Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot Seed oil is steam distilled from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace (daucus carota), or the wild carrot plant.  It has a very strong earthy and warm aroma.  I really like the grounding scent of this oil.  My daughter is repulsed by it, probably only because of it’s potency.  It’s a matter of personal preference.  Just a drop adds a pleasant base to oils like ylang ylang and lavender when mixed together in a carrier oil for a face moisturizer.  This is one incredible oil that packs a healthy punch.  But be careful that what you are buying is 100% pure daucus carota essential oil, harvested from the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace.  There are many places to buy carrot seed oil, make sure the company you decide to buy from is reputable.  Native American Nutritionals is one of my favorite places to look in cases like this, when the oil I want isn’t carried by doTERRA.  They also have very high standards in every single oil they put their name on.  Young Living would be another safe option.  I would be very wary of any low cost carrot seed oil on the market. Never buy any oil if it is labeled as “natural” “fragrance” or listed to be used for “aromatherapy”.  Cheap carrot seed oil is likely adulterated in some way, which decreases or may even eliminates some of the health benefits.  Keep in mind that fragrance oil or “natural oil” is not the same as pure essential oil.

Benefits of Carrot Seed Oil:
• Antiseptic
• Antiviral
• Detoxifies
• Diuretic
• Disinfectant
• Digestive Support
• Purifier
• Stimulant
• Tonic

Carrot Seed oil is an effective antiseptic.  When applied to wounds, it can prevent infections.  It can cure infections of the skin as well as numerous skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, carbuncles, sores and ulcers.  When ingested* as directed it can help cure infections of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.  It effectively relieves bloating and gas as well by regulating the flow of digestive juices.  It also helps your body to flush toxins from your system because it is a diuretic.  This benefits tissues, blood, muscles, kidneys and the liver.  Also, it’s immune-boosting antioxidants help fight off viral infections such as the flu, mumps and the common cold.

In addition to wounds, its benefits for the hair and skin are numerous.  It’s disinfectant qualities are incredible.  To use this oil as a skin cleanser, add a drop to a teaspoon of olive, almond or jojoba oil and massage into your face.  After 3-5 minutes, rinse your skin with lukewarm water and blot dry.  I use a little carrot oil in lotions, salves and hair and scalp conditioners.  Suitable for all skin and hair types, it can help keep your skin looking young, nourished and rejuvenated.  Mature skin benefits greatly by the improved elasticity and texture.  Carrot Seed oil can also help reduce the size and appearance of scars, wrinkles, discoloration, cellulite, and prevents sagging while evening out your tone and texture.  To reduce the potential of photosensitivity, always dilute with a carrier oil when applied topically.  If you experience issues with photosensitivity, try to reduce or eliminate your sun exposure for 12 hours after use.  On the scalp, Carrot Seed essential oil encourages new hair growth while helping to prevent hair loss.  It improves elasticity in hair, even in curly hair, preventing breakage and frizz.

For me, Carrot Seed oil’s real magic lies in its ability to rejuvenate your skin, tissues and blood at the cellular level.  It stimulates growth of new cells and tissues, which is helpful, especially to the mature body that might be slowing down.  It is believed that this quality in conjunction with its antioxidant properties, purifying and detoxifying benefits, neutralizes free radicals and even helps fight cancerous cells.

As a stimulant, this oil really performs.  Carrot Seed oil stimulates the circulatory system as well as metabolic function.  It stimulates the production of hormones and enzymes, as well as gastric juices and bile.  It also helps keep your digestive system on track, by promoting movement through the intestines.

Women who suffer from endometriosis or other painful menstruation conditions will find relief when using this oil.  It helps keep your hormones steady and improves the process, which results in less pain and more regularity.  For centuries, women used the seeds of wild carrot to prevent pregnancy.  This oil is more potent than a spoonful of seeds, and may cause bleeding, so please use care*. 

*Do not use this oil if you are pregnant.  Ask your doctor how this oil can help you before use if you are nursing.  Because Carrot Seed is a stimulant, do not use on anyone with Epilepsy or if there is a risk of seizure.  Can be used diluted one drop of essential oil to 5 drops of carrier oil topically on children over 6.  If you have any medical condition or are taking medications, consult your doctor before use.  Do not use internally at all unless the supplier suggests it as an appropriate use.  When taking internally, so so strictly as directed by a doctor or certified aromatherapist.  Carrot Seed oil overdose can cause vomiting and convulsions. 

The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA.

 

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Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil

A common household spice in the US called Cinnamon is usually ground from Cassia, which is related to cinnamon and has similar characteristics as cinnamon does.  Cinnamon Bark essential oil is more costly than Cassia and a bit more intense.  Steam extracted from the inner bark of the Cinnamon (Lauraeceae) tree from Indonesia, the oil is used most widely as a stimulant.  Take care that what you are buying is actual Cinnamon Bark oil and not that of the leaves.  Both are widely available and they are different oils.

Cinnamon Bark is regarded as safe, however you really need to be careful not to ingest more than directed.  It’s hotter than a fireball and can cause a fair amount of discomfort (yes, it has bit me back).  In aromatherapy, cinnamon is used to clear the air of viruses and stimulate a better emotional state of mind.  Topical applications are always diluted with your choice of carrier oil and then applied to sore muscles or joints.

Benefits of Cinnamon Bark:
• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Antiviral
• Astringent
• Disinfectant
• Stimulates moods, appetite and circulation
• Antibiotic for bacterial and parasitic infections
• Antidiarrhea while stimulating appetite

Companies have been adding cinnamon oil to toothpaste and mouthwash for its antiseptic benefits for decades.  Not only does it taste great, it leaves your mouth clear of bacteria and most viruses!  It is also known to gently benefit adult-onset diabetics by helping to lower blood sugar – its properties contain a chemical that works like insulin*.  Cinnamon bark oil is added to creams to reduce muscle spasms and also to help relieve joint and muscle pain or soreness.  People have used Cinnamon bark oil in small amounts (1% dilution) in warm water or tea to soothe the stomach and combat diarrhea.  In larger amounts, you may make your problem worse.  There are many people who say this oil should never be ingested by anyone.  I tried, I didn’t like it.  It was way too strong for me.

Cinnamon bark oil can be added to vodka or water to spray on surfaces to disinfect them, and it makes your kitchen smell lovely.

Please use with extreme caution after consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.   Children should not ingest Cinnamon bark oil as it could cause vomiting and diarrhea.  My daughter is okay with this oil topically when I use extra carrier oil in addition to other oils for colds.  I would not use it topically or internally on any child under six.  The claims above have not been evaluated by the FDA.  Use care with this oil, as it is recognized as generally safe.  Some people will be more sensitive to it than others.  And make sure you talk to your doctor about Cinnamon bark essential oil.

*If you have diabetes, please consult with your doctor before use.  If you take insulin, taking Cinnamon bark oil could possibly cause hypoglycemia.

http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman

The Dreaded Cold and Flu Season

 

Winter is on its way. Kids are generously sharing viruses and bringing them home to you and all who visit you. Time to clean the air in every room.

Aromatherapy isn’t just about moods. There are quite a few powerful oils that when diffused, kill bacteria, fungi and viruses in the air.  It also helps to alleviate symptoms of colds as well as the flu.

There is not one single recipe that is the best because there are so many oils that can help, depending on what brings your home the most comfort.  Lavender is universally good for moods as well as health.  I like to mix 4 drops of lemon essential oil and two drops of lavender in my diffuser and let it run for cleaner, lighter air during any time of the year.

But when fall rolls around and into winter, I will use a mixture of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary and cinnamon bark regularly to boost immune systems and keep the air cleaner in the home.  This recipe is similar to Young Living’s Four Thieves, which is wonderful. If applying it topically, dilute it in a carrier oil.  Be sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils in this recipe.  When someone is sick in the house, I diffuse this mixture almost constantly.  I have experienced it, and it does work!

Clear the Air – Makes 2 milliliters

• 20 drops Clove Oil
• 18 drops Lemon Oil
• 10 drops Cinnamon Bark
• 8 drops Eucalyptus
• 5 drops Rosemary

Combine all oils together in a dark amber glass container of your choice.  Shake well.  This is your diffuser blend.

You can also use it to spray linens, mattresses, pillows, curtains, closets, doorknobs and any other surfaces around the house.  In this case, mix 20 drops in a 12oz spray bottle with witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar.  Shake well each time you use it.

To make a blend that you can apply to ears, chest, lower back and feet, use 3 drops of carrier oil to one drop of blend.  I would not apply to pets, and add more carrier oil if I were to put this on small children or babies.  If you want a thicker consistency, like Vapor Rub, use 3 drops per tablespoon of raw Coconut oil.  Mix it well.  It is warm and soothing on the chest and feet.  If you get cold feet in the winter you will love applying this to the bottoms of your feet and putting on your socks.

This blend kills viruses, is anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, relieves congestion, relieves sinus headaches, boosts immune response, and smells really, really good.

I don’t recommend taking this mixture internally.

Disclaimer:  This has not been evaluated by the FDA.  Be sure to consult with your doctor as you normally would for severe colds and flu.  I am not a doctor and I’ve never played one on TV.

Individual oils can be purchased here: http://www.mydoterra.com/stephaniegorman