Jo's Health Corner: cinnamon

My Favorite Essential Oils For Fall and Winter

The fall is a perfect time to start using warming essential oils. When the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are cooler I start diffusing my woody, spicy and warming oils. Not only do these oils add a wonderful aroma to the home, but they also possess powerful anti-microbial properties to aid in warding off disease. I love how I can diffuse the aromas I love and at the same time protect myself from infectious diseases.

I especially enjoy the essential oils from spices, perhaps it is because we use a lot of spices during the long and cold winter months in my home country Sweden. We eat lots of spicy gingerbread cookies and drink our version of Gluhwein. We decorate the houses with Pomanders during Christmas time.

Intense oils
Spice oils are very intense so it is best to mix them up with some other oils before diffusing them in the room. For example, diffused clove oil can irritate the eyes so it should not be diffused more than a couple of minutes at a time. Spice oils such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger blend well with citrus oils. So I enjoy blending citrus oils such as orange, lemon, tangerine, bergamot, lime, and grapefruit with spice oils during the fall and winter. Closer to Christmas I like to add essential oils such as juniper, cypress, Balsam Fir, peppermint and pine to my diffuser.

I like to use essential oils to get the right holiday feeling during when it gets closer to Christmas.

Here are some of my favorite oils during the fall and winter.

Clove

This is by far one of my favorite essential oils. Clove has a spicy, hot peppery and fresh top note. It is very penetrating and stays in my head. The middle note is very uplifting, smooth, more distinct and sweet. It is very aromatic. The base note seems stronger, sweet, spicy, and warm. The dry out note is still strong, spicy, slightly floral and fruity. Clove is a very positive, uplifting, and stimulating scent. I like it. I makes me feel very positive and ready to do things. I associate the aroma with freshly baked gingerbread.

Use with caution after first trimester but it is best to consult a physician before use when pregnant.

Avoid with homeopathics. It is a mucus membranes irritant, and it may cause dermatitis. It is also a blood thinner and should be avoided if taking blood thinning medication.

Learn more about clove essential oil

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a warm, spicy, peppery, and slightly woody top note. The middle note is more intense and the characteristic sweet cinnamon aroma has increased, but it still has a slight woody undertone. It smells like cinnamon candy. The characteristic spicy cinnamon scent appears to be stronger in the base note. The dry out note is still very distinct spicy cinnamon but weaker. Cinnamon has a sharp penetrating aroma that is very comforting but also stimulating. It lightens the mood.

I consider this my feel good oil. I love everything cinnamon and inhaling the essential oils reminds me of being a child eating fresh homemade cinnamon rolls. The aroma cheers me up, it is uplifting but yet relaxing aroma.

Cinnamon should be avoided in pregnancy and in stomach or intestinal ulcers. It may cause tachycardia, increased respiration and perspiration in excessive doses. It should be avoided when using homeopathic remedies.

Learn more about cinnamon essential oil

Ginger

Ginger has a warm, pleasant, slightly citrus and fruity top note with a woody undertone. The middle note is spicy, peppery, sharp, warm and uplifting. It also has a more characteristic ginger aroma. Ginger is stimulating and warming, and it makes me concentrate better. The base note is sweet, slightly characteristic ginger, woody and more diffused. Ginger has some burned smoky scent. The final dry out note smells sweet several days later.

Ginger clears my nose when I inhale it and it goes to my head. It's an euphoric and stimulating scent. It makes me happy smelling it. Ginger is a stimulating and grounding oil. It is said to help with memory.

Learn more about ginger essential oil

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a warm and stimulating aroma. The aroma lifts fatigue and goes straight to the head. The top note is spicy, warm, woody, and little alcoholic. The middle note is rounder, softer, spicier and more euphoric. The base note seems dark, spicy and little burnt. Nutmeg is a warm masculine aroma that I associate with winter-time. Nutmeg is said to support the nervous and endocrine systems and prostaglandin balance.

The constituent myristicin is toxic if used in excess.

Orange

It is high in d-limonene (85-90%) and therefore a powerful antioxidant. Orange has an uplifting, rich, fruity, and at the same time a very calming aroma. It is a happy aroma.

According to Salvtore Battagia, the sensual and cheerful nature of orange essential oils provides joy and warmth to everyone who is exposed to it. He says it is especially ideal for those who forget to laugh and take life too seriously.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood has balsamic-woody, earthy and slightly spicy, and camphoraceous top note. The scent is very calming, relaxing, and it feels comfortable. The middle note is sweeter, and more woody with a perfumery scent. Cedarwood is a warm and tenacious note. It reminds me of fresh cut timber.

Cedrus atlantica may be useful in nervous tension and anxiety due to its warming and harmonizing properties, which make it very soothing and calming. The oil may be comforting, warming, and helpful in stress-related conditions such as nervous tension, anger and exhaustion.

Learn more about cedarwood essential oil

Frankincense

Frankincense has a warm, sweet, balsamic, woody, spicy scent with a hint of lemon. It slows down breathing and produces feelings of calm. It has historically been used for respiratory congestion. It also has astringent properties, which may also help balance oily skin conditions. According to Mojay, frankincense is to be recommended as an aid in meditation, prayer and contemplation since it will help still the mind and cease mental chatter.

Learn more about frankincense essential oil

Black Pepper

I love the smell of black pepper! It has warming qualities and according to Battaglia black pepper will help us move on when our lives feel stuck. He also writes that it is also recommended treatment for chilblains.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong, penetrating and clear aroma. It is a refreshing and stimulating herbal fragrance. It is said to overcome mental fatigue and to improve mental clarity and focus.

Rosemary is considered one of the best tonics for central nervous system. It strengthens mental clarity and awareness. It is an excellent brain stimulant and has traditionally been used to improve memory. It is also a valuable oil for respiratory problems such as catarrh, sinusitis, common cold and asthma.

Learn more about rosemary essential oil

Cypress

Cypress has a bitter, acidic, sharp, spicy and balsamic-woody top note. It is a clean and refreshing smell. The middle note is balsamic-woody, sweet and spicy. The base note smells more like cypress with a forest scent and it is not as sweet. The dry out note is sweet, woody, and mild. The aroma of cypress is calming and balancing, but also very refreshing and clearing.

Learn more about cypress essential oil

Pine

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) has a refreshing and invigorating aroma. According to Battaglia the energetic qualities of pine are drying and warming as well as tonifying the Qi. He says it is one of the best oils to clear phlegm. He also says it is recommended for coughing, bronchial congestion, and asthma.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

4:01 PM | Read more...

Emergency Preparedness – Diabetes

This is my sixth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies.

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?
In my first post, Emergency Preparedness I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied. I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My previous posts cover high blood pressure, a nxiety & depression, pain and allergy.

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?

You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed.
They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil.

Treat the body holistically
It is important to remember to take a holistic approach to healing and not only rely on natural remedies. Dietary changes, living a toxin free life, exercise, sufficient rest and sleep, and incorporating other healing therapies into your life should also be considered.

Okay, here we go:

#5 Diabetes medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in our country

It is said that at least 17 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Most of them have type 2 diabetes, also known as adult- onset diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Dietary changes, maintain a healthy weight, and increasing the level of physical activity.

Type 2 diabetics need to address the root of the problem, which is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is caused by faulty leptin and insulin signaling, which is due to lack of exercise and incorrect diet. Dr. Mercola says that to correct and restore the insulin/leptin signaling in the body, most sugar and carbs need to be cut out from the diet, this also means cutting out alcohol which equates sugar, and increase the protein intake, along with regular exercise.

Dr. Mercola's guidelines to preventing and reversing diabetes:

Eliminate or severely limit grains and sugar from your diet. This also includes sweetened drink, only one drink a day can increase the diabetes risk by 25%. Also avoid processed foods with fructose, even fruits may need to be eliminated until your blood sugar is under control.
Exercise is needed if you want to get diabetes under control. Include high intensity sprint-type exercises since they boost fat loss, promote muscle building, and triggers your body to produce human growth hormon naturally. Until your blood sugar is under control you'll need large amounts of exercise.
Trans fats will worsen the insulin resistance so avoid.
Eat saturated fat such as avocados, grass-fed organic meat, and coconut oil. They provide building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormon-like substances. They also provide a concentrated source of energy and act as carriers for vitamin A,D,E, and K.
Add omega-3 fats from a good quality animal source.
Make sure you monitor your fasting insulin level. It is just as important the fasting blood sugar. The fasting insulin level should be between 2-4, the higher level the worse your insulin receptor sensitivity is.
Make sure you get enough quality sleep every night.
Make sure you get sufficient amount of vitamin D, according to Mercola, levels around 60-80 ng/ml can significantly help control blood sugar.
Address any underlying emotional issues and stress.

Dr. Mercola says if you're willing to make the lifestyle changes stated above, nearly 100% of type 2 diabetes can successfully be treated, meaning eliminating the symptoms of diabetes, or the high risk of developing health complications.

Other tips from experts

Wolfberry balances the pancreas and is also a detoxifier and cleanser.
Chromium has shown to help people metabolize blood sugar properly.
Substituting sugar for real stevia leaf extract may help rebuild glucose tolerance and normalize blood sugar.

Time for the oils
Even though we try to make the necessary lifestyle changes, it may take a time to achieve the desired results.

According to the Essential Oils Reference, ocotea lowers insulin needs for diabetics and reduces blood sugar fluctuations and is said to be the best options.
Coriander is another option, it has been researched at Cairo University for its effect in lowering glucose and insulin levels, and for supporting pancreatic function. It has also been studied for its effect in strengthening the pancreas.

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide written by Gary Young, suggests the following oils:
coriander ~ Coriandrum sativum
cinnamon ~ Cinnamonmum verum
fennel ~ Foeniculum vulgare
dill ~ Anethum graveolens
cypress ~ Cupressus sempervirens
clove ~ Syzygium aromaticum

Watch your insulin intake carefully, you may have to cut down.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, talk to your physician and see if it is possible to stockpile insulin.

Remember
Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Julie Behling (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults E-book

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Party Wave Wednesday, Homemaking Link Up, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Adorn From Above, Natural Living Link Up, Simple Lives Thursday, The Homeacre Hop, Fight Back Friday, Small Footprint Friday, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Natural Living Monday, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Mop it Up Monday, Fat Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Domestically Divine, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Homemaking Link UP

2:43 PM | Read more...

Antiviral Essential Oils

It is very useful to know what kind of oils are antiviral, especially this time of the year when the flu is still going around. If you haven't already stocked up on a couple of antiviral essential oils it may be a good time to do so. Antiviral essential oils "inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection- causing virus." (Reference Guide for Essential Oils)

Essential oils can be used in so many ways. The awesome thing is that you can use them as prevention so you don't have to wait until you get sick. You will have the greatest protection if you use them before you're exposed to the virus.

I like to diffuse essential oils daily since inhaling oils is very powerful
I clean with essential oils
I apply essential oils on my body
I use essential oils as perfume
I add a few drops of essential oils on the bottom of our feet when the flu going around

There are many essential oils with antiviral properties and I'm only going to share the ones I like to use.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, has shown some of the strongest antiviral activity. The book also states that oils high in limonene such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, palo santo may also be very effective antiviral agents.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, these oils also have antiviral properties:
Eucalyptus blue (Eucalyptol natriol azul), Eucalyptus globulus, helichrysum, clove, cinnamon bark, manuka, ravensara, oregano, myrrh, cypress, Melaleuca/tea tree, lavender, pine, clary sage, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), sandalwood, bergamot, and clary sage.

Keep in mind that some oils such as clove, cinnamon, thyme and oregano are very strong and can cause skin irritation. These hot oils should not be applied directly on the skin but can be applied on the bottom of the feet.

Wildcrafting Wednesday Featured Blogger Award

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Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday, Oil Me Up Wednesdays

11:08 AM | Read more...

Soothing Lemon, Honey, Cinnamon & Cayenne Tea for Sore Throats

I woke up with a sore throat today so I decided to add cinnamon, honey, and cayenne to my regular lemon water. Lemon is great for the immune system and cinnamon and honey are both antiviral and antibacterial. Cayenne's main constituent is called capsaicin. It has also historically been used for pain, poor circulation, congestion, fever, infections and colds just to mention a few uses. Let me tell you, this drink is so soothing to my throat. I feel so much better.

Some people say that the combination cinnamon/honey is the cure all for many diseases.

Soothing Tea

1 tsp of raw honey

1/4 tsp of cinnamon

1 lemon

some cayenne - I just sprinkled some

warm water

Put the honey in the bottom of a cup, mix the spices with the honey. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and pour warm water in the cup last. I have been drinking this a couple of times today already and I will have some more before bed time...