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Blue light seems to be the talk of the town lately. With artificial lights, big-screened televisions, and our many smart devices, we are exposed to blue light constantly throughout the day. Contrary to what you may know, blue light isn’t all bad! We actually get most of our blue light exposure from the sun. The sun emits different levels of blue light throughout the day and helps us regulate our internal clock. Blue light emissions peak midday, keeping us energized, alert, and focused. It tapers off in the evenings, helping us to feel more relaxed and sleepy come nightfall. The harmful effects of blue light come when we introduce artificial lights into our routines, affecting our natural body rhythms and mood, as well as the health of our eyes and skin. Effects Circadian Rhythm Blue light in the evenings can throw off our body’s natural sleep cycle. Our circadian rhythm is the internal clock in our brain that is responsible for regulating cycles of alertness and sleepiness. It regulates by responding to environmental lighting cues specifically from the sun. More blue light is given off by the sun during the daytime than in the evenings. This is supposed to help us feel more awake during the day and more sleepy come nightfall. This cycle also helps to regulate hormone secretion, cellular function, and gene expression. It is so important that evidence shows that disrupting our natural rhythm can lead to certain cancers, metabolic dysfunction, and mood disorders. Researchers have found that light exposure suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that influences our circadian rhythm. Studies indicate that a two-hour exposure to blue light in the evening suppresses melatonin production. (1) Any kind of light, even if it is a dim bedside table lamp, can suppress melatonin production. However, blue light, like from a smartphone or LED light, suppresses melatonin production more powerfully. According to Harvard researchers, blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as green light and even shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much; Green light shifted circadian rhythms by 1.5 hours, whereas blue light shifted them by 3 hours. (2) This is one of the many reasons we love our Himalayan Salt Lamps. The impurities in the salt filter out blue light and emit a calming, red-orange hue that won’t alter your circadian rhythm. This is also a good night light alternative for kiddos who prefer a light at night (although dark rooms are best). Effects Mood It comes as no surprise that blue light can affect our mood. Have you ever felt groggy or irritated after a “brain break”? As nice as it can be to sit back and relax for a minute on our phones, it may be causing far more harm than good. According to the APA, sleep disruption is one way to identify major mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Many of these sleep disturbances are reported to be paired with irregular light cycles. Many of these sleep disruptions are also caused by light exposure in the evenings. (3) Can Trigger Headaches and Migraines Researchers have conducted plenty of studies supporting the claim that blue light can trigger and exacerbate headaches and migraines. It has been suggested that blue light has this effect because of a specific neural pathway from the eyes to the brain. (4)(5)(6) We have three light-identifying pathways; rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). The ipRGCs are the photoreceptors responsible for setting our circadian rhythm. These cells are also the most sensitive to blue light and can ultimately worsen headache pain and other symptoms by increasing the perception of pain, creating throbbing sensations, and speeding up the spreading pain of a headache. (3) Can Cause Eye Strain Staring at digital screens as much as we do is rough on our eyes. Many of us work with a computer during the day, and then come home and relax on our devices at night. That is a lot of artificial light exposure! Our screens cause our eyes to absorb a lot of unfocused light which can cause issues with focusing, squinting, and eye fatigue. Researchers also speculate that blue light specifically can damage our eyes because human eyes aren’t as good at blocking blue light as they are at blocking UV light. This means that most of the visible blue light passes through the eye and to the retinas, which can, with time, damage the retinas, cause vision changes, and put you at a higher risk of macular degeneration. (7) Effects Skin Health Did you know that your smartphone, tablet, or computer could be causing premature aging? During the day, our skin is exposed to light and is focused on protection. But, theoretically, in the evenings, the skin is supposed to be focused on repairing the damage that occurred that day and preparing for the next morning. But with artificial lights and devices, we disrupt our circadian rhythm and severely decrease the amount of time our bodies get to repair skin damage. This can cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, and inflammatory mediators. (8) Researchers have concluded that even short term exposures to blue light can cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. (9)(10)(11) When skin cells were exposed to blue light from common consumer electronic devices, (in this case, iPhones and iPads were used) ROS increased significantly (up to 93%). (11) The link between oxidative stress and aging is well documented. Overproduction of ROS can lead to damage to macromolecules like lipids, DNA, and proteins. Damage to these macromolecules can accelerate signs of aging and lead to inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. (12) So how should we protect ourselves from blue light? There are many ways to keep yourself safe from the effects of blue light.
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It’s that time of year when the sun is shining and we tend to get burned. As a family of fair-skinned redheads, we know all too well that as hard as you may try, burns happen! And sometimes, they are pretty intense. Afterburn care is vital to help your skin heal correctly and to shorten the amount of time that you feel discomfort from your burn. We want to give you a list of what we recommend and why we recommend them, as well as provide our personal DIY Cooling Burn Cream! So what should you do if you get a sunburn? First and foremost, cool that burn! Run the burn under cool (not cold) water or run a cool shower for at least 10 minutes. If cool water cannot be tolerated, use a cool compress. Do not submerge the burn in water or use ice to cool it. This can actually damage the tissue further. Next, clean the burn. Use a mild soap and cool water to gently clean the wound. Do not break blisters if they are present! This can increase your risk of infection. If the blisters do break on their own, carefully remove the dead skin to decrease infection risk. A health care provider can do this for you if you are uncomfortable. Finally, cover the burn. See what to use to best care for your wound below, as it varies depending on the severity of your burn. Then, cover the burn with sterile gauze For mild sunburns, our first line of defense is aloe vera gel. We do use moisturizing oils like coconut oil, but this is not to be done until the burn has cooled completely, as it has a tendency to trap heat, potentially worsening your burn. You can even use calendula oil for its added benefits!
This recipe is made for older children (12 years old or older) and adults. If you are needing a burn cream for kiddos (ages 2 to 11), use the same measurements, but only use five drops of each essential oil. Now that you have some informational building blocks, feel free to customize our recipe to better suit your needs! Sunburns are not fun. But as hard as we try, they happen! To learn more about handling burns, read up on our burn post!  We recently had a burn scare in our home when our sweet little toddler burned her finger on a pan cooling on the stove. She had a little blister that popped up, but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as it could have been (Praise the Lord!). Burns happen, and all mom-guilt aside, it is important to know exactly how to handle them and when to seek medical care. For more information on caring for burns and when to seek medical care, read up on our burn post! But, since this was just a small burn that only covered one side of one of her little fingers, I felt completely comfortable treating it at home with our restorative burn salve recipe. Before covering a burn with salve, it is important to cool it immediately. Run the burn under cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes. If cool water cannot be tolerated, use a cool compress. Do not submerge the burn in water or use ice to cool the burn. This can actually damage the tissue further. Next, clean the burn. Use a mild soap and cool water to gently clean the wound. Do not break blisters if they are present! This can increase your risk of infection. If the blisters do break on their own, carefully remove the dead skin to decrease infection risk. A health care provider can do this for you if you are uncomfortable. Finally, cover the burn. Copy our salve recipe or modify it to better suit your needs. Then, cover the burn with sterile gauze. For second-degree burns, it is important that you do not use coconut oil. If the burn is a minor second-degree burn, you can still use aloe vera and calendula oil to help heal it. For more severe burns with larger blisters, you can use manuka honey, colloidal silver gel, or CBD oil instead.
So, without further ado, here is the recipe we use to make our burn salve! This is the recipe that I made for use on older children and adults, but I modified it slightly with our two-year-old. For children aged 2-12, use half the amount of essential oils (10 drops total)! We recommend 2 drops of lavender, 3 drops of frankincense, and 5 drops of helichrysum essential oil.  After you have covered your burn with the best method listed above for your particular burn, it is important to keep it out of the sun and away from heat. More severe burns should be covered with sterile gauze and a loose bandage. Dressings should be changed twice a day to keep your burn clean and moisturized.
To change your dressing, first, make sure you have a clean working environment. Wash your hands and the surface you will be using to hold your supplies or rest your burn on. Next, carefully remove the old dressing. It is normal for some skin to come off with the dressing, or for the wound to bleed a little bit. Discard the old dressing immediately, and begin washing your burn gently with mild soap and water. Do not scrub your burn, just lightly wash away loose skin and old ointment or salve. Once your burn is clean, gently pat it dry and apply more ointment or salve. Then apply more sterile gauze over your burn, and secure it with gauze wrap or first aid tape if the burn cannot be covered with wrap. It is important to note that not all burns are treatable from home! Natural remedies are wonderful, but severe burns require immediate medical care. Find out when an E.R. visit is necessary in our burn post! Always watch for signs of infection and watch your burn closely. If your natural antibiotic measures are not effective, you need to seek out medical care immediately. We sincerely hope that you never have to use this recipe, but in the event that you do, we pray that it works wonders for you the same way it worked wonders for us! Burns happen. And it is important to know how to treat them effectively! Have you ever burned so badly that you’ve blistered? How did you treat it? Let us know! We would love to connect with you in the comment section!  It is that glorious time of year where the sun is shining, families are out camping, and burns are inevitable. While thermal burns are common and happen year-round, summertime tends to see more burn cases than other times of the year. While we pray you never have to experience harsh burns firsthand, we want to make sure you are well-equipped to handle whatever situation may come your way. Burns are classified by their severity. Thankfully, most burns are able to be treated at home, but please understand that some burns require immediate medical care. If at any time you feel uncomfortable treating a burn at home, we urge you to seek professional medical care. Burns are mainly divided into six groups, although we primarily only hear about three; first, second, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are burns that only affect the epidermis (the top layer of our skin). These types of burns usually result in a red, slightly swollen appearance, but lack blisters. They are usually accompanied by mild pain or discomfort, but heal on their own within a week. Second-degree burns affect the top two layers of skin, the epidermis and the dermis. They will likely cause blisters and a lot of pain. These types of burns can be treated at home, but they may need an evaluation from a health care provider. Third-degree burns affect all three layers of the skin including hair follicles, sweat glands, and underlying tissues. They cause the skin to turn white, brown, and even black. There is little to no pain because of nerve damage. They are not treatable at home, and they require immediate medical care. Wrap the wound in a clean towel or sheet and find the nearest hospital. Fourth-degree burns affect the layer of fat underneath your skin, fifth-degree the muscle, and sixth-degree burns through to the bone. There is a time and place for natural medicine and natural remedies, but severe burns are not one of them. Before treating a burn from home, please educate yourself on when it is necessary to go to a hospital. Seek medical care if:
The main thing that makes severe burns so dangerous is our body’s inflammatory response to them. Our body releases inflammatory cells to help repair the burn damage, but the powerful and sudden inflammation can cause organ failure. Burns also suppress immune function, leaving the body more susceptible to infections.  While all of these cautions may seem daunting, we just want you to be aware of when treating a burn naturally may not be the best course of action. Please know that many burns can safely be treated from home. So what should you do if you get burned? First or Second-Degree Burns If you get a burn, immediately cool it down. Run the burn under cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes. If cool water cannot be tolerated, use a cool compress. Do not submerge the burn in water or use ice to cool the burn. This can actually damage the tissue further. Next, clean the burn. Use a mild soap and cool water to gently clean the wound. Do not break blisters if they are present! This can increase your risk of infection. If the blisters do break on their own, carefully remove the dead skin to decrease infection risk. A health care provider can do this for you if you are uncomfortable. Finally, cover the burn. See what to use to best care for your wound below, as it varies depending on the severity of your burn. Then, cover the burn with sterile gauze. First-degree burns are fairly common. Think of sunburns. As hard as we try, they seem inevitable this time of year! For mild, first-degree burns, our first line of defense is aloe vera gel. We do use moisturizing oils like coconut oil, but this is not to be done until the burn has cooled completely, as it has a tendency to trap heat, potentially worsening your burn. You can even use calendula oil for its added benefits!
For first-degree burns try our DIY Cooling Burn Cream! For second-degree burns, do not use coconut oil. If the burn is a minor second-degree burn, you can still use aloe vera and calendula oil to help heal it. For more severe burns with larger blisters, you can use manuka honey, colloidal silver gel, or CBD oil instead.
For more severe burns, try our DIY Restorative Burn Salve! After you have covered your burn with the best method listed above for your particular burn, it is important to keep it out of the sun and away from heat. More severe burns should be covered with sterile gauze and a loose bandage. Dressings should be changed twice a day to keep your burn clean and moisturized. To change your dressing, first, make sure you have a clean working environment. Wash your hands and the surface you will be using to hold your supplies or rest your burn on. Next, carefully remove the old dressing. It is normal for some skin to come off with the dressing, or for the wound to bleed a little bit. Discard the old dressing immediately, and begin washing your burn gently with mild soap and water. Do not scrub your burn, just lightly wash away loose skin and old ointment or salve. Once your burn is clean, gently pat it dry and apply more ointment or salve. Then apply more sterile gauze over your burn, and secure it with gauze wrap or first aid tape if the burn cannot be covered with wrap  Healing your Burn Nutritionally
Did you know that you can help ease the healing process along with specific nutrients or supplements? Putting nourishing foods into our bodies daily is a no-brainer, but specific nutrients can lower our body’s inflammatory response and help our skin to heal faster.
Even mild burns can be intimidating. But knowing how to handle them and when to seek medical care is essential for proper recovery. Do you have any burn stories you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below! Here at Natural Foods, we believe that knowledge is key! We want to be more than a typical Pinterest article, and instead, be a valuable resource for you all. We strive to educate everyone on holistic alternatives by providing evidence-based research and plenty of resources for you to form your own opinions! This article serves as an overview of important information. We have provided a link to each essential oil post on our blog that you can follow to read more in-depth articles with research links and oil applications in them, and we strongly encourage you to do so! Sometimes when we see all that can be involved with essential oils, we can feel overwhelmed. We see those with boxes and chests full of essential oils and think that we need the same when really, compiling a basic chest of oils could be all that you need! Having a set of basic oils to have on hand can be key to beginning your journey with essential oils and finding which ones are best for you and your household! Starting your collection with the knowledge of how to use a few “essential” essential oils can save your wallet and better the health of your home and family. These seven oils are versatile, safe, and effective at relieving many different ailments:
You can read more about each oil by following our links to the original essential oil posts! But for now, here is what you need to know about these oils: Sweet Orange Sweet, sweet orange. We love this oil here at Natural Foods. Whether it is lifting those winter blues or contributing to that sweet summer smell, its many benefits make it a staple, even in our store! Its calming, mood-boosting aroma help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can even calm the mind enough to help with insomnia. Adding just a small amount to skincare products can help to reduce the signs of aging and boost collagen formation as well! It has powerful anti-cancer properties and can also serve as a natural pain reliever when applied topically or inhaled. It repels house flies, mosquitoes, and even cockroaches, as well as helping control other pests and parasites. Its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiaflatoxigenic properties make it a wonderful addition to kitchen cleaners, killing off harmful bacteria and molds that can have detrimental effects when consumed. Read our post and find our research links about Sweet Orange here! Lemon We all know (and probably love) the smell of lemon. Its energizing scent supports cognitive health by boosting creativity and enhancing attention levels, concentration, cognitive performance, mood, and memory. It benefits the respiratory system by alleviating allergy symptoms, killing airborne bacteria and potential allergens, lessening the immune response to allergens, and encouraging the drainage of the lymphatic system. It can improve the health of the gastrointestinal system by providing relief from bloating and constipation, gastritis symptoms, and nausea. The aroma can also curb cravings and help with weight loss! Lemon supports healthy skin by targeting free radicals, enhancing topical vitamin absorption, and repelling insects. Because it encourages the draining of the lymphatic system, it is also detoxifying. Read our post and find our research links about Lemon here! Tea Tree OH, tea tree. The list of benefits goes on and on because, while you can’t ingest tea tree, its topical and olfactory applications are endless! Countless research articles are being published claiming that tea tree can be used in a variety of ways because of its powerful antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Studies support using the oil to fight against viral infections such as herpes, influenza, and warts. It fights fungal infections such as candida, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ringworm. Its antibacterial properties make it a wonderful addition to anything from a cleaning spray to a skin oil! It helps with skin issues, scalp concerns, and body odor. It can also help to sanitize surfaces and purify the air! Read our post and find our research links about Tea Tree here! Rosemary The fresh, earthy aroma of rosemary is one of our favorites! It has claimed its spot on our list of favorites because of its wonderful ability to improve memory and cognitive function. Plenty of research has been conducted regarding its use in schools and in Alzheimer’s treatment. It has also proven to be beneficial if you suffer from hair loss as well as serving as a natural pain reliever when applied topically. It repels mosquitos and controls the spread of ticks, while also aiding digestion and stress reduction. It also has anticancer properties against many forms of cancers! Read our post and find our research links about Eucalyptus here! Eucalyptus You may think that this oil is only good for its respiratory benefits, but let me tell you, it has a wide range of applications, and is so good for so many things! It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiprotozoal. It provides natural pain relief when applied topically or diffused, and it boosts the immune system! It can even potentially change the way our bodies react to allergens in the air, making it pretty handy when allergy season comes along. It benefits your respiratory system, skin, and gastrointestinal system as well! Read our post and find our research links about Eucalyptus here! Peppermint We all know that cooling minty-fresh aroma of peppermint, but did you know how wonderful it is to use regularly to keep us healthy? Peppermint is effective at relieving muscle aches and pains, joint pain, and migraine, sinus, and tension headaches. It is great for allergies and acts as a powerful decongestant as well. It alleviates digestive issues such as IBS, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. And its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties make it a wonderful addition to your skincare regime as it helps with acne, sunburns, dandruff, eczema, and rashes. As an added bonus, it also helps to repel insects! When diluted, it can be used on infants to provide relief of colic and teething pains, and it can be used to lower a fever when needed as well. Its revitalizing scent energizes the mind and body, enhances mental clarity, and boosts physical exercise performance! Read our post and find our research links about Peppermint here! Lavender Lavender is great to have on hand as it has a wide variety of uses (spoiler: most of the oils in this post do… that’s why we consider them essential!) Besides smelling absolutely amazing, lavender essential oil promotes healthy skin & hair by fighting bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, calming rashes, keeping wounds clean, soothing burns, firming aging skin, reducing allergic reactions, alleviating itchy scalp and dandruff, and fading scars. It can also provide pain relief from migraines, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles when applied topically to the afflicted area. Lavender has powerful antioxidant properties, supports the nervous system, reduces the symptoms of diabetes, kills lice and eggs, and reduces fever. Read our post and find our research links about Lavender here! Using essential oils doesn’t have to be complicated. These seven oils have countless benefits on their own. You don’t have to have a huge collection to reap the benefits of essential oils! Do you have any questions that we can answer? We would love to hear how you use them in your everyday life! Do you have any that you deem “essential” in your household? Let us know in the comments. We would love to connect with you!   Sweet Orange Essential Oil has been used widely for hundreds of years. Its list of benefits is long and well researched. Traditionally it was used to lower stress levels, treat anxiety and depression, and promote positive feelings. It naturally boosts the immune system, helps with circulation issues, and aids skin infections. With its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, it is no wonder orange essential oil has remained a favorite oil for so long! It makes a wonderful addition to skincare products and natural cleaners, and it can be used to improve your overall health by boosting the immune system, relieving anxiety, offering pain relief, and supporting healthy skin. Anti-Cancer Properties Orange essential oil has strong anti-tumor properties! (1) The oil is primarily composed of limonene and perillyl alcohol. Both of these components have powerful antioxidant and antimutagen properties that show chemotherapeutic activity in pancreatic, mammary, and prostatic tumors. (2) The oil also has anti-angiogenesis properties. (3) Angiogenesis is important for the survival of tumors because it allows better blood supply to the tumor itself, and it makes the tumor more viable by making it harder to surgically remove. Orange essential oil fights this process. This oil has also been shown to suppress the production of cancer in the liver, (4) and induce apoptosis (natural cell death) in leukemia cells and colon cancer cells. (5)(3) Natural Pain Relief Orange Essential Oil fights pain and inflammation better than eucalyptus and lemon essential oil. (6) It was found that when E.R. patients with limb fractures inhaled orange essential oil through a cotton pad pinned to their shirt at the collarbone, they reported less pain than those without the oil. (7) Another study looked at 59 patients who had prominent knee pain. Orange and ginger essential oils were massaged onto the knees of some patients, while a massage with only olive oil was used as a placebo. No oils and no massage were used in the control group. Both groups with the massage reported less pain, but participants who received the massage with essential oils reported even less knee pain intensity, less stiffness, and enhanced physical functioning of the knee, concluding that orange essential oil could help to alleviate short-term pain. (8) Can Help with Anxiety and Depression Orange essential oil has a mild sedative effect, it is calming, and it can be used as a motor relaxant. It induces physiological and psychological relaxation, (9) and it can even be used to calm a restless mind to help with insomnia. (10) It was effectively used to reduce anxiety levels in both rats and humans. (11)(12)(13) In an experiment testing the anxiety levels in a dental office, orange essential oil had a calming, mood-boosting effect, primarily in female patients. (14) Another study compared the blood pressures of two groups of individuals. One group went outside and got fresh air and the other inhaled diffused orange essential oil. Those who inhaled the oil actually saw a greater decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those who went outside. (15) Supports Healthy Skin Orange essential oil is made by cold-pressing the peel of an orange. More vitamin C is found in the fruit peel than in the orange itself, making the essential oil a great addition to your skincare regime. Its high phenol and flavonoid content may be the reason for its high antioxidant activity. (16) Adding only a small amount to your creams or lotions can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even out hyperpigmentation, and promote the production of collagen. (17)(18) Orange essential oil is also known for its ability to fight bacteria that cause acne and for its ability to help heal lesions in the skin caused by acne. (19) The oil is low in phototoxicity when used in small amounts, (20) but it is always important to do a patch test on your skin to see how your body reacts to the oil. Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiaflatoxigenic Orange essential oil has proven to be helpful in preventing foodborne illnesses. The oil inhibits the growth of many bacteria including v. parahaemolyticus, S. typhimurium, and E. coli. (21)(22) It showed strong antifungal activity against molds commonly associated with food spoilage, and it fights aflatoxins. (22)(23) Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds found in foods. They can cause liver damage and even cancer when consumed. All of these properties make orange essential oil great to have on hand to use in natural kitchen cleaner recipes and potentially in food preservation. Insecticidal and Larvicidal While orange essential oil smells absolutely amazing to us humans, it is not appealing to many bugs! It shows insecticidal activity against mosquitos, cockroaches, and house flies, (24)(25) and it can potentially be used to control subterranean termites. (26) The oil also has the potential to be used to control An. labranchiae, a mosquito suspected to be involved with the spread of malaria, (27) and Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, and yellow fever viruses. (28) It has the added benefit of killing the eggs of Haemonchus contortus, a parasitic worm that feeds on human blood. (29) With its many amazing potential uses, it’s a no-brainer that orange essential oil is on our list of favorites. How have you used the oil? Let us know in the comments below! Sources:
  Eucalyptus seems like a no-brainer to include in your essential oil “must-have” collection. Its respiratory benefits are well known, well researched, and have been well used throughout history. While its respiratory benefits are pretty identifiable, eucalyptus can help with so much more! It has been used in the past to treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as colic, diarrhea, and dysentery; it was used for respiratory diseases such as colds, coughs, asthma, laryngalgia, sore throat, and trachalgia; it was used on cuts and wounds to keep them clean, and it relieved muscle aches and spasms, as well as joint and tooth pain. With this exhausting list of potential uses and benefits, it comes as no surprise that eucalyptus is a well-researched herb and essential oil. Eucalyptus essential oil is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal (1). The oil can potentially be used as a potential natural antibiotic for the treatment of diseases caused by E. coli (which can cause UTIs or Pneumonia among other things) and S. aureus (which can cause pimples, cellulitis, folliculitis, pneumonia, and meningitis). (2) It also fights against the herpes simplex virus, which is the virus responsible for genital herpes. (3) Eucalyptus Essential oil is also beneficial when it comes to household molds, wood rot fungi, and phytopathogenic fungi. It also shows considerable sensitivity to yeast. (4) Because of its sensitivity, it can be used against candida as well as toenail fungus. (5) Along with its antimicrobial traits, eucalyptus is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiprotozoal. (4) Provides Natural Pain Relief Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, eucalyptus essential oil makes a wonderful natural pain reliever! It has shown to affect both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. (6) When applied topically, it can reduce muscular aches and pains, inflammation, swelling, and soreness. (7) (8) One study compared the pain scales of patients who had undergone total knee replacement surgery. Both groups received oils aromatically. One group was given only almond oil, the other was given almond oil and eucalyptus essential oil. The pain scores from the eucalyptus group decreased from days 1-3, while the scores from the other group actually increased from scores given before inhalation. Overall, pain scores were significantly lower in the eucalyptus group. Similarly, blood pressures decreased in the eucalyptus group while the blood pressures of the control group participants increased. (9) Benefits the Respiratory System Most notably, eucalyptus essential oil does wonders for the respiratory system. When used aromatically, the oil actually stimulates cold receptors and improves airflow in patients with congestion. (10) It maintains the drainage and airflow of the sinuses, and it reduces inflammation in the trachea (11). Due to camphene released from eucalyptus, the oil can help to expel fluids from the respiratory tract, making it one of the most effective essential oils for coughs as well. (12) In a study comparing the treatments of upper respiratory tract infections, patients who were treated with an essential oil blend containing eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, and rosemary reported fewer symptoms than those who were given a placebo spray after only three days. They also reported symptoms improving quickly after using the spray. (18) Similarly, when patients were given cineole, one of the main components of eucalyptus essential oil, to treat acute bronchitis, they reported significant improvements of symptoms and significantly less coughing fits after only four days of treatment! (13) Skin Health As mentioned before, eucalyptus has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for our skin! It can be used to help with abscesses, athlete’s foot, bacterial dermatitis, blisters, boils, burns, chickenpox, cuts, herpes, and shingles. (14) It keeps wounds clean, and it fights off external bacterial, viral, and fungal infections! It has also shown to inhibit melanogenesis, decreasing hyperpigmentation issues. (15) Gastrointestinal Health Although it is not recommended to use eucalyptus essential oil internally, research has been done on the efficacy of using eucalyptus leaf extract to treat gastrointestinal issues. In animal studies, eucalyptus leaf extracts were shown to decrease the amount of gastric acid produced by the animal, therefore, suggesting a way to treat stomach ulcers naturally. (4) You can enhance these effects by applying the oil topically to your abdomen in a clockwise motion. The leaf extracts and the essential oil have also proven to be beneficial against protozoal infections in lab cultures. They offer a safe and inexpensive way to combat protozoans, although more in vivo research needs to be conducted to know which concentrations of each method (leaf extract consumption and topical oil application) are needed to kill protozoans effectively. (4) Has Immune-Boosting Effects Eucalyptus essential oil has the potential to enhance our immune response. It has been shown to be highly effective to diffuse during allergy season, not only because it benefits the respiratory system and can alleviate congestion, coughs, and runny noses, but also because it can change the way our bodies interact with allergens! It’s anti-inflammatory and immune-activating properties make it so that our immune system doesn’t respond as intensely to allergens in the air, potentially lessening allergy symptoms. (16) In one study, chickens who had supplemented eucalyptus leaves into their diet had greater primary antibody response compared to those who consumed no eucalyptus leaf, supporting the idea that eucalyptus can potentially be used to enhance the immune system. (17) Eucalyptus is useful for so much more than just respiratory ailments. Did you learn anything new from our article? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to answer any questions you may have, and we would love to know how YOU use eucalyptus essential oil! *Eucalyptus Essential Oil contains a high percentage of 1-8 cineole, making it unsuitable for children. Use of the oil in children may result in breathing complications or seizures* Any information given through this platform is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical care or medical advice. Please do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement. Sources: 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359267/ 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609378/ 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11338678/ 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7126574/ 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595230/ 6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23065287/ 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14611892/ 8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10861965/ 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703330/ 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6613544/ 11. https://europepmc.org/article/med/2396397 12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5455578/ 13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3842692/ 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/ 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463657/ 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374764/ 17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28588635/ 18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967840/
Tea tree essential oil is highly beneficial to keep in your oil arsenal. Its antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a staple oil to have on hand. It is extremely beneficial to our skin, in wound care, and in our overall health. It makes a great addition to skincare products, cleaning sprays, and diffuser blends, as it kills many pollutants on our skin and in the air. Effective Antibacterial Agent Because tea tree has such powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful in treating eczema, itchy skin, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. It is beneficial to the scalp as well, improving conditions like dandruff and dermatitis. It can also do wonders for our complexion, as it helps to alleviate acne and regulate oily skin, according to this study which found that when a sunscreen containing tea tree was used for 30 days, participants’ oily skin improved! Tea tree has also proven to help helpful when caring for wounds, whether it be from a sunburn, bug bite, or a bad scrape or cut. It has shown to reduce the amount of time needed for a wound to heal, and it has shown to have antiseptic properties that help to keep wounds clean during the healing process. It has even shown to kill MRSA in lab settings, but more research is still needed to prove its efficacy. Tea tree can also be used as a natural deodorant and bug repellant! When we sweat, secretions from our sweat glands combine with the bacteria already present on our skin. Since tea tree is such a powerful antibacterial agent, it kills the bacteria, resulting in less body odor. It has also been shown to repel flies and mosquitoes. One study even found that it was more effective in repelling mosquitoes than DEET was! Others found it to be effective in treating scabies and killing head lice and eggs. Since it is such an effective antibacterial agent, tea tree makes a wonderful addition to cleaning sprays and diffuser recipes as well! Just adding a few drops will help to kill bacteria on spray surfaces as well as purify the air.  Fights Viral Infections Using tea tree essential oil to combat viral illnesses can be effective! If you suffer from recurring cold sores, you may have success in adding tea tree to your skincare products. This study shows that tea tree can have a direct antiviral effect on the herpes virus, but only before or during the process of the virus penetrating a cell’s membrane. Meaning, that when used as a preventative, you can easily have success in preventing an outbreak. Research has also been conducted on how the oil interacts with the influenza virus. Interestingly enough, in a lab setting, it does have the ability to prevent the virus from entering a host cell. A virus usually acts by attaching itself to a healthy cell and then flooding it with its viral DNA. When tea tree was involved, the virus kept its structural integrity, but the oil kept the virus from flooding the healthy cell with its viral DNA. It did this by binding to a cell receptor responsible for “opening” the cell’s membrane, so that the virus couldn’t bind to it itself. It was also suggested in a separate study, that tea tree was highly effective at inhibiting virus replication if it was implemented early on in the exposure (in vitro studies suggest within the first two hours after infection). Since it displays such powerful antiviral properties, successes have also been found when diluting the oil and applying it a few times daily to warts. Potential Treatment for Fungal Infections Tea tree essential oil has strong antifungal properties. Because of this, more and more trials are being conducted to prove its efficacy in treating fungal infections like candida, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ringworm. One in vitro study found that tea tree oil was effective in killing candida in patients that used dentures while also alleviating the sores that may arise from candida. The study theorized that tea tree oil could potentially be used as a coating on dentures to reduce the effects of this fungal infection, but in vivo studies are still needed. Another study tested the effects of using tea tree oil to treat vaginal candida. Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree showed fungicidal activity against all strains of candida, but it is important to note that in vivo studies are still needed to determine the efficacy of using tea tree oil to treat vaginal candida. So, whether you are using tea tree in your diffuser blends or cleaning up a nasty scrape, it is one of the best oils you can have on hand. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960548/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.5422 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6270578/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21095205/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5988111/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480584/ https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijdrt/journal-of-dermatology-research-and-therapy-ijdrt-2-032.php?jid=ijdrt https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12121393/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11338678/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26412058/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5913821/   Sweet, sweet summertime. Oh, how I adore you! One of our favorite oils to use this time of year is lemon. It has such a happy, revitalizing scent, which makes it a staple in our diffusers on these warm days! Lemon essential oil has a hefty list of uses and benefits since it is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. So, now you see why it is a fan-favorite and very handy to have around! This truly is a full-body-benefiting oil. It can affect everything from your mood to your fat cells and organs. Not to mention all of the benefits it provides when you use it in cleaning sprays and skin products. Let’s get a little more specific... Supports Cognitive Health Lemon can have a huge impact on your mood! It boosts creativity and regulates serotonin and dopamine activity, according to mice studies, and, according to a student study, it enhances attention levels, concentration, cognitive performance, mood, and memory during learning processes. Because of its antioxidant properties, it also provides protection for neurons by scavenging free radicals. Benefits Respiratory System Lemon is one of the best oils that you can use to treat allergy symptoms. It is anti-inflammatory and will help to kill airborne bacteria and potential allergens when diffused. It can lessen the immune response to allergens in the first place, making symptoms less severe. When inhaled or applied topically, it helps to encourage lymphatic drainage which can aid coughs, congestion, and mucus secretion. Improves Gastrointestinal Health Lemon can help with your digestive health by relieving bloating and constipation, as well as gastritis symptoms. Lemon can reduce the erosion that occurs in the lining of your stomach from stomach acid, therefore offering some relief from indigestion and nausea. If you suffer from morning sickness, inhaling lemon essential oil could benefit you as well! It has shown to decrease nausea symptoms by 33%! It can also aid with weight loss because it can cause an increase in the breakdown of fat cells when ingested or applied topically. Supports Healthy Skin It is important to note that lemon essential oil is photosensitive, and when applied topically, makes your skin sensitive toward sunlight as well! To be safe, wait about 12 hours before exposing your skin to sunlight if you have topically applied any lemon essential oil. Lemon essential oil is very nourishing to the skin. It targets free radicals which are harmful to skin cells and can accelerate aging. It makes topical skincare with infused vitamins more effective by enhancing the release of vitamins E, A, B6, and C. It also can be applied topically as an insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and ants away. Detoxifying As mentioned earlier, lemon essential oil encourages the drainage of the lymphatic system. This is highly beneficial as the lymphatic system is responsible for helping to remove waste and toxins from the body. In rat studies, the oil has shown to reduce oxidative stress and damage in the liver and kidneys. Anticancer Properties While more research is still needed, there have been some interesting studies conducted about the efficacy of lemon essential oil on human tumors. It has shown to diminish prostate, lung, and breast tumors. It has also been found to induce the natural cell death of Leukemia cells. So, whether you take advantage of its disinfecting properties by adding it to your cleaning products or diffuser, or you use it for its many health benefits, lemon is a perfect oil to keep as part of your basic oil tool chest. It is a simple and safe oil to use (when being mindful of its photosensitivity) and can be perfect to implement in your daily life. What are your favorite ways to use lemon essential oil? Let us know in the comments below! Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24829772/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19410566/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073409/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14758720/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/30077505?seq=1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27098160/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27571876/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6263286/   When it is 97 degrees outside, and it is hard to escape the summer heat, we feel pretty inspired to write about the wonderful, refreshing, and cooling properties that make peppermint essential oil so appealing. Second only to lavender essential oil, peppermint is considered the most versatile and widely used essential oil that you can get! From pain relief to natural cleaners, peppermint can be used for a wide variety of things. Peppermint essential oil is primarily made up of menthol (a whopping 50-60 percent on average, as a matter of fact!), which is why it produces an immediate cooling effect when applied topically. It is primarily sourced in the Yakima Valley of Washington State, and it’s refreshing, grassy aroma makes it a favorite of oil users. Peppermint Essential Oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, making it a wonderful addition to skincare oils and creams, natural cleaning recipes, diffuser blends, and so much more! Pain Relief Peppermint essential oil can be very effective in decreasing inflammation, making it a great way to relieve pain naturally. It relaxes muscle aches and pains when applied topically or added to an epsom salt soak. It can also help to alleviate joint pain, and has been effective in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from migraines, peppermint may benefit you! In a study comparing the use of lidocaine and peppermint essential oil as treatments for migraines, peppermint oil “caused considerable reduction in the intensity and frequency of headache and relieved the majority of patients' pain similar to lidocaine.” Since this oil is effective at relaxing muscles, it can also work wonders for those who suffer from tension headaches. Just massage a few drops on the back of your neck and to your temples to feel relief. Peppermint also acts as an a decongestant, making it effective at alleviating sinus headaches. Dilute peppermint and massage your sinuses to get some relief. Respiratory Benefits While we are on the topic of using peppermint to alleviate sinus problems, we can also talk about how effective this oil is during bouts of respiratory illness or irritation (hello, allergy season!). As mentioned before, peppermint essential oil acts as a decongestant and can help to open airways. When you feel a stuffy nose coming on, diffusing this oil or even making a chest balm with peppermint and eucalyptus can be helpful. A facial massage using peppermint can also help to drain excess mucus and relieve some of that pressure. Digestive Issues Peppermint does wonders for our gut. From IBS to occasional indigestion, this oil can help! In a double blind study of 57 patients with IBS, 75% of those who were given peppermint reported decreased symptoms. Just massaging a few drops mixed in a carrier oil around your belly can help if you have any bloating or indigestion at all. It has also proven to be effective if you suffer from nausea, whether it is from indigestion, morning sickness, or motion sickness. Inhale the oil or apply it topically to your stomach to get some relief. As an added bonus, peppermint can help to diminish food cravings, which can possibly solve even more of those indigestion issues depending on what you are craving! Skin Benefits Since peppermint is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, it is amazing for our skin. It can help with acne by cooling irritated skin, and killing blemish-causing bacteria, it cools sunburns and takes away the stinging sensation, and it helps to fight dandruff and skin flare ups like eczema and skin rashes. It is also especially helpful this time of year because it repels spiders, ants, and mosquitos. If you do still get a bug bite, it helps to cool the bite area, reduces itching, and accelerates healing time! Infant Care It is important to note that when using essential oils with infants or children, you need to dilute them! Both infants and children have more sensitive skin, making them prone to reactions, and they require far less of an oil to achieve the same effects. If your sweet babe suffers from colic, diluting peppermint and massaging their tummy in a gentle, clockwise motion can offer some relief if the fussiness is being caused by excess gas or indigestion. It can also help if they are teething by relieving some of the pain. Dilute your peppermint and rub it along their jawline. Add clove or copaiba essential oil to make it even more effective! Peppermint can also be used on its own or with lavender as a fever reducer. Either dilute it and apply along the forehead and spine, or add drops to your hands, rub them together, and then use a cool, damp rag to wipe it up and brush the mixture across the forehead. Energizing & Enhancing Peppermint oil has shown time and time again to energize the mind and body and enhance mental clarity and focus when diffused or inhaled. In this study, it even showed to enhance physical exercise performance, grip strength, and it made the lungs work more efficiently! Peppermint truly is one of the most versatile oils you can buy. It is safe for all ages (when diluted) and is wonderful to have on hand. What are your favorite ways to use peppermint essential oil? Let us know in the comments below! Any information given through this platform is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical care or medical advice. Please do not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic supplement. Sources: Peppermint Oil (Mintoil) in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Double Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31404204/ Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance  |
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