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Learn more about Cinnamon Leaf essential oil below.
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Cinnamon leaf oil comes from Cinnamonum verum (also
called Laurus cinnamomum) from the Laurel (Lauraceae) plant family. This small
and bushy evergreen tree is native to Sri Lanka, but now grows in many countries
such as India, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. There are actually
over 100 varieties of C. verum, with Cinnamonum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon)
and Cinnamomun aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) as the most consumed.
Cinnamon bark oil is extracted from the outer bark of the
tree, resulting in a potent, perfume-quality essential oil. Cinnamon bark oil
is extremely refined and therefore very expensive for everyday use, which is
why many people settle for cinnamon leaf oil, as it’s lighter, cheaper, and
ideal for regular use. Cinnamon leaf oil has a musky and spicy scent, and a
light yellow tinge that distinguishes it from the red-brown color of cinnamon
bark oil.
Composition
of Cinnamon Leaf Oil
The oil extracted from cinnamon leaves contain phenols
and beneficial components like eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamic aldehyde,
linalool, and benzyl benzoate. It also has low levels of cinnamaldehyde, an
excellent flavoring agent and the active component that helps repel mosquitoes
and other insects. The leaf oil has a higher eugenol content then the bark oil,
which increases its analgesic properties.
Blending:
This oil blends well with various essential oils, so it is added to many
aromatherapy preparations. It enhances the effectiveness of other herbs and
essential oils, thus speeding up the treatment of various herbal remedies.
Furthermore, many herbs can have an unpleasant taste. Cinnamon or cinnamon oil
is often added to herbal preparations to make them taste better.
Uses
of Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Cinnamon leaf oil can be used as an additive in soaps and
a flavoring to seasonings. When used in aromatherapy – diffused, applied
topically (I recommend diluting with a mild essential oil or mixing in your
favorite cream, lotion, or shampoo), or added to your bath water – it can have
health-promoting effects. Here are some ways to use cinnamon leaf oil for your
health and around your home:
Use
it as a disinfectant. With its strong germicidal properties,
cinnamon leaf oil works as a non-toxic natural disinfectant. Use it to clean
your toilets, refrigerator, kitchen counters and other surfaces, door knobs,
microwave, and sneakers. You can even use it to clean and disinfect your
chopping boards.
Make
a facial scrub. Mix it with cinnamon sugar, orange juice,
and olive oil to create a rejuvenating scrub that has antiseptic properties to
help kill facial bacteria effectively.
Gargle
as a mouthwash. Add a drop or two to a glass of purified
water, and gargle with it. For people with dentures, simply make a solution of
water, hydrogen peroxide, and cinnamon leaf oil, and soak your dentures in it.
Add
it to your foot soak. Mix a drop of cinnamon leaf oil in a bucket
of warm water, and then soak your feet in it. This works great for athletes and
people who wear closed shoes for most of the day.
Use
cinnamon leaf oil as an insect repellent. Did you know that
the scent of cinnamon leaf oil can deter pesky household insects, such as black
ants, mosquitoes, roaches, and flies? Studies found that it may even be more
effective at repelling mosquitoes than the toxic chemical DEET. Simply spray or
diffuse the oil around your home. You can also spray it over your mattresses
and sheets to get rid of bed bugs.
Add
it to your shampoo. Add a drop of cinnamon leaf oil to your
regular non-chemical shampoo. This will help keep your hair healthy and, in
children, help kill stubborn head lice.
Instead
of fabric softener. Add a few drops of the oil to wool laundry
drying balls. As the balls mingle and fluff damp fabric in the dryer, the scent
is transferred. I love adding essential oils when laundering bedding or towels.
Warmer
diffusion. Mix a tablespoon of pure coconut oil with two to three
drops of cinnamon essential oil, and place it in a wax warmer. As the coconut
oil melts, the essential oil scent is released into the air.
Clean
better. Place a few drops of cinnamon oil in a homemade
cleanser. As you wipe down surfaces, the oil leaves behind a nontoxic scent
that some studies claim may help reduce bacteria growth. You can read these and
decide for yourself in Public Library of Science (PLoS) ONE and Food Control.
Relax
in the bath. Place a few drops of oil in your bath water.
As you soak, the aroma fills your bathroom and creates a calm feeling.
Sleep
Better. Put one drop of cinnamon essential oil on the back of
your pillowcase to promote restful sleep.
Mix a drop or two of cinnamon oil into massage oil before
indulging.
Side
Effects of Cinnamon Leaf Oil
Use cinnamon oil in moderation and properly diluted, as
high dosages may lead to convulsions in some individuals. This oil may also
lead to side effects such as skin irritation, mouth sores, dizziness, vomiting,
and diarrhea. It may irritate your urinary tract, intestines, and stomach
lining, if taken internally. If these symptoms occur, consult a healthcare
practitioner immediately.
Very high quantities of cassia cinnamon may be toxic,
particularly in people with liver problems. Because cinnamon may lower blood
sugar, people with diabetes may need to adjust their treatment if they use
cinnamon supplements. An ingredient in some cinnamon products, coumarin, may
cause liver problems; but the amount of this compound ingested is usually so
small that this wouldn’t happen for most people.
If you take any medication regularly, talk to your doctor
before you start using cinnamon supplements. They could interact with
antibiotics, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, heart medicines, and others.
Word of Caution: Being strong in nature, cinnamon oil should be avoided for internal consumption. Furthermore, it can have adverse effects on the skin if used topically in concentrated form. Therefore, it should be used in diluted form. Before using the oil, it should be tested to make sure it suits your skin. You should apply only a small quantity of the oil initially and check if you develop an allergic reaction. Do not apply the oil to the face and other sensitive areas.
Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It has various applications. Because of its high saturated fat content, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to six months at 24 °C (75 °F) without spoiling.
Due to its high levels of saturated fat, the World Health Organization, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, United States Food and Drug Administration, American Heart Association, American Dietetic Association, British National Health Service, British Nutrition Foundation, and Dietitians of Canada advise that coconut oil consumption should be limited or avoided.
Coconut oil contains a large proportion of lauric acid, a saturated fat that raises total blood cholesterol levels by increasing both the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Although this may create a more favorable total blood cholesterol profile, this does not exclude the possibility that persistent consumption of coconut oil may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease through other mechanisms, particularly via the marked increase of blood cholesterol induced by lauric acid. Because the majority of saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, coconut oil may be preferred over partially hydrogenated vegetable oil when solid fats are used in the diet. Due to its high content of saturated fat with corresponding high caloric burden, regular use of coconut oil in food preparation may promote weight gain.
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Coconut oil is 99% fat, composed mainly of saturated fats (82% of total; table). In a 100 gram reference amount, coconut oil supplies 890 Calories. Half of the saturated fat content of coconut oil is lauric acid, while other significant saturated fats are myristoleic acid and palmitoleic acid. Monounsaturated fats comprise 6% of total fats, and polyunsaturated fats comprise 2% (table). Coconut oil contains phytosterols, but there are no micronutrients having significant content (table).
Nutritional Profile of Coconut Oil: Part of the reason coconut oil is such a powerhouse superfood is its unique nutritional profile. It was avoided and shunned for years because of its 92% saturated fat content but recent research is showing this stigma was unwarranted. Most of the fats in coconut oil are saturated but they are in the form of MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides, also called MCFAs), which affect the body differently than short and long chain fats.
Saturated fatty acids: Most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well in the body’s systems.
Lauric acid: It is the chief contributor, representing more than 40% of the total, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin. Lauric acid is helpful in dealing with viruses and diseases.
Capric acid: It reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria, which subsequently converts it into a powerful antimicrobial agent, monocaprin.
Caprylic acid, caproic acid, and myristic acid: They are rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties
Poly-phenols: Coconut contains gallic acid, which is also known as phenolic acid. These polyphenols are responsible for the fragrance and the taste of coconut oil. Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these polyphenols.
Derivatives of fatty acid: Betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, monoglycerides and polyol esters.
Derivatives of fatty alcohols: Fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulfate, and fatty alcohol ether sulfate
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin E, vitamin K, and minerals such as iron.
Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) or Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
Most of the fats we consume are long chain fatty acids that must be broken down before they can be absorbed. Coconut oil is high in short and medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digested and sent right to the liver for energy production. Because MCFAs are sent right to the liver for digestion, no bile or pancreatic enzymes are needed for digestion, making coconut oil a healthy food even for those with diabetes or those who have gallbladder problems. MCFAs can help increase metabolism since they are sent directly to the liver and give the body an instant source of energy. Most of the MCFAs in coconut oil are the highly beneficial Lauric Acid.
Benefits of MCFAs (MCTs)
All of these MCTs are beneficial to the body. They are metabolized differently than longer chain fats, going straight from the digestive system to the liver. This provides a quick source of energy and brain fuel.
These rare oils are naturally free of cholesterol and hard to find in nature.
This may be part of the reason that coconut oil is so beneficial to the brain and for weight loss. It isn’t digested or stored in the same was as other fats and is more quickly available for use.
Coconut oil is also a decent source of several fat soluble vitamins (mainly A and K) as well as healthy polyphenols.
Types of Coconut Oil
Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil: Considered the gold standard. This type of oil offers the most of the benefits listed above. It is extracted from fresh coconut using a wet-milled fermentation process that protects the beneficial properties of the coconut. This type of coconut oil has been found to have the highest antioxidant levels. This process does use heat but studies show that it does not harm the oil or reduce nutrient levels. In fact, the heat may be beneficial and create a higher quality oil.
“Extra Virgin” Oil: The gold standard for olive oil but not coconut oil. This is produced by cold-pressing the oil and does not preserve the antioxidants as well. In 2013, a study that compared “cold extracted virgin coconut oil” (CEVCO) with “hot extracted virgin coconut oil” (HEVCO) and standard refined coconut oil (CCO) was conducted in India, and published in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology. This study, like many others, showed that virgin coconut oils actually lower LDL cholesterol, while raising the “good” HDL cholesterol. This study also confirmed that virgin coconut oil produced with heat produced the highest amounts of antioxidants: “The antioxidant activity in the HEVCO group was 80-87%, 65-70% in CEVCO, and 35-45% in CCO.” The researchers went on to comment why heat is necessary to produce the highest amounts of antioxidants in virgin coconut oil.
Refined Coconut Oils: often tasteless and has no coconut smell. It is usually heated, bleached and deodorized. Healthy options are available but many refined coconut oils do not have the benefits of unrefined.
Fractionated oil or MCT oil is a liquid oil that does not get solid below 76 degrees like unrefined oil does. It doesn’t contain all of the beneficial properties of unrefined coconut oil but is higher in brain-boosting fats.
Coconut Oil Benefits
Coconut Oil for Hair– This nourishing oil has been used for centuries in hair and its unique fat composition makes it especially beneficial for certain hair types. Use it as a hair mask, hot oil treatment, or in homemade hair products.
To Moisturize and Nourish Skin– The same properties make coconut oil great for skin as well. Many people like to use it as a natural moisturizer. Its natural antioxidant properties make it great for stopping wrinkles and skin irritation. Coconut oil is wonderful as a face cleanser, moisturizer and sun screen, but also it can treat many skin disorders. The fatty acids (caprylic and lauric) in coconut oil reduce inflammation internally and externally and moisturize, making them a great solution for all types of skin conditions. It protects the skin and has many antioxidants that make it ideal for healing the skin. In addition, the antimicrobial properties balance out the candida or fungal sources that can cause many skin conditions. There’s so much unrefined coconut oil can do for skin.
Help remineralize teeth – Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. It also stops tooth decay. Recent research suggests that it is also beneficial in reducing plaque formation and plaque-induced gingivitis. Oil pulling with coconut oil has been used for centuries as a way to cleanse the mouth of bacteria and help heal periodontal disease. Coconut oil is one of the most effective oils for oil pulling due to its high concentration of antibacterial MCFAs. By swishing the oil in your mouth, the oil denatures the bacteria and sticks to it. Removing oral bacteria greatly reduces your risk of periodontal disease. If you want to heal your gums and repair your teeth, its recommended to do coconut oil pulling three times a week for 20 minutes a day.
Digestive Help– Coconut oil’s concentration of beneficial fats in coconut oil makes it helpful for digestion. Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system, and thus, prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The saturated fats present in it have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. It also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Coconut oil can help improve bacteria and gut health by destroying bad bacteria and candida. Candida imbalance especially can decrease stomach acid, which causes inflammation and poor digestion. All this together means coconut oil benefits digestive health and helps treat or prevent stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis.
Keeping Organs Healthy – The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids in coconut oil helps in preventing liver diseases. This is because those substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing the workload of the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat. It also helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases and helps to dissolve kidney stones. Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in keeping pancreas healthy by treating pancreatitis. The MCFAs of coconut oil do not need the pancreatic enzymes to be broken down, so taking coconut oil eases the strain on the pancreas. Additionally, this superfood is so easy to digest that it has been known to improve the symptoms of gallbladder disease as well. Replace other long-chain fats with coconut oil to improve gallbladder and total body health.
Great Source of Healthy Fats– Over 50% of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid. In fact, coconut oil is the richest source of lauric acid after breastmilk. Topically, it helps skin heal faster after injury or infection because of its beneficial fats – When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. It is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues.
Mental Boost– Studies show MCTs may contribute to focus and mental performance. In a 2004 study published in the Journal of Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that the MCFAs in coconut oil improved the memory problems in their older subjects. Across all the patients there was a marked improvement in their recall ability after taking this fatty acid. As the MCFAs are absorbed easily in the body and can be accessed in the brain without the use of insulin. Thus, they are able to fuel brain cells more efficiently.
Hormone Support– Getting the wrong kinds of fats can create havoc on hormones. Coconut oil contains specific fats that support the body’s natural hormone production. Coconut oil may help naturally balance hormones because it’s a great source of saturated fat, including lauric acid. Studies have found that coconut oil may be an excellent fat to consume during menopause and also may have positives effects on estrogen levels. In order to naturally balance hormones, reduce sugar and grain consumption and load up on healthy fats from coconut, avocado, flax seeds and ghee. You can also consume other coconut forms, such as coconut butter or coconut water.
Immune Support– The MCTs have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it beneficial for immune support. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and Helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, and other serious health risks. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea. Finally, coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and diaper rash.
Helps in AIDS & Cancer Treatment – It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing the viral susceptibility of HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown an indication of this effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients.
Boosts Heart Health – This is a controversial topic. There is enough research to prove that coconut oil is not good for the heart due to the presence of saturated fats. While there is also research that shows that coconut oil is good for the heart. Lauric acid present in coconut oil helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis. A study suggests that intake of coconut oil may help in maintaining healthy lipid profiles in pre-menopausal women. So, finally, is coconut oil good or bad for the heart? Well, if you are using it for edible purposes, check your cholesterol levels regularly. If you find them increasing, it is better to stop the intake. In any case, do consult a professional medical practitioner before you start consuming coconut oil. Never play with your (and someone else’s) heart!
Great fat for cooking- Coconut oil is a stable oil that doesn’t break down easily at high temperatures like other oils do. It doesn’t go rancid easily and has amazing nutritional properties. It is great for cooking eggs, stir fries, grain free baked goods, and practically any other cooking use.
Prevents Candida – Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused by an excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida albicans in the stomach. Coconut provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. Capric acid, caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid found in coconut oil help in eliminating Candida albicans. Further, unlike other pharmaceutical treatments for candida, the effect of coconut oil is gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the patient an appropriate amount of time to get used to the withdrawal symptoms or Herxheimer reactions (the name given to the symptoms accompanying body’s rejection of toxins generated during elimination of these fungi). But in the treatment of this condition, people should systematically and gradually increase their dosages of coconut oil, and shouldn’t initially start with a large quantity.
Speeds weight loss when consumed daily – It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. Research suggests that it helps to reduce abdominal obesity in women. It is also easy to digest as compared to other edible oils and helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby, burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight. Several people focus on exercises to lose weight, from using indoor machines like leg press machines to outdoor exercises like running and playing sports. While this is a good approach to lose weight, including products like coconut oil enhances your weight loss efforts.
Other Benefits – Coconut oil is strongly recommended for a number of other benefits that are explained below. Using this oil has been shown to mildly help the following:
Stress relief: Coconut oil is very soothing, and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying it to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps eliminate mental fatigue. According to research virgin coconut oil gives relief from stress and has antioxidant properties.
Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby, preventing and treating diabetes. When cells refuse to respond to insulin and no longer take in glucose for energy, then they’re considered insulin-resistant. The pancreas then pumps out more insulin to compensate and creates an overproduction cycle. Insulin resistance is the precursor to type II diabetes. The MCFAs in coconut oil help balance the insulin reactions in the cells and promote healthy digestive process. They take off the strain on the pancreas and give the body a consistent energy source that is not dependent on glucose reactions, which can prevent insulin resistance and type II diabetes.
Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of bones. Thus, it is very useful for women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age. Oxidative stress and free radicals are the two biggest culprits of osteoporosis. Since coconut oil has such high levels of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals, it is a leading natural treatment for osteoporosis. Another of the amazing coconut oil benefits is that it increases calcium absorption in the gut. Research on osteoporosis has found that coconut oil not only increases bone volume and structure in subjects, but also decreased bone loss due to osteoporosis.
Boosts Energy: Coconut oil is often used by athletes, bodybuilders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that it contains fewer calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. It helps boost energy and endurance, and generally, enhances the performance of athletes. Coconut oil is easy to digest and also produces a longer sustained energy and increases your metabolism. When taking a quality unrefined coconut oil, you can get the most coconut oil benefits as its MCFAs are sent directly to the liver to be converted into energy. Today, many triathletes use coconut oil as their source of fuel during training and races for long-distance events. You can make a homemade energy fuel by mixing coconut oil, raw honey and chia seeds together. Simply put together one tablespoon of each and consume 30 minutes prior to exercise.
Coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease: The research conducted by Dr. Newport states that the oil is useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. One of the most beneficial properties of coconut oil is the large quantity of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) that it contains, as opposed to the long-chain fatty acids that many other foods contain. The reasoning behind the benefits of this type of acid is that medium-chain fatty acids are not only absorbed easily by the liver, but they are also metabolized quickly. This means they can further be converted into ketones. Ketones are utilized by the brain as an important energy source and have been shown to have possible therapeutic effects on people suffering from memory loss, such as in case of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, unique phenolic compounds and hormones found in coconut oil may be able to prevent the aggregation of amyloid beta peptides, which are part of a leading theory concerning the cause of Alzheimer’s.
Use as Carrier Oil
Carrier oils are those oils, which easily penetrate or absorb into the skin, facilitating seepage or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and herbal extracts when mixed into it. It is easily absorbed through the skin’s pores and thus is used as a carrier oil. Furthermore, being one of the most stable oils, it doesn’t go rancid, nor does it let the other oils, herbal extracts, or medicines spoil inside of it. It does not alter the properties of the oils and herbs mixed within it. It also protects the herbs and oils from microbial or fungal interactions. Coconut oil is expensive in several countries; however, in tropical countries, its cost is low enough to make it affordable as a carrier oil.
Coconut Oil Beauty Uses
Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil that acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. Unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin from the application of this oil. Therefore, it has been safely used for thousands of years for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. Yes, you read it right – thousands of years! Coconut oil usage may be termed as a recent fad, but it has been there for ages.
It also helps in treating various skin problems, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin infections. For this exact reason, coconut oil forms the base ingredient of various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care. What more? It also delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally accompany aging. The credit to this benefit goes to its well-known antioxidant properties.
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This thick butter-like oil helps in healthy growth of hair and makes your hair shiny. It is also highly effective in reducing protein loss, which if unchecked can lead to various unhealthy qualities in your hair. This is the reason why it is used as hair care oil, and in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Now you must be thinking how to use coconut oil for your hair? Just apply it topically to your hair or use a coconut oil hair mask. It is an excellent conditioner and helps the re-growth process of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing and healing damaged hair. Research studies indicate that it provides better protection to hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue. By regularly massaging your head with coconut oil, you can ensure that your scalp is dandruff free, even if your scalp is chronically dry. It also helps in keeping your hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs (yes, some people do get lice in their hair).
Rub into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
Or use in homemade shampoo bars
A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair makes a great anti-frizz treatment
As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours before washing out with several rounds of shampoo
Recipes
Body Scrub – Moisturize while getting rid of dead skin cells by making your own body (or facial) scrub. Just mix coconut oil with coconut sugar to reveal smoother skin. Try it a few times a week.
Coconut Oil Shampoo – Here is one of my favorite coconut oil shampoo recipes, that will leave your hair feeling soft and healthy. As every person’s hair is different, feel free to adjust the coconut oil level to suit your hair needs. For fine hair you may reduce the coconut oil amount as needed to 1/4 cup, and for thick dry or curly hair, you may need to increase this amount or add a few drops of avocado oil as well.
1 cup liquid castile soap
1/3 cup canned coconut milk
1/3 cup coconut oil
50-60 drops of favorite essential oils
Melt coconut oil and coconut milk together over very low heat, as to not damage any of the nutrients. Pour into a bottle with a secure lid, and top with the castile soap. Shake well. And then, shake some more. Add 50 drops of your favorite essential oils, and shake again. Great essential oils for hair include lavender, wild orange, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, clary sage, and rosemary. This shampoo will not be as thick as commercial shampoos; squeeze on hair directly from the bottle. Wash, and rinse well.
Coconut Oil Conditioner
2/3 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon Jojoba oil
10 drops of your favorite essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a hand mixer until well combined. This may take several minutes. You want a smooth and creamy conditioner. In the shower, after washing hair with Coconut Oil Shampoo, use a teaspoon or two and smooth through hair. Allow to penetrate hair for the remainder of your shower, and rinse very well.
NOTE: If you color your hair, especially red, coconut oil may fade the color. For most hair types and colors, it will not.
BONUS: Coconut oil is a great base for natural hair colors as it penetrates the hair shaft. For darker hair, mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 cup of strong coffee, with 1 tablespoon of spent grounds, and apply to hair. Allow to sit for 45 – 60 minutes, the longer you leave it, the darker the results. Rinse well and style as desired.
For blonde hair, or to add subtle highlights, mix 1/2 cup of strong chamomile tea, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, and ¼ cup coconut oil in a blender until emulsified. Apply to hair and roots and cover with a shower cap. Sit in the sun, or use a hair dryer to keep the cap warm for 45 minutes to 75 minutes. Rinse well.
Cinnamomum
cassia, called Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon, is an
evergreen tree originating in southern China, and widely cultivated there and
elsewhere in southern and eastern Asia (India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Taiwan,
Thailand, and Vietnam). It is one of several species of Cinnamomum used
primarily for their aromatic bark, which is used as a spice. In the United
States, Chinese cassia is the most common type of cinnamon used. The buds are
also used as a spice, especially in India, and were once used by the ancient Romans.
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Chinese cassia is a close relative to Ceylon cinnamon (C.
verum), Saigon cinnamon (C. loureiroi), also known as “Vietnamese
cinnamon”, Indonesian cinnamon (C. burmannii), also called
“korintje”, and Malabar cinnamon (C. citriodorum) from Sri Lanka. In
all five species, the dried bark is used as a spice. Chinese cassia’s flavor is
less delicate than that of Ceylon cinnamon. Its bark is thicker, more difficult
to crush, and has a rougher texture than that of Ceylon cinnamon.
Other
Names: Bastard Cinnamon, Canela de Cassia, Canela de la China,
Canela Molida, Canelero Chino, Canelle, Cannelle Bâtarde, Cannelle Cassia,
Cannelle de Ceylan, Cannelle de Chine, Cannelle de Cochinchine, Cannelle de
Padang, Cannelle de Saigon
Cassia bark (both powdered and in whole, or “stick”
form) is used as a flavoring agent for confectionery, desserts, pastries, and
meat; it is specified in many curry recipes, where Ceylon cinnamon is less
suitable. Cassia is sometimes added to Ceylon cinnamon, but is a much thicker,
coarser product. Cassia is sold as pieces of bark, as neat quills or sticks.
Cassia sticks can be distinguished from Ceylon cinnamon sticks in this manner:
Ceylon cinnamon sticks have many thin layers and can easily be made into powder
using a coffee or spice grinder, whereas cassia sticks are extremely hard and
are usually made up of one thick layer.
Cinnamomum cassia is a medicinal plant that contains a
range of bioactive substances, including cinnamic aldehyde. Studies of cinnamic
aldehyde treatment in mid-aged rats have resulted in alleviation of chronic
unexpected stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. Cinnamic aldehyde is an
enzyme inhibitor drug, immunologic drug, and an anti-inflammatory drug. It is
administered orally to treat behavioral and mental disorders, targeting the
hippocampus and the frontal cortex. Current findings might be beneficial in
treating subjects in depression.
People take Cassia cinnamon by mouth for diabetes, gas
(flatulence), muscle and stomach spasms, preventing nausea and vomiting,
diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite. Some people use it
for erectile dysfunction (ED), hernia, bed-wetting, joint pain, menopausal
symptoms, menstrual problems, and to cause abortions. Cassia cinnamon is also
used for chest pain, kidney disorders, high blood pressure, cramps, and cancer.
Some apply cassia cinnamon to the skin to repel mosquitos.
How
does it work?
Cassia cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone and similar
chemicals. These chemicals seem to improve insulin sensitivity. Cassia cinnamon
also contains chemicals that may activate blood proteins that increase blood
sugar uptake. These effects may improve blood sugar control in patients with
diabetes. Cassia cinnamon also contains cinnamaldehyde. This chemical might
have activity against bacteria and fungi. It also seems to stop the growth of
some types of solid tumor cells.
The
Difference Between the Two:
Ceylon cinnamin, also called “true cinnamon,”
comes from crumbly inner bark of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree. It’s light
brown, and has a sweet and delicate flavor.
Cassia comes from the Cinnamomum cassia
plant, and is also called “Chinese cinnamon.” This type is a darker, redder
brown, and has a harsher, more overpowering flavor with less sweetness. Cassia
sticks are particularly hardy.
Though both types have been found in studies to have
definite health benefits, cassia does have more “coumarin,” which is a natural
plant component that can have strong blood-thinning properties and can also
lead to liver damage at high levels. The level of coumarin in ceylon is lower,
so for individuals concerned about blood-thinning effects, ceylon would be the
better choice.
Health Benefits
Both types of cinnamon have health benefits, including the following.
Diabetes.
Recent studies have found that cinnamon may help control blood sugar levels. In
2003, for example, Diabetes Care found that people with type 2 diabetes who
took 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon reduced their fasting blood glucose levels by
18–29 percent, and also reduced triglycerides by 23–30 percent. It also reduced
LDL cholesterol by 7–27 percent, and total cholesterol by 12–26 percent.
High
Source of Antioxidants. Cinnamon is packed with a variety of
protective antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and slow the aging
process; in fact researchers have identified forty-one different protective
compounds of cinnamon to date!
Helps
Defend Against Cognitive Decline & Protects Brain Function. Research
also shows that another benefit of cinnamon’s protective antioxidant properties
is that they can help defend the brain against developing neurological
disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. One way that cinnamon
protects cognitive function and brain health is because it activates
neuro-protective proteins that protect brain cells from mutation and undergoing
damage. This further reduces the negative effects of oxidative stress by
stopping cells from morphing and self-destructing.
Alzheimer’s
Disease. According to a 2009 study, extracts of Ceylon cinnamon
inhibited the formation of the proteins and filaments that are the hallmark of
Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers isolated a certain flavonoid
(proanthocyanidin) from the cinnamon and determined it had the majority if the
inhibitory properties.
Cancer. One
animal study found that a particular component in cinnamon impaired the
proliferation of cancer cells and slowed tumor growth. A second study published
in 2010 also found that cinnamon extracts were directly linked with anti-tumor
effects.
Anti-inflammatory. A
study from South Korea found that compounds from cassia cinnamon had promise as
an anti-inflammatory agent, with potential in treating dyspepsia, gastritis,
and inflammatory diseases.
Protects
Heart Health. Studies have shown that another health
benefit of cinnamon is that it reduces several of the most common risk factors
for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels,
and high blood pressure. The special compounds in cinnamon are able to help
reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides,
while HDL “good” cholesterol remains stable. Cinnamon has also been shown to
reduce high blood pressure, which is another threat for causing heart disease
or a stroke.
Fights
Infections & Viruses. There are many benefits of cinnamon when
it comes to defending the body from illnesses. Cinnamon is a natural
anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent. The
immune-boosting abilities of cinnamon are found in cinnamon’s essential oils. Cinnamon
is used in many cultures to naturally help fight harmful infections and
viruses. Cinnamon oils also have protective abilities against various bacteria
which can cause negative symptoms in the digestive tract, on the surface of the
skin, and can lead to colds or the flu. Cinnamon is so powerful at boosting
immunity that some studies even show that it may be able to reduce the risk of
contracting the HIV virus.
Anti-microbial.
Several studies have indicated that cinnamon has the ability to fight off bacteria.
One published in 2007, for example, found that even low concentrations boosted
the activity of antibiotic “clindamycin.” Study authors wrote that the results
suggested that cinnamon could be used in combination therapy against certain
stubborn strains of bacterial infections.
Protects
Dental Health & Freshens Breath Naturally. In
studies, the extracts found in cinnamon were shown to be protective against
bacteria living in the oral microflora that could cause bad breath, tooth
decay, cavities, or mouth infections. The essential oil from cinnamon has been
shown to be more potent than other tested plant extracts and can be used to
naturally combat bacteria in the mouth, acting like a natural anti-bacterial
mouthwash. Similarly to peppermint, one of the health benefits of cinnamon is
that it can also used as a natural flavoring agent in chewing gums due to its
mouth refreshing abilities. Because it removes oral bacteria, cinnamon has the
ability to naturally remove bad breath without adding any chemicals to the
body. For this reason cinnamon has also been traditionally used as tooth powder
and to treat toothaches, dental problems, oral microbiota, and mouth sores.
Can
Help Prevent or Cure Candida. Certain studies have
concluded that cinnamon’s powerful anti-fungal properties may be effective in
stopping or curing Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract. Cinnamon has been
shown to lower amounts of dangerous Candida Albicans, which is the yeast that
causes Candida overgrowth that can cause multiple digestive and autoimmune
symptoms. Additionally, another health benefit of cinnamon is that it helps to
control blood sugar levels, and too much sugar within the digestive tract is
associated with increased candida risk.
Benefits
Skin Health. Cinnamon has anti-biotic and anti-microbial
effects that protect skin from irritations, rashes, allergic reactions, and
infections. Applying cinnamon essential oil directly to the skin can be helpful
in reducing inflammation, swelling, pain, and redness. Cinnamon and honey,
another antimicrobial ingredient, are frequently used together to boost skin
health for this reason and are beneficial for acne, rosacea, and signs of skin
allergies.
Helps
Fight Allergies. Studies have concluded that those with
allergies can find relief thanks to the benefits of cinnamon’s compounds.
Cinnamon has been shown to be helpful in fighting common allergy symptoms
because it reduces inflammation and fights histamine reactions in the body. For
the same reason it can also help to reduce symptoms of asthma attacks. Cinnamon
also has immune boosting abilities and is beneficial for digestive health,
which helps to cut down on auto-immune reactions that can take place after
consuming common allergen foods.
Can
be Used to Sweeten Recipes without Added Sugar. Because
of its naturally sweet taste, adding cinnamon to foods and recipes can help you
cut down on the amount of sugar you normally use, thereby lowering the glycemic
load of your meal. Cinnamon already has anti-diabetic effects that slow sugar
from releasing into the blood stream which can help manage food cravings and
weight gain, but using cinnamon for its taste is another added benefit.
Can
Be Used as a Natural Food Preservative. One of the less-known
benefits of cinnamon is that it can be used to preserve food. Because cinnamon
has anti-bacterial abilities and also acts as an antioxidant, it can be used as
a preservative in many foods without the need for chemicals and artificial ingredients.
A recent study reported that when pectin from fruit was coated with cinnamon
leaf extract it yielded high antioxidant and antibacterial activities and
stayed fresh for longer. Cinnamon plays a part in the action of tyrosinase
inhibitors, which are useful in stopping discoloration on fruits and vegetables
that appears as they oxidize and begin to rot.
Other
Health Benefits? As far as other health benefits related to
cinnamon, such as weight loss, the research is still limited. A scientific
analysis published in 2010 reviewed the studies published to date, and
concluded that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant,
antitumor, cardiovascular, cholesterol-lowering, and immunomodulatory effects.
It added that animal studies have demonstrated strong blood-sugar-lowering
properties, and that cinnamon as an adjunct to the treatment of type 2 diabetes
is a “most promising area.”
Opt
for Ceylon over Cassia
It is probably OK to use smalls amount of cassia
occasionally. But if you are a daily user, it pays to seek out Ceylon, or
“true” cinnamon. Even if you do choose the Ceylon variety, more is not
necessarily better. Use it in moderation for culinary and medicinal purposes,
and monitor any health conditions with your physician. Some bottles of powdered
cinnamon may not specify which type it is. Usually Ceylon will be labeled. If
you have unlabeled, whole cinnamon sticks — which are actually the plant bark
— the rolled bark of Ceylon cinnamon will be thinner and multilayered compared
to the thicker bark of cassia.
CASSIA
CINNAMON SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY
Cassia cinnamon is LIKELY SAFE when taken by
mouth in amounts commonly found in foods and when taken by mouth in medicinal
doses for up to 4 months.
Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied
to the skin in the short-term.
Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken
by mouth in large amounts for a long period of time. Taking large amounts of
cassia cinnamon might cause side effects in some people. Cassia cinnamon can
contain large amounts of a chemical called coumarin. In people who are
sensitive, coumarin might cause or worsen liver disease. When applied to the
skin, cassia cinnamon can sometimes cause skin irritation and allergic skin
reactions.
Special
Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not
enough reliable information about the safety of taking Cassia cinnamon if you
are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Cassia cinnamon is POSSIBLY SAFE
when taken by mouth appropriately. One gram of cassia cinnamon daily has been
used safely in 13-18 year-old adolescents for up to 3 months.
Diabetes: Cassia cinnamon can lower blood
sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully, if you have diabetes and
use cassia cinnamon in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.
Liver disease: Cassia cinnamon contains a
chemical that might harm the liver. If you have liver disease, do not take
cassia cinnamon in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.
Surgery: Cassia cinnamon might lower blood
sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
Stop taking cassia cinnamon as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled
surgery.
Moderate
Interaction Be cautious with this combination
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
interacts with CASSIA CINNAMON
Cassia cinnamon might decrease blood sugar.
Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking cassia cinnamon
along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low.
Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might
need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include
glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin,
pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese),
glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that can harm the liver
(Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with CASSIA CINNAMON.
Taking very large doses of cassia cinnamon
might harm the liver, especially in people with existing liver disease. Taking
large amounts of cassia cinnamon along with medications that might also harm
the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Do not take large amounts of
cassia cinnamon if you are taking a medication that can harm the liver.
Some medications that can harm the liver
include acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), amiodarone (Cordarone),
carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex),
methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox),
erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin
(Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.
Cinnamon
Recipes – You can incorporate cinnamon into your diet by trying some of these
cinnamon recipes:
Secret
Detox Drink Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
1 glass of water (12-16 oz.)
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 dash Cayenne Pepper(optional)
stevia to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Blend all ingredients together.
Baked
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups kefir
1/2 cup coconut sugar
2 Tbsp butter
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cardamom
2 cups steel cut oats
2 cups chopped apples
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350.
Bring kefir, coconut sugar, butter, salt, nutmeg,
cardamom and cinnamon to boil in pot over high heat.
Add remaining ingredients to pot and mix. Transfer
contents to greased 9×13 pan and bake for 30-35 minutes
Many of us are always on the look out for new and better ways to be healthy and happy. What we don’t realize is, there isn’t a new and better way. Health and wellness are so individualized that the process of obtaining it must be personalized. We all know there are common elements that create health and wellness. These elements are essential components of health and include diet, exercise and mental simulation. Each of those elements vary greatly by individual.
Our health and wellness as we age depend greatly on the choices we make when we are younger. Everything we do to our bodies as we grow up catches up with us as we grow old. Yet there are choices we can make that can reduce the damage we have done. There are many examples of people healing themselves through drastic lifestyle changes.
Personal health and wellness depends completely on three basic factors. What we put into our mind and body controls what we get out of them. Finding balance between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ intake helps the body to maintain balance or homeostasis. Using our body and mind every day ensures both will continue to work for us far into the future.
We Get Out of Our Body What We Put Into It
At the base of everything, our physical and mental function depend totally on how we nourish the body. If we are filling out gut with hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and highly processed grains and sugars (simple carbohydrates) we are missing out on essential nutrients. Essential nutrients are those necessary for healthy and balanced mental and physical function.
We see them listed all of the time on our multivitamins. What we don’t realize is that we only absorb about 10-20% of the nutrients in a multivitamin, even with food. We must get a natural combination of nutrients that are already optimized for complete absorption. These natural combinations of nutrients come from WHOLE and FRESH foods, NOT fortified and reconstituted foods.
Fresh Whole Foods
We all should know what fresh foods are. These are foods that are raw when you consume them or prepare them for cooking. They include, of course, raw meat and produce, but can also include raw oils, honey, grains, nuts and seeds. These foods have not been processed in any way so they contain a wide variety of nutrients that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
We are not considering where these foods were grown or how they were fertilized or nourished. We are only comparing fresh and raw foods to processed and packaged convenience foods. There is considerable difference in the nutrient density of organic foods as compared to commercially grown or GMO crops. The difference is not always cost effective for the average family.
Raw foods are the more nutrient dense than processed foods, plain and simple. Nutrient density is determined by the amount of nutrients by weight that you obtain from the food when consuming it. Some nutrients are always lost in the cooking or packaging process. Go raw first. Then if you don’t like the taste, try it cooked. Home cooked foods are still more nutrient dense than processed and packaged convenience foods. Even home made chocolate chip cookies.
Taking the time to prepare and cook raw foods at home not only helps you to use your mind to think and do but also helps you to control your weight. This is because you know exactly what is going into your body and you are burning calories while preparing it. Learning new recipes and techniques can help stimulate your mind while nourishing your body.
Maintaining Our Mental Health
Our mental health does rely on our nutrient consumption, especially as we age. The more nutrients we consume and utilize at a younger age the healthier our brain cells will be for longer. In other words, nutrition is one large part of the fountain of mental youth.
Beyond nutrition our mental health also depends on how we use our brain throughout life. If we use our brain for more than television and social media we find it lasts longer and functions better overall. This can be anything from painting to reading, playing music to sculpting, or dancing to day dreaming. Anything you put your mind to. To invent, create and inspire is to develop new pathways and strengthen connections in the brain.
Devoting yourself to learning something new every day will ensure your brain continues to do everything you and your body need it to do.
Finding Balance
Sometimes finding balance is hard. We struggle to be ‘good’ about our choices in lifestyle and diet. ‘Good’ is a broad word and it can mean very different things for different people. To help us determine better ways to be healthy we will leave out the terms good and bad and maybe consider them as more and less. We can have more fresh, raw and unprocessed foods and less fast and convenient foods. We can drink more water and less coffee or soda. We can read more books and watch TV less. We can exercise more and sit less.
Choosing the more side, you really do get more; more food, more water, more activity, more learning, more experiences. Making these choices are all individualized and yet they follow all of the same basic rules. Feed your body and mind more. Yes more!
Aroma Spray – 8oz Spray
Water based sprays with 5% essential oils for personal Aromatherapy.
With Mother Jai’s Natural Products and your healthy lifestyle choices you can get a lot more out of your health and wellness. Aromatherapy is a great natural way to boost immune function, soothe mental stress, and heal bodily injury. Without chemical preservatives or stabilizers. Without interfering with treatments that are already working for you.
Blue Tansy Oil is a luxurious oil that is cherished for
its captivating scent and incredible clearing, calming properties. This oil has
a rich blue hue and a sweet, fresh scent. Blue Tansy provides unmatched relief
for many people who suffer during high-pollen seasons, soothes troubled skin
and supports self-esteem, confidence and enthusiasm year-round. However, Blue
Tansy Oil is produced from a seasonal crop that requires optimal conditions,
and therefore available quantities can be limited.
The health benefits of Tansy Essential Oil can be
attributed to its properties as an antibacterial, anti-fungal,
anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, antiviral, febrifuge, insecticide, hormone
stimulant, sedative, and vermifuge substance.
Tansy is a common European herb and the scientific name
of Tansy is Tanacetum Vulgare or Tanacetum Annuum. The essential oil of Tansy
is extracted by steam distillation of all the plant parts. The chief components
that form this essential oil are artemisone, borneol, camphone, camphor,
isopinocamphone, piperitone, and thujone.
Major
Constituents: Chamazulene, B-Myrcene, Camphor, Sabinene, B-Eudesmol,
3,6-Dihydrochamazulene, B-Pinene, a-Phellandrene [B.M. Lawrence, Progress in
Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 26 no. 1, 2001), 48-51. Source cited
in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition.
United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 224.]
Tansy essential oil and blue tansy essential oil are very
different in their chemical make-up, and subsequent use, despite the fact that
they both belong to the Asteraceae plant family. In addition, blue tansy can
also be known by the synonyms Moroccan blue chamomile and Moroccan tansy,
adding to further confusion with another essential oil.
Blending: The Essential Oil of Tansy blends well with those of cedar wood, helichrysum, lavender, ravensara, and rosemary.
Blue
Tansy Essential Oil Benefits
Prevents Bacterial Infections: It should not be very hard to understand that the essential oil, which is so poisonous and can be fatal to humans, would also be deadly for those tiny bacteria. Although some bacteria can survive unimaginable extremities of temperature and toxins, for most of the bacteria which live in the human body, this oil is lethal. It kills them and inhibits their multiplication. This gives effective protection against bacterial infections, provided that it is used in very, very mild doses.
Protects Against Fungal Infections: There is little doubt that the essential oil, which can kill some very hardy species of bacteria infecting the human body. Fungus cannot stand the toxicity of this oil and are killed when subjected to this oil. Their spores are also destroyed. This makes this oil an efficient protector against fungal infections, which cause skin diseases, running ears, hair problems, and dysentery.
Reduces
Inflammation: The Essential Oil of Tansy has been found to be
effective in giving relief from inflammation, particularly those pertaining to
the skin, and others as well. It also gives relief, to some extent, from
inflammation in the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Controls
Allergic Reactions: Histamine in the body is responsible for
triggering allergies and the various problems related to allergies, such as
rashes, itches, severe coughs, asthma, breathing troubles, continuous sneezes,
or hiccups. Allergies can turn seriously fatal if they take over the internal
organs, particularly the liver and heart. These attacks of allergies can be
countered by lowering the levels of histamine in the body and checking its
production. Tansy Essential Oil neutralizes histamine and checks its further
production, thereby controlling these allergic reactions.
Protects
against Viral Diseases: The components like thujone and camphor,
being toxic to living cells, are capable of killing viruses as well. These
components rupture the cyst, probe inside, and kill the virus. This stops the
growth of the virus and gives immunity against viral diseases like the common
cold, mumps, measles, and pox.
Reduces
Fevers: Most fevers are actually indications of the ongoing fight
between the body’s immune mechanism and infection by bacteria (like typhoid,
yellow fever, and black fever), viruses (like influenza), protozoa (like
malaria and a few others) and fungi. The more severe our body’s reaction, the
higher the body temperature becomes. Therefore, if infections are causes for
fevers, then inhibiting these infections would be the way to reduce fevers. The
Essential Oil of Tansy, being an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral
substance, all at the same time, assists our body in countering these
infections and thereby reduces body temperature. The anti-inflammatory property
of this oil adds to this effect, since inflammation can also raise body
temperature.
Acts
as an Insecticide: Insects like cockroaches, ants, termites, and
moths that are very commonly found in our households, and parasitic insects
like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, lice, and bed bugs, prefer to keep a safe
distance from this oil as it is poisonous to them and has a pungent aroma that
they cannot withstand. Therefore, this oil serves as an effective insect
repellent when used in fumigants, vapourizers, and sprays. Even smaller animals
like wall lizards and mice avoid this oil.
Stimulates
Secretion of Hormones: Tansy Oil stimulates the endocrine
glands and increases the secretion of hormones. It was found particularly
effective on the thyroid and thymus glands, which directly affect growth and
maturity.
Relieves
Nervous Afflictions: This oil acts as a sedative for nerves and
emotional impulses. In cases of anxiety, depression, anger, convulsions,
nervous afflictions, epilepsy, hysteric attacks, and impulsive behavior, it can
be used to pacify them and induce a relaxing effect on the nerves and the
brain.
Kills
Intestinal Worms: The poisonous effect of this oil kills the
intestinal and other parasitic worms in the human body, such as round worms,
tape worms, hook worms, and others. It is also used to kill worms that develop
in wounds. This helps in the regrowth of healthy cells and quicker healing of
wounds.
Other Benefits: It is also used to treat sciatica, dyspepsia, skin infections, and can help prevent miscarriages
A Few Words of Caution: Tansy oil is a potent poison due to presence of high concentration of thujone and even small doses can be fatal. It can also trigger hallucinations and severe nervous or neurotic disturbances, while having addictive, narcotic effects.
Although this herb is very poisonous, it was still popular among the poor people, villagers, and nomadic groups like Gypsies, since they found some medicinal uses of the plant. Let us explore some of the medicinal properties that gave this plant recognition as a medicinal plant, despite being so poisonous.
Aromatic Scent: Clary Sage essential oil has an earthy, fruity and floral aroma that is both nutty and herbaceous. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is ‘Euphoric’.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Geranium, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.
The chief components of clary sage essential oil are sclareol, alpha-terpineol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, linalool, caryophyllene, neryl acetate, and germacrene-D.
The health benefits of clary sage essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and a uterine substance.
Purported Oral Uses and Benefits
In folk medicine, salvia sclarea extract is used as a general health tonic. It is purported to help treat mental fatigue, depression, anxiety, kidney disease, tension and migraines as well as to prevent and treat muscle spasms. It is also used to promote oral health and treat sore throats, bad breath and toothaches. Due to its estrogenic properties, it is used to restore hormonal balance, and to relieve symptoms of both premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Herbs2000.com states that salvia sclarea is beneficial for the treatment of a variety of digestive problems, such as upset stomach, gas, and both chronic and acute indigestion.
Health Benefits
Fights Depression: Clary sage oil can boost self-esteem, confidence, hope, and mental strength, thereby efficiently fighting depression. This can be very helpful for forms of depression due to failure in career or personal life, insecurity, loneliness, stagnation, the death of a friend or loved one, and many other reasons. Clary sage oil also relieves anxiety. As an antidepressant, it can be systematically administered to patients suffering from acute depression who are undergoing rehabilitation.
Works as Stress Reliever: Clary sage serves as an antidepressant and as one of the best natural remedies for anxiety; it boosts confidence and mental strength while alleviating feelings of anxiety and failure. It also has euphoric properties, leaving you with a feeling of joy and ease. A 2010 study conducted in South Korea found that clary sage oil could be developed as a therapeutic agent for patients with depression. For the study, antidepressant properties were measured in rats with a forced swimming test; clary oil had the strongest anti-stressor effect.
Reduces Convulsions: It calms down and reduces convulsions, whether they are epileptic or from some other nervous disorder or mental condition. Clary sage essential oil brings peace of mind and acts as a sedative for tense nerves.
Relieves Spasms: Clary sage oil is useful in the treatment of spasms and related ailments such as muscle cramps, spasmodic cough, stomachache, headache, and spasmodic cholera. It relaxes the nerve impulses and doesn’t allow uncontrollable spasms to occur.
Prevents Bacterial Infections: This type of essential oil kills bacteria and fungi, curbs growth and spread of bacterial infections, and also protects against new infections. Studies show that clary sage essential oil is particularly beneficial in curing bacterial infections affecting the colon, intestines, urinary tract, and excretory system. It is equally effective in inhibiting the bacteria from entering our body through water or food.
Prevents Infections: Wounds will not become septic, nor will they be infected with tetanus germs if clary sage oil is topically applied to them. The antiseptic qualities can protect the body during surgical recovery and in all types of wounds that are typically hot spots for infections.
Stimulates Sexual Desires: This is one of the most well-known properties of clary sage oil. It is an aphrodisiac, which means a substance or stimulus that boosts libido and feelings of sexual desire. It is very effective in treating frigidity, psychological problems resulting in loss of libido, and even impotency. Studies have shown it to be equally effective for both, males and females. It affects the hormones and increases testosterone levels, which can increase performance and interest in sexual activities.
Prevents Hair Loss: If you think that your gums are weakening their hold on your teeth, sooner or later, they will start falling out. Speak to a dentist, but it is never a bad idea to use clary sage oil because it has astringent properties. It does not only strengthen your gums but also strengthens and tones the skin, muscles, and hair follicles, preventing hair loss and making you look and feel younger. It functions as an antioxidant in this way by tightening up the skin that might be sagging due to the activity of free radicals present in the body.
Skin Care: More specifically, there is an ester present in clary sage essential oil called linalyl acetate, which reduces skin inflammation and heals rashes. Furthermore, it balances and regulates the production of natural oils in the skin, reducing both oily and dry skin and making your skin look young and beautiful. It is recommended to be used directly or mixed with a carrier agent like almond oil to facilitate maximum absorption and effect.
Reduces Flatulence: Clary sage oil, owing to its carminative properties, can eliminate gas as quickly as a needle empties a balloon! That is, it will eliminate excess gas in your body through flatulence, which will reduce the sensation of being bloated. You might find it funny, but gas can actually be fatal when it pushes upwards and hits the delicate organs inside your chest cavity, so a downward movement is always the safest way to expel them. This essential oil also inhibits the formation of gas in the first place.
Regulates Menstruation: If you are having troubles with irregular, obstructed or painful menses, you can try clary sage oil before you spend a fortune on specialized treatment from a gynecologist. There is no need to worry since it has no adverse side effects. It simply stimulates the opening of obstructed menses and makes them regular, while easing the pain. It also cures dizziness and mental irritation during menses as well as in cases of Post Menopause Syndrome (PMS). Furthermore, it can help to reduce the symptoms and negative effects associated with menstruation like cramping, bloating, mood swings, and cravings for food by balancing the hormones that run rampant during this time for women.
Reduces Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance made by the liver and required by the body for the proper function of cells, nerves and hormones. Cholesterol travels in the lipids (fatty acids) of the bloodstream, which is also called plaque, and can build up in the walls of the arteries. This decreases the flow of blood to vital areas of the body, and if the plaque continues to build, it significantly increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of clary sage oil are cardio-protective and help lower cholesterol naturally. Clary sage oil also decreases emotional stress and improves circulation — two very important factors for reducing cholesterol and supporting your cardiovascular system.
Relieves Insomnia: People suffering from insomnia can find relief with clary sage oil. It is a natural sedative and will give you the calm and peaceful feeling that is necessary in order to fall asleep. When you can’t sleep, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia affects not only your energy level and mood, but also your health, work performance and quality of life. Two major causes of insomnia are stress and hormonal changes. An all-natural essential oil like clary sage can cure insomnia without drugs by alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety, and by balancing hormone levels.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Clary sage oil is very effective in reducing blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, and brain hemorrhaging. By reducing blood pressure, it widens the blood vessels and allows for increased circulation, resulting in increased oxygenation to the muscles and organ system, boosting your overall metabolic performance.
Increases Circulation: Clary sage opens the blood vessels and allows for increased blood circulation; it also naturally lowers blood pressure by relaxing the brain and arteries. This boosts the performance of the metabolic system by increasing the amount of oxygen that gets into the muscles and supporting organ function. A study done at the Department of Basic Nursing Science in the Republic of Korea measured clary sage oil’s ability to lower blood pressure in women with urinary incontinence or involuntary urination. Thirty-four women participated in the study, and they were given either clary sage oil, lavender oil or almond oil (for the control group); then they were measured after inhalation of these odors for 60 minutes.
Acts as a Nervine: Clary sage essential oil is good for your nerves. It sedates nervous convulsions and other disorders such as nervousness, vertigo, anxiety, and hysteria.
Lowers Inflammation: Do you need to calm down? Do you want to concentrate? Or do you simply want to relax and have a good night’s sleep? Clary sage oil can help you with all of these. It reduces inflammations and has an undeniably calming effect. People suffering from chronic stress or anxiety disorders find great comfort by using clary sage essential oil.
Reduces Stomach Disorders: This oil also maintains the health of the stomach and regulates secretion of digestive juices. In this way, it prevents stomach disorders and helps to stimulate efficient absorption of nutrients, digestion of food, and regulation of bowel movements. It also helps in the healing of ulcers. By regulating bowel movements, it can also protect the integrity of your colon and reduce the chances of serious gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer.
Eliminates Bad Odor: Buying synthetic deodorants is not only expensive but they also negatively impact the environment. Their pleasant smell effect only lasts for a short time. Moreover, sometimes they produce skin irritation and allergies. Clary sage oil can be a far better choice as a deodorant, because, in diluted form, it serves as an efficient deodorant without any side effects. It is natural, so it doesn’t impact the environment, and its effects can last for a long time.
Promotes Digestion: Clary sage essential oil promotes digestion and relieves symptoms of indigestion. It boosts the secretion of gastric juices and bile, thereby speeding up digestion and easing the process, which relieves cramping, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Improves Uterus Health: Clary sage oil helps to maintain good health of the uterus. It prevents some of the most common uterine problems that women have after menopause, including uterine tumors, bleeding, and pain. Furthermore, it regulates hormones like estrogen and ensures a long-term health of the uterus, thereby reducing the chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.
Fights Leukemia: A promising study conducted at the Department of Immunology, Hellenic Anticancer Institute in Athens, Greece, examined the role that sclareol, a chemical compound found in clary sage oil, plays in fighting leukemia. The results showed that sclareol is able to kill cell lines through the process of apoptosis. Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death; research involving the role of apoptosis has increased substantially since the early 1990s. An insufficient amount of apoptosis results in uncontrolled cell proliferation, such as cancer.
Other Benefits: Clary sage essential oil can be used to battle addiction (particularly drugs) and can stimulate a change in mentality towards a positive way of approaching life. Furthermore, it is anti-inflammatory in nature and can treat backaches and joint pain. In terms of skincare, it can help to regulate excess sebum production and prevent acne from forming. It also eases labor and reduces labor pains.
Uses at Home
For menstrual pain, combine Clary Sage with Geranium, Marjoram and Carrot Seed. Add to your favorite carrier oil and use as a daily moisturizer or diffuse into the air for its mood-enhancing properties. For topical application dilute to 2-4%.
Combination therapy with at least Clary Sage and Lavender appears to be effective in reducing menstrual pain.
For stress relief and aromatherapy, diffuse or inhale 2–3 drops of clary sage essential oil.
To improve mood and joint pain, add 3–5 drops of clary sage oil to warm bath water. Try adding clary sage oil to my Homemade Healing Bath Salts to boost your mood and bust feelings of stress.
For eye care, add 2–3 drops of clary sage oil to a clean and warm wash cloth; press cloth over both eyes for 10 minutes.
For cramp and pain relief, create a massage oil by diluting 5 drops of clary sage oil with 5 drops of a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and apply it to needed areas.
For skin care, create a mix of clary sage oil and a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) at a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mixture directly to your face, neck and body.
To ease digestion, massage the abdomen with equal parts clary sage oil and a carrier oil, or use a hot compress with 3–5 drops of clary sage oil soaked into it.
To enhance healing prayer or meditation, mix 6 drops of clary sage oil with 2 drops of frankincense, white fir or orange oils. Add the mixture to a diffuser or oil burner.
To naturally relieve asthma symptoms, mix 4 drops of clary sage oil with lavender oil and massage the blend on the chest or back.
For hair health, massage equal parts clary sage oil and rosemary oil into your scalp while showering.
Considerations
Salvia sclarea is generally recognized as safe, and there are no reported side effects. Despite its safety, pregnant and breastfeeding should avoid the herb. Due to the effect that salvia sclarea has on estrogen, people with estrogen-related disorders such as breast cysts and uterine fibroids, should avoid long-term use of this herb. It should be noted that the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database warns that there is currently insufficient research to determine the efficacy of salvia sclarea for its purported uses.
Possible Side Effects & Precautions
Use clary sage oil with caution during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester or when using it in the abdomen; clary sage can cause uterine contractions that may be dangerous. Clary sage oil is not for infants or toddlers.
There have been claims that clary sage oil brightens eyes, improves vision and protects loss of vision due to premature or normal aging; however, there is not enough research to suggest that essential oils be used in the eyes just yet. It may not be safe and should be discussed with your ophthalmologist first.
Avoid using clary sage oil during or after alcohol use; reports indicate that this may lead to vivid dreams and trouble sleeping. When using clary sage oil topically, make sure to test yourself for skin sensitivity. Apply the oil to a small area first to make sure you won’t have a negative reaction.
Chloral hydrate and hexobarbitone interact with clary sage oil; they cause sleepiness and drowsiness, and clary sage seems to increase the effects of these medications.
Word of Caution: It can enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol and other narcotics since it is a relaxant and a sedative by nature. Heavy dosage can also cause headaches. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using it since there has not been enough research done on the transference of effects through breast milk to children.
