Cinnamon, Clove and Germ Buster
One of my favorite essential oil blends is our Germ Buster blend, which is made up largely of Clove and Cinnamon essential oils. Germ Buster is our take on the legendary Four Robber’s blend, which is a concoction that was used by a band of miscreants during the Black Death period. They would make this brew, using wine, cloves, rosemary and other ingredients and apply it to their hands and face to ward off the plague while they pilfered through the houses of the dead and the dying. I don’t know if there is any truth to it, but it’s a great (if morbid) story.
Two of the main components of the Germ Buster blend are Clove essential oil and Cinnamon essential oil, which is why I think I like it so much. Clove essential oil is distilled from the flower bud of the clove plant. It is antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral. Clove oil kills mouth bacteria which is why it’s so widely used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes. It’s a centuries-old remedy for toothache, and can also relieve the symptoms of cold, flu and headache.
Cinnamon oil has many similarities to Clove essential oil. This oil is distilled from the leaf and/or bark of the tree. Cinnamon is a stimulant that relaxes and balances the nerves. Cinnamon has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and has actually been found in studies to increase mobility in rats.
How to use Germ Buster? It’s a great oil to use in homemade toothpaste and mouthwashes (see previous blog posts for recipes). Add a few drops to your laundry, mop bucket or dishwasher to kill germs in your household. To make your own air freshener, add 15 drops Germ Buster (or, if you don't have the blend, use 10 drops of Cinnamon oil and 5 drops of Clove oil) to 8 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle and shake will. Your house will smell like you've been baking up a storm.
Another way to use Germ Buster is in a foot bath. Add about 10 drops of Germ Buster to a gallon of hot water and soak your feet for 20-30 minutes. Besides helping with aches, pains and foot odor, this invigorating soak helps melt away any end-of-day stress and tension. I especially love using this foot bath in the winter.
Remember that these oils can be irritating to the skin, so make sure to use them with caution. If you want to use them topically, make sure to dilute them very well in a carrier oil and use them sparingly.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and not intended to treat, prescribe, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition. This information is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Dreaming Earth Botanicals is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed. All matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by a health care professional. Keep all aromatherapy products out of reach of children.