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Learn more about Cinnamon Leaf essential oil below.
Aroma Spray – 8oz Spray
Water based sprays with 5% essential oils for personal Aromatherapy.
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.
Lip Balm – .33oz Tub
Naturally moisturizing with natural flavors. Never any petroleum.
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.
Buttermilk
is a milk product or dairy ingredient which widely used in the food industry
since it contains emulsifying properties and it can enhance the flavor of the
food. Commercial buttermilk which we found in market is categorized as sweet
buttermilk. The sweet buttermilk is a by-product from the churning process of
sweet cream into butter. Buttermilk has sour characteristic taste due to the
lactic acid which formed during the process of culturing by bacteria.
Buttermilk itself is prepared by churning the curd of milk and it is considered a good after-dinner-drink especially after the consumption of heavy foods like vegetables, meats, and grains. Here is the list of nutrients in 100 g buttermilk (percent daily value are based on 2000 calories diet)
Energy 40kcal
Carbohydrates 4.8 gr
Fat 0.9 gr
Protein 3.3 gr
Calcium 116 mg/12% DV (Daily Value)
Potassium 54 mg
Cholesterol 10 mg
Magnesium 8 % DV
Folate 4 % DV
Zinc 8 % DV
Riboflavin 20% DV
Vitamin B6 4 % DV
Vitamin B12 10% DV
Vitamin A 1 % DV
Vitamin C 4 % DV
Iron 1 % DV
Health benefits of Buttermilk
Buttermilk
provides many nutrients to the body that provide multiple health benefits. It
can stimulate digestion function and it also can be used to treat of many
disorders including abdominal disorders.
Promote healthy digestion: Buttermilk contains probiotic which can promote healthy digestion. Buttermilk contains prebiotic which known as a substance that can enhance the growth of good bacteria inside the colon. These bacteria will keep the intestine and the digestion tract healthy and prevent it from any infection that caused by pathogen microorganism such as Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria are the common cause of stomach or gut ulcer.
Boost immune system: Not only enhance the function of digestion system, the prebiotic content of buttermilk also can promote the body immune system against infection of pathogens. Buttermilk also contains zinc, a mineral that can improve the immune system response and strengthen the immune cells together with Vitamin C.
Maintain strong bones: Calcium is a mineral that effective in maintain the bone mass and keep it strong. Buttermilk contains high level of calcium which can help keep the bone from losing its mass and maintain the bone structure.
Make a glowing skin: Buttermilk will enrich your skin with dozens of nutrients and it will make your skin glow. Buttermilk not only used in food commercial product but it also used in the cosmetic and skin care products. It contains protein, vitamin C and antioxidant that can nourish the skin and make it clearer.
Promotes healthy pregnancy: During pregnancy, mom needs more nutrients to enhance her health and promote the development of her baby. Buttermilk contains protein and other nutrient and prebiotic which can keep mother from suffering any illness or disease. It also contains folate that improve the brain and organs development of the fetus inside the womb. Taking buttermilk once a day is beneficial to both mother and baby.
Treat upset stomach: If you are feeling sick after enjoying spicy food or even bad or spoiled food, try buttermilk. Buttermilk contain protein and amino acids which can bind chemical or harmful substances within the food and protect the stomach lining from infection.
Keeping healthy heart: Heart is one of the most vital organ of human body and it also needs to be nourished. Buttermilk contains some potassium which plays important role in maintaining normal heart beat and helps the body control blood pressure.
Lowering cholesterol: Even though buttermilk has creamy texture and taste it doesn’t contain high amounts of cholesterol. According to study, buttermilk contains milk protein globule that can bind the cholesterol and prevent it from entering the blood vessel and causing atherosclerosis. If you consume a heavy food that contains high amount of cholesterol, consuming buttermilk after eating will significantly help you to stabilize the cholesterol inside the body.
Rehydrate the body: The nutrients in buttermilk assist the body in rehydration. One half cup with sunstroke or dehydration will have you back to feeling good in no time.
Maintain normal metabolism: Metabolism is a body process to produce energy and it required the presence of some metabolic enzymes. Buttermilk contains some nutrients including Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and other B Vitamins that are the component of metabolic enzymes produced by the body. Without the existence of these substances, the body can’t produce the energy needed for maintaining all body cells.
Treat insomnia: Buttermilk contains magnesium that can help the body to relieve some types of sleep deprivation or sleep disorders like insomnia. Magnesium is a mineral that play important role in controlling nervous system and it help to soothe and relax the nerves within the brain. Consume buttermilk one hour before going to sleep.
Improve healthy vision: Not only does it contain protein, fat and other nutrients, buttermilk is also complete with Vitamin A which is mostly required to keep healthy function of retina or eyes. Consuming buttermilk regularly will also help to prevent any eyes disorders like age related macular degeneration.
Treat sunburn: Buttermilk contains smoothing and calming properties that help to treat sunburns. Apply directly to sunburn or pour in bath the soothe burned skin.
Treat diarrhea: It is mentioned in a study that the milk fat content in buttermilk is effective in adding bulk to stool and loosen it so it will be easy to pass the colon. Buttermilk has been used as an Ayurvedic medication for thousands of years to treat diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Prevent anemia: Buttermilk contains iron that plays important role in the red blood cells formation and function. Without the presence of iron, the body can’t form a healthy red blood cell and it will cause poor oxygen and nutrient transport within the body which leads to anemia.
Prevent cancer: Buttermilk contains anti-inflammatory properties and provides antioxidant affects that can help prevent the development of cancer cells.
Moisturize dry hair: Buttermilk can be used in hair treatment as hair mask and it will result in a smooth and shiny hair. Just apply some buttermilk on your hair and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse it out with warm water. The protein and other nutrients within the buttermilk will nourish your dry hair and make it supple and smooth.
Homemade buttermilk is
very easy to make and tastes excellent in pancakes and other flour-based foods.
To make buttermilk at home, use the following steps.
Mix
1 cup of milk with 1 cup of lemon juice. Use a milk product with a higher fat
content, such as 2 percent milk, whole milk or cream.
Let
the milk and lemon juice mixture sit for up to 10 minutes. The milk should
start to thicken and curdle.
Substitute
the commercial buttermilk for the homemade buttermilk in any recipe that calls
for the ingredient.
Another
method of making buttermilk involves churning heavy cream into solids and
liquids. To use this method, blend some cream in a food processor or mixer
until it separates. Strain the solids through some cheesecloth and use the
strained buttermilk in any recipe that calls for the ingredient. Rinse out the
solids well and set them aside. The solids create an excellent homemade butter
that can keep for several weeks.
If
homemade or commercial buttermilk are not available, yogurt or sour cream can
make good substitutes in recipes that call for the ingredient.
Black pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum) is steam-distilled from the berries (peppercorn) of the Piperceae. Although black pepper itself is frequently used, the oil is not so widely known. However, it’s an oil high in monoterpenes, a chemical constituent known to have a powerful impact on the body in many ways. The aroma of black pepper is spicy, musky, warm, and peppery.
The warm, mild aroma of Black Pepper will remind you of freshly ground
peppercorns combined with a soft floral scent. While you may not desire to
diffuse it by itself, it can spice up your favorite diffuser blend. Black
Pepper is an excellent choice to help in reducing occasional discomfort after
exercise or easing achy joints that are associated with normal aging or wear
and tear.
Therapeutically, black pepper oil is mostly used as a supplement for digestive and nervous system support and wellness. For this reason many people will use the oil as a flavoring in their cooking, just as you might with crushed black pepper. However, the ratios will be MUCH different. You wouldn’t use a full teaspoon of black pepper oil (yikes!!), but rather start off with a drop, to find the right amounts for your recipes.
Plant
Description
Native to India, the black pepper plant is a climbing vine that can grow
up to 10 meters high. The stem of the black pepper plant grows into a plentiful
green column as the many shoots that grow from the stem begin to produce green,
almond-shaped leaves. Growing next to these luscious leaves are clustered
flowers and the fruit of the plant—the peppers. The peppers, or fruits, are
round and can grow to be approximately 6 mm in diameter. These fruits turn from
green to red and are picked at various times of their ripening stages to
produce varying types of peppers. In order to produce black pepper, these tiny
and rotund fruits are typically picked when they are fully grown, shiny, and
green.
Chemistry of
Black Pepper Essential Oil
Main Chemical Components: Caryophyllene, limonene, carene, sabinene
Black Pepper essential oil contains a high amount of natural chemicals
that can support and protect the human body. Some of the most prominent
chemicals are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are known for their antioxidant
activity when ingested. These chemicals also help support the immune system.
Oils that Blend
Well with Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black Pepper essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage,
Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Clove, Juniper Berry, Sandalwood, and
Cedarwood essential oils for diffusion.
Primary Benefits
Rich source of antioxidants
Supports healthy circulation
Aids digestion
Enhances food flavor
Soothes anxious feelings
Emotional
Benefits
Aromatically, black pepper essential oil helps people to examine things
with clarity and honesty. It allows a person to take off their own facade or
mask, share their true thoughts and emotions, and unblock the flow of growth in
this way. It might help a person who is dealing with repressed memories or
emotions, allowing them to dig deep into their past or their present
experiences. It can help you uncover hidden truths or face patterns or habits
with courage.
Other Benefits
Black pepper oil is rich in certain useful minerals and vitamins too.
For example, there is vitamin-A (Beta Carotene), which is very beneficial for
ocular health as well as for antioxidant activity. It has vitamin-K, which is
essential for maintaining proper circulatory and metabolic functions, muscles,
and bones. Furthermore, it has calcium, potassium and selenium. While calcium
is good for bones and potassium for regulating blood pressure, selenium is
essentially required for the proper formation of bones, nails, hair follicles
and teeth, as well as for proper functioning of the brain.
In Other Words
It’s Really Good For:
Cognitive
support and brain health. [Dorene Petersen, Presentation: Clinical Use of
Aromatherapy for Brain Health: 7 Essential Oils. August 9, 2017, New Brunswick,
NJ. Alliance of International Aromatherapists 2017 Conference. AIA 2017
Conference Proceedings page 221-222.]
Aching muscles,
arthritis, chilblains, constipation, muscle cramps, poor circulation, sluggish
digestion. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport,
MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-64.]
Black Pepper Essential Oil Uses
Ability to provide warm sensations when applied topically. This factor makes it a perfect oil to use in a relaxing massage blend. Create your own warming and soothing massage blend by combining one to two drops of Black Pepper essential oil with a carrier oil. Using Black Pepper essential oil in a massage blend not only provides warm sensations during a massage, its aromatic components also help enhance your relaxing experience.
Improves Circulation. When black pepper essential oil is taken internally, it promotes healthy circulation and stimulates mucus and bile flow. It has warming properties when taken internally and applied topically. Mix black pepper oil with cinnamon or turmeric essential oil to enhance these circulatory activities.
Helps the body kill cancer cells. According to a 2010 study conducted at Michigan State University, black pepper oil and its constituents exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. All compounds derived from black pepper suppressed human cancer cell proliferation, with peperine being the most effective compound.
Need a good way to calm unwanted anxiety? Black Pepper essential oil is a great way to relieve anxious feelings. When used aromatically, Black Pepper essential oil can help soothe tightened emotions. To relieve yourself of anxious feelings, place a few drops of Black Pepper essential oil into a diffuser or inhale it directly to receive its aromatic benefits. Dilute 1 drop and rub over the heart center as desired for emotional support.
Black Pepper is a powerful essential oil with amazing uses and benefits. With the right combination of essential oils, its effects can be amplified. When you combine Black Pepper essential oil with Juniper Berry oil and/or Cedarwood oil, it can help produce a calming and grounding effect on your senses and emotions, and can help you de-stress and relax.
Contains many natural chemicals that are important in supporting natural functions of the body. Some of these chemicals include monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are known for their antioxidant activity when ingested. To provide your body with greater antioxidant support, put one or two drops of Black Pepper essential oil into a Veggie Capsule and take internally.
Enjoy your favorite seasons with good health by using Black Pepper essential oil. Because Black Pepper has certain natural chemicals such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, it can support the immune system when needed most. To better protect your health, take one to two drops of Black Pepper essential oil in a Veggie Capsule when seasonal threats are high. Research published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that black pepper extract contains anti-virulence properties, meaning it targets bacterial virulence without affecting cell viability, which may be less prone to the development of drug resistance. The study showed that after screening 83 essential oils: black pepper, cananga and myrrh oil inhibited staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and almost abolished the hemolytic (destruction of red blood cells) activity of S. aureus.
To soothe muscles and joints or to warm the skin during cold weather. Because of its warming, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, black pepper oil works to reduce muscle injuries, tendinitis, and symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine assessed the efficacy of aromatic essential oils on neck pain. When patients applied a cream composed of black pepper, marjoram, lavender and peppermint essential oils to the neck daily for a four-week period, the group reported improved pain tolerance and significant improvement of neck pain.
Use to quit smoking. Black pepper oil may help reduce cravings for cigarettes and symptoms of anxiety in smokers deprived from smoking. A 1994 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that black pepper oil can suppress certain smoking withdrawal symptoms, including cravings for cigarettes. Forty-eight cigarette smokers participated in a three-hour session conducted after overnight deprivation from smoking. The participants were divided into three groups: One group of smokers puffed on a device that delivered a vapor from black pepper essential oil, a second group puffed on a device with a mint/menthol cartridge and a third group used a device containing an empty cartridge. After puffing and inhaling from the devices throughout the session, reported cravings for cigarettes were significantly reduced in the black pepper group relative to each of the two control groups. In addition, negative effects and symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the black pepper, and participants reported that the intensity of sensations in the chest was significantly higher with the black pepper cartilage. This study suggests that respiratory tract sensations are important in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms and cigarette substitutes delivering black pepper constituents may prove useful in smoking cessation treatment. Black pepper oil is also among the best essential oils for anxiety and nervous conditions.
Improves digestion. Black pepper oil may help ease the discomfort of constipation, diarrhea and gas. A range of studies has shown that it exhibits antidiarrheal, gastro-protective, antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities. Black pepper does this by stimulating the stomach to increase hydrochloric acid secretion, which is necessary for proper digestion. Black pepper has been used to effectively treat IBS symptoms as well as bladder dysfunctions.
Lowers Cholesterol. A 2002 study on the hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effect of black pepper in rats fed a high-fat diet showed a decrease in the levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids, phospholipids and triglycerides. Researchers found that supplementation with black pepper elevated the concentration of HDL cholesterol and reduced the concentration of LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol in the plasma of rats fed high-fat foods. Use black pepper essential oil internally to reduce high triglycerides and improve your total cholesterol levels.
Stimulates appetite. Research shows that olfactory stimulation using black pepper essential oil, which is a strong appetite stimulant, can facilitate swallowing in people with neurological disorders. Inhalation and ingestion of black pepper oil activates the insular or orbitofrontal cortex, resulting in improvement of the reflexive swallowing movement. In 2008, the effects of olfactory stimulation with black pepper oil were investigated in pediatric patients receiving long-term enteral nutrition (feeding with liquid supplements or tube feeding) due to neurological disorders. In eight out of 10 patients, black pepper oil intervention was continued for three months, and five patients showed increases in the amount of oral intake — plus black pepper treatment helped facilitate swallowing movement.
Helps the body detoxify. Black pepper oil creates a warming sensation when applied topically, so it increases sweating. It also serves as a diuretic and increases urination, helping remove bodily toxins and excess water from the body. This reduces swelling and inflammation; plus it can help lower blood pressure naturally. A 2013 study published in Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics found that piperine supplementation helped normalize blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance (giving you normal blood sugar levels), reduce inflammation and improve liver function in rats fed a high-fat diet. These changes clearly suggest that peperine reduces symptoms of human metabolic syndrome by helping the body to remove toxins and reduce inflammation.
Diaphoretic & Diuretic. Black pepper oil, when ingested, increases sweating and urination. Both of these properties play an important role in the removal of toxins from the body, clearing of the pores on the skin, and disinfecting the body. Sweating and urinating help eliminate extra water and fat from the body, thereby reducing weight, lowering blood pressure and making the body very relaxed. These properties are also helpful for reducing inflammation.
Stimulates energy production. Black Pepper Oil is stimulating and is a good choice for inclusion in blends intended to help enhance alertness and stamina. Black Pepper should be avoided before bedtime. Consider massaging 1-2 drops into the soles of the feet daily, or diffusing as needed for increased energy.
Inspiration for
Using Black Pepper Essential Oil
For a muscle rub: In a 5 ml roller bottle; add 5 drops Peppermint, 3
drops Clove, 5 drops Wintergreen and 3 drops Black Pepper essential oils. Top
with FCO.
To summon inner strength, diffuse; 2 drops Basil, 2 drops Bergamot, 1
drop Cinnamon, 1 drop Lemon and 1 drop Black Pepper.
Blend into coconut oil or basic salve recipe to warm and promote
circulation.
Cautions
If taken in large quantities, it may cause uneasiness, unrest, vomiting, loose motions, irritation and inflammation of the intestines, sleeplessness, overheating, and smelling strongly of pepper. However, there is nothing serious about these symptoms. Keep pepper away from the eyes and nose, as it may cause irritation, sneezing, and burning. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
Other Names: Aceite de Bergamota, Bergamot, Bergamot
Orange, Bergamota, Bergamotier, Bergamoto, Bergamotte, Bergamotto Bigarade
Orange, Citrus Bergamia, Citrus aurantium var. bergamia, Huile de Bergamote,
Oleum Bergamotte.
HERBAL
MISCELLANY: Despite the fact that the bergamot fruit is
inedible, the oil has many culinary and house hold uses. It is the
characteristic flavor of Earl Grey tea, and is used as a fragrance for pipe
tobaccos.
Bergamot Oil Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress.
Major
Constituents: (+)-Limonene, Linalyl acetate, Linalool, Sabinene,
Gamma-Terpinene, Bergapten
Bergamot is a plant that produces a type of citrus fruit.
Oil taken from the peel of the fruit is used to make medicine. Some people
treat a skin condition called psoriasis by applying bergamot oil directly to
the skin and then shining long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light on the affected
area. Bergamot oil is also applied to the skin (used topically) for a tumor
caused by a fungal infection (mycosis fungoides) and for pigment loss
(vitiligo). It is also used as an insecticide to protect the body against lice
and other parasites. Bergamot oil is sometimes inhaled (used as aromatherapy)
to reduce anxiety during radiation treatment. In foods, bergamot oil is widely
used as a citrus flavoring agent, especially in gelatins and puddings. In
manufacturing, bergamot oil is used in perfumes, creams, lotions, soaps, and
suntan oils.
Healing with Bergamot
Analgesic: Bergamot essential oil reduces the feeling of pain in the body. Actually, it stimulates secretion of certain hormones which lessen the sensitivity of nerves to pain. Therefore, it is very helpful in case of headaches, sprains, muscle aches or any other symptoms or ailments which require a heavy dosage of analgesic pills. This means that you can avoid the dangerous side effects of many over the counter pain medicines, which often have adverse side effects and can damage your liver and kidneys, as well as cause blood thinning and insomnia.
Antispasmodic: It
relaxes nerves and muscles, thereby giving quick relief for cramps,
convulsions, and painful muscle contractions. This can also be important for
people with chronic coughing or respiratory conditions, as well as asthma,
which is similar to a spasmodic reaction.
Antiseptic
& Vulnerary: The same disinfectant and antibiotic
properties of bergamot oil make it a good antiseptic agent. It not only
promotes fast healing of wounds, cracks on the skin and heels, ulcers, eczema,
and itching but also protects wounds from becoming septic and developing deadly
tetanus. It not only treats and heals the effects of other infections but
inhibits the formation of new ones.
Cicatrisant:
This property of bergamot oil is the reason behind its extensive use in
cosmetics and skin care products such as beauty soaps, creams, and lotions.
Cicatrisant means a property or an agent which helps scars and other marks on
the skin to disappear. It also makes the distribution of pigments and melanin
uniform, resulting in the fading away of marks and an even, attractive skin
tone. This essential oil is commonly used to eliminate the unsightly effects of
acne, which can leave noticeable scars and marks on the affected areas for many
years.
Digestive: As
discussed above, bergamot essential oil activates and increases secretions of
the digestive acids, enzymes, and bile and facilitates digestion. It also
synchronizes and regulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and in this
way, it quickens the digestive process and reduces strain to the intestinal
tract. In this way, bergamot essential oil can reduce constipation, make bowel
movements regular, and prevent gastrointestinal complications like colorectal
cancer and other uncomfortable or dangerous conditions.
Deodorant:
This
property of bergamot oil is popular among the younger generation who is always
trying new deodorants, searching for something refreshing and natural. Bergamot
essential oil is an excellent deodorant. Its refreshing aroma and disinfectant
properties, which inhibit the growth of germs causing body-odor, make it an
effective and attractive delivery system as a deodorant. Citrus smells are very
powerful and can overcome or eliminate many other odors, which is why Bergamot
oil is also used in room fresheners and sprays.
Febrifuge:
A
febrifuge is a substance or an agent that reduces fever and lowers body
temperature. Bergamot is a good febrifuge for a number of reasons. First of
all, as an antibiotic, it fights infections that arise from viruses, bacteria,
and protozoa that cause fever, including influenza (virus), malaria (protozoa)
and typhoid (typhus bacteria). Secondly, it stimulates the metabolic system and
gland secretions, thereby providing a feeling of warmth and resulting in
additional secretion (perspiration or sweat) from the Eccrine glands (sweat
glands) and sebaceous (sebum) glands, thus reducing body temperature. This can
also reduce the toxicity of the body through perspiration, and clean out the
glands and pores of any foreign toxins that can result in a variety of skin
conditions.
Relaxant
& Sedative: The flavonoids present in Bergamot oil are
very good relaxants as well. They soothe nerves and reduce nervous tension,
anxiety, and stress, all of which can help cure or treat ailments associated
with stress such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. They can
also stimulate the activity of certain hormones in the body, which induce
feelings of relaxation and sedation, like dopamine and serotonin.
Vermifuge:
It
kills worms, and it is a subtle and fragrant choice for children who have
contracted worms. It can also be applied on unhealthy, infected teeth or used
as a mouthwash to kill oral germs and protect teeth from the development of
cavities. Intestinal worms can result in malnourishment and other serious
deficiencies including various forms of anemia, so eliminating these worms,
particularly in growing children, is a very important application of bergamot
essential oil.
Other
Benefits: Bergamot essential oil is also a tonic, which means that
it tones up the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous
system, as well as skin and muscles. It is also anti-congestive and is used in
vaporizers to relieve congestion and respiratory problems, particularly during
coughs and colds. It works as an expectorant to loosen up phlegm and mucus in
the respiratory tracts and helps the body to eliminate through natural avenues
like sneezing and coughs, thereby reducing the total amount of material and eliminating
some of the germs and toxins that caused the condition in the first place.
UNSAFE when used on the skin (topically), because it can make the skin sensitive to the sun and more vulnerable to skin cancer. People who work with bergamot can develop skin problems including blisters, scabs, pigment spots, rashes, sensitivity to the sun, and cancerous changes.
Special
Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Bergamot oil is UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth in large amounts. There have been serious side effects, including convulsion and death, in children who have taken large amounts of bergamot oil.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use bergamot oil on your skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is UNSAFE.
Diabetes: Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. This could affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to go to low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Surgery: Bergamot might lower blood sugar. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using bergamot at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with BERGAMOT. Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Topical use of bergamot oil might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Using bergamot oil topically along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun. Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is most known for its
culinary uses. It’s highly nutritious with an abundance of vitamin A (as
carotenoids), vitamin K, and vitamin C. It’s also rich in magnesium, iron,
potassium, and calcium. The fragrant herb Basil is best known as one of the
most versatile herbs to use in Mediterranean and Eastern cooking.
½ cup of
fresh chopped basil (or about eight tablespoons) has roughly:
2 calories
0 fat, protein, sugar or fiber
56 milligrams vitamin A (24 percent)
88 milligrams vitamin K (108 percent)
0.24 milligrams manganese (12 percent)
4 milligrams vitamin C (8 percent)
Health Benefits of Basil Leaf
Adaptogen: helps the body adapt to stress and to
normalize the harmful effects of stressors on bodily processes.
Antibacterial: The basil essential oil was active
against every strain of E-coli it was tested with. It was also shown to have
anti-microbial properties that were found to fight mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Anticancer: Clinical studies published in Nutrition
and Cancer also show that basil contains phytochemicals, which can help
naturally prevent cancer, including chemical-induced skin, liver, oral and lung
cancers. Basil is able to increase antioxidant activity, positively alter gene
expressions, induce cancerous-cell apoptosis (death of harmful cells) and stop
cancerous tumors from spreading.
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory: as an
antioxidant and help the body get rid of free radicals. Sweet basil is an
excellent source of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and polyphenols.
Research published in 2012 showed that these antioxidants make basil a great
choice for helping with inflammatory diseases. Because oxidative stress and
inflammation are often present with serious illnesses like diabetes and heart
disease, this research is promising for combating the increase in these health
problems.
Antimicrobial: against a wide range of bacteria,
yeasts, molds and viruses. This means you can add protection against the
candida virus and various forms of skin irritations to the long list of proven
benefits of basil.
Herbal Remedies with Basil
Calming the Stomach: One-half teaspoon of dried or
fresh basil leaf in water can often help soothe indigestion and alleviate
feelings of fullness.
Coughing and Colds: chew fresh leaves to calm
coughing or make a calming tea of dried basil to help soothe illness.
Facial Steam for Headache: A facial steam with dried
basil leaf can help alleviate a headache. Add a tablespoon of dried basil leaf
to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover
head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes until headache
starts to subside.
Stings and Bites: If you are working outside and get
bitten or stung by an insect and don’t have any plantain growing nearby,
chewing up a basil leaf and applying to the bite will help relieve the pain and
draw out the venom.
Blood Sugar: There is some evidence that basil can
help level out blood sugar if consumed regularly and drank as a juice or tea.
Stress Reduction: One herbalist suggests adding 2 cups of strong basil leaf tea to a warm bath to help reduce stress and facilitate relaxation.
Basil Safety & Precautions
While basil is generally considered a safe herb in culinary amounts, medicinal use of basil is considered “possibly unsafe” for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep in mind also that basil essential oil (or any essential oil) is very concentrated and merits special precautions. Because basil could reduce blood pressure, in theory, it could cause low blood pressure. Consult your healthcare professional before taking basil (or any herb) medicinally.
