Preservative

March 22, 2018

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Research

Latin Name: Commiphora myrrha Family: Burseraceae Myrrh has long been used as a medicinal plant well documented in Chinese medicine, ancient Roman texts, and used in Biblical times.  It is an oleo gum resin RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, […]
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 5, 2018

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Research

Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus Family: Scrophulariaceae RESEARCH The listings of research below represents 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 9, 2018

Preservative

Herbs and essential oils with preservative qualities can help extend the shelf life of foods, supplements, and beauty products.  They may demonstrate an antioxidant and/or antimicrobial effect. Preservative Recipes Blog Articles Preservative Herbs and Essential Oils RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on […]
April 18, 2018

Bornyl Acetate

Bornyl acetate is an ester.  Bornyl acetate can be found in spruce, pine, valerian, fir, rosemary, tansy, and sage. Esters are formed from the combination of acids and alcohols. Links to Plants Containing Bornyl Acetate RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the […]
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 […]
April 19, 2018

1,8-cineole / Cineole / Eucalyptol / Cajeputol

1,8-cineole, also called eucalyptol, is an oxide found in basil, bay, cajeput, cardamom, eucalyptus, niaouli, rosemary, sage, camphor, laurel, mugwort, and spike lavender.  It smells fresh and minty. Oxides contribute to an oil’s aroma, and have strong therapeutic actions, but can be neurotoxic, liver toxic, and a respiratory irritant in […]
April 19, 2018

Cinnamaldehyde

Cinnamaldehyde is an aldehyde found in cassia, and cinnamon.  Excessive amounts can cause liver toxicity. Aldehydes have a powerful aroma used in perfumery.  Oxidation (exposure to oxygen) causes potential skin irritation and loss of aroma. Links to Plants Containing Cinnamaldehyde RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of […]
April 19, 2018

Cymene / Paracymene

Cymene is a monoterpene that can be found in frankincense, thyme, ajowan, oregano, basil, camphor, cajuput, and cumin. Monoterpenes are odorless, highly volatile, prone to oxidation, and insoluble in water. Links to Plants Containing Cymene Research The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the […]
April 20, 2018

Eugenol

Eugenol is a phenol, as found in basil, bay, clove, cinnamon leaf, marjoram, nutmeg, pimento, rose, and ylang ylang.  Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) can be over 75% eugenol. It is a strong antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory, but could be toxic to the liver in excess. Safety concerns Clove oil and the […]
April 20, 2018

Geraniol

Geraniol is a monoterpenol alcohol found in citronella, geranium, thyme, melissa, lemon balm, basil, palmarosa, coriander, and rose. Alcohols are the most therapeutically beneficial type of component in an essential oil, and have a low toxicity for safer use with fragile populations (like the elderly).  Alcohols can be sensitizing when oxidized, so […]