Monday, January 4, 2016

Product Focus: Anchor Essential Oil Blend


Anchor is a blend designed utilizing the following essential oils:
·      Silver Fir (Abies alba)
·      Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
·      Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)



Uses:

Silver Fir:
Silver Fir can help with respiratory issues. It is a natural anticatarrhal and expectorant (Price, 270).

Cautions:
Always dilute before topical application.
Can be irritating if oil is oxidized.
To avoid oxidation, store in refrigerator.


Black Spruce:
Black spruce is an anti-inflammatory and has been known to help with the symptoms of Prostatitis and Rheumatism (Price, 89).

It is a cortisone-like and can be used to treat the symptoms of thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism (Price, 99 & 103).

Because it is anti-inflammatory in nature, Black Spruce can be useful for inhalation by breathless, and fatigued patients (Price, 280).

Cautions:
Always dilute before topical application.
Can be irritating if oil is oxidized.
To avoid oxidation, store in refrigerator.


Ylang Ylang has analgesic properties, which can lead to the easing of pain (Price, 80).

It is a calming and sedative essential oil that can be used for Anxiety or panic (Price, 275).

With the effects of Ylang ylang and proper massage, it can have a beneficial effect on the raised arterial blood pressure of an individual (Price, 267).

Ylang Ylang can be very beneficial for insomnia (Price, 267), and has been effective on treating women with postnatal depression (Price, 249).

Cautions:
Repeated use can possibly result in contact sensitization.
Do not use on children under the age of 2.


Pine has been used to help treat Asthenia, high blood pressure, diabetes, uterine and ovarian decongestant, asthma, arthritis, and allergies (Schnaubelt, 106).

Compounds found in Pine are similar to cortisone. (Price, 97)

Pinus sylvestris is described in French texts as having cortisone-like qualities and is recognized as a decongestant (apply topically over the kidney area and possibly as a part of body lotions to reduce allergic dispositions) (Schnaubelt, 147).

It is expectorant and a very power pulmonary antiseptic, helpful for bronchitis and all coughs. Use it several times a day, preferably in steam inhalations (Davis, 241).

Pine is a thyroid stimulant. (Price, 99)

It has been used for Bladder and kidney problems, rheumatism, respiratory problems, chest infections, colds, catarrh, sore throats, circulation problems, muscular aches and pains; as a diuretic (Worwood, 405).
  
Pine has been used as an Analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, disinfectant, diuretic, and has been used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bactericidal, cellulite, circulatory health, fatigue, flu, infection, intestinal parasites, joint pain, laryngitis, mental alertness, muscle pain and stiffness, nervousness, rheumatism, sinus infection, stress, tendinitis, and tennis elbow.

It can also be used as an insect repellant (Althea Press, 389).

Other uses have been for Scabies, cuts, head lice, sores, strong pulmonary antiseptic, killing bacteria, increases perspiration, restorative, sinusitis, poor circulation, gout, cystitis, urethritis, (Purchon, 98-99) as well as, air freshening, depression, digestive system, emotions, and mucolytic (Price).


Cautions:
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old.
Use in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.
Repeated use can possibly result in skin irritation  
If you want to use it as massage oil, blend it and use in small proportions and well diluted as higher concentrations could cause skin irritation in some people. (Davis, 241)


Skin uses:
Can help clear up acne or oily skin (Price, 244)

Cedarwood can help with dandruff, itching, psoriasis, rash, eczema, dermatitis, aftershave, ulcers, and fungal infections. It can be used as a toner or circulatory stimulant (Althea Press 303), (Purchon, 45).

Cradle cap/ when combined with patchouli and Sandalwood (Price, 249)

Can also be used as an insect repellent (Althea Press, 303)

Psychological uses:

Grounding/strengthening effect on the emotions (Price, 245)
Helps with stress management (Price, 325)

Cedarwood has been known to help with: anxiety, calming, nervousness, depression, and insomnia. It can be used to reduce stress and tension as well (Davis, 73).

Other uses:

Some other uses can include: Bronchitis, catarrhal conditions (excessive discharge or buildup of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane), arthritis, rheumatism, and as a diuretic (Worwood, 397).

It is a powerful antiseptic that can aide in the recovery from bronchial infections, urinary tract infections, repertory ailments, cystitis, vaginal infections, and discharges. Cederwood is a decongestant and mild astringent (constricts tissues or canals in the body for various purposes: ex: oil production or mucus production). (Davis, 73)

Cedarwood can aid in the recovery from colds, coughs, influenza, and congestive conditions (Purchon, 45).

Cautions:
Use with caution if you are pregnant.
May cause skin irritation.
Not safe for children under 6 years of age.
May cause sensitization.
Avoid Contact with mucus membranes.


Angelica Root:
Angelica root is a Antispasmodic, carminative, and can help treat the symptoms of Colic, and indigestion (Price, 94-95).

It can also help stimulate menstrual flow. This is known as Emmenagogic (Price, 102).

Angelica root is a diuretic essential oil that can reduce Oedema (Price, 244).

Cautions:
This oil is phototoxic.  Dilute to avoid phototoxicity.
Suggested maximum dermal level: .08%
If you use more than this amount, avoid sunlight for a minimum of 12 hours.


Skin uses:
Some skin uses have been acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, oily skin, oily scalp, insect-repellent, and can deter ticks and fleas in dogs (Purchon, 68-69).

Juniper is an analgesic that can be used to promote menstruation (Schnaubelt, 104).

It is a very good astringent, and is used (sometimes combined with frankincense) in the external treatment of hemorrhoids (piles) either in the bath or as a local wash (Davis, 171).

It has been known to help with gastrointestinal issues such as, colic, colitis, gastroenteritis, and diverticulitis (Price, 94-95)

Juniper berry is a pancreatic stimulant (Price, 94-95).

Juniper berry is a diuretic essential oil that can help reduce edema. (Price, 244)

Juniper is one of the essential oils classified as a neurotonic and energizing, said to relieve depression and stimulate the mind. (Price, 230)

It will dramatically reduce retention of urine, which often occurs in men when the prostate is enlarged. It is obviously important to ensure that treatment for the prostate condition is undertaken (by a licensed physician). Larger amounts of Juniper oil can actually cause retention of urine (always dilute) (Davis, 17).

Poor elimination is one of the root causes of rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Juniper should be considered as a means of improving elimination. It is a very helpful treatment for cellulitis, because here accumulated toxins are associated with fluid retention, so the detoxifying and diuretic actions of Juniper work hand in hand (Davis, 172).

Other uses:
Liver problems, obesity, coughs, ulcers, urinary infections; as a diuretic (Worwood 401). 
Increases the flow of urine, kidney stones, cystitis, urethritis, tonic for digestive system, increase perspiration, reduce temperature, colds, influenza, infectious diseases, increases energy, quickens the function of the lymphatic system, relieves cramps and spasms in the uterus and encourages and regulates menstrual flow (Purchon, 68-69).
Addiction, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anxiety, arthritis, fatigue, muscle pain and stiffness, nervousness, sedative, skin care, stress, weight-loss support,  and wounds (Althea Press, 345)

Cautions:
Avoid using with liver and kidney disease.
Avoid using while pregnant.
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old.
Use with greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.



Applications for Anchor Essential oil blend:

Topical: Apply on spine or bottoms of the feet.
     
 *Recommended Dilution:       
     Adults: 2-3 drops essential oil to 1/2 tsp of carrier oil (organic olive, jojoba, coconut, almond oils, etc)
     Children & Babies: For dilution guidelines, click here.

Inhalation: Diffuse or inhale directly.



o   If for any reason you get essential oils in your eyes, put carrier oil along the eyebrows above the eyes and on the cheekbones below the eyes.   

o   Do not put essential oil inside the ear canal.

Price, Shirley & Len. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (2012)
Worwood, Valerie. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. (1991).
Althea Press. Essential oils, Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing. (2015)
Purchon, Nerys and Lora Cantele. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Handbook for Everyday Wellness. (2014)
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. (2000). 
Higley, Connie & Alan. Reference Guide for Essential Oils, (2012)
Tisserand, Robert. Essential Oil Safety, Second Edition. (2014).