Category Archives: Aromatherapy

Citronella is An Insect Repellent Oil That Smells Wonderful!

A perennial grass native to tropical Asia, citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) produces a rich essential oil with a lemony top note and woody undertones that is widely used in fragrancing and perfumery. Citronella is also the commercial source of two disinfectant compounds commonly used in detergents, citronellol and geraniol [1]. We source our citronella essential oil from Vietnam and offer it here as an outstanding insect repellent, antiseptic, and energizing oil.

Citronella is a member of the lemongrass genus Cymbopogon. Like its better known relative, it is often used in cooking to flavor food and as a preservative due to its strong antibacterial [2] and antifungal properties [3]. Its strong aromatic compounds, especially citronellol, also made citronella essential oil a popular natural insect repellent before the invention of DDT and other chemical insecticides. Today, as the impact of synthetic insecticides on the environment has become apparent, people are once again turning to natural alternatives such as citronella and catnip oil to gain relief from biting insects, cockroaches, and other household pests.

There are two varieties of citronella you can buy in essential oil form: Java citronella, which has a sharper scent and slightly higher citronellol content, and the softer Sri Lanka citronella [1]. Either can be used as an outdoor or topical insect repellent, although diffusion is the preferred method. When using citronella oil as an insect repellent on the skin, it must be reapplied every 30 to 60 minutes to retain its effectiveness [4]. As an outdoor insect repellent on your porch or patio, simply place a few drops of citronella oil in a diffuser or oil burner, either by itself or blended with another insect repellent oil such as catnip or cedarwood oil. There are also specialty products available such as citronella mosquito coils, and aromatic candles infused with citronella, cedarwood, and other essential oils. These products produce vapors that are repellent to mosquitoes and flies but pleasantly aromatic to humans.

The benefits of citronella essential oil don’t stop there, of course: this gentle, generally nonsensitizing oil has been used in massages to halt excessive perspiration, as a conditioner for oily hair or skin, and a natural deodorant [5]. When inhaled, citronella oil’s lemony scent uplifts mood, banishes fatigue, and may be helpful in combating colds and sinus congestion [5]. Plus, it’s just refreshing!

REFERENCES

1. “Citronella Oil”. Wikipedia. Last modified June 9th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citronella_oil.

2. Pattnaik S, VR Subramanyam, and C Kole. 1996. “Anibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro”. Microbioscience 86 (349): 237-46.

3. Nakahara, Kazuhiko, Najeeb S Alzoreky, Tadashi Yoshihashi, Huong T Nguyen, Gassinee Trakoontivakorn. October 2003. “Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)”. Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences 37 (4): 249-52.

4. “Mosquito Repellents Review”. Choice, The Australian Consumers Association. Last modified November 6th, 2013. http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/household/laundry-and-cleaning/pest-control/mosquito-repellents-review.aspx.

5. “Health Benefits of Citronella Oil”. The Research Pedia. Accessed June 9th, 2014. http://www.theresearchpedia.com/health/aromatherapy/health-benefits-of-citronella-oil.

Caraway Seed Oil as a Digestive Tonic and Appetite Stimulant

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Caraway seeds are best known as the distinctive flavoring agent in rye bread, but their usefulness actually goes much further. Caraway seeds have been with us literally since the Stone Age: archaeologists working in Europe have postively identified caraway seeds in the middens (wastage pits) of pre-agricultural hunter-gatherers [1]. When you consider caraway seed oil’s benefits in stimulating digestion and appetite as well as treating indigestion and gas [2], it’s no wonder our pre-modern ancestors made room for it in their diets.

The caraway plant (Carum carvi) belongs to the same family as the carrot and fennel, with similar thread-like, feathery leaves and white or pink flowers that grow in an umbrella-shaped cluster [3]. It is native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia as far east as India; some scholars have suggested the name caraway dervies from the Sanskrit term for the seeds, caravi.

Caraway seeds—which aren’t actually seeds but achenes, dry crescent-shaped fruits [3]—have been used to flavor various cuisines in ancient Rome, and in Europe and the Middle East since medieval times. Though we usually associate caraway’s sharp licorice flavor with savory dishes, one popular dessert during Muslim Ramadan is sweet caraway seed pudding. Caraway seeds have remained especially popular in Germany, where they’re used to add a sweet-spicy hint to everything from rye bread to meats, aged cheeses, and pickles. There’s even a type of German brandy called Kümmel that is flavored with caraway seeds!

Over time, magical properties and folk beliefs also became attached to caraway seeds: in medieval Germany and other parts of Europe, caraway seeds were used in spells to protect children from harm. Other beliefs held that caraway seeds could be placed with valuables to prevent theft, and that the seeds worked as a charm to prevent lovers from losing interest in one another.

Therapeutically speaking, caraway seed essential oil is primarily used to stimulate appetite and ease digestion, especially when someone is suffering from gas, bloating, or constipation [2]. Caraway seed oil’s antispasmodic action on intestinal cramps and stomach upset make this oil a natural choice at times when overeating or indigestion causes discomfort. Applied topically, caraway seed oil may also be helpful in regulating oily skin [4]. Its sharp, licorice-like scent is thought to relieve mental and emotional fatigue and have expectorant properties [5], making caraway seed oil a great complementary therapy for people suffering the winter doldrums or the aftereffects of a cold. Fans of fennel and anise essential oil’s fruity camphoraceous scent and energizing aura will find a lot to like in caraway seed oil!

REFERENCES

1. Bull, HF and E Bull. Some Account of the Blackmore Museum. 1868. Devizes: Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society.

2. Wong, Cathy, ND. “Caraway – What Should I Know About It?” Altmedicine. Last modified August 2nd, 2013. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Caraway.htm.

3. “Caraway”. Wikipedia. Last Modified June 3rd, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraway.

4. Stratford, Sarah Jane. “Caraway Seeds in Skin Care”. Love to Know: Skincare. Accessed June 9th, 2014. http://skincare.lovetoknow.com/Caraway_Seeds_in_Skin_Care.

5. “Aromatherapy: Caraway (Carum carvi)”. Herbs2000. Accessed June 9th, 2014. http://www.herbs2000.com/aromatherapy/a_caraway.htm.

Coriander Seed Oil Elevates the Senses and Tones Digestion

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Coriander appears in so many different cuisines that it can be hard to determine where the plant first originated. We know by its Latin name, Coriandrum sativum, that coriander has been cultivated by humans for a long time (sativum means “cultivated” in Latin). The seeds have been found in ancient Greek and Egyptian ruins that are thousands of years old. Coriander seed essential oil is commonly used today as a appetite stimulant, energizer, and detoxifying oil for the whole body.

An annual herb in the carrot family Apiaceae, coriander is a soft plant with feathery roundish leaves and small pale pink or white flowers that bloom in clusters called umbels. Coriander is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. As a testament to its status as an ancient food, preserved coriander seeds have been recovered from the Stone Age level of the Nahal Hemel cave system in Israel; today, coriander seeds, leaves, and even roots are widely used in cooking, especially in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Mexican dishes. In fact, the common English word for coriander leaves, cilantro, is taken from the Spanish word for the plant.

The word coriander most likely comes from the ancient Greek koriadnon. It may be related to the Greek word koris, meaning “stinkbug”, since the Greeks believed that the smell of crushed coriander seeds had a similar pungent aroma! Interestingly, modern studies have suggested that genetic factors are at the root of some people’s dislike for the smell and flavor of coriander when used as a garnish or cooking spice: a minority of people are sensitive to unsaturated aldehydes in coriander, which causes them to perceive an offputting “soapy” smell or taste in coriander leaves and seeds.

However, history attests that most people love the smell and taste of coriander: the ground seeds are used as a spice in classic Indian and Southeast Asian curries, and even added to Belgian beer during fermentation to impart a hint of citrus to the completed brew. The seeds are also used to flavor Chartreuse liqueur, and may be added to rye bread as a substitute for caraway seeds when those aren’t available.

There’s another very good reason why coriander is so popular in cuisines worldwide: coriander seed has beneficial regulatory effects on digestion, and can relieve wind and indigestion [1]. Coriander seed essential oil may be used in massages to address digestive complaints, ease muscle and joint pain [2], and act as a general detoxifier for the body [3]. A warming, uplifting oil, coriander essential oil is also inhaled to stimulate the senses and clear away mental fog; its energizing aroma can banish weakness and fatigue, and may be helpful in treating tension headaches [4]. Blend it with woody or spicy oils such as cypress, cinnamon, ginger, pine, and sandalwood for a truly memorable fragrance that leaves you feeling clearheaded and ready to tackle your day.

REFERENCES

1. “Supplements – Coriander Seed”. Whole Health MD. Last modified January 31st, 2012. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=Reference+Library&type=AWHN_Supplements&mod=&mid=&id=D9238582508B46AC904444CA24C434A5&tier=2.

2. “Health Benefits of Coriander Essential Oil”. Organic Facts. Accessed June 17th, 2014. http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-coriander-essential-oil.html.

3. “The Health Benefits of Cilantro”. Global Healing Center: Natural Health and Organic Living. Last modified May 5th, 2014. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-cilantro/.

4. Victor, David. December 30th, 2009. “Use Herbal Remedies for Headaches”. NaturalNews: Natural Health News and Scientific Discoveries”. http://www.naturalnews.com/027830_headaches_herbal_remedies.html.

Star Anise Oil for Digestive Issues and Stomachache

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Named for its distinctive star-shaped seed pod, star anise has been used as a cooking spice and medicine in East and Southeast Asia for hundreds of years, especially in the treatment of digestive disorders such as upset stomach and wind [1]. Star anise essential oil is clear to pale yellow with a strong licorice-like odor reminiscent of anise seed oil, although the two species are not closely related. Its familiar aroma comes from the presence of anethole, a compound with beneficial regulating properties for the digestive system [2].

The star anise (Illicium verum) is a small evergreen tree native to Southwest China and Northeast Vietnam. The genus name Illicium comes from the Latin verb illicio, meaning to entice, because star anise’s sweet-spicy flavor was believed to attract anyone who smelled it. Not surprisingly, star anise seed pods are popular in East, South and Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Star anise seed pods add dimension to Chinese Five Spice, Indian garam masala and biryani rice, and Vietnamese phò noodle soup. In the West, star anise seeds are often used as a more economical alternative to anise seed for flavoring baked goods and liqueurs such as Anisette.

In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is considered a warming and moving herb that is stimulating to the stomach, spleen, gall bladder and liver [3]. Star anise essential oil and star anise tea were used to treat ailments resulting from blockages in these systems. Star anise seeds were chewed after meals in China and Japan to sweeten the breath and aid digestion, and the tea made from the seeds was sometimes employed against rheumatism. Today, aromatherapists use star anise essential oil in massages to treat indigestion, colic and gas, rheumatism, and menstrual cramps []. Star anise oil may also be diffused and inhaled to treat congestion, persistent coughs, colds and chills, to relieve mental fatigue, and to balance the emotions [4].

Interestingly, traditional and modern medicine also cross paths in the star anise tree: star anise seed pods are the main commercial source of shikimic acid, a precursor of the drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is used to treat influenza [5]. Shikimic acid is extracted from star anise seeds in a 10-stage process that takes a year to complete!

While star anise seeds are safe for human consumption, the seeds of a related species, Illicium anisatum, are toxic: native to Japan, this species contains the neurotoxic compounds anisatin, neoanisatin, and pseudoanisatin, which can also cause inflammation of the kidneys and digestive tract if the seeds are consumed [3]. Illicium anisatum seeds were once burned as a ceremonial incense in Japan, but today it is recommended to avoid using this species in any application. Always buy your star anise essential oil from a reputable vendor that lists the genus and species (Illicium verum) on the label to make sure you are getting a true, verified star anise essential oil.

REFERENCES

1. Lawless, Julia. 1995. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Rockport, MA: Element Books, 61-66.

2. Pujar, A. “Pathway: t-anethole biosynthesis”. MetaCyc. Last modified March 3rd, 2010. http://biocyc.org/META/NEW-IMAGE?type=PATHWAY&object=PWY-5867.

3. “Illicium verum– Medicinal Uses” Wikipedia. Last modified June 8th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum#Medicinal_uses.

4. Ali, Naheed Shoukat. “Star Anise Perfume Ingredient: Illicium verum“. Fragrantica. Accessed June 17th, 2014. http://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Star-Anise-100.html.

5. Wang, G.W., WT Hu, BK Huang, LP Qin. 2011. “Illicium verum: a review on its botany, traditional use, chemistry, and pharmacology.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 136 (1): 10-20.

Blood Orange Oil is a Unique Antioxidant Citrus Oil

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The blood orange is a varietal of the classic sweet orange, Citrus sinensis; the blood orange produces an even richer oil with a scent some have called “oranger than orange”! Both the dark red pigmentation and antioxidant properties of blood orange essential oil come from the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments normally found in dark berries and other purple or red fruits such as pomegranates [1].

Blood oranges are now widely thought to be a mutation of the sweet orange. This is based on the discovery that all oranges have the gene to make anthocyanins, but only blood oranges have this gene activated [2]. Since at least the 18th century, blood oranges have been cultivated in Italy and China, and they’re now the main type of orange grown in Italy. In the U.S., both California and Texas grow blood oranges commercially. The anthocyanin pigmentation only develops when the oranges are grown in a Mediterranean climate where the nights get cold during the fall and winter months [2].

As with other citrus fruits, blood orange essential oil is extracted by cold pressing the rind of the fruit. Blood orange oil is mainly used as a mild anti-depressant and aphrodisiac [3]: its fresh, rich citrus scent elevates the mood and stabilizes the emotions, and may have a warming effect on the body.

Similar to bergamot oil in its uses and effects, the smell of blood orange oil can calm the nerves and ground the psyche; it also adds body to many citrus-based blends and perfumes. When using blood orange oil on the skin, be sure to wait 24 hours before sun exposure to avoid photosensitization [4].

Blood orange essential oil is unique among citrus oils for its concentration of anthocyanins, which otherwise don’t occur in citrus fruits. Due to its high acid content, blood orange oil can also be used as a household cleanser and antiseptic [5], but we imagine you’ll want to hoard every drop of this refreshing oil to buoy your spirits and reset your senses whenever you need a pick-me-up!

REFERENCES

1. “Blood Orange”. Wikipedia. Last modified April 27th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_orange.

2. Butelli, E, C Licciardello, Y Zhang, J Liu, S Mackay, P Bailey, G Reforgiato-Recupero, and C Martin. 2012. “Retrotransposons control fruit-specific, cold-dependent accumulation of anthocyanins in blood oranges. The Plant Cell 10: 1-14.

3. Gupta, Chadra Sekhar. “Blood Orange Perfume Ingredient”. Fragrantica. Accessed June 19th, 2014. http://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Blood-Orange-286.html.

4. “Safety Information – Dermal Safety”. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Accessed June 7th, 2014. http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/#dermal.

5. Dabbah, Roger, VM Edwards, and WA Moats. January 1970. “Antimicrobial Action of Citrus Fruit Oils on Selected Food-Borne Bacteria”. Applied Microbiology 19 (1): 27-31.

Fir Needle Oil and Its Benefits for Respiratory Congestion and Coughs

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The common silver fir (Abies alba) is a large coniferous evergreen tree native to Europe, and is also called the European Fir or White Fir. Its clear to pale yellow essential oil is obtained by steam-distillation of the needle-shaped leaves and posesses a rich, sweet-balsamic odor reminiscent of the primeval evergreen forests where it originated. Like other balsamic and pine oils, fir needle essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat upper respiratory infections, congestion, and related respiratory issues [1], and as a circulatory stimulant [2].

The silver fir grows between 40 and 50 meters (130 to 165 feet) tall and has glossy dark green leaves and elongated cones. Ranging as far west as the Pyrenees in Spain, east to the Carpathian mountains and down into southern Italy, the fir tree is commonly harvested for its soft wood, which is used to make packing crates, paper, and other wood-based materials. In centuries past, native Americans burned the branches and cones of a related fir species as a ritual incense to center the mind and increase awareness. Silver fir trees also used to be the preferred species for making into Christmas trees, but other species with denser foliage such as the balsam fir and blue spruce have now replaced it [3].

The leaves of Abies alba are the preferred source of fir needle essential oil, which is frequently used in making soaps, perfumes, bath products, and aromatherapy diffusion blends [3]. Extremely popular for its clear, elevating scent, fir needle oil is often diffused into the air to lift the mood, increase energy and act as an antiseptic, especially during the winter months. Fir needle oil is used in targeted aromatherapy treatments as a decongestant and expectorant for respiratory congestion [4], and as a topical rub for sore muscles, sprains, and painful joints [5]. One easy way to use fir needle essential oil to treat congestion is to dilute a few drops of the oil in a salve or lotion and massage it into the chest, back and soles of the feet: the oil’s mucolytic effects will instantly start to relieve congestion as the oil is absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled.

Fir boughs were once burned in saunas to create purifying vapors that cleansed the body of toxins. So while fir needle essential oil acts as a circulatory stimulant and detoxifier on its own [2], one way to increase its therapeutic effects is to add a few drops of the oil to a warm bath. The warm water encourages the oil’s absorption, leaving the whole body feeling toned, energized, and rejuvenated!

REFERENCES

1. Group, Edward F. “The Health Benefits of Pine Oil”. Global Healing Center. Last modified September 10th, 2013. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/pine-oil/.

2. “Fir Needle Essential Oil”. Ayurvedic Oils. Accessed June 18th, 2014. http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/fir-needle-essential-oil.

3. “Abies alba”. Wikipedia. Last modified June 18th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abies_alba.

4. “Treat Cough With Fir Needle Oil”. Fir Needle Oil. Accessed June 16th, 2014. http://firneedleoil.com/cures-treatments_ahem-ahem-treat-cough-with-fir-needle-oil_37.html.

5. “Fir Needle Essential Oil”. AromaWeb. Accessed June 19th, 2014. http://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/fir-needle-oil.asp.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil

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Lavender essential oil is quite possibly the most popular oil in the world, so we think it only makes sense to go a little more in depth about how to use lavender essential oil. The therapeutic properties of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) have been known for centuries if not millennia: hailing from the Mediterranean regions of Turkey and the Middle East, lavender oil has been used as a fragrant perfume, insecticide, skin tonic and wound salve since ancient times [1]. Lavender appears in the Bible under the name “spikenard”, and is endowed with protective powers in the Old Testament. The Romans also infused their communal baths with lavender oil and used the flowers to flavor candy and foods.

These days, obtaining true lavender essential oil can be more challenging than you would think: many unscrupulous vendors dilute their lavender oil with spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), or even synthetic lavender oil to increase their yields. Lavender oil that contains these admixtures is not considered therapeutic grade and is not suitable for aromatherapy. While spike lavender does have its own uses in aromatherapy, it posesses different properties than true lavender. Even worse are lavender oils containing synthetic components, as these do not have any therapeutic effect. As it turns out, simply combining all the compounds of lavender essential oil in a lab does not a true lavender oil make! The first, most basic step in learning how to use lavender essential oil in aromatherapy is to start with a real, unadulterated organic lavender oil that is therapeutic grade.

There are a few different ways to use lavender essential oil in aromatherapy. Many people simply inhale lavender oil straight from the bottle to achieve a calm state of mind and reduce nervousness and stress; a couple sniffs from the bottle, or a dab of diluted lavender oil applied to the insides of the wrists, is commonly used to calm the nerves before potentially stressful situations such as job interviews and exams. Diffusion aromatherapy with lavender oil is also used to treat coughs and congestion by loosening mucus [2], and may have insect repellent properties [2]. Lavender oil is used topically to treat insect bites and minor wounds, especially burns [3]. A mild analgesic, lavender essential oil may be applied in small amounts to the temples to ease tension headaches [2].

As with any essential oil, we recommend that you be conservative the first few times you work with lavender oil. Though lavender oil is one of the few essential oils commonly used at full strength, unless you have a lot of experience with this oil we recommend diluting it in a carrier oil. The standard ratio is 12 drops of essential oil per 1 fluid ounce of carrier oil or lotion. Always conduct a patch test on a non-sensitive area of skin (the inner arm or wrist works well) with an oil you’ve never used before applying it to your skin. Furthermore, lavender oil should not be used on prepubescent boys because it contains phytoestrogens that might interfere with normal male puberty [4]. In large amounts, lavender oil can also cause drowsiness due to its calming effects, so it’s a good idea to use this essential oil sparingly.

With so many versatile uses and a gentle profile of action, it’s easy to see why lavender oil has retained its popularity among aromatherapy practitioners. We hope this short guide to how to use lavender essential oil has helped you discover your perfect use for this wonderful oil!

REFERENCES

1. McCoy, Joe-Ann, and Jeanine Davis. “Lavender: History, Taxonomy and Production”. NC Herb: North Carolina State University. Last modified October 22nd, 2007. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/herbs/crops/culinary/lavender_mccoy.html.

2. “Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil”. Organic Facts. Accessed June 26th, 2014. http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html.

3. Turner Ashley. February 21st, 2013. “13 Uses for Lavender Oil: The Only Essential Oil You’ll Need”. MindBodyGreen. http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7769/13-uses-for-lavender-oil-the-only-essential-oil-youll-need.html.

4. “Lavender Essential Oil | Contraindications”. Wikipedia. Last modified June 8th 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender_oil#Contraindications.

Lemon Oil is a Natural Antiseptic with Energizing Properties!

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Our pure lemon essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of Citrus limon, the classic lemon used to make delicacies such as lemonade and lemon meringue. Since ancient times, lemons have had a multiplicity of uses. The uplifting properties of lemon essential oil were known in the Middle East since Biblical times, and in Italy since the era of imperial Rome.

A small evergreen tree that’s probably native to Southeast Asia and China, the lemon produces a distinctive oval-shaped fruit with a bright yellow rind and flesh. Due to its high citric acid content, lemon juice is very sour and makes an excellent preservative for foods such as sliced fruits and vegetables. Lemon juice denatures the enzymes that cause cut fruits such as apples to brown, so a coat of lemon juice makes a great cosmetic preservative. The juice is also used to tenderize meat and fish. Lemon pulp and zest, or grated peel, also feature widely in cooking and baking, to add zing to both sweet and savory dishes.

The lemon’s usefulness extends far beyond the kitchen: the juice of a fresh-squeezed lemon may be one of the oldest cleansing substances that has remained in continuous use, with the ability to remove grime, fingerprints, and stains from almost any surface. Lemon oil and juice are also powerfully disinfecting [1] and can eliminate household odors as tenacious as cigarette smoke and curry smells. Sailors in the pre-modern era were also given lemon juice, which is high in vitamin C, to prevent the devastating effects of scurvy [2].

Most people naturally gravitate to the invigorating smell of pure lemon essential oil—like its cousin bergamot oil, the bergaptene content of lemon oil can provide a natural mood lift and improve mental concentration when it’s inhaled [1]. Some Japanese banks have taken to diffusing lemon oil to improve worker concentration and decrease typing errors [3]. The stimulating sour undertones of lemon oil act as a gastric stimulant, improving appetite and digestion [4], while the oil’s astringent qualities can be a boon for balancing oily skin and treating blemishes [5].

Like most essential oils, you should always dilute lemon oil and do a small patch test on your inner arm or wrist before applying it to your skin. Additionally, lemon essential can produce skin sensitization or irritation when exposed to sunlight, so make sure to always wait at least 24 hours before sun exposure after applying lemon oil [3].

Lemon essential oil has left its mark on aromatherapy as a natural antiseptic and astringent, with an energizing scent that will have you picturing the sun-drenched lemon groves of Italy whenever you smell it!

REFERENCES

1. “Health Benefits of Lemon Oil”. Organic Facts. Accessed June 30th, 2014. http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lemon-oil.html.

2. “Lemon”. Wikipedia. Last modified June 9th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon.

3. “Uses of Lemon”. Balance Spa Boca. Accessed June 30th, 2014. http://balancespaboca.com/part-4-uses-lemon/.

4. Boling, Janice. “Lemons and Lemon Essential Oil in Herbal Medicine”. Every Green Herb. Accessed June 30th, 2014. http://www.everygreenherb.com/lemon.html.

5. “Essential Oils for Skin”. The Dermatology Review. Accessed June 27th, 2014. http://www.thedermreview.com/essential-oils-for-skin/.

German Chamomile Oil for Dermatitis and Irritated Skin

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The flowering plant commonly known as chamomile has a rich and varied history in European herbalism. For one thing, there are actually two distinct species that share the common name chamomile. In this article we’ll be discussing German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), an upright flowering annual native to Europe and temperate Asia. Its cousin, Roman chamomile has many of the same properties but a slightly different composition of compounds in the essential oil. For instance, German chamomile essential oil is valued for its high concentration of chamazulene, an anti-inflammatory compound that gives German chamomile oil its dark blue color [1].

The ancient Greeks coined the word chamomile from two different Greek words, kamai meaning “earth” and mélon meaning apple; so chamomile can be literally translated as something like “earth-apple”, a reference to its similar fragrance and flavor [2]. And like the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, they believed that chamomile also had many medicinal applications: it was even listed in Dioscorides’ Materia Medica, the first compendium of Western herbal medicine ever compiled.

The rich blue color of German chamomile oil comes from chamazulene, which is not present in the fresh flowers but is produced during steam distillation. German chamomile oil is sometimes called blue chamomile for this reason. Chamazulene gives German chamomile oil renowned anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties, so the oil is frequently used in blends to treat inflamed or irritated skin, itchy skin, and dermatitis [3]. Because of its ability to tamp down allergic skin reactions, German chamomile oil can also be used as a natural antihistamine [4]. One study measured the anti-allergic effect of a compress of German chamomile flowers and found it to be as effective as a 1% hydrocorticosteroid cream on certain types of skin lesions [5].

Like the closely related Roman chamomile, German chamomile oil may be a mild relaxant and nervine, and is commonly inhaled to relieve states of nervousness and encourage sleep [6]. Aromatherapists also use German chamomile oil to cleanse the liver, as a mild laxative, and as a sinus decongestant [2]. A hot tea made from either species of chamomile flowers can also clear nasal congestion within 10-30 minutes after consumption [7].

Although originally native to Europe and temperate Asia, German chamomile has also been naturalized to North America and Australia, where it sometimes grows in cultivated fields as a weed. German chamomile seeds require open soil to germinate and survive, so the plant tends to stick close to areas of human settlement such as roadsides, farm fields, and even landfills. With so many therapeutic benefits, this hardy, adaptable plant is sure to be sought out for generations to come!

REFERENCES

1. Safayhi, H, J Sabieraj, ER Sailer, and HP Ammon. 1994. “Chamazulene: an antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene-B formation”. Planta Medica 60 (5): 410-13.

2. “Matricaria chamomilla | Etymology”. Wikipedia. Last modified January 26th, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matricaria_chamomilla#Etymology.

3. “German Chamomile”. University of Maryland Medical Center. Last modified March 17th, 2013. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/german-chamomile.

4. Chandrasekhar VM, KS Halagali, RB Nidavani, MH Shalavadi, BS Biradar, D Biswas, IS Muchchandi. 2011. Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recticuta L.) in mast cell-mediated allergy model”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 137 (1): 336-340.

5. Charousaei F, A Dabirian, F Mojab. 2011. “Using chamomile solution or a 1% topical hydrocortisone ointment in the management of peristomal skin lesions in colostomy patients: results of a controlled clinical study”. Ostomy Wound Management 57 (5): 28-36.

6. Graef, Nyomi. “Does chamomile work for anxiety, sleep problems and relaxation?” Extra Happiness. Last modified September 16th, 2010. http://extrahappiness.com/happiness/?p=3775.

7. “How to Release Sinus Pressure: 8 Steps”. WikiHow. Accessed June 30th, 2014. http://www.wikihow.com/Release-Sinus-Pressure.

Bay Oil and Its Stimulating Effects on Hair Growth

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Although it’s often confused with the bay laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) of Greek and Roman myth, the bay tree (Pimenta racemosa) is actually an evergreen tree native to the West Indies, Venezuela, and Guyana.

Alongside its close relative, allspice, Caribbean natives used the fragrant leaves of the bay tree in cooking, medicine, and to make tea and simple syrups. With an aroma described as somewhere between vanilla, clove, nutmeg, and cardamom, it’s easy to see why bay is also known as the Spice Tree [1]!

For centuries, a hair wash made from bay tree leaves has provided a natural remedy to people suffering from hair loss and scalp infections [2]. The first European arrivals to the Caribbean quickly fell in love with a concoction called bay rum: bay leaves were steeped in rum to create a fragrant tincture that the settlers used as a hair wash and topical body rub for sore muscles and joints [3]. The smell of bay rum also served to energize the mind when someone was feeling under the weather. Considered a distinctly masculine scent by those who smell it, this curious tincture is still sometimes used as a cologne in the Caribbean.

Bay essential oil remains a celebrated hair tonic today, and many people’s favorite way of working with it is to add a bit of bay essential oil to shampoo or a natural hair cleanser. Added to a warm bath or oil diffuser, the lovely aroma of bay oil can relax the senses, balance the emotions, and open up your sense of creativity. Try diffusing bay oil to warm up your living space during the winter months; it can be especially comforting when blended with other rich, spicy oils such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.

REFERENCES

1. Nelson, Cynthia. “West Indian Bay Leaf (Pimenta racemosa): AKA Sweet Bay, Bay Rum, The Spice Tree”. About.com: Latin Caribbean Food. Accessed July 1st, 2014. http://latinfood.about.com/od/latincaribbeancuisine101/a/about-west-indian-bay-leaf.htm.

2. “Bay Essential Oil: Health Benefits of Bay Leaf Oil for Hair”. Tandurust: Home Remedies, Natural Cures, Treatment, Causes, Symptoms. Last modified November 19th, 2010. http://www.tandurust.com/essentialoils/bay-essential-oil-benefits.html.

3. “Bay (Pimenta acris, Pimenta racemosa)”. Aromatherapy Essentials: Essential Oils Wiki. Accessed July 1st, 2014. http://aromatherapy-essentials.com/content/16-bay-pimenta-acris-pimenta-racemosa-.