AROMATHERAPY

Advanced to Thriving on Stress

2009-01-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

Start advanced, and discovers the right guide for you in relieving unwanted shock. Become a new person by exercising, eating right along with using counselors.

Ultimately, you may try some aroma fragrances to help you relax. Aromatherapy is for keeps and is good to use to clear a cloudy confront with a load of stress on your withdraw. Try aromatherapy in a soundlessness latitude yourself, with some illuminations.

Use advanced guides to direct you to thrive on stress for a happier including less ill life. There are many scouts just waiting for you to concentrate on including take advantage of them. Using advanced technology to pattern you is a great solution to get ready pressure. Your local Cybrarian services have full varieties of information that you can understand on using guides for better health. Talk to your family practitioner about thriving on stress and he can give you booklets to guide you to inner reliever and exuberance.

Some people become depressed and don’t eat the right foods they need. By not eating competent food our horde dream up* to drain energy and ardor the food pyramid we have stored from our bodies. Without the proper vitamins and energy, we can’t make welcome decisions. We need get-up-and-go* to thrive on force. Using counselors to help you score on stress.

Eating stable is necessary to give us vitamins and energy for a longer being. Intermittent we scarf moreover gain weight, we develop into depressed with no energy to do anything. Weight gain can cause us suffering medical management in many methods and means as well as depression. When we become depressed, making the davenport our home the support keeps upturn on. As we ripen into more depressed, some general public eat a lot more jettison food big* us less vitamins that ever.

Learn to manage your impact with exercising on a daily basis. Having a use including plan to help pioneer you to reap authorize get you a long way. Exercising to change into healthier and happier will give you energy to help you to thrive on thrust. Making short and dragging-term goals to give you profits will give you energy as you come near them with excitement. Each zero* when reached will motivate you to go for the afterwards with even more strength to keep exercising for better health protection. As you, gain energy you will be upholding unwanted tension by focusing on the goals in lieu of the stressors.

Advanced guides request maintenance for you to collect self moreover enjoy, life while thriving on stress. Become more energetic scarcely using a conductor to help you overcome anger to directing better decisions. Learn new ways to produce your self-assurance-esteem also confidence hardly using a genius for better health. Writing goals on paper, listening to chamber music, team and mediation are entirely a few guides to help you thrive on stress.

Cultivate a desire to thrive on impact, but remember it isn’t inconsiderable moreover, it means presiding changes to find time for relaxation. Without relief, we have no energy to manage our own history let all the interest. Guides command hand you relieve stress to have a hunch like a new person by giving you more energy together with confidence.

Thriving on stress is an everyday task with all the squeeze and be spooked these days. Our lifestyle are Half of activities including work including than there are the pop up that come along. There is consistently something that to do, yet we often feel doomed or fail to find time to get everything we need to accomplish in one day. Promote good health with thriving on stress.

If you are suffering from stress, it's time to take charge of your life and get your life back and enjoy a brighter, happier future. Check out Thriving on Stress!

Stop Your Sweet Cravings Fast with Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil

2008-10-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

By KG Stiles

Pink Grapefruit essential oil - Latin, Citrus paradisi - cold pressed from the rind of the fruit is a cleansing and revitalizing tonic. The bright, crisp aroma of this essential oil energizes and uplifts your spirit. Pink Grapefruit is known to stop your food cravings, especially for sweets. If you need assistance with weight loss or weight management give Pink Grapefuit a try!

The bright, crisp aroma of this essential oil energizes and uplifts your spirit. I can't help but think of that Beatle's song, "Ruby in the Sky with Diamonds," whenever I take a whiff of it because it sparkles just like diamonds and leaves me feeling all warm and happy inside.

Pink Grapefruit is known as a "dieter's friend" and is recommended for treating eating disorders and overweight or obesity issues. I've noticed that it's especially helpful for controlling sweet cravings.

TIP FOR HOW TO USE:
Dispense 1-3 drops of Pink Grapefruit into the palm of your hand. Please use certified organic Cold Pressed oil from the rind of the fruit. Remember pesticides adhere to the surface of fruits and veggies and are not easily washed off.

Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously, cup your hands together and slowly inhale the Pink Grapefruit aroma. You can easily adjust the intensity of the aroma by increasing or decreasing the distance between your hands and nose.

Breathe in the aromatic scent of Pink Grape 5-20 minutes before eating. Be sure to drink an 8 ounce glass of water of pure fresh water after inhalation of the oils.

Blending with wild crafted Patchouli essential oil enhances Pink Grapefruit's effect as a natural appetite suppressant.

Use these same instructions to control sweet cravings.

Pink Grapefruit is also recommended for enhancing one's self esteem and definitely gives you an added sense of "I can do it" power!
Don't be surprised if you feel like a kid again after inhaling it. Envision what joys children have jumping up and down on their beds and you get the general picture.

I've used it successfully with overweight clients who say it not only helps to diminish their appetite, but also helps improve their digestion and metabolism.

Add a drop of Pink Grapefruit essential oil to your favorite shampoo for a lustrous shine to your hair. Pink Grapefruit can also help eliminate oily scalp, skin and hair conditions.

Pink Grapefruit make an excellent room freshener and deodorizer, as well as a disinfectant. Use it in a aromatic mist!
Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wide crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book, "Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal," are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more visit: Order Certified Organic Pink Grapefruit Please refer to KG's Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact:KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Why Am I Always Tired?

2008-10-05T02:54:00.000-07:00

You usually meet this and other holidays with a feeling of unitary burnout and stress ; you feel like going on holiday, finally getting some rest, mustering your strengths and thus preparing for a cutting-edge academic year or work.

In bounteous cases you can attribute yourself to people who can’t turn their thoughts from work problems to something deeper copacetic . You my friend are most likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Businesspeople often bemoan that even at home, that they can’t stop thinking about work. These thoughts are still spinning in their head even when he or she is trying to fall asleep. As a result he/she/they can’t fall asleep for a long time and this is the way restlessness develops.

Connected restlessness, a long working day (greater than 8 hours) are a great stress for our body. And finally, it starts sounding the alarm, reminding us about its needs with deviating indispositions starting from fatigue, tension, high irritability, headache and deeper meditative disorders.

Recently conducted research identified professions mostly subject to the burnout happening. These people always have to communicate with others. The four most risky occupations include: teacher, psychologist, actor, manager, etc.

Did you know that students also form a separate group at risk?

As they have to burn up the midnight oil, cramming for their exams or completing their college term papers and living on the Mountain Dew and Pizza diet. During the day they have to balance between studies and work.

Every person has his/ her own ways of relieving tension, having rest from pressure at work. Scientists define these methods as ecological and non ecological. Non ecological ways of entertaining includes: drinking, smoking, drugs, overeating and gambling.

These methods are called non ecological because a person who does not know other forms relaxation can get addicted to them. Various people agree that far increased ecological ways of rest after the work are walking, meeting with friends or spending time in the family circle, watching TV, taking a soothing hot bath or shower or my personal popular of getting a massage!

To procure time for rest you should be able to manage your time effectively. If you work all day long and continue doing it when you return home (it does not matter in thoughts or really), your efficiency will gradually decline.

All the time you are lamenting in your own problems and you acquire it unobtainable to forget about them and then have an incentive look at them. You definitely must plan your time so that you have some leisure during work and after it.

It really does not matter what you do during the rest. The point is to free your head from work issues at that moment. If you can’t get rid of thoughts about your work during the rest, try to arrange with "a responsible part of yourself", dealing with these problems that it will give you a little time off. After that you will return to them at the appointed time. In this case you will have a deeper efficient control of your state.

Your problems will not be solved just because you are thinking about them all the night. If you manage to acquire some painless methods of relaxation and rest, you will avoid burnout effect and you will feel better. You can use any methods of trance and relaxation during the day, plunging into relaxed state for several minutes.

This way you will relieve yourself from stress, prepare for responsible appointment, tuning yourself for certain feelings such as calmness, self- confidence, vitality, burst of energy and high spirits. Hamza Davis is a top distributor with Juice Plus.

He is committed to promoting health and wellness. To receive greater information, please visit http://www.iluvjuiceplus.com

Aromatherapy Travel Insurance - Essential Oils For Your Journeys

2008-08-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

by: Misty Rae Cech, ND

Going on a trip is usually thought of as a wonderful experience, one that you and your family may have planned and looked forward to for some time. To have the most fun - to get the most out of the experience - it's important that you and your loved ones have the means to overcome those little ailments and discomforts that can make the experience range from mildly unpleasant to downright unbearable. How can we include a little 'Trip Insurance' to our already overstuffed carry-ons or mini-vans? Aromatherapy has an answer with some readily-available essential oils.

Motion sickness, bug bites, digestive difficulties, and general travel weariness - to name a few - are common discomforts experienced when venturing away from home. A small collection of inexpensive essential oils can provide great relief from these amusement-threatening ailments. 'Treatment' with these oils is simple - ranging from inhaling a little oil from a tissue, to adding to a bath, to drinking a drop with a warm cup of water. And, thankfully, relief often comes quickly because of the oils' powerful properties and compatibility with our own bodies.

Peppermint and Ginger Essential Oils - Tummy Troubles and Clearing the Head

We'll begin with 'getting there' - any trip starts with traveling. By car, boat, plane, or otherwise, motion sickness commonly effects many people, particularly children. This can easily make the 'traveling' portion of your experience absolutely no fun. Enter Peppermint essential oil.

Peppermint has long been used to calm uneasy stomachs, and is easily used. One drop (it is strong!) in a cup of warm water, sweetened if you like, can be sipped before and during the voyage. For the fussy ones, a drop can be added to a small amount of honey and taken from a spoon for the same effect.

Ginger essential oil is also known for it's calming of upset stomachs - a little inhaled from a tissue or diluted in a carrier oil and rubbed on the abdomen can bring relief. One can also add a drop of ginger to warm water and drink as a strong tea - this may be effective for some food-related stomach issues as well, particularly when combined with the abdomen massage method.

Peppermint can also be uplifting to the weary driver or passenger - a drop or two placed on tissues in the car or near your seat will release the aroma into your surroundings. Be careful with this oil however, as getting it on sensitive areas of the skin (directly under the nose, and certainly near the eyes) can cause irritation. Tissues with the oil on it should not touch these areas directly.

Lavender Oil - the Great Soother

Lavender has been called 'a medicine chest in a bottle' due to its wide range of effects. The aroma of Lavender is uplifting and relaxing, useful for stress in congested airports or crowded highways. Breathing this very safe essential oil is effective for adults and children alike - inhaling drops from a tissue directly, or from one's placed in your surroundings can help you and your companions be at ease.

Plus Thyme, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus - Cleansing and Keeping Bugs and Bites at Bay

Lavender essential oil is also an effective wound-healer because of it's anti-inflammatory, mild antibacterial, and skin-regenerative actions. It can be used directly in case of burns, mixed 50:50 with Tea Tree and put on band aids to prevent infection, or blended with Thyme Linalol and Eucalyptus (2:4:2) and added to a bowl of water for an effective disinfectant wash.

Lavender is very useful for treating bites and stings - just place a little 'neat' (undiluted) on the affected area. This versatile oil is also a component of an insect repellent blend comprised of equal parts of Lavender, Thyme Linalol, and Peppermint, and a double-dose of Lemongrass essential oil. A drop or more placed on tissue or cloth about your room can keep the insects out of your space; 3 drops of this blend per teaspoon of carrier oil can be regularly applied to the skin - or you may mix a similar amount into any lotion you may have.

Lavender can be used in combination with Geranium, Chamomile, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils in relieving the effects of jet-lag. Getting out of this weary state as quickly as possible makes any trip more enjoyable. This requires getting yourself and companions in-synch with local time, having good rest at night and perhaps a gentle lift in the mornings and throughout the day.

To get yourself into the swing of local time, relax and be ready for bed with equal parts of Lavender and Geranium essential oils - Chamomile may also be used in place of the Geranium, and works especially well for soothing children (if they are irritable for ANY reason). Add a few drops to a bath or use in a massage oil. For a morning eye-opener, do the same using equal amounts of Peppermint and Eucalyptus. You will find these useful at other times when you need a little clarity and lightening-up.

Lemon Oil - the Purifier

Lemon also has some wonderfully diverse uses. It is effective as an antibacterial, but not so strong as to be an irritant. Adding several drops per quart to your drinking water will help purify it, and the water can act as a disinfectant to be used in washing your fruits and vegetables – the need for this certainly depends on your location, but it not a bad idea whenever bacterial contamination may be a possibility. Further, regularly drinking water with added lemon oil can gently stimulate the lymphatic and digestive systems, helping alleviate that sluggish feeling that often accompanies extended plane and car travel.

Eucalyptus Oil - For Keeping Cool and Cold Relief

Eucalyptus - the Narrow Leaf variety is a favorite - has a great range of uses as well. It can cool the body when too hot, and protect it when too cold. It is found in almost all formulas used to relieve congestion, can support circulation, and bring lightness to a travel-weary head.

Eucalyptus oil can be used like peppermint to uplift and invigorate during long intervals in an automobile. It can be added to a cool bath or used on a cold compress in cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (accompanied by, of course, copious amounts of water and electrolytes!), and used in a similar manner to reduce fever.

Eucalyptus oil may be blended with Geranium as a massage oil (3 drops Eucalyptus and 2 drops Geranium per teaspoon of carrier oil) to relieve heat cramps. For congestion relief, to a drawn bath, add 1 drop Eucalyptus, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Thyme, and 2 drops Tea Tree - soak and breathe deeply - or simply add a few drops to a steaming bowl of water and inhale.

These are just a few examples of ways to make your travel experiences more enjoyable with aromatherapy. With a little effort, you can expand your knowledge of these oils, discovering further uses, and find other oils that work well for your particular needs.

These essential oils are readily available, and fairly inexpensive - though caution should be used when buying oils, as some can be adulterated, and others are mass-produced with techniques that may limit their therapeutic benefits. The more pleasant and 'well rounded' an oil's aroma, generally the higher the quality. Your nose will know! And as with any aromatherapy application, start slowly - essential oils deserve a healthy respect.

About The Author
Misty Rae Cech, ND, is a naturopath and yoga instructor practicing in Boulder, Colorado. She is the owner of http://www.ananda-aromatherapy.com and http://www.anandaapothecary.com.

Aromatherapy Primer

2008-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Quality Matters

Aromatherapy is not about fragrance, but about healing. In aromatherapy, aromas -ARE- therapeutic. The healing properties come from highly concentrated extracts taken from herbs, flowers, and other plants. These extracts are called essential oils and are used at full strength.

Certain properties in essential oils trigger therapeutic effects in your body. When inhaled deeply, or applied to the skin surface in carrier oils, these properties produce very specific beneficial results.

Some of these benefits are well known, such as relaxation, energy stimulation, and pleasant memory association.

Other benefits are less well known, but equally as powerful. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in certain oils enhance the immune system. Some oils act as appetite stimulants, others act as appetite depressants, and both can help with weight management. Still other oils are hormone regulators.

How To Use

The list of potential benefits goes on and on. Learning how to use oils to achieve these benefits is what aromatherapy is really all about.

To achieve these benefits, full strength, undiluted essential oils are required. The term "100% essential oil" is used to describe oils that contain only the extract of a particular plant. Many people also assume that because an oil is l00% essential that it also is absolutely pure, but this is not true.

The essential oil industry itself actually grades the quality of 100% essential oils on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the purest, top grade.

The lower grade oils are extracted using lower quality processes, like adding chemicals to draw oil from live material, or using heat to enhance extraction. These kinds of methods destroy the live, vital essence of the essential oils, and sometimes even add chemical or toxic elements to the finished product. They certainly do not produce a pure, safe to breathe deep oil, and they are not recommended for therapeutic purposes.

Maintaining Quality

The ultimate therapeutic value of the essential oils used is totally dependent on the quality of the live plants, the way the oils are extracted, and the way they are handled after extraction. High standards that focus on product purity are critically important.

The best oils come from wild or organically grown plants because the plants themselves are chemical free. Also, the best oils are extracted using methods that use no heat and take more time, thus preserving the vitality and life essence of the plant. In some cases, such as with citrus oils, it is relatively easy to use these methods to extract a quantity of oil. In other cases, as with rose oil, the process is difficult and the raw material is rare, making the resulting oil quite precious

Common oils that are easy to extract consequently cost less then the more precious oils. The #1 quality oils will always be priced according to the value and rarity of the particular oil, and will never be lumped into one price point based on bottle size.

Tested and Certified

Therapeutic quality, #1 essential oils are laboratory tested with gas chromatography and certified to be free from impurities. When these oils are used, the therapeutic integrity of the plant is available. The quality is evident in the full vitality of the fragrance. In fact, the fragrance in these oils is so similar to the living plant that your nose might not be able to tell the difference. From a therapeutic standpoint, you might actually find the fragrance of the oil preferable to the live plant because the concentrated oil has intensified the vibrational, healing qualities of the plant.

Floral Waters

When essential oils are distilled, the process actually yields another, totally distinct product known as a hydrosol, or floral water.

Floral waters are a natural complement to essential oils because they contain all of the water-soluble properties that were in the original plants. Floral waters offer a more gentle, less concentrated form of the natural elements and are often easier to use.

Reprinted with Permission from Joanne Bassett -- www.bassettaromatherapy.com

Aromatherapy in the Work PlaceSimple Stress Reducers

2008-06-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

by Marian Brown

The workplace and stress seem to go hand and hand these days. Job insecurity, harsh lighting, lack of sunshine, computers, chemicals, job pressures and demands, and the list goes on and on it seems. Unfortunately, many of these factors seem beyond our control. We can not put windows in our work space cubicle, nor can we change our job description to lessen time on computers, telephones, and at the copier.

What can we do to lessen the stress and help us cope? One avenue is utilizing aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils (oils extracted from plants) for therapeutic benefit. Because aromatherapy can be done as a self-help technique, it can be very beneficial in the work place.

Used with common sense and guidance, it can be very beneficial in the work place as a stress reducer. The Columbia Seafirst Center is the home to recently opened Amphora Company, a unique specialty shop focusing on Aromatherapy products. Located in the heart of a bustling city and major downtown office building, the owners of Amphora see first hand what the office worker is looking for.

Scent Master Paul Cardoza noted that most of the applications prepared are done in lotions for easy use in the office. Cardoza finds that bergamot and lavender work well for stress and anxiety reduction. He adds that he also finds that dry skin is a concern in the office setting and has found success recommending a lotion with calendula and lavender.

Pendants are also an excellent way to utilize aromatherapy oils. Marcia Elston, owner of Samara Botane, commented that many of her customers use pendants to carry their personal synergies and blends with them. Elston explained that the blends can be in carrier oils that can easily be massaged into the neck or temples, wherever stress seems to accumulate.

A floral water spray, scented as needed, is also suggested. In addition to the aromatherapy benefit, the fine mist also provides moisture to the air, refreshing and revitalizing it. Floral waters, prepared properly, can also be misted directly on the face for an invigorating "pick up". JoAnne Bassett, certified aromatherapist, commented, "I use myrtle floral water sprayed on closed eyelids to help with the visual stress; puffiness, burning, blurring, etc."

Reprinted from the Holistic Health NEWS.

The Art Of Massage - Guide

2008-05-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

The word massage derives from the words 'mass' and 'massa', Portuguese and Arabic meaning to touch or handle. Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Everybody can massage, and most of us already do so without even knowing it. When you rub your hands together, you're doing massage. When you've stubbed a toe and rub it better, or rub a baby's back, you're doing massage. Massage is a natural thing to do, and the effects of massage promote health in a very natural way.

Massage can help everybody in numerous ways:

Stress Reduction: With current day living we tend to live hard working, hurried lives and stress can accumulate in our bodies in various ways, including neck, shoulder and back pain. Massage therapy identifies those areas and helps reduce muscle tension, as well as the overall level of stress and tension in the body.

Pain Relief: People with arthritis, whiplash, neck or back injuries and even those unfortunate enough to be involved in car accidents can all benefit from massage. Different massages relieve the different kinds of pain experienced. Massage can also benefit those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Sports Performance: Many top sportsmen and women employ massage therapists to treat and even prevent injuries from occurring.

If you've never given a massage before here are a few things you'll need:

Clean Towels
Old Clean Sheet (massage oils will stain)
Candles
Romantic CDs
Massage Oil

Before you start your massage, you'll need to set the mood.
Lock the doors, and turn off the phone.
Set the bed ready, use an old clean sheet as massage oils will stain, and roll towels up for a head and neck rest.
Turn the lights off and use candle light instead for a more romantic feeling. Put some calming music on.

Good communication is essential for an effective massage. Let your partner know what you would like to do and where you are going to start. Start with light strokes and when you feel your partner is relaxing move onto to a massage.

Pour about two tablespoons of massage oil into the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together lightly. When the oil is warm and evenly distributed, begin massaging your partner's back with long, deep strokes.
At the beginning, communicate frequently with your partner to determine if the strokes are too hard or too soft. Keep your hands in contact with your partner at all times, take your time with each rhythmic yet sensitive stroke, and proceed from long, gliding strokes to shorter, deeper strokes.
Use your body weight rather than your arm strength for deep strokes. Once you have developed a rhythm that pleases both of you, move on to the shoulders and arms, and progress to the legs and feet, brushing the buttocks as you move up and down your partner's body.
Ask your partner to turn over. Begin massaging the chest, arms and hands. Pay special attention to your female partner's breasts: don't be too invasive at this stage, but don't ignore them. Lightly stroke the chest and undersides.
Glide down to the legs, brushing the genitals on your way down. After finishing the fronts of the legs and feet, glide back up and slowly brush over the genitals. Tease your partner by brushing his or her inner thighs near the genitals, and very lightly touching the pubic region.

Massage is an ideal form of foreplay and can often lead to more. Introduce sex toys too - they are perfectly safe and highly recommended. Once the massage is finished, remember to carry on with the relaxation by spending some time together before falling asleep or rushing out the door. You have both just shared a very intimate experience together. If this was your first attempt at massage, just remember practise makes perfect.

Why Am I Always Tired?

2008-04-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! You usually meet this and other holidays with a feeling of unitary burnout and stress ; you feel like going on holiday, finally getting some rest, mustering your strengths and thus preparing for a cutting-edge academic year or work. In bounteous cases you can attribute yourself to people who can’t turn their thoughts from work problems to something deeper copacetic . You my friend are most likely to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Businesspeople often bemoan that even at home, that they can’t stop thinking about work. These thoughts are still spinning in their head even when he or she is trying to fall asleep. As a result he/she/they can’t fall asleep for a long time and this is the way restlessness develops. Connected restlessness, a long working day (greater than 8 hours) are a great stress for our body. And finally, it starts sounding the alarm, reminding us about its needs with deviating indispositions starting from fatigue, tension, high irritability, headache and deeper meditative disorders.

Recently conducted research identified professions mostly subject to the burnout happening. These people always have to communicate with others. The four most risky occupations include: teacher, psychologist, actor, manager, etc. Did you know that students also form a separate group at risk? As they have to burn up the midnight oil, cramming for their exams or completing their college term papers and living on the Mountain Dew and Pizza diet. During the day they have to balance between studies and work. Every person has his/ her own ways of relieving tension, having rest from pressure at work. Scientists define these methods as ecological and non ecological. Non ecological ways of entertaining includes: drinking, smoking, drugs, overeating and gambling. These methods are called non ecological because a person who does not know other forms relaxation can get addicted to them. Various people agree that far increased ecological ways of rest after the work are walking, meeting with friends or spending time in the family circle, watching TV, taking a soothing hot bath or shower or my personal popular of getting a massage! To procure time for rest you should be able to manage your time effectively. If you work all day long and continue doing it when you return home (it does not matter in thoughts or really), your efficiency will gradually decline.

All the time you are lamenting in your own problems and you acquire it unobtainable to forget about them and then have an incentive look at them. You definitely must plan your time so that you have some leisure during work and after it. It really does not matter what you do during the rest. The point is to free your head from work issues at that moment. If you can’t get rid of thoughts about your work during the rest, try to arrange with "a responsible part of yourself", dealing with these problems that it will give you a little time off. After that you will return to them at the appointed time. In this case you will have a deeper efficient control of your state.

Your problems will not be solved just because you are thinking about them all the night. If you manage to acquire some painless methods of relaxation and rest, you will avoid burnout effect and you will feel better. You can use any methods of trance and relaxation during the day, plunging into relaxed state for several minutes. This way you will relieve yourself from stress, prepare for responsible appointment, tuning yourself for certain feelings such as calmness, self- confidence, vitality, burst of energy and high spirits. Hamza Davis is a top distributor with Juice Plus. He is committed to promoting health and wellness. To receive greater information, please visit http://www.iluvjuiceplus.com

Aromatherapy for Pets

2008-03-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

by Liz Santher

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to treat mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

About the Author
Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.
http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com

Benefits of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

2008-02-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

...the therapeutic use of essential oils to enhance the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit....

Benefits of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

· Enhances current well-being

· Aids in improvement of health

· Works with emotions (for balance and well-being)

· Spiritual Guidance

· Purification of Environment

Aid in boosting immune, respiratory, circulatory systems

Recharge and Re-energize with Aromatherapy Oil

2008-01-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

We all have busy and stressful lives, which can at times take its toll on our moods and wellbeing. We spend our whole lives rushing from A to B and from one problem to the next, without taking time out to recharge and re-energize the body and mind. Living like this for too long can have adverse affects on your health and can cause you to feel depressed and fatigued.

The use of Aromatherapy oil and some simple techniques can help to re-vitalise and recharge your flagging batteries. You don’t need to be a professional to use these techniques; all you need is a few minutes out of your busy schedule, to practice these simple methods.

If you awake in morning, feeling exhausted and you have a tough day ahead, an aromatherapy bath will mentally prepare you for the rest of the day. 6 drops of Peppermint oil, blended with Rosemary and Juniper will make an excellent morning bath, which will both energize and uplift.

If you are feeling mentally fatigued in the mornings, during your commute to work, you could try a single drop of Rosemary oil on each wrist. The energizing and stimulating properties of the Rosemary oil will uplift, clear the head and make you alert for the day ahead.

In the evening, after a hard day, a simple oil burner and some relaxing music can do wonders for your moods. A few drops of energising aromatherapy oil such as Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon or Citronella will lift the spirit and calm the nerves. These citrus oils also blend well with Bergamot, which is also a great oil to refresh and relax with.

You can also use simple aromatherapy techniques in the workplace, to keep up your energy levels and concentration throughout the day. An oil burner on the desk is not always convenient, so you could try making a simple air spray consisting of Flower Water and essential oils. Mix together in a spray bottle, shake well and spray when you are in need of a tonic.

By following these simple techniques, along with others that you will learn as you progress in the world of aromatherapy, you will find that the stresses and strains of everyday life will soon become more manageable.

Emma writes articles on how Aromatherapy can help you in your daily life and runs various Aromatherapy websites. To buy Aromatherapy oil for use with the above techniques, visit us at www.discount-aromatherapy-oil.co.uk

Practical Aromatherpy

2008-01-12T01:01:00.000-08:00

The practice of aromatherapy has been used for centuries to reduce the symptoms of stress and to enhance one’s ability to energize or relax.

Proper use of essential oils may assist in balancing your emotions and may even enhance your overall e3motional outlook.

How does it work? Aromatherapy uses essentials oil. These are natural oils that are generally distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. These oils contain natural chemicals that work in synergy together. Inhaling these naturally occurring synergistic chemicals provide triggers to our brain. These triggers affect our emotions.

How do I use them? Because essential oils are highly concentrated, one should never apply them directly to skin. Common applications for aromatherapy include: candles, room sprays, diffusers, incense and use in bath and body products.

Candles are available in many shapes, styles and sizes. There are now even wickless candles and aroma wax melts for those that aren’t fond of traditional flame candles. One recommendation is to use aromatherapy candles made with soy wax. Soy is known for its cleaner burn and increased scent throw.

Room and linen sprays are an effective way to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Used on bedding, it can be a particularly effective aid to induce sleep.

Bath products containing essential oils are nice because the fragrance goes with you throughout the day. You can use essential oil infused soaps and bath salts. Lotions are a great way to spread scent on your body as well.

Diffusers and incense are another way of using essential oils to scent the air around you. Incense comes in may different forms, including sticks, cones, powder, charcoal and others. Charcoal incense doesn’t smoke as much as traditional types in incense. Diffusers are rapidly growing in popularity and are readily available, also in several different styles.

However you choose to implement aromatherapy into your life, be sure to research the particular benefits of an oil before using it. In other words, don’t use it simply because it smells good. That’s what cologne is. Essential oils have specific benefits that go along with them.; Similarly, don’t use an oil with the benefit you are looking for if the smell doesn’t agree with your or evokes negative memories.

Where do I find them? There are many online retailers that sell essential oils, but make sure that you find a reputable company that uses quality oils. Many health food stores also carry essential oils.

Which oils should I use? There are hundreds of oils and thousands of blends. Only by experimenting will you be able to determine which oils work best for you. I have made a list of several easily found oils and their suggested benefit.

Lavender: Antidepressant, calming, balancing. Clary Sage: Relaxing, inspiring, revitalizing. Jasmine: Antidepressant, aphrodisiac. Bergamot: Refreshing. Sandalwood: Calming, balancing, uplifting. Eucalyptus: Anti-inflammatory, stimulant. Tea Tree: Antiseptic, insecticide, stimulant. Basil: antiseptic, uplifting, stimulating. Geranium: Comforting, healing. Ylang Ylang: Relaxing, stimulating.

Remember that aromatherapy is not meant to treat any kind of medical condition but to compliment medical treatment by aiding in the emotional well being of the patient. While some oils have antiseptic qualities, it is always important to seek medical advice in the event of an injury. Please see your doctor is you have health concerns.

If you are pregnant, please make sure that any essential oil or blend you use is safe. Check with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner in your area.

With so many different ways to use it, aromatherapy is an easy way to enhance your moods. Have fun experimenting with the different applications and oils and experience the benefits for yourself.

Always remember to pamper yourself…you deserve it!!!

Neroli Oil - What It Is And Why To Use

2008-01-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

Introduction:

Neroli oil took its name from Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who was once the Duchess of Bracciano and the Princess of Nerola. She is given credit for introducing this essential oil to Italy’s most affluent members of society, in the 17th century. During that period of time, Neroli oil was often used in bath water or as a perfume on stationary and clothing. Its rich, floral scent gained almost instant popularity and was used commercially by J.M. Farina, the famous Italian perfume manufacturer. In 1709, he began selling an essential oil blend of Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Petitgrain, Rosemary and Neroli. He called this magical blend “Eau de Cologne”, which is still quite well known throughout today’s modern world.

Before making its way to Italy, Neroli oil completed a journey spanning several centuries. It is believed that Neroli oil originated in South-East Asia, before traveling to India, Burma and China. Neroli oil was considered a valuable trading item. Because of this, it continued to spread to other regions of the world including Africa, Arabia and Syria. Then, thanks to the Moors, it made its way further north and further west. Neroli oil was eventually carried into the Mediterranean region. And, by the end of the 12th century bitter orange trees were being cultivated in Seville, Spain for the production of this highly sought essential oil.

Like rose oil, this oil’s valid expense is driven by the enormous amount of blossoms necessary to produce Neroli essential oil. In fact, 1 ton of orange blossoms are required to produce one quart of Neroli oil. Neroli oil is the extracted essential oil of fragrant blossoms from the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium sub.sp amara). However, before the orange blossoms may be used in the distillation process to produce essential oil, all traces of debris, including green leaves and twigs, must be removed by hand.

Features/Benefits:

Neroli oil is a middle (heart) note. Middle notes are essential oils that possess flowery or spicy scents and may promote emotional balance. Neroli oil is well known for its mentally and physically relaxing properties. Mentally, Neroli oil may be used to calm panic, shock, depression, mental exhaustion or anxiety and may also assist with insomnia. These benefits may be achieved by deeply inhaling the fragrance or by rubbing a drop or two directly onto the solar plexus. Physically, Neroli oil may assist with menstrual cramps by adding it to a bath or by diluting it to 10% in pure apricot oil, which can then be gently massaged into the abdomen. It is also believed that Neroli oil contains anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties, which may make it possible to support intestinal disorders. As well, Neroli oil possesses anti-spasmodic properties that may settle a racing heart and heart palpitations.

Above and beyond the physical benefits just mentioned, Neroli oil might be most respected for its ability to assist the body with healthy skin. For best results Neroli oil should be blended with a hypoallergenic carrier lotion or base cream rather than a carrier oil. When applied regularly to the skin, Neroli oil has been noted to improve varicose veins, skin elasticity and the body’s ability to develop new skin cells, while working to soften the skin, wrinkles and scars. Neroli oil may also be able to regulate oiliness, minimize enlarged pores and clear blemishes.

Finally, Neroli oil has a uniquely strong scent that appeals to both men and women, which allows Neroli oil to claim the benefits of an aphrodisiac, providing a combination of physical and mental benefits.

Neroli oil blends well with: Cedarwood oil, Cinnamon oil, Clary Sage oil, Clove oil, Geranium oil, Jasmine oil, Lavender oil, Lemon oil, Myrrh oil, Rose oil, and Sandalwood oil.

Copyright © 2007 Tawne Bachus

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

Tawne Bachus is the Vice President of Essential Dynamics, Inc., a leading provider of undenatured whey protein and essential oils. For more information, please visit the Essential Dynamics Blog Home Page or to purchase these products online, please visit Essential Dynamics Online Shopping Cart.

Lavender: Nature's Extraordinary Secret

2008-01-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Toronto, ON, Canada –September 6, 2007 – Lavender has long been regarded for its splendour and uniquely breathtaking fragrance. It is more than just a flower that gives an exquisite view to its surroundings. It also has the power to heal, not only for physical injuries but also for emotional stress. With the ever-increasing popularity of natural skin care products, Lavender is fast becoming known as nature’s healer. Aromatherapists have known for a while about its benefits and with its supreme versatility it has led some to call it a medicine chest in a bottle.

With its different species and various uses, all could be beneficial to health as Lavender which is part of the Labiatae family, has long been used extensively in herbal medicine. The English lavender or Lavandula angustifolia highly yields an effective essential oil with a very sweet aroma. This extract may be utilized as an ointment, balm, fragrance, make up ingredient, tea, compress and many other significant applications. The essential oil that yields from French lavender or Lavandula dentata, has a higher content of ester which adds a stronger tinge to the scent. The Spanish lavender or Lavandula stoechas is not used in medicine; it is utilized mainly for landscaping purposes. Lavender oil is an essential oil, derived from plants by the steam distillation of the flowers.

Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean countries but the main source of Lavender is France. Its essential extract is used in aromatherapy for its antiseptic, healing, antispasmodic, bactericidal, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In World War I, this essential extract was used in hospitals to disinfect the surroundings. Prior to the Greeks and Romans discovered that lavender does not just give a delightful scent but that this flower’s oil was also found to be a perfect ingredient for so many home-making chores. It kills germs and can be used in a diffuser to purify the air and reduce the spread of colds and viruses. This is the safest essential oil to use for babies and children, but of course it should still be properly diluted with carrier oil such as Sweet Almond, Avocado or Grapeseed.

Lavender essential oil is excellent for the skin and adding its extract to soaps and bathwater gives off a fresh fragrance. It also helps repair skin problems while making the skin feel invigorated. With both antiseptic and sedative properties, this highly aromatic oil refreshes and tones the skin. Because of its soothing capabilities of the nerves and due to its high ester content, it is said to calm nervous heart complaints. Lavender oil can be used topically to moisturize and revitalize the skin’s dermal layer as this flower’s extract is used for treating all sorts of skin disorders. Examples of these are blisters, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, cold sores, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, and parasites such as lice. It is also used to counter the itching effect of insect bites and stings a traditional treatment of such skin disorders in Iran.

Other possible uses include acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, colds, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, dysmenorrheal, earache, flatulence, flu, headache, hypertension, heal burns and wounds, insect repellent, insomnia, itching, labour pains, migraine, nervousness, oily skin, rheumatism, sensitive skin, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stress, stretch marks, sunburns, reduce cramps, vertigo and whooping cough. This flower also embraces the female health and as previously stated has a healing effect on the skin, which prevents scaring and balances the tone. To use Lavender in this manner a tea is created to alleviate ailments or dropped as an essential oil to heal burns and skin infections.

Lavender tea has a lot of uses for the body. Drinking lavender tea is an accepted remedy for headaches. It also soothes upset stomachs and eases up bowel movements. Cooled lavender tea is also an effective mouthwash as it doesn’t only leave a wonderful scent but also draw a smile on the face. To make a lavender tea, immerse two tablespoons of dried lavender flowers in one litre of hot water. This may also be applied to treat bruises or wounds. The warmth and the antiseptic qualities of the flower combine to help heal the wound. This can be done as a compress by dipping strips of dressing cloth or sanitized linen in the warm liquid until it can be applied on the bruised or wounded areas of the skin. Moreover, this flower’s extract could help ease the pain of sunburn and sunstroke.

Chest congestion can be treated with a warm lavender tea compress. By placing a warm compress of the tea on top of the chest, it could bring relief to the patient. It can also ease up breathing by inhaling the vapour of lavender. To do this, place the newly boiled lavender tea in a basin then cover it and the patients’ head with a bath towel allowing the patient to inhale the steam. This would make the patient absorb the scent to clear the airways from the nose to the lungs. Lavender oil is one of the most favorite essential oils not only because of its wonderful qualities but also because of its great smell. Its calming and relaxing scent helps to combat stress and anxiety and can also be used as an anti-depressant for treating apprehension and depression. Its aroma has a soothing effect on the physical and mental stability of a person, as it is also superb for helping with asthma and migraines. This flower's soothing properties are very well known for people who are stressed. Soaking in lavender scented bath is extremely comforting and rejuvenating. While cleansing and energizing the skin, the weariness of the day may just drift away. This flower is commonly used to facilitate sleep and relaxation in aromatherapy as it helps people sleep and be refreshed the next day shunning away the troubles of the past day.

Feel your tension and anxiety melt away with this soothing scent while its relaxing fragrance promotes a peaceful sleep. For a serene night’s sleep placing a bag of lavender buds under the pillow or a few drops of the essential oil on the pillow will create a soothing fragrance that can help calm anyone at the end of the day. A recommended relaxing and calming Lavender tea drink before bedtime can be made from steeping one teaspoon of lavender flower heads added to a cup of boiling water. These combined will help achieve a peaceful night’s sleep.

Lavender oil has been one of the most favorite essential oils not only or its breathtaking scent but also for its healing and flavorful properties.

bluebasins bath & body is a new online all natural skin care product company which uses Lavender Essential Oil in a variety of their products. They can be found at www.bluebasins.com.

Experience The Many Benefits Of Aromatherapy

2008-01-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to relax after a long stressful day. Using different scents have been proven to change moods and make it easier for you to see the world with a more positive outlook.

Research has indicated that when the senses are stimulated, it can actually reduce the amount of stress that you feel on a day to day basis. It can help to alleviate the negativity that surrounds you and help you to unwind at the end of a long workday. There are many different scents that can be used for different purposes.

People have been using aromatherapy for centuries. The oils and fragrances from the flowers have been used to cure headaches and to rejuvenate the body and relieve stress and tension for hundreds of years. Research has concluded that stress it the number one cause of headaches, and with aromatherapy it can be relieved almost immediately.

Aromatherapy can be used in different ways. It can be used as a “pot pourrie” style fragrance where a relaxing scent is released into the air. It can also be used during a massage for a totally relaxing experience. It is important that person giving the massage be experienced in aromatherapy techniques. There are certain ways that the oils need to be diluted in order for them to have the desired affect.

Roses, jasmine, lotus blossoms, citrus flowers, and lavender are just a few of the flowers that are used to create the wonderful fragrances of aromatherapy. The benefits of aromatherapy can be dated back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. These cultures have known for centuries that aromatherapy can have many properties beneficial to overall mental health. Today, most of the flowers that are used in aromatherapy are grown around Egypt.

Aromatherapy is also used as a medical aid to treat people who suffer from anxiety, stress and tension. It has been used to stabilize mood swings and to bring women out of depression, especially after having a baby. It has also been tested on people who suffer from insomnia. It has proved to work quite well on the majority of people.

It seems like new benefits of aromatherapy are being discovered every day. The most recent discovery is that rose oil, which has always been associated with innocence and purity, it can be used to eliminate jealousy, and it can also be used as an aphrodisiac with the right mixture of the right oils, and have been proven to be quite effective in that role.

In order to truly appreciate the therapeutic, medical, and relaxation properties of aromatherapy, you owe it to yourself to try it. It is so effective in these areas that it is difficult to put it into words, but this is something that you will understand much better after you have experienced it at least once, having the aromatherapy session done by a trained professional who understands the techniques and the effects of the multitude of different oils that can be used.

You have to try it to appreciate it, and once you have tried it, chances are high that aromatherapy will become a part of your regular routine every month! To get more insights and additional information about Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Oils please visit our web site at http://www.aromatherapyexplained.com

Essential Oils Tips

2007-12-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Essential indicates that the oil carries distinctive scent of the plant. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Essential oils are usually lipophilic (literally: "oil-loving") compounds that usually are not miscible with water. Instead, they can be diluted in solvents like pure 100% ethanol ,polyethylene glycol, or oils.

Today, most common essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, are distilled. Raw plant material, consisting of the flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds, or peel, is put into an alembic over water.When using essentil oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner. The smoke from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Essential oils are naturally high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.

Essential Oils Tips

Essential oil can be put on radiators, scent rings, or light bulbs (avoid the socket).
Don't use undiluted oils on your skin.
Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on your inner arm.
Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
Add 7-10 drops of essential oil to bath water directly or blend with 1 teaspoon of vegetable.
Massage helps the skin to absorb essential oils.
Use lavender essential oil in a spritzer bottle to spray on sheets and blankets at bedtime for a deeper relaxing sleep.
Wax candles can be bought ready-impregnated with essential oils and are a delightful way of scenting a room. Or
Essential oils are extracts from different parts of the plants such as herbs, flowers, leaves, resin, bark, fruit rinds and roots.
Add 2-5 drops of an essential oil to one teaspoon of unscented lotion.
Add 3 drops of appropriate essential oil to 1 t. of water, mix and gargle.
Add 10 drops to your bath water. Agitate water in a figure 8 motion. Soak in it for 15 minutes minimum.
Use a sitz bath with just enough water to cover lower body and add 5 drops of essential oil.
Avoid applying Essential Oils immediately after perspiring or using a sauna.
Avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds after applying essential oils.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.beauty-makeup-guide.com/, http://www.beauty-makeup-skincare.com and http://www.cosmeticsdiary.com/ .

Soothing Tea Time For Your Skin

2007-12-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

The BaSIX and Beyond introduces agoodnightkiss® organic and natural tub tea sachets.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) September 2, 2007 -- Life is accelerating at an exhausting pace, with no slowdown in the near future. As a result, the need for balance and harmony has become important to many female consumers. Although the spa has become a fashionable destination, many consider visiting the spa to be both time-consuming and expensive. Thus, the spa-at-home concept, which gives consumers the chance to relax in their own homes, has been embraced as a welcome alternative in recent years. To help consumers turn their own spa-at-home dream into reality, The BaSIX and Beyond has created agoodnightkiss® organic and natural tub tea sachets. Infused with botanical extracts, the custom-blended tub teas cultivate the imagination and nourish your dreams.

Created by CEO and founder, Sharon Prendergast, agoodnightkiss® tub tea sachet blends contain ingredients chosen and specially formulated to provide aroma therapeutic and physiological benefits, promising to relieve stress, relax sore muscles, nourish skin and aid in sleeping. These benefits are typically produced from natural ingredients, like botanicals and minerals. Run a hot bath and toss a tea bag in the tub, allowing the sachet to submerge. Allow water to cool to comfort and enjoy your own spa-at-home experience. The tub tea sachets are available in three aromatherapy blends and in three hydrotherapy blends.

The aromatherapy blends are:

No. 1 Passionflower -- The name almost speaks for itself. This blend is helpful in promoting relaxation and aiding in a restful night's sleep. This aromatherapy blend infuses bath water with valerian root, organic passionflower, chamomile, white tea, organic rolled oats, organic sweet brown rice and dried organic rosebuds, as well as hops, anise seed and organic tofu.

No. 4 Lavender Herb -- Lavender was revered as an after bath perfume by the Romans. Prelude to a great night's sleep, this aromatherapy blend contains lavender, lavandin, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium and fir needle oils, in addition to organic rosemary, organic sweet brown rice, organic rolled oats, organic chamomile, dried organic lavender flowers and organic tofu.

No. 6 Motherhood -- You will agree that this aromatherapy blend of organic rolled oats, organic sweet brown rice, organic white tea, sunflower oil, geranium oil, bergamot oil, almond oil, rose absolute, honey, shredded coconut and organic tofu will transform bath water into a comforting oasis of aromatic pleasure.

The hydrotherapy blends are:

No. 2 New York City Chai -- This warm, piquant fragrance invites your senses to experience a soothing calmness. This hydrotherapy blend is made with organic ginger root, organic cardamom pods, organic nutmeg, Darjeeling tea, organic vanilla beans and Dead Sea salt.

No. 3 Cilantro Apple -- The herb, cilantro, is a great detoxifier. This hydrotherapy blend of organic cilantro, chamomile, organic green tea and Dead Sea salt will definitely entice you to skip a shower and make time for a relaxing soak instead.

No. 5 Rosemary Mint -- Use of this hydrotherapy blend infuses your bath water with organic rosemary, anise, ginger, geranium, spearmint, peppermint and rosemary oils, accompanied by galangal and clary sage extracts and Dead Sea salt. You will find the purifying vapors to be invigorating as well as relaxing.

Sharon Prendergast, CEO and founder, states, "Our skin absorbs nutrients and releases toxins. While delighting the senses, our tub tea blends help promote balance and comfort. Every tub tea sachet contains a generous amount of therapeutic plant extracts. Spa therapy, which is mainly bathing, provides a multi-sensory experience and water provides healing benefits, which are both spiritual and therapeutic in nature. Our objective is to develop products that are self-empowering, therapeutic, and enjoyable, and we intend to make them available to all consumers."

The average female consumer is still learning to appreciate downtime for herself, away from her daily routine. The oversized sachets are packaged five to a reusable tin. Each biodegradable tub tea bag is pre-mixed and pre-measured for you, thereby taking the guesswork out of how much to use at bath time. The tub teas have a suggested retail price of $28 and are available at www.agoodnightkiss.com.

Ms. Prendergast adds, "The need for balance and harmony is important to many female consumers. The time spent in the fast lane has created a need to compensate for today's stressful and harried lifestyle. Many women are turning to spa therapy. There is a need to relax and cleanse the mind and body. The BaSIX and Beyond's agoodnightkiss® natural and organic tub tea blends help create the spa experience in your own home, a luxury customarily reserved for a trip to a day spa."

Visit our websites: http://www.agoodnightkiss.com; http://satinhaircare.com

Essential Oils in Aromatherapy Massage

2007-12-25T04:16:00.000-08:00

Below are listed just some of the essential oils and their properties used in Ripple massages and products. Ripple uses only the best quality pure essential oils in our aromatherapy oils. We come to you in the Gold Coast, Mt Tamborine and Brisbane areas for your massage. .See all our massage packages here

Jasmine - Jasmines' aromatic flowers have been used for centuries for adornment and decoration. In China the jasmine flower symbolises the sweetness of women while in India it symbolises divine hope. Jasmine essential oil is known as one of the most effective essential oils for nervous anxiety, restlessness and depression. It is also particularly useful for treating dry and irritated skin.

Orange Blossom (Neroli) - Orange blossom oil comes from the bitter orange tree which was first cultivated in the Mediterranean by the Arabs in the 10th Century. Neroli is named after the 17th century Italian Princess of Nerola, Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who wore the oil in her gloves. Neroli is considered highly effective as a sedative and antidepressant and is recommended for the treatment of insomnia and as a relaxant. The oil is reputed to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin as it has an ability to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells.

Lavender - Lavender is often referred to as the mother of essential oils and is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties and has a harmonsing effect on the nervous system. It is very beneficial for the relief of muscle aches and pains and can also be used for the relief of rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis. It has antiseptic qualities and can be used to treat insect bites. Ripple uses true lavender (L. angustifolia) in its oil blends, a pure highly effective (and more expensive) lavender essential oil.

Sandalwood - Sandalwood is one of the oldest known aromatic materials and has at least 4,000 years of history of use. The use of sandalwood became an integral part of Brahmin, Buddhism and other religious rituals. Sandalwood's common name is derived from the Sanskrit 'chandana'. Sandalwood is known as a relaxant and is great for insomnia and tension. It is useful on dry skin and for varicous veins.

Mandarin - Mandarin is native to China and Indo China and was first introduced into Europe in the eighteenth centry. This essential oil has a tonic effect on the digestive system and helps regulate the metabolic processes. It is also considered the "childrens remedy" and great for soothing restlessness especially in hyperactive children. It is also good for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

Lime - One of the most uplifting of essential oils, lime is often used in massage blends as a lymphatic stimulant and may be used for the treatment of fluid retention and cellulite. It also acts as an astringent and is especially useful for oily skin and in the treatment of acne.

Tangerine - Tangerine oil is cold pressed from the peel of the ripe fruit. It is recommended for acne and congested and oily skin. It has a tonic effect on the digestive system and is often used in massage blends for pregnant women from the fifth month onwards.

Frangipani - Frangipani is known as the Tree of Life in India as a branch cut from the tree will continue to blossom and will grow into a new tree when placed in the ground. Frangipani was the favorite flower of Lord Krishna. Frangipani oil is originally derived from India and has a heady, sweet scent. It is a refreshing oil and is often used for deep cleansing.

Grapefruit - The oil from grapefruit is known as stimulating to the lymphatic system and therefore great for a detoxing routine. It is indicated for the treatment of cellulite, obesity and water retention. It has an uplifting and reviving effect which makes it valuable for treating stress, depression and exhaustion. Great for those who are feeling a little down, particularly in winter.

Geranium - The geranium plant originated in South Africa, and was first introduced to Europe in the 17th Century, where it was planted extensively for the French perfume industry in the 1800s. Geranium oil is a diuretic and has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It is beneficial for treating cellulite, fluid retention and is useful for treating bruises. It has a positive effect the nervous system and for relieving stress and headaches. It is great for use on all skin types.

Peppermint - The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with peppermint at their feasts and used peppermint to flavour their sauces and wines. It is well known as one of the most effective essential oils for the digestive system and is good for nausea and relieving travel sickness. It is also useful in the relief of muscle and joint pain and insect bites and has an uplifting cleansing aroma.

Lemongrass - Lemongrass was originally used as a food flavouring throughout Asia. The fresh leaves are crushed in water and used as a hair wash in India. It has cleansing, antibacterial properties and its scent is uplifting and energising. Lemongrass is often used as a skin tonic and is use din cleansing lotions.

Tea Tree - A native Australian plant, the aboriginals have long recognised the positive properties of the tea tree. The leaves have traditionally been used, crushed in thehand to relieve colds and headaches and as an antiseptic. It is unusual in that it has a broad spectrum effect against bacteria and fungi. It is great for athletes foot and blisters

Aromatherapy Sensual Massages

2007-12-25T04:14:00.000-08:00

A sensual massage is a wonderful way for couples to express the intimate expressions of their hearts. What will you do for your lover this Valentine’s Day? Why not share an intimate expression with an aromatherapy massage?

Couples really respond to soothing scents and pleasurable touches to the their bodies. That’s why an aromatherapy massage is a perfect gift for that special someone. Massages are relaxing, and a little R&R feels pretty darn good.

There are hundreds of magazines and websites devoted to the art of massage. Now some of you may wonder why people dedicate time and effort into writing magazine articles and sharing Aromatherapy stories with a bunch of strangers. Well, most people wish to share this insight with others, as it is known to make people feel good.

Not everyone has had the opportunity to give a sensual aromatherapy massage. You may not even know where to begin. Don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you get your hands working in no time. Have fun with your partner and share your gift--step by step.

1. Pick a Location
Some of the most seasoned couples who practice massage, have a massage table. Don’t have a massage table? Don’t worry. You can give your partner an aromatherapy massage from the comfort of your bed, or lying on the floor.

2. Set the Mood
It is a ‘sensual’ massage, after all. Set the mood with a few lit candles or a bouquet of fresh flowers. Let your partner know that you’ve given much thought to this gift in advance.

3. Create Ambience
Toss all of your worries to the side. Unplug the phone, lock the door, turn the computer off. Choose a relaxing CD that you both enjoy and put it into the CD player. Dim the lights and set out a nice array of oils.

4. Supplies for an ‘Aphrodisiac’ Massage
Wondering what you need? Here’s an aromatherapy sensual massage recipe for desire:

? 4 ounces of your preferred carrier oil
? 15 drops of sandalwood oil
? 9 drops of cinnamon oil

5. The Massage
Begin by applying warmed oils to the area of your partners body that you wish to begin with. Most people begin with a back rub, which is a superb area to release tension, and achieve heightened relaxation.
Continuous motion is a very important aspect of your aromatherapy massage. Use different strokes and patterns without any sudden movements. You can always incorporate silk, feathers, and anything soft into the massage. As these things are a pleasure to the body’s senses.

Aromatherapy for the 21st century

2007-12-25T04:12:00.001-08:00

Aromatherapy has become a very popular form of relaxation for many people. People find themselves under more and more stress in the 21st century than ever before. Many try to juggle a career, family, and still need to find time for themselves. Aromatherapy is a great method with which to relieve the stress of everyday life.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which occur in nature and have the effect of altering our state of mind. It is believed that certain scents may not only affect just our mood, but also our health as well. While man may have used scents to cure themselves over the years, aromatherapy is a relatively new science in that presses out or distils out the volatile scent bearing parts of plants. The word aromatherapy was actually first used by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. He was working in a perfume lab when he accidentally burned himself. He put his burned hand into the closest liquid – lavender oil. He noticed that it seemed to help the pain and the burn healed very quickly. And so the art of aromatherapy was born.

The oils can be poured into bathwater, inhaled (when combined with water to make steam or in a diffuser), in a cold compress (especially to treat muscle injuries), or as a salve, cream or gel. You can use aromatherapy oils in a humidifier, but remember that only a few drops are needed. Most oils you can buy will last between six months to two years.

There are different materials that can be used to create different aromas. Many people like to use essential oils. These are obtained from plants through distillation or expression. Something like eucalyptus oil would be distilled while oil such as grapefruit would be expressed. Other types of oils that may be used are absolutes, infusions, and carrier oils.

There are different scents used for different things. For example, if you want to sharpen your concentration, you may want to use an oil that contains basil. It has a sweet and mildly spicy smell. Using oil that has basil may also help lift depression as well as relieve headaches. If you suffer from headaches, you may want to consider using peppermint. It is said to help relieve headaches and help indigestion.

Another popular type of oil used in aromatherapy is bergamot. Bergamot oil comes from the small, pear shaped citrus fruit. It is believed that bergamot can help your digestive and urinary tract. It can help relieve skin conditions caused by stress. Aromatherapists believe that lemon and citrus can also help heal wounds and infections. Another oil that heals wounds and infections is Chamomile. It will also relieve muscle aches and help with anxiety.

One of the most popular oils is eucalyptus. It can help with coughs, colds, and asthma. It is also believed that eucalyptus aromatherapy will help boost your immune system. Rosemary will also boost your immune system and help mental stimulation. Lavender not only has a great smell, but is also very relaxing and good for treating wounds and burns.

While aromatherapy can help many of your ailments, you should never ingest any type of essential oils. They should always be used only as directed by a qualified aromatherapist. The therapist can blend according to age, condition and skin sensitivity, which is important.

What better way to relieve your stress, help with various conditions and leave you smelling wonderful.

Annalisa Zisman, a proficient author and tutor, she is a leading practitioner for many massage courses. Annalisa specializes in Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot and Thai Herbal Compress Massage techniques.

Best Oils to Balance Chakras - 4th Chakra - Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus Deodora)

2007-12-25T04:07:00.000-08:00

By KG Stiles

HIMALAYAN CEDARWOOD (Cedrus deodora) Use Himanlayan Cedarwood to clear and balance your Heart Chakra as its fortifying properties and actions make it especially stabilizing to the heart energies and emotions. Himalyan Cedarwood helps bolster your courage during times of great change and unsettled circumstances. It is especially helpful for dispelling emotional fear and giving you the strength and self confidence to face challenges. Himalayan Cedarwood's synchronizing effect on the nervous system makes it useful for relieving anxiety and panic.

Chakra anointing oils may be used during ritual chakra clearing, balancing and charging of each of your chakras. You may also use chakra anointing oils alone to soothe and heal or enhance your overall sense of well-being.

When you balance this chakra be sure to identify what you have to learn from the energetic blockages that surface for release so that you can experience integration and healing. A balanced and healthy 4th Chakra resonates with the feeling state of JOY to attract experiences of abundance, prosperity and sharing. Clearing and balancing the 4th Chakra helps heal emotional issues around grief and loss, emotional heaviness, sadness, feelings of despair and depression or anger turned inward, feelings of lack, loss, less than, never having enough or being good enough or not being quite up to the task of your life, obsessive/compulsive feelings of being unloved, unappreciated, unaccepted, unsupported, disconnected, restricted, or in some way limited and unable to find your niche in the world.

Related physical imbalances, include: Stroke, Angina, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Shoulder Girdle Pain and Discomfort, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel, Arm and Hand Pain, Chronic Restrictions in the Upper Back and Thoracic area.

Aromatherapy is Nature's Medicine in its purest and most essential form. Aromatic Oils are the very soul of a plant. Even a drop or two can produce significant results for your body, mind and spirit. The increasing respect that aromatherapy commands from the general public, hospitals, and medical centers around the world speaks for itself, as more and more people benefit from this gentle and subtle, yet highly effective therapy. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organically grown or wild crafted essential oils that have been tested for purity and are pesticide free.

I have written a complete "Chakra Guidebook" that helps you increase the amplitude of your energy centers and greatly enhance your vital life force and I would like to give this Guidebook FREE as a gift to you when you purchase my Complete Chakra Program.

Click to purchase Complete Chakra Program: http://www.kgstiles.com/chakraprogram.htm

Click to purchase Complete Chakra Anointing Oils Kit: http://www.kgstiles.com/chakraoils.htm

Click to purchase Chakra Guidebook: http://www.kgstiles.com/chakraguidebook.htm

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years. She is the Founder and Director of PurePlant Essentials pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils from world wide sources. More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, Ashland, OR (541) 941-7315.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles

Aromatherapy Bath Oil - Aromatherapy at its Best

2007-11-19T23:09:00.000-08:00

simple warm bath is a perfect way to unwind after a hard day at work, or home. For centuries, people have used warm water as a means for relaxation and even healing. Today, we have taken the relaxation one step further and added our own touch of warmth: aromatic bath oils.

Bath oils are quickly becoming choice commodities when it comes to bath relaxation, and for a good reason. Not only do they add a new dimension to our baths with wonderful scents, bath oils have a slew of health benefits that anyone can appreciate. For example, adding geranium oil can ease symptoms of PMS and relieve joint paint and arthritis. Myrrh oil can help respiratory disorders and the digestive process by stimulating the digestive organs. Using bath oil regularly can also soften and nourish the skin, and eliminate dry patches by opening the pores and allowing the oils to absorb into our skin.

Bath oils are usually made up of a combination of sesame, nuts, jojoba, coconut, or Vitamin E oil. Depending on your preference, the cost of the oils can vary. For example, a pure Vitamin E based oil can get expensive, yet a natural blend of home-made oils from nuts or olive is relatively cheap to make at home. Unscented bath oils are also becoming a popular choice for those who only prefer the added moisturizing benefits.

Physical health benefits aside, most people love the way their bath oils smell. Aromatherapy is a popular form of relaxation and bath oils are no slouch in this department. Adding your favorite fragrance or scented oil to your bath is a truly unique experience, and is good for both body and mind. Popular aromatherapy ingredients include ylang ylang, rose, citrus, lavender, lemon verbena, bergamot, and yarrow. Note: Be sure to check the ingredients of a pre-mixed product, as you may have allergies to some of the ingredients such as nuts or almonds. Oils like clove or black pepper are commonly used ingredients in oils, and can be potentially irritating to the skin, but should be safe to use in small, measured amounts.

Making your own bath oil is also fairly easy to do. The base oils and ingredients are readily available from bath suppliers and even grocery stores. As far as recipes are concerned, there are plenty of free recipes at your disposal. Creating your own bath oil is a very rewarding experience and is a fun way to spice up your bath-time. Whirlpool Baths is a website devoted to giving you the very best information on the net regarding luxury baths. Whether you're searching fot that perfect whirlpool bath tub, or you want to make your own bath salt, we've got you covered!

All about Aromatherapy

2007-11-19T23:05:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy is the practical use of volatile oils extracted from plant parts, from the petals, leaves, roots, fruits and from vegetables. Aromatherapy is used to cure physical ailments and psychological disturbances such as tension and stress. Here the word aroma means pleasant smell and therapy means treatment. The essential oils are the pure essence from the plant, which is known to cure various ailments if used correctly. Many get confused between perfume oils, fragrance oils and essential oils. Both perfume oils and fragrance oils are same, however essential oils are different. Perfume or fragrance oils just provide fragrance but they don’t carry any therapeutic benefits like the essential oils.

What are the benefits of ‘aroma’ from the essential oils? When essential oils are used in right amounts, they have great therapeutic uses. For instance, essential oil added in bath tub while taking bath, the aroma helps us in reducing stress and keeping our mind calm. These essential oils are also known to cure various diseases. When inhaled, natural chemicals present in the essential oils enter the lungs and also provide physical benefit. Essential oils also blend with other ordinary oils. Oils such as coconut and olive oil and can be mixed in correct quantity, and this can be used for massage. Using such oils will help in reducing pain in particular area for the body. If essential oils are used in large amounts it may causes severe problems like head aches, eye and skin irritations.

Essential oils also provide other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural insect repellent. This is a cruelty-free option to drive away insets. We use Citronella candles, to keep mosquitoes away. Here Citronella is an essential oil which is the ingredient used in the candles that provide this benefit. Essential oils are also used as room refreshers; they are basically added to the mixture of dried flower petals and placed in glass bowels. Essential oils are also mixed while making candles, these candles when burnt releases pleasant smell. Such candles are called aroma candles, if used while meditating and during yoga this will provide more positive effects.

Here are some common essential oils; Bergamot is the most popular oils used to treat cold sores, urinary infections, chicken pox and used as insect repellents. Clove oil is often used in dentistry. Lavender oil is used to soothe migraines and headaches. Rose, sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang oils are used as aphrodisiac.

Ronvictor is a Copywriter of www.aromaboutique.com">Perfume.He written many articles in various topics such as www.aromaboutique.com">Fragrance,Discount Fragrance. For more information visit: www.aromaboutique.com. Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

Easy Tips Guide to Aromatherapy Massage

2007-11-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

An aromatherapy massage is a great way to relieve stress and show someone how much you care about them. In order to ensure an aromatherapy massage provides physical and emotional benefits without causing potential injury; however, it is important to follow safety guidelines.

First, always keep in mind that the oils used in aromatherapy are flammable, so use care when using near open flame.

It is also important to remember that you should never using painful or hard pressure during an aromatherapy massage. While hard pressure may feel good if the person is particularly tense, the best method is to use gentle movements in order to avoid possible injury.

In addition, avoiding directly massaging bones during an aromatherapy massage as this can cause injury. If an area has been fractured, always avoid this area to avoid possible re-injury. It is also important to avoid any areas that are infected.

Individuals who are pregnant or who have stomach problems should not have their abdominal areas massaged. In addition, individuals who have or may have blood clots are not good candidates for an aromatherapy massage. Avoid trying to crack any bones or perform any adjustments. Only qualified professionals should attempt this.

Always make sure that you are using a diluted blend of aromatherapy oils. There are numerous recipes available that can help you achieve an appropriate aromatherapy massage blend. A basic aromatherapy massage oil recipes; however, includes mixing 15 or so drops of essential oils of your choice with one ounce of carrier oil, like sweet almond oil. Excellent oil choices for an aromatherapy massage include lemon and lavender for stress relief. If you are performing an aromatherapy massage to relieve sore muscles consider options such as eucalyptus and peppermint. Jasmine makes a nice choice for aphrodisiac aromatherapy massages. Any oil that is left over can be stored in an airtight glass container.

An aromatherapy massage can be a great way to relax, relieve sore muscles, achieve a better night’s sleep or share sexual pleasure with a trusted partner. By following these aromatherapy massage tips and guidelines you can be sure to safely enjoy your next aromatherapy massage.

Toby Russell & his site http://www.benefitwitharomatherapy.com aims to provide up-to-date information, tips and advice on the numerous health benefits associated with Aromatherapy.

Organic Aromatherapy Treatment for Better Health

2007-11-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Organic aromatherapy has been around for many years, thousands in fact, yet it is still a highly popular method of alternative treatment today. Using essential oils derived from shrubs, trees, plants and flowers, aromatherapy has helped reduced the symptoms of a number of conditions including:

Back pain
Depression
Muscle and joint pain
Migraines
Insomnia
Stress and anxiety

Aromatherapy is not only used as treatment for minor conditions though, as it is also popularly used to just relax and revitalize the body and mind. Aromatherapy massages are particularly enjoyable and along with bath salts and candles can really set a relaxing atmosphere.

Lavender is one of essential oils that is often used in aromatherapy products, though there are plenty more to choose from. Whether you like aromatherapy scents, massage oils, sprays, soaps, or skin care, you are sure to find an aromatherapy product that you'll find enjoyable.

Though the popularity of aromatherapy is evident, there are still many people that have never used an aromatherapy product yet are curious as to whether it works as a form of treatment. Though understandably some people will see the effects of aromatherapy more quickly than others, it is a method that anyone can use with there rarely being any side effects.

Many patients that suffer from minor conditions have reported positive results from aromatherapy, with it being highly recommended by experts in France nowadays. It may also be suggested by doctors to try aromatherapy if you suffer from headaches, or stress and anxiety, among other conditions.

Organic aromatherapy can be used solely on its own, but also alongside reflexology, swedish massage, acupressure, and shiatsu to enhance the effects of the treatment.

Organic aromatherapy products are often a little more expensive as the plants, trees, and flowers that the oil is from have been grown without using chemicals such as pesticides. Should organic aromatherapy products appeal to you make sure you read the ingredients to ensure that they are certified organic.

Aromatherapy products also make great presents for friends and family. The selection available to choose from means that you are sure to find something that is ideal for use at home. Scented candles and a selection of essential oils that can be used to create massage oils or aromatherapy baths is just one idea you may like.

For more aromatherapy treatment tips head over to our organic aromatherapy website.

Aromatherapy Massage Oils

2007-11-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has become a real buzzword. But, you might well ask, what does it mean? Aromatherapy is the use of liquid plants material used for a beneficial effect on someone’s mood or health. Gentle heat is used to release natural essential oils’ beneficial properties. In aromatherapy, the fragrance oils used from different plants are burned to release their active properties (like sandalwood), rubbed into the body (like sesame) so that the body’s heat helps release the oils, or used in other ways.

Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy. It’s natural, of course, given aromatherapy’s beneficial aspects as well as those of massage therapy, for a health professional or a masseuse to choose to combine the two.

What is massage therapy? It’s a system of kneading different parts of the body, or placing pressure on different parts of the body, in order to relieve tension. Different types of massage lotions or aromatic massage oils may be used during this process. While these lotions may have the pleasant side effect of helping soften the skin, they also provide the health professional or masseuse with lubrication that allows treatment of deeper-lying tissues.

Massage can be relaxing, or stimulating; it depends on the style of massage. Aromatherapy enhances the benefits of relaxing massage. Just as massage relieves stress and tension, relaxes, or even reassures, the essential oils used in aromatherapy can enhance or extend or even protract these effects. Many spas and salons offer aromatherapy treatments in conjunction with massage or other beneficial treatments.

So, too, does aromatherapy enhance the benefits of a stimulating massage? Because just as massage can improve blood circulation and breathing, aromatherapy enhances these beneficial effect. Spas and biomedical treatment centers will offer patients the option of stimulating massage for circulatory and respiratory problems.

For more on homemade herbal soap making as well as candle making and other do-it-yourself crafts visit the soap making resources center at Pure and Natural Soaps where you'll find articles, recipes, instructions, ideas and tips.

To discuss these and other craft projects visit the Soap Making Forum - a community message board for soap and candle making as well as other crafts and do-it-yourself projects. Discuss techniques, share ideas, learn new methods, post your favorite recipes and meet new friends.

Aromatherapy Product Tips

2007-11-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

So you are looking for aromatherapy product tips on using the aromatherapy essential oils. A few tips on aromatherapy skin care that you might want to try at home are herbs and oils are good for a long soak in the bathtub it does wonders for me. Also, stand in a hot shower for a minute or two before you use apply any treatments for your face, the steam will open your pores.

Using aromatherapy essential oils or aromatherapy candles and aromatherapy diffusers to promote well being is one of the best things you can do for yourself. This will create a peaceful space to unwind at the end of each busy day. If you are going to use candles though, use natural based ingredients that do not release toxins as they burn.

The oils used for aromatherapy are highly concentrated liquids and can be harmful if not used carefully; a drop or two goes a long way. If you find it difficult for yourself to decide which aromatherapy oil is appropriate for your use, seek the expert advice of cosmetologist who can lead you to the best oil, which will suit your type of skin. For best results get the highest quality essential oils that you can possibly find. Ethically wild crafted oils should be used whenever possible or organic.

Try aromatherapy products in your own life, and see how it works for you. If nothing else, you’ll have fun learning about something new and a little different.

James Johnson, the author of this article, discovers and presents information so you can become knowedgeable, in the subjects you are searching for. I hope you find this article helpful. Your choice of a aromatherapy product is many. For more infomative articles and tips, to help you with your aromatherapy product choice go to Aromatherapy Product or http://www.abhipro.com

Recommended Books on Aromatherapy

2007-11-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

By Toby Russell

Books on aromatherapy can be a great way to introduce yourself to the wonderful art of Aromatherapy. One of the best books on aromatherapy currently available for beginners is The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. In this book you will find numerous recipe and detailed introductory information. This 128 page book also contains vital essential oil information that is perfect for beginners as well as helpful safety information and descriptions of various oils.

Individuals who are interested in intermediate or advanced information on aromatherapy may be interested in books on aromatherapy such as 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy. This comprehensive book contains such information as how to select and use pure oils, various aromatherapy formulas, an index of essential oils from A to Z and a quick guide to properties as well as numerous recipes.

Advanced Aromatherapy is another of many great books on aromatherapy. This 138 page book is actually more like a workbook that provides advanced information on such topics as essential oil chemistry, how to choose and apply essential oils and endless resources.

Aromatherapy-A Complete Guide to the Healing Art would make a wonderful gift for someone interested in aromatherapy or for yourself. In addition to serving as a good reference work this guide could also be used as an educational text for aromatherapy courses. Topics covered in this text include the theory of aromatherapy, guidelines for using essential oil and herbs, an encyclopedia of essential oils, aromatherapy massage, body care and facial care. Vital reference information such as charts and reference information is also included.

Aromatherapy Blends & Remedies is another of many great books on aromatherapy. This comprehensive book contains introductory information such as a detailed introduction and history on aromatherapy as well as instructions on how to buy, store, care for, handle and mix essential oils. Tons of recipes are also included such as recipes for baths, massage, body care, first-aid and treatments for all kinds of disorders and problems. A glossary of medical terms is also included in this comprehensive text.

Building a personal library of books on aromatherapy is great way to learn more about this fascinating art.

Toby Russell runs http://www.benefitwitharomatherapy.com - An information based website covering all aspects of the fascinating subject of Aromatherapy. Its aim is to inform, educate and help those seeking a better understanding of the numerous health benefits attributed to Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy Kits

2007-11-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has for many years been used to help treat patients for a variety of ailments. The basic concept is simple. Aromatherapy employees the basic sense of smell to promote healing and improve state of mind. An aroma therapist will use a number of essential oils that are known to have positive effects on various ailments. In essence, the aromatherapy kit is much like the old black bag doctors used to carry around when they made house calls. Aromatherapy kits may be found where most aromatherapy products are sold.

Scents

An aromatherapy kit will contain a variety of oils made from various plants. The aroma therapist select which oils or scents should be used at various times of the day in order to promote a state of relaxation and to relieve stress. The idea is to help the patient to relax as much as possible so that that they may meditate and promote internal healing. According to the science of aromatherapy this is where the healing begins. Stress is the most common cause of many of today's ailments. The theory is that using the correct oils in the aromatherapy kit, will assist the patient treat the condition while meditating.

Use of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy may be used everyday by everyone. Aromatherapy products and kits are available through regular retail channels without the need for prescriptions. and professional training is not required. Information on aromatherapy, techniques, and scents is readily available and easy to obtain. Another common place to find aromatherapy kits and even aromatherapy training is by visiting stores that specialize in homeopathic treatments as they will often include aromatherapy products in their product lines. Of course aromatherapy products may also be found online at various shopping and auction web sites. Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular over time and is an effective method of using one’s own sense of smell to promote healing and improve mood.

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Aromatherapy Blog. Click here for more helpful information on Aromatherapy: http://www.aromatherapyinfoblog.com

An Introduction To Aromatherapy

2007-11-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

The art and science of using volatile oils for the psychological and physical well-being is called aromatherapy. These volatile oils are derived from plants. Essential oils are used the most in aromatherapy on account of their innumerable benefits they have on the mind-body system of human beings. There are many types of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to fetch different therapeutic results.

Aromatherapy is said to trigger certain biochemical responses in the brain that in turn activate certain dormant function of the body and mind to impart a sense of well-being. Since aromatherapy is widely practiced, there is an array of products in the market that are sold as aromatherapy products, but actually are not. Sometimes even certain types of perfumes are passed on as aromatherapy oils.

The fakes do not get the desired results that one would expect from a real aromatherapy product. The fakes normally use fragrance oils in place of true aromatherapy oils. So while buying an aromatherapy product it should be ensured that the brand belongs to a reputed company and the ingredients are clearly listed on the container.

Aromatherapy has been in use for thousands of years now, even if it came to be known as aromatherapy somewhere after 20th century. Aromatherapy is said to be of Chinese origin. Egyptians have used aromatherapy by drawing distilled oils from cinnamon, nutmeg, cedar wood, clove, and myrrh. From Egyptians it is said to have passed on to Greek. Aromatherapy has also been used by Persians and Indians thousands of years ago.

Backed by a rich history, it is only in 19th century that the perfumery industry woke up to the benefits of using aromatherapy for financial gains. This was also the time when aromatherapy began to be tested in scientific laboratories for understanding the important mechanisms of aromatherapy products on mind and body. As a result of its impact on mind, aromatherapy is also considered as a forte of people indulging in spiritual practices.

Aromatherapy provides detailed information on Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Oil, Aromatherapy Candles, Aromatherapy Diffusers and more. Aromatherapy is affiliated with Acupuncture Schools.

Stress, and Ways to Reduce Stress

2007-10-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Stres is experienced by everyone in varying degrees, especially in this fast paced world that we live in today. Some stress up to a point is good for us. It increases our energy and keeps us focused. It’s a form of adrenaline people experience that moves them beyond what’s safe.

Stress in small doses can actually be beneficial. It’s when we get overloaded with stress that it begins to take a toll on our mental and physical health. Too much stress has been known to cause fatigue and even illness in individuals. When stress gets to be too much for one to handle, it’s time to seek help in trying to find more productive ways of dealing with the source of the stress.

Each of us has a different level that we can deal with. Some are very low while others can be extremely high. Some people actually get too bored with life if they don’t experience a constant dose of stress in their everyday lives. For many people stress comes from low paying jobs and not having the ability to manage the bills.

The threat of job displacement, family or health issues. The first symptoms of excessive stress will come in the form of inner emotions, with anxiety and nervousness being at the top of the list. Worry and distraction begins to set in if the stress continues. When these conditions persist for a certain time period, one begins to show outward signs of stress.

Their appearance or behavior begins to show nervousness or irritability. They tend to become more and more distracted and focused inwardly towards their own selves. If the stress persists then more than likely the individual will begin to experience physical effects of stress. This can come in the form of extreme fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts.

The more physical forms include headaches, nausea or diarrhea, chest pains or tremors. One may need to seek professional help to assist in eliminating the stress from your life. When one finds themselves beginning to feel the beginning symptoms of stress affecting their lives, they need to find the source of the stress and act to eliminate it.

Don’t wait until it takes over your life and gets to a point where it becomes a physical problem. Upon identifying the source of the stress, try to take action to remove yourself from this. It maybe that the stress is a little more complicated to eliminate such as a large bill that you’re having trouble paying. This may take a little more effort on your part but in order to achieve mental health, you must try this.

Remove yourself from the financial worries even if only temporarily. Take some time and just refuse to think about the bills. Dwell on pleasant thoughts or focus on a positive energy. Surround yourself with calming scents and sounds. When you learn to practice this, you’ll find yourself much more able to return to the financial situation with a clearer head and more positive outlook.

Candles

2007-10-27T08:33:00.001-07:00

Candles are a light source used from the beginning when man first discovered how to make solid fuel out of wax. They’re created by molding a form of wax with a wick in the middle for the flame. This was discovered to be a self sustaining form of light with the flame melting a little of the wax and the liquid wax providing fuel to keep the flame burning.

The first candle was found to have been used back in 3000 BC. The Egyptians and Cretans would make candles using beeswax. Later on in the eighteenth century, oil derived from the sperm whale was found to produce a superior product.

Today the candle has evolved to a purely decorative product that is typically infused with essential oils to produce fragrances. It’s no longer a necessity as it was before the discovery of electricity.

Today, candles still are a favorite among people who want to create a mood or ambience in a room. They give off a soft warm glow that’s flattering to people and creates a romantic atmosphere. Restaurants often utilize the use of candles on tables to encourage a sense of warmth and relaxation.

Many households will also stock up on candles in case of power failures. Many religious ceremonies use candles as part of their proceedings. In Buddhism, candles are placed before shrines as a show of respect. The light is supposed to represent the light of Buddha’s instructions.

In Hinduism, a basic form of candle is used. This consists of oil lit by a wick. It’s considered an extremely important part of the Hinduism rituals.

In Christianity, the candle is used for decoration and ambience in religious ceremonies. It’s a symbol that is supposed to represent the light of Christ.

In Judaism, the candle is lit on Friday evening during a weekly Sabbath celebration and at the end of the ritual. The Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, which is a holiday that lasts eight days, is celebrated by the lighting of a candle on each of those eight nights. Many people throughout the ages have used lit candles as a way of remembering or honoring deceased loved ones.

Candles were even used as timekeepers at one time. They burn pretty consistently and people would mark the time on the sides of the candle to gauge the passing of time.

Today people enjoy the scent of burning a fragrant candle but the addition of essential oils for the scents often clouds a candle by producing excess smoke or carbon deposits. This can be kept to a minimum by keeping the wick trimmed and the flame out of drafts.

Pillars Candle

2007-10-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Not all pillars look the same. By the same token, not all pillar candles have the same characteristics. Many pillar candles are round, like the typical pillar. Still some pillar candles have four equal sides, like the sides of a square. There are even a few pillar candles that have been given an oval shape.

The makers of pillar candles respect the needs of all candle lovers. While many pillar candles are scented, one can also find unscented pillar candles. These are made for those people who love candlelight, but who are sensitive to a strong fragrance. Some candle lovers refuse to purchase a product that contains any type of animal fat. Candle makers therefore created soy pillar candles. Those candles contain only plant-derived materials.

The typical picture of a pillar candle does not mandate the nature of those candles. Pillar candles do not have to have smooth sides. Some pillar candles have textured or beaded sides. Some pillar candles are created by candle makers with very special candle molds.

Some pillar candles have fluted sides. The long grooves in the candle run up and down. Other pillar candles have groves that form layers around a pillar of paraffin. That pillar then looks like an accordion, an accordion with one end on the table and a second end pointing at the ceiling.

The top of a pillar candle does not always point to a ceiling. The top of the giant column candle frequently points to the open sky. That seemingly oversized pillar candle is usually used outdoors.

Some pillar candles could serve as effective teaching tools. A teacher doing a unit on the rain forest environment might want to show her students some “Ancient Ruins.” That is the name given to pillar candles that contain remnants of rain forest artifacts.

A teacher could certainly draw the students’ attention by showing them a candle with more than one wick. One can find multi-wick candles among the online selection of pillar candles. Those multi-wick candles can create an interesting lighting effect at a wedding reception.

A layered pillar candle can also add intrigue to a reception or to any setting. Each layer of that pillared candle contains a different scent; each layer emits a different fragrance. Thus the prevailing scent in the room changes while the candlelit event is still in progress.

Copyright 2005 Scentsible Aromatherapy

Candle Charts

2007-10-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

The first candle charts guided the businesses transactions of a simple Japanese rice farmer. Soon after the year of 1850, a man named Homma wanted to develop a better way to keep track of his rice sales. He also wanted to have a graphic way of illustrating the amount of rice he still needed to sell.

He developed the first candle charts. The long candlesticks on certain charts let him know that he had sold lots of rice. Any short candlesticks on the same chart told him that, during a certain period, he had made only limited rice sales.

Homma might have used two or more charts—one chart to graph rice sales, and one to graph the supply of unsold rice. Today, candle charts put together information on sales and acquisitions. That is done by using colored and white candles.

Today candle charts have become popular among those who buy and sell stocks. Stock traders have now developed 4 types of candle charts. One type of chart shows the market high, low, open and close for a defined period, usually one day. The other charts graph transactions that take place on the market floor.

One chart, for example, graphs the number of trades completed. Once a set number of trades are reached, a new “candle” is placed on the chart. The same criterion governs the use of candle charts to define the number of contracts traded. A third chart shows where the trading price falls in relation to a set range. The range is defined by a “candle.”

The charts used by stock traders are often called candlestick charts. A “candlestick” seems to protrude from the top and bottom of each chart “candle.” Those candlestick charts are the focus of most online literature about candle charts.

Why should candle charts be of interest to someone who has chosen to read about stress, or aromatherapy? Candle charts provide any nonprofit group with an excellent way to illustrate to members the state of the group’s finances. Candle charts can help a nonprofit group to reach its financial goal.

Nonprofit groups need to use slightly modified candle charts. They do not need to have a candlestick at both ends of each candle. An effective candle chart can have a single “wick” at the top of each fully-drawn “candle.”

The treasurer who wants to use a candle chart must define his or her goal. What amount of money does the group need to gather from its fund raising drive, or collect from contributors? That total can then be broken down, and used to create a monthly or weekly goal.

The treasurer places a line on a graph at the spot where the monthly or weekly goal is located. The treasurer explains to the group members that he or she would like to see a “candle” each month or week. That “candle” would show an accumulation of money equal to the goal amount.
Now the treasurer must understand that the lighting of a candle is seen as a happy event. The treasurer then tells the group members that he or she will “light” any candle that represents attainment of the monthly or weekly goal amount.

The treasurer does not really have to light any candles, but the treasurer should draw a burning flame at the top of a candle that reaches up to the goal amount. If a treasurer wants to add a bit of drama to his or her presentation, then actual candle lighting might well take place.
Use of candle charts has proven to be an effective way to encourage group participation in fund raising. Contributors feel rewarded by the appearance of a “flaming” candle.

2007-09-24T23:53:00.001-07:00

Studies found that we’re under more stress today than our parents were 30 years ago. Time magazine's June 6, 1983 cover story called stress "The Epidemic of the Eighties" and referred to it as the leading health problem of the eighties era; there can be little doubt that the situation has progressively worsened since then.

Numerous surveys confirm that adult Americans perceive they are under more stress than a decade or two ago. A 1996 Prevention magazine survey found that almost 75% feel they have "great stress" one day a week with one out of three indicating they feel this way more than twice a week. One can assume that today’s level of perceived stress is even more impacting than it was in 1996.

Studies also say that job stress is the leading source of stress for adults. Stress levels have also shot up in children, teenagers, college students and the elderly, the reasons include:
Increased crime,

Violence and other threats to personal safety;
Pernicious peer pressures that lead to substance abuse and other unhealthy life style habits;
Social isolation and loneliness;
The erosion of family and religious values and ties;
The loss of other strong sources of social support that are powerful stress busters;
The more increasingly sense of loss of control.

Common medical opinion is that 96% of all illness is either a direct result of stress, or greatly aggravated by it. Too frequent, extreme, or prolonged mobilization strains us and generates distress signals. The body can convey distress signals in a variety of ways, often in the form of symptoms including irritability, anger, anxiety, depression, fatigue, tension headaches, stomachaches, hypertension, migraine headaches, ulcers, heart conditions, colitis, and a number of other possible symptoms.

Eventually, stress can lead to even more serious distress, such as cancer, diabetes or thyroid dysfunction. In addition to the many physiological consequences associated with stress, we also pay a psychological price when we experience unrelieved stress.

For example, anxiety and panic attack conditions, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism can result from, or can be aggravated by, unrelieved stress. So it is very important to become aware of the stress, if any, in your life.

Take immediate proactive action to better manage stress and your health. At the same time make permanent necessary changes in your lifestyle and approach life in a way that you live a less stressed life and keep anxiety as well as depression at bay. If you look for strategies to handle stress you will find many helpful websites, which give detailed information and help regarding stress management. The better you are at managing stress, the healthier and happier your life will be.

In case you are unable to manage your stress on your own, do visit a doctor, he might prescribe you some stress and anxiety medicines. Anxiety medicines like xanax tranquilizers are easily available online. You can buy xanax or order xanax or other related medicines online for your stress and anxiety management.

The author, Sera Redmonds, addresses mental health related issues and anti-anxiety pills like xanax.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sera_Redmonds

Sandalwood Oil

2007-09-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Sandalwood oil is extracted from Santalum album from the Santalaceae family and also known as East Indian sandalwood, santal, saunders and sandalwood Mysore.

Oil properties: The oil has a woody, exotic smell, subtle and lingering. The color of the oil is pale yellow to pale gold.

Origin of sandalwood oil: Sandalwood is an evergreen, parasitic tree that burrows its roots into other trees and it can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) high and has a brown-gray trunk, many smooth slender branches, leathery leaves and small pink-purple flowers.

It can take thirty to sixty years for a tree to reach full maturity, when it is cut and distilled. The yellowish wood is sold in thin scrapings.

It is commonly agreed that the best essential oils are from Mysore in India.
The documented use of Sandalwood goes back 4000 years and caravans from India to Egypt, Greece and Rome were a familiar sight. Many temples were built from Sandalwood and the Egyptians used it in embalming.

Sandalwood was much in demand as incense; it had a calming effect during meditation.
Once Sandalwood was used for making furniture and caskets, but as it is nearly extinct, it is only used for the distillation of oil.

Extraction: Sandalwood oil is extracted from the chipped heartwood and roots by steam distillation and yields 4-6.5%.

Chemical composition: The main chemical components are: Santalol, Furfurol and Santalene.

Precautions: Generally Sandalwood oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Sandalwood oil are: antiseptic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, emollient, expectorant, sedative and tonic.

Sandalwood Oil

2007-09-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Uses: This relaxing oil could be useful for tension, depression, nervous exhaustion, chronic illness and anxiety.

Sandalwood oil could be useful for chest infections, sore throats and dry coughs that accompany bronchitis and lung infections.

It could alleviate cystitis and bladder infections, also helpful with sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence.

Sandalwood oil relieves itching and inflammation of the skin, is good for scarring, dry eczema, ageing and dehydrated skin.

Summary: Sandalwood oil can be helpful for the nervous system, for chest infections, for sexual problems and for skin care.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Sandalwood oil can be used for: aphrodisiac, bronchitis, coughs, insomnia, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, for relaxing and as an insect repellant.

Blended oil or in the bath: As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Sandalwood oil can assist with: bladder infections, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, eczema, insomnia, scar tissue, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, as an aphrodisiac and for relaxing.

Gargle: Sandalwood oil can be effective when diluted and used as a gargle for a sore or dry throat.

Lotions or creams: When used in a lotion or cream Sandalwood oil can assist with: chapped, dry or inflamed skin.

Relaxation Rescue

2007-09-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

By Laura Turner

Let's face it, stress is everywhere. It lurks in every corner and around every bend, just waiting to "get" us. And study after study concludes that although some stress can be productive, prolonged stress can lead to chronic illness.

Yet, stress can only "get us" if we let it. If we can agree that the mind and body are interconnected, than I believe you can actually decide to manage stress, take control of it and instantly over-come the negative influences brought to you by your environment.

Now, stay with me for the "clinical" stuff. Scientific evidence supports that the stress of the body comes from the nervous system's "fight or flight response." If you haven't heard this term before, it's when the body suspects trauma and instantly shifts into "survival mode" based on the stimulus of an oncoming stress factor.

This "survival mode" response, does terrible things to the body including increasing heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle tension. These are the bad boys that can lead to harmful changes over time.

Now for the good news: you can teach your body not to make the shift into survival mode. Do this by retraining your body to create its own relaxation response. How? Begin by incorporating these three proven relaxation rescue techniques into your own life:

Meditation:
Meditation provides an escape from stress as it refocuses the mind on something else - most often the breath. The benefits of meditation counteract the negative stress-responses by creating a mode of deep inner peace and physical health. It does this by slowing the heart rate and lowering the blood pressure. It also includes many other benefits including those of anti-aging.

As I've so often told readers: there really is no one right way to meditate. For our purposes however, I will give you a meditative grounding exercise that can help you on your way.

Grounding Exercise:
Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable Indian style position with your hands relaxed on your lap. If you like you can also sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and posture tall. Close your eyes and imagine a beam of light dropping from the base of your spine through the earth, connecting you to its center. Allow this beam of light to expand in width until it is wider than your own body and envelopes it. This is your personal space.

This exercise places you totally in you body and reminds you that you are anchored to the earth. Remember, the more grounded you are the more aware you are. During your 10-20 minute meditation session, aim to sense the presence of your higher self.

Mindful Breathing:
Practicing to breathe through your nose and breathing from the diaphragm can also help your body relax and de-stress. In the same way that meditation calms the body, mindful deep breathing from the diaphragm can elicit a relaxation response that can calm the body and help you refocus in times of perceived stress. It will also work to counteract the negative effects of the dangerous flight or flight response.

Here's an exercise in deep breathing you can work on daily to help train your body for relaxation. This exercise will help you better utilize the diaphragm and help you retrain your body to intake oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide more effectively:

First take in three maximum breaths inhaling from the nose and exhaling from the nose. Next as you take in your next three maximum breaths, focus on contracting your stomach muscles and increase the size of breath with each inspiration. Focus on feeling the expansion of your diaphragm as you exhale and deflation as you exhale.

Walking:
Walking is an exercise that can put you into a relaxation state almost immediately. I walk for fitness and have walked my way to weight loss (more on this later), but I believe the best quality of walking is that it creates a sense of balance and flow with the body. It has also been scientifically linked to cardiovascular endurance, as well as noted for its ability to counteract many of the damaging fight or flight responses we have mentioned above.

For myself, I've invested in a walking pedometer and have made every effort to stay close to 10,000 steps each day.
To de-stress, try to find 1/2 hour each day to walk. Your body will thank you for it.

Relaxing Quickies:
When we become stressed and need a relaxation rescue, this is most often the time when the least opportunity for a full relaxation overhaul exists. Yet, if we spend time nurturing our relaxation response using the exercises above, we can draw from the relaxation experience.

Therefore, by practicing the three aforementioned exercises in your daily life, you can learn to draw from the relaxation response when you feel the threat of oncoming stress. For example, when you feel stress coming at you, take a deep relaxing breath, close your eyes and draw from the calming energy of your meditative space or take a quick walk to bring your body back into balance.

I think you will find, the more you practice these relaxation techniques each day, the more often your body will involuntarily shift from fight or flight mode directly into that of relaxation rescue!

Laura M. Turner is a health journalist, author and net-preneur. She hosts: Beauty & Body Online http://www.beauty-and-body.com Your Home For Natural Health, Wellness & Creative Abundance. Visit: http://www.new-body-news.com to sign up for her free eZine: The New Body news and Wellness Letter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Turner

Lavender aromatherapy

2007-09-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

Lavender is considered the most useful of all essential oils. Lavender is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress. Its therapeutic properties have been well chronicled all over the world. Originally an inhabitant of the Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long been recognized for its exotic perfume and medicinal properties.

Used in past by the ancient Romans for its healing and antiseptic qualities, the name itself comes from the Latin “lavare” or “to wash”. Tibetans still make an edible lavender butter to use as part of a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the essential oil of lavender is widely used across Europe and North America for a number of illness and medical problems.

Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer.

As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers.

The more compact variety Hidcote, has darker blue flowers, grows to around a foot high and is very pretty in any flower or herb garden. The easiest way to propagate lavender is to cut softwood cuttings in the spring. However, as lavender benefits from a light pruning in early autumn, these clippings make excellent new plants too, as long as you protect them from frosts and winter bite.

With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil.

Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.

Essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy practices to get rid of depression, fight tiredness and get relaxation. It has strong disinfectant properties and was even used on the wars to prevent infection and relieve pain.

A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.

Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects.

You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.

Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.

Jasmine Essential Oil

2007-09-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

Jasmine essential oil is extracted from either Jasminum officinale, both from the Oleaceae family and is also known as jasmin, jessamine and common jasmine.

Uses: It is a valuable remedy in Oil properties: Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, exotic and rich floral smell and the oil is deep orange-brown in color. The species Jasminum grandiflorum (royal jasmine, Spanish or Catalonian jasmine or jati) is also used for essential oil extraction, but our 20% blend is made from Jasminum officinale.

Origin of jasmine oil: Jasmine is an evergreen fragile climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) high. It has dark green leaves and small white star-shaped flowers, which are picked at night when the aroma is most intense.

An experienced picker can pick 10,000-15,000 blossoms per day. Originally from China and Northern India, brought to Spain by the Moors and the Mediterranean with France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey producing the best essential oil now.

The name Jasmine is derived from the Persia 'yasmin'. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used Jasmine medicinally, as an aphrodisiac and for ceremonial purposes.

In Turkey the wood is used for making rope stems. Jasmine tea is a Chinese favorite (but Jasminum sambac - Arabian jasmine - is normally used for this) and in Indonesia it is a popular garnish.

Extraction: In manufacturing, Jasmine oil is produced as a 'concrete' by solvent extraction, and an absolute is obtained from the concrete by separation with alcohol, and an essential oil is produced off the absolute by steam distillation.

1,000 lbs of flowers yield approximately one pound of liquid concrete, which yields 0.2% aromatic molecules.

Chemical composition: The main chemical components of Jasmine oil are: Benzyl, Nerol, Terpineol, Linalyl acetate, Methyl anthranilate, Jasmone and Farnesol.

Precautions: Jasmine oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, although some people do have an allergic reaction to the oil. As Jasmine oil is used to ease labor as well as an emmenagogue, it should not be used during pregnancy. It can impede concentration, so should be used with care.

Jasmine Essential Oil

2007-09-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Jasmine oil include: anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant and emollient.

It soothes the nerves and produces a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria. It revitalizes and restores energy. Jasmine oil facilitates delivery in childbirth: it hastens the birth by strengthening the contractions and at the same time relieves the pain.

It is effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk. Because of its soothing and calming nature, Jasmine oil helps with sexual problems such as impotence, premature ejaculation and frigidity.

In the respiratory system it also soothes irritating coughs and helps with hoarseness and laryngitis. It helps with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs. Jasmine tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, increases elasticity and is often used to assist with stretch marks and scarring.

Summary: Jasmine is very valuable oil and is used for severe depression, for childbirth, sexual problems, on the respiratory tract, for muscle pain and for toning the skin.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Jasmine oil can be useful for: addiction, depression, nervousness, coughs, relaxation and tension.

Blended oil or in the bath: Jasmine oil can be used as blended massage oil or diluted in the bath for: addiction, postnatal depression, relaxation, muscle pain, coughs, tension, stress and nervousness.

Lotion and creams: Jasmine oil can be used in a base cream or lotion for dry or greasy and sensitive skin, as well as assisting with stretch marks and scars.

Hair Care Using Essential Oils

2007-09-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

The following recipes are based on 1/2 ounce of base oil (jojoba or sweet almond). You may increase the proportions as needed. (I.e. double the amount of essential oils used for 1 ounce of base oil.) To make an undiluted hair oil blend from any of these recipes, combine 10 drops of each oil in a 4 ml amber bottle.

Basic Hair Oil: This blend is soothing and refreshing to the scalp. Add 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops clary sage, and 2 drops jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Ylang-ylang blend: Add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rose geranium, 2 drops ylang-ylang, and 2 drops patchouli to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Relaxing, Conditioning Blend: Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandal wood, and 1 drop jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Earth Rose blend: Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandalwood and 2 drops lavender to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Scaly scalp and dandruff-prevention blend: Add 2 drops Atlas cedar wood, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary, and 2 drops tea tree to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Hair Oil Treatment
6 to 8 drops undiluted hair care oil blend, 1/2 ounce sweet almond or jojoba base oil (or 1/4 ounce of each)

Combine base oil and essential oils and mix well. Double recipe is needed for long hair so oil will cover all of the hair. Apply oil gently throughout hair. Wear a shirt that you don't mind getting a little oily, or cover your shoulders until oil is absorbed into the hair well.

Cover your head with a plastic cap or your pillow with a few bath towels if you plan to sleep with the hair oiled. Leave oil on hair for at least 1 hour.To rinse, add shampoo directly to the oiled hair before you rinse or wet it. The shampoo emulsifies the oils, resulting in a much more thorough rinse.

For scenting a brush or a comb: Add 2 to 3 drops of hair care oils directly to a hair brush or comb before using. If you have a wooden comb, the oil can be rubbed directly into the comb.Hair absorbs scent quite readily. The oil also conditions hair as you brush or comb. This is a good treatment for both men and women.

To massage scalp: Place 3 to 5 drops of oils on your fingertips and lightly massage into scalp. In summer, try this while your hair is still damp; sit in sun and enjoy being surrounded by aromatic oils as your hair dries. In winter you can get the same effect with a blast or two from the blow drier.

Eucalyptus Oil

2007-09-24T23:30:00.001-07:00

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Method of Farming: Conventional

Country of Origin: Spain

Extraction: Steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves and mature branches.

Characteristics: Colorless to pale yellow with a strong, fresh, camphorous odor and woody undertone.

Oil properties: Eucalyptus has a clear, sharp, fresh and very distinctive smell. It is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity.

Origin of eucalyptus oil: The Australian Blue-gum can sometimes reaches a height of 100 meters (300 feet), making it one of the highest trees in the world. There are over 500 species of Eucalyptus trees and they have blue-green long, narrow, tough leaves, creamy white flowers and smooth pale bark.

The 'eu' and 'kalypto' means 'well' and 'covered' in Greek, referring to the cup-like membrane that covers the flower bud and is thrown off as the flower expands. The Australian Aborigines calls the Eucalyptus 'kino'. One of their uses for it was to cover serious wounds with the leaves.

Eucalyptus was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called 'Sydney peppermint'. It was extracted from Eucalyptus peperita which is a more industrial type of oil.

The Eucalyptus uses a lot of water while growing, thus it drains land where usually malaria was found, making it a healthier climate for living.

Extraction: Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.
Chemical composition: The main chemical components of Eucalyptus are: Camphene, Citronellal, Fenchene, Phellandrene and Cineole.

Precautions: Eucalyptus oil should be used with care and people with high blood pressure and epilepsy should avoid it. Excessive use of the oil may cause headaches.

Eucalyptus Oil -2

2007-09-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Eucalyptus oil include: analgesic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, balsamic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, rubefacient and stimulant.

Uses: Eucalyptus has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping with fevers, migraine and malaria. For the respiratory tract, it helps with coughs, asthma, throat infections, sinusitis and catarrhal conditions. It soothes inflammation and eases mucus, clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever.

Eucalyptus oil is useful as warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation. In skin care it can be used for burns, blisters, herpes, cuts, wounds, skin infections and insect bites.

Eucalyptus oil can boost the immune system, and is helpful especially in cases of chicken pox, colds, flu and measles.

Summary: Eucalyptus oil is very helpful when used for headaches, fevers, on the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and in skin care. It has a soothing and calming effect on the whole body and helps with the immune system. The oil is also effective against bacteria - especially staphylococci.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Eucalyptus oil be used for: frequent sneezing, hay fever, flu, respiratory problems and as insect repellant.

Blended massage or in the bath: Eucalyptus oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with: arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, mucous congestion, colds, headaches, rheumatism, sinusitis, catarrh, fatigue and muscular aches and pains.

Used neat or dab on with a bud: Eucalyptus oil can be used neat on the skin for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so.

Gargle: Diluted Eucalyptus can be used as a gargle for a sore throat

Damask Rose Oil

2007-09-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Damask Rose oil is extracted from Rosa damascena from the Rosaceae family and is also known as Bulgarian and Turkish rose, Otto of rose and attar of rose.

Oil properties:
Damask Rose has a deep, rosy, fresh aroma, the color ranges from clear to a pale yellow or greenish tint and the viscosity is watery to crystalline, when warm or cold respectively.

Origin of rose oil:
'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was thought to have been crimson.Anicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, used the rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia.

Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are still a symbol of love and purity and is also used to aid meditation and prayer. It takes about 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make one ounce of rose oil.

Extraction: Rose otto oil is extracted from the fresh flowers, picked before 8 am in the morning, by steam distillation and the yield is 0.02-0.05%. The aroma can be damaged if the heat is too high at distillation.

Chemical composition:
The main chemical components of Rose otto oil are: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Geranic and Eugenol.

Precautions:
Damask rose oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Damask rose oil are: anti-infectious, anti-depressant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, sedative, splenetic and general tonic.

Uses:
Damask rose oil soothes the mind and helps with depression, grief, nervous tension and stress and is helpful for poor circulation and heart palpitations.

For the respiratory system Damask rose oil can assist in cases of asthma, coughs and hay fever, and on the digestive system for liver congestion and nausea.

Rose otto oil can be used for irregular menstruation, leucorrhea, menorrhagia and uterine disorders. On the skin it can be used for broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive skin, wrinkles, and rose water can be used for conjunctivitis.

Summary:
Damask rose oil gives a feeling of wellbeing and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful on the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and as skin care.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Rose otto oil can be helpful with: allergies, asthma, baby blues, headaches, migraine, nervous tension and as a relaxant.

Blended oil or in the bath:
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Rose damask oil can assist with: allergies, baby blues, asthma, hay fever, headaches, depression, migraine, scar tissue, nervous tension, stress, poor circulation and as a relaxant.

Body Treatment Using Essential Oils - 1

2007-09-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Bath

Taking a bath can be all things to all people. Depending on your choice of herbs, a bath or shower can help you face the rigors of the day or relax afterwards. Not only that, a bath can help soften the skin and replenish the body's natural oils.

Frothy Bath Oil
2 eggs1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup corn oil
1/2 cup almond oil
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp clear honey
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vodka
1 Tbsp mild soap flakes
3 drops essential oil of your choice

Beat together the eggs, vegetable oils, and honey. Add the milk, vodka, soap flakes, and essential oil, still beating. Pour into bottles, cover, label and store in the refrigerator.

Add about one tablespoon under the faucet when running the water for a warm bath.
Makes about 4 1/2 cups

Floral Bath Gel
3 Tbsp fresh or dried flowers, picked from the stalks
1/2 cup spring water
12 Tbsp grated castile soap
3-4 drops essential oil of choice

Pound the flowers with a mortar and pestle until they form a paste or powder. Put the water into a small pan and bring to a boil. Beat in the grated soap until it has dissolved, then remove pan from heat. Stir in the flowers and essential oil.

Leave to cool, then pour into bottles, cover, label and store in the refrigerator. Use as a soft soap.Makes about 1 cup

Body Treatment Using Essential Oils - 2

2007-09-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Skin Care

Making your own skin preparations is itself a pleasurable pastime. Just to stir a handful of pot marigold petals into a bowl of steaming water is both invigorating and calming, an indirect form of Aromatherapy. The following recipes offers therapeutic and cosmetic blends to help you care for your skin or just to allow a little self indulgence.

Lavender-flower Lotion

Splash on this gentle toning lotion to tighten and refresh the skin
5 Tbsp Lavender water
5 Tbsp Witch Hazel
5 Tbsp Lemon Juice, strained
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before each use. Makes about 3/4 cup

Purifying Masks

this is a purifying, toning, soothing, and rejuvenating mask. The basic ingredients are: Green Clay - 2 ounces; Corn flour - 3 teaspoons.
Mix together and keep in a jar, ready for combining in one of the formulas below.

Blend the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. Apply in a thin layer to face, avoiding eye area. Leave on the skin for fifteen minutes. Rinse off and apply a moisturizer or facial oil. Dab the face with a tissue.

Normal Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp water
{combine and use 1 drop of:
2 drops Geranium essential oil and
1 drop Bois de rose}

Dry Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Almond or Evening Primrose Oil
2 drops Carrot Oil
2 tsp water
{Combine and use 1 drop of:
1 drop Chamomile essential oil and
1 drop Rose essential oil}

Oily Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Tbsp Brewer's Yeast
1 Tbsp Water
{Combine and use 1 drop of:
1 drop of Rosemary essential oil and
1 drop of Lavender essential oil}

Revitalizing Mask for Dehydrated Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Brewer's Yeast
1 tsp Jojoba Oil
1 Tbsp Water
{Combine and use one drop of:
1 drop Chamomile essential oil and
2 drops Carrot Oil}

ACNE
1 tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 tsp Water
{Combine and use 1 drop of:
1 drop of Chamomile essential oil
1 drop of Lavender essential oil
1 drop Juniper essential oil and
1 drop Patchouli essential oil}

Bergamot Essential Oil

2007-09-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the tree Citrus bergamia (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as Bergamot orange.

Oil properties: The scent of the oil is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil. The color ranges from green to greenish-yellow and has a watery viscosity.

Origin of bergamot oil: This tree is native to South East Asia but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy, but is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

Bergamot oil is made from a tree that can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers, and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow.

The oil is one of the most widely used in the perfumery and toiletry industry and forms, together with Neroli and Lavender, the main ingredient for the classical 4711 Eau-de-cologne fragrance and is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. The name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy where the oil was first sold.

Extraction: The rind of both ripe and unripe fruit is used to extract the oil by expression, which yields about 0.5%.

Chemical composition: The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and
includes the following: Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Gamma Terpenene, Bergaptene and Dipentene.

Precautions: Bergamot oil can cause severe burns when used on a sensitive skin exposed to sunlight, since the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity and it is advisable to keep out of the sun if used on the skin.

Even when the ingredient Bergaptene (Furocoumarin) is removed from the oil and photo toxicity is therefore minimized, it is still advisable to keep treated skin out of the sun.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Bergamot oil include: antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and a febrifuge.

Uses: Bergamot oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, infection (all types including skin), anorexia, psoriasis, eczema and general convalescence.

Summary: When you are looking for an oil to help with depression, SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) or generally feeling just a bit off, lacking in self-confidence or feel shy, then consider Bergamot. It also has antiseptic qualities that are useful for skin complaints such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Bergamot oil can be used for depression, feeling fed-up, colds and flu, PMS and SAD.

Blended oil or in the bath: Bergamot oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in a bath to assist with stress, tension, SAD, PMS, skin problems, compulsive eating, postnatal depression, colds and flu, anxiety, depression, feeling fed-up and anorexia nervosa.

Bendable in base cream: It is used as a constituent in blended base cream, Bergamot oil. It can also be used for wounds and cuts, psoriasis, oily skin, scabies, eczema, acne and cold sores.

Bay Essential Oil

2007-09-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

West Indian Bay essential oil is extracted from the Pimenta racemosa (P. Acris, Myrcia Acris) tree, from the Myrtaceae family and is also known as bay rum, wild cinnamon and bay berry

Oil properties: The scent of Bay oil is sweet, fresh and spicy. The oil is deep yellow in color and is of medium to watery viscosity.

Origin of bay oil: This sturdy evergreen tree is a native of West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. Nowadays the oil is obtained mostly from Morocco and Spain. The Bay tree grows to about 10 meters (30 feet), has long aromatic lance-shaped leaves and small white-yellow flowers and black berries.

Bay oil was very popular with the Romans, who thought the Bay a symbol of wisdom, peace and protection. The Latin 'Laudis' means 'to praise", which is why the victors at the Olympic games were presented with a Laurel (Bay) Wreath.

In the past Bay leaves were distilled with rum. The Bay rum so obtained was a famous hair tonic and body rub for colds and muscle pains.

Extraction: The leaves collected from a tree at least 5 years old, are subjected to steam distillation (salt is often added or seawater used in the still) and it yields about 0.5-1.5%.
Chemical composition: The chemical composition of Bay Oil includes Eugenol, Chavicol, Myrcene, Cineol, and Methyl Eugenol.

Precautions: Bay oil has high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so use with caution.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Bay oil include the following: antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative and a tonic.

Uses: Bay oil can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pain, circulation problems, colds, flu, dental infection, and diarrhea and skin infections.

Summary: The benefit of Bay oil lies in its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains, including rheumatic pains. It also settles the digestive system and acts as a tonic on the liver and kidneys. Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Bay oil can be used for an infection, for fever and general aches and pains.

Blended in the bath: As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Bay oil can assist with calming emotions and relieving aches and pains, especially when combined with Rose and Juniper.

Bay oil blends well with Bay oil blends well with other oils including: Cedar wood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.

Basics of Aromatherapy 1

2007-09-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.

Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions.

At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.

Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.

Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience. Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents.

So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions. The next step is to introduce those essentials into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.

Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skillfully achieved by blending required parts of different oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience.

Basics of Aromatherapy 2

2007-09-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil.

The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same oil depending on surroundings, time or mood.

If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific. Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:

As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:
* Is it sharp and stinging?
* Is it subtle and smooth
* Is it balanced and tuned?
* Is it light or heavy?
* Is it warming or cooling?
* Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc.?

These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:
* Do you like or dislike it?
* Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?
* What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?
* Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?
* Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?

Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. How ever, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.

Aromatherapy Weight loss

2007-09-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

All of us will like to see ourselves well groomed and fit enough to look great and flaunt those athletic physiques among friends and relatives. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for the most obvious reasons; we simply can not maintain our body weight. For some people the dilemma of being overweight starts first in the mind: It is all psychological and once the mind is healthy, the slimmer body will automatically follow. Mentally, aromatherapy can help you to fight stress and lift your mood.

The connection between smell and emotion are thought to be extremely close. Taking a deep breath of pleasant smells triggers positive reactions in the brain, resulting in a sense of wellbeing and goodness. We are all very unique. If oil works well for one person it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work the same for the next person. The way the oils are used could also make a difference; one person might benefit more by using the oils in the bath, rather than inhalation, massage or burning the oils.

The same theory holds good in case of human weight; more you feel good and hale, the more will be the care towards your physical well being. A regular aromatherapy session may help you achieve weight loss campaign, by increasing your sense of well-being and relaxation.
However, aromatherapy cannot produce desired weight loss without you creating your own calorie deficit regime, either by eating a calorie-reduced weight loss diet, or by increasing calories burned through rigorous exercise, or more ideally by a combination of diet and exercise. Aromatherapy has proven to be very useful for this weight loss. This natural way of treating has no side effect at all as compared to other treatments.

Certain essential oils are very useful in weight loss trial, like Birch, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, and Fennel. Massage is probably the best method and oils must be used with base oils like sweet almond, which makes oil less strong and easy to use. Applying oil to those places were fatty tissues are more, will really help to reduce the fat level and make your physique well shaped.

Essential oils used here are not only sweet smelling but have also the capacity to make your digestive system good, that in turn also helps in weight reduction. How ever, one must see that the oils used should be in moderate amount and mixed with carrier oil before using. A calculated dosage, rigorous exercise-workout and a strict diet will go a long way in achieving a significant weight loss.

Aromatherapy Stress

2007-09-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

The principle of aromatherapy, as chronicled over thousands of years, lists hundreds of practical uses, as additives for bath, massage, medicines and essential scents. How ever, another most important aspect of any aromatherapy compound is its quality to reduce emotional stress and strain.

Various forms of aromatherapy compounds have been concocted for use in alleviating pain and emotional stress. Although aromatherapy should not be considered a miracle cure for serious emotional issues, the use of essential oils may assist, sometimes greatly, with particular emotional issues.

Additionally, the proper use of essential oils and balms may enhance your emotional demeanor and provide support and help balance your erratic emotions during the day. The use of essential oils for emotional well-being (or stress) is what is often first visualized of when you think of the term "aromatherapy."

Essential oils are comprised of naturally occurring chemicals (derived as herbal factors), that work in synergy and harmony with one another. Because essential oils evaporate quickly due to its instability ("volatile"), their molecules are easily inhaled. The inhalation of these naturally occurring synergistic chemicals provides triggers to our brain, which effect our emotions.

Inhalation of these invisible molecules also provides physical benefit which may also work together to aid in our emotional state. It seems that the whole mechanism as an act of mystery and surrealism; its mysterious action still defies our wisdom.

Many oils are soothing for human nerves and one good example is Orange. The smell of orange helps provide emotional balance and bring on a positive self esteem. Sweet orange oil is a wonderful oil to use alone or in a blend for those bouts of winter blues that often occur in the colder, eerie times of the year.

The aroma and the scent of sweet orange oil also blend nicely with many oils and have the added advantage of being one of the cheaper essential oils. It is also generally regarded to be one of the safer essential oils to use.

There is word of caution too! Not all oils provide the same level of benefit for all persons. It means the beneficial effects may not be of the same degree to a particular person. Past memories associated with particular aromas can have a positive or negative effect.

This is true for many people. Rose essential oil, for instance, is known for aiding during times of grief and sorry. It implies your past experiences with the aroma of rose oil, however, may impact its effectiveness for use during times of present grief. Do not force yourself to use oil that elicits negative feelings or that you don't like the aroma of particular oil.

It is important, therefore, that you treat any list of essential oils used for emotional well-being as a basic starting point. Within the realms of safety and experiment, utilize those oils that bring about the purpose that you seek. Aromatic oils can bring solace to your stressful life; using it with a bit of caution and intelligence can help you come out of those bitter moments.

Aromatherapy Skin Care 1

2007-09-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

Every one wants to look best and well groomed; a good skin is that ultimate wish for many millions of people all over the world. If you are looking after your skin, natural skin care products are the preferred option.

There are many advantages to using natural skin care products, because synthetic chemicals which are added to top brand skin care products is not what you want to absorb through your skin. You will be looking for all those things herbal to tone up your skin just because you do not want all those harmful chemical substances to harm and spoil your skin. Ultimately, you will decide to use one of those exotic aromatherapy recipes for maintaining your skin.

Though, inhaling the fragrant aromas of essential oils is just one way to enjoy aromatherapy, another innovative application is applying essential oils to the skin in the form of properly formulated preparations, massage oils, mineral baths and sprays. The molecular structure of essential oils makes them readily absorbed in the protective oily layer of the skin, where they are quickly absorbed.

Aromatherapy skincare is a safe, effective way for the body to acquire the beneficial properties of essential oils.

Acne Medication:
8 drop tea tree + 6 drops bergamot + 4 drops lavender: 0.75 oz of jojoba oil.
Apply to face every evening, massaging around the pimple. Mix recipe with cream for daytime use (never go into sun while using). Add a few drops of carrot oil to the mixture.

Dry Skin Wash:
10 drops sandalwood oil + 10 drops bois de rose oil +10 drops lavender oil: 2 tablespoons of avocado.

Hair Treatment: 2 drops rosemary oil + 1 drop lavender oil + 1 drop bay oil: 20 ml olive oil. Use as scalp massage or apply to hair

Problem Skin Wash: 10 drop myrrh oil + 10 drops Palma Rosa oil +10 d frankincense oil: 1 tablespoon of Borage and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed.

Reviving Face Mask: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lemon oil + 2 drops ylang ylang oil: 20 ml of iced water. Mix with enough crushed almonds to make a paste. Apply as a face mask. Let dry, then rinse off.

Sun care Blend: 14 drops lavender oil +1 drops peppermint oil: 4-8 oz. of cold water. Use in an atomizer on sunny days, spiriting yourself as needed.

Aromatherapy Skin Care 2

2007-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Dry Skin: Your skin produces a protective emollient substance known as sebum. People whose skin doesn’t produce enough sebum often sport dry, itchy and flaking skin. How ever, certain essential oils can help you. The tenacious, low volatility oils like patchouli and sandalwood, as well as heavily scented oils like rose and ylang ylang are especially well suited for dry skin preparations.

Moisturizing Cream:
4 fl. oz. almond oil
3 fl. oz. rosewater
1/2 oz. beeswax
10 drops rose
5 drops lavender
4 drops bergamot
8 drops patchouli
8 drops sandalwood

Melt the wax and the almond oil in a double boiler. Reduce the heat and add the rosewater gradually in a thin stream, while vigorously agitating the mixture. As soon as the water is incorporated take off heat. When the mixture cools and turns creamy, add the essential oils.

Oily Skin: Conversely, overactive sebaceous glands result in oily skin. People with oily skin need a regular cleansing exercise to take off excess oil and prevent clogged pores. This recipe for a facial mask uses the natural capacity of essential oils to help dissolve excess oil.

Oily Skin Facial Mask:
Mix 3 tablespoons of white corn meal and almond meal (freshly ground raw almonds are better), add the following essential oils:
10 drops lavender
5 drops bergamot
3 drops of clary sage

Add enough rosewater or orange flower water to make a wet paste. Using circular motions gently massage the mixture onto your face, avoiding the soft tissues under the eyes. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Finish the treatment by splashing cold water on your face to close your pores.

Aromatherapy Skin Care 3

2007-09-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Normal Skin: Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a toning/balancing facial mist.

Toning Facial Mist:
Add the following essential oils to 2 fluid ounces of distilled water:
6 drops lavender
1 drop clary sage
1 drop chamomile
4 drops lemon

Pour into a spray bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spraying this refreshing blend onto clean skin.

Sunburn: Your sunburned skin will benefit from a soothing, fragrant mist of distilled water and lavender oil. Adding a few drops of peppermint and spearmint oil contributes a cooling effect.

Sunburn Mist:
Add the following oils to 2 fluid ounces of distilled water.
9 drops of lavender
2 drops of peppermint
1 drop of spearmint Mist lightly over sunburned skin.

Aromatherapy skincare is a wonderful way to experience the immense benefits of essential oils; it works its way deeply into the skin, affecting the entire constitution. The aromas associated with this action work their fragrant magic on the whole human body.

Aromatherapy Scents 1

2007-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

Aromatic scents are known to have exerted an enduring influence on the psyche of all deep rooted ancient civilizations of the world. Its story is never complete and never ending; at least, one of the great royalties in any given time is known to be associated with mesmerizing effects of these scents.

Since ancient times, common man has also used scent to entice and excite. And modern perfume manufacturers – with heaps of scientific evidence are developing great perfumery blends with just such a purpose in mind. The impact of aromapathy scents is eternal and will linger on as long as our civilization.

So, what is the magic of these exotic scents? Why are some scents more conducive to romance than say, business pursuits? Why are some scents are more soothing and relaxing than others? Though, these factors can not be explained very easily, their effect on our life is definite.

When you inhale an aroma, it sends a myriad of messages through the olfactory nerve endings to the limbic system of the brain. This system, also known as the "old brain" manages instinctive responses like emotional, sexual and aggressive behaviors. And some scents - like jasmine, vanilla and ylang ylang – will stimulate the release of neurochemicals which trigger sexual response.

Plus, our personal preference of seductive scents is influenced by pheromones, barely visible human scent molecules that travel through perspiration. Pheromones are known to be very mysterious in exerting their influence on human beings.

How ever, each pheromone is entirely different. Because of the highly acidic nature of a man's sweat, male pheromones have a more musky quality than female ones. Musk and sandalwood scents, in fact, are known to be romantically enticing to women because they closely resemble the chemical make-up of male pheromones.

Exotic and romantic perfume blends are often created with the essential oils of patchouli, sandalwood, jasmine and ylang ylang. Of course, perfume enthusiasts have other aims in mind too.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans of yesteryears created special blends for seduction, but also for worshipping deities, enjoying holidays, and encouraging readiness before battle and inspiring deep contemplation and rejuvenation. Today all of us are still completely enveloped with aroma. And with various essential oils, we can also blend our own scents for various purposes.

Aromatherapy Scents 2

2007-09-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

A successful perfume is considered as an "aromatic symphony" - a perfect and harmonious blend of top, middle and base notes. Top notes are sharp, fleeting and alluring scents, those first noticed in a fragrance and the first to fade. Middle notes summarize the fragrance midway through the drying process, which can be considered the soul, or the melody of the blend. And base notes are deep, rich, stable, grounding scents that stabilize the fragrance and prolong its power, because their slow evaporation rate.

When trying blending a perfume, begin by swirling quickly the essential oils and absolutes together in a tight mix. Then mix them to your pick of vegetable-based oil. Jojoba works very well as a base because it's waxy nature, so it doesn’t become rancid and will increase the life of the perfume. Avoid synthetic oils while blending your concoction as they will mask the original flavor of your blend.

If you want to fragrance hair, clothes and sheets blend essential oils and absolutes in an atomizer and mix pure grain alcohol or 100 proof vodka. You can also create a refreshing, spicy-scented base by adding one stick of cinnamon, one vanilla bean or two tablespoons of spices (cloves, allspice or ginger) to a pint of alcohol.

Vanilla is known to induce sexual desire while cinnamon is attributed to arouse female passions. Alcohol-based oils improve as they mature with aging, so prepare them ahead and let the mixtures meld in a dark place for a few weeks before using. The most enduring aspects of these blends are the everlasting quality after a sustained aging process. As they mature, the blends unfold the aromatic magic, the air filling with exotic fumes of heavenly scent.

Aromatherapy scents is a source of pure joy; its effects surreal and its influence ever lasting. As some one rightly said “As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul." How true it is!

Aromatherapy Romance

2007-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Essential oils are also known to induce and rouse passionate moments among couples. Scents can seduce you and your spouse as the chemicals present in the essential oils send messages to your brain. Research has shown the pheromone properties of essential oil and more industries are incorporating these oils as an essential component in their perfume formulations.

You can also use your favorite oil in your daily life; how ever, essential oils are very concentrated and direct application is not recommended, as it causes burns or damage to your nose. You can perfume your underwear or clothing by letting the scent molecules adhere to your clothing.

For those romantic moments, you can use orange, jasmine or black pepper. Need more passion? Then try using clary sage, rose or cedar wood. Take 3 small cotton balls and apply a drop of essential oil on each. Keep these in your underwear drawer or your clothes wardrobe. Allow about 2 hours for the scent to diffuse into your clothes. Feel the excitement!

For scenting other items like pillows and bed spreads, repeat the same procedure. Avoid applying essential oils directly onto cloth as it will stain your cloth. Use 2 drops each of clary sage, neroli and chamomile.

After a hard day, sooth your partner’s nerves by using a head massage with essential oils. This action will ultimately help him / her relaxes and is in a conducive mood for romance. Mix 2 drops of lavender, rose and geranium into a teaspoon of almond and jojoba oils each. Rub this oil on your hands and then massage your partner's forehead gently. Rub outwards towards the ears. Next, proceed to using circular motions to massage the forehead.

Touch can also invoke your romantic mood. Massaging your partner’s neck will help achieve this mood. You'll need 2 drops of black pepper, ginger and ylang ylang, each into 2 teaspoons of sunflower and grape seed oil. Use this oil mix to massage your partner's neck form top to bottom. Squeeze the muscles at the base of the neck. Repeat this procedure 10 times.

The same formula can be used for a back massage. Start by placing some oil between the shoulder blades of your partner. Massage from the center outwards, using both hands. You can gently squeeze the muscles and rub the oil. Work downwards until you reach the pelvic area.

There are a variety of aromatic oils to use to induce romantic moments. The rose oil is an all time favorite for romance and love. You can try different combinations of essential oils that promote romance. Once you get a real feeling for particular oil, you can decide to stick with it. Go ahead and indulge yourself and be a part of those fleeting romantic moments.

Aromatherapy Recipes 1

2007-09-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Organic aromatherapy recipes have been used for centuries and its usage is very diverse and spread all over the world. Hundreds of recipes have been found and perfected over thousands of years. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to combat everyday maladies in our lives such as stress, depression, indigestion, menopause, nausea, immune deficiencies, fatigue and numerous others. The following aromatherapy recipes are for your aromatic information.

First things first! Always remember that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids that can be very harmful if used carelessly. CAUTION: Never apply undiluted oil on the skin without use of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil.

Massage is perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils. It combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. As a general rule, always use ten drops of total essential oils per mixture, and keep it around five for maximum effectiveness.

You can always concoct your own innovative recipe using many essential oils that available in the market. You don't really need a branded expensive aromatherapy product or go to an expensive aromatherapy spa and some wholesale aromatherapy vendors can be too expensive.

Here are a few quick, instant and easy natural aromatherapy recipes that can be formulated at your home:

Beat the depression with 3 revitalizing drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of zesty ginger.
Drive out insomnia with easeful drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage and bergamot oils.
Reduce menstrual cramps with pacifying drops of peppermint, cypress and lavender oils.
Soothe stress with calming drops of Roman chamomile, lavender and vetiver oils.
Enhance memory with stimulating drops of peppermint and lemon oils.
Boost your immune system with protecting drops of eucalyptus, pine and peppermint oils.
Fight acne with toning lavender and antiseptic tea tree oil.
Ease a grieving heart with oils of warm rose and sandalwood.
Disinfect the kitchen sink with the citrus smell of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils.

Aromatherapy Recipes 2

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Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils.

All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.

Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples.

Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.

Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.

Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil.

Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.

Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.

Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil.

Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.

Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage.

Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil + 3 drops geranium oil + 3 drops rose oil: 20 ml carrier oil.

Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drops peppermint oil + 1 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub.

Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drop lemongrass oil + 3 drops orange oil + 1 drop rosemary oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages.

Uplifting Massage: 2 drop bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil +2 drops petit grain oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good early-morning body rubs.

Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil + 2 drops cedar wood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips.

Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drops rose oil + 1 drops violet oil + 1 drops geranium oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips.

Oils which are not preferable for home use include: cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage.

Oils which should not be used during pregnancy include: basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme.

Oils which are not recommended for steam facials include: bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree.

Oils which are photosynthesizing include, but are not restricted to: lemon, bergamot, lime, and orange. Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.

Aromatherapy Lotions 1

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Lavender Lotion
This e lotion eases the pain associated with sunburn and helps to promote healing.
Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Shea Butter
1/2 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tablespoon Vitamin E Oil
1/2 Tablespoon Lavender 40-42 Essential Oil

Instructions:
Melt shea butter over low heat on the stove. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Allow to cool slightly. Once the mixture begins to set up, and then stir with a hand blender to help avoid any separation. Once whipped with the blender, it should look like whipped icing. Pour into a wide mouthed 8oz. plastic container, allow cooling and replacing lid.

Basic Body Lotion
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Distilled Water
2 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 oz. Liquid Vegetable Glycerin
2 Tablespoons Emulsifying Wax
2 Tablespoons Stearic Acid1
1/2 teaspoons Germaben II
1/2 teaspoon Fragrance Oil of Choice

Instructions:
Over low heat, combine distilled water Sweet Almond Oil, Liquid Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, and Stearic Acid. Heat this just until emulsifying wax has melted. Stir mixture well, and remove from heat. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Then, with a hand held beater mix the lotion mixture. Continue to mix until it begins to thicken, and then add the Germaben II and fragrance oil. Stir well, and then pour the lotion into bottles. Allow to cool completely before closing containers.

Aromatherapy Lotions 2

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Smoothing Skin Lotion
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Lavender Lotion Bar
Ingredients:
100g coconut oil
100g sweet almond oil
100g beeswax
5ml (1tsp) lavender essential oil

Instructions:
Gently melt the coconut oil and beeswax together over a low heat. As soon as they have melted, stir in the sweet almond oil and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and leave to cool slightly. Stir in the lavender essential oil once cooled and mix well. Pour into molds of your choice and allow solidifying at room temperature for several hours.

Lavender Flower Lotion
Ingredients:
5 Tbsp Lavender water
5 Tbsp Witch Hazel
5 Tbsp Lemon Juice, strained
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:
Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before each use. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Aromatherapy History

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The roots and fundamentals of Aromatherapy can be traced back to nearly 3000 years before Christ, when the ancient Egyptians used the basics of Aromatherapy in their daily lives. Historical records show that Egyptians burned incense made from aromatic woods and other herbs to honor their gods.

Also royal harems and guest houses used many aromatic oils very profusely to satisfy many important guests. Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing and therapeutic practices. Medicinal plants are used to cure many ailments and used in many sacred rituals to evoke different states of consciousness.

Elaborate religious ceremonies were performed in Egyptian temples, where the dead King was mummified and surrounded with exotic essential oils. Egyptians believed very firmly that essential oils have an unusual preserving property when added with other spices.

Embalming was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the tissue of the bodies for thousands of years. The oils and resins used were so potent, that in the 17th century mummies were sold in Europe and doctors distilled them for use in their medicines.

Aromatherapy truly emerged from the smoky temples of Egypt 6,000 years ago. Egypt was the birthplace of medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and perfumery. Trading was flourishing and traders arrived for trade from all over the world by land and sea to deliver flowers, herbs and plants.

Priestesses and priests strictly supervised the delicate preparations in the temples and palaces, reading formulas & chanting incantations and hymns, as substances were measured & combined with ultimate precision. Purification processes went on for months until the right, perfect subtle blend was achieved.

The use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel, China, India and the Mediterranean. Every culture, from the most backward to the most modern, developed own set of practices. Greek physicians and military surgeons were employed by the Romans every where in the empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the science spread to the Arab countries, where medicine men devoted them to the ancient art of alchemy, perfecting the art of distillation and extraction.

For many centuries essential oils were the only remedies for epidemic diseases and conditions. During the dreaded Black Plague, very few became ill, who in fact were associated with perfumeries and glove industries where these oils were in profuse use.

During the 19th century, with the development of modern science, all forms of herbal medicine disappeared until the 1920s, when French chemist Gatefosse revived the art, giving it the name Aromatherapy. India was one of the few countries where the tradition was never lost, Avurveda being the most ancient medical practice in the world today. Aromatherapy is now used in hospitals, offices, clinics and homes all over the world.

Aromatherapy acts as a bridge between the new and old; most of the industries use these oils for various blends and concoctions, which provide cure and relief for a number of complications.

Aromatherapy Herbs

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Aromatic herbs are some of the most unusual plants species in the plant kingdom; nothing can be as useful and beneficial as Aromatherapy herbs, their contribution to the civilization is a fact well recognized. Aromatic plants are those which contain certain natural compounds called “natural scents.”

Most of these critical extracts are obtained from different parts of a plant like leaves, stem, flowers, seeds and roots. Though they are hidden in these parts, they can be extracted by distillation or fractionation processes. The number of catalogued aromatic herbs exceeds 250, though many of them are not really productive. How ever, about 100 varieties are known to possess unique compounds that are used as aromatherapy essential oils.

Herbs have a variety of effects including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative or stimulant properties. By being aware of each plant's properties and used carefully the man can be relieved of various symptoms or illnesses. In general, all essential oils have the ability to strengthen the immune system, and are detoxifying in nature. Essential oils can be used as preventative treatment; most symptoms can be reduced with regular treatment.

Various herbs and plants that can be used are - Basil, Lavender, Garlic, Aloe Vera, Seaweed, Nettle, Rosemary, Tea tree, Dandelion and Liquorices. Basil has expectorant and antibiotic/antiseptic properties. Lavender is a relaxant. Garlic is antiseptic, antibiotic and expectorant. The expectorant properties make garlic excellent for the respiratory system. The juice from a bulb of garlic can be used on cuts and bruises.

Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic plant, its uses are various. Tea Tree is an antiseptic and mild disinfectant which aids healing, strengthens the immune system. Dandelion is used to treat kidney or liver disorders, the root stimulates the liver and the leaves act as a diuretic. Liquorices can be used as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antispasmodic and expectorant herb.

Aromatic herbs, due its therapeutic properties, are cherished by many professionals in the world. Hundreds of recipes are researched and chronicled every day, ach with different use and application. Carefully selected herbs are chosen to extract essential oils and refined for a long shelf life.

Many herbs can even be grown in containers at home or cottage gardens; the fresh aroma and the sweet essence of flowers and leaves are sources of joy and relaxation for any garden owner. Aromatherapy herbs are known to special plants for special purposes; its organic extracts are all pure and 100% safe for therapeutic uses. Aromatic oils are eternal and man’s quest for perfection to acquire a pure essential oil is never ending.

Aromatherapy Guide 1

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Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions.

The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their "critical factors" - they are needed critically for the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable.

Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices; woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.

Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils:

For Massage:
This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil, such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel.

A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.

For Bath:
Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances the powers of the oils.

For daily bathing, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the surface of the water, and then bathe yourself for about 20 minutes, whilst you deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use while bathing your children.
For CompressingAdd 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

Aromatherapy Guide 2

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For Inhalation
Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension.

For Vaporization
All essential oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in your working room or living quarters.

As Perfumes
It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different combinations, which can be mixed with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment.

Storing Essential Oils
Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years if properly stored, though the oils derived from orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which actually gets better as it ages.

Mixing Essential Oils
Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that you use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross contamination.

Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are various; different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils 1

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One of the nature’s greatest gifts to mankind is the magical properties of Aromatherapy essential oils. Its existence is considered to be very ancient, with a history of 3500 years. Latest research has only recently shown what aroma therapists have known for many ages: “what we smell has a direct impact on how we feel.”

Like the other common senses, the things we smell are transmitted directly to the brain. Research has proved that lavender aroma steps up alpha waves in the back of the head, which is associated with relaxation.

That means using lavender helps you to relax. On the other hand, jasmine scent increases beta waves in the front of the head, which has been found to make you feel more alert. You will be on your toes, if you smell jasmine.

The use of essential oils includes inhaling their scent. Aromatherapy is an established system of caring for the body with herbal and botanical oils. Many times, it is the scent that gives the therapeutic value, and other times it works better by making the skin absorbing the oil.

Irrespective of how the oil is absorbed into the body, whether through the skin, the mouth, or the nose, essential oils have long been used to help in healing.

Enjoy the benefits of scent by dropping a few drops of essential oil in your bath, or placing some drops or so in a diffuser, which sits on a socket. When using oil on the surface, it is always a good idea to mix the essential oil with carrier oil such as almond, sesame, or olive.

This reduces the impact of the oil a bit, but can also prevent harmful adverse reaction. Before you use these oils, just make sure that you take a patch test. Just apply a tiny amount to the inside of your arm and examine it after 24 hours. In case there is no reaction, you are safe in using the oil elsewhere on the body. Use essential oils sparingly and carefully to achieve the maximum benefit.

Here are some common ailments and suggestions for the use of essential oils in treating them. It would be a good idea to find an aroma therapist to help you; so that you can blend you own mixture and achieve the greatest benefit from them.

Allergies: Mix one drop of cypress and one drop of hyssop in the palm of your hand and then apply the mixture to the back of your tongue every few hours to relieve hay fever symptoms.

Backache: Mix equal parts of blue chamomile; birch; rosemary or eucalyptus; ginger or black pepper; lavender; carrier oil. Rub into the affected area after a hot bath, when muscles are relaxed and pores are open.

Nausea or stomachache: Put two drops peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck the cube slowly. Or, add a few drops of peppermint oil to hot water and drink as a tea.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils 2

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Headaches: Peppermint, inhaled directly from the bottle, or rubbed with a little carrier oil under the nose and at the temples can be very soothing for headaches.

Cuts, scrapes & scratches: Lavender oil can be applied undiluted to soothe and help heal minor cuts and abrasions.

Anxiety: Lavender, bergamot, Melissa, geranium, and ylang-ylang are great for calming weary nerves. You can mix three or four together. Add to a bath, use in a scent lamp, or massage into the skin with a carrier oil.

Sleep aids: Marjoram, lavender and ylang-ylang in a warm bath can be soothing before bedtime and aids in sleep.

Colds or flu: Blend three parts ravensare, one part naiouli or eucalyptus, one part lemon, one part rosewood, and one part lavender. Add about 50 drops of this mixture to a diffuser, or add 6-8 drops to a bowl of just boiled water, place a towel over your head, bend over the bowl and inhale.

Stress: Lavender and sage are very relaxing. Place a few drops of each on a tissue and leave on the dashboard so the sun can warm it and diffuse it into the air of the car

Arthritis: Add 10 drops each of rosemary and chamomile to a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes.

There are many other essential oils, for treating everything from acne to diabetes to depression. Most oils are not harmful if inhaled, but care should be taken to apply topically on the skin, and never take any essential oil internally without the advice of a skilled professional.

Aromatherapy Diffusers part-1

2007-09-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Have you scented those exotic aromas of essential oils emanating from a wall diffuser? Essential oils emanate a subtle fume of aroma, when diffused slowly over a period of time. Diffusion of aromatic aroma brings a whiff of freshness in to your room, like a fresh forest wind.

Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oils so that their aroma fills a room or an area with the natural fragrance. From the simple to the detailed, many different methods exist for diffusing components oils into your room.

Three easy methods exist which can be carried out with equipments you have in your household. Plus, there are numerous diffusers and diffusing devices available from aromatherapy vendors.

The essential advantages of using diffusers are:
1. The complex but unstable aromas of your favorite oil can be diffused slowly over a period of time.
2. You can use any type of oil for diffusing their aromatic fumes.
3. On diffusion, the oil gives out aroma in a calculated manner, from the unstable high note to more stable low note.
4. You can feel progressive onset of different stages of aromas.

You can methods that are simple and can be done in your home itself:

Simple Tissue Diffusion: Drop 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue and place it near you. As movement occurs in the room, you will notice the distinct aroma. This method can be used anywhere, how ever this method does not emit much aroma into a room.

Steam Diffusion: Make boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add up to 10 drops of oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are allergic. The steam will heat up the oils and cause them to evaporate quickly into the room. This method will quickly diffuse the oil into a room and the aroma is not exceptionally long-lasting and it is highly unstable.

Candle Diffusion: Light a candle and allow it to burn for about 5 minutes. Put off the flame and place 1 drop of essential oil in the melted wax and then relight the candle. As essential oils are highly flammable please be very careful. The aroma is short lived.

Apart from these home made methods, several diffusers are available among many vendors. Decide on what you need to buy, what oils to be used and how much will need to be paid. Here are some of the diffusers that are available in the market today:

Lamp Rings: Lamp rings are in essence a terra-cotta ring that sets directly and correctly onto a light bulb. It has a deep grooved lip that wraps around it. This lip holds essential oil. The heat from a light bulb heats the essential oil in the Lamp Ring and the oil is then gently diffused into the room. Lamp Rings are usually inexpensive. If any essential oil seeps onto the light bulb, the light bulb could burst. Some of the essential compounds might get altered chemically.

Aromatherapy Diffusers part-2

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Clay Pot Diffusers: A clay pot diffuser contains an opening for adding essential oils. A cork is used to close the opening. The oils permeate through the pot and then diffuse out into the room. The intensity of the aroma depends on the quantity of essential oil that is added to the clay pot.

Clay pot diffusers are inexpensive, easy to use, and do not require electricity or batteries. The aroma is strongest in the initial stages and later it dissipates as time passes.

Candle Diffusers: A candle diffuser is a diffuser that uses a small tea light or other candle to gently heat the essential oil to promote diffusion into a room. A candle diffuser is usually made of ceramic or metal. The diffuser has an opening for a candle and a little container for storing essential oil. Candle diffusers are inexpensive, depending on the style and design. Candle diffusers do not require electricity or batteries. There may be a certain loss of essential compounds as the heat will destroy them very gradually.

Fan Diffusers: A fan diffuser uses a fan to blow the essential oils into the air. To use a fan diffuser, essential oils are placed on an absorbent pad or into a tray. The pad or tray is placed into the unit and then the power switched on. The fan then blows air across this pad or tray and transports the aroma throughout the room. Fan diffusers are available in a different brands and styles. Based on the brand and model, they can fragrance a large area. Fan diffusers are very easy to use and are portable. Some times you will need to buy the pad and often these units create some noise.

Electric Heat Diffusers: Like fan diffuser, heat diffusers use heat and a fan to gently heat the oil and disperse the aroma into a room. Electric heat diffusers will disperse aromas over larger areas, depending on the brand and style. They can also help to more efficiently disperse the aromas of thicker oils such as Sandalwood and Patchouli. Some of the components of essential oil may get lost during heating.

Nebulizers: A nebulizer is a device that takes essential oils and breaks them into separate molecules before dispersing the smaller molecules into the room. A nebulizer is a small device consisting of two main parts: a plastic base that contains the motor and a very unusual, clear blown-glass looking device that holds and "nebulizes" the oils.

It is said that nebulizers can supply greater therapeutic benefit than the use of other diffusers because they break the oils down into smaller molecules. The glass piece is highly breakable and expensive to replace. Some essential oils can not be used with nebulizers as they can clog the opening.

You can pick up any of these diffusers available in the market; but rest assured of their action and get ready to experience the exotic aromas swirling around you, like mists of magic.

Aromatherapy Candle Part-1

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Candles provide a glowing history as an object of exoticness and reverence; its use is as old as the human history itself. Many great civilizations and modern societies have held candles as an instrument of radiance; its radiance properties surpass any other similar objects. Candles have long been used as a 'mood-setting' addition to a room or occasion and now more innovative aromatherapy candles enhance that goal.

Aromatherapy practice uses natural essential oils that are absorbed through massage, ingestion or olfaction (also called sensory). Aromatic oils are also use to make candles, which candles have a physiological or therapeutic effect on mood through their fragrance. How ever, scented candles should not be confused with aromatherapy candles. Scented candles simply contain a fragrance, most probably artificial, whereas aromatherapy candles contain natural essential oils.

Probably, one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. A bowl of floating lavender aromatherapy candles to accompany your bath will help you relax after a long day. A small candle on your dining table will sway your desolate mood in to feeling of satisfaction.

For every mood and moment, there is an aromatherapy candle. Some of these top-rated essential oils might be found in aromatherapy candles:

Sage : This oil helps with insomnia and relaxation;
Chamomile : Exciting oil used for relaxing, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety;
Rosemary : An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation;
Grapefruit : Freshly uplifting and refreshing

Eucalyptus : A strong oil which helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system;
Ylang Ylang : Soothing oil as a good antidepressant that helps you relax and sleep;
Geranium : Its sober effects help with relaxation while also being uplifting; helps balance hormones in women;
Peppermint : Sweet aroma helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches;
Lemon : Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes you senses;

As with any health product, you should understand what you are using when burning aromatherapy candles. You must know which type of oil is used in your candles. Certain essential oils can be harmful; it is always advised to be careful. Any type of candle can be formulated to serve as an aromatherapy candle, whether it's a floating, pillar, gel, votive or even jar candle.

Even though the doubts around the effectiveness aromatherapy are still present, all of us do know that candles and aromas are effective for evoking mood and emotions. You will notice candles labeled as "aromatherapy" candles range greatly in price; the price ranging

Aromatherapy Candle Part-2

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from a low to high cost depending on the quality and availability of oil. Several factors effect the price such as types and qualities of wax, additives or purity, as well as other factors related to manufacturing. How ever, one main ingredient which can make or break the success of a candle as well as the price is its fragrance.

You can make your own aromatherapy candles too at your home! The best waxes for aromatherapy candles are of course a bit more expensive. Many natural waxes such as soy, palm and beeswax burn cleaner and do not emanate soot and are not petroleum or polymer based such as paraffin or gel waxes. More natural cotton or zinc core wick should be used instead of leaded wick because of health hazard issues.

Instead of adding dye to color the candle, include natural substances like herbs and flower petals. Always use pure essential oils for fragrance. This is definitely expensive, but worth it plus you can mix and match your own blends. Palm wax or palm/beeswax blend candles are always better, because they burn so long and clean and they blend quite easily with your oils.

Essential oils should be added after the wax has melted and started cooling to preserve the integrity of the fragrance as they easily breakdown and evaporate.Decorating your candle can be as easy as tying a ribbon around it to adding pressed flowers to it. Make several small motiffs or round candles and add to a basket for a great gift idea.

Candles attach emotional importance to any occasion and moments; a great aromatherapy candle has that great ability to enhance the mood and ambience of any environment.

Aromatherapy Blends Part 1

2007-09-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Blending aromatherapy oils in to a well balanced mix is a workmanship that is a combination of an art as well as aesthetic ness. Aromatherapy blends that complement workout routines in our daily lives are among the fastest growing uses of aromatherapy today.

An essential oil blend is created for aesthetic and/or therapeutic benefits. No special skill is required to produce a successful blend but a spirit of creativity and a thorough knowledge of oils will help, along with a clear understanding of the intended use of the blend. A sensible aromatherapy blend employs all-natural, pure essential oils and delivers a clear benefit. The oils combined in it should be synergistic and harmonious enough to support and enhance oil's effect.

Before starting your blending work, it's very important to understand essential oils in general, as well as the specific parameters and aroma profiles of the oils you want to work with.
Essential oils are essentially very volatile. When you uncap a bottle of essential oil and expose it to the air, its aroma profile immediately begins to spread, develop and change. It undergoes certain defined morphological changes during its life span.

The three main stages of these changes are known as the top note stage, middle stage, and dry out stage. These stages of volatility coincide with three characteristics of the aroma profile known as top notes, middle notes and base notes. The top note stage appears first and corresponds with the most volatile, productive and unstable aroma compounds of the oil.

The aromas of these compounds are very subtle, smooth and fleeting, sometimes lasting just for a few seconds before dissipating. As the top notes evaporate very gradually, the oil enters its middle stage, in which the aroma body is most developed and balanced. A portion of the top notes remain, the middle notes are most apparent and sensible while the base notes are beginning to develop slowly.

As the middle stage progresses slowly, the base notes become visible and more noticeable, because they consist of compounds that are slow to volatilization. When the base notes finally evaporate, a faint but light dry out note lingers. The aroma profile of the dry out stage is thin, sometimes pungent, and suggests the presence of the oil. The dry out component can be thought of as the matrix or the soul of the oil.

Based on their individual aroma profiles, oils can be categorized into top notes, middle notes and bottom notes. A very delicate, highly volatile oil like bergamot is considered top note oil. Well balanced oil like clary sage would be known as middle note oil. Deep, rich, very tenacious oil like patchouli is considered base note oil.

Aromatherapy Blends Part 2

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When creating a blend, attempt for balance between top, middle and base note oils. Well balanced oil has a complex aroma profile and maintains the aromatherapy benefit throughout the various stages, although the characteristics of the scent may change. It is more stable and its usage spells a clear motive and defined benefit.

Before blending, analyze the various aroma profiles of the oils by dispensing a drop of oil on blotter paper or unscented tissue. Concentrate, inhale and note your impressions. Write notes and build notes for future reference. Trust your impressions and experience of the oils. Try to be connoisseur of smell. What do the different aromas remind you of? How do they under go change and develop throughout the various stages? How does the oil's fragrance make you feel?

As you develop a definite picture of the oils, visualize how they'll work with each other in a blend. Just decide about the part of the oil to be used, which effects are to be enhanced and which harsh characters needs to be toned down.

As a basic blend, just try to imagine a “DAY OUT BLEND” that helps you relax and unwind after stressful day. Your blend should be soothing and relaxing to your nerves, but also able to drive away the troubles of the day and give that much needed boost to carry you through the at home.

Two of the excellent relaxing oils are chamomile and lavender. Uplifting oils include bergamot and lemon. A careful blend of these oils would produce a light, sweet aroma with complex top and middle notes. The bergamot, lemon and chamomile oil components would lend this blend a fruity sweetness. The lavender would make the sweetness a wee bit more floral-botanical.

If you need the blend to be a little less sweet and more stimulating, a little amount of herbaceous, yet penetrating rosemary could be dispensed. The relaxing, spicy-woody oil of rosewood will serve as an effective base to this blend. If you observe, all essential effects of these oils are purely complimentary and in no way conflicting!

Try and learn which essential oils would match the benefit and aroma you're after. Then begin an experiment with various quantities and combinations, until you create the blend you want. Always try to keep notes on what you're doing, so upon a perfect blend you can repeat and make it more perfect.

A workout blend would inspire a perfectly positive attitude about improving health and physical appearance. A perfect blend is invigorating, inspiring and uplifting and such properties of essential oils can help you boost confidence and commitment all through the day. Some oils are activating, others soothe and calm, and still others fight workout odors. Some work like catalyst, while others are purely energizing.

Some of the invigorating and inspiring oils are: Basil, cypress, eucalyptus, fir needle, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, petit grain, rosemary and thyme.

Examples of soothing and relaxing oils are: Cedar wood, chamomile, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Anti-odor and Refreshing oils are: All citrus oils, including bergamot, grapefruit, Limon, lime, orange, and tangerine. Other anti-odor oils are coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender.

Aromatherapy Balm

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Foot Balm

Ingredients:
1/2oz. beeswax
1/2oz. cocoa butter
2 fluid oz. sweet almond oil
2 fluid oz. apricot kernel oil
1/2 fluid oz. avocado oil or jojoba oil
1/2 fluid oz. rose water
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:
Heat beeswax and cocoa butter on stove, just until melted. Stir in oils and rosewater. Mix well. Remove from heat, and allow cooling slightly. Stir in essential oils. Pour into a container. Allow to cool before closing container.

Shea Butter Foot Balm
Ingredients:
1.8 ounces shea butter
1 ounce sweet almond oil
1 ounce coconut oil
1.5 ounces emulsifying wax.
5 ounces stearic acid
4.2 ounces distilled water

Instructions:

Combine the shea butter, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, emulsifying wax and stearic acid in a large heat proof glass measuring cup with a pour spout. Place the mixture in a hot water bath until the waxes are completely melted. Remove from heat.
Place the water in a separate Pyrex cup and warm for about 15 minutes in a hot water bath.
After stirring the oils/waxes together to make sure they are evenly combined, begin stirring the oil/wax mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed and add the water mixture as you stir.
You will see the mixture begin to thicken as you blend it. Continue mixing until until Shea Butter Foot Balm is thick and rich. This should take about 5-10 minutes at most.
Pour balm into clean jars and allow cooling before capping.

Yield: 10 ounces

Healing Salve for Cracked Hands & Feet

Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
1 oz Calendula infused olive oil
1 oz Plaintain infused olive oil
1 oz St. Johnswort infused olive oil
6 drops Vit E
5 drops Pine needle essential oil
5 drops Chamomile (german) essential oil
5 drops Lavendar essential oil
5 drops Tea tree essential oil

Instructions:
Melt beeswax and olive oils together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat. Then stir in the Vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into containers and allow cooling completely before sealing.

Cooling Foot Salve

Ingredients:
10 oz. coconut oil, solid
2 oz. jojoba oil
3 oz. olive oil
3 Tbs. candelilla wax
1/2 oz. beeswax
1 oz. cocoa butter.
5 oz. menthol crystals
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops naouli essential oil

Instructions:
Combine the coconut, jojoba, and olive oils with the waxes and cocoa butter. Melt over low. Stir to blend. Once melted, remove from heat. Stir in menthol crystals. If crystals don't melt, add heat until fully melted, and then remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly then stir in the essential oils. Pour into your containers, and allow cooling completely before sealing.

Aromatherapy Bath

2007-09-17T16:08:00.002-07:00

Aromatherapy also advocates practices of taking bath using one of those exotic essential oils; for many of us, a hot and relaxing bath is both a way to calm down tired bodies and relieve stress. Further more, a few moments to think, ponder, contemplate and meditate can create wonders for the mind and body.

A hot bath with one of your favorite oils adds a new experience to your life, which is otherwise straining and equally boring. Essential oils also called “oil of life”, is soothing and refreshing, when added to your bath tub. Thus, these oils compel us to think over using them at least once a day to feel invigorated. Using the bath as an innovative way of administering Aromatherapy is one of the best for numerous reasons.

Your entire dull skin gets a layer of pure essential oils. The misty vapors rising from the hot water enters your olfactory system and lungs. Your mind will be clear and calm, allowing you to concentrate on yourself and the essential oil treatment. It means essential oils bring a celestial experience to your bath room. The hot bath now makes you, in fact, makes you sweat and tired added with a treatment of oils.

Mandatory sleep or renewed vigor will soon follow such a refreshing treatment. Apart from these soothing effects, you can even adjust the level of essential oils to treat some of your skin conditions like acne and scabies.

Another advantage of using aromatic oil is relieving your nervous conditions by making your mental constitution stronger and calmer. Some essential oils are known to be very romantic in nature; few drops your favorite oil will help you and your spouse to relax allowing passionate moments to overflow. It can also simply be used to aid in your enjoyment of your bath, to feel the balminess of flowing water.

Using essential oils in the bath is as simple as adding 10 drops just before you enter the tub. You can add, perhaps, lavender or Rose oils or intricately add concocted bath oil containing a number of oils. It is purely personal and you can choose your favorite oil. Floral oils like jasmine or rose oils, usually make perfect bath concoctions, but one can feel free to use a particular oil or blend for conditions they wish to help.

The good effects of aromatherapy bath directly seeps in to respiratory, skin and nervous system to reduce problems. It is also discovered that joint problems and muscle pain can also be greatly helped.
Though soaps and candles containing real, pure aromatic oils can be beneficial too, nothing compares the advantage of direct contact of essential oils with the bath water. You must note its high volatility and instability, so it is prudent, when using them in the bath and add those drops just before you are ready to enter.

You must also trap all those steam vapors by making sure that you draw close the shower curtains. This single action will make sure you are reaping the benefits of the essential oils before they evaporate with the hot steam.

Any bath oils containing extracts of Vitamin E, when added to your favorite aromatic oil, can help the essential oil to linger on the surface of the water faster and usually can be placed under hot running water.

If you want to create a lively bubble bath setting or special bath, add a bit of dried milk, a bit of good quality hand soap and fresh rose petals plus your oil. Women will find bathing in rosemary water to be particularly beneficial after a stressful day and/or PMS symptoms. Men can use a pungent orange or ylang-ylang, especially in the morning to get them started for a day of work.

Aromatherapy oils and their usage are gaining lots of popularity among beauty conscious people of the world; many personal care industries are using more essential oils in their bathing products, than ever before.

Aromatherapy Bath

2007-09-17T16:08:00.001-07:00

Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy

2007-09-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy 1

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Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).

For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.

How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy.

Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy

Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.

Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal

Oils Recommended During Pregnancy

The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for pregnancy include:

Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine

If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.

Aromatherapy and Children

2007-09-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

As in case of adults, aromatherapy works wonderfully in case of children too; a cool aromatic bath in a tub is always eagerly awaited by your children. Many essential oils can be used to treat many ailments and conditions of your growing children. How ever, care must be taken in treating children with essential oils, although there are many numbers of safe ones. If used in original concentration, oils may work adversely and cause skin burn and irritation.

Most common dosage for any aromatic oil would be one-third to one-half the adult dose, or a 1-percent dilution (five or six drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil), and don't forget that citruses may irritate the skin.

Chamomile, Melissa and fennel are usually used as massage oil, or taken as herb tea. These oils are known to soothe a variety of tummy-aches-and the problems that can lead to stomachaches, such as frayed nerves, anxiety and over excitability. More common problems like colic, gas pains, and nausea and food allergies are also treated by oils.

A chamomile, fennel and Melissa herb tea with licorice helps stop crying and fussing in infants with colic. Essential oils relieve muscle spasms caused when babies swallow air as they eat. Herbal gripe water is still being used all over the world to get rid of colic pains. A carminative water mix contains fennel, chamomile, caraway, coriander and bitter orange peel, all known to kill bacteria and relieve flatulence.

Most digestive problems are reduced by a simple tummy massage using one of the oils. Tummy-Rub Oil can be formulated as follows:

2 drops Roman chamomile
1 drop fennel
2 drops dill
1 drop Melissa1 ounce carrier oil
Mix together and massage the tummy gently.

A suggested treatment for children before bedtime is a warm lavender and chamomile essential-oil bath. Most children just love taking aromatherapy baths, particularly if they have their own personal blends.

Popular fragrances include orange, grapefruit and tangerine-all antidepressants and relaxants. Nature's gentle but powerful relaxant teas such as Melissa, lavender and chamomile has the property to calm a nervous, over stimulated, over excited child, make headaches go away and gently induce sleep.

Placing a cool compress of lavender on the forehead will give much needed relief from a headache, sleeplessness or over exertion. Frankincense used as a vaporizer or as massage oil is safe and effective for respiratory congestion or infection. Other safe essential oils for children include mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine and petit grain. Tea of yarrow, catnip, peppermint and elder flower rare known to reduce the symptoms of measles, chicken pox or mumps; ginger with a touch of lemon juice is also effective.

The soreness of mumps is lessened by syrups and gargles made from teas of thyme, rosemary or sage. Antiviral oils made from Melissa and bergamot has proven effective against the mumps and chicken-pox viruses. For teething pain in toddlers and young children, give chamomile tea and rub the gums with a little diluted clove oil on your finger.

The following formula may be used for swollen tonsils, mumps and other lymphatic swelling in the neck area:

Neck Wrap
2 cups warm water
8 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the water with the essential oil. While the water is still warm, soak a soft cloth, preferably flannel, in the water and wring it out. Wrap the cloth around the neck. Cover with a towel to hold in the heat. Remove before it gets cold. Repeat as many times as you wish.
Essential oils are universal in nature, as they are known to work in every condition, in all times of the year. Essential oils prove very handy in times of distress and need; a few drops of essential oil are all needed to reduce the symptoms in children.

Angelica Essential Oil

2007-09-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

Angelica essential oil is extracted from the plant Angelica archangelica (A. officinalis) from the Umbelliferae family and it is sweet herbal smelling oil that has a spicy undertone and is also known as European Angelica.

Oil properties: The oil is of medium viscosity, and is extracted from the rhizome, the seeds and the herb itself.

Origin of angelica oil: The plant is said to originate from Africa and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is considered a native plant of northern and eastern Europe as well as parts of Asia and the Soviet Union. It is found in Scotland, Holland, Lapland and Germany.

It is called Angelica, since it normally flowers on the 8th May, which is St Michael the Archangel's Day, and for this reason it is often planted in monasteries and is referred to as "Angel Grass".

This herb is included in the famous Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur and when the Black Plague swept Europe it was considered an antidote for it, and "Angelica Water" was taken up in a Royal Prescription and published by the College of Physicians when the plague swept London in 1665. It is also used to flavor gin, perfumes, and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery.

It is a rather large, water-loving herb with broad pointed leaves dividing into smaller leaflets and has small white-green flowers. It has a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.

Extraction: The oil is extracted from the roots, rhizome and seeds and steam distillation is employed to achieve this.

Chemical composition: The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes the following: Borneol, Linalool, Bergaptene, Limonene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Sesquiterpenes, Angelic acid, Sitosterol, Phenolic acids, Coumarins and Angelicin.

Precautions: Angelica oil may over stimulate the nervous system and the essential oil extracted from the root can cause photo-toxicity which in turn could cause irritation should the skin be exposed to the sun.

Safety during pregnancy has not been determined and it should also not be used by diabetics.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Angelica oil include the following: an antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic, and a general tonic.

Uses: Angelica oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following problems: dull congested skin, irritation, psoriasis, accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention, bronchitis, coughs, anemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion, fatigue, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders.

Summary: This oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system and general detoxification of the body. It can also be used to great effect on respiratory ailments and is a great help in stomach related problems including flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, discomfort and indigestion.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Angelica oil can be used to help clear lungs, bronchitis, and pleurisy and ease shortness of breath.

Blended oil and in the bath: Angelica oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, detoxification, digestive problems, helps with colds and flu as well as fighting fungal growths.

Blended in base cream: As a constituent of a blended base cream, Angelica oil can be used to assist with circulation, arthritis, gout, sciatica, migraines, colds and flu as well as helping to encourage the natural production of estrogen and this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.

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About the AuthorLiz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com

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About the Author
Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.
http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com