Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Product Focus: Armor Essential Oil Blend


  
Armor is a blend designed utilizing the following essential oils:


Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii).

This oil may be used to help with viruses, colds, and other infections.

Applications:

Topical:  Due to the high content of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon bark oil, if used topically, we suggest a maximum dilution of 0.1%. This means 1 drop of essential oil to 30-40 mL of carrier oil (organic olive, jojoba, coconut, almond oils, etc.)

Inhalation: Diffuse only for limited amounts of time.



Clove has been used of prevention of contagious illnesses (Davis, 84).

Clove is also a good painkiller and has been used to ease toothaches (Davis, 84).

It is occasionally used in ointments to treat scabies and in lotions or alcohol-based solutions for infected ulcers and wounds, especially if they are slow and stubborn to heal (Davis, 84).

Clove has seen to be useful in treating digestive problems and muscular disorders (Worwood, 22).

It can be used in the treatment of asthma, nausea, and sinusitis, and as a sedative (Worwood, 22).

Clove is powerful oil that has been used for the sterilization of surgical instruments (Worwood, 22).


Cautions:
THIS OIL CAN CAUSE SERIOUS SKIN IRRITATION  DILUTE IT WELL BEFORE APPLYING TO SKIN    
Do not take orally if you use medications that contain pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs or anticoagulants, major surgery, peptic ulcers, hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. 
Use caution when applying to hypersensitive or diseased or damaged skin. 
Do not use topically on children under 2 years of age. 
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old.
Use with greater dilution for those 6 years and older. 
May inhibit blood clotting. 
Repeated use can result in extreme contact sensitization. 
Use with caution during pregnancy.



Lemon oil is effective against liver stagnation. (Schnaubelt, 24).

Add 1-3 drops to a glass of water: induces detoxification, cleansing. (Schnaubelt, 134).

"In the cardiovascular system it [lemon oil] reduces capillary permeability, thereby preventing easy bruising and bleeding." (Schnaubelt, 168).

Lemon is listed as a circulation-stimulating. (Price, 266)

Applied topically in a clockwise motion over the abdomen, lemon essential oil can bring relief to diarrhea (Price, 242).  

Lemon applied to the chest with a carrier can help with heartburn (Price, 242).  

Digestive oils which help to combat nausea and morning sickness include lemon, peppermint, spearmint and ginger (Price, 243).

Lemon has been shown to help reduce edema (Price, 244).

Lemon has been found to be helpful for relieving pain associated with arthritis / rheumatism (Price, 268).


Cautions:
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old. 
Use in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.   
Photosensitive: Avoid direct sunlight for a minimum of 12 hours after application. 
Can cause extreme skin irritation.



Cinnamon Bark is useful to relieve muscle spasms (Price 106-107).

Flu, rheumatism, warts, coughs, colds, viral infections (Worwood, 399).

Analgesic, antibacterial, antibiotic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, arthritis, bronchitis, cold, depression, diarrhea, disinfectant, fever, insecticide, intestinal parasites, menstrual support, respiratory infection, rheumatism (Althea Press, 309).

Cinnamon Bark has antimicrobial and anti fungal properties; potential anti diabetic agent; decreases muscle soreness after exercise (Buckle 51).

Antispasmodic, sluggish digestion, stomach cramps, colitis, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea, menstrual cramps, aphrodisiac, relieve aches and pains, cold, flu, resist seasonal infections, poor circulation, muscular aches and joint pain (Davis, 80).

Other uses:
Insect bits, head lice, scabies, warts, wasp stings, astringent, insecticidal, antiseptic, viruses, kills bacteria, antiseptic, colds, influenza, infectious and viral diseases, digestive system, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, expel gas, calm spasms of stomach and intestines, promotes appetite, helps digestion, flatulence, anorexia, colitis, increases action of glandular, circulatory and respiratory systems, breathlessness, poor circulation, menstrual pains, arthritis, neuralgia, rheumatism, candida (Purchon, 48).


Cautions:
Dilute well before applying.
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old. 
Use in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age. 
Avoid using this oil while pregnant or breastfeeding. 
Repeated use can cause contact sensitization.
Can cause EXTREME skin irritation. 
Use sparingly in diffuser; extended inhalation may result in irritation to nasal membranes. 
Do not take orally if you are taking medications for diabetes, anticoagulants, major surgery, peptic ulcers, hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. 



When used in the shower, Eucalyptus Radiata is mild on the skin and has a strong antiviral effect (Schnaubelt, 125).

Eucalyptus Radiata is listed as an effective oil to treat the Herpes virus (Schnaubelt, 141).

Eucalyptus Radiata is a good choice for treating the flu because of its "equally good antiviral qualities and less propensity to irritate, for frequent applications to the torso" (Schnaubelt, 144).

Eucalyptus Radiata can be used to help treat viral infections, colds, coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, rheumatism, muscular strains; as an antiseptic (Worwood, 399).  

Can be used to protect from respiratory complaints during autumn and winter (Buckle, 242).

Eucalyptus Radiata is a powerful expectorant and can be used to treat bronchitis, coughs, influenza, sinusitis, and throat infections (Purchon, 55). 

Other uses:
Eucalyptus Radiata can be used in the following:
Flu, cholera, measles, malaria, scarlet fever, typhoid, chickenpox, urinary tract infections, diuretic, antiseptic, wounds, burns, cold sores, blisters, shingles, rheumatism, muscle aches (Davis, 115).  
Anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, catarrh, coughs, headaches, asthma, insect bites, rashes, acne (Worwood, 35).
Acne, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, arthritis, candida, intestinal parasites, migraine, muscle pain and stiffness, and rheumatism (Althea Press, 325).


Cautions:
Do not apply to or near the face of infants and children under the age of 10. (Can cause breathing problems in babies and young children).   
Avoid using this oil with homeopathic remedies. 



Rosemary is an energizing oil to relieve depression (Price, 230).

Rosemary is a strong astringent, and is useful for tightening and toning skin that is loose and sagging (Purchon, 103).

It kills bacteria and is a good oil to use for treating acne, dermatitis, eczema, athlete’s foot and scabies (Purchon, 103).

Rosemary has been known to stimulate the central nervous system, to ease colds, coughs, and catarrh when inhaled and to ease the pain of tired, stiff muscles (Purchon, 235).

A study was shown that Rosemary is shown to significantly enhance the quality of memory and alertness compared to even lavender and other control groups (Price, 156).

Rosemary is an antiseptic oil that is used in the treatment of muscular sprains, arthritis, rheumatism, depression, fatigue, memory loss, migraine, headaches, coughs, flu, and diabetes, among other conditions (Worwood, 21).


Cautions:
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old. 
Use in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.
Avoid using this oil during pregnancy.
Not for use by people with epilepsy.
Contraindicated for asthma
Avoid if dealing with high blood pressure.
Do not apply to or near the face of infants and children under the age of 2. (Can cause breathing problems in babies and young children)



Frankincense will help with immune deficiency and depression, add 1 drop to a glass of water (Schnaubelt, 133).

Frankincense is classified as a neurotonic and energizing, said to relieve depression and stimulate the mind. (Price, 230).

Frankincense has been recognized as being good for nervous depression (Price, 230).  

A tonic to the heart, decongestant, detoxifying and healing. It is also suitable for treating nervous depression and insomnia (Price, 293).

It can also be used to treat postnatal depression. (Price, 249)


Cautions:
Not intended for consumption with children under 6 years old. 
Use in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.


Warning:

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.


Do not put essential oils inside your ear canal


Althea Press. Essential Oils, Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing, (2015).
Buckle, Jane. Clinical Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Practice. (2003). 
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy An A-Z. (2000). 
Price, Shirley & Len. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, (2012). 
Purchon, Nerys and Lora Cantele. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Handbook for Everyday Wellness, (2014). 
Schnaubelt, PhD., Kurt. Advanced Aromatherapy, (1995). 
Worwood, Valerie. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. (1991).