What is Meditation?

Before we consider using essential oils for meditation, we must ask a basic question – What is meditation? After mastering a few of the basic aspects, every student or master will probably give you different answers with a few common elements. Here are the key elements of meditation as I see them:-

1) Mastering the body so that the mind is not distracted by itching, aches and pains – essential oils for meditation can help with this.
2) 1st level mastery of the mind – the capacity to freeze conscious thought processes and suppress the incessant babble that makes our consciousness a maelstrom of inane and insane disconnected chatter. This I call peace.
3) 1st level control of the now quiet and empty space in your head. This means being able to create and hold a simple image in the timeless dark of your mind – which is now under total control. For some people this may be a simple Cross of Christ or a Circle; it is almost always a simple glyph that has deep meaning for the practitioner.
4) Becoming one with the image in your mind.

These steps are as simple as they sound – but like all things worth mastering, each one can be devilishly difficult.  Because of the focus they provide, essential oils for meditation can help greatly. I have no intention of writing an an extensive instruction on meditation here – but if you need some advice by all means contact me. What I will do though, is to provide a very, very elementary introduction to the simplest position and practice.

The Simplest Meditation Position

Choose a quiet space with dim light where you won’t be disturbed. Remember to switch off ALL electronic equipment that may disturb you. Sit in a chair – head up, back straight, knees together, hands on knees, eyes closed. DON’T SLOUCH! As with all meditation positions it’s important to remain semi-rigid and alert to the tendency to ‘relax’ – which you really must not do. With practice you will be able to ignore any distracting signals that your body sends you. One great teacher called this position “The God”. If you have a strong essential oil (see below for details)  in your diffuser when you are doing this, it will help to keep your mind focused and clear. This is the first benefit of using essential oils for meditation.

Breathing

Breathing practice has very well understood functions in meditation. These are the key ones:-

• Using breathing as a means to focus and control the mind
• Using breathing as a means of body control and synchronization

Most of us are never going to be advance adepts of meditation and so we do not need to practice difficult advance techniques to derive a great deal of benefit from simple and fairly easily mastered practices. So here’s what you do:-

First, make sure you have a suitable essential oil diffusing in your space. Breath slowly, steadily and calmly in and out through your nose. If you struggle at first (most people do), allow yourself to breathe a little faster, but still steadily. if you still struggle, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly and steadily and when you are comfortable gradually shift back to breathing only through the nose.

The Silent Mind

Now for the tricky bit! You should be able to hold your physical position for at least 30 minutes without moving before you move to this phase. Old-world practitioners used to test their abilities by having a saucer brim-full of water placed on their heads – if they spilled one drop then they were not yet competent.

Once you are happy with your capacity to remain absolutely still you basically forget about your body because it will no longer trouble you or deflect you from your purpose. You are sitting quietly and steadily and you need to think about – NOTHING. So you try to think about NOTHING; and that’s where the fun begins, because your brain just won’t stop producing images, memories, friends, people places and heaven knows what else. Your mission – should you choose to accept is – is to SILENCE this rabble of thoughts. This is one area where essential oils can help – just focus without words or images on the sensation of the odor as it hits  your mind.

How Essential Oils for meditation Can Help

Essential oils act on the mind through the limbic system, and so they have a powerful effect on our moods and state of mind. That is a key reason we can use essential oils for meditation. Over thousands of years, the best oils for spiritual and meditation practices have been selected and tested, but I’m going to start you off not with the best oils in a general sense, but the most powerful oils to help you control your mind. They do this by basically overwhelming your mental sense and displacing the meaningless stream of thoughts that so troubles. We’ll call these active thought suppressants.

Essential oils for meditation – active thought Suppressants

The best active thought suppressants in my opinion are:-

1) Ylang Ylang
2) Peppermint
3) Eucalyptus

This is not a hard and fast rule; these are not the best oils for deep meditation, they are merely effective as a mental distraction because of their powerful (and beautiful) odors. However, as with so many things, you need good quality 100% pure oils as any unpleasant ‘undertones’ will unsettle your mind and drive your mind away from the condition you seek.

Using the Oils

Simply get a good diffuser –  and some good quality oils (you do NOT to spend huge amount of money – less than $20 for a good selection of oils and less than $30 for a very nice diffuser. Before you begin your session, let the diffuser fill your meditation space with the odor of your selected oil and keep it running (it MUST be silent). Make sure you can switch off any lights on the diffuser – you don’t need the distraction, although with a little more tuition, a rotating light pattern  could be useful as a further aid.

Once you have assumed your position (it is crucial that you really can remain still – do not deceive yourself if you are having difficulty, just keep practicing) and you are ready to empty your mind do as follows:-

Using your imagination

Imagine yourself pushing down and drowning every thought that tries to rise; imaging yourself pushing it down and drowning it in darkness – cut off every word, every thought every image and let your mind concentrate only on the smell of the oil as you breath slow and steady. You will struggle at first, but by focusing on the oils odor you will find that eventually, your mind will surrender and become silent on your command. You may then dispense with the oil, although I prefer to move to a more sophisticated oil like frankincense which has deep spiritual roots and is of great importance in more advanced techniques.

The Final Phase

You are now sitting silent and easy, your mind a blank in a sea of darkness. No words or sounds or itches or any thought disturbs you. Now for the hardest part!

Let a simple shape appear in front of you – if you are a Christian, then a cross might be best; if you are an atheist or of any other denomination, use any shape that has meaning for you – but keep it simple. Do NOT let words and associations rush into your silent space – keep suppressing them. The image in front of you will twist and and rotate and do all manner of strange things because your mind is fighting back against your control. HOLD FAST! Time will move at a radically adjusted rate in this mode and your adventure is just beginning.

It may take weeks to master this practice but you will be truly astonished at the result. Whatever your faith or philosophy you will gain one of the deepest insights into the universe it is possible for any human to acquire. On this I will say no more, for the road is yours to tread and yours alone.

If you have enjoyed this article, please like and share with someone else who will be interested in essential oils for meditation! You may contact us with your questions at any time and we will answer you as best we can. Sincere thanks for visiting us.

I’ve always been a healthy person with some very unhealthy habits! From an early age I was very active physically, cycling long distances (up to 160 km or 100 miles per day), hill-walking in Wales and later South Africa, running five to ten miles in the morning and so on. A year ago I took up cycling again in my new home, Australia. And then I contracted an autoimmune disease. So I ask with personal interest – are there essential oils for autoimmune disease?

There were gaps in my physical training over the years of course, particularly during my months at sea, and most especially in my mid forties when I stopped most activities for almost ten years. But the one consistent aspect of my behavior though was drinking vast quantities of beer and often wine; hard liquor I gave up as a very young man of twenty for the simple reason I realized how destructive it was – and how easy it became to drink a whole bottle of whisky or rum in a night! But I was always healthy!
Then in my mid fifties, I was struck by ulcerative colitis (UC), which in general is a young person’s disease. This is a particularly unpleasant condition defined as:-

The upshot of this is that I must be extremely careful what and when I eat and drink. The condition can be painful and has potentially serious consequences (see the link above to the Mayo Clinic). UC is an autoimmune disease and as such it cannot be treated except by attempts to moderate the impact of the body’s malfunctioning immune system; it cannot be cured.

Are there any effective essential oils for autoimmune disease?

There are several essential oils which have proven useful in combating inflammation in human tissues. However, different sources point to different oils which is a strong indication of the fact that there is no central point of control for the claims made about essential oils, but also that these oils have several overlapping properties, There are some good information sources out there which publish real information rather than marketing sound-bites: This is from the very reputable Dr Axe;

The incidence of autoimmune disorders is increasing in the western world, but why is this?  An Autoimmune Disease is the body’s abnormal response to substances and tissue that is naturally present in the body, but what triggers this? There are many indicators that our bodies are simply not coping with the synthetic substances in our environment and that our immune systems are simply overwhelmed by a multitude of confusing signals.  And so we end up with such diseases as  thyroid disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, ulcerative colitis and more. Here is some useful information from another site The Essential Life (full accreditation and link below):-

Essential Oils for autoimmune disease suggested by The Essential Life

PRECAUTIONS WHEN TREATING AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

You need to avoid any Essential Oil that might boost the immune system. For this reason, it is a good idea to avoid Essential Oils such as Palmarosa, Rosalina, and Thyme. Any oil that is an immunostimulant should be used in low doses.

WHAT ESSENTIAL OIL FOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE MIGHT YOU TRY?

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil: Cinnamon’s pain relieving properties have been used to treat inflammation, tooth aches and can be used as a mild local anesthetic. Cinnamon Essential Oil can be an extremely potent oil and needs to be diluted in the right concentration. Try blending Cinnamon and Clove Bud Essential Oil, then dilute to .6% in any Carrier Oil, and use your finished product as a warming and effective massage oil. It can also be diffused in an Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser to combat sickness.

Clary Sage Essential Oil: Clary Sage has a long history of being used to treat symptoms of PMS and Menopause. It has an extremely balancing effect on our hormones and can be used to treated cramps. Clary Sage is also effective for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Mix Clary Sage into your favorite Carrier Oil and use it daily as an all-natural moisturizer. It can also be diffused into the air for its mood-enhancing properties. As one of the essential oils for autoimmune disease, this looks promising.

Cypress Essential Oil:  Cypress Essential Oil is useful for treating the inflammation of muscles and joints as well as symptoms of rheumatism and the pain associated with varicose veins. To help with breathing difficulties, diffuse Cypress Essential Oil into the air using and Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser. For pain relief, blend equal parts Cypress, Sandalwood and Lavender Essential oils and then add this blend to your favorite Carrier Oil for use as a massage oil. As one of the essential oils for autoimmune disease, this also looks promising.

Ginger Essential Oil: This oil is especially useful for its warming properties. When diluted and applied to the skin, Ginger Essential Oil induces a warm and soothing tingling feeling that helps with pain relief and will reduce swelling and inflammation. Ginger Essential Oil is also useful for aiding in digestion and it alleviates nausea. If Colitis or Crohn’s Disease has left you feeling a little queasy, try blending 2 drops of Ginger Essential Oils with Cypress and Coriander Essential Oils and adding the blend to 1/2 cup Epsom Salt for use as bath salts. As one of the essential oils for autoimmune disease, this also looks promising.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: Chamomile’s most popular use is to treat insomnia. In addition to this oil’s calming and soothing properties, it can also be used to treat the aches associated with chronic pain that results from a number of autoimmune disease and disorders. To relieve stress and tension headaches, diffuse Roman Chamomile into the air using an Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser. For arthritis pain, add 1-3 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil and 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil to your bath water. As yet another of the essential oils for autoimmune disease, this also looks promising.

When it comes to treating Autoimmune Diseases, it is always best to do your research, and consult your physician regarding your treatment plans. A certified Aromatherapist can help you develop a Natural Wellness regime to alleviate your symptoms and help you live a pain-free life.

Conditions Related to Other Autoimmune Diseases

There are over 60 known disorders thought to be related to autoimmunity. Below is a summarized list of conditions related to autoimmune disorders :

Alopecia Areata – An autoimmune disorder that is characterized by hair loss. It is found commonly in men and women and can occur at any age, including childhood.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

This condition has shown a great response to treatment with thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) applied/massaged  into the scalp daily. In one controlled experiment mediated by two dermatologists,  44%) of  patients in the active group showed improvement. The experimenters concluded that the results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. Treatment with these essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment with the carrier oil alone.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Characterized as a progressive brain disorder, which involves a decline in social and intellectual abilities. Alzheimer’s Disease is thought to be associated with free radical damage in the brain and inorganic aluminum.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

More trials have investigated the effectiveness of aromatherapy in dementia than in any other condition. Here is one example described in a series of steps.

a) Lemon balm and lavender aroma were introduced to six patients and compared with sunflower oil for six others as controls for one week. The treatment increased functional abilities and communication, and decreased difficult behaviour.

b) Lavender aroma and massage with 21 patients were compared with aroma or massage alone for one week. Aromatherapy with massage significantly reduced frequency of agitation.

c) Lavender aroma was given to 15 patients as oil and placebo (water) on alternative days for 10 days. The aromatherapy significantly reduced agitated behaviour (as assessed using the Pittsburgh Agitation scale) versus placebo.

d) Lemon balm (Melissa) lotion was applied to the face and arms of 36 patients while another 36 patients had sunflower oil applied. Melissa was associated with highly significant reductions in measures of agitation (on the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory) and social withdrawal, together with an increase in constructive activities (as measured by dementia care mapping).

e) Lavender, marjoram, patchouli and velvert were applied as a cream to body and limbs of 36 patients and compared with plain oil. The essential oil combination significantly increased scores on the Mini Mental State Exam, but also increased resistance to care (considered to be due to increase in alertness), compared with the plain oil.

The above results are quoted from: Alzheimer’s Society UK

Celiac Disease – A chronic inflammation of the colon that creates an intestinal breakdown due to an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, oat and rye.

More Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease

I have not found any credible research material covering the use of essential oils to help with celiac disease. All of the articles I have read tend to cover the general benefits of improved immune system response, mental condition and so on. I will continue looking and report back if I find something credible.

Crohn’s Disease – A chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which is characterized by severe inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This disorder is typically seen in persons between the ages of 15 and 35, but can also be found in young children and the elderly as well.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

I have a strong interest in this as a sufferer of Ulcerative Colitis. I tracked down one particular experience of a person with Crohn’s Disease who experimented with Essential Oils. Here’s what she said:-

“I obtained some new essential oils (Copaiba and Di-Gize) and began taking them immediately. The first day I was taking them (internally and externally) I had the first normal BM (bowel movement) in weeks, if not months! I almost didn’t remember what it was like to not have diarrhea at that point. My husband was SHOCKED. Little did HE know, when we said our vows 7 years ago that he would be hearing about my daily stool habits. Since then, normal stools have continued unless I eat too much dairy (hard cheeses) in my GAPS style diet-which I have been on for 2 months.” You can read the full story here.

Fibromyalgia– This disorder is characterized by aches and pains in the muscles along with chronic fatigue and insomnia. It is estimated between 3 to 6 million people in the US suffer with Fibromyalgia. Ninety percent of them being women.

Recommended Essential Oils

The reputable and credible Dr. Axe says:

Helichrysum oil has been shown to decrease muscle pain, improve circulation and support healing of nerve tissue which makes it an effective natural treatment for fibromyalgia.

Lavender oil is also excellent to reduce the emotional stress associated with fibromyalgia and making a homemade muscle rub can help reduce pain.

Graves Disease – A disorder affecting the thyroid gland. In this disease auto-antibodies bind to the thyroid gland, which increases the production of thyroid hormone, which plays a major role in metabolism. Symptoms include nervousness, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, and weight loss with increased appetite. More serious symptoms include irregular heart beat, tachycardia (increased heart rate), swelling of eyes and legs. In rare cases, cardiovascular collapse, shock or coma could occur.

Yet Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease

I will again use the personal testimony of a suffer of this disease to illustrate the potential of Essential Oils;-

“Last October, I stopped my medications, cold turkey (not recommended but I was desperate) and started using Peppermint, Lemongrass and a blend called Endoflex. I layered them topically on my thyroid (base of throat area) and adrenals (mid-back) 3x/day. Within a week I felt better and was able to workout again. I kept up this regimen until December and was even able to lose some weight and get some energy back. In December, I added Frankincense to the mix, but decreased my usage to 2x/daily. This decrease happened mostly because of lifestyle changes more than by intention. However, I did not have any issues come up with the decrease in frequency. I added Frankincense because although I was feeling better, my thyroid antibodies were still at approximately 6,000 (goal is 40 or under depending on what type of physician you work with). Needless to say, I was on a mission to get those antibodies down!”

There is more of this testimony on the site
Last October, I stopped my medications, cold turkey (not recommended but I was desperate) and started using Peppermint, Lemongrass and a blend called Endoflex. I layered them topically on my thyroid (base of throat area) and adrenals (mid-back) 3x/day. Within a week I felt better and was able to workout again. I kept up this regimen until December and was even able to lose some weight and get some energy back. In December, I added Frankincense to the mix, but decreased my usage to 2x/daily. This decrease happened mostly because of lifestyle changes more than by intention. However, I did not have any issues come up with the decrease in frequency. I added Frankincense because although I was feeling better, my thyroid antibodies were still at approximately 6,000 (goal is 40 or under depending on what type of physician you work with). Needless to say, I was on a mission to get those antibodies down!.

Lupus – A disorder which instead of the body’s immune system functioning properly as protection from harmful invaders, it forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs. Symptoms include aching joints, inflammation, swelling, fatigue, fevers and rashes. Lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs, but for some people it may cause serious, even life-threatening problems.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

Dr Axe recommends as follows:-

Frankincense essential oil is effective at reducing inflammation and immune reactions associated with lupus.  You can take 3 drops 3x daily in water, in honey or in capsule form.

Helichrysum oil supports the nervous system and can help reverse autoimmune reactions.  Helichrysum can be taken internally or applied to neck area.

For skin inflammation lavender and geranium oils work well add 3 drops to skin and for digestive issues associated with lupus take 3 drops of ginger oil internally 2-3x daily.

Multiple Sclerosis – A chronic inflammatory condition which involves the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. This chronic inflammation causes severe damage to the myelin sheath (covering of the nerves). Symptoms include blurred vision, numbness and paralysis. Mercury toxicity may be a causal factor.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

The US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health (NCBI)  says as follows:- “Aromatherapy in MS patients could be effective for some symptomatic relief, such as helping in sleep, relaxation, mobility of joints and muscle, and improvement in the feeling of well-being.”

Psoriasis – A common chronic skin condition which is characterized by symptoms similar to eczema. It involves the hyperactivity of the immune system which creates a form of inflammation. This inflammatory reaction causes skin cells to multiply seven to twelve times faster than normal. The skin is often dry and itchy as well as being cracked or blistered.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

Dr Axe recommends as follows:-

Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, geranium and tea tree oil can bring relief to inflamed skin and support the healing process. Mix 3 drops of lavender oil and 3 drop of frankincense oil with 1 tsp of coconut oil and rub onto affected area.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – This disorder can affect many joints, but most commonly the small joints of the hands. An autoimmune attack on the tissues causes inflammation along with pain and swelling. If uncontrolled it could lead to destruction of the bones, deformity and eventually disability. It is thought that a factor of rheumatoid arthritis is holding onto bitterness.

Recommended Essential Oils for autoimmune disease that might help

The most credible evidence I found on this disease and essential oils was the highly reputable WebMD

Boswellia. It’s also known as Indian frankincense, and it appears to have similar anti-inflammatory properties as NSAIDs without the stomach problems.

Like turmeric, boswellia is used in a form of holistic medicine from India. While study findings are mixed, it remains one of the most researched and promising supplements for RA.

Ginger and green tea extract also are said to have anti-inflammatory effects, but they need to be studied more.

What I’ll be doing

I’m going to start my treatment with a two day fast to clear all the junk out of my body. Two days without beer!! Gulp! I will be taking a glass of Slippery Elm powder in water three times a day during this time. After this I’m going to start using Ginger Essential oil topically as I start eating again. I’ll also be diffusing this oil in my office during the day. After a week, I’ll review and report back on my findings. Off we go!!!

Accreditation

The data on essential oils for use in cases of autoimmune disease above was garnered from The Essential Life blog.

Inane and Insane Claims for Essential Oils

When reading articles about the benefits of essential oils, I often think ‘where’s the proof?’ The proof is there in people’s experiences but this is often corrupted by insane (and inane) claims from essential oils distributors and especially by the big suppliers. This is as true for the prospect of essential oils for dementia as anything else. Take some of these claims for example, which I read very recently from a major supplier:-

• Removes radiation from the body
• Breaks down/releases petrochemicals
• Flushes out the liver and kidneys
• Purifies water

These claims are simply not tenable – (I howled laughing at the radiation claim in particular), and I will cover them in another article very soon. So when I wanted to  examine claims for essential oils for dementia , I made very sure that I looked for academic papers to support the claims.

The Key Study on Essential Oils for Dementia

The key study used in this article is “ Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease” by Daiki JIMBO, Yuki KIMURA, Miyako TANIGUCHI, Masashi INOUE, Katsuya URAKAMI and it was published in 2010 by the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society. In this article I shall be presenting the key points of the research and its findings.

In this present study, we examined the curative effects of aromatherapy in dementia (essential oils for dementia) in 28 elderly people, 17 of whom had Alzheimer’s disease.

 High Life Expectancy and Dementia

Japan, having the highest life expectancy in the world, has seen a remarkable increase in senile dementia in recent years. This has become a big social problem, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounting for approximately half the number of cases of dementia. Thus, preventive medicine for dementia has become an increasingly important health goal. Recently, complementary alternative medicine, which, in addition to using medications, also makes use of various ‘non-pharmacological’ approaches, has become an attractive alternative in the treatment of senile dementia after the introduction of elderly care insurance. Aromatherapy (essential oils for dementia) is one of the therapies used in complementary alternative medicine.

The Uncertain Mechanisms of Aromatherapy for treating dementia

The mechanism(s) of action of  the underlying the effects of aromatherapy are not known for certain. In healthy people, essential oils of rosemary and lavender are commonly used and there is at least one report showing that these oils influence feelings about a person’s surroundings.  Moreover, lavender oil has been reported to diminish the intensity of sleep disorders.

Although there are few reports on aromatherapy in senile dementia, it has been suggested that aromatherapy may bring about some feeling of relief . However, there are no reports of the effects of aromatherapy on cognitive functional disorder, often seen in cases of dementia and the central feature of senile dementia. Disorders of cognitive function pose considerable problems for both AD patients and care workers.

The effect of essential oils on the cerebral limbic system

The action of aromatherapy begins from a smell molecule combined with an acceptor peculiar to each specific odor. The smell molecule passes along the nasal cavity and adheres to the olfactory epithelium. The stimulus is transmitted to the hippocampus or cerebral limbic system and amygdaloid body through the olfactory nerve system currently concentrated on the olfactory epithelium.

Although this process is deeply related to cognitive function, the odor is recognized and the stimulus sends information to the hypothalamus on which it was projected by the cerebral limbic system, which then adjusts the autonomic nervous system and the internal secretory system, guiding a series of vital reactions in the hippocampus or amygdaloid body, such as the discharge of neurotransmitters. In brief, aromatherapy is the result of the vital reaction that occurs through the smell molecule.

Although some reports have proposed that the sense of smell is decreased in AD patients, nerve rebirth through smell is possible. We also suspected that patients’ cognitive function could be improved by stimulation through the sense of smell.

Essential oils for dementia safer than mainstream treatments

The aromatherapy treatment used in the present study is physically safer and easier to apply than mainstream treatments, such as massage and baths, so the operator feels no limitation because he or she can work through purely aromatic means.

Initially, the level of cognitive function was assessed using the Gottfries, Brane, Steen (GBSS-J) and Touch-panel type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS). Aromatherapy was applied to AD patients using a combination of a lavender oil–orange oil solution, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, with a rosemary oil–lemon oil solution used to relieve depression and heighten concentration.

Methods

After a control period of 28 days, aromatherapy was performed over the following 28 days, with a wash out period of another 28 days. Aromatherapy consisted of the use of rosemary and lemon essential oils in the morning, and lavender and orange in the evening. To determine the effects of aromatherapy, patients were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Gottfries, Brane, Steen scale (GBSS-J), Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer’s disease (FAST), a revised version of Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale (HDS-R), and the Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) four times: before the control period, after the control period, after aromatherapy, and after the washout period.

Results of study on essential oils for dementia

All patients showed significant improvement in personal orientation related to cognitive function on both the GBSS-J and TDAS after therapy. In particular, patients with AD showed significant improvement in total TDAS scores. Result of routine laboratory tests showed no significant changes, suggesting that there were no side-effects associated with the use of aromatherapy. Results from Zarit’s score showed no significant changes, suggesting that caregivers had no effect on the improved patient scores seen in the other tests.

In conclusion, we found aromatherapy an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for dementia. Aromatherapy may have some potential for improving cognitive function, especially in AD patients.

We’ve written about tea-tree oil before, and listed ten of its key uses. That was a very popular article so we thought our readers would appreciate more information on this important essential oil. We did a lot of investigation and came up with some really interesting applications. Here’s some background on tea tree oil first though – if you are familiar with this already, you can just skip to here.

A brief history of tea tree oil

Australian Aborigines  have used the leaves of the indigenous Melaleuca Tree in their medications for centuries. They inhaled the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds, sprinkled crushed leaves on their wounds, and used an infusion of soaked leaves to treat sore throats or skin ailments. This already tells us that tea-tree compounds contain natural antibiotics – those wise people of the earth just knew that a long time before we westerners did!

Use of the oil itself, as opposed to the raw plant material, did not become common practice until researcher Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the first half of the twentieth century. The name tea tree is actually  used for several plants, mostly from Australia and New Zealand. The use of the name “Tea Tree” probably originates with Captain James Cook’s description of one of these shrubs that he used to make a hot drink in place of tea.
Nowadays, we have strong scientific proof of the efficacy of tea tree oil in treating infections:

80 uses of tea tree oil for survival

For thousands of years, the derivatives of the Melaleuca Tree have been effective in treating a wide variety of ailments.  Here are 80 reasons why you should use it, too:

1. 1. Abrasions and minor cuts: After cleaning the area well, apply a few drops of the oil directly. If a bandage is needed, allow a few drops of the oil to penetrate a cotton ball, then lay it face down on the wound with a bandage on top.
   2. Acne: Add a drop to your normal cleansing routine or dab a very small amount on acne breakouts. You can also add 20 to 40 drops of the oil to your regular face wash.

“Tea tree oil may be effective for acne. One clinical trial compared a 5 percent tea tree oil gel to a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide product for the treatment of acne and found that the benzoyl peroxide worked slightly better but that the tea tree oil had fewer side effects.” (National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health).

1. 1. Air freshener: Keep a supply of cotton balls soaked in tea tree oil packed away in a plastic bag or tin. When confronted with foul smells from cooking, musty orders from dampness or even the medicinal smell in a sick room, take a few out to freshen the air and remove the nasty smell.
   2. Allergies: Use topically by massaging into the chest, abdomen or the reflex points of the feet.
   3. Arthritis: To help reduce pain associated with the swelling of arthritis, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil. Massage into affected areas two to three times a day.
   4. Asthma: Add a few drops of oil to a pan of water and heat on stove. When cool, drape a towel over head and breathe in for a few minutes.

1. 1. Athlete’s foot: Clean feet thoroughly, especially between toes. Add oil directly to feet every two weeks, dusting with cornstarch after. Or add 10 drops oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage on feet and between toes daily.
   2. Baby care: Keep your diaper pail clean and fresh with a spray of tea tree oil mixed with water.
   3. Bacterial infections: Use topically, either massaging into the reflex points of the feet, adding several drops to a bath or cautiously applying over an infected site.
   4. Bad breath: Rinse mouth with 1 ounce water and one drop oil. Do not swallow!
   5. Bladder infection: In a shallow bath, add 10 to 15 drops of oil. Sit and wash area carefully.
   6. Blisters: Wash area carefully, then apply as for cuts and wounds.
   7. Boils: Apply a warm washcloth for a few minutes. Then apply a drop or two of oil to the area. The infection should rise to the surface and eventually be released.

“For topical use only. Tea tree oil must never be used in the eyes or swallowed. Even in small amounts, swallowing tea tree oil could potentially cause severe reactions, including severe rash, nausea, confusion, and coma. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, tea tree oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.” (WebMD).

1. 1. Bronchial congestion: Use as directed for asthma. Add five to 10 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil, and massage into chest and throat two to three times daily.
   2. Bronchitis: Add one or two drops to a pan of hot water and breathe in the steam, or massage the oil over the chest.
   3. Bruises: After icing, apply oil as directed for arthritis.
   4. Bunions: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
   5. Burns: Run icy cold water on area. After a few minutes, add a mix of 5 drops oil with 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Repeat three to five times daily.
   6. Calluses and corns: Massage area with 5 drops oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Repeat 2 times daily. Once the corn or calluses have become soft, use tweezers to remove them. Then apply a few drops of tea tree oil and cover with bandage.
   7. Canker sores: Apply a drop or two of oil directly to infected area with a cotton swab, two times daily. Also, rinse as directed for bad breath.
   8. Carbuncles: Add a drop or two of oil to cotton swab and apply directly to carbuncle. Repeat twice daily.
   9. Chapped lips: Add one or two drops of oil to lip balm. Apply to lips as necessary.
   10. Chicken pox: Apply a drop of oil directly to blisters. Allow to dry, then dust with cornstarch. Repeat every few hours or until blisters disappear.

1. 1. Chigger bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.
   2. Cold sores: Apply a drop or two of oil directly to the sore with a cotton swab. Reapply two to three times daily.
   3. Coughs: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on five to 10 minutes.
   4. Dandruff: Add 20 to 30 drops of oil to any shampoo. Apply a few drops to scalp and massage after washing.
   5. Dermatitis: Add 10 drops of oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat two to three times daily.
   6. Dry skin: Add 5 drops of oil to 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Massage into skin.
   7. Earache and infection: Add 2 to 3 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons warm olive oil. With a dropper, drop a small amount into aching ear, tilting head to one side for a moment. Use a cotton swab to absorb oil. Repeat two to three times daily.
   8. Eczema: Add 10 drops of oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut or other carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat two to three times daily. The oil also can be applied undiluted.

“Infected skin wounds – scientists from the University of Wolverhampton, England, found that mixing tea-tree oil and silver greatly enhances their antimicrobial activity while minimizing side effects at the same time.” (MedicalNewsToday).

1. 1. Emphysema: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on five to 10 minutes.
   2. Flea bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.
   3. Gout: Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil; massage into affected areas two to three times a day.
   4. Gum disease: Create a mouthwash with purified water, 1 drop of peppermint and 1 drop of tea tree oil.
   5. Head lice: Add 20 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat three to four times daily, until the eggs are gone.
   6. Hives: Add 10 drops of oil to 4 tablespoons of witch hazel. Apply with cotton ball. Or mix with coconut oil, which is naturally healing and soothing itself, and gently apply to the infected areas.
   7. Homemade mouthwash: Make a simple homemade mouthwash with purified water and tea tree oil.
   8. Household cleaning: Can be used aromatically or added to homemade cleaners to kill germs and prevent the spread of colds and flus. You can make a general tea tree cleaner by combining 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend and use for household cleaning tasks. This is especially good in the bathroom and in toilets.
   9. Immune system: To stimulate the immune system, diffuse through the air on a regular basis. Massage into the soles of the feet to increase your immune response.
   10. Infected wounds: Adding the oil to steaming water, hold the infected area over the steam. Or dilute 1 drop of tea tree with 1 cup of water and rinse the infected area one or two times a day, as needed.

“Athlete’s foot – the topical application of a tea-tree oil cream for the treatment of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) was examined in a study published in Australas J Dermatol. The researchers said that tea-tree oil cream (10% w/w) appears to reduce the symptomatology of tinea pedis as effectively as tolnaftate.” (MedicalNewsToday).

1. 1. Inflammation: Massage over the inflamed areas, gently and always toward the heart; or diffuse and inhale the tea tree oil directly or indirectly.
   2. Ingrown hairs: Add one to two drops of oil directly to area. Repeat every two hours or until signs of infection disappear.
   3. Insect repellant: Add 15 drops to a quart of water and use as an effective insect repellent.
   4. Jock itch: Apply 10 to 15 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Apply two times daily. Dust with cornstarch, to reduce chapping.
   5. Laryngitis: Add five to 10 drops of oil and pinch of sea salt to 1 cup of warm water, gargle two to three times a day. Do not swallow!
   6. Laundry helper: Add 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil to your laundry for towels and other fabrics prone to getting moldy.
   7. Mildew and mold remover: Spray an all-purpose cleaner made with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and 2 cups of water on growing mold and mildew. Shake well before using and do not rinse.
   8. Mosquito bites: Apply a drop of oil directly to bites.
   9. Muscle aches and pains: Add 10 to 15 drops of oil to half a cup of Epsom salts and dissolve in the bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Massage well.
   10. Mumps: Massage over the body and into the feet and diffuse through the home.
   11. Nail fungus: Add one to two drops of oil directly to nail and the surrounding tissue. Allow to dry completely on hands before touching anything. Repeat morning and night for a week.
   12. Pest control: Household ants and other pests dislike tea tree oil, so a few drops put at the point of entry will deter them. Wipe cupboards out with an oil and water solution to keep ants away.
   13. Plantar warts: Apply oil undiluted to affected area two to three times daily.
   14. Psoriasis: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tablespoon carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat two to three times daily. The oil also can be applied undiluted.
   15. Rashes: Mix with coconut oil and massage over the affected areas.
   16. Rheumatism: To help reduce pain associated with rheumatism, add 20 drops of tea tree oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil. Massage into affected are two to three times a day.

“High-quality tea tree oil contains 40% or more of terpinen-4-ol, the ingredient that fights harmful bacteria and fungi, making the oil effective in preventing and fighting infection. Tea tree oil may be useful in promoting the healing of damaged skin, such as with acne, cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and stings, as well as combating fungi and viruses that cause minor skin conditions.” (WholeHealthMD).

1. 1. Ringworm: Apply a drop or two of oil undiluted, repeat two times daily. You can also mix one drop of tea tree oil with one drop of lavender oil for added benefit.
   2. Rubella: Dilute as needed and massage into the affected areas.
   3. Scabies: Apply one to two drops of oil directly to area in the morning and at night.
   4. Sciatica: Add 10 drops oil to 1 tablespoon carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat two to three times daily. The oil also can be applied undiluted.
   5. Seborrhea: For skin, add 10 drops of oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into affected areas. Repeat two to three times daily. For scalp, add 10 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of shampoo. Massage into scalp and hair and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Repeat three to four times daily. For a soothing bath, add 10 to 15 drops of oil to bathwater.
   6. Shingles: Add 10 to 15 drops of oil to half a cup of Epsom salts and dissolve in bath. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil or coconut oil and massage well.

“
Treat dandruff and head lice. According to one study, a 5% solution of tea tree oil is effective against Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that can cause dandruff. In the study, 126 men and women with mild to moderate dandruff used either 5% tea tree oil shampoo or placebo daily for four weeks. The treatment group showed significant improvement in overall severity, as well as symptoms such as itchiness and greasiness compared to the control group.” (WholeHealthMD).

1. 1. Shock: Massage tea tree oil into the soles of the feet as needed.
   2. Sinusitis: Use as directed for bronchial infections. For a vaporizer, add 10 drops to steamer and leave on for five to 10 minutes.
   3. Sore muscles. Fill your bathtub with warm water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water to relax tight muscles.
   4. Sore throat: Add 2 drops of oil to 1 cup of warm water with pinch of sea salt and gargle two to three times a day. Do not swallow!
   5. Staph infection: Best used topically, rubbed into the soles of the feet to increase the immune response and fight infection.
   6. Stye: Add five drops of oil to a pan of steaming water. Drape towel overhead and steam five minutes. Apply warm compresses directly to the stye.
   7. Sunburn: Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 drop of tea tree and 1 drop of lavender and gently apply to sunburned areas.

1. Tattoos: Apply after tattoos to avoid infection. Use undiluted, diluted with coconut oil or as a spray with purified water.
2. Thrush: Gargle with sea salt, warm water and 1 drop of tea tree oil.
3. Ticks: Apply a drop or two directly to the tick and the surrounding area.
4. Toenail fungus: Rub the tea tree oil directly onto the affected toenail and underneath the tip of the nail. Apply one to two drops of tea tree oil. Apply the oil once a day, preferably at bedtime.
5. Toothbrush cleaner: Apply oil directly to toothbrush one to two times a week to kill bacteria.
6. Tonsillitis: Inhale from steaming water with tea tree oil, gargle, and massage into neck and soles of feet.
7. Vaginal infection: Add several drops to the bathwater.
8. Viral infections: Diffuse tea tree oil throughout the home or inhale from steaming water.
9. Warts: Apply undiluted directly to wart. Use morning and night, until wart begins to disappear. Dilute if necessary for sensitive skin.
10. Wounds: Soak wounded area in water with tea tree oil, or spritz from a bottle of water with several drops of oil. Depending on the wound and your own sensitivity, you may be able to apply directly.

A note about Essential Oils

Accreditation

The list above was uses facts and research from the site personal liberty.

Many of the people who bought our Peaceful Home Essential Oils have expressed delight and surprise at the odor and effects of the bergamot oil we included in that collection; it seems that bergamot is not as well known as some of the other oils – lavender, sweet orange etc.

So we thought it would be worthwhile to hunt down a really good article on what bergamot can do for you. like many other essential oils, bergamot is renowned and proven to enhance your mood and to boost confidence. Whenever my wife uses it, I always (yes always!) mistake it for a very expensive and quite delightful perfume.

Apart from its psychological effects, bergamot also has several medical uses, for example killing bacteria, healing scars, and generally improving skin tone and condition.

Where Does Bergamot Oil Come From?

Bergamot is a citrus plant that goes by the scientific name Citrus Bergamia. The plant is a hybrid of defined sour orange and lemon. The oil is taken from the peel of the fruit by means of cold compression, which is different than the steam distillation used to produce many other essential oils.

Bergamot is thought to originate in Southeast Asia, but is also widely cultivated in southern Italy, Ivory Coast, Argentina, Turkey, Brazil and Morocco.

Bergamot in Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, bergamot is used to help with the flow of vital energy to aid the digestive system. It’s also used to soothe indigestion and give relief from excessive intestinal gas.

Bergamot’s Role in Perfume Making

Bergamot essential oil is one of the main ingredients in expensive perfumes due to it’s ability to harmonize a whole range of perfume essences. It’s also used by the pharmaceutical industry to eliminate the unpleasant smells of medicinal products and for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

The Following information has been extracted from the Dr Axe website (credit and links below).

Bergamot Oil Benefits the Whole Body

There are a number of a surprising health benefits from using bergamot essential oil as a natural remedy. Bergamot oil is antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It’s uplifting, improves your digestion and keeps your system working properly. Some of the most common benefits of bergamot essential oil include:

• releases emotional pain and stress
• works as a powerful antidepressant
• relieves joint and muscle pain
• aids digestive system
• soothes skin irritations and cleanses oily skin
• works as a sedative
• kills germs and bacteria
• reduces cough

Bergamot Oil Uses

1. Antidepressant — Depression can manifest with a variety of different symptoms, including fatigue, sad mood, low sex drive, lack of appetite, feelings of helplessness and disinterest in common activities. Antidepressant medications have serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, weight gain and personality changes. The good news is there are all-natural remedies for depression that are effective and get to the root cause of the problem.
2. Stimulates hormonal secretions — Bergamot oil helps maintain proper metabolic rates by stimulating hormonal secretions, digestive juices, bile and insulin. This aids the digestive system and enables proper absorption of nutrients.
3. Cures infections — Bergamot oil is used in skin soaps because it inhibits the growth of germs, fungi and virus. When you apply the oil to your skin or hair, you reduce the risk of infection. Bergamot oil also cures infections of the intestines, kidneys, colon and urinary tract.
4. Relieves stress — Bergamot oil is a relaxant — it reduces nervous tension and feelings of stress and anxiety.
5. Reduces pain — Because bergamot essential oil increases hormone secretions, it lessens the sensitively of nerves that create pain. For this reason, bergamot oil is a great way to reduce the symptoms of sprains, muscle aches and headaches.
6. Heals skin — Bergamot essential oil is used to minimize the look of scars and other marks on the skin; it tones the skin by making the supply of melanin even. These scars can be the result of acne or skin infections or irritations.
7. Helps digestive system — Not only does bergamot oil stimulate the production of digestive juices, making the breakdown of foods in the digestive tract easier, it also stimulates muscle contractions in the intestines — quickening the digestive process by moving your waste through your intestines as your body absorbs nutrients.
8. Reduces fever — Bergamot essential oil fights infections caused by harmful bacteria. It also reduces body temperature by alleviating stress and stimulating hormone secretions. The feeling of warmth that happens when your hormone levels are elevated leads to sweat, and this helps in reducing a fever.
9. Cavity protection — Bergamot oil helps infected teeth. It removes germs from your teeth when used as a mouthwash, and it protects your teeth from developing cavities. This is because of its germ-fighting properties, which make it extremely useful when fighting cavities. Rub 2–3 drops of bergamot oil on your teeth, or add it to your toothpaste.
10. Kills intestinal worms — Because bergamot essential oil kills germs, it’s used to treat intestinal worms. Intestinal worms result in malnourishment and can cause anemia, which develops when you don’t have enough robust, healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
11.  congestion — Bergamot oil is an anticongestive, which means it relieves congestion and respiratory problems. This oil can be useful when battling a cold or cough. It loosens phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tract and helps the body to eliminate this undesired buildup by sneezing and coughing.

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Bergamot Oil Side Effects

Bergamot essential oil is safe for most people when added to food or applied topically in small amounts. Although the oil has been used extensively for many years, there are only been a few reports of phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil.
It may make the skin sensitive to the sun and more vulnerable to skin cancer — people who work with bergamot can develop skin problems, including blisters, scabs, pigment spots, rashes, sensitivity to the sun and cancerous changes. There have been serious side effects in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil, and it shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Bergamot oil may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This could affect blood sugar control and cause blood sugar levels to go too low. If you use bergamot oil and have diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If you are scheduled to have surgery, stop using bergamot oil at least two weeks beforehand — it may interfere with blood sugar control during the procedure.

Accreditation

Where noted above, information has been taken from the Dr. Axe website whom we acknowledge – it’s also a very good site.

Please don’t forget to share and like this article if you enjoyed it.

Therapeutic grade Essential Oils: The Truth Is Out There!

In the first of our ‘myth-busting’ series we take a hard look at the marketing term ‘therapeutic grade‘. It may be disappointing to learn the truth about this term, but there is some great news – oils that are 100% pure and of good quality can be a lot cheaper and just as good (or sometimes better) than very expensive oils sold as ‘therapeutic grade.’

Therapeutic Grade is an unregulated marketing term

Sadly, marketers are very, very good at fooling us and getting us to buy into myths and we end up ‘believing’ them to an extraordinary degree – even to the point that we become offended when someone contradicts them, because we have bought into their ‘false religion’. We need to fight this tendency and get real value for our hard earned cash – not myths like the flying spaghetti monster!!!

The term “therapeutic grade” sounds technical, official and impressive, and pretends to be an industry-recognized certification reserved only for the highest-quality essential oils. The problem is that “therapeutic grade” and another marketing term commonly used term “CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade,” are only marketing terms – not in any way evidence of quality or official standards,  These misleading terms were essentially invented by essential oil companies to help sell their own products by differentiating them from other products with a false badge of official approval.

That’s not to say that companies selling ‘therapeutic grade’ oils are selling bad products – in general, they are not – but they are charging as premium of two to five times the price over other oils that are just as pure, just as good.

We all know that differentiating one product from another is in many ways the essence of marketing, and when products cannot be differentiated on technical performance, companies simply make things up – and charge a hell of a premium to consumers for the ‘difference’. This was the tactic used in 2007 when the term “therapeutic grade” was invented.

Prior to 2007, the term “therapeutic grade” did not exist in the essential oil market. This term is not an independent or third party endorsement of purity and quality, but a trademarked marketing term created by a company selling essential oils. This 2007 creation spurred a greater fallacy, the term “CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade.” Again, this term sounds technical, implying the product has been “certified” to be pure and of therapeutic grade. But, like its predecessor, it is nothing more than a made up, trademarked phrase.

These fabricated terms are defined by the companies who create them. As other companies take up the terms, we find a whole variety of definitions coming into being into justify them – often a new definition for every company that climbs onto the bandwagon!

Let’s be clear about one thing – there is no governing body that certifies essential oil quality and production, or designates a standardized grading system for essential oils. Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil is a MYTH – and it’s BUSTED!!!

How to Assess Essential Oil Quality

Until there is a government agency or other official body that certifies or “grades” essential oils, the best and easiest way to determine the purity of any oil is to look at the label on the bottle. The best measure of quality we have found is PURITY. An Essential Oil declared to be 100% pure must be just that or the supplier will have to answer to the authorities as soon as someone detects that the product does not comply with the statement. The oils must also be from the plant declared on the bottle or box and not blended with anything else. In general, suppliers are honest about this – although no doubt some slip under the radar!

Conclusions on claims for Therapeutic Grade essential Oils

Therapeutic Grade means nothing. PURE Essential Oils are rigorously tested to meet stringent quality specifications. They undergo some key quality tests to ensure they are always the highest quality available:

• Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) purity testing
• Heavy metal/pesticide/herbicide testing
• Microbial testing

Therefore, when you choose essential oils, by all means choose pure oils, but avoid paying a large premium for oils carrying claims of ‘therapeutic grade’ and which are no better than any 100% pure essential oil. 100% PURE ESSENTIAL OILS DO NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE. Here’s another superb reference on essential oils quality and the therapeutic grade myth for you.

Essential Oils add to the quality of our lives and simply make life better – ENJOY!!

A great deal of modern research is clearly showing that Essential Oils can be a major weapon in our modern-day fight against cancer. This is not to say that essential oils cure cancer, but that they show strong properties in killing cancer cells or retarding the growth of cancer cells. As always, the devil is in the detail! As you will see though,  the potential of frankincense for cancer is huge!

I am particularly struck though by the fact that modern medicine which tends to fiercely resist any and all ‘traditional’ medicines, has at last become convinced of the value of essential oils – which means that the evidence must be very strong indeed.

I have collated a few of the best articles I can find on the subject here, along with a good video based on the personal experience of am alternative practitioner. I do hope you enjoy them – full credits are given at the end of this post, and at the end of each section. 

Frankincense and Cancer – What You Need to Know

The oil of frankincense has been used for thousands of years to quell disease-causing inflammation, support heightened immunity, and to prevent dangerous infections. But many people remain unaware of the added cancer-fighting potential of this precious serum, which researchers from the University of Leicester in the UK (among others), have confirmed through rigorous scientific testing.

Also known as boswellia, frankincense claims as part of its vast nutrient profile a unique compound known as acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, or AKBA for short. With funding from the government of Oman, researchers from the University of Leicester were able to uncover how frankincense may be a safe and effective remedy for women who suffer from ovarian cancer – one of the leading causes of cancer in women.

Even in patients with late-stage ovarian cancer, which is exceedingly difficult to treat using conventional methods, the AKBA found in frankincense oil demonstrated clear efficacy. Here’s what Kamla Al-Salmani, lead author of the paper covering these findings and a PhD student at the University’s Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine department, had to say:

“After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing cancer cells. Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side effects. This finding has enormous potential to be taken to a clinical trial in the future and developed into an additional treatment for ovarian cancer.”

Cancer Cells that Don’t Respond to Chemotherapy are Eradicated by Frankincense

Related research into AKBA has shown that this unique substance is also effective against other forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers. And the evidence suggests that frankincense isn’t just a supplemental treatment to go along with chemotherapy and radiation; in some cases it may actually be preferential as a replacement.

The reason for this is that frankincense shows demonstrable effectiveness in a few areas where chemotherapy isn’t all that effective, particularly with regards to ovarian cancer. Commenting on the study’s findings, Dr. Mark Evans, who heads the program of which Al-Salmani is a student, explained that certain cancer cell lines that don’t respond to chemotherapy are notably responsive to frankincense.

Though commonly mixed with a carrier oil such as saponified coconut oil or jojoba oil and applied topically, frankincense can also be consumed orally by putting one or two drops of the oil into a beverage. Be sure to consult with a physician versed in the proper use of essential oils before undertaking such a regimen for cancer-fighting purposes.

Accreditation

The above information was extracted from The Truth About cancer and the copyright belongs to them. It’s an informative site!

The Truth About Cancer – Essential Oils

the original video we had here became unavailable. However, here is the very same Dr. Eric Zielinski on the best essential oils for fighting cancer.

In this article, we discuss the nature of the Tea Tree and why its oil provides so many health benefits. We then go on to look at ten very specific benefits of tea tree oils that will help you in your day to day life. Please enjoy and don’t forget to  share!

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Many of the 100 or so species of tea tree have fragrant, essential oil-containing leaves. At least three species of bottlebrush trees are distilled for their essential oil: Melaleuca alternifolia, from which we get tea tree oil; Melaleuca cajeputi, which yields cajeput essential oil; and Melaleuca viridiflora, the source for niaoli essential oil. Distilled cajeput and niaoli oils retain some of the sweet-woody aromas present in the fresh leaves. Cajeput and niaoli oils are slightly less medicinal smelling than tea tree oil.
Tea tree leaves have been used by Australian aboriginal people for treating cuts and wounds. The freshly crushed leaves are applied directly to an injury, then secured in place with a mud pack. Apparently the medicinal affects of this tea tree poultice are so powerful that they not only combat infection in the wound but overcome the potential for further infection caused by the application of the less than sterile mud pack.

The key to tea tree’s medicinal effectiveness is the ratio of two chemical constituents present in the oil: cineole and terpinen. Although both of these constituents are bactericidal and germicidal, cineole can be a powerful skin irritant. Therefore tea tree oils with low cineole and high terpinen contents are preferred.

In aromatherapy, tea tree essential oil is employed for its physical, rather than emotional or aesthetic nature. This isn’t to say that the strongly medicinal aroma of tea tree is offensive. Many appreciate its underlying intensely warm, nutmeg-like scent.

Ten Definite Benefits of Tea-Tree Essential Oil

Treats Acne

Tea tree oil is a popular treatment for acne. This natural antiseptic disinfects the pores as well as kills the bacteria that cause acne.

• Put 1 drop of TTO on a moistened cotton swab and dab it gently on the affected area before going to bed. The next morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Repeat daily.

2. Fights Toenail Fungus

Tea tree oil can treat toenail fungus, thanks to its antifungal as well as antiseptic properties. It can help kill the fungus and relieve symptoms, such as inflammation, swelling, yellowing, or thickening of the nail.

• Apply 1 or 2 drops of TTO directly on the infected toenail. Rub it gently around the nail. Repeat once daily until the infection is cleared.

3. Treats Dandruff

Tea tree oil a good treatment for dandruff, thanks to its strong anti-fungal properties. It can even reduce symptoms like itchy and dry scalp.

• Use a shampoo with 5 percent Tea Tree Oil  to wash your hair 1 or 2 times a week.

4. Heals Boils

Because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is a wise choice for treating boils. This essential oil heals boils quickly and protects them from infections. In addition, it helps reduce scarring and skin spots left by boils.

1. Put a few drops of TTO on a clean cotton swab.
2. Gently dab it directly on the boil.
3. Repeat 3 or 4 times a day for several days until the boil is gone.

5. Treats Warts

You can use tea tree oil to treat warts, the small bumps caused by a viral infection in the skin’s top layer. Its antiviral and antiseptic qualities help fight the virus and eliminate the warts.

1. Mix 4 or 5 drops of TTO in 1 tablespoon of almond or olive oil.
2. Apply this mixture on the affected areas.
3. Leave it on for a couple of hours, then rinse it off with warm water.
4. Repeat once or twice daily for a few weeks.

6. Fights Vaginal Infection

This essential oil has strong anti-fungal as well as antibacterial properties, and thus it helps treat vaginal infections, such as vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. It can even help get rid of unpleasant vaginal odor.

• Add 2 or 3 drops of TTO to a small bowl of warm water and stir it thoroughly. Use this solution to rinse the vagina once daily for a few weeks.
• Alternatively, mix 3 or 4 drops of TTO and 3 cups of white vinegar in your bathtub filled with lukewarm water. Soak your lower body in this water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do this every other day as needed.

Note: Pregnant women should not use TTO.

7. Eliminates Body Odor

This essential oil also works very well in eliminating body odor, a very common and embarrassing problem. It has antimicrobial properties that help destroy the bacteria that cause body odor.

In addition, being an astringent, it controls excessive sweating and keeps you smelling fresh throughout the day.

1. Mix 2 drops of TTO in 2 tablespoons of water.
2. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to your underarms and other areas where you sweat more.
3. Use it once daily or as needed to control body odor.

8. Supports Oral Health

Whether you suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, gingivitis or plaque, tea tree oil is a good solution. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help kill bad bacteria and soothe inflamed gums.

• Add 1 drop of TTO to your regular toothpaste and use it to brush your teeth twice daily.
• Also, add 2 drops of TTO to a glass of warm water and use it to rinse your mouth at least once daily.

Note: Never swallow Tea tree oil  as its compounds can cause side effects like nausea.

9. Loosens Chest Congestion

Tea tree oil is a natural expectorant that can help loosen chest congestion associated with a sore throat, cough, common cold, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

• Fill a bowl with very hot water. Add a few drops of TTO. Place your face over the bowl and put a towel over your head. Inhale the steam for as long as you can and breathe deeply. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily until the congestion clears.

10. Kills Head Lice

In addition to treating dandruff, tea tree oil is a natural insecticide that can effectively kill head lice and help soothe the itching.

Accreditation

The above article uses information from Top 10 Home Remedies and they own the copyright. There are several other links to that site in the article.