Researching Essential Oils; What do the experts say?

tea tree blossoms

Essential oils are one of my very favorite alternative therapies, and so many are too quick to judge their usefulness before even trying them.  I for one have found them to be imperative in my everyday life. I couldn’t imagine living without them for all they can do.

There is a lot of information floating around out there about essential oils, and some of it is completely untrue, but on the other hand, much of it is true as well. With all the testing being done, it’s no wonder they are becoming a more trusted source of healing in the US, something that’s already been a mainstay around the globe. We are finally catching up….

Here’s a piece from scentedaromatics.com:

What Does the Research Say About Essential Oils?

Although essential oils have been used therapeutically for centuries, there is little published research on many of them. However, this is beginning to change as more scientific studies on essential oils are conducted around the world. Clinical studies are currently underway in Europe, Australia, Japan, India, the United States, and Canada. Many of these studies describe the remarkable healing properties of various oils.

Who is doing the research?

A significant body of research on essential oils has been conducted by the food, flavoring, cosmetics, and tobacco industries. They are most interested in the flavor, mood alteration, and preservative qualities of essential oils. Some of these companies have also conducted extensive research on the toxicity and safety of essential oils.

Although much of this research is proprietary and not generally available to consumers, some of it has made its way into cosmetic and plant product journals. These journals are important sources of information as we accumulate a growing body of knowledge on essential oils. Most of the studies that have been published in the English language scientific literature have been conducted in laboratories and they have not been tested on humans, but this is changing.

What are some issues in conducting research on essential oils?

There are some unique issues in conducting research on essential oils.

• Essential Oils Are Not Standardized: The chemistry of essential oils is influenced by the local geography and weather conditions, as well as the season and time of day when the plants are harvested, how they are processed, and how they are packaged and stored. Each plant is unique in its chemistry so essential oils are never exactly the same—this is different from pharmaceutical drugs that are synthetically reproduced to be identical every time.

  Essential oils can be altered to achieve standardization (for example, a certain chemical that was found to be at a lower concentration in the whole oil in a particular year can be added to make it the same percentage as last year’s batch). The problem with standardized essential oils is that they are no longer natural, genuine, and authentic. This variability in essential oils by time, place and conditions is a big challenge to conducting valid research. Currently the International Standards Organization sets standards for each essential oil that include a range of acceptable concentrations for its major chemical constituents.

• It Is Difficult to Conduct Blinded Studies with Aromatic Substances: Typical research studies involve testing two groups – one group gets an experimental substance and another group gets a placebo, or inactive, substance (this group is referred to as the “control” group). When using aromatic substances, it is very difficult to conduct a blinded study. Some researchers have used masks or other barriers to blind participants. Other researchers have used alternate scents assumed to have no therapeutic properties as controls. These approaches are problematic, however, because people associate smells with past experiences. Thus, it is difficult to account for individual variation in how essential oils affect people.
• It Is Difficult to Get Approval and Funding for Research on Essential Oils: Essential oils have been used on humans for thousands of years. As a result, they don’t fit into the conventional clinical science approach of testing a substance in the lab first, then on animals, and then on humans. As a result, if a researcher proposes to test an essential oil with humans first, they may be turned down. This is because research review boards tend to approve research studies that follow the more usual scientific research path.

  Many conventional drug studies are funded by the pharmaceutical industry. There is little motivation for these companies to fund research on natural plant substances because they cannot easily be patented, limiting the potential for profit. Thus, finding funding for essential oils studies can be challenging.

• It Is Difficult to Tell What Caused the Outcome: In conventional research studies, it is important to be able to determine exactly what caused the outcome. In essential oil therapy, the oils are sometimes applied with massage, which makes it difficult to tell whether or not the outcome was due to the essential oil alone, or the massage, or the combination. Also, essential oils are composed of hundreds of chemical constituents, and it is hard to determine which ones may have produced the desired effect.

What does the research say?

Research studies on essential oils show positive effects for a variety of health concerns including infections, pain, anxiety, depression, tumors, premenstrual syndrome, nausea, and many others. The articles included below are meant to highlight a few examples.

Anti-Microbial Effects

There is considerable international literature on the effects of essential oils against a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal microorganisms. Study results suggest that certain essential oils and components have strong bactericidal action, some even against antibiotic resistant microorganisms. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil in particular has a wide range of research studies that report its anti-microbial properties.

Pain

Some studies have been conducted on the use of aromatherapy for pain treatment. These studies suggest that essential oils may be effective for reducing discomfort during childbirth, headaches, gastrointestinal procedures, and for wound pain.

Psychological Effects

There are some studies on the psychological effects of essential oils. These studies suggest that essential oils may be effective for reducing anxiety and mild depression.

Toxicity and Sensitivity

Published reports suggest that a small proportion of individuals may develop sensitivity to topically applied essential oils. In addition, toxicity can result from accidental or intended ingestion.

Other Interesting Studies

There are other studies that examine the use of essential oils for such purposes as mosquito repellency, the potential to treat skin cancer, alopecia areata, and to affect glucose and insulin levels.

Expert contributor: Linda Halcon, Ph.D., M.P.H., B.S.N., R.N.

Vibrational Healing: Revealing the Essence of Nature through Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Book Share

While creating some synergies for a client today, I came across this book and felt such joy emanating from it’s pages I had to share it…

Vibrational Healing: Revealing the Essence of Nature through Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Here’s a couple reviews-

Everyone searches to magically transform their lives… takes you from the mundane confusion… and shows you the way to yourself. — Shelley Winn Damon, National Federation of Spiritual Healers, Austin, Texas

I was amazed. I have witnessed exciting results,both with myself and clients,when combining Deborah’s techniques. — Linda Olger, Registered Nurse, Massage Therapist, Atlanta, Georgia

Description

In a therapeutic blend bringing together Chinese Medicine, reflexology, and cranial sacral therapy, massage therapist Deborah Eidosn shows how essential oils and Bach Flower Remedies can be used to identify and free up emotional blockages which may be causing you problems.Eidson explains that all chakras have a location associated with organs, as well as a sound, color, and element. Giving a good massage can involve stimulating meridians and meridian points, finding the location of blocked energy, and then working with oils to affect change.

See all Editorial Reviews

Vibrational Healing: Revealing the Essence of Nature through Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

 

Aromatherapy Remedy Reference; Physical, Emotional & Mental Symptoms List

Essential oils were used in ancient Egypt, Sumeria and in earlier times. In this truly holistic therapy the mind and body are inseparable. Plato is to have said that the source of most illness has its roots in the soul. There may be no better way to influence the mind and spirit, than through a physical medium that includes nature’s essences; essential oils provide this.

Scent has a special impact on living organisms. Scientific research into the human sense of smell finds it to be10,000 times more powerful than taste. Scent travels rapidly to the brain, and is shown to have a direct effect on the limbic system. The limbic system communicates with the autonomic nervous system. This is the known connection in the brain to the hypothalamus, emotion, memory, and some visceral (gut) reactions. Since the 1980′s olfactory research has promoted the psychological benefit of essential oils used in aromatherapy.

“The profound and complete therapeutic effects of essential oils derive from more than their pleasant fragrance. They have vital electromagnetic properties and vibrational energies that invigorate the mind, the soul, the body’s energy, and thus their functioning.” Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D.

The most common treatment applications using pure essential oils are inhalation and application through the skin.

Certain essential oils, for example, offer different psychological effects:

Anti-depressant	Citrus, ylang ylang, geranium, jasmine, orange, sandalwood, lemon, lemon verbena, mandarin, and many more
Anxiety	petigrain, neroli, bergamot, cypress, lavender, lime, marjoram, rose, violet leaf and others
Innervating	basil, peppermint, rosemary (rosemary shows a positive effect in Alzheimer’s) as well as other essential oils
Sedative	neroli, petigrain, cedarwood, chamomile, melissa, valerian, just to name a few

Studies dating from the 1920s report the following benefits of selected essential oils:

Lavender	relaxing, circulation, meditative along with hundreds of other attributes
Pine	Strengthening, stabilizing and much more
Angelica	anorexia, relieving hopelessness, just to name two
Basil	fatigue, general nerve tonic, anti-depressant, soporific, confusion, melancholy, mental clarity and concentration, reduces anxiety. (careful use prevents over-stimulation), along with many other things
Bay	anti-hysteric, sedative, hypotensive, and more
Bergamot	sedative for anxiety and antidepressant, stimulates appetite, and alot more
Chamomile(Roman)	calming, hyperactivity, good for use with children, as well as a list of other attributes
Clary Sage	sedative and nervine for insomnia, paranoia, panic, and hysteria, along with pms, and much more
Cypress	anxiety, confusion, cellulite, and many more properties
Everlasting/Helichrysum	grounding increases dream activity, heals quickly, this oils has tons of properties for healing and more
Juniper	apathy, paranoia, confusion, anxiety, nervous trembling and paralysis, diuretic, allergies, etc.
Marjoram	grief, insomnia, alert, and much more
Spikenard	grounding, meditative and so much more

To be truly effective, essential oils must be absolutely pure. Synthetic or adulterated oils, although less expensive, will not give you the effects you desire and may even have adverse effects. To in sure quality, you may want to choose only oils that are guaranteed to be organic or ethically wild crafted, properly distilled or extracted, originating from a reliable source and priced accordingly. It is essential that the oils are species specific.

Caution: certain essential oils are not recommend for use during pregnancy, and may be skin irritants if not properly administered.

Usage:

Baths	8 -10 drops.
Massage	10-20 drops in 1 ounce of oil.
Inhalation	2-5 drops on a tissue or cotton ball.
Diffusers	use pure oils only.
Body lotion	15-20 drops in 1 ounce of lotion.
Spritzer	4 ounces of distilled water with 40-60 drops of pure essential oil, shake before using
Note: glass or PET bottles are essential oil safe.

Two blends that have worked well are as follows:

Nervous Tension
This blend will relax the nervous system, ease tension, and bring emotional equilibrium.
· 10 drops Lavender
· 10 drops Petitgrain
· 4 drops Roman Chamomile

Nervousness/Anxiety/Insomnia
This blend will profoundly relax the individual, induce sleep, and bring calm to an active mind that is preventing the correct emotional balance and total relaxation.
· 10 drops Lavender
· 10 drops Basil
· 3 drops Neroli

The precious oils of plants enable us to use the art of aromatherapy to enhance well being and open a new door to healing the spirit.

-Gayle Eversole, Creating Health Institute

Aromatherapy Remedy Reference Emotional, Mental & Physical Symptoms List with Essential Oils best used

Physical Symptoms

Abdominal Distension: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Clary Sage, Laurel, Orange, Patchouli (O*) Acne: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Cypress (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Grapefruit (Pink), Patchouli (O*) Analgesic: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Frankincense, Geranium (Chinese), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet Anti-Infectious: Frankincense, Juniper Antibacterial: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Palmarosa, Tea Tree (CO*) Antibiotic: Tea Tree (CO*) Antifungal: Palmarosa, Tea Tree (CO*) Antiseptic: Patchouli (O*), Pine Antispasmodic: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Clary Sage, Cypress (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Laurel, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet Antiviral: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Palmarosa, Tea Tree (CO*) Arthritis: Laurel, Pine Asthma: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Clary Sage, Fennel, Sweet, Frankincense, Peppermint (CO*), Pine Astringent: Cypress (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Grapefruit (Pink), Palmarosa Bad Breath: Cardamom Bronchitis: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Frankincense, Juniper, Laurel, Peppermint (CO*), Pine, Tea Tree (CO*) Burns: Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Cellulite: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Fennel, Sweet, Grapefruit (Pink) Chills: Caraway, Pine Cleanse: Juniper, Lemon (CO*) Cold Feet: Juniper, Rosemary Cold Hands: Ginger, Juniper, Rosemary Colds: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Ginger, Laurel, Lemon (CO*), Peppermint (CO*), Pine, Tea Tree (CO*) Colic: Bergamot (Italian), Cardamom, Peppermint (CO*) Colitis: Geranium (Chinese) Constipation: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Fennel, Sweet, Grapefruit (Pink), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Orange Cough: Cardamom, Clary Sage, Fennel, Sweet, Pine Cystitis: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan) Decongestant: Cypress (CO*), Fennel, Sweet, Juniper, Lemon (CO*) Dermatitis: Palmarosa Detoxify: Lemon (CO*) Diarrhea: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Geranium (Chinese) Digestion: Fennel, Sweet, Ginger, Laurel, Orange, Peppermint (CO*) Diuretic: Fennel, Sweet, Grapefruit (Pink), Juniper Dry Skin: Chamomile Roman (CO*) Eczema: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Palmarosa, Patchouli (O*) Exhaustion: Palmarosa Expectorant: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Frankincense, Laurel, Pine Fatigue: Clary Sage, Ginger, Patchouli (O*), Pine Fever: Peppermint (CO*) Flatulence: Fennel, Sweet, Orange, Rosemary Flu: Ginger, Lemon (CO*), Peppermint (CO*), Pine, Tea Tree (CO*) Fluid Retention: Grapefruit (Pink), Juniper Frigidity: Ginger, Patchouli (O*) Gastritus: Geranium (Chinese) Headache: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Clary Sage, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Lemon (CO*), Orange Hemorrhoids: Patchouli (O*) Hepatitus: Peppermint (CO*) Herpes: Patchouli (O*) High Blood Pressure: Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Hysteria: Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Immune System: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Ginger, Tea Tree (CO*) Impotence: Patchouli (O*) Insect Bites: Patchouli (O*) Insecticide: Patchouli (O*) Invigorating: Ginger, Juniper Irritability: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Frankincense, Geranium (Chinese), Grapefruit (Pink), Grapefruit (Pink), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Lemon (CO*), Orange Itchy Skin: Chamomile Roman (CO*) Joint Pain: Rosemary Lethargy: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Geranium (Chinese), Geranium (Chinese), Marjoram, Sweet, Tea Tree (CO*) Loose Stools: Patchouli (O*) Low Blood Pressure: Rosemary Lower Backache: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Ginger, Juniper Menstruation: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Clary Sage, Cypress (CO*), Frankincense, Geranium (Chinese), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Migraine: Clary Sage, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Muscular Pain: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Ginger, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Muscular Stiffness: Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet Nausea: Caraway, Cardamom, Chamomile Roman (CO*), Fennel, Sweet, Ginger, Grapefruit (Pink), Lemon (CO*), Orange, Peppermint (CO*) Obesity: Fennel, Sweet, Juniper Oily Skin: Grapefruit (Pink) Panic: Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) PMS: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Clary Sage, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Poor Appetite: Ginger, Orange Psoriasis: Palmarosa Refreshing: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Peppermint (CO*) Respiratory System: Eucalyptus (Radiata) Restlessness: Frankincense, Palmarosa Rheumatism: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Frankincense, Grapefruit (Pink), Laurel, Pine Sinus: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Frankincense, Tea Tree (CO*) Sinus Congestion: Pine Skin Care: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Palmarosa Skin Rash: Cypress (CO*) Skin Softener: Patchouli (O*) Sore Throat: Peppermint (CO*) Throat Infection: Clary Sage Tired: Caraway, Juniper Vomiting: Orange Water Retention: Fennel, Sweet, Fennel, Sweet Weak Immunity: Patchouli (O*) Weight Loss: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Fennel, Sweet, Grapefruit (Pink)

Emotional Symptoms

Abundance: Cardamom Adaptability: Palmarosa Anger: Bergamot (Italian) Antidepressive: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Patchouli (O*) Aphrodisiac: Geranium (Chinese), Patchouli (O*) Calm Control: Chamomile Roman (CO*), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*) Calming: Geranium (Chinese), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet Confidence: Caraway, Ginger, Tea Tree (CO*) Contentment: Cardamom Despondency: Clary Sage Disappointment: Grapefruit (Pink) Disinterested: Juniper Enthusiasm: Rosemary Euphoria: Clary Sage Frustration: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Chamomile Roman (CO*), Geranium (Chinese), Grapefruit (Pink), Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Orange Gloom: Juniper Hypertension: Grapefruit (Pink), Marjoram, Sweet Insomnia: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Chamomile Roman (CO*), Frankincense, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Lemon (CO*), Lemon (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet, Orange, Palmarosa Intimacy: Geranium (Chinese), Geranium (Chinese) Joy: Orange Lonely: Marjoram, Sweet Moodiness: Orange Morale: Ginger, Rosemary Nervous Debility: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Clary Sage, Laurel, Pine, Rosemary, Tea Tree (CO*) Nervous Depression: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Frankincense Nervous Exhaustion: Frankincense, Geranium (Chinese), Marjoram, Sweet, Palmarosa Nervous Tension: Bergamot (Italian), Frankincense, Lavender (Bulgarian) (CO*), Palmarosa, Patchouli (O*) Pessimism: Pine Positivity: Orange Pressures: Juniper Repressed Emotion: Bergamot (Italian) Resentment: Chamomile Roman (CO*) Security: Palmarosa Self-Confidence: Pine Self-Esteem: Laurel Sensuality: Patchouli (O*) Sexual Anxiety: Patchouli (O*) Soothing: Palmarosa Tension: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Chamomile Roman (CO*), Grapefruit (Pink), Orange, Palmarosa Tranquilizing: Frankincense Uplifting: Bergamot (Italian), Clary Sage, Grapefruit (Pink), Patchouli (O) Mental Symptoms Anxiety: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Geranium (Chinese), Marjoram, Sweet, Palmarosa, Patchouli (O*) Burdens: Lemon (CO*) Certainty: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan) Clarifying: Frankincense Commitment: Caraway Communication: Fennel, Sweet Concentration: Cardamom, Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan), Frankincense, Laurel, Peppermint (CO*), Rosemary Confusion: Clary Sage, Lemon (CO*) Decisions: Lemon (CO*) Depression: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Chamomile Roman (CO*), Tea Tree (CO*) Determination: Ginger, Juniper Endurance: Cedarwood Oil (Himalayan) Focus: Frankincense Fortifying: Juniper, Pine Grounding and Stabilizing: Patchouli (O*) Indecision: Clary Sage Indigestion: Bergamot (Italian), Caraway, Caraway, Cardamom, Chamomile Roman (CO*), Fennel, Sweet, Ginger, Orange Initiative: Ginger Insight: Peppermint (CO*) Inspiring: Clary Sage, Laurel, Patchouli (O*), Peppermint (CO*) Melancholy: Eucalyptus (Radiata), Pine Memory: Laurel Mental Fatigue: Clary Sage, Peppermint (CO*), Tea Tree (CO*) Neurotonic: Palmarosa Obstacles: Lemon (CO*) Optimism: Cypress (CO*), Eucalyptus (Radiata) Over-eating: Bergamot (Italian), Bergamot (Italian), Caraway, Grapefruit (Pink) Overthinking: Fennel, Sweet, Marjoram, Sweet, Patchouli (O*) Perfectionist: Orange Relaxing: Geranium (Chinese) Remorse: Cypress (CO*), Pine Self-Negative: Pine Study: Peppermint (CO*) Transformation: Cypress (CO*) Transitions: Cypress (CO*) Will-Power: Ginger, Juniper Worry: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Juniper, Lemon (CO*), Marjoram, Sweet

References
1.Cawthorn A. “A review of the literature surrounding the research into aromatherapy”. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 1995 Aug;1(4):118-20. Review.
2 Craig WJ. “Health-promoting properties of common herbs”. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3 Suppl):491S-499S. Review.
3.Gattefoss?Ren?aurice, C.W. Daniel Company, “Gattefoss?Aromatherapy – The First Book on Aromatherapy”, 1993, Original 1937 French Text.
4. Gottlieb, Bill, (Ed.), “New Choices in Natural Healing”, Rodale Press Inc., Emmaus (Pennsylvania), 1995.
5. Hammers, M. 1995. Soothe yourself with good scents: essential oils can help heal body and soul. Vegetarian Times n210: 90(5).
6. Janssen AM, et al. “Antimicrobial activities of essential oils”. A 1976-1986 literature review on possible applications. Pharm Weekbl Sci. 1987 Aug 21;9(4):193-7. Review.
7. Lawless, Julia. “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils”. Rockport, MA: Element Books, Inc., 1995.
8. Lawton, A. Honors Presentation at Macalester College titled: “Aromatherapy: A Pain Reliever?” 4/20/1998.
9. Len Price, “Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage”, 3rd Ed., Riverhead (Pubs.), Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire (UK), 1999.
10. Martin, G.N.1996. “Olfactory Remediation: Current Evidence and Possible Applications”. Soc. Sci. Med. 43: 63-70.
11. Penoel Daniel, M.D. and Rose-Marie Penoel. “Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils”. La Drome: Osmobiose Publishing, 1998.
12. Schnaubelt Kurt, “Medical Aromatherapy. Healing with essential oils”. Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd., 1999.
13. Seppa, N. 1998. “Nailing down pheromones in humans”. Science News, 153 p164.Slotnick, Burton M. 1993. The enigma of olfactory learning. Trends in Neurosciences 16: n7 261.
14. Tisserand, Robert B ,”The Art of Aromatherapy”. New Revised Edition. Rochester (VT): Healing Arts Press, 1977.
15. Tisserand, Maggie “Aromatherapy for Women”, 3rd Ed., Dealerfield (Pubs.), London, 1994.
16. Wartik, N. “Making Sense of Aromatherapy”. American Health. 1995.

Essential Oils For Allergy Relief and other Natural Remedies

If you suffer from allergies then there often seems to be nothing that will make you feel better. Medications can treat your symptoms but cannot provide you with overall relief. Your airways feel stuffy and you have a constant headache from the invisible irritants that cause you untold misery.

Many people do not look outside conventional medicine and so do not consider essential oil options for aromatherapy that can provide allergy relief. The right types of essential oils can help you to feel better and to breathe easier around allergy season.

Essential Oils for Allergy Relief:

A synergistic blend of essential oils is often more effective in helping to promote the relief of symptoms and healing of any single essential oil. Pure essential oils for better use in synergy for the relief of allergies and why, are: Blue Tansy, tuberose, rosemary and lemongrass, chamomile, lavender, melissa / lemon balm, spikenard, and peppermint too.

(Also Neti pots are great natural allergy remedies that use saltwater to flush irritants from the sinus passages. One quarter teaspoon of salt is mixed into one cup of warm water and applied to the nostril through the pot. The salted water is allowed to drain from one nostril to the other and then expelled).

BLUE tansy (Tanacetum ~ Moroccan Blue Chamomile anuum) – Blue Tansy delicious scent is warmly herbaceous with a complex sweetness reminds me of apples with a touch ofspices. Everyone always loves the friendliness and welcoming smell of Blue Tansy! Blue Tansy is a natural antihistamine, anti-allergic properties. Research shows Blue Tansy be particularly effective for relieving allergies. It is often used in blends for asthma and emphysema due to bronchial dilation and effect. Strong analgesic properties help to reduce any swelling or itching associated with allergies calm, and its anti-inflammatory rapid immediatelythe nervous system.

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) – A tranquilizer and relative of valerian Nardelli was the most powerful sedative action and is useful in aromatherapy to calm the mind and relieve anxiety and stress. Spikenard sedatives to help calm the allergic reaction and reduces tissue inflammation. Its regular activities can help promote free breathing, breathing easier.

Rosemary, cineole (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. Cineol) – A new and clean scent recalls strong aroma of Eucalyptus and herbaceous. Rosemary cineole smell is highly penetrating to the senses. Rosemary Cineol stimulates blood circulation, has a clear and energizing by inhalation and is useful for the treatment of respiratory diseases, including allergies. Inhalation of rosemary in moderation is unblock sinus and nasal congestion and nasal congestion.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – A pleasant smell of fresh lemonLemongrass has a tonic action and regulation of the body. His vasodilators, anti-inflammatory and sedative relieve congestion, promote free breathing easier and relieve inflammation of the bronchi and sinuses.

Peppermint oil is often advised for allergic reactions. It can be applied on the throat, back of the neck, crown of the head and the temples for headaches. Inhaling a drop of the oil from cupped palms has been known to release tension, headaches and stuffiness within minutes. For stomachaches, queasiness, and other digestive upsets, peppermint is applied directly on the stomach or taken internally in rice/soy milk, water, or in capsules.

Pine or spruce essential oil are deeply grounded and may be used to calm allergic reactions. A drop of pine, spruce, or peppermint oil applied on the throat or over the thymus gland boosts the immune system and helps create balance in the body’s energy field and make a big difference in allergy attacks and reactions.

NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have beentested and are pesticide free.

I also found this and thought you may be interested;

Another natural allergy relief methods is NAET, which stands for Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique. Dr. Devi Nambudripad is a chiropractor and acupuncturist from California who accidentally discovered how stimulating specific acupuncture meridians while being exposed to the allergens one reacts to can reset the body so that it no longer reacts to those allergens.

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Essential Oil Options For Aromatherapy And Asthma

Asthma is not often thought of as an allergic reaction but it can be triggered by certain environmental factors. Consider essential oil options for aromatherapy when dealing with asthma. Adding essential oil options for aromatherapy such as rose, frankincense, neroli, or clary sage to the water in a dehumidifier can help to open up the airways of an asthma sufferer.

Talk to someone qualified in the field of aromatherapy about different essential oil options for aromatherapy when used to treat allergies. You may find great relief from the different allergies you suffer when using essential oils. This may help you to use less allergy medication or improve the situation at hand. The best way to treat an allergy is to use a holistic approach that takes into consideration the cause as well as ways to alleviate any symptoms present.

Essential Oil Options For Aromatherapy And Eczema Relief

Some people suffer from eczema and find no relief from medication and other conventional cures. If you suffer from eczema that is caused by an allergic reaction then you might want to explore essential oil options for aromatherapy allergy relief. Chamomile oil when used in a bath can help to ease stress, one possible cause of eczema.

Lavender is another essential oil found effective in treating eczema. The utilization of marjoram essential oil is also effective. To keep the cost of using these essential oils regularly you may want to buy effective essential oils wholesale when treating ongoing allergies.

Food Allergy

If you have a food allergy or irritable bowels then you will find relief through the use of essential oils in compress form. Essential oil options for aromatherapy in this way include ginger, neroli, lavender, and marjoram. Dilute some essential oil with a carrier oil and then soak a cloth in this to make a compress you can rub onto your abdomen to ease discomfort.

Info courtesy of ; http://www.healthytreatment.com/health/use-of-essential-oil-for-aromatherapy-and-allergy-relief/

Aromatherapy for Allergy and Hay Fever

There are two major oils helpful with allergies in general:

• German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Melissa (Melissa officinalis) essential oil.

melissa

But make sure you are not allergic to any of them. Chamomile seems to be more effective, than Melissa.
The easiest way to use is to put 1-2 drops of oil on a handkerchief or tissue and to sniff whenever it needed during the day.
Facial massage with any of these oils can also be very helpful, it often decreases the severity of the allergic reaction. Never use essential oils undiluted, so mix in 1 teaspoon of olive oil 1 drop of essential oil and do the massage.
If you do not have the time for a massage, a bath with essential oils can also be very soothing. Use in a fullbath 3-4 drops and in a footbath 1-2 drops of essential oils. It is a very pleasent hay fever treatment.

Treatments for Pollen Allergy and Hay Fever

Vaseline (Petroleum jelly)

Protect yourself outdoors with a ‘pollen trap’! You can coat the inside of your nose with Vaseline and the sticky layer will trap spores, pollens, dust etc. before you inhale them. It stops immediately the irritation in your nose.

Nasal irrigation or nasal wash

A regular use of nasal irrigation with a neti pot or just the use of saline nasal spray can help a lot fighting hay fever symptoms. You just rinse off all the irritant air-born pollens, fungal spores, dust and animal dander.

hay-fever-eyebright

If you are not allergic to herbs, your irritated allergy eye will find this herbal eyewash very soothing:

Herbal eyewash

Mix:

• 1 teaspoon dried marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried camomile (Matricaria recutita) flowers

Pour 250ml boiling water over the herbs. Cover, and steep for a quarter of an hour. Strain through a coffee filter to remove all herb particles. Use as an eyewash or soak cotton balls in the herbal tea and apply to your eyes at least three times a day for ten minutes.
Caution: Make sure you are not allergic to any ingredient herbs!
If you do not have the time to make the herbal tea, put just a wet camomile teabag on your eyes.

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Homeopathy for Pollen Allergy and Hay Fever

Homeopathy offers a wide range of remedies helpful in different allergy conditions, like seasonal allergy etc. Most of them needs individualization of symptoms, but there are a few remedies good for hay fever as a general diagnosis.
One of them is Histaminum C30, potentized histamine, which is released in great amount during the allergic reaction. Homeopathic Histaminum is able to decrease the release and the effect of material histamine.

Other useful option is to take your allergen potentized, in a homeopathic form which can desensitize your body (the method is called isopathy).

• If you are allergic to pollens, have a pollen allergy, take homeopathic Pollen C30, made from local pollens in your neighbourhood. Start taking it 1 month prior the hay fever season (two times a week) and continue during the whole season, taking it daily.

• If you are sensitive to dust mites, take regularly homeopathic House Dust Mite C30.

• If you are allergic to mold, take the homeopathic remedy Aspergillus niger C30, which is made from the fungi.

• If you are sensitive to certain animal hair (cat or dog or horse etc.) than take a remedy made from this special animals fur.

Take this remedies 2-3 times a week, long term.

During the hay fever season you may take:

• Histaminum C30 in the morning and
• Pollen C30 in the evening.

Let dissolve 2-3 pills under your tongue and do not eat or drink 10 minutes before and after taking the remedy.

General Tips for Pollen Allergy Sufferers

• When you have to go out, wear wraparound sunglasses to keep pollens away from your eyes.
• Wash your hair before going to bed, so you do not transfer a head full of dust and pollen to your pillow.
• Stay indoors and keep the windows closed early in the morning and late in the evening, when pollen concentration is the highest. Shelter indoors during strong wind, since the wind stirs up all the settled pollens.
• Fit your car with pollen filter and keep the windows closed when traveling.
• Do not dry outdoors your bed-clothes, since they work like a pollen trap.

In the treatment of allergies and hay fever mother nature provides us several natural allergy remedy and herbs to overcome this annoying condition. Allergy medication can be based on all natural remedies and allergy cure is possible with the help of herbs, homeopathy, natural supplements and ayurvedic nasal irrigation.

One of the best allergy remedy is herbal:

Herbal Remedies for Allergy and Hay Fever

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

A very good remedy is Nettle (Urtica dioica), it contains a substance (quercetin) that works as a natural antihistamine. Capsules of freeze-dried leaf are available, take 500mg two or three times a day or half a teaspoon of nettle extract four times a day.

Ginkgo biloba

Has become renowned for its memory-boosting properties, but it is an effective allergy fighter and hay fever treatment as well. Take 450 mg a day, but not more. Ginkgo contains ginkgolides, which can inhibit the activity of certain allergy-triggering chemicals (PAF). You may take it long term.

Learn about Eye Allergies…

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant pigment and antioxidant able to inhibit the release of histamine. Foods naturally rich in quercetin include citrus fruits, purple or yellow onion, garlic, buckwheat. Concentrated quercetin is also available in capsules: take 500mg twice a day between meals. It works best when started a month prior to the start of allergy season. Continue taking it throughout the season. (Do not take this if already taking nettle or garlic, as they contain quercetin.)

Learn more about the symptoms of hay fever

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has marvelous health-giving properties. Among all this properties it acts as an anti-allergic, due to its high quercetin content. Take 400-600mg daily, but not much more, since garlic is an effective blood thinner and may cause bleeding if overused.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Stir 1 teaspoon of ground Turmeric into 250ml water and drink it. Within 15 minutes the hay fever symptoms must be better. You can take Turmeric capsules as well. You may use it during the whole season.

info courtesy of ; http://www.christinas-home-remedies.com/pollen-allergy.html

How to Use Essential Oils to Balance Crown Chakra

Read my published article on AC/Yahoo on  How to Use Essential Oils to Balance the Chakras; Crown Chakra http://ow.ly/1bmUzN

How to Use Essential Oils for Detoxification

 

Candice L. Collins, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Feb 15, 2011

essential oils for well being

Using essential oils for detoxification is only one way that these magical drops can aid us in our goals of being healthy in mind, body and spirit. Essential oils are truly nature’s gift to us with all they offer in supporting our health and well-being.

Many of us are turning to alternative medicines, and therapies looking for natural ways to detoxify our bodies inside and out, as we are all subject to so many toxins daily, that over time these poisons can build up in our fragile (but miraculous) systems, and cause major health issues. Detoxifying the body using essential oils is one of the best ways to clean out the harmful toxins laying stagnant in our bodies.

READ the rest of my article here.

Essential Oil Recipes for Detoxing the Body

Skin and Internal Organ Detox Blend, Immediate Detox Blend, Cleanse & Detox Blend, Super Detox and Cellulite Buster Blend, Liver / Lymphatic System Detox Blend, Mind-Detox Blend and Stress Relief, Purify Your Space Blend

 

Candice L. Collins, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Feb 15, 2011

Detoxifying the body using essential oils is one of the best ways to clean out the harmful toxins laying stagnant in our bodies. Be sure to read my complementary article;

How to Use Essential Oils for Detoxification, as well as this primer on essential oils before beginning a detox using essential oils program. And always use therapeutic grade essential oils for your blends, and be sure to store them in dark glass bottles in a dark and cool place to elongate their freshness.

READ the rest of my article here.

FromNatureWithLove.com – FromNatureWithLove.com offers a large selection of 1,750+ natural ingredients used in skin care, hair care, cosmeceutical applications, massage, aromatherapy, spa products and herbal preparations. FNWL also offers a large selection of packaging supplies, bath accessories, natural body scrubs, books and equipment.

Natural Holistic Remedies for Shingles

There are so many natural and holistic remedies for all types of maladies these days that it is difficult to weed through all the bad or mis-information strewn across the web. This series of articles, “Natural Holistic Remedies” will address only the ‘known to work’ remedies and natural therapies, either through personal experience or gathered from trusted sources. I’ve been studying these types of holistic cures and aids for over over 15 years and have discovered many new concepts as well as debunking some older (and some newer ones too).

General Shingles Information

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection of the nerve roots. Shingles affects the nerve endings in the skin and results in pain and a rash. Shingles affects 750,000 Americans annually. It can strike at any age but is most common in people older than 40.

Possible Causes of Shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox When a person has chicken pox, it lives dormant in the body. If it becomes active, it results in a case of the shingles, not another bout of the chicken pox. Approximately 90 percent of people who have chicken pox are at risk of developing shingles. Stress, cancer, use of anti-cancer drugs, spinal cord injuries, the common cold and immune system problems can trigger shingles. People who have never contracted chicken pox have very little chance of developing shingles.

Possible Symptoms of Shingles

The first signs of shingles appear as three or four days of chills, fever, body aches and sometimes pain in the affected area. Then tiny blisters with red rims appear, along with extreme pain and sensitivity at the site. Other symptoms of shingles include fatigue, numbness, depression, tingling, shooting pains, swollen lymph nodes, headache and fever. This phase usually lasts one week to 10 days, when the blisters dry up and fall off. In most cases, shingles lasts a few weeks, but some people can experience pain for months.

Read the rest of my article at AC/Yahoo here.

Aromatherapy as an Aphrodisiac- Essential Oil Recipes for Love

essential oils for love

Aromatherapy has, over the centuries, been used for countless purposes, including aiding the mind, body and spirit to heal, as well as having calming effects, and even help with beauty. But for many ancient cultures almost every one has well documented effects of flowers and their distilled oils on the human libido, and aphrodisiac aromatherapy is part of their makeup.

From the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs and Sumerians come the passed down romantic helpers of jasmine, peppermint, lilies, sunflowers, and of course, roses. Logan Pearsall Smith pointed out in the late 1800s that flowers are the sex organ of the plant and flowers are actually the sexual representation of the plant. Hmmmm, no sexual innuendos there.

Read the rest of my article on AC/Yahoo here.

Meditation for Chronic Sympathetic Nervous System Arousal

True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
William Penn

 

Alternative Therapy for Stress Disorder

Meditation is a wonderful alternative therapy treatment for chronic sympathetic nervous system arousal. Many of the eastern traditions have been slowly making their way into our western culture for decades, and now meditation has almost become mainstream.

It’s no wonder, as mediation offers so many benefits to our health and well-being, especially those of us that suffer from stress related problems. Meditation is becoming widely popular not only as stress therapy but as an added helper to conventional medicine for all types of chronic disease.

Read the rest of my article at Associated Content/Yahoo here;