I admit I already have gray hair, but I always wondered why I started graying in my 20s.
Ok, I know this topic is for maybe older people that have graying hair, but did you ever wonder WHY hair starts to gray? I found this article from Epoch times and was curious about what the scientists found.
Now you know that graying hair cannot be stopped, but at least we can use essential oils to enhance your hair's appearance and stamina. I’ll try to keep this information understandable and in plain English, but I might fail a little!
An Embarrassing Story
When I was getting my haircut at a mainstream establishment, the stylist told me that my hair needed some help. WHAT? My hair has been gray for over 40 years, so I was shocked. I thought she would tell me that my hair had grown too long, and she needed to cut it…. but needed help? You should have seen my reaction!
The stylist looked at my hair and told me that my gray hair was turning white. I always thought that “silver” was more appropriate, but white? I knew that my graying hair would look horrible being white.
So, I asked for recommendations from the stylist, and to my surprise, she suggested that I use Young Living lavender oils. So just like a doctor, I followed her instructions! I started using the Young Living oils immediately and saw great results. My hair was much darker and fuller….and silver!
I used the oils for three months, and I noticed a big difference in my hair. Now I know what to do!
Read on if interested in what you can do to help
enhance your hair with essential oil products!
How it Happens
Gray hair is a rite of passage that happens to virtually everyone by the age of 50 (and usually starts much sooner). Despite its commonality, why hair grays have remained much of a mystery, until now.
- An international team of researchers has discovered the first gene linked to gray hair
- The gene has previously been linked to blonde hair in Europeans and is now connected to gray hair as well
- The gene accounted for about 30 percent of hair graying among study participants
Once you reach the age of 30, you have a 10 percent to 20 percent chance of graying hair with each passing decade.1 It’s a fact of life that, eventually, virtually everyone will go gray.
Your hair color comes from a pigment called melanin. Each hair may contain dark melanin (eumelanin) and light melanin (pheomelanin), which blend to form the many shades of hair color among humans. When you’re young, special pigment stem cells called melanocytes inject pigment into keratin-containing cells.
This keratin, a protein, makes up your hair and is responsible for giving it its color.
As you age, melanin is reduced, which is why your hair turns gray and, ultimately, white (this means there’s no melanin left).
Hmmm. That means I have no melanin left in my noggin! Darn!
Does Your Hair Have Its Own ‘Biological Clock?
According to Desmond Tobin, Ph.D., professor of Cell Biology from the University of Bradford in England, your hair follicles may be regulated by a “melanogenic clock” that eventually slows down the activity of melanocyte cells. Further, according to the Library of Congress:
“… Tobin suggests that hair turns gray because of age and genetics, in that genes regulate the exhaustion of the pigmentary potential of each individual hair follicle. This occurs at different rates in different hair follicles. For some people, it occurs rapidly, while in others it occurs slowly over several decades.”
It’s known, for instance, that white people may start going gray in their mid-30s, while Asians typically go gray beginning in their late 30s. African Americans typically don’t go gray until their mid-40s.
What Else Causes Gray Hair?
Other factors for why hair turns gray include:
•Hydrogen peroxide — Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known tool for bleaching your hair, but many people aren’t aware that your hair cells make hydrogen peroxide, too. As you age, the amount produced increases, which researchers believe ultimately bleaches out your hair pigment, turning your hair grey and then white.
•Smoking — There is a significant association between tobacco use and graying of hair. Cigarette smoking is also linked to premature hair graying, with the onset of gray hair occurring before the age of 30.
•Oxidative stress — Oxidative stress can be defined as the state in which your free radicals (from pollution, poor diet, stress) outnumber your antioxidant defenses (from a healthy diet). Graying hair may be an indicator of oxidative stress-induced damage. Research has also shown that people with premature graying had a higher level of pro-oxidants and lower levels of antioxidants than those with normal hair.
•Vitamin B12 deficiency — This is also linked to premature gray hair, and there is at least one report of pigmentation returning to hair after the vitamin deficiency was resolved.
So, the moral of this section is don’t smoke or bleach
your hair if you don’t want to gray early!
Does Stress Cause Gray Hair?
It’s commonly believed that stress causes gray hairs (and many parents of teenagers or former presidents, whose hair often turns gray during office would likely attest to that). Science on this topic has frequently come up short, save a 2011 study published in the journal Nature and led by Nobel Prize winner Dr. Robert Lefkowitz.
That study found chronic stress and frequent activation of the “fight or flight” stress response leads to DNA damage that may promote not only aging, cancer, neuropsychiatric conditions, and miscarriages but also affect genes that control hair pigment.
The search for a cure for gray hair assumes that gray hair is a problem that needs solving. Nothing intrinsically bad about having gray hair. In fact, from a health perspective, you’re far better off going gray than using toxic hair dyes.
And if you’re thinking of embracing your silver locks, now’s a perfect time. So-called “granny hair” is the latest trend, with people paying salons big bucks to go gray. If you’re lucky enough to have earned your gray naturally, you can get this look for free. New York hair stylist Jan-Marie Arteca told Reuters
“Granny hair is basically silver hair, any tone of grey in your hair: steel grey, silvery grey, really, really white, platinum-ish with either violet or silver undertones … That’s the trend.”
OK, now we know why, let’s see what we can do to our graying hair!
Essential Oils for Gray Hair & How to Use Them!
Our hair has been a fascinating part that was never out of consideration in terms of beauty. For many people, hair is one of the main components of beauty. However, many face and struggle with the problem of grey hair. Be it because of age or any other health issue, most of us want to get rid of grey hair which is possible with the application of specific essential oils.
For hair, essential oils work wonders to solve dandruff problems, hair loss/ fall, promote hair growth & thickness, and what? Are we missing something? Yes – we are missing one of the widespread issues people experience nowadays – Noticing Gray Hair/ or the early onset of grey hair. Noticing Gray hair has become one of the general concerns of men and women – both.
Used oils, hair serums, conditioners, and expensive products too? Uggghhh... Frustrated? When so many options, why not essential oils yet? It’s time to go with the essential oils! Essential oils won’t ever break your hope and heart too. It’s safe if topically applied on skin, hair, and diffusers.
Here are several essential oils that are known to be beneficial for gray hair. They contain antioxidants and can help hair grow faster and stronger, as well as prevent hair loss. Essential oils can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine, but they can also be used to nourish grey hair externally.
1. Lavender Oil
This is one of the best oils that combat gray hair. It replenishes hair follicles with the proper nutrients, vitamins, and proteins.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation.
This oil is also great for sensitive or damaged scalps; it can prevent scalp acne and hair loss by nourishing your scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.
For the best result, you can add a few drops of Lavender oil to a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp before going to bed. Let the oil soak in overnight. Do this for two or three weeks to see results.
2. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has similar properties to lavender oil. In the market, you can find many hair care products containing rosemary oil. You can use it for oil massages to your scalp to promote hair growth.
To use rosemary oil as a treatment for gray hair, heat a few drops of it in coconut oil for a few minutes and add a few drops of almond oil or olive oil. Massage the mixture on your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo and conditioner
3. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile tea is good for relieving inflammation and stimulating hair growth. You can make chamomile tea by pouring boiling water over dried chamomile flowers. Let the tea cool and then strain it before adding a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
4. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood is known for its ability to control the oil-producing glands on your scalp. It is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties; Cedarwood oil can be a great solution to your hair problems.
Additionally, it helps enhance hair growth and sheen and promotes the good health of your hair.
How to use: For its application, you need a carrier oil for dilution (Young Living V-6 oil, etc.). You can apply it to your scalp, massage it and then, after about 10 minutes, wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
5. Clary Sage
Clary Sage is yet another essential oil useful in preventing the premature greying of hair. It does so by slowing down the pace at which the hair follicles age. It enhances the hair's color and shine and promotes the thriving circulation of blood in your scalp. Therefore, making your hair healthy and glossy.
How to use: You must mix three drops of it in your regular conditioner or one tablespoonful of it in your carrier oil. Gently massage your scalp, sleep well using the head mask (if you want), and wash your hair the following day.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint helps promote hair growth, and it is essential for the issue of grey hair as it helps in the growth of newer and darker hair and thus, eradicating grey hairs. It enhances and guards the melanin production in the hair follicles, which is beneficial for getting natural dark hair.
How to use: For application, put a few drops of it in your carrier oil, retain it on your scalp for a few minutes, and then wash your hair. One can sleep with a relaxing head massage before going to bed and wash hair the following day. Along with the shiny appearance, the hair will look healthy and lustrous too.
Another way is to add the oils to your shampoo or conditioner, but if you want the best of both worlds, you can!
What Are the Types Of Hair That Respond Better To Essential Oils?
Pure, virgin hair from any ethnicity will generally respond to essential oils. This applies to hair that has recently been colored, too. If you have naturally thicker, coarser hair, you may need to experience more trial and error before finding the right essential oils for your hair type.
Can You Prevent Grey Hair with Natural Substances?
The short answer is: No.
There is no known way to stop grey hair from occurring, though various essential oils may slow down the process. The components of natural substances that are made up of atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are the building blocks of all life. These same atoms are the building blocks of human hair, and when enough of the molecules have been removed from the hair, the hair will naturally begin to gray.
How To Preserve Your Gray Hair?
The best thing you can do to preserve your gray hair is to keep it well-conditioned. This means using hair care products with the best ingredients available today.
Recommended Shampoos and Conditioners
Keeping your hair well-conditioned depends on the type of shampoos & conditioners you use! If your current shampoo & conditioner contain any synthetic ingredients or fragrances, then you may want to avoid them. Young Living’s line of shampoos and conditioners do not contain any synthetic ingredients and in fact, DO contain essential oils that will do wonders for your hair….even if it is gray!
For example:
- Lavender Mint Clarifying Shampoo lifts away product residue, excess oil, and built-up pollutants, leaving hair feeling completely clean, refreshed, and full of soft body and bounce.
- Lavender Mint Clarifying Conditioner provides nourishing moisture to the hair and scalp leaving your hair feeling refreshed and full of weightless body and shine.
Whatever product you use, read the ingredients label to ensure you are not damaging your hair!
In Summary
Essential oils are immensely beneficial for countless applications. Essential oils promote releasing stress to prevent greying hair, they come to the rescue whenever possible. There are essential oils that will help you darken your hair and regrow healthier and glossier hair.
When you take proper care of your hair and the regular hair routine with essential oils, you can easily battle premature graying and get strong, thick hair and can try all your favorite hair trends and make all heads turn.
Bottomline
Essential oils are all-natural and very effective in making your gray hair look younger ( I need that as I am almost 70)! You just need to know which oil works best for your specific hair type.
Sources
Have you ever heard of the term greenwashing? What does it mean, how can I tell, and what can I do to avoid it? I will attempt to provide an overview so you can make better-informed decisions on what products you buy!
Please note: This article is more about the ingredients, not the bottle or container in which the product is in. Although Greenwashing refers to both…I am focused on the contents in the bottle or box!!
It all started with a towel
Greenwashing was coined by a student looking for a towel in the 1980s at a hotel in Fiji. It’s said that he found a note asking hotel guests to pick up their towels because reusing them would help the environment. That student was the environmentalist Jay Westerfield, who noticed an astonishing irony. While the resort claimed to be protecting the reefs and the island’s ecosystem on the note, the resort was in the middle of an expansion. Westerfield wrote an essay, citing the hotel’s note as greenwashing for a literary magazine, and the term got picked up in mainstream media.
What does the term “Greenwashing Mean today?
The term “greenwashing” now is used to highlight organizations that spent more resources advertising that they are green than the actual time spent making their products and organization green (Orange and Cohen 2010).
The Cambridge Dictionary defines greenwashing as: ‘behaviors or activities that make people believe that a company is doing more to protect the environment than it really is.’ At its worst, this means companies making straight-up false claims about the sustainability of their products.
How can I spot “Greenwashing”?
82% of American customers say that they will continue to use a brand they trust, even if a competitor becomes popular and trendy. But they won’t hang around for long if your advertising is misleading. Greenwashing can severely harm your reputation and diminish customers’ overall trust in your brand.
Companies that use false or misleading labels
It’s an unfortunate reality that labels on the packaging are often designed to mislead or confuse – and many of the terms used aren’t certified or verified at all. ‘Corporations can use labels on their packaging like “Certified”, “100% Organic” and “Bio” without any proof that they actually are any of these things,’ explains Charmaine Morrison-Mills of climate change charity 1 Million Women in a blog post. ‘These misleading labels can also extend to logos, such as earth logos. [They] can create a sense of credibility to the product, while in fact they are false.’
Companies that use irrelevant claims
Sometimes, brands will claim they are ‘free’ of a certain substance, like CFC, that has already been banned by law. ‘Therefore [this is] irrelevant to advertise as part of being “green”,’ argues Morrison-Mills.
Greenwashing Terms
Be on the lookout for greenwashing marketing terms like:
- Eco-Friendly
- Organic
- Green
- Pure
- Gentle
- Sulfate-Free
- Paraben-Free
- All-Natural
- Herbal
Did you know? The FDA does not care or REGULATE any of these terms! Therefore
So, what does have to do with Young Living?
As more and more people are thinking & going green, even including the products they use to clean their bathrooms, kitchen, and clothing. But what does saying a product is “green” even mean? Eco-friendly products may use less plastic in their packaging, but that does not mean they are free from harmful chemicals.
The Young Living brand is a brand that I trust. They are fully transparent about what ingredients they use!
Instead of being filled with harmful chemicals and toxins hiding behind marketing gimmicks, Young Living’s products contain the purest plant-based ingredients. They hold everything they produce to the highest of high standards that far exceed even an “organic” label. In addition to oils, they also make hundreds of other incredible products.
With Young Living, you can easily check off all the things on your list for your home. This makes it so easy to ditch the toxins likely lurking in your drawers and swap them with something safer instead. Ordering online means you don’t even have to leave your house (or put on pants!)
Simply put, the only thing inside each bottle of oil is the plant itself-no additives, fillers, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or dyes (which can NOT be said for store-bought oils). These pure essential oils are then combined with other plant-based ingredients to create extremely effective, high-quality, oil-infused products to use throughout your home and life.
WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?
You already know about Young Living’s incredible Seed to Seal Guarantee. They take extra measures like making sure the soil tests pesticide-free and nutrient-rich, sourcing non-GMO seeds before planting, and adhering to specific harvesting practices and rigorous testing.
They run 15-20 tests on each batch of oil. Twice. If something pops up that doesn’t meet their standards, or if it fails their testing, it goes right back to the supplier. Period. The financial implications aren’t even a factor in the decision. Young Living routinely rejects large batches of oils.
In the summer of 2017, they rejected over 7,000 kilos of Peppermint (a very popular, staple oil) because their state-of-the-art machinery detected one part per billion of mercury in the batch. For reference, that’s equivalent to one drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Seed to Seal is not just a marketing ploy!
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH:
It may surprise you that many of your products, even the natural and “organic” ones, have toxic ingredients making them unhealthy or unsafe. This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to toxins you want to avoid. Be sure to read the labels and cross-check ingredients using a site you trust. Start swapping out offenders for safer versions from Young Living and you can feel good about using products that are also supporting your wellness. Below are the 15 top toxins to look out for in personal care products
Greenwashing – Truth or Myth?
II my opinion Greenwashing is true and not a myth! To prove my point: use the link below to view a recent KSAT TV News clip from San Antonio, TX that spurred this blog article!
References used:
https://www.marketingcharts.com/brand-related/brand-loyalty-109127#
https://thegooddrop.com/greenwashing/
Ok, you may have heard about “probiotics” and possibly “pre-biotics”, but do you really know what they are and how they work? Hopefully, this blog post will provide you with information on “which probiotic” is right for you! The information within this blog is intended to inform you about:
- What is a probiotic?
- Why take probiotics?
- Four things to consider when choosing a probiotic
- What does Young Living have to offer?
Let’s get into this topic, shall we!
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that reside in the digestive tract and stimulate the increased production of white blood cells and beneficial proteins. A probiotic supplementation promotes healthy digestive function by binding to toxins in the intestines and decreasing their accessibility to the body! Credit goes to Justin March, CEO of Arthur Andrew Medical for this information.
Probiotics have been around for centuries but lately have gained more in popularity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, nearly 70 million people in the U.S. suffer from digestive diseases – making the need to understand how probiotics can improve gut health more important than ever.
Why Take a Probiotic?
Did you know the “gut” is considered your third brain…. next to your head and heart? You must admit when your gut is not doing well, you aren’t either!
A probiotic with powerful antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties should be taken regularly to boost the body’s defenses. However, choosing the right one for you and your family will help maintain optimal gut health.
Four Things to Consider
The probiotic strain
The individual bacteria strain determines the health benefits you can expect from a probiotic. Standard off-the-shelf probiotics, found in many grocery and discount stores, are freeze-dried bacteria often killed in stomach acid during digestion, leaving you without many benefits.
Probiotics that use a spore formula are much more resilient to destruction during digestion. Spore probiotics are encased in protective spores and later sprout and germinate inside the body, giving long term benefits. Think time release here!
Researching the specific health benefits of probiotic strains is important when choosing what probiotic is best for you!
The ingredients
Most people focus on the active ingredients of supplements and often overlook the “other ingredients, such as sugar, artificial flavors, colors, and hard-to-pronounce ingredients! It’s these “other” ingredients Young Living AVOIDS! Knowing how the active ingredients will influence health is imperative, but it’s also important to understand HOW the supplement’s other substances may affect you!
Look for supplements that contain natural additives, flavors, and colors. AVOID supplements that contain sucrose, maltodextrin, gelatin, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and artificial colors/flavoring. These are ‘red flag” substances that are not disclosed where they came from or how they were made…in other words “synthetically made”. You don’t know what they used and how they created them synthetically.
So why not avoid them altogether and go natural?
Storage Recommendations
When stored properly, you’ll get the maximum health benefits from a probiotic. Some probiotics can only survive a few years on the shelf and MUST be refrigerated to prevent spoiling
Probiotics formulated with high-quality spore form and live bacteria can survive indefinitely! Using spore-based probiotics does not require refrigeration and will last longer.
Whichever product you choose, be sure you are following the label instructions provided.
Reputation and Credibility of the Brand
Purchase probiotics from a reputable brand (YOUNG LIVING plug) product backed by science, statistics, and industry standards. Before choosing a product, find out what clinical studies helped determine the ingredients for formula supplements.
Personally, I trust and use ONLY Young Living products…. especially if I am ingesting the product. Young Living is fully transparent on what ingredients they use, the testing performed, and attests to the probiotic's quality. You can even visit one of their farms and ask questions. No other company that offers essential oil products does that!
Recommendation
Young Living offers TWO probiotic products. "Life9" for adults and "MightyPro" for kids. From the Young Living website:
Life9
Life 9® is a highly potent probiotic with 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains to support healthy immune function, maintain optimal metabolism, and promote normal intestinal function.
MightyPro
KidScents® MightyPro™ is a great-tasting blend of prebiotics and probiotics featuring over 8 billion active, live cultures specially formulated to support gastrointestinal, digestive, and immune health in children.
Personal note: Our four grandkids love the taste of MightyPro! Remember “Pixie Stix”? They ask us for a packet every morning instead of us trying to force them to take it! Adults can consume MightyPro as they are packaged in individual packets that you can carry in your purse or bag when traveling! Convenient Huh!
Summary
Daily probiotics will benefit your health by supporting digestion and your digestive system. Educating yourself on the types of probiotics available and which is best for your health is key. Purchasing probiotics from Young Livings should erase any doubts you may have about quality as they stand by their “Seed to Seal” guarantee and have a proven safety record.
If you would like to order one or both products, visit my website: Here
There you can learn how to set up your free account, save 24% off of retail prices, and earn valuable points to get free products by using their “loyalty program”!
In addition, you could also become a “Brand Partner” which can build your own business and start a “side hustle” with Young Living.
I hope this information was valuable to you and encourages you to join my education center so you will automatically receive these blogs and my monthly newsletter in your email box! Just click on the “Education Center Link " navigation bar on my website to join….it’s FREE!
THANK YOU!
I Admit I was a Soda Junkie for many years…. until about 4 years ago when non-healthy things started to happen. I suspected….and heard…. nothing good comes with drinking “pop”, but did I listen…..NO!
Recently, I noticed a graphic on Facebook and this was too good of a message not to pass along! This ONE PICTURE confirms what my body was trying to tell me for many years!
The graphic was posted by “naturopathic.physician” out of Fairfield Connecticut. I highly recommend you look them up and follow them for additional tips.
Below is How Soft Drinks…a.k.a. “Pop”, “Soda” can hurt you!
PS: it doesn’t matter what brand the soft drink is as they all have the same damaging impact!
FYI: I expanded with more information from the graphic text by “Googling” the dangers of <ingredient>.
Metabolic Syndrome
- Drinking 1 soda a day increases your risk of diabetes by 67%. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Skin Rashes
- Soft drinks contain flame-retardant brominated vegetable oil (BVO) a chemical linked to rashes and nerve disorders. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO for short) is a food additive sometimes used to keep citrus flavoring from separating out in sodas and other beverages.
Accelerated Aging
- Phosphates and phosphoric acid increase the shelf life of colas – but are linked to accelerated aging. Phosphoric acid is deliberately added to soft drinks to give them a sharper flavor. It also slows the growth of molds and bacteria, which would otherwise multiply rapidly in the sugary solution. Almost all acidity of soda pop comes from the phosphoric acid and not from the carbonic acid from the dissolved CO2.
Fatty Blood
- A soft drink a day could increase triglycerides by 30%, hardening your arteries. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. Elevated triglycerides may contribute to pancreatitis or the hardening of the arteries. This increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
Brain Damage
- When mixed with common food dye, the fake sweetener “aspartame” becomes toxic to the brain cells. Aspartame has been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems including learning problems, headache, seizures, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, wrote the researchers of a 2017 study in Nutritional Neuroscience
Tooth Sensitivity
- Phosphoric and citric acids alter pH balance in the mouth, leading to permanent enamel erosion. Even with regular brushing and flossing, both regular and diet sodas can break down the enamel of teeth. Tiny bacteria live between and around teeth and, when exposed to the sugar in soft drinks, produce an acid that causes damage to tooth enamel, which eventually leads to decay and cavities.
Are you now thinking twice about downing that can of Coke, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Sprite, or Pepsi?
What are some alternatives?
This was a challenge for me as I have a “sweet” tooth. And I like the “bubbles in my drinks. So, I found two Young Living products that satisfy my affinity for bubbles and flavor. I know, you immediately wanted to chastise me for not saying water first!
However, the two products below not only cut down on my sugar intake but also increased my water consumption…. a “Win-Win” don’t you think?
NingXia Zyng® is a refreshing, lightly carbonated drink that combines Ningxia wolfberry puree, pear and blackberry juices, and essential oils with naturally occurring caffeine for an energizing boost.*
YL Vitality Drops feature Lavender and Lemon essential oils and natural electrolytes for an extra hydration boost. Kickstart your day the natural way! Add one squeeze of either flavor to 8 ounces of cold water for a clean caffeine boost backed by nature.
In conclusion
I hope this blog article has “armed” you with information on how soft drinks are not good for you! My two alternatives; “Zyng” and "Vitality Drops" from Young Living not only made me feel better but my dentist thanked me as well!
This is also a “cheaper” option than piling up those 12 packs from the grocery store! Healthier and Cost-Effective….what a combination!
If you need help ordering either or both products above, please give me a holler and I can guide you through it @ garyrathbun.com
PUT THE CAN DOWN!
Ok, I have to admit, I did not know a lot about Oregano essential Oil. I thought it was just for food flavoring.....but BOY WAS I WRONG!
I recently read an article published by Epoch Times on 9/19 written by Joseph Mercola. The title of the article was "This Herb Can Do Wonders for Your Immune System".! The first section of the article grabbed my attention as to how much this oil can help your immune system! As a sufferer of Rheumatoid Arthritis, I was amazed I could use Oregano to help with inflammation.
WHO KNEW? Well, I didn't so I want to share this article with you as well. Below are just a few key points in Dr. Mercola's article!
Your immune system is a complex network responsible for defending your body against pathogens. Consider including this herb to fight the common cold and support your gut microbiome.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Oregano is an herb with a potent antioxidant capacity that not only is high in the phytonutrients carvacrol and thymol, but has one of the higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) measurements in the herb family
- Oregano oil can be purchased as an essential oil. Take care when purchasing oils since some manufacturers sell adulterated products. THIS is where Young Living's "Seed to Seal" is very important!
- The extract and essential oil can be used topically to help treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. Data show diluted oil can be used in wound care dressings to prevent infections and topically to treat pain and swelling
- Oil of oregano is a popular treatment for the common cold and can be used to support beneficial bacteria in your small intestines by treating bacterial overgrowth and norovirus that triggers gastroenteritis
Oregano essential oils have been studied extensively as the plant and oil has a rich history in traditional medicine,[6] beginning in the Middle Ages when the leaves were chewed to help reduce the pain of rheumatism, toothache, and indigestion. The ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and the herb was used in China for fever and upset stomach.
One lab analysis of the antioxidant ability of foods is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The measurement was used to demonstrate that foods high in antioxidant capacity could help slow the process of aging in the brain and body.[9]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture[10] reported studies published in 1999 that showed high-ORAC foods could help prevent long-term memory loss, raise antioxidant serum levels, and protect capillaries in an animal model against oxygen damage.
Have You Considered Oil of Oregano for the Common Cold?
A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of oregano essential oil or oregano oil extract against upper respiratory infections. One 2019 study[21] looked at a blend of oregano, thyme and salvia oils against upper respiratory tract viruses, including adenovirus 5, rhinovirus, influenza and RSV. The blend showed strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus and two of the three strains of influenza.
Oregano Supports Your GI Tract
Your immune system is largely supported by the beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, referred to as your gut microbiome. Oregano oil can have an impact on supporting your gut microbiome and treating bacterial overgrowth.
Oregano oil and carvacrol are also active against bacterial agents in the kitchen that can lead to food poisoning. For example, another study[29] found oregano essential oil could remove staphylococcus aureus biofilms on stainless steel.
Finally, oregano oil also shows activity against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This condition can develop after surgery, disease or medications have slowed the intestinal tract, which then sets up a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.[30] Excess harmful bacteria can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Oregano Oil Treats Several Skin Conditions
Nearly 25% of all fungal infections worldwide are caused by dermatophytes.[35] Skin infections are difficult to treat and are growing resistant to conventional medications.
One study[36] published in 2020 evaluated the efficacy of a wide range of essential oils against Microsporum and Trichophyton, two common fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and ringworm. They found that of the 65 essential oils tested, oregano was in the top five most potent.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil make it an option for treating acne and eczema.
Wound infections present a significant health care challenge, costing Medicare up to $96.8 billion every year.[40] One study[41] demonstrated that the combination of turmeric and oregano extracts may be an effective addition to wound care dressings for diabetics and non-diabetics. Using relatively low concentrations, it demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A second study[42] incorporated oregano essential oil into antimicrobial wound dressings and found concentrations of 5% inhibited all the tested strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and E coli.
Pain and Swelling Respond to Oregano Oil
A chronic inflammatory response is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. By 2018, researchers[45] were looking at the effect carvacrol had on fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which play a role in the chronic inflammatory process found in rheumatoid arthritis. Note: This is what got my attention the most!
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil have made it a popular addition to skincare products. One study[46] looked at the biological activity in a human skin cell model and found evidence that suggests oregano essential oil not only is a promising candidate as an anti-inflammatory but one with anticancer properties as well.
Take Care When Choosing Your Oil
The essential oil is made from dried shoots and leaves and is extracted using steam distillation. The essential oil can then be mixed with carrier oil and used on the skin. Take care to check the label to make sure it’s made by a trusted manufacturer (queue Young Living) that sells pure, organic oils, as many “bargain” brands can be adulterated! That is all Young Living does is sell pure 100% essential oils!
Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde writes[49] that the ideal ratio when diluting oregano oil for topical use is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a vaporizer or diffuser to help relieve the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and coughs.
YOUNG LIVING OFFERS OREGANO
Oregano essential oil is one of the most powerful and versatile antioxidant essential oils. It may help stimulate the immune and digestive systems, strengthen the energy centers of the body, and enhance the flavor of food.*
Summary
If you thought Oregano oil was just used for cooking as I did, you are missing out on what it can do for you. Now I do warn you, the smell can lead people to think you had pasta all day long. But really, I can't do without it!
If you want to order a bottle of Young Livings Oregano, the retail cost is about $42 for a 15ml bottle. However, I can show you how to get 25% off (about $32) by becoming a Loyalty member of Young Living.
Interested? Visit my website: www.garyrathbun.com to learn how. Or just get in touch with me and I will walk you through the process!
