Category: Essential Oil Resources

Why Clove Oil?

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Clove essential oil is steam distilled from the dried flower bud of the evergreen tree. The clove tree originates from  India and Indonesia. The first documentation came from the Chinese in 207 B. C. Today it’s grown in Madagascar, Brazil, West Indies, Sri Lanka and India(tropical environments),Kenya and Malaysia . The health benefits from this spice are numerous. Clove oils is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties. Clove contains many minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and C and fiber. Clove contains eugenol a powerful compound that destroys harmful organisms.

Health Benefits of Clove:

Infections: It’s antiseptic qualities heals cut & wounds.

Dental Care: It’s used in toothpaste, mouthwash and medicinally.

Skin Care: Helps with wrinkles, acne by increasing blood flow.

Immune System: Immune booster, antiviral, cleans the blood and helps improve the cardiovascular system.

Headaches: Anti-inflammatory and clove is used as a pain reliever. It helps with muscle and joint pain.

Respiratory:As an expectorant and its anti-inflammatory effects helps with coughs, clear nasal passages and other respiratory issues like bronchitis. sinusitis, sore throats etc.

Blood Circulation: Clove oil stimulates blood circulation assist in lowering blood pressure. It also reduces toxicity in the blood therefore purifying it.

Sty: It’s antibacterial qualities clears infections.

Cholera: Clove is known to help with cholera.

Diabetes:Purifies the blood and controls the level of blood sugar.

Soaps & Perfumes: Used in soaps for its antiseptic qualities and to scent perfumes.

Aromatherapy: Diffusing clove oil is excellent for cleaning the air because it’s anti-bacteria, antimicrobial and antiviral. It’s excellent for cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. I use a 50:50 vinegar and water solution, add clove and tea tree oils.  Adding a few drops to a massage oil has many benefits. It’s helps with sore and painful muscles, blood flow.Dilution rates are very important, check with a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils.

Insect Repellent: Clove oil is also known to be an insect repellent.

Cautions:

Clove oil is very strong therefore it must be diluted. Pregnant women should not use the oil because you could transfer it when breast-feeding. The eugenol is so strong we must use caution, it’s best not to use on children. You can diffuse small amounts. If you have high blood pressure consult your physician before use. I never advise ingesting the essential oil. A great alternative is to use the spice in your foods and smoothies especially during the cold & flu season.

As you can see, clove oil should be a staple in every home. The oil or spice with all it many therapeutic benefits can assist us to heal our bodies naturally.

  References:

OrganicFacts.com

GlobalHealingCenter.com

AromWeb.com

botanical-online.com

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The Power of Clary Sage

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Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

History: The Romans called it sclarea, from claurus, or “clear,” because they used it as an eyewash. The practice of German merchants of adding clary and elder flowers to Rhine wine to make it imitate a good Muscatel was so common that Germans still call the herb Muskateller Salbei and the English know it as Muscatel Sage. Clary sometimes replaced hops in beer to produce an enhanced state of intoxication and exhilaration, although this reportedly was often followed by a severe headache. It was considered a 12th century aphrodisiac.-Susun Weed

In Jamaica, it was used among the local people for cleaning and cooling ulcers and for inflammation of the eyes.- http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/clary-sage.htm

Clary sage Salvia sclarea essential oil has extraordinary healing powers, especially for women. During my research of clary sage I learned how truly important it is. I use the essential oil in my body wash because it’s an anti-depressant and I love the deep sweet/herbaceous scent. After taking a shower with my body wash I want you clean and happy. Keep reading it gets better.

Clary sage therapeutic properties are:

Antidepressant, anti-convulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotension, nervine, sedative, stomachic, uterine and nerve tonic.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria and fungi, particularly infections of the colon, intestines, urinary tract and excretory system.

Anti convulsive: reduces convulsions, calms the nervous system

Antidepressant: It helps with clarity, uplifting, reduces stress and improves the mood. Encourages hope, confidence and mental strength.

Antiseptic: Keep wounds from becoming septic, protects against tetanus.

Antispasmodic: Useful in the treatment of spasms, muscle, respiratory, coughs, headaches.

Aphrodisiac: Reduces frigidity and impotency.It’s said that the plant offers euphoric sensations, increasing joy, confidence and even sexual drive while combating stress and depression.

Deodorant: Clary Sage oil in diluted form, it serves as an efficient deodorant without any side effects. It’s effects last a long time.

Digestive: It boosts the secretion of gastric juices and bile, thereby speeding up digestion and easing the process, which relieves cramping, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Hypotension: Clary Sage oil is very effective in reducing blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries. It widens the blood vessels and allows for increased circulation, resulting in increased oxygenation to the muscles and organ systems, boosting their performance and your overall metabolic performance.

Nervine: It sedates nervous and other disorders  like nervousness, vertigo, anxiety, and hysteria.

Sedative: It’s calming, helps you relax, reduces inflammation.

Skin care: Clary sage is great for acne. Calming and soothing to the skin. Eczema is soothing to the skin and can reduce irritation.Strengthens skin and gums. Combined with a carrier oil, like jojoba, it can be used on larger areas of the skin to reduce wrinkles and improve tone and texture. Also promotes healthy hair and scalp.

Stomachic: Maintains health of stomach.

Uterine: It prevents uterine problems that women have after menopause, including uterine tumors, bleeding, and pain. It regulates hormones like estrogen and ensures long-term health of the uterus.

                                                                                         photo from Fordville Gardens

 Cautions:

Clary sage oil can be very relaxing and should be avoided when consuming alcohol, since it could exaggerate the effects of alcohol. It is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing oil, but can in large doses generate a headache and must be avoided during pregnancy.

Reference:

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/clary-sage.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_ClarySage.htm

http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/clary-sage-oil.html

Lawless, Julia. The C0mplete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy.Great Britain: Element Books Limited,1997.

Health Benefits of Clary Sage Essential Oil

Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

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Cybopogon nardus /Cybopogon winterianus

The citronella plant is a grass, there are two species or varieties, usually from South Asia. Their Latin names are Cybopogon nardus and the Java variety Cybopogon winterianus. Lemongrass is their cousin, Cymbopogon flexuosus. Knowing a plants Latin name is very important. Let me tell you why. The plant that you purchase from the garden center is Pelargonian citrosum or citrosa geranium also known as the mosquito plant. It is ineffective against mosquitoes, sorry but it smells great. The next time you’re in the garden center looking for plants that repel mosquitoes look for the genus Cymbopogon, and the species nardus or winterianus. Citronella’s cousin lemongrass also repels mosquitoes the genus is the same, Cymbopogon it’s species is flexuosus. Both plants look the same. The essential oil from the fresh citronella plant is extracted by steam distillation. Citronella essential oil is medicinal, it has many health benefits.

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Antibacterial: Kills bacteria and inhibits it’s growth.

Antidepressant:Helps with depression, mental fatigue and it’s emotionally uplifting.

Antiseptic: Fights infections.

Antispasmodic: Relieves spasms of the muscle, respiratory system and nervous system.

Anti-inflammatory: Sedates inflammation.

Deodorant: The citrus in this oil drives away body odors.

Diaphoretic: Increases sweating; therefore releases toxins from the body.

Diuretics: increases the frequency of urination, and disposes of waste products and toxins.

Febrifuge: Fights fever and decreases body temperature, because it’s anti inflammatory,

increases perspiration and antimicrobial.

Fungicidal: Citronella kills fungus and inhibits its growth.

Insect repellent:Kills and keeps away insects, including mosquitoes.

 Stomachic: Clears stomach of infections, helps it function properly.

Stimulant: Has a toning effect on the  entire body, stimulates metabolism, circulatory and nervous system.

Reference:

https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/garden-myth-citronella-geranium-vs-5-easy-to-grow-mosquito-repelling-plants-that-work/

Health Benefits of Citronella Essential Oil

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Advanced Level Level,2001-2011.

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