Sunday, January 28, 2007

The Top 10 Essential Uses For Eucalyptus Oil By James Calvin

Some good information about Eucalytus essential oil. However, it is important to check with qualified physician or aroma therapist prior to using the Eucalytus essential oil. It is also important to check if there are any manufacturer's guidelines for the safe usage of their Eucalytus essential oil.

Eucalyptus is more than just that crafty stem of leaves used in wall decor and other home made crafts. Although these decorations add a fresh scent and attractive accent to your home, eucalyptus is also available as an essential oil that may benefit you in other ways. Eucalyptus oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma. Eucalyptus oil is most commonly used to treat skin irritations such as insect bites, blisters, irritations and other wounds. The use of Eucalyptus oil is also widely used to treat congestion and respiratory distress as well as other medical disorders. Sinus pressure can be relieved naturally by simply massaging a small drop of Eucalyptus oil onto your temples and on your 'third eye' or where your nose meets your forehead, being careful to avoid contact with the eyes. Eucalyptus oil will also provide relief to sore muscles when added to massage oil. Isn't it amazing what one little plant can do?

Essential oils are very complex and are often referred to as the Life Force of the plants from which they are derived. These essential oils are stored in the plants cells, ducts and glandular hairs that extend along the flowers, through the leaves, stems, bark and down into the roots. These plants are often considered a gift from Mother Nature to provide us with a unique medicinal healing, along with a protective, regenerating and intoxicating essential oil that is exceedingly beneficial to all human kind. A single essential oil is so highly concentrated and very powerful. These concentrated essential oils can contain hundreds of molecularly designed components that are adjusted just right to induce an assortment of reactions in the human body. Even one or two drops of an essential oil can produce significant results, which is why it's very important to use these essential oils only as directed.

You should always consult with your physician or aroma therapist prior to using ANY essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or have any existing medical conditions. The top ten uses for Eucalyptus essential oils are as follows:

1. Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic gargle.

2. As a stimulant, Eucalyptus oil can increase cardiac activity.

3. Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to treat croup and other spasmodic throat problems.

4. When used as an ingredient with catheter oil, Eucalyptus oil can be used to lubricate and sterilize urethral catheters.

5. Equine veterinarians use Eucalyptus oil to treat influenza in horses.

6. Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be helpful in aiding with parasite infestations.

7. Eucalyptus oil is used widely by the natives in the country of origin as a remedy for fevers, asthma, whooping cough and other maladies.

8. Works as a diuretic to treat Dropsy.

9. Works as a deodorizer and excitant when applied locally for foul-smelling mucous discharges, e.g. vaginal, gonorrheal, septicemia, gangrene and cancerous ulcerations.

10. When applied externally, Eucalyptus oil can provide relief in a variety of other respiratory distresses.

If used internally in large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. Eucalyptus oils, along with other essential oils must be used as directed to avoid possible overdoses that can be very harmful. Eucalyptus overdose symptoms include: drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, call your local Poison Control Center immediately for guidance. You must be able to provide the Poison Control Counselors of the patients age, weight and condition, along with the name of the product and when possible the ingredients and the strengths of the ingredients. You may also be asked what time dose was taken and in what amount for the Poison Control Counselor to better assist you. If you are instructed to go to the Emergency room, be sure to bring the bottle along with you. You can call Poison Control at anytime from anywhere in the United States at 1-800-222-1222.

About the Author: Are
Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now...

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Lavender Oil Aromatherapy by Sarah Thomas

There are many types of oils used in relation to aromatherapy, all different in order to achieve different effects. Aromatherapy oils are most commonly divided into several different categories. These categories include:

* essential oils
* absolutes
* floral waters (hydrosols)
* resins
* carrier oils
* infused oils

Lavender oil aromatherapy falls into the first category listed, the essential oils category.

Lavender oil aromatherapy is a liquid most often distilled from the purple blossoms of the lavender plant, or also known as lavendula officinalis. Lavender oil is usually extracted by using a delicate process involving water or steam. Being extracted this way, lavender oil aromatherapy most often captures the absolute essence of the lavender plant itself. It is normally so highly concentrated that a few drops is all that is necessary to reap lavender oil's full therapeutic benefits.

The appearance of lavender oil is normally clear, with just a hint of yellow. With it being called lavender oil, one may think it is an oily substance. However, despite it's name, lavender oil aromatherapy is not oily. To the contrary, the consistency of lavender oil aromatherapy is one of the thinnest among all of the other essential oils.

Because the consistency of lavender oil aromatherapy is so thin, the smell of this scent only goes to a medium level. However, once the medium scent starts to settle in the air, lavender oil aromatherapy can be one of the most relaxing scents there is. It is not too strong, and it is not too light. Lavender oil aromatherapy smells very fresh, as well as sweet, with just a twist of a floral aroma. Some people think lavender oil also smells a little fruity.

As with most aromatherapy oils, lavender oil aromatherapy is most often used by diluting it with carrier oils. These carrier oils can include:

* sweet almond oil
* apricot kernel oil
* grape seed oil

Once the oils are blended, they are usually applied to the skin for the best adsorption.

In addition to applying lavender oil aromatherapy to the skin, it may also be used by careful inhalation. Once the lavender oil molecules enter the lungs, these oils can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. This will provide you with the therapeutic benefits you need to soothe whatever ailments you may be experiencing.

There are a wide variety of ailments that lavender oil aromatherapy may help treat. Some of these health issues can include:

* acne
* allergies
* anxiety
* asthma
* athlete's foot

Lavender oil aromatherapy can also help treat ailments such as bruises, burns, colic and chicken pox. Those with cuts, who are suffering with depression, or have an earache may also benefit from the therapeutic benefits of lavender oil aromatherapy. Other possible uses for this healthy oil can include headache treatment, treatment of hypertension, as an insect repellent, to relieve itching, to help reduce labor pains, to treat oily skin, skin scaring, stretch marks, as well as to treat whooping cough.

About The Author: Sarah Thomas provides articles on wellness and health.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Early in the 1920’s a chemist named Maurice Gatefosse discovered the benefits of aromatherapy by complete accident. Inside a perfume laboratory, while he was deeply engrossed in his work, he had, by accident, one of his arms catch fire. Thinking quickly, he tried to look for the nearest cold substance to put the fire out. He saw a vat of lavender oil and forced his burning arm into it. To his amazement, not only was the fir extinguished, his burns healed without scarring, too. From then on he used the word “aromatherapy” to describe the healing that he experienced.

Aromatherapy is what has become to be a sort of a science of how to use essential oils that are extracted from plants, herbs and other natural resources to produce products that enhance well being and sometimes even health. Aromatherapy uses a few methods, either by scent or by application to the skin – providing direct massage of the oils in the body so the oils get absorbed and express their activity by better and healthier skin.

Aromatherapy treatments have been proven beneficial by many through the years, may it be for therapeutic, emotional, physical, or spiritual use. Aromatherapy essential oils are also used in meditation practices and are believed to ease sore muscles and lift stressful moods.

Some of the conditions aromatherapy treats are: eczema, anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, asthma, digestive problems, and menstrual or menopause problems. Whatever the situation is there is probably an essential oil to aid and heal.

A certified aromatherapist or massage therapist who uses essential oils may treat you to a full body massage or you can just buy certain aromatherapy products over the counter at pharmacies and health shops and treat yourself at home. There are also a lot of toiletries out there that contain essential oils and claim to add wellness or have healing capabilities.

Several spas in your local mall may also offer aromatherapy treatments like full body, face, and scalp massages; detoxifying algae wraps; facial, back and bust treatments; and even hand and nail treatments. They may also have treatment rooms for different aromatherapeutic rituals.

These spas may also offer several aromatherapy products that promise relaxation, stimulation and sensuality. Meaning, these products can help you distress and unwind, feel good, and boost blood circulation to keep your body active. They even promise healing inside and out.

So there we have them – most that you have to know about aromatherapy. If the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, and even Rene Maurice Gatefosse benefited from it, may be you too will. Just remember to keep everything in moderation.

About The Author: Celia Namart an avid traveler and researcher, an avid travels and an enthusiast of alternative medicine and natural remedies Celia is now writing articles about Aromatherapy at http://aromatherapy.healthandcosmetics.com/ for
http://healthandcosmetics.com

Monday, October 30, 2006

Aromatherapy and Asthma

Asthma is divided into two categories. Intrinsic asthma is when there seems to be no identifiable cause and often starts later in life. This tends to be chronic and long lasting. Extrinsic asthma, which has a cause due to something that is usually inhaled, often triggering an episodic attack. Exercise induced asthma falls under this category and is usually brought on by strong exertion. Asthma is a disorder, which affects the lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. You must also remove the triggers in your environment that can make your asthma worse.

Asthma attacks occur when, the muscle around the bronchi go into spasm. The bronchi narrow and breathing becomes difficult. Inflammation can also swell the lining of the air tubes. Mucous may increase blockage to the air tubes as well. Symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest and coughing.

The reason that bronchospasms can be triggered by allergies is that histamine, the chemical most responsible for allergy symptoms, seems to play a role in asthma attacks as well. But many other things besides histamine can trigger an attack: strenuous exercise, cigarette smoke, respiratory infections, industrial chemicals, aspirin, pet dander, indoor pollution and the sulfites added to many foods.

Aromatherapy blends for asthma can be a wonderful adjunct to other therapies. Aromatherapy can reduce inflammation and incidents of asthma attacks. Helpful, are essential oils of bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, pine and rose are all beneficial for asthma problems. These oils can ease pain, discomfort and inflammation and increase mucus flow.

Clary Sage : contains several estrogen-like oils that, when blended together, work for this condition. Blend these oils together for a massage oil or add them to bath water.

Bergamot with Chamomile and Lavender are anti-inflammatory essential oils and will help to ease symptoms. Blend these oils in a carrier oil and massage into the chest.

Rose Absolute is an antispasmodic oil and can be used in steam inhalation to calm attacks due to stress.

Pine Needle in the bath or in steam inhalation or in a diffuser, will help reduce the incidence of attacks.

Utilize these blends of essential oils 3 times.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac.
Peacefulmind.com
Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit

Friday, September 29, 2006

Aromatherapy for Children and Pets

By Judith Fitzsimmons, Certified Aromatherapist and co-Author of Seasons of Aromatherapy

Children - our greatest gifts, our truest blessings, our fondest joy, and our greatest worries. We worry about what they eat, what they watch on television, what happens at school. It seems that our number one job as parents is to worry.

Wouldn't it be nice to spend less of our time keeping them healthy, so that we can spend more time educating, guiding, and enjoying them?

Well, now you can. With aromatherapy, you can enhance your child's immune system, create a home environment full of health, and while you're at it, make a blend that will help you stay calm through your worrying.

Home Health

Having lived in Middle Tennessee for over five years, I have often heard the area referred to as the sinus and allergy center of the world. Thousands of people suffer from seasonal allergies, cold and sinus symptoms, allergies to plants, trees, and more. To successfully treat the symptoms of sinus and allergies, you have to treat both your environment and your body to the greatest extent possible. With aromatherapy you can do that quickly and easily.

Over 100 families in the middle Tennessee area and thousands of families internationally are using the powerful disinfectant, antibacterial properties of the aromatherapy house cleaning blend.

Put 6 drops each of Lavender and Eucalyptus, 8 drops of Lemon, and 2 drops of Tea Tree into a quart of water (in a spray bottle) and you are ready to clean everything in your home.

Yes, I said everything, including the areas of your home in most need of cleaning, such as the bathrooms, laundry rooms, and teenager's rooms.

The essential oils in this blend have the following natural chemicals. Eucalyptus contains antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and deodorizing.

Lavender contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and aromatic properties. Lemon contains antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, and disinfectant properties. Tea Tree contains antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, deodorant, fungicidal, and germicidal properties.

You simply cannot find a more powerful chemical combination that is also completely safe to use.

The other benefit of this blend is what it does NOT contain. There are no synthetic chemicals that cause nasal passage damage, bronchial tearing, or have a negative impact on the immune system.

Note: When using the house-cleaning blend on wood, do not spray directly on the wood in order to avoid water damage.

Body Health

To treat any specific sinus or allergy concerns that you have, you want to consult a certified aromatherapist who can formulate a blend to meet your unique needs. However, here is a blend that everyone can use to improve the immune system and ward off germs that abound at school, your office, and the gym.

You will notice that this blend also contains the four essential oils in the house-cleaning blend. Take a look back at their natural chemical properties and you will see why this Germ Buster blend is great for you.

In addition, Eucalyptus also contains anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, decongestant, and expectorant natural chemicals. Lavender also contains antispasmodic and immune system stimulant natural chemicals. Lemon also contains expectorant and white blood cell stimulant natural chemicals. Tea Tree also contains expectorant and immune stimulant natural chemicals.

In 2 ounces of water (in a small spray bottle), add 3 drops each of Lavender and Eucalyptus, 4 drops of Lemon, and 2 drops of Tea Tree. Spritz your body daily for a protective shield against germs.

And For the Pets

As the seasons change, our pets are very receptive to changes in their coats and skin. Using a water-based blend that includes Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree, and Peppermint, you can disinfect and sooth hot spots while discouraging your pet from licking and damaging their skin.

Just spritz your pet and then massage the blend into their skin. They will appreciate all of the petting and loving and get much relief from the essential oils.

To really spoil your pet, use Carrot, Lavender, Chamomile, and Evening Primrose to create a blend that will energize the coat and enhance a healthy appearance.

Don't Forget You – Stay Calm

Treat yourself to the calming blend of Orange, Lavender, and Chamomile. Put 10 drops of each into a small dropper bottle. From those 30 drops, you can put 15 into a nice relaxing bath. And if time does not permit, put the remaining 15 drops into 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spritz your body and enjoy the relaxing benefits of these oils.

For additional recipes for children or pets, or to learn more details about essential oils and aromatherapy, contact Judith Fitzsimmons. As the owner of Aromatherapy Solutions, a home-based essential oil business, she is available to make presentations to interested groups.

http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/articles/articles-19.htm

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

False Information about Tommy Hilfiger

I received this email in my inbox this morning and I feel there is a need to clear this up. If ever you receive this email. Please do not ... do not forward it out because the information is not true.

In a January 2001 press release, the Tommy Hilfiger company denies that their founder ever made such a statement:

"The facts remain simple and cannot be disputed. Tommy Hilfiger did not make the alleged comments, he has never appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and, in fact, Ms. Winfrey herself, on her January 11, 1999 program, stated Tommy Hilfiger has never been on her show nor has she ever met him.

"Most importantly, Tommy Hilfiger wants his clothing to be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and his collections are put together with the broadest cross-section of individuals in mind. To reinforce this, he features models of all ethnic backgrounds in his fashion shows and advertisements."

So pervasive is this rumor that, by 2004, the company had set aside an entire section on their corporate web site to deny it, featuring statements from Hilfiger, Winfrey, the Anti-Defamation League and Hilfiger customers.

Tommy Hilfiger is not the first or last famous person to be falsely accused of publicly telling certain ethnic groups to not buy their products. Liz Claiborne, Lauren Hill and Shakira all stand accused. None of the accusations stand up to scrutiny. Some are based on misunderstandings, while others, like the one above, are complete fabrications built on favorite elements of urban legendry. Break this Chain.



SAMPLE CHAIN LETTER TEXT
Subject: Tommy Hilfiger on Oprah

Hello, please read.... and pass on if you haven't already! Everyone needs to see this.

Good for Oprah!!!! I'm sure many of you watched the recent taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show, where her guest was Tommy Hilfiger. On the show, she asked him if the statements about race he was accused of saying were true. Statements like"...if I'd known African-Americans, Hispanics, Jewish and Asians would buy my clothes, I would not have made them so nice. I wish these people would *NOT* buy my clothes, as they are made for upper class white people."

His answer to Oprah was a simple "YES". Where after she immediately asked him to leave her show. My suggestion? Don't buy your next shirt or Perfume from Tommy Hilfiger. Let's give him what he asked for. Let's not buy His clothes, let's put him in a financial state where he himself will NOT be able to afford the ridiculous

prices he puts on his clothes.

BOYCOTT PLEASE...., & SEND THIS MESSAGE TO ANYONE YOU KNOW

Nothing empowers people quite like their own survival!

END CHAIN LETTER TEXT

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Aromatherapy for Women

By Judith Fitzsimmons, Certified Aromatherapist
and co-Author of Seasons of Aromatherapy

Here we are in the dead of winter, the holidays are over (we may be feeling some post-holiday blues), and the school year has started up again (along with all the stress that usually brings). In addition, we are craving sunlight desperately and we are trying to keep our spirits up. It's cold, wet, and we can feel particularly cranky at this time of year. So this article is dedicated to you women who are longing for spring. I know that the concept of taking some time to spoil yourselves sounds almost like a dream, but make a resolution to make a commitment to yourself. You certainly deserve it, you've earned it, and quite frankly, you need it.

Spoil Your Hair


In an appearance-conscious world, women spend a great deal of time, effort, and money on looking our best. Therefore, many of us color-treat our hair to remove those unwanted gray hairs. Add to that permanents or body waves to give lift and bounce to our locks, and we have just subjected our locks to some major chemical damage. So now is the time to give your hair and scalp some tender loving care.

Make an essential oil blend including 4 drops each of Cedar, Rosemary, and Tea Tree, 8 drops of Lavender, and 2 drops of Lemon. Mix all of these oils into 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Massage the entire blend into your scalp and hair thoroughly. Wrap your head with a towel and relax for an hour (just relaxing for an hour is going to make you feel better). Shampoo and rinse; you may have to shampoo twice to remove all of the olive oil.

The essential oils in this blend will help rejuvenate the scalp and hair, bring a luster back to your hair, and will not interfere with any of the synthetic chemicals (like permanents and hair coloring) that you currently use.

Spoil Your Soul

It's important that we take the time to relax, enjoy quiet time, look inside, and nurture our spirits. I find that a nice massage does the trick for me. If you don't have a willing partner, splurge and get a professional massage. Most massage therapists are very receptive to using a blend that you prepare.

Spoil yourself by making the following blend. Put 4 drops each of Cedar, Clary Sage, Lavender, and Orange into 2 tablespoons of a nice base oil or into 2 ounces of a natural lotion. These oils will help you calm down, find a centered place in your mind, and allow you to focus on the important essence of who you are. Remember what it was like to daydream in school, go there and enjoy the serenity and joy of that wonderful place.

If you have an unwilling partner, offer to give her/him the massage. I guarantee that once they enjoy the benefits of this blend, they will be more than happy to reciprocate. Try to incorporate this quality time into your weekly routine with your partner. If you cannot get a massage you can put the blend in a diffuser, vaporizer, or even just put a few drops around the wick of a burning candle and enjoy the blend that way.

Spoil Your Body

If you don't take time to spoil yourself - mind, body, and spirit - you are going to run out of steam and not be as effective in dealing with your family, friends, and co-workers. Whenever I'm asked, “When do I have the time?” I say, “You have to make the time and if you commit to making a blend and using it, that might force you to find the time.” Believe me when I say that for every minute you give to yourself, you will do a much better job of giving to others.

Treat yourself to the calming blend to help you relax. Put 6 drops each of Lavender and Chamomile, and 4 drops each of Geranium and Orange into 2 ounces of hazelnut oil, milk, or your favorite soothing natural oil. Put the blend into a nice relaxing bath, and RELAX. I mean it, don't write up your grocery list, don't think about the school project your child is working on, just relax and let your mind wander. Visualize your favorite beach, think back to the last time you stared up at the night sky full of twinkling stars and think pleasant thoughts.

I really didn't want to do this because I really do want you to relax in a bath, but since some of you may only have showers and others won't take the extra time, here is a blend to use in the shower. Put 10 drops each of Lavender and Chamomile, and 5 drops each of Geranium and Lemon into 8 ounces of natural bath and shower gel. This will help reduce stress, build your immune system, and treat your skin all in one!

If your beloved doesn't know exactly what to get you for Valentine's Day, have him/her call me at 615-599-2715. We'll put together a gift that will really warm your heart!

http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/articles/articles-04.htm