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

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

Frankincense in my homemade lotion

Frankincense

This truly is the KING of oils. Frankincense, or Boswellia essential oil, is extracted from the resin (dried sap) of boswellia plants found in the Middle East, India, and North Africa. The main chemical components of Frankincense are alpha pinene, limonene, and alpha thujene. Frankincense is an ancient oil and for centuries has been used during religious ceremonies and in salves to soothe skin. Frankincense supports cellular function*, promotes feeling of relaxation, and improves appearance of skin.

The most common uses of Frankincense are diffusing in the air to promote focus and relaxation, adding to moisturizer to reduce skin imperfections, apply to fingernails to maintain a healthy appearance, and taken internally to support healthy cellular function*. Check out The Truth About Cancer's article below to also learn about the cancer fighting potential of Frankincense. There are also multiple research references below that prove Frankincense's cancer fighter potential!

My favorite way to use Frankincense is in my homemade body lotion (see Dr. Axe's recipe below). I also love diffusing Frankincense because it has a warm and spicy fragrance.

boswellia resin

Links:
doTERRA Science Blog: "Chemistry of Frankincense Essential Oil"
doTERRA Product Page: Frankincense
The Truth About Cancer Article: "Frankincense and Cancer: What you need to know about this essential oil"
Dr. Axe Frankincense body lotion recipe
Buy Frankincense here
doTERRA Product Video: Frankincense



Research:

Aroma Tools. (2015). Modern essentials: A contemporary guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils (7th ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: AromaTools.

Bhushan, S., Kumar, A., Malik, F., Andotra, S. S., Sethi, V. K., Kaur, I. P., Taneja, S. C., Qazi, G. N., & Singh, J. (2007). A triterpenediol, from Boswellia serrata induces apoptosis through both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Apoptosis, 12(10), 1911 - 1926. doi:10.1007/s10495-007-0105-5

Falk, A. A., Hagberg, M. T., Löf, A. E., Wigaeus-Hjelm, E. M., & Wang, Z. P. (1990). Uptake, distribution, and elimination of alpha-pinene in man after exposure by inhalation. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 16(5), 372 - 378. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40965820

Levin, J.O., Erikssom, K., Falk, A., & Lof, A. (1992). Renal elimination of verbenols in man following experimental alpha-pinene inhalation exposure. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 63(8), 571 - 573. doi:10.1007/BF00386348

Strappaghettic, G., Corsano S., Craveiro, A., & Proietti, G. (1982). Constituents of essential oil of Boswellia frereana. Phytochemistry, 21(8), 2114 - 2115. doi:10.1016/0031-9422(82)83057-4

Zhang, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, Y. (2013). Beta elements decreases cell invasion by upregulation E-cadherin expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Oncology Reports, 30(2), 745 - 750. doi:10.3892/or.2013.2519

Zou, B., Li, Q. Q., Zhao, J., Li, J. M., Cuff, C. F., & Reed, E. (2013). Beta-Elemene and taxanes synergisitcally induce cytotoxicity and inhibit proliferation in ovarian cancer and other tumor cells. Anticancer Research, 33(3), 929 - 940. Retrieved from http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/33/3/929.short

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 - Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

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



Melaleuca

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca), also known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is extracted from the leaves of tea tree plants through steam distillation. These plants are native to Australia. The main chemical components of melaleuca are gamma terpinene and terpinen-4-ol, but this oil has over 90 different compounds which makes it one of the most versatile single oils. For centuries, Australians would crush the leaves and use the oils to clear respiratory ways and apply directly to the skin for a cooling effect.

terpinen-4-ol

gamma terpinene

Primarily, this oil's benefits include cleansing and soothing skin and nails*, promoting a healthy immune system*, and providing protection from environmental and seasonal threats*. Tea tree oil is best known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Melaleuca is commonly used internally (in empty veggie capsules) to help support immune system function*, in facial cleansers to treat/prevent acne and soothe irritated skin*, on nails to treat fungal infections*, and in spray bottles for household cleaners.

In our home Melaleuca is our "first aid" oil. We use it as an antispetic for wounds by mixing one drop with a teaspoon to tablespoon of coconut oil and applying to the wound to prevent infection*. It is also well-known for its antifungal properties and we have used it to treat nail fungus*. My dad picked up a nail fungus while in the Middle East during the first Gulf War and we have used this and Oregano to help treat it*. We have also successfully treated pink eye (conjunctivitis) and ear infections with tea tree oil*.

Melaleuca can be used aromatically, topically, and internally and though it can be applied neat (no dilution) I recommend always diluting if you apply anywhere on your face. If you use essential oils on little kids, you should ALWAYS dilute.

tea tree branch

Links:
doTERRA Product Page: Melaleuca
doTERRA Product Video: Melaleuca
Buy Melaleuca here

Research:

Aroma Tools. (2015). Modern essentials: A contemporary guide to the therapeutic use of essential oils (7th ed.). Pleasant Grove, UT: AromaTools.

Keszei, A., Brubaker, C. L., Köllner, T., Degenhardt, J., & Foley, W. J. (2010). Functional and evolutionary relationships between terpene synthases from Australian Myrtaceae. Phytochemistry, 71(8), 844 - 852.doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2010.03.013

Keszei, A., Hassan, Y., & Foley, W. J. (2010). A biochemical interpretation of terpene chemotypes in Melaleuca alternifolia. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 36(6), 652 - 661. doi:10.1007/s10886-010-9798-y

Kondoh, T., Yamada, S., Shioda, S., & Torii, K. (2005). Central olfactory pathway in response to olfactory stimulation in rats detected by magnetic resonance imaging.Chemical Senses, 2(30 Supplement 1), 172 173. doi:10.1093/chemse/bjh169

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.