Jo's Health Corner: cypress

Essential Oils for Exhaustion

Underlying physiological reasons such anemia, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis are some things that may cause exhaustion. It is also important to make sure that the exhaustion is not caused by overwork, excessive drinking, insomnia or that you're recovering from a bacterial or viral infection that would make you tired.

40% of the cases of tiredness/exhaustion cases are caused by lifestyle and psychological reasons. If these are recognized they can be worked on. It's a good idea to start with the working environment, is it too noisy, are you sitting too close to the photocopiers, do you use the computer all day, are you sitting in a good chair, is the lighting to dim, are you sitting close to the air vents?

Essential oils have historically been used for exhaustion, tiredness, and fatigue for a long time. The oils recommended for exhaustion can be used in all the usual way. At the bottom of this post you'll see some links to tips on how to use essential oils.

Worwood recommends the following:

Essential oils to help in cases of exhaustion:

Bergamot, eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, black pepper, cypress, grapefruit, ginger, marjoram, frankincense, lemon, cardamon and pine.

As you notice, some oils listed are traditionally used to calm, but Worwood says that overstimulation in tiredness can result in increased tiredness instead of relief from it.

Essential oils to help in cases of nervous exhaustion:

Juniper, rosemary, Roman chamomile, clary sage, lavender, petitgrain, orange, neroli and marjoram.

Essential oils to help in cases of general mental fatigue:

Basil, Eucalyptus Piperata, Eucalyptus Citridora, lemon, rosemary, peppermint, petitgrain,

Essential oils to help in cases of mental tiredness:

Marjoram, peppermint, clary sage, rosemary, lavender and grapefruit.

Essential oils to help in cases of intellectual fatigue:

Rosemary, cypress, black pepper, ginger, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit and basil.

Important

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.

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 contraindications 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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

References

The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996

1:44 AM | Read more...

Essential Oils & The Lymphatic System

According to Battaglia, aromatherapy can help with some of the problems associated with the lymphatic system. Essential oils with diuretic, alterative, circulatory stimulant, bactericidal, antifungal and antiviral properties are most suitable.

What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of superficial and deep vessels and can be found in all parts of the body except for the spinal column, brain, bone marrow and cartilage. The lymph capillaries, vessels, and and larger ducts transport the lymph and the lymph nodes are the filtering devices. The thymus, tonsils and the spleen are lymphatic organs and the breasts are mostly made up of lymphatic vessels and glands.

What's the function of the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system has three major functions in the body:

aid in providing immunological defenses
draining excess fluids from the body cells
absorbing and distributing fat soluble nutrients.

When it is not working well
Sometimes our lymphatic system is not working well and this condition is called congestion. The lymph is filled with waste products that has passed through the lymph nodes. It is the liver's responsibility to neutralize and eliminate a large number of toxins. Unfortunately, when the liver and the lymph nodes are unable to cope with the toxins, the toxins can leak through the mucous membranes and other emergency elimination sites. This leaking is commonly known as catarrh or inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Vital to life
Just because the lymph system is like a sewage system doesn't mean it is not vital to life, you see, when this system fails to function properly, excess toxins and fluid will build up in the body causing pain, infection, loss of energy and various diseases.

Okay, so let's talk about the essential oils.

Diuretics
According to Battaglia, diuretic essential oils are often used in conditions where water is retained in the body. Battaglia says the following oils have diuretic properties, which means they accelerate the detoxification process by stimulating kidneys.

~Grapefruit, fennel, lemon, juniper, cypress, tangerine, orange, and mandarin. Caution, excessive use of juniper has been known to cause kidney irritation.

Increasing leucocytosis
According to Battaglia, the following oils will increase the body's ability to make white blood cells:
~Lavender, rosemary, lemon, thyme and tea tree.

Blood cleansers, alteratives, detoxifiers or depuratives
According to Battaglia, most essential oils will stimulate phagocytosis, which means the ability of the white blood cells to ingest and clean up toxins and microbes. Battaglia refers to Mills, who says that by improving the functions of the eliminatory channels in the body the tissues may be cleansed. The remedies capable of doing so are referred to as blood cleansers, alteratives or depuratives. Battaglia lists the following oils as being alteratives, depuratives, blood cleanser or detoxifiers:
~ German and Roman Chamomile, sweet fennel, rosemary, lemon, lavender, geranium, juniper and angelica.

Stimulating lymph and tissue fluid circulation
Battaglia says essential oils such as grapefruit, juniper berry, orange, cold pressed lime, rosemary, peppermint and tangerine will stimulate the tissue and lymph fluid circulation.

Anti-fungal, antiviral and bactericidal
According to Battaglia, Jean Valnet lists these oils as being very useful:
~ Clove, niaouli, eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, cinnamon, sandalwood, lavender, peppermint and German chamomile as being very useful.

Circulatory stimulants
By stimulating the circulatory system you stimulate the flow of lymph. Battaglia says black pepper, rosemary or ginger may be used in a lymphatic massage blend.

The Essential Oils Desk Reference also lists myrtle, lemongrass and hyssop as essential oils that aid in detoxifying and stimulating the lymphatic system. The Reference Guide also lists ledum, Ledum groenlandicum, as being useful for inflamed lymph nodes.

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.

Wildcrafting Wednesday Featured Blogger Award

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Source:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing

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

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

3:25 PM | Read more...

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.

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4:01 PM | Read more...

Cleansing with Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a great addition to herbal cleanses or used alone.

They can be used in several ways:

mix with bath salts, vegetable oils, or apple cider vinegar for a great detoxifying bath.
add to vegetable oils for a massage
add to the brush when dry brushing
add to the wash cloth and used in the shower
add to a tissue and inhaled
add a couple of drops on your hand, rub your hands, and inhale
add essential oils to the appropriate Vita Flex points (liver, kidney) on the feet
make a compress and put over a specific organ that needs to be cleansed

Alteratives are remedies that cleanse and purify the blood, and they are also called detoxifiers or blood purifiers. They assist the body’s own eliminatory channels by stimulating the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels, sweat glands, and the lymphatic system to excrete toxins.

Essential oils with lymphatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, hepatic, laxative and emmenagogue properties are considered alteratives. **( Explanation at the end of the post)

Most commonly used essential oils with alteratives properties are angelica root, black pepper, carrot seed, cypress, everlasting, fennel, grapefruit, geranium, juniper, lemon, orange, peppermint and rosemary.

Some of my favorite alteratives are:

Cypress
Cypress, (Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta) has a bitter, acidic, sharp, spicy and balsamic-woody top note. The middle note is balsamic-woody, sweet and spicy. The base note smells more like cypress with a forest scent and is not as sweet. The aroma clears the head and is very relaxing.

Cypress was used by the Romans and the Greeks. Sempevirens means ever living, and the tree was dedicated to the gods of the underworld.

It has a calming, balancing, refreshing and clearing effect on the emotions. Cypress is useful in anger and will also restore calm. In France, Dr.Valnet used cypress for bronchitis and coughs at hospitals, and the cough was stopped by putting drops of cypress under the pillows. It also has astringent and vaso-constrictor properties, and may therefore useful in circulatory problems.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit, (Citrus paradisi ) has a sweet, fresh, intense citrus and fruity top note. It is a clean and refreshing smell. The middle note is softer and milder with sweet and pleasant orange-citrus aroma with some bitterness and slightly earthy tone. The base not has the same characteristic scent but is a lot weaker. Grapefruit is uplifting and positive, and it is a very energizing and reviving scent.

Grapefruit has a very uplifting, reviving, and energizing effect on the mood. It has historically been a good choice when feeling stressed, depressed, or suffering from nervous exhaustion. It is very balancing.

Due to its diuretic and detoxifying properties, grapefruit may be useful in cellulites. Grapefruit has historically been used to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, which may help regulating eating disorders. Grapefruit is traditionally used for oily skin and acne. It has also historically been used for stretch marks, fungal infection, wounds and bruises.

Lemon
Lemon, (Citrus limonum) has a sharp, clean and refreshing aroma. It smells like the zest of the fruit. The aroma is very relaxing, but at the same time it feels like it clears the mind and sharpens the senses. It is obvious it is a top note because the scent doesn’t last long.
Lemon increases the ability to concentrate. It lifts the spirit and clears the mind. It is also a powerful antibacterial.

Lemon is said to stimulate the action of the white blood corpuscles, and according to Battalglia it also counteracts the acidity in the body. It also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. It is well known for its detoxifying and astringent properties.

Here are some other tips of how essential oils can used.

Some people cleanse several times a year, but it also important to keep cleansing all through the year. Eat a wholesome diet with fresh vegetables and fruit, avoid as much toxins as possible, drink lemon water, exercise, and add the essential oils mentioned above.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Lymphatic - Assist the tissue cleansing action of the lymphatic system.
Diaphoretic - Promoting sweating, assisting the excretory functions of the skin.

Expectorant - Promoting expulsion of mucus, assisting the respiratory system.

Diuretic - Promoting urination, assisting excretory functions of the kidneys.

Laxative - Promoting bowel movements, assisting excretory functions of the large intestines.
Hepatic - Enhancing liver functions, assisting the liver's detoxifying functions.

Before you leave:

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post is linked to:

Fat Tuesday, Detox Challenge , Wildcrafting Wednesday, Natural Living Monday

9:30 AM | Read more...

Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta

Cypress, Cupressus Sempervirens var. stricta is part of the Cupressaceae family. It is also referred to as Mediterranean cypress, Italian cypress, and Columnar cypress. It is a tall tree with round cones and small flowers.

Origin

The branches, leaves, and cones are steam distilled to make the essential oil. It originated in France, Italy, Germany, and Algeria.

History

Cypress was used by the Romans and the Greeks. Sempervirens means ever living, and the tree was dedicated to the gods of the underworld by the Greeks and the Romans.

The chemical constituents of Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta are:

Esters
The monoterpenes a-pinene, b-pinene, a-thujene, camphene, sabinene, and myrcene.

Alcohols
The ketone cymene.
Sesquiterpene.

Aroma
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.

Characteristics

Cypress oil is yellow to green in color and it dries quickly on the perfume blotter. It didn't leave any residue. It dries quickly when rubbed between the fingers.

Indications

Cypress is useful in anger and it will also restore calm.

According to Battaglia, cypress has vaso-constrictor and astringent properties, and has traditionally been useful in circulatory problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

In France, Dr.Valnet used cypress for bronchitis and coughs at the hospital. The coughs were stopped when cypress oil was dropped under the pillows. According to Battaglia. cypress is useful. in asthma and spasmodic coughs due to its antispasmodic action. Battaglia also says it regulates the menstrual cycle.

According to Gary Young, ND, cypress reduces scar tissue and he consider it outstanding when used in skin care.

Cypress blends well with

Bergamot, clary sage, fennel, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, lime, orange, pine, rosemary, tangerine.

Safety

Cypress should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is considered non-toxic but it contains thujone- like compounds, so therefore use with caution. Avoid in hypertension.

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