Myrrh ~ Commipihora myrrha

The Commiphora species are shrubs up to 10 meters high. 

Origin 

Somalia.

Aroma

It has a warm, rich spicy balsamic odor. It promotes spiritual awareness, is revitalizing and uplifting.

Historical and traditional uses

The Arabs used myrrh for various skin conditions such as cracked and chapped skin and wrinkles. The Egyptian women used myrrh in their facial preparations since it had a reputation of reducing wrinkles and preserve a youthful appearance. Myrrh is frequently mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.

Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses

Myrrh is said to be valuable for people who feel stuck emotionally and spiritually and want to move forward with their lives. 

According to Battaglia, myrrh prevents putrefaction and infection and clears toxins and promote repair of tissues. He also says myrrh's expectorant property is useful in colds, coughs, and bronchitis, and it will also expel excessive mucus and sooth mucus membranes in conditions involving excess mucus.

According to Gary Young, myrrh has one of the highest levels sesquiterpenes, which has direct effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala, the seat of our emotions.  Young also says myrrh may help asthma, athlete's foot, coughs, candida, eczema, digestion, fungal infections, gum infections, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hemorrhoids, sore throats, wounds, and wrinkles.

According to Battaglia, myrrh generates warmth and stimulates the stomach and therefore is a useful remedy for treating poor appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal distension. 

It is also said to be a uterine stimulant according to Battaglia, and it promotes menstruation and relieves painful periods. He says it may also be used to assist in prolonged and difficult labor during childbirth. 

According to Battaglia, myrrh is legendary for its efficacy for treatments of chronic ulcers and wounds. He says this is due to its antiseptic, antiphlogistic, astringent,  anti-inflammatory. According to Battaglia, myrrh is especially valuable for slow healing wounds and weeping eczema. 

Safety

Avoid in pregnancy since it is a uterine stimulant. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Snacks that are King Among Kids

Source:  USDA

According to a recent survey by The NPD Group, children and teenagers ages 6 to 17 consume about 4 convenience-type snack foods daily, both in and out of school.  “Snack foods are increasingly becoming a part of the lunch bag carried by children to school, just like snack foods are becoming part of main meals for all of us,” says Harry Balzer, NPD chief industry analyst.   NPD’s SnackTrack, which every day of the year tracks all snacking occasions in- and away-from-home, reports that 90 percent of school snacks are brought from home.   

This is encouraging as parents can still have control over which snacks are available from the kitchen to be transported in the lunchbox or backpack.  The survey also showed a trend for snacks that need very little preparation.

According to The NPD Group survey, here are the top snack choices by age group:

Not surprisingly, the age of the kids and the level of parental supervision clearly have an impact on these top snack choices.   While fresh fruit and fruit cups were the top choices among younger children where parents still control the foods in the house, gum was the leading snack choice among teenagers, who typically demand to be more independent.  (Actually, it is hard to even think of gum as a snack since you don’t swallow it.) 

It’s good to hear that fruit is considered a convenience-oriented food no matter the age of the students.    Fruits, such as apples, bananas, and clementines need no preparation, and  most Americans need to be eating more of them.  Yogurt (packed with a freezer pack) is another healthy, convenient snack alternative as American children, as well as teens, on average, are falling short of their daily calcium needs. 

However, if less nutrient-rich chips, meal kits, or bars are routine snacks in your home, consider the following nutrient-rich alternatives that also pack well and need little preparation:

Be well, Joan



                                    Follow Joan on Twitter at:  joansalgeblake

Pine ~ Pinus sylvestris

Pine is a tall evergreen tree with a flat crown and its bark is reddish brown. 

Origin 

Northern Europe and North America. Mostly from Finland and Siberia.

Aroma

A woody turpentine-like aroma. It is a calming but energizing aroma and it increases the mental alertness.

Historical and traditional uses

Hippocrates recommended the use of pine for  throat infections and pulmonary problems. Pliny emphasized the use of pine in all problems of the respiratory system. Mrs Grieve's Modern Herbal lists pine as a valuable remedy for kidney, bladder and rheumatic conditions as well as for respiratory and mucus membrane  complaints.

Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses

Pine is considered great for general debility and mental fatigue when inhaled. It is cleansing and invigorating. 

According to Battaglia, pine's expectorant and antiseptic properties are helpful in cases of influenza, laryngitis and bronchitis. He also says pine is useful in treating hepatitis, cystitis, prostate problems, and in reducing inflammation of the gall bladder as well as reducing gall stones. 

According to Gary Young, pine may dilate the respiratory system and it may also help with respiratory infections, coughs, cuts, scabies, skin parasites, stress, sores, nervous exhaustion and urinary infection. Young also suggests that pine may help stimulate the adrenal glands and the circulatory system.

Safety

Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Do not use near fire, flame, heat or spark. Dilution recommended for both topical and internal use. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Avoid oil adulterated with turpentine, a low-cost but potentially hazardous filler.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

My Favorite Essential Oils For Fall and Winter

The fall is a perfect time to start using warming essential oils. When the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are cooler I start diffusing  my woody, spicy and warming oils.  Not only do these oils add a wonderful aroma to the home, but they also possess powerful anti-microbial properties to aid in warding off disease. I love how I can diffuse the aromas I love and at the same time protect myself from infectious diseases.

I especially enjoy the essential oils from spices, perhaps it is because we use a lot of spices during the long and cold winter months in my home country Sweden. We eat lots of spicy gingerbread cookies and drink our version of Gluhwein. We decorate the houses with Pomanders during Christmas time. 

Intense oils
Spice oils are very intense so it is best to mix them up with some other oils before diffusing them in the room. For example, diffused clove oil can irritate the eyes so it should not be diffused more than a couple of minutes at a time. Spice oils such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger blend well with citrus oils. So I enjoy blending citrus oils such as orange, lemon, tangerine, bergamot, lime, and grapefruit with spice oils during the fall and winter. Closer to Christmas I like to add  essential oils such as juniper, cypress, Balsam Fir, peppermint and pine to my diffuser.

The Young Living Blend Thieves is a blend that has several of my favorite oils for fall in it. So, of course I diffuse Thieves often during this time.

I like to use essential oils to get the right holiday feeling during when it gets closer to Christmas.

Here are some of my favorite oils during the fall and winter. This is of course a very subjective list and this is how I experience the aromas when I inhale them.

Clove

This is by far one of my favorite essential oils. Clove has a spicy, hot peppery and fresh top note. It is very penetrating and stays in my head. The middle note is very uplifting, smooth, more distinct and sweet. It is very aromatic. The base note seems stronger, sweet, spicy, and warm. The dry out note is still strong, spicy, slightly floral and fruity.  Clove is a very positive, uplifting, and stimulating scent. I like it. I makes me feel very positive and ready to do things. I associate the aroma with freshly baked gingerbread. 

Use with caution after first trimester but it is best to consult a physician before use when pregnant.

Avoid with homeopathics. It is a mucus membranes irritant, and it may cause dermatitis. It is also a blood thinner and should be avoided if taking blood thinning  medication.

Learn more about clove essential oil

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a warm, spicy, peppery, and slightly woody top note. The middle note is more intense and the characteristic sweet cinnamon aroma has increased, but it still has a slight woody undertone. It smells like cinnamon candy. The characteristic spicy cinnamon scent appears to be stronger in the base note. The dry out note is still very distinct spicy cinnamon but weaker. Cinnamon has a sharp penetrating aroma that is very comforting but also stimulating. It lightens the mood. 

I consider this my feel good oil. I love everything cinnamon and inhaling the essential oils reminds me of being a child eating fresh homemade cinnamon rolls. The aroma cheers me up, it is uplifting but yet relaxing aroma.

Cinnamon should be avoided in pregnancy and in stomach or intestinal ulcers. It may cause tachycardia, increased respiration and perspiration in excessive doses. It should be avoided when using homeopathic remedies.

Learn more about cinnamon essential oil

Ginger

Ginger has a warm, pleasant, slightly citrus and fruity top note with a woody undertone. The middle note is spicy, peppery, sharp, warm and uplifting. It also has a more characteristic ginger aroma. Ginger is stimulating and warming, and it makes me concentrate better. The base note is sweet, slightly characteristic ginger, woody and more diffused. Ginger has some burned smoky scent. The final dry out note smells sweet several days later. 

Ginger clears my nose when I inhale it and it goes to my head. It's an euphoric and stimulating scent. It makes me happy smelling it.  Ginger is a stimulating and grounding oil. It is said to help with memory.

Learn more about ginger essential oil

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a warm and stimulating aroma. The aroma lifts fatigue and goes straight to the head. The top note is spicy, warm, woody, and little alcoholic. The middle note is rounder, softer, spicier and more euphoric. The base note seems dark, spicy and little burnt. Nutmeg is a warm masculine aroma that I associate with winter-time. Nutmeg is said to support the nervous and endocrine systems and prostaglandin balance.

The constituent myristicin is toxic if used in excess.

Orange

It is high in d-limonene (85-90%) and therefore a powerful antioxidant. Orange has an uplifting, rich, fruity, and at the same time a very calming aroma. It is a happy aroma.  

"Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil has a rich, fruity scent that lifts the spirit while providing a calming influence on the body. Orange brings peace and happiness to the mind. It is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene and aids in maintaining normal cellular regeneration.* Orange may also be used to enhance the flavor of food and water." YL Website

Cedarwood

Cedarwood has balsamic-woody, earthy and slightly spicy, and camphoraceous top note. The scent is very calming, relaxing, and it feels comfortable. The middle note is sweeter, and more woody with a perfumery scent. Cedarwood is a warm and tenacious note. It reminds me of fresh cut timber. 

Cedrus atlantica may be useful in nervous tension and anxiety due to its warming and harmonizing properties, which make it very soothing and calming. The oil may be comforting, warming, and helpful in stress-related conditions such as nervous tension, anger and exhaustion.

Learn more about cedarwood essential oil

Frankincense

Frankincense has a warm, sweet, balsamic, woody, spicy scent with a hint of lemon. It slows down breathing and produces feelings of calm. It has historically been used for respiratory congestion.  It also has astringent properties, which may also help balance oily skin conditions. 

Researchers have discovered that due to the sesquiterpene content,  frankincense stimulates the hypothalamus, pituitary, and the pineal glands. The hypothalamus is considered the master gland and it controls the release of thyroid hormones as well as growth hormone.

Learn more about frankincense essential oil

Black Pepper

I love the smell of black pepper! "Black pepper (Piper nigrum) has a pungent, crisp aroma that is comforting and energizing. It is supportive of the digestive system and is useful topically for soothing muscle discomfort following exercise. Black pepper may also be used to enhance the flavor of foods. " from YL Website

Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong, penetrating and clear aroma. It is a refreshing and stimulating herbal fragrance. It is said to overcome mental fatigue and to improve mental clarity and focus.

Rosemary is considered one of the best tonics for central nervous system. It strengthens mental clarity and awareness. It is an excellent brain stimulant and has traditionally been used to improve memory. It is also a valuable oil for respiratory problems such as  catarrh, sinusitis, common cold and asthma.

Learn more about rosemary essential oil

Cypress

Cypress has a bitter, acidic, sharp, spicy and balsamic-woody top note. It is a clean and refreshing smell. The middle note is balsamic-woody, sweet and spicy. The base note smells more like cypress with a forest scent and it is not as sweet. The dry out note is sweet, woody, and mild. The aroma of cypress is calming and balancing, but also very refreshing and clearing.

Learn more about cypress essential oil

Pine

"Pine (Pinus sylvestris) has a refreshing, invigorating aroma. First investigated by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, pine is soothing for stressed muscles and joints when used in massage. It shares many of the same properties as Eucalyptus globulus, and the action of both oils is enhanced when they are blended." YL Website

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Essential Oils & Chronic Pain

The body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals. They are opiate-like substances called enkephalins and endorphins. They are produced in the spinal cord and the brain. One theory is that people with chronic pain have less of this pain relieving substances, but more research is needed.

The thalamus and pituitary are stimulated when inhaling essential oils, and this may increase the amount of endorphins and enkephalins. These essential oils are known as aphrodisiac and euphoric since they make us feel good. Valerie Cooksley suggests that chronic pain sufferers should incorporate these oils into their lives.

Click for a larger view

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

Drink Up?

Source:  Partnership for Healthier America

The latest campaign by First Lady, Michelle Obama, is to encourage Americans to drink more water to improve their health.  “Water is so basic, and because it is so plentiful, sometimes we just forget about it amid all the ads we watch on television and all the messages we receive every day about what to eat and drink,” Mrs. Obama said.  “The truth is, water just gets drowned out.”

In the future, you will be seeing ads for the Drink Up campaign like this one:

Not too surprising, the American Beverage Association, which represents the makers of soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and bottled water and the International Bottled Water Association are fully behind the campaign.  According to CBS news, the water drop logo (see above) associated with the Drink Up campaign will soon be featured on select water bottles and drinking fountains.

I think the message to drink more water can be a positive one if individuals who routinely drink a bottle of sugary beverages, such as sodas and sport drinks, replace it with naturally occurring calorie and sugar-free water.  Because 20 ounces of cola pour up 250 calories, all of which come from the 17 teaspoons of added sugars in the bottle, switching over to water is a nutrition no-brainer. 

The only issue that I have with the campaign is that the public needs to be made aware that they don’t have to consume costly bottled water to stay hydrated and be healthy.  Tap water is the biggest bargain in the neighborhood as it costs less than a penny a gallon.  In comparison, the price of bottled water can be hefty, ranging from $1 to $4 a gallon.  If you pay $1.50 per bottle (the typical price in a convenient store) and buy two bottles of water daily, you will be shelling out more than $20 a week and $80 monthly.  Over the course of 12 months, you would be spending more than $950 on a beverage that is practically free from your kitchen faucet. 

If you are worried about the quality of the water in your home, don't fret.  For most Americans, the drinking water in their homes comes from a community water system. The source of this municipal water can be underground wells or springs, or rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.  Regardless of the source, all municipal water is sent to a treatment plant where any dirt and debris are filtered out, bacteria are killed, and other contaminants are removed.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees the safety of public drinking water with national standards that set limits for more than 80 contaminants, either naturally occurring ones, such as bacteria, or man-made ones, such as chemicals, that may find their way into your drinking water. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been invested in these treatment systems to ensure that the public water is safe to drink.  In fact, some bottled waters may actually be from a municipal water source.

So feel free to Drink Up…..just save yourself a lot of money and drink tap water.

Follow Joan on Twitter at:  joansalgeblake

Use Essential Oils as Prevention Instead of Waiting Until You Get Sick

I think essential oils should be used  in every home during cold and flu season since they are very important in fighting many types of infectious disease.  Essential oils are some of the most  powerful anti-microbials known today. It's already September and many are already sick with the flu. I use essential oils as prevention to boost the immune system so I don't get sick, and I very seldom get sick since I started using essential oils as prevention. 

Be ahead of the game and use them before you need them. Be creative in how you use the essential oils during this time of the year:

• Make your own perfume
• Diffuse oils in your diffuser
• Use the essential oils for cleaning
• Sniff straight from the bottle
• Add essential oils to the Vita Flex points
• Add essential oils to lotion, liquid soap, or shampoo (make sure they don’t cause skin sensitivity)
• Add a few drops to dishwashing soap
• Put a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale
• If the oil is not contraindicated, mix with bath salts and take a healing bath

How to use essential oils when someone is sick

There are different things you can do if you get sick. Here are some of the things that I do:

• At the first sign of a stuffy nose I inhale deeply straight from the bottle. I also diffuse appropriate oils in my diffuser
• I mix the essential oils with massage oil and apply on affected areas such as chest, sinuses, or back
• I add a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale deeply. Sometimes I put 2 or more drops into the palm of my left hand, rub clockwise with the flat palm of my right hand. Cup your hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Don’t touch your eyes!
• My son successfully cleared congested sinuses within a few hours by doing steam inhalations with anti-viral and expectorant oils. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of warm but not boiling water. Inhale the steaming vapors from the bowl. To increase intensity, drape a towel over your head and bowl before inhaling.
• I add a few drops to drinking water and gargle for a few minutes if I have a sore throat. I only do this with oils I trust and I don't swallow. Check with your essential oil provider first before you gargle.
• I often add essential oils to the Vita Flex points on the bottom of the feet. This is especially useful for children since some oils may be too strong to apply on other parts of the body.
• I used to drop cypress under my daughter’s pillow when we lived in Wales several years ago when she was coughing a lot due to moist weather.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday