Common Clinical Effects of Essential Oils

Antibacterial

• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lime
• Marjoram
• Melaleuca
• Peppermint
• Roman Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Sandalwood
• Wild Orange
• Wintergreen

Antiviral

• Cinnamon
•  Clove
•  Eucalyptus
•  Lavender
•  Lemon
• Melaleuca
•  Oregano
•  Sandalwood
•  Thyme

Antifungal

• Eucalyptus
•  Lavender
• Lemon
• Melaleuca
• Patchouli
• Sage
• Sandalwood
• Thyme

The Wonderful World of Cloves

Clove essential oil comes from the flower buds of the Myrtacae tree or bush (of the Myrtle family).  It is an evergreen that grows up to 39 feet.  The English name clove is derived from the Latin clavus meaning nail because of their nail-like shape.  The oil is steam distilled from the bud and stems which results in an oil high in the phenol eugenol.  Phenols are the most powerful antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, anti-viral and germicidal constituents in the all of the plant world.  They are stimulating to the nervous and immune system, and are very oxygenating.  Clove oil is a natural analgesic (relieve pain) and antiseptic (relieve infection) and is often used in dentistry.

Clove oil is great at safely numbing a baby’s sore gums. Simply dilute three drops of clove oil in one-fourth teaspoon of olive or coconut oil and massage the liquid onto your baby’s gums.  It is always advisable to test it on your gums before using it on your baby. If it is found to be too strong, you may dilute it further.

Be sure that your child does not ingest large quantities. Clove oil being an anesthetic, can numb the gums for some time, thereby providing relief for the baby and relieve the tension that often builds around the family during this difficult time of life. However, make sure to apply small amounts, as it can upset the stomach if ingested in large amounts. The concentration of clove oil must be very low, because this oil can cause blistering of the gums, if used undiluted.

If your gums hurt – or if you’ve burned your mouth with hot food or drink , try applying the same mixture (three drops of clove oil to one-fourth teaspoon of olive or coconut oil) to the irritated area.  Adding water to the mixture makes a great mouth rinse as well.

Clove oil can also relieve toothaches.  Simply soak a cotton ball in a mixture of three drops of clove oil and one-fourth teaspoon of olive or coconut oil and place directly on the tooth.  Hold the soaked cotton ball close to your aching tooth.  Make sure to visit the dentist to uncover the source of discomfort.

Some uses for clove outside of teething and tooth pain is for pulling out infections from tissues, flatulence, flu, bad breath, insect bites and stings, nausea, nettles and poison oak (takes out sting), and is known to remove the desire to smoke (by placing oil from finger to tongue).  Its aroma may help improve memory as well as create a feeling of protection and courage.  Clove is also an immune stimulant, and does wonders in the kitchen.

This summer a friend shared her secret to a fly free summer.   Pierce 20 cloves into a ripe apple and keep it close to you.  Fly’s dislike the scent of cloves, and stay away!

Carrie Ibbetson RDH

The Natural Side of Oral Health

It amazes me just how many products are in the oral health care section of the grocery stores and pharmacies.  I often wonder how overwhelming it must be as a consumer to decide what products to use and why.

Personally, I stay clear from 99% of the products on the shelf, but then again I represent lines of natural and organic products that I have recommended as a hygienist for many years (call me lucky or cursed to be passionate about the dreaded taboo world of oral health).  The years I have spent seeing firsthand what mainstream products do to peoples mouths propelled me into making changes for the patients I serve, myself and the ones I love.  Still I am baffled at just WHAT is in these products but more importantly, WHY.

A big thanks goes out to Amy this week for uncovering some of the toxic chemicals in skincare, her posts are always packed with useful and informative information.  Instead of loading you down with more information about ingredients and their known effects (which I promise to do soon), I want to offer everyday items that you may have in your home already that do wonders at cleansing and balancing the mouth’s chemistry.  This easy to do DIY will give you the opportunity to break free from mainstream products without breaking the bank or leaving you with a drawer full of products that you simply don’t care for.

Oral health care products are in the works for 3Girls Holistic, until then we hope you enjoy concocting some on your own.  These are great to do with kids, and can really help in getting them involved with the health of their teeth and gums.

DIY Toothpaste recipe

• ½ cup coconut oil softened
• 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Xylitol- powdered in a blender or food processor
• 2-10 drops of essential oil* clove, lemon, lime, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, peppermint, licorice, rosemary, or orange
• 10 drops myrrh extract (optional)
• 10 drops grapefruit seed extract (optional)

Mix dry ingredients. Add coconut oil one teaspoon at a time, stirring as you go. Stop when desired consistency is reached. Add a few drops of oils to desired intensity of flavor, stir. Finish in a blender or food processor for a smoother texture. Store in a glass container, preferably amber or cobalt to block out the light.  Dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles.  It is recommended that you have individual containers for each family member seeing as you are dipping your brush into the paste, it will help avoid cross contamination from family members and to avoid sickness.  Enjoy!!

* Pure essential oils can be the primary active ingredient in your homemade toothpaste. Essential oils are ideal for use in toothpaste because they are both antiseptic and nontoxic, a rare combination.

Carrie Ibbetson, RDH

DIY Essential Oil Deodorant Stick

Essential Oil Deodorant Stick

DIY Herbal Lip Balm

There is no doubt that my 6 year old daughter is fancy!  She loves clothes, fashion and makeup as much as I love herbs.  I usually let her wear lip gloss, and figured we could combine our interests by making our own.  We had a lip gloss/balm making party with her friends, and the results were wonderful.  Happy kids, healthy and safe product, and fun memories.

Ingredients

• 7-8 teaspoons of oil – we used 4 of coconut and 4 of castor, but you can use any high quality base oil that you have on hand.  (For a firmer consistency, use 7 teaspoons and for a softer consistency, use 8)  *Castor oil on its own is great for a quick gloss if you don’t have anything else around.
• 2 teaspoons of beeswax
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 10-12 drops of essential oil of your choice (we used Tangerine, but you could opt for Peppermint if you enjoy a tingle)
• 2 drops pure vanilla (optional)
• 1 Capsule Vitamin E oil (optional)

Directions

• Warm the oil, beeswax and honey over low heat in a small saucepan or double boiler, stirring occasionally until melted.
• Remove from heat and add the essential oil, vanilla and vitamin E.
• Let cool slightly and fill the container of choice.  We used 1/2 oz tins, but you can also use small glass jars, or empty lip balm tubes.
• Allow the balm to cool and harden, use and enjoy!  To speed the cooling process, you can place the balms in the refrigerator.

Wild Orange Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 drops wild orange essential oil
• 2 tbs mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.  Store in a glass jar and keep refrigerated.  Will last several months.

Recipe credit: Mandi Felici

Grapefruit Cupcakes

Cake Ingredients

• 2/3 cup organic soy milk
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2/3 cup agave nectar
• 1/3 cup safflower oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 3-4 drops grapefruit essential oil

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a 12 cup muffin tin or 24 mini muffin tin with paper liners.

Combine milk and vinegar in a medium bowl, and stir until mixture bubbles.  Add agave nectar, oil and vanilla.  Stir until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until no lumps remain.

Pour batter into muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of one of the cupcakes comes out clean and the tops are slightly springy when pressed.  Cool the cupcakes before frosting.

For the frosting:  cream all ingredients together and then put in a pastry bag to frost the cupcakes.

After frosting the cupcakes, you can add a slice of fresh grapefruit as a garnish if desired.

Recipe credit:  Kylie Edgerly

Keeping Bugs at Bay with Essential Oils

It’s summertime, and with the warm weather and sun comes bugs and bites.  Prevention is key and instead of turning to a toxic spray, you can keep many bugs at bay with essential oils.  When bites do occur, most can be soothed by applying a cool, wet compress to which a few drops of Lavender and German Chamomile  have been added.

To keep the bugs away, lavender, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, cedar or eucalyptus oils work well, either alone or in combination with one another.  To apply, put a drop on various locations on your clothing or apply to your skin, either neat or  in a carrier oil.  You can also make a mix of one or more of these oils in a spray bottle by adding 10 drops or so of oil to 32 oz of distilled water and misting yourself throughout the day.  At night, place a couple of drops of lavender oil on a tissue or cloth, and place under your pillow.  Not only will this help to keep bugs at bay while you sleep, but it will help your slumber as well!  Spritzing your doorways and baseboards can also help to keep the bugs out of your home.

For dogs and flea/tick prevention, you can use the spray bottle mix and mist your dog daily.  Also be sure to spray on your pets bedding.  For longer term control, a few drops of oil of your choice may be placed on a cotton collar and put around the dog’s neck.  Add more of the oil whenever the aroma starts to fade.

As always, be sure to use only the highest quality oils on yourself and your pets.  My company of choice is doTERRA.

The Many Uses of Melaleuca (Tea Tree)

Melaleuca, commonly known at Tea Tree, is from the botanical family Myrtaceae.  It is indigenous to Australia where it has been used for centuries by the Aborigines to heal cuts, wounds and skin infections.  The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and branches of the plants through steam distillation.  It is a wonderfully powerful and diverse essential oil.

It’s properties/actions include:

• Anaglesic
• Antibacterial
• Antifugal
• Anti-infectious
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antiparasitic
• Antiseptic
• Antiviral
• Decongestant
• Digestive
• Expectorant
• Immune stimulant
• Insecticidal
• Neurotonic
• Stimulant
• Tissue regenerative

Some of the more common clinical applications/uses are for the treatment of:

• Acne
• Athletes foot
• Bacterial infections
• Bronchitis
• Candida (yeast)
• Canker sores
• Cavities
• Cystitis (Uterine Tract Infection)
• Colds
• Coughs
• Cuts
• Dermatitis/Eczema
• Ear Infection
• Flu
• Fungal Infections
• Gum Disease
• Herpes Simplex
• Infected wounds
• Inflammation
• Jock itch
• Lice
• MRSA
• Nail Infection
• Pink eye
• Rashes
• Ringworm
• Shingles
• Sore Throat
• Staph Infection
• Sunburn
• Thrush
• Tonsillitis
• Vaginal Infections
• Viral Infections
• Warts
• Wounds

Tea tree oil is non-toxic and non-irritant, although it has been reported to cause dermatitis in some individuals following use over an extended period of time.

Common Clinical Effects of Essential Oils

Antibacterial

• Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Wild Orange, Wintergreen

Antiviral

• Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Sandalwood, Thyme

Antifungal

• Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Patchouli, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme

Antibiotic

• Bergamot, Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Melaleuca, Oregano, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile