Welcome to Spikenard and Myrrh!

No matter where we may be in our health management, there is always something that can be done to enhance and contribute to our overall health. ! The desire is to foremost share, learn, make available and to revive the connection of self-responsibility to our overall health. We welcome you to visit the blog from time to time to expand on you already pre-existing knowledge of health management, to read interesting historical information, stories, testimonies of people’ s personal experiences with essential oils and adjunct body therapies as well as to leave your very own footprint of knowledge on the blog.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Spearmint Essential Oil


Spearmint plants have been used since ancient times for digestive conditions, headaches and scabs.
 It was also thrown on the floor to promote good health and deter rodents.
It is also a natural home remedy for nausea and the gall bladder.
 It increases metabolism it may assist with burning fats and toxins in the body as well.
Reap the benefits of spearmint plants by using spearmint therapeutic grade essential oil.
 You can use it for cooking as well.
 Just place a drop in your water or tea. 

In the Middle Ages Spearmint was scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents and encourage good health.
 The Spearmint plants get their common name from the pointed leaf tips which resemble "spears". The Genus derivative comes from a Latin word "mente" meaning "thought".
 The fresh and herbaceous aroma is uplifting.
 The energies of spearmint oil open and release emotional blocks in the etheric level which helps to bring balance to the body.
It also helps people establish safe boundaries and feel protected when releasing old beliefs. 
It brings about more self-trust which is important in moving forward and overcoming negative emotions.

Spearmint plants were macerated and added to milk to lengthen the shelf life of milk.
Spearmint helped to keep the milk from curdling and the milk was used for stomach upsets and colic.
Wrigley’s Spearmint chewing gum was launched in 1893 and contains spearmint essential oils from the spearmint plants.
This oil may be used on pets however always consult the vet.
 
Genus Species:
  Mentha spicata CT Carvone

There are not many different species of Spearmint and hybrids.
 The species also produces chemotypes.

A chemotype (CT) is a designation that tells you that the species has different chemical constituents
This usually occurs because the plant is grown in a different area under a distinct climate that alters the chemistry.
The same rule of thumb goes for hybrids.
 It always is a good idea to purchase your essential oils by Common Name and Genus Species.
 
 
Part Used: 
Spearmint leaves

ORAC Value:
  540 µTE/100g

Properties:
  Antibacterial
 anti-catarrhal
 anti-fungal
anti-inflammatory
antiseptic
 antispasmodic
 digestive aid
 gallbladder stimulant
hormone-like
 insecticidal
 metabolism (increase)
mucolytic
 stimulant


Uses and Benefits:
  Abdominal discomfort and spasms
 appetite (stimulates)
 bronchitis
 Candida
 cystitis
 childbirth (promotes easier labor)
constipation
 depression
 diarrhea
 digestion
dry skin
 eczema
 headaches
 hepatitis
 intestinal spasms
kidney stones
 menstrual irregularities
 nausea
 sore gums
 stomach (relaxes muscles),
vaginitis
weight reduction (stimulates metabolism)

How to use:
Use diluted - (one part essential oil: two part of vegetable oil). 
Then,
  • Apply several drops (2-4) on location, abdomen and temples
  • Apply to vitaflex points
  • Directly inhale
  • Diffuse, or
  • May be used as a dietary supplement




Saturday, February 15, 2014

Spearmint Tisanes


Botanical: Mentha viridis (LINN.)

Family: N.O. Labiatae


 Garden Mint
 Mentha Spicata
Mackerel Mint
 Our Lady's Mint
 Green Mint
 Spire Mint
 Sage of Bethlehem
 Fish Mint
 Menthe de Notre Dame
 Erba Santa Maria
 Frauen Munze
 Lamb Mint



Uses:
  • Gas (flatulence).
  • Indigestion.
  • Nausea.
  • Sore throat.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Colds.
  • Headaches.
  • Toothaches.
  • Cramps.
  • Cancer.
  • Arthritis.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Skin conditions.
  • Other conditions

Side effects and Safety:

Spearmint seems to be safe when taken by mouth in food or medicinal amounts or when applied to the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of spearmint during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
 
 


Recipe:

1 tsp of dried Spearmint
8 oz hot water
- let steep and drink 
 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Rosemary Essential Oil


Rosemary is contained in Hildegard’s Medicine Book.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was known as the first herbalist and naturopath of the middle ages. Her book documented over 12,000 remedies for symptoms and diseases.

What is the Genus Species:
Rosmarinus officinalis CT cineol

Why is this information important:
There are several different chemotypes of Rosemary.
A chemotype (CT) is a designation that tells you that the species has different chemical constituents. This usually occurs because the plant is grown in a different area under a distinct climate that alters the chemistry.

This is extremely important information. 
Remember, even though they may share some similar properties they are not at all the same.
 And they are used for different purposes.


Rosemary Chemotypes -

Rosmarinus officinalis CT camphor – This plant is extremely high in camphor. Is considered a powerful energy stimulant. Grown in Spain and Croatia.

Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1, 8 cineol - This plant is stimulating and is the subject of this website. Grown in Morocco and Tunisia.

Rosmarinus officinalis CT verbenon – This is considered the most gentle of the chemotypes. It is used for skin care because of its dominant regenerative properties. Grown in Corsica.
Where is the name derived from? Rosemary comes from a latin word "ros marinus" meaning "rose or dew of the sea."

What Part of the Plant is Used:
Leaves

What is the ORAC Value:
330 µTE/100g

Why know about this number:
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. 
It tells you the antioxidant capacity of a food item. 
Antioxidants have shown to reduce the risk of age related conditions and cancer! 
This was developed by the USDA researchers. 
For instance: Blueberries = 2,400; Clove = 1,078,700. 

What are the Plant Properties:
antitumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, liver protecting, cardiotonic, digestive, detoxicant.

What are the Documented Uses for Rosemary:
Hair loss, alopecia areta, infectious disease, impaired memory, Alzheimers, gout, skin conditions, throat and lung infections, liver conditions, hepatitis, muscle soreness, kidney (cleansing).

What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind:
 Keeps the mind alert and focused. Strong aromatic scent of herbs and wood.

What is the Spiritual Influence:
Walking in your truth by being faithful to your self and your own destiny or purpose.

Even the Greeks and Romans used it to understand loyalty. 
Loyalty to self before others. 
When we are more loving and loyal to others rather than to ourselves our energy becomes stagnant and cloudy (resulting in poor circulation and/or concentration). 
This is why this oil is connected to our heart energy.
Promotes circulation of Qi energy and blood.

How do I use it:

Use diluted - 50:50 dilution in grapeseed oil,
 then, apply several drops (2-4) on location, ankles and wrists
Apply to reflex points
Directly inhale
Diffuse, or
May be used as a dietary supplement.
Good oil for the First Aid Kit:
 No

Can this Oil be used for Pets:
Yes, stimulates hair growth and helps produce shiny coats.

Note about Animal Use: 
Certain oils can be very toxic to cats. 
Citrus products and oils in particular. Please consult your vet if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your pet.

What are the Safety Precautions:
First, only use therapeutic grade essential oils! Rosemary essential oil is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS).

However, those with high blood pressure or prone to seizures should avoid using this oil. Additionally, children under 4, pregnant women or women who are breast feeding should NOT use this oil.