History of Essential Oils

You have probably heard the term Aromatherapy and wondered what exactly that funny word, ‘aromatherapy’ actually means. It is the use of plant oils in their most essential form to promote both mental and physical well being. The use of the word aroma implies the process of inhaling the scents from these oils essential into your lungs for therapeutic benefit.

If you have ever used a vapor rub for a cough then you have tried aromatherapy, although not in its purest form. As a matter of fact, you probably have been using aromatherapy on yourself and your family for many years without realizing it through vapor rubs or electric vaporizers.

Vicks or other brands of vapor rub use eucalyptus or menthol to clear out stuffy chests and noses. Imagine if you used the undiluted essential oil of eucalyptus how clear your lungs would feel.

The term aromatherapy is generally new, beginning to be used in the 20^th century, but the practice has been around for thousands of years. It is believed that the Chinese were one of the first cultures to use the scents of plants to promote health through the burning of incense. Ancient Egyptians used distilled cedarwood oil mixed with clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and myrrh to embalm the deceased. The Egyptians also used oils to perfume both men and women.

In the 14^th century when the bubonic plague hit, killing thousands of people, aromas were used to ward off the deadly disease. There is even discussion that the popular nursery rhyme, “Ring Around the Roses” refers to aromatherapy. The lines, “a pocket full of posies” allegedly refers to keeping the flower in one’s pocket in an attempt to keep the illness away.

Moving forward through later centuries a growth in books about the use of oils in healing grew. The Greek alchemist, Paracelsus, used the term “essence” and focused study on the use of plants for healing purposes.

While the use of essential oils for perfume continued to grow throughout the ages its’ use for medicinal purposes waned slightly until around 1928. It was at that time that a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse accidentally discovered the use of lavender essential oil to heal wounds.

The story is told that he burned his forearm and reflexively placed it in the closest liquid he saw, which was lavender essential oil. He was surprised to find that the burn healed rapidly and left no scar. It was then that he began using the term aromatherapy and wrote about the powers of essential oils.

Today, many people are trying to get back to nature. People have seen first- hand the dangerous effects of synthetic chemicals and processed medications.

The use of all-natural essential oils for medicinal, cosmetic, and therapy purposes continues to grow. Many people have found the results of using aromatherapy (essential oils) to be far greater than manmade medications and with far fewer negative side effects.

Aromatherapy can be used by itself or in conjunction with typical medical treatments.  For example, you may use aromatherapy to ease pain after a surgical procedure. You still get the benefit of the surgery but do not have to take the powerful and often dangerous pain medications that a doctor prescribes.

Benefits of Essential Oils

According to healthline.com, Despite their widespread use, little is known about the effectiveness of essential oils in treating health conditions. Here’s a look at the evidence for some of the common health problems that essential oils and aromatherapy (essential oils) have been used to treat.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

It has been estimated that 43% of people who have stress and anxiety use some form of alternative therapy to help with their condition. Regarding aromatherapy, initial studies have been quite positive. Many have shown that the smell of some essential oils can work as a complementary therapy to treat anxiety and stress.

However, due to the scents of the compounds, it’s hard to conduct blinded studies and rule out biases. Because of this, many reviews on the stress- and anxiety-relieving effects of essential oils have been inconclusive. Interestingly, using essential oils during a massage may help relieve stress, although the effects may only last while the massage is taking place. A recent review of over 201 studies found that only 10 were robust enough to analyze. It also concluded that aromatherapy was ineffective at treating anxiety.

Headaches and Migraines

In the ’90s, two small studies found that dabbing a peppermint oil and ethanol mixture on participants’ foreheads and temples relieved headache pain. Recent studies have also found positive effects against headaches when applying peppermint and lavender oil to the skin.

It has also been suggested that applying a mixture of chamomile and sesame oil to the temples may effectively treat headaches and migraines. This is a traditional Persian headache remedy. However, more high-quality studies are needed on this.

Sleep and Insomnia

Smelling lavender oil has been shown to positively affect the sleep quality of women after childbirth, as well as patients with heart disease. One review examined 15 studies on essential oils and sleep. The majority of studies showed that smelling the oils (mostly lavender) had positive effects on sleeping habits.

Reducing Inflammation

It has been suggested that essential oils may help fight inflammatory conditions. Some test-tube studies show that they have anti-inflammatory effects.  One mouse study found that ingesting a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils helped induce the remission of colitis. Two rat studies on caraway and rosemary oils found similar results. However, very few human studies have examined the effects of these oils on inflammatory diseases. Their effectiveness and safety are unknown.

Antibiotic and Antimicrobial

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has renewed interest in the search for other compounds that can fight bacterial infections. Essential oils, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, have been investigated extensively in test tubes for their antimicrobial effects. In fact, they have shown some positive results. However, while test-tube study results are interesting, they do not necessarily reflect what’s happening within your body. They don’t prove that a particular essential oil could effectively treat bacterial infections in humans.

Balance Hormones

According to Dr. Axe, there are essential oils for hormones that may help to balance your estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, and testosterone levels.  Some oils, such as clary sage, geranium, and thyme, help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels in your body, which can improve conditions like infertility and PCOS, as well as PMS and menopause symptoms.

2017 published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters indicates that geranium and rose have the ability to influence the salivary concentration of estrogen in women. This may be helpful for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms that are caused by declining levels of estrogen secretion. Certain oils are also able to lower cortisol levels, which can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and increase testosterone levels, which can improve a man’s libido.

Boost Immunity & Fight Infections

Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties that help to boost your immune system and fight infections. The chemical substances found in the oils, such as terpenes, esters, phenolics, ethers, and ketones, have the potential to fight foreign pathogens that can threaten your health. Some of the best essential oils for your immunity include oregano, myrrh, ginger, lemon, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint (or Mentha piperita), and cinnamon.

Studies have shown that essential oils effectively destroy several fungal, viral, and bacterial pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans infections. Because antibiotic resistance is becoming such a major threat in modern health care, using these oils as a form of independent or combination therapy can help to fight bacterial infections in a safer and more natural way.

Choose oregano oil for powerful immune-boosting properties, as it’s displayed both antiviral and antibacterial properties in lab research. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and thymol, two compounds that have antimicrobial effects and can inhibit the synthesis and growth of several types of bacteria.

Frankincense oil’s immune-enhancing abilities may include helping to destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, and even cancers. For example, a lab study found that frankincense oil shows strong immunostimulant activity.

Frankincense also demonstrates anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects when tested in lab studies and on animals — specifically, helping to fight the cells of specific types of cancer.  A 2012 study showed that a chemical compound found in frankincense called AKBA may kill cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy.

Support Digestion

Another researched essential oils benefit is their role in aiding and improving digestion. Some oils help to relieve upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach spasms, and even conditions of the gastrointestinal system, such as IBS. Oils can also aid your digestion by helping to stimulate digestive enzymes that make it easier to break down and absorb the nutrients, fats, and protein that you need.

Ginger essential oil, for example, is known to promote your digestive health by easing indigestion, constipation, and ulcers. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that ginger oil stimulated gastric emptying in people with indigestion. Ginger oil is also used to relieve gas, reduce nausea and ease abdominal pain.

Another useful essential oil for digestion is peppermint. Research shows that peppermint oil works to provide rapid relief of IBS symptoms. In a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 72 patients with IBS received either peppermint oil or placebo. The peppermint group experienced a 40 percent reduction in total IBS symptoms after 4 weeks, which was superior to the 24 percent decrease of symptoms reported by the patients in the placebo group. After just 24 hours of using peppermint oil, the treatment group experienced a decrease in symptoms of 19.6 percent.

Some other essential oils that may be helpful for digestion include fennel, lemongrass, marjoram, black pepper, and juniper berry.

Boost Energy Levels

Did you know that essential oils can help to boost your energy levels and even improve your athletic performance? Some oils have stimulating effects and can actually increase oxygen to your brain, which will leave you feeling refreshed, focused, and energized.

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that peppermint oil increased brain oxygen concentration, improved exercise performance, and reduced exhaustion in healthy male athletes who consumed peppermint oil with water for 10 days.

Some other great essential oils for energy include:

• grapefruit
• lemon
• lemongrass
• eucalyptus
• rosemary

Improve Brain Function

With neuroprotective effects and cognitive performance-boosting abilities, essential oil benefits have helped many people who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. In a scientific review published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, researchers found that because essential oils possess powerful antioxidants that work to inhibit free radical scavenging, they help to naturally improve brain function and reduce inflammation.

Essential oils have also shown to improve learning, memory, and ability to focus. Both stimulating and sedative oils can be useful, as oils like peppermint can improve sustained attention over a longer period of time, while oils like lavender can be useful for people going through tough exercises or situations. Furthermore, they can be useful in relieving agitation in individuals with dementia. This is due to their calming and sedative effects.

101 Essential Oil Uses for Health, Beauty, Home and More

Lavender

Lavender is a nontoxic and nonirritant essential oil.  It is extracted through steam distillation from the flowering tops of the lavender plant. This essential oil has long been a folk remedy used to calm an upset stomach. Lavender has both soothing and reviving properties.

Lavender oil should be clear to pale yellow in will smell sweet with floral and woody undertones. It blends well with other floral and citrus essential oils.

As aromatherapy, it has a variety of health benefits. It’s pleasant and calming scent makes it helpful in treating nerves and headaches, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. It also increases mental stamina and calms exhaustion.

Lavender essential oil is often recommended to treat insomnia as its scent can induce sleep. Massage with lavender oil can remedy all types of soreness and pain even when it is deep in the joints.

The vapor form of lavender oil is used to treat all sorts of respiratory problems including, colds, flu, chest congestions, whooping cough, sinus congestion, and asthma.  Lavender has been used to promote good blood circulation and stimulate the production of gastric fluids to treat stomach ailments.

Aromatherapy Uses

The therapeutic properties of Lavender oil include Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-toxic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, anti-toxic, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, nervine, restorative, sedative, insecticide, and tonic. Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria, and nervous exhaustion in general. It is effective for headaches, migraines, and insomnia.

Lavender oil is beneficial for problems such as bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, halitosis, throat infections, and whooping cough. It helps the digestive system deal with colic, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence. Lavender oil relieves pain when used for rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, and muscular aches and pains, especially those associated with the sport. It tones the skin and is useful for all types of skin problems: abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings, and as an insect repellent.

Lavender is one of the few essentials oils that can be used directly on the skin and this is especially useful when treating a minor burn wound. Lavender is a very useful oil and can be effective for a variety of problems. Tt not only helps with nervous conditions, it is useful for the digestive system, the respiratory tract, and skin problems, it also helps with muscle aches and pains and arthritis and rheumatism.

Applications

In vapor therapy, lavender oil can be used for allergies, anorexia, dizziness, sleeplessness (also in children), hay fever, headaches, depression, trauma, anxiety, hysteria, fear, nightmares, irritability, nervous tension, and as an insect repellant. Lavender oil can be used as a massage oil or diluted in the bath for abdominal pains, allergies, anorexia, arthritis, bowel disorders, fatigue, hay fever, headaches, insomnia, moodiness, trauma, anxiety, depression, hysteria, nightmares, fear, irritability, nervous tension, stress and for relaxing. Lavender oil can be used as a wash or on a cotton bud for acne, insect bites, carbuncles, bruises, chilblains, dandruff, and lice. On a cold compress, Lavender oil can be used for arthritis, eczema, and sores.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree essential oil is also nontoxic and nonirritant but can cause sensitization in some people. This oil is extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree.

Tea Tree has long been used by the aboriginal people in Australia and is named for their use of it as an herbal tea. The oil should be a pale-yellow green or water white color. Tea Tree blends well with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, and many spice oils.

Tea Tree oil is known for being antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral. In short, it can almost be called a cure-all because it has so many properties to ward off disease and germs. In Australia, it is found in nearly every household because of these properties.

Tea tree oil can be used as an antibacterial to cure all sorts of bacterial infections including the treatment of wounds. As aromatherapy, it can be used to treat coughs, colds, congestion, and bronchitis. It can also keep fungal infections at bay and even cure dermatitis and athlete’s foot. Tea tree can be used as a stimulant to hormones and circulation and to boost one’s immune system. Tea tree oil can help remove toxins by opening pores and promoting sweating which removes uric acid and excess salt and water from your body.

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is non-toxic and when diluted is not irritant. It can cause some skin irritation because of the menthol properties it holds and should be used with temperance.

The use of Peppermint has been seen as far back as Egyptian tombs from 1000 BC. It also has a history of use in China and Japan since the earliest times to treat all sorts of health anomalies.

Peppermint essential oil should be pale yellow or greenish in color. It has a strong grassy mint scent. Peppermint works well with other mint scents like eucalyptus as well as rosemary and lavender.

Peppermint has been studied in the science community and its health benefits are proven. Because of this peppermint oil is available in pill form. It contains many minerals and nutrients like iron, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins A and C.

Peppermint is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems and is widely used as an expectorant to remove nasal and respiratory congestion. As aromatherapy, it can be used to treat nausea, headaches, depression, and stress. It has also been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome. As a skin care product, peppermint oil can improve oily skin and replenish dull skin.

Chamomile

This essential oil is non-toxic and nonirritant. It is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering chamomile plant. Chamomile has been used for over 2000 years in Europe for medicinal purposes. The oil should be a pale blue that will turn yellow as it ages. It will have a warm, fruity, sweet smell. Chamomile blends well with lavender and geranium as well as sage and jasmine.

Chamomile is well known for its calming properties. So much so that it can be used in aromatherapy to treat nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines. It is also used to calm allergies and asthma. Many women use it for the treatment of PMS or to relieve a teething or colicky baby.

Eucalyptus

This essential oil is relatively new to the aromatherapy family as it has only been used for the past few centuries. It is a nonirritant but can be extremely toxic if ingested.

It is colorless as an essential oil but has a distinct pine-like scent. The essential oil is from the leaves of the evergreen eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia.

As aromatherapy, it is used to treat respiratory problems like sinusitis, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It is able to treat all of these ailments because it is antibacterial, antifungal, and a natural decongestant.

Eucalyptus also has a cool and refreshing scent which makes it great for treating exhaustion and mental disorders.

Eucalyptus can also be used around the house as a room freshener, in making natural soaps, in saunas for its antiseptic properties, and even as in mouth wash or toothpaste.

Geranium

This essential oil has many healing properties but can cause some sensitization and influence hormone secretions so it should not be used by expectant mothers. Geranium oil blends well with citronella, lavender, orange, lemon, and jasmine.

If used in aromatherapy Geranium oil is a great astringent. It promotes the tightening of muscles to keep skin from hanging loose.

It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to help stave off infections of many kinds.

The essential oil is also known to be a cytophylactic which means it encourages cell growth. It can also be used to treat many mental disorders like depression, anxiety, anger, and premenstrual syndrome.

Rosemary

Although Rosemary is considered nontoxic and nonirritant when diluted it should be avoided by epileptics, expectant mothers, and those who have high blood pressure.

The flowering tops of the Rosemary plant go through a steam distillation process to form the essential oil. It should be a clear or pale yellow liquid with a strong herb-mint scent. Rosemary is one of the first plants that was used for both food and medicine. In the middle ages, it was used to protect against the plague and to drive out evil spirits.

When used in aromatherapy Rosemary oil can help to boost mental stamina and increase brain activity. It can also treat depression, mental strain, and forgetfulness. When one inhales Rosemary they will immediately feel uplifted making it excellent for relief of fatigue. It can also clear your respiratory tract and relieve sore throats, colds, and coughs.

Around your home, Rosemary can be used as an air freshener and bath oil.

Thyme

This essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from fresh or partially dry leaves and flowering tops of the Thyme plant.  The oil should be red, brown or orange in color. It has a spicy and pungent odor. Thyme was one of the first plants used in Western herbal treatments mainly for respiratory and digestive health problems.

Thyme is antibacterial, when used in its aromatic form it can prevent bacterial growth in and outside of your body. It is able to cure lung, larynx, and pharynx infections without affecting the rest of your organs like prescription cough medicines. Thyme is also known to boost memory and to treat depression.

Thyme essential oil is used as an insecticide both around the home and on your body. It can also help in treating bad breath and body odor.

Lemon

This essential oil is non-toxic but, it may cause skin irritation so it should be used with restraint. Lemon oil is phototoxic so exposure to sunlight is strongly discouraged. In Spain Lemon is known as a cure-all being used for everything from fever to arthritis.

The oil will be a pale green-yellow color that turns brown as it ages. It has a light citrus smell and blends well with fennel, lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile.

Lemon is very popular for cooking and for its fresh scent. As aromatherapy, it can aid in the relief of stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

The scent of lemon helps to increase concentration and alertness and bring an overall positive sense to those who inhale it. Lemon has also been used in treating coughs and colds and it the treatment of asthma.

The high amount of vitamins in Lemon oil make it an immune system booster. It can also improve circulation and stimulate white blood cells further aiding one’s ability to fight disease. Lemon has also been used as an aid in weight loss.

As a household cleaner lemon can be used on metal surfaces like knives to disinfect them. It can also be used in soaps and facial cleansers as it has antiseptic properties.

Clove

Clove oil should be used with extreme care. It can cause mucous membrane irritation and severe skin irritation. As such it should only be used sparingly and well diluted.

The buds, leaves, stems, and stalks of the clove plant are distilled with water to extract the essential oil. It should have a pale yellow color with a spicy scent.

Clove mixes well with sage, allspice, lavender, and rose. Clove has been used all over the world for centuries. It can be used to season food as well as for medicinal benefit. Clove contains many minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Clove has many health benefits, namely in the form of dental care. It has germicidal properties that aid in relieving toothaches, gum sores, and ulcers in the mouth. It can also help relieve a sore throat.

Clove is an aphrodisiac which makes it a great stress reliever when used as aromatherapy. It can also have a stimulating effect and help to ease fatigue. Clove can also be used to treat headaches, bronchitis, asthma, coughs, and colds. Expectant mothers can use clove to relieve nausea and vomiting often experienced during pregnancy.

Clove cigarettes have long been a popular alternative to traditional tobacco kind. At one time it was thought that adding clove could counteract the negative effects of smoking, this has since proved false. The American Cancer Society notes that there is no scientific proof that clove cures cancer in any way.

Balsam (Tolu) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, excretory, and antitussive
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs, dry skin, eczema, rashes

Basil oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, anti-venomous, expectorant, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses:  Use for muscle spasm and pain, increasing sexual desire and concentration, respiratory problems, sinusitis, headaches, jet lag, shock. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Bay oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-neuralgic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, cholagogue
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for flu, neuralgia, muscle spasms, and pain, stimulating the appetite, acne, and skincare, water retention, stimulating the gallbladder

Benzoin oil

Essential Oil Properties: Excretory, anti-depressant, relaxing, calefacient, pulmonic, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, diuretic, sedative
Aromatherapy Uses:  Use for laryngitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, cough, respiratory problems, anxiety, neuralgia, bad blood circulation, body odor, water retention, over-excitement, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)

Uplifting, refreshing and relaxing. Encourages cheerful emotions and ideal for depression. Its delicate, sweet aroma can also be used to freshen and uplift a room. Citrus Bergamia is a small tree about 4.5m high with smooth oval leaves. It belongs to the same family as the orange tree. The essential oil comes from the small round fruits which ripen from green to yellow, similar to oranges in appearance.

Distribution

Native to Morocco and tropical Asia it is grown commercially in the Ivory Coast and is extensively cultivated in Southern Italy. It was first cultivated around Bergamo, from where it takes its name.

History / Traditions

The fruit has been used for hundreds of years in Italian folk medicine. However, the fruit was unknown outside Italy and wasn’t exported until recent times. The oil was primarily used for the treatment of fever and intestinal worms.

Extraction

The essential oil is produced by cold expression of the peel of the nearly ripe fruit. Although many oils are produced by mechanical processes, the best quality oil is produced by hand.

General Description

The oil is a light greenish-yellow liquid with an uplifting citrus aroma and balsamic overtones. On aging, the oil turns to a brownish olive color. The oil is known to have about 300 components the main being linalyl acetate 30-60%; linalool 11-22% and other alcohols, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, alkanes, and furocoumarins 0.3-0.39%

Aromatherapy Uses

Bergamot oil has a strong affinity for the urinary tract and is valuable in the treatment of cystitis and urethritis. It should be used in the bath or as a local wash at a 1% dilution. In helping with mental and psychological states,

Bergamot is most valuable for its uplifting effects. For tension anxiety or depression, bergamot should be used in a massage oil or in a daily bath. The fragrance blends well with lavender, neroli, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, lemon, cypress, and juniper. bergamot can be used in the treatment of tensions causing dietary problems such as over and under-eating.

The antiseptic qualities of Bergamot make it ideal for the treatment of skin complaints such as acne, oily skin and all infections of the skin. Bergamot is cooling in feverish conditions and has effective insect repellent properties. It has an inhibiting effect on certain viruses, in particular, Herpes simplex 1 which causes cold sores. It will also reduce the pain of shingles and ease chickenpox in small children. Bergamot is used extensively as a fragrance and is also found in toiletries and cologne.

Safety data

Certain furocoumarins (including bergapten found in Bergamot) are phototoxic on human skin. This causes sensitivity and skin pigmentation when exposed to sunlight. Therefore exercise caution when using Bergamot in sunny weather. Bergamot should never be used undiluted on the skin. Severe burning may result.

Bitter Almond oil

Essential Oil Properties: Aromatic, sedative, anesthetic, diuretic

Aromatherapy Uses: Use for over-excitement, making nerves numb to sensation, water retention

Precautions: can cause an eruption of the skin.

Bitter Orange oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic, antibacterial, fungicide, stomachic, laxative
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for stomachic problems, enteric fermentation, constipation, acne, greasy skin, and dyspepsia

Black Pepper oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, digestive, aphrodisiac, diuretic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for the digestive and respiratory system, flu, increasing sexual desire, concentration, urine production, fever, muscle pain, neuralgia. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Cajeput oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, decongestant, calefacient, anti-dontalgic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, cicatrisant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for respiratory infections, sinusitis, varicose veins, scar tissue, hemorrhoids, easing nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Cajeput oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, decongestant, calefacient, anti-dontalgic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, expectorant, cicatrisant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for respiratory infections, sinusitis, varicose veins, scar tissue, hemorrhoids, easing nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Calendula oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-bleeding, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, styptic, cicatrizant, fungicide
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for burns, wounds, eczema, greasy skin, skin inflammation and eruption, insect bites

Camphor oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for muscle spasms, hypertension. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Caraway oil

Essential Oil Properties: Depurative, disinfectant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use to stimulate appetite, purify. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria

Cardamon oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, dilatant for blood vessels
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for the digestive system, bronchitis, enteric convulsion

Carnation oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-depressant, anti-viral, relaxing
Aromatherapy Uses: Use to treat viral infections, increase wellbeing

Carrot (seed) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, diuretic, dilatant for blood vessels, emmenagogue, depurative, diuretic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for dermatitis, eczema, skin regeneration, psoriasis, rheumatisms, arthritis, anemia, dyspepsia, purifying, anorexia, colic

Cedarwood (Juniperus Virginiana)

With a dry woody aroma, this oil is ideal for soothing, harmonizing and focusing the mind. Antiseptic and astringent properties are beneficial to oily skin. Cedarwood oil was possibly the first essential oil to be extracted from a plant and was used by the Egyptians in the mummification process, they also valued it highly as an ingredient for cosmetics and impregnated papyrus leaves with it to protect them from insects. They used the wood to extensively to make jewelry, furniture, and ships. They valued cedarwood so highly that the Lebanon area (which produced Cedrus Libani) was incorporated into the Egyptian Empire in order to ensure a regular supply.

Description

Many fragrant or sweet-smelling woods are known as cedar. But, there are actually only four species of true cedars. They are stately evergreen trees, whose branches grow in flat tiers or layers with clusters of needle-like leaves. The evergreen tree belongs to the coniferous family and is very slow-growing. They eventually reach a height of up to thirty-three meters and a possible trunk diameter of one and a half meters.

The heartwood is reddish in color and the branches will bear cones. It is referred to as Red Cedar and is closely related to the yellow cedar (Thuja Occidentalis), from which thuja oil is obtained. Thuja oil is however not used in Aromatherapy due to its high content of thujone, which makes it very toxic. One of the distinguishing features of the cedars is their large barrel-shaped female cones. They are green or purplish in color and are made up of overlapping scales that have claw-like projections.

History / Traditions

The North American Indians used cedarwood for respiratory infections, in particular, catarrh. The leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit all played a crucial part in treating a variety of ailments including menstrual delay, rheumatism, arthritis, skin rashes, kidney disease, and much more. It is a very powerful insect and vermin repellent and is used against mosquitoes, moths, woodworm, and rats. It has also been used with citronella as a commercial insecticide.

Extraction

Production is through steam distillation of the wood shaving and sawdust. Oil yields vary from 2.5% to 5%, with an average of 3.5%.

Details of Oil

It is a pale yellow color, which on rectification, gives a water-white oil. The odor is oily, woody, and almost sweet, mild, and pleasant. It is slightly balsamic and very reminiscent of the wood. It is an oil that is commercially viable in several forms due to the process of rectification. Light fractions have a high percentage of cedrene, whilst more common cedarwood, available on the market has the ‘typical’ cedarwood odor.

Properties

Abortifacient, Antiseborrheic (helps control the production of sebum), Antiseptic (Pulmonary – genitourinary) Antispasmodic, Astringent, Balsamic, Diuretic, Insecticide, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Sedative (nervous), Stimulant (Circulatory).

Physical and Psychological Effects

Tends to be useful for long-standing complaints rather than acute ones. Combined toxic action on the glandular and nervous systems helps put the body back in balance, thereby regulating homeostasis. Its main effect (due to its expectorant properties) is in the respiratory tract and may help ease bronchitis, coughs, and catarrh. Excess phlegm is curbed through its drying effect. It also reduces problems concerned with the genito-urinary tract, particularly where there is burning pain. It has a tonic effect on the kidneys. The astringent and antiseptic properties are of greatest benefit to oily skin conditions It helps acne, aids in clearing scabs and pus, and chronic conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. It is a good hair tonic and can be effective against dandruff, alopecia, and seborrhoea. Skin softening properties can be enhanced when mixed with Frankincense and Cypress. Nervous tension and anxious states benefit greatly from its soothing and calming action. It can also be effective for arthritis and rheumatism.

Blends

The oil is clear and relatively viscid. Like Sandalwood oil, it blends well with Rose, Juniper, Vetiver, Patchouli, Benzoin, and Cypress. It somewhat resembles Sandalwood, but its fragrance is a bit hotter and more toxic.

Safety and Contra-Indications

Externally is it fairly non-toxic, but can cause local irritation and sensitization in some people. Only used diluted and in moderation. It should be avoided during pregnancy because it is a powerful abortifacient.

Other Uses

Extensively used in rooms sprays and household insect repellents. Its pleasant aroma is released nicely when used in a burner (particularly when mixed with Sandalwood).

Components

Cedarine 26.6%, Thujopsene 18.9%, other sesquiterpene hydrocarbons 13.3%, Cedrol 31.6%, and Widdol 4.8%.

Celery oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-rheumatic
Use for hypotension, rheumatism

Chamomile (Blue) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calming, refreshing, antiseptic, anti-allergen, anti-rheumatic, emollient
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for skin infections, hay fever, digestive problems, rheumatism, heartburn, mumps/b>

Chamomile (Roman) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calming, relaxant, antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergen
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for muscle pain, asthma, anxiety, migraines, rheumatism, insomnia, enteric parasites, menopause, menstrual problems, sunburn

Chaste oil

Essential Oil Properties: Hormone balancing
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for gynecological and menopause problems, toothache, prostate. This oil is also used in hormonotherapy.

Cinnamon oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antibiotic, aphrodisiac
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for flu, increasing sexual desire. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Cistus oil

Essential Oil Properties: Styptic, relaxing, calming
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for older skin and wrinkles

Citronella oil

Essential Oil Properties: Cardiotonic, antispasmodic, calming, insectifuge, anti-louse
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for rheumatisms, insomnia, stress, depression, otitis, arthritis, various colic and pelvis pain, head lice

Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea)

Deeply relaxing and euphoric. Eases feelings of depression and helps when feeling run down emotionally and physically. Contains sensual properties and has a nutty pervasive fragrance.

A perennial or biennial herb with large hairy green leaves with a hint of purple. The flowers are small and blue growing out from large pinkish bracts. Branches of these bracts radiate in pairs from a spectacular central stem often reaching 1.5 meters in height. Other members of the Sage family include garden sage (S. Officinalis) and Spanish sage (S. Lavendulaefolia)

Distribution

It is native to Southern Europe and is cultivated in the Mediterranean region, Russia, USA, England, Morocco, and Central Europe. The French, English and Moroccan sage are considered to be of the best quality for perfumery work.

History / Traditions

It is believed that the word ‘Clary’ is derived from the Latin ‘clarus’ meaning clear. It was called ‘Clear eye’ in the middle ages since it was known for its ability to heal eye problems. Although it was highly esteemed in the middle ages, it has largely fallen out of use. It was used for digestive disorders, kidney disease, uterine and menstrual complaints, for cleansing ulcers, and as a general nerve tonic. The mucilage from the seeds was used for treating tumors and for removing dust particles from the eyes. Like garden sage, it cools inflammation and is especially useful for the throat and respiratory infections.

Extraction

The flowering tops of the plant and the leaves are used and are extracted by steam distillation. A concrete and absolute are also produced by solvent extraction in small quantities.

Details of Oil

The oil is a colorless or pale yellow/green liquid with a saturating nutty, sweet, and heady aroma. The oil blends well with juniper, lavender, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine, jasmine, frankincense, bergamot, and other citrus oils. Sage oil has antispasmodic qualities and it serves as an effective relaxant and sedative. In addition, the oil is antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antiseptic, astringent, cholesterol-reducing, and cicatrizant.

Aromatherapy Uses

Emotional: The oil has uplifting qualities making it suitable for the treatment of depression, anxiety, tension, and mental fatigue. The oil may also prove effective in the treatment of migraine and stress-related disorders.

Respiratory: The calming and anti-inflammatory qualities can help to relieve sore throats and hoarseness.

Skin: The soothing qualities make sage useful for all skin inflammations including boils and acne. Sage can help to preserve moisture in dry skin. Benefits have also been shown in treating hair loss and dandruff.

Circulatory: The calming effect of sage can help to relieve high blood pressure.

Gynecological: Sage can help to relieve P.M.S. and menstrual pain and help to establish menstrual regularity. Sage can also help to soothe swollen breasts and prevent hot flushes.

Digestive: Sage can have a calming influence on colic, cramp, and dyspepsia.

Other Uses

Oil and the absolute are used as fragrance components. The oil is also used by the food and drink industry, especially in the production of wines with a Muscatel flavor. German winemakers have used clary sage to improve the flavor of inexpensive wine.

Safety data

Avoid its use during pregnancy and use cautiously in conjunction with HRT. Alcohol should be avoided after use as the combination induce a narcotic effect that exaggerates drunkenness.

Components

Up to 75% linalyl acetate, linlol, pinene, myrcene, and phellandrene. The constituents vary according to the geographical origin so there are several different chemotypes.

Coriander oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calefacient, deodorant, tonic, peptic, depurative, digestive,
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for indigestion, stress, insomnia, body odor, purifying, digestion, flatulence

Cumin oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calefacient, tonic, antiseptic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for dyspepsia, enteric convulsions, insomnia

Cypress oil

Essential Oil Properties: Deodorant, styptic, diuretic, anti-asthmatic, calming, sedative, anti-rheumatic, astringent, refreshing, cicatrizant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, cellulite, varicose veins, scar tissue, greasy skin, body odor, sweaty feet, phlebitis, suppuration, rheumatisms, gynecological and circulation problems, water retention, menopause, nosebleed, over-excitement

Elecampane oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, decongestant, analgesic, pesticide, anti-rheumatic, anti-viral, depurative, diuretic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for headaches, flu, cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, cough, respiratory problems, coxalgia, neuralgia, fever, hay fever, rheumatisms, mental lucidity, purifying, water retention, sunburn, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Fennel seed oil

Essential Oil Properties: Alleviative, diuretic, anti-parasitic, purge, and against enteric fermentations
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for all gynecological problems, water retention, cystitis

Fir (Black) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antimicrobial, ejaculatory, anti-scorbutic, antiseptic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for rheumatisms, respiratory

Fir (Siberian) oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, anti-scorbutic, refreshing
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for acne and bronchitis. Can be used to prevent or treat scurvy and applied externally to prevent infection

Fragonia oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for muscle pain, laryngitis, tonsillitis, respiratory problems, flu, migraine, mouth infection, mumps, wounds

Frankincense oil

Essential Oil Properties: Refreshing, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antiseptic, immunizer, astringent, sedative, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for asthma, bronchitis, acne, skin regeneration and care, over-excitement, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Garlic oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-viral, decongestant, expectorant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for viral infection, sinusitis, respiratory problems

Geranium oil

Essential Oil Properties: Circulation tonic, anti-aging, astringent, anti-coagulant, styptic, anti-cellulite, hemostatic, insectifuge, deodorant, relaxing
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for stress, neuralgia, nervousness, urine retention, cellulite, hemorrhoids, greasy skin, skin regeneration, body odor, sweaty feet, varicose veins, mouth infection, blood clotting, menopausal and gynecological problems, menopause, menstrual problems, jet lag

Ginger oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calefacient, anti-scorbutic, peptic, bechic, aphrodisiac, digestive, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for seasickness, nausea, scurvy, and various enteric diseases, stimulating appetite, digestion, increasing sexual desire and concentration, coughs, fever, Grapefruit oil

Grapefruit oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antioxidant, antispasmodic, detoxification
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for headaches, cellulite, obesity, urine retention, detoxification, jet lag

Hypericum oil

Essential Oil Properties: Styptic, calming, cicatrizant, anti-inflammatory
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for enteric inflammation, healing internal and external injuries, various pains (back, neck, muscle). Also great for greasy hair and dandruff

Hyssop oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, astringent, bechic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic, cholagogue
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for blood dialysis, hypertension, tonsillitis, rheumatism, pneumonia, respiratory problems, acne, and skincare, coughs, water retention, stimulating the gallbladder.

 

Lemongrass oil

Essential Oil Properties: Analgesic, deodorant, anti-depressant, antiseptic, insecticidal, digestive, diuretic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for digestive, hepatic problems, body odor, water retention. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Lime oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-scorbutic, antiviral, astringent, disinfectant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for prevention of viral infections, acne and skincare, prevention, and treatment of scurvy. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria.

Mandarin oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calming, sedative, antispasmodic, anti-wrinkle
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for acne, greasy skin, skin regeneration, urine retention, obesity, dyspepsia, enteric problems, muscle spasms, over-excitement, insomnia

Manuka oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antibacterial, fungicide, relaxant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for skin diseases, mycosis, and psoriasis

Marjoram oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calefacient, corroborant, antispasmodic, muscle booster, cholagogue
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for heartburn, arthritis, rheumatisms, lumbago, colic, strains, constipation, cellulite, dyspnoea, migraine, headaches, nervous tension, insomnia, dizziness, menstrual problems, muscle pain, stimulate the gallbladder

Mastic oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic
Aromatherapy Uses: For skin problems, arthritis, coxalgia, bronchitis, urethritis

May Chang oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, deodorant, disinfectant, insecticidal stomachic, calming
Aromatherapy Uses: For acne, dermatitis, sudation, bloat, dyspepsia, heart arrhythmia, hypertension, nervous tension

Melissa oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antispasmodic, anti-allergen, refreshing, calming, sedative
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for hypotension, chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, colic, menopausal problems, stress, migraines, headaches, vertigo, insomnia, hysteria, fever, hay fever, erethism, nausea, over-excitement

Myrrh oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-microbial, astringent, tonic, anti-aging, deodorant, disinfectant, expectorant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for respiratory problems, dysentery, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroidism, acne and skincare, body odor, gum, and mouth infection. Apply to surfaces to kill bacteria

Myrtle oil

Essential Oil Properties: Astringent, carminative, anti-bacterial
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for skin invigoration, greasy skin, hormone counterbalance, hemorrhoids and ovary and thyroid problems

Neroli oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-depressant, antispasmodic, refreshing, calming, relaxing, sedative, nervine, tonic, cicatrizant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for parasites, hemorrhoids, exhaustion, anxiety, over-excitement, muscle spasm, menstrual problems depression, skin regeneration and care, insomnia, scar tissue

Niaouli oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, decongestant, anti-allergic against viruses, anti-rheumatic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for otitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, rheumatism, and hormone problems

Nutmeg oil

Essential Oil Properties: Peptic, calefacient, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-dontalgic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for bloat, dyspepsia, seasickness, stimulating appetite, increasing sexual desire, muscle pain, and spasm, relieving toothache. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Orange oil

Ravensara oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-infectious, nervine and excretory
Aromatherapy Uses:  Use for insomnia and invigoration of chronic fatigue of the muscles

Rose oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, calming, relaxing, sedative, astringent, antidepressant, anti-wrinkle, depurative, diuretic, tonic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for water retention, chronic bronchitis, asthma, sexual impotence, over-excitement, skin regeneration, and care, purifying. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Rosemary oil

Essential Oil Properties: Corroborant, emmenagogue, anti-rheumatic, astringent, tonic, antiseptic, detoxification, diuretic, cholagogue
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for hypertension, migraine, memory, energy-boosting, muscle pain, respiratory problems, sinusitis, menstrual problems, rheumatisms, bad circulation, water retention, insomnia, stimulating the gallbladder. One of the best tonic massage oils, it helps hair grow and great for skincare and detoxification

Rosewood oil

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-aging, tonic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, cholagogue
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for depression, fatigue, increasing sexual desire, respiratory infections, body odor, stimulating gallbladder

Sage oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for cold, fever, stomach and peptic problems, cellulite, obesity, herpes, and menstruation problems. It is also considered a decongestant for blood circulation

Salvia Sclarea oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calming and antidepressant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for mental euphoria, menstruation problems, hemorrhoids, and nervous distress

Sandalwood oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, anti-aging, astringent, aphrodisiac, bechic, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, relaxing, sedative, cicatrizant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for respiratory problems, muscle spasms, anxiety, over-excitement, increasing sexual desire, as a decongestant for veins and lymph, acne, and skincare, coughs, water retention, insomnia, menopause, scar tissue. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Savory oil

Essential Oil Properties: Tonic, calefacient, aphrodisiac, antibiotic, antiparasitic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for the immune system, increasing sexual desire, preventing infection.

Precautions: Do not apply it undiluted skin

Tagetes oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antispasmodic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for muscle cramps

Tangerine

Essential Oil Properties: Anti-microbial
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for fungal infections

Tarragon oil

Essential Oil Properties: Calefacient, stimulating
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for peptic and equilibration of the nervous system

Tea Tree oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, local anesthetic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for laryngitis, tonsillitis, mycosis, enteric parasites, prevention of viral and other various infections, gum infection, mumps, sinusitis, wounds. Apply externally to kill bacteria and prevent infection

Thuya oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bactericidal
Aromatherapy Uses: Use to help blood circulation

Thyme oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-venomous, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, bechic, expectorant
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for hypertension, respiratory problems, bronchitis, otitis, coughs, stimulate appetite, muscle spasm, rheumatism, increasing sexual desire

Valerian oil

Essential Oil Properties: Soporific, hypotensive, calming
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for insomnia, migraine, nervous dyspepsia, dandruff

Vanilla oil

Essential Oil Properties: Aromatic, balsam, aphrodisiac

Vetiver oil

Essential Oil Properties: Antiseptic, circulation tonic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for acne, arthritis, rheumatism, increase sexual desire

Violet oil

Essential Oil Properties: Diuretic
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for water retention

Ylang Ylang

Essential Oil Properties: Calming, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, relaxing, sedative
Aromatherapy Uses: Use for hypertension, skin diseases, increasing sexual desire, over-excitement

---

Essential Oil for Specific Uses

Essential Oil for Romantic Moods

The romantic oils include Jasmine. Still, a selection of aromatherapy oils can work as a romantic sparker.

Understand that aromatherapy romantic oils are essential oils. The oils work to create synchronization with the spirit, mind, and body. The oils are said to elevate moods through feeling by producing relaxation effects. The effects are said to enhance well-being, confidence, and openness. According to studies, few people using essential oils experienced a hormonal effect, which increased the desire for sexuality.

The oils available to promote romance are:

1. Patchouli oils
2. YLANG YLANG oils
3. Sandalwood
4. Jasmine

The oils are said to deliver a strong arousing feeling. The oils work by sending odors that stimulate the moods and mind, which in turn produces an arousing sensation, as well as an awakening yearning.  Aromatherapy oils with aphrodisiac ingredients are also romantic arousers. YLANG, Lemon oils, Patchouli, Rosewood, Eucalyptus, Geranium, and Rosemary are a few aromatherapy oils, which contain aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiac Sensual oils are oils that produce a romantic mood.

Essential Oils for Massages

Distilled oils, which are made from low temperatures and pressure, as well as 100% natural graded A, oils,  are ideal for romantic massages. According to reviews, however, you should dilute the oils in the carrier oil. Carrier oils are said to affect the skin, which produces relaxation.

Additional oils include the romance oils. The oils contain:

1. cedarwood
2. clove buds
3. cinnamon leaf
4. clary sage
5. orange
6. chamomile

Essential Oils for Sex

Yohimbe oils which include the Combinations work by increasing erectile capabilities, libido, and sex drives.

Essential Oils for Balance

Lavender oils work to balance, elucidate, soothe, and regularize the body and mind.

Essential Oils for Purify Mind and Body

Eucalyptus oils work to purify, cool, balance, and revitalize the body and mind.

Essential Oils for Energy

Peppermint oils invigorate, refresh, cool, and promote energy

Essential Oils to Revitalize

Rosemary revitalizes, warms, and clarifies the body and mind.

Essential Oils to Uplift

Sweet Orange oils uplift your body and mind, as well as produce a cheerful and stimulating feeling.

Essential Oils to Relax

Geranium lifts, balances, stabilizes, and relaxes the body and mind.

Essential oils Build Confidence

Bergamot oils lift your moods, normalize your mind, and build your confidence.

Aromatherapy works to heal the mind and body. The natural herbs, oils, fragrances, etc aid in healing a wide array of diseases. At most aromatherapy reduces irritating symptoms, as well as emotional negativity. Aromatherapy is used to heal the mind by relieving stress.

---

Recipes for Home

Remember that essential oils are very strong so follow each recipe with great care. Less is more when making essential oil treatments.

Diffuser Mixtures

For Attentiveness – 1 drop Cypress, 2 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Pine.

Recharging – 2 drops Fennel, 3 drops Juniper, 3 drops Lemongrass.

Alertness – 2 drops Eucalyptus, 3 drops Rosemary, 3 drops Tangerine.

Motivation – 2 drops Basil, 4 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Clove, 2 drops Ginger.

Lucidity – 2 drops Bay, 3 drops Ginger, 2 drops Rosemary.

Calmness – 2 drops Chamomile, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Marjoram.

Harmony – 2 drops Benzoin, 2 drops, Rose, 3 drops Verbena.

Peacefulness – 4 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Clary Sage, 3 drops Cypress.

Soothing – 2 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Melissa, 2 drops Patchouli.

Increase Socialization – 3 drops Litsea Cubeba, 3 drops Rosemary.

Relax – 3 drops Lavender, 1 drop Sandalwood.

Kitchen – 1 drop basil, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Rosemary.

Bathroom – 1 drop Basil, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Rosemary.

Bedroom – 2 drops Bergamot, 3 drops Jasmine, 2 drops Ylang Ylang.

Office – 2 drops Caraway, 3 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Ginger.

---

Home Cleaner Recipes

Bathroom Air Freshener Spray

Fill a pump-spray bottle with 500ml of distilled water then add the following essential oils:

• Add 5 drops Cinnamon essential oil
• 5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• Add 5 drops Lemon essential oil
• 5 drops Sage essential oil
• Add 5 drops Thyme essential oil
• 10 drops Bergamot essential oil
• Add 10 drops Citronella essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• Add 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Shake this mixture well before each use. Spray every day to keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.

Lavender and Tea Tree Cleaner

• 1 t. borax
• 2 T. white vinegar
• 2 c. hot water
• 1/4 t. Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and stir until dry ingredients dissolve. Pour into a spray bottle for long-term storage and use. Spray as needed on any surface except glass. Scrub and rinse with a clean damp, cloth.

Disinfectant Spray

• 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf
• 5 drops Pine Needle
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 10 drops Bergamot
• 1/8 t. Sunshine Concentrate
• 30 ounces of water

Combine essential oils with Sunshine Concentrate and water in a 32 oz. trigger spray bottle. Spray on and wipe the surface dry. Disinfects countertops, stovetops, and tile.

Microwave Cleaner

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 6 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients to make a paste. Apply to the interior of the microwave with a sponge. Rinse and leave the door open to dry for 15 minutes.

Wash the glass turntable by hand. This recipe will get rid of food odors.

Floor Cleaner

• 1/4 cup white vinegar to a bucket of water
• 10 drops lemon oil
• 4 drops oregano oil

Basic Wood Cleaning Formula

• 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap
• 5 drops jojoba or olive oil

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Saturate a sponge and squeeze out the excess. Wash surfaces of tired and dirty wood. The vinegar smell will dissipate soon. Dry with a soft cloth.

Creamy Soft Scrub

• 2 cups baking soda
• ½ cup liquid castile soap
• 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
• 5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, or rosemary.

For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Natural Hair Care Treatments

Your hair is your crowning glory it’s just a pity that what we put into it can leave it dry and dull and even brittle. Here are some effective hair remedies that will infuse some much-needed bounce and shine back into dull and lifeless hair.

For Greasy Hair

It’s incredible to think that your hair can reveal a lot about the person it belongs to, for instance with modern-day science you’re able to identify what kind of diet a person exists on along with the types of metals and elements that are present inside the body and the level and toxicity, all this revealed from a single strand of hair.

Greasy hair is the product of overactive sebaceous glands that reside on the scalp. In commercial hair care products and shampoos are harsh detergents that strip the hair of its natural oils, the sebaceous glands overcompensate for this lack of oil by kicking oil production into overtime hence the reason why you get oily, greasy hair.

You really are what you eat, just as a lot can be revealed about a person through their hair, the same also applies to the foods you eat. Even what you put into your body is manifested through your pores and your hair follicles.

So for instance, if you eat a diet high in junk food, greasy chips, foods with high-fat content, it will have an effect on the number of oils produced.  The best way to combat the greasy hair condition is to, like everything we’ve talked about here, begin working from the inside out.  By beginning with proper nutrition you will start to see an improvement in the look and texture of your hair.

So start off by cutting back on the amount of fat content you consume on a daily basis, start incorporating more vitamins like vitamin B, C, and F into your diet and get your fatty oils from a diet of fish. These fats are good for the heart and contain health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids.

By making these dietary changes you should see an improvement in the amount of oil you produce.

When it comes to shampoo, try opting for the variety that has a more neutral pH, the pH that is closest to water to preserve the hair’s special protective outer layer.

Take your pH balanced shampoo and add to it 3 drops of rosemary to every 5 ml of shampoo. Try not to shampoo too frequently, spacing it out to every 3 to 4 days is ideal.

For your natural alternative to conditioner add 11 drops of rosemary and lavender to 25 ml of sunflower seed oil, add liberally and massage into the scalp. Bundle the hair up in a towel and leave in for 30 minutes. Before rinsing, apply your shampoo to help remove the oily conditioner treatment.

Dry Hair

With hair straightening and blow-drying not to mention harsh environmental conditions, it’s no wonder our hair looks frazzled.  You know what I mean, no matter how much you condition, gel or mousse you butter on, your hair still has little escapees in the form of stray fly away’s. Guaranteed to ruin the perfect outfit you spent hours getting ready for or the photo you spent hours preparing for.

So if you’re sick and tired of wrestling with stray hairs that stand to attention and you know that cutting them off is only dealing with the now rather than getting to the (pardon the pun) root of the problem then you need some serious frizz control treatment outside of a V05 hot oil commercial.

So here it is, your secret anti-frizz remedy, and best of all, it’s completely natural too.  Opt for gentle pH-balanced shampoos that don’t dry or strip the hair of its natural oils. Add 3 drops each of lavender and chamomile to every 5 ml of your pH balanced shampoo.  My grandmother swears by this, long before they had store-bought conditioner from the likes of Pantene or Tresemme, my grandmother used castor oil.

We’re going to put a unique spin on my grannie’s old classic and add some extras to make it more sumptuous and smell-less, castor oil-like.  Add 11 drops of chamomile and lavender with 25 ml of castor oil OR extra virgin olive oil, apply generously and gently massage throughout the hair, paying special attention to the length of the hair shaft and the tips where the hair is at its driest and most vulnerable.

Wrap the hair in a towel and leave for 30 minutes, for a deep treatment, leave in for an hour.  Add in shampoo after leaving in for 30 minutes and work into a lather before rinsing clear.

Dandruff

Nobody likes it when dandruff spoils the look of your new black sweater or jacket. If you’ve been suffering from dandruff I’m sure you know all too well the annoying dusting off your shoulders from your friends and family.  If you’ve tried commercial treatment products that don’t seem to get the job done, there are natural alternatives you can try.

Again, unlike the chemically manufactured, store-bought variety, natural remedies always aim to get at the heart of dandruff and works from the root cause.  Dandruff usually indicates a mineral deficiency or a food allergy of some kind. Try adding to your diet vitamin E and evening primrose oil capsules.

Here are a couple of simple, yet effective treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff.

For a deep treatment add 20 drops of tea tree oil and 6 drops of lemongrass oil to 50 ml of coconut oil. Massage thoroughly paying special attention to the scalp area. Leave in for at least 30 to 40 minutes.

Before rinsing add 5 drops of tea tree oil to every 5 drops of pH balanced shampoo. Work into a lather and rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

Do this once a week.

During washes throughout the week, simply massage 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil throughout the scalp and leave it in.

You should see a noticeable reduction in the amount of dandruff within two to three weeks.

---

Natural Cosmetics

If you managed to get your free report you would have discovered the number of toxins that we apply on our skins daily from moisturizers to hair products to cosmetics, in fact there hundreds of banned chemicals that are still finding their way into the products we use each day.

Unfortunately government regulation is not as strict as the United Kingdom so is still prevalent in the products we entrust our skin, our health and our lives with.

Because the products we use still contain these toxins that have been banned in other countries it essentially makes us one huge chemical experiment.

If you are going to purchase over the counter cosmetics just make sure that you check them out first. Nothing can substitute a little due diligence and just because your country may not have a ban on these types of chemicals does not make them safe to use.

The best way to see if your cosmetics contain chemicals from the hotlist is to visit this site:

https://www.annmariegianni.com/10-toxic-ingredients-that-might-be-in-your-makeup

Some cosmetics are lead-based because of their ability to last particularly with regards to color stay lipsticks. The lead gives the lipstick the greater ability to adhere to the lips for longer. You’re better off selecting lipsticks that aren’t designed for long-wearing.

Remember that not only does the skin absorb the lipstick when it comes into contact with the lips but that when eating or drinking you also consume small quantities of it. In fact, it’s estimated that throughout a woman’s lifetime that she will consume around 7 pounds of lipstick inadvertently through eating and drinking.

So with that in perspective, you would want to ensure that the lipstick that does find its way into your body won’t be harmful to your health.

The side effects of lead have been linked to brain function impairment and learning disabilities. In addition to this, it also affects the nervous system and is therefore classified as a neurotoxin. Because in the body lead resembles the structure of calcium it’s very readily absorbed and transported throughout the bloodstream and distributed to the organs causing damage. Even low levels of lead poisoning can cause kidney and liver damage, fertility issues, damage to the central nervous system, seizures, coma, and death.

With these potential side effects, it pays to go as organic as possible with your cosmetics. Your health shop should have a decent array of organic brands for you to choose from.

If you wanted to make your own health shops provide the means.

Here are a few great homemade, organic recipes to make your own cosmetic creations from.

Beetroot Red Lipstick

That’s right instead of crushing and adding iron to give your lipstick pigment, we’re going to use something that isn’t toxic and that you can eat any day of the week.

Recipe:

Add 1 tablespoon of grated beeswax from your local health store to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place in a microwavable glass dish and microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Then add 1 teaspoon of beet juice to the oil mixture. Mix thoroughly. Depending upon your taste, you can add more beet juice if you want a deeper, richer red color.

After mixing, let the mixture cool until it reaches room temperature then transfer the mixture to a small plastic container and either apply using your finger or use a lipstick application brush and there you have it, nontoxic, completely organic, lead-free lipstick.

You have the flexibility to create different colors and tones by simply controlling the amount of beet juice that you add. Little beet juice gives a pink coloration. More beet juice gives the overall lipstick color a deep, rich red color.

Foundation/Concealer

Remember as with anything, even natural organic cosmetics can have the ability to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. So always perform a patch test on your skin first and leave it on for an hour to gauge if an allergic reaction is developing.

This is usually a good indicator if you’re allergic or not. There will be some minor cases where an allergy can develop hours or even days later so be watchful to see if a delayed allergic reaction develops after the initial hour time period. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.

Recipe:

First off we need to create our foundation/concealer mixture because it will also double up as the basis for our eye shadow.

Combine together an equal mixture of the following, 3 tablespoons of potato starch and 3 tablespoons of corn starch. If the mixture is lumpy, grind with the back of your tablespoon until fine.

To add some natural warm tones to your concealer, take 1 tablespoon of your foundation/concealer mixture that you just created and add a sprinkling of cinnamon until you get the desired tone for your skin color. Cinnamon is great for the skin, has healing properties and gives a beautiful natural scent without the use of harsh chemicals.

Eye Shadow

Combine 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, any kind will do with 2 pinches of your homemade concealer (untinted). By combining cocoa with your concealer mixture not only do you have color but your pre-made concealer mixture gives the eye shadow adhesion properties. The cocoa gives a natural-looking warm tone to the eye shadow if you want to add a little color you can purchase dry powder food coloring from your local cake shop. It’s natural and its pigmentation is derived from plant extracts so you know it’s beneficial to the skin.

Special Note:

Avoid the use of artificial food coloring both in your baking and on your skin, they are derived from tar and petrochemicals. In fact, artificial food coloring has been linked to ADHD and behavioral problems in children. There is also a potential link between artificial food coloring and brain tumors. So if at all possible, try opting for the natural variation in the future.

Add the colored powder to your eye shadow mixture until you get the level of color desired. This is where you can depart from your standard nude warm tones and branch out into your blues, greens, and purples.

The great thing about using powdered food coloring is that one little pot can last years. That means that you won’t have to purchase new eye shadow for the foreseeable future, just blend and mix what you already have and experiment until you get the colors you want.

Blush And Lip Gloss

To make the basis of your lip gloss add 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil to 1 tablespoon of beeswax beads, again you should be able to source any of these ingredients from your local health shop.

Place in a small cooking pot and heat until both have melted and combined together.

Add in a little pinch of beet powder for coloring, the more beet powder the darker and richer the color. Control the amount you put in until you get the desired color. If you want to save time, make 5 of these mixtures and add from a pinch in the first mixture and add a little more to the second batch until by the time you reach the final batch you’ve added a teaspoon.

That way you have 5 lip glosses with different shades from pink all the way to red. It saves time when you’re in a hurry and you’re looking for that perfect shade to go with your outfit.

For blush, just dab a little on the apple of each cheek and blend. Use more to highlight the cheekbones.

So there you have it, natural cosmetics without all of the harsh lead-based chemicals found in store-bought brand varieties.

You can also get your friends making their own cosmetics by having a natural cosmetic party. It’s fun and you get to go home with cosmetics you made with your own hands.

---

Aromatherapy Remedies For Health And Wellbeing

The skin is the largest organ of the body, it’s also the first thing people see and one of the first things people base their impressions on.  Why do you think that celebrities shell out thousands of dollars to fix problem skin issues? Because their looks are their assets, so important is great looking, vibrant flawless skin that they’ll go to extreme lengths to get it.

I’m here to tell you today that you don’t have to part with a fortune to get healthy, great looking skin. You can do it from the comfort and privacy of your own home and best of all, it’s completely natural.

Dehydrated, Aging Skin

Whether we like it or not, aging is a part of life. It’s the name given to a process that involves the degeneration of our cells. When this takes place, the process of cell division slows and our outer layer of skin or the epidermis becomes thin and loses its youthful appearance. Wrinkles appear when the skin thins and loses its tonality.

In addition to natural aging, there are other contributing factors that you need to be mindful of in order to slow the aging process. Things such as air conditioning, the sun, diet, stress, smoking, drugs, and medication can all play a part in how quickly you age.

With our fast-paced lifestyles, change in environmental conditions, and intensifying radiation doses from the sun it’s no wonder our skin is looking worse for wear long before our time.

You don’t have to tolerate rapidly aging skin and there is something you can do about it without botox or going under the knife to shave off a few years here and there.

First off, the effect of aging is a microscopic process that occurs at the cellular level. Far smaller than the eye can detect. These tiny degenerative cellular changes that take place over time ends up turning into major changes detected as wrinkled, sagging skin.

See I believe that in order to truly turn back the clock on aging skin you need to attack at the point of change, which again is at the cellular level and to do that we need to nourish the skin from the foundation up.

Up Your Fluid Intake

Although it may seem like a no-brainer, the best place to start is with drinking more fluids. Everyone thinks they drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, but without proper monitoring, you’ll find that on average, a lot of people don’t. Try to drink at least 6 glasses a day of actual water, preferably room temperature, unchilled. Not beverages, alcohol, fruit juices, teas or coffee.

These may contain fluid however the body has to separate out the fluids in order to use them. If on the other hand, you drink regular water the body can immediately absorb it into cells and utilize it right away without having to separate out the other elements. Drinking room temperature water instead of chilled means that the body doesn’t have to expend extra energy warming the water in order to utilize it.

Drinking more fluids keeps your cells functioning properly and keeps them supple.

What You Eat

Getting a balanced diet also helps to slow the oxidation and cell degenerative process. Foods that fight free radicals such as fresh fruits and vegetables, foods high in water.

Here are a few aromatherapy treatments to help keep aging at bay:

Remember that you should be able to source any of these ingredients at your local health store.

To target those areas that age hits the hardest, apply a little rosehip seed oil or alternatively, you can use wheat germ oil to the area under the eyes before going to bed. Leave it on all night and then cleanse your face in the morning.

To lessen the appearance of wrinkles, create your own homemade wrinkle-busting face mask.

You can create yours by adding 4 drops of frankincense, 4 drops of carrot seed and 4 drops of lavender oil to 2 tablespoons of clay, 2 teaspoons of liquid honey and 1 teaspoon of water.

Combine until well mixed.

Apply liberally over the face and leave on for 30 minutes. While you wait for cut cucumbers and place over each eye. This not only soothes your eyes but helps you relax.

Cracked skin

Cracked skin can often be painful especially in areas exposed to the elements such as the mouth. Cracks can also appear on the heels of the feet and hands and if left unattended can lead to infection and in those with diabetes, complications.

Cracked skin usually indicates a deficiency in vitamin B2 and B6, thankfully you can infuse these vitamins naturally back into your body with diet. Believe it or not, the liver is actually is a great source high in vitamin B. If the liver’s not your thing and you can’t stand the taste then you can substitute it with wheat germ and even brewer’s yeast. You shouldn’t have any problems sourcing this from your local health shop.

Now that you’re replacing the vitamins your body needs, you want to give your cracked skin some relief, wheat germ oil is ideal for this or alternatively if you’ve got it in your kitchen pantry snap up a bottle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, anything that can act as a natural lubricant to re-infuse some that lost moisture will work well. The oil acts as a protective barrier to prevent further moisture loss and allow healing to take place.

A good bottle of EVOO works wonders and keeps skin supple, hydrated and reduces wrinkles.  Remember, during times of extreme cold to moisturize paying special attention to the neglected areas such as the hands and feet.

Warts

Gone are the days where the only treatments were out of a chemical jar or used burning liquid nitrogen. Warts can be stubborn but a good natural treatment can become yesterday’s news.

Warts are derived from the papillomavirus and because of this can be contagious and spread to other parts of the body.

With the exception of anal and genital warts are mostly harmless however in terms of verruca’s can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful to live with which is why people prefer to get rid of them.

With warts, you’ll usually find a visible center containing little black spots that look like finely ground pepper sprinkles. These are the seeds responsible for keeping the wart alive and if you’re to have any long term success of ridding yourself of warts permanently, you really need to attack these growth centers.

This is easy to do, but first, you need to weaken the rough, fleshy wart exterior which protects these seeds. To break down the warty protective skin layer you need to soften it with tea tree oil by applying a few drops to the area 3 times daily for the next 30 days.

This callously exterior layer should soften and easily pull away enough for you to remove the seeds to prevent further growth and spreading.

Once you can see the black pepper dot seeds underneath the upper wart skin layer, sterilize a needle with antiseptic and gently dig out the seeds making sure to carefully dispose of them into a tissue.

Again with the exception of genital and anal warts, this treatment can be used for any wart.

After every treatment, cover with a band-aid or plaster to keep the area sterile. After complete removal of the wart you shouldn’t be able to see any more black pepper spots and the area should no longer be as sensitive as it was to the touch, this means that you’ve successfully removed the wart at the root.

Over time, the skin will grow back, wart free.

If you want to remain wart free, build up your immunity. Like any virus, it manages to thrive when our resistance is low. In order to deter the wart virus from taking hold, increase your immunity by dosing it up on foods rich in garlic. If you don’t want to eat enough garlic to keep the vampires away with your garlic breath, there is garlic available in pill form that still packs a punch, minus the scary breath.

Another connection scientists have made is that Vitamin E suppresses wart formation. Source out at your local health shop moisturizing creams containing vitamin E, this should give you a nice protective layer against those nasty little wart viruses.

Note: if you do have genital or anal warts, please see your doctor, these could be symptoms of something more serious and it’s worth getting checked out.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be devastating in its severity ranging from raised, reddened skin to circular lesions all the way to other ends of the spectrum with pustules. It’s believed that psoriasis is caused by an overactive production of epidermal cells, although not clear what triggers them is thought to be brought on by stress and allergies.

A great treatment for psoriasis is internal. By taking 6 doses of 500mg of Evening Primrose Oil on a daily basis, 60% of people noticed a marked reduction in their symptoms.  A topical treatment you can use to give relief is to mix 5 teaspoons of cider vinegar with 3 fluid ounces of lavender water, 10 drops of lavender cajeput and tea tree oil. Once combined, shake the mixture well and massage gently into your scalp 5 times per week.

This should help give relief to the discomfort of psoriasis as well as reduce the symptoms.

Cold sores

Nobody likes a cold sore especially when it’s so prominently positioned on your lips that often it’s all people can see when they look at you. If you’re like me you’d rather ditch yours quickly so that you’re not left feeling self-conscious.

A fantastic rapid-acting remedy is to nip it in the bud. You’ve seen those tv commercials about treating the cold sore when you experience the characteristic “tingling” sensation. The same applies here but rather than to use an over the counter medication with artificially synthesized chemicals try using tea tree oil instead.

Just dab a little onto the affected with a q-tip (cotton bud) and dispose of it in the trash. Remember that cold sores are a contagious virus of the Herpes family. By not disposing carefully of your q-tips or washing your hands thoroughly can potentially spread it to other parts of your body.

Repeat your tea tree oil treatment twice a day until the tingling sensation has disappeared and when the cold sore fails to develop. So next time you get that tingling sensation, whip out your trusty tea tree oil.

Cold sores don’t just appear without cause. They’re usually a sign of a compromised immune system and can appear during illness or times of high stress. Your best treatment is preventative.

To stop cold sores from appearing, boost your immune system by taking vitamin supplements. Vitamin C can either be introduced naturally through diet, kiwifruit especially of the golden variety is a fantastic source of vitamin C and contain up to 3 times that of your average joe orange, weight to weight.

That’s right, your regular sized orange only packs around 70 mg of vitamin C compared with 85 mg for one small golden kiwi. That means that you can eat just 2 golden kiwis to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin C a day.

Don’t forget to get plenty of rest so that your body can repair itself and try not to stress. By resting, de-stressing and getting plenty of vitamin C you can prevent cold sores from ever appearing.

Burns

No natural first aid kit would be complete without having knowledge of burn remedies. It’s only a matter of time before it happens to us or someone around us and the knowledge that you gain here could be vital in giving much-needed relief.

First of all when it comes to severe burns, please get immediate professional attention from a medical practitioner. The help you get immediately following a burn will diminish the long term effects.

Burns fall into 3 categories of severity.

Superficial: This involves some swelling and redness to the affected area.

Intermediate: Usually involves swelling of the affected area accompanied by blistering of the skin.

Deep: Involves charring to the affected area often followed by a numbing feeling indicating tissue damage.

For burns in general, dose up on your garlic intake. Garlic is packed with healing properties. You can incorporate garlic naturally into your diet or if you’re not keen on the taste, invest in some tasteless, odorless garlic capsules from your handy local health shop, it still packs a vitamin punch minus the garlic breath.

Treatment:

The first thing you should always do following a burn is to hold the affected area under a cold tap of running water for at least 15 minutes or more if need be. Apply tea tree oil to the affected area 3 times a day until the skin has fully healed.

For larger burn areas, apply a compress containing ice for 20 to 30 minutes or as long as need be.

Create a special mixture by combining 9 drops of lavender and 9 drops of German chamomile oil in 50 ml of distilled water. Combine the ingredients by shaking well and apply to the burn area. Continue to use until fully healed.

Essential oils are effective in the treatment of minor burns especially tea tree and lavender oils. They not only soothe the burned area but also help promote healing and prevent scarring. So effective are these oils that their use is being deployed more and more in hospitals for the treatment of burns.

Cuts

Note: If your wound is particularly deep and you’re experiencing severe blood loss, please seek immediate medical attention. You may need stitches. Some of the most common injuries we sustain in life are cuts. When it comes to nails, wooden splinters or rust, special care should be taken to prevent infection.

When it comes to rapid healing, vitamin C is highly effective accompanied by plenty of rest enabling the body to properly repair itself.

Eat foods loaded with vitamin C, a great source as mentioned previously is that of the golden kiwifruit. For its weight, it packs a vitamin punch compared to its bigger, bulky fruity counterparts. That means that you can get more of your recommended daily intake from its snack-sized portions.

Again, garlic is the “go-to” healing elixir which helps boost the body’s natural immune defenses and reduce infection.

When it comes to minor cuts and abrasions, as with burns, lavender is excellent because of its healing properties. In fact when applied to an affected area, lavender didn’t sting to the touch as iodine does. Lavender promotes healing by stimulating the supply of blood to the damaged area. Not only does lavender help heal but it also prevents scarring.

Tea tree oil is another great natural antiseptic that draws infection from wounds and with its germicidal properties left affected areas clean and infection-free unlike most commercial, chemically synthesized antiseptics that kills the bacteria and damages the tissue in the process.

So as you can see, nothing beats natural. Everything grown naturally that is available to us works in synch with our bodies to heal from the inside out, that’s why it’s so important to get back to basics and get our bodies back into harmony the way they were supposed to be. If we lived the way nature intended, there would be a lot less illness in the world.

Treatment:

Clean the affected wound area with water and apply 3 to 4 drops of lavender or tea tree oils. Apply a plaster taking the care to air the wound several times a day so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria. Apply the lavender or Tea Tree oil 3 times a day until healed.

For larger wound areas cover with gauze that has been dipped in tea tree or lavender oil. For wound seepage, add a few drops of yarrow or myrrh to the gauze, this will help promote healing.

Excess perspiration

The skin is the largest organ of the body and facilitates several functions on a daily basis from temperature regulation to acting as a protective barrier shielding us from disease and radiation.

As part of the role of the skin in temperature control, a familiar byproduct is a sweat. By its nature, sweat does not smell, it’s not until its attacked by bacteria that perform a sneaky little biochemical trick which essentially changes its chemical structure breaking it down into the odorous lactic acid. These are the smell that we’ve all grown to hate and why we spend dollars upon dollars on products to mask it.

Store-bought deodorants work by clogging the sweat glands inhibiting the amount of perspiration given off and while we may smell better is not a natural condition. The sweat glands were intended to work, they work to remove toxins and impurities from your system, a type of drainage point for your lymph nodes. In order to keep your body functioning normally, these lymph ducts need to drain and blocking them with off-the-shelf brand deodorants are inhibiting them from working properly encouraging the toxic build-up in your glands which can potentially affect your health in the future. Deodorants shouldn’t inhibit normal lymph drainage and to do so means that you could run into all sorts of problems, health-wise in the future.

Here’s an effective way to treat perspiration without affecting your health.

First off, one of the simplest things that people tend to overlook is your internal health and by doing something as simple as drinking more water, you can dilute the amount of ammonia in your system that comes from a diet high in protein. You’ll find doing this will reduce the strength in urine odor.

Wash your body regularly to remove the bacteria responsible for transforming your innocent perspiration into stenchy lactic acid. Use natural organic soaps containing tea tree oil which acts as a natural bactericide.

Be aware of the kinds of clothing you wear, for instance, try to avoid wearing man-made, synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, these prevent the skin from aerating and breathing and promote the build-up of those offensive lactic acid-producing little nasties.

Here are some great remedies to help you ditch your body odor:

For the Feet

Add 5 drops of lavender and tea tree oil along with 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar to a bowl of warm water. Soak your feet each evening for at least 5 minutes. If you want extra soothing for tired aching feet adds a few drops of lemon oil to the mix.

Natural Deodorant

Add 3 drops of tea tree oil to witch hazel and rub liberally into the soles of the feet. It’s also a great use as a natural deodorant for the underarms too.

Lice

Lice is a fact of life, no matter how clean your personal hygiene lice will always manage to find their way into your hair. If you want to wash those lice right out of your hair, here are a couple of things that you can do. Start off by investing a fine-toothed lice comb. Lice are often the size of a pinhead and are hard to spot so using a fine-toothed comb will help to physically remove them from the hair shaft. Rather than to use toxic commercial lice products you can easily substitute them with essential oils.

Special note: Essential oils cannot kill the lice eggs, only the lice. You must, therefore, be vigilant in treating your hair every 2 to 3 days if you are to naturally rid yourself of lice. You may not be able to kill the eggs (nits) but treating regularly ensures the lice that do hatch, die.

Natural remedies not only ensure that you rid yourself of lice but it also leaves your hair in better condition before treatment.

When you or your family have contracted lice, switch to a tea tree oil or lavender oil-based shampoo. This should minimize contamination between household members.

Treatment:

Between combing on a daily basis to remove the eggs, treat your hair by using a mixture of 1 to 3% of tea tree oil or lavender to a pH balanced shampoo from your local health shop. Massage thoroughly into the scalp and leave for 15 minutes before adding a few drops of lavender oil, lathering and rinsing completely.

You must continue this treatment until no more eggs are lodged in the lice comb and until you see no more evidence of lice still lingering.

Muscular Pain

Often we only ever realize the presence of our muscles when we overexert them and experience pain. Muscular pain can be the byproduct of other conditions, namely arthritis, muscle strain from excessive computer use and bad posture or from tension caused by stress.

Whatever the situation, muscular pain can prevent you from getting on with your life. Start by tacking muscular pain from the inside and look closely at your diet. Are you eating properly? Do you have a diet balanced in vitamin E and biotin? You can introduce biotin in your diet naturally with yeast-derived products, if you don’t fancy the taste, try taking them in pill form.

Muscular pain can also be from a diet lacking in vitamin E. When you don’t have enough vitamin E in your diet you experience tissue and muscular degeneration of which the symptoms are a pain. By adding an evening primrose oil supplement into your diet can greatly alleviate the symptoms of pain caused by this deficiency.

To relieve muscle aches massage is very effective especially with the right essential oils to promote pain relief.

You can create your own massage oil by using 10 drops of lavender, rosemary and marjoram oils to 50 ml of carrier oil. Apply to the affected area and massage until the oil is thoroughly worked into the muscle. This treatment is best suited after a warm shower or after the application of a heat pack to loosen the aching muscle.

Another great remedy is to add 10 drops of chamomile to a hot bath and soak for 30 minutes to relieve aching muscles.

Cramp

Cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that can be painful and can range from the extremities to the abdomen. To minimize the pain and frequency of cramps you need to look at your diet. Often cramps can be triggered by a lack of sodium (salt) in the diet. Garlic supplements are great for replenishing what you lack as are zinc and calcium supplements.

To treat muscular spasms of the extremities, namely the calf muscles and the hamstrings, create a massage oil by adding 4 drops of marjoram, lavender and rosemary oils to 3 drops of ginger oil in 25 ml of cream.

To prevent the likelihood of cramping after extreme physical activity mix 10 drops of lavender, marjoram and rosemary oils with 45 ml of carrier oil (vegetable). Warm-up the muscles with a warm shower or bath and apply the massage mixture to the affected area taking special care to thoroughly massage into the muscles until evaporated.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are no laughing matter and depending upon the severity can affect your quality of life.

They are swollen veins located within the walls of the anus. They can be external and internal and are often detected because they tend to bleed. These can be caused through genetic factors, as a result of pregnancy but more than likely through dietary habits.

To treat your hemorrhoids from the inside out, first, start with your diet. It’s not enough to treat the painful symptoms without treating the cause.

Try to up your daily intake of fiber. A diet high in bran, cereals, fruits, and vegetables enables the ease of removal of waste from your body, as does drinking plenty of fluids every day. Garlic and vitamin E supplements are also recommended.

If you want to rid yourself of hemorrhoids for the long term, you need to change your diet permanently. Altering your diet for the sole purpose of treating your hemorrhoids for today will only ensure temporary relief.

To relieve yourself of the painful symptoms create yourself a soothing ointment by adding 5 drops of yarrow and 5 drops of geranium oil in 25 ml of calendula gel. Apply to the affected area 3 to 4 times per day or as necessary.

Another great way to gain relief is to add to 10 drops of rose oil to a bath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.

Varicose Veins

Often a painful condition, varicose veins can be a symptom of lifestyle, for example, jobs that require standing for hours at a time can see the development of varicose veins. Pregnancy and obesity also contribute to the development of varicose veins and can be attributed to poor circulation.

Garlic supplements can help to heal within and just as beneficial, a diet high in fiber and vitamins E and C can also help to minimize the development of varicose veins as well as reduce the appearance of current ones.

To give relief to varicose and to help in the reduction of inflammation apply a cold compress to the affected area. To add even more relief, ensure that the compress is doused in witch hazel. This helps to soothe tired, aching legs.

Always remember to avoid taking hot baths, opt for warm, tepid ones. Hot baths only exacerbate the inflammation of the vein walls and cause them to ache even more.

The next time you take your warm, not hot bath try adding in 10 drops of juniper oil to improve circulation.

Constipation

Constipation is the result of diet and lifestyle where the regular functioning of the digestive tract is disrupted. Although constipation can be a symptom of other underlying factors it usually is linked to poor diet and lack of fluids in the diet causing the body’s stool to be dry and compacted and hard to pass. By beginning with a diet you can control the consistency and quality of stool that you produce. I know it sounds crass, but what comes out of your body is ultimately determined by what goes into it.

By doing something as simple as reducing the amount of refined, processed foods you eat and by substituting them with whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and increasing your fluid intake can dramatically improve your bowel movement. When you eat foods high in fiber such as grains and cereals, these foods expand acting as a sweep, moving your stool effortlessly through your digestive tract which is why you need to eat more of them.

It’s important to expel your bowels of this harmful waste material to avoid building up toxicity in your body.

Also ensure that you drink 2 glasses of warm, spring water before eating anything. This wakes up your digestive system in preparation for food. It also is a great way to clean out those kidneys following your 8 hours of sleep.

Try incorporating more vitamin B into your regular diet. Diets deficient in vitamin B can be linked to poor digestion and constipation. Try drinking senna or ginger tea at least once a day to help with constipation.

Here are a couple of natural remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of constipation:

Apply directly to your abdominal area 4 drops of peppermint with 4 drops of ginger to 25 ml of almond oil, or the base oil of your choice and rub in circles. Do this 2 to 3 times a day.

To help relieve discomfort, use a flannel as a warm compress and add to the flannel 3 drops of peppermint and rosemary. Place on your abdomen for 30 minutes until the pain begins to subside.

Another effective method of pain relief is to add 10 drops of peppermint oil to a warm bath, soak for at least 30 minutes. Do this as regularly as you need to.

Diarrhea

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have diarrhea. Unlike a hard, dry stool with constipation, diarrhea is loose, often watery, accompanied by cramps.

The cause of diarrhea can be from a bacterial infection such as derived from food poisoning or can be from food allergies such as from an intolerance to gluten. Medication and antibiotics can also be linked to diarrhea and loose stools. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of stress or anxiety and be a psychological nature.

So as you can see, diarrhea can have potentially several causes. We’re going to cover the things that you can do, but if it persists, please contact your local health practitioner. Living with severe diarrhea is serious and can deplete the body of fluids, minerals, and salts needed to function.

If your diarrhea isn’t severe, just replenish your fluids and try these remedies.

If yours is derived from a bacterial infection, boost your immunity by taking garlic supplements. Drink plenty of fluids to replenish the fluids you’ve lost. The next time you take a drink of water, add a little salt to it to replace the salt you would have lost through excretion.

This is particularly effective for diarrhea as a result of stress, add to a warm bath 3 drops of ginger oil and 3 drops of lavender oil and soak for at least 30 minutes to relieve stress and tension.

If you’re unwell from a bacterial infection and have a fever, add 3 drops of peppermint oil and 3 drops of lavender oil to a cool bath.

Healing Wounds

One essential oil to heal wounds is Myrrh – Which is good for disinfecting wounds and stopping bleeding. Myrrh comes from tree resin, so it’s slow-pouring. If its scent seems unpleasant, you can add another oil, like lavender, lemon, or peppermint, all of which are also used for treating wounds.

Toothache

No one can really comprehend the nagging and inescapable pain of a toothache until they actually experience it for themselves first hand.

When it comes to a toothache, just remember that the pain is always symptomatic of something deeper. So if the pain becomes excruciating and if your jaw swells or if you’re experiencing fever this could be a sign of infection in which case you should always seek the treatment of a dentist. If left untreated without medical intervention and treatment of antibiotics the infection could enter into the bloodstream and spread to different parts of the body.

For future reference, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting another toothache. Proper dental hygiene is important to keep germs and infections at bay. Brush and floss at least twice a day. Reduce the amount of processed and refined sugars you consume.

If you’ve developed an abyss, garlic is great to help reduce the source of infection, reduce swelling and pain. Vitamin C will also encourage healing.

Before you get to your dentist there are things that you can personally do to help relieve the pain of a toothache.

Cloves are fantastic in the treatment of pain, add 2 drops of clove oil to a q-tip or cotton bud and apply to the affected tooth.

Using reflexology can also help to dull toothache pain. By massaging the area between thumb and forefinger or by rubbing a cube of ice in this area in circular motions can also help to dampen the pain.

To help fight infection, add 6 drops of tea tree oil to a 250 ml glass of tepid, warm water. Stir the mixture thoroughly. Swish around in your mouth paying special attention to the affected area. Do this twice a day directly after tooth brushing.

Another great pain relief method, especially for aching pain and swelling, is to create a special massage oil using 2 drops of peppermint oil mixed with 2 drops of lavender oil and add to 15 ml

of olive oil which is your carrier oil. In a circular motion using your index and middle fingers, gently work the mixture into your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain begins to subside.

Colds

By the time you read this book it could very well be winter in your part of the world and with it comes the usual coughs and sniffles that the cold weather blows in.

If you’ve fallen victim to a cold, here are some simple and natural ways that you can get rid of your cold in record time.

You’ll notice by now a theme emerging from these remedies. Usually, to get rid of any ailment you first need to address the internal issues before dealing with the notion of your cold symptoms.

So before we go down the route of recommending remedies for your running, congestion, headache, and fever we first need to look at what compromised your immunity in the first place in order for you to get sick in the first place.

Are you stressed? Run down? Are you getting enough rest? By being overstressed and under-rested can actually weaken your immune system and make you susceptible to getting colds. A strong and healthy immune system can override an attack from cold producing bacteria, but a compromised one can’t.

Again, let’s bolster your immunity by getting more garlic naturally into your diet. Again if this odor puts you off, opt for capsule supplements.

When you have a cold, what you eat is important and plays a huge factor in your healing time. For instance, if you’re getting a little chesty, avoid eating dairy foods as it encourages mucus and phlegm formation. Although not directly linked to the increase in mucus production is does thicken the mucus already present and makes it more viscous. An uncomfortable byproduct of consuming dairy products while having a cold.

To keep your body as phlegm free as possible try to eat more fruits and vegetables, in particular, those rich in vitamin C such as golden kiwifruit, guavas, oranges, and lemons.

Shocking Fact:

Cut down on your refined sugar consumption. Did you know that eating too much refined, processed sugar actually inhibits your immune system from working properly?

That’s right, after drinking soda or eating candy your ability to produce white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infection, decreases by almost 50%. So fast acting is this sugar immuno-suppressant action that it takes effect only 20 minutes after consumption yet can hinder your immune system from working effectively for up to 6 hours!

Think of it surfing the internet while having your antiviral software disabled. The same applies to eat a diet too high in sugar. We go through life, exposed to all kinds of illnesses and diseases and it’s like having our own personal body’s antiviral defenses disabled.

Your Body Knows Best

This explains why when you’re sick, you go off your natural cravings for chocolate and candies. This is your body’s way of telling you what it needs over what it usually craves. When you’re sick, your body knows best and your tastes change to compensate, for example, your desire to eat junk food diminishes and your desire to consume more fluids and to eat foods high in vitamin C increases.

So, to give your body’s immunity a fighting chance, and to reduce the likelihood of getting sick, lay off the refined sugars.

Consume more teas containing peppermint and chamomile and if you can get hold of special Manuka honey. This type of honey is found in New Zealand and is available worldwide. The great thing about Manuka honey is its honey derived from the Manuka tree, this tree contains several healing and anti-bacterial properties and acts as natural antibiotics.

The ancient Maori people used this honey to help heal their wounds and stomach ailments for hundreds of years before science ever proved its benefits.

I can honestly say that cold sores, gum infections, cuts, scrapes, and burns heal 2 to 3 times faster with Manuka honey than without, it’s nature’s healing elixir in a jar. See if a health shop near you stocks it and then keep it in your kitchen pantry for easy access when you need it. The best time to take it is when you get that tickle in the back of your throat.

To have the healing property effect you will need to get your Manuka honey with either a rating of 20 UMF or 25 UMF. This is still safe to consume daily but also has natural antibiotic healing properties. Anything lower than this, for example under 20 UMF will dilute its healing abilities.

UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor and represents the type of plant it was derived from, only plants with the UMF label have the special antibiotic factor specific for healing and is only found on some Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) plants.

UMF factor is determined by placing the Manuka honey on a petri dish with a bacteria culture and gauging the results. The more powerful the UMF factor, the more effective its ability to kill bacteria.

Manuka honey can treat stomach ulcers that have resulted from the h pylori bacteria and are also effective for treating staphylococcus and streptococcus which is effective in the treatment of sore throats.

From personally using Manuka honey, before the winter season hits I usually up my daily dosage by adding a tablespoon to my oatmeal for breakfast or smearing some onto my morning toast.

A great way to unwind is with a cup of lemon and Manuka honey tea. I take an entire lemon, squeeze it into a cup, add 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey and fill with hot water and enjoy, the perfect ending to a cold winter’s day.

Here are a few of my favorite cold remedies that you can put to work for you:

Before your cold really takes hold, early action can nip the degree of severity in the bud. When you feel a little sniffly, add to a handkerchief or to an old scarf that you wrap around your neck, 3 drops of eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. If you add to an old scarf, take special care to add it on the part of the scarf directly under the chin. This allows the vapors access for inhalation and keeps the air passages clear.

For a congested chest, make your own homemade natural chest rub. Mix 5 drops of peppermint, thyme, and ginger to 25 ml of almond carrier oil and massage into the chest and back until the oil dries. Do this 2 to 3 times per day until the chest clears.

For a stuffy head and sinuses, add to a boiling bowl of hot water, 6 drops of eucalyptus oil with 6 drops of tea tree oil. Place a towel over the head and inhale the vapor for 10 minutes. Ensure that your eyes are closed and that your face doesn’t touch the surface of the water. Remember this is extremely hot water and can scold if not done carefully.

For sore throats, place 5 tablespoons of sea salt in a glass of tepid warm water and gargle and spit out. Repeat until all of the water is gone.

Give relief to tired achy and painful joints, by adding 10 drops of lavender and tea tree oil to a hot bath and soak for at least 30 minutes. A hot bath eases the pain of painful joints and increases mobility while encouraging more peaceful restful sleep.

Coughs

Apart from chest congestion, the thing that can disturb a potentially sound and restful night’s sleep is coughing. The very action of coughing taxes your energy and can leave you feeling battered and bruised from the inside.

Coughing is the body’s spontaneous reflex to clear out the air passages and while designed to rid the respiratory tract of phlegm and to encourage proper breathing, coughing can sometimes to be triggered by other factors such as dust, pollen, dampness, and smoking, often leaving you with a dry, irritable cough that just won’t go away.

To alleviate coughing during times of chest infection use 5 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of ginger oil to 25 ml of carrier oil such as almond oil. Rub in circular motions into the chest, back, and throat area (external use only). These essential oils act as expectorants and help to loosen and remove the mucus from your system.

Hot steam inhalation will give rapid relief to a dry, hacking cough. Add 3 drops of tea tree oil to 3 drops of sandalwood to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Repeat once in the morning and once at night.

Hay Fever

For those who suffer from hay fever, you always seem to magically know when spring has arrived. If your hay fever is driving you crazy and you want to try a natural alternative, here are a few great remedies you can put to use.

If you experience hay fever, chances are you’ve had it since childhood. You usually know from its onset and the weepy, swollen eyes and a running nose are clear signs of its allergy season.

Hay fever is the result of inflammation of the tissue lining within the nasal passages, it usually affects the eyes, throat, and nose and is the result of the reaction to pollen allergens. A hay fever attack can be exacerbated by poor health and stress since the weakening of the immune system leaves your body defenseless against allergens.

By cutting back on the amount of dairy you consume can alleviate hay fever symptoms. By also boosting your immune system with plenty of vitamin C and garlic and getting plenty of rest you can reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms normally experienced.

Try infusing your diet with immunity strengthening Manuka honey. It’s healing properties can help better prepare your immune system when hay fever strikes.

To help clear out your nasal passages and to relieve head tension try adding 3 drops of lavender oil to 3 drops of rose oil to a tissue or a handkerchief and inhale. Once the mixture has evaporated and lost its potency, add another 3 drops of each again to replenish.

For relief of weeping, swollen and inflamed eyes, try placing a cucumber in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Slice the cucumber into 1/2 inch pieces and place over each eye for 10 minutes for soothing eye relief.

Another great remedy is to drizzle a teaspoon of rose water (not rose oil) into a cold, damp washcloth and place it over the eyes while closed. Leave on for 10 minutes. You can repeat this over again for as long as you need relief.

Massaging is also a great way to relieve hay fever trauma to the body. Believe it or not, the very act of coughing and sneezing places stress on the body and can bruise and damage the tissue around the ribs. People often feel as though their ribs have been bruised after an intense coughing bout.

To reduce the frequency of coughing and sneezing and to relieve painful aftermath, combine 5 drops of lavender with 5 drops of rose oil and add to 25 ml of carrier oil. When applying and massaging, pay special attention to the neck and chest, and rib area.

Psychological

Even the Romans and the Egyptians had the right idea when they used essential oils for the purpose of calming the mind. The same still applies today, in fact, the right combination of essential oils can completely transform your state of mind, taking you from stressed and panicked to calm and collected.

In our modern times we’ve never found ourselves more stressed than we are now and even though we have the technology to automate much of what we do instead of the notion that we would be able to do less, we’ve found ourselves busier now than ever before. Instead of freeing up the time when we used to do it manually, we’ve now filled it with even more work.

It’s no wonder that we’re more stressed than ever before and the development of the myriad of stress-related illnesses is at an all-time high.

Stress may be the way that you interpret your surroundings and the external pressures of life around you but it gets serious when it impacts your health.

In fact, stress is linked with blood pressure, anxiety, depression, digestion issues, lethargy and can even compromise the immune system especially when a person is subjected to stress on a long-term basis.

This is why it’s so important to take the time for yourself and to de-stress from a hard day’s work.

Here are a couple of things that you can do to get your stress levels under control.

• Regular exercise is also a great stress relief mechanism and releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. It also promotes deeper more restful sleep.
• Meditation is also fantastic for clearing the mind of stressful thoughts. The simple act of concentrating on your breathing allows you to shift your focus from your everyday worries and to disrupt your normal patterns of stressful thoughts.

Apart from merely treating the symptoms of stress such as anxiety, blood pressure, lethargy, and insomnia, the best treatment is to look at the underlying factors causing the stress in the first place. Is it your finances, your job, or your marriage? Look at what you can do to get the right help for your situation. By treating the cause you treat the symptoms.

One of the quickest ways to disrupt the physical symptoms of stress is through smell and touch. Massaging with a mixture of essential oils is a great combination of the two is an effective way of alleviating the symptoms of stress.

Add 10 drops of jasmine oil to 10 drops of lavender into a warm bath and soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps to calm the mind and alleviates stress and tension. It also helps promote better, restful sleep.

Mix 3 drops of lavender oil to 3 drops of nutmeg oil and add to 5ml of almond carrier oil, massage into the soles of the feet for stress relief.

To put yourself in a calmer state of mind have your favorite, soothing scents around your home. Add citrus, lavender, or sandalwood to a vaporizer and enjoy the relaxing fragrance.

We live in an abundant world where the answer to every ailment is available at our fingertips. Nature is literally our medicine cabinet and sadly due to our dependence on chemically synthesized, man-made medicines, we’ve become sicker than at any other time in history.

This is because we’ve gotten out of balance with nature and our surrounding environment.

In order to gain back our health we need to reconnect with nature and use its bounty to help heal from the inside out.