insecticidal / pesticidal

February 2, 2018

Research on the Cinnamaldehyde Constituent

Pictured: Cinnamon, Whose Key Chemical Constituent is Cinnamaldehyde By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT, RYT Cinnamaldehyde is powerfully aromatic, and the dominant constituent found in the bark and leaves of cassia as well as the bark of cinnamon. It is a potent aldehyde; excessive amounts can cause skin […]

March 22, 2018

Lemon Verbena (Lippia citrodora) Research

Latin Name: Lippia citrodora Family: Apiaceae RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there […]

March 22, 2018

Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) Research

Latin Name: Leptospermum scoparium Family: Myrtaceae Manuka is in the same plant family as tea tree, but has a differing essential oil profile. While there are many chemotypes of manuka, it is generally higher in sesquiterpenes than tea tree, and also contains the leptospermone constituent not typically found in tea […]

March 22, 2018

Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Research

Latin Name: Melaleuca quinquenervia Family: Myrtaceae RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there […]

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

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Research

Latin Name: Mentha piperita Family Name: Lamiaceae There is a significant amount of research on peppermint (Mentha piperita). It has shown to be beneficial as a digestive aid, respiratory aid, and to relief inflammation and muscle spasm and tension. It’s menthol constituent has shown analgesic activity. It has also shown antimicrobial, […]

April 7, 2018

Insecticidal and pesticidal substances kill pests. A variety of essential oils and herbs have shown powerful insecticidal action, with a less toxic effect than harsh chemicals. Larvicidal substances kill insect larvae. Insecticidal Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the […]

April 17, 2018

Anethole / Anise Camphor / Trans-Anethole

Anethole is a phenol methyl ether as found in anise, fennel, and camphor. Anise is over 90% anethole. Trans-anethole is the more abundant and safer anethole isomer, while cis-anethole is more toxic. The cis-anethole isomer is found in very small amounts in fennel and anise. Phenol methyl ethers are similar […]

April 17, 2018

Benzaldehyde

Benzaldehyde is an aldehyde having an almond like aroma, as in bitter almond. It may also be found in cassia leaf, cassia bark, cinnamon bark and cistus. Aldehydes have a powerful aroma used in perfumery. Oxidation (exposure to oxygen) causes potential skin irritation and loss of aroma. Links to […]

April 18, 2018

Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl benzoate is an ester found in benzoin and ylang ylang. It can also be found in jasmine absolute. It is on the World Health Organization list of essential oils and has been used to treat scabies, lice, and as an insecticide. Esters are formed from the combination of acids […]

April 19, 2018

Camphor

Camphor is a ketone found in ho leaf, lavindin, camphor, rosemary, sage, spike lavender, mint, laural, thyme, oregano, pennyroyal, basil, and yarrow. Many ketones can be toxic internally and topically. Some can be convulsent, toxic to the liver, or neurotoxic in high doses. Do not overuse or use for prolonged periods […]

April 19, 2018

Carvacrol

Carvacrol is a phenol, as in oregano, sage, cumin, savory, marjoram, and thyme. Phenols are potent chemicals with strong therapeutic actions, but safety concerns: overuse can be toxic to the liver or genotoxic. Phenols can also be a skin and mucous membrane irritant. Links to Plants Containing Carvacrol RESEARCH The listings […]