Wednesday, March 25, 2015

TEA TREE OIL - Top 10 Uses

iStock_000023112773_SmallI really love Tea Tree oil. This article by Dr Axe tells it all.

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is well known throughout Australia for its ability to treat wounds and because of its powerful antiseptic properties. Documented in medical studies to kill many bacteria, viruses and fungi, it’s an essential part to anyone’s natural medicine cabinet.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that melaleuca is “a powerful disinfectant and is non-poisonous and gentle” to the body. In 1923, Dr. A.R. Penfold found that tea tree oil was 12 times (!) more effective at healing infections than the conventional antiseptic at that time (carbolic acid).
During the 1930s and 1940s, tea tree oil became widely known as the go-to antiseptic, and during the Australian World War II soldiers were given tea tree oil in their first aid kits.
Today, tea tree oil uses are numerous. They include making homemade cleaning products, diffused in the air to kill mold, used topically to heal skin issues and taken internally to treat infections.

Tea Tree Oil Benefits

To date, 327 scientific studies refer to tea tree oil’s antimicrobial prowess alone! As if thousands of years of use have been done in vain, right! Thankfully, science is finally catching up and describing why tea tree oil is so effective as a treatment for some of its more traditional uses:
  • Acne
  • Bacterial infections
  • Chickenpox
  • Cold sores
  • Congestion and respiratory tract infections
  • Earaches
  • Fungal infections (especially candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus)
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Head lice
  • MRSA
  • Psoriasis
  • Soften dry cuticles
  • Soothes itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns
  • Zap boils from staph infections
And this list doesn’t even include the cosmetic and general home uses of tea tree oil!
  • Acne face wash
  • Anti-microbial laundry freshener
  • Insect repellant
  • Natural deodorant
  • Removes foot order
  • Removes mold
  • Household cleaner
An article published in the journal Phytomedicine last year evaluated the relationship between various essential oils and found that none (including tea tree) caused adverse reactions when taken with several different antibiotics. In fact, they discovered that some essential oils even had a synergist effect, which could help prevent antibiotic resistance!
In many causes, doctors of functional medicine will prescribe essential oils like tea tree oil and oil of oregano in replacement of conventional medications because they are just as effective and without the adverse side effects.

Top 10 Tea Tree Oil Uses

Ready to use tea tree oil to transform your health?  Here are the top 10 uses for tea tree oil for natural cures and home remedies.

1. Tea Tree Oil for Acne

One of the most common uses for tea tree oil today is in skin care products especially for acne. One study found tea tree oil to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the negative side effects of red and peeling skin.
You can make a tea tree oil acne face wash by mixing five drops of tea tree essential oil with two teaspoons of raw honey. Simply rub on your face, leave on for one minute then rinse off.

2. Tea Tree Oil for Hair

Tea tree oil has proven very beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp. Tea tree oil has the ability to soothe dry flaking skin, dandruff and even can be used for the treatment of lice.  To make homemade tea tree oil shampoo, mix in with aloe vera gel, coconut milk and other essential oils like lavender.

3. Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning

Another fantastic way to use tea tree oil is as a household cleaner. Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and can kill off bad bacteria in your home. To make homemade tea tree oil cleaner, mix with water, vinegar and lemon essential oil.

4. Tea Tree Oil for Skin (Psoriasis and Eczema)

Tea tree oil can help relieve any type of skin inflammation, including eczema and psoriasis. Simply mix one teaspoon coconut oil, five drops of tea tree oil and five drops of lavender oil to make homemade tea tree oil eczema lotion or body soap. In addition, if you have eczema or psoriasis, you should consider going on the GAPS diet and supplementing with vitamin D3.

5. Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus and Ringworm

Because of its ability to kill parasites and fungal infections, tea tree oil is a great choice to use on toenail fungus, athlete’s foot and ringworm. Put tea tree oil undiluted on the area, and for stubborn fungi it can also be mixed with oil of oregano. Tea tree oil has also been proven beneficial for treating and removing warts, so simply put tea tree oil directly on the area, daily, for 30 days.

6. Tea Tree Oil Kills Mold

A common problem many people experience in their homes is mold infestation often times without knowing it. You can buy a diffuser and diffuse tea tree oil in the air around your home to kill mold and other bad bacteria. Also, you can spray tea tree oil cleaner onto shower curtains to kill off mold.

7. Tea Tree Oil Deodorant 

Another great reason to use tea tree oil is to eliminate body odor. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that destroy the bacteria that cause body odor. You can make homemade tea tree oil deodorant by mixing it with coconut oil and baking soda. Also, if your kids play sports or if you’re a runner, you can add tea tree oil and lemon essential oils to your shoes and sport’s gear to keep them smelling fresh!

8. Tea Tree Oil for Infections and Cuts

Tea tree oil mixed with lavender essential oil is the perfect ingredient in a homemade wound ointment. Make sure to clean a cut first with water and hydrogen peroxide, then put on tea tree oil and cover with bandage to fight off infections. Also, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found tea tree oil kills MRSA and staph infections.

9. Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste For Oral Health

Because of tea tree oils ability to kill off bad bacteria and simultaneously soothe inflamed skin, it’s a perfect ingredient in homemade toothpaste. Tea tree oil has also been shown to reduce the bleeding of gums and reduce tooth decay. Simply mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and baking soda for an amazing homemade toothpaste.

10. Tea Tree Oil for Cancer

One of the most incredible studies done recently done on tea tree oil was on its ability to fight skin cancer. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Sciences, tea tree oil was found to have a rapid effect on reducing tumors and boosted immunity.
Also, both tea tree oil and frankincense have been proven to have anti-cancer benefits. For abnormal skin lesions, you can mix frankincense oil, raspberry seed oil and tea tree oil, and place on area three times daily.

More on Tea Tree Oil later.
References 
Hammer KA, et al. In viro susceptibilities of lactobacilli and organisms associated with baterial vaginosis to melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.1999;43(1):196.
Groppo FC, et al. Antimicrobial activity of garlic, tea tree oil, and chlorhexidine against oral microorganisms. Int Dent J. 2002 Dec;52(6):433-7.
Bassett, et al, “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne,” Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8.
Stablein JJ, Bucholtz GA, Lockey RF. Melaleuca tree and respiratory disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2002 Nov;89(5): 523-30.
“Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil ) inhibits the in vitro growth of human melanoma cells,” J Invest Dermatol. 2004 Feb;122(2):349-60.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

75 USES FOR DIY Antibacterial Oil

Mix together in equal parts - Clove oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil, orange oil, lemon oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, and then as a carrier oil - coconut oil.

1. Dilute with coconut oil and apply to cuts or open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
2. Mix with a tablespoon of water, gargle and swallow for a sore throat.
3. Apply undiluted directly to the skin of your upper chest and throat for bronchitis.
4. Place a drop on your thumb and apply to the roof of your mouth for a headache.
5. Put drops in a veggie capsule undiluted and swallow daily for longevity.
6. For acne, take internally and apply to the skin diluted.
7. Put directly on the soles of your feet to protect you from colds and flu.
8. Breathe in the vapors when you have lung congestion.
9. Use to clean pet cages, creating a healthier environment for them.
10. Add to your dishwasher for cleaner dishes.
11. Add to your laundry cycle for cleaner clothes.
12. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.
13. Mix with water to make a spray to repel insects on your flowers and plants.
14. Use to dissolve the gummy adhesive on price labels.
15. Apply to bee and wasp stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.
16. Apply to gums to prevent and treat gum disease.
17. Apply orally to maintain healthy teeth and reduce cavities.
18. Apply to gums and teeth for pain relief from toothaches.
19. Diffuse in homes or business to solve mold problems.
20. Add to orange juice and drink to reduce phlegm and congestion.
21. Apply to broken bones or joints for pain relief and to hasten healing.
22. Put a drop in your cup of tea for flavor and to maintain health.
23. Put on the tip of your tongue to help you stop smoking.
 24. Put on cold sores and canker sores to make them disappear.
25. For warts, apply topically, inhale and ingest in capsules to make them disappear.
26. Rub on sore joints to relieve arthritis pain.
27. Drink a few drops in water or juice every three hours to stop a cold.
 28. Place a drop on the tongue and a drop in a glass of water every day for herpes.
29. Rub on the bottoms of children’s feet for protection before school every day.
30. Diffuse in the house as your children come home from school every day to kill airborne bacteria.
31. Mix 50:50 with coconut oil and rub on daily for relief of shingles.
32. Apply a drop on wound of a cat or dog to enhance healing.
33. Diffuse in the home or office to stimulate a cheerful mood.
34. Diffuse in the office to increase concentration and work efficiency.
35. Diffuse in your place of business to ward off germs.
36. Diffuse in the classroom to reduce student sickness and absenteeism.
37. Put a few drops in your carpet steamer/cleaner to disinfect carpet.
38. Mix a few drops with honey or agave in a teaspoon for cough relief.
39. Breathe and apply for sinus headaches.
40. Put a drop on a pimple to make it shrink and disappear.
41. For laryngitis put a drop under your tongue to restore your voice.
42. Inhale for relief of allergy symptoms.
43. Take a capsule full every day for relief of Lyme disease symptoms.
44. Carry a bottle on every flight to protect you from germs on the plane.
45. Drop in the heat/AC vents of a hotel to rid it of airborne germs.
46. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.
47. Apply undiluted to the toes and feet to combat fungus.
48. Apply to poison ivy rashes (may need to be diluted with vegetable oil) to relieve the itch.
49. Drop on a cloth to remove permanent marker stains.
50. Sanitize pierced earrings.
51. Rub on the big toe before retiring to help with proper vision.
52. Apply diluted 1 drop oil to 5 drops coconut oil, may be helpful in soothing pinkeye and other eye inflammations. (Do not get in the eye.)
53. Apply 1 drop  onto toothbrush to sanitize.
54. Use for bathrooms and toilets to sanitize and freshen.
55. Use to cut grease on kitchen counters and stovetops.
56. Use to mop floors to clean and disinfect.
57. Apply to hands to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tree sap.
58. Use to wash fruits and vegetables from the supermarket.
59. Add to the water in your vacuum cleaner/steamer to cleanse the air and disinfect the carpet.
60. Spray along ant trails in the house to keep them out.
61. Use to wipe chairs and furniture in school classrooms to cut down on student sickness.
62. Scrub old floors to remove old varnish and prepare for refinishing.
63. Clean upholstery.
64. Clean the upholstery and dashboard of your car.
65. Soak off burnt food in pots and skillets.
66. Wipe or soak garbage cans to get them clean, sanitary and smelling fresh.
67. For tough stains, pour it on as a pre-wash stain remover.
68. Use undiluted to clean and kill mold on walls and floors or degrease oven.
69. Spray on doorknobs in public restrooms to kill germs.
70. Spray in the throat to restore a lost voice.
71. Spray hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.
72. Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.
73. Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.
74. Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.
75. Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

I GO SKINNY DIPPING

Gotcha, didn't I? 
The following recipe for soaking yourself to a healthier, slimmer self with Essential Oils.   This recipe will help take the detox load off your liver as well.  In the following recipe, Trim & Tone refers to a mixture of orange oil and lemon oil. As for me, if I don't answer the phone or your text I am most likely skinny dipping!!



Thursday, February 26, 2015

CINNAMON OIL TIPS AND TRICKS

The following article was published by  Mr. Michael Scholes, essential oil expert.


Cinnamon essential oil is mentioned in the scriptures, implying that it has history and sacred applications in medicine, embalming and incense making. The essential oil is derived from the bark and leaves of several species of the cinnamon genus from Southeast Asia.  Essential oil made from cinnamon bark is more expensive than cinnamon leaf, as it takes a greater amount of the product to produce a similar amount of essential oil. The result is a cinnamon smell that is spicier, sweeter and stronger than the leaf oil.

While cinnamon leaf has a higher eugenol and analgesic (pain-reducing) component, cinnamon bark has higher cinnamaldehyde and this makes cinnamon bark an extremely strong respiratory and circulatory stimulant. The result is superior and more multi-dimensional benefits. Because cinnamon bark is stronger than cinnamon leaf, you can also use less but achieve better results—making it more cost effective.

Since it can be irritating to the skin and burning to the mouth in the incorrect dosage, how does one use this highly effective essential oil?

The proper dosage and application is critical for safety and therapeutic effect. Cinnamon bark essential oil is a strong irritant, and should never be applied directly to skin unless to a specific targeted point. Always use it diluted and never in a bath unless it is part of a blend where cinnamon is the last and least ingredient. Cinnamon essential oil is not recommended for use on sensitive areas either. Pregnant women should not use any kind of cinnamon oil. In the optimal dosage, Cinnamon oil is very good at delivering benefits like promoting normal blood flow and bringing dry heat and warmth when cold without excessive stimulation or irritation. Please note to always remember safety first and never about higher quantity—as using more oil does not always bring improved results.

Application to massage oil can be very effective when combined with other essential oils. Rarely is it used by itself, so you are most likely to see it used as an ingredient in an essential oil blend or synergy. If you are making a massage oil blend using Fractionated Coconut Oil, mix 18 drops of essential oil into 1 oz. of carrier oil, with only 1 or 2 drops being  Cinnamon oil. This will provide the bark but not the bite.

A few product tips: Cinnamon essential oil is excellent for promoting normal circulation, promoting normal respiratory health, and is excellent in a diffuser to cleanse the air. Mix  Cinnamon (5%), Eucalyptus Globulus or Radiata (40%), Frankincense (10%), Lemon (20%), Peppermint (10%), and Tea Tree (15%). The same combination can be used and applied to sore muscles and to the lungs by rubbing the mixture on the front of the chest and the back.

Internally, add 10 drops to 6-8 oz. of organic honey, stir well and add to ginger herbal tea by the teaspoon with squeezed lemon (fruit). It will bring inner warmth and help promote normal immune system function and be beneficial to your respiratory system.

When you add an accompanying cinnamon cookie (yes, you can add a few drops to cookie dough), it is the perfect addition to a chilly winter afternoon. The picture at left shows Ameo oil. I am not promoting Ameo or any other brand. I personally look for the best I can find.

SEXY ESSENTIAL OILS PLUS AN ASSIGNMENT

The following is a compilation from  Dr. Richard Plant,  Margarete Hyer, Green Diva Meg and yours truly, Judith Marie.

First, we need to understand why essential oils are so powerful. Inhalation of the aroma of a certified pure clinical essential oil can be a powerful way to affect memory, hormones, and emotions through the olfactory system.  Anatomically, the olfactory system is closely connected to the limbic system of the brain, which  includes the hippocampus (long-term memory), the amygdala (emotions), the hypothalamus (autonomic nervous system and hormones), and the cingulate gyrus (regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and attention).  It is due to the fact that the olfactory system is so closely connected to the limbic system that essential oils have such profound physiological and psychological effects. (Modern Essentials, Fourth Edition)
“Our sense of smell stimulates the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose, which in turn stimulates a part of the brain called the limbic system that triggers our libido,” explains Blossom Kochhar, renowned aroma therapist.

“The essential oils do magic and stimulate the pituitary gland, the master of endocrine gland, which controls hormone production. In-activeness of pituitary gland can lead to low sex drive. So, the oils help keep it in an active state,” tells Aromatherapist, Dr. Naresh Arora, Chase Aroma Therapy.

Essential oils are small enough in molecular size to quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin.  They penetrate cell membranes, even if the membranes have hardened because of an oxygen deficiency.  Essential oils also stimulate blood flow, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery.  Scents travel along a neurological pathway, bypassing the blood brain barrier and going straight to the cells. Understanding the scientific aspect of how essential oils work motivates me to continue my daily use of essential oils. When you use certified pure clinical grade essential oils, it is guaranteed that you will notice a difference in how you feel day by day. Use these sexy essential oils daily via inhalation, application, and/or diffusing and you will notice a difference.  Notice how you feel and how people react to you when you wear essential oils. (Attraction Marketing at its best).
Let’s look at how these sexy essential oils benefit you. I am working on a recipe that I will share soon. Until then, play with the oils. Create a blend that works for you. Even though I call these the Sexy Essential Oils, you will see that they are good for much more than low sex drive.

GINGER

•Simulates circulation
•Relaxes the digestive system & muscles, and may put the body in a relaxed state
•Boosts fertility
•Helps impotency





SANDALWOOD

•Supports male arousal
•Enhances physical sensuality
•Relieves nervous tension
•Induces a state of calmness
-Helps with insecurity and irritability, as well as, tension, mood swings or hormone balance
A good quality Sandalwood, like Ameo, will be reflected in the price.
•Massage on feet

BERGAMOT

•Aphrodisiac
•Apply to pillow and bedsheets
•Puts women in the mood
•Calming and removes anxiety
-Helps with Anxiety, stress and negativity
•Diffuse




ORANGE

•Overcome shyness
•Use in full body massage with Fractionated Coconut Oil
•Increases attraction between people
•One drop nightly on your feet





ROSEMARY

•Increases blood flow and improves circulation
•Increases sensitivity to touch
•Heightens sensations
Improves memory






YLANG YLANG(means the flower of flowers)

•Most powerful aphrodisiac
•Fires up the libido
•Increases attraction between people
•Helps with high blood pressure, anxiety, impatience and detached feelings
Long used to calm anger, anxiety, fear, frigidity and improve self esteem
In Indonesia ylang ylang flowers are scattered on the beds of newlyweds to promote desire and bless the union with children. Don’t shy away from using it because of this – LOL.

PATCHOULI

Helps with Depression, Anxiety, Compulsiveness
Aids in relaxing
Improves Clarity
For many of us, patchouli brings on 1960s memories of Woodstock and the Grateful Dead concerts.
Patchouli in any blend together with other sensual oils will really give any Sexy Oils blend a boost.


VETIVER

Calms the mind
Helps with ADHD
Aids in Digestive Disturance






Aphrodisiac Blend – also an Anti-Anxiety Blend Recipe
2 drops Ginger
4 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Bergamot
3 Drops Orange
3 drops Rosemary
4 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Patchouli
1 drop Vetiver

Add the sexy essential oils to 4 ounces of fractionated coconut oil for a delightful massage oil.  Mix and store in a dark glass bottle. Without the coconut oil, use in an Air Diffuser.


Assignment:
To be attractive to others, you must first love and honor yourself. In business and in relationships, it’s  all about attraction marketing. Choose the essential oils from this list that most resonate with you.  Apply it to the bottom of your feet, the back of your neck, behind your ears, on your wrists, or all of the above… 3 times each day.  Do this for a minimum of 7 days and notice the difference in how you feel, as well as how people respond to you.   As I mentioned in the beginning, I am working on what I think will be an outstanding recipe. First, I will be using the above recipe and then tweaking it. 


Wednesday, February 4, 2015

ESSENTIAL OIL (EO)101


 EOs:
     .    Bring vitality – life into your body. Synthetic versions actually block certain bodily functions.
2.     Lower body toxicity – by cleansing and giving good flora to our systems
3.     Allow a flow of energy –
They are most effective when used every day – massage, diffused, added to drinks or food, capsules, and bath water.

EOs are anti inflammatory, antibiotic , antidepressant, and antihistamine.
For example – Using marjoram, lavender or sweet basil on a cut or scrape not only sterilizes, but promotes faster healing.

Moses was instructed to take cinnamon (strong antibacterial) and myrrh when leaving Egypt.  - Myrrh is used to stop bleeding, embalming and as medicine. It also slows signs of aging, heals cracked skin/heels and heals chapped dry skin. Cinnamon was used as medicine. 

Using any and all types of essential oils is better than using none at all. 
Peppermint is very concentrated. – 1 drop equals 23 cups of tea. I would recommend you touch a toothpick into peppermint and then swish into your hot water to make a cup of tea. Peppermint, as we have learned in a previous blog, is good for headaches and opening your sinuses. Please note - after putting peppermint oil onto your hands - WASH HANDS BEFORE GOING TO THE BATHROOM!!!

Some other  Hints with EOs:

Dryer Sheets – a few drops on a cloth of your favorite scent – better than toxic dryer sheets
Repel bugs – stop mildew – purify the air -  tuck cotton balls in car air vents, on a dust cloth or near home air vents that have a few drops.


Reduce paint fumes toxicity by adding a few drops of your favorite scent to your paint.

Wrinkles : frankincense…lavender..ylang ylang  …sandalwood plus a carrier oil.

Dry Skin – carrier oil  + lavender, tea tree, ylang ylang

A side note on Bengay. It's active ingredient is 30% synthetic methyl salicylate.   Wintergreen is  a natural methyl salicylate. Bengay has caustic ingredients – sulfuric acid, methanl, and phenol. Traces are left in you and you only  get 30% methyl salicylate.
Wintergreen is natural.  Next time, use Wintergreen oil with a carrier oil on those sore muscles.  

The following charts are taken from the website - experience essential oils.com


Essential Oil Skin Care Use Chart
Essential Oil
Dry Skin
Sensitive Skin
Oily Skin
Elasticity
Wrinkles
Non-Cystic Acne
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Essential Oil Use Chart for Hair
Essential Oil
Normal Hair
Dry Hair
Oily Hair
Flakey
Hair
Growth
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

But, what is Normal Hair Loss?
Normal hair loss is about 20-100 strands per day and normally increases with aging due to loss of hormones since they decrease with age.
Personally, I have found Clary SageLavender and Ylang Ylang to be helpful. Ylang Ylang has a long history in skin and hair care products, particularly in Asia, where it is used to promote luxuriant hair.
Here is what I did to start:
  1. Use a cleansing shampoo or cleansing oils first before you start. This will remove the buildup of chlorine, grease and chemicals in your hair and scalp.
  2. Pick several oils to use for shampooing and/or make a blend with the base oil. (You may have to experiment with several oils until you find what you prefer)
  3. Use until the feel there is improvement.
  4. Start to include or use oils that support healthy hair growth.
I found that adding 3-5 drops of each oil every morning to a dime sized amount of organic shampoo works best for me.
Start slow and write down the changes so you can really keep track. Then work your way up to using more oils if you have to. Using more is not always better!

Fortunately, we don't have to do what Cleopatra did. It is reported that cones of animal fat were infused with rose and lavender oils. The cone was then strapped to her head. She wore it all day, letting the animal fat and oils drip into her hair and down her face and body. It is reported to have kept her ageless beauty glowing.  Try this if you dare. But take a picture and send it to me.