Essentail Oils A - Z: Cedarwood

Cedar is found is the high country were the temperatures are cooler.  Cedar can grow up to 100ft tall in high elevations.  Cedar is another of the essential oils out there that can be reference back to the bible.  Check these out: Leviticus 14:4,6,49, 51-52; Numbers 19:6, 24:6; II Samuel 5:11, 7:2,7; I Kings 4:33, 5:6,8,10, 6:9, 9:11; II Kings 19:23; I Chronicles 22:4, II Chronicles 1:15, 2:8, 9:27; Ezra 3:7; Isaiah 41:19; Ezekiel 17:3,22-23; Zechariah 11:2    The Egyptian used cedarwood oil to help with embalming their dead.    North American Indians used it to enhance their spiritual communication.  The essential oil is steam distilled by using chips of cedar wood.  Cedarwood essential oils have many uses:

Cedarwood essential oils are used directly on open wounds as an antiseptic allowing your white blood cells to focus their efforts in other areas.  Is is being used more and more for arthritic patients because of it's anti-inflammatory abilities.  People with muscle spasm issues, restless leg syndrome, or asthma can benefit from the topical or diffused use of cedarwood essential oil due to is antispasmodic qualities.  Cedarwood is also a diuretic allowing the user to urinate more which gets rid of toxins in the body like uric acid and helps get rid of water weight.  It can be used for stabilizing the menses cycles of women with issues as well as help with the pain that can be brought on by menses. You can mix a little Lavendar essential oil and some cedarwood with a carrier oil and use it as an insect repellant.  Mosquitoes do not like cedar neither do flies.  If you diffuse cedarwood essential oil in your home insects will stay away.  When mixing equal parts pine and cedarwood and diffusing you can also alleviate coughs and congestion when sick or suffering from allergies.  When diffusing it can release serotonin which is helpful when trying to relax or sleep and is great for people with anxiety. Adding a few drops to your shampoo will help get rid of dandruff or a one or two drops in your facial toner or moisturizer  for added clarifying properties.

Cedarwood blends well with many different oils such as: Bergamot, Cypress, Juniper, Jasmine, Frankincense, Lavendar, Lime, Lemon, Rose, and Rosemary.  The mixture of any of these scents will make a wonderful smelling, relaxing home.

Cedarwood is a very potent oil and should be used with caution.  Use great care when taking internally and always use with a carrier oil when applying on the skin.  If pregnant you should not use cedarwood at all.  Children should not use cedarwood as well.  

Essential Oils A - Z: Cassia

Cassia was used in biblical times as one of spices used to make the holy anointed oil made by Moses (Exodus 30:22-38).  Cassia is related to cinnamon and looks similar to it as well.  The bark is used and the product is created through steam distillation.  It is most commonly found in China and Burma and is known as Chinese Cinnamon.

Cassia supports a health immune system as well as a healthy digestive tract. It can be used in many ways such as taken internally to rid oneself of diarrhea or gas.  It can be diffused for a nice, uplifting spicy aroma or it can be mixed with a carrier oil and used on the skin for achy muscles or joints.  It is a warming oil so it will increase the circulation to where ever it might be applied.  It is also simply used to spice up foods.

One fun thing to do with Cassia is to put a few drops on some toothpicks and let it absorb overnight and you have wonderful tasting toothpicks.



**WARNING** Cassia can reduce the secretions of milk and should not used by nursing mothers.

Essential Oils A - Z: Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil has it's origins in India.  It is the end all, be all of essential oils.  As stated in the name the seeds of wild carrots are what is used to create the essential oil.  It is steam distilled.  Wild carrots grow mostly in Europe and it is commonly known there as "Queen Anne's Lace." Most people use it today to aid in skin care of many kinds.  Mix a few drop of Carrot oil with some Rosehip oil and apply to the skin for rejuvenated, smooth, soft skin.  Carrot seed oil has so much more to offer though.



https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/carrot-seed-essential-oil.html

All of these things and it's not done.  Carrot seed oil is also a tonic.  It can tone up tissues and muscles all the while increasing their efficiency.  It also stimulates new cell and tissue growth.

Carrot seed oils mixes well with Bergamont, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Avacado, Cedar wood, and Geranium oils.

Essential Oils A - Z Camphor Essential Oil

Camphor grows mainly in China and Japan. It takes 50 years before it can produce oils but the tree can live for 1,000 years and grow as tall as 100ft. Camphor wood was also used to build ships and temples in China and Japan.

The bark and stems are used by steam distillation.

Camphor has a very potent scent and is used as an anti-inflammatory which can be used for arthritis muscular aches and pains and inflammation.  It has a great affect on clearing the lungs and boosting circulation.  

Camphor blends well with Basil, Cajeput, Laender, Melissa, Rosemary, and Chamomile.

Camphor is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, insecticide, and laxative properties. Camphor oil has been used in the treatment of nervous depression, acne, inflammation, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, sprains, rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs, colds, fever, flu and infectious diseases. It is a well-known repellent of moths and other insects, and is an ingredient in moth balls.

Recipe:  1-2 drops of Camphor, 1-2 drops Rosemary in a 10ml vial filled with any carrier oil.  Shake well before using.  This can help with inflammation, bruising, and acne.

**WARNING** - Camphor is very strong and can cause convulsions and vomiting if used incorrectly.  Pregnant women and people suffering from epilepsy or asthma should not use Camphor at all.

Essential Oils A - Z Cajeput Oil

Found in Australia and Southeast Asia, the leaves and twigs are what we are looking for when it comes to getting the essential oils out of Cajeput oil. Cajeput is part of the the Tea Tree family (Melaleuca) but does not have all the same properties.  Cajeput is a top note oil when using for fragrance; it has a bit of a fruity smell, and is normally steam distilled.  In Malay, "Caju-Pute" means "white tree" and therefore the oil is referred to also as White Tree Oil.

Cajeput will blend well with Clary Sage, geranium, lavender, marjoram, oakmoss, pine, rosemary, and ylang, ylang.

Cajeput is used for toothaches, colds, headaches, fungal skin conditions, and great for joint pains.  It has both antiseptic and anti-microbial properties making it wonderful for different skin conditions**.  It is also considered at analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, and if that wasn't enough it also has insecticidal attributes.

**WARNINGS:  Should be diluted when used topically and should not be used by pregnant women at all.

Essential oils A -Z Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil comes from the rind of the Bergamot fruit which has been cold pressed.

Bergamot fruit, listed as a sub species of bitter orange, is about the size of an orange and is yellow inside.  It is typically grown in Italy (where it gets its name), southern France, and Turkey.  The juice from this winter flowering citrus tree tastes less sour than a lemon and more bitter than a grapefruit. It is known however, for its aroma.  It is used as the "top note" in many perfumes.  Bergamot is used in black tea.  When you add Bergamot to black tea it becomes known as "Earl Grey."

**There is also an herb called Bergamot.  Apparently it smells similar to the fruit and has been used to "cutting" the oil to make essential oil production costs less. This herb is not related to the fruit and the Italian government has now put strong sanctions on the processes used for export.  The herb is in the mint family and will be the topic of another conversation in the future.**

Since it tastes horrible, what are it's benefits?  Bergamot is just another great all around essential oil. It can ease frayed nerves,  increase energy, it can leave you with a sense of freshness and happiness in cases of depression.  Bergamot is good for digestion and is antimicrobial, and antifungal.  It is also used in antibacterial soaps.

Bergamot is a good analgesic for muscle pain, headaches, and sprains.  People with insomnia will like using this essential oil as it soothes nervous tension, anxiety, and stress.

The cosmetic industry likes to use this essential oil in their products because Bergamot has a property that allows for the healing of scars and not just surgery scars but acne scars as well.

It is a great fever reducer and it "is also a tonic, meaning that it tones up the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous system, as well as skin and muscles. It is also anticongestive 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 productive coughs, thereby reducing the total amount of material and eliminating some of the germs and toxins that caused the condition in the first place."

Bergamot must be kept away from sunlight as one of it's components will become poisonous.  If used on the skin, you should not go out in the sun until it has fully absorbed into the skin.

Bergamot mixes well with other essential oils like: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Mandarin, Jasmine, Black Pepper, Cypress, Geranium, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Orange, Rosemary, Vetiver and Ylang-Ylang Oil. It is particularly complementary with other citrus oils.

Next on the list is Cajeput Essential Oil.


http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-bergamot-essential-oil.html

Essential Oils A-Z (Sweet Basil)

Sweet Basil is native to the areas surrounding the Mediterranean and used in a lot of Italian cuisine.  It is a part of the mint family and has a strong odor. Basil likes a lot of good soil, warmth, water, and sun.  It will grow in gardens, planters, or in a cup on your window sill so long as those conditions are met.

An interesting fact about basil:  "Basil is a polymorph, meaning it occurs in many different forms, varieties and closely related species. The different types are easily hybridized, producing many different kinds of plants with different essential oil constituents and compositions. There are cinnamon, lemon, clove and licorice scented basils; purple and green, curly and lettuce leafed varieties. Dwarf bush types with tiny leaves are grown as ornamental plants."  

Ancient physicians used basil to cure headaches, fevers, digestive and respiratory issues, snake bites, and yet others thought it was a good aphrodisiac for horses. Today it is used in aromatherapy to cheer you up.  It is also used for clarity in the mind and positive thinking.  The odor is strong in basil and if you don't mind temporarily smelling like an Italian dish you can put a drop or two in a nice hot bath to help relieve muscle pain, gout, and arthritis. :)

In making essential oils from basil the stems, flower, and leaves are used.  Basil is steam distilled.

There are many ways in which you can use basil.  When diffused it can help the following: Anxiety, addiction, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, mental fatigue, and migraines.  When used topically it can help: Adrenal fatigue, autism, insect bites/bee stings/spider bites/snake bites, brusitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, cuts, cramps, ear aches, muscle spasms, mouth ulcers, and wounds.

Note of caution with basil...a little goes a long way and it should not be used with epileptic's.

Next up will be Bergamot essential oil.





http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/eo_basil.html

Essential Oils A-Z (Aniseed (Anise))

What a beautiful flower Anise has!  I found this picture at gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com.  If you like licorice you will like anise as far as flavor goes because it is the Anise oils that are used to give licorice it's flavor.

This one is Star Anise.  Very  lovely looking plant.

Anise is typically found in the Eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia.  Anise is traditionally known for it's uses as a spice and a fragrance.  As far as medical uses it appears that the ancient Egyptians used Anise for diuretic purposes, and also for relief of toothaches, and digestive issues.  The ancient Greeks found that not only did Anise care for the above but was also a pain reliever.

Today Anise is mostly known for it's licorice flavor, as a spice.  It has been included in puddings, meats, liqueurs, gelatins, and candies.  But what about medicinal uses?  Do we use it today for such things?

According to Drugs.com it does still have medicinal uses today.  "Anise is well known as a carminative and an expectorant. Its ability to decrease bloating and settle the digestive tract still is used today, especially in pediatrics. In high doses, it is used as an antispasmodic and an antiseptic and for the treatment of cough, asthma, and bronchitis."  The oil has been used to kill lice, scabies, and psoriasis.

I found on Botanical.com some interesting uses for Anise: 

"Oil of Anise is used also against insects especially when mixed with oil of Sassafras and Carbolic oil."

Anise essential oil has many qualities according to organicfacts.net.  "The health benefits of Anise Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-epileptic, anti-hysteric, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aperient, carminative, cordial, decongestant, digestive, expectorant, insecticide, sedative, stimulant and vermifuge substance."

Anti-epileptic, anti-hysteric - Used in high doses Anise has a sedative/narcotic effect.  Because of this effect it is thought to calm down the nervous system as well as respiratory and circulatory responses.

Anti-rheumatic - Used topically it can increase blood circulation causing the sensation of pain relief in area's of rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Antiseptic - Gives extra protection to wounds which allows them to heal faster.

Anti-Spasmodic - Because of it's relaxing properties it calms all ailments brought on my spasmodic activities such as coughing, cramps, diarrhea, etc.

Aperient - In small doses it is good to clear the intestinal tract of blockages.

Carminative - Promotes the removal of gas and if used before eating it is suppose to stop it from forming to begin with.

Cordial - Helps to counter colds, phlegm production, etc.

Decongestant - Helps to clear airways.

Digestive - Helps to promote digestion.

Expectorant - loosens phlegm and mucous in the lungs.

Insecticide - Can be diffused or sprayed.  The oil of Anise is toxic to insects and small animals so they stay away from the scent.

Sedative - Because of its narcotic effects, it helps calm anger, stress, etc.

Stimulant - used to increase blood circulation for arthritis.  Makes you feel more active or alert and possibility increases your metabolism. 

Vermafuge - It can kill worms found in the intestines.

A caution for Anise is that in strong doses it can be harmful to children.

I'm glad I looked this up because it gave a lot of interesting information that I did not know about Anise.  I will probably come back to this one for more information but for the basics, I think this is good enough.

http://www.drugs.com/npc/anise.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-anise-essential-oil.html

Essential oils A - Z Introduction

This is my journey through the land of essential oils:  what their attributes are, the various ways they can be used, recipes that can be used with that particular oil or a mix of oils, and my own personal feedback if I have used the particular oil for any reason.

Since I sell essential oils  (http://mydoterra.com/jodyboucher) , I thought it would be good to become more familiar of some of the lesser known oils and learn more about the oils everyone knows about and share them with whoever might read this.  This information could contain but is not limited to: history of oil, uses of oil, extraction methods, advantages or disadvantages of oil, shelf life of oil, and recipes.

I work a full time job, a part time job, and I am studying to become a RN.  My time is limited so this blog will not be done daily but I will try to achieve the lofty goal on one oil per week.

If you have ever walked by a lavender field, peeled an orange, or been around freshly cut mint you have experienced essential oils in the form of aromatherapy.  That is just one way to use essential oils.  You can also use them topically (directly on the skin), or internally (some not all oils) as well. Essentials can be added to lotions, candles, soaps, etc. to give them different fragrances.

Essential oils are not something new.  They have been used for many hundreds of years.  Egyptians used essential oils (Myrrh, Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Cinnamon) to name a few for medicinal purposes, religious ceremonies, and beauty treatments.  The Greeks added essential oils to massage therapy. Essential oils are even mentioned in the bible. Frankincense and Myrrh were given to Jesus after his birth.

I am no doctor, I'm not even a nurse yet.  My knowledge of essential is so small compared to all the knowledge out there.  I am not here to tell anyone to use essential oils instead of modern medicine.  I am only here trying to share the information I learn from my journey.  Take from it what you will or nothing at all, it's up to you.  Try using some of the knowledge and see if it helps in your life.

For me, essential oils have become a huge part of my life.  Depending on which essential oil I use, they pick me up, they clear my mind, they help me sleep, they open my airways so I breathe better, they have helped me get rid of some of my scars from past surgeries, they help with relax muscles after hard workouts.  The uses seem to infinite.  I hope you find this journey as interesting as I hope to make it.

Jody