From the beginning, man has been preoccupied with the question of divinity-who is responsible for us being here and how do we relate to the Creator. All primitive peoples have developed some kind of world-view which they expressed through myths, legend, or stories.
All life was viewed as dependent on a force that transcended the visible world. This force was honored through specific rites and rituals. How were illness and environmental disturbances or disasters interpreted in this world view?-as discord or disharmony between the human, environmental, and spiritual realms? The disease was viewed as disunity and so early on the art of healing was bound up with an ability to appease the spirit world, please the gods and counter curses.
The Role of Incense and Aromatics
In these world views, fragrant odors were thought to be favored by the gods and were a way of appeasing their anger and wrath and ensuring divine favor and attracting special attention to prayers. Since scent delighted the human senses, it was assumed that the deities found it very pleasing in fact it was considered the "food of the gods."
These odors were thought to work like a drug on the minds of the gods as well as on the minds of men and thus the gods would look kindly on the misdeeds of man. In Syria and Mesopotamia, incense smoke was used as a form of divination to calm the wrath of the gods so they would be inclined to give positive oracles. It was also used as a means of purification-cleansing the human soul before the face of the god.
Many herbs and aromatics were also considered to have magical properties including healing. Temples erected to honor the gods had great urns for the burning of incense before the gods. Early on, burning incense in the sick room was a common way to cure. The Sumerians and Babylonians burned incense as a means of purification to please their gods, the Hebrews used burning incense (generally thought to be frankincense) to veil the presence of God in the holy tabernacle, the early Persians used incense in their worship which is depicted on their monuments at Persepolis, the Muslims still offer incense in the shrines of their saints today. The Roman Catholic Church, Anglican and Orthodox Christian churches still use frankincense and myrrh incense to honor God in their rituals.
Incense was absolutely indispensable in ancient Egyptian rituals. The ascending smoke was seen symbolically as a vehicle to carry one's prayers to the deities and to bridge the realm of human and spiritual. This is particularly true for their elaborate ceremonies surrounding the death.
The Hebrews also used incense to carry their prayers to God.
"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice." Psalm 141:2.
The use of perfumed ornaments like necklaces made of saffron, orris, musk and Benjamin were used in black Africa and throughout Asia to appease the spirits. In India, the sacred plant of basil was made into sacred beads and rosaries. In Tibet, dry incense is worn as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and in Mexico to this day, a clove of garlic is still hung around the neck of a newborn as protection.
Amulets are commonly used in magical rites in many cultures and often include aromatic plant materials. In today's world, many users of essential oils are now wearing "diffuser" jewelry to ward off germs from others and protect against bacteria and viruses. For travelers, especially on airplanes, this simply makes good sense. When enough people begin performing this action, a ritual will be established that says-this is how we ward off "evil spirits" like bacteria and viruses. Are you wearing diffuser jewelry
From Linda L. Smith, - Article Directory: EzineArticles
Hectic schedule may be leaving you stressful resulting in enormous strain and pressure. If you too are caught up in the same situation and looking for a solution to relieve the stress, then massage with aromatherapy massage oil can be the perfect solution to get relaxed and regaining the freshness that you had missing for a long time.
Massage serves as an active stress antidote. Various massage oils are available in the market but if you are looking for the best and the natural one then aromatherapy massage oil would definitely pose to be the best option.
Nature presents the best cure. In the past, natural herbs were used as an ailment to curb the disease and other problems. But, in the past few decades, the whole arena has changed there has been a rapid increase in the usage of chemicals, which have adversely affected the body and skin of many people.
But, aromatherapy has introduced a breakthrough to the shell of troubles that artificial oil massages have been creating. Relax and cure various joint with a little massage all over your body with aromatherapy massage oil.
Aromatherapy massage oil can be put to diverse uses namely relaxation, romance, stress reliever, children’s massage and many more depending on your aspirations and needs. Just a simple massage with aromatherapy massage oil works as a helpful healing process, where disease or injury has occurred in muscles, connective tissues, bones or any other part of the body.
You can choose the most appropriate massage oil that suits your needs and aspirations the best. If you find it difficult to decide which aromatherapy massage oil is appropriate for you, seek the advice of professional cosmetologist who can guide about the suitable oil that suits your type of skin to the best.
You can look for massage oils in the shops nearer to your home. But, in case you don’t want to indulge in troubles involved in going out and shopping. One easier and faster option is available, the Internet. You can browse through various sites selling access wide range of aromatherapy massage oil. They also give you the benefit of reasonable low prices on bulk purchase of aromatherapy massage oil.
The Internet can be the one stop shop for you, you can compare the prices of massage oil offered by various sellers and can choose the appropriate message oil accordingly.
Get stress free the natural way with aromatherapy massage oil that can help you relieve the stress by activating your body cells and toning your body. Make the best use of Internet shopping that gives you an added advantage of getting the desired massage oil from the comfort of your home.
A can of peppermint infusion. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Simple peppermint and lemon aromatherapy foot bath recipe for tired feet will lift depression, relieve stress and aid relaxation.
An aromatherapy foot bath is effective and easy to do at home - real DIY stress relief.
Here are our favorite ways of using a peppermint and lemon aromatherapy foot bath recipe with essential oils to ease and restore tired feet... And the benefits extend beyond just fresher feet!
Foot Bath Recipe 1
1 cup Epsom salt
4 drops lemon and 4 drops peppermint
Directions
Add oil to the salts and keep in a sealed container.
Use 1 tablespoon in a warm foot bath, once a week. (Can use Dead Sea salts instead of Epsom salt. Or, skip the salt and just add the oils directly to the water. You can also use other oils.)
A good rule of thumb is 8 to 10 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons of water.
Soak for at least 15 minutes.
Listen to relaxing music to add to your relaxation.
Use different blends of oils to suit your mood and needs.
* Benefits of adding lemon oil to your foot bath...
Eliminate toxins that cause arthritic pain.
Lemon scent can lift your spirits, dispel sluggishness and relieve depression.
Oil of lemon can also help dispel fear and apathy.
* Benefits of adding peppermint oil to your foot bath...
Helps alleviate digestive problems such as indigestion and nausea.
Clears respiratory congestion and helps with sinusitis, colds and bronchial asthma.
Helps to clear the mind and aids concentration.
Use peppermint to assist with anger, guilt and apathy.
Aromatherapy is an excellent way to treat your feet...
Other Essential Oils that you can use for a foot bath and other treatments include:
•Lavender - soothing and relaxing.
•Rosemary - mild stimulant and good for rheumatic aches and pains.
•Eucalyptus - powerful bactericidal with anti-viral properties, good disinfectant.
•Tea Tree - disinfectant: use for blisters, fungal infections, athletes foot, insect bites.
Margo Bastos is passionate about holistic healing and natural stress-free living. Her abiding interest, continuing personal research and every-day philosophy is in alternative mind, body and spiritual modalities.
She has a real estate business in South Africa and her formal qualifications include an MA in Jewish Studies from the University of Cape Town.
Together with Alan Mounter, a practicing holistic therapist, she has a website dealing with natural remedies for managing the negative effects of stress. Visit http://www.diy-stress-relief.com
Illustration of bergamot orange (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bergamot Essential Oil is derived from Citrus bergamia of the Genus "Citrus" and the family "Rutaceae". The Bergamot fruit is roughly the size of a regular orange but with the strong yellow colour of a lemon.
The fruit has a very obvious odour which cannot be mistaken. It provides the familiar smell of Early Grey Tea and has several medicinal qualities. I can also remember having Marmalade at an Italian friends house made with a Bergamot base.
Second to Early Grey Tea it most likely recognised as an Aromatherapy Oil.
The Extraction process
Bergamot Oil can be extracted by Cold pressing or steam extraction. I always consider Cold pressing to be the best extraction method. Cold pressing is a method of extraction of citrus oils such as orange, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. This is the freshest and purest form of extraction but the shelf life of oils extracted in this manner is reduced.
Uses as an Essential Oil
Bergamot Essential is a must have in your Aromatherapy kit. Its uses are many and varied.
Try some of these:
Bergamot oil when mixed with other citruses like orange or grapefruit oil makes a welcoming air freshener. Placed in a bowl near the front door or near a window. Ensure placement allows the scent to drift around the room and not lose out the door or window.
Bergamot oil is an ideal addition to an office environment. It has been known to have a calming effect and has been used by those who are depressed or anxious for its calming effects.
Put half a dozen drops of Bergamot oil in a bowl with hot water. Breathing the vapours may assist in the prevention and treatment of Acne and other skin conditions. Bergamot oils Anti-bacterial properties may assist in the treatment of Acne.
Bergamot oil has anti-bacterial properties. Citrus based oil such as Bergamot are excellent for use as cleaners and Disinfectant.
Adding a few drops of bergamot oil to your regular bath will help prevent skin born infections and may aid in the prevention and reduction of eczema.
Bergamot oil can also make an excellent Deodorant.
Precautions
Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in the prevention or healing of many complaints. Every individual is different. Some essential oils can be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while others require limited exposure to the sun due to phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier if you are in doubt of the safest use for any particular oil. Not just the one in this article.
A specially created massage combining technique and aromatherapy oils. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and carried to the muscle tissues, joints and organs to relieve tension and relax your mind. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As we are all aware Aromatherapy is nothing new to civilization. However, it is unlikely that you will find the word man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. In fact, if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy for men you would receive a vacant stare in return as they draw blanks in the mental index. The truth of the matter is many properties of Aromatherapy for men will benefit in today’s society. We are not living in the days of hunter-gathers so the types of stress a man faces today are different compared to tribal days. Not to say that the amount of stress is not similar to hunting or being hunted. I guess it can be summed up that today’s stress is a battle of the mind. When I think of how Aromatherapy has changed my life I reflect on three major benefits that have taken place in my life. This article will address the benefits of Aromatherapy for men in today’s modern culture.
I think it would be appropriate to start from the beginning and briefly go over what Aromatherapy actually is, in case any of you guys don’t know. Believe it or not, modern Aromatherapy was actually identified in France by a man named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920’s. Mr. Gattefosse was a chemist and apparently so prone to getting burned in his lab he became somewhat of an authority on burns from his own personal experience. One day as Mr. Gattefosse lit his arm on fire in a panic he doused the flames in a vat of lavender oil. Gattefosse experienced immediate relief from the pain and additionally in the days to come the recovery process was extremely short with minimal scarring. Compared to the previous burns he had experienced he could not deny he was on to something. After the incident, Gattefosse dedicated his life to the study of Aromatherapy. So guys there you go nothing to be shy about Aromatherapy for men is totally natural.
The number one benefit that I have seen happen in my life is the ability to deal with the stress in modern life. Previously to my experiments with Basil Oil my depression what at an all-time high. It’s difficult to describe the properties of Basil Oil without smelling them in person. It is important to note that you should never use the exotic variety of basil it could possibly be a source of cancer. However, Basil oil is amazing at giving me a second wind at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my daughter and strangely am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. My focus is sharper so I can think clearly about the positive aspects of life and bring my self to a place that is pleasant. I have also used Lemon oil but I tend to favor Basil but you should try both.
When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about what it can do for us when we are sick. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. Believe it or not, Aromatherapy can get you back to the testosterone injected beefcake you once believed yourself to be. Let me introduce you to my little friend…..Eucalyptus oil and mint. During a cold or flu, this little combo delivers a knockout in clearing the nasal passages. Give it a shot the next time you a feeling sick. Also, another amazing essential oil is Yarrow oil it can get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. Obviously again this is treating the symptoms and not the cause but again it should be enough to get yourself positive enough to fight back mentally.
Aromatherapy for men is also important in the area of skin burns. Let's face it guys are prone to skin burns. A nasty header burn on the leg can be a real bummer for the weekend. Skin burns are no bueno and as previously mentioned lavender oil is a great way to get some relief. You may also want to try Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil provides amazing relief.
Aromatherapy for men in the future will more than likely be more commonplace than it is today. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. I get through sickness with less misery and if by chance when I’m out playing I should get some sort of skin damage well I’m covered there as well. Aromatherapy for men in all has many uses. Just remember it’s making your life easier if you are having trouble getting over the stereotype. You are facing some risks with aromatherapy and in turn, you will need to become informed about the techniques involved in producing the results you are looking for.
Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. They are used for their healing properties the world over – in, for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils – but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come into contact with stimulating essential oils).
When used correctly, however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child – ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.
That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness, and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in an oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories:
1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents,
2) Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and
3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.
When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are two methods of using essential oils with your child – INHALATION: through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.
For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.
General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:
Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application:
Newborn (Consult primary care physician before use)
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
2-6 months
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
6-12 months
1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
1-4 years (unless very small)
5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
6-7 years
5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
9-12 years
5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
12 years to young adult
10-15 drops essential oil / ounce
DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away from the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.
Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.
Carrier oils for children
Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend – it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.
There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.
Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature baby’s show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.
Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.
Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method – each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:
Restful Sleep – 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Happy Child – 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
Calm and Relaxed – 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
Emotional Nurturing – 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender
For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of Vanilla essential oil
OR
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil
The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without a carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.
Inhalation of essential oils
For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep – one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier reservoir will do.
For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium – dilute to 10 drops per ½ pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)
Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer – with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.
Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.
Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage – do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.
So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge – finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals – if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.
That said, aromatherapy can be a very fun and rewarding endeavor for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.
Candles are commonly used for lightening a dark room when your home’s power is gone or more often in a candlelight dinner. But, the usage of candles is not confined to this only. Introduction of aromatherapy candles have added a new perspective to the usage of candles, candles now serve as a basis to achieve health, vitality and rejuvenating of the body as well as mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy candles are made with beeswax, soybean wax or vegetable oil. One can even find pure essential oil candles on the market. The best thing about aromatherapy candles is that they are environmentally friendly as they are derived from natural plant sources.
Uses of aromatherapy candles: -
Set the atmosphere
Improve the ambience in many situations
Can be used in any room of your home and provide a wonderful enhancement.
Scented with essential oils or herbs that send messages of relaxation or rejuvenation to the mind and body
Aromatherapy candles are available in different styles, sizes, and scents. You can choose the appropriate candle as per your requirement and aspiration. Scented candles can add warmth to any home, they can give a clean, refreshing feel. Many candles are scented with essential oils or oils that come from plants.
If by now you have decided to buy an aromatherapy candle, learn what kinds of scents they are available in and what are their benefits: -
Frankincense is warming.
Peppermint is strong and minty. Can aid with alertness
Lemon is also a stong scent and can help dispel fatigue
Jasmine smells as good as it sounds can help spark romance
Grapefruit is another citrus scent that can lift your spirits
Vanilla is very rich and helps to relieve tension and irritability.
Lavender is fresh and floral. This can help dispel a soor disposition
Aromatherapy candles are cost effective and are natural candles. They have many benefits over candles made up of paraffin. Soy wax that is most commonly used in making aromatherapy candles is naturally non-toxic, biodegradable renewable resource. It also burns slower and produces very little dust and smoke.
The Internet has made it easier for all to access the desired aromatherapy candles with ease without going out shopping. You can access the infinite number of lenders with just a few clicks. Look for lenders who provide pure aromatherapy candles with essential oil.
Aromatherapy candles are the best cost-effective means to relax and can rejuvenate your senses and body. Choose the desired candles with caution, a little bit of research can help you get the desired candles at a reasonable rate.
Foreign seeds can be caught anywhere, including these harvested flax seeds (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We are being bombarded each day with information on omega 3 6 9 oils and supplements. Listening to so many facts and figures might get complicated for the common man. You need information about each of these but in a simpler and intelligible manner and this is exactly what we give you in this article.
Omega oils belong to the group of essential fatty acids or EFAs. The number against each of these fatty acids is representative of their chemical structure. However what is important is their role in our body and their health benefits.
The body needs these fats to perform important functions and prevent various diseases. Studies show that Omega fats or the essential fatty acids can help prevent cancer, mental disorders, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
However, these essential fatty acids or Omegas cannot be synthesized within our body which is why they need to be obtained through our diet. Let us discuss more these oils and other dietary sources of essential fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats and comprise three fatty acids - Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The main dietary sources of omega 3 are Fish oils. Certain vegetable oils such as Flaxseed oil and Canola oil are also rich in omega 3.
Fish oils are extracted from the tissues of cold-water fatty fishes such as salmon, sardines, Hoki, tuna, and mackerel. They are rich in both EPA and DHA fats and can be instantly absorbed by our body.
Flaxseed oil is the richest vegetarian source of omega 3. Flaxseed oil contains ALA fats that need to be converted into EPA and DHA to be absorbed by our body. It contains both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in a ratio of 4:1.
Canola oil is one of the healthiest and cheapest cooking oil available today. Developed by the hybridization of rapeseeds, canola oil is very rich in ALA content. It has a very low content of saturated fats which makes it heart-friendly.
Omega 6 Fatty acids are essential fatty acids and comprise of Linolenic acid, Gamma-linolenic acid, Dihomogamma linolenic acid and Arachidonic acid. Omega 6 is mainly obtained from vegetable oils, nuts, and baked goods.
Safflower oil is the richest natural source of Omega 6 fatty acids. They are colorless, odorless and are ideal for cooking purposes. Safflower oil is rich in monosaturated as well as polyunsaturated fats.
Soybean Oil is extracted from soybeans and is a rich source of both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. To ensure maximum benefits of Soybean oil, it must be used in an unrefined state only since the refining process turns the unsaturated fats into hydrogenated fats.
Walnut Oil contains both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids in a ratio of 10:1 respectively. It is a rich source of unsaturated fats and is considered good for our cardiovascular health.
Omega 9 Fatty acids are monounsaturated fats. Omega 9 fats can be synthesized within our body. They contain Oleic acid which is beneficial for reducing inflammation throughout the body. Omega 9 fatty acids are mainly found in Olive oil and avocados.
Omega 3 6 9 oils should be a part of a healthy diet plan. Balanced and proper consumption of Omega 3 6 9 oils can keep your heart, mind, joints, and skin healthy.
A specially created massage combining technique and aromatherapy oils. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and carried to the muscle tissues, joints and organs to relieve tension and relax your mind. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Most of the skin care products which are known to benefit contain essential oils. A wide range of aromatherapy oils are known to cure a variety of ailments, specified numbers are good for enriching the skin. Some beneficial essential oils are known to rejuvenate tissue and enhance metabolic functions of the skin. Blending therapeutic oils according to skin type has yielded good results.
You can easily blend some extracts at home for better results, but how do these oils help your skin? These aromatic liquid derivatives are nature's treasure chest of healing wonders. All you need to do is mix a few drops in pure oils like almond, olive and even avocado oil for your personalized home remedy to be ready.
These base or carrier oils are cold pressed from seeds, nuts, and fruits, while essential oils are called 'active ingredients'. Foraging mature skin, essential oils that are enhanced with estrogen, have shown good results in reducing aging signs and wrinkles. Fennel and Clary Sage are known to have anti-aging symptoms. Some effective ones are Sea Buckthorn and Cistus, which have a concentrated Vitamin A and astringent qualities that help firm up the skin.
The quality and purity of base liquids are essential as they should be able to moisturize and nourish the skin. Apricot derivative is excellent carrier oil for dry to normal skin and is nonirritant, even on sensitive skin. Hazelnut, Walnut extracts are slightly astringent and work well on oily skin but can be used on all skin types. Almond oil is full of ketones that help in cell rejuvenation and rebuilding of tissues, leading to increased elasticity.
It is fun creating your own blends that suit your skin. Just take the essential oils that you require and the base oil, add equal amounts of base oil with aromatic oils, mix them well and use it the way you desire- spas, face mask or even a diluted direct application on your body.
However, as these are highly potent, it is best to mix only 30 drops per ounce of base oil.
These tips are not restricted to use but works well for both men and women. Some essential oils can make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight, so avoid using them on the face- lemon, orange, clove, thyme, and cinnamon. Generally, these are safe for all types of skins.
A specially created massage combining technique and aromatherapy oils. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin and carried to the muscle tissues, joints and organs to relieve tension and relax your mind. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yes, aromatherapy is an all-natural remedy using oils distilled from plants. But merely because it's all-natural does not mean it has no producing potentially hazardous bad effects. Although they're proven to have beneficial effects on both the body and mind, volatile oils, identical to any medications, should be used with care.
Volatile oils are readily available in many natural health and beauty goods stores. Naturally, you can always do a little research or consult the vendor which aromatic oils are the right ones for your requirements. But what if you study the wrong article or asked a novice therapist or practitioner who doesn't have enough experience with handling volatile oils?
It's always recommended to confer with your doctor or any professional first before starting to treat any sort of condition through this method. This is especially true if you're currently undergoing a type of treatment using medicines; the volatile oils may affect the natural processes of the drugs, therefore creating further harm than help. When trying to find oils, always keep in consideration their traits and the sort of disorders they can help remedy.
Aromatic oils are fundamentally employed through an exterior application on the skin or through inhalation. Some therapist or practitioner will also recommend ingesting teas manufactured from the flowers or other regions of herbs known to be good to the body and mind. Nevertheless, always ensure that you avoid oral consumption of aromatic oils because they are often hazardous to your organs. Not all the oils available out there are identical; some of the oils you can buy maybe alcohol-based. The alcohol used may be toxic or not intended for ingestion. It is better if you purchase the pure form of volatile oils, those that contain little else but the distilled plant extracts.
Some individuals might experience adverse reactions when rubbing essential oils on their skin. Skin irritations or allergies may arise, particularly when the oils are applied around the mouth, eyes, nose, or near any mucous tissue layers. These areas should be spared make up the application of sweet-smelling oils. If possible, use the diluted form of oils in place of their concentrated form; you can purchase carrier oils, in that you add concentrated volatile oils little by little to lower their concentration. People putting up with asthma and various respiratory problems should avoid using perfumed oils as they might cause serious problems to the airway.
Aromatic oils are more often than not sold in small bottles. When stashing them, always ensure to store them in cool and dark places, as sunlight may impact their potency. They should be also kept where kids may not be in a position to reach them. Don't forget that a large number of these aromatic oils smell sweet; your kids could be tricked into thinking they're sweet drinks and might drink them. Some oils like camphor and bitter almond are just too hazardous to be stored at home. The bitter almond oil comprises formaldehyde, that is very hazardous for the skin and internal organs.
There are oils that are in general safe to be employed on children. They include lavender, chamomile, rose, orange, tea tree and others. However, they should be diluted with carrier oils by employing 2 tsp. of carrier oil for each 1 drop of volatile oils. There are advocated dosages for each age bracket of children.
It's best that you contact an aromatherapy professional first before using them on your kids.
Orange blossom and oranges. Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Orange (Citrus sinensis) is in the citrus family of botanical plants. The essential oil comes from many different countries including the U.S. Originating in Asia the sweet orange tree was brought to Europe in 1520 by Portuguese explorers. Along with the lemon tree, it was introduced to the New World by Columbus and was grown in both the West Indies and in Florida. Traditionally in China, the rind of the unripe bitter orange was of greatest value medicinally-primarily to stimulate the digestion and relieve spasm. It was also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In the 18th century Europe, oranges gained a reputation for alleviating nervous disorders, heart problems, colic, asthma, and melancholy.
How Can Orange Essential Oil Help Us Today?
Today, orange oil has been documented in research studies to be antitumoral, a relaxant, anticoagulant, and a circulatory stimulant. Rich in limonene, it has combated tumor growth in over 50 clinical studies. Its therapeutic value lies in its ability to unblock and circulate stagnant energy, mainly when it accumulates in the liver, stomach, and intestines. It is one of the best all-around essential oils for the digestive system. It's great for abdominal distention and pain, poor appetite, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. It can also be effective for constipation and irritable bowel. Orange essential oil is used in arteriosclerosis, hypertension, cancer, insomnia, and fluid retention. It is particularly useful for skin care, especially for cellulite and dry skin conditions and calluses. It also is helpful for wrinkles. It is wonderful for opening the heart, beneficial for sadness, nervousness, and anxiety. Orange can be relaxing and energizing at the same time. Sweet orange oil helps us take a more relaxed approach, encouraging adaptability and the smooth handling of events in our lives. It instills a more positive attitude in life. Orange contains joy and energy. It is bursting with vitality, bringing happiness to the heavyhearted. It can kindle a spark long forgotten and revitalize spiritual connections. Orange conquers fears of letting go, and obsessions. For emotional healing, use orange to encourage joy, upliftment, lightheartedness, regeneration, creativity, self-confidence and a positive outlook.
To use orange oil, dilute one part essential oil with one part mixing oil or apply neat (undiluted) to the body. It can be directly inhaled or diffused and taken as a dietary supplement. It can also be dropped directly on the tongue to freshen breath. I find orange essential oil to be one of my favorites, especially for cooking. It mixes well with bergamot, coriander, clove, geranium, ginger, lemon, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, juniper, cypress, lavender, rosemary, clary sage, labdanum, and frankincense. As for safety, orange is non-toxic, not irritating and non-sensitizing. This is a phototoxic oil however and caution should be taken when applying to the skin and going out in the sunlight within 24 hours of application. Want to learn more about the healing properties of orange and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. The Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy is teaching courses throughout the United States on the healing properties of essential oils including orange.
BONUS GIFT
By Going to my website: http://www.ISHAhealing.com and signing up for our free monthly newsletter, you can receive a free gift: 5 Monographs on Biblical Oils.
These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our website, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.
From Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.
A bottle of Trader Joe's brand grapeseed oil. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This is a quick reference guide for essential oils base carrier for aromatherapy home recipes because essential oils are very concentrated they need to be diluted for some uses, and the best way to do this is by using a base carrier oil. In addition to helping dilute the essential oil a good quality base carrier also helps the essential oils uses to penetrate the skin especially with massage use.
These are some of the most popular base carrier oils for aromatherapy;
Apricot Kernel Oil - This is a very pale yellow contains minerals vitamins, it has a light soothing feel and is easily absorbed with nutrition for the skin.
Avocado Oil - This is a dark green color contains vitamins & proteins, lecithin essential fatty acids, which is very good for dry skin, skin irritations;
Camellia Oil - This is a clear color and contains oleic acid which is an essential fatty acid, that works as a lubrication oil that leaves your skin soft silky;
Evening Primrose Oil - This is a pale yellow and contains a high level of gamma linoleic acid, vitamins minerals which is excellent for treating psoriasis eczema and increases blood flow to the surface of the skin;
Grapeseed Oil - The color of this one is almost colorless or pale green which contains vitamins, minerals protein, and is very light & easily absorbed on you skin;
Hazelnut Oil - This colour is yellow. It is very rich in vitamins fatty acids. This is good for restructuring this skin and get the oil into the bloodstream, plus it leaves a soft silky feeling;
Rosehip Seed Oil - This oil is colorless. It contains a high levels of linoleic Fatty acids, which is particularly important for tissue regeneration;
Wheatgerm Oil - This is a yellow to orange colour. It is rich in vitamins, phosphorous, zinc, iron sulphur essential fatty acids. It is great for nervous systems, skin irritation, scar tissue and stretched skin;
You can also use a 100% pure oil unrefined cold pressed vegetable, nut or seed oils for abasing carrier oils when mixing your essential oils recipes. Not all cold pressed oils are suitable for aromatherapy massage. Some, like carrot, will stain the skin if used neat, and others like olive and sesame are very heavy and will leave you feeling greasy, and some are just far too expensive to be used on there own. But, using aromatherapy you only add a small amount of these oils to the common, nullity purpose base oil because of their special properties. For uses of aromatherapy carrier oils are divided up into two categories. They are Multi-Purpose Oils and Special enhancers.
Multi-Purpose oils are a versatile vegetable oil and used as the main base oils in blends. Used on their own for massage oils or can be enhanced by the adding of small amounts of special enhancers.
Special enhancers are a vegetable oil that is added to the nullity purpose carriers in small amounts to help with troubled skin conditions or as a preservative for a longer shelf life.
Lyn Menzies is a Mother of 4 - Article Directory: EzineArticles
It's always best to look for the most gentle yet effective way to treat any disorder or disease. The fewer side effects, the better and we've all probably heard of enough stories of the volatile side effects that tend to result from prescription medications, especially those of anti-depressant medications. There are many natural remedies for depression and a number of self-help techniques that you can turn to. Depression is a disorder of your thoughts and if you keep focused on that fact, you can overcome depression by taking back control of your mind.
In writing, it does sound like an easy task to just change your thoughts to more uplifting and empowering things and leave all those negative and joy-stealing thoughts behind, but our mind is a mysterious thing. Our thoughts came from a variety of experiences and influences that we don't even realize, as well as being a result of the chemical make-up of our body. Not an easy thing to control, especially if you've spent most of your life not realizing that you can control your thoughts. The easy part is getting lost in thoughts and letting your mind control your feelings.
Since depression can be attributed to a chemical imbalance in the body, it is helpful to find some natural remedies that will alter your chemical processes to produce more serene, uplifting and calm thoughts. Essential oils are a gentle and effective way to treat a variety of your body's ailments. They can be used with a carrier oil for a massage, a few drops can be added to a bath or they can be used in a diffuser. There are quite a lot of impure essential oils being marketed today that may still have some aroma but will not have the potency to aid in the re-balancing of the body. Check your local health store as well as a variety of online sources to locate reputable essential oil manufacturers. Young Living Essential Oils is a quality manufacturer and has an excellent website with valuable information about essential oils and company practices. Some essential oils used for depression are lavender, bergamot, clary sage, orange, and ylang-ylang.
Along with various other natural substances, you can treat depression by changing your thought processes. Whether you use prescription drugs or natural therapies, you will eventually have to use this method to avoid falling into the "depression trap" again. There are a number of different ways to change the way your mind thinks and depending on your personality, some will work better than others. Try out all that you can to see what resonates the most with you, and then stick with one or more as part of your daily routine. Some examples of resources to change your thought patterns are subliminal audio, meditation, affirmations, hypnotherapy, reading resources and spiritual nourishment. These are just some resources that you can look for to give yourself that paradigm shift to get rid of depressed thoughts for good.
Medications are not a necessity to treat depression. Perhaps in some situations, it may be necessary to take medications, at least for a period of time, but I believe from my own experience and of hearing the victories from others, that we all have the power to alter our own minds and have them work for us instead of against us. Check out the natural remedies for depression and don't ever give up on empowering yourself to live the life you were meant to live - depression free!
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