Aromatherapy With Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for improving or Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian have used aromatherapy to maintain health and beauty. All ancient civilizations - Egyptian, for their physical and mental well-being.

The term "Aromatherapy" can be misleading as it suggests that it is a form of healing that works exclusively through the sense of smell. This is not the case, as each essential oil has an individual combination of constituents that interact with the body's chemistry in a direct manner. It is important to recognize that essential oils have three distinct modes of action with regard to how they interrelate with the human body: pharmacological, physiological and psychological.

The pharmacological effect is concerned with the chemical changes that take place when an essential oil enters the blood stream and brain and reacts with hormones and enzymes etc.; the physiological mode is the way the essential oil affects the system of the body, that is, whether they are sedated or stimulated; the psychological effect takes place in response to the smell of the essential oil with the limbic (memory/emotion) part of the brain.

For Aromatherapy to be effective, essential oils need to enter the body in one of two ways; one, physically through the skin and secondly through the olfactory system. Once the essential oils come into contact with the skin they are immediately assimilated into the circulatory system where they are carried to the various systems and organs.

When essential oils are inhaled, their unique molecules penetrate the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system, sometimes referred to as our "old" brain, is responsible for our memories and emotions. The brain, in turn, releases certain neurochemicals, causing positive changes throughout the body. It is best to use essential oils as external remedies only. This is due to the high concentration of the essential oils and the potential irritation or damage they could cause to the mucous membranes and delicate stomach lining.

Essential oils are non-oily aromatic liquids occurring naturally in various parts of plants, herbs, flowers, fruits, woods and spices. They contain the life force of the plant and have the ability to strengthen our immune system and to stimulate our bodies' natural healing abilities.

Like herbalism, Aromatherapy draws on the healing powers of the plant world. However, instead of using the whole plant, it employs only it's essential oil.

This potent, aromatic substance is housed in the tiny glands on the outside or deep inside the roots, woods, leaves, fruits or flowers of the plant. Most plants contain essential oils, but often in such minimal amounts that extraction would not be worth the effort or the price of the essential oil would be too high.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and in most cases must be diluted prior to use. Such concentration has some advantages. For example, essential oils don't take up much room and can be easily transported. They can be combined with each other in a variety of ways for many different purposes.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils should be labeled "Pure Essential Oils". There is a temptation by distillers and suppliers of essential oils to extend or stretch the essential oil. This greatly reduces or negates the therapeutic value of the essential oil, depending on what it has been extended with.

Essential oils will vary in price, depending on the amount of plant material required, the extraction process and the availability of the plant from which the essential oil is extracted. They should always be kept in dark glass bottles as they are extremely sensitive to light. The shelf life of essential oils varies.

A citrus essential oil has the shortest shelf life of approximately one year, after which it will gradually lose its therapeutic actions. Some essential oils, such as rose, sandalwood, rosewood and patchouli actually get better with age, much like fine wine.

There are hundreds of essential oils, which between them constitute an extremely effective medical system. Many of these are the active ingredient in drugs prescribed by the orthodox Western system of medicine, or the inspiration for synthetic copies. These concentrated liquids are indispensable to medicine, and to the food and cosmetic industries.

Some examples of the disinfectant properties of essential oils:

The essential oil of cinnamon kills the Typhus bacillus at a dilution of 1:300

The essential oil of chamomile has considerable bacteriostatic properties due to the amount of azulene contained in it. Azulene is effective at a dilution of 1:2000 against the Staphylococcus and thehemolyticbeta streptococcus (causes scarlet fever and rheumatic fever).

Infected wounds have been healed using a dilution of 1:17000.

The essential oil of lemon neutralizes Meningococcus , Typhus bacillus , Pneumococcus and Staphylococcus within 5 - 20 minutes.

In order to kill bacteria in the air, Professor Griffon carried out the following experiment: Mixtures of various essential oils were sprayed as mists in a room. The development capacity of the germs suspended in the air was studied before and after spraying. Before the test there were 210 germs, of which 12 were molds and 8 staphylococci. Within 30 minutes, the essential oils had destroyed all the molds and staphylococci.

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Essential Oils - 3 Types of Dermal Toxicity That Everyone Should Know About

What constitutes a dermal or skin reaction to essential oils? There are actually three types of dermal toxicity: irritation, sensitization and phototoxicity. All three are considered forms of dermal toxicity that every aromatherpist as well as lay users of essential oils should know about and recognize. Here is a brief description of each.

Irritation

Reactions come from compounds in an essential oil that react with cellular components of skin resulting in a reddening of the skin in varying degrees. This reddening of the skin occurs almost immediately. Oils that can cause skin irritation include phenols found in oregano, savory, thyme, and clove, or an aromatic aldehyde found in cinnamon, and cassia. The reaction is usually heat and burning and is not an allergic reaction. It comes from too much oil in a given skin area. It can also be caused by adulterated oils. Treatment for skin irritation is an immediate dilution with a carrier oil to quench it. This usually takes care of the redness and burning.

Sensitization

In sensitization, compounds within an essential oil cause an activation of the immune system. The result is a contact dermatitis. At the first exposure, usually nothing happens. In subsequent exposures, reactions occur. Reactions can be in the form of a rash, sneezing, shortness of breath or hives. Fragrance allergy is the most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis. The most sensitizing component of commonly used essential oils is cinnamic aldehyde from cinnamon oil. Eugenol in clove oil is also sensitizing. Other essential oils that pose a lesser risk include tea tree, lemongrass and ylang ylang. It is important to remember that any concentration of an oil may sensitize skin in a person with a genetic pre-disposition. Allergic reactions such as this usually develop in people who already manifest allergic reactions of one kind or another-asthma, eczema, and nasal allergies. How would you treat a skin sensitization reaction? You might try one of the anti-inflammatory essential oils like Roman chamomile or lavender in a 10% dilution.

If someone knows they have sensitive skin, a patch test should be done first. Dilute the essential oil to double the concentration to be used and put it on an adhesive bandage. Place the bandage on the person's forearm and leave in place for 12-24 hours to assess any adverse reactions.

Some causes of sensitization:

• Adulterants in an oil

• Some reactions can take years to build up

• Taking several medications at the same time may show a sensitivity to essential oils

• Sometimes a mixture of a chemical and an essential oil can trigger an allergic reaction (for example spraying the garden with a pesticide then using an essential oil on the skin)

• Interaction of the essential oil with residues of synthetic, petroleum-based personal care products-Compounds found in hand creams, mouthwashes, shampoos, antiperspirants, after-shave lotions and hair care products


Benzalkonium chloride
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Propylene glycol
Aluminum salts
Methylene chloride
Methyl isobutyl ketone
Methyl ethyl ketone

Phototoxicity

Phototoxicity is an interaction between a component in an essential oil, the skin, and ultraviolet photons resulting in a skin reaction. These reactions can vary from pigmentation of the skin to severe full-thickness burns. The most common phototoxic agents are psoralens and furanocoumarins. Their chemical structure absorbs the energy from UV rays (sunlight or tanning beds) and then releases the energy in a burst to surrounding skin cells resulting in brown spots or burns. Usually keeping away from the sun for 12 hours after application is sufficient to prevent these reactions. It is sometimes said that all citrus oils are phototoxic, but this not true. When the citrus oils are steam distilled, none are photo-toxic. However, distilled citrus oils are rarely used in aromatherapy because they are less aromatic and don't have the same therapeutic qualities as the expressed citrus oils do. The steam distilled citrus oils are mainly used for flavorings.

The common essential oils considered phototoxic include: bergamot, lime, bitter orange, lemon, rue, angelica root, petitgrain, rue and grapefruit. Some authorities also include lemongrass, cumin, fennel, anise, and verbena absolute on the list. The bottom of the feet is one of the safest and most effective places to use essential oils. According to Tisserand and Balacs in Essential Oil Safety, the expressed oils of mandarin, sweet orange, tangelo and tangerine are not phototoxic. This is due to the quenching effects of other compounds, especially sesquiterpenes that make the unruly furanocoumarins behave. Myrrh is a perfect example. It contains at least ten types of furanoid compound (20-27%)-more than any other oil, yet it is not phototoxic. In ancient times, they actually used myrrh oil on the skin daily without sunburn reactions.

Want to know more about essential oil safety? The Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States on both aromatherapy and energy (spiritual) healing

I'd like to invite you to explore our educational offerings. When you go to my site I will have a BONUS GIFT for you--a sample of our work

You will receive free instant access to a Special Report on Five Biblical Oils when you subscribe to my free short ezine newsletter on energy healing and aromatherapy. You can get your free access immediately by clicking on http://www.ishahealing.com/.

From Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, a national program in Christian healing.

Linseed Oil - The Backyard Problem Solver

Linseed Oil can be a backyard problem solver extraordinaire. Keeping your wood fence, tool shed, patio furniture or other wood outdoor yard furnishings, equipment, and tools preserved is an easy money savings approach to keeping your yard looking alive, attractive and utilitarian. With a little investment and some labor, this backyard problem solver saves you the necessity of replacing expensive fencing, structures, furniture, or tools.

Linseed oil is a major recommendation from our team at Landscaping Central. It is easy to apply, deeply penetrates, and rejuvenates dried, worn, and damaged wood. Linseed Oil is a long lasting water damage preventative and wood preservative.

Linseed Oil penetrates deep to heal damaged fibers. With several applications it can bring the original beauty, the rich color back to tired worn wood. Once you try it you will be amazed at the versatility and especially the results.

You can purchase a gallon of Linseed Oil for very little, usually under $15.00. That gallon will go a long ways, even in a large fence project. When you purchase Linseed Oil, be sure and select 'boiled' rather than 'raw' linseed oil for best results.

There is nothing like it though for ease of use, just apply with a brush, rag, or paint roller. It deeply penetrates and brings the beautiful color of living wood back to any dry ugly piece. It protects for years. Linseed oil can be applied over nearly all finishes. If the wood is really ragged, you may want to sand lightly or wipe down with 000 or 0000 grade steel wool. Then just apply the Linseed Oil, let soak, and wipe of the excess.

Linseed Oil is best applied to one section at a time. The temperature should be warm but not hot. Too hot of a temperature will have it dry to quickly and unevenly. You want to let it soak until most of the liquid oil penetrates the wood. If it penetrates quickly, reapply more. After a few minutes, before it starts thickening, simply wipe off any excess.

The beauty of linseed oil is that it produces a protective finish from the inside out. It is not just a light coating that will quickly dissipate with exposure to the elements. We have a family heirloom, an old branding table that has sat outside in the weather on my husband's mother's ranch for over 25 years. The old Arts and Crafts worktable had deep cracks and was gray with age and exposure.

Last summer we applied several coats of finish without sanding (Its rustic after all). The table's splits are much less noticeable; the color is a mixture of dark and gold. It is ready to stand years more of exposure in our Northwest moisture without damage.

Whether you have a worn fence with a coat of stain, a cedar or other wood shed that has darkened and dried with age and element exposure, linseed oil will revitalize it. Garden tool handles (wood), wood patio furniture, you name it, this fine old tried and true product will revitalize it.

Important, Important: Always dispose of your rags or applicators in a sealed container or soak them in water before disposing of. Linseed oil like other oils is highly flammable.

We used Linseed Oil for over 25 years in antique furniture restoration to restore life and essential oils back into antique wood furniture. When my kids were younger they would help me apply linseed oil to the furniture. My teenage son stuck a rag he was using to wipe off excess oil in his pocket. In only a few minutes, he happened to turn around and I was shocked to see smoke spiraling up out of the back of his pants! So take heed, any oil is highly flammable. Take the simple proper precautions.

For ease of use, for best results in fence and wood preservation, we at LandscapeCentral.net highly recommend Linseed Oil.

Randeen Cummings Nelson is a certified appraiser of personal property and a writer for LandscapeCentral.net. Raised on a ranch and farm, she learned early the joys and responsibilities of life. Moving many times and places, she has had the opportunity of learning how to create an organic and eco-friendly haven out of the small and large yards. She encourages all to share the wonder, the rewards of creating beautiful personal landscapes.

Randeen is a writer for http://www.LandscapingCentral.net, a user friendly, convenient 1 stop center for gardening & landscape enthusiasts offering Articles, Product Reviews, Tips, Recommendations & info on yard landscaping, gardening, pond, & water features.

Four Ways to Reduce Stress in 12 Minutes or Less

Four Quick and Easy Ways to Relieve Stress with Epsom Salt

Simple and affordable back-to-basics approach using Epsom Salt can help reduce stress levels.

Look no further than your medicine cabinet to melt away stress and anxiety. Epsom Salt, a naturally occurring mineral, is perfect for those seeking a stress reliever that’s easy to use, easy to afford and easy to find.

Epsom Salt gets its name from the mineral-rich waters of Epsom, England. Said to have been used even in Shakespeare’s time, the minerals in Epsom Salt are known to help reduce stress, improve mood and flush toxins from the body.

Excess adrenaline and stress are known to drain the body of magnesium, which is the main component of Epsom Salt. The body requires magnesium to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. Restoring magnesium levels also improves sleep, reduces anxiety and relieves muscle aches.

Best of all, magnesium is easily absorbed through the skin, which means reducing stress and improving health is as easy as relaxing in the tub. The magnesium sulfate absorbed while soaking flushes the harmful toxins from the body while soothing muscles, building serotonin levels and reducing inflammation.

Ways to Use Epsom Salt To Relieve Stress and Anxiety:

1. Add two cups of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-sized bathtub. Double the Epsom Salt for an oversized garden tub. Bathe three times weekly, soaking for at least 12 minutes. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent. Breathe deeply and relax.

2. Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil to create an exfoliant. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches. This works great on elbows and feet.

3. Add one cup of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water to relieve aching feet. It instantly reduces swelling.

4. After showering, massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. It's the same treatment many upscale spas use, without the upscale price!

Epsom Salt is extremely affordable and easy to find at most grocery, hardware or drug stores. For more information on Epsom Salt and its many uses go to www.epsomsaltcouncil.org.

Essential Oils For Skin Diseases

A couple of centuries ago most people simply had to suffer with any ailment, regardless of the severity. Life expectancy was approximately half of what it is today. Due to the increased knowledge of medical professionals, cures and management medicines have helped improve the quality of life. Unfortunately, the answer usually means prescriptions of pills and ointments. However, nature has already provided essential oils for skin diseases and other maladies.

A simple definition of essential oils does not literally mean it is paramount to improved health. Actually, it is the natural product extracted from plants. Then the oil is used in perfumes, flavorings, and medicinal purposes.

According to Wikipedia, "Various essential oils have been used medicinally at different periods in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer, and are often based on historical use of these oils for these purposes. . ."

So, essential oils have been around for a long time. People have used the natural qualities of various plants in nature for a long time. But, nature got shoved aside when modern medicine took over. Tired of all the internal and external chemicals needed for symptom relief, the gift of essential oils for skin diseases is being rediscovered, as more physicians strive to find alternative remedies to illnesses and their symptoms.

Although the list is quite lengthy, consider some of the following examples and how they can naturally help individuals who suffer from the discomforts of various skin diseases:

§ Benzoin oil - also known as Friar's Balsam is used for dermatitis and cracked skin. Taken from the resin of the benzoin tree in Southeast Asia, the substance is solvent extracted.

For dry and cracked skin, combine a teaspoon of jojoba oil, 2 drops of sandalwood oil, and 2 drops of benzoin oil. Plus, users can add 2 drops to a favorite facial cream for better skin tone and firming the skin. However, before applying to cracked hands, feet, elbows and knees, test a small area for allergic reaction.

§ Lavender oil - can be applied directly to the skin as first aid for burns. It helps soothe the pain of the burn and assists in preventing blistering. In addition, it can be used for cuts, blemishes, and insect bites.

§ Manuka oil - according to the Cawthron Institute, the oil lessens reactions to stings and insect bites, while easing the discomfort of itchy and irritated skin. Manuka is used for mild sunburns, oil skin and pimples, fungal infections, chafing and rashes, dandruff, body odor, cuts and scrapes, and athlete's foot.

§ Chamomile oil- comes in both the Roman and German varieties. However, both have properties to aid an assortment of skin ailments. Roman camomile can be used to soothe allergic reactions, dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, and wounds. Similarly, German camomile oil helps flaky skin problems like psoriasis, calms allergy symptoms, eczema, dry skin, redness and irritation. In addition, German camomile is touted as a great tissue regenerator.

§ Tea tree oil - the dermatological uses for tea tree oil are numerous. The oil may be used for scrapes and minor cuts. It also soothes the skin after shaving or waxing. Both acne and athlete's foot can be helped, so its uses for the skin are basically head to toe. Minor burns and chapped lips are soothed. The list goes on for more skin problems and other ailments as well.

§ Mastic oil - comes from the resin of an evergreen shrub or small tree related to the pistachio tree. Its antiseptic properties are used for skin and hair care. The natural remedy is said to help acne, eczema and wounds.

In summary, this list is only a small example of the essential oils that claim to treat the skin for various maladies. The main point is the return of natural treatments as opposed to prescriptions or over-the-counter solutions to dermatological issues. Patients and doctors are recognizing the benefit of a proactive and alternative approach to acne, rashes, allergies, and more. Essential oil for treatment of skin diseases is growing in popularity, instead of synthetic and possibly harsh answer. Take a step back to nature and recognized what your ancestors may have already understood about the medicinal value of essential oils.

To read more, please visit http://www.naturalskinrepair.com/essential-oils.html

Mandarin Pure Essential Oil

Although the mandarin tree is most commonly found in southern Europe, South America, and Japan, the mandarin tree originated in China. It was named for the Mandarins: the high officials of the former Chinese Empire.

The mandarin tree is a member of the orange family. The pure essential oil comes from the outer peel of the mandarin. The mandarin peel is pressed, and from it comes the flowery, sweet aroma scent associated with the oil. This oil is believed to improve mood and "relieve anxiety". The oil is really a happy oil, as the smell of the oil gives you the feeling of cleanliness. It is safe for all ages, and children especially enjoy the aroma of the oil.

Therapeutic Effects of Mandarin Pure Essential Oil

There are many ways mandarin oil can uplift your spirits. Its tart, fresh aroma makes the oil useful for combating depression and sadness. It's properties enable it to ease distress, and it can even act as a gentle sedative.

What can pure essential oil of Mandarin do for me? There are many symptoms and problems mandarin pure essential oil can help with. The list can be somewhat overwhelming, but we will cover some of the most common ailments the oil is used for. For starters, it can be used as a natural cleaner around the house. Just add a few drops of oil to some water, dampen a rag, and clean away. The natural antiseptic properties of the mandarin oil will help clean and disinfect the items or rooms you are cleaning. This is especially good for the children's room, where you would not want the processed chemicals is some of the cleaners in the air, or on the surfaces the children are touching.

Second, it helps to prevent stretch marks. Mix mandarin oil with a carrier oil, such as safflower, sweet almond, or grape seed extract, and rub on your stomach every day while pregnant. The mixture should be ½ cup of carrier oil, and 50 drops of mandarin pure essential oil. This oil is safe for pregnant women, so no need to worry. It only prevents, not removes. Sorry!

Third, it can also help relieve muscle cramps or tired muscles. Just mix 10 drops of Mandarin Oil and 5 drops of Geranium Oil in 1 cup of milk, and then add to the bath water. You cannot just add oils to water for obvious reasons. They do not mix. You need some sort of carrier, to absorb the oil, then to mix with the water. This is where the milk comes in.

As I said earlier, there are many other ailments, but the list is too long to cover. The main ingredient of the oil is the aroma. This is why it is called the "happy" oil. Just the fresh smell of oranges is enough to relax you and relieve your anxiety.

Safety information

One of the safest oils to use with everyone. Safe to use during pregnancy. Just make sure to take care. Mandarin oil is slightly yellow and will leave a residue in the diffuser lamp. You must also ensure to avoid direct sunlight if the oil has been applied to your shin. The oil is photosensitive, and will leave brown spots on your skin. The spots will go away with time, but it's just better to not have them.