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

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

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

Sweet Smelling Danger?

This article was posted in MSN a few years back and was emailed to me. I had it saved in my inbox. This article is about using of candles. Just be extra careful what you are using in the house.

Sweet Smelling Danger?

Candles are becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality.

By Charles Downey
Reviewed By Dr. Gary Vogin
WebMD Feature

When Cathy Flanders, 41, of Plano, Texas, started burning candles for their pleasant smell in the spring of 1997, it never occurred to her she could be poisoning her family.

Three years, a serious illness, and a lawsuit later, Flanders has a lesson to share with anyone buying scented candles: Watch out for metal wicks. Lead emitted by this type of candle is a serious health hazard.

"Candles are fast becoming one of the most common unrecognized causes of poor indoor air quality," says Diane Walsh Astry of the Health House, a national education project created by the American Lung Association of Minnesota.

The Flanders' woes started when Cathy was shopping at a clothing store and spotted some candles whose labels promised to fill her house with the pleasant fragrances of "winter" and "spring." Within six months of burning the candles, she noticed soot damage around her house. But Cathy didn't pinpoint the source of the problem until after Ron Bailey of Bailey Engineering in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., analyzed the Flanders' candles and discovered lead emissions.

Around that time, 11-year-old Andrew Flanders' grades dropped precipitously. His teacher wondered if he had attention deficit disorder. When blood tests revealed an elevated level of lead, the Flanders promptly sent him to live with his aunt.

"The lead deposits in our home are such that we could not sell the house if we wanted to," says Flanders. As for the candles, the doctor ordered a total ban. Testing revealed the lead level in the Flanders' home to be 40 milligrams per square foot -- 27 times the limit allowed in Housing and Urban Development homes.

Aromatherapy

The Flanders aren't the only ones falling victim to pleasant-smelling candles with toxic wicks. Candle sales in general have skyrocketed in recent years, according to the National Candle Association in Washington, D.C., from $500 million in 1995 to $2.3 billion in 1999. Part of the candle craze may be due to new interest in aromatherapy, a type of alternative medicine that uses odors to relax or treat illness.

Ironically, the very candles sometimes used for aromatherapy can cause serious health problems. The chief culprits are candles with wicks made with metal cores.

"Some candle makers use metal-core wicks because cotton wicks are often limp and fall over into the wax, extinguishing the flame," explains Jerome O. Nriagu, Ph.D., a professor of environmental chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor who has studied scented candles.

Lead poisoning can lead to behavior changes and damage internal organs, especially the kidneys. Cathy's husband, Kip, had his gall bladder removed because of an illness he blames on the candles.

Metal Wicks

Nriagu measured the lead released from 14 brands of candles. He found that burning four metal-wick candles for two hours resulted in airborne lead concentrations that were dangerous to human health. People with weak immune systems, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.

"Besides breathing lead fumes, children can be exposed to even more lead that is deposited on the floor, furniture, and walls because they often put their hands in their mouths," says Nriagu. After similar research in Australia, lead wicks in candles were banned there in September 1999. On Feb. 14, 2001, the Consumer Product Safety Commission voted to ban all candle wicks containing lead.

Not all candles -- or even all scented candles -- cause hazardous pollution. But since labels won't tell which ones are safe, Astry and other candle experts offer this advice:

Watch out for shiny metal wire inside the wicks of candles. Opt for pure paper or cotton instead. Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch for more complete combustion, and keep candles out of drafts. Windiness blows more toxins into the air and causes inefficient burning. Watch out for slow-burning candles with additives. (These candles often feel greasy to the touch.) Instead, look for pure beeswax candles, which emit less pollution.

For aromatherapy, put a few drops of scented oil in a defuser -- a tray made to fit on a light bulb. Or you can put the drops into some boiling water. Don't use candles in jars when the candle leaves a soot ring on the jar's lip. The soot may be an indication of lead dust. Andrew Flanders eventually moved back home. His mother Cathy only wishes she'd had some whiff of the danger when she first spotted those innocent-looking candles among the racks of shirts and pants.

Why Essential Oils Are Essential?

Many Essential Oils repel virus, bacteria, and other microbes.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oil are the subtle, aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs, and trees, through distillation. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of remedies and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Science is only now beginning to investigate the incredible healing properties of essential oils.

The Properties of Essential Oils

Pure Essential Oils Have Very High Frequency. The effectiveness of Essential Oils cannot be fully understood without some discussion of frequency. Frequency is the measurable rate of electrical energy flow that is constant between any two points. Everything has frequency. In his book The Body Electric, Dr. Robert O. Becker establishes that the human body has an electrical frequency and that much about a person's health can be determined by the person's frequency.

In 1992, Bruce Tainio of Tainio Technology, an independent division of Eastern State University in Cheney, Washington, built the first frequency monitor in the world. Tainio determined that the average frequency of the human body during the daytime is 62 to 68 MHz. (A healthy body frequency is (62 - 72 MHz.) When the frequency drops, the immune system is compromised.

If the frequency drops to 58 MHz, cold and flu symptoms appear. At 55 MHz, diseases like Candida take hold; at 52 MHz, Epstein-Barr and at 42 MHz, Cancer.

According to Dr. Royal R. Rife, every disease has a frequency. He found that certain frequencies can prevent the development of disease and that others would destroy disease. Substances with higher frequency will destroy diseases of lower frequency. The study of frequencies raises an important question about the frequencies of the substances we eat, breathe, and absorb. Many pollutants lower healthy frequency. Processed/canned food has a frequency of ZERO!! The frequency of fresh produce is only 15 MHz, dry herbs from 12 to 22 MHz and fresh herbs from 20 to 27 MHz. Essential Oils start at 52 MHz and go as high as 320 MHz, which is the frequency if rose oil.

Aromatherapy & Pregnancy

Something which I found over the internet when I was doing my own reading.

I believe this question pops up frequently whether pregnant lady can use Aromatherpy. According to Teshan Laucirica, "For most women, aromatherapy can be used safely and effectively throughout the entire pregnancy."

For your reading only. Please do exercise caution too.

BK


Aromatherapy & Pregnancy
by Teshan Laucirica

Whether planned or not, pregnancy always launches changes both physically and emotionally. These changes can start almost instantly, but are always unique to each woman. In some way, the best thing we can do is to relate our personal experiences. In this spirit, I would like to describe some of the problems that I had and the ways I used aromatherapy during my own pregnancy.

There is still a huge misconception that pregnancy must be a miserable experience that scars you for life. This is simply not true: there are so many simple things that can gently and deeply improve your quality of life and help you navigate the new stresses and strains of your pregnancy. It is often considered a beautiful and meaningful time in a woman's life, and is an opportunity to be full of reflection on life, its meaning, and the ways in which life changes as we grow not simply older, but also emotionally and physically.

There are many contra-indicated (to be avoided) oils that I read about. Having learned more about it now, I see that much of that is unfounded. There are definitely oils that should be avoided during pregnancy; if you think you are at risk of miscarriage or serious complications, you should be especially careful, and check with your doctor, midwife, or other professional, knowledgeable about essential oils and their effects.

For most women, aromatherapy can be used safely and effectively throughout the entire pregnancy. It can be extremely effective at allaying many of the physical and emotional discomforts associated with pregnancy. I highly recommend using your own intuition, but if you are unsure you can fall back on the common sense approach: if any oil, at any time, bothers you in any way, stop using it. Keep in mind that pregnant women often have heightened or intensified physical sensitivity and you will probably need much less of a dosage to get the effects you desire. Some normal dosages can lead to skin irritation as well as olfactory irritation.

The first thing I learned when I was pregnant was that morning sickness could last not only all day, but all night too! For many women it can be absolutely debilitating. For morning sickness, I used Peppermint in any form. Mostly I drank Peppermint tea, and sucked on peppermints. I also frequently used the oil for inhalation. Sometimes, however, a cup of tea just isn't practical while driving, taking a bus, or walking down the street, and I didn't at all have a sweet tooth for the mints. Here, inhaling the oil is definitely handy, and much better than vomiting in your car, at work or wherever!

Peppermint oil is one of the many that gets put on the do not use list. However, it can be so effective in treating morning sickness that when its safety is compared to the pharmaceutical alternatives, it is important to weigh both sides. Is your pregnancy high-risk? Are you nauseous or vomiting so much that it could have ill effects on your pregnancy, or on your mental and physical functioning?

The second change I noticed was in the hips. Everything started to spread to make room for the baby, and that often leads to serious discomfort in the hips, lower back, legs, and feet. I learned some pelvic exercises that helped a great deal. But, I also used massage and warm baths with oils of Rosemary and Lavender. This also helped with tired achy feet and legs, as well as to prevent and relieve water retention.

Towards the end of the term, you will probably require assistance massaging anything lower than your rib cage. If you don't have help, though, baths are still easy and will also help you stay relaxed. Blending the oils you want to use in your bath first, will greatly help reduce the risk of skin irritation, and you can also add just a tiny bit of the blend at a time.

One of the largest concerns of many women is avoiding stretch marks. They are much easier to prevent than to remove, so get started on it as early as possible. A nice blend of massage oils applied daily after bathing, but while still wet, can work marvelously. Infused oils of Calendula, St. John's wort, Roman chamomile, and Lavender are a great addition to any other base oils. You can also add a bit of Lavender, Carrot seed, and Sandalwood essential oils. Keep it light on the essential oils to prevent any skin irritation.

If your baby seems to be getting very large very quickly, you may want to increase the application to 2-3 times per day. Do not forget to treat the thighs and breasts (as I did), as they are probably growing too! And should you end up with stretch marks after all, just wear them proudly as a mark of a beautiful and miraculous experience.

Another thing I learned; that no one warned me about, was the incredible itching that takes place deep inside the breasts, where you could never get close to scratching. It usually starts sometime during the second trimester, and can last a few months. This is due to the milk glands' increasing action. Though you may realize they are producing the most perfect food for your baby, that thought is not much consolation during the itchy stage. Again, there can be some relief, massaging with essential oils of Clary Sage and Lavender in a low dilution. In order to comfortably get at every area, do this while lying down. Done at least twice a day, this can help a great deal. And for those times you find yourself, despite all the massaging, in a really itchy state, keep in mind that it will end really, it will!

I found pregnancy to be not only scary, but also very stressful. How much will labor hurt? Am I ready? What if I am doing something wrong? Should I eat that? What should I name my child? What is my life going to be like now? What if I go into labor on the bus? These very typical questions and concerns can lead to a lot of stress and emotional strain. Aromatherapy was a wonderful solace for me during the more difficult moments of my pregnancy. I used Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium, and Roman Chamomile as an inhalant and also in baths almost every morning. It really helped me keep my cool and just relax. Letting go of all the questions and worries helped me accept my discomfort as a manageable part of the beautiful process of bringing my baby into the world.

About Teshan Laucirica:
Teshan Laucirica is a Certified, Dipl. Aromatherapist, having graduated from the Australasian College of Herbal Studies and the Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy. Teshan works full time for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy as the associations Chief Administrator, editor, spokesperson, and National conference facilitator. Teshan is the creator and owner of Violet George Botanicals, and a published author. She is an invited lecturer for the Institute of Dynamic Aromatherapy and Western Washington University.

Aromatherapy may help dementia patients

Lemon, lavender, and light studied as alternative treatments
Saturday, December 7, 2002 Posted: 7:45 AM EST (1245 GMT)

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Alternative treatments such as aromatherapy could help elderly patients struggling with dementia, researchers said this week.

Drugs and sedatives prescribed to control the symptoms of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia often have uncomfortable side-effects.

Psychiatrists said some types of complementary medicine work and are well tolerated by elderly patients.

"Aromatherapy and bright light treatment seem to be safe and effective and may have an important role in managing behavioural problems in people with dementia," said Alistair Burns, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Manchester, England.

In an editorial in The British Medical Journal, he and his colleagues said three trials done in the past year have shown the benefit of aromatherapy, particularly the use of lemon balm and lavender oil, for dementia patients.

The oils contain compounds that are absorbed into the body and seem to improve some of the symptoms of the illness.

Studies have also shown that bright light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a light box, can also ease the restlessness and sleeping and behavioural problems which accompany dementia, according to the researchers.

"People with dementia are among the most vulnerable in our society.

Symptoms often need to be treated expediently, and drugs, although moderately effective, can be hazardous," Burns added.

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a global problem affecting about 18 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The number of people with the disorder is expected to increase to 34 million in 25 years time.

Get the story here.

A Tribute to Those Who Lost Their Lifes During 911

Success Is The Quality Of Your Days
by Dr. Philip E. Humbert

If the events of this week have taught us anything, they have reminded us to live each day to the fullest. We were never promised our full "four score and ten."

Even before the attack this week, I was reminded that our lives are too often cut short. My wife is a nurse, and she told me about a young man, age 44, who recently went to his doctor with a summer cold. He had a cough and couldn't get rid of it, so the doctor gave him some pills and told him to come back if it didn't get better.

It didn't get better, so the man went back. They ran some tests, and discovered that the man has been walking around with lung cancer for months, perhaps years. He is married, with three small children, and now knows that he has only two or perhaps three, weeks to live.

There is a wonderful quote that urges us to make plans as if we'll live forever, but to live as if we'll die tomorrow. The truth is that today - this one day - is the only one we really have. Let us use it well!

The rubble of lower Manhattan sends a wake-up call to live with enthusiasm and to do the things you must do in this life! It sends a challenge to love with gusto and to tell the people you love how much you treasure them! Out of the dust comes challenge to say the words, take the risks, make the investments, and experience the richness of life!

It reminds us that life is short, and we often get on advance notice when our ticket expires,

True success is combination of "having" and "being." Success includes earning money and buying nice things, having a home we are proud of, and leaving something to our children and those who follow.

But success is also about "being." It's about being a person others can love and respect. It's about living and loving every moment of our lives, and being honest with ourselves, and with others. It's about being silly, being in love, being proud, and about grieving when it is our turn to grieve.

There is a huge lie in modern culture that claims, "He who dies with the most toys wins." It is NOT true, my friends!

The truth is that "Those who die with some nice toys, lots of friends, fond memories, a few embarrassments, and a smile on their face, are the true winners in life."

There will be many ways to honor those who were killed and injured this week. It is vital that we support them and their families in very tangible ways, and it will be important that we come together for memorials and times of remembrance.

But I propose that an even greater way to honor their memory is to commit ourselves to living up to our fullest potential. In this moment of sorrow and tragedy, challenge yourself to care, to live, and to love with renewed and outrageous enthusiasm. Pursue your dreams as if you could not possible fail! We can not turn back the clock, but we can live our lives with passion, with honor, with integrity and vigor!

Let us truly live every moment of our lives.

Symphony of Love
Let Us Spread Love Wherever We Go!

Aromatherapy and Depression

When artiste Leslie Cheung committed suicide, he left behind a trail of speculations amidst sighs of regret. News of his "depression" arose. The realisation that even a superstar could be plagued by such problems abruptly heightened the "suffering index" of ordinary folks. Incessant natural disasters, bleak economic outlook, fear of unemployment, adolescent worries about schoolwork ... these pressures from life make "depression" one of the most serious civilised diseases of this century.

"Insomnia" is also a common problem faced by people living in modern society. According to a survey conducted by the American National Sleep Foundation, three in every four women aged between 30 to 60 years are suffering from "insomnia". "Insomnia" has already become an epidemic disease for females. The Shanghai Chinese Medical Hospital has been conducting surveys on epidemic diseases since 1996 and results indicate that 15% of Shanghai residents have serious insomnia symptoms. These figures are concrete proof that there is a huge market demand for products that relieve stress and insomnia. The beneficial effects of aromatherapy in soothing emotions and enhancing sleep quality have long been deep-rooted in the minds of ordinary folks and have been proven in numerous clinical literatures. These constitute an important reason for the active development of "psycho aromatherapy" products, as undertaken by Bel'Air.

Depression: Disease of the Century, Alongside Cancer and Aids

Unless patients commit suicide, depression is usually not life threatening. However, one's quality of life will suffer a drastic decline and loved ones will also be deeply affected. According to a survey report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 3% of the world population is suffering from depression at present. The report also predicted that Depression, Aids and Cancer will become the three main diseases of the 21st century. By 2020, depression will only be secondary to cancer in causing the inability to function normally and even death.

To most people, perhaps the degree of nervousness and anxiety has not reached the stage where they must receive medical treatment and advice. However, it is an undeniable fact that long-term nervousness and anxiety will affect the balance between one's body and mind. Taipei Lian-An Clinic conducted a survey of 1164 white-collar workers who went there for health examinations. Results showed that two thirds of the patients felt worn out by life and close to 40% of the patients needed to receive professional psychiatric treatments due to depression and anxiety. Symptoms of nervousness and anxiety derived from work-related stress have reached the scale of an epidemic in America. 43% of adults feel threatened by it. Absenteeism, falling productivity and increase of medical bills, which can come about as a result of occupational nervousness, are predicted to cost the American economy several hundred billion US dollars.

Understanding the Importance of Sleep

"When I am sleeping, my mind is resting!" Many people have this misconception. However, the likely truth is that when you sleeping, only the rest of your body is resting. Your brain continues to be active as it labours on making preparations for the next day. Sleep is as essential to a healthy body and mind as food. If you have insufficient hours of sleep or lack quality sleep, your body will continuously accumulate "sleep debts" and you will have to pay for it one day. Do also note that rest is not a substitute for sleep!

Another misconception is that most sleep disorders can heal without medication. Many people who are plagued by sleep disorders do not realise that this is actually a disease, much less understand that it can be healed. Methods of healing include medication, operation, psychiatric treatment and combined therapy. Sleep disorders will not disappear naturally. If allowed to develop at its own pace, it would only worsen one's quality of life, damage interpersonal relationships, affect one's conduct and result in huge negative impacts, to the extent of causing accidents or deaths.

Psycho Aromatherapy

To examine the mental effects of "aromatic essential oils", results can be basically categorised into the psychological effects deriving from aromatic scents and the physiological effects deriving from the impact of essential oil molecules on the central nervous system. Both psychological and physiological effects can cause changes in the central nervous system, internal secretion system and immunity system, hence giving rise to complex biological consequences.

Modern "psycho aromatherapy" utilises analytical tools like Micro Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) to research on the direct impact of aroma on the central nervous system. It can be used to examine the effects of aromatherapy on health problems such as insomnia, depression, nervousness, mental fragility, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and memory deterioration.

According to popular understanding, aromatherapy can indeed achieve the effect of soothing emotions. People's interest in aromatherapy is aroused when certain essential oils can genuinely alleviate the conditions of some illnesses which are hard to cure even in hospitals, such as mental fragility, depression and insomnia. According to clinical studies, besides using medication and supportive psychiatric therapy to cure depression, many doctors also encourage patients to adopt the method of aromatherapy. Both consumers and professional medical practitioners recognise the positive effects of essential oils for stress relief.

Research and Development of Nepenthe Bio-tech Pure Essential Oil

It was 5pm in the afternoon. In a resting house in Taipei suburb, about 40 old folks were leisurely enjoying the uplifting scents of Bel'Air's Nepenthe essential oil. They seemed at ease with themselves, immersed in a state of peace and tranquility away from the hassles of the world. This is the result of a test on Nepenthe essential oil, conducted over a week by a research team from Yangsen Biotechnology Institute to examine the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy in soothing the depressive emotions of old folks.

The research team members applied a depression scale to evaluate the subject's level of depression. During the research process, the subject inhaled the aroma for 4 hours daily. Seven days later, the depression scale was again used to evaluate the subject's level of depression. At the same time, the heart rate variability (HRV) was also measured to evaluate the subject's sympathetic nerve activity and parasympathetic nerve activity. Earlier research has already shown that the higher the marks on the depression scale, the higher the level of sympathetic activity and the lower the level of parasympathetic activity. From the table below, we can see that after seven days of aromatherapy with "Nepenthe Bio-tech Pure Essential Oil", the depression score has evidently decreased and sympathetic activity, which stands for anxiety, has declined dramatically. On the other hand, parasympathetic activity, which stands for calmness, has increased greatly. This shows that "Nepenthe Bio-tech Pure Essential Oil" can effectively alleviate the subject's depressive symptoms.

Nepenthe Bio-tech Pure Essential Oil: Leave All Your Stress and Depression Behind!

Research of "Bel'Air Nepenthe Bio-tech Pure Essential Oil" is conducted under the most stringent conditions. Valerian, Lavande and numerous pure herbal essential oils are combined in ideal proportions to produce Nepenthe essential oil with its astonishing fineness. The practical effects of this oil are also proven via collaborations with resting houses and teaching hospitals. Living in this busy and hectic era, all of us desire peace of mind, moments of solitude and a feeling of completeness. Why not indulge in the magical experience of Nepenthe essential oil? It will be a sensation you will never forget!

Main ingredients: Valerian, Lavande and numerous pure herbal essential oils

Functions: Uplifts the spirit, soothes anxiety, relieves stress, aids in quality sleep

Characteristics: Valerian has a pungent and bitter taste and a warm quality. In Chinese medicine, it is categorised as a herb for the heart meridian and the pericardium meridian. Recent medical theory has proven that it can influence the cardiovascular system positively and has a calming effect on the central nervous system. It is normally used to regulate insomnia and soothe excess nervousness and fatigue. It is very gentle, does not cause addiction and is devoid of the side effects of sleeping pills. Some people term it as "God-given sleeping pills". This natural healthcare plant product is currently reaping in the highest sales volume in Europe and may be listed in the new version of the American medical dictionary.

Lavande originated from the Mediterranean area and is one of the most commonly used aromatherapy plants. However, the popular Lavande essential oil actually comes from five main branches and over twenty subspecies, each of which emphasises on different functions. Some reduces inflammation and pacifies pain; some relaxes the spirit and calms emotions; whereas others deliver the opposite effect of invigorating the spirit. As much as Lavande is widely used, it is still necessary to pay special attention to the usage so as to prevent the opposite effect from occurring.

Usage

1. Aroma-Vapourisation: The most suitable and recommended method for this product. Drip 2-3 drops of Nepenthe essential oil onto a diffuser that is tested and safe. Do this a few times daily to accelerate the dispersion of the essential oil into the air.

2. Application: After consultations with professionals, combine with Vital Meridian Essence, with 10-20 times the volume of Nepenthe essential oil. Massage or apply. Before sleeping, apply the diluted essential oil below the nose to promote sleep. In the day, apply on the pit of the stomach. Body warmth will disperse the molecules of Nepenthe essential oil and enliven your mood for the whole day.

3. Handy Nepenthe: Drip a few drops of Nepenthe essential oil onto a handkerchief. Whenever it is convenient, inhale the aroma to soothe your emotions. A scent bag with a few drops of Nepenthe essential oil added onto it will create a tranquil environment when placed in the wardrobe or resting places. At night, drip a few drops of Nepenthe essential oil onto your pillow casing to enhance sleep quality.

4. Bath: When bathing or washing your hair, mix suitable proportions of Nepenthe essential oil with your shampoo or shower foam. You would feel totally relieved from stress after the bath and your entire body will feel very comfortable.


We have provided here the information on our products in a manner and presentation which accord with traditional beliefs. As such, the information as presented is for general informational purposes only. Under no circumstances should it be relied upon as a substitute for proper medical diagnose, advice and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

About Depression

Depression is medical illness due to mood disorder. Moods can be categorized into two different types namely high and low moods. Bipolar means opposite extremes. Bipolar disorders means mood swings which change between high and low moods. In unipolar depression, we are looking at one pole, one mood.

In unipolar depression, normally referred to as depression, we see a mental condition over a prolonged period of time characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, inadequacy, low energy, guilt, worthlessness, appetite change, sleep change and loss of interest in life.

It is normal to have high and low moods in every day life and it can vary according to what is going on in our lives internally and externally. Internally meaning the pressure we might be going through, the stress level and externally meaning our living environment, family, friends, work etc.

Low moods experienced due to temporary failure, loss of job, or being over tired are not depression and do not require treatment. However when the low mood is pervasive and sustained and impaired the person's ability to function normally in the home, work, or social environment, then it becomes depression in the medical illness sense. Untreated cases can become so debilitating that it leads to suicide.

In North America, about 10% of the population at any given time experience depression but fortunately, depression is a very treatable illness. For depression treatment, there are many medications available and newer medications are regularly introduced to the market with fewer side effects than the medications previously available. The success for depression treatment is determine by how earlier a patient sees their doctor; the earlier the greater the success they have with the treatment.

In this blog, we will provide some information on depression, natural alternative way of depression treatment and other alternative depression treatment. Other alternative aids on Depression Treatment are like self help books where you can find many titles on Self-help books ranging from Personal Development, Personal Growth to Beating Depression and anxiety, Dealing with Depression etc all in this site.

You can also try the physical way of fighting depression by the possibility of exploring Yoga as a form of depression treatment.

The most important thing to know is that there is treatment available for depression. Depression is a treatable illness and not a character flaw. Diabetes, heart disease or thyroid malfunction is treatable and people see it as an illness. It is equally important to see depression as a chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected to feel well and enjoy life! MORE POWER TO YOU!