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.

Aromatherapy Remedy Reference Continued….

The following is a list of common health complaints (physical and emotional) for which people have reported that particular essential oils helped them.  It also includes herbal formulas enhanced with essential oils. This list should not be used in the place of the advice of a qualified health practitioner, nor should one construe that this list claims to “cure” any health condition.

from; Dr. Fosters Essentials.com

http://www.drfostersessentials.com/store/oilsforcomplaints.php

* indicates the oils that in my clinical and personal experience are the most effective

• Acne: Tea tree/Jojoba blend, *Myrrh, Thyme, *Floral waters (Geranium, Lavender, Juniper, Peppermint, etc.),  *Most effective when combined with internal herbal remedies (Healthy Cholesterol Formula, Vibrant Colon Formula, Turkey Rhubarb Formula, Colon Detox Caps), Antifungal blend
• Alcoholism: Ginger, L/GB Formula
• Allergies: * Allergy Relief Lavender, Idaho Tansy, Ravensara, Eucalyptus, Roman chamomile, Blue Tansy, Spikenard, Melissa, Frankincense, German Chamomile, Cajeput, Vetiver
• Anticoagulant: Geranium, Angelica, *Healthy Cholesterol Formula, *Detoxification Formula
• Arthritis:* “Pane Relief” Oil, Ginger, Black Pepper, Wintergreen, Peppermint, Fir, Cypress, Coriander, Clove, Cajeput, Birch, Bergamot, Angelica, Galbanum, Idaho Tansy, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Tarragon, Thyme
• Asthma: *Allergy Relief Oil Blend Peppermint (soles of feet, rubbed on back or chest), Ravensara, Eucalyptus, Blue Tansy, Marjoram, EZ-Resp Formula.
• Attention Deficit Disorder: *Vetiver, *Cedarwood, Grounding Oil Blend Lavender, *Composure Formula
• Balance: Clary sage, Nutmeg, Ylang ylang, Fennel, Sage,
• Bronchitis: Peppermint, Germ Shield, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Thyme, Germ Blaster Formula, EZ-Resp Formula, Antiviral blend
• Burns: * Germ Shield, * Lavender, *Peppermint, Tea tree/Jojoba Blend, Eucalyptus, German Chamomile
• Candida: Oregano, Thyme, Peppermint, Rosewood, Spruce, Laurus nobilis, Myrrh, Tea tree, Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon, Spikenard, White lotus, Yarrow, *Echinacea Premium Formula, *Germ Blaster Formula, Antifungal blend
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: German Chamomile, Peppermint, Geranium Lemongrass, *”Pane” Relief Oil
• Cellulite: Grapefruit, Lemon, Cypress, Orange, Tangerine, Circulation blend
• Cholesterol (high): *Healthy Cholesterol Formula, Rosemary, Roman chamomile, Helichrysum, Lemon
• Colitis: Peppermint, Spearmint, Tarragon
• Constipation: *Ginger, Dill, Marjoram, Colon Cleanse Syrup
• Cuts, scrapes, bruises: Roman Chamomile, Tea tree/Jojoba Blend (use in place of antibiotic creams), Lavender
• Cystitis: Bergamot, Sandalwood, Kidney/Bladder Formula
• Dandruff: Lavender, Patchouly
• Diabetes:Sweet Relief Oil Blend, Celebration Oil Blend,
• Diaper rash:Tea tree/Jojoba Blend, Lavender,
• Diarrhea: Coriander, Myrtle, Orange
• Drug withdrawal: Grapefruit, Composure Formula
• Earache: Tea tree/Jojoba blend, Roman chamomile (used around ear, but not inside it).   Never pour or drip essential oils inside the ear canal. Essential oils can cause severe pain if they touch the eardrum.
• Endometriosis: tea tree, Rosemary, Clove, Clary sage, Geranium, Nutmeg, Female Harmony Formula
• Epilepsy: Clary sage, Cardamom, Lavender, Jasmine, *Composure Formula
• Fatigue: Rosemary, Tea tree, Nutmeg, *Peppermint (inhaled),
• Fat-dissolving: Grapefruit, Spearmint, Sage, Tangerine, Patchouly, Hyssop, Circulation blend
• Fever: Black pepper, *Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Melissa, Lemon, Echinacea Premium Formula, Germ Blaster Formula
• Fibromyalgia: Peppermint, Black Pepper, Ginger, *”Pane” Relief Oil
• Fluid retention: Tangerine, Lemongrass, Juniper, Kidney/Bladder Formula, Circulation blend
• Food poisoning: Peppermint, Tarragon, Lemon, Colon Detox Caps
• Antifungal: *Tea tree (Tea tree oil), Mandarin, *Lemongrass, *Rosemary, Geranium, Clary Sage, Cassia, Cinnamon, Canadian Red Cedarwood.  Essential oils penetrate deeper into fingernails and toenails than do herbs.  *Echinacea Premium Formula, *Germ Blaster Formula, Antifungal blend
• Hair: Ylang ylang
• Hair loss: *Rosemary, Cedar, *Lavender, Canadian Red Cedar, Grounding Oil BlendYarrow, Ylang ylang.
• Headaches: Germ Shield (intranasal), Neroli, *Lavender, *Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Frankincense, Coriander, Clove, German Chamomile, Cajeput, Black Cumin, Lemongrass, Thyme.
• Heart Problems: (with palpitations) Ylang ylang, Rose, *Healthy Heart Formula, Relaxing blend
• Hemorrhoids: Cypress, Clary Sage, Myrrh, myrtle
• Hemostatic: (stops bleeding) *Lemon, *Lavender, Cistus, *Helichrysum, Cypress, Frankincense, Idaho Tansy, Cinnamon (mild)
• Herpes: *Herp-Ez Oil Blend, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemon, Thyme, *Peppermint & Lavender, *Melissa, *AntiViral Herbal Formula, Sandalwood, AntiViral oil blend
• Hives : *Peppermint, * Germ Shield
• High blood pressure: Ylang ylang, Melissa, Lavender, Frankincense, Clove, Yarrow, *BP Formula
• High cholesterol: Clary sage, Cedarwood, *Lemon, Helichrysum, *Healthy Cholesterol Formula
• Hormonal Imbalance: Sweet Relief, Clary sage, Nutmeg, Ylang ylang, Fennel, Sage, *Female Harmony Formula, FemoPause Formula, FemVigor Formula
• Indigestion: *Peppermint (1 drop in a glass of water), *Sweet Relief Oil Blend, Ginger, Tarragon (rub over stomach area), *Digestive Formula
• Impotence: Ylang ylang, Goldenrod, Peppermint, Jasmine, Rose, *MaleVigor
• Infection: *Oregano, *Thyme, Rosewood, Myrrh, Mountain savory (highly antibacterial), Ginger, Geranium, Clove, Cassia, Cinnamon, Canadian Red Cedar, Cardamom,Bergamot, Lemon, *Echinacea Premium Formula, *Germ Blaster Formula, Antiviral blend, Antifungal blend
• Insecticidal: patchouly, Lemon, Citronella, Cajeput
• Insect repellent: Repels lice and fleas: Pine, Lemongrass, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cypress, Idaho Tansy.  For ants, use *Black Pepper or Peppermint
• Insomnia: Valerian, Bergamot, Spikenard, Thyme, Ylang ylang, Orange, Composure Formula
• Irritable bowel:  Peppermint, Digestive Formula
• Itching: Patchouly, Peppermint, *Tea tree, Blue Tansy
• Jetlag: Grapefruit
• Labor, ease: Spearmint
• Laryngitis: Cypress, Jasmine, Cajeput, Thyme, Echinacea Premium Formula
• Macular Degeneration: Frankincense, *Eyebright Formula, *Brain Regain Formula
• Malaria: Lemon, Ylang ylang, Antiparasite Formula, Blood Detox Formula
• Meditation – oils to facilitate: Elemi, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Composure Formula (calming), Brain Regain Formula (to stay alert), Relaxing blend (to calm mind)
• Menopause: Clary Sage, Fennel, Sweet Relief Oil Blend, *FemoPause Formula
• Menstrual pain: Cypress, Coriander, Jasmine
• Migraine: Laurus Nobilis, Black Cumin, Basil, Melissa, Spikenard, Valerian, *Germ Shield (intranasal), *Lavender.(apply to back of neck),  *Clove applied to the top of the hard palate in the mouth)
• Milk production, stimulate: Dill, Fennel, Sweet Relief Oil Blend
• Motion sickness: Ginger, *Digestive Formula
• Nausea: Lavender, Fennel, Clove, Cardamom, Melissa, Nutmeg, *Peppermint, Spikenard, *Digestive Formula
• Overweight: Spearmint, Spikenard, Appetite Suppressant Formula, FemVigor
• Pain: *”Pane” Relief Oil, Helichrysum, White fir, *Clove, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Black Pepper, Ginger, Lavender, Blue Tansy, Mountain Savory, Fennel, Tea tree
• Parasites: Tangerine, Peppermint, Oregano, Mountain Savory, Lemon, Fennel, Clove, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Canadian Red Cedar, Cardamom, Bergamot, Hyssop, Rosemary, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Tarragon, *Antiparasite Formula
• Rashes: Roman Chamomile, *Germ Shield, *Tea tree/Jojoba blend, Lavender, *Healthy Cholesterol Formula, Echinacea Premium Formula
• Scars/stretch marks: Neroli, *Rose, *Frankincense, Sage, Yarrow, Lavender, *Myrrh, Galbanum, *Helichrysum, Cypress, Elemi, Tangerine (use w/ Lavender), Mandarin (use w/ jasmine, lavender, sandalwood, and/or frankincense).  May take one month or longer for the effect.
• Sciatica: helichrysum, Geranium, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Spruce, Tarragon, White Lotus
• Spasms: Marjoram, Valerian, Composure Formula
• Sprains: Black Pepper, *Lemongrass, Orange, Ginger, Yarrow, *Peppermint (immediately after the sprain has occurred is most effective), * “Pane” Relief Oil, Calcium From Herbs
• Stretch Marks: *Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Geranium
• Sunburn: *Germ Shield, Lavender and Peppermint (used together is amazing), Tea tree/Jojoba blend, Yarrow
• Toothache: *Clove, Roman Chamomile.  Use Oregano for tooth abscess.
• Tumors: *Frankincense, *Lavender, *Clove (skin, lymph), Idaho Tansy, Peppermint, Geranium, Sandalwood (skin), Orange.  Frankincense and Lavender or Clove are used together in addition to a complete detoxification program.  Blood Detox Formula, Echinacea Premium Formula
• Ulcers: Frankincense, *Digestive Formula, German Chamomile, Birch, Myrrh, yarrow, *Peppermint
• Urticaria : *Peppermint, * Germ Shield
• Varicose veins: Helichrysum, Cypress, Yarrow, Peppermint, Lemongrass, *Lemon, Circulation blend
• Vertigo: Black pepper, Melissa, *Brain Regain Formula
• Viruses/cold sores: Herp-Ez Oil Blend, Tea tree/Jojoba blend, Clove, Oregano, *Melissa, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Ravensara, Mountain Savory, Marjoram, Lemon, Cistus, Cassia, Cinnamon, Cajeput, Black Cumin, Basil, Hyssop, Neroli, AntiViral Formula, Echinacea Premium Formula, AntiViral oil blend
• Warts: Tea tree, *Lemon, Frankincense, *Clove, Cinnamon, Antiviral blend
• Wealth: Patchouly, Cinnamon, Spruce, Frankincense, Myrrh
• Wrinkles: *Myrrh, Frankincense, Rose, Elemi, Galbanum, Neroli, Lemon, Spikenard, floral waters (Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile, Clary sage, Melissa, and Juniper)
• Yeast infection: *Tea tree/Jojoba blend, Myrrh (apply either or both topically, add to herbal douche), Rosewood, Bergamot, Thyme, *Echinacea Premium Formula, Antifungal blend

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.

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.

List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions

essential oils for emotional well being

Emotions: and what kind of Essential Oils to use to either enhance or subdue them;

Emotions are part of who we are as humans. We are emotional beings. And many of our imbalances and things that make us sick are caused from emotional imbalances. In other words,  our emotions can make us sick.

Essential oils are natural gifts we have access to that can aid our recoveries and help to bring holistic balance and well-being into our lives. Use this list wisely, and note whenever you are feeling these emotions to add some of the corresponding essential oils into your day, you will definitely feel better!

READ the rest of my Associated Content article here

see also:

Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety, Stress and Depression ALTERNATIVES to PROZAC, VALIUM & RITALIN

and

Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator

Essential Oils that can Aid Emotional and Abuse Issues

Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils

lavender is a mood altering essential oil

Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils

For all of those who love the idea of using nature’s gifts, essential oils are the ticket. Not only are they little miracles, but they come in handy so often, I couldn’t imagine life without them.

Here is a little primer first, for those who want to know more about them; essential oils come from the various elements of plants – the seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruit. These oils can be distilled from the plant material or extracted. The majority are distilled. It takes tons of plant material to create tiny amounts of essential oils. (And you wondered why they were so expensive!)

It’s very important to use therapeutic grade essential oils for most of the suggestions for each ailment or common use. Especially if you’re using it internally (which should only be used under supervision of an Aromatherapist).But for external uses such as diffusing or for room fragrancing, etc…it’s not imperative to use the therapeutic type.

What’s the difference you ask?

Read the rest of the article here

Essential Oil of the Month; 25 Ways to Use Peppermint Essential Oil

Essential Oil of the Month

Young Living PEPPERMINT-

(Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy. Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sense of fullness after meals.
1. Rub 4-6 drops in your palm and rub over stomach and around the navel to relieve indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
2. Add Peppermint to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
3. Massage several drops of oil on an injury to reduce inflammation.
4. Apply Peppermint oil immediately to an injured area to relieve pain. If there is a cut, apply the Peppermint oil around (not on) the open wound.
5. Apply Peppermint oil topically on unbroken skin to stop itching.
6. Inhale before & during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue.
7. Massage several drops on the abdomen to relieve nausea.
8. To relieve a tension or some migraine headache, rub on the temples, forehead, and on the back of the neck.
9. To stop hiccups, apply a drop on each side of the fifth cervical vertebra (up three notches from the base of the neck).
10. Place two drops on the tongue and rub another drop under the nose to improve alertness and concentration.
11. Diffuse in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy
12. Rub 4 drops on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.
13. Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue and inhale into the nose and sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold.
14. Add Peppermint oil to food as a flavoring and a preservative.
15. To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry.
16. Mix one 15 ml. bottle of Peppermint into five (5) gallons of paint to dispel the fumes.
17. Place a couple of drops in a cup of hot water and enjoy in place of coffee.
18. To kill aphids, add 4-5 drops to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.
19. Put one drop in glass of cold water to cool off on a hot day.
20. Rub Peppermint oil on joints to relieve arthritis or tendonitis pain.
21. Place a drop of Peppermint oil on the tongue to stop bad breath; will freshen breath – use instead of gum.
22. Inhale the fragrance to curb appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
23. Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint oil on a cotton swab. Wait for it to dislodge its head, and then remove from your pet.
24. Mix 6 drops of Peppermint oil in a footbath to relieve sore feet.
25. Apply drop over toothache area – will relieve pain.

Thanks lol for these great tips! You’re a doll

Natural Preservatives for Cosmetic Recipes

When I first started making cosmetic products, i.e. lotions, lip balms, sprays, scrubs, etc., I was very hesitant , in the beginning, on which ingredients to use that were all natural and yet effective for preserving all my hard work from going rancid.

After years of working with many types and lots of research, here is a list of helpful and useful natural ingredients that are safe to use for preserving your cosmetic recipes:

thanks so much to  http://eroscent.com/blog/resources-and-guides/natural-preservatives-for-your-cosmetic-recipes/ for the useful tips! They match my own findings!

Making your own natural cosmetics allows you to control the ingredients and produce recipes created specifically for you. The downside to this is that natural ingredients tend to have a limited shelf life. Learning what ingredients are natural preservatives, and how to use them, will prevent rancidity and anti-oxidation in your homemade cosmetics.

Here’s a list:

• Benzoin
• Borax
• Honey
• Jojoba
• Vitamin E Oil

Benzoin Resin (also called Styrax) is a less well known preservative and fixative. For centuries, it has been an important ingredient in the making of incense due to its fixative qualities. Benzoin has a rich sweet scent that is quite distinctive. Because it is easily absorbed through the skin, it should be diluted in alcohol before use in cosmetic recipes. Benzoin resin is often found in facial toning and facial oil recipes to improve their shelf life.

Borax is a common ingredient that used to be found on the laundry shelf of most grocery stores. It is a natural cleaner and preservative, and it often found in lotion, cream, bath salt and bath scrub recipes.

Honey is a marvelous natural preservative. One teaspoon to one tablespoon of honey can be added to most any natural cosmetic recipe to improve its shelf life. My personal facial elixir has honey as an essential component, but I also add it to salts, scrubs, facials, creams and lotions.

Jojoba is one of my favorite natural preservatives because, like honey, it is just so very versatile. Jojoba is often combined with those oils that are known for having a limited shelf life, such as almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and rosehip seed oil. Get in the habit of substituting a tablespoon of jojoba oil for the more fragile carrier oils to improve the shelf life of your home made creations.

Vitamin E Oil is another natural preservative that I use quite often. If you are making a preparation for the skin, add a teaspoon of vitamin E oil to prevent rancidity and as an anti-oxidant. Vitamin E oil has the additional benefit of being safe to use for recipes for babies and small children.

When creating my own cosmetic recipes, I tend to use a two-pronged approach. Benzoin and vitamin E in a facial oil, for instance, or jojoba and borax in a lotion. Incorporating these natural preservatives in your own creations will enhance your cosmetics making repertoire considerably.