(citrus limonum)

Lemon oil is known to have the following beneficial properties: 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.

(Melaleuca alternifolia) aka Tea Tree Oil has the ability to promote healthy skin, strengthen the immune system, support antioxidant activity, boost hair health, prevent ear infections, eliminate fungal growth, and increase hygiene.

Warnings: it is extremely powerful and should not be ingested or consumed. Apply topically or dermally or diffuse only.

(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: 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 methyleugenol 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.

(Origanum vulgare) Oregano essential oil is known for the following benefits and properties: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, emmenagogue and anti-allergenic substance.

Warnings: Due to its very high thymol content, oregano oil is considered dermocaustic, (hot oil) and it is a mucous membrane irritant. You should never apply oregano oil undiluted (Neat) to skin or to mucous membranes.

If you are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) you should avoid oregano oil.

Pregnant or nursing women should not use oregano oil topically or orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. The constituents in oregano oil have potential to induce menstruation, and thus is not advised for pregnant women or those attempting to conceive.

(lavandula angustifolia) Lavender essential oil has so many benefits it is easier to send you here: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html

Warnings: Lavender has no known contraindications. There is only a moderate risk of skin sensitization with lavender.

• For dermal use, the maximum level is 0.1%.

(thymus vulgaris) aka Thyme(geraniol CT) is a more mild Thyme chemotype and is useful skin products for acne or eczema or for problems of the ear, nose and throat or taken internally for blood infections. It has the following benefits and properties: antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic.

Warnings: Constituents in Thyme oil may inhibit platelet aggregation (thus reducing blood clotting) so the oral use of Thyme is cautioned in the following circumstances:

• If taking anticoagulant drugs (aspirin, heparin, warfarin)
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Hemophilia
• Peptic ulcers or Internal bleeding
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment (liver/kidney failure or impairment)
• Hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy (vision impairment or loss due to disease of retina)
• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)
• Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
• Up to a week before or after major surgery or child birth.

Thyme oil may be choleretic (which means it helps to stimulate the production of bile by the liver)

• Contraindications when taken orally : Cholestasis
• Warning when taken orally: Drugs that are metabolized by CYP2B6
• Caution with hyperthyroidism, since Thyme may also stimulate the thyroid gland.
• Caution with high blood pressure, since Thyme can be used to increase circulation.
• Caution for people with allergies to rosemary or mint oils, since Thyme contains many of the same constituents.

(pinus sylvestris) Pine has the following properties: antibacterial, analgesic, diuretic, energizing, antiseptic, and aromatic properties. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and associated redness, protect against sinus infections, clear mucous, and phlegm, help skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, boost the immune system, fight fungal and viral infections, stimulate the mind and body, and protect home and body from a wide variety of germs.

Warnings:  Ingesting pine essential oil can be dangerous due to the possibility of causing kidney damage. Those who suffer from kidney disorders should not use pine oil.  Pine essential oil can cause irritation on highly sensitive skin, so it must be used in diluted form, and must not be oxidized. Frail individuals (the young and the elderly) should not be given pine essential oil as it may cause hypertension and irritation.

(eucalyptus citiodora) 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.