Some Essential Oils Have Science-Backed Health Benefits

According to an article in the Washington Post by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, there are some essential oils like peppermint, lavender and tea tree oils that can medically treat certain health conditions while others like citronella and rose, are lacking in evidence.

I’ve heard essential oils can help treat stress, insomnia and other health conditions. Is that true? What does the research say?

From a purely medical perspective, it’s hard to say that many essential oils are doing anything profound. The health claims linked to most varieties, such as citronella, bergamot, rose and sandalwood, are lacking in convincing data from clinical studies.

But there is reasonable medical evidence for a few uses, including:

• Peppermint oil capsules for irritable bowel syndrome
• Lavender oil capsules or aromatherapy for sleep and anxiety
• Tea tree oil applied topically for acne

Essential oils are often extracted through distillation methods that use steam to extract the oils from plants. You should never ingest pure essential oils, such as those from the vial, as this may be toxic. Instead, look for products containing essential oils that are meant for ingestion, as is the case of IBgard, an over-the-counter peppermint-containing product for irritable bowel syndrome.

Likewise, avoid applying pure essential oils directly on the skin. Instead, dilute them to 1-5 percent concentration using your favorite lotion or another carrier oil, such as olive oil. This helps lower the risk of contact dermatitis.

Peppermint oil

The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, which relaxes the muscles of the human gastrointestinal tract. A 2022 meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials looking at ingestion of peppermint oil in treating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms found it to be more effective than a placebo (many of the studies were industry-funded).

Peppermint may be especially helpful for abdominal pain, though as a caution, it can aggravate heartburn symptoms. Peppermint is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology, and I find it reasonable to try for mild symptoms, though many patients with irritable bowel syndrome and similar disorders may ultimately benefit more from other therapies. I generally recommend trying one peppermint oil capsule three times a day.

Lavender oil

Lavender is thought to exert its effects on sleep and anxiety in our central nervous system in a somewhat similar fashion to the medication pregabalin, an analgesic.

In Germany, a medication containing lavender oil, silexan, is approved for anxiety-related symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials have shown lavender capsules to improve anxiety symptoms both compared to a placebo and, in the case of high-dose silexan, compared to paroxetine, a medication commonly used to treat depression. These studies were predominantly done in women, and many were funded by the manufacturer.

A 2022 meta-analysis looking at essential oil aromatherapy on sleep quality among cancer patients found lavender oil was moderately effective and performed better than other essential oils, like chamomile or orange. In the studies analyzed, lavender oil in aromatherapy was done through massage or directly inhaled after dilution — for example, putting the oil on a cotton ball that was kept around the patient’s collar for 20 minutes.

It bears noting the studies tend to follow patients for only a few weeks at most so lavender oil is more likely to help as a short-term aid.

Tea tree oil

With tea tree oil, which has some antimicrobial properties when applied to the skin, two trials are worth noting: One was a study of 5 percent tea tree oil from 1990 that found it equally effective as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide for treating acne, though the oil was slower to act. The second was a 2007 double-blind trial that found a 5 percent tea tree oil gel to be more effective than a placebo in reducing acne severity. For some, tea tree oil irritates the skin, but for others with acne who prefer a more natural option, the data are encouraging.

To try it for acne, apply a thin layer of 5 percent tea tree oil to the affected area twice daily and leave it on for 20 minutes. Afterward, wash the area thoroughly with water.

Does it matter where you buy essential oils from?

Essential oils are generally not regulated as medications by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, so it can be hard to know what exactly you’re getting when you buy these over-the-counter or online. Look for essential oils that come from a reputable company and have few, if any, additives that may irritate the skin.

What are the risks of using essential oils?

In 2007, there was a small case series published in the New England Journal of Medicine linking gynecomastia — an enlargement of breast tissue — in young boys to exposure to tea tree and lavender essential oils. It got some buzz in the press at the time, but larger peer-reviewed studies since then have failed to show a connection.

There are a few caveats still worth noting: Many essential oils can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, so I would not rub any in before heading outside. Several essential oils, including tea tree oil, are toxic to dogs and cats.

Avoid vaping essential oils and keep your exposure short: Limited human data suggests that inhaling essential oil vapors for longer than one hour can be harmful to cardiovascular health. Because of their possible irritating effects on the lungs, the American Lung Association does not recommend people with asthma or COPD use essential oils.

In general, it’s best to discuss with your health care provider before using essential oils, especially if you’re pregnant or have young children.

What I want my patients to know

Essential oils have been used for millennia in healing and bathing rituals across many cultures. I have no problem with my patients incorporating the oils in a personal care routine if doing so makes them feel luxurious. But to me, the more important question if you suffer from poor sleep is not whether lavender essential oil will help your symptoms, but whether we can address the underlying issue causing it. Similarly, for anxiety, we still need to find a long-term solution.

Horoscope for the Week of July 29, 2024 - Mars Conjuncts Jupiter

Mars conjuncts Jupiter in Gemini which means that whatever action we take can have expansive reach beyond what we first expect. Go forward but check the road ahead for potholes.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Whatever is on your mind has a tendency to go global and bombastic, Aries. Strong opinions become stronger and even light opinions also make a deep mark. My advice is to think carefully before you speak and even then, think some more. There is plenty of time to get your thoughts to the right audience. Don’t rush it.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Money has a tendency to come and go and come back again as your actions impact your finances. This yoyo of dough can make you feel at once happy and maybe a bit worried. But you are a practical soul, Taurus, so whatever fiscal events come your way, I know you are able to make the most of it for your future stability.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

You make a sterling first impression, Gemini and can impress anyone you set your sights on. You appear to be lively, bubbly and full of confidence. This can attract a range of powerful and important admirers. Plan your social schedule as if it will have lasting impact and personal gain. Now what is your next fabulous move?

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

There is so much going on behind the scenes, Cancer, it may be a bit of a nervous time for you. But don’t worry – all this static is moving in a good direction for you as those who have your best interests at heart are working on your behalf. Allow yourself some time to decompress and relax. It clears the mental cobwebs.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Your social life hits a high note, Leo. You find yourself in the middle of some very festive and exclusive events. Or you may plan a few get togethers yourself. The most important thing is to find more ways to expand beyond your usual group of friends and explore a range of new interests and hobbies. Refresh and renew.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Any path you are on, especially professional, either accelerates your progress or leads to a new and possibly even more rewarding direction. Actions are impactful. It is time to focus and think about where you really want to be, where you want to go and how you can best get there. The road opens up before you, Virgo.  

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

If you have a hankering to travel, now is the time, Libra. Not only can you have a wow of a time, you also expand your vision of the world to reach a new understanding about how global events work. This l expectation is the result of excellent planning and a flexibility to welcome anything and everything surprising.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Deep feelings run even deeper and more powerfully for you, Scorpio. Your heart is big and your ability to express yourself is powerful and passionate. Allow yourself the ability to better understand others and, in turn, it enables you to better understand yourself and your motivations. Self - knowledge is positively energizing.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

There are some relationships that give you such great personal satisfaction that you want to expand them and make them even stronger. Do that as this is the best use of the current planetary energy for you, Sagittarius. Reach out and see where you can strengthen connections and watch to see how they expand and grow.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

You may be infused with greater vim and vigor now, Capricorn. Anything that you do to improve your health has lasting beneficial effects. Try too to finish off any long delayed and dusty projects. This burst of energy is designed to get anything and everything done. The results may even be better than first anticipated.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Anything fun or festive expands to something monumental, Aquarius. That means that even a simple party can go global, attracting a range of amazing people. Dip into your more creative side for projects or group effort. There is a spark of genius in everything you do. Use it not only for others but also for your own benefit.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Family events expand and bring in many far flung relatives now, Pisces. Whatever you are planning, expect it to be bigger and better. That goes for anything having to do with home improvements or redesigns. You may be surprised and how big and bigger these ideas can become. Will you go from a shack to a palace?

(c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes

Lucky Numbers for the Week of July 26, 2024

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of July 26-August 1, 2024:

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

9, 17, 25, 30, 31, 62, 79, 80

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

The Saturn Return

I would be derelict in my astrological duties if I did not mention the Saturn Return phase of our lives.

Saturn is the planet of discipline and impacts areas in our life where we feel inadequate or afraid. However, it also indicates where we learn our hard fought lessons as a result of difficult experiences. 

Not only is Saturn the cosmic “pebble-in-our-shoe”, it also makes itself especially known every 28-30 years or so when Saturn orbiting in the sky matches the exact position Saturn was in at the time of our birth. The Saturn Return occurs first when we are 28ish to 30 (our first Saturn Return), 56ish to 60 (our Second Saturn Return) and, if we are lucky, 85ish to 89 (our Third Saturn Return).

The effects of the Saturn Return last about two to three years like a slow moving threshing machine making mincemeat of our best plans. The best advice for navigating through any Saturn Return is to try to go with the flow no matter how stressful it may feel until you age out of that period (ages 30, 60 and 89). Things are shifting and changing so fast that you couldn’t harness bedrock if you tried. Note too, that anything started during the first Saturn Return specifically tends not to last long term.

Saturn helps us come to grips with our deepest fears (whether we want to or not...). If we face these fears head on, we emerge from this period of life stronger and more enlightened. If we avoid facing our fears and learning the necessary life lessons, Saturn will helpfully remind us at our next return – the Second Saturn Return. Ouch! However, if you have been a good first Return student, your Second Return will be glorious! You reap all of the benefits of a lesson well learned.

The Saturn Return heralds the end of a major life cycle and ushers in a period of great reevaluation, changes and endings. You will have to ask yourself big and scary questions like: Are you living your life true to yourself or are you living for other people’s expectations? Use this time to review your life, whether it be in relationships, career, residence or family but think rather than do. Don’t begin anything new at this time (like a marriage) because there is just too much darn static on the line. Just use the time to reassess, adjust slowly and ride the waves.

The good part is, as this cycle comes to a close, you begin to reap what you have sown. You see, it has a happy ending. So relax. Learn to expand your perspective and brace yourself for enforced changes, possible endings and ongoing challenges and crisis. Then make way for a time of new opportunities, new realizations, solidification and strengthening of foundations, new beginnings and maturity. Ultimately, wisdom makes a great teacher.

Why do we need to know about the Saturn Return in the context of this book? It is because if you are in one of your Saturn Returns, you may need additional gemstone energy infusions that can calm and focus you through the return time period.

Using Transits to Help Predict Events and Trends in Your Chart

An astrology reading contains several layers of analysis, starting with an overview of the birth chart planet placements. What is the overall shape of the chart? How are the planets clustered? Where is the Sun located? Where is Saturn located? Etc.

But a static look at one's personality is just the beginning. For me, I like to examine transits to that chart. Transits indicate where the planets are currently orbiting in the sky and where they aspect to your birth chart.  Transits are used to forecast trends as part of predictive astrology.

Since some planets move more quickly than others, I tend to examine the transits of the slower moving planets - the so-called outer planets - of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Jupiter and Pluto - because their impact is more long lasting and is felt more strongly over time to the individual.

Depending on the degree of the transiting planet and the angle it makes to the birth chart, it is possible to ascertain whether an upcoming time will be difficult or especially easy or shockingly surprising.

For example - When Saturn (where we feel that we don't measure up, where we feel challenged) makes a good aspect to the birth chart, it means we can use what we have learned in the past to maximize our success in a certain situation. When it makes a difficult aspect to the chart it is where we will feel a sharp zetz and will need to learn another lesson.

For me, I tend to favor Uranus aspects since Uranus is the planet of shocking surprises. It it where something happens when we least expect it. Good aspects to the chart by Uranus mean a lucky surprise. Difficult aspects to the chart mean a very unpleasant or dangerous shock.

Jupiter is the planet of luck and expansion. Good aspects are lucky breaks. Difficult aspects bring too much too handle.

Pluto is long term generational change that upends the landscape. It is where our personal journey can change for good or difficult.

Neptune is foggy thinking, creativity and imagination. Also delusions... It is where we get ideas for next steps - whether they pan out well or not.