Agricultural Aromatherapy: Lavender Oil As Natural Herbicide

ScienceDaily (May 21, 2009) — Could essential oils extracted from lavender be used as a natural herbicide to prevent weed growth among crops? Research carried out in Italy and reported in the current issue of the International Journal of Environment and Health suggests the answer may be yes.
Elena Sturchio of the National Institute of Health and Safety at Work in Rome and colleagues there and at the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, and the Department Crop Production, at Tuscia University, in Viterbo, have investigated the inhibitory effects on weed growth of aromatic oils, or mixtures of phytochemicals, from plants such as lavender, Lavandula officinalis.

Essential oils, are as the name suggests, often the plant's "essence" in terms of odour. Essential oils are complex chemical mixtures of natural products made by the plant for its own purposes, including terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes and phenols. Indeed, several plant essential oils are present as natural inbuilt herbicides and pesticides.

Synthetic pesticides and herbicides have been in common use for decades and have protected crops from parasites, insects, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and eliminated weeds. However, by virtue of their design, these substances are toxic and in some cases thought to be carcinogenic. Their incorrect use or inadvertent exposure have been the focus of numerous studies on animal and human health, the results of which have led to serious initiatives to find alternative approaches to pest and weed control.

Other researchers have investigated the potential of essential oils from cinnamon plants, and peppermint to prevent seed germination of some weed species found in the Mediterranean region.

Sturchio and colleagues have investigated the effects of lavender oil on root growth in a plant, Vicia faba in trials. This weed has large chromosomes and so was also amenable to studies in the laboratory that investigated the genetic toxicity of the essential oil on the weed. Their analysis showed the oil to be effective at killing the weed even at low concentration. Moreover, the oil affects growth of soil microbes and fungi involved in crop growth.

The team concludes that, "Essential oils could be useful as potential bioherbicides as an alternative strategy to the chemical remedy." They add that, "The use of phytochemicals permits the development for more sustainable agriculture at low environmental impact. Further studies are now needed to evaluate use of such oils "in the field".

The team points out that the oils would most likely be used either before planting or prior to transplantation of seedlings, so the essential oil would not have toxicity effects on the crop itself. Sturchio adds that, "essential oils are not accumulated in the environment, because of their low persistence due to the easy degradation by microbial and enzyme activity. This aspect could represent an advantage compared to the bioaccumulation of chemicals on soil."


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Journal reference:

Miriam Zanellato, Eva Masciarelli, Laura Casorri, Priscilla Boccia, Elena Sturchio, Mario Pezzella, Andrea Cavalieri, Fabio Caporali. The essential oils in agriculture as an alternative strategy to herbicides: a case study. International Journal of Environment and Health, 2009; 3 (2): 198 DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2009.024878
Adapted from materials provided by Inderscience, via AlphaGalileo.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514083921.htm

Himalayan oregano can wipe out hospital super bug

THE OREGANO that grows wild in the Himalayas has, traditionally, been disregarded by local people. In the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh it's known as bekaar gahaas – 'useless grass': even cows and goats don't eat it. Herb collectors, who make a living harvesting wild plants, concentrate on the more valuable medicinal plants, which are now threatened by over-exploitation.

A new project, partnering researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE) with organisations in India, is hoping to persuade collectors and buyers that, far from useless, oregano has real commercial potential – based on its remarkable antibacterial properties, particularly against the hospital ‘superbug’ MRSA. The project is one of five winners, out of 400 global entrants, of a 2008 SEED award – a UN and IUCN (International Union for the Conversation of Nature) -led scheme aimed at promoting local, sustainable enterprises in developing countries.

Commenting on the SEED Awards, Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), said: "The SEED Awards again underline that creative and entrepreneurial solutions to many of the pressing challenges facing the world are being found. It is now vital that these shining examples are federated and mainstreamed across communities and countries to maximize their undoubted and potentially significant impact."

The Oregano against MRSA project is one of a series of initiatives aimed at providing communities in Himachal Pradesh with income from sustainable, non-timber forest products; Origanum vulgare is a relatively common herb that grows in high-altitude meadows throughout the Himalayan region, and can be harvested sustainably. Recent research by UWE and SGS Herbals in Delhi has shown that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano contains potent antibacterial properties, and is effective at killing the MRSA bacterium even at very low concentrations.


One of the lead partners of the project in India, Biolaya Organics, develops projects aimed at conserving endangered medicinal herbs, by cultivating threatened species, and by sustainable collection and value addition of more common species.
Ben Heron, of Biolaya Organics, explains: "We started working with oregano because it is a species that, if managed properly, can be collected year after year without depleting the population in the wild. Our aim is to be able to pay the local herb collectors the equivalent amount that they would normally earn from collecting endangered medicinal herb species so that they become less dependent on the extraction of these plants for their livelihoods.

We started working with oregano because it is a species that, if managed properly, can be collected year after year without depleting the population in the wild.

Ben Heron, "It has been known for some time that Mediterranean oregano oil is a powerful antimicrobial, which is said to be due to the high content of a compound called carvacol. As far as we know nobody had tested the carvacol content of Himalayan oregano oil before, so we teamed up with SGS in Delhi to conduct tests and found that it was equally as potent as the Mediterranean variety.
Heron continued: “Further tests in the SGS laboratory found that the Himalayan oregano oil killed MRSA more effectively than all 18 antibiotics that it was compared against. We have recently linked up with UWE’s microbiology department who are now carrying out more rigorous tests, and hope to publish the results in a scientific journal."

Professor Vyv Salisbury, of UWE's Centre for Research in Biomedicine (CRIB), said: "We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapour and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water. This is exciting as it also means that we could consider using the oil to develop disinfectant washing powders. We now aim to conduct a focused academic study in partnership with SGS labs in Delhi that we hope will give the project the academic credibility needed to market the oil.

She added: "We hope that our study will help take the project to the next stage where, with the help of UWE's Research, Business and Innovation department we find a business partner to help us produce a range of products that we can market for medical and domestic settings. Once we are able to start providing a sustainable income for villages in Kullu, the scope for up-scaling and replication in other parts of the Himalayan region is enormous."

Image: SEED
http://www.hero.ac.uk/uk/business/archives/2008/essential_oregano_Dec.cfm

Himalayan oregano can wipe out hospital super bug: Research
April 21st, 2009 - 8:13 pm ICT by ANI
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Apr. 21 (ANI): Natural oil extracted from Himalayan oregano can help in wiping out deadly hospital super bug MRSA, a new research has claimed.

“For the last 2-3 years, we have been researching its (Oregano) antibacterial properties, in particular against the hospital infections that have become resistant to antibiotics and we have found that this is a very effective antibacterial and anti fungal agent,” said Ben Heron, Senior Researcher at Himachal Pradsh based Biolaya Organics.

The joint research was done by the Bristol University, Biolaya Organics, Jagriti, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development and SGS India.

The research proved that essential oil of oregano contains potent antibacterial properties and is effective at killing the ’super bug’ MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria that has become a serious health problem in hospitals in the West.

They have discovered that the herb, commonly used in cooking, could eradicate the deadly infection.

Another objective of the project is also to provide livelihood to rural farmers and herbs collectors.

“The ultimate idea is to develop a sustainable harvesting management plan for this particular specie, develop entrepreneurship from this particular specie and finally go for the sustainable development of the farmers in the hilly region,” said Dr. S.S. Samant, senior scientist, G.B.Pant Institute of the Himalayan Environment and Development, Kullu.

Preliminary research into the oil found that tiny doses are capable of wiping out fungi and bacteria, including MRSA.

Origanum Vulgare is a relatively common herb that grows in high altitude meadows throughout the Himalayan region, yet it is perceived by many villagers to have no culinary, medicinal or economic value.

However, in Kullu, oregano is often referred to as ‘bekaar ghaas’ (useless grass). (ANI)
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/himalayan-oregano-can-wipe-out-hospital-super-bug-research_100182705.html

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

Israeli Scientist Uses Cinnamon to Save Lives

IsraelNN.com) Cinnamon may spice up more than cuisine, perfume, air fresheners and pharmaceutical products, according to a study by Tel Aviv University Professor Michael Ovadia.

The Israeli scientist began his research into the medicinal properties of cinnamon after pondering the weekly Torah reading he heard at synagogue seven years ago.

"There is a passage that explains how the High Priests, the [Kohanim] would prepare a holy oil used to be on their bodies before they made a ritual animal sacrifice," recalled Ovadia in an interview published by Israel21c. "I had a hunch that this oil, which was prepared with cinnamon and other spices, played a role in preventing the spread of infectious agents to people."

Research by the university's Department of Zoology found the fragrant spice, used in everything from cooking to aromatherapy and perfume, could neutralize viruses and immunize against certain infections.

Avian Flu H9, Sendai virus, HIV and Herpes Simplex 1, and Newcastle disease virus were all found to respond in Ovadia's experiments. It is important to note, however, that the cinnamon extract used in the studies was from a particular variety of cinnamon using coumarin and cinnamon aldehyde, which are byproducts of the actual spice.

Most important: be aware that these substances can also be highly toxic and damage the liver if ingested in large quantities. "You cannot take high doses from the natural form of cinnamon," warns Ovadia. "If you used it several times a day to protect you from the flu, it would be toxic."

The essential oil produced from cinnamon bark has long been used by aromatherapists in a variety of ways, including as a stimulant and antiseptic.

In one of the best known books in the field of aromatherapy, famed French aroma therapist Jean Valnet, MD lists cinnamon as an effective element in remedies to combat the flu, as well as intestinal parasites, problems in the digestive system and other physical issues. Valnet's mentor, Robert Tisserand, warns that cinnamon oil is so powerful that it should not be used on the skin at all.

But it is not surprising that a Jewish scientist in the Land of Israel would be the one to discover a way to fight life-threatening disease with cinnamon, given its history as one of the most powerful spices used in the most ancient Jewish rituals.

This month a patent-pending research and license deal on the extract was signed between Tel Aviv University's technology transfer company, Ramot, and Frutarom, an Israeli-based multi-national "nutraceutical" company. Frutarom expects to use the cinnamon extract in myriad applications, including an air spray to prevent the spread of Avian flu in airports and a daily supplement to be marketed as an anti-flu preparation.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/124223

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