Friday, November 22, 2013

The Magical Mints - Part 2 - Peppermint, Spearmint, Patchouli, Sage and Clary Sage

Among the best known essential oils of the mint family is Peppermint (Mentha piperita).  Used for medicinal purposes by the Romans, Greeks, and ancient Egyptians, dried leaves from Peppermint have been found in Egyptian pyraminds and tombs with carbon dating as far back as 1000 B.C.  Documented by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as a species, it was later recognized as a naturally occurring hybrid between Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).  Watermint, as its name suggests, grows in moist areas such as wet meadows and fens, riparean areas, along streams, canals, riverbanks and other wet areas, and may even grow in the water itself.  Naturally occuring in Northern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, it spreads by long runners, creating daughter plants as is typical of mints, and produces abundant midsummer blooms which are caps of tiny florets ranging from deep blue to shades of purple.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) was also native to much of Europe and Southwest Asia.  It also grows in generally moist soils and has spike flowers of white or pink.  Spearmint essential oil contains 45 - 55% Carvone and 15 -25% Limonene.   Spearmint is soothing to the intestines and may help support digestive function, and alleviate occasional sour stomach.      

Peppermint, which has  purple flowers arranged in a spike inflorescence, is a natural hybrid of these two species.  It rarely produces seeds, but is readily cultivated from root cuttings and is widely grown all over the world as a  medicinal and culinary herb.  The essential oil is steam distilled from leaves and stems and has long been regarded as supportive of  healthy digestive function.  Historically, peppermint was  one of the oils used in the famous "Four Thieves Vinegar" used by 15th century bandits to protect themselves during the Black Plague. In early times, peppermint was used as a tonic for refreshing the mind and body. The fragrance of peppermint is an excellent deterrent for mice as they cannot stand the pungent aroma.

Peppermint contains 34-44% natural Menthol which is responsible for the powerful minty aroma, flavor, and cooling sensation.  Menthol is also widely manufactured as a synthetic ingredient, and the demand for it greatly exceeds the available supply from natural resources.  For instance Taskasago International in Japan, which ranks 5th worldwide in the fragrance and flavor industry, manufactures about 3000 tons per year.  The total current annual production worldwide is estimated to be over 19,000 metric tons.    In the U.S., a bottle of essential oil may be labeled as "pure" even if it only contains 5% of the actual ingredient, or as 100% pure even if there is a synthetic ingredient in the mix.  The Fragrance and Flavor Industry leader is Givaudin, with an estimated 19.1% of the market share and over $3824 million in sales per year.   Natural pure peppermint oil is more "minty" in fragrance, with greater cooling properties, and the aroma is superior. Its cooling properties tend to be soothing, where a synthetic or extended peppermint oil is sharper and may become unpleasant or uncomfortable when applied to sensitive areas. Natural properly distilled therapeutic grade peppermint oil has a number of trace minty constituents and other components that are lacking in synthetic varieties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is very popular in perfumes and incenses though less widely known as belonging to the mint family.  The essential oil is distilled from its small pink flowers.  Patchouli was used for centuries in Asian cultures as an antidote for insect and snake bites, as well as to fight infections and bring down fever.  It was traditionally used by the French for allergies, dermatitis, an eczema.  Patchouli diffused provides a pleasing fragrance with a soothing and calming influence.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is also a member of the mint family, a popular incense and culinary herb.  Derived from the word salvation, it was considered a sacred herb by the Romans. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers, and is high in ketones, approximately 60%.  Sage may help support the respiratory and digestive systems.    Diffusing may help relieve occasional nervous irritability and promote emotional well-being..

 Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is another mint which has been used to help soothe mild menstrual cramps and and moodiness associated with PMS.  . It is steam distilled from the flowering plant.  It is a soothing and relaxing fragrance which may help with restful sleep

As with all essential oils, care should be taken to find a source which provides high quality, carefully tested oils to ensure purity and maximum therapeutic properties.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If you like this report and would like to make a small donation to help defray the costs of time and research, you may click the donate button here:





These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure any disease. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Magical Mints - History, uses, and scientific studies Part I

The mint family, Lamiaceae, is one of the oldest and most valued resources for essential oils.  Altogether there are about 200 genera and some 3200 species worldwide.  Many of the plants are aromatic, so it is not surprising there are several which have become valued as essential oils, and properly distilled, may have a variety of benefits.

Among the oldest of the mint family used or essential oil is Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) which is found in the Mediterranean area, as well as being grown in France, Idaho, and Utah, and steam distilled from leaves, stems, and flowers.  The most common chemotype (CT) is Thymol, which may have 37-55% thymol as a main constituent.   It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, which is among the oldest and most important medical documents of ancient Egypt.  It is a 110 page scroll, about 20 meters long, containing 700 or more remedies, and is believed to have been written about 1500 B.C. and possibly copied from earlier documents which may go back as far as 3400 B.C.  The Ebers Papyrus was discovered in 1873 by Egyptologist Georg Ebers, and is now held in Germany at the Library of the University of Leipzig. It is also mentioned in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica, about A.D. 78.  Pedanius Dioscorides was a close friend of Aristotle and was the earliest known European author to write about systematical botanical subjects, discussing some 500 plants.  His work was considered the ultimate authority on plants and medicine for 2000 years.  Thyme was also mentioned in Hildegard's medicine.  Hildegard of Bingen was a German nun (1098 -1179) of the convent at Rupertsburg, who, under the teaching of the famous Peter Abelard, was among a rare number of nuns allowed to practice surgery.  She was widely known and honored for her medical services and was canonized as a saint.  Her work was one of the earliest herbals written by anyone, especially a woman.  She also composed music and a variety of theological and mystical works. Another variety of Thyme, CT Linalol is high in Linalol.  It was used by the ancient Egyptions for embalming, and the Greeks used it to protect against a variety of infectious diseases.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT Cineole) , another mint has origins in Tunisia, Morocco, and Spain, and  is steam distilled from leaves. This variety has about  38-55% of 1,8 Cineole.  The name comes from the Latin words for "dew of the sea". It was used by the Greeks for incense burning as early as 1000 B.C.  Rosemary was mentioned in Hildegard's Medicine, and was also part of the historic "Four Thieves Vinegar" or "Marseilles Vinegar, a recipe developed by 15th century perfumers who were also grave robbers, and according to legend, used it to protect themselves during the plague.   A study by University of Miami scientists indicated the fragrance of Rosemary helped to increase analytic and mental focus, and alertness while alleviating feelings of anxiousness.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana) , a mint with origins in France and Egypt is steam distilled from leaves. Romans considered it the "herb of happiness" and Greeks called it "joy of the mountains".  It was also listed in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica , and Hildegard's Medicine.  Marjoram is known to sooth muscles and joints after exercise, and is a general relaxant, also soothing to digestion.   Marjoram contains about 25- 35% Terpinene-4-ol , nearly as much as is found in Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) which has 30-45%, and which has been studied for its therapeutic properties.

Oregano (Origanum compactum), is a well known mint and culinary herb with origins in the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and is steam distilled from leaves.  Also mentioned in Hildegards Medicine, it is often used as a natural supplement.  Oregano contains 60 - 75% Carvacrol, (CVC).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) another mint used by Hildegard of Bingen  has sources in  India, France, and Utah, and is steam distilled from leaves, stems and flowers. Basil is high in Methylchavicol ,40-80%.  It is an excellent flavoring for many recipes, and helps support healthy digestion.

For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Essential Oils and the Brain

The fragrance of many essential oils may help promote emotional well being, alleviate occasional blue feelings that everyone experiences occasionally, may help support the nervous system during times of stress, and may help with focus and reducing absent-mindedness.  For this purpose, it must be remembered that a pleasing fragrance is not a definitive guide to pure quality or therapeutic benefit.  There are a great many perfumes, personal care products, and fragrance grade essential oils which have a wide range of synthetic additives and compounds on which very little data exists.  This is generally done for the sole purpose of increasing the manufacturer's profits   According to some statistics one major company is said to use twice as much as the amount of real lavender essential oil produced in the entire world.

Many of these adulterated and extended oils with synthetic additives contain contain neurotoxins, which may affect the brain and nervous system through  headaches, confusion, dizziness, central nervous system disorders,  anxiety, depression, disorientation, mood swings, short-term memory loss, and more. The vast majority of these synthetic fragrance chemicals are synthesized from petroleum products which disperse quickly and may remain for months on fabrics and other surfaces.  Yet, many consumers are lulled into thinking they are saving money if they can find a supplier or local dealer which may offer "pure" or "therapeutic grade" essential oils for a fraction of the cost and fail to realize that harmful additives may still be present in these products.    Diffusing inexpensive oils which may have synthetic additives to enhance the fragrance can be harmful and more costly in the long run. This is why it is very important to source your oils only from companies which have very strong quality and testing standards.

For pure therapeutic grade oils which may have a beneficial effect, another very ancient oil is Myrrh (Commipora myrrha) which is also a member of the Burseraceae (frankincense) family, and like frankincense is distilled from gum/resin.  Myrrh is remembered along with Frankincense as one of the three gifts brought to the Christ child (the other being gold).  And, like Frankincense, is also listed in the Ebers Papyrus of 16th century B.C. and was further mentioned in Hildegard's Medicine, compiled by the Benedictine herbalist Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).

The fragrant influence of Myrrh has historically been prized for promoting spiritual awareness and uplifting the mood. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science discusses the physiological and psychological role of fragrances and essential oils, and effects onneurophysiological brain activity.  

The fragrance of Orange (Citrus sinensis) may help in promoting relaxation.  Lemon (Citrus limon) may help support clear thinking, and was found by Japanese researchers that when diffused in an office environment, mental accuracy and concentration improved dramatically, reducing errors by more than half.  The fragrance of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) has historically been considered mentally energizing but also one that helps promote restful sleep.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) is the species most closely related to the Biblical Cedars of Lebanon.  It is steam distilled from the bark and is especially high in sesquiterpenes. Its fragrance is soothing and calming.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also a mint is widely known for its gentle, comforting fragrance.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis CT Cineole) is another mint which may help support mental clarity and focus while relieving mental fatigue; and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) a mint which is refreshing and may help support healthy cognitive unction  All of these provided significant benefit.

Pettigrain (Citrus sinensis) is steam distilled from leaves and twigs from the orange tree.  This fragrance is beneficial for relaxation and minor feelings of anxiousness and insomnia, may help with   mental fatigue, and is uplifiting and refreshing to the senses.

The pungent fragrance of Pine (Pinus sylvestris) has also been traditionally valued for uplifting mind, body, and spirit.




For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Frankincense

Well known as one of the three gifts given to the Christ child at birth, Frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years.  The Bible contains over 52 references to frankincense. It is also mentioned in the famous Ebers Papyrus, the oldest of known medical records, with a date going back to the 16th century B.C. where it is included in an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes.

There are several species of Frankincense with somewhat different origins and properties.  Two most regarded for therapeutic properties are Boswellia carteri, which grows in Somalia, and Boswellia sacra, or Sacred Frankincense, which grows in Oman.  According to the definitive work, The Plants of Dhofar, Boswellia sacra is the only species which grows in Oman and is the most prized, and this species does not grow anywhere else.  Other species, including Boswellia freereana are popularly sold in the marketplace in Oman and have therefore been described as "from Oman", but they do not grow there. Only one company, Young Living, has worked with the Oman government to obtain the proper permissions for distilling and exporting Boswellia sacra, previously reserved only for royals, although at least a couple other companies claim to offer this species.  

Dr. Mahmoud Suhail and Dr. H.K. Lin have worked extensively in conducting research using Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carteri essential oils.  Both these species are known to contain Boswellic acids, although these are not found in Boswellia freereana, which is primarily known for its pleasing fragrance.  

Some scientists have claimed that the molecules of the Boswellic acids are too large to be captured in the distillation process, and believed that frankincense oils shown to contain boswellic acids must have been altered to add them back in.  However, subsequent research and a study published in December 2012 on PubMed involving both Dr. Suhail and Dr. Lin have shown that proper testing with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) clearly demonstrates that the boswellic acids are indeed captured during the distillation where less sensitive tests or inferior equipment will not detect them.

 



For more information on the leading essential oil companies, their history, testing, and quality standards, check out the 45 page Young Living/DoTerra report.

If this information has been helpful, you may click the donate button to contribute a small amount towards the cost of research. Thank you!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.