Camphor Essential Oil

Camphor oil is truly unique. Find out the properties, uses and benefits of camphor essential oil below.

Quick Glance at Camphor Oil

Pros: Camphor oil is calming, antifungal and insecticidal.

Cons: Camphor oil is toxic if ingested.

Precautions: Besides its toxicity (when ingested), camphor oil may contain traces of safrole which is a known mild carcinogen.

Properties of Camphor Oil

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

Name

The botanical name for the camphor tree is Cinnamomum camphora.

You will notice this is similar to cinnamon's botanical name (Cinnamomum verum) so verify the name before buying camphor essential oil.

Color & Scent

The essential oil is typically colorless to very pale yellow. The scent is strong, medicinal, slightly minty, and similar to eucalyptus essential oil.

Compounds

Compounds in camphor oil are dependent on the part of the plant used.

When the leaves are used, you can find (obviously) camphor (which makes up about 80% of the oil), eucalyptol, camphene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-phellandrene and borneol.

Camphor Oil Benefits

These compounds definitely add to the unique benefits of camphor essential oil. Here are just a few.

1. Camphor oil can ease stress

A 2014 study tested the sedating effects of camphor essential oil on mental stress and the recovery process from stress responses.

The study asked 20 participants to perform speech and arithmetic tasks. Two parameters of the stress response were then measured. And the results showed camphor essential oil helped participants recover faster from stress than the control group.

The study concluded that camphor oil could produce sedative effects on the autonomous nervous system.

2. It may be anti-cancer

A 2013 study briefly mentioned that camphor essential oil was toxic to human breast cancer cells.

3. It is anti-fungal

Camphor essential oil has proven antifungal activity. In fact, a 2008 study verifies this and recommends camphor oil as an effective fungitoxicant.

4. Camphor oil is insecticidal

Camphor is a common compound used to keep moths and other insects out of your cupboards. And camphor essential oil has very high levels of camphor. So you can use camphor oil to get rid of insects!

A 2013 study showed that camphor leaf essential oil had insecticidal effects against fruit flies, fire ants, butterfly larvae, and midge. Effects against mosquitoes and flies have also been proven.

Uses of Camphor Essential Oil

You have already seen the properties and benefits of camphor oil. Now, let's look at some uses.

Inhaling

Camphor oil is not one to be trifled with. It may have traces of safrole, which is a known mild carcinogen. Typically, commercially-available camphor oil is distilled several times to remove this compound. However, this must be verified prior to using the oil.

Once verified, you can add one drop of the oil to your diffuser for a medicinal scent. You can also blend it with other essential oils like basil, black pepper and cajeput.

Massaging

You should make sure there is no safrole in your essential oil before using camphor on your skin. If you aren't sure, just don't use it.

If you have guarantees that there is no safrole (like from chemical data analysis), you should do a patch test to see if you are allergic to the oil. Once you're not allergic, you can add one drop of camphor oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut oil.

More Precautions

Camphor oil is very toxic if ingested. Even just a little can cause thirst, vomiting, and poisoning. So be very cautious and keep it out of the reach of kids and pets.

And, due to the potency of this oil, check with your doctor before using it, even if you are not part of high-risk groups (like pregnant, breastfeeding women or elderly persons).

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Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile; 2 different oils and benefits

Upon researching Chamomile Essential Oils I realized the benefits of German and Roman Chamomile Essential Oils are completely different. You may have not know that either! I have provided the differences, uses, and benefits of each oil below for reference.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile or Anthemis Nobilis)

The fresh, sweet, and fruity apple-like aroma of Roman Chamomile soothes skin flare-ups and body soreness it also combats insomnia and is a suggested oil during times of anger or irritability. It is also one of the few essential oils that most agree is safe to use, well diluted, with children. This oil is used in perfumery and has a high ester content which makes this oil a valuable antispasmodic.

Ancient Romans used the oil for mental clarity and courage during war. It was also one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs. In ancient Egypt chamomile was used as an offering to the sun god.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is cultivated in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco and France.

Roman Chamomile is composed of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Carophyllene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Farsenol, Cineole, Proply Angelate, and Butyl Angelate.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Uses:
Abscesses
Allergies
Arthritis
Boils
Colic
Cuts
Cystitis
Depression
Dermatitis
Detoxification (liver)
Dysentery
Dysmenorrhea
Earache
Flatulence
Hair
Headache
Hyperactivity
Inflamed skin
Insect bites
Insomnia
Nausea
Irritability
Menopause
Neuralgia
PMS
Rheumatism
Sores
Sprains
Strains
Stress
Wounds

Theraputic properties for Roman Chamomile are: 
analgesic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-depressant, anti-neuralgic, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, sudorifc, stomachic, vermifuge and vulnerary.

German (Blue) Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)

German Chamomile has a similar sweet, fruity and herbaceous aroma to it. It has all the benefits of Roman Chamomile but is used more for it's anti-inflammatory properties.
German Chamomile is composed of Azulene (also called Chamazulene), Alpha Bisabolo, Bisabolol Oxide - A & B and Biusasbolene Oxide-A.


It is considered a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of a compound called Azulene. It is a nitrogenous compound and is responsible for giving the oil its characteristic deep blue color.

German Chamomile is very effective on adults for curing inflammation, particularly when it is located in the digestive or urinary system. It also reduces blood pressure and curbs the swelling of blood vessels.  It is a vasoconstrictor, so it reduces blood pressure by relaxing the constriction of vessels, thereby protecting heart health and reducing the chances of developing conditions like atherosclerosis. Because of its anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor properties its use for migraines and headaches if very effective as well.

German Chamomile Essential Oil is cultivated in Hungary, Egypt, Eastern Europe, and France.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Uses:
Abscesses
Allergies
Arthritis
Boils
Colic
Cuts
Cystitis
Depression
Dermatitis
Detoxification (liver)
Dysentery
Dysmenorrhea
Earache
Flatulence
Hair
Headache
Hyperactivity
Inflamed skin
Insect bites
Insomnia
Nausea
Irritability
Menopause
Neuralgia
PMS
Rheumatism
Sores
Sprains
Strains
Stress
Wounds

Therapeutic Properties of German Chamomile are:
analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cholagogue, emmenagogue, hepatic, digestive, sedative, stomachic, vermifuge, vasoconstrictor and vulnerary.

Both Roman and German Chamomile Essential Oils blend well with bergamot, clary sage, lavender, geranium, jasmine, tea tree, grapefruit, rose, lemon and ylang-ylang.

German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile have very similar properties and uses. Although each has it's own individual properties with different benefits.

Roman- for insomnia, calming, irritability. (Roman=Red=irritability)
German - for inflammation, soreness, reducing blood pressure. (German = Green = Good blood pressure)

Disclaimer:The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe any of these products for you or your family. In the case of illness you should contact your health care professional. In no instances shall the owner of this website or its affiliates be responsible or liable for any damages whatsoever resulting in connection with the use of this information, products, or its publication. The decision to use any information from this site is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Is Starbuck's NEW Mini Frappuccino Really Petite?

Photo Source:  Starbucks

Kudos to Starbucks for introducing their new Mini Frappuccino just when the outside temperature has heated up and ice coffee fans are looking to cool down.  Their new “Mini” is 2 ounces smaller than their 12-ounce “Tall” size. 

The latest from the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Report is that 47% of the added sugars in the diets of Americans comes from sweetened beverages.  Research also shows that added sugars in the diet are associated with excess body weight in both children and adults. Downsizing our portions of sugary beverages is one of the best ways to downsize our waist.

What you may not know is that both sweetened coffees and teas are major sources of added sugars in the diets of Americans.  While soft drinks are the No. 1 and fruit drinks are the No. 2 sugary beverages, sweetened coffees and teas come in at No. 3.

According to Starbucks, the breakdown for a Coffee Frappuccino made with whole milk and WITHOUT the whipped cream, looks like this:

While the Mini is clearly lower in calories and sugar compared to the Venti, it still provides 24 grams of sugar or the equivalent of 6 teaspoons of sugar, almost the maximum amount many folks should be consuming daily.  

If you want to drink the Mini Frappuccino, use these tips to further reduce the calories and/or sugar in this frosty frappe:

1.    Order it without the whipped cream.
2.    Use nonfat rather than whole milk.
3.    Have it made with only half the amount of sweet syrup, or
4.    Use the sugar-free syrup that is available.

Be well,

Joan

Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake

Five Foods Your Mother Should Be Eating

Photo Source:  CDC

All of your life, your mom has taken care of you.  She feed you plenty of good food, loaded with good nutrition, so now is the time to make sure that her diet serves up the unique nutrition she needs in this stage of her life.  

Here are 5 foods that mom should be eating to stay healthy:

Yogurt fortified with Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is needed to help her body absorb bone-strengthening calcium. As mom ages, her skin’s ability to make vitamin D from sunlight declines.  To make matters worse, her intestines and kidneys lose some ability to absorb and convert vitamin D into its active form for use in her body.  While milk is fortified with vitamin D, not all yogurts are.  Tell her to choose yogurts that have vitamin D added to get this important nutrient.  Nutrition Bonus Tip:  Yogurt is also an excellent source of calcium, another nutrient that she needs yet many women are falling short of in their diets.

Whole Grain Cereals with Vitamin B12 Added:

Vitamin B12 is important for healthy nerves and red blood cells.  Unfortunately, the body’s ability to absorb naturally occurring vitamin B12 from animal food sources, such as chicken and meat, diminishes with age.  This decline is due to a reduction in the acidic juices in her stomach, which helps her absorb this vitamin from animal foods.  The good news is that synthetic vitamin B12, which is added to fortified foods such as whole grain cereals, doesn’t depend on her stomach acids to be absorbed.  Nutrition Bonus Tip:  Whole grain cereals are rich in fiber, a compound that can help keep her “regular.”

Canned Salmon:

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women.  Mom should eat at least two fish meals weekly, especially fatty fish such as salmon, which is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in order to reduce her risk.  Canned salmon is an affordable and easy way to have her boost her fish intake at lunch.  Nutrition Bonus Tip:  Salmon is an excellent source of protein, another nutrient that mom needs to be having at each meal.

Potatoes:

She ate them as a kid and should eat them in her golden years.  Spuds are an unbelievable, affordable and rich source of potassium in the diet.  Many women are not getting enough of this mineral in the diet, which can help lower high blood pressure.  An elevated blood pressure increases the risk of  stroke, another leading cause of death among Americans.  Nutrition Bonus Tip:  Have mom add a dollop of a vitamin D-fortified yogurt on the top of her baked potatoes for a creamy way to added this vitamin and calcium to her potato.

Leafy Greens:

If mom gets cataracts, which is an age-related clouding of the lens of her eyes, it will affect her vision and lifestyle. Without clear vision, she will have problems with routine daily activities such as cooking, reading, and driving.  While the National Institutes of Health recommends wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight to delay the development of cataracts, eating antioxidant-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, may also reduce mom’s risk.   Nutrition Bonus Tip:  Green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, are also good sources of potassium, which can help lower high blood pressure.

Be well, Joan

Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake

Cajeput Essential Oil

Cajeput essential oil is interesting and unique. This post will give you the properties, uses, and benefits of cajeput essential oil.

Quick Glance at Cajeput Essential Oil

Pros: Cajeput essential oil is antioxidant, antimicrobial and insecticidal.

Cons: The oil is a known respiratory and skin irritant.

Precautions: Cajeput oil may cause asthma and breathing problems so check with your doctor before using it.

Properties of Cajeput Essential Oil

Here are a few properties of cajeput essential oil for you to consider.

Name

The botanical names for cajeput are Melaleuca leucadendra or Melaleuca cajuputi.

You'll notice these names are similar to tea tree's (Melaleuca alternifolia). That's because cajeput and tea tree are related.

Also, cajeput is sometimes called cajuput or white wood. So be sure to verify these names before buying the essential oil.

Color & Scent

The color of cajeput oil ranges from colorless to pale yellow. And it's scent has fruity and camphorous notes.

Many aromatherapists would say cajeput smells similar to a mix of camphor, rosemary and cardamom!

Compounds

Over 41 compounds have been found in cajeput essential oil. They include: eucalyptol (40%), terpinolene, alpha-terpineol, gamma-terpinene, limonene, linalool and alpha-pinene.

These compounds cause cajeput to have wonderful benefits.

Benefits of Cajeput Oil

Some benefits of cajeput essential oil are listed below.

1. Cajeput Essential Oil is antioxidant

Free radicals are harmful compounds that can damage your cells' DNA and potentially cause cancer. Antioxidants, on the other hand, scavenge or neutralize free radicals and so render them harmless.

A 2010 study tested the essential oils of the fruits and leaves of cajeput. And both oils showed sigificant antioxidant activity against free radicals.

2. It is antibacterial

There are several studies (including this 2011 study) that demonstrate cajeput's antibacterial effects.

And a 1994 one identified eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol as the compounds responsible for these effects.

3. Cajeput oil is anti-fungal

The same 2011 study mentioned above also showed cajeput essential oil inhibited the fungi, Candida albicans. That's the species that causes thrush, yeast infections, diaper rash and more.

The study showed a 1% mix of cajeput essential oil was able to kill this fungi!

4. Cajeput is insecticidal

There are many studies that prove cajeput essential oil is effective against insects like mosquitoes and termites.

A 2012 study used an aerosol spray with cajeput oil on adult mosquitoes. Two concentrations were used: 5% and 10% concentrations. Both concentrations were able to kill mosquitoes on contact!

Another study (2005) soaked filter paper in cajeput oil (5% and 10% concentrations) and fed the paper to termites. Within 1 day, all termites that ate the paper died! And the filter paper was effective 3 months after it was initally soaked!

Cajeput essential oil benefits are just amazing!

Uses of Cajeput Essential Oil

Here are some uses for cajeput essential oil

Inhaling

Cajeput can irritate your respiratory system so use it sparingly. You can add 1 drop of cajeput essential oil to your diffuser for that combination smell of rosemary, cardamom and camphor.

Cajeput oil also blends well with cedarwood, oregano, rosemary and thyme.

Massaging

Cajeput oil may also irritate your skin. So it is very important to do a skin patch test to see if you are sensitive or allergic to the oil.

If you are not, add 1 drop of the oil to 1 teaspoon of a carrier before using on your skin.

More precautions

Some suggest that cajeput oil may cause asthma attacks and breathing problems, especially in children. So it is absolutely important to consult your doctor before using this oil especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using it on young children.

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Patchouli and Sweet Orange Essential Oils

The good thing about mixing your own essential oil blends is you get the benefit of having each individual essential oil to experiment with and make your own scents and recipes. I recently received my latest Aura Cacia essential oil order and made the Peace & Calming oil blend for my kiddos. I don't know if it has been the oil blend working or my oldest (4) has gotten over her 2 week "rotten" streak. Either way I'm a happy mama! I've been diffusing the Peace & Calming oil blend when it gets close to bed time to wind the kiddos down and she loves having oils on her toes so I've been putting some on her toes right before bed time.

I also made the Purification Oil Blend. It smells very much like a citronella candle and I used it outdoors in the evening to repel the mosquitoes, I think a few managed to nibble me before I remembered to spray some on but for the most part I didn't get eaten alive. I also diffused it in my infant daughters room and put a few drops on a cotton ball and put in the diaper pail. It seems to have worked for the most part! I'll have use it a little more to get the full effect of removing odors.

******* Update on Purification Oil Blend *******

I mixed the Purification Oil blend in a small glass spray bottle and sprayed it directly into the diaper pail and it worked a lot better then just putting a few drops on a cotton ball. No more lingering diaper smell in the nursery!

Included in my recent oil order was Patchouli and Sweet Orange essential oils. It was the weekend and instead of burning scented candles I now mix new fragrances of essential oils and diffuse to refresh the house. I think I found my new favorite mixture, I was in l.o.v.e. with it all weekend! In my large diffuser I combined about 8 drops of Patchouli and 6 drops of Sweet Orange. Wow, I can't even explain the pleasant fragrance it has. It smells of orange citrus with a floral background, yet the orange it not overpowering and it didn't smell like the 60's! You will just have to try it out and smell for yourself!

Patchouli Essential Oil 

Patchouli essential oil has a very prominent fragrance and it's either a "love it or hate it" oil. Some people are either immediately drawn to it or completely repulsed by the fragrance. It was very popular in the 60's and hippie era. Patchouli essential oil is high in sesquiterpenes, naturally occurring compounds within the oil that have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier and have shown to be effective against many diseases, making it ideal for supporting your body's natural healing abilities. It also has a heavy base note making it longer lasting than many essential oils and is widely used in perfumes. 

Properties of Patchouli Essential Oil 

• Anti-infectious
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-fungal 
• Antiseptic
• Anti-toxic
• Astringent
• Decongestant
• Deodorant 
• Diuretic
• Insecticidal
• Stimulant (Digestive) 
• Tonic

30 + Uses for Patchouli Essential Oil 

Acne 

Consider applying 1-2 drops patchouli essential oil to your daily skin care routine, or apply a small dab topically to acne prone areas as desired. Also see post on Essential Oils and Skincare. 

Allergies

Apply 1-2 drops to the soles of the feet, back of neck, or chest daily for immune support against allergies. 

Anxiety

Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. 

Calming

Use the same directions above as anxiety, or consider diffusing throughout the day or night for ongoing support. 

Cancer

Apply 2-3 drops to the reflex points of the feet, or directly over any area of concern daily.

Dandruff 

Add 1-2 drops to your normal hair care routine each day.

Deodorant

Apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to the under arms daily after showing. If the aroma is too strong by itself consider blending with any floral or citrus oil. 

Depression 

Use aromatically in any way you prefer, several times a day. 

Dermatitis 

Use 1-2 drops over the area of concern. Consider diluting with a moisturizing carrier oil. See post on Essential Oils and Skincare.

Detox

Apply 1-2 drops on the soles of the feet daily in conjunction with other natural detox oils. 

Diuretic 

Consider 1-2 drops of patchouli essential oil over the urinary system. Layer with Juniper Berry essential oil. 

Disconnection

Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. 

Fever

Apply 1-2 drops over the neck and forehead, or massage into the soles of feet. Also consider Peppermint essential oil for its cooling effects. 

Grounding

Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. Or massage into the soles of the feet and back of neck. 

Headaches 

Massage 1-2 drops into the temples, reflex points of the hands or feet, or inhale from the bottle. 

Hemorrhoids 

Massage 1-2 drops of patchouli essential oil into the reflex points of the feet or consider diluting and placing over the area of concern. 

Hives 

Gently apply 1-2 drops over the area of concern. Consider layering with Lavender essential oil a natural anti-histamine. 

Infections (Skin) 

Gently apply 1-2 drops over or around the area of concern. 

Insect Bites 

Apply a small dab to each bite to decrease itching and chance of infection. 

Mosquito Repellent 

Apply 1 drop to any area of the body that seems to attract insects (ankles, ears, exposed skin, etc). Consider diluting in lotion to allow you to spread it easier. 

Rash 

Gently apply 1-2 drops over or around the area of concern. 

Sedative 

Massage 1-3 drops into the soles of the feet or back of neck. 

Self- Acceptance, Self-Love 

Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. 

Stress 

Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. 

Stretch Marks 

Consider applying 1-2 drops of patchouli essential oil to your daily skin care routine, or apply a small dab topically to prone areas as desired. 

Termite Repellent 

Diffuse throughout the house, place on cotton balls throughout the home, in vents, or any areas of concern. 

Tissue Regeneration 

Massage 1-2 drops essential oil over any area of concern up to 3 times a day, or as desired. 

Wounds 

Gently apply 1-2 drops over or around the area of concern. Also consider Melaleuca (tea tree) to prevent infections. 

Wrinkles 

Consider applying 1-2 drops of patchouli essential oil to your daily skin care routine, or apply a small dab topically to wrinkles. 

Yoga

Before practicing asanas, add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand,  cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. Or massage into the soles of the feet. 

Blends well with Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Orange (wild and sweet) and Lavender. 

Sweet Orange Essential Oil 

Sweet Orange essential oil contains about 90% limonene, which is in many household cleaners. Because of this sweet orange oil is used as a earth friendly alternative to many common household cleaners. Limonene (d-limonene) is a strong antioxidant. It is known as an uplifting oil promoting a positive attitude while calming our spirit. However, it is a phototoxic essential oil, causing extreme skin sensitivity. Avoid sun exposure 12+ hours after application to skin. 

Properties of Sweet Orange Essential Oil 

• Anticoagulant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-cancer
• Antidepressant
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Bactericidal
• Digestive
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Fungicidal
• Stimulant
• Stomachic
• Tonic

15 + Uses for Sweet Orange Essential Oil 

Anxiety

The aromatic use of orange essential oil can calm the nervous system and the mind. Try rubbing a drop between your hands and cupping to your nose in times of stress. 

Calming

Promote a sense of well-being by diffusing through the room, inhaling from the bottle, or some other aromatic use. 

Confidence 

Use topically over the solar plexus and lower abdomen each day, or before situations that cause self-doubt. 

Constipation 

Massage 2 drops of orange essential oil with 2 drops of coconut oil in a clockwise rotation over the entire abdomen 2-3 times a day. 

Diarrhea

Massage into the belly counter-clockwise 2-3 times a day to ease an upset stomach. 

Digestion

Add a drop and massage into the upper abdomen to kick start a sluggish digestive seystem. 

Fear

Add a drop to a shirt collar, rub through the hair, or inhale from cupped hands in times of fear, doubt, or anxiety. 

Heart Palpitations 

Diffuse daily for the best results, and massage a single drop over the chest 1-3 times a day (avoid sun exposure), or as needed. 

Immune Support 

Its the consistent use, especially through cold season, helps to increase your immune system response. Topical or aromatic can be useful. 

Insomnia

Orange essential oil can be uplifting and stimulating to some, but can also have a calming effect which can decrease worry or restlessness and help you sleep. 

Jaundice

For babies, dilute one drop in 1 teaspoon carrier oil and massage gently over the body, especially into the feet. 

Menopause

Massage 1-2 drops into the base of the neck, and front of the neck to help regulate hormones. Consider using Peppermint for it's cooling effects to relieve hot flashes. 

Nervousness 

Add 1-2 drops and massage over the abdomen area for nerves. It calms the digestive system, which tends to get upset when you're nervous, and increases the sense of confidence. 

Uplifting 

Diffuse throughout the room or place a cotton ball with several drops in a vent for an uplifting effect, add to lotion at night, or inhale from cupped hands. 

Withdrawal 

Promote a sense of safety and confidence by using orange essential oil topically or aromatically. Or inhale through cupped hands.  

Blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang. 

If you're interested in purchasing Aura Cacia Essential Oils (Paypal payments only, shipping in U.S. only) or have any questions please feel free to email me at momsforessentialoils@gmail.com.


References: www.organicfacts.net , www.experience-essential-oils.com , www.auracacia.com , www.mountainroseherbs.com 

Disclaimer:The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe any of these products for you or your family. In the case of illness you should contact your health care professional. In no instances shall the owner of this website or its affiliates be responsible or liable for any damages whatsoever resulting in connection with the use of this information, products, or its publication. The decision to use any information from this site is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Cabreuva Essential Oil

Cabreuva essential oil may not be the most popular oil, but it definitely has some interesting benefits. Here is more about cabreuva essential oil.

Quick Glance at Cabreuva Essential Oil

Pros: Cabreuva oil may be anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

Cons: Cabreuva oil may affect your hypothalamus.

Precautions: All should check with their doctor before using cabreuva oil.

Properties of Cabreuva Essential Oil

Below are some properties of cabreuva essential oil.

Name

The botanical name for the cabreuva tree is Myrocarpus frondosus.

You may sometimes see wild cabreuva oil being sold. It is the same thing. But verify the botanical name before buying this essential oil.

Color & Scent

Cabreuva wood chips are used to make the oil. So cabreuva essential oil typically has a pale yellow color and a sweet woody scent.

Compounds

The main compounds in cabreuva essential oil are e-nerolidol (75% of the oil), e,e-farnesol, and alpha-bisabolol.

Benefits of Cabreuva Essential Oil

There isn't a great deal of research on cabreuva essential oil. However, the compounds in the oil have been well studied. So we would expect that the benefits of these compounds may translate to the benefits of cabreuva essential oil.

Here are some of these benefits.

1. Cabreuva oil may be anti-cancer

Two main compounds in cabreuva essential oil have demonstrated cancer fighting properties.

A 2010 study tested nerolidol on human breast and colon cancer cells. Nerolidol was able to inhibit the cancer cells and induce apoptosis (i.e. cell death).

Another study, done in 2011, tested alpha-bisabolol on 50 human leukemia cells. And alpha-bisabolol behaved just like nerolidol. It caused cell death of the cancerous cells. Other studies (like this one) have also shown bisabolol has anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic, and cytotoxic benefits.

So cabreuva essential oil may have cancer fighting properties due to these two compounds.

2. It may be anti-inflammatory

Cabreuva oil may be anti-inflammatory due to the presence of alpha-bisabolol.

A 2014 study provided extensive evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-bisabolol. The study showed the compound was able to inhibit inflammation in cells as well as skin inflammation. And topical application on the skin was deemed very safe and effective.

Note, however, cabreuva oil is still an essential oil and must be diluted before applying it to your skin.

3. It may be antioxidant

Besides being anti-inflammatory, bisabolol is antioxidant. And a 2009 study demonstrated these free radical scavenging, antioxidant effects.

So cabrueva essential oil may be antioxidant since it contains bisabolol.

4. Cabreuva oil is antibacterial

This is a proven benefits of cabreuva essential oil. A 2010 study tested a few essential oils including cabreuva, cedarwood, and myrrh on eleven types of bacteria. The bacteria ranged from animal and plant pathogens, food poisoning and spoilage bacteria. All essential oils inhibited the bacteria under investigation. But, higher concentrations of cabreuva essential oil were necessary to see these effects.

5. It may be insecticidal

A 1998 study tested e-nerolidol on the larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is the vector for dengue fever, yellow fever and other potentially fatal viruses.

The results showed e-nerolidol was very toxic to the larvae; thus demonstrating potent insecticidal benefits.

So you can expect that cabreuva essential oil may have potent insecticidal effects too.

Uses of Cabreuva Essential Oil

You have seen the potential benefits of cabreuva essential oil. Now, let's look at some ways to use the oil.

Inhaling

You can add 1-2 drops of cabreuva essential oil to your diffuser for a wonderful woody scent.

The oil also pairs well with other woody and flowery scents like cedarwood and rose essential oils.

Massaging

There have been reports of skin sensitization due to alpha-bisabolol. So it is even more important to do a skin patch test if it is your first time trying the oil. If you don't see any redness, add 1-2 drops of the oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and apply this mix to your skin.

More precautions

There are some sites that claim cabreuva essential oil has a hormone-like effect on the hypothalamus (which is the part of your brain that is responsible for hormone production). And others say, persons with prostate cancer should avoid the oil.

I have not seen any scientific studies that verifies these claims. However, you should be cautious nonetheless.

Raise these concerns with your doctor and check with him/her before using the essential oil, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What's next?

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