Posts Tagged ‘natural health’

Describing Key Factors Relating To Neroli Oil

Friday, January 13th, 2012
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Most oils are created using numerous items such as nuts and flowers. Neroli oil is among the most sought after sorts. It’s utilized as a base for generating most perfumes. It’s extracted from the delicate flowers in the bitter orange tree belonging to the citrus loved ones. Becoming a secure oil it really is the choice of most perfume manufacturers.

These flowers are really sensitive. Because of their delicate nature they may be preferably harvested by hand because other implies might destroy them. To steer clear of putting them to waste the oil is extracted from the flower by the water distillation methods as opposed to steam distillation processes.

The name Neroli is accredited to seventeenth century Annie Marie Orsini, princess of Nerola and duchess of Bracciano. The princess used the extract of the revitalizing aroma from the orange tree for a refreshing fragrance in her bath and gloves. The princess’s option has now been acknowledged worldwide as a advantageous industrial ingredient.

Along with it is pleasant smell, Neroli oil just isn’t irritating and it is non-toxic, generating it helpful as a flavoring, too. This flavoring is included inside the “secret” Coca Cola recipe, and it is also used to enhance the flavor of various desserts.

This oil is not utilized only in perfumes and recipe flavorings. It’s also used in massages because it is perfect in aromatherapy. A couple of Neroli oil drops are added to any other oil like the almond oil which is then used in massages. It is fairly concentrated, so when used for a youngster a lesser quantity of drops of Neroli oil are to be utilized.

This oil is made and marketed worldwide by numerous nations where this bitter orange tree is cultivated. It really is accessible both within the retail industry also because the wholesale market. As it can be a concentrate, 1 doesn’t need to use significantly, just several drops are sufficient. To many the costs charged for it might sound extremely pricey, however it is essential to bear in mind the rewards of this oil.

For those who wish to purchase this oil, some online research can enable you to narrow down sellers, dealers, and producers of this oil in order to discover the best deal. Several of them will include totally free delivery using the order.

You will find web sites exactly where you’ll be able to find recipes so that you can use Neroli oil as a flavoring ingredient. You can find also instructions on massages and aromatherapy utilizes too in several web sites. These web sites in fact don’t just sell this product but in addition give beneficial information on its usage. They will offer instructions to guide their consumers on how to use this oil for best results. These instructive sites will provide a good overview in the origin of this oil, in addition to its development and makes use of. The numerous rewards, particularly when it’s employed for massages are also discussed. Anybody interested can then also place his or her order on these sites.

For the most popular Neroli Oils, then visit my website for further information!

Getting Rid Of Your Ovarian Cysts Permanently Is Attainable Using The Ovarian Cyst Miracle

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

It is a sad fact of life, but ovarian cysts are a thing that lots of women have to deal with. Left unattended these cysts can cause a multitude of other health issues for women. Cardiovascular disease, seizures as well as diabetes are just some of the other medical conditions that ovarian cysts can cause.

However now Carol Foster, who is a nutrition specialist, heath consultant and also a medical researcher has identified a way to eliminate your ovarian cysts and PCOS, quickly, safely and most importantly, naturally. Whenever most women are diagnosed with ovarian cysts, their doctors will either suggest medication and drugs or tell the patient that surgery is there only choice. Of course nearly all women listen to their physicians because they know best, right? The reality is that many women simply begin to grow new cysts inside of a year or so or maybe within a few weeks.

The truth is even women who opt for the surgery can end up getting more ovarian cysts with in a mater of several weeks. The largest problem with these treatment options is that they only address the symptoms of the cysts and not what causes it. Carol has established a program that not only addresses the cause of the ovarian cysts, but also shows you how to keep your cysts gone once and for all.

The program is a scientific as well as all natural way of not only getting rid of your cysts, but also you will learn that the only way to keep them gone forever is by using the only proven method to cure your ovarian cysts the natural as well as holistic way. The testimonials you’ll find on the website are from real people that have made use of Carols program to cure their ovarian cysts. In these testimonials you will additionally find images of ultrasounds displaying how these cysts were healed in a matter of 7 to 9 weeks.

And lots of women additionally report that the pain was gone in as little as 10 days. There’s one particular woman’s testimonial that you will find on the site that went in for the surgery to get rid of her cyst, and inside of 11 months she learned that there were two more ovarian cysts which have developed after the surgery. When the doctor planned to operate once more, this women started researching and found Carol’s program and was able to get rid of her cysts without the second surgery.

Once again you have to realize that traditional strategies never solve the problem of your cysts because they do not address the cause. Also the fact that the program is selling for only $39, you will find that this is cheaper than all those other so called treatment options that all the doctors seem to be pushing these days. The web page also permits you to contact Carol in case you have virtually any questions prior to deciding to buy the product. The fact that you can contact Carol ahead of time goes to show that she is a real individual who truly cares.

Improve Your Home With New Kitchen Storage. For a great selection visit us at - kitchen organizing

Tamanu Oil: Everything You Could Want In A Skin Care Oil

Saturday, July 16th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Tamanu nut oil, also called calophyllum inophyllum, is fast becoming recognized as one of the most therapeutically valuable carrier oils in aromatherapy. Some therapists actually consider it “sitting on the fence” between being an carrier or being an essential oil, as it has a very complex molecular structure for an “oil”, and essential oils generally are made up of many individual molecules.

It really seems to be the perfect carrier oil for creating blends to prevent and treat aging skin. It can be used after surgery to speed healing and prevent scarring, and should work just as well for stretch marks - just about any kind of skin healing you can think of will be benefited by this oil.

In “Cosmetic Research”, a review of the data regarding the oil was presented. It focused on the healing properties of the oil: It causes the skin to increase production of new cells, just as many tried and true anti-aging creams - but with no known downside from using too much. Like rosehip seed oil, and vitamin-a compounds, increasing the rate of skin growth will reduce wrinkle appearance. But it’s not just for treatment of aging skin, it’s for prevention tool.

In another study seeking a chemical to prevent UV radiation damage to the eye, researchers found that Tamanu significantly blocked the absorption of UV light rays. So like Retin-A, it speeds skin cell production, and unlike it, it actually protects the skin from sun exposure (now we’re not sure how much relative to sunscreen, but they did say “Tamanu oil, even at low concentration, exhibited significant UV absorption properties”.

Finally, in terms of anti-aging beauty care, the oil has been found to limit the formation of skin cancer tumors. Researchers noted the oil has “a marked inhibitory effect on skin tumor promotion”. Like we said, what more could you ask for? Well, because of its antibacterial activity, it can be used by those prone to acne breakouts, unlike rosehip seed, which can actually cause them to occur.

Seems to have it all, doesn’t it? The only drawbacks are the cost - its popularity and difficulty in harvesting lead to a higher price than many carrier oils - and its slightly “off” aroma. This is due to the aging of the nuts for several months before pressing of the oil. Yet this aging process is known to increase the therapeutic efficacy of the oil.

You can certainly use the oil by itself, and many people do. It blends nicely with other carrier oils as well, and for a great array of essential fatty acids, you could mix it with virgin coconut, argan oil, rosehip seed oil and borage seed oil.

Want to make it even more potent? Add sea buckthorn supercritical extract (often called sea buckthorn essential oil). It too will block UV rays, and speed skin cell regeneration. Use up to one milliliter (35 drops) per ounce of base. Also great are helichrysum (at a much lower dose - more like 7 drops), frankincense, and rosemary verbenone. Keep it simple - all these oils are complex unto themselves, and together will do a great job at helping your skin look its best.

Is there more that interests you? For a great educational resourse, browse to www.AnandAapothecary.com.

Natural Medicine Ideas: Five Essential Oils for Healthy Children

Monday, July 11th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Busy parents are always on the lookout for natural, effective alternatives to support their children’s health and happiness. Invoking gentle calm in an otherwise hectic family life is especially appreciated. Essential oils can offer this support in a fun, safe and natural way. A few essential oils are particularly suitable for use with young ones, both for bringing soothing emotional calm and contentment healing the small wounds of childhood - here’s a quick primer to help you safely and effectively use five valuable essential oils with children.

There are two primary methods of using oils with little ones: Topically by massage or application to childhood injuries to soothe wounds and prevent infection). Next, there’s inhalation, really in any way that’s convenient. From a diffuser, warm bath, or also through massage. The most significant difference in using aromatherapy with children is that you’ll just need less oil. One needs to know the few oils that should not be used with children: peppermint is thought too powerful for the wee ones under two (spearmint is called for instead, which can be helpful with tummy trouble). Consult a reputable guidebook if you are unsure about a particular oil.

Also, the younger the child, the more dilute the concentration of essential oils should be in a formula, bath, or inhalation application. Massage formulas, for example, can contain approximately 1 drop essential oil per ounce of carrier oil for each year of age - this is flexible depending on the oil and the situation, within a range of 3 drops for each year (i.e. For children one and under, up to 4 drops can be used with gentle oils such as Vanilla, Lavender and Chamomile - use only 1 or two drops with newborns). The child’s weight can also be considered; if a child is larger for their age, a little more essential oil can be used. If using a diffuser, only enough oil so that the scent can be detected is necessary - nebulizing diffusers may output too high a concentration of oils for children; warming or humidifying diffusers are more appropriate. The oils we’ll look at here are all quite safe and can be used as often as feels appropriate; Tea Tree, though, should be reserved just for its potent antiseptic applications.

By now you might be wondering “which oils should I be using?” We’ll start with vanilla…Everyone loves vanilla, right? It turns out that babies especially respond well to the comforting sweet aroma. While a good vanilla essential oil is a little expensive, only a very small amount is needed to create an exceptionally soothing massage oil for belly, back and foot rubs. Vanilla, being so gentle, can be used in concentrations of up to 1% (that’s 10 drops per ounce of carrier). Really all that’s needed is a hint of the aroma for it to work wonders. I’ve received reports of children being instantly calmed by a gentle vanilla massage, then immediately asking for more!

Next up is Chamomile. There are several varieties of Chamomile, with an array of uses. German Chamomile is an exceptional oil for skin inflammation and rashes, applied in a 1/2 to 1 percent dilution in Hazelnut oil. Roman Chamomile is premier oil calming little ones over two years of age. The oil may be used in a number of ways; aromatherapy massage, in a diffuser or room spray (with this and other oils, dilute 10 drops per cup of water in a clean spray bottle - shake well and lightly mist the air), a drop or two sprinkled on bedding, or in a bath. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy, “Even in very small concentrations, whether alone or in combinations with other oils (Roman Chamomile) has a soothing effect…it is appropriate to massage a few undiluted drops into the solar plexus.” It is noted as particularly suited to calming tantrums or bringing calm after nightmares.

Lavender essential oil is also highly regarded for its soothing qualities, along with a host of other healing actions. Lavender oil has been called ‘a medicine chest in a bottle’, as it is anti-inflammatory (good for small burns - apply directly as needed), relieves pain and supports wound healing. Clinical studies have proven Lavender oil’s effectiveness for improving sleep. For children, blend 2 to 1 with Roman Chamomile. Apply one drop of this blend to the pillow at nap or night time. Lavender works well in a bath, too. Additionally, Lavender can be mixed in equal parts with Tea Tree oil to add a soothing quality to Tea Tree’s antiseptic action. Really, every parent should have a bottle of Lavender on hand.

When sour moods are in need of a lift, citrus oils supply the aromas of choice. Tangerine and Sweet Orange are especially liked, and Mandarin has a certain calming effect not found in any other oil. Citrus oils are often cold-pressed from the peels of the fruit; these can be mildly irritating to the skin. Stick to using these in room sprays or diffusers. Steam distilled citrus oils, often made from the leaves or flowers of the citrus trees (like Neroli, Petitgrain, or Mandarin Petitgrain - an especially nice oil for young ones) can safely be used in topical applications like massages and baths. All these oils are known as antidepressants, and might just lift your mood as well as your child’s (not to terrible of a side effect!)

Tea Tree essential oil is highly regarded as a natural antiseptic for cuts and scrapes. Once a wound is washed, it may be covered with a Band-Aid which has a drop of Tea Tree placed on the gauze. Tea Tree may be a bit strong to apply directly to the injury, though when mixed with equal parts of Lavender, Tea Tree will prevent infection while the Lavender will relieve pain and actually speed wound healing. A few drops of the Tea Tree/Lavender mixture can be added to a warm cup of water to use as a cleansing wash. An effective, home made antiseptic spray can also be made: use 2 ounces water, 1/2 half ounce rubbing alcohol, 8 drops Lavender, 12 drops Tea Tree and 8 drops Roman Chamomile. Shake vigorously and store, shaking again before each use. Tea Tree is considered a ‘universal antiseptic’, with a great many more uses in first aid and around the home.

This is just a start at incorporating the magic of essential oils into your children’s lives. Safe, natural and effective means of supporting their health and wellness is always welcome. There are a great many more oils, many with profound healing effects. Particularly with children, start slowly - your nose might tell you when you’ve had just the right amount of aromatherapy, but children may not be able to express this. And where one child may not respond particularly to a certain oil, another will be entranced by the same aroma. There are many wonderful books available for the beginning aromatherapist with oodles of oil descriptions and recipes. Experiment, be creative and have fun!

Is there more that interests you? For more info than you could have ever imagined, check out http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.

Frankincense - A Natural Alternative For Health and Happiness

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Respected for centuries, Frankincense has been associated with spiritual practice of any plant extract in civilizations around the world. Used by great ancient cultures, been a part of both in spiritual and home life. The resin extracted from the desert trees has been utilized by those in the highest positions, has been one of the most highly valued substances, and been one of history’s most remembered gifts. More recently, the essential oil is becoming very popular with spiritual practitioners and natural health supporters. What’s so important about this resin and oil, and how could you make use of its therapeutic properties?

The tree from of its source, upon first glance, may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as a giant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers. This North African native looks like it belongs in the desert, standing alone in some of the world’s harshest growing conditions. It is the sap of this enduring tree that has such lore and mysticism surrounding it…when the tree’s bark is pierced, a milky-white ‘oleo’-resin is exuded and collected; thought the tree is not harmed. The hardened drops of resin are known themselves by the name Frankincense, derived from the medieval French ‘franc’, meaning ‘pure’, and from the Latin ‘incensium’, meaning ‘to smoke’.

The resin itself is distilled into the essential oil. However, it is important to note that the CO2 distillation (a cold-process method of pure essential oil extraction employing harmless carbon dioxide instead of steam) is more likely to contain the same healthful compounds as the resin, as the steam distilled essential oil variety may not be able to extract these ‘polar’ compounds. One of America’s leading medical aromatherapist notes, regarding the production of essential oil from the resin, “It could be that the (health-related) substances in question are too polar and too large a molecular size to appear in steam distillates”

It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dry skin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leucorrhea. It may be utilized through any of the routes of aromatherapy administration: inhalation, topical application, or ingestion (though this route should only be undertaken with the direct advice of a qualified practitioner). Other research has shown its regular use to improve skin texture, and lessen the appearance of sun damage.

What seems to be the greatest potential of Frankincense is its anticancer activity. The extract is the aromatic with more testing done in this area than any other, with very positive outcomes. The oils have been shown to target cancerous cells specifically, yet leaving healthy cells unaffected. The appears to happen whether it’s bladder cells, colon cells or cells from other organs being examined.

Beyond the specific therapeutic applications, aromatically, the oil has a broad range of actions. It is fairly benign - only a few individuals find “neat” application to be irritating. Therapists have noticed the aroma slow the rate of breathing. This may be profoundly important for health, as the rate of breathing is associated with stress.

The fantastic gift of the Olibanum tree is available to us all. It’s use is simple, and the experience once reserved for a very select few can now be enjoyed by many. As with all aromatics, the ‘taste’ is a personal one, but to those who enjoy it, they may find it a great compliment to the rest of their life’s endeavors.

The author the owner of Ananda Apothecary Essential Oils, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oils through the website.

The Professional Definition of an Essential Oil

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

More people in the 21st century are seeking unity of body, mind and spirit by trying holistic health practices such as aromatherapy. Those who’d like to try this practice would be well advised to learn what are essential oils, the key ingredients in aromatherapy.

Basically volatile plant oils are the “essence” of the plant. They carry a plant’s elemental aromatic identity in an intense liquid form. Today there are at least 90 such aromatic substances derived from plants, but various products of this type made by distilling vegetation have been used for thousands of years.

Different methods are used to extract the essences from their plants. Among the extraction methods are treating the plants with liquefied carbon dioxide or using certain chemicals, later removed, to bring out oils. Those extracted using carbon dioxide are called COs, while essences concentrated using chemicals are called Absolutes. Either method is considered acceptable.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils in two ways to benefit the body: inhaling an oil’s fragrance or applying the essence to the skin using what’s known as a carrier oil. These carriers can include sweet almond, cold-pressed olive, grapeseed and others. Other popular body oils are no recommended as carriers for these intense fragrances because they contain synthetics, which defeats the holistic intention of using plant essences.

It’s important to remember three things when using essential oils. First, these highly concentrated plant essences should never be applied directly to the skin as they may cause a rash. Instead, place a few drops of volatile essence into a carrier oil such as sweet almond, cold-pressed olive or grapeseed, and apply it to the body.

Second, essential oils catch fire easily, so they should be stored in a safe place away from heat or flame. Use only a drop or two of the oil if it’s be heated directly, such as on a light bulb to serve as a room freshener. Third, use only one drop at first when trying a new product to check for adverse reactions. Always remember how intense these distilled plant essences are!

In addition, it’s also wise when trying a new essence to use only one drop for inhalation or application to watch for any adverse reactions. Finally, volatile oils are flammable. They should be stored in a safe place and used in small amounts if being heated directly.

For more on the therapeutic value of aromatherapy oils, and one of many important oils individually such as Helichrysum, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.

Home Made Natural Bug Repellents

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

It’s that time of year and biting insects are in full bloom. While there are many over the counter insect repellents, they often contain DEET or diethyl-m-toluamide, which has questionable health effects, especially for children. Alternatively, nature provides safe and effective aromatics which you can easily blend at home. Here’s a look at these essential oils and how to use them..

People are acting on to the fact that natural aromatic compounds are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Catnip essential oil has been shown to be 10 times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in many drugstore “unnatural” formulas. This is good to know because DEET has been called a safety concern for children (which really means “everyone” doesn’t it?). Catnip can eliminate that risk.

An Iowa State research group, which had previously found catnip essential oil to repel cockroaches, presented the report at the 222nd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. The results were profoundly important for those people wishing to eliminate such unnatural chemicals from their lives.

Laboratory researchers put groups of 20 mosquitoes in a see-through container, half of which was exposed to nepetalactone (found in high amounts in catnip oil). Within ten minutes only an average of 20 percent only four mosquitoes were near the part of the tube containing catnip. The same tests with DEET resulted in approximately 40 percent to 45 percent remaining on the treated side.

The results from each tube were compared on a scale from -100 to +100, with 0 meaning half of the insects would be on the treated side, and half would be on the untreated side. The tests of Catnip produced results between +49 and +59, meaning thatthe majority of the insects relocated to the untreated side. The DEET tests produced results between +6 and +16, meaning that fewer insects traveled to the untreated side of the tube.

To achieve the same degree of repellency, researchers adjusted the dosages of nepetalactone and DEET, and reported that one part nepetalactone yielded an identical effect as ten parts DEET. Thus, nepetalactone is agreed to be ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes. Commercial formulas usually use between 5-25% DEET, which means that your home blend should require only .5-2.5% of catnip oil to be aseffective.

Given the increased efficacy of Catnip essential oil, it takes less oil to produce the same benefit asyou would get using a higher quantity of the potentially harmful DEET. There are also two additional essential oils that provide repellency. Their scents are a matter of preference; the newest oil is Eucalyptus Citradora, which doesn’t exhibit Citronella’s classic scent of lemon-grass.

If you would like to make a pleasant and effective spray for the skin or clothing, you’ll need to add a little “tween”, a naturally-derived compound that helps oils and water to keep from separating. It is listed on the internet. Some folks say use equal parts Tween and essential oil in your recipe, but we’ve noticed that we can use much less (perhaps 1/4) if we don’t mind shaking the bottle before we use it. So, here’s a recipe you can try.

If you want to make a cream base catnip can even be blended with sunscreen), use any unscented cream for your base. You won’t need Tween if you’re mixing in a cream base.

An example recipe might be this - in each ounce of water, add 30 drops catnip oil and eucalyptus citradora oil, plus 10 drops peppermint (limit the peppermint if anyone finds it too strong). Start with ten drops of polysorbate 20, and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake well and let sit overnight. Shake again, and if you feel you need more emulsifier, try adding another 5 to 10 drops.

Due to the relatively high cost of catnip essential oil with a high concentration of neptalactone (like ours), you may add none at all, or perhaps 1/10th of your entire blend being catnip, the rest being other oils you enjoy! Our favorites include: Eucalyptus Citradora, Citronella, Geranium, and a little Peppermint. ALL these oils have been noted effective, and we think experimenting at home is fun. As a best practice, make a note of what you put in your diffuser each time, and how well you liked them. You’ll make your own finest critter-repelling creation!

You may even try using Flower Essences like Rescue Remedy, along with calming essential oils during the holiday season. For more, visit anandaapothecary.com

Reducing Stress and Anxiety Using Essential Oils

Saturday, June 18th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

A recently published study by Italian researchers concluded with the recommendation of bergamot essential oil being used for its anti-stress, anti-depressant properties as a “complementary” therapy. This is really wonderful news, as “complementary” implies its use potentially right alongside conventional or “Western” medicine practices. While conventional medicine has been somewhat accepting the physiological applications of essential oils (for treatment of MRSA bacterial infections, for example), the suggestion of aroma-therapeutic applications are often still met with a smirk.

The “big three” essential oils in terns of research performed on the psychological/emotional effects are lavender, bergamot and sandalwood. Each of these oils has been the subject of several controlled studies. The effects of each is distinct; at the same time, they’ve all shown statistically significant results in controlled studies relating to anxiety reduction. The point is that if one oil doesn’t work for you — you don’t like the aroma, or the actions weren’t precisely what you were looking for — don’t give up, as there are others worth trying.

We all know about lavender — it’s aromatherapy’s most commonly-used essential oil, with an incredible array of actions. It, by far, has the greatest amount of research supporting its stress-reducing effects. Interestingly, it’s physiological effects are similar to its psychological effects: it’s calming and soothing to the skin, as it is calming and soothing to the mind. Of the three oils here, lavender has the most sedative action. It directly supports sleep, reduces aggression, and lessens anxiety.

Research on lavender has shown statistically significant reduction in stress and anxiety through both inhalation and ingestion. Linalool, the “sweet” component of the oil, has been singled-out as the “active ingredient”, and has been the subject of additional research supporting lavender’s use (though the “whole” oil has an even greater effect). The research regarding ingestion had subjects taking the equivalent of 2 drops of lavender oil internally for 10 weeks. The researchers concluded the lavender capsule being evaluated was an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate clinical anxiety disorder.

Sandalwood’s “active” ingredient are the “santalols”, unique to this oil. It’s anti-stress effect can more precisely be called “centering” rather than sedating. Its physiological activity is a less defined than lavender’s — the oil is thought to interact with the pineal gland. Sandalwood’s use can support improved sleep/wake cycles, so that rest is more restful. This effect occurred with the test subjects inhaling the aroma, but was determined to be a result of the oil in the bloodstream, not through smelling of the aroma. This implies the oil will have the same result if topically applied.

As you can imagine, the bright sweet-tart smells of citrus fruit can be a nice pick-me-up, and bergamot perfectly fits the bill. It is the first choice anti-depressant aromatic, and acts as an anti-stress agent by bringing about a positive state of mind, rather than via sedation or lessening of mental chatter. Its use via inhalation is the preferred method. Regular exposure to bergamot’s aroma had test subjects report statistically better “mood reports” than test controls. Other researchers have noted bergamot’s ability to lessen perceived pain, and to actually alter the process by which our brains respond to stress. We just don’t find the same stressors as aggravating when inhaling bergamot.

So when the question arises, “which essential oil should I use” for stress reduction, the answer is you should experiment a bit. If you’re unfamiliar with these three oils, try a sample of each and see how you respond. It’s helpful if you like the aromas, that way you’ll continue to use them.

The general methods for each of these oils: lavender — inhalation, topical, ingestion; sandalwood — inhalation, topical; bergamot — inhalation. Your actual method of use should also be experimented with. All of these can used in simple diffusers (sandalwood alone may or may not be too thick for some cold-air nebulizing diffusers). The can all be topically applied as a natural perfume, or massaged into the feet (a highly receptive area for essential oils). Care must be taken with bergamot only, as it can be a mild skin irritant for some, and will cause the skin where applied to be hyper-sensitive to sunlight. If you choose to ingest a couple drops of lavender per day, be aware that this isn’t recommended for all oils, that the quantity should remain low, and the effects may take some time to experience.

The author is proponent of the varied and potent healing actions of aromatherapy essential oils. For more, see http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html.

Uplifting Your State Of Mind With Essential Oils

Friday, May 27th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

If you know how to use essential oils they may have many benefits and be very therapeutic, which many people do not realize. These types of oil come from numerous types of plants and people have been using it for generations. Some people use a certain mixture of them to help their emotional well-being. It has successfully helped people who are depressed and have anxiety problems. They can also help people sleep whereas others even help with different kinds of pain. Depending on what you need it for, these products can be used in different ways.

When using these products in a massage it can increase the benefits that are gained from it. It can be either very relaxing or invigorating, depending on the technique and the type of oil. The fragrance is not as important as the healing effect. When applied in this way it is absorbed through the skin. They are very concentrated and always diluted in carrier oil such as almond, grape seed or olive oil to name a few.

These products can be combined with steam to treat sinus and upper respiratory tract ailments. A few drops of the oil of choice are added to a bowl of steaming hot water. The patient leans over the bowl and wraps a towel around the head and bowl. In this position he breathes deeply through the nose until he feels satisfactory relief. Asthma patients are advised to avoid this type of treatment.

Compresses are used to treat sprains and muscle pain. If an old injury has come back to plague you, a hot compress is the ideal treatment. Cold compresses are more commonly used on fresh bruising, sprains and swelling. A small towel soaked in cold water with a few drops of suitable oil added to it can be placed on the forehead to relieve headache and fever too.

Many women make their own skin care products at home. It is cost effective and the addition of essences adds to a quality end product. Cosmetics containing this natural aid bring a youthful and new glow to the skin.

Spraying these products in the air can help people as well. Many fragrances are available and can make the room seem brighter and fresher. If that type has natural healing, then it will help with that as well. Just get a spray bottle, fill with water, and then add a few drops of the essence.

There are many ways how to use essential oils available on the market these days. Knowing how to use them is worth your while. Always remember to be cautious when using these potent essences. No home should be without them.

You can learn so much more! For a great educational resource, click on Ananda’s Essential Oils.

Using Essential Oils For Their Medicinal And Therapeutic Actions

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Scentsy | Flameless Candles | Wickless Candles

Commercially sold goods exist to take care of almost every ache, pain, and illness. These range in price reasonable to outrageously expensive. Along with the affordability factor, there is sometimes concern concerning their substances. Certain products consist of chemicals that may be useful for the treatment of a condition, yet cause other harm to the body. One way to naturally cure what ails you is to make use of essential oils, which are derived from nature.

Natural essential oils have been used for medical purposes all through history. Ibn al-Baitar, an Analusian chemist, pharmacist, and physician who existed from 1188 to 1248, was the first to explain the techniques used to generate these oils. The oil by itself is a liquid that contains volatile aroma components taken from plants. The word “essential” is added to indicate that the item possess the distinctive scent, also called essence, of the plant. Distillation is considered the most common way to extract the oil from the plant.

Most people do not realize that these oils are widely-used to flavor or scent goods we commonly buy. Drinks, food, soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, cleaning products, and incense consist of the oils in their ingredient list. When used individually, pure essential oils treat starting from a common skin condition to cancer. Several countries control product claims regarding efficiency, leading suppliers to be purposely ambiguous regarding results. Usage has decreased in modern evidence-based medicine, so someone may need to consult older statistics and facts to learn about their use.

The alternative medicine technique of aromatherapy endorses the curing effects of aromatic elements like essential oil. A single oil could have diverse qualities that facilitate it to provide a number of beneficial results. Aromatherapy essential oils are diluted in carrier oils utilized in massage, diffused into the air by means of a nebulizer, burned as incense, or heated by means of a candle flame. The technique of pharmacology is mostly dismissive of the oils but some of the materials are used in popular remedies or fringe medicine.

For certain purposes, general agreement exists that pure essential oils are chosen to over-the-counter medications. They are also great for treating minor conditions that do not respond nicely to prescription medication. An instance is the effectiveness of vapors in curing persistent coughs and congestion. Substances in these include menthol, anise, camphor, capsaicin, as well as eucalyptus oil.

Several oils may treat the same condition using diverse pharmacology. An oil that treats bronchial and upper respiratory problems may act as a decongestant or expectorant. Many of them even have an antitussive impact by acting as a locally anesthetic counter-irritant. One oil might have opposite effects on the mucous membranes and skin at different instances. Menthol first produces a cold sensation as well as a feeling of burning.

Essential oil can be produced from berries, seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, timber, resin, rhizomes, roots, and peels. It is rather difficult to find estimates regarding total manufacturing of essential oils. Data was created from various sources in 1989, 1990, and 1994 that showed total production of sweet orange oil was maximum, with with twelve thousand tons produced. Eucalyptus oil is widely considered as the most well-known in the world.

There is more to learn! Visit the learning library for information about several individual aromatics like coriander essential oil and Douglas fir oil on www.AnandaApothecary.com.