Ghee is a lipid carrier in this product and is dairy free. Ghee is known to be beneficial to ones health and contains butyric acid which has been shown in research to decrease inflammation  (particularly in the gastrointestinal tract) and may benefit those with ulcerative colitis.

Warnings: From an Ayurvedic Medicine perspective, there are only minor contraindications for using ghee, they are:

• If one has excessive toxins in the system
• If one has high cholesterol
• If one is overweight or obese
• If one has excessive Kapha in the system

Ground Cinnamon is a staple in most kitchens, and is widely used in cooking. Ground Cinnamon is known to have the following benefits and properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, immunity-boosting, and blood thinning properties

Warnings – There are a few cautions in using ground cinnamon:

• Cassia cinnamon can contain large amounts of a chemical called coumarin. In people who are sensitive, coumarin might cause or worsen liver disease. Ceylon cinnamon is lower in coumarin.
• Cassia cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Again, ceylon cinnamon is lower in coumarin.
• Cinnamon has blood thinning compounds so those currently on blood thinning medication may wish to limit their intake.

We use (eucalyptus citiodora) aka – Lemon-scented gum, and Lemon Eucalyptus in this product.

The benefits and properties of eucalyptus citiodora are outlined in Julia Lawless’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Benefits include: may help against arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, and sinusitis. It is an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, and deodorant good for coughs and colds as well as an insect repellent.

Warnings: This genus of eucalyptus has no known hazards or contraindications when used within recommended guidelines.  Facts: Lemon-scented gum, aka eucalyptus citiodora, has been approved as a food additive, and the oil is used in the preparation of liniments, inhalants, cough syrups, toothpastes and as a pharmaceutical flavoring.

(Eugenia caryophyllata) * Very important to use good quality clove oil, as some can be adulterated with eugenol or clove stem or clove leaf oil.

Clove bud oil is known to have the following beneficial properties: antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, insect repellent, anesthetic

This information comes from Phytotherapy Research, March 2007: “The biological activity of Eugenia caryophyllata has been investigated on several microorganisms and parasites, including pathogenic bacteria, Herpes simplex and hepatitis C viruses. In addition to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral activity, clove essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, insect repellent and anaesthetic properties.”

Warnings:

• moderate risk for mucous membrane irritation and skin sensitization
• may inhibit blood clotting
• may contain methyl eugenol and then can pose a drug interaction hazard
• may cause embryotoxicity
• recommended dermal maximum of 0.5%
• dermal caution – not to use topically on children age 2 or younger
• ingestion Caution – May intereact with pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs
• caution with anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders.

(rosmarinus officinalis) * Very important to use good quality rosemary oil, as some can be adulterated with eucalyptus oil, white camphor oil or turpentine oil. We use Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone which contains less camphor

Rosemary oil is known to have the following beneficial properties: improving circulation, expectorant/decongestant, helps to treat oily skin/acne, great for scalp and hair care, including hair loss, stimulating (mental and physical), helps with memory retention, increases focus and alertness.

Warnings:

• warning – Rosemary Oil is potentially neurotoxic, depending on the level of camphor present in the oil. We check our oil, you will need to check yours.
• warning – Do not use on or near the face of infants and children (due to 1,8-cineole CT)
• recommended dermal maximums of 16.5% for Rosemary Camphor and 6.5% for Rosemary Verbenone. (you will need to know the chemotype of your oil)
• knowing where your Rosemary Oil was grown can help identify it’s chemotype and then you can narrow down the benefits/risks.

(citrus limonum)

Lemon oil is known to have the following beneficial properties: antiseptic, antibacterial, with the ability to treat athlete’s foot, chiliblains, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts.  [Julia Lawless,The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-66.]

Warnings:

• Cold pressed Lemon Essential Oil is phototoxic.
• Steam distilled Lemon Essential Oil is not phototoxic.
• recommended dermal maximum of 2.0% for the cold pressed oil to avoid the risk of a phototoxic reaction. If applied over recommended amounts, avoid sun exposure for 12 hours.
• NOTE – Avoid topical use of Lemon Oil, regardless of method of distillation, if it has oxidized. (oxidation happens over time)
• Refrigeration of lemon oil in a dark air-tight container can help reduce the oxidation process and extend the shelf life of your oil.