Inula Organic Essential Oil

Inula Organic Essential Oil is a rare and revered essence known in aromatherapy for its powerful support of the respiratory system, especially when addressing persistent or heavy congestion.* Steam distilled from the flowering tops of an aromatic plant native to southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, Inula releases a sweet, earthy aroma with floral and slightly camphorous undertones that brings clarity and ease to the breath.* Traditionally valued for its ability to clear mucus and soothe irritation, it remains a trusted ally for maintaining open, comfortable airways and overall respiratory vitality.*

Beyond its physical benefits, Inula offers a sense of emotional renewal and inner calm.* Its grounding aroma helps relieve feelings of heaviness, fatigue, or grief — making it a supportive companion during periods of stress or transition.* When diffused, this treasured oil both cleanses the air and uplifts the spirit, creating an atmosphere of serenity and strength.*

About the Plant:

Inula graveolens — commonly known as camphor inula, stinkwort, or sweet Inula — is a branching, aromatic subshrub in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. It can grow up to 40 inches tall, bearing bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and long, narrow, toothed leaves coated with a sticky, camphor-scented resin. When crushed, the plant emits a distinct herbal aroma with sweet, floral, and slightly camphorous undertones.

Described as early as the 1st century A.D. by Dioscorides, Inula was noted for its aromatic, camphor-like taste — a property attributed to compounds such as Helenin and Inulin, which contribute to both its therapeutic and aromatic qualities.¹ These unique chemical constituents, along with bornyl acetate, camphene, and other naturally occurring esters, give Inula its reputation as one of the most effective essential oils for respiratory health.* When distilled, the essential oil is typically pale yellow to greenish and exudes a clean, fresh fragrance that soothes without the sharp intensity often associated with respiratory oils.*

Where It Grows:

Originally native to southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia — extending as far east as Pakistan — Inula graveolens has since become naturalized across the globe, spreading to California, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It thrives in nitrogen-rich, disturbed habitats such as roadsides, overgrazed pastures, and cleared fields, where it is sometimes considered an invasive weed.

The Corsican variety is especially prized for its naturally high Bornyl Acetate content — one of the key components responsible for its remarkable mucus-dissolving and clarifying aroma.* While present only in small amounts, the lactones in this oil contribute significantly to its powerful mucolytic properties. Grown in the sun-drenched, mineral-rich soils of the Mediterranean island, Corsican Inula Essential Oil is renowned for its superior chemical composition — typically containing higher levels of Camphene, Borneol, and Bornyl Acetate. These compounds give it both powerful mucolytic properties and a delicate, floral sweetness, making it a standout among respiratory-supporting essential oils.* Corsica’s unique microclimate, famous for producing exceptional botanicals like Helichrysum italicum, contributes to Inula’s distinct therapeutic potency and aromatic profile.

Traditional Uses and Lore:

Throughout history, Inula has been celebrated as one of nature’s most potent remedies for respiratory and immune support.* Known in modern aromatherapy as the “Queen of Mucolytic Essential Oils,” it helps loosen mucus, clear deep congestion, and calm irritation in both upper and lower respiratory tracts.* French aromatherapists also revere it as a heart tonic, said to support cardiovascular balance and regulate heart rhythm.*

Traditional medicine across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Asia valued Inula for a wide range of applications. It was used to aid digestion, ease inflammation, and relieve arthritis and back pain, particularly in Iran. Its soothing and adaptogenic nature also made it a remedy for stress, fatigue, and emotional strain, believed to bring comfort during times of sadness or grief.*

In folklore and daily life, Inula carried both culinary and spiritual significance. Its candied roots were once sold as sweet treats in Eastern markets, and its fragrant flowers were burned as incense or used as a spice in traditional cuisine. Modern aromatherapists continue to cherish it for its purifying, restorative, and grounding qualities, blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices to honor this remarkable plant’s enduring legacy.

Other Facts:

• • Scent: Earthy, Sweet, Floral, and Slightly Camphor Aroma
  • Fragrance Note: Middle Note
  • Composition: Bornyl Acetate, Borneol, Myrcene, Beta Caryophyllene, Caryophyllene Oxide
  • Family: Asteraceae Family

1. Dioscorides, 1st century A.D., described Inula’s camphor-like qualities and the presence of Helenin and Inulin, which contribute to its characteristic fragrance and medicinal properties. For further reference, see the Flora of North America entry on Inula graveolens and this National Center for Biotechnology Information study on its bioactivity.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.