Essential Oils for Fall

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 and 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 oil to a diffuser or mix one drop in with carrier oil.

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.??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.?

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.?