ICON CHIROPRACTIC

Thyme Oil

Dr. Alan Wu, D. C.
Essential Oils, General Health, Health Talks

Dear readers,

Thyme (pronounce as thīm) oil, is one powerful oil to have.  Thyme, besides it’s culinary property , it also has a pleasant smell and profound health benefits. It is one of nature’s most powerful antibacterial, anti fungal, antimicrobial agent (1, 2, 3).  In addition, it has also been documented to increase antioxidant levels in vi tro (4, 5).

Here are more facts about it:

Properties: Highly antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic.
Historical uses: It was used by the Egyptians for embalming and by the ancient Greeks to fight against infectious illnesses.  It has also been used for respiratory problems, digestive complaints, the prevention and treatment infection, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, bronchitis, pertussis, asthma, laryngitis, tonsillitis, and enuresis in children.
French Medicinal use: Asthma, bronchitis, colitis, cystitis, dermatitis, dyspepsia, fatigue,
pleurisy, psoriasis, sciatica, tuberculosis, vaginal candida.
Body systems affected: Immune system, muscles and bones.

Comments from Dr. Alan Wu DC :

Winter is here and we want to help you prepare for this upcoming cold season.  Besides eating healthy, exercise, proper rest, good mental attitude and chiropractic care, it will also be great to have oils with strong antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microorganisms properties.  Clove, melaleuca (tee-tree oil), On-guard are all good to have.  We are providing you options because everyone has different preference on smell and body type.  As usual, check with your physician or doctors before start using these oils.  Other than that, enjoy these mother nature’s gifts and have a sound and safe holiday season.

 

Reference:

  1. Fabio et al., Screening of he antibacterial effects of a variety of essential oils on microorganism responsible for respiratory infections.  Phytother Res. 2007 Apr;21(4):374-7.
  2. Burt et al., Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against Escherichia coli 0157:H7.  Lett Appl Microbiol. 2003;36(3):162-7
  3. Pinto et al., Antifungal activity of the clove essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum on Candida, Aspergillus and dermatophyte species. Journal of Medical Microbiology (2009), 58, 1454–1462
  4. Youdim et al., Dietary supplementation of thyme (Thymus vulgarisms L.) essential oil during the lifetime of the rat: its effects on the antioxidant status in liver, kidney and heart tissues. Mech Ageing Dev. 1999 Sep 8;109(3):163-75.
  5. Youdim et al., Effect of thyme oil and thymol dietary supplementation on the antioxidant status and fatty acid composition of the aging rat brain. Br J Nutr. 2000 Jan;83(1):87-93.

 

 

The Wonder of Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oil

Dr. Alan Wu, D. C.
Cancer, Essential Oils, Functional Medicine, General Health

Dear readers,


Melaleuca, commonly known as tea tree oil, is one of the nature’s best defense for bacteria, viruses and fungus.  In fact, it  is so powerful and has been shown to destroy MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph) in vitro (1).  Tea tree oil was also found to inhibit 301 different types of yeasts isolated from the mouth of cancer patients suffering from advanced cancer, including 41 strains that are known to be resistant to anti fungal drugs (2). It is also a strong anti-inflammatory substance which been documented to shown positive affects on acnes and dermatitis  (3,4).

Here are details of this powerful Melaleuca (Tea Tree)oil:

Properties: Analgesic (ease pain), antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory.
Historical Uses: The leaves of the melaleuca tree have been used for centuries by the aborigines to heal cuts, wounds, and skin infections.  With twelve times the antiseptic power of phenol, it has some strong immune-building properties.
French Medicinal Uses: Athlete’s foot, bronchitis, colds, coughs, diarrhea, flu, periodontal (gum) disease, rash, skin healing, sore, throat, sunburn, tonsillitis, vaginal thrush.
Other Possible Uses: This oil may help burns, digestion, hysteria, infection disease, mites, and ticks.
Body System (s) affected: Immune and Respiratory Systems, muscles, bones and skins.

Ways to use:

Aromatic Influence: it promotes cleaning and purifying microorganism in the air.
Topical: Blend with coconut oil for affected area.  Repeated use can possible result in contact sensitization.

Dr. Wu DC’s comment:

You might have heard me said this multiple times before, and Melaleuca is one of my favorite and travels with me all the time.  It is powerful, effective and pleasant immune enhancer and bacterial destroyer.  Speaking of travel, with holiday seasons coming up, lots of us have already planned out travel itineraries.  Melaleuca, along with On Guard oil (from last essential oil post) are two of the best defenders in crowed areas such in planes, trains or bart.  Dab some on your neck to enhance your immune system so you don’t catch bad bugs and enjoy this holiday season.  I have also seen very profound results with acne, athlete’s foot and skin infection.  This is a really good one to have and should be part of your essential oil kits.  With that being said, for disclaimer, it is always recommended to dilute with carrier oil for kids and make sure you consult with your physician if you are pregnant.

References:

  1. Antibacterial effect of tea-tree oil on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation of the tympanostomy tube: an in vitro study. Park H.,  2007 Nov-Dec;21(6):1027-30.
  2. Antifungal, Cytotoxic, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Tea Tree Oil and Its Derivative Components: Potential Role in Management of Oral Candidosis in Cancer Patients. Ramage et al., Front Microbiol. 2012; 3: 220
  3. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Bassett IB et al., Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8.
  4. Tea tree oil reduces the swelling associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response. Brand C et al., Inflamm Res. 2002 May;51(5):236-44.
  5. “Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 5th edition.

 

 

 

 

 

On Guard Blend Oil: Another Way to Boost Immune System, Naturally

Dr. Alan Wu, D. C.
Essential Oils, General Health

Dear readers,

You have heard me raved about essential oils and medicinal benefits they provide.  Here is another one of my favorite which I keep it with me all the time.  This blend oil have been studied for their strong abilities to kill harmful bacteria, mold, and viruses.  This blend can be used neat/dilute on the body, diffused into the air or be used to clean and purify household surfaces.

On Guard Blend Oil!

Application:
Topical: Massage throat, stomach, intestine, and bottoms of feet. Dilute one drop in 15 drops of fractionated coconut oil: massage the thymus to stimulate the immune system, and massage under the arms to stimulate thy lymphatic system.  It is best applied to the bottoms of the feet, as it may be caustic to the skin.  Dilute with fractionated coconut oil when used on sensitive/young skin.
Aroma: Diffuse or inhale the aroma directly.

Single oils contained in this blend:
1. Wild Orange: is antibacterial, anti fungal, antidepressant, and antiseptic.  It is a powerful disinfectant and very effective against colds and flu.
2. Clove Bud: is antibacterial, anti fungal, anti infectious, anti parasitic, a strong antiseptic, antiviral, and an immune stimulant.
3. Cinnamon Bark: has very specific purposes: 1) it’s a powerful purifier, 2) its a powerful oxygenator, and 3) it enhances the action and the activity of other oils.  It may have a stimulating and toning effect on the whole body and particularly on the circulatory system.  It’s antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti parasitic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti parasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, immune simulate, sexual stimulant, and warming.
4. Eucalyptus radiata: may have a profound antiviral effect upon the respiratory system.  It also has strong antibacterial, anticatarrhal, and antiseptic properties.
5. Rosemary: may help balance heart function, energize the solar plexus, and reduce mental fatigue.  It may improve circulation and help stimulate the nerves.  It is antiseptic and anti-infectious.

Dr. Wu DC’s comment;

Like I have previously stated, I always keep this one close to me.  I applied when I go places with large crowds such as bart, classes and in planes.  I also apply this oil to my cute little nieces  feet after dilution to enhance their immune system when they go day care or at sleep.  Fall season has been token as the “flu” season, and this is one of the best way to protect you from it.

These sources are from the book called “Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 5th edition.

The lesser known powerful oil – Spearmint Oil

Dr. Alan Wu, D. C.
Essential Oils, Functional Medicine

While peppermint oils are popular amount essential oils and culinary worl, a lesser known spearmint oils are equally powerful and profound.  Studies now show that spearmint can “wake up” the brain and boost cognitive function.
The study revealed spearmint leafs contains a group of phenolic compounds called rosmarinic acid, which can improve

  • attention
  • concentration
  • brain function
  • working memory
  • sleep pattern

In the study, the group took spearmint extract increased their attention and concentration measuring by 46% and 121% after 4 hours.  In the same study, the group also showed a 39% improvement on planning abilities[1].

On the different study, the subjects were average 59 years old male with memory impairment but not dementia.  What they found out was subjects were given spearmint extract demonstrated a nearly 3 times improvement on working memory compared to placebo group.  In addition, the same group received spearmint extract also shown better sleep pattern[2].

Editor’s note:
With lots technology gadgets flowing around kids, they are easily distracted and can become very handful when school starts.  One of the easiest and clean way to help them concentrate is to diffuse spearmint oil in the background.  Not only it can help them concentrate and perform better, it also has a sweet and refresh smell which makes everything more pleasant.  Any questions? Drop us a line here so we can get back to you as soon as we can.

Dr. Wu DC
Team ICON

 

[1]Nieman KM, Sanoshy KD, Bresciani L, et al. Tolerance, bioavailability, and potential cognitive health implication of a distinct aqueous spearmint extract.  Functional Foods in health and Disease. 2015;5(5):165 of 87
[2}Nieman KM, Sanoshy KD, Fonseca BA, et al. Spearmint extract improves Working Memory in Men and Women with Age-Associated Memory impairment.  2016