Geranium Essential Oil

I adore the smell of geranium essential oil. It is so floral, rosy and wonderful! The oil is also well studied so there is a lot of evidence proving its health and beauty benefits. So let's get into profiling geranium essential oil now.

Quick Glance at Geranium Essential Oil

Pros: This oil may be antioxidant and anticancer. It can also kill bacteria, fungi, insects, and ticks.

Cons: Reports suggest this oil can cause skin sensitivity.

Precautions: Talk to your physician before using this or any other essential oil especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Properties of Geranium Essential Oil

Here are some properties of geranium essential oil that you should know.

Name

The botanical name for geranium or rose geranium is Pelargonium graveolens. You should find this name on the bottle when buying the oil.

Color & Scent

Geranium oil is typically colorless. But you can find also find some with slight yellow or green tinges.

Geranium has a very sweet, floral, rosy smell with hints of citrus. Yeah! It really is a pleasant smelling oil.

Chemical Composition

The main compounds in this oil include beta-citronellol (which can make up about 30% of the oil), geraniol (about 25%), linalool, citronellyl formate, p-menthone, alpha-pinene, geranyl acetate, myrcene, and limonene.

These compounds add to the wonderful benefits of geranium essential oil which we shall get into now.

Benefits of Geranium Essential Oil

There are quite a few studies that have investigated the benefits of this oil. Here are a few of them.

1. It may be antioxidant

Several studies have explored the antioxidant benefits of geranium essential oil. Take, for instance, this 2009 study. It assessed the antioxidant activity of both geranium and mandarin oils. The results showed both oils exhibited strong free radical scavenging effects. In fact, they were both comparable to the standard antioxidant - ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). But, just a quick note to add, geranium did exhibit higher antioxidant activity than mandarin.

Later studies like these from 2012 and 2014 also demonstrated geranium's antioxidant effects. But, remember, findings from a lab study may not always apply in clinical trials. So we won't know for sure if this oil will have free radical scavenging benefits when it is used on our skin. That's why I said geranium oil MAY be antioxidant.

2. It may also be anticancer

The 2009 study mentioned above also looked at the anticancer activity of geranium and mandarin oils. The oils were tested on two human leukemia cell lines at concentrations of 25 to 200 micrograms per milliliter. The results showed that geranium had strong anticancer activity, stronger in fact than mandarin essential oil.

Now just like before, these are lab tests. Clinical trials are needed to determine the potential of this essential oil in cancer therapy and treatments.

3. It is antibacterial

This is a great benefit of geranium essential oil. It has very significant antibacterial benefits. Actually, it was found by this 1999 study to be one of the best antibacterial essential oils. Note, this study tested 52 essential oils on nine species of multi-drug resistant bacteria.

Later studies published in 2006 and 2007 also concur that geranium essential oil has strong antibacterial effects against both common and drug resistant strains.

4. It is also anti-fungal

There are lots of studies like the 1999 one mentioned above and this 2016 one that prove geranium essential oil has significant anti-fungal benefits. For the latter study, researchers analyzed the effects of fifteen essential oils against the fungi, Candida tropicalis. This fungi is commonly found on dental prosthesis and dentures and has developed some resistance to clinically used anti-fungal agents. Therefore, the study looked to using essential oils as alternative anti-fungals. Interestingly, the researchers showed that of all the oils tested, geranium was the most effective oil against the fungi. That's pretty awesome.

Another 2016 study also found geranium oil may work as a potential alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides to protect stored grain.

So it is clear geranium essential oil is definitely anti-fungal.

5. It is insecticidal

Again there are many studies that validate this claim.

A 2009 study investigated the insecticidal benefits of 26 essential oils on the Japanese termite, Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe. The results showed that among all the oils tested, ajowan, allspice, caraway, dill, geranium and litsea had the strongest insecticidal activity. The researchers ended by recommended more studies into using essential oils for termite control.

Another study done in 2015 explored the effects of geranium essential oil against the sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius biotype B) that affected small tomato plants. The results? Well, the oil significantly reduced the number of the whiteflies on the tomato leaves. And geraniol and citronellol were the compounds responsible for these effects. The oil and its vapor were also found to kill the flies even at really low concentrations. Amazing!

6. It can repel ticks

This 2013 study looked at an interesting benefit of geranium essential oil. It tested the oil against the nymphs of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Again, the oil was found to repel the ticks even at low concentrations.

That’s it! What did you think of these geranium essential oil benefits?

Uses of Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil really smells amazing. So feel free to inhale it or add it to your diffuser. And it works really well with citrus and other floral oils too. So use the oil with bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, rose and ylang ylang essential oils.

You can also use this oil on your skin. But beware it may cause your skin to become sensitive. So it is pretty important to patch this oil first before using it on your skin. And always dilute it properly with a carrier oil like apricot kernel oil or avocado oil.

Finally, always talk to your physician before using this or any other essential oil. This is especially important if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother or if you are using any special medication.

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Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

This post deals with the properties, benefits and uses of copaiba balsam essential oil. As you can tell from the name, this oil is made from the balsam (or natural oleoresin) of the copaiba trees and it’s one of the rarer oils you will see on the market.

Quick Glance at Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

Pros: It has some antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits.

Cons: At higher concentrations, this oil can cause skin sensitization.

Precautions: Be sure to use this oil in dilute blends only. And check with your healthcare professional before using this oil especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication.

Properties of Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

Here is a quick look at the botanical name, color, smell, chemical composition and properties of copaiba balsam essential oil.

Name

The botanical name for copaiba is Copaifera officinalis. Check for this name when purchasing the oil.

Color & Scent

The color of this oil ranges from pale yellow to brown. And, as you can expect, the oil has a balsamic, woody, somewhat sweet scent.

Compounds

The main compounds in this essential oil include beta-caryophyllene (which can make up 40% of the oil), alpha-bergamotene, alpha-copaene, alpha-humulene, beta-bisabolene, and germacrene-D.

Benefits of Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

It is unfortunate that there are only a few studies exploring the benefits of copaiba balsam essential oil. Unfortunate indeed! Here are just two benefits that I found with supporting evidence.

1. It has some antibacterial effects

Two 2012 studies explored the antibacterial benefits of copaiba balsam. The first one tested the oil on the bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. It showed the oil - at low concentrations - stopped the bacteria from growing or reproducing.

The second study explored the antimicrobial activity of 27 essential oils including black pepper, tea tree, clove, and copaiba. The oils were tested against these strains of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While, all the oils showed antibacterial effects, copaiba was the least powerful oil tested.

So we certainly won't be adding copaiba to the best antibacterial essential oils list.

2. It is anti-fungal

A 2011 study investigated the anti-fungal and anti-Candida effects of 16 essential oils on the harmful yeast, Candida parapsilosis. Note, the essential oils tested included bergamot, cedarwood (Virginia), cinnamon, copaiba, eucalyptus, ginger, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, sage, sandalwood and thyme.

So what were the results? Well, cinnamon was found to be the most potent oil. But copaiba did show very strong anti-fungal activity.

Hopefully, more studies can be done to prove other benefits of copaiba balsam essential oil.

Uses of Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

A great way to use this essential oil is by inhaling or adding it to your diffuser. You'll enjoy a wonderful balsamic, woody scent in your space. And you can add other oils too. Copaiba blends well with cedarwood, sandalwood, clary sage, jasmine, vanilla and ylang ylang essential oils.

You can use copaiba on your skin in dilute blends too but there have been reports that the oil can cause skin irritation and sensitivity, especially when used at higher concentrations. So it is very important to patch test the oil first before using it on your skin. I personally prefer to inhale this oil only and not use it on my skin.

Finally, like I always say in each post, talk to your healthcare provider before using this or any other essential oil. This precaution is even more important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and persons taking special medication or suffering from any serious ailments.

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People Foods that You Should NEVER Feed Your Dog

Photo Source:  FDA

Molly always enjoys her annual birthday celebration with her favorite treats, and Henry dons his designer raincoat and boots when he walks outside in the rain.  Both Molly and Henry have one thing in common.  They both have four legs and a tail.  While we often treat our dogs not merely as pets, but rather as an important family member, there are times when we have to remember, for their safety’s sake, that these family members aren’t human.   

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently releasedconsumer health information reminding dog owners that there are numerous human foods that your pooch cannot tolerate, and if consumed, may cause serious medical issues for your pet.  

While many dog owners know that giving Fido chocolate can causing poisoning, there other less know, but equally important edibles that shouldn’t be given to your dog.  Here are some foods that you should avoid giving to your dog: 

Grapes, Raisins, and Currents

While these naturally sweet gems from Mother Nature can be a sweet way to add good nutrition to yourdiet, these food can cause kidney failure in certain breeds of dogs, according to the FDA.  While the mechanism for the kidney failure is not known, it can occur if the grapes, raisins, and currents are consumed raw or even in cooked products, such as cookies, fruit cake, and snack bars.

Macadamia Nuts

Forget sharing your white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies with your four-legged best friend.  While these nuts are healthy for humans to enjoy, they can be toxic if consumed by your dog.  Similar to grapes, the mechanism for the toxicity is not known at the moment.

Onions, Garlic, and Chives

While these foods add flavor to any dish, they shouldn’t be in your dog’s dinner dish.  Onions, garlic and chives, even the dried powdered forms, contain compounds called organosulfoxides, which are converted to toxic sulfur compounds in dogs.  Cooking or processing these foods will not eliminate the toxins so forget about spooning salsa, chili, or dips containing these foods into your dog’s dinner.  

Xylitol

This lower calorie sugar substitute, which can be found in sugarless gum, candies, some peanut butters and diet cookies, can also be deadly to your dog.  While xylitol is safe for human consumption, it can stimulate the release of insulin, which causes a rapid drop in blood glucose levels in your dog.  Xylitol has also been associated with liver failure in dogs.  Keep the sugarless candies out of your dog’s reach.

Raw Meat

To avoid foodborne illness, better known as food poisoning, you should not eat uncooked or undercooked poultry and meat, and the same goes for your dog.  Bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella in raw meat and poultry can sicken the both of you.  You need to also make sure that you don’t accidentally cross-contaminate your dog’s foods with these raw foods.   For example, if you create hamburgers from raw ground beef or bread raw chicken, don’t dip into the treat jar without first washing your hands warns the FDA.   The pathogens on your dirty hands can contaminate the treat that is being gobbling by your dog.  It is a good habit to always wash your hands after touching raw meat and poultry.

When it comes to certain foods, dogs are not humans even if we love them as much.

Be well, Joan

Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake 

Ginger Essential Oil

We all know how amazing ginger is for our health and well being. But guess what? Many of these benefits translate to ginger essential oil. And they are all proven! So here's a detailed look at ginger essential oil with its properties, benefits and uses.

Quick Glance at Ginger Essential Oil

Pros: This oil may be anti-nausea, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. It is also antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, and insecticidal.

Cons: Reports suggest this oil may be phototoxic and may cause skin sensitivity.

Precautions: Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use ginger essential oil. For every one else, please talk to your doctor before using this oil, especially if you are using any medication.

Ginger Essential Oil Properties

I say this time and time again - it's important to know the properties of an essential oil that you are using or are planning to use. That said, here are some ginger essential oil properties you should be aware of.

Name

The botanical name for ginger is Zingiber officinale. Look for this name when buying the oil.

Color & Scent

The color of this oil varies from a light yellow to a somewhat dark, golden color. And do I really have to describe the smell? Heh! The oil smells like ginger - you know - spicy, sharp, earthy, and slightly woody.

Compounds

The compounds that can be found in ginger essential oil are alpha-zingiberene (which can make up more than 20% of the oil), alpha-farnesene, alpha-pinene, alpha-sesquiphellandrene, beta-bisabolene, beta-elemene, beta-phellandrene, beta-pinene, beta-sesquiphellandrene, borneol, camphene, eucalyptol, gamma-terpineol, geranial, geraniol, linalool, neral, and nerol.

Ginger Essential Oil Benefits

Ginger has been well studied so here are some of the proven benefits of ginger essential oil.

1. It can help with nausea

Quite a few studies have investigated the anti-nausea benefits of this oil. But not all of them agree.

For instance, this 2016 study looked at the nausea relieving effects of nurse-delivered aromatherapy on 10,000 hospital patients. The study - which used lavender, ginger, sweet marjoram and mandarin essential oils - showed that ginger caused the largest average reduction in nausea among the patients.

Somewhat similar results were also found in this 2013 study. It compared the anti-nausea benefits of inhaling (1) ginger essential oil; (2) a blend of essential oils containing ginger, cardamom, peppermint and spearmint; and two controls [(3) isopropyl alcohol and (4) saline] on 1,000 post-op patients. The researchers found that both the blend (which had ginger in it) and ginger essential oil by itself significantly reduced nausea when compared with saline. But the reduction was far less evident when compared to the alcohol. What does this mean? Well, the placebo effect may have influenced these results. That is, knowing you may feel better after doing something can actually make you feel better even if that something does not work.

This point was also made in a later study (2015). It noted that ginger oil may help with nausea too but suggested that the evidence was not convincing enough for the researchers to recommend it as an effective alternative therapy for nausea.

Since the researchers haven't reached a definitive consensus, I would say still reach for ginger essential oil if you are feeling nauseous. If it works for you, then awesome! If it doesn't, then you can try peppermint oil.

For me personally, both ginger and peppermint oils work when I feel nauseous.

2. It may help you breathe better

A 2013 animal study found that ginger oil and its components eucalyptol, geranial and neral prevented the airways in the animals' lungs from constricting. Therefore, the researchers proposed the oil may have bronchodilatory benefits.

3. It may help with pain

A 2014 clinical study provides some insight into this possible benefit of ginger essential oil. It investigated the effects of a Swedish massage with a ginger oil blend (versus a traditional Thai massage) on the chronic back pain of 140 elderly participants. The participants received a 30 minute massage twice a week for five weeks. What happened after was interesting. Both massages caused significant pain relief, but the Swedish massage with ginger oil was considered a bit more effective than the traditional Thai massage.

From these findings, the researchers recommended both massages as options for easing lower back pain.

4. It is antioxidant

There are no shortage of lab studies showing ginger essential oil has antioxidant benefits.

This 2016 study tested the antioxidant activity of fifteen essential oils. It showed that while clove oil had the strongest antioxidant effects, nutmeg, ginger and palmarosa oils were also highly effective. Another study (2015) which tested ten essential oils found ginger, lemongrass, holy basil and ylang ylang all exhibited very high antioxidant activity.

This 2013 study went a step further. It noted that ginger essential oil is effective against multiple types of free radicals. So ginger oil truly has great antioxidant benefits. But remember these are lab studies and not clinical trials. So yes the oil is antioxidant under lab conditions, but we can't say for certain (YET) if the oil is antioxidant when used on our bodies.

5. It may be anti-inflammatory

The very same 2013 study just mentioned also noted that ginger oil caused significant reductions in acute inflammation within the animal models. Therefore, the oil may have anti-inflammatory benefits for us as well. But, again, clinical trials are required to unequivocally prove this benefit.

6. Ginger essential oil is antibacterial

A 2010 study looked at the antimicrobial activity of cinnamon bark and ginger essential oils against the bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens. Both oils inhibited the bacteria under investigation. And the study noted beta-sesquiphellandrene and alpha-zingiberene were among the compounds responsible for ginger's antibacterial benefits.

However, based on this 1999 study, ginger is not one of the best antibacterial essential oils that you can use.

7. It's anti-fungal too

Here's another benefit of ginger essential oil. It is anti-fungal. That is according to this 2004 study that showed the oil completely inhibited the fungi, Fusarium oxysporum.

8. Ginger oil is also antiviral

This is not a benefit you see everyday. Ginger essential oil can kill viruses and there are studies to prove it. For instance, check out this 2013 study that explored the antiviral activities of 29 essential oils against the tobacco mosaic virus, a virus that affects tobacco plants. The study found that of all the oils tested, ginger, lemon, tea tree, tangerine and lemongrass caused over 50% inhibition of the virus at concentrations under 100 micrograms per milliliters. That's powerful, right! And alpha-zingiberene was identified as the compound responsible for these effects.

More evidence comes from another study done in 2008. This one tested aniseed, chamomile, ginger, hyssop, sandalwood and thyme essential oils on the herpes simplex virus type 2. The results? Well, ginger essential oil was the third strongest among the oils tested. In fact, it inhibited the virus at concentrations of 0.004%. Amazing right? Note, only sandalwood and chamomile were stronger than ginger.

9. It is insecticidal

Finally, you can add repellent, insecticidal and larvicidal to the list of ginger essential oil benefits. And just like all the others, there is a lot of research that validates this.

For example, take a look at this 2013 study. It tested the repellent, insecticidal, egg hatching, and persistence of ginger essential oil against the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis). And as you can expect, ginger essential oil repelled and killed the adult beetles as well as reduced egg laying and egg hatching. Awesome!

Larvicidal benefits against the Aedes aegypti mosquito were also demonstrated in a study done in 2012.

Summary of Ginger Essential Oil Benefits

This has certainly been a long post. So here is a quick look back at the benefits of ginger essential oil.

Uses of Ginger Essential Oil

I absolutely love inhaling ginger essential oil. I find it's the best way to use the oil. I mean, as you saw, the oil may be able to help you breathe better and possibly ease nausea and anxiety. So try it and see if it works for you.

You can also add it to your diffuser for a warming, spicy smell. And it works really well with so many other essential oils, especially spicy and citrusy oils. So blend ginger essential oil with bergamot, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang oils.

You have a lot of choices there!

Note, I would not recommend using this oil in a massage blend. There are reports that this oil is very warming and can cause skin sensitivity. And it has possible phototoxic effects. That means, you can get a really bad burn if you use the oil on your skin and then go out in the sun. Yikes! So it's just safer if you don't use the oil on your skin, to be honest.

Finally, this oil is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers as well as persons taking special medication. Ginger oil is powerful, so it is very important to check with your doctor before using this oil. Safety first!

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Costus Root Essential Oil

This post is all about costus root essential oil. It looks at the properties including the botanical name and chemical composition of the oil and it lists all the scientific studies that prove the oil's benefits.

Quick Glance at Costus Root Essential Oil

Pros: It is insecticidal and larvicidal. It may also be anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-anxiety.

Cons: There are reports that this oil can irritate your skin. And, its smell isn't exactly pleasant.

Precautions: Always check with your health care provider before using this or any other essential oil.

Properties of Costus Root Essential Oil

As promised, here's a look at some of the properties of costus root essential oil.

Name

Costus or kuth has quite a few botanical names. The two most common are Saussurea costus and Saussurea lappa. But you can also find these as well: Aplotaxis lappa, Aucklandia costus, Aucklandia lappa and Theodorea costus.

Be sure to check for these names when buying this oil.

Color & Scent

Costus root essential oil ranges in color from pale yellow to brown. And its smell is not the most pleasant. Some would say it smells like a wet dog or fur. It's certainly not one of my favorites.

Compounds

The main chemicals that can be found in this oil include dehydrocostus lactone (which can make up 40% of the oil), costunolide, alpha-curcumene, beta-castol, delta-elemene, alpha-selinene and spathulenol.

Benefits of Costus Root Essential Oil

Unfortunately, costus root essential oil is not well researched. This 2012 study is actually one of the few studies that look into its benefits. The study investigated the insecticidal and larvicidal effects of costus root oil on the larvae of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. And the researchers showed the oil as well as its main compounds dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide had very strong larvicidal effects.

Another study from 2007 found that costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone exhibited anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.

Finally, yet another 2007 study compiled studies on costus root, its essential oil and the compounds in it. Besides the benefits mentioned above, there are reports that inhaling the oil reduced the feelings of pain and anxiety in women giving birth. Furthermore, the oil was found to be calming and mildly sedative.

Uses of Costus Root Essential Oil

While you can use this essential oil for inhaling, its scent is not the most pleasing. But if you are into it, you can pair the oil with other strong, unique essential oils like patchouli and ylang ylang.

There are some reports that suggest this oil can irritate your skin. So it is not recommended for use on your body.

And finally, if you are planning to use this essential oil in any way, be sure to talk to your doctor first especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under special medication.

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Cypriol Essential Oil

Cypriol or nagarmotha oil is incredibly popular in India and in Ayurvedic practices. Here's a quick look at the properties, benefits and uses of this essential oil.

Quick Glance at Cypriol Essential Oil
Pros: This oil may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
Cons: -
Precautions: Always talk to your doctor before using this or any other essential oil.

Properties of Cypriol Essential Oil

Name

The botanical name for cypriol or nagarmotha is Cyperus scariosus. Always check this name before buying this essential oil.

Color & Scent

The color of cypriol oil ranges from golden yellow to amber and brown. And the smell? Well, cypriol essential oil has a woody, earthy, slightly leathery, smoky scent.

Compounds

There is some variability in the chemical composition of this essential oil. But, for the most part, the following compounds have been found in cypriol oil: cyperene (which can make up roughly 20% of the oil), alpha-copaene, alpha-cyperone, alpha-pinene, beta-selinene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, cyperotundone, and patchulenone.

Benefits of Cypriol Essential Oil

Unfortunately, there has been very little research into the benefits of cypriol essential oil. Sad, right?

Only this 2014 study attempted to compile some of the past studies that investigated the oil. It noted that a study done some 40 years ago found cypriol essential oil exhibited anti-inflammatory effects. And another study (done in the 1980s) suggested the oil has antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits.

Clearly, cypriol is not well studied. Hopefully, in the future, this will change and I can add more recent, proven benefits of cypriol essential oil.

Uses of Cypriol Essential Oil

Hey, if you’re looking for a masculine, earthy, woody, leathery scent, well, cypriol should be your choice! It's really unique and wonderful.

And you can blend it a number of other woody, earthy essential oils too like cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli and clary sage. Plus it works well with floral and citrus oils. So pair cypriol with bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, orange, and ylang ylang essential oils.

You can also add this essential oil to your massage blend. But don't forget to patch test first to make sure you are not allergic to the oil. And don't use a blend with a concentration greater than 5%. That works up to be about 5 drops (total) of essential oils to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil.

Finally, it is important to put safety first. So always talk to your doctor before using this or any other essential oil. And if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medication, you should not use this oil.

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Cypress Essential Oil

Don’t you just love the woody smell of cypress trees? Would you believe cypress essential oil smells the same way? Well it does. And that’s not the best thing about this oil. Here’s more about the properties, uses and benefits of cypress essential oil.

Quick Glance at Cypress Essential Oil

Pros: It may be antioxidant and has moderate antibacterial, anti-fungal and insecticidal benefits.

Cons: -

Precautions: Be sure to talk to your doctor before using this or any other essential oil.

Properties of Cypress Essential Oil

It’s important to learn about the properties of the oil you are using or are going to use. So here are some properties of cypress essential oil you should know.

Name

Cypress' botanical name is Cupressus sempervirens. It’s important that you check for this name before buying the essential oil.

You may also come across blue cypress (Callitris intratropica) essential oil. But you should know this oil is chemically different to cypress.

Color & Scent

Cypress essential oil has a light yellow color and a sharp, woody, herb-like scent.

Compounds

The main compound in this essential oil is alpha-pinene. It can make up more than 50% of the oil. Other compounds in the oil include carene, cedrol, limonene, and alpha-terpineolene.

Benefits of Cypress Essential Oil

There are a few proven cypress essential oil benefits. Here are some of them.

1. It may have antioxidant effects

A 2014 study looked at the antioxidant activities of a few essential oils like cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, lemon and thyme. While thyme showed the best free radical scavenging capacity, cypress essential oil was most effective in scavenging nitric oxide free radicals. So it can be said that this oil has some great antioxidant benefits.

Similar findings were also shown in this 2005 study. But here's the disclaimer. Until there are clinical studies showing the oil is antioxidant when used on our skin, we won't be able to say - yes we can definitely use this oil to deal with free radicals. It may be possible, but it just has not been clinically proven.

2. It has some antibacterial benefits

There are quite a few studies that have looked at the antibacterial benefits of cypress essential oil. But not all of them agree if cypress has moderate or significant antibacterial effects.

For instance, consider this 2005 study. It tested the essential oils of various cypress species on several bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found all essential oils had significant antibacterial benefits.

However, this 2014 study , which tested cypress oil on the common bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, found the oil only had moderate effects.

Similar moderate activity was also reported in this 2010 study. So clearly, cypress has antibacterial benefits but it certainly isn't one of the best antibacterial essential oils that you can use.

3. It has some anti-fungal benefits too

Again, reports vary about the potency of cypress essential oil. The same 2005 study that suggested cypress oil had significant antibacterial benefits also found the oil had great anti-fungal effects too. Note, this study tested the oil on Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Another 2005 study which investigated the anti-fungal activity of cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, lemongrass, rosemary, thyme, turmeric and ylang ylang found that the oil was exceptional against five fungi species.

But the same studies that noted the oil had moderate antibacterial effects also found the oil had limited to moderate anti-fungal benefits too. In fact, the 2014 study (mentioned above) found the oil did not kill any Candida albicans fungi.

So what does this all mean? Well, for now, cypress essential oil has some anti-fungal benefits. But we need a bit more research comparing it to other oils.

4. It's a moderate insecticide

This 2013 study tested several essential oils against the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. The researchers found the oil of Cupressus sempervirens had moderate toxicity to the mosquito larvae and had underwhelming repellency activity.

Uses of Cypress Essential Oil

If you're looking for a wonderful, woody scent then reach for this essential oil. It's amazing and blends well with other earthy, woody oils and citrus oils. So pair it with cedarwood, lime, lemon, pine and rosemary.

You can also use it on your skin but always patch test first, especially if it's the first time you are using it. And keep the concentrations of the oil less than 5% or less than 5 drops to one teaspoon of essential oil.

Finally, you should always check with your doctor before using this or any other essential oil.

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