"Back to Basics" - Top Ten doTERRA Oil Blends - OnGuard

Today is day 12 of my "Back to Basics" series.





















On Guard (Protective) Blend

I know yesterday I said that Breathe was one of my favorite oil blends, which is true, but On Guard is my ABSOLUTE favorite! I love how is smells when we diffuse it. This blend contains clove, cinnamon, rosemary, wild orange, and eucalyptus (a species that can be taken internally, unlike the single oil). As I mentioned in my post last week, Clove oil scores the highest on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale.* This scale measures the time and degree of free radical inhibition, which means this blend is PACKED full of antioxidants!*

This oil blend supports a healthy immune system,* provides a natural source of antioxidants,* promotes healthy circulation,* and provides an uplifting aroma. You can take this oil internally in an empty veggie capsule, as a "shot" in a tablespoon of water, in softgel form, or in beadlet form. Lastly, it can be used in an all-purpose cleaner (recipe in links below).

In my house, we use this blend aromatically, topically, and internally. I diffuse it just about every day because both my kids are in school and they bring home all sorts of germs! The chemical components of the various oils in this blend help to cleanse the air. Topically, I add a drop of oil to my toothbrush both day and night to maintain a healthy immune system* (a lot of which starts in your mouth and gut). I also make hand sanitizer for my dad to take to work and the main ingredient is On Guard. Whenever I need an immediate immune boost, I add one drop of On Guard to a tablespoon of water, gargle it for as long as I can and then swallow it.* I will also mix it with a carrier oil and apply to my kiddo's feet and necks when they need an immune boost.*



Like the Breathe collection, there are multiple doTERRA products that contain On Guard. First, of course, you have the oil itself, which is incredibly versatile. There are also softgels and beadlets, which are for oral (internal) use. You also have household cleaners such as a foaming hand wash, a concentrated cleaner, and a laundry detergent (LOVE). Lastly, there are throats drops and toothpaste.

On Guard Collection

When using On Guard topically, be sure to always dilute, especially when using on children.

Links:

doTERRA Product Page: On Guard
doTERRA Blog: DIY Cleansing Wipes with doTERRA On Guard Essential Oil
doTERRA Blog: DIY: On Guard Hand Cleansing Spray
doTERRA Blog: DIY: Make Your Own On Guard Hand Cleanser
doTERRA Blog: DIY: All Purpose Spray (MY FAVORITE!)
Buy On Guard here

Research:

Bentayeb, K., Vera, P., Rubio, C., & Nerin, C. (2014). The additive properties of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay: The case of essential oils. Food Chemistry, 148, 204 - 208. doi10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.037


BioSource Naturals. (n.d.). ORAC scale - A measurement of antioxidant capacity by the USDA and Tufts University. Retrieved on February 4, 2016 from http://biosourcenaturals.com/orac-value-of-essential-oils.htm

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

"Back to Basics" - Top Ten Single Oils - Clove

Today is day 9 of my "Back to Basics" series.



Clove

Clove oil is PACKED full of antioxidants* and is ranked highest on the Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity (ORAC) scale*. The ORAC scale was developed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusettes (BioSource Naturals, n.d.). ORAC measures the time and degree of free radical inhibition. While free radicals are a natural by-product of chemical reactions in our body, if we have too many free-radicals bouncing around we can start to experience cell damage.

Source: BioSource Naturals

Clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) is extracted from clove bud through steam distillation. The main chemical component of clove oil is Eugenol, also found in cinnamon and nutmeg, which can be used as a natural antiseptic and anesthetic.* The Eugenol and flavonoids in clove give it a spicy, warm, and woodsy aroma and creates a warming and stimulating effect when applied topically.

Besides being a powerful antioxidant,* clove also supports cardiovascular health when taken internally,* can be used as a flavoring in any dish, and helps to clean gums and teeth.

My favorite way to use clove is in a diffuser with cinnamon and wild orange. I get the benefits of the antioxidants* as well as a citrus aroma to help balance emotions.*

Clove is considered a HOT oil and should ALWAYS be diluted when usually topically. Practice extreme caution when using on children. If redness of the skin occurs, apply coconut or almond oil to dilute it more.

Links:

doTERRA Product Page: Clove
doTERRA Science Blog Article: Clove's eugenol helps maintain normal gastrointestinal motility
Buy Clove oil here

Research:

Bentayeb, K., Vera, P., Rubio, C., & Nerin, C. (2014). The additive properties of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay: The case of essential oils. Food Chemistry, 148, 204 - 208. doi10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.037

BioSource Naturals. (n.d.). ORAC scale - A measurement of antioxidant capacity by the USDA and Tufts University. Retrieved on February 4, 2016 from http://biosourcenaturals.com/orac-value-of-essential-oils.htm

Frisch, A. J., Ulstrup, K. E., & Hobbs, J. P. A. The effects of clove oil on coral: An experiential evaluation using Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 345 (2), 101 - 109. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2007.02.004

Gülçina, I., Elmastaşb, M., & Aboul-Eneinc, H. Y. (2010). Antioxidant activity of clove oil - A powerful antioxidant source. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 5(4), 489 - 499. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2010.09.016

CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Thursday Oil Tips - Clove

Clove tree 

Clove bud

doTERRA's Clove is sourced exclusively from Madagascar. The oils are extracted through steam distillation from the bud of a clove tree.

Clove oil is high in antioxidants as well as has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiviral, and disinfectant properties. Historically, clove oil has been use to heal skin infections and intestinal parasites. Clove's main chemical constituent, eugenol, gives this oil high anesthetic qualities and it is used in many dentistry applications. 

Applications

Aromatic: can be use on its own or mixed with other oils such as cinnamon or wild orange.

Topical: mix with unscented lotion or a carrier oil for a warming sensation.
**This is a "hot" oil and you should absolutely dilute this oil before applying to your skin.

Internal: Add a drop to your toothbrush to balance oral bacteria; add 2-3 drops in a veggie capsule and take internally. You can also add 2-3 drops to a tablespoon of honey to soothe a sore throat.
**Taking clove internally can cause adverse reactions when mixed with some pharmaceuticals. Talk to your doctor about taking clove oil internally if you take isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, cialopram escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, ephedrine, or amphetamine, antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

This oil is also found in the OnGuard blend, which is my absolute FAVORITE oil blend! You can also use this oil in cooking. Think about using this on your Christmas ham. Yum!

Links
Buy Oils Here
Clove and Gastrointestinal Health

References:

ArmoaTools. (2015). Modern essentials: A contemporary guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils (6th ed.). Orem, US: Author.

Bentayeb K., Vera, P., Rubio, C., & Nerin, C. (2014). The additive properties of oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay: The case of essential oils. Food Chemistry, 148, 204 - 208. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.037

doTERRA International. (2015). Clove: Product information page. Retrieved from http://www.doterratools.com/documents/Clove_Essential_Oil_Product_Information_Page.pdf

Frisch, A. J., Ulstrup, K. E., & Hobbs, J-P A. (2007). The effects of clove oil on coral: An experimental evaluation using Pocillopora damicornis (Linnaeus). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 345(2), 101 - 109. doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2007.02.004