Making Scents of Health

04/03/2024

One of the reasons that I love essential oils to support health is that they inherently have polypharmacology because they are natural complex substances with from a dozen to hundreds of constituents that have additive, synergistic, and antagonistic (buffering) effects. In other words, each constituent in the oil serves a purpose to produce a therapeutic effect, even the minor ones. This can be demonstrated with this slide I created that shows just a few of the known receptor or enzymatic targets, pathways, and mechanisms that lavender works within the body.

02/01/2024

Estimates suggest that 17.6 million people worldwide have rheumatoid arthritis, with that number expected to nearly double by 2050. Given the global burden of this condition and the side effects associated with first-line treatment options, researchers are looking at natural solutions that may be helpful. Administration of the beta-caryophyllene CT of h**p essential oil reduced inflammation and arthritis in three preclinical models. Although h**p essential oil is hard to find, the composition of the oil in this study closely resembled copaiba, and given the research into copaiba, it may also be helpful.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/1/20

01/30/2024

01/26/2024

The body has a remarkable ability to heal wounds as long as this process is not interfered with by things such as infection or foreign objects. MRSA is opportunistic and commonly infects wounds, which can lead to impetigo, cellulitis, cutaneous abscesses, or even life-threatening complications such as necrotizing fasciitis and pyomyositis.

A preclinical model found that the topical application of diluted clove essential oil enhanced wound healing and reduced MRSA load in infected wounds. The 10% dilution was the most effective, which was improved when combined with the antibiotic imipenem.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9736006/

12/29/2022

Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, is an infection of the mouth by Candida albicans. It causes creamy white lesions to form on the tongue and inner cheeks and may spread to other areas of the oral cavity. Although, Candida albicans is normally found in the mouth, people with compromised immune systems (babies, the elderly, and people who take certain medications or have certain conditions) may experience overgrowth of the fungus causing candidiasis.

Oral application of lemon essential oil in gel form (1.56%) twice daily for two days inhibited C. albicans in a preclinical model of oral candidiasis in immunocompromised subjects. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that lemon essential oil could be used to manage oral candidiasis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9643547/

Add 2 drops of lemon essential oil to a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (or half teaspoon each of ACV and water) and swish with this mixture for 30 seconds before spitting out, two to three times daily, to promote oral cleanliness.

12/29/2022

Topiramate is a drug used to treat epilepsy and prevent migraines; however, research suggests it may have toxic effects in the brain. A preclinical study found that it triggers neuropathological altercations that increase inflammation and oxidative stress. Both topiramate and ginger increased mRNA expression of GABA receptors 1 and 3, but interestingly their combination downregulated them. Taking ginger essential oil at the same time with topiramate reduced its potential neurotoxicity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35802336/

12/29/2022

Blood glucose levels can be managed by inhibiting the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which decreases spikes in blood sugar after a meal. In addition, inhibiting the enzyme lipase can reduce absorption of fats in the intestines, thus reducing body weight and obesity risk. A recent preclinical study found that bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil inhibits lipase, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase. This suggests that it may be helpful for weight and glucose management. In addition, the oil was antimicrobial and inhibited acetylcholinesterase (inhibiting this enzyme makes more acetylcholine available to the brain, which improves cognition and has the potential to manage dementia).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36431011/

12/03/2022

Bringing that fresh, beach feeling home.

Blend Recipe: 5 drops Eucalyptus, 4 drops Vanilla, 3 drops Ylang Ylang

09/17/2022

Vetiver is frequently used for its relaxing properties, but more and more research is emerging that suggests it should be used more widely. Recently, a preclinical study found that vetiver essential oil possesses antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. It displayed remarkable activity against L. amazonensis (a parasite responsible for the disease leishmaniasis) and good activity against T. cruzi (a parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans).

07/31/2022

Nursing involves high levels of stress, which can cause a cascade of events that increase oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of several adverse health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, premature aging, and cardiovascular events). A study evaluated the benefits of an aromatic massage with rose essential oil among nurses after finishing a night shift at the hospital. Forty-two nurses were randomly assigned to receive an aromatic rose massage (rose essential oil diluted to 1% in grapeseed oil) or the control group that received a massage with grapeseed only. The neck and shoulder massage lasted 15 minutes in each group. Sleep and anxiety surveys were completed, modified visual analog scale evaluated, and saliva collected and analyzed for chromogranin A (a marker for psychological stress) and biological antioxidant potential levels. Biological antioxidant potentials, sleep quality, and anxiety all improved after receiving the rose massage when compared to massage with grapeseed only.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/sujms/34/2/34_95/_article/-char/ja/

07/27/2022

Pain and fatigue are commonly reported by mothers after giving birth. A clinical study found that inhaling lavender essential oil—2 drops placed on a cotton ball situated close to the nose and inhaled for 15 to 20 minutes—significantly reduced fatigue and moderately reduced postpartum pain when compared to the control group (standard treatment and medications only).
https://www.editorialmanager.in/index.php/ijsr/article/view/78/158