Myrtle Oil

Myrtus communis (flowers with Puccinia psidii). Location: Maui, Lower Kimo Rd Kula http://www.starrenvironmental.com/

Myrtle leaf oil (Myrtus communis)

Myrtle essential oil comes from the same family as eucalyptus, tea tree, bayberry and English bog myrtle. It is a small tree or large bush with lots of small, tough branches, small shaply pointed leaves and flowers followed by small, black berries. The leaves and flowers have a prominent fragrance.

Myrtle has been used in herbal medicine since ancient Egyptian times, as there are records showing the leaves being steeped in wine to combat fever and infection. The plant was dedicated to Aphrodite in Ancient Greece and Dioscórides prescribed macerated Myrtle wine to patients suffering from lung and bladder infections, as well as for tuberculosis. Dr Delious de Savgnac (1876) recommended Myrtle for the treatment of hemorrhoids, pulmonary infections, genital infections and problems with the bladder and urinary system.

The therapeutic properties of myrtle essential oil are anticatarrhal, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, expectorant and balsamic. The main chemical components are alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, cineole, alpha-terpinen-4-ol, myrtenol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, myrtenyl acetate and carvacrol.

Blends well with: atlas, bergamot, benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, clove, coriander, elmi, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, melissa, myrrh, neroli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, rosewood, spearmint, thyme, tea tree and ylang ylang essential oils.

Precautions: It is classed as a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil – excessive use of it can lead to headaches and nausea.

Uses for Myrtle oil

Myrtle essential oil is primarily used for chronic pulmonary conditions, to expel phlegm and catarrh from the lungs. It is useful for acne prone skin and also as a sleeping aid, to uplift, refresh and restore. Myrtle oil is said to be of great benefit in helping people to cope with withdrawal from addiction. It has an uplifting effect on the body and mind and is helpful when used in cases of self-destructive behavior – it is said to cleanse the inner being and dissolve disharmony.

Myrtle, along with willow tree bark, occupies a prominent place in the writings of Hippocrates, Pliny, Dioscorides, Galen, and the Arabian writers. It has been prescribed for fever and pain by ancient physicians since at least 2,500 BC in Sumer. Myrtle’s effects are due to high levels of salicylic acid, a compound related to aspirin and the basis of the modern class of drugs known as NSAIDs.

Nutritional Value of Myrtle

Myrtle leaves and fruit contains a unique combination of organic compounds and nutrients that make it not only an interesting dietary addition as an herb but also as an invaluable source of essential oil. Myrtle contains various antioxidants and flavonoid compounds, including myricetin, as well as quercetin, catechin, citric and malic acids, linalool, pinene, tannins, and other sugars.

Benefits of Using Myrtle Essential Oil

Aphrodisiac: associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It works very well to alleviate problems like impotency, frigidity, erectile dysfunctions, and loss of libido.

Anticancer Potential: highly praised for its high levels of antioxidants, including quercetin, tannins, myricetin, and catechin. These antioxidants have been widely studied and have been found to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties. According to a research report in Natural Product Communications Journal, myrtle is quite similar in chemical composition to sandalwood, which has been connected to a reduction in prostate and breast cancer.

Astringent Properties: If used in mouthwash, myrtle essential oil makes the gums contract and strengthen their hold on the teeth. If ingested, it also makes the intestinal tracts and muscles contract. Furthermore, it contracts and tightens the skin and helps to diminish wrinkles. It can also help stop hemorrhaging by inducing the blood vessels to contract.

Eases Breathing: counters the accumulation of phlegm and catarrh in the respiratory tracts. This property also curbs the formation of mucus and provides relief from coughs and breathing trouble.

Eliminates Bad Odor: It can be used in incense sticks and burners, fumigants, and vaporizers as room fresheners. It can also be used as a body deodorant or perfume. It has no side effects like itching, irritation or patches on the skin like certain commercial deodorants.

Expectorant: reduces the presence and further deposition of phlegm. It also clears congestion of the nasal tracts, bronchi, and lungs resulting from colds and provides good relief from coughing.

Fights Infections: inhibits infections since it is a bactericidal, germicidal, fungicidal, and antiviral substance. It also helps to reduce infections in the stomach and intestines, while helping to stop diarrhea.

Hormone Balance: Extensive research has been conducted around the world regarding the effects of myrtle essential oil on the endocrine system, primarily in regulation of the thyroid gland. It has been shown that myrtle essential oil, whether consumed or inhaled, can positively affect the release of hormones, including those related to the ovaries and women’s reproductive health.

Maintains Healthy Nerves: It maintains the stability of the nerves and keeps you from becoming nervous or unnecessarily stressed over small issues. It is a beneficial agent against nervous and neurotic disorders, shaking limbs, fear, vertigo, anxiety, and stress.

Prevents Infections: This property makes myrtle essential oil a suitable substance to apply on wounds. It does not let microbes infect the wounds and thereby protects against sepsis and tetanus, in case of an iron object being the cause of the damage.

Relaxes the Body: The essential oil of myrtle relaxes and sedates. This property also provides relief from tension, stress, annoyance, anger, distress, and depression, as well as from inflammation, irritation, and various allergies.

Myrtle can be used for skin care and against hemorrhoids, acne, pimples, cystitis, infections in the urinary tract, and chronic problems like leucorrhea. And, it is effective against chest infections in both babies and the elderly.

Words of Caution: There is no inherent risk in using myrtle essential oil, but as always, pay attention to your body’s reaction to any new substance or supplement, and consult a doctor if anything unusual occurs.

Medical Conditions Causing Chronic Pain: How to Cope

Receiving a medical diagnosis can be difficult, especially if it’s a condition that will continue to cause chronic pain. While the news may be a shock, the best thing you can do is create a structured plan for yourself that includes relaxation techniques and a safe pain-management system.

Overcoming the shock

The initial shock can take time to wear off.

  • It can be scary to learn about medical conditions, so be patient as you absorb the news.
  • Be sure to lean on your family and friends for emotional support to help you cope.
  • Stick to your routines to help ground you and take your mind off your diagnosis and pain.

Safely managing your symptoms

Learn healthy ways to cope with pain.

  • You can reduce inflammation through proper nutrition, so experiment with new recipes that can help ease your pain.
  • If you need help creating a healthy eating plan, hire a nutritionist who can help you get on the right path.
  • Start a meditation practice to help reduce pain intensity and increase clarity.
  • Incorporate exercise into your routine to help release natural endorphins and build muscle.

Coping with stress

Use natural methods to relieve tension and pain.

  • Enjoy the natural aromas of essential oils by lighting a Blended Candle or spraying an Aroma Spray from Mother Jai.
  • Cut tension and relax at home by cleaning, decluttering, and opening your windows.
  • Practice yoga and meditation to relieve stiffness and improve blood flow. Find options on YouTube.
  • Take up a new hobby to help occupy your mind and provide a distraction from worrying thoughts.

Find your community

You’re not alone: find others who are also dealing with a tough diagnosis.

  • To feel less alone in your diagnosis, find other people who share your condition.
  • There are many online resources for finding support groups, including Reddit and Facebook.
  • Support groups can help you work through the emotional and physical challenges of your condition and connect with people who can relate to what you’re going through.

While a medical condition can feel scary and unmanageable at first, following the above advice will help you cope—and thrive. Stick to a routine to stay grounded, take up meditation to reduce tension and pain, and find support groups that can help you through the challenges of your condition.

Mother Jai offers wellness education, services, worksheets, and hygiene products to help you achieve the holistic wellness you desire.

Take on 2023 with a Plan

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Recover from 2022: Start 2023 Healthier & Stronger

  • Have a resolution to make a change in your life?
  • Want to cut the chemicals from your personal care routines?
  • Need more fitness in your life?
  • Want to try Aromatherapy for your health?

Mother Jai can help to create a whole new, healthier you!

Join Mother Jai’s as a member today and earn credit to use for the purchase of products, classes and gift cards.

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Subscribe to fitness classes on YouTube @motherjai

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Prevent Viral Infections

Many, many people blindly follow their Doctor’s advice and get a vaccine. What they don’t do is find out what the vaccine actually contains, how long it is expected to work, and which viral strains it is supposed to defend against. The vaccine itself may not be toxic but the chemicals, including mercury, utilized in extracting and combining the essential components of the vaccine are. Also the vaccine itself is only guaranteed to work for six weeks after injection, flu season lasts 3 months, at least.

Every year they create a new vaccine for new strains without considering what that does to the virus itself. Every new strain evolved because of the modified vaccine, now there are many strains that the vaccine does not protect the individual from.

Many occupations require that you have the flu vaccine as a part of employment. These people are forced to be inoculated even when the prevention results are not guaranteed. People are under informed about the actual side effects and contents of vaccines and are coerced through employment to get regular vaccinations.

Over sanitation is one cause of the spread of the virus in children and adults. If we kill all the bacteria on/in ourselves and on the surfaces of our homes then we directly affect our immune system’s ability to defend us. Our immunity is dependent on bacteria to function properly, these bacteria live within and around us for a reason. When we indiscriminately kill all the bacteria, we kill what we need as well.

Alcohol based hand sanitizers and air diffusers are the leading cause of this problem. Also the companies that produce these products cannot guarantee their effectiveness because the products strength decreases the longer it sits on store shelves or in back-stock warehouses. This is especially true of the sanitizing wipes. They have been tested and proven to be completely ineffective after only 6 months of storage. So how long do they sit it warehouses before placed on a shelf for you to purchase? At least 3 months, sometimes more with companies like Walmart that purchase huge amounts of product at once to gain a discount.

Now that we’ve covered that let’s take a look at what we can do to prevent the flu in ourselves and our homes without these man-made, chemical based vaccines and sanitizers. These simple things –

  • Essential oils provide natural antibacterial and antiviral properties and are nontoxic when used in highly diluted forms.
  • Herbal teas nourish the body, providing it with tools for healthy function with nutrients not found in everyday foods.
  • Apple cider vinegar is a great skin cleanser and toner, surface cleaner, degreaser and weed killer, without leaving toxic chemicals behind.
  • Sunflower oil is inexpensive and a great natural moisturizer and carrier for essential oils.
  • Everclear is a wheat based alcohol, a perfect emulsifier for essential oils and, when diluted, is a natural surface and skin sanitizer that contains no petroleum. Plus it is grown and distilled in America.

Mother Jai makes a great all-natural hand sanitizer and sanitizing spray, shop below.

Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule

Simple Steps for Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule

  1. Make adjustments in increments. The best way to successfully shift your sleep cycle is to do it gradually, in 15-minute increments.
  2. Be consistent all week. The key to changing your sleep schedule is consistency. That means sticking to the same sleep and wake time throughout the week, including weekends.
  3. Keep your room dark at night and light in the morning. Our circadian rhythms are influenced by light and darkness.
  4. Get up if you can’t sleep. Don’t lie in bed tossing and turning, especially if you’re wired. Instead, get up and do something either boring or relaxing.
  5. Stop pressing the snooze button. While it might be rough to get up earlier, snoozing doesn’t help. In general it won’t be the best quality of sleep. Set your alarm to the time you actually want to wake up.
  6. Follow sleep hygiene rules. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, stop drinking caffeine within 12 hours of your bedtime or exercising within four to five hours. Give yourself an hour to unwind before bed. During that time, don’t do anything stressful or stimulating (such as use electronics).
  7. Fight after-dinner drowsiness. If you find yourself getting sleepy way before your bedtime, get off the couch and do something mildly stimulating to avoid falling asleep, such as washing the dishes, calling a friend, or getting clothes ready for the next day.
  8. Hungry at bedtime. For some people, a light snack before bed can help promote sleep. When you pair tryptophan-containing foods with carbohydrates, it may help calm the brain and allow you to sleep better. If you need a bedtime snack, try: half a turkey sandwich, small bowl of whole-grain, low-sugar cereal, granola with low-fat milk or yogurt, or a banana.
  9. Exercise Regularly You’ll also sleep more deeply if you exercise regularly. You don’t have to be a star athlete to reap the benefits—as little as 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity helps. And you don’t need to do all 30 minutes in one session. You can break it up into five minutes here, 10 minutes there, and still get the benefits.
  10. Exercise early. It’s no secret that exercise improves sleep and overall health. Morning exercise seems to affect body rhythms that affect sleep quality. One of the reasons for this interplay between exercise and sleep may be body temperature. Your body temp rises during exercise and takes up to 6 hours to drop back down to normal. Because cooler body temperatures are linked to better sleep, it’s important to give your body time to cool off before bed.
  11. Keep your slumber surroundings tranquil. Your bedroom should feel like a quiet sanctuary. Piles of clothes thrown on your bed, stacks of bills staring at you, or other random clutter will hamper you emotionally and may lead to sleep problems. A tranquil and organized space will help you feel more relaxed.
  12. Postpone worrying and brainstorming. If you wake during the night feeling anxious about something, make a brief note of it on paper and postpone worrying about it until the next day when you are fresh and it will be easier to resolve.
  13. Turn off the TV. In some people, nighttime light can hinder melatonin and create “social jetlag,” which mimics symptoms of having traveled several time zones.
  14. Stretch right before bed. Gentle stretching with deep breathing releases all the pent-up stress from the joints and muscles and makes it much easier for them to relax. Deep breathing helps calm and soothe the mind for getting to sleep faster and staying asleep longer.
  15. Meditation or progressive relaxation. Meditation is directing the mind to one focus, which can be shutting down and going to sleep, by focusing your intent you can make it happen. Progressive Relaxation is a process of mentally and physically working from your toes up and relaxing each muscle group with deep breathing. Each inhale the muscles tense and gather stress. Each exhale is a release of muscle tension.

Stretching for Better Sleep

Stretching for Bed

Can help alleviate Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and help you relax more and sleep more deeply.

Seated Leg Stretches

Sitting in your chair or bed and keeping your back straight. Simple stretches done by flexing and pointing your toes while keeping your leg straight.

  1. Sitting up straight, raise feet up, and hold legs straight.
  2. Breathing in bend toes back towards shins, holding for a few seconds.
  3. Breathing out releasing toes straight again.
  4. Breathing in point toes and hold for a few seconds with breath.
  5. Breathing out releasing toes straight again.
  6. Repeat holding the stretches with breath.

Ankle Rotations

Simple rotational movements done to relax and strengthen the ankle joint.

  1. Sitting up straight, raise feet up, and hold legs straight.
  2. Breathing slowly, evenly, and smoothly in through nose, out through mouth.
  3. Point your toes and draw circles in clockwise direction with them.
  4. Stop and draw circles in counterclockwise direction.

Shoulder Scrunches

  1. Sitting up with back straight, chin parallel to the floor, legs resting and feet relaxed.
  2. Breathing in through your nose, bring your shoulders up to your ears.
  3. Hold your shoulders to your ears while holding breath, for a few seconds.
  4. Breathing out through your mouth releasing your shoulders back down and relaxing.
  5. Pause and repeat at least five times.

Shoulder Squeezes

  1. Sitting up with back straight, chin parallel to the floor, legs resting and feet relaxed.
  2. Breathing in bring your shoulders back, squeezing the shoulder blades together.
  3. Hold your shoulder blades together while holding breath for a few seconds.
  4. Breathing out release the shoulders and relaxing them.
  5. Repeating shoulder squeezes with breaths and pauses at least five times.

Head Roll

  1. Sitting with back straight, feet flat, chin parallel to floor, and palms resting on knees.
  2. Breathing slowly and deeply, bring your chin to your chest. Then roll the head to the left, drawing a circle with your head.
  3. Straighten up, pause, and relax.
  4. Bring chin back to chest and roll head to the right, drawing a circle.
  5. Straighten up, pause, relax, and repeat.

Neck Twist

  1. Sitting with back straight, feet flat, chin parallel to floor, and palms resting on knees. Breathing slowly and deeply, relaxing the neck.
  2. Gently turn to the left, as far as your head will turn without injury, hold and stretch. Face forward again. Relaxing the neck.
  3. Gently turn to the right, as far as your head will turn without injury, hold and stretch.