Latin Name: Canarium luonicum

Family: Burseraceae

Also known as: C. commune, Manila elemi, elemi gum, elemi resin

Distribution: Elemi is native to the Philippine Islands and the Moluccas, where it is also cultivated. Distillation occurs at the source.

Extraction: Elemi is extracted with a solvent to form a resinoid and the oil is produced from the steam distillation of this resinoid. A gum and resin are also produced in small quantities.

Characteristics: Elemi is colourless to pale yellow with a light, fresh balsamic-spicy, peppery, citrus odor.

Actions*: Antiseptic, balsamic, cicatrizant, expectorant, fortifying, regulatory, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.

Uses: For aged skin, infected cuts and wounds, inflammation, rejuvenation, wrinkles, bronchitis, catarrhal conditions, unproductive coughs, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Elemi has been used as a stomachic and as an expectorant. It eases congestion of the lungs and controls excess mucus.

Elemi is recommended in skin care for aged skin, infected cuts, inflammation, and wrinkles. It may also be beneficial for ulcers, fungal growths and infected wounds.

Emotional: Elemi oil can encourage soothing, calm, stillness, contentment, compassion, and peace.

Perfumery:  Elemi can be used as a top note fragrance.  It is often used as a fixative and as a fragrance in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes. It blends well with myrrh, frankincense, labdanum, rosemary, lavender, lavandin, sage, cinnamon, and other spices.

Primary constituents: a-pinene, sabinene, limonene, myrcene, phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol, carvone, and terpinolene..

Interesting facts: The name “elemi” is derived from the Arabic phrase meaning “As above, so below” showing that the oil acts on the emotional as well as the spiritual level.  Although it is often known as the “poor man’s frankincense”, elemi must be appreciated for its many fabulous qualities (many of which are similar to frankincense).

It was one of the aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians in the embalming process. It is occasionally used as a flavoring in soft drinks and alcohol. It is also used in soaps and incense.
Although Elemi is called a gum, it is almost entirely made up of resin and essential oil.
Contraindications: Elemi is non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.

*for a listing of definitions, please visit Therapeutic Actions

Please note: this information is not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a licensed medical practitioner or naturopath. Any recommendations are for educational purposes only and are believed to be effective.

Do not use essential oils internally unless under the care and guidance of a licensed aromatherapist.

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Ginger Recipes

Travel and Jet Lag Blend

Ginger is good for nausea and travel sickness.  It stimulates, invigorates and aids against bacteria.

10 drops Lavender Oil                                                                  7 drops Grapefruit Oil

4 drops Peppermint Oil                                                                4 drops Ginger Oil

Combine all oils and add to 1 oz jojoba oil (or other base oil) in a glass bottle.  Apply to earlobes, base of neck and inside wrist while traveling.  Place on air vent abovse seat.

These oils can be added to distilled water and misted in the air to freshen and disinfect hotel rooms, cabins, etc.

Grapefruit Ginger Bath Dissolve

4 oz Epson salt                                                                    100 drops grapefruit essential oil

4 oz White clay                                                                   40 drops ginger essential oil

2 oz Mineral salt

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Store in a glass container.  Add desired amount to bath, mix gently and relax.

Warm and Spicy Massage Blend

12 drops Ginger

8 drops Jasmine

4 drops Sweet Orange

Combine the oils and add to 4 ounces of your favorite massage oil base (sweet almond, grapeseed, and jojoba is a great blend).  This combination can also be added to an unscented body wash.

Orange Ginger Body Wash

20 drops lemon essential oil                                                              30 drops orange essential oil

10 drops ginger essential oil                                                              8 oz unscented body wash

Combine essential oils and add to body wash.  Shake gently and thoroughly.

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Eucalyptus oil Recipes

Stimulating Foot Bath

4 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

1 drop Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

2 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

6 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

1 tablespoon jojoba

Combine the essential oils, then add to jojoba.  Stir into warm water and soak foot for 25-20 minutes.

Migraine Rub

5 drops Chamomile(Anthemis nobilis)

5 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

5 drops Lemon (Citrus limonum)

5 drops Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

2 tablespoons base oil (sweet almond, sunflower, jojoba)

Combine the essential oils and add to your chosen base oil.  Gently massage the blend into your shoulders, neck, & temples.  Store any remaining oil in a glass container.

Sinus Relief

25 drops of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

2 tablespoons jojoba

Combine the two in a roll-on bottle.  Apply as needed to chest, neck, or under nose.  For those with sensitive skin, this blend can be inhaled directly from the bottle.

Natural Insect Repellent

6 drops of Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

6 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

9 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

1 Tablespoon base oil (jojoba, sweet almond, sunflower)

Combine the essential oils and add to your base oil.  Apply to exposed skin.

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Amber is not an essential oil, but a blend of resins, gums and a variety of essential oils.  For this reason, we are leaving it up to the individual to decide how best to combine amber to change its fragrance as desired.  Amber oils often contain vetiver, benzoin, sandalwood, and patchouli. Almost any other oils may be added to get the desired scent. A spicy amber may have cinnamon, cardamom or ginger added. A sweet flowery amber may have geranium, rose or a hint of ylang ylang added. Other oils that may be used in certain ambers include: vetiver (khus), spikenard (jatamansi), frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood, or vanilla.  Amber and patchouli go very well together; amber adds a sweetness to the blend, lightening the heavy earthy scent of patchouli.

It is best to start with a small amount of amber and slowly add the desired oil, drop by drop.  Be sure to keep track of how many drops are added. It is very easy to lose track!

Amber is often used to relax and calm the mind.  It also produces a sensual atmosphere.  Common uses for amber include:

5-7 drops added to a tablespoon of carrier oil and added to the bath.
Add 2 drops to water in a diffuser.
20-30 drops added to 4 oz of a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed) and used as a body oil or sensual massage oil.
20-30 drops added to 4 oz of distilled water as a body mist.

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I have done searches on lavender, essential oils, tea tree, Lavandula angustifolia, hormones, cancer, and endocrine on a variety of sites including pubmed.gov, niehs.nih.gov, and essentialoils.org.  I have a plethora of books and study guides on essential oils and aromatherapy.  I was unable to find any research linking lavender to hormone disruptors.  I did come across some interesting research on using aromatherapy for those undergoing chemotherapy, the use of essential oils for use on mouth sores in hospice care,  essential oils for those suffering severe dementia, as well as a number of studies on the calming and relaxing effects of lavender.

Robert Tisserand co-authored “Essential Oil Safety, A Guide for Health Care Professionals”, he is the Editor of  The International Journal of Aromatherapy, and is the Principal of the Tisserand Institute.  Mr. Tisserand wrote an interesting article in response to the NEJM article.  (View the article here) In the article, Mr Tisserand points out that “In the report, no information is given about any of the constituents of the products used. The information given about product use is sparse, and we do not know for certain whether any of the products contained lavender or tea tree oils, since they were notanalyzed by the researchers”.  The article concludes, “As the report states, breast growth in pre-pubertal boys is extremely uncommon, yet three cases are reported within a short period of time, and all in the same clinic. Considering that some 200 tonnes per annum are produced of both lavender and tea tree oil, that most of this goes into personal care products, and that very little of the evidence presented for these 3 cases is convincing, the press reports of caution are premature.

Even if one or more of these cases was linked to product use, any connection with either lavender or tea tree oil is unproven. Other known endocrine disrupting ingredients in the products could have played a role. Furthermore, we do not know what other factors, such as dietary or environmental, may have played a part.

The in vitro work reported by Henley et al (2007) does indicate a hormonal effect. However, this cannot be extrapolated to estimate actual human risk, especially without knowing more about the essential oil constituents causing the in vitro effects seen.  No connection was established between the in vitro work and the three cases, and the case for tea tree oil having an effect on prepubertal gynecomastia is especially weak.  Phytoestrogens generally have a very weak hormonal activity, and it is implausible that the amounts of essential oil that enter the body from product use would have a significant effect. Further research will hopefully clarify these issues.”

Essential oils, especially lavender, have been used for many centuries.  Lavender has been shown to be antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. The name Lavender comes from lavare, which means “to wash”.  It was used by the French Academy of Medicine to swab wounds, treat sores, varicose ulcers, and burns.  Culpeper recommended lavender flowers to help prevent epilepsy.

In modern days, we find that lavender is one of the most common scents in soap, household cleaners, air mists, potpourri, and a multitude of other products on the market today.  It is one of the most researched essential oils.  It seems very odd that with this widespread use over hundreds of years this is the first time that this has been documented.  Three boys in one community over a very small period of time develop a condition that leads to the conclusion that lavender and tea tree will interfere with hormones.

Related links:

Info on Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine Disruptor Research Initiative

Tisserand Article

Information on Lavender

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Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Type I, or “oral herpes” generally occurs around the mouth. It is often referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Genital Herpes (Type II) is the second most common form of herpes and occurs around and on the genitals. Quite often, people can be infected while showing no outward signs of infection.

Herpes is spread through direct contact with a person who has the virus. The virus does not live for long outside the body, so it is very unlikely to “catch” the virus by sharing showers or toilets. There is no cure for herpes. Once infected, a person will always retain the virus, although he/she may not experience any outbreaks. The virus may lie dormant in the body for years. Unfortunately, it is still possible to spread the infection.

It is not known exactly what causes recurrent outbreaks, but some triggers have been identified, including immuno-suppressant drugs, alcohol, processed foods, colas, white flour products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, coffee and drugs. Outbreaks may occur during times of stress or when the immune system is compromised. Fortunately, over time, episodes of active disease generally reduce in frequency and severity.

There are medications available to reduce the occurrence, severity, or length of outbreaks. But these medications often come with unwanted side-effects, including: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Alopecia and kidney issues have also been reported. Use of these drugs has also produced resistant strains of the viruses.

There are many natural remedies that are available and they are inexpensive as well as healthful:

•  5,000 to 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily may prevent and inhibit the growth of the virus.
• Oral supplements of zinc (50 mg/day) have been beneficial in clinical studies.
• 300 to 1,200 mg daily of lysine, together with a diet low in its contrasting amino acid arginine (avoid peanuts, chocolate, seeds, and cereals). The amino acid lysine prohibits growth of H. simplex virus while arginine stimulates its growth.
•  Avoid alcohol, processed foods, colas, white flour products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, coffee and drugs.

Do not consume citrus fruits and juices while the virus is active.

Herbs:

• Herbal treatments should include: Echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh, and red clover.
• Melissa herbal extract and licorice root have topical antiviral activity and inhibit the growth and cell-damaging effects of H. simplex.

Get plenty of rest and reduce stress.

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their antiviral as well as their immunos-timulating properties. Among those that have been found to be most effective with the Herpes Simplex viruses are:

• Melissa (lemon balm)
• lavender
• peppermint
• geranium
• tea tree
• star anise
• eucalyptus
• chamomile

Adding 1 drop of an individual oil or a combination of oils to the affected area 3-4 times a day has been shown to ease pain, and reduce the severity and length of the outbreak.

One study on the “Efficacy of plant products against herpetic infections” conducted at Heidelberg University in Germany showed the effectiveness of Melissa (lemon balm), tea tree, and peppermint oil in treating genital herpes:

“Essential oils from various aromatic medicinal plants are highly active against some viral infections, e.g. labial herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Balm oil, tea tree oil and peppermint oil demonstrate in vitro a significant antiherpetic activity, mainly related to a direct drug-virus particle interaction, some essential oils also act directly virucidal. Interestingly, these essential oils are also highly active against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus strains. In clinical studies, tea tree oil has been shown to possess antiherpetic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as to accelerate the healing process of herpes labialis. Applying diluted essential oils three to four times daily for the antiherpetic treatment of affected areas is recommended. Some companies have marketed plant products, e.g. from Melissa, for the treatment of recurrent herpetic infections.” 1

A second study from the same department shows the effectiveness of essential oils against Acyclovir-resistant strains of the herpes virus.

“Acyclovir-resistant clinical isolates of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were analyzed in vitro for their susceptibilities to essential oils of ginger, thyme, hyssop, and sandalwood. All essential oils exhibited high levels of virucidal activity against acyclovir-sensitive strain KOS and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 clinical isolates and reduced plaque formation significantly.” 2

Many noted experts on essential oils recommend essential oils for herpes outbreaks:

Valerie Worwood recommends: Geranium, tea tree, lavender, thyme, lemon, chamomile, rose, hyssop.

Julia Lawless recommends: Bergamot, eucalyptus (blue gum), lemon, and tea tree.

Davis recommends combining 6 drops of each: bergamot, tea tree, and eucalyptus in 5 mL of alcohol. Dab as soon as first signs appear to stop development of blisters.

Salvatore Battaglia recommends: Bergamot, cajeput, geranium, lemon, Melissa, niaouli, ravensara, rose otto, tea tree.

Wabner suggests three applications of undiluted Melissa oil directly onto the blister for one day. The herpes usually disappears within 24 hours. Apply only to blister as irritation may be caused to surrounding skin.

Although it is not possible to rid the body of the herpes virus, we are able to make living with it an easier task.

Recipes

ACHS Herpes Application

2 oz distilled water

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)½ oz

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) ¼ oz

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)¼ oz

Apply to the affected area several times per day. Shake well before using.

Worwood Recipe:

8 drops Geranium

3 drops Lemon

6 drops German Chamomile

8 drops Tea tree

5 drops Lavender

Combine all oils. Wet a cotton ball and ad 1 drop of the blend and apply to the cold sore once a day.

References:

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21607799

2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17353250

TISSERAND, R, BALACS T, ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY A GUIDE FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, 1996, CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE, UK.

BATTAGLIA, S, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AROMATHERAPY, 1995, PERFECT POTION, AUSTRALIA

LAWLESS, J, THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ESSENTIAL OILS, 1995, ELEMENT BOOKS, UK

WORWOOD, V, THE COMPLETE BOOK OF ESSENTIAL OILS AND AROMATHERAPY, 1991, NEW WORLD LIBRARY, US ACHS AROMATHERAPY CLASS STUDY GUIDE

HTTP://WWW.CDC.GOV/STD/HERPES/STDFACT-HERPES.HTM

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There tends to be a short incubation period, and it is highly contagious.  It can be caught by a sneeze, cough, or kiss.

A healthy immune system will resist the most viruses with ease, however individuals with a lot of stress and reduced health will be more susceptible to colds and flu.

Many essential oils offer protection from viruses and bacteria.  When combined, these oils can become even more effective by working synergistically.

To help to resist infection:

Wash your hands often (Make your own antimicrobial hand soap)

Diffuse antiviral essential oils into the air (lavender, bay, cajeput, niaouli, clove, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, oregano, cinnamon)

Use a mister for the air and all shared surfaces-Mist in the air frequently in your home, office, or car.  Use on surfaces that may have been touched by anyone infected (kitchen, bathroom, door handles, etc)

Carry an antibacterial/antiviral hand cleanse with you-You can create your own blend using aloe vera gel as a base.  Alcohol is the most common active ingredient in most antibacterial hand-cleanses.  Adding essential oils will increase the effectiveness as well as add a great smell.

Drink 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup each day, 1-2 times per day.

If you, unfortunately, don’t stop the virus in time and come down with the flu, essential oils can provide assistance even now by helping to boost the immune system, fighting the virus, and soothing achy muscles.

Diffuse essential oils known to be antiviral and soothing (lavender, bay, cajeput, niaouli, clove, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, oregano, frankincense, cinnamon)

Take a soothing bath.  Add 6-10 drops of an essential oil blend (tea tree, lavender, lemon) to 2 tablespoons of a base oil and add to the bath just prior to entering.

Use a body oil/lotion with a combination of oils to fight microbes and stimulate the immune system-(tea tree, oregano, niaouli, thyme, bergamot, rosemary ct verbenone, eucalyptus)

Carry on using an antimicrobial air mist to cleanse shared spaces.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water and tisanes.  Apply a cold facecloth to the face, neck, or chest when feeling excessively hot.

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There are many species of lavender.  The most common species grown commercially is Lavandula angustifolia.

L. angustifolia is grown in many countries.  The two major producers are France and Bulgeria.  Oil distilled at higher altitude is said to be of higher quality.  This is due to the fact that oils distilled at higher altitudes are distilled at lower temperatures: 8-7 degrees lower.  This small difference produces an oil with a higher ester content.  Esters greatly affect the odor quality of essential oils, as well as contributing to the soothing, balancing effect.  L. angustifolia is known as “female lavender”.

Linalool is a major constituent in lavender essential oil.  It is a monoterpenol with antibacterial, antifungal, vasoconstrictive, and toning properties.  It is also a known sedative.  The EPA has approved linalool as a pesticide, and one study showed that  linalool aided breast cancer drugs in killing breast cancer cells that had grown resistant to the drugs. Linalool and linalyl acetate have also been shown to be anti-inflammatory.  Linalool is non-sensitizing and non-irritating.  However, when the oil is exposed to air, oxidation can occur and it may become a skin irritant.  It is best to store lavender oil in amber or blue bottles that are as small as possible for the quantity of oil.

True lavender has little to no camphor content.

Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) grows naturally at lower altitudes in northern Mediterranean countries, such as Spain France, and Italy.  It is also grown in England, the US, Japan and Tasmania.  Most spike lavender is distilled from wild plants.  Spike lavender is referred to as the “male lavender”.  Spike lavender has a more harsh camphoraceous scent.  It has a higher camphor content (approximately 20%) and is therefore useful as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for muscle aches and pains, and rheumatism.  It also has a higher 1,8-cineole content which is recommended for respiratory ailments as an expectorant and mucolytic.  Unlike true lavender, which is a sedative, spike lavender can be rather stimulating.

Lavandin is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender.  It is a very hardy plant which is larger than true lavender.  Its yield is twice as great as true lavender and is, therefore, often the oil used as fragrance in soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics, and detergents.  It also has a high camphor content.

Lavandin is also used as an insecticide, herbicide, and fragrance.  A study done with preoperative patients showed that lavandin reduced anxiety, showing that it could be a simple, cost-effective intervention to reduce patient anxiety and improve preoperative outcome.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18695915

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587692

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19040575

Braden R, Reichow S, Halm MA (2009). The use of the essential oil lavandin to reduce preoperative anxiety in surgical patients.  J Perianesth Nurs 24(6):348-55

ACHS Aroma 203 Aromatherapy I class notes
E. Joy Bowles The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils.  3^rd Ed, Allen & Unwin, Australia 2003
R. Tisserand and T. Balacs, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Professionals, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh,  1995S. Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2^nd Ed, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003

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