Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy’

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Essential Oils Scientifically-Proven to Reduce Inflammation

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

For the majority of mankind’s history, people have used home remedies to alleviate pain and treat inflamed muscles, joints and connective tissue. The bark of the Willow tree has actually been the source of ‘the wonder drug’ for pain reduction, due in-fact to its inflammation-reducing action. Now, many renown therapists and lay-practitioners are instead making use of aromatic oils for reducing inflammation, as well as addressing the painful symptoms of inflammation.

Essential oils offer an easy method of using the pain and inflammation relieving potential of natural medicine. The only thing you have to do is measure a few a little essential oils in with a carrier oil and rub in for , even long-lasting, relief.

A review of the recent research uncovers quite a number of papers in which scientists have validated the anti-inflammatory potential of therapeutic essential oils. The oils utilized in aroma-medicine have been meticulously distilled to keep their therapeutic potential. These are labeled as “therapeutic grade” essential oils – as opposed to food grade.

The essential oils that comprise aroma therapeutic practices are in-fact complex natural chemical compounds, comprised of many individual chemicals. Based on the plant from which they’re distilled, can provide a powerful anti-inflammatory activity which prevents the creation of pro-inflammatory substances in the body. Certain essential oils which have anti-inflammatory properties that may be obvious, being produced from plant materials which have always been used for this application. Ginger and turmeric are two excellent examples.

Super-critical CO2 distillation (a new, cold-process means of making aromatherapy oils) of each these plants are added as ingredients in anti-inflammatory recipes. These oils are readily available by any practitioner or healthcare provider to utilize their analgesic, inflammation-reducing properties in their own formulations.

Recently released in the Journal of Lipid Research are the data from a study performed in Japan that confirm the inflammation-reducing action of a few essential oils. This supports the idea of using aromatherapy oils in recipes for reducing pain and inflammation. The essential oils shown to lessen the inflammatory response from occurring act by means of suppression of the COX-2 pro-inflammatory enzyme. The pure essential oils used in the experiments included oils from edible herbs like oregano and fennel, and a variety of others such as rose, bergamot and eucalyptus.

The essential oils considered by aromatherapy professionals to have the strongest inflammation reducing activity employed in essential oil medicine have yet to be researched (such as Helichrysum and Chamomile). Which can mean that there are several of compounds found in therapeutic essential oils which have anti-inflammatory properties.

The strongest inflammation reduction in the study was a result of the the pure oil from the culinary herb, thyme. Further, some of the individual natural constituents of the essential oil were examined, and it was learned that a constituent called carvacrol had the the most profound anti-inflammatory activity. This constituent is present in many other essential oils as well.

This is simply a brief report, uncovering inflammation-reducing properties of aroma-medicine and its oils. The important thing to note is that essential oils do offer a truly helpful, non-synthetic, inexpensive method of treating symptoms of inflammation, particularly those which result from rheumatism in addition to other aging-related diseases. One of the most important aspects, too, of authentic essential oils is that they typically do not just alleviate the pain, but are often actually treating the illness, so that the symptoms may be eliminated after a course of therapy.

There’s so much more to learn. Uncover the vast number of resources regarding the use of the medicinal actions of many essential oils at anandaapothecary.com.

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Tamanu Oil: Everything You Could Want In A Skin Care Oil

Friday, July 15th, 2011

You’ll find a new carrier oil being mentioned more often for beauty care. It might not even have celebrity endorsement, but it’s worthy of it. The oil is pressed from tree nuts grown on island sin the South Pacific ocean, called Tamanu nut oil. Indigenous island cultures have used the oil for healing every conceivable skin condition for a very long time.

Its combination of therapeutic effects appear to put it at the top of the list for anti-aging skin care. Some companies are offering it as an agent to prevent scar formation and speed healing, though this is just the tip of the iceberg.

A research team recently looked at all the data, and concluded the oil is definitely worth using for healing the skin. The oil stimulates skin cell production to increase. This is the foundation property of many anti-aging, anti-wrinkle skin care formulas..

In another study seeking a chemical to prevent UV radiation damage to the eye, researchers found that Tamanu significantly blocked the absorption of UV light rays. So like Retin-A, it speeds skin cell production, and unlike it, it actually protects the skin from sun exposure (now we’re not sure how much relative to sunscreen, but they did say “Tamanu oil, even at low concentration, exhibited significant UV absorption properties”.

And as if that wasn’t enough, another study discovered it also has anti-cancer properties as well. Plus it has a host of other properties that make it useful for healing of all sorts of skin conditions: it is also antimicrobial (a good base oil for acne formulas) and antiviral as well (supporting the healing of herpes outbreaks.

The oil is very unique in color, texture and scent relative to other carrier oils. Some folks don’t care for the aroma, but it’s really not that strong – particularly if you blend it with other base oils and/or add essential oils. It’s a deep greenish-brown color, and the unfiltered product will be somewhat “grainy” – yet these are just different components of the oil which “freeze” like coconut oil, but will smooth out right away when applied to the skin (or added to a blend).

So, if you’re interested in an anti-aging formula you can make yourself, that will be highly effective (at least as good as any “high-end” skin care cream, use Tamanu oil as at least part of your base. Its actually often recommended at about one-quarter to one-third of the base, but of course there’s no harm in applying it at one hundred percent. Other carrier oils to consider to synergize with its action are argan, rosehip seed (avoid if prone to acne – though the tamanu can actually prevent it) borage, hempseed and pomegranate seed oils.

To make yourself an exceptionally effective anti-aging skin care beauty blend, try a recipe like this: use 1/3rd each tamanu, rosehip and virgin coconut as your base (substitute hempseed or evening primrose for either of the oils if you need to). Add up to three percent (remember 12 drops essential oil in each ounce of base equals one percent) seabuckthorn essential oil (CO2 extract), and less than 1 percent each of everlasting, carrot root, and/or rosehip essential oil (not the pressed seed oil). It’ll be magic.

Essential oils have a vast potential for healing applications. Try Synegy Essentials to browse their learning library.

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Using Essential Oils and Extracts for After Sun Skin Protection

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Russian Astronauts once considered essential oils as a protectant for the skin from strong UV rays. Thankfully we don’t need rockets for the tests! It’s really easy to make yourself an after-sun, recipe that can limit the premature aging that the Sun’s ultraviolet light is known to do. These formulas can be used in conjunction with your sunscreen if you like.

The most helpful oils are the CO2 extracts of whole Sea Buckthorn , Carrot , German Chamomile, Rosemary antioxidant extractand Rose Hip (not the carrier, but that’s good too!) The reason these oils are so beneficial is that they’re very easy on the skin, and are very rich in nutrients that may prevent, or at least slow the aging activity that sunlight exposure can produce.

The gentle action of these extracts lets you use them in large amounts in your formulas without the intense feeling steam distilled oils can cause.

Each of these CO2 oils has a complex mixture of phytonutrients that affect the primary skin damaging activities: oxidation and inflammation. Oxidation occurs when a photon knocks an electron from its orbit in a molecule. That molecule then becomes an “oxidative radical” and removes particles from other healthy molecules(this is a rather simple explanation, but does explain the process).

The anti-oxidants available in these CO2 essential oils limits the damage by donating an electron to the oxidative radical.A blend of antioxidants is useful, as the oxidative radicals themselves take different shapes, requiring different substances to properly quench them.

Inflammation is the other aspect of sun-damage that should also be limited. Blue chamomile, and certain carrier oils are also known for their anti-inflammatory activity(As are, actually, all the oils listed above, but the Chamomile may be the strongest, You should select carrier oils that synergize with the extracts for best effects.

A variety of blends can be made with these ingredients, even simply choosing from what you have on hand.

Apply these blends right after you’ve been in the sun, and again throughout the day if you like. They will leave a little color on your skin, but will absorb fairly quickly. Consider using the formulas before going in the sun, too.

Here are some blends: For each ounce you make, begin by estimating one-third of an ounce of each carrier. Coconut, rosehip seed, pomegranate and “foraha” are great choices. Then mix in Berry CO2, Carrot Root CO2, 7 drops Rosemary CO2 anti-oxidant extract and eleven Blue Chamomile.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own blend – there are many oils that will do the job, and a little research will help you in your creation.

There’s so much more to learn. Expand your knowledge about many single note therapeutic oils like pine oil and plai at AnandaApothecary.com.

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Various Uses For Lavender Essential Oil And Its Physical Benefits

Monday, May 30th, 2011

The Lavender essential oil is found only in the bud part of the flower. A member of the mint family, the plant originated from Asia, crossing Western Iran, Arabia and India to settle in the West. It flourishes in dry, well-drained soil and enjoys plenty of sunlight. There are 39 different varieties.

The dried flower has a number of uses and is a favourite in potpourris and as confetti at weddings. The perfume has been enjoyed for years although it is an insect repellent and works well especially on mosquitoes and moths.

Aromatherapy diffusers burn the oil creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Its possible to distill at home using some special equipment and the steam method for a small outlay. If used for medical reasons its important to use Lavandula Angustifloia instead of Lavandin which is cheaper but has no medical properties. Beneficial for those with sleep disorders if sprinkled onto a pillow it aids sleep. If a few drops are added to a bath it can calm a hyperactive child.

Being one of the milder oils its safe to apply straight onto the skin and another benefit is its suitability for first aid. It improves skin infections like acne, eases menstrual cramps and muscle aches, relieves headaches and sunburn, and soothes arthritic symptoms. However, like all essential oils its recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women read the contradictions before using them.

There are different ways to apply the oil. Adding carrier oils such as Almond or Jojoba to a few drops of essential oil creates wonderfully soothing massage oil. This can even be massaged onto the scalp to prevent hair loss. If stored correctly in a cool dark place away from sunlight the oil will last for up to 2 years.

As a natural disinfectant the vapors can be inhaled and used to prevent and treat coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses. It was used in field hospitals to disinfect walls, relieve patient pain and to speed up the healing process. Its properties are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic.

Lavender essential oil produces sweet oil which can be used in cosmetics, balms and moisturizers. This makes it popular in cooking and a delicious addition to scones, sugar, lemon curd, syrup, cake decorations, syrup and marshmallows. A premium Mono-floral honey is made by its nectar.

For more on the therapeutic value of aromatherapy oils, and one of many important oils individually such as organic Geranium essential oil, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.

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Rosehip Seed Oil’s Many Skin Care Benefits

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Rosehips for rosehip seed oil for cosmetic purposes are generally grown in South America, and cold pressed in order to keep more of the active ingredients intact after processing. Where the plant grows wild, it has been honored for its high content of vitamin C and its luxurious, rich oil makes a wonderful additive for skin creams or used alone. There are good reasons for its popularity outside of the Andes where this plant is native and that is because it is so rich essential nutrients for skin.

Rose Hip Seed oil is also called Rosa moschata or Rosa rubiginosa. The oil, once processed, is a great source of antioxidants. Of even more interest in today’s skin care are its fatty acids the skin needs for repair, as well as trans-retinoic acids (vitamin-A compounds) which the body must have to maintain healthy skin but can’t manufacture on its own.

The oil is traditionally used to help reduce scarring and to help refine pores and fine lines in the skin. It has this action because the vitamin A it contains is bio-available and can be absorbed topically. Scars are marks that can affect how people feel about themselves and can serve as a constant reminder of a trauma or major life event. This natural plant oil can aid in healing scars without many of the undesirable side effects of some synthetic topical applications.

There is a well known type of retinoic acid called Retin-A, which is very strong and requires a prescription. Rosehip seed oil on the other hand, is a natural way to provide the precursors the skin needs to repair itself and allow the body to metabolize what it needs leaving the rest harmless. It also does not have the side effect of making the skin more sensitive to UV rays from the sun, so it can be used any time, day or night.

Natural products generally rely upon empirical evidence collected over hundreds of years and the proof is in the use so to speak. Synthetics generally spend millions in research and much more in double blind studies. Natural rose hip oil generally is less expensive has stood the test of time for many users over the centuries, and at the same time, has been the subject of university studies in Chile. These studies confirmed the efficacy of the oil in reducing signs of aging, and generally smoothing skin texture.

More complex natural skin care formulas are easily made with rosehip oil as the base. One can blend rosehip with other “carrier” oils such as jojoba, pomegranate seed and argan nut, for example. Then small amounts of steam or CO2 extracted essential oils can be added depending on the desired effect. You might investigate the actions of lavender, chamomile, rose and neroli for soothing the skin. Other essential oils such as myrrh and carrot can have anti-aging properties. Researching this further can be a wonderful way to create your own high-end skin care formula at a fraction of the typical costs.

The extraction method of rosehip seed is crucial to maintain integrity of the fragile essential fatty acids and antioxidants it contains. When processed, the seed oil should have a light rose color, with a somewhat “earthy” aroma. Cold pressing is not as efficient for processing but leaves more of the essential skin nutrients intact and therefore is a standard for cosmetic use of this oil. Rosehip seed oil is a natural way to help skin heal, keep it flexible and is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema as well as to help reduce scarring and signs of aging. While synthetic skin care products may have their uses, this natural plant oil has stood the test of time, and is a valuable ingredient alone or in recipes for therapeutic skin care.

Interested in learning further? Naturalessential oils for aromatherapy have diverse healing properties. Try Ananda Apothecary for in-depth information.

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The Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Arthritis Care

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Essential oils are all natural, safe and effective and have no side effects when used correctly. This very old holistic form of therapy has many benefits for the mind and body. When inhaled, ingested, or applied to the skin, these remedies act both an energetically and biochemically. The aromatic essential oils have a specific effect on the mind and body, including well-researched anti inflammatory actions for treating arthritis. Using essential oils for arthritis care can be of great benefit to sufferers of this condition.

In the United States, the essential oils are used to compliment conventional therapies. This type of therapy has been made use of for centuries as a holistic healing tool. Aromatic oils are extracted from plants and are extremely concentrated in their pure form — they should be diluted before use. Different combinations of the oils are diluted and blended together to create synergistic, holistic preparations for pain relief and inflammation reduction.

The use of essential oils as therapy offers pharmacological and medical results on the body. Among the most acknowledged of these outcomes is the relief of pain. For those individuals suffering with arthritic pain, the best method for using oils is topical application. The employed blend of oil is absorbed through the skin in the course of massage, bathing, and hot compresses.

Using the proper blend and dilution of the oil will help to relieve the pain and inflammation in the arthritic joints. They can be used in a bath by adding a specific number of drops to the tub, or rubbed or messaged into the affected areas. Warm compresses can also be made to wrap around or placed on the body.

The use of the oil and hot compresses have been very successful in relieving the pain of arthritic joints. Making the compress is as simple as filling a bowl with hot water that include a number of drops of an oil containing the pain relieving properties, placing a clean cotton cloth in the bowl and squeezing it out before applying it to the area of concern.

The benefits of this therapeutic approach begins with the right combination of essential oils. The therapy produces a number of outcomes and among them is the anesthetic effect of certain blends. Combinations of menthol (found in peppermint and corn mint) and camphor (found in the camphor-type of rosemary essential oil) produce a dulling in the pain receptors which in turn relieves pain.

There are several single or blends of the oil with pain relieving properties. Among them is frankincense which research has shown can relieve the pain and improve arthritis in seven days. Frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is “the science of life” and a very holistic approach, to treat the joint condition for hundreds of years. This essential oil is edible, and the raw resin can be chewed to gain its benefits. Other oils to experiment with are helichrysum (known as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and regenerative oil), ginger (especially the CO2 distillation, also researched for its “COX-2″ inflammation inhibition) and German Chamomile (who’s blue chemical called “matracin” is a potent inflammation reducer). Wintergreen oil is chemically similar to liquid aspirin, and benefits many people with painful joints.

Before using essential oils for arthritis care make sure to check with your physician or arthritis specialist. Also be certain to use the right combination of anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Do not apply the treatment to the skin if there are any cuts or tenderness. It is also important to be certain that the treatment will not cause any skin irritations. Test a small amount first to ensure your own personal response to the oils, and be sure to use a carrier oil or “base” oil, into which the essential oils are blended. This in no way reduces the potency of the essential oils, but actually helps them penetrate into the affected area. If you have not yet used essential oils for arthritis relief, they are certainly worth a try, and have been successful for many individuals.

Uma aromatherapy spray is a favorite natural aromatherapy blend that is a favorite among yoga teachers.

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5 Secrets to Improve Your Bench Press

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Bench Press is literally the Benchmark to gauge your Strength. I am going to share some cool tips I use to help my members increase their Bench Press faster.

Bench Press is the Best chest exercise and is one of the 3 Olympic moves and for good reason. It tests real strength in your shoulders, chest and arms like no exercise does.

Simple Things you can do right now

Using the right technique is absolute key to press more. For example if you do not use all the muscles – both prime movers and stabilizers, how can you max your bench press? Lets see how you can increase bench press in your first workout.

1. Is Your Technique Perfect Partner?

A Proper bench press grip is vital. It can be the difference between a max bench press or mediocre bench press. Use a proper closed overhand grip for best results.

Avoid using what is known as the suicide grip at all times. To prevent this, make sure that your thumbs come up over the bar during your grip. Also, keep your feet planted firmly on the floor while you are doing your bench press. You can utilize your back, glutes, hamstrings, other muscle groups during your bench press when your feet are kept on the floor.

2. Sets and Reps are the key to press more

Always remember to record your sets and reps in every bench press workout. No point in repeating workouts with same poundage week after week just because you forgot to keep a weight training journal!

This is because the heavier the weight, the more your muscles will be worked and torn. Each time, they build themselves back a little stronger. With that being said, be sure you don’t take on more than you can handle at any one time, or you could end up with an injury.

3. Feedback/Evaluation is the Breakfast of Champion

Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Unless you evaluate your workouts on a weekly basis how will you find out if your current workout is working?

A journal should be kept of each workout that records the amount of weight lifted, number of reps, time it took, and anything else you think would be helpful to know when you look back on this in the future. This tracking will help you set new routines as you progress.

4. Eat to Press Harder not to Get Fatter

High quality proteins and carbohydrates with essential fats can make or break your gym efforts.

Eat at least 30-40 grams of high quality proteins and 50-100 grams of carbohydrates to repair those damaged tissues.

5. Grow while you rest and eat

By now you know that you actually grown when resting. So get quality 8 hours sleep at night for best muscle growth.

Train legs on other days when you rest your chest and shoulders. This will help release more testosterone naturally which will build more muscle and strength over coming weeks and months.

So Go Bench Press More and Get Big, Big and Bigger.

Abdul Matynne is the author of the ebook “The TEN Commandments of Weight Training“. You can find more Bench Press Workouts at his website.

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Aromatherapy For Men: Keep Your Skin Looking Youthful With These Formulas

Monday, October 4th, 2010

Most of the time you’ll find essential oil blends for skin care formulated for women. They’ll have fairly floral scents, and maybe ingredients specifically included to manage estrogen. Well, here’s a look at formulating for men; blends with deeper, mild aromas and therapeutic actions geared toward helping men keep their skin healthy and youthful.

Formulating blends for younger looking skin requires selecting oils which offer these therapeutic properties: regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative. Essential oils are really exceptional skin-care ingredients, as they offer these important anti-aging actions (several having been backed by scientific research), and are well-tolerated and easily absorbed. The essential oils are mixed into carrier oils — which are “oils” in the more classic sense. Yet even these are selected for their specific anti-aging therapeutic effects.

Certain aromatic ingredients have a very long “track record” of anti-aging use; specifically the resins of frankincense and myrrh are highly regarded for this purpose. In aromatherapy, these are available both as “essential oils” and as “CO2 extracts”; for skin care, the latter is best, as it they are most similar to the actual medicinal resin. These oils have a range of properties, including all three that most interest us. They’re also perfect from a “men’s fragrance” standpoint, with their earthy scents.

The steam distilled essential oils of helichrysum and rosemary (of the “verbenone” chemotype) are also highly-regarded for their rejuvenative actions. These oils are found in nearly every formula for smoothing skin texture (particularly for scarring), as their ability to stimulate cellular turnover may be unsurpassed. They each contain unique ketones, which signal the production of new skin cells.

Then we come to the oils rich in nutrients that are both potent antioxidants and necessary for cellular regeneration. These are all found as carbon dioxide extracts: Carrot root, rosehip, and sea buckthorn. Each of these oils is a shade of reddish-orange, indicating its high level of antioxidants and carotenoids (vitamin-A compounds closely tied to skin health). Use any one, or all three — just know the more you use in your formula, the more red the formula will leave your skin for a little while application. With 1% or less concentration, this will be hardly noticed — if at all. You can even consider making a “daytime” and “nighttime” formula, using higher levels of these oils in the blend applied just before retiring for the evening.

Finally, we can put sandalwood in every skin care blend for men. Sandalwood is an exceptional oil for many reasons: it’s use is proven to prevent skin cancer. It is hydrating for dry skin, yet helps heal acne for those with oily skin. It also has a very much appreciated “bottom-note” aroma, that’s considered relaxing and grounding.

There are several carrier oils to choose from, with three that are highly regarded for their anti-aging properties: Rosehip seed oil (pressed from the seed, different than the rosehip CO2), tamanu nut oil and argan nut oil. Rosehip seed’s use is backed by research showing smoothing of skin texture, lines and wrinkles. Tamanu is a very therapeutic oil with a highly regenerative nature — it is though to almost triple the speed of new cell formation. Argan is high in antioxidants, and has recently made big waves in the natural beauty industry for its anti-aging action. You can use any of these oils singly as your base, or blend all three together in equal parts.

Ready to blend? These recipes may seem simple, but are truly efficacious. Using the base oils as described, to each one ounce of your base mixture, add: 4 drops each of frankincense and myrrh (or 8 drops of either single oil), 4 drops each of helichrysum and rosemary (or again 8 of either single oil), 6 drops sandalwood, and 16 drops of any of the three CO2 extracts of rosehip, carrot root or sea buckthorn. (If you want to get really fancy, you can blend these three together, then use 16 drops of the mixture). That’s it! An exceptional blend for normal or drier “mature” men’s skin.

For those with dry skin, using the same base oils, add 8 drops of myrrh, 8 drops of helichryum or rosemary, 8 drops sandalwood, and 12 drops of your choice of carrot root, sea buckthorn or rosehip extracts. For those with sensitive skin, add 8 drops of lavender as well. For those with acne-prone skin, be sure to change your recipe! Replace the rosehip seed in the base with virgin coconut oil (you’ll need to warm this to make it liquid before blending). Add 8 drops frankincense, rosemary, sandalwood, spike lavender and sea buckthorn essential oils.

That’s it — these formulations are as fine as any you’ll find in high-end boutiques at a fraction of the cost. Feel free too to adjust the recipes to your skin’s needs; this is easily done, and you can perfect your recipe to care for your “manly” skin for years to come.

The Ananda Apothecary carries some profoundly therapeutic essential oils, including Italian bergamot essential oil — considered the most important anti-depressant essential oil used today, and frankincense essential oil, with potent immune-enhancing and even anti-cancer effects.

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Got Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria? Use Essential Oils!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

You’ve more than likely heard of MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria known as a “superbug”. It has also been referred to as “multi-drug resistant” and “oxacillin-resistant”, and by definition it is any strain of Staphyulococcus aureus bacteria that has grown resistant to what are known as “beta-lactam” antibiotics (which include the penicillins). Having grown resistant to powerful synthetic antibiotics, infection with this microbe is now responsible for many thousands of deaths annually — primarily in hospitals where patients are already immuno-compromised.

The search for an antidote to this deadly bacteria has been a prominent area of research in the last several years — and several essential oils have been found to be highly effective in eradicating the bug. Infections occur in the nasal passages and respiratory system, as well as in open wounds (including areas such as catheter insertions). Clearly an effective treatment should be available in both vapor phase (for inhalation) and in liquid for topical application. Essential oils meet both these requirements, and have been successfully tested in both conditions.

The efficacy of one of the most popular means of using essential oils as a preventative measure was elucidated by researchers testing oils in their vapor phase. By using a nebulizing diffuser — a device that makes an evaporating mist of an oil or oil blend — it was found that a blend of lemongrass and geranium could limit the growth of MRSA bacteria in a petri dish within the same enclosed space. And further, the airborne bacterial count in an office environment was reduced by eighty-nine percent by over fifteen hours using this same blend.

Tea tree essential oil, long considered the gold standard of antiseptic essential oils, has been the subject of many studies itself. The evidence seems to indicate that tea tree alone is not sufficient for eradication of the bacteria, and that overall it is likely not the best candidate for MRSA treatment. In a set of experiments using wound dressings, a blend of geranium and tea tree could eradicate Staphyulococcus aureus that were already sensitive to antibiotics; a blend of geranium essential oil and Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract) was found to eradicate MRSA when used on a wound dressing.

It’s interesting that no single essential oil has been found in all the research to be superior to synthetic antibiotics, but blends of essential oils have been. From this information, a company in the UK has developed a new strain of the herb thyme for distillation into an essential oil. Thyme essential oil is commonly available in 4 chemotypes, meaning it naturally has 4 distinct chemical profiles depending on the kind of thyme herb the oil has been distilled from. This new strain produces an essential oil with a chemical profile that mimics an essential oil blend, containing natural chemicals found in both thyme and tea tree essential oils. It preliminary studies, this essential oil alone has been found to be effective against MRSA — while it is not yet available in the US, keep watch for this new type of thyme essential oil.

A powerful blend of oils has been used successfully in human subjects with both acute and chronic infections with MRSA. One person had a bone infection for 2 years, which was unresponsive to antibiotics. A blend of Australian eucalyptus and tea tree, plus thyme, clove and lemongrass essential oils finally put a stop to the infection. Two other individuals discussed in the same report had suffered traumatic injuries which had become infected by MRSA. Infection of both individuals was eliminated with this essential oil blend alone.

Clearly essential oils hold excellent promise in treating MRSA infection, and by their nature, virtually all bacterial infections suffered by human beings. Acceptance of their use by mainstream medicine, particularly in the United States, has been exceedingly slow. This is likely due to the pharmaceutical-driven environment of our health institutions, where essential oils have no way into the system. Hopefully through the education of both doctors and patients, efficacious natural treatments such as essential oils will eventually be embraced, as given the scientific support, they certainly deserve to be.

The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using Aromatherapy and Bach flower remedies . She can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.com

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Calendula Essential Oil: Getting Superior Healing From This Important Botanical

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Perhaps one of the most revered formulations for skin care in natural medicine has been Calendula flower oil. Gentle and effective for children, the elderly, and everyone in-between, many generations have been mothered with the soft touch of this wonderful oil. At the same time, its use was rather limited; but now, Calendula essential oil has become available on a wide scale, allowing folks to make use of the recently elucidated VERY broad range of healing properties.

The Brilliant Calendula Flower

Calendula flowers, a particular kind of Marigold, is a genus of 20 species of herbaceous plants in the Daisy family. Calendula infused oil — made by soaking the flowers in olive oil — is highly regarded as a base of soothing skin formulas, with cooling and hydrating effects. It has been a popular ingredient in formulas for eczema and baby’s needs — or anywhere skin irritation is being addressed. The infused oil had limitations in that the base oil needed to be the infused oil itself, limiting other carrier or base oils included in the formula. Even very small quantities (1-3%, or 8-24 drops per ounce) of the essential oil added to your recipes can have dramatic results

New Methods Offer Easy-To-Use Essential Oil

The Calendula essential oil concentrate is often labeled as Calendula CO2, meaning all the lipid-soluble components of the plant have been extracted using pressurized, liquified carbon dioxide. At the end of the process, the carbon dioxide is released and only the essential oil remains. A search through the data provided by the US Nation Library of Medicine uncovers hundreds of references to Calendula officinalis extract. The database is hosted at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov — simply search for the therm “calendula” for pages of fascinating results to browse through.

The Data Is In: Calendula Has A Wide Range of Therapeutic Activity

The researchers, prompted by the great historical use of this flower as medicine, have investigated a great many of its healing properties. These include the speeding of wound healing, potent anti-inflammatory action, strong anti-oxidant activity, and a myriad of protective effects to various organs. The research notes that the extract actually increases the speed at which skin cells form, has uniquely strong antioxidant activity due to the red and orange pigmentation, and prevents damage to the liver and kidneys when they’re exposed to toxic chemicals. The conclusions of these studies indicate quite clearly the efficacy of the flower extract in a wide variety of applications. So how can we make use of this oil?

Creating Recipes at Home with Calendula

The easiest uses of Calendula essential oil will be in externally-applied topical formulas. Simply include a few drops per ounce of your recipe. For example, an excellent wound-healing AND anti-inflammatory blend could be made with 3 milliliters of Helichrysum italicum essential oil (a profound wound-healing and pain relieving essential oil) and 1 milliliter Calendula essential oil in a base of equal parts Tamanu, Coconut and Rosehip seed oils. This would be useful for treatment of wounds after accidents or surgery (while it should not be applied directly to open wounds — around the open area would be fine). A stronger formula would be useful for deep tissue injuries, like sports injuries, muscle strains, sprains and the like. Use up to 25% Helichrysum and 5% Calendula in a simple base of pure Jojoba oil, massaging into painful areas up to 3 times daily. This type of formula utilizes the strong anti-inflammatory action of Helichrysum along with the wound healing and antioxidant effects of Calendula to speed healing and relieve pain of connective-tissue damage. Calendula is safe for use with both children and the elderly, though the overall concentrations of these formulas should be reduced accordingly depending on the age group (there are many online references for essential oil concentrations with different age groups). Beyond wound healing, simply antioxidant activity in skin preparations will limit free-radical damage that is often associated with skin aging, making Calendula a great ingredient in every beauty-care recipe.

Liver and Kidney Protection Through Reflexology

Calendula’s organ-protective effects can be utilized by applying the essential oil to the feet, which are highly receptive to the energetics of essential oils. The liver and kidney points are directly behind the ball of the foot, at the front of the arch. One can make one ounce of an organ-supportive blend by using 3 milliliters of Calendula, 1 and 1/2 milliliters each of Helichrysum italicum, Blue Tansy and Carrot Seed essential oils in organic Coconut. Regular massage in the area described with this blend is intended to ‘clear’ these organs and support their healthy function. With further dilution, this formula can be massaged in the low back and abdomen for further therapeutic support.

Safe, Safe, Safe

Calendula essential oil has been listed by the FDA as being safe for ingestion in commonly-used amounts. What does this mean? When essential oils are ingested, they are typically consumed by the drop, and usually in the range of only 1-3 drops per day. Ingesting the oil may be a way to utilize the liver and kidney anti-toxicity protective effects described in the research. While typically essential oil ingestion is frowned upon in the United States, the real challenge is proper education about dosages. Calendula CO2 extract specifically should be quite tame, although perhaps the most tasty thing one has ever put in their body! Ingestion of 3 drops daily, put in an empty cellulose capsule if you like, may impart a range of benefits, from antioxidant activity, to chemo-protective, to antibacterial and antiparasitic potential actions.

Taking A Place with the Natural Medicine Essentials

The flowers of the Calendula plant have an exceptionally rich history of medicinal, therapeutic use — backed by a large amount of scientific data. This data elucidates the mechanisms for the medicinal actions, and allows us to make better use of Calendula extract than ever before. Calendula essential oil has such a wide range of healing properties that it really deserves a place in everyone’s natural home care kit. It is safe for use with children and elderly, and addresses many of their common ailments. The essential oil is exceptionally easy to use, and could even be blended into preparations you may already have on hand. For all its beauty (the flower) and its healing potential (the extract) Calendula officinalis is certainly worth a closer look.

The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of traditional medicine, on subjects including using essential oils and Bach flower remedies.

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