Essential Oil Study – Lavender
Lavender oil is one of the most well-known and loved essential oils in the world. It’s been used for centuries as a proven remedy for a number of ailments. Lavender oil is an antiseptic, a sedative, a calmative, healer and even an odour-neutraliser. Lavender’s healing powers make it an obvious choice for any medicine cabinet or first-aid kit. In fact, some practitioners say it’s the only essential oil you’ll ever need!
History of Lavender Essential Oil:
The name “lavender” is actually Latin, and is derived from the word lavare, meaning ‘to wash’. During Roman times, Lavender was mainly used as a perfume for clothing, bedding, baths and even hair. It was also the Romans who discovered Lavender’s therapeutic properties.
Lavender may well be the flower that first sparked modern interest in therapeutic essential oils. It is reported that the ‘father of aromatherapy’, René-Maurice Gattefossé, used Lavender oil to treat gas gangrene in his hand.
Incredibly, his hand healed – and he realised that Lavender was a powerful antiseptic. Lavender oil was later used to successfully treat wounded soldiers in the First World War.
Today, lavender oil is one of the most celebrated medicinal plants in the world, grown and cultivated in Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and throughout America. Lavender farms cultivate fields of lavender flowers in order to extract the oil, which is obtained through a special distillation process. The foliage may also be used for products such as potpourri.
Why Lavender Essential Oil Works ?
Lavender oil contains over 150 active constituents. Its aromatic esters are believed to be responsible for helping relieve tension of the nervous system and the muscles.
Lavender’s active ingredients include linaly acetate (40%) and linalool (31.5%). These constituents have local analgesic and anaesthetic effects, which means they help to relieve pain. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its beta-caryophyllene content (5.16%), while its antibacterial effects are thanks to terpinen-4-ol (4%).
10 Surprising Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil: Medicinal and Therapeutic
Antiseptic: Lavender’s highly-versatile uses make it a fantastic ‘first aid’ oil. It is healing, soothing and can destroy harmful microorganisms in wounds, burns and other skin injuries.
Anti-fungal: Studies have shown that lavender can effectively combat infections that are otherwise resistant to antifungal treatments. Lavender oil kills a range of pathogens known to cause fungal infections. It does this by destroying the cell membrane of the fungal cell and preventing the cell from spreading. This makes it great for treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Anti-hypertensive: Lavender helps to calm the mind and body, allowing the heart rate to slow down. This can help to reduce high blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory: Using lavender oil on burns, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions can help to reduce heat and redness. It’s also suitable for treating aggravation caused by eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Decongestant: Lavender helps to soothe inflamed mucous membranes and clear blocked respiratory passages, which makes it handy to have on hand when a cold or flu strikes.
Insomnia Relief: Lavender’s sedative properties make it an invaluable aid for reducing the incidence of insomnia. Studies have shown that lavender helps to induce short-wave sleep, the phase in which the heartbeat slows and muscles are most relaxed.
Migraine Relief: Studies have suggested that Lavender oil is an effective treatment for migraines and headaches. One placebo-controlled trial found that 71% of migraine sufferers found relief in inhaling lavender oil.
Muscle Relaxant: Also known as a spasmolytic, lavender can help to release muscular tension or strains and sprains. It’s often used in massage oils and sports rubs.
Sedative: Lavender’s relaxing properties can help induce a state of calm, relieving feelings of anxiety and stress. It is often used an anxiolytic drug and mood stabilizer
Skin Healer: Lavender aids the healing of burns, cuts, grazes, scratches and insect bites by encouraging the growth of new cells. This also helps to reduce the appearance of scar tissue. The anti-microbial properties in the oil helps to protect wounds from becoming infected.
Lavender Essential Oil VS Other Essential Oils?
Lavender’s wide range of uses make it one of the most versatile of essential oils
- Unlike many essential oils, lavender is one of the few that can be used safely on the skin undiluted. However, those with sensitive skin are advised to dilute with a carrier oil first.
- Lavender’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties are amongstsome of the strongest of all essential oils. Other essential oils with these properties include lemon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree and rosemary.
- Lavender’s mood-boosting actions are second to none. However, other oils that may help include peppermint, grapefruit, chamomile, lemon and ylang-ylang.
- Lavender blends well with other essential oils, including Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Thyme, Rosemary and Ylang-ylang.
How To Choose A Quality Lavender Essential Oil ?
When buying lavender essential oil, it’s important to choose a product that contains only 100% pure essential oil. Beware of ‘fragrance’ oils – they are NOT the same as essential oils. Fragrance are synthetic oils, which means they do not contain the natural healing properties of the essential oil.
Natrogix Lavender Essential Oil is a 100% pure therapeutic essential oil. It can be used for any therapeutic applications as well as cosmetics, personal care or around the house. It will be released soon.
Natrogix sources all of its product ingredients from plants found in their natural environment, free from pollutants and heavy metals.
Essential Oil Study – Frankincense
In the veteran aromatherapist’s toolbox, frankincense is almost guaranteed to be found. Mentioned in biblical passages and even older texts, frankincense was often used as a perfume or cologne in ancient times. In Indian and Chinese traditional medical practices frankincense has always had a place. For thousands of years, this natural anointing oil has been used to support health and wellness in mind and body.
Research shows that frankincense, applied topically or inhaled, delivers inflammation fighting benefits. Inflammation is present as both a symptom and cause in many significant health problems. As a singular benefit to an aromatherapy practice with frankincense, the fact that it has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation shows how important this natural healer can be to providing support for overall wellness.
Frankincense as a Supporter of Endocrine System Health
There are several glands and organs which dictate the production of hormones important to many body processes. They control how you feel and how your body works on a day-to-day basis, how you sleep, and other important functions.
Many of these glands and organs are contained in your endocrine system, including your thyroid. Frankincense is a natural balancer of thyroid health, while simultaneously helping to support a healthy pituitary gland.
Frankincense Essential Oil Boosts the Immune System
The reason why aromatherapy works so well for multiple health-boosting rewards has to do with how your sense of smell works. When you smell anything, receptors in your brain take notice. If the aroma is significant, your brain will tell different organs and glands in your body to produce or reduce production of a number of chemicals and hormones.
This is how merely smelling an essential oil can lead to physiological processes which provide healing support. Several essential oils, including frankincense, trigger a response in your brain that boosts your natural defense system against infection and disease.
Your immunity is a combination of processes and body parts which attempt to protect you from physical and environmental threats. This begins with your skin and extends to internal processes which can become compromised due to a number of conditions. Several studies show frankincense is an effective promoter of a healthy immune system.
Frankincense as a Cancer Fighter
Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, a compound better known as AKBA, is a component of frankincense which has been clinically proven to fight and destroy cancer cells in late stage ovarian cancer sufferers. Other studies have shown frankincense has “disease targeting power”, because it is so good at fighting inflammation. Aside from ovarian cancer, this disease busting ability has shown promise for supporting healing from breast, colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers as well.
Frankincense – The King of Oils
By promoting cell generation and fighting inflammation, boosting skin health and reversing the “normal” signs of aging, frankincense has earned the title of “King of Oils” in the aromatherapy community. Applied topically it can improve the appearance of scars, stress marks and other outward skin conditions, and it can be used to make a natural perfume or cologne.
It has sedating, calming properties which relieve stress and anxiety, and has been used effectively to aid in the healing process after arthritis, digestive disorders and respiratory problems have been encountered. As an all-around health booster, frankincense is one of the most effective essential oils.
Essential Oil Study – Ylang Ylang
Canga Odorata is the scientific name for the ylang ylang tree. The flowers from this tropical tree produce an essential oil which delivers a sweet, flowery scent. The petals from this flower are traditionally used at weddings, thrown at the feet of newly married couples who are leaving the wedding ceremony. The scent is so attractive and powerful it is used in popular perfumes, such as the best-selling Chanel Number 5.
The word ylang ylang means “flower of flowers”, the name it was bestowed because of the wonderful aroma this flower naturally exudes. Centuries ago in Indonesia, and still today, ylang ylang flowers are used as aromatic decorations, used to adorn women’s hair, and this versatile essential oil has been linked to hair-thickening and skin-strengthening benefits.
What Does the Research Say?
Often times, traditionally trained medical professionals will not suggest a natural complementary or alternative healing approach. This is because, in many cases, healing methods such as aromatherapy don’t have a lot of clinical proof to back up their health promoting claims. In the case of ylang ylang oil, several significant benefits for health and wellness have been clinically or scientifically documented.
This essential oil offers antiseptic and sedative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antidepressant properties. When you smell it, systems in your body naturally begin to act in a certain way. If you have muscle spasms or spasmodic symptoms attached to some type of digestive disorder, smelling ylang ylang essential oil can help reduce or eliminate those symptoms.
You may also apply in this type of oil topically, as long as you combine it with a larger quantity of a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. As an antidepressant, ylang ylang provides relief from stress and anxiety. It does this naturally and nearly instantly, so the next time you are feeling stressed out, frustrated or anxious, load your diffuser up with some ylang ylang oil.
The Link between Inflammation and Chronic Disease
Inflammation anywhere in your body or on your skin is a sign that you are attempting to fight some sickness, disease or injury. Inflammation is almost always found with chronic disease, often times as a cause and/or a symptom. Wherever inflammation is present in the human body, health problems are as well.
We mentioned earlier that the wonderfully aromatic ylang ylang essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. This means you can reduce symptoms that appear because of some inflammation-related problem you are having. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of ylang ylang oil mean it makes a natural cleanser for your skin, and can also be used with other essential oils as an effective household cleanser.
If you want to calm down and de-stress at the end of a long, hard day, the sedating, antidepressant properties of this wonderful smelling oil can work wonders. Because of the myriad of health boosting, natural components and minerals found in ylang ylang oil, those in the aromatherapy community have experienced relief from cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive problems, as well as improved blood flow, immune health and emotional stability.
Surprising Benefits of Tangerine Oil
Like other citrus essential oils, tangerine oil provides antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Tangerine oil may be consumed, as it perks up bland dishes with its fresh, citrusy flavor, and this type of oil can be diffused into the air or applied directly to the skin when mixed or diluted with a carrier oil. Check out these versatile uses and benefits of tangerine oil that have been known for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Tangerine Oil Can Soothe Negative Emotions
Tangerine oil can be applied to your skin after dilution with a carrier oil. It can alternately be placed in a diffuser and misted into your atmosphere, or consumed in a number of tasty recipes. However you interact with tangerine essential oil, it has been used for centuries to calm and soothe feelings of anxiety, stress, anger and depression.
Excellent Detoxing and Filtering Agent for Your Blood
Tangerines and mandarins are very similar, with the exception that tangerines do not contain seeds, and their peels are a deeper, darker orange than mandarins. Tangerines and mandarins yield essential oil by the same pressing expression process, and both mandarin and tangerine essential oils help purify the blood. The depurative quality of tangerine oil makes it perfect for removing toxins and unhealthy, unneeded waste material from your blood.
Tangerine Oil Improves Your Digestive System
You may have heard that many human diseases and health problems begin in the gut. The human gut is referred to as the “second brain” because it influences, monitors and regulates so many physiological processes, just like the brain in your head does.
This means overall health and well-being can be promoted by taking care of your gut and digestive system. Tangerine oil helps you reach and maintain a healthy level and balance of digestive juices, acid and bile so your digestive system works properly.
Tangerine Oil Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is often one of the first signs that there is something wrong with an external body part or an internal organ or process. When some part of your body becomes inflamed, this is often a reaction to infection or injury. Tangerine oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit inflammation in your circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. You may experience inflammation due to some outside cause, such as stress or anxiety, a physical injury or an allergic reaction, and this type of inflammation responds well to tangerine oil.
Effective for Treating Spasms
It was mentioned above that tangerine oil, like many citrus essential oils, has antispasmodic properties. This means if you suffer muscle spasms or cramps, or internal spasms in your respiratory, nervous or digestive systems, tangerine oil can provide relief.
Tangerine Oil – An All-Around Health Booster
In addition to the above health rewards, tangerine oil can be used to “tune up” many important bodily functions. Your metabolism, respiratory and digestive systems, excretion and nervous system all benefit from this natural health-promoter. As with many of the citrus essential oils, tangerine oil can be combined with water and peppermint oil to make a safe household cleaner as well.
Perk up Your Closets with Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil has been used for hundreds of years because it is a wonderful diuretic. If you need to clean your system out, consuming cedarwood oil can make you “go”. This natural healer also provides sedative properties that calm emotions and soothe your mind. Cedarwood is good for boosting your metabolism and contributing to a strong and healthy digestive system.
When you look at all those impressive health benefits, you can be forgiven for thinking that cedarwood oil may not provide household cleaning advantages. However, the steam distillation process usually used to obtain cedarwood oil produces a powerful and viral liquid that is perfect for your closets, cabinets and other storage areas because of its astringent, antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Cedarwood Oil Makes the Perfect Bacteria-Fighting Closet Cleaner
Many chemical-based and less-than-safe cleaning products use cedar oil for its wonderful smell. If you have wood closets, cabinets and walls, combining cedarwood oil with a little water and some lemon oil makes a very powerful cleaner that fights bacteria which can accumulate in areas where airflow is at a minimum.
If your closets contain cedar paneling, cedarwood is the logical choice to produce both cleaning and mold-repelling properties. If you enjoy woodsy, earthy aromas, you may fall in love with the rich, sweet and mentally calming aroma of cedarwood essential oil. In wooden closets, pantries and cabinets, the natural ability of cedarwood oil to repel insects and bugs means you don’t have to worry about termite infestation and other wood-munching creepy crawlies.
This versatile oil is also a natural moth-repellent, which means your favorite clothes will not get chewed on and ruined by these flying nuisances.
With a medium aroma derived from cedar, a frequent cleaning of your closets with cedarwood oil can help calm anxiety and nervous tension, boost your concentration and lower stress levels. Clean your closets regularly with cedarwood oil and your clothes are naturally imbued with these same healing properties, as well as the hint of a fresh, woody aroma.
Cedars since ancient times have been used to represent wisdom and abundance. When you use cedarwood essential oil to clean your closets and cabinets, you enjoy the benefit of this fragrant aroma to boost mental activity and focus. There are also distraction-erasing and mind-soothing properties cedarwood oil produces, meaning that if your bedroom closets are close to your bed, you can promote positive sleep habits.
Since the cedar tree and cedarwood are known to promote abundance, they can fill your closet with a feeling of wellness and vitality. This oil simultaneously gives you the sense that you can create abundance in your life, since it is linked to so many mind-focusing and clarity-promoting benefits.
Cedarwood Oil + Cotton Balls = Year-Round Freshness And Pest Control
The simplest way to benefit from the many rewards of cedarwood essential oil is to place a few drops on a cotton ball. Depending on the size of your closet, you may need to put more than one cotton ball in your closet to ward off pests and insects, and create a wonderfully outdoorsy aroma. Place cedarwood-soaked cotton balls in all your closets and out-of-season storage spaces, and this natural air freshener will keep your clothes and possessions smelling great, even if they sit unused in your closets and other storage spaces for most of the year.
Tame the Tummy with Peppermint Essential Oil
Humans did not always benefit from modern technology, science and medicine. The people in your family tree which preceded you by thousands of years had to make do with a natural medicine chest. They turned to plants, trees, herbs and spices for healthy preventive and treatment options. One of the best-rounded natural healers that has been used since the beginning of the first formal human societies for its bevy of health benefits is the humble peppermint plant.
The peppermint plant came to be because of cross-pollination between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint oil is used in candy, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, and offers a boost in concentration and focus. There are dietary peppermint supplements, peppermint powders and peppermint essential oils, and as one of the more versatile oils, peppermint can be taken topically, ingested, or inhaled for its many benefits.
The digestive healing properties of peppermint are well known, and by no means a discovery of modern times. Just as the pepper in this plant’s name instantly awakens your brain and makes you alert, peppermint is good for mental alertness as well as other health benefits. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways peppermint can keep your stomach and digestive system healthy.
Effective Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment
Modern medicine understands the positive effect of peppermint on your digestive system. IBS is just one of the many gastrointestinal and stomach-related health problems peppermint is used to treat. IBS is a health concern that, if left untreated, can become a more serious problem. Peppermint oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed into the stomach area for immediate IBS relief.
Indigestion Remedy
If you need to focus and concentrate, peppermint essential oil is perfect for the job. This healing oil is also used to treat indigestion and heartburn, especially indigestion caused by a barium enema or endoscopic procedure.
Nausea, Vomiting and Morning Sickness Treatment
Pregnancy is often and unfortunately accompanied by morning sickness. Untrue to its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night. Vomiting and nausea from morning sickness and any other cause is effectively treated with either a topical or aromatherapeutic application of peppermint essential oil. You may also take peppermint essential oil internally, or chew on fresh or dried peppermint leaves.
Diarrhea Remedy
If you have ever had diarrhea, you remember more enjoyable times. Diarrhea is one of many gastrointestinal tract and stomach disorders which responds effectively to peppermint oil. Use some type of carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil to dilute peppermint essential oil for a topical application, diffuse the oil into the air, or chew a few fresh peppermint leaves for relief from diarrhea.
Versatile Peppermint Summary
Peppermint is also effective for relieving headaches. You can grow peppermint in your garden and extract their leaves for use in any number of cooking applications. The ability of peppermint oil to improve your energy level and “wake up” so many of your bodily systems means it is a natural remedy for a slow digestive system. From menstrual cramps to poor mental focus, flatulence and headaches, peppermint oil provides natural relief, and can treat just about any stomach or digestion-related problem.