We recently had the pleasure of dining at a Thai restaurant, where they employed Tuberose bulb in their cooking.

I was surprised because I normally consider tuberose, one of the most expensive natural flower materials, used in perfume and not in cooking.

This particular species is in fact, related to Narcissus and Jonquil, and a tuber is an underground root or stem which serves as a food storage organ and can be flat, rounded or irregular in shape. This plant has a tuber, therefore this is where part of its name is derived from.

After I did more research I realised that Tuberose is a fragrant night-blooming flower as can be witnessed from the various colloquial names used to describe it wherever it grows around the world. The Hindi name for tuberose is Rajnigandha which means ‘night fragrant’, and the legend of the tuberose warns young Indian girls against inhaling its sensual fragrance after dark because it may put them in the mood for love. Its Bengali name is Rojoni-Gondha meaning ‘scent of the night’ and in China tuberose is known as WanXiangYu which translates into ‘night fragrance’.

This flower was used in traditional medicine making excellent use of its following properties:

1. antiseptic

2. sedative – This essential oil is good for sedating inflammations, particularly those pertaining to the nervous system and the respiratory system. However, to have this sedating effect, it should be used in relatively high dilution.

3. anti-inflammatory

4. anti-spasmodic  – The pleasant fragrance and various chemical components of this oil have relaxing effects on the brain, nerves, and the muscles. It calms people and gives relief from stress, tension, anxiety, depression, anger, nervous afflictions, convulsions, cramps, spasmodic coughs, and diarrhea.

5. aphrodisiac

6. anti-nausea – In addition to the benefits described above, this essential oil can also be used to keep the skin free of infections and cracks, in-hair oils (this does not suit everyone and may cause headaches) to counter nausea,  and also reduces the tendency of vomiting and the effects of foul smells in certain areas.

Uses in aromatherapy, for :

7. antidepressant

8. frigidity – This oil is found to be very effective in treating frigidity and a lack of libido. Certain components of this essential oil stimulate those parts of the brain that are responsible for arousal, sexual feelings, and libido, both when used in aromatherapy or taken orally

9. impotence  – Tuberose Essential Oil stimulates and increases blood circulation throughout the body, thereby inducing a warming effect. This effect counters the feeling of cold in winters, keeps the respiratory system warm, prevents the deposition of phlegm and catarrh, increases activity, and also helps to cure sexual disorders.

10. lethargy – Tuberose is not widely used in aromatherapy since it is still quite costly, but due to its powerfully rich and intoxicating fragrance, a little tuberose is all you need.

On an emotional level tuberose absolute is useful whilst going through unexpected and unpleasant changes in life. Associated with the root chakra, it is a grounding, fortifying and empowering oil helps you stay grounded even in stressful situations.

It can be used with bergamot, cardamon, clove bud, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose, sandalwood, vanilla, violet leaf and ylang ylang.

source: http://cikipedia.com/10-great-benefits-tuberose