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BacGuard

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Traditionally used to support healthy immune function. BacGuard is no longer available; please see our Top Gun blend.

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BacGuard
BacGuard is no longer available; please see our Top Gun blend.
 
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum), Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Cilantro Leaf (Coriandrum sativum), Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Safety Information
Children: Skin irritation risk; use with caution on children under 2 years of age due to potential skin irritation issues with Clove and Oregano. See Safety information below. Consider Immune Support.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not suitable due to Oregano. See Safety information below. Consider Immune Support.

Medication/Health Condition: 
Caution Orally: May interact with Pethidine, MAOIs or SSRIs. Diabetes and Anticoagulant medication (such as aspirin, heparin, warfarin), drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (if unsure, ask your MD or pharmacist), Major Surgery and Childbirth (up to one week before and after), Peptic Ulcers, Hemophilia and other Bleeding disorders, Severe Hepatic (liver) or Renal (kidney) impairment, Hypertensive or Diabetic Retinopathy, Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count), Vasculitis
Therapeutic Uses
BacGuard essential oil blend may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Acne (with appropriate dilution)
Antiseptic
Arthritis
Asthma
Bacteria
Borrelia burgdorferi
Bronchitis
Burns
Congestion
Coughs
Digestion (abdominal spasms, amoebic bloating, appetite stimulator, dysentery, dyspepsia, E-coli, gas, giardiasis, food poisoning, IBS, nausea, gas, spasms, stomach cramps, tonic, vomiting)
Fatigue
Flu
Fungal
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes, simplex 1 (cold sores, chicken pox, shingles)
Immune system
Infections, viral, bacterial, fungal
Inflammation
Insect deterrent
Joint aches and pain
Lymphatic system
Mentally stimulating
MRSA
Muscles, minor aches and pain
Oral issues
Pain
Respiratory
Ringworm
Sinus
Tuberculosis
UTI
Virus
Warts
Wounds (with appropriate dilution)

Research and Aromatherapy Literature Notes

CLOVE
Compounds from Clove may inhibit growth of oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces visocosus, Potphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. View Abstract.

Wang et al. (1998) reported that eugenol in essential oils [Clove] improved immune ability by increasing synthesis of IgG in body and synthesis of IgA in saliva. However, the effects of essential oils have not yet been rigorously evaluated.

Clove essential oil increased the total white blood cell (WBC) count (PubMed article)

"... eugenol may serve as local anesthetics for other pathological pain conditions in addition to its wide use in dental clinic."

"The acaricidal properties demonstrated by eugenol and its analogues show promise as leads for future development of alternative topical acaricides to treat scabies."
 
"Considering the importance of this compound, the present review discusses its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, demonstrating its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases."
 
"We found that not all essential oils had activity against the B. burgdorferi stationary phase culture, with top five essential oils (oregano, cinnamon bark, clove bud, citronella, and wintergreen) at a low concentration of 0.25% showing high anti-persister activity that is more active than the known persister drug daptomycin. Interestingly, some highly active essential oils were found to have excellent anti-biofilm ability as shown by their ability to dissolve the aggregated biofilm-like structures. The top three hits, oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove bud completely eradicated all viable cells without any regrowth in subculture in fresh medium, whereas but not citronella and wintergreen did not have this effect. Carvacrol was found to be the most active ingredient of oregano oil showing excellent activity against B. burgdorferi stationary phase cells . . .."

Selective Essential Oils from Spice or Culinary Herbs Have High Activity against Stationary Phase and Biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi  Frontiers in Medicine
"Oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove bud were identified as the most active essential oils because of their remarkable activity even at the lowest concentration of 0.125%."

Do Essential Oils Kill Lyme Disease? by Cate Montana
"In their first study, published in 2017, they discovered that oregano, clove and cinnamon bark essential oils were able to eradicate B. burgdorferi even at low concentrations. A follow-up study published in 2018 added 10 more oils to the list, which could wipe out the pathogen even when diluted to as little as one part per thousand."

Kurt Schnaubelt writes in reference to reading or hearing "dire warnings about the use of Cinnamon and Clove oil, that the 'Never to be used' phrase attached to these two essential oils" is "resoundingly ignored by those who really used essential oils. The antibacterial effects of Cinnamon Bark oil make it one of the best options when a person encounters violent bacterial infections of the intestinal tract, especially while traveling in unfamiliar territory! The choice is between being pointlessly scared by the defensive writing of an author who probably had never been in a comparable situation or effectively ending the debilitating condition with a few drops of Cinnamon oil."
The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, page 73.

Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is the founder and scientific director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. In his book, Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils, he writes that Clove and Cinnamon are "Strong allergenic agents" and that Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Leaf, Cassia, Clove Bud and Clove Stem "provoke skin sensitization in approximately 5% of the population when applied topically. These oils are preferably used internally, which is less problematic."
 
"Today, eugenol, the main constituent of clove oil, and cinnamic aldehyde, the main constituent of cinnamon bark oil, are among the most thoroughly researched components of essential oils. Within modern times, the move toward commercialization has made these two oils almost outcasts in the litmus test of aromatherapy. This may also be a reflection of the predominant use of aromatherapy for massage in Great Britain and the limited usefulness of these oils for topical applications, because they do pose hazards such as dermatitis reactions to those with sensitive skin. Nonetheless, their ability to restore equilibrium to the intestinal flora, to act against pathogens, and to be metabolized by the good bacteria makes them indispensable agents in maintaining balance during an illness. Another reason that these oils are so highly contested may rest in their extreme effectiveness. In casual aromatherapy, it is customary to always use at least a drop or two. Doing so with cinnamon or clove results in too high a concentration. A more accurate evaluation of the qualities of these two oils is given by Dr. Deininger, of Cologne, Germany, who put it this way: “If people in the world knew about all the beneficial properties of cinnamon it would not be available anymore, it would be soaked up from the market in no time.” 
 
"Aromatherapy approach: for the self-medicating individual, determination of the pathogen is often not possible. Cinnamon bark oil can be used alone or in conjunction with oregano oil to take aim at an extremely broad range of pathogenic bacteria. It is well tolerated internally. For bacterial intestinal infections, which can often be identified by their quick and violent onset, oils that often are treacherous to use on the skin such as cinnamon bark and clove are very useful. Their internal application is usually safe and effective, provided they are used in the appropriately small dosage of one drop per application. The best way to ingest these oils is to dilute one drop of the oil into one tablespoon of edible oil (hazelnut or olive) and ingest that mixture in a gelatin capsule."
 
Schnaubelt writes in The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy (p. 79) that "It appears that the potential of Clove bud, stem, and leaf as well as Cinnamon bark and leaf oil to create these undesirable effects arises when they come in contact with the skin. However, ingesting a drop of Cinnamon Bark essential oil absorbed on a sugar cube or a similar adsorbent is typically tolerated well by almost everyone. Taking a drop of Cinnamon Bark essential oil in this fashion can be a life safer if you are suffering from tropical infections. Clove essential oil is so powerful that it is treated with utmost respect by everyone who chooses to work with it. If integrated into blends intended for ingestion, 1% of Clove is effective and should probably be an upper limit."
Purchon/Cantele note that "Clove oil as the power to increase energy and quicken the function of the glands. It is often included in chest massage blends to relieve asthma and bronchitis.


GERANIUM
The effect of essential oils on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a dressing model - PubMed
"A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain)."


TEA TREE
Tea Tree oil for Oral Fungal Infection: Better than Clotrimazole from the Journal of Traditional and Complimentary Medicine
"The study concluded that TTO, being a natural product, is a better nontoxic modality compared to clotrimazole, in the treatment of oral fungal infection and has a promising future for its potential application in oral health products."

Folliculitis: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment by Newsmax
Tea Tree's antifungal properties are enhanced with the addition of other antifungal oils such as: Eucalyptus citriodora, Geranium, Lemongrass, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spikenard and Vetiver. 40% Tea Tree + 20% Lavender has produced very good results.

Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D wrote in The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils (p. 133) that 1-3 drops in water can be taken for cystitis (urinary track infection). "One to three drops are drunk repeatedly during the day. In the beginning of an acute condition, this can be done every 20 minutes, and the symptoms will diminish quickly. Then the frequency of consumption of the Tea Tree drink can be reduced. Treating cystitis with Tea Tree is highly effective. Nonetheless, if the cystitis is recurrent, diet or lifestyle changes may be required for a full resolution."

Robert Tisserand noted in a discussion about athlete's feet in his Skin Care Series that a 25% dilution of Tea Tree was effective and there was only a marginal gain with 50% dilution. 

Tea Tree is well suited to diffusion as an aerial antiseptic. It has an outstanding effect against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus species (including MRSA), dermatophytes and Candida species (Lang and Buchbauer 2012). Edward-Jones et al. (2004) demonstrated that the vapors of Tea Tree in conjunction with Geranium were the most active against MRSA of all the oils and combinations investigated.

Tea Tree Oil and Biofilms by Robert Tisserand

Activity of Tea Tree oil Against Head Lice and It's Eggs  

Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties

Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia published by The Journal of Applied Microbiology

Comparison of efficacy of alternative medicine with allopathy in treatment of oral fungal infection in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

"This clinical study assessed and compared the efficacy of tea tree oil (TTO), an alternative form of medicine, with clotrimazole (i.e., allopathy) and a conservative form of management in the treatment of oral fungal infection. The study concluded that TTO, being a natural product, is a better nontoxic modality compared to clotrimazole, in the treatment of oral fungal infection and has a promising future for its potential application in oral health products." (0.25% TTO was given as a rinse.)


CILANTRO LEAF
Evaluation of the composition and in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Cilantro ( Coriandrum sativum L. leaves) cultivated in Saudi Arabia (Al-Kharj)
"The antimicrobial activity of CEO was assessed against 5 microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) by using well diffusion methods; CEO was found to possess excellent antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, except Escherichia coli. Moreover, CEO demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity against egg albumin- and trypsin-induced inflammation."

Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander) Essential Oil: Antifungal Activity and Mode of Action on Candida spp., and Molecular Targets Affected in Human Whole-Genome Expression
"The EO from C. sativum leaves has strong antifungal and anti-adherent activity against Candida spp., as well as anti-proteolytic activity against C. albicans, and acts by increasing cell membrane ionic permeability rather than disturbing cell wall biosynthesis."

Biological activities of a new antimicrobial peptide from Coriandrum sativum
"Plantaricin  CS  from  Coriander  extract  has  effective antimicrobial  impact  against  Gram  negative  and Gram  positive  bacteria  as  well  as  fungi.  It  revealed more  effective  antimicrobial  activity  compared  to common antibiotics like neomycin and kanamycin."

Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from the Leaves and Seeds of Coriandrum sativum toward Food-borne Pathogens

Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from the Leaves and Seeds of Coriandrum sativum toward Food-borne Pathogens
"The essential oil of the leaves and seeds of Coriandrum sativum showed antimicrobial activity against the food-borne pathogenic bacteria."
Antibacterial action of essential oils extracted from Madagascar plants


NIAOULI
Kurt Schnaubelt writes in Medical Aromatherapy: "MQV or Niaouli oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora) Niaouli oil, or MQV as it is often referred to in aromatherapy, has a surprising variety of properties. Like many other Myrtaceae it is an excellent expectorant and also possesses moderate but distinctly useful antiallergic and antiasthmatic properties. It is an endocrine tonic with a special affinity to pituitary and ovarian glands. It strengthens and regenerates in cases of asthenia and has even been recommended to help alleviate arthrosis. When using MQV, it is best to experiment individually to establish a concentration that is well tolerated. To this end MQV is advantageously mixed with either tea tree, ravensara, and/or calophyllum to achieve a mix that is tolerated on the mucous membranes. You might start with a mix of 50 percent calophyllum, 25 percent ravensara and 25 percent MQV. If this is easily tolerated, the MQV proportion can be made somewhat higher the next time the blend is created. Once a proper blend is established it can be used topically for hemorrhoids and genital herpes. It can also be tried for fibroids (with variable results). In French aroma medical practice, it is also used for hepatitis and dysplasias of the colon and to protect against burns from radiation treatment. It is a safe vaginal douche (mixed with tea tree). Preferred mode of use: Topical."

Patricia Davis writes in Aromatherapy: An A-Z: "Niaouli combats infection within the body (antibiotic) and is considered a bactericide (kills bacteria). She also mentions Bergamot, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Juniperberry, Lavender, Manuka and Rosemary."


OREGANO
Cumin essential oil showed the highest activity against E. coli followed by Oregano. Chamomile showed the highest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D wrote in The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils that Oregano can be taken for acute tonsilitis. Schnaubelt warns the user to be careful, "this oil burns and needs to be absorbed on a charcoal pill or something similar that will release it slowly." In Medical Aromatherapy, Schnaubelt writes that the preferred mode of use is "internally, ideally diluted in vegetable oil and in capsules."

Oil of Mediterranean oregano Oreganum vulgare was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana. After 6 weeks of supplementation with 600 mg [20 drops] emulsified oil of oregano daily, there was complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases. Also, Blastocystis hominis scores declined in three additional cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who had tested positive for Blastocystis hominis.

"Oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove bud were identified as the most active essential oils because of their remarkable activity even at the lowest concentration of 0.125%."

Alternative to Conventional Anticoccidial Additives in Broiler Feeds
Oregano essential oil may offer an alternative to using the conventional anticoccidial agents currently used in broiler diets.

"In conclusion, our results indicate that dietary administration of OEO can reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and promote the integrity of the intestinal barrier in pigs. The protective effect of OEO on the intestine is associated with the decrease of intestinal E. coli population and the inactivation of the JNK, ERK1/2, Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathways. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms by which OEO promotes the integrity of the intestinal barrier in pigs."
Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a dilution chart.)
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern, as a gentle back massage or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. To avoid risk of skin irritation due to Clove and Oregano, the maximum topical use is 3%.

Children: Skin irritation risk; use with caution on children under 2 years of age due to potential skin irritation issues with Clove and Oregano. Consider Immune Support. Please refer to the Dilution Chart on the Babies and Children page. 

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler

Internal: BacGuard is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. Due to the potential skin irritating properties of BacGuard, the preferred mode of use is internally, ideally taken by capsule diluted with a suitable carrier oil (Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt). We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage.

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12) 
1. I diluted the BacGuard at 3% in a roll-on applicator and use it for just about everything. It's amazing for paper cuts and hangnails that tend to get infected with dish washing! We dab it on insect bites and stings; it calms the itch and the inflammation. We've also diffused it when exposed to sickness with success too. It's a great blend and one I'll definitely keep on hand. - L.S.
Safety
Oregano Contraindications (all routes): Pregnancy and breastfeeding 
"When Origanum vulgare oil was fed to pregnant mice for two weeks at 1,000ppm (equivalent to 150mg/kg) [about 5 drops], there was a related increase in the rate of embryonic cell death." Tisserand/Young page 376. The concern is that Oregano demonstrates embryotoxicity, and a complete absence of risk to the nursing infant is impossible to demonstrate conclusively. Keep in mind that the dose is a critical component of this toxicity, and adverse effects will only occur when the dose exceeds a certain threshold, but determining that threshold is not simple, as extrapolating from studies in pregnant animals is problematic. Specifically in regard to Oregano, 150mg (about 5 drops) Oregano was fed to female mice for 2 weeks prior to mating. Oregano significantly increased the rate of embryonic cell death. "The negative effects seen in this study may be due to the high doses used, but we do not know what a safe dose might be . . . we have therefore contraindicated Oregano [for use during pregnancy and lactation]." Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young, pages 153-155.

Oregano is not on the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) avoid or use with caution list during pregnancy or nursing list.
 
Clove Drug interaction Caution (oral): anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders (Tisserand p. 255). Tisserand notes that "since eugenol significantly inhibits human MAO-A (Tao et al 2005), oral doses of eugenol-rich essential oils may interact with pethidine, indirect sympathomimetics, MAOIs or SSRIs." Caution is advised when Clove essential oil is ingested in conjunction with certain foods if taking MAO inhibiting antidepressants. Those containing tyramine, which include cheese, may precipitate a hypertensive crisis (Blackwell & Mabbitt 1965), while tryptophan-containing foods may lead to elevated serotonin levels.

Oregano Oral Caution: Diabetic medication, anticoagulant medication, major surgery (one week before and after), peptic ulcer, hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Oregano Oral Lethal Dose for a Child: 21mls (Jane Buckle)
 
Clove Dermal Caution: Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, children under 2 years of age. Maximum dermal level: 0.5% (based on 96.9% eugenol content), which is 1 drop in 7 mLs of carrier (Tisserand/Young). Repeated use can result in contact sensitization. Skin test for sensitivity.
Oregano Dermal Caution: Oregano can cause irritation of skin and mucus membranes if not appropriately diluted. According to Tisserand/Young, maximum dermal use level is 1.1%.
 
From Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand/Young, page 254-256:
"There are three reports of non-fatal oral poisoning from clove oil, all in children. In 1991 a 7-month-old child was given one teaspoon of clove oil. Supportive care and gastric lavage were sufficient for total recovery following the resultant severe acidosis, CNS depression and urinary abnormalities (the presence of ketones in the urine). The second case involves a near fatal poisoning of the acetaminophen (paracetamol) type after ingestion of 5-10 ml of clove oil by a 2-year-old boy. Acidosis, deteriorating liver function, deep coma, generalized seizure and unrecordably low blood glucose were all noted. Heparin (an anticoagulant) was given due to the possible development of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The child was fully conscious by day six and eventually made a full recovery. In the final case, a 15-month-old boy developed fulminant hepatic failure after ingesting 10ml clove oil. . . . a 32-year-old woman, who self-injected an unknown quantity of clove oil intravenously, experienced acute respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema which had developed over one hour."
 
Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat—like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Flushing with water will only send the essential oil back to the eye's membranes. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. We’ve not known this to cause permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.
Reference
Buckle, Jane, Clinical Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition 2003, p.83.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, pages 64, 254-256, 375-376.

 

 
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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11
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