clary sage

January 1, 2018

Clary Sage: Give Thanks Meditation

Give thanks, as it key to truly being happy in life. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of GRATEFUL is: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness.  Synonyms include being thankful and appreciative [1].  This is Merriam-Webster’s definition: being appreciative of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated [2]. The holiday […]
January 8, 2018

Do Essential Oil Diffusers Really Work?

So, do essential oil diffusers really work? There are many different types of essential oil diffusers dispersing aroma into the air.  Here is a review of the varieties: Cool Mist Diffusers Cool mist essential oil diffusers, also called ultrasonic diffusers, typically involve adding about 5 ounces of water and a […]
April 2, 2018

Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe

There is much research on the insecticidal and repelling activities of many different essential oils.  A variety of plant essential oils have natural repelling properties, offering an alternative to toxic chemical repellents.  Typically, essential oil bug sprays require more frequent application than deet bug sprays. Species and subspecies of bugs […]
April 3, 2018

Analgesic / Pain

Analgesic substances reduce pain in a variety of ways: as a local anesthetic or anti-nociceptive, and also via the nervous system.  The menthol constituent in peppermint has shown topical anti-nociceptive activity, lavender aromatherapy has shown to calm nerves after surgery to help reduce pain, and comfrey has been used for […]
April 3, 2018

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s response to infection and injury. Its purpose is to clear out foreign cells and dead cells from the local area.  Inflammation is characterized by increased redness, heat, pain, and swelling to an area.  Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in various ways.  For example, spices like turmeric, ginger, […]
April 3, 2018

Antibacterial

There are many types of bacteria, and not all bacteria are bad.  Some good bacteria in the body help aid in digestion and fight infection.  Pathogenic bacteria can cause disease.  Wikipedia does an excellent job of categorizing and listing the most common types of bacteria:  Pathogenic Bacteria List. Antibacterial herbs […]
April 3, 2018

Anti-fungal

Certain herbs are known for their anti-fungal actions.  Most research studies have been in vitro; more human studies are necessary. Recipes to Help with Fungal Infections Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description […]
April 3, 2018

Antimicrobial

Herbs and essential oils are known for their antimicrobial potential, and have been studied for their abilities to inhibits or kill microbes including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yeast.  It is important to understand therapeutic margin for each botanical, the amount at which a substance is both safe and effective to […]
April 3, 2018

Antioxidant

Antioxidant herbs, fruits, and vegetables have the potential to reduce oxidation, which can cause free radicals to form.  This can then contribute to aging and disease. Eat Your Colors! Antioxidants protect your cells!  They are found in the richly colorful fruits and vegetables that we eat.  Here are some examples: RED […]
April 4, 2018

Antiseptic

Antiseptic ointments are topical disinfectants applied to cleanse microbes from tissue and surface areas to prevent the spread of infections. Antiseptic Recipes   Blog Articles   RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each […]
April 4, 2018

Esters Found in Essential Oils

The Amazing Esters Found in Essential Oils By Kathy Sadoswski MS, LMT, RYT This article originally appeared in the NAHA Journal (Winter, 2017) and  it is republished here according to the NAHA Writer Guidelines 2017-2018 statement. Esters are oxygenated compounds that occurs during the “esterification process” when an acid combines […]
April 7, 2018

Cognition / Neuroprotective

Do you feel like your brain has gone on a vacation?  There are herbs that can help improve concentration and cognition.  Try some of the recipes listed below to help make studying more effective and work time more productive.  Also included are studies about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  Alzheimer’s is […]