Monthly Archives: March 2021

Sologamy

My help failed me once again, so back to just being solo. It is so hard to find reliable and honest people these days. People say one thing, then do another.

Unfortunately I have too many other things on my plate to make this my priority right now. After my divorce in 2012, I put this on the back burner. Once I have the proper facilities and the time, I will be back full time. I can’t seem to find reliable help, so its just me probably from now on. My mother retires this summer and wants to help, so maybe that will be an option; she’s kind of a go-geter like me. I have one other potential helper, but she has too many stipulations and only wants to work in the background. So maybe I can work with that if I had another person I can depend on more full time.

Time will tell; but this is one of my passions, so I don’t plan to go anywhere. Just standing by for now. If you need or want something, let me know. I may not be able to get it to you right away, but I can and will get to you. Right now I am focusing on infrastructure so that I will have facilities to do this better in the future.

Thank, CainO’

Oils Of The Week

Thieves Oil: http://oilsoftheearth.com/?p=448

“”The recipe for this blend is believed to have originated from thieves during the 15th century. According to popular theory, the concoction was created by a group of four thieves® and grave robbers to protect themselves from contracting the plague while robbing the bodies of the gravely ill and deceased. When apprehended, the thieves admitted to using the formula and disclosed the recipe in order to receive a less severe punishment for their crimes.

Whether or not this story is true, the essential oils in this blend are antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-infectious. They will stimulate the immune system, circulation and respiratory system, and help protect against the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, cuts, and more. Modern testing has shown the effectiveness of this blend and studies have found it to have a high kill rate against airborne bacteria.

This is a classic recipe, but you can customize it by adjusting the quantities or adding other antibacterial essential oils such as Tea Tree, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Ravensara, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Hyssop, Bay Laurel, or Scotch Pine.

Ingredients:

8 parts Clove Bud essential oil
7 parts Lemon essential oil
4 parts Cinnamon Bark essential oil
3 parts Eucalyptus essential oil
2 parts Rosemary essential oil

Frankincense: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense

Frankincense is one of more than 90 types of essential oils that are gaining steam in the realm of aromatherapy. Essential oils are made from parts of flowers, herbs, and trees like petals, roots, peels, and bark. They get their name because they give the plant its “essence,” or fragrance. They can be inhaled or diluted (watered down) and applied to your skin.

Each essential oil has its own smell and health benefits. Some popular ones include rose, lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, jasmine, and peppermint.

Frankincense is not one of the most widely used oils, but it does have potential health benefits. Also known as olibanum, frankincense comes from trees in the Boswellia family. Boswellia trees are native to Oman and Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and in Somalia in northeastern Africa.

Frankincense oil is prepared by the steam distillation of gum resin from the Boswellia tree.

Health Benefits

Much is still being learned about the health benefits of frankincense, but doctors like the signs they see early in their research and believe it could have some good uses. Those uses could grow over time.

Frankincense, along with myrrh, has been prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine and administered for treatment of blood stagnation and inflammation diseases in addition to pain relief and swelling.

Other possible benefits include:

May Fight Cancer

A study done by nine doctors in China revealed frankincense and myrrh may help in the treatment of cancer. Specifically, boswellic acid might prevent cancer cells from spreading. 

Specific cancers frankincense may help fight are:

In another study discussed in a Cancer journal article in 2011, patients with brain tumors took 4.2 grams of frankincense or a placebo each day. Sixty percent of the group taking frankincense had reduced fluid in their brain, compared to 26% of the people given the placebo.

Improves Asthma

Research by eight doctors revealed that the compounds found in frankincense prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause bronchial (throat) muscles to constrict in people who have asthma.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-frankincense-essential-oil#1

Myrrh: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrrh

Myrrh oil is one of the oldest essential oils in recorded history. It’s mentioned in Biblical texts, it’s an important part of Ayurvedic medicine in India, and it’s been found in ancient Egyptian tombs that are more than 2,000 years old. It’s known for its rich, smokey, and sweet scent, and science is beginning to study it for potential health benefits.

Historically, myrrh oil has been used as a folk remedy for conditions such as:

Science has begun to find that myrrh oil may actually provide benefits for some of these conditions. However, studies have also found that myrrh oil on its own should not be consumed. In fact, like most essential oils, myrrh oil can be toxic if consumed. Here’s the breakdown of myrrh’s benefits and dangers.

Potential Health Benefits of Myrrh Oil

Myrrh oil smells wonderful and may contain compounds that can help a variety of common conditions. However, the same aspects that make myrrh oil so potent also can make it extremely dangerous to consume. Here are the benefits myrrh may eventually provide:

Reduce Inflammation

Myrrh oil appears to contain compounds that can help reduce the chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. These chemicals can trigger chronic swelling and pain.

As a result, certain myrrh oil extracts are being studied as potential treatments for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. However, more trials need to be done to find safe dosages.

Reduce Headache and Back Pain

Studies also suggest that certain myrrh oil extracts can significantly reduce pain from headaches, sore muscles, and sore backs.

The compound furanodiene, which is found in myrrh oil, appears to help reduce pain significantly in many pathologies. Not all myrrh oil is high in this compound, so more work needs to be done in order to standardize this usage of myrrh.

Improve Oral Health

For some people with oral inflammation or canker sores, rinsing your mouth with a small amount of myrrh oil may help reduce pain and improve healing.

One study showed that using a mouthwash that contained myrrh as an active ingredient helped reduce oral sores and pain in more than 80% of patients. However, it’s important to note that this was due to direct contact between the myrrh and the sores, not because of swallowing the mouthwash.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/myrrh-oil-health-benefits#1

Patchouli: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchouli

reating skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, or dry, cracked skin. easing symptoms of conditions like colds, headaches, and stomach upset. relieving depression. providing feelings of relaxation and helping to ease stress or anxiety. Mar 26, 2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/patchouli-oil

Coriander Seed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriander#Fruits

There’s nothing that can brighten up a dish quite like the right spice, and cultures all over the world have decided that coriander is the one. The seeds of the plant are used in everything from pastries to curries, and its leaves are just as popular. There’s more to this plant than its flexibility, though. 

Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a widely used spice native to the Mediterranean. Coriander plants are entirely edible, but their leaves and their seeds are most commonly used as herbs and spices. In the US, the seeds of the plant are typically known as coriander and the leaves are called cilantro. In both forms, the plant provides some impressive health benefits. 

Health Benefits

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in coriander provide significant health benefits. Coriander leaves and seeds are full of vitamin K, which plays an important role in helping your blood clot.

Vitamin K also helps your bones repair themselves, helping prevent problems like osteoporosis. Additionally, evidence points to vitamin K helping lower your risk of heart disease.

Coriander leaves and seeds can also provide health benefits like:

Fewer Free Radicals

Coriander is full of antioxidants, which are important for fighting free radicals in your body. Free radicals are loose oxygen molecules that can damage your cells, potentially causing cancer, heart disease, and more. The antioxidants in coriander help remove free radicals from your body, reducing your risk of certain cancers and even decreasing signs of aging.

Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

Coriander has multiple effects that can benefit your heart health. The herb acts as a diuretic, which can help flush extra sodium from your system and reduce your blood pressure. Early research also suggests that coriander can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, reducing your risk of atherosclerosis, a form of coronary heart disease. 

Reduced I nflammation

Coriander shows promise in helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to several uncomfortable conditions, from cancer to heart disease. The antioxidants in coriander have been linked to reduced inflammation and slowed growth of cancer cells in the lab. 

Reduced Blood Sugar Levels

Coriander seeds have been shown to significantly lower blood sugar in people who have diabetes. Current trials show that coriander helps activate the enzymes that help your body process blood glucose effectively. While more studies need to be done, people with high blood sugar may benefit from adding more coriander to their diet.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-coriander#1

Eucalyptus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus leaves have many impressive benefits. They may help decrease pain, promote relaxation, and relieve cold symptoms. Many over-the-counter products also use eucalyptus extract to freshen your breath, soothe irritated skin, and repel insects. Aug 7, 2019

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eucalyptus-leaves

Most people know that koala bears eat eucalyptus, but did you know that its dried leaves and oil can offer health benefits to humans, too?

Eucalyptus oil is toxic and should not be consumed — except in very small doses. However, when added to substances it can offer benefits such as soothing skin rashes. This delightful smelling oil can even help you get rid of head lice.

Most species of eucalyptus are native to Australia and have adapted to survive the wildfires. Eucalyptus can easily be identified by its fragrance, which smells like camphor, wood, and citrus. The appearance of eucalyptus varies depending on species. 

In Australia, Europe, and Asia, eucalyptus has long been used as an antiseptic and fever reducer. However, while modern science has lent some support to these and other traditional medicine claims about eucalyptus, more research is needed. 

Nutrition Information

Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, also called cineole, an organic compound that is toxic in high doses. Eucalyptus leaves are not safe for humans to eat, although eucalyptus tea contains a safe amount of eucalyptus oil.

Potential Health Benefits of Eucalyptus

The eucalyptol in eucalyptus is also a powerful antiseptic. However, the same properties that make eucalyptus so potent as a germ killer also make it irritating in higher-than-normal doses. 

Research has found a number of potential health benefits of eucalyptus: 

Cough and Common Cold

Eucalyptol is used in many cough and cold medications because it helps to loosen phlegm and clear your sinuses. It may be prepared as lozenges or inhaled as vapor.

Oral Health

The eucalyptol in eucalyptus oil is often added to toothpaste and mouthwash to combat plaque and gum disease. Eucalyptus oil can also be added to chewing gum for the same oral health benefits.

Eucalyptus chewing gum can also fight bad breath and has been shown to be an effective treatment for bad breath.

Pain Management

Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. In a randomized clinical trial, people who inhaled eucalyptus oil as an aromatherapy treatment experienced reduced pain and blood pressure after knee replacement surgery.

Atopic Dermatitis

The cooling effects of eucalyptus may make its extract a helpful part of treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and other skin rashes. One clinical trial showed that the use of a moisturizing gel containing eucalyptus extract significantly improved the dryness, scaling, and itchiness associated with eczema.

Head Lice

Eucalyptus essential oil has been shown to be an effective treatment against head lice, without the adverse events associated with other chemical insecticides.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/eucalyptus-is-it-good-for-you#1

Tea Tree: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree

Hand Sanitizer. Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer. …

  • Insect Repellent. …
  • Natural Deodorant. …
  • Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes. …
  • Boost Wound Healing. …
  • Fight Acne. …
  • Get Rid of Nail Fungus. …
  • Chemical-Free Mouthwash.

More items…

• Apr 21, 2017

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil

Antibacterial. Share on Pinterest Tea tree oils have been used in Australia as an ointment for close to 100 years. …

  • Anti-inflammatory. …
  • Antifungal. …
  • Antiviral. …
  • Acne. …
  • Athlete’s foot. …
  • Contact dermatitis. …
  • Dandruff and Cradle Cap.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262944

Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Why do people use tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found that a dilution of tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It may be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete’s foot, but more research is needed. Studies of tea tree oil for other conditions such as gum disease, vaginal infections, and dandruff have been inconclusive.

Tea tree oil has been proposed as a topical treatment for herpes labialis (the common cold sore), but it does not appear to be effective. Some laboratory studies have suggested that tea tree oil may be effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of staph infection that’s resistant to many antibiotics. Although these studies are promising, more research needs to be done.

How much tea tree oil should you use?

Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment. It should never be taken by mouth.

Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition. For instance, a 5% tea tree oil gel might be used for acne, while a 10% or higher tea tree oil cream might be used for athlete’s foot. A 100% tea tree oil solution has been used with toenail fungus. If you use tea tree oil, follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor.

Can you get tea tree oil naturally from foods?

There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed.

What are the risks of taking tea tree oil?

  • Risks. Topical tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions that can be severe. Tea tree oil may also cause redness, itching, and blistering. It may aggravate burns and skin conditions like eczema. Using large quantities of tea tree oil on the skin could cause severe side effects.
  • For topical use only. Tea tree oil must never be used in the eyes or swallowed. Even in small amounts, swallowing tea tree oil could potentially cause severe reactions, including severe rash, nausea, confusion, and coma.

Given the lack of evidence about its safety, tea tree oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/supplement-guide-tea-tree-oil

Mugwort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugwort

People take mugwort root as a “tonic” and to boost energy. People take the rest of the plant for stomach and intestinal conditions including colic, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, weak digestion, worm infestations, and persistent vomiting. Mugwort is also used to stimulate gastric juice and bile secretion. Sep 17, 2019

https://www.rxlist.com/mugwort/supplements.htm

Lavender: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula

Aromatherapy. Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. It’s also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain.

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-lavender-can-do-for-you

Lavender is an herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is commonly used to flavor foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soap and other cosmetic products. 

Lavender is also one of the most widely grown essential oil crops in the world. This product, which is also referred to as lavender aromatherapy oil, is typically made by distilling the herb’s dried flowers with steam. 

Essential oils are too strong to use in their pure form. They are usually diluted with other oils, creams, or gels to reach a solution that contains a small percentage of the essential oil. 

Health Benefits

Like other essential oils, lavender essential oil is said to benefit your health in a variety of ways. However, many of its uses are not conclusive. 

There is some research to suggest lavender oil can provide the following health benefits: 

Anxiety Management

Lavender essential oil can ease symptoms of anxiety, although how and why it helps is debated. One study reported that inhaling lavender reduced anxious feelings in the following situations:

  • Preoperative anxiety
  • Chest tube removal
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Intensive care unit stays

In another study, postpartum women with anxiety demonstrated lower levels of anxiety after using a rose and lavender oil blend for 15 minutes twice weekly for one month. 

As a bonus, using lavender essential oil offers a calming effect without sedation, dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal.

Sleep Aid

Studies have shown that inhaling essential oils — including lavender essential oil — may be a safe alternative to other medications for mild to moderate sleep disturbances.

Wound Healing

Using lavender essential oil can promote wound healing. It speeds up the rate of healing, increases the expression of collagen — which keeps your skin elastic and your joints healthy — and enhances the activity of proteins involved in rebuilding tissue.

Health Risks

Although using lavender essential oil can help manage your health, it can be harmful in rare cases. 

Prepubertal Gynecomastia

A 2007 study reported that repeated topical use of lavender essential oil products may cause prepubertal gynecomastia, which is a rare condition that causes breast development in young boys.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lavender-essential-oil#1

Clary Sage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_sclarea

When used in aromatherapy, clary sage oil can help alleviate stress by inducing a sense of well-being. One small study done on women undergoing a stressful medical test indicated that when inhaled, clary sage essential oil elicited feelings of relaxation and helped to reduce blood pressure. Oct 22, 2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/clary-sage

The plants harvested for sage essential oil belong to the Salvia genus. The most common strains used for oil are Salvia pratensis (clary sage), Salvia lavandulifolia (Spanish sage), and Salvia officinalis (common sage). Common sage originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe, where it has long been popular as a flavorful herb.

Sage has long been valued in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments including coughs, asthma, bronchitis, angina, inflammation, depression, digestive and circulation disorders as well as other diseases in communities across the globe.

For many native communities in North America, bundles of sage and other aromatic elements are burned in the practice of ‘smudging’ for spiritual, medicinal, and practical purposes.

Nutrition Information

It’s unsafe to ingest large amounts of sage essential oil. Ground sage, when eaten as an herb, is typically consumed in very small quantities.

One teaspoon of ground sage contains:

  • Calories: 2
  • Protein: 0.1 grams
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams
  • Fiber: 0.3 grams

Ground sage also contains several vitamins and minerals, with the most prominent being calcium and iron. However, because sage is eaten in small amounts these micronutrients may occur in low levels when consumed.

Potential Health Benefits of Sage Oil

There have been a number of studies conducted on the health benefits of sage essential oil such as:

Antimicrobial Activity

In a study, clary sage essential oil was applied to Staphylococcus (bacteria that causes staph infection) cultivated from infected wounds. The results showed the oil has anti-staphylococcus properties that can treat a staph infection. Other studies have shown that sage essential oil is potentially effective against other diseases causing organisms such as, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis. Finally, this oil was tested against the SARS virus in vitro, however, in that case it was found to be only mildly effective.

Antidepressant

In early research using rats, clary sage oil was administered either via injection or inhalation to test for antidepressant effects. The study determined that clary sage oil may have an anti-stressor effect on the animals. The study’s authors proposed that research into clary sage oil may produce promising results for the treatment of depression, however, it is too soon to conclude if this may result in humans as well.

Supporting Memory

Traditional medicine has long used sage as a treatment for mental decline. Modern studies have shown that both common sage and Spanish sage essential oil may in fact be beneficial for improving memory and cognition. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these oils may also help protect against further progression of dementia.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sage-oil#1
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sage#1

Anise Star: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illicium_verum

Star anise is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A and C, which help fight free radicals that are responsible for early ageing and diabetes. The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. Feb 25, 2016

https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/story/5-benefits-of-star-anise-or-chakra-phool-apart-from-adding-flavours-to-the-dishes-310564-2016-02-25

Anise seed, or Pimpinella anisum, is a powerhouse of a spice. You probably know it by its strong licorice flavor. It’s a key ingredient in liquors like orzo and absinthe, and in holiday cookies like Pfefferneusse and Springerle.

Anise’s use in cooking dates back to the ancient Egyptians, though it was the Romans who ate anise seed cakes after meals to ease digestion. Anise is also a traditional digestive aid in India, where people also know it as a breath freshener.

Anise is easy to grow in the garden, where it serves as a natural insecticide. But it’s after harvest when it can really go to work for you nutritionally. 

Health Benefits

Anise is a folk remedy around the world, used for everything from coughs and colds to stomach problems. Scientists are starting to figure out the chemical processes behind these benefits and identify even more uses for anise.

Blood Health

Anise seed contains relatively high concentrations of iron, which is an essential component of a red blood cell protein called hemoglobin. If the hemoglobin in your blood doesn’t contain enough iron, it can’t do its job of transporting oxygen to your body tissues. Ongoing lack of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which causes symptoms like:

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Digestive issues
  • Poor body temperature regulation

Eating foods rich in iron, like anise seed, can keep your blood healthy and reduce your risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Depression Treatment

Several studies have shown that anise seed can reduce the symptoms of clinical depression. In mice, anise relieved symptoms of depression as effectively as two commonly used antidepressants.

More human studies need to happen, but some research has shown promising results for anise oil in treating depression related to irritable bowel syndrome.

Digestive Health

About one in every 10 people in the US have peptic ulcers, which are painful breaks or holes in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Traditional medicine practitioners in India and the Arabic world have used anise to protect against ulcers for generations. 

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-anise#1