omcadmin's blog

August 6, 2025

Migraine  is  a  neurological  disorder  characterized  by  headache,  photophobia,  phonophobia,  nausea  and  vomiting. Pharmacological treatment of migraine has advanced in the past years but  is  still  considered  unsatisfactory  for  a  significant  number  of  patients.  In this sense, there is increasing evidence that  essential  oils  from  several  plants  may  provide  benefit  for  migraine  patients.  Peppermint essential oil is one of the most used essential oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. It is typically obtained through the steam distillation of aerial parts of the flowering plant.  Menthol  is  a  major  component  of  peppermint  essential  oil  and  has  been  used  as  a  non-opioid  pain  reliever  since ancient times. In  addition  to  menthol,  it  has  menthone  as  another  main  component  and  a  mixture  of  volatile  metabolites  that  contribute  to  innumerous  biological  activities,  such  as  antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In migraine patients, two clinical trials showed that intranasal application of peppermint essential oil (1.5%) or application of a solution containing 10% menthol to the forehead and temporal  area  reduced  the  severity  and  duration  of  the  migraine  crisis  similarly  to  lidocaine, and  also reduced  nausea and/or  vomiting,  and  phonophobia  and/or  photophobia.

August 26, 2025

Basil is a versatile and aromatic herb with significant health benefits. Its bioactive compounds provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties, and has been used to treat many conditions over the centuries in tradimedicines.

Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, is a fragrant herb that grows as a small bush, typically reaching heights of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches). It has glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are usually green but can also be purple, depending on the variety. The plant produces small white or pink flowers arranged in clusters. Basil has a rich history in traditional medicine systems around the world and is supported by modern scientific research. Its potential benefits for digestive health, cardiovascular health, and skin health make it a valuable addition to both culinary and medicinal applications.

August 10, 2025

Traditional Uses of Kelp

What is Kelp?

July 26, 2025

Saffron is derived from dark red stigmata of a bulbous and perennial herbal plant known as Crocus sativus L. It belongs to the Iridaceae family that is considered the most expensive carotenoid-rich spice and is widely available in Iran, India, and some European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and France. Four main bioactive secondary metabolites which contribute to the overall appearance, taste, and potential biological activities of saffron are picrocrocin (bitter taste), crocetin (yellow-orange color), crocin (yellow-orange color), and safranal (hay-like fragrance). Besides, saffron is constituted by other metabolites such as carotenoids, terpenes, isophorones, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Saffron has been used to treat a variety of diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular, and sexual disorders. Various investigations suggested that saffron may possess a plethora of pharmacologic effects including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-genotoxic, anti-nociceptive, anti-atherosclerotic, insulinotropic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic effects.

While there are a variety of claimed medicinal properties of saffron, it is essential to assess the effects of saffron on liver function. Liver is an important organ responsible for many functions such as metabolism of xenobiotics, regulation of blood coagulation, storage of nutrients, synthesis of bile and proteins, and elimination of microorganisms in the body.

July11, 2025

Tea tree oil has a number of medicinal benefits, especially in the form of fighting various infections of the skin.

What is Tea Tree?

The Tea Tree herb is scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to seven meters tall. It has narrow, needle-like leaves that are soft and aromatic. The tree produces white or pale-yellow flowers arranged in spikes.

Tea tree is native to the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It grows in swampy, waterlogged soils and is commonly found in wet, low-lying areas.

Tea tree oil is typically made through steam distillation of the Melaleuca’s potent leaves.

Primary Compounds in Tea Tree

Terpinenes: These make up the main active components responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Limonene: Another compound contributing to its antimicrobial effects.

Terpineol: Known for its antiseptic properties.

Eucalyptol: Contributes to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Terpinolene: Adds to the antimicrobial activity. 

P-cymene: An aromatic compound with antiseptic properties.

Other notable compounds include pinene, linalool, piperitol, cineole, and humulene.

Health Benefits

1. Antimicrobial Properties

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

3. Antifungal Activity

4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Abrasions

5. Skin Health.

June 27, 2025

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative cartilage disease characterized by progressive deterioration and functional loss.  In females, the incidence, severity, and prevalence of osteoarthritis increase during the menopausal period. Current guidelines for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis recommend the combined use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy utilized in the treatment of joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis. Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic use of essential oils and plant extracts containing essential oils in a safe and supportive manner. The components of essential oils used during aromatherapy massage are reported to reduce pain by affecting the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins, norepinephrine, and serotonin through lymph and blood vessels in the epidermis.

May 21, 2025

Depression is a multifaceted affective mental disorder with a variety of clinical manifestations, such as weight loss, diminished interest, an inability to express emotions, and disruptions in appetite and sleep patterns. It ranks as the primary contributor to the global incidence of suicide among the 20 leading causes worldwide. Conventional Western antidepressant drugs exhibit limited clinical utility due to inherent shortcomings such as severe adverse effects, high costs, and a propensity for relapse upon discontinuation, making patient adherence to treatment challenging. Volatile oil, as the principal active ingredient of aromatic Chinese medicine, possesses therapeutic properties such as soothing, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, thereby conferring a distinct advantage in the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Volatile oils have been documented to be able to access the central regions of the brain, allowing for a more potent antidepressant effect with fewer adverse reactions and reduced toxicity.

May 10, 2025

Wounds are disruptions in the integrity of the skin or underlying tissues caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors.  Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, oxidative stress, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Effective wound management prevents complications such as infections and promotes faster recovery. Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been historically used for its medicinal properties, including wound healing. The oil contains bioactive compounds such as boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These attributes make it a valuable agent in promoting wound repair. Frankincense essential oil helps reduce inflammation in the wound area, creating an optimal environment for healing. Its antimicrobial effects help prevent infections, while its antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, which can delay healing.

April 5, 2025

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)  is a frequently utilized herbal medicinal product in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is commonly used for treating gastrointestinal infectious disorders, including gastrointestinal cold, acute gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These conditions are believed to be linked to dampness and summer heat, as per the principles of TCM. Patchouli belongs to the Labiatae family, and patchouli essential oil is considered its main effective component. Essential oils derived from plants are popular because of their positive emotional effects on calming nerves.

 

March 29, 2025

Valerian possesses a multitude of pharmacological effects, including sedative and hypnotic properties, antihypertensive effects, antibacterial activity, and liver protection. Insomnia, one of the most prevalent disorders in contemporary society, significantly impacts people’s daily lives. This disease is primarily defined by difficulty initiating or sustaining sleep and the inability to resume sleep after awakening in the morning. Sleeplessness results in physical and psychological health issues, affecting patient’s daily work and overall lives. Research indicates that chronic insomnia is a considerable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, gastric reflux, and asthma.