The Serenity Plant

Purple flowers of Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender: the most magical of all herbs enchants the olfactory system as well as the visual system. It makes the last month of the year be filled with its grace and beauty. Symbol of serenity, purity, silence, devotion, and calmness, lavender speaks of elegance and refinement from fragrance to its marvelous colour spectrum.

There are many varieties of Lavender. This blog will only consider the Lavandula angustifolia family, although even this includes hundreds of hybrids and cultivars.

Properties: Historically, the plant has been valued for its beauty and soothing properties. This timeless herb has limitless possibilities when it comes to healing, due to its major chemical components linalool and linalyl acetate. Some minor components can also be found in lesser percentage and include cineole, terpines and sometimes camphor. Therapeutically, Lavender has impressive qualities (Koulivand et al 2013):

  • Adaptogen, less known
  • antiseptic,
  • anti-depressant, sedative,
  • prevents scarring,
  • as well as it is capable of many important jobs for the whole body (skin, muscular and digestive ailments to nervous disorders).

Benefits: In the following you will discover two of the least known benefits of this marvelous plant.

#1 Lavender as Adaptogen

This is one of the less known properties that lavender possesses: it can either bring balance to the nervous system either by energising or sedating.

Adaptogens are a group of herbs that helps us manage stress as we encounter it. Although this classification is often complicated and the time allocated to this blog does not permit to go into too much detail. Generally, adaptogens help the body build up resilience to stressful situations. They do so by adjusting the hormone levels and acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, so that one’s body may remain in constant balance. However the complete mechanism is much more complex. In short: Lavender seems to adapt to the needs of the person using it.

How to use: a few drops of undiluted lavender essential oil rubbed the neck would wake one up in the morning better than a cup of coffee. This has to do with the main component in the lavender essential oil, linalool. When applied on the skin, this chemical is absorbed and reaches peak levels in the body approximately 19 min after application (Jager et al, 1992). Coincidentally, the traditional morning coffee would have similar properties when ingested. Interestingly, linalool abounds in other foods including, orange juice, cocoa, basil, guava, peach, plum, pineapple and passion-fruit.

However if you are tired in the evening, it is better to have a relaxing bath with just a few drops of lavender oil. It will help calm down the nervous system and induce a sound sleep without interruption.

#2 Lavender as Brain Waves Improver

Mental fog was also discussed in a previous blog entry. It has to do with the level of activity of certain brain waves responsible with the relaxation.

How it works: 3 minutes of inhalation of diluted lavender essential oil (only 10%) affects in a positive way the brain waves responsible with mood feelings and serotonin production, leading to decreased anxiety (Diego et al, 1998).

Safety and Precautions: Short-term use of lavender essential oil is usually regarded relatively safe. However, it should be used with caution or not at all by people allergic to lavender (Brandão, 1986). Furthermore, it is ingestion of lavender during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be avoided.

I encourage you to experiment, taste and enjoy the presence of lavender in your life. More so enjoy the serenity and purity it offers during Holiday season.

Thank you for visiting and reading this page. Happy New Year 2020.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition Diva rather than a medical doctor or nurse. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Brandão FM. Occupational allergy to lavender oil. Contact Dermatitis. 1986;15(4):249–250. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2948764

Diego MA, Jones NA, Field T, et al. Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience. 1998;96(3-4):217–224. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10069621

Jager W, Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Fritzer M. Percutaneous absorption of lavender oil from a massage oil. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. 1992;43:49–54. https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=40001561-4557-427d-8cbe-cc65a5372551

Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013:681304. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/

The Fidelity Plant

BIBITherapy_Rosemary Blossom

Among friends, there is no secret by now that I am in love with blue. So there you have it another bluish blossoming plant that not only is heavenly beautiful, it is a feast for the senses and it is also tremendously important for our computing centre.  The plant is none other than Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis or Salvia Rosmarinus new scientific name since 2017. There plant may have pink white or blue flowers depending on the cultivar.

Symbol of love, fidelity and loyalty rosemary has been connected to memory for centuries. Ancient Greek students were known to wear rosemary garlands around their neck during their exams.

So why writing this blog, since my splendiferous blue rosemary is not in season anymore. Well it is because the reason behind is REMEMBERING its beauty and colossal benefits that are attached to it. But more importantly it is because it is Christmas time again and the plant can be used as a little Christmas tree.

Again if you have a green thumb, go grab a seedling or two from Bunnings and plant it in your front yard. It will not disappoint you and you can even grow it next to your sage if you planted it already.

Properties: Rosemary has a unique aroma which is a mix of camphoraceous, floral and herbaceous depending on variety. The plant has highly medicinal properties, so that is why it has been used since ancient of times. B no means the list provided here is a complete one:

  • Anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic
  • Anti-nociceptive: inhibits the sensation of pain which goes through nerves to the brain
  • Digestive improver
    • Cholerectic – improves the volume of bile produced, thus easing the digestion of fats resulting in better cleansing of the gut system.
    • Cholagogue – stimulates the discharge if bile acids
    • Carminative _ helps expelling intestinal gas

Benefits: In the following you will discover two of the most prevalent benefits of this marvellous plant.

#1 Rosemary as Anti-Rheumatic Pain Agent Fighter

This plant is packed with anti-oxidants: two of which are the caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid that can help our health system suppress unruly inflammatory enzymes and enable us to regain the balanced health. Knowing first-hand what rheumatic pain is and how it affects my daily activities, I have used the plant in both teas and essential oil as topical application. As it is well known that the mode of administration of chemicals make a significant difference in terms of the level of the response, the topical application worked better to alleviate my pains. This benefit comes from the fact that the rosemary essential oil is anti-nociceptive and analgesic in nature. It is also backed-up by science (Degner et al 2009). Topical application of diluted essential oil (5 drops of essential rosemary oil to one table spoon of carrier oil) massaging the aching joints or muscles. I also like grinding it and use it as a salt enhancer.

#2 Rosemary as Clear Mind and Increased Mental Awareness Agent

Mental fog is unquestionably exasperating. Confused… distracted… lacking metal clarity and focus… never knowing what on earth is happening that nothing gets finished. Although, “brain fog” is not a medical condition, it affects one’s daily life negatively and more often than not, the coffee machine is the one we tend to surrender to. Well interestingly enough, recent studies show that not only brain fog is fixable without the coffee boost but also it affects in a positive way the alpha brain waves leading to decreased depression. This can happen only resorting to inhaling the unparalleled rosemary fragrance (Sayorwan et al, 2013). Furthermore, consumed in culinary quantities, was found to be beneficial for improving the cognitive function in the elderly Pengelly, et al 2012).

Highly recommended for use as a diffuser in the car during this holiday season when one needs to stay super alert if driving on a long distance trip

Rosemary oil can be found at any chemist pharmacy these days; one drop of oil on a tissue will surely energise the brain better than a coffee.

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil is usually regarded as nontoxic, non-sensitising and non-irritant when used in sufficient dilution. However, individuals with hypersensitive skin should manifest caution. Furthermore, it is safer not to be used in pregnancy. The plant, Rosmarinus officinalis has no known toxicity and has no contraindications in culinary preparations.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition Diva, I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Degner et al, 2009, Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population, pp: 541-562, Chapter 26:Health Benefits of Traditional Culinary and Medicinal Mediterranean Plants https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123742285000263

Sayorwan et al, Sci Pharm., 2013, 81(2): 531–542. Effects of Inhaled Rosemary Oil on Subjective Feelings and Activities of the Nervous System. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700080/

Pengelly et al, J of Med Food, 2012, 15(1) .Short-Term Study on the Effects of Rosemary on Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2011.0005

The Salvation Plant

Flowers of Salvia Oficinalis Plant

3 Science-Based Benefits Everyone Should Know About

The Plant: There are a several forms of sage that are cultivated for their use as a culinary or medicine herb. This blog is about the most common one is the common sage: Salvia officinalis. Sage’s botanical name, Salvia, mean the “Salvation Plant”, name given for a good reason, as you will discover in the next few paragraphs.

Sage blossoms bring a smile on my face every time I see them in my little front yard. And Oh dear do they smell heavenly wonderful. If I close my eyes I can even remember their scent. Do you find this odd?

But let’s get back to why do I write this blog? Yes! Yes, you guessed: it’s sage season Melbourne! So I am here to remind YOU to enjoy the benefits of this wonder-magic plant. I just made-up this word and hope the reader is not too offended.

So my advice to you, whether you have a green thumb or not, go buy some seedlings of the common sage and plant it in your front yard or back yard. It is useful and it adds beauty to your garden as it can grow in beautiful shrub. And I can assure you: the possum friend will not eat it!

Benefits: In the following I will provide you with the most common and scientifically-backed benefits that I also have tested.

#1 Sage as Cholesterol Balancing Agent

This plant is packed with loads of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can help our health system restore without any nasty secondary effects. Most importantly, its bioactive components, antioxidants (Jakovljevic et al, 2019), in the form of polyphenols have been researched extensively by many reputable Laboratories. Turns out that drinking only a cup of sage tea twice daily for about 2-4 weeks is able to balance the cholesterol: increasing the levels of the “good” one (HDL) while lowering the levels of the “bad” guy (LDL) (Sa et al, 2009).

#2 Sage as Remedy for Hot Flushes in Menopausal Women

Hormonal balance is out of whack when experiencing hot flushes. The fridge is never cold enough and daily hot flushes are not something one wishes to experience. Good news is that drinking sage tea daily for a period of two months has positive effects, reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flushes (Bommer, et al, 2011). The tea can be made from either fresh flowers or dried plant.

#3 Sage as Mental Acuity Improver

Essential oil from Sage (Perry et al, 2003), can help alleviate symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease. It improves digestion and it also helps improve brain neuropathways. Most notably, after 6 weeks of being exposed to the oil of sage. In the referenced study the volunteers were given 2 drops of the oil. Since this involves the ingestion of an essential oil, it is best to consider using the sage plant fresh or dried in food or consumed as beverage.

The plant, Salvia officinalis and its oil has no known toxicity and has no contraindications. My preferred way to use it is to drink an infusion during the day. In order to get the wonderful benefits sage has on offer I also like grinding it and use it as a salt enhancer.

Guess what tea am I sipping while writing this blog?

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition Diva, I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Bommere et al, Adv. Ther., 2011,28(6):490-500, First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21630133/

Jakovljevic M. et al, Plants (Basel Switzerland), 2019:,8(3) Bioactive Profile of Various Salvia officinalis L. Preparations, . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30845696

Sa et al, Int J Mol Sci. 2009:10(9):3937-50, Sage tea drinking improves lipid profile and antioxidant defences in humans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19865527

Perry et al, Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003:75(3):651-659, Salvia for dementia therapy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895683/

Secrets of a Sticky Weed

Spring is here and with it Weeeeeeds!

They are everywhere.

I hate them! I love them! I hate them I …..use their secrets holistically!

You guessed, I have again the Herbalist Hat on.

Today I choose one weed that used to bother me a lot in the past.

It turned out that it was the weed that my body needed the most in the process of recovering from some serious autoimmune illnesses I have been blessed with.

This plant, Cleavers (Galium aparine), is known under many different names including sticky weed, Velcro plant or goose grass. It grows everywhere in my garden and I cannot say it is my favourite. Every time I collect it, inevitably I also get a little skin irritation.

The plant is edible, leaves, stems as well as the fruits, mostly cooked. Due to its clinging nature (Auld B.A. and Medd, 1987) it is less palatable when attempting to eat it raw.

This sticky plant harbours many secrets. The ancient Greeks used the stems in the form of a coarse colander to strain milk. In Anatolia the plant is known these days as the Yogurt plant, because of an enzyme that curdles the milk. Similar uses of the plant are in practice in Sweden as well.

Benefits. Current research on Cleavers and its use for human consumption is sparse. However, the very many chemical constituents, including but not limited to monotropein, asperuloside, tannins, flavonoids or polyphenolic acids (Deliorman et al, 2001) demonstrate that the plant pharmacological properties are yet to be demonstrated by the modern science. Therefore the secrets this plant possess are about to be unveiled by modern science.

Given the lack of substantiated evidence I will mention only the very well-known applications of Galium aparine (Maud, 1971), as outlined below:

  • Slimming effect: possible due to the asperuloside component, known to increase metabolic rate in mammals;
  • Supports the lymphatic system
    • Promotes lymphatic drainage;
    • Breaks up lymphatic congestion (enlarged lymph nodes) especially in the pelvis,
    • Acts in general as a lymphatic tonic;
  • Diuretic;
  • Choleretic: it stimulates the flow of the bile;
  • Can be used as a coffee substitute: dried and roasted fruits of the cleavers;
  • Its medicinal effects are great if used in soups;
  • Cosmetic benefits
    • Hair tonic : rinsing the hair with cleavers tea infusion;
    • Facial rejuvenation and anti-wrinkles action.

The plant has no known toxicity and has no contraindications.

Best ways to use the plant is to drink a stronger infusion during the day.

Harvesting the plant: should be performed while the plant is in the growing stage with its bright green foliage.

How to use it: Teas and facial cleanser

#1 Diuretic Cleavers Infusion Tea

  • 3 table spoon of dried plant
  • 500 ml boiling water ;
  • Let it sit for a good 20 minute;
  • Strain and drink throughout the day.

This tea is useful to stimulate the lymphatic flow. It has a gentle purgative action due to a chemical in the plant called asperuloside. It also aids the bile. Drink small quantities during the day.

# 2 Natural Facial Cleanser

Cleavers makes an excellent facial cleanser and wash. The chemical components in the form of acids, polyphenolic, tannic and citric acids help tightening the skin. Excellent against those wrinkles and sags we all want to get rid of as the skins matures due to aging.

  • 1/3 cup of dried Galium aparine
  • 500 ml boiling water
  • Let the plant steep for a good hour
  • Wash the face as you would any other facial cleanser.
  • To be effective it has to be used several times a week.

So what are we all waiting for? Let’s gather Galium aparine before going to seeds and enjoy a detox cuppa!

What a great secret gift we have with this sticky weed.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition guide; I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Auld B.A. and Medd, R. W., Weeds – an illustrated botanical guide to weeds of Australia, 1987, (2nd Ed), Melbourne, Inkata Press. https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/9658129?selectedversion=NBD4476220

Deliorman D. et al, Pharmaceutical Biology, 2001:39(3):234-235, Iridoids from Galium aparine. https://doi.org/10.1076/phbi.39.3.234.5928

Grieve, Maud , 1971. “Clivers”. A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folklore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses, Volume 1. Dover Publications. p. 206. ISBN 9780486227986

The Violets Season

Welcome back my dear reader! My love for nature and its wonders is growing to such a speed that I have forgot to post my monthly blog in July and August is almost gone.. He! He!

So coming back to plants, there are so many that I have progressively started to love and introduce in my daily use. Today, my focus is on one of my favourite weed from my garden: the sweet violet (Viola Odorata). It’s in season at the moment and delights the eye as well as the smell.

But little did we know that the sweet violets, flowers and leaves, are edible as well as have medicinal properties. Their extravagant perfume has been appreciated by many in the past history. It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte was attracted by the soothing sweet aroma that makes one smile. He was known to his supporters the Corporal Violet.

A snippet about Napoleon’s love for violets: Violets are native to the Mediterranean, including Napoleon’s home island of Corsica. Therefore he would have been very familiar with the adorable happy little hardy flowers. Perhaps he may as well have picked violet bouquets for his mother as a boy. What we know for sure from history books is that the sweet scent of violets was the favourite fragrance of his first wife, Josephine. Not only she wore violets on her wedding day but every year, on the anniversary of their marriage, Napoleon sent her a bouquet of violets. Napoleon would wear a perfume specially made for him with violet base. (Kane, 2015)

According to the “doctrine of Signatures” herbs will have the shape, color, texture of the organ/system are good to use as remedy. In the case of the Viola, it resembles the heart shape; therefore it would mend an emotionally broken heart. Since time immemorial this humble, yet powerful plant has been used for many ailments. Current research on Viola demonstrated that its chemical constituents, in the form of alkaloids, salicylate, saponin, mucilage, or vitamin C are responsible for the acclaimed therapeutic applications (Chandra 2015) including:

  • Heart tonic both emotional as well as for physical pain;
  • Respiratory conditions;
  • Purification of the blood;
  • Treatment of skin bruises, acne or rashes.

So how can we use the plant to gain such powerful benefits?

I will share two of my favs:

A word of caution: this is a VERY powerful plant: one must use it with care in very small quantities: the saponin component from the plant may cause some stomach for some people.

#1 Violet Tea

  • Infuse 1 teaspoon of dried violet flowers in a 250 grams of warm water;
  • Let it sit for a good 20 minute;

This tea is useful to stimulate the lymphatic flow and aid the liver in purifying the blood. Furthermore it helps expectorate mucus when respiratory problems are present. Additionally, if consumed before bed time, the aroma of the flowers calms the nervous system and helps the mind to quiet down for a restful sleep.

# 2 Violet Flower Fermented Cooling Drink

This one is a very old recipe I learned of from my grandmother.

Ingredients

  • One cup clean sweet violets (viola odorata);
  • 3 Litres of water preferably boiled and cooled;
  • 5 table spoon of honey;
  • The juice from one lemon or a table spook of Apple cider vinegar;

Method:

  • Place all ingredients in a 4 litre wide open jar and let it rest/ferment at room temperature for 7-10 days.
  • Decant and distribute the syrup in flip-top bottles and place the bottles in a safe place to ferment further for up to five days or drink immediately. CAUTION: fermentation will happen more quickly in warmer temperatures. Carefully ensure that all bottles are checked for the carbonation level and release the carbon dioxide during this time. Store the bottles in a cool place.

This drink is wonderful to clear heat and detoxify.

What a great gift we have with this little purple flower.

Disclaimer: I am a qualified holistic wellness, herbalist aromatherapist and nutrition guide; I am not a medical doctor or nurse and do not play one on the internet. Always check with a doctor or medical professional if a medical need arises.

References

Chandra, et al. Curent research in Chemistry,2015, 7:44-52, Phytochemical and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Family Violaceae, https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=crc.2015.44.52

Kane, 2015, The Return of Corporal Violet https://regencyredingote.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/the-return-of-corporal-violet/

Skin – What can Essential Oils Do for my Skin and the Trillion Living on It Essential Oils and the Skin’s Microbiome

Your skin is the ultimate physical barricade between the outside environment and your Health.

How can we best maintain this important organ and the trillion organisms living on it, in balance so that we keep our internal chemistry of life running as joyfully and pain free possible?

While the answer of this question is rather long, I will make a short summary on how to go about it capitalising on the powers of generally recognized as safe Essential oil.

Essential oils create a smooth biofilm on the skin that can help to

  • Slow down the loss of connective tissue: Lavender Oil. The most potent of all skin protectors, soothing the worst of sun burn, this oil requires no further introduction.
  • Hydrate the skin like the jojoba oil. This oil has the same microscopic structure as the natural sebum secreted by the skin. Aging affects this secretion so the skin becomes dryer the hair becomes brittle. Apply undiluted on your skin as well as hair for a smooth healthier new YOU ( Meyer et al 2012)
  • Counteract the effect of photoaging: Frankincense. This oil has powerful astringent properties. Therefore it notifies the skin and heals wounds due to exposure to the harmful sun rays. Use diluted ( 5 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil)
  • Alleviate fungal/bacterial infections ( Athlete’s foot, Nail bed infection, other fungal issues)
Fungal infection Essential oil Source
Tinea (Trichophyton rubrum) and onychomycosis (T. mentagrophytes )infection Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Cassella et al, 2002
Candida albicans Lavender Thosar, et al. 2013
Escherichia coli

Staphylococcus aureus

Peppermint

Tea tree

Thyme

Thosar, et al.2013

 

How else can one nurture and have a healthy glowing skin?

  • By getting dirty. Yes that’s right get out and do some gardening with your bare hands or in other words let some of the soil based organisms get in touch with your skin. This way the skin microbiome (Grice & Segre 2011), i.e. the milieu diverse microorganisms living on the skin, will be enabled to do its job at its highest level.
  • Stay away or even ditch the harsh antibacterial skin soaps, use them only when pathogen situations strictly require;
  • Laundering clothes won’t kill the bacteria harboured within so make sure you dry the clothes in the sun;

Resources

Cassella et al, 2002, Int. J. Aromatherapy, 12 (1) 2-15, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0962456201901274

Grice and Segre, 2011, Nat Rev Microbiol. 9(4): 244–253, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/

Meyer et al, 2012, Forsch Komplementmed., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22585103

Thosar et al, 2013, Eur J Dent. 2013 Sep; 7(Suppl 1): S71–S77, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054083/?report=printable

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by any medical body.

Please consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website. The information shared here is for educational purposes only. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Allergies Seasonal Allergies – What can Essential Oils Do for YOU

Are you suffering from occasional allergies in spring or early summer?

Read this first:

There are risks and potential complications of using essential oils: this is particularly true for allergic prone people

  1. Pain, swelling, or tenderness of the skin;
  2. Itchiness;
  3. Hives, rash, or boils;
  4. Digestive upset;
  5. Difficulty breathing.

Essential oils can be used as an alternative or complementary treatment for allergy symptoms.

Before using the Essential oils BIBI Therapy always conducts an Allergy test reaction. Apply a small dose of essential oil (1–2 drops) diluted in 3–6 drops of carrier oil and apply to an inconspicuous area of skin (such as the abdomen, thigh, inner arm, etc.).

Allow the oil to fully absorb into your skin and then examine the area over the course of several hours. If any redness, pain, itchiness, swelling, or other adverse symptoms result, you may have sensitivity to that oil.

Aromatherapy can be used in various ways to assist you with this ailment:

  • diffusing them into the air;
  • using them in bath and spa products;
  • applying them onto the skin ( diluted);
  • or breathing them directly from a nasal container.

Picture of hand-test for allergies.
Allergy Testing