Archive for the ‘essential oil’ Category
Oregano Oil – Natural Cure For Infectious Diseases
August 17th, 2009
Researchers believe that oregano oil is a potent cure for infections. It has healing powers that develop immunity against microbial diseases. So, whether its bacterium, fungal or parasitic disease, oregano is the cure for you. The study has been proved through several laboratory tests that support the viewpoint of the medical practitioners.
This essential oil has shown positive results with human beings as well as animals. Several researchers have treated mice with oregano supplements. The bacterial infected mice showed immediate recovery. Moreover, the results are as effective as an antibiotic treatment. Hence, doctors recommend this essential oil for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Oregano is a Mediterranean shrub that is produced by steam and distillation process of the oregano leaves. The oregano oil consists of carvacrol that kills the bacterial microbes. It produces oxygen molecules inside the urinary tract. These oxygen molecules react with water and produce heat which kills the microbes present in the urinary tract.
Hence, a person suffering from infectious diseases must consume oregano oil capsules to ward off the disease. Ideally, you should purchase enteric-coated oregano capsules. These capsules ensure that the essential oil is not released from the capsule, until and unless it reaches the intestine. This phenomenon supports the proper functioning of the medication.
You can treat the bacterial or fungal infections by placing a drop of oregano oil on your tongue twice a day. However, if you notice fungal infections on your skin and nails, then prepare a mixture of oregano and olive oil. Dip a piece of cotton in the solution and apply it on the infected area, three times in a day. You should continue the medicine for more than three weeks; otherwise it can show severe effects on your health.
So, consume oregano oil as soon as you notice symptoms of bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections.
By: Robert Henry
The oregano oil is available in various forms. However, origanum vulgare is an incredible herb that is found in Mediterranean region.
Oregano oil can be used as an internal or external medicine. It is gifted with antiseptic properties which strengthen the immune system of the body. It kills the bacterium at preliminary stage and prevents occurrence of the symptoms.
People’s Pharmacy Helps Save on Medical Costs
Tea tree oil and oregano oil are other options. Here is one reader’s experience: “Oil of oregano from the health food store can get rid of toenail fungus if used consistently.
Natural Ways To Deal With Your Dry Skin
August 16th, 2009
Dry skin is usually not a serious condition. However, it can make your skin tight and uncomfortable and lead to premature wrinkles.When dry skin does become a serious condition, it can cause disfiguring and provoke self-esteem issues. Fortunately, most dry skin problems are generated due to environmental factor that can be controlled. In the following text, we will look at lifestyle changes and natural remedies to treat dry skin problems.
Changes in Your Lifestyle
There are several changes that you will have to make to improve your dry skin. They are very straightforward modifications that will not disrupt your daily routine.
Lifestyle Change 1 – Tips for Moisturizing Dry Skin
Moisturizing is a vital step to keep your skin healthy especially if it is dry. Use thick moisturizers while your skin is still damp. Never towel dry your skin completely.
Using cosmetics that contain moisturizers is also a good idea. If you have very dry skin, we suggest you use oils instead of lotions or creams. Oils stay on longer than lotions and will prevent water from evaporating from the skin’s surface.
Lifestyle Change 2- Bath Time
Always use warm water and do not bathe for an extended period of time. Hot water and long showers eliminate the natural oils from your skin. Keep your shower and bath time under 15 minutes and use warm water.
Lifestyle Change 3 – Types of soaps for Dry Skin
The best cleansers for dry skin are those that contain moisturizers. Pick mild soaps that contain additional oils and fats. Stay away from deodorant and antibacterial detergents because they will be especially harsh to your skin.
Always test out different brands of soaps and cleanser to find out which one is best for you. If the cleanser makes your skin tight and itchy, try another one.
Natural Oils and Homemade Remedies for Dry Skin
Many oils can be used as a natural moisturizer for your skin. Olive oil is the most common,but there are others like aloe-vera oil, lavender oil, wheat germ oil among others. You can use any of these oils separately or combine them with other oils or natural products to create your own natural dry skin moisturizer. Natural Moisturizer Recipe:
1 tsp. aloe vera oil
1 tsp. jojoba oil
2 tsp. sweet-almond oil
2 tsp. wheat-germ oil
5 drops palmarosa essential oil
3 drops carrot-seed essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
Combine the oils and store in the refrigerator in a glass container. Cleanse your face and apply 7 drops of the oil mixture with gentle motions until your skin has absorbed it completely. To attain the maximum effects, use the moisturizer for 6 months.
Although these ingredients are natural, check with a specialist to avoid any unwanted side effects.
By: Julie Greenmayer
She doesn’t have dandruff and I don’t notice any dry skin or other skin problems. It doesn’t matter if you pet her lightly or firmly either.
This non-greasy moisturizer revitalizes sensitive, dry and severely dry skin, leaving it soft and vibrant.
Causes and Solutions for Your Dry Skin
Dry skin, also referred to as xerosis or eczema or asteatosis, and erroneously as icthyosis, is a multi-faceted condition which periodically afflicts most of the population regardless of race or sex at one time or another.
Essential Oils & Herb Solutions For Dry Skin
August 15th, 2009
What is the best way to treat or prevent dry skin? I have noticed a patch of dry skin on my face, what is the best way to get rid of it? My dry skin keeps coming back after using specified skincare products, what should I do.? First things first, let us look at the reasons that might be causing your dry skin, and while in the process find the answers to your questions. Dry skin is common and every one of us will have suffered from a patch of dry skin at some time. It is a condition that affects most body parts, and not just the face like some people think. Not only is dry skin irritating, it can if serious be unsightly. Dry skin is caused by an abnormality of the moisture and oil balance of the dermis layers. Treatment is most sought after during cold times when the skin is vulnerable, nonetheless it can flare up all year round.
We recognize two sorts of dry skin: simple dry skin and complex dry skin. Simple dry skin is the outcome of lack of natural oils. Complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture, and is distinguished by fine lines, brown spots, discolorations, enlarged pores, and droopy skin. It is normally linked to aging.
Symptoms include itchiness, flaking, skin scaling, cracking, and soreness. While it’s a condition easily treated, it is best if you possibly can prevent the skin from drying out. Thankfully for those who suffer badly and don’t know what to do to prevent the problem mustn’t fret because most treatments are effective. I say “most” because there are a considerable amount of products on the market that won’t deliver the goods leaving you out of pocket, and your skin still itchy, flaking, scaling or cracking.
What you can do, and with what to treat your skin to achieve healthy skin.
Whether skin is greasy, oily or dry, natural products are the best and safest source. Natural skincare products help the skin from further damage. Natural products don’t contain harsh substances which is unhealthy for skin. You need to be looking for natural essential oils as treatment which has to be carefully selected. Using the wrong oils can result in your bid for a beautiful complexion being a waste of time. Choosing the right oils will give positive results. Look for oils containing properties that help lubricate and hydrate the skin. To name we have lavender, geranium, rose, chamomile, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, hyssop, jasmine, carrot seed, clary sage, orange, tea tree oil, and patchouli. Any of the above mentioned will effectively treat your dry skin and help restore it back to its original healthy state, leaving you with smooth supple skin and radiant complexion.
Now you have the named antidotes above don’t go wading into the skin with these oils. They are not to be used directly on the skin without protection. The oils need to be blended with a carrier oil, lotion, or cream first. If you’re baffled by the names of herbs and plants listed then ask the assistant in the herbal shop or other for advice. Fabulous carrier bases to compliment the oils are jojoba, grape seed, and aloe Vera.
Start working on your dry skin by concocting up your own moisturizing cream. Add a few drops of essential oil to 16 ounces of base and blend until mixed. Massage the cream onto the problem area. Make this a daily beauty chore to see a change in your skin. Some women and men find it hard to part with their favorite moisturizing cream, this is okay but why not increase its effectiveness and strength by adding a couple of drops of essential oils to it. Pour a little amount of oil to your bath water for a soothing and moisturizing treatment.
Dry skin treatments powerful in effectiveness normally contain herbs. Using the right herbs is the answer to having healthy blemish free skin.
While essential oils do lubricate the skin and help prevent dryness, herbs are excellent for softening and moisturizing. Go for regular herbs like aloe vera, comfrey, calendula, dandelion, chamomile, fennel, and peppermint. These specific herbs have been voted the best by most women for being particularly great in their purpose for preventing dry skin episodes. The same women said the herbs helped with soreness and soothed their irritated skin caused by dryness
Consider making your own homemade solution. Herbs namely dandelion, chamomile, fennel, and peppermint you can add to hot water or tea to make an internal dry skin preventative. Working from the inside out is not something new, in fact oral consumption of skin remedies is brilliant for preventing the occurrence of dry skin and other abnormal skin conditions. Choose the herbs you have taken a fancy too and then add one teaspoon of them to one cup of boiling water and drink once a day for best results.
Should you be a young girl that has reached an age where you see the importance of looking after your skin but don’t know where to start, or just generally looking for advice then read on.
Dry skin can have several reasons for happening. Lack of proper hydration, poor diet, low air humidity, excessive use of artificial heating, and the use of drying skincare products are the primary causes.
To maintain a complexion described as healthy attractive skin, it is vital the skin’s is able to balance its oil and moisture. Oil is secreted by the sebaceous glands and lubricates the outer of the skin. Moisture is the water present inside the skin cells, and reaches the cells via the bloodstream. It is the water in the skin cells that keeps them plumped-up and of fresh appearance. Both sources need to work in unison; there should be sufficient moisture in the skin cells, and oil also to act as a barrier, thwarting extreme desertion of moisture from the skin’s top layers. Chapping and cracking are signs of severely dry, dehydrated skin. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and B vitamins, can be accountable for dry skin. The more severe dry skin conditions are dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Dry Skin Tips
Purchase a spray bottle and fill with a herbal solution or one already containing floral water mist. Freshen up the skin during the day giving the skin back lost moisture.
Moisturize and moisturize some more to keep the skin from drying out. Use a liquid moisturizer or facial oil that contains nutrients and other natural ingredients.
The well loved and effective aloe vera has fabulous soothing, curing, and moisturizing qualities. It is also good for removing dead skin cells.
A cheap treatment is cocoa butter for dry skin and also helps reduce the skin becoming wrinkly.
Stop dry skin and drink plenty of water.
Prevent dry skin and eat a diet consisting of plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Help prevent skin dryness and use a humidifier when the air is dry.
Avoid skin damage and ignore skincare products that contain alcohol.
To stem dry skin moisturize your skin daily, do this after bathing when the skin can absorb and is ready for hydration.
Prevent dry skin advice
Avoid sweetened drinks and sugary foods
Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
Avoid harsh soaps and limit use of cold cream or cleansing creams.
Never use hot water for washing.
Particular drugs such as diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines can be held responsible for dry skin occurring in some cases
If you have a skin disorder that you believe to be more than just the issue of a patch of dry skin then see your GP.
By: kacycarr
The 5 Tips For Getting Rid of Acne
If you have both oily AND dry skin (combined type) – you will probably need a combination of oily skin gels and dry skin acne creams to apply to different parts of your fact according to the skin condition there.
Tap water can irritate your skin as it has fluoride and chlorine. Instead, try cold mineral water for your showers. Or use solutions without alcohol in its ingredients – lotions, toners, or cosmetic milk.
If you have dry skin, use a cream-or oil-based cleanser. Avoid water-soluble variants as exposing dry skin to water can aggravate the condition.
Posted in essential oil | 
Tags: aromatherapy massage oils, natural skin care, skin care | 
No Comments »
3 Steps in Making Essential Oils
August 14th, 2009
Aromatherapy Goes ‘High Tech’
New methods of essential oil extraction are entering the mainstream of aromatherapy, offering new choices in oils never before available. With the new labels of ‘CO2′ and ‘SCO2′, along with the traditional ’steam’ and ‘hydro’ distillations, ‘absolutes’, and ‘cold pressing’, a little education for the aromatherapy enthusiast can go a long way in essential oil selection. Is one process better than another? Does one produce a nicer smelling oil, or one with greater aromatherapeutic value? It turns out that essential oil production, like winemaking, is an art form as well as a science. The value of the newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product. Each method is important, and has it’s place in the making of aromatherapy-grade essential oils.
Steam and Hydro Distillation
Steam distillation, the most common method of essential oil production, involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water. (Hydro-distillation is a similar process where the plant material is boiled, with the resultant steam being captured and condensed). The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a ‘hydrosol’, can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence. Rose hydrosol, for example, is commonly used for it’s mild antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as it’s pleasing floral aroma.
A number of factors determine the final quality of a steam distilled essential oil. Aside from the plant material itself, most important are time, temperature and pressure, and the quality of the distillation equipment. Essential oils are very complex products; each is made up of many, sometimes hundreds, of distinct molecules which come together to form the oil’s aroma and therapeutic properties. Some of these molecules are fairly delicate structures which can be altered or destroyed by adverse environmental conditions. So, much like a fine meal is more flavorful when made with patience, most oils benefit from a long, slow ‘cooking’ process.
The temperature of the extraction chamber cannot be too high, lest some components of the oil be altered or destroyed. The same is true of the chamber’s pressure. Lavender essential oil, for example, should not be processed at over 245 degrees F and three pounds per square inch of pressure (3 psi). Higher temperatures and/or pressures result in a ‘harsh’ aroma – more chemical than floral – and lessen the oil’s therapeutic effects. Also, the extraction period must be allowed to continue for a certain period of time in order to flush ALL the oil’s components from the plant, as some are released more quickly than others.
Despite the drawbacks of aggressive processing, high temperatures and pressures are often used to produces large quantities of oil in a short period of time. These oils are usually destined for use in cosmetic and processed food manufacturing, but are sometimes sold to final consumers as essential oils for use in aromatherapy. These oils will be less expensive, but are of limited therapeutic value, and the difference is apparent when the aromas are compared side-by-side.
Absolutes
Some plants, and particularly flowers, do not lend themselves to steam distilling. They are too delicate, or their fragrance and therapeutic essences cannot be completely released by water alone. These oils will be produced as ‘absolutes’ – and while not technically considered essential oils they can still be of therapeutic value. Jasmine oil and Rose oil in particular are delicate flowers who’s oils are often found in ‘absolute’ form.
The processing of an absolute first involves the hydrocarbon solvent extraction of a ‘concrete’ from the plant material, a semi-solid mixture of typically 50% wax and 50% volatile oil. The concrete is again processed using ethyl alcohol (the same alcohol found in beer, wine, etc.) in which the wax is only slightly soluble. The volatile plant oil separates into the alcohol and this mixture is removed. The alcohol is then evaporated and the result is an almost pure plant extract – depending on the care taken in the evaporation process, sometimes 2% or less of the ethyl alcohol may remain. The use of solvents in the extraction process notwithstanding, absolutes can have incredibly deep and complex aromas.
CO2’s and SCO2’s
And now for the most modern technologies, Carbon Dioxide and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide extraction. Both methods involve the use of carbon dioxide as the ’solvent’ which carries the essential oil away from the raw plant material. The lower pressure CO2 extraction involves chilling carbon dioxide to between 35 and 55 degrees F, and pumping it through the plant material at about 1000 psi. The carbon dioxide in this condition is condensed to a liquid. Supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2) involves carbon dioxide heated to 87 degrees F and pumped through the plant material at around 8,000 psi – under these conditions, the carbon dioxide is likened to a ‘dense fog’ or vapor. With release of the pressure in either process, the carbon dioxide escapes in its gaseous form, leaving the essential oil behind.
These carbon dioxide methods have a couple of advantages: Like steam distillation, there are no solvent residues left behind, and the resultant product is quite pure. Like solvent extraction, there is no heat applied to the plant material or essential oil to alter it in any way. The oil produced is very accurate with respect to the original state of the plant. The CO2 methods also are the most efficient, producing the most oil per amount of plant (one of the reasons for the high cost of essential oils is the low yield of oil from most plants – one ton of Rose petals produces less than 1 pound of oil, for example). The efficiency of CO2 extraction is particularly important when rare or endangered plant species are involved, such as Indian Sandalwood oil – less of the precious plant is needed to produce an equivalent amount of oil.
Cold Pressing
Finally, there is the ‘cold pressing’ of citrus oils from the peels of fruit, as is done with Bergamot oil, Orange oil , Lemon oil , and the like. This method involves the simple pressing of the rind at about 120 degrees F to extract the oil. Little, if any, alteration from the oil’s original state occurs – these citrus oils retain their bright, fresh, uplifting aromas like that of smelling a wonderfully ripe fruit.
Which Method is Best?
CO2’s, with some obvious advantages, are not always the best choice for a particular need. They still are the most expensive, despite their higher yields. The resultant product differs slightly compared to one produced another way – the oils produced by steam distillation of some plants may sometimes be found to have a more agreeable aroma. Patchouli oil, for example, seems to benefit from the steam distillation process by becoming a little warmer and richer. Many other essential oils are quite effectively produced via steam distillation, with little alteration from the original plant state. Oils from other plant species do seem more ‘complete’ with CO2 processing, with Frankincense oil and most of the ’spice’ oils being good examples where a little something special is present in the aroma. This likely translates to greater therapeautic properties.
Producing essential oils of aromatherapeutic grade is skill requiring years of experience. It takes the work of a dedicated artesian at every step, from growing and harvesting to fine-tuning the distillation process, to produce a truly fine oil. The making of a fine essential oil relies far more on knowledge and experience than it does on the particular extraction method. There are, however, legitimate reasons to select one distillation method over another – some plants simply require a particular process to produce a fine oil, and the oil needed for a particular application may only be made by one process. In the end, as is often the case in aromatherapy, your own sense of smell can tell you which oil will work best for you.
Buy Essential Oils Such As Lavender
i read in a book somewhere that essential oils can be really helpful. eg, lavender is supposed to be relaxing.
We cannot avoid hair problems. Some may be minor and can be easily remedied within days or weeks. While some, can be major and it might require expensive.
Essential Oils are also found in special secretor glands or cells within plant life. The aromatic substances are formed and stored in certain organs of a plant as a by-product or because of its metabolism.
Organic Essential Oils For Massage And Aromatherapy
August 13th, 2009
Organic essential oils are the pure extracts of plants that offer the full scent and taste of the plant. Organic essential oils may be taken from the flower, leaf, seed, fruit, root or bark of a plant, depending on the plant variety. These concentrated oils are use for massage as well as aromatherapy.
Massage Oils
Organic essential oils, such as organic lavender essential oil, is suitable for scenting oils used in massage therapy treatments. Most organic essential oils, because they are so concentrated, should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond oil, in order for the product to be used safely on the skin.
It only takes a few drops of organic lavender essential oil to scent your plain massage oil. Once it has been added, your skin will be scented with the pleasant and relaxing aroma of lavender. Massage oils that contain organic lavender essential oil or other essential oil scents allow the hands to pass smoothly over the skin, making it easier to massage tightened muscles and relieve the kinks. Organic lavender essential oil can also be added as a fragrance to body lotions and, in combination with carrier oils, as body soaks for use in the bath tub for a relaxing scented bath.
Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy oils may be used to enhance your mood and create a pleasant scent in the air around you. Aromatherapy oils, which could include organic lavender essential oil, are spread throughout the air in a room through the use of a diffuser. 
There are several different types of diffusers used for various purposes. The smallest are personal diffusers and car diffusers. Personal diffusers are tiny bottles with a few drops of aromatherapy oils inside that are worn around the neck, and body heat is used to release the fragrant scent. Car diffusers are small containers that hold the essential oil, and can be hung from the rear-view mirror or plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter.
Organic lavender essential oil can also be used in diffusers that scent your room. They might use a candle, a lightbulb, or electricity to heat the essential oils. Lightbulb rings are very easy to use. You simply place a metal or ceramic hollow ring on top of a bulb that is used in a lamp, place a few drops of oil in the ring, and then turn the light on. The heat from the bulb releases the fragrance. Candle diffusers offer a basin for the oil, with a candle below to provide the heat. Electric diffusers are useful for scenting an entire room, and often come with small fans built in to spread the fragrance.
In all of these ways, organic essential oils are perfect for use in massage and aromatherapy applications.
By: Anne Harvester
There are a host of different companies that offer ‘organic’ essential oils in their products.
About The Uplifting Essential Oil
However, in recent years, people have been turning more and more often to more organic ways of dealing with minor health issues, and one of the things they’ve been turning to are organic essential oils made from grapefruit.
Miracle Cures of Natural Essential Oils
Other good thing about organic essential oils is the fact that they do not contain chemicals or any synthetic substances. Apparently, because of its being pure, it tends to be more expensive.
About Oregano Oil
August 12th, 2009
Oregano is a perennial herb that is used as an antioxidant. It has healing properties due to high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. It is often used as a food or health preservative, this essential oil enhances the immunity of the body against infectious microbes like bacteria, virus, parasites etc.
The oregano oil constitutes of components like carvacrol, thymol, limonene, caryophyllene etc. The tablets or essential oil of oregano cures colds, fever, influenza, urinary infections, fungal and parasitic infection, menstrual pain etc. Several individuals consume it regularly to improve the immunity of the body.
You can consume oregano in the following ways: The oregano oil is often used in Italian dishes. Some people use oregano leaves while cooking food. It adds taste to tomato sauce, grilled meat, vegetables etc. It is also used as a sausage to spice up pizzas.
This essential oil is also the part of several Greek cuisines. It is popularly used with vegetables as a salad. Some people mix it with lemon and olive oil solution to prepare a sauce that adds on to dishes such as fish, meat, barbecues and casseroles.
However, the oil is aromatic and bitter in taste. The pure solution can numb your tongue; hence it is mixed with other dishes. Some people also purchase oregano capsules to curb the infections. These capsules or tablets are highly effective and show immediate results.
Nowadays, you can purchase oregano capsules through a medical store or an online portal. You can also get appreciable discount on your medical purchase. These medicines can also be delivered at your doorstep. You can purchase oregano oil and mix it with other essential oils to prepare an effective natural remedy.
So, purchase oregano products and utilize their healing properties to cure the infectious diseases.
By: Robert Henry
Before we embark on our exploration of oregano oil as an antibiotic alternative there are few things we must get straight! First, start thinking prevention; 80% of the factors that surround your lifestyle are within your control.
Enter oregano oil. It is herbal oil derived from certain species of the oregano plants. We must keep in mind that the oregano you buy at the grocery store or market is not the same as the medicinal type.
Do you wish to develop immunity against infections? If yes, then consume oregano oil regularly. This Mediterranean herb has amazing antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.
3 Health Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusing With a Nebulizer
August 11th, 2009
What Is an Electric Nebulizer and How Does It Work?
An electric nebulizing diffuser is a small device that has a motor housing and a glass nebulizer. The motor housing and glass nebulizer piece are often connected by a small length of rubber tubing. One or more essential oils are dispensed into an opening near the base of the glass piece. When the diffuser is turned on, the essential oils are aspirated toward the top of the glass nebulizer, where a small stream of air micronizes the essential oils into extremely fine droplets. This fine mist is expelled out the top of the glass nebulizer into the room.
Why Is Nebulizer Diffusion More Effective Than Other Types of Diffusion?
Other methods of essential oil diffusion include using lamp rings, a candle to heat the oil, or passive diffusion with an aromatherapy stone or a cotton ball. Heat diffusion is less desirable because alters the molecular constituents of the essential oil. Passive diffusion is typically very slow, particularly with less volatile essential oils, providing inferior therapeutic benefit.
With a nebulizing diffuser, no heat is used, so the molecular make up of the essential oils remains in tact. In most cases, all molecular components of the essential oil are expelled into the air, as opposed to passive diffusion where the smallest molecules evaporate first, with heavier molecules evaporating more slowly or not at all.
3 Health Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusing With a Nebulizer
1. Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oil Inhalation
Because the nebulizer produces such a fine essential oil mist, oils are easily absorbed via the lungs through inhalation. Nebulizing essential oils that affect the breathing passages – nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs – can have dramatic therapeutic benefits, and may help alleviate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
2. Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral Effects
Essential oils are known to be effective against bacteria, molds, and viruses, and diffusion of essential oils has been shown to reduce surface and air microbes. This may be especially helpful for those with mold allergies. Electric nebulizers disperse essential oils into the room in such a way that can not be achieved by other diffusion methods.
3. Enhanced Emotional and Mood Effects of Aromatherapy
Specific essential oils are recognized for mood lifting, calming, relaxing, or mind focusing effects. With a more concentrated and complete dispersion of essential oils into the room, electric diffusion with a nebulizer enhances these effects.
Don’t forget to rotate the essential oils you use, to help avoid sensitization, and only diffuse for a few minutes at a time, with at least a half hour break in between.
By: Amie @Aromatherapy Encyclopedia
Diffusing Options for Essential Oils
Or, in May you want the bottle of essential oil upside down in the pit next to the broadcaster, but make sure the plastic is still in the hole in the bottle opening.
Steam Diffusion: Other way to make an essential oil diffuser is by boiling two cups of water and pouring it in a bowl with the aromatic essential oils. The steam evaporates the oils to flow around the room.
Purchase Pure Peppermint Essential Oil
You can inhale pure peppermint essential oil or you can choose to rub it to certain points on your body and it is also available through diffusion in the air in the form of sprays while adding a few drops of it to your bath too can.
Mail this post
Patchouli Essential Oil- Counterculture Aromatherapy
August 10th, 2009
Patchouli’s History and Uses
Ah, Patchouli oil – people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, it’s use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though it’s traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Today, Patchouli oil has a well-deserved reputation in aromatherapy, with it’s deep, musky, and sweet odor, and Earth and Fire balancing energy. It is an exotic aroma that can forever leave an imprint on the olfactory memory.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, growing wild in Sumatra and Java at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet – though it’s cultivation is more pervasive in lower tropical jungles. This bushy plant grows to the height of 3 feet, having a strong stem and soft, hairy leaves. For essential oil production, the plant is cut two or three times per year, with the best quality oil derived from leaves harvested in the wet season. The leaves are hand picked, bundled or baled, and allowed to partially dry in the shade and ferment for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation (Patchouli oil is now becoming available as a CO2 extract in limited quantities). The fermentation process softens the plant’s cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil.
The relative ease of it’s cultivation, and it’s high oil yield keeps the price of true Patchouli essential oils relatively low. It is important to note however, Patchouli is one of the few essential oils that improve with age (others being Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver), and that a properly aged Patchouli oil is much more desirable than a fresh one. Over time, the oil looses a harshness that many find distasteful, and adds a sweet top note. As it ages, the oil turns from light yellow to a deep amber, with the aroma becoming smoother and more rich. Principal constituents of the oil include: Patchoulol (25-35%), Alpha-Bulnesene (12-20%), Alpha-Guaiene + Seychellene (15-25%), and Alpha-Patchoulene (5-9%).
Perhaps first due to it’s power as a moth repellent, the aroma of Patchouli was pervasive in cloth and clothing exported from India in the 19th century. The scent became an indicator of true ‘Oriental’ fabric, so much so that English and French garment makers were obliged to scent their imitation products with Patchouli to ensure their acceptance in the domestic marketplace. Beyond its use for preventing holes from being eaten in one’s cloting, Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Malaysia, China and Japan. Primarily indicated for skin conditions, Patchouli may be of benefit in cases of dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, and other irritating conditions, along with dandruff and oily scalp conditions. As a cell rejuvenator, it may help in healing wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. It is considered an excellent remedy for insect and snake bites, and has been used as a fumigant and rubbing oil to prevent the spread of fevers and to strengthen the immune system.
Aromatherapy and Perfumery Uses of Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil is considered an excellent base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes. As a fixative, it slows the evaporation of other, more volatile oils so that their aroma may be released over a longer period of time. A little patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of sources – these include Vetiver, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Jasmine, Rose, Citrus oils, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Ginger.
In Aromatherapy, Patchouli is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity where overwork and anxiety have left the individual in a susceptible state. It is said to bring the three principal forces at work within the body – the Creative at the navel, the Heart center, and transcendental wisdom a the crown – into harmony.
Patchouli oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel ‘out of touch’ with their body and sensuality. It has been considered a relaxing aphrodisiac, and can be helpful for those with impotence, frigidity, and sexual anxiety that are products of mental anguish. Patchouli combines this aphrodisiac effect with an antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it’s sweet, warm, spicy scent.
As if this were not enough, Patchouli is thought to be a bringer of prosperity and abundance. Perhaps by allowing one to open to these possibilities energetically, the oil is used in ceremonies and prayers by those in need of financial or other type of infusion in their lives. One may simply close their eyes, imagine the abundance they need, and inhale the oil’s aroma for a few seconds.
For a few simple blends, try:
3 parts Patchouli and 1 part Rosemary Cineol. This is a wonderfully uplifting blend combining the deep earthiness of Patchouli with the invigorating aroma of Rosemary. This can certainly be worn as a perfume, or used in a diffuser.
When the going gets tedious, try brightening with 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. This may uplift the spirits and remind one of the joy to be found in life.
For the sensually insecure, try 1 part Geranium, 1 part Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A beautiful yet simple blend for getting comfortable in one’s own skin.
It may take a little education, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample a properly aged or beautifully blended oil.
Patchouli essential oil for cellulite is described as combating cellulite in two different ways. First is the role as a healing agent for anything that has to do with the condition of the skin.
Aromatherapy Using Essential Oils
Jul 31, 2009 Essential oils are a great aid in healing your mind, body and soul. Learning the right essential oils and how much to use can turn your hom.
Patchouli Grounding Essential Oil
Author: Naturalearthessentials. When you smell patchouli essential oil, if you are old enough, it probably takes you back to some funky psychidelic memory from the 1960’s or early 1970’s.
Mail this post