Fungi are ubiquitous.  They are all around us and inside us.  They are on or in just about every natural substance we experience.  About 100,000 species of fungi have been formally described by taxonomists, but the global diversity of the fungus kingdom is not fully understood.  Based on the ratio of the number of fungal species to the number of plant species in selected environments, the fungal kingdom has been estimated to contain about 1.5 million species. Many of these species are used to create beneficial products for the human body, such as medications like antibiotics, statins and antifungals.  Without fungi we would not have leavened breads or beer or wine..  Additionally, some mushroom varieties are believed to be highly therapeutic.

However, there are some fungus species which are known to create disease in humans, varying from mild forms, such as ringworm and dandruff, to more serious lung infections that can be fatal. Some believe that imbalances and out-of-control growth of fungi within the body may be responsible for many serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, depression and autoimmune diseases.

Three classes of fungi commonly afflict humans: the Aspergillus species found on grains and nuts (which produce aflatoxins that can cause liver failure and cancer), the Candida species, which create yeast infections externally and internally, and dermatophytic fungi, which cause local, surface infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Other varieties, such as Cryptoccocus species, Histoplasma species and Pneumocystis species are opportunistic fungi, in that they do not normally affect humans with healthy immune systems, but can activate and cause life-threatening infections in those with compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy.

Given the surprising ability of essential oils to control or kill a wide spectrum of bacteria and viruses, it is no surprise that researchers would investigate the ability of essential oils to control harmful (pathogenic) fungi, particularly those responsible for human ailments.  A key reason for investigating the antifungal abilities of natural essential oils is that allopathic antifungal remedies are extremely toxic substances with a myriad of dangerous side effects including renal failure, liver toxicity, hormone imbalance and serious allergic reactions. Researchers reasoned that if they could show that essential oils had real antifungal properties they could use them to reduce dosages of allopathic drugs, thereby reducing the probability of serious side effects.

General Studies
One of the earliest, broad-range studies was done in Germany at the University of Leipzig in 1996.  In this study, tea tree oil was tested on over 100 different fungi strains, including dermatophytes, Candida species and Malassezia strains (yeasts).  Researchers found significant antifungal activity even at very high dilution levels.  Researchers concluded that the antifungal activity of tea tree oil made it practical for the “therapy of fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes as well as in the treatment of dandruff.

A thorough research survey done in Poland in 2003 estimated that there had been at least 500 studies done on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils as of that date, many of them focusing on fungi.

A recent study done in Serbia, at the Institute for Biological Research, tested thyme, spearmint and peppermint oils against 17 different pathogenic fungi.  Additionally, they compared the antifungal power of the essential oils with bifonazole, a commercial fungicide.  The results showed that “bifonazole had much lower antifungal activity than the oils” and that “essential oils of thyme, spearmint and peppermint possess great antifungal potential and can be used as natural preservatives and fungicides.”

Food scientists and environmental engineers have also studied essential oils for their antifungal properties.  In fact, today, it is common for food producers to use rosemary oil, orange oil, peppermint oil and even lavender oil to help extend food product shelf life, because all of these oils have been shown to greatly reduce the onset of mold. One such study concluded that essential oils ‘may be recommended as safe plant-based antimicrobials as well as antioxidants for enhancement of shelf life of food commodities by checking their fungal infestation, aflatoxin production as well as lipid peroxidation.”

In homes and buildings, pine oil, cinnamon oil and thyme oil are unusually effective in clearing air and sanitizing buildings infected with mold, including helping to eliminate ‘sick building syndrome,’ and ‘toxic mold syndrome.’ In many cases, thyme, clove and cinnamon oils were found to be much more effective in eliminating mold spores than bleach or commercial anti-mold chemicals.

Candida species, including Candida albicans
Candida infections are of particular concern because they are common both internally and externally in the human body.  Candida is a family of yeasts which are responsible for a variety of conditions, including thrush (oral candidiasis), diaper rash, vaginal yeast infections and nail bed infections.  Candida fungus can also grow in the lungs liver, spleen, blood, brain, eye, kidney and heart. When immune systems are compromised, candida infection can become systemic and spread throughout the body creating life-threatening conditions.  Candida organisms may build up in the intestines because of frequent use of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that normally keep candida under control.

A study in Brazil in 2008 at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul tested lemongrass oil on five different Candida varieties and concluded that “lemongrass . . . has a potent in vitro activity against Candida species.” Another study in Japan at the Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology tested 12 different essential oils on Candida albicans and found that four of them, lemongrass, thyme, patchouli and cedarwood inhibited mycelia (tiny filaments that are the growth structure of a fungus)  growth even when greatly diluted.  Stronger solutions inhibited all growth of Candida albicans.  Researchers concluded that their results provided “experimental evidence suggesting the potential value of lemongrass oil for the treatment of oral or vaginal candidiasis.”

A George Washington University Medical Center study investigated the anti-candida effects of oregano oil in 2001.  Even in high dilutions, oregano oil “was found to completely inhibit the growth of Candida albicans in culture.”  Researchers concluded with the following statement:  “The results of our study encourage examination of the efficacy of oregano oil in other forms of systemic and superficial fungal infections and exploration of its broad spectrum effect against other pathogenic manifestations, including malignancy.”

Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus flavus
Aspergillus fungi are found on nuts and grains, including peanuts.  They are dangerous to humans because of their ability to product aflatoxins which are extremely toxic to the liver, carcinogenic and potentially life-threatening.  Scientists in the food industry are constantly trying to find new and better ways to kill or immobilize these fungi, so they will not be present in our food supply.  In recent years, more and more studies have pointed to essential oils as an ideal natural solution.  One such study was done in Egypt in 2002.  Twelve essential oils were tested against 3 different species of aspergillus fungi and a fusarium species.  Thyme, cinnamon, spearmint, basil, anise and caraway were all found to “completely inhibit” the fungi in solutions ranging from 500 to 3000 ppm.  The test fungi were to some degree sensitive to all 12 essential oils, but the most antifungal were thyme, cinnamon, anise and spearmint. In other studies, summer savory oil and orange oil have also been identified as safe and effective eco-friendly fungicides in destroying Aspergillus fungi.

Dermatophytes
There are some 40 different species of dermatophytes which can cause infections of the skin, hair and nails.  Normally these infections do not go beyond the outer surface of the skin in persons with healthy immune systems. The most common conditions resulting from dermatophytes include:

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
Jock itch (tinea cruris)
Scalp ringworm (tinea captitis)
Facial ringworm (tinea faciei)
Ringworm of the body (tinea corpora)
Ringworm of the hands (tinea manuum)
Ringworm of the nail (onychomycosis)

A 2007 study done at the University of Turin, Italy, tested 7 essential oils against dermatophyte fungi.  While all the oils showed some inhibitory activity,”thyme and clove were found to be the oils with the widest spectrum of activity against all fungi tested.”  The study further concluded that “some essential oils are very active on dermatophytes and dematiaceous fungi.”

More recent studies examined clove oil and lemongrass oil on dermatophytes.  In 2009, at the University of Porto, Portugal, scientists found that clove oil inhibited or killed a variety of fungi, including dermatophytes, by creating lesions in the cell walls of the fungi.  The study further found that “clove oil has considerable antifungal activity against clinically relevant fungi,” including those strains that had already developed resistance to fluconazole, an allopathic antifungal. Also in 2009, at the Banaras Hindu University in India, lemongrass oil was tested against a variety of dermatophyte fungi.  Their results showed that “the essential oil…displayed strong antifungal effects. . . . The results provide a scientific validation for the use of [lemongrass] in the treatment of dermatophyte infections and may be recommended as an alternative to synthetic drugs for topical application.”

Copyright© March, 2010 VitalScience.org

CITRUS PERFUME

1/8 tsp TRUessence orange oil
½ tsp TRUessence bergamot oil
¼ tsp TRUessence lavender oil
½ cup vodka
1/8 tsp glycerine

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a glass container.  Cover tightly with screw-on lid.  Place in a cool dark place and let sit for 1 week before using.  Makes 4 oz.

Can be sprayed on using glass spray bottle, or use fingers to dab on pulse points.

ROSE COLOGNE

10 drops TRUessence Rose 10% oil
6 drops TRUessence petitgrain oil
6 drops TRUessence lavender oil
¼ cup vodka
1/8 tsp. glycerin

Mix together ingredients and pour into a glass container that can be sealed.  Place in a cool dark place and allow to sit for 1 week before using.

Can be sprayed on using glass spray bottle, or use fingers to dab on pulse points.  Makes 2 oz.

VANILLA-ORANGE COLOGNE

1 vanilla bean split lengthwise and cut up to fit in container
12 drops TRUessence Rose 10% oil
6 drops TRUessence orange oil
¼ cup vodka
1/8 tsp. glycerin

Mix together ingredients and pour into a glass container that can be sealed.  Place in a cool dark place and allow to sit for 1 week before using.  Strain out the vanilla bean, pour liquid into glass bottle and label.

Can be sprayed on using glass spray bottle, or use fingers to dab on pulse points.  Makes 2 oz.

YOUR PERSONAL COLOGNE

¼ cup vodka
¼ cup water
20-30 drops of TRUessence essential oils (your favorites)

Mix all ingredients together.  Poor into a clean, glass spray bottle.  Spray or splash onto skin or hair.  Makes  4 oz.

SIMPLE, HEALTHY AROMATIC SHAMPOO (best for normal to oily hair)

1 cups distilled water
½  cup glycerine
¼  cup borax powder
½  cup of natural unscented shampoo  with no chemicals added (usually available at health food stores)
15 drops TRUessence rosemary ct verbenone oil
10 drops TRUessence lemongrass oil
20 drops TRUessence lavender oil

Mix all ingredients together.  Pour into clean squeeze bottles and label.  Let sit at least 24 hours to thicken.  Shampoo as you would normally.  Makes 16 oz (1 pint)

SIMPLE, HEALTHY AROMATIC SHAMPOO (best for dry to normal hair)

1 cup distilled water
1 cup castile soap
1 ½  tsp. TRUessence Jojoba Message oil
8 drops TRUessence rosemary ct verbenone oil
10 drops TRUessence cedarwood oil
15 drops TRUessence lavender
10 drops TRUessence frankincense oil

Mix all ingredients together.  Pour into clean squeeze bottles and label.  Let sit at least 24 hours to thicken.  Shampoo as you would normally.  Makes 16 oz (1 pint)

GUIDELINES FOR CREATING YOUR OWN PERSONAL SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER

Select a natural, toxin-free, chemical-free unscented shampoo
Into 8 ounces of this shampoo, mix 30-50 drops of essential oils of your choosing

(The same amounts apply in blending your own conditioner.)

You can select from the following proven essential oils:
For Dry Hair: cedarwood, lavender, sandalwood
For Oily Hair:  lemongrass, rosemary, ylang ylang
For Normal Hair:  clary sage, geranium, lavender

TRANSFORMATION BODY LOTION

¼ cup carrier oil (TRUessence Jojoba Message Oil)
1 tsp. beeswax
1 tsp. cocoa butter
1 tsp. coconut oil
¼ cup distilled water (or floral water—rose or neroli are wonderful)
½  tsp. glycerin
10 drops TRUessence  Transformation Blend essential oil

Combine carrier oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil in a pan over low heat and stir until melted; allow to cool.  Put water and glycerin in a deep bowl.  Slowly drizzle the oil mixture into the water and glycerin mixture, beating vigorously with a wire whisk.  Continue to drizzle and beat until all the oil mixture is blended.  Then add the essential oil and beat for two minutes.  Pour into bottle and label.

LAVENDER HAND CREAM

2 Tbsp. TRUessence Message Jojoba oil
½ oz. beeswax
½ oz. cocoa butter
12 drops TRUessence carrot seed oil
9-12 drops TRUessence lavender oil.

Melt the oils and beeswax over low heat.  Allow to cool and stir in essential oils with wire whisk.  Beat for two minutes.  Pour into glass container and label.

LAVENDER-MINT FACIAL CREAM

¼ cup virgin coconut oil
5 oz. TRUessence Jojoba Message oil
¼ cup distilled water (or better yet lavender floral water)
3 drops TRUessence peppermint oil
10 drops TRUessence lavender oil

Melt the oils and beeswax over low heat, ideally in a double boiler.  Stir until blended.  Remove from heat.  Place water in a stirring bowl with deep sides.  Slowly pour (drizzle) all the melted oil mixture into the water, beating vigorously with a wire whisk.  The mixture will thicken and become creamy.  Lastly, add the essential oils and mix for two minutes.  Pour into glass container(s) and label.

NEROLI NIGHT CREAM

½ cup TRUessence Message Jojoba oil
½ oz. cocoa butter
½ oz. beeswax
2 tsp. rosehip seed oil
2 drops TRUessence patchouli oil
3 drops TRUessence carrot seed oil
15 drops TRUessence neroli 10% oil

Melt beeswax in carrier oil over low heat.  Add rosehip seed oil.  Remove from heat.  Beat vigorously with wire whisk as mixture cools and thickens.  Add the essential oils, continuing to stir.  Mixture will become thick and creamy.  Pour into glass jar and label.

This cream does wonderful things to the skin, although it is too oily to wear during the day.  It does not make the skin itself oily, but nourishes it and strengthens it.  Apply ½ to 1 tsp to facial skin at night; wash off gently in the morning.  The sensual neroli aroma is will also soothe anxiety and stress and promote restful sleep.

ROYAL OIL (Amazing Anti-aging facial formula)

This recipe gets its name from the rose oil (Queen of flowers) and the jasmine oil (King of flowers) that are among the ingredients.  The ingredients for this oil can be a little pricey, but the result is worth it.  These are some of the finest ingredients known to help with aging skin and wrinkles.

2 tsp TRUessence Jojoba Message oil
1 tsp avocado oil
10 drops rose hip seed oil
5 drops evening primrose oil
10 drops TRUessence carrot seed oil
15 drops TRUessence rose 10% oil
10 drops TRUessence jasmine 10% oil
3 drops TRUessence clary sage oil
5 drops TRUessence frankincense oil

Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a 1 oz. glass bottle. Cap and shake well.  Then add the essential oils in the order listed.  Cap again and shake to mix well.

To apply, moisten face and neck with pure water or floral water.  Then place 2-4 drops of this blend on your fingertips and work upward onto the face, carefully avoiding the eye area. For best results apply twice daily.

OPULENT OIL (Incredible for dry skin)

2 tsp TRUessence Jojoba Message oil
¼ tsp. TRUessence carrot seed oil
1 tsp sesame seed oil
12 drops TRUessence neroli 10% oil
6 drops TRUessence sandalwood oil
2 drops TRUessence geranium oil
2 capsules 400IU vitamin E (optional)

In a 1 oz. glass bottle, add the jojoba, carrot seed and sesame seed oils.  Cap and shake to mix well. Then add the essential oils, and if desire, cut open the 2 vitamin E capsules and add contents (not the capsules).  Cap and shake to mix completely.  Label bottle.

To apply, pour 4-6 drops on fingertips; apply using upward strokes on moistened skin.

HEALING MYRRH MOUTHWASH

6 drops TRUessence tea tree oil
6 drops TRUessence myrrh oil
6 drops TRUessence peppermint oil
2 Tbsp grain alcohol
8 oz. pure water

Bring water to a boil.  Remove from heat, let cool for 1 minute, then add essential oils and alcohol and stir well, then strain through coffee filter.  Cool and bottle.  Use 2-3  tsp. at a time and swish around in mouth for at least 30 seconds.  Don’t swallow.  This mouthwash is wonderful for healing gum and mouth infections.

But a most important question behind all this research is, do essential oils just do their own work, or do they also somehow support the human body in ways that enhance and increase the human body’s own processes to heal itself?  It has been believed since ancient times that essential oils somehow improve and enhance the body’s ‘terrain’ or functional ability to take care of itself.

In 2008 a research team from the Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine in Rome, Italy, set out to scientifically verify whether this was indeed true.  They reasoned that if they could observe and measure that the presence of an essential oil actually stimulated and increased the natural disease-fighting activity of human immune cells, then they could conclude that essential oils enhanced the normal functioning of the immune system – in addition to their known antimicrobial properties.

The primary disease-fighting cells in the body are macrophages, a variety of white blood cells that seek out and destroy foreign/disease microbes.  The Italian research team used elaborate tests and an electron microscope to determine whether human macrophages increased their phagocytic activity (foreign cell killing) in the presence of an essential oil solution, which in this case was Eucalyptus.

They found that the addition of the essential oil did in fact increase the activity of human macrophages, “dramatically stimulating their phagocytic response.”   Furthermore, they reasoned, since Eucalyptus essential oils did increase human immune system activity; further research should be done using essential oils which could drive “the development of a . . . new family of immune-regulatory agents useful in immune-suppressive pathologies, infectious diseases and after tumor chemotherapy.”

Copyright © March, 2010 VitalScience.org

2 oz colloidal silver hydrosol solution (we prefer Sovereign Silver brand) or water
5 drops TRUessence Lavender
2 drop TRUessence Lemon
3 drops TRUessence Tea Tree
3 drops TRUessence Eucalyptus radiata
1 drop TRUessence Peppermint

Mix all the above ingredients into a glass bottle spray mister. Remember to always shake well before use.

TRUessence Deodorant Recipe 2

2 tsp. glycerine
¼ cup Vodka
3 Tbsp witch hazel
1 tsp. liquid chlorophyll
10 drops TRUessence lemon oil
8 drops TRUessence bergamot oil

Mix together all ingredients and put in a glass jar.  Let sit in dark room for 24-48 hours.  Pour into glass spray bottle and label.  Shake well before each use.  Can be sprayed under arms or applied with cotton pad.  Makes 4 oz.

The following is an article from Dr. Mercola, New York times bestselling author . . .

CONCERNS OVER DEODERANTS & BREAST CANCER

Researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in every sample of tissue taken from 20 different breast tumors. Studies suggest that paraben, a chemical found in underarm deodorants and other cosmetics, can seep into the tissue after being applied to the skin.

This finding concerned researchers since parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can drive the growth of human breast tumors.

However, this study showed no direct evidence that deodorants were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Further work is required to examine any association between estrogen and other chemicals found in deodorants and breast cancer, researchers say. (1)

WHAT DR. MERCOLA SAYS ABOUT DEODERANTS

I have posted articles in the past warning of the dangers of antiperspirants, and now this study is raising concerns about deodorants as well. Antiperspirants and deodorants are not the same thing: Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat–with the active ingredient being aluminum–so that they can’t release sweat. Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria, but do not prevent sweating.

The concern with antiperspirant is that the aluminum it contains is absorbed by the body and wreaks havoc in the brain, where it likely contributes to the growing numbers of people coming down with Alzheimer’s disease. So it appears that the urban legend that antiperspirants have been identified as the leading cause of breast cancer may actually have some truth to it.

A study was conducted in 2004 by Dr. Kris McGrath, a Chicago allergist who claims to have found a connection between antiperspirants, underarm shaving and cancer. He believes the culprits in these antiperspirants are the toxins in aluminum salts such as aluminum chlorohydrate. He says they don’t normally penetrate the skin enough to cause a problem–unless the skin is shaven. If you disrupt the skin by shaving, it can open up the door, because just under the skin is the lymphatic system, which is connected to the breast.

In this study, more than 400 Chicago-area breast cancer survivors recalled their lifetime history of using antiperspirants and underarm shaving. He found that women who perform underarm shaving more aggressively had a diagnosis of breast cancer 22 years earlier than the non-users.

Now with the study above, British researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer. These researchers also published a study last year in the Journal of Toxicology that suggested underarm cosmetics might be a cause of breast cancer. It is unclear how valid this proposed mechanism is, but it would sure seem safe to avoid all antiperspirants and deodorants just to be safe.

At the very least, if you are using a deodorant in order to avoid the aluminum in antiperspirant, you will also want to be certain that the deodorant you choose does not contain parabens.

Parabens are used as preservatives, and on the label they may be listed as methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, isobutyl paraben or E216. Look for natural deodorants, which should be available in your local health food store, but be sure to read the labels, as all “natural” deodorants are not paraben-free.

I personally have not used any antiperspirants or deodorants for over 20 years. Simple soap and water has served me quite well for the last two decades, and I don’t ever recall anyone telling me I had an offensive odor. So, I suggest avoiding the chemicals, save some money, prolong your life and drop the underarm chemicals. (2)

1. BBC News, January 11, 2004
2. Mercola, Dr. Joseph, “Concerns over Deoderant and Breast Cancer.” Dr. Mercola official site, 24 Jan. 2004.

Detoxification refers to the elimination of toxins from the body.  We are constantly exposed to toxic substances through air, water, food and as a result of normal metabolic processes.  The body has systems to neutralize most of these exposures.  However, in cases of severe exposure or severe imbalance in food intake, water intake or breathing, normal detoxification systems become compromised and/or the toxic load becomes too severe.  If these conditions persist and worsen, serious disease and even death can result.

There are five basic organ systems that perform detoxification processes in good health.  They are:

1. Respiratory:  lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses and nose
2. Gastrointestinal:  stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder
3. Urinary:  kidneys, bladder, urethra
4. Dermal (Skin):  sweat and sebaceous glands and tears
5. Lymphatic :  lymph channels and lymph nodes

Each of these systems works to constantly filter the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, substances absorbed through the skin, lymph and blood, to insure that toxins are eliminated before they create congestion, inflammation, pain and disease.  These systems work to isolate the toxic substances and then transform them chemically or eliminate them from the body.  Providing support to any of the organs in the above five detoxification systems enhances the process.

Essential oils contain biochemicals that are known to produce helpful detoxification responses in all five of these five systems.  Typically they help in reducing congestion and inflammation while speeding the elimination of the toxins through intestines, urinary tract, exhaling and sweating.

In the respiratory system, for example, oils which are mucolytic or expectorant, such as eucalyptus, niaouli and peppermint can help break down and help eliminate mucous in congested airways.

In the gastrointestinal system, oils which are antispasmodic (basil, peppermint and geranium) and laxative (fennel, ginger, and marjoram) help to relax tense muscles and organs and encourage peristalsis to facilitate bowel elimination

In the urinary system, oils which are diuretic, such as juniper berry, grapefruit and lemon, can help eliminate excess water and increase urine flow (and toxin release) through the kidneys and bladder.

Diaphoretic and sudorific oils, such as black pepper, chamomile, and cypress, stimulate the release of toxins through the skin via sweating.

Essential oils which support the lymph system by helping to increase the production and flow of lymph include, first and foremost, bay laurel, and also geranium, ginger and cedarwood.

Additionally, some citrus oils, such as mandarin and tangerine, and also birch and sage, are considered depurative, meaning they enhance the body’s ability—through a variety of mechanisms—to eliminate toxins from the circulating body fluids, blood and lymph.

Copyright © March, 2010 VitalScience.org

Essential oils possess interesting characteristics when it comes to dental plaque.  They seem to be able to dissolve it chemically, even when there is no mechanical brushing or flossing.  Further, of course, they add an antiseptic benefit that cannot be equaled in conventional toothpaste.

In 2004, researchers at BioSci Research in Ontario, Canada, conducted research to determine if using an essential oil mouthwash created a significant additional benefit over brushing and flossing alone.  They were particularly interested in the effect on the health of gums.  The study group included 246 patients with gingivitis which were divided into 3 groups.  Group 1 brushed and rinsed with a control mouthwash; Group 2 brushed and flossed with a control mouthwash; and Group 3 brushed and flossed with an essential oils mouthwash.  After six months, patients were examined and scored based on their level of dental plaque and the degree of gingivitis.  The essential oil group (Group 3) had 30% less dental plaque and 56% less gingivitis than Group 1; it also had 21% less plaque and 52% less gingivitis than Group 2.  The study confirmed that even for those who brush and floss regularly, the additional use of an essential oil mouthwash adds a clinically significant additional benefit in reducing plaque and preventing gingivitis.  The study results were reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association.1

Another study was performed at Eulji University in South Korea using an EO mouthwash for hospital patients in intensive care.  These patients often are unable to perform normal oral hygiene and as a result experience bad breath caused by sulphur compounds in the oral cavity.  Researchers created an essential oils solution using tea tree oil, peppermint oil and lemon oil in a dilution.  Thirty two ICU patients received a 3 minute oral cleaning with the EO solution on day 1; then on day 2, the patients received a 3 minute oral cleaning with Tantum (a benzydamine hydrochloride solution commonly used by dentists after dental work).  Mouth odor and volatile sulphur compound levels were significantly improved after the EO cleaning and were also significantly better than after the Tantum cleaning.2

1. Sharma N, et al. “Adjunctive benefit of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly:  a six-month study,” J Am Dent Assoc. 2004 Apr;135(4):496-504.
2. Hur MH, et al. “Reduction of mouth malodour and volatile sulphur compounds in intensive care patients using an essential oil mouthwash.”  Phytotherapy Research 2007 Jul; 21(7):641-3.

Copyright© March, 2010, VitalScience.org

We have already presented research on how essential oils can help balance sugar metabolism by lowering serum glucose and stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin hormone (see Helps with Diabetes article).  Some essential oils do seem to balance or normalize hormonal secretions and the best theory is that this occurs through stimulation of the pituitary, or ‘master’ gland.

Additionally, some compounds found in essential oils have a molecular structure similar to that of natural human hormones, and these compounds appear to directly promote efficient and natural endocrine gland activity.

Some compounds found in Scotch pine, for example, are similar to the hormone, cortisone.   Essential oils of pine, geranium, basil and rosemary are believed to stimulate the adrenal cortex, releasing cortisol which can reduce pain, inflammation and even allergic responses.  Anise and peppermint are said to excite the pituitary gland.

Fennel, anise, sage and clary sage essential oils have all been traditionally used as estrogenic agents.  A study done in Italy investigated the effect of the extracts of sage and alfalfa on menopausal symptoms of a group of 30 women.  Hot flashes and night sweating completely disappeared in 20 of the women and the other 10 showed varying improvement.  Further research done in Korea tested a mixture of lavender, clary sage and lemon essential oils on a group of women who experienced difficult menstrual periods, particularly with cramps.  Application was made topically on the abdomen.  Results showed that the women who received this essential oil blend experienced significantly fewer menstrual cramps than the control group, indicating some form of hormone modulation.

Copyright © 2010 VitalScience.org

The impact of essential oils on the human circulatory system can be profound.  Some essential oils have demonstrated the ability to relax blood vessel walls, enabling them to expand, thereby increasing blood flow to tissues.  Other studies have shown that essential oils can help maintain the overall health of the cardiovascular system through controlling plaque which leads to atherosclerosis, and through preventing thrombosis (blood clots).

Increased blood flow
An early study done in Russia in 1983 tested flight controllers with aromas of mint, lavender and anise.  The flight controllers were initially tested at the end of a heavy shift, for mental capacity, blood vessel tension and blood flow in the brain.  Then they went through a 20-day period where their work environment was diffused with aromas of mint, lavender and anise.  At the end of the 20-day test period, subjects were tested again at the end of a heavy shift.  The results showed “adequately increased mental capacity, . . . a diminished tension of the vascular wall and a moderately increased blood content of the vessels.” Another Russian study done in 2004 found that when essential oils were massaged into the neck, there was “a significant improvement of cerebral circulation and functional state of the brain.” This research was done on 100 patients, all of whom had shown signs of brain deterioration due to circulatory problems caused by atherosclerosis.

A  Japanese study done in 2008 found that lavender oil could increase circulation to the heart, just by breathing the aroma.  30 young men between the ages of 24 and 40 years old were asked to inhale lavender vapors for 30 minutes.  Before and after the inhalation period, serum cortisol (as a marker for stress) and coronary blood flow were measured.  Researchers found that after inhaling lavender, serum cortisol significantly decreased, while coronary circulation significantly increased.  They concluded that ‘lavender aromatherapy has relaxation effects and may have beneficial acute effects on coronary circulation.”

Fighting Atherosclerosis
The term ‘atherosclerosis’ means a hardening and/or narrowing of an artery due to the accumulation of plaque that results from the oxidation of LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol, in the blood.  As the plaque builds, circulation and the ability to increase circulatory volume when needed, decline.  Ultimately, this can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, neuropathy and death.⁴ The term ‘arteriosclerosis’ is a more generic term referring to any type of hardening in the arteries.  Atherosclerosis is specifically hardening of the arteries due to plaque accumulation and is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases.  The way to prevent atherosclerosis is to reduce the concentrations of oxidized LDL.

Essential oils and their aromatic volatile constituents have shown significant antioxidant activity against LDL oxidation. Essential oils rich in phenols, such as eugenol (clove bud) and thymol (thyme) have the highest antioxidative activity against LDL oxidation, and therefore are most helpful in controlling atherosclerosis.

Additionally, some essential oils have been found to be effective in lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides, which also contribute to the formation of arterial plaque.  Black Cumin was found to decrease both cholesterol and triglycerides ; while oral administration of dill oil was found to reduce triglycerides by nearly 42%. Mint essential oils and basil oil both were shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Anti-thrombotic effects
Thrombosis, or blood clotting, is usually associated with platelet activation.  Prevention of thrombosis is one of the most important targets for the prevention and therapy of many circulatory disorders.  A number of anti-clotting/anti-platelet drugs have been developed, but many have significant side effects such as stomach ulcers, bruising/spontaneous bleeding, and immune system compromise due to insufficient white blood cells.  Certain essential oils—which do not cause any of these side effects—have been shown to be similarly effective in their anti-clotting effects.  Among them are lavender, onion, garlic, and clove.

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