Essential Oils to Banish Stress
Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful tools we have
to combat the negativity of stress.
An ocean breeze, the fresh smell of the forest after a
rainfall, the pristine scent of a crisp winter morning - all
of these uplift our spirit.
Essential oils allow us to bring the exhilarating scent of
the outdoors into our indoor lives. Try one of these
combinations when you feel the hassle of modern day living
acquiring to you.
Magical Essential Oil Combinations
To begin: Fill a mist spray bottle with purified water and
then add the essential oils.
Tighten the cap well and shake the bottle. The longer the
mixture remains in the bottle, the more the scent
strengthens and improves in potency.
Essential Sunshine
50 drops of Lime essential oil
50 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
10 drops of Orange essential oil
10 drops of Patchouli essential oil
Mix with 4 ounces of pure water
Essential Flower Garden
75 drops of Ylang-Ylang essential oil
25 drops of Orange essential oil
20 drops of Clove essential oil
Mix with 4 ounces of pure water
Essential Rain Forest
40 drops of Pine essential oil
40 drops of Cajuput essential oil
20 drops of Cypress essential oil
20 drops of Sandalwood essential oil
Mix with 4 ounces of pure water
When you feel particularly stressed and need a little more
boost, place the following blended oils into an aroma lamp
with a small bit of pure water. Inhale the vapors deeply
for best results.
Essential Breathe Easy
5 drops of Lemon essential oil
5 drops of Pine essential oil
5 drops of Lavender essential oil
5 drops of Peppermint essential oil
Essential Room Freshener
5 drops of Lemon essential oil
5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
5 drops of Sage essential oil
5 drops of Cajuput essential oil
Use these essential oil combinations in your daily life -
just see the difference in how your mood changes!
http://www.relieve-stress.com 2005
Vapor Genie Vaporizer
Find aromatherapy candles to match your color scheme. Not only will the soft glow contruct you feel relaxed, the scent will be calming and therapeutic as well. To build your own candles, add essential oils into melted beeswax and pour into a glass container. Place in the wick and let it harden.
Herbal Vaporizer
Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. Interestingly, different plant families exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. This is due to the particular molecular structures found in each type of oil, which penetrate physical entities to varying degrees (different tissues, cell walls, mucous membranes, etc). The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure (enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.)
Prescription for Nutritional Healing
Here is a list of natural remedies that you might utilize when you have acid reflux or heartburn. No need to make use of antacids, which have unwanted side effects and contain aluminum, which has been associated with senility and Alzheimers disease.
Anise, peppermint, and lavender
Heres a tea that you might contruct to help you with acid reflux or heartburn. It will help you reduce the amount of acid you have in your stomach. Mix together equal amounts of aniseed, peppermint and lavender. Make an infusion of this tea:
* boiling 2 cup distilled water
* pour this water over a teaspoon of the herbal mixture
* let this tea sit for 3- 5 minutes
* strain the tea and add a little bit of honey if you like.
* place this tea in a thermos
Drink up to 8 oz in the morning and 8 oz in the evening to get relief of acid reflux.
Tea Dieter’s Drink
One word of warning though - excessive make use of of Rosemary taken internally might cause fatal poisoning, but that is no reason not sample the delicious and invigorating herbal tea or eat a few of the flowers.
Like the raw flowers, Rosemary sugar candies are a tiny taste explosion and quite delicious. Preserving them in sugar helps to extend the amount of measure you may knowledge this uplifting Epicurean event. First of all find a plant with flowers. It fairly often flowers twice a year so this should not be too difficult. You might either pick the whole flower from the plant, or set up some arrangement that catches them as they fall naturally.
How You Can Use Your Kitchen to Develop an All Natural Skin Care Regimen
Today when we want to try out a skin care merchandise , we immediately think of which one will I buy. It was not that long ago when the only option available was to build your own skin care treatments. Of course there are many excellent commercial skin care products who have thousands of adoring customers. If you wanted something different, something more holistic or even organic, there are businesses who produce these items as well. What if you wanted to go an even more all natural route and create your own skin care regimen at home?
Well, obviously, to do that you would positive need to manufacture all the skin care products yourself. A typical skin care regimen consists of first exfoliating your skin, followed by a nice cleanser. Next, applying a toner helps really condition and clean the skin. Lastly, a workable moisturizer helps leave the skin smooth and silky. So, knowing that, all one needs to do is find recipes for each of these steps in the process. Note: If you prefer an organic option, build sure all the produce in the following recipes is organic.
Home Made Lemon Exfoliator:
Take one lemon and cut in half and juice it. Save the lemon halves to rub on your elbows, knees and bottoms of your heels (anywhere you have thick skin). Combine the lemon juice with 1/2 to 2/3 cups of granulated sugar. Take this mixture and rub it all over your body while standing in the tub or shower. Once you have completely rubbed the paste all over your skin (take care on your face and avoid using it near your eyes), rinse your body.
Home Made Facial Cleanser:
Take 1 cup of roll oats or oatmeal and add it to a blender. Process it for a few seconds to soften the flakes. Do not process it to a powder. In a bowl, add the processed oats and 1 tablespoon of granulated salt or sugar. To this mixture, add 1/4 cup of farina. To use it, splash your face with lukewarm water. With your wet fingers, take the mixture from the bowl and rub it on your skin. Take care not to stretch the skin and remember to be gentle. Rinse with splashes of lukewarm water. Do not use every day.
Home Made Apple Toner:
This is a very simple toner recipe. Take 1 apple. You can want to experiment with different varieties till you find the one that suits you best. Start with perhaps a green apple, like a Granny Smith. Remove the core and skin of the apple. Place the apple, chopped into quarters, into a blender with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Puree the mixture. Gently spread the mixture all over your face and let it rest for 12 to 15 mins. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry.
Home Made Moisturizing Cream:
Take a ripe avocado and slice it in two lengthwise. Remove the pit and discard. Take only half the avocado and place in a glass bowl. To that, add 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of wheat germ oil. Mix this well. Apply it to your skin and let it set for 15 to 20 mins. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Forget the pharmacy, you may construct your own skin care regimen with house hold items you can already have in your kitchen. If you have problems with your skin such as sensitivity or allergic reactions, build sure to test the recipes using a small area first before applying to the rest of your skin. If you truly have a serious skin condition you may absolutely need to consult with your local or online dermatologist for advice and treatment.
Practical Aromatherapy - the Antiviral Effects of Essential Oils
Antiviral Activity of Essential Oils
The body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of natural botanicals against a great variety of viruses is growing. Over twenty months ago, German scientists found extracts of more than 100 species of the Lamiaceae family to have antiviral effects. This discovery lead to and increase in the examination of essential oils in Europe for the treatment of viral infections.
Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. Interestingly, different plant families exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. This is due to the particular molecular structures found in each type of oil, which penetrate physical entities to varying degrees (different tissues, cell walls, mucous membranes, etc). The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure (enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.)
Certainly, one of the reasons for oils effectiveness en vivo is their lipophillic character - essential oils are easily absorbed into mammalian tissues, where they can produce the greatest results. In fact, when studying the anti-viral effects of essential oils, researchers found that normal cells seemed to acquire a special resistance to viral penetration, though the mechanism for this effect is not yet known.
Melissa and the Herpes Virus
One of the Lamiaceae plants studied, Melissa (Melissa officinalis - also known as Lemon Balm), was shown particularly efficacious against the herpes virus (HSV). Doctor Dietrich Wabner, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, has even reported that a one-measure application of Melissa oil led to a complete remission of HSV lesions. A cream medication for Herpes outbreaks, whos active ingredient is an extract of Melissa, is now sold in Germany under the title Lomaherpan. Use of Melissa essential oil itself could be just as efficient - the oil could be applied directly to the lesions (or diluted to 10% in carrier if sensitivity is noted) to speed healing. Further occurrences may be prevented by applying oil to the area when sensations signal an eminent outbreak - repeating this protocol 3 or 4 times might cause total remission.
Other essential oils found successful against the Herpes virus incorporate bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree.
Antiviral Components of Oils
The list of essential oils exhibiting antiviral effects is extensive: Melissa (as above), tea tree, juniper, eucalyptus, thyme, palmarosa, lavender, rosemary, clove, laurel, cinnamon bark, anise, rose, lemongrass, geranium, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, and dill. The antiviral effect of an essential oil is due to particular components of the oil - some oils will work just as effectively on a particular infection as another, because they contain similar amounts of a certain component. The components of essential oils showing antiviral activity, and the oils in which they can be found, are as follows(from K. Schnaubelt, Ph.D. - Advanced Aromatherapy, p. 36):
Anethol - found in Anise Alpha-Sabines - found in Tea Tree, Laurel, and other oils Beta-Caryophyllene - found in Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme Linalool, and other oils Carvone - found in Dill Cinnamic aldehyde - found in Cinnamon Bark Citral - found in Melissa, Lemongrass and other oils Citronellol - found in Rose and Geranium Eugenol - found in Clove Gamma-Terpinene - Found in Juniper, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree and other oils Linalol - found in Lavender and Neroli Linalyl acetate - found in Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot and other oils
Limited In-Vivo Data
Good studies of application of these essential oils in cases of illness are difficult to come by, as infecting everybody with viruses in the laboratory to subsequently be treated with aromatics would be a difficult process at best. The oils and components above have mostly shown effectivenessin-vitro, though tests also indicate that the anti-viral effect should occur in-vivo as well. As with Melissa, it has been HSV that has been most thoroughly examined, because of the relative simplicity of doing so. But there is nothing particularly special about the herpes virus, and proper oil/pathogen paring should prove as workable.
There are some noted case studies by professional aromatherapists. Of importance in these studies is the oil/symptom relationship. Essential oils from plants of the Myrtaceae family - notably Eucalyptus Radiata and Tea Tree - and Ravensara (also high in Eucalyptol) seem to have helped in cases with respiratory symptoms. For the lower respiratory tract, Hyssop decumbens (from the identical plant family as Melissa) has been of interest. Essential oils for such cases might be used either in a diffuser, being taken at regular intervals, or through massage, diluted in a carrier oil.
Conclusion
Because of the difficulty in many cases of illness in determining the exact virus type involved, more distinct application cannot be given. Certainly, in cases of HSV, Melissa has been shown good in a number of studies. For respiratory infections, Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been used with success, and might be safely used as an adjunct to regular medical care. These oils can support ones recovery on a physiologic level - essential oils also play a part in uplifting emotions, which might also speed healing, or at least improve mental outlook during the healing process. For such instances, one can simply find the essential oil or combination that one finds pleasant, calming, and/or uplifting. PLEASE NOTE: In no cases, however, should self-treatment with essential oils be used in place of professional medical care where signs/symptoms of infectious illness are present.
Make Your Own Bath Salts
Learn which salts are the best to use when creating your own bath salts. Plus a recipe to generate your own orange eucalyptus bath salts.
When creating your own bath salts and scrubs, we recommend using only dead sea salts or epsom salts. Dead Sea Salts contain a considerably smaller proportion of sodium chloride than other salts. Sodium chloride, which makes up 80% of regular sea salts, and most of solar salt, kosher salt, and rock salt, do not offer therapeutic benefits and may also be harmful to people with high blood pressure and edema.
On the other hand, the balance of magnesium, potassium and calcium chlorides, and a comparatively high concentration of bromides in Dead Sea Salts are what generate them beneficial. And recent studies show that bromides are a healing variable for psoriasis.
Epsom salts are also made up of magnesium sulfate. This ingredient is what pulls soreness from muscles, generating them grand for combating stress and relieving muscle aches. The magnesium also aids in the removal of acids through the skin. Now, heres a recipe so you might contruct your own!
Orange-Eucalyptus Bath Salts
Winter colds dont leave you with much to be desired. Lift your spirits, ease muscle aches, and help clear nasal passages with this bath salt blend.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Fine Sea Salt1/2 tsp Liquid Glycerin1/2 Cup Epsom Salts8 drops eucalyptus essential oil8 drops sweet orange essential oil
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. To make use of , simply add 4 to 6 Tablespoons of salts to a hot tub. Keep unused salts sealed in an airtight container.
Turn Your Bathroom Into A Spa For Stress Relief
Water is very therapeutic and healing as well as cleansing. In our fast paced world, we have become accustomed to getting pulsating showers with strong spicy soaps to wake us up and get us going in our hectic, busy lives. But times are changing. Now we want to relax and be soothed when were at home; and when it comes to the bathroom, we want to be pampered like were at an expensive spa.
Most of us can not install large steam showers and Japanese soaking tubs, but it is possible to turn your bathroom into an inviting oasis without a lot of expense and in the process, relieve some, even all of your stress. Relaxing in a warm scented bath also induces alpha brain waves, which enhance concentration and are more likely to trigger intuition than the rapid beta waves we knowledge throughout our normal day. Researchers agree that intuitive thoughts come suddenly and usually when were relaxing.
Color can be used to create or enhance a mood. Painting the bathroom a nice soothing color might promote relaxation. Perhaps a gentle blue, pastel green or even pale lilac.
Find aromatherapy candles to match your color scheme. Not only will the soft glow contruct you feel relaxed, the scent will be calming and therapeutic as well. To build your own candles, add essential oils into melted beeswax and pour into a glass container. Place in the wick and let it harden.
Plush area rugs provide a touch of softness for your feet and enhances color and texture to your bathroom.
Plants and/or flowers provide a calming effect and a nice decorative touch. Use live plants if your bathroom gets a lot of sunshine, otherwise, the silk version works just fine.
Extra large fluffy towels are a must for that pampered spa feeling. Create scented towels by adding 3 to 6 drops of your most beloved essential oil to a hankerchief and toss it in the dryer with your towels.
Purchase a spa robe - your body will thank you every time you slip on an excess soft and fluffy spa robe made from Egyptian cotton.
The temperature of your bath or shower can affect your energy level. A cool shower is very energizing, a warm bath (set at body temperature) relaxes, and a hot bath will help you snooze at night.
Sip a cool glass of mineral water or a warm cup of herbal tea as you care for your body. Remember to use plastic cups in the bathroom.
Move a portable CD player into the bathroom and listen to relaxing music, nature sounds or soft classical if you enjoy it. If you do not have anything soothing to play, check your local library.
For a spa facial, combine 3 tablespoons of honey, 1/3 cup oats and 2 teaspoons of Peppermint tea. To soothe achy muscles combine Epson salts with a few drops of essential oil and add to your bath water. Eucalyptus or Rosemary essential oils would be sizeably workable choices.
Make sure you have plenty of soft washcloths, scented soaps and face masks on hand. Many spas offer samples of items that you may take home for utilize in your personal escape.
As you might see, you do not have to go to a spa to grab the benefits of water and beauty therapies. Set aside an a little measure and give yourself a beauty treatment at home every chance you get. Its not selfish. When you take care of yourself and feel grand, you are more able to give of yourself to others. So pamper yourself fairly often with no guilt!
Aromatherapy for the Holiday Spirit
The holiday season stirs up some of our most basic joys in life. The friendship and camaraderie we find at holiday parties and other social engagements is one of the highlights of the season. So is the fulfillment we gain through our special efforts to please our loved ones as we shop to find items that will make them smile. Moreover, since this is the season of giving, I encourage you to donate your instant or funds to those who lack of the warmth of a home, family and friends, or to children who wont enjoy the delight of opening their gifts.
While the holidays are about giving, loving and joyous celebration, many think about this measure of year to be stressful, lonely and expensive. If you’re feeling more like Scrooge than Santa, I offer the following aromatic blends to help you get into the holiday spirit, become more sociable, and open your heart to others who are unable to enjoy the holidays the way we do. Be ready to fully enjoy, laugh, socialize and share this holiday season by experimenting with these wonderful aromatic blends!
To create each of these blends, pour the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and add organic vegetable oil to fill.
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