Protection against the Flu and Essential Oils

As the bubonic plague ravaged Europe in the year 1413, the story of the four thieves arrived on the scene and the story has changed history. They were captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims but it was noticed that they remained free of the plague. When the thieves were tried, the magistrate offered leniency if they would reveal how they resisted contracting the infection as they performed their gruesome acts. The four thieves explained that they were perfumers and spice traders and finally exposed their special concoction of aromatic herbs, including cloves and rosemary, that they rubbed on their hands, ears, and temples. This prevented them from contracting the disease! And as a result the “bird-masks” were invented to be worn by doctors as protection against airborne bacteria. In the beak was placed a material infused in a blend of essential oils that would filter, and kill, bacteria. These masks later became the “prototype” for the well-known Venetian carnival-mask.

The essential oil blend of the Four Thieves was tested at Weber State University for its potent antimicrobial properties. Thieves oil was found to have a 99.96% percent kill rate against airborne bacteria. The oils are highly antiviral, antiseptic, anti-catarrhyal, antibacterial, anti-infectious and also help to stimulate the immune system circulatory and respiratory systems and help protect the body against such illnesses as flu, colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, cuts etc.

A study by researchers in France in 2008 tested bactericidal activity of 13 different essential oils and had similar results, with cinnamon being the most effective. At concentrations as low as 10 percent or less, cinnamon oil was also effective against several antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and E. coli. During this study, after only 10 minutes there was a reduction of 82% in Micrococcus luteus, 96% in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 44% in Staphylococcus aurous.

There are a few recipes floating about for the Four Thieves:

Clove oil (Syzgium aromaticum) 200 drops or 1/2 ounce
Lemon oil (Citrus limon) 175 drops
Cinnamon Bark oil (Cinnamoomum verum) 100 drops
Eucalyptus oil ( Eucalyptus radiata) 75 drops
Rosemary oil (Rosimarinus officinalis) 50 drops

And, here are two recipes for Thieves Oil. One from Karen another from Debbie.

Thieves Oil recipes:

Equal amounts of eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, clove and lemon. Mix with base of olive oil. I usually put a tablespoon of each in a 2 oz. bottle and then fill the rest with olive oil. you can make a larger batch in a quart jar following the same proportion method.
Same ingredients, but measured out in different strength's. Clove Bud Oil 200 drops, Lemon Oil 175 drops, Cinnamon Oil 100 drops, Eucalyptus Oil 75 drops, Rosemary 50 drops.

Then there is also the essential oils being touted as combating the H1N1 Swine Flu of 2009: Oregano, Lemon, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree. Not so much different from the Four Thieves. I would say whatever you have on hand from any of these list would absolutely be beneficial to your immune system and to help fight off any form a cold or flu.

How to use the essential oils:
*Place in a diffuser for 10-15 minutes every hour up to 4 hours to kill airborne germs.
*Dilute 2 drops of the blend in a carrier oil and apply to chest to relieve cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, clear phlegm and to heat up the body if chilled.
*Place 2 drops of diluted blend on to the lymph nodes to attack the virus and massage gently.
* Place 1 drop on the bottom of each foot for an overall kick start to your immune system. This also allows your body to start the detox process to rid the germs and virus. This is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

My research includes but not limited to: Scent, Annick LeGuerer; The Foul & Fragrant, Alain Corbin; Aroma, The Cultural History of Smell, Classen/Howes/Synnott
http://politicolnews.com/protection-against-swine-flu/#comments http://stanford.wellsphere.com/general-medicine-article/four-thieves-vinegar-oil/801645

Peppermint~ 'tis the Season

Alternative medicine: Peppermint
Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:31:52
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran

Peppermint, a popular gum and toothpaste flavor, is not only a calming agent but also soothes stomachaches and helps indigestion.

Botanical: Mentha piperita
Family: N.O. Labiatae
Synonym: Brandy Mint.

Habitat:

Peppermint, native to Europe and Asia, grows wild in moist and temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South Africa, South America, and Australia.

Description:

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). The plant grows to about 60cm tall and has simple, toothed, and fragrant leaves growing opposite to the flowers.

The stems, 60 to 120cm high, are quadrangular and often purplish. The whorled clusters of little reddish-violet flowers are in the axils of the upper leaves, forming loose, interrupted spikes, and rarely bear seeds.

The entire plant has a distinctive odor, due to the volatile oil present in all its parts. When consumed it has a hot, aromatic taste at first, and produces a cold sensation in the mouth due to the menthol it contains.

Part Used Medicinally:

Herb. Leaves.

Constituents:

The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaves) is mostly made up from menthol (50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and further monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane).

It contains high amounts of manganese, vitamin C and A as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fiber, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper.

Menthol and menthyl acetate, which are responsible for peppermint's pungent and refreshing odor, are mostly found in older leaves.

Medicinal Uses:

Peppermint oil allays morning sickness and nausea, and is used to disguise the taste of unpalatable drugs. Its anti-spasmodic quality adds to peppermint's power of relieving pains originating from the alimentary tract.

Peppermint is good for certain forms of dyspepsia, and used in flatulence and colic disorders. When its stomachic effects are required it should be combined with other medicines.


Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the bile flow, which the body uses to digest fats. It may also help the body break down gallstones.

Spirit of peppermint in hot water or peppermint oil given in doses of one or two drops on sugar are good household remedies for flatulent colic.

Inhaling peppermint or applying it to the skin can relax muscles; it also inhibits the growth of certain bacteria.

It is widely used in cholera, diarrhea, sudden abdominal pains and cramps.

As tea or tablets, peppermint is a treatment for colds, coughing, acute respiratory difficulties, and bacteria, fungal and viral infections.

Inhaling peppermint oil can soothe allergy-irritated nasal passages. Rubbing it on the chest relives other respiratory discomforts. It has also been proven to have antiviral properties against a number of infectious agents, including herpes.

Peppermint oil has been recommended for puerperal fevers, in divided doses.

An infusion of equal quantities of peppermint herb and Elder flowers can cure colds or mild influenza within 36 hours, without risk of overdose or harmful effects on the heart.

Peppermint is used to raise internal heat and induce perspiration, although its strength is soon exhausted.

Peppermint tea is good for palpitation.

Its calming and numbing effect have made it an excellent treatment for headaches, skin irritations, morning and travel sickness, depression-associated anxiety, and nausea.

Applying peppermint topically soothes skin irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.

Research has shown that applying peppermint to the forehead and temples favorably compares with acetaminophen in terms of its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. It is also a good expectorant, and soothes sore throats and dry coughs.

It helps the appetite by increasing saliva.

Medicine containing menthol can relieve the pain of rheumatism, neuralgia, throat infections and toothaches. It also acts as a local anaesthetic, vascular stimulant and disinfectant.

Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.

Peppermint can also be a treatment for the ulcerative conditions of the bowels.

Preparation:

Applying the oil from fresh peppermint leaves to the body can relive rheumatic affections, headaches and local pains.

Lightly coating the forehead with a tincture of 10% peppermint oil, and allowing it to evaporate treats tension headaches.

Peppermint tea soothes stomach discomfort and can aid digestion. It can be prepared by pouring boiling water over the herb and steeping for 3 to 5 minutes.

Caution:

Peppermint tea is generally a safe way to soothe stomachaches. However, individuals with gastoesophageal reflux disease should not use peppermint even though they might have symptoms like indigestion and heartburn.

Pregnant or nursing women should drink peppermint tea only in moderation and those with a history of miscarriage should not use peppermint during pregnancy.

Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause contact dermatitis or other rashes like hives.

Some have described experiencing hot flashes from using the oil.

Small children or infants should not inhale the oil and it should be kept away from the eyes and mucus membranes.

Peppermint oil should be diluted and taken in very small amounts, since it can cause negative effects like cramping and diarrhea, rarely drowsiness, tremor, muscle pain, slowed heart rate, and in severe cases of overdose, coma.

Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally.

Topical peppermint oil increases the absorption of 5-fluorouracil, a medication used in cancer treatment.

Menthol is a known allergen, which may cause cardiac collapse in some children.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=32772§ionid=3510210

Cinnamon Spice Offers Health Benefits

Ricky Hussey
October 7, 2007


Cinnamon is widely used both in the food and pharmaceutical industry because of its antiseptic properties. The cinnamon bark oil is used as a flavoring for digestive aids, liniments, and oral care products. It is also used in many perfumes, soaps, and lotions. In addition, cinnamon leaf oil is used in the food industry as flavorings to candies, sauces, and pastries. The commonly used ingredient is actually the soft, inner bark of the cinnamon tree.

This spice is now being heralded as the latest in the long line of herbal medicine wonders? According to research findings, one teaspoon of cinnamon contains 28 milligrams of calcium, one milligram of iron, fiber, and vitamins C, K, and manganese.

The use of cinnamon dates back in Chinese medicine to 2800 BC, and is known as “kwai” in the Chinese language. Ancient Egyptians used it in the embalming process of corpses because of its fragrance. Medieval physicians used this spice to treat coughs, hoarseness, sore throats, and other types of infections. Cinnamon also has antibacterial and inflammatory properties that help reduce joint and muscle pain, especially the discomforts associated with arthritis.

Many health specialists advice diabetics to take daily dose of cinnamon to regulate blood sugar levels. It can also benefit one's health by improving the body's digestive system and relieve many stomach discomforts.




In aromatherapy, cinnamon oil is used to stimulate and warm the senses, restore vigor, and treat stress and anxiety. Cinnamon oil is also important in strengthening the immune system because its scent is said to treat early stages of cold and fever. The oil of cinnamon is also used as a physical and emotional stimulant, with many believing that it can actually enhance one's libido.

Medical research also indicates that the scent of cinnamon may reduce drowsiness, irritability, pain, and frequent migraines. In some studies, the essential oil provides relief to tight muscles, ease painful joints, and relieve menstrual cramps in women. Cinnamon also increases the action of enzymes that break down the food in the body and help improve one's metabolism.

Traditional uses of cinnamon

Many traditional cultures around the globe have been using cinnamon not just as an ingredient in their favorite dishes but as a medicine as well. In fact, cinnamon has been highly valued for its medicinal properties for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years.

Here are the other health benefits of Cinnamon:


· Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon included in a daily diet can lower cholesterol.

· Cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with diabetes.

· Cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

· A study released by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland showed that cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

· It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

.Relief from congestion - Cinnamon and other spices have long been consumed to relieve congestion that comes from colds, allergies, and other common conditions.

.Muscle and joint pain relief- Those who eat cinnamon on a regular basis often report that their muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness, is reduced or even eliminated.

· When added to food, it prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

· Smelling cinnamon may boost cognitive function and memory.

· Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

Indeed, cinnamon has many benefits that can be used to improve one's health and well-being. If taken together with a balanced, healthy diet and plenty of exercise --- one can bring back the spice of life that everyone longs for.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=39583