleep. Its flowers are known to be effective in stopping cough, regulating the shed of urine and in lowering the temperature. Meanwhile, its trunk contains compounds that are useful in regulating bowel movements.
When frangipani flowers are cooked, it creates a savory flavour which brings about a number of health benefits and therapeutic effects to the body. Frangipani contains chemicals that make excellent toothache drug. Some of its chemical contents are even capable of relieving cracking and swelling on soles. It can even be used to treat ulcer and when taken as tea, it creates a cooling effect which is good for digestion. Some cultures use frangipani to heal sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea.
For centuries, frangipani is widely used in Indian societies because of its healing benefits. Its floral scent is used in aromatherapy as it helps in rejuvenating the mind and body of an individual. The inhalation of the scent promotes deep internal cleansing which refreshes the soul, body and mind of an individual. Aside from its relaxing and de-stressing effects, frangipani is also known to create a calming, spiritual and soothing atmosphere.
It is used in aromatherapy because of its heavy, sweet and green aroma that is found to be alluring and sensual. Its seductive and long lasting fragrance makes it one of the main ingredients in a number of gels, hair packs, conditioners and shampoos.
Aside from its magnificent scent, frangipani is highly regarded for its amazing benefits to the skin and hair. Frangipani can also be used in cosmetics, massage oil, bath and beauty products as it serves as a perfect skin care because of its age defying effects. It helps in revitalizing the skin and hair, and gives optimum moisture. It is easily absorbed by the skin thereby making the skin healthier, smoother and softer. It also provides protection against the harmful UV-rays of the sun.
It is even used in terminal care because it creates inner peace and self-awareness as well as in reducing the patient’s stress and reviving their spirit. Furthermore, it creates an aromatic environment that is found to be relaxing, soothing, invigorating and energizing.
Frangipani is sometimes used as ingredients in lotions and creams because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it is featured in many ointments and concoctions due to its anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in relieving back pain, headache, tinnitus and inflammation.