Essential Oils for Fall

(Please read our disclaimer)

Come fall season there is a distinct aroma in the air and it’s not fall leaves. It’s pumpkin spice and it takes over everywhere—in the grocery stores, the coffee shops, in our homes. The warm spice smell that brings back nostalgic memories of family and holidays and cool temperatures to come.

These spices not only smell great and bring back wonderful memories, but have many benefits as well.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon spice, the ground powder made from cinnamon bark, has been used since ancient times as a treatment for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. By the nineteenth century some American physicians were prescribing cinnamon spice for stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and uterine problems.

A study showed that Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates belonging to Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter were inhibited by cinnamon bark oil, and that cinnamon bark oil has strong antibacterial properties. It is recommended for use as an antibacterial compound in hospital disinfectants.

Besides being antibacterial, cinnamon oil has these other properties—antifungal, antidiabetic, and antioxidant—as shown in a study done in 2014. 

Cinnamon’s properties also make it an effective agent to help prevent oral infections and cavities.

To benefit from cinnamon’s many faceted properties, you can add a few drops of the PURE™ Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil to a diffuser or mix one drop in with carrier oil or Renew Intensive Skin Therapy Lotion for use in massage or when you moisturize your skin.

Melaleuca utilizes cinnamon in their Whitening Tooth Polish, Dental Floss, Breath Spray, and Exceed Sugarless Gum and Mints.

Clove

The use of clove as spice and medicine goes back to ancient times. Wars and explorations were launched in pursuit of spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are spices grown in tropical parts of the world. Clove spice has been used as a digestive aid and mosquito and moth repellent. Clove has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Some dentists use clove oil as a natural oral anesthetic. This study found that clove gel and benzocaine worked similarly as a topical anesthetic before needle insertion.

Clove essential oil was found effective as an antiseptic in oral infections and a potential topical antimicrobial. As an insect repellent a blend of clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils, and also a blend of clove, geranium, lemongrass and rosemary oils totally blocked the attraction of wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets.

Ginger

Since ancient times, ginger has been used as a medicinal plant by the Indians and the Chinese. Eventually it became used as a spice during the Roman Empire. Due to its value it has been used as trade longer than most other spices.

Ginger has shown to inhibit the growth of several bacteria, especially the growth of E.coli. And an important study found that ginger was found to posses antimicrobial potential against pathogens.

For stomach discomfort, dilute with carrier oil and apply to the abdomen to relieve bloating and discomfort. One of the main ingredients in Melaleuca’s Calmicid is ginger as it helps soothe digestive upsets. Ginger can also aid in muscular pain. Dilute with carrier oil and massage into muscles after exercise.

Nutmeg

During medieval times in Europe, nutmeg was worth more than gold. During the Elizabethan Era it was believed to be effective against the plague. Now it is widely used in foods, perfumes, and to improve wellness.

Nutmeg trees produce fruit that when ripened and opened, creates a nut inside we know as nutmeg.

Studies showed that nutmeg had strong antimicrobial activity against many bacteria and fungi. Nutmeg also is a significant source of antioxidants and inhibits tumor growth.

When diffusing nutmeg, a calming or relaxed influence was seen in a 2010 study using this essential oil. You can also dilute with carrier oil or Renew Intensive Skin Therapy lotion and massage into abdomen to aid in digestive disorders.

Conclusion

With the coming of fall festivals, cool temperatures, and memory making, be sure to stock up on these four essential oils. Not only will diffusing them help give your home an inviting scent, but they also can aid in promoting a healthy immune response and overall wellness.

You can find more information on these four fall essential oils and how to use them in your daily life in the chapter entitled “Essential Oils” in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide.

~ Richard M. Barry