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Clary Sage Essential Oil For Depression

2009-07-26T19:58:00.002-06:00

We all know what it is like to have a "down time." But when that down time starts carrying over day after day, it is time to get some relief. Clary Sage Essential oil for depression is an alternative that may be considered.

Clary Sage Essential oil helps restore the emotional equilibrium and helps extreme emotional imbalances to sooth out. It has been known as a remedy to lift hormonal depression, melancholy and a wide range of emotional disturbances.

As a nerve tonic, Clary Sage eases nervousness and fears. When there is a need for concentration, Clary Sage Essential oil stimulates mental activity, but balances it also so as to not be over stimulating.

When there is a personal challenge, changes or especially if there is extreme pressure, external stress, Clary Sage Essential oil calms the nerves and gives a feeling of hope. Clary Sage can reduce deep seated tensions, calms frazzled nerves and slows a racing mind.

Clary Sage Essential oil helps lower blood pressure.

Lemon Essential oil is a good combination with Clary Sage. Lemon Essential oil is uplifting, strengthens resolve, eases fears, improves concentration and assists decision making.

You may wish to use Bergamot Essential oil which is refreshing to the mind and calms anxiety.

Geranium Essential oil is uplifting and balancing. Geranium Essential oil has been used when depression is in a melancholy state.

Lavender Essential oil is called the "universal oil" because it enhances and compliments any oil it is put with.

When using Essential oils for depression, it is wise to not use more than three oils in a blend or it could have a less predictable effect.

Only mix your blend at a 2% strength. If you have a stronger blend, it could be overstimulating and have an opposite effect than what is needed.

One ounce of a carrier oil has approximately 600 drops. At a 2% blend, you would put 12 drops of Essential oils.

Shea Butter And Essential Oils

2009-07-05T20:14:00.000-06:00

I use to suffer from deep, dry cracks in my heels and the ends of my fingers. Then I read about Shea Butter and Essential oils and the benefits they have for your skin. I began my research and my search for some on the internet that I could order.

Searching for some to buy, I began reading more about Essential oils and all the many wonders they have. That is when I really became convinced of the benefits of Whipped Shea Butter and Essential oils.

If you want to have a real soft skin experience, you may want to turn to Shea Butter and Essential oils. I use them every morning with my shower routine.

In the past, I had a real hard time enjoying satin sheets or anything that accentuated rough skin snags, etc. It gave me the chills whenever I felt the new microfiber material that has been praised up so much.

I did not like any of these kind of items until I found Whipped Shea Butter.

It has been a life saver. No more snagged pantyhose, cracked, calloused heels. I can even go bare foot and not suffer anymore. I am free from dry feet, knees and elbows now, and you can too. It takes about thirty seconds in the shower and I have soft, conditioned feet.

You can use Whipped Shea Butter from Tip 2 Toe Essentials. It is whipped with Jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil and has the nice skin conditioning Essential oils of Chamomile, Rose Geranium, Lemon and Tea Tree added.

Because this Whipped Shea Butter does not clog pores, I can use it freely as a moisturizer and not worry about avoiding my face.

I wrote their company and they said that their Whipped Shea Butter is a very popular item and they are considering doing a line of Whipped Shea Butters including a Sugar Shea Scrub and a Coffee Shea Butter Buff. I can't wait to try them out since I have enjoyed the original Whipped Shea Butter.

If you wish to use raw Shea Butter and just buff a small bit into your feet, it will still work very well. It takes a bit more to melt and buff it in, but it does work nice.

Be careful, though, because Shea Butter will make your tub slippery to stand in.

Once you try this little trick, you will never go back to lotion because you won't need to. It works so much better and takes so little time to use.

Here's to your Happy Feet!

Essential Oil Alert !!

2009-07-02T14:12:00.002-06:00

Recently a friend of mine had her three year old son get the lid off of a bottle of Young Livings' RC Essential oil blend.

He tipped the bottle into the mouth of her two month old baby and let the contents of the bottle drip down the baby's throat! It happened so fast.

The mother was in the room at the time, but because she was making lunch, didn't notice the little boy doing this until he started crying because he got some in his eye!

The mother, knowing that there had been about 1 teaspoon of RC Essential oil blend in the bottle, called a friend that had used Essential oils a little, but was not a therapist.

The friend told her to give the baby some vegetable oil to dilute the Essential oil blend. They did so, but they did not take the baby to the ER! She told me later that she had tried to call me, but I was out of town.

LET ME MAKE ONE THING CLEAR RIGHT NOW!

Essential oils are as dangerous as any chemical if not used in the proper way!

Essential oils are HIGHLY CONCENTRATE!

Never, no Never, leave Essential oil bottles where young children have access to them.

If there is ever an accidental ingestion of Essential oils__Call 911 and the Poison Control Hot Line immediately! Do not wait on this please.

Yes, it was the wise thing to do to have a carrier oil dilute the Essential oil, but then it might have needed to get pumped out of the stomach so that it did not go through the liver and kidneys.

Also, there is not anyway of knowing if some of the oil was aspirated into the lungs or maybe damaged the vocal cords or esophagus. Unless it was medically checked, there would be no way of knowing until more damaged had been done.

Some Essential oils, if taken orally can be deadly. If there is an accidental ingestion, do not chance the life of a child. It is better to be safe than sorry. Get to the ER quickly.

This warning is not intended to scare anyone into never using Essential oils. Essential oils are the best natural health building and healing there is, but like all good things, to much at one time can be costly or deadly.

With Essential oils, using the smallest dose more often is the best remedy. Essential oils work!

There was a happy ending to this story. Being a young inexperienced mother, she learned a lot through this. I encouraged her to still take the baby in to be checked by a doctor. She did so and her baby is doing just fine.

We also called the Poison Control Hotline to see how they would have handled this kind of situation. They said, like I did, that they would have had the child taken quickly to the ER to be treated. They would have had the Essential oil diluted quickly also.

Essential Oil Perfume

2009-05-21T13:28:00.004-06:00

When creating an Essential oil perfume, it is always wise to learn all you can about each oil you put into the blend. With Essential oils, it is not just the scent that is going to have an effect. Essential oils have healing abilities to go along with the scent.

There can also be contradictions with using Essential oils in an Essential oil perfume much like when using herbs, etc. If you have high blood pressure, you do not use artichoke leaf, or you will be in trouble.

The same holds true when making an Essential oil perfume. Find out which oils that will compliment your condition before using them.

For example, to support thyroid function and to boost an under active thyroid (hypothyroid) you should use Myrtle or Spearmint Essential oil.

Yet, it is recommended that Wintergreen Essential oil should be avoided for hypothyroidism. Salicylates, the anesthetic numbing chemical found in Wintergreen Essential oil, has been known to interfere with transport of one of the primary thyroid hormones, T4, through the bloodstream. When there is less T4 in the blood, there is less available to the body’s systems and that worsens the hypothyroid condition.

Two other conditions that require the study of each Essential oil before using are Epilepsy and during pregnancy.

You should also check for any drug interactions if you take prescription medications for any condition.

In order to have the best outcome to an Essential oil perfume, it is also wise to know what other benefits or changes may occur in using that combination or maybe you might want to change the quantities of each oil in the blend.

The combination of the oils and the way they are introduced to each other has a lot to do with the ending result of a Essential oil blend.

It is interesting to note that if an Essential oil has been researched to relieve a certain condition you have, but that oil really "stinks" to you, it is an oil that you need to use more because there are benefits that your body needs from that oil. And, the more you use that oil, the more you will start to like it.

This is what happened when I first used Chamomile Essential oil. I was in a real stressful time in my life. I had been dealing with health issues, having a 9 to 5 job and trying to run a household of several children all at once.

When night came and I finally was able to go to bed, all I could do is lay and think about all the problems I was dealing with. My mind would not calm down to get any rest. When I finally fell asleep, I would wake up as tired as I went to bed!

My sister suggested getting some Chamomile Essential oil. She said she had been using it and really enjoyed it. I took one "whiff" of her oil and it just about turned me wrong side out. It was gross! She made the comment that she had heard that if you don't like the smell of an oil, it is because you need the benefits of it. I thought that was "hog-wash."

She had Chamomile Essential oil in her diffuser and I sat and visited her for a few minutes. On my way home I noticed I really did feel calmer. "Well, it must have been because the visit was relaxing. It probably wasn't the oil," I told myself. That oil stunk too bad for it to do me any good.

Well, a few days later, another stressful situation came up. I called my sister and told her, "O.K. so it stinks. If it helps me to feel better, I'm getting me some." I started using this oil whenever a need came by, and boy did a "need" come often!

After a few weeks, I noticed that something was changing. There was somewhat of a craving feeling when I used Chamomile Essential oil. And, the smell was getting better and better to me.

My emotions started balancing and it seemed things that were stressful before, didn't have such a weight on me. I was able to work through problems with more confidence that there could be a favorable solution, even if it looked down right then.

Some blends are made to build the immune system along with smelling good. I enjoy making my own blends, but sometimes it is nice to have the convenience and perfecting qualities of professionally blended Essential oils such as C Relief Essential Oil Blend made by Tip 2 Toe Essentials. I find this blend a very relaxing, pleasant experience for myself and my children.

They also have a very nice blend for headaches called "Headease Essential Oil Blend." It really helps with relieving tension headaches, migraines, etc.

With a little research, you can make you own perfume blends.
Here is a couple of Essential oil blends I make on my own that help for various reasons:

My 1, 2, 3-Love Life Essential oil Blend

1 drop Rose Damascus Essential oil
2 drop Lemon Essential oil
3 drop Chamomile Essential oil

Rose Damascus Essential oil, has the top frequency of any Essential oil, has been hailed for its' attributes that combat anti depressant, anti septic, anti spasmodic, anti viral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, nervine, stomachic and uterine. It is mood lifting and gives the person a rich sense of self worth.

Lemon Essential oil may be stimulating or calming, whichever is needed at the time. Lemon Essential oil may be carminative, anti-infection, astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, sleep inducing, and antifungal properties. It also has a clean, fresh scent that gives a person feel a cleansing of negative emotions.

Roman Chamomile Essential oil is effective for impatience, irritation, and feeling disagreeable, and has great value in treating PMS, fibroids and other menstrual and menopausal problems.

My Fingernail Tougher, Whiter Blend

8 oz. spring water
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tablespoon Epsom Salts
10 drops Lime Essential oil
10 drops Lemon Essential oil

Mix and soak fingertips for 10 minutes. This blend works best if used three to five times weekly.

Lemon Essential oil has been known to whiten the fingernails. It also helps has anti-infection properties. The smell helps relieve stress.

Lime Essential oil helps strengthen the nail. Both Lemon Essential oil and Lime Essential oil have very strong anti oxidants and other beneficial nutrients.

Note: If you have trouble with your fingernails being thin and split in layers, it is a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is best assimilated through the skin, so start soaking your whole body in Epsom salt, a natural magnesium!

Happy blending!

Oily Skin, Oily Hair Takes Special Care

2009-05-14T16:42:00.002-06:00

Oily skin tends to be sallow, shiny and often has open pores that if not cared for carefully, may get blackheads and acne. Oily skin does have one advantage though, it is not as prone to wrinkling as easily as dry skin does.

Oily skin, Oily hair takes special care to stay looking clean and vibrant. Gentle, but thorough cleansing is a must for oily skin in order to keep the pores clear and also to reduce sebum build-up in the pores (blackheads and acne).

Using gentle astringent toners that can be mixed with tinctures and/or Essential oils may also be of great benefit.

Here are a few of my favorite Essential oils along with a little about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar :)

Although I have the opposite problem, dry skin, a few of my daughters deal with oily skin and hair, so I have looked into many alternatives.

I'll write a few details about a few of the oils you might not know and leave out some details about the traditional oils that you probably already know about. Then I'll give the details on how we have been using these oils for oily skin and hair:

Apple Cider Vinegar__An astringent and pH adjuster for skin, scalp and hair. Apple Cider Vinegar contains malic acid, a "protein digester" known to aid in removal of dead skin cells.

Yarrow Essential oil__(Achillea millefolium) This Essential oil has astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary properties. Yarrow is good for poor circulation which may be a cause of thinning hair and is an excellent choice for oily or problem skin and hair.

Celery Seed Essential oil__(Apium graveolens) Celery Seed Essential oil has been very beneficial when treating itchy, irritated skin and scalp. A lot of times, oily scalp can cause an acne condition to happen on the scalp the same as it does on the face. This Essential oil gives relief to this condition.

Elemi Essential oil__(Canacium lizonicum) The Elemi Essential oil comes from a tree grown in the Philippines. Elemi Essential oil is considered one of the newer Essential oils and is not as well known as some of the other traditional oils. It is distilled from the resin of the tree.

Elemi has a citrus, spicy scent and is strongly antiseptic. It also has a tonifying and tightening effect which may aid the hair folicle to hold onto the hair shaft longer thus encouraging the hair to thicken.

Elemi Essential tree is a close cousin to the myrrh tree and its' oil is cooling and drying. It has been used in hair care and for oily skin because Elemi Essential oil balances the secretion of sebum allowing the hair folicles and skin pores to balance and not be clogged with an over abundance of sebum.

Note: One theory for hair loss is that the hair folicles get carodded with sebum much like clogged pores (blackheads) on the face. This solidifying sebum creates a barrier which the hair shaft cannot grow through. Along with nutritional defficiencies, a weakened hair shaft goes dorment in growth.

The other two Essential oils used in this blend are Lavender and Rosemary.

Now, blend:

Yarrow_ 30 drops
Elemi_216 drops
Rosemary_216 drops
Lavender_90 drops
Celery_48 drops

Based on 600 drops makes an ounce, this should make an ounce.

Do not shake the bottle, but roll it between your hands so that the Essential oils do not oxidize more than they have to.

To use:

Use a 2 to 4 ounce aplicator bottle.

Mix:

1 ounce Apple Cider Vinegar
1 ounce warm water
20 to 25 drops of the Essential oil blend

Shake and apply to scalp and hair.

Leave on hair for five to ten minutes and wash as usual.

This blend has been used with success to increase hair volume and quality.

The Essential oil blend should last for several treatments.

Do this on your hair each time you wash it, and you will see an increase in the quality, quantity and managability of your hair.

For normal to dry hair: You can use the same treatment, but use Peppermint Essential oil instead of the Yarrow Essential oil.

Peppermint Essential oil is stimulating and helps with eczema and dry itchy skin problems.

To counteract Oily Skin:

A good facial Toner for Oily Skin that we have found helps remove oil and tone pores.

2 ounces of lightly steeped Calendula tea.
1 tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar (Witch Hazel may be used.)
1/2 tsp. Honey
2 drops Rosemary Essential oil
3 drops Lavender Essential oil

In an amber bottle mix the tea, Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix the Essential oils into the honey well and add to the tea blend. Shake lightly to incorporate.

Use with cotton balls three times daily concentrating on problem areas.

This blend has helped, with regular use, to regulate the overactive sebaceous glands and diminished my daughters' oily skin.

Sweat Treatment Using Essential Oils

2009-05-05T18:50:00.004-06:00

Warning: This treatment is not for those with a heart condition and in no way is meant to prescribe, diagnose or take the place of the advice of your doctor.

This sweat treatment using Essential oils is just what I have used for myself and found it beneficial as a natural alternative.

Chronic conditions may need more than one treatment to help build the immune system back.

Materials Needed:

3 inches fresh ginger root, sliced very thin
15 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata Essential oil
15 drops of Ravensara Essential oil
15 drops of Lemon Essential oil
3 cups Epsom Salts
Bathtub
Small Basin filled with ice water
Piece of gauze or scrap of material
Washcloth
Ice bag
Pitcher of ice water to drink (this usually makes me thirsty)
Warm clothing (to intensify the sweating process)

If possible, have someone nearby while you do this treatment, especially if you have been very sick or have a special condition.

Tie the ginger up in the gauze or material to make a poultice.

As you fill the tub with very warm water, pour the Epsom salts under the running water.

Also, let the water from the faucet fall onto the ginger poultice.

Set the basin of ice water near the tub. Place the washcloth in the ice water.

Set the pitcher of ice water and a cup near the tub so you can reach it easily.

Just before stepping into the bath, drop each of the Essential oils into the water and swish with your hand.

Soak for five to ten minutes using the ginger poultice to dab over the lungs, resoaking it periodically.

Use the ice bag on your forehead.

Sip the ice water as you soak.

After soaking, stand up and use the washcloth that has been sitting in the ice water.

Wrap the washcloth around your hand and rub it briskly over your chest, arms, and upper back. Dip the washcloth in the ice water periodically to keep it cool while you brush your skin.

Warm up the bath tub water again and soak for another five to ten minutes.

This process should be repeated for a total of three times.

After the final repetition, step completely out of the bathtub and do the cold friction rub over the entire body, including the feet.

Dress in your warm clothing and go to bed.

Use some nice warm blankets to help you sweat.

This is a great treatment to use during an acute illness.

Use just before bed or when the illness keeps you in bed all day.

This treatment, as strong as it is, should only be used for 3-5 days. If an illness persists after this, consult a doctor.

This treatment promotes sweating and is very beneficial for time when your whole body aches.

It helps to break up mucous and expel it from the lungs.

It is a very good part of any detoxification program.

Indications:

Used for bronchitis, influenza, common cold, sinusitis, muscle spasms and the "achy-all-over feeling."

Cautions:

Persons with a heart condition should check with their doctor before using this or any alternative treatment.

Do Not do this therapy when home alone. After the bath portion of this treatment, you may feel light-headed, be careful going to the bed.

Because this is a strong treatment, the elderly or young children should only do it after the consultation of a doctor who is familiar with hydrotherapy treatment has been sought.

This treatment has been a great blessing to me as I suffered for chronic Asthma. For years I could hardly function and had to be on oxygen a lot of the time. Now, I do still get asthma occasionally, but through nutrition supplementation, pH balancing, using liver regenerating, Essential oils and Spa Techniques, I can say that I am "back with the living."

If you suffer from a chronic condition, do not give up. There is a solution to every problem and our great Heavenly Father knows. Do the things that you know will help you feel better and He will make up the difference.

Sensitive Skin

2009-04-28T20:14:00.003-06:00

Any of the skin types, oily, dry or mature skin, may also come under the banner of "sensitive skin."

Any skin reaction to clothing, certain cosmetics, etc. is a sensitivity and may appear red, may itch or swell and be irritated.

Persons who have sensitive skin are usually prone to other allergic reactions along with skin breakouts, hives and rashes.

They also may sunburn easily or may have stress trigger a skin reaction in the form of hives, etc.

A very wise habit for a person with sensitive skin to follow would be to do a "patch test" with anything they are going to use on their skin.

To do a patch test, rub a small amount of whatever is going to be used on a small area just inside the upper arm area. Wait for an hour or so to see how your skin reacts to the ingredients.

It is best if you have sensitive skin, to use simple ingredients for your cosmetics, and only use one or two Essential oils in a blend at any one time.

This will help to avoid complex reactions. And, if you are sensitive to an oil, it will be easier to pinpoint exactly what is causing the allergic reaction.

Some of the known irritants include:

Artificial fragrances
Chemical Preservatives
Petroleum based products

There are some natural ingredients that have caused reactions for sensitive persons which include:

Coconut oil
Cocoa butter
Corn and Corn byproducts
Peanut oil
Almond oil

You may find you have a sensitivity to a certain ingredient that has been noted for its' mildness. Each person is a unique structure that has their own characteristic.

You may also become sensitive to a cosmetic that you have used for years. This is known as a "buildup sensitivity."

You just as well find another product that you do not have a reaction with because once you have a reaction, it is most probable that you will have a worse reaction with each time it is used thereafter.

It is possible through liver liver regenerating and pH balancing, you could get over sensitive skin reactions, but this would take time.

To speed this process up, a series of liver cleanses helps, but this takes quite a bit of commitment and perseverance. It can be done though. I have experienced it myself.

Simplicity and pure ingredients are important in a skin care regime for sensitive skin types.

Use mild cleansing, toning and simple moisturizers. Floral water, like orange blossom, chamomile or rose may be gentle enough to mist the face and tone sensitive skin.

You may wish to add a tablespoon of vinegar to the floral water to help balance the pH of your skin.

Essential oils of Lavender, Neroli, Geranium, Jasmine or German Chamomile are all nice to use on sensitive skin. You may wish to try these one at a time in case you have a sensitivity to any one of them.

STRESS!!! We All Have It Sometime!

2009-04-23T17:28:00.002-06:00

Every human who walks the Earth today, or ever did, has to deal stress at some point in their life.

It cannot be "stressed" enough that Essential oils are the quickest, most rewarding, natural way to deal with the issue of stress.

Although all stress affects your body and health, different types of stress respond to different Essential oils.

Through aromatherapy and Spa Techniques, you will find that stress can be eased greatly to make any situation tolerable or eliminated.

First, leave any outside of your home any pressures that where created outside, such as office pressures, financial pressures, associates, etc.

You can pick them up again when you leave the house to deal with them. ;)

Having a relaxing massage, using Essential oils takes the mind off a lot of stressful thoughts. If you do not have someone to do the massage for you, you can learn some self massage techniques that are very relaxing and rewarding to your health.

Here is a list of Essential oils that have proven effective for stress relief:

Basil (mental stress)
Bergamot (emotional, helps with performance stress)
Clary Sage (hormonal, emotional, feelings of loss, soothing tonic, depression)
Cypress (environmental, nervous tension)
Elemi (nervous exhaustion, sedative)
Frankincense (depression, emotional balance, sedative)
Geranium (emotional, mental stress, physical, harmonizing)
Grapefruit (mental, chemical, helps lift performance stress)
Lavender (aromatic, physical stress, mental strain and chemical stress)
Marjoram (hormonal, physical)
Neroli (depression, shock, anxiety, natural tranquilizer, stabilizing hopeless situations)
Pine (mental stress)
Roman Chamomile (overall stress relief, depression, anxiety, physical stress)
Rosewood (mind relaxing, depression)
Spruce (immune depression, nervousness, emotional blocks)
Tangerine (balancing to the emotions, sedating, relaxes shock or stress caused by anger)
Ylang Ylang (sexual, hormonal, anxiety, depression)

Always check for skin sensitivity before using any Essential oils on your skin.

Mix 3 to 5 drops on one of these oils to one teaspoon Carrier oil, or you may wish to use a blend of two or three Essential oils.

It usually takes anywhere from 1 to 2 ounces of a massage oil to do a complete massage. To begin, put some of the blend on the bottom of the feet and down the spine. This will get the Essential oils going through the nervous system quickly and is very effective.

You may want to put a small amount of the blend anywhere you can feel your heart beat, such as at the wrist, ankles, back of neck and so on.

Try some of these Essential oils for stress and have a better day tomorrow!

Oily Scalp And Hair Can Benefit With Essential Oils

2009-04-20T16:57:00.002-06:00

When you have oily hair, you probably think that the last thing you need on your hair is MORE OIL! But, oily scalp and hair can benefit with Essential oils.

Oily hair can cause a build up on your scalp, believe it or not, which may lead to hair loss if not resolved. Essential oils are a nice alternative to all the commercial chemical ridden shampoos and conditioners that are on the market to "help" you control your oily hair.

Unlike most ingredients used in skin care, Essential oils have the capacity of penetrating the skin down to the subcutaneous tissue layer. This benefit is of great worth when dealing with hair loss due to oily scalp. Learn more about the layers of skin and skin facts.

As always, use caution with Essential oil safety and check for allergy sensitivity before putting Essential oils on your hair and scalp.

One good way to use Essential oils for oily hair is to take the allotted amount of shampoo that you use in your hand and drop 3 to 5 drops of your favorite Essential oil into it, or make a blend of you favorite Essential oils and then add 3 to 5 drops of the blend. Stir to incorporate and shampoo as you usually do taking care to work the scalp over good.

Note: Your hair loss may be the result of a pH imbalance or you may be dealing with a deficiency of some vitamins and minerals. You may need to check into how to deal with that also.

For Oily Hair: Petitgrain Essential oil

For Itchy Scalp, Dandruff, Hair Loss, Infections of the Scalp:

Essential oils of__

Peppermint, Lavender, Basil, Birch, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Wintergreen will work nicely individually or you can make a blend of three or four Essential oils.

Always rinse your hair well when oily hair is the problem.

Essential Oils Play A Big Role In Skin Care

2009-04-17T14:10:00.000-06:00

Essential Oils play a big role in skin care. Every salon in the country use Essential oils in some way or another. Interesting enough, many of the same Essential oils used in skin care are also the Essential oils used to combat stress and anxiety.

The reason for this is that stress puts a lot of strain on the body and it shows on the skin quickly. If your body is taxed, you don't feel well and it shows on your countenance. Here is a list to choose your favorite skin care Essential oils from and just know that there is an added benefit that they will help you to feel more in control of the stresses of the day.

Bergamot Essential oil: Good for Acne and infections especially of the skin. Bergamot Essential oil has a sweet citrusy scent with spicy undertones. For stress, Bergamot helps with anxiety, depression fatigue and nervous conditions.

Use 2-3 drops in a Jojoba Carrier oil and apply directly to the blemish.

Cedarwood Essential oil: This oil has the scent of freshly cut wood or sharpening pencils back in school :)

It is good for acne, eczema, dandruff and also for oily skin. It alleviates nervous tension and stress-related disorders. Cedarwood Essential oil has been used by the Native Americans for its purification and healing properties.

Use 2-3 drops to 1 ounce Jojoba and massage into affected area.

Juniper Berry Essential oil: This oil is better known for the benefits it gives to dysfunctional kidney conditions, but it has been used extensively for eczema, acne, cellulite and as a skin toner. Juniper Berry Essential oil helps mental exhaustion, nervous tension, anxiety, drowsiness and may be a good oil to use just before a school exam.

Place enough oil on a cotton ball to make it wet, but do not soak it. Wipe directly over skin condition, using gentle strokes. May be used in a bath at 8 to 10 drops.

Grapefruit Essential oil: Has the ability to dissolve fatty deposits in the skin and is used for acne, cellulite and is an antiseptic. Also good for muscle fatigue that brings on depression, Grapefruit Essential oil has been used for detoxification, headaches, mental or nervous exhaustion.

Use 2-3 drops in 1 teaspoon base and massage into the skin.

Lavender Essential oil: Is the most loved and used of all the aromatic Essential oils of this time. Its' light floral, soothing scent is found most appealing to the scenses and is regarded as the "universal Essential oil." Books have been written on Lavender Essential oil alone. This oil can be used directly on the skin and is used for acne, eczema, ermatitis, minor cuts and burns, psoriasis, rashes and sunburn. Lavenders' mood enhancing capabilities equal to none in helping to relieve depression, insomnia, headaches, migraine, mood swings, irritability and nervous tensions.

Use 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and dab on affected area. Use on temples for depression and fatigue or in a bath for insomnia.

Rose Essential oil: Has been used throughout history to make skin more refined, conditioned and helps all skin care. Rose Essential oil alleviates anger, anxiety, depression, grief, nervous tensions, jealousy and has been used for potnatal depressions.

Use 1 drop in 1 teaspoon Jojoba oil for a fine line smoother. Rose Essential oil is very scent-o-matic and has been used for perfume also.

To find out more skin care alternatives and to know how to help your skin visit http://www. naturally-skincare.com

Relax With An Essential Oil Mayo Scalp Treatment

2009-04-15T12:57:00.000-06:00

There are many shampoos and treatments on the market for dry, itchy and flaky scalp. Usually, if the scalp is dry and flaky, the hair is brittle, has split ends and breaks off easily. This allows for the tendency to over condition the hair leaving it limp and lifeless. There are more nutritional treatments to try.

To Relax With An Essential Oil Mayo Scalp Treatment takes care of more than just your hair.

Scalp treatments can rescue damaged hair and may solve the problem of dandruff and itchy scalp from the outside.

Relaxing and taking the time to do the treatment also allows you time to look into more possibilities of how to work on the real problem, the why your scalp is so dry and itchy.

Is your itchy scalp an ongoing skin condition that affects your whole body? If so, you need to look into a more inward approach at your skin care solutions.

You may want to incorporate some Wheat germ oil into your diet or take a supplement of it. Or, use some of the other healthy oils like flaxseed, borage, evening primrose, sunflower, sesame or Olive oil are all helpful for dry skin.

Results will begin to be noticed after a few months of taking some of these oils.

We will cover a few other solutions in the next post. For now, here is the Essential Oil Mayo Scalp Treatment that I have found to be beneficial for dry itchy scalp.

Essential Oil Mayo Scalp Treatment:

Homemade Mayo Recipe for the hair:

1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 to 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup olive or other salad oil
2 teaspoons hot water

Beat yolks, salt, sugar, pepper and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in a small bowl until very thick. (Note: If using electric mixer, beat at medium speed.)

Add about 1/4 cup oil, drop by drop, beating vigorously all the while.

Beat in 1 teaspoon each apple cider vinegar and hot water. Add another 1/4 cup oil, a few drops at a time, beating vigorously all the while.

Beat in another teaspoon each vinegar and water. Add 1/2 cup oil in a very fine steady stream, beating constantly and slowly beat in remaining oil.

Refrigerate any leftover mayonnaise after the treatment. Do not keep longer than 1 week.

The cayenne in this recipe helps to stimulate the scalp and bring more oxygen to the roots of your hair. If you like it to be more stimulating, add a bit more cayenne.

To Half of the Mayo mix in:

2 tablespoons corn meal
8 drops Orange Essential oil
(Can use 8 drops of Chamomile if preferred)

To Use:

Wet hair with warm water.
Scoop mayonnaise into a small dish.
Warm a tablespoon or so of the mixture in the palms of your hands.
Use your fingertips (not your nails), and gently massage the mixture into the scalp.
Work the mayonnaise in over your entire scalp, working in the circular motion.
Massage the mayonnaise into the hair shaft and the ends.
Cover your hair with a plastic bag and allow the mayonnaise to stay on the scalp for at least 1/2 hour. (1 hour is best.)
Shampoo as you normally would.
Repeat weekly, or as often as desired.

Note: The vinegar in this treatment helps to balance the pH of your scalp and the cornmeal buffs the scalp and exfoliates the flaky, dry skin so it can be washed out with shampoo.

Use the other half of mayonnaise with fresh Essential oils within the week. You may wish to warm it just a bit before using it on your scalp.

Breathing, A Big Part of Essential Oil Therapy

2009-04-14T19:13:00.000-06:00

Proper breathing, a big part of Essential oil therapy, helps the blood to take away toxins, such as carbon dioxide etc. that get bound up in your body on a cellular level.

Deep breathing habits also help the absorption of the many needed nutrients so the body can function, down to this cellular level.

When toxins are bound up in the cells, inflammation, muscle cramps, infections and disease are the result. This also overworks the restorative organs such as your liver, heart, kidneys, digestive system and the skin, causing them to weaken over time.

It has been said that 95% of the population live on 80% or less of their breathing capacity. A good share of the people over 40 get by with just shallow breathing which leads to depression, health issues and premature aging.

While doing an Essential oil massage, it is imperative that you instruct the recipient to do proper deep breathing and how it will benefit them while they are being massaged and as an ongoing habit to incorporate into their life. This will help in many different ways.

First, it will help the Essential oils to enter the more oxygenated skin quicker to begin the healing benefits that the Essential oils were intended to do.

Once the Essential oils enter the body, the oxygenated blood and nerves will be able to send the oils were the healing needs to take place.

And, once at the place of healing, Essential oils can do the job that is intended and at a faster rate, if there is enough oxygen in the blood to take away any toxins that the cells have from used up nutrients etc.

PAIN

2009-04-09T23:06:00.000-06:00

Pain is the deepest thing we have in our nature, and union through pain and suffering has always seemed more real and holy than any other. -Unknown.

That comment has always been a great help to me when working to understand why we as mortals must suffer under the human frailties of life.

There are many forms of pain, and it does not matter if the pain is really just a fear or physical pain, pain is real.

Essential oils are one of the nearest to natural pain alternatives that there is. Many of the mood altering Essential oils relieve pain as much as the oils that relieve the muscular and nervous system pain.

Some of the mood enhancing Essential oils that help relieve a lot of stress and tension are:

Chamomile (One of my favorites) The properties of Chamomile Essential oil include: Analgesic, Anti-Infectious, Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Antioxidant, Calming, Decongestant, Digestive Tonic and helps relieve Hormone issues (PMS and Menopausal Problems ;) Chamomile Essential oil helps relieve stress and its' aromatic influences has been known to dispel Anger and is an Emotional Stabilizer, especially when it comes to releasing emotions from the past.

Neroli Essential oil has many properties that help enliven the spirits and lighten stressful situations. Nerolis' properties include of Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Depressent, Anti-Infectious, Anti-Spasmodic, and is an Aphrodisiac with Sedative and Tonic properties as well. Neroli Essential oil is Calming and helps the mind to focus while helping the body to Relax. It has been used extensively in the treatment of Anxiety and Depression. It is Strengthening and may Stabilize the emotiions during a time of Shock.

Sandlewood Essential oil may help improve your Attitude. It helps dispel Depression by Increasing the Oxygen to the Pituitary and Pineal Glands. I've found that Sandlewood Essential oil helps my children to be more accepting of others' needs. It is Calming, Relaxing to the body and soul, while building emotional Strength. Sandlewood has been known to build Courage and Confidence and may be an oil to use on the eve before an important meeting.

These oils are very Synergistic and Regenerating when used in place of Calgon (or along with Calgon) to "take you away" in a spa experience.

These three oils have been a few of my favorites to use when dealing with overly stressful situations and believe me, with children, there are plenty of these types of situations. :)

Anti-Fungal Essential Oils Help Heal Candida Overgrowth

2009-03-31T17:52:00.000-06:00

There are many Essential oils that combat fungus. Candida is the formal name for yeast (fungus). Anti-Fungal Essential oils are usually anti bacterial and anti viral as well as anti fungal.

Many of the pharmaceutical drugs are derived from the very plants that many of the Essential oils are extracted from. Interestingly enough is the fact that while the Anti Fungal Essential Oils Help Heal Candida Overgrowth, the pharmaceutical drugs seem to contribute to the overgrowth.

Candida is a natural fungus that is found in the stomach; but the problems begin when the body has an overgrowth of Candida. Poor diet, acidic foods, coffee, sodas, unatural preservatives and an environment full of toxins are causes for this to happen in our bodies. The body is in an acidic pH imbalance for Candida to over grow and be a problem.

Foot fungus, or athletes' foot is a form of Candida. Other forms of Candida could show as yeast infections of the mouth, throat, urinary tract or the skin.

Most of the Essential oils would prove beneficial to heal symptoms brought on by Candida. It does depend on just where the Candida has manifested itself as to which oil would be the best for treatment.

Urinary tract infections respond well to the Essential oils of Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Myrrh, Bergamot, Lavender, Rosemary, Spikenard or Thyme.

A blend dilution of .5% to 1% of the oils Clovebud, Cinnamon Bark (use a greater dilution for this oil) and Melaleuca could be used for thrush of the mouth and throat. Use very lightly until you know how much you can tolerate, then strengthen to your likes. Remember, never take Essential oils internally except under a licensed aromatherapists' guidance.

Calendula Tea has been known to be very beneficial in clearing up Candida of the digestive tract and of the skin.

To make: Pour one quart of boiling water over four tablespoons dried Calendula petals. Let steep twenty minutes. Drink one to three cups a day but no more as Calendula is of the Marigold family and has been known to cause allergies in large quantities.

For Candida of the skin, Calendula Absolute in .3% dilution (maybe even less) is very helpful. An absolute Essential oil is much more concentrate than the steam distilled Essential oils so less is needed.

I usually just use Calendula infused oil for treatment of the skin because it is easier to obtain and is more simple to use. I usually make my own. If anyone is interested on how to infuse oils, such as Calendula, leave a comment and I could make it a future post. This blog is "Essentially" essential oils, but I would still write anything pertaining to oils and health.

Hope to Help__Milly

Carrier Oils and Infused Oils

2009-03-23T23:37:00.000-06:00

A Carrier oil, as referred to in aromatherapy, is any vegetable oil used when diluting pure Essential oils for use on the skin safely.

The difference between Carrier Oils and Infused Oils is that the Infused oil is a Carrier oil with herbs incorporated into it, adding more conditioning and healing power to the oil.

There is a wide variety of nuts, kernals, seeds and other parts of plants that have an abundance of mild oil that can be used as carriers as well as hundreds of herbs and combination's of herbs to infuse into them.

Although any vegetable oil will suffice, there are certain Carrier oils that are preferred because of their valuable nutrients, specific properties, or their therapeutic qualities needed to treat certain conditions.

Many carrier oils have been used alone without Essential oils added because they are so skin conditioning and even therapeutic. But when Essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil, there is less sensitivity to the skin.

With the carrier oil, less can be used of the Essential oil and spred over a larger part of the body. The carrier oil also helps the Essential oil to absorb a little more slowly into the skin, so the therapeutic healing is more dramatic and work faster for relief.

Infused oils were used long before Essential oils were discovered. It is said that it was Infused oil that the three wise men gave to the Christ child. Even in that day, they knew the healing value of oils.

A few of my favorite infused oils are St. John's Wort, Comfrey Root, Calendula and I use a combination oil with Mullein and Garlic when I am really coming down with a cold or flu, although I try to spare everyone and stay in my bedroom as much as possible while I use it :)

Massage and Essential Oils

2009-03-17T18:40:00.000-06:00

When combined with massage, pure Essential oils can build and revitalize the immune system by directly fighting bacterial invasions.

An Essential oil massage also opens up to a physically and a emotionally nurturing love, self-image and a positive outlook.

Using reflexology, massage and Essential oils while in a calming environment helps to strengthen the ability of the immune system to do its’ work.

The skin is improved and negativity is released, lymph glands are stimulated,toxins carried and eliminated, replaced with nourishment and new, fresh blood.

Nutritious foods and relaxation are essential to you in order to eliminate toxins from your body.

It would not do as much good to get a massage if you do not drink extra water throughout the day so that the elimination process can complete it's cycle.

If you do not drink, the toxins will be absorbed back into your system.

And, as always, only use pure Essential oils and not a low grade or synthetic version for massage in order to optimize the benefits of the massage.

Skin Absorbency Using Essential Oils

2009-03-11T19:35:00.001-06:00

The Skin absorbency when using Essential oils is the traditional way of using them. But, did you know, there are different parts on your body that absorb better than others?

The bottom of the feet are the 2nd most absorbent place (your mouth being the 1st). That is because the pores on the bottom of your feet are larger than other places on your body.

NEVER take Essential oils internally with out being under a licensed Aromatherapist's care.

Did you know that you can take a clove of garlic and rub it on the bottom of your feet and you will taste it in your mouth within 3 to 10 seconds, depending on how cleansed your body is! That is fast!

Well, Essential oils, used with a carrier oil, enters the body that fast also.

The other place on the body that is very beneficial in getting the Essential oils into your body, is the spine. Used with a carrier oil here also, the spine with all the nerves going out to the rest of the body, is a very likely place to find quick relief of any malady.

The other way for maximum skin absorbency using Essential oils is to have a full body massage. Remember though, that when you do a full body massage, dilute the oils by 15 to 30% with a carrier oil.

You can find some very relaxing Essential oil Massage blends at Tip 2 Toe Essentials.

Even the blends that have been made for babies, such as Baby Calm, makes a luxurious massage for an adult. It is very relaxing and helps to get a good nights sleep.

If ever you have an opposite reaction to a blend such as insomnia or restlessness when using a calming blend like Baby Calm, the next time you use it for a massage, dilute in half again and you will find relief.

This is because Essential oils work on the principle of a little does the best. They are very concentrated.

As with everything, if you have an allergic reaction to an oil, by all means, don't use it again!

True Essential Oils Are Quality

2009-03-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

The variables that can effect the quality and quantity of any particular Essential oil can be quite a list. The intensity and quality of Essential oils vary due to time of harvest, method of cultivation, soil conditions, the plant variety and the process of extraction. These factors and many others play a significant role to the end result of any Essential oil.

Only nature can produce a true Essential oil. This said, beware of synthetic versions that have become available through recent advancements in the chemistry field. It is also important to know the reputation of the company providing the oil and the origin of the Essential oil.

When a true Essential oil of the highest quality is used, less of it is needed to obtain the desired effect. Cold processing and distillation methods often produce the highest quality in the aromatherapy field. This is because these distraction methods make the least changes to the original plant's oil. Other distraction methods may be less natural or are to costly to be ethical in mass production.

When an Essential oil is priced at bottom bargain prices, or all Essential oils offered from a company are all in the same price range, it is a sign that the oil is made into a blend or "adulterated." (Or, perhaps the company has a poor bookkeeper and won't be in business long ;-)

Essential oils should be purchased and stored in dark colored glass bottles. I prefer the amber bottles because they are easier to come by in quantity and seem to be slightly more affordable.

Because of the many factors in the production of true Essential oils and for the fact that some plants produce more oil than another species, Essential oils can range in prices of five dollars on up to fifty or even more for a 5 ml. bottle.

The benefits and quality of having natural health are well worth paying the price for True Essential oils.

Don't forget, a "little" goes a long way to a better, pain free life!

Until later__Milly

Optimize The Benifits of Essential Oils

2009-03-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

With a lot of things we use in life, we get the "quantity is quality" urges. We want to "biggie size" everything, including our health. But with Essential oils, "most" or "a lot" is not the best way to optimize Essential oil benefits.

More essential oil is not necessarily the best since a large amount of essential oil may trigger a detoxification through the blood and the surrounding tissues. This quick detoxification can (and often is) quite uncomfortable.

Therefore, my recommendation is to use the least amount recommended and use it more often so that the healing is more continual.

To achieve the desired results, usually one to three drops of an essential oil is adequate, mixed with a carrier oil. Do not use an Essential oil directly on the skin unless that Essential oil has been specified as an oil that can go neat (uncut) onto the skin. Remember, we are talking about the uncut essential oils, not a massage blend.

A massage blend has already been mixed and prepared to go directly onto the skin. Also, keep in mind that with the massage oil, you are actually getting more Essential oil into the system because it is rubbed over a larger area.

We will talk about the different application a little more in future posts.

Blending Essential Oils Takes Skill

2009-03-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

There is an art to blending essential oils and it takes a little bit of training as well. It is important to understand that the order to which the essential oils are blended together is the main key to making a desired synergistic blend and to have the therapeutic properties that you desire. To alter the sequence of your oils in a blend may alter the chemical properties and change the fragrance of the essential oil blend as well.

You should keep in mind that "fragrance oils" are not "essential oils" and are usually synthetically created just for the smell, not for the therapeutic needs that essential oils
are used for. True Aromatherapy uses only 100% natural Essential Oils from plants,
flowers, trees, roots etc. to produce not only psychological, but also physiological and especially, physical effects. Through the olfaction process, (sense of smell), as well as transdermal absorption, (through the skin to the body systems), essential oils can have a life changing effect. The natural chemicals which are found in the essential oils work with our body systems to invoke relaxation, stimulation and healing, etc depending on the oil (or oils) chosen.

Essential oils which share the same constituents that we talked about in earlier posts, tend to mix well together as do oils that are from the same botanical family. If you choose to blend your own oils, always keep safety in mind. We will cover some of the safety requirements as we go through the descriptions of different oils and what they are primarily used for.

Use Essential oils that are safe for the skin and always use them in the dilutions that make them safe. (Babies require a much weaker dilution of essential oils than older children and adults may use).

Just because a company sells an essential oil, does not mean that the oil itself is safe to use in aromatherapy. Always check out what an Essential oil is good for, what the side effects are, where the oil originated from, and whether that particular Essential oil is safe for the skin, etc. before you attempt to use it in your blend. Some oils that come from herbal plants may be toxic and will work differently than the herb itself does if taken in a tincture or tea form. Find out all there is to know about the Essential oil before using it!

Also, you should pick Essential oils that will compliment each other and do not react opposite to the therapeutic qualities of the other Essential oils in the blend.

Until later__Milly

Oxides are another Essential Oil Constituent

2009-02-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

According to the Webster Dictionary online, an oxide is "a binary compound of oxygen with a more electropositive element or group." What that means is that an oxide is a binary compound of an element or a radical with oxygen.

Cineol, (or eucalyptol) outranks other members of the oxide group and virtually exists in a class all of its own. It is antiseptic, anesthetic and works well as an expectorant. Cineol is the primary constituent of eucalyptus oil. It also will be found in basil, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, melissa, ravensara and rosemary essential oils.

Other oxides include ascaridol, bisabolol oxide, bisabolone oxide and linalol oxide.

Aldehydes are Highly Reactive Constituents

2009-02-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Going through some of the constituents of essential oils, we find that there are Aldehydes which are characterized by the group C-H-O.

C-H-O stands for Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. Aldehydes are highly reactive, have a sedative effect on the nervous system and, for the most part, they are anti-infectious. If applied topically, essential oils containing Aldehydes can be very irritating. But, when inhaled, these same oils may have a prominent calming effect.

Aldehyde constituents have been found in essential oils such as Melissa, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, lemon-scented eucalyptus and citronella. Lavender and myrrh have a trace of aldehydes, but not as much as those with the distinct antiseptic action.

What Are Esters

2009-02-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

Esterification, also known in a shorter term as esters, are compounds resulting from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid. A large number of essential oils are known to have esters. These oils are, for the most part, mood altering. They are anti-fungal, relaxing and calming or may be stimulative.

Some of the Esters are:

Ester; Geraniol acetate is found in sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) and Thyme linalol (Thymus vulgaris, CT Linalol)

Ester; Linalyl acetate may be found in clary sage (Salvia sclarea), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), and lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, CT Linalol).

Ester; Benzyl acetate can be found in Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale), Fir (Abies alba) and Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).

Ester; Neryl acetate is found in Helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum) at a whopping 75%!

Other esters found are bornyl acetate, eugenol acetate, and lavendulyl acetate.

The make up of essential oils is complex, but to know a few basics helps us to realize why they work so well in relieving pain and in building the immune system.

Ketones in some Essential Oils

2009-02-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably heard of ketones if you have ever been on a weight loss diet or know of anyone suffering with the condition of type 1 diabetes and just how toxic they are in relation to the body. But the truth of ketones found in some of the essential oils such as mugwart, tansy, sage and wormwood is that the ketones would be mucolytic and neuro-toxic if isolated from other constituents. In laboratory testings they had to use mega doses on rats and guinea pigs to get any toxic affect to take place because of ketones. There are not any findings that show that the ketones in essential oils have ever caused a toxic effect on a human. Essential oils are used in minute doses at any one time, it would take the consuming of large amounts of these oils for them to have a toxic neurological effect. As with anything we use to heal the body, proper usage is the key to success and health.

Until Later__Milly

Treatment For a “Fat Lip?”

2009-02-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my son came in from playing a rough game of rollerblade hockey. His lip was all swollen and I wondered, “Does he play this rough of a game to punish himself?” ;) He took it all in stride and said, “Mom, you have to understand, fat lips are all part of the game.” He put ice on it for a little bit then came in to ask me if there was something else he could try. And, as always, I turned to what I like best, essential oils, for a first shot at a fat lip :) Well, in my cupboard I had an essential oil blend called Ac-Clear (pronounced-Auk-klear) I bought this blend on the internet here. It said it was for pimples and such, but I use it for just about everything. It is a really strong essential oil blend so I have to be very careful to not get it by my eyes, but to reduce the swelling and to take the pain out of fat lips and for pain treatment of a fat lip, cold sores, etc., this works great. Oh, and by the way, I love the fact that it is a natural solution to help make large problems (fat lips, etc.) reduce back to size. As my son says, “It’s a natural problem, Mom, boys and hockey go way back!” Well, to make a long story a little shorter, Ac-Clear took the swelling in his lip down rather quickly (He used it about every hour throughout the evening) and by the next morning he was doing a lot better.

Essential Oils are the best way to treat or encourage the body to heal itself.

Terpenes

2009-02-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

In order to truly understand essential oils and how they work, there has to be a little bit of background study. Then we can go into the real fun stuff of how to blend, which oils are best for what ails us, etc. That is when it starts getting exciting, when we see results and our immune systems start to show strength against all the toxins and combating elements of our environment.

I have told you that there are different constituents that make up an oil. Now, we will talk about the first set of constituents called “Terpenes.”

The Wikapedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene )describes terpenes in this way, “Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary constituents of the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers. Essential oils are used widely as natural flavor additives for food, as fragrances in perfumery, and in traditional and alternative medicines such as aromatherapy. Synthetic variations and derivatives of natural terpenes and terpenoids also greatly expand the variety of aromas used in perfumery and flavors used in food additives. Vitamin A is an example of a terpene.”

Terpenes help discharge existing tosins from the kidneys and liver. They also inhibit the accumulation of new toxins, helping them to flush out of the body.

Farnesene are anti-viral in action.

Limonene, found in 90% of the citrus oils, also has strong anti-viral properties.

Pinene may be found in high quantities in the conifer oils such as fir, juniper, pine and spruce. Essential oils that have Pinenes have very strong antiseptic properties.

Sesquiterpenes are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. They stimulate the liver and gland and contain caryophyllene and valencene. Increased oxygen increases around the pineal and pituitary glands when oils with sesquiterpenes are used studies have shown. More research done at universities in Berlin and Vienna, shows that sesquiterpenes may surpass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain tissue. Other sesquiterpenes, like farnesol and chamazulens have high production of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Chamomile, tansy, and yarrow may contain chamazulene.

Other terpenes you may be interested in include cadinene, camphene, cedrene, dipentene, myrcene, phellandrene, sabinene and terpinene.

__Until later__Milly

Determining Essential Oil Purity

2009-02-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Essential oils are affected by many variables. Most of these variables can be controlled by those who produce the oils. A trained technician will use a gas chromatogram to show the pattern of the separated constituents of each oil, and thus determine it's purity and therapeutic quality.

Pure essential oils are usually divided into two groups of constituents. Namely, terpenes such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes etc. Then there are oxegenated compounds that are mainly alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, oxides and phenols, etc.

We will discuss each of these constituents a little further in upcoming posts.

__Until later__Milly

Could Essential Oils be the Answer?

2009-02-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

The membrane between the brain and the circulating blood is known as the blood-brain barrier. It prevents most damaging substances from reaching the cerebral spinal fluid and the brain tissue. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), if an agent that would pass the blood-brain barrier could be found, they would be able to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis and even Alzheimer's disease. The Medical University of Berlin, Germany and Vienna, Austria documented that sesquiterpenes (found in essential oils such as Frankincense and Sandlewood) have the ability to pass beyond the blood-brain barrier.

High levels of sesquiterpenes can help to increase oxygen in the brain and limbic system, ecspecially around the pituitary and pineal glands. Frankinscense and Sandlewood are two essential oils that may lead to an increase in secretions of antibodies, neurotransmitters and endorphins. Much more research will be needed to substantiate these findings, but for now, it would not hurt to use essential oils for anyone you love that is suffering from these types of diseases.

A gland called the amygdala if found in the limbic system of the brain. The amygdala helps in the releasing and the storing of emotional trauma. Only through the sense of smell can this gland be stimulated. Essential oils and aromatherapy are able to release the different types of emotional traumas.

We will talk more about the essential oil constituents such as terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, oxides and alcohols in an upcoming post. __until later__Milly

Do essential oils work and are they safe?

2009-02-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Essential oil are the medicinal essence of the plant. The oil is distilled from the plant making it much more powerful being so concentrated; therefore only a minuet amount is needed to produce the healing or sensation effect of the oil. The more we understand essential oils, the more we understand the need to use only the purest therapeutic grades of these oils leaving out any pollutants that the lesser perfume extractions have. Anything less than the highest quality of essential oil may not produce the desired results and, in many cases, be very toxic.

It is a must that you learn about any essential oil and all the benefits and effects before using it. Some oils are safe for adults and not for small children and elderly. Knowing a persons other health issues may prevent you from using an oil that may increase a negative reaction in that individual. This being said, essential oils are not to be feared, but to be respected in their place of healing. I have found them (in many cases) to be more effective than the traditional medical (pharmaceutical) prescription drugs.

Are Essential Oils New?

2009-02-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Essential oils have been around as long as plants have. There are around 188 references to essential oils in the Bible and essential oils have been found in the tombs of ancient egyptian temples.

The oils frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, spikenard and rosemary were used for the healing of the sick at the time of Moses and also the three wise men made a gift to the Christ child of frankincense and myrrh. Of course, the extraction methods back then were a lot more primitive and probably did not give as good a yield as the new modern day methods of extracting essential oils.

__until later__Milly

What are Essential Oils?

2009-02-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Essential Oil is the very essence of any plant. All plants have an oil, some more than others, therefore, some plants that do not have much oil or are harder to obtain can become very expensive.

I believe there is a natural cure for every disease known to man (and some unknown ones as well). Through praying for inspiration, I was led to start using proper nutrition, essential oils and doing all that I could to build my immune system. I have been breaking the grip that asthma had on me.

Essential Oils have been a large part of my recovery. In future posts I will talk a bit more of the oils I use and what I have found helps asthma and other health issues. Keep in mind, I do not intend to diagnose, treat or have any medical claim__just one friend to another__

until later__Milly.

Baby Oils

2009-01-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

A lot of times as parents we experience our childrens' pain by noticing that they are just a little more crabby or whine more than usual. Tiny children cannot tell where it hurts. I found some essential oil blends that are very soothing for my little ones at www.tip2toeessentials.com I have used most of these oils and have found them to work very well to help me get a good nights sleep ;) Looking forward to giving you a little more depth on understanding how essential oils work and also information on individual oils and their benefits. __Milly

Hello!

2009-01-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy posting for it really gives me pleasure to help people understand more about essential oils and natural ways to become healthy and stay healthy. I will also be giving links to places I've enjoyed going on the web, products that are very beneficial and just about anything that could help you have a better life! Please check out this blog regularly and if you enjoy what you read, by all means, send it to ALL your friends ;)