geranium

February 6, 2017

Explaining the Ingredients: Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion or Oil Recipe

As a massage therapist, in the Winter months, I see many clients come in with super dry skin, even to the point of being cracked and itchy.  Time to whip up some thick and soothing Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion! First, I created a tincture of burdock root, yellow dock, plantain, and calendula.  Then, […]
April 3, 2018

Acne

Acne results from blocked skin follicles, encouraging bacteria, and resulting in infection and pimples.  During puberty, hormonal changes result in increased sebum production that can cause the blocked pores.  Here are a few basic suggestions: Keep the face clean, but don’t over-wash. Don’t touch the face with unclean hands and spread […]
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-allergy / Anti-histamine

Allergies can be topical, respiratory, or digestive, and result in an immune system overreaction to a substance.  This can release histamines, which cause wheezing, rashes, sneezing, vomiting, and even anaphylactic shock.  People can be allergic to specific foods, plants, animals, and chemicals.  Human studies are lacking, and more research is […]
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 7, 2018

Repellent

Many essential oils and herbs have shown repellent action against a variety of bugs and pests. Repellent Herb and Essential Oil Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This […]
April 9, 2018

Oral Health

Botanical extracts have shown positive research in aiding oral health.  Oral bacteria and fungal infections have been reduced with the essential oils such as lavender, geranium, tea tree, and peppermint, as well as the constituent: thymol as found in thyme. Oral Health Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research […]
April 9, 2018

Anxiety / Mood / Anti-depressive

Anxiety can be caused by many things.  Over time, these stressors can have a negative physical effect on the body.  Herbs and essential oils have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic activities in many human studies. Recipes to Help with Anxiety Blog Articles Here’s a fun article about the how stimulating the […]
April 9, 2018

Skin and Wound Health

Many herbs can help with various skin ailments from dry skin, itchy areas, burns, wrinkles, growths, and cuts. Skin conditions can include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and more.  For acute situations, consult a Doctor. Wounds When a cut occurs, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for 15 minutes and elevate […]
April 12, 2018

Herbal Flea, Tick, Mosquitoe, and Biting Fly Bug Spray

This herbal bug spray recipe takes two steps to make, but is worth the effort.  Chaste berries, neem, lavender, rosemary, and geranium have shown insect repelling activity in the research listed below. Herbal Bug Spray Recipe Step 1: Recipe for the Herbal Bug Spray Tincture 1 ounce of dried chaste […]
April 19, 2018

Caryophyllene / Carlophyllene / Beta Carlophyllene

Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in basil, black pepper, clove, geranium, hops, lavender, star anise, sweet thyme, tobacco, cannabis, coriander, litsea, ginger, camphor, spearmint, pine, orange, sage, ginseng, catnip, and ylang ylang.  Alpha-Caryophyllene is found in hops, hemp, geranium, and rosemary.  Beta-Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, catnip, ylang-ylang, hemp, […]
April 19, 2018

Citronellol

Citronellol is an alcohol found in citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, lemon, 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 proper storage is important. Links to […]