Tea Tree Oil: Some of the properties and indications for tea tree oil are reported to be analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic. With a low cineole content, tea tree oil is a non-irritant to the skin or mucous surfaces and is non-toxic. Australians call tea tree oil a "first aid kit in a bottle". Research from Australia has shown that, "The essential oil of Tea Tree proved to be very efficacious against all of these infections, be they of staphylococcal, streptococcal, gram-negative or Candida albicans origin.", (Dr. Paul Beliache). Eduardo F. Pena, MD reported in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1996 his conclusions that, "Australian Melaleuca alternifolia oil in suitable dilution's was found to be highly effective in treatment of trichomonal vaginitis, moniliasis, cervicitis and chronic endocervicitis." In his book, The Green Pharmacy, Dr. Duke says, "Several women I know have reported success using tea tree oil for vaginal infections that could not be entirely eradicated by pharmaceuticals like nystatin and clotrimazole." Only the highest quality Super Fine Pharmaceutical grade (cineole at 2.5 or below and terpineol-4-ol at 42 or above) Melaleuca alternafolia (Tea Tree Oil) is used in Feminine Care Hygiene Douche.

Lemon: Lemon oil has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons one of Lemon oils primary actions is fighting infections. In her book, A Complete Guide to Understanding & Using Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty, Roberta Wilson reports, "French physicians treat such disorders as diabetes, gonorrhea, high blood pressure, malaria, syphilis, tuberculosis, and typhoid with lemon oil." and "Because lemon oil can kill bacteria and other gems in minutes, many European hospitals use it to sanitize hospital rooms and kill airborne germs." Lemon oil also helps balance the pH of the douche to be more in sync with the natural pH of the vaginal cavity.

Lavender: In her book, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Shirley Price lists the properties and indications for lavender as: analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal (specifically Candida albicans), anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic (this is a partial list). In the book, A Complete Guide to Understanding & Using Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Living, lavender along with tea tree oil is suggested in blends for vaginitis douches and sitz baths. In his book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Dr. Balch says, " My friend Jeanne Rose, California herbalist and author of several good herb books, suggests essential oils, notably lavender, for treatment of trichomonas and gardnerella vaginitis." In 1920, aromatherapy's founder, French perfume chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, burned his hand in his laboratory and plunged his burning hand into the nearest cool liquid, which happened to be lavender oil. He experienced rapid relief and no scarring. As a result of this experience, he dedicated his life to researching the therapeutic aspects of essential oils. Since then, researchers have discovered some essential oils reduce the flow of nerve impulses, including those which transmit pain----lavender being one of them. Through World Wars I and II, the first aid kits carried by soldiers contained essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil for disinfecting and treating wounds. Other uses of this powerful oil have been: in the treatment of cold sores, (Herpes simplex virus), and insect bites, to kill lice, to relieve pain in stressed muscles (massaged into the area), and to soothe headaches and calm nerves.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: Current research and studies show Grapefruit Seed Extract to be an extremely potent and effective broad spectrum bactericide, fungicide, antiviral, and antiparasitic compound. In the GSE Report, Volume 1, Issue 1, pg 5., it reads "Due to its ability to eradicate yeast organisms, including Candida, it is not surprising that Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is an effective treatment for this age old condition. In a study done at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Monterry, Mexico, GSE was tested as a treatment for Candida albicans vaginitis." Further, "According to Dr. Luis E. Todd, MD, "Of the 20 patients treated, 15 patients were cured after the first treatment course." And " the reporting doctors in this study were also pleased "...because this drug has shown that it does not have any toxic effect in (the) women." In addition, " Chronic Candidiasis, both intestinal and systemic, is being treated with excellent results using Grapefruit Seed Extract, according to numerous clinics and medical practitioners prescribing this amazing botanical extract. Unlike many typical treatments, extract of citrus causes no side effects in patients."

References

Prescription for Nutritional Healing , James F. Balch, MD and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, New York, 1990.

A Complete Guide to Understanding & Using Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty , Roberta Wilson. Avery Publishing Group, Garden City Park, New York,1995.

Aromatherapy for Health Professionals , Shirley Price, FISPA MIFA, Len Price, MIT FISPA, forward by Dr. Daniel Penoel. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Melbourne, New York, and Tokyo, 1996.

Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide (Third Edition), Cynthia Olsen. Kali Press, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, 1997.

Treatment of Vaginal Infections of Candida Albicans with the Essential Oil of Melaleuca Alternafolia , Dr. Paul Belaiche. Phytotherapy, 1985, no. 15, pp 15-17.

Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil, Its Use for Trichomonal Vaginitis and Other Vaginal Infections , Eduardo F. Pena, MD, F.A.C.O.G. Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 6, June 1962.

The GSE Report , Vol. 1, Issue 1. From Praxus Inc., Novato, CA.