Evergreen trees are tall and stately. They beautify the landscape and they provide us with wood.
Their lovely woody aroma freshens our homes. That’s why pine is included in a number of commercial cleaning products. (However, please consider using only all-natural pine cleaners. Otherwise, you could expose yourself to potentially toxic chemicals that may be added to certain products.)
We especially appreciate evergreens at Christmas. This is when we either put a real tree in our house, or we erect an artificial one. Some of us also place evergreen sprigs along our mantle.
Health Benefits of Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
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But evergreens are much more than pretty decorations, or scenic dots on the landscape.
They contain powerful medicinal components, which modern scientists are just beginning to explore. Of course, ancient civilizations were well aware of what evergreens can do for our bodies and our minds.
A Greek physician named Claudius Galenus (otherwise known as Galen), who practiced in the 2nd Century AD, recommended fir resin diluted in a more bland oil, along with beeswax. This remedy was used for He believed was good for patients suffering from congestion, or blockages in their lymphatic system.
Fir Needle Essential Oil Uses
My aromatherapy collection includes fir needle essential oil. Fir is a strong oil, with an uplifting scent.
I’ve used it for massage, mixed with a carrier oil. But aromatic fir has a myriad of household uses too. But I’ve also used it for natural rodent control, as well as general disinfecting. I’ve also put it in the water well of my dehumidifier to keep the mold under control.
Where are Evergreen Trees and Shrubs Found?
Evergreens are found in most parts of the world. Technically speaking, they even grow in tropical rain forests. That’s because jungle foliage doesn’t die and shed at certain times of the year. However, for the purpose of this article, this discussion is limited to plants that come from more temperate areas.
These forests are found in temperate regions throughout the world, and not just in North America. However, the Pacific Northwest is especially noted for its lush, dense evergreens.
Rosemary Essential Oil for Memory
Evergreens also grow in the Mediterranean. One of the best-known medicinal plants native to that region is rosemary, an evergreen shrub. This herb yields rosemary essential oil, something that’s been scientifically proven to improve memory. That’s why I often inhale this aromatic when I’m working.
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Siberia contains a lot of evergreen trees. South Africa is also home to the honeybush plant, an evergreen shrub that grows in the upper elevations surrounding Cape Town. If you’ve never tried natural honeybush tea, I highly recommend this delicious beverage.
Health Benefits and Uses of Rosemary Essential Oil
I need to stress that I’m not a doctor and I can’t give medical advice, nor claim that any natural remedy will solve your health problems. All I can do is share my personal experience, as well as pass along other bits of published information.
Health Uses for Rosemary Oil
Rosemary has a number of potential health benefits. This plant has been widely studied. Its oil can kill bacterial, viral and fungal infections. A study that ran in the August 5, 2013 of the medical journal Molecules found that both basil and rosemary oils were particularly effective against E-coli bacteria. The authors concluded that this research “may hasten the application of essential oils” in treating antibiotic-resistant strains.
Rosemary oil is one of the ingredients in the popular germ-fighting blends now sold by nearly every major essential oil company. Both of the big MLM companies have their own products. But I recently bought a non-MLM alternative from Plant Therapy, a company I trust implicitly. Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Synergy Blend contains rosemary, as well as clove, cinnamon, lemon and eucalyptus oils.
Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Formula
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What are the Potential Health Benefits of Rosemary Essential Oil?
Other potential health benefits of rosemary oil include:
- Rosemary is believed to have the ability to reduce inflammation. One way to use it is to rub it into your skin. (However, it must first be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oil.)
- This aromatic may be recommended for people with bronchial congestion. (It would be used for massage or inhalation, but not taken internally.)
- Rosemary is believed to be good for the nervous system.
- Studies have found that rosemary oil can help improve your memory.
- Rosemary essential oil is often added to commercial and DIY hair care products, for its reputed ability to add shine and luster.
If you’d like to add rosemary essential oil to your aromatherapy collection, Plant Therapy rosemary essential oil is available online.
Health Benefits of Fir Needle Essential Oil
The oil below comes from the Abies siberica trees, which thrive on cold, moist conditions. This is a very hardy tree, able to withstand temperatures that dip decades below the freezing mark.
Fir oil has an intoxicating scent. I’ve used it for massage. I suffer from chronically inflamed nerves. But I live pretty symptom free by using wide range of natural remedies, including herbs, homeopathy and essential oils. I need to rotate for maximum benefits. Fir has been part of this rotation.
This aromatic is considered good for supporting the body during an upper respiratory infection. It can also be added to DIY household cleaning formulas. I’ve used it for rodent control too. (I soak cotton balls with fir oil and place them in my basement.)
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Is Honeybush Tea Good for You?
Honeybush tea tastes and smells a little like honey. It is sweet and delicious on its own, but is even better if a little pure, raw honey is added. It’s considered a red tea, similar to South African rooibus, but it’s actually more pinkish in color.
Like rooibus, honeybush comes from South Africa, where it grows in the highlands near Cape Town. As with evergreens, honeybush tea is considered useful to sip when you’re battling a cold or the flu.
It’s also possible that honeybush contains potent natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents. Yes, it’s definitely been part of my herbal rotation. Also, in a study of laboratory rats that suffered from diabetes, honeybush was found to drastically lower their blood sugar. But, even if you don’t have health problems, you’ll enjoy this delicious tea.
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Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils or herbal or homeopathic remedies unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
