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Citronella Oil: Repel Insects, Pain & Stress!

The AHA! Team — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:39:38 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – What is citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. As a concentrated form of antioxidants and phytochemicals taken from the plant’s stems and leaves, citronella oil has been used for centuries in China, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its uses include helping decrease rashes, inflammation, infections, pain and more. What is Citronella? The oil itself comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It’s most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. According to scientific research, pure citronella essential oil is known to have amazing antibacterial and antifungal abilities. With these potent properties, is citronella oil harmful to humans? Not when it’s used properly. In fact, the most popular use for citronella is as an ingredient in homemade or commercially made bug sprays, since it naturally repels various insects — and insect repellent is just one of citronella’s many possible uses. What Is Citronella Oil? According to various studies investigating the effects of these compounds, citronella oil has been shown to have the following health-promoting effects: Naturally repels insects Fights free radical damage Fights bacteria and fungi Reduces inflammation Promotes relaxation Helps control pets’ behavior Today, there are more than 30 species of Cymbopogon (citronella plants) grown wildly throughout parts of the world and used in Southeast Asian cooking and teas. There are two primary types of citronella used to create pure citronella oil: the Java type and the Ceylon type. Both originally came from parts of Asia, especially grassy areas of Sri Lanka. Ceylon citronella is obtained from the Cymbopogon nardus plant and has the following active ingredients: citronellal (27.87 precent) geraniol (22.77 percent) geranial (14.54 percent) citronellol (11.85 percent) neral (11.21 percent) It has a scent similar to citrus fruits, wood and cinnamon. Geraniol is thought to be the major constituent contributing to various activities, including antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and wound-healing effects. The Java type is similar and derived from a related species called Cymbopogon winterianus. Cymbopogon winterianus’ main active ingredients include: geraniol (40.06 percent) citronellal (27.44 percent) citronellol (10.45 percent) Of the two types, Java is thought to be more powerful, and therefore it’s usually more expensive. It has a darker color and “fresher” scent similar to lemon and lemon essential oil. Of citronella’s active ingredients, the three that are most researched and valued include citronellol, citronellal and geraniol. Both types of citronella oil have widespread uses, including stress reduction, antibacterial or antiseptic action, and skin rejuvenation. Citronella essential oil is one of the most common aromatherapy oils and part of what gives many household sprays and candles their signature scent. Additionally, it can be used as a food additive for flavor and preservation, so you can sometimes find it in foods and beverages. Are lemongrass and citronella the same? Lemongrass essential oil can be confused for citronella essential oil and vice versa. A citronella plant, also called a mosquito plant, does resemble its relative, the lemongrass plant. (The lemongrass genus includes more than 50 species of grasses native to tropical Asia and southern India, including Cymbopogon citratus.) The oils derived from these plants also have similar smells and uses, such as warding off insects, but they are definitely two completely different plants and oils. Benefits What is citronella good for? Here are some of its many benefits and uses: 1. All-natural insect repellent The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella to be a biopesticide. That means it’s a natural “nontoxic mode of action” against potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes. What insects does citronella oil repel? Is citronella oil effective against mosquitoes? Citronella has been registered as a gentle, plant-based bug spray ingredient in the U.S. since 1948. It has been shown to repel dangerous Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are capable of spreading dengue fever and the Zika virus. Because it can ward off mosquitoes, it may also protect against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, chikungunya virus, yellow fever and dengue. A 2015 report published in Rural Remote Health states, “The topical application of citronella oil can be employed as an easily-available, affordable and effective alternative mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas such as Tikapur, Nepal.” Research published in the Israel Medical Association Journal also shows that citronella works to help prevent head lice, too. It may also prevent flies and ticks from biting you to some degree. According to some research, you need to reapply citronella oil about every 30–60 minutes for its bug-deterring effects to last. You can combine several drops with coconut oil and spread it on your body like lotion, or add some to a spray bottle with water and cover your skin, hair and clothes. Using concentrated oil seems to be more effective against bug bites compared to burning commercial citronella candles, which tend to only be made with limited amounts of actual essential oils. 2. Can help manage inflammation and pain Like many citrus essential oils, citronella contains compounds that fight free radical damage and help reverse oxidative stress. A 2000 review published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry studied 34 different citrus essential oils and their components for radical-scavenging activities. Researchers found that many citrus volatile components, including the main type found in citronella called geraniol, had high antioxidant capabilities for fighting free radicals that can cause disease and cellular damage. Due to its antioxidant properties, citronella can be used as a natural pain-relieving treatment. It can help with management of inflammation and painful symptoms like joint aches. Combine several (two to three) drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and massage it into swollen joints, tissue and muscles. 3. Uplifting and stress-reducing Citronella has a citrusy scent that can be both uplifting and relaxing. In fact, research has shown that citronella essential oil seems to activate both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous activity, which is beneficial for management of anxiety. Citronella can contribute to natural stress relief when you diffuse it in your home or office to counteract a rough day. When inhaled, it can encourage relaxation, invigoration and pleasant memories, and it may even reduce trouble sleeping and depression. Some animal studies have even shown that inhalation of citronella can help reduce appetite and potentially body weight, perhaps by reducing stress-related cravings. 4. Can help destroy parasites Citronella oil is used to expel worms and parasites from the intestines. In vitro research shows that geraniol also has strong anthelmintic activity. This means it effectively expels parasitic worms and other internal parasites by either stunning or killing them without causing any damage to the host. This is precisely the reason that citronella is used to prevent both internal and external infections and why it can play a central role in a parasite cleanse. 5. Natural perfume or room spray Because it has a clean, fresh scent similar to lemon or lemongrass, citronella is a common ingredient in soaps, candles, incense, perfumes and cosmetics. You can naturally deodorize your home, dishwasher, refrigerator and laundry machine by diffusing citronella essential oil or running a cycle of your household appliances with a few drops of included. 6. Kitchen cleaner Proven to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, citronella oil can be used to help clean your kitchen, bathroom or household surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. 7. Natural antifungal and antibacterial effects Aside from keeping away bug bites, citronella can work as a natural skin care aid by killing off bacteria and fungus. Being both an antibacterial and antifungal essential oil, citronella can help with many common skin complaints, including athlete’s foot and acne. Citronella essential oil has also specifically been shown to kill off candida fungus. Candida can contribute to many skin concerns, such as nail infections. Additionally, studies have found that it it can be used in mouthwashes to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, and it has a lower cytotoxic effect and higher action compared to some other commercial solutions. It may also help with wound-healing due to these effects. To use citronella oil topically, always dilute it in a 1:1 ration with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. As an easy-to-make home remedy for acne, try dabbing one drop of pure citronella essential oil mixed with one drop of coconut oil on blemishes three times a day using a sterile cotton swab. 8. Pet controller Although it might sound strange, rather than using an electric shock, citronella oil can help get dogs to stop barking. This is why there are anti-barking collars that contain citronella. According to the ASPCA, research has shown that a citronella collar can be at least as effective for eliminating barking as an electronic collar, and it’s typically viewed more positively by dog owners. You can also use citronella to keep your dogs off of furniture. As a bonus, when you spray citronella on your furniture or linens, it keeps them free from bacteria, pests and odors. Add several drops to a spray bottle along with water, shake it up, and spray it throughout your home and on household items. Is citronella oil poisonous to cats? Cats are known to be more sensitive to citronella than dogs, so it’s not recommended to use it around cats. 9. Natural shampoo and conditioner One of the most popular uses for citronella oil is cleansing and conditioning the hair and scalp. It can help eliminate excess oil and greasiness of hair while adding shine. Many people find it adds volume to hair and helps detangle knots. To use citronella oil for hair, add several drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or try making your own homemade recipe using a cleansing oil like coconut oil, which also benefits hair. How to Use As explained above, citronella can be used to make a bug spray or room spray. It can also be diffused, burned as a candle or applied topically. Here are several methods for safely using citronella oil at home: Aromatically: You can diffuse the oil in your home or backyard just like a candle using a diffuser. To make a natural room freshener, put a few drops of oil along with water into a spritzer bottle. You can also inhale the oil directly by sniffing it. Topically: Before applying citronella oil to your skin, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, in a 1:1 ratio. Rub the mixture into your skin, or spray some on your clothes and hair. You can also add a few drops of citronella essential oil to your bath, shampoo, soap, lotion or body wash. Combine citronella oil with other uplifting essential oils, including: geranium oil orange oil lemon oil vanilla oil peppermint oil lemongrass oil eucalyptus oil Instead of using conventional recipes and showering your body in harmful chemicals, try this homemade bug spray recipe that includes citronella oil. In addition to keeping away bugs, it also helps kill bacteria and nourish your skin, and unlike conventional brands, it smells amazing! You can also try citronella essential oil in these other DIY recipes: Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipe Homemade Body Wash Recipe Wondering where to buy citronella oil? It’s not hard to find citronella essential oil in health stores or online. Always look for one that is 100 percent pure, organic and therapeutic-grade that was created with chemical-free CO2 extraction methods. Risks and Side Effects Is citronella oil toxic? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that it is generally safe and known to have little or no toxicity when used as a topical product on the skin. In fact, there have been virtually zero reports of adverse effects of concern since 1948. Can citronella oil be applied to skin? Yes, but it should always be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil for external use. As mentioned above, it is typically not recommended for internal use due to potential side effects and also concerns over quality control. (Poor-quality oil may...

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Zinc Shows Promise as Emerging Treatment for Yeast Infections

The AHA! Team — Mon, 27 May 2024 08:06:09 +0000

University of Exeter via Newswise – New research could one day pave the way for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, by shedding new light on how microbes in the body absorb zinc. Around three quarters of women develop vaginal yeast infections at least once in their lifetime, and approximately 140 million women globally suffer from recurrent infections. Recurrent yeast infections can have an enormous impact of quality of life. Existing anti-fungal treatments are not always effective and resistance against these treatments is developing. Around three quarters of women develop vaginal yeast infections at least once in their lifetime Thrush is caused by a yeast called Candida. There are a number of species of Candida, but the one that causes most yeast infections is Candida albicans. Now, new research, funded by Wellcome and published in Science Translational Medicine and led by the University of Exeter’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology has found that the trace mineral zinc could play a surprising role. Just like us, Candida albicans needs zinc in its diet and this yeast produces a molecule (Pra1) which tries to scavenge zinc as a food source. Now, researchers have found that this molecule triggers an inflammatory response, which they believe is responsible for many cases of thrush. Wellcome Trust Senior Fellow Dr Duncan Wilson, of the University of Exeter’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, led the research, and said: “Recurring thrush can be deeply distressing and problematic, and we urgently need new treatments. Our new finding on zinc is very exciting, because it suggests that simple provision of zinc could block the production of the inflammatory Pra1 molecule, but we’re not in the position to make treatment recommendations at this stage. We need larger scale trials to confirm the effect. Please don’t apply any products that are not designed for the genital area, as zinc can be toxic at high concentrations, and it could be extremely unsafe.” Zinc could block the production of the inflammatory Pra1 molecule In lab experiments, the team found that manipulating genes so that Candida albicans does not produce Pra1 prevented inflammation. They went on to find that applying relatively low levels of zinc in mice blocked Pra1 production and prevented inflammation. This is important because it is inflammation that causes the burning, itching symptoms of thrush. The research team also recruited women who had been experiencing vaginal infections at least once every three months. The women applied a vaginal moisturizing cream which contains a small amount of zinc nightly for two weeks, and then twice a week. Of six women who completed the study and had vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush), five of them did not experience reinfection over the three-month study. Dr Wilson said: “These findings are very encouraging, although the number of participants is small. We are now carrying out a larger clinical trial to confirm that zinc treatments are effective. In the longer term, we hope this could be a promising strategy for a condition could evolve resistance to treatment. “We’d been studying this Pra1 molecule for more than ten years to understand its role in zinc scavenging – this research shows the fundamental importance of basic research of this nature, which can help shed light on how our bodies work and sometimes provide surprising routes to new treatments.” The paper is entitled ‘Zinc prevents vaginal candidiasis by inhibiting expression of an inflammatory fungal protein’, and is published in Science Translational Medicine. The research is supported by the Exeter NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. To read the original article click here.

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Proven Colloidal Silver Benefits Or An Unsafe Hoax?

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 07:00:47 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS via Dr. Axe – Dating back to ancient times, silver was also a popular remedy to stop the spread of diseases. Its use as a natural antibiotic continued all the way until the 1940s, when modern antibiotics arrived. If you haven’t heard of colloidal silver, you will soon enough, especially if you’re on the lookout for alternative therapies to common health issues, such as a sinus infection or a cold. Most health food stores and pharmacies stock several brands of colloidal silver, and, of course, you can find a vast amount of information about colloidal silver benefits on the internet. Unfortunately, the information out there is confusing, as many sources have conflicting opinions. On one hand, you’ll run across thousands of personal testimonials about colloidal silver helping people with practically every disease you’ve heard about. You will also stumble upon some well-known health sites that warn consumers about safety concerns. Usually, these sources quote a statement made by the FDA in 1999 claiming that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of colloidal silver. This type of information can confuse even the most savvy natural health enthusiast, which is why I want to lend a helping hand and provide some evidenced-based information to help you make an informed choice about colloidal silver uses and benefits. What Is Colloidal Silver? Colloidal silver is a solution of water containing nanometre sized particles of suspended silver. The total silver content is expressed as milligrams of silver per litre of water, or mg/L, which is numerically the same as parts per million (ppm). Silver has been used for at least six thousand years to prevent microbial infections. It has proven to be effective against almost all organisms tested and it has played an important role in the development of radiology and in improving wound healing, according to research out of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Before the invention of the refrigerator, it was common practice to drop a silver coin into a container of milk as a preservative because silver was known to prevent the growth of algae, bacteria and other undesirable organisms. Dating back to ancient times, silver was also a popular remedy to stop the spread of diseases. Its use as a natural antibiotic continued all the way until the 1940s, when modern antibiotics arrived. Today, people obviously don’t need to drop silver coins into their water to experience colloidal silver benefits. All you need to do is carefully take a few drops from a bottle that you buy at the store. According to a report written by Richard Davies and Samuel Etris of The Silver Institute in a 1996, there are three primary ways that colloidal silver can supposedly help heal the body: 1. Catalytic Oxidation: Silver naturally holds onto oxygen molecules, which readily react with the sulfhydral (H) groups that surround bacterial and viruses. In turn, this helps block the life-preserving cellular process known as cellular respiration, which is the set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place within the cells of organisms in order to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. 2. Reaction with Bacterial Cell Membranes: Silver ions can attach to bacteria cell membranes directly and produce the same respiration-blocking effect. 3. Binding with DNA: Shown to literally enter bacteria DNA, up to 12 percent of silver has been detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to one source, “While it remains unclear exactly how the silver binds to the DNA without destroying the hydrogen bonds holding the lattice together, it nevertheless prevents the DNA from unwinding, an essential step for cellular replication to occur.” There are basically three types of products that are marketed as “colloidal silver” and these can be categorized as: 1. Ionic silver Ionic silver solutions are products whose silver content primarily consists of silver ions. Although ionic silver is often marketed as colloidal silver, it’s not true colloidal silver. Because it’s the least expensive to produce, ionic silver is the most popular product in this category. The problem? It simply won’t produce the same benefits that true colloidal silver can. 2. Silver Protein In order to keep large silver particles suspended, silver protein-based products add gelatin. Silver protein is the second-most popular type of colloidal silver product on the market and can easily be made by adding water to silver protein powder. Again, it’s also often marketed and labeled as colloidal silver, but should not be confused for the real thing. Silver protein is less effective for human use, and you won’t experience the true colloidal silver benefits. 3. True Colloidal Silver Lastly, true silver colloids don’t contain any protein or other additives, as the vast majority of the silver content consists of nanometre-sized silver particles. This will be the most effective type of colloidal silver. Is Colloidal Silver Safe? There’s plenty of debate about the potential health risks of colloidal silver. So is it safe to use colloidal silver supplements or products? According to a review published in Environmental Health Perspectives, this is a controversial topic that has contenders on both sides. The review states “despite its widespread use, nanosilver remains a fairly poorly understood material to both regulators and scientists. Consensus remains elusive on subjects as essential as how it behaves in the human body and environment, and the extent to which its use may contribute to bacterial resistance.” Of course, there are two opposing arguments in this debate — what are being called “watchdog groups” that seize on the confusion surrounding colloidal silver side effects and safety, and advocate groups, like the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group, that proclaim its usefulness and safety, noting that most applications use extremely small quantities of silver in their formulas. What the research indicates is that misuse of colloidal silver, or choosing inexpensive, low-quality products that are not true colloidal silver, can cause adverse side effects. For instance, you may have come across warnings about it causing an irreversible condition called argyria, which is when people turn blue. This is usually caused by cheaper products marketed as colloidal silver, such as ionic silver or silver protein. Although the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health reports that colloidal silver may cause poor absorption of some drugs, including antibiotics and thyroxine, which is used to treat thyroid deficiency, there is limited research proving that these side effects to colloidal silver exist. There is evidence that using colloidal silver for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis is not only effective, but safe when used as a sinus rinse for 10 days. Researchers found that colloidal silver rinses demonstrated a good safety profile with no major adverse events. A lab study published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology found that when the human lung is exposed to silver nanoparticles, it does not cause adverse effects. Lung cells were only sensitive to high silver-ion concentrations. A 2016 study conducted at the University of Michigan found that when oral doses of silver nanoparticles were administered for 28 days, it did not alter the structure or diversity of the animal gut microbiome. This is in contrast to the detrimental effects of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Many advocates are pointing to this study when suggesting the beneficial use of colloidal silver for pets. And in a summary of literature published in Frontiers in Microbiology, researchers at concluded that although there are some concerns and controversies related to nano’s safe use in human disease treatment and healthcare, the research that has been done suggests that it can be engineered to “enhance its antimicrobial efficacy, stability, specificity, biosafety and biocompatibility for increased therapeutic benefits and reduced potential side effects.” From the current research, my take is that colloidal silver may work as a potential antimicrobial agent, but it needs to be used appropriately. Only true colloidal silver should be used and studies indicate that short-term use does not cause adverse side effects. One point to consider is that, because colloidal silver is such a potent antibacterial agent, you should be sure to supplement with probiotics during use to be sure that you maintain a proper balance of microflora. 8 Colloidal Silver Uses and Benefits By having a direct effect on cellular respiration, colloidal silver benefits the body in numerous ways, including providing numerous medical uses. There are eight proven healing properties that I consider to be particularly supported by the medical literature. 1. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial First, colloidal silver’s ability to control antibiotic-resistant superbugs is impressive. While employed at UCLA Medical School in the 1980s, Doctor Larry C. Ford documented over 650 different disease-causing pathogens that were destroyed in minutes when exposed to small amounts of silver. Colloidal silver, unlike its modern prescription antibiotic counterpart, simply doesn’t create resistance or immunity in the organisms that are killed by it. This point cannot be emphasized enough, especially in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reporting that more than 2 million people in the U.S. suffer illness every year as a result of antibiotic-resistant infections and 23,000 die from these infections. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine supported ionic colloidal silver as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, but its activity wasn’t as pronounced against fungi. 2. Wound Care/Skin Health Robert O. Becker, MD, says that colloidal silver stimulates healing in the skin and other soft tissues. In a research article produced by Pharmacognosy Communications in 2012, it was specifically recommended that certain colloidal silver preparations should be considered for topical use to treat burns, thrush, periodontitis and other conditions. For instance, you can potentially treat ringworm (Tinea capitis) at home with colloidal silver because it’s a potent anti-fungal. Caused by a fungus that lives on the top layer of the skin, ringworm presents as round, scaly patches. It’s contagious and spread by skin contact and by contaminated materials, such as clothing. Colloidal silver benefits many skins conditions as well, including psoriasis and eczema. It’s soothing to scrapes and even repairs tissue damage from burns. In fact, a colloidal silver-based nanogel was successfully used as a dressing for superficial pellet gun wounds in a Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care study. Such silver nanoparticle-based gel dressings for wounds or even chronic wounds are becoming more common. Topical silver historically was used on burns, but usage stopped after the advent of antibiotics, until the 1960s when it kicked back into popularity. The combination of silver nitrate and sodium sulfadiazine to create SSD cream helped lead to burn recovery in many patients. Applying a silver coating to specialized foam, as part of a wound vacuum system, provides antibacterial activity in vitro. According to research, this technology may assist in preparing infected chronic venous stasis wounds for skin grafting, ultimately leading to better healing. 3. Pink Eye/Ear Infections Although more research is needed to understand its full potential, the antiviral and antibacterial properties of colloidal silver may allow it to fight some common infections. Pink eye is an inflamed mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and eyelid lining, and it’s primarily caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Colloidal silver can be used for prompt action against this irritating and highly infectious virus and bacteria under the care of your doctor. When applied on the infected eye, the tiny silver colloids are used to pick up the infected cells by attracting them electromagnetically and sending them into the bloodstream to be eliminated. Our modern prescription antibiotic drugs are designed to work against specific classes of bacteria, but ear infections may be caused by multiple classes of bacteria or can even be fungal. In this case, the prescription antibiotic will be useless, whereas colloidal silver is effective regardless of what may be causing your infection. Again, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and safety of colloidal silver for pink eye, ear infections and other bacterial or viral issues, but we do know that it’s a powerful antimicrobial agent that...

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