NAHA E-News Going Green December Article

Essential News-Going Green
E-tips for Aromatherapy Awareness
Contributed by Andrea Butje, LMT Clinical Aromatherapist

Staying Healthy Using Essential Oils High in 1,8 cineole

Certain essential oil components provide an impressively wide range of well-researched therapeutic properties. 1,8 cineole stands out as a particularly effective chemical component worth considering in your aromatherapy blending-especially during the winter season.

Here are the major properties of 1,8 cineole:

Airborne antimicrobial
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Expectorant
Increases cerebral blood flow
Mucolytic
Reduces tension headaches
Smooth muscle antispasmodic
Cough suppressant

Generally, when I read a long list of therapeutic properties, it becomes a blur. Until you examine this list closely, it may not be clear why oils high in 1,8 cineole are particularly effective during the cold and flu season. Let's look more carefully at the range of healing properties of 1,8 cineole by grouping the therapeutic properties together.

Clearing the Air

When we diffuse the oils high in 1,8 cineole, we can reduce the number of microbes (viruses, bacteria and fungus) in the air. This is especially useful when someone in the house is sick, or if you work in an environment with large groups of people. Try using an electric diffuser when no one is in the room. Add 50-100 total drops of 1,8 cineole high essential oils, leave the room, close the doors and run the diffuser for a few hours. Once you re-enter the room, open the doors and windows and clear the air. This is a very effective way to kill airborne microbes.

When blending for a sick individual, use a more direct approach. Blend oils high in 1,8 cineole for steam inhalation or use with blank essential oil inhalers. Using steam or inhalers introduces a strong, undiluted dose of essential oils directly to the upper respiratory track. This can provide both immediate relief and longer-term support during healing. Keep in mind that using these oils diluted on the skin can contribute to a faster recovery as well.

Releasing Tension and Relieving Pain

When 1,8 cineole acts as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, mucolytic, expectorant, increases cerebral blood flow, and reduces tension headaches-relief is the key result. The antispasmodic, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory nature of 1,8 cineole can be highly effective at reducing pain.

Any time blood flow and oxygen circulation to tight muscles increase, the body is supported and pain decreases. This is why 1,8 cineole's ability to increase cerebral blood flow and reduce muscular tension offers relief for tension headaches and back and neck pain. Blend in dilutions appropriate for topical application when treating muscle pain and headaches.

Those who suffer mucus congestion are often eager for relief in the form of cleared sinuses, reduced swelling and clearer breathing. Essential oils high in 1,8 cineole are known to help reduce congestion, perhaps calm a spastic cough and therefore reduce tension in the head, upper body and sinuses. Blend for inhalation through steam or essential oil inhalers when treating mucus congestion.

A Selection of Essential Oils High in 1,8 Cineole

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus radiata
Helichrysum - Helichrysum gymnocephalum
Laurel Leaf - Laurus nobilis
Niaouli ct 1,8 cineole - Melaleuca quinquenervia ct 1,8 cineole
Ravintsara - Cinnamomum camphora ct 1,8 cineole
Rosemary ct camphor - Rosmarinus officinalis ct camphor/ 1,8 cineole
Saro - Cinnamosma fragrans

Cautions When Blending

It's important to keep safety in mind when working with oils high in 1,8 cineole. When used properly, these oils can be highly effective and safe. If oxidized, essential oils high in 1,8 cineole may cause skin or mucus membrane irritation or sensitization. These oils may antidote homeopathic remedies. These oils are too strong to use with babies or children under five years old. Do not use with animals. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics, as they may not respond well to these oils.

A 1,8 cineole Medicine Chest

I use oils high in 1,8 cineole when blending for my own health. I make several blends that could be used to support my body at the onset of a cold or flu. I start by creating a few "stock blends" of pure essential oil in 5 ml bottles. I keep these stored in a cool, dark place. When the time comes to use them, they are already made, so blending into carriers is easy and fast. I might make an inhaler, do some steams, make a bath salt, a body butter, or diffuse the undiluted oil. I use the blends actively for a few days, or for up to 1-2 weeks, depending on the situation.

If you have not used some of these essential oils high in 1,8 cineole, I encourage you to try them. Saro is my new personal favorite. Enjoy the oils and have a healthy winter!


Andrea Butje has been teaching courses in the therapeutic uses of essential oils since 1995. She offers business classes, teacher training, and advanced blending programs. Aromahead Institute classes are held in Sarasota, Florida, Ithaca NY and online.
Andrea's essential oil retail business, Aromatics International, is at the forefront of quality control and chemical analysis. Andrea is a professional member of NAHA. In addition, Andrea currently serves on the education board of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and contributes to the organization's efforts to create educational standards. By working directly with distillers around the world and participating in research and teaching, Andrea remains on top of current issues and trends in the growing practice of Aromatherapy. Contact Andrea at andrea@aromahead.com or visit her website at www.aromahead.com and www.aromaticsinternational.com

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