Monday, February 6, 2012

Can Aromatherapy Help Me?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Day_Evans]Day Evans
We all experience times when we are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. There are many things we can do to help ourselves naturally such as exercise, quality sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods. But, did you know that aromatherapy can also help reduce stress and make you feel better? This article will show you how to incorporate simple aromatherapy techniques into your every day life to help you feel great.
Let's start by explaining what is aromatherapy and how it works. The term aromatherapy was first used by French Chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, who began his research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory and immersing in it in lavender oil. He was amazed at how quickly his burn healed and so he began his quest to learn more. But, the truth is that plants and plant essential oils have been used for medicinal, religious and cosmetic purposes for thousands of years by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Chinese and later the Greeks. Some of the techniques used by our ancestors are still used today by aromatherapists such as the burning of plant incense and the use of essential oils in massage and beauty products.
How aroma affects our mood
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory system, home to our sense of smell. The sensation of smell is a result of our brain interpreting the molecules of that which we are smelling which sends a message to the lymbic system. The lymbic system is the part of the brain that regulates memory, mood and emotions. Scientists have found that certain smells trigger certain emotions. There have been numerous studies by psychologists as to the emotional benefits of smelling plant essential oils. In addition, studies have found that synthetic fragrances do not produce the same effects as natural plant extracts. A study published by Complementary Therapies In Medicine (2002;It's 10:223-8) states that people who take daily baths with lavender oil (Lavendula angustifolium) may experience improved mood, reduced aggression, and a more positive outlook.
How to incorporate aromatherapy in every day life
It's very simple to incorporate aromatherapy in your every day life by using essential oils. Below are some tips on how to improve your life one breath at a time.
1. When you're stressed out, your immune system suffers. Use a tissue with a couple drops each of lavender, roman chamomile and ylang ylang essential oils to help you relax and stay focused.
2. Take a bath using Lavender Bath Salts for a good night's sleep.
3. Inhale peppermint essential oil in a tissue or handkerchief to ease a headache and help perk you up.
4. Need a natural aphrodisiac? Burn some patchouli, sandalwood or clove incense to get you in the mood!
5. Feeling Blue? Did you know that citrus scents are natural mood enhancers? Research has shown that the clean, refreshing scent of citrus fruit can help promote feelings of happiness and lift your mood when you're feeling down. Some of the added aromatherapy benefits include: ease of mental fatigue and enhanced mental awareness and focus.
6. Using bath products made with essential oils can easily bring aromatherapy to your daily life for good health and well-being.
Day Evans is the owner of The Bath Fairy Shop, an online boutique specializing in organic bath products with a focus on aromatherapy. Look beautiful and feel good about your choices. Visit our site at http://www.thebathfairyshop.com or shop with us via our Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBathFairyShop
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Aromatherapy-Help-Me?&id=6405437] Can Aromatherapy Help Me?

Saturday, February 4, 2012

How and Why to Use a Botanical Toner

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anne_Koosed]Anne Koosed
Many people are confused about the purpose of toner.
Toner is used to remove residue from the skin after cleansing. Even after using a cleanser, some residue will always remain on your skin. Toner can swipe this away, and leave the skin clean. Also, much of the water used for washing contains pollutants, and high amounts of chlorine. The water in your home can resemble that of a polluted swimming pool, and this can be harsh on the skin. The effects of these irritating chemicals can cause your skin to be less radiant and soft.
The right toner can remove these elements after you cleanse.
In addition to using toner, installing a shower filter can reduce the amount of irritating chemical residue that is left behind on the skin. You should notice an improvement in your hair and skin shortly after beginning to use a filter. An alternative method is to keep a spray bottle in your bathroom that is filled with filtered, distilled or pure water, and use this to rinse your face, neck and d�collet� after cleansing.
A second use for toner is as a mild cleanser after awakening. If you have fallen asleep with clean skin, you need only a mild cleansing when you waken. Toner is ideal for this purpose.
Applying toner provides a good opportunity to give your skin a mild treatment. Many ordinary toners lack beneficial ingredients, and consist primarily of alcohol. A toner that is botanically based can help to calm the skin. In addition to removing pollutants, chlorine, and other residue, a mild, flower-and-plant-based formula can actually improve your complexion.
If you find that using toner once each day is too drying, try sprinkling just a few drops onto a cotton pad that has first been dampened with pure or filtered water. This will deliver a milder effect.
Toner has traditionally been used as a freshener as well. You may even keep your toner in the refrigerator, for use during hot weather. Just soak a large piece of cotton with toner, and sponge your face, hands, neck and body with the fragrant liquid. You may include your feet in this pleasant treatment. Surgical cotton, the kind that comes in a roll, is best for this purpose, since drugstore cotton balls are usually too small.
Using a botanical toner this way can provide you restful and refreshing moments in the middle of a busy day.


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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-and-Why-to-Use-a-Botanical-Toner&id=6415937] How and Why to Use a Botanical Toner

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Japanese Incense - Give It a Try

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Roger_F_Marlow]Roger F Marlow
Why choose Japanese Incense? I find Japanese Incense far superior to most commercial stick incense. I believe it starts with the fact that there is no "stick" and the fragrance is pure. The traditional incense starts as high quality wood powders of either fine Sandalwood or Aloes wood. Then an array of other pure and natural ingredients such as pure gum resins, herbs, flower blossoms, frankincense, star anise, cinnamon and other spices can be added. The creation of this incense is an extraordinarily delicate process and performed in time-honored methods for over 300 years. The method and recipes have been handed down from generation to generation in an unbroken secret oral tradition. The mixtures is carefully combined is then extruded to make a wonderfully pure burning medium. There are a variety of newer formula mixtures that do not contain the fragrant woods just the resins, spices and herbs and other aromatics.
Most other types of incense are formed around a core. The first type has ingredients such as wood powders, resins, herbs and oils are mixed together in a paste, rolled and formed around a bamboo stick. With this method the smell of the burning bamboo is present. The second method which is far worse, the incense starts as a punt blank, which is what is used to light fireworks. The punt often is manufactured in China or third world countries where its contents can be questionable. This "punt" is then dipped into fragrance oils which can be natural or synthetic or a combination of both. The fragrance oils are cut with a chemical extender such as DPT - Dipropylene Glycol before the punt is soaked in the mixture. Then it is dried and packaged for your pleasure.
To be fair, there a handful of the quality "Bamboo Stick" type incense manufacturers that do produce premium quality goods and there fragrance is delightful. These companies use very high quality ingredients and are carefully formulated as not to contain any artificial fragrance and / or harmful chemicals. This type incense is usually a bit more economical and usually easier to find.
However, there is still the issue of the burning stick. For the purest, I highly recommend trying the Japanese type.
Give this wonderful gift from the Japanese a try. The premier manufactures in Japan have been perfecting the craft of incense making for centuries. As soon as you burn some you will transcend into an aroma heaven, and you will never go back to your department store commercial incense again.
Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com Your online source for the finest incense in the world.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Japanese-Incense---Give-It-a-Try&id=6419732] Japanese Incense - Give It a Try

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Guide to Aromatherapy Diffuser

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chirag_Kansoda]Chirag Kansoda
Aromatherapy Diffusers as the name suggests are type of machines or devices that help in dispersing aromatherapy scents all around. These devices come in filling and refilling forms. The first one allows filling and in the second one refilling of non-liquid scents is done. Also available are pre filled forms wherein the cotton soaked aroma oil scent is already filled.
Aromatherapy Diffuser is among the most recent fresheners for the room. In these devices diffusion can occur through a humidifier, a nebulizer or a vaporizer. It all depends upon the choice of the individual.
It is believed that when these oils are inhaled these give soothing effect and thus help in curing asthma or cold. These also help in curing numerous respiratory disorders. These diffusers have many different oils as well as different methods. One can opt for the one which is suitable to one's budget and the one which is required.
A fan can also be used to diffuse the oils which are present in the air of the room. Diffusion by steam is also well known, and is probably the easiest and the best way for diffusing the fragrance in room. Here as the steaming starts the oil added in the water starts to evaporate leaving fragrance in the room. In Aromatherapy diffuser can be even a candle or a tissue paper.
The other method which is used in Aromatherapy and is part of Aromatherapy Diffuser is through lamp rings. Here the rings of the lamp are used as Diffusers. Oil is applied to the rings, and as the bulb starts to heat the oil which is applied on the rings starts to evaporate and thus spreads and diffuses in the air.
Other method is through the use of pots made of either clay or terra cotta. Here this pot may have a small opening through which oil drips into the Aromatherapy Diffuser. Later slowly this pot sucks the oil and disperses it into the air.
Another method is to diffuse the scent or aroma using Electric heat. The other way is through nebulizer, here the nebulizer sets apart the essential oil into minute particulars and thus spreads and disperses them which ultimately spread fragrance.
One important thing is that one should never use the oil which is not suitable or the ones that create negative effect. Thus it is always better to do little research before indulging in it.
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Sunday, January 29, 2012

Natural Remedies for Sleep? Sleeping Beauty and the Queen of Plant Extracts

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bo_Hendgen]Bo Hendgen
Once upon a time the good fairies gave their blessings: "Your beauty will transcend mere physical form... you will be blessed with beautiful hair... radiant skin... shining eyes... quick wits... a balanced heart... patience... grace.... strength... humor... vitality... joy".... And, after the shadow of death had been irrevocably cast, the final fairy stepped forward: "All your gifts you can keep, but half your life - you must sleep."
No tall tales. Radiant natural beauty goes hand in hand with sleep. The perfect intelligence of our holistic being is such that, during the seemingly inert state of slumber, our bodies are restored, our daily baggage processed, and our energy replenished. In good wholesome sleep we maintain an optimum level of health that complements our interconnected being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. And it shows.
While knock-out drugs deal with sleeplessness as a mere physical equation, natural remedies for sleep allow the essential balance of holistic intelligence to remain intact. This significant advantage to natural remedies has given rise to a whole range of choices that draw upon the healing properties of medicinal plants.
And pristine pure essential oils offer the purest intensity of a given plant's active properties.
Tips for relaxation and restful slumber abound, but the bottom line is that pure essential oils have the edge over traditional natural remedies for insomnia, due to their superior capacity for absorption and integration. A herbal pill might seem straightforward and an infusion offers a certain element of ritual and comfort that complements relaxation for sleep, but, actually, the absorption of a given plant's properties by digestion is significantly less effective than the direct route of scent: any aroma we detect at our nasal sensors is immediately transmitted to the brain for assimilation. Thus we have the most direct route to our nervous system and an array of natural responses that are triggered as a part of normal body process.
Therapeutic essential oils represent an evolution in the associated craft of aromatherapy. Grown, harvested and processed at a unique level of organic integrity, these are pure, medicinal-grade plant essences that are able to achieve seamless integration with desired physiological responses. They contain absolutely no impurities that would challenge the body's healthy function and offer specific properties that can help sleeping by enhancing the body's inbuilt pathways to restful sleep. And, thinking laterally beyond the immediate topic of the insomnia remedy, other healing qualities to help address the physical and mental conditions that are prone to inhibit relaxation for sleep.
What this means in practical terms is that, instead of the generally low impact of a standard natural remedy for insomnia, a professional blend of pure essential oils with calming and sedative properties offers a potent alternative.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Remedies-for-Sleep?-Sleeping-Beauty-and-the-Queen-of-Plant-Extracts&id=6406195] Natural Remedies for Sleep? Sleeping Beauty and the Queen of Plant Extracts

Friday, January 27, 2012

Chamomile and Its Use in Aromatherapy

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amol_Gupta]Amol Gupta
Chamomile is basically an herb which grows in Hungary. Chamomile oil is used in aromatherapy due to its various benefits. The relaxing benefits of this essential oil are highly effective. The oil is derived from chamomile through the process of steam distillation.
Chamomile oil gets you rid of toothache, earache as well as body pain. It is also used to treat stress related disorders. Apart from this, chamomile is used to treat a plenty of skin problems. If you are facing problems due to fear, tension, anxiety or anger then you should use this oil, as it will be able to calm you. Chamomile essential oil helps to improve the overall feeling of calmness. This oil can also be used for kids as well as pregnant women.
In aromatherapy, several types of chamomile are used. This oil also finds its use as a folk medicine. Some of the therapeutic properties of chamomile resemble that of lavender. Needless to say, before you use this oil you should check with your doctor or physician. There are certain types of chamomile species which may cause allergies in some people and thus they should be avoided.
Chamomile has got a white or yellow bulging surrounded by petals. The growth of this flower is really very fast. The two most prevalent chamomile species include Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. Like other essential oils, chamomile oil has got many uses. In massage blends, chamomile oil has been used widely. For soothing the spirit also, this essential oil is used. Since it mixes well with rose, lavender, lemon as well as geranium, it can be put to many other uses as well.
Even though this oil is very mild, still it is recommended that it should be used in a diluted form, especially when it is used on children. This oil is a great product which you can incorporate to your health and beauty regime. Since this oil is highly potent, only small amounts of this great oil can create magic. Usually, chamomile essential oil is used in drops.
Traditionally, this oil was used only in drinks and tea. However, due to its tremendous potential and powerful properties, chamomile essential oil is finding its use in natural cosmetic industry, like cosmetics and soaps. For the skin, chamomile offers plenty of products like moisturizers and facial creams, to treat eczema and pimples. It is also used in shampoo as hair moisturizers and for getting rod from dandruff. Chamomile oil is much stronger and powerful than the chamomile tea and thus you need to use it with caution.
Lastly, chamomile essential oil has got many benefits which can be easily incorporated in your daily life. To know more about this great oil you should check various forums and websites. Also, buy chamomile essential oil only from certified and reputable vendors.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Chamomile-and-Its-Use-in-Aromatherapy&id=6448580] Chamomile and Its Use in Aromatherapy

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Jojoba Oil Uses

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Indran_Manickam]Indran Manickam
Jojoba oil, which is pronounced "hohoba oil," is an oil indigenous to North Mexico and South of the United states. It's a waxy substance rather than a liquid that is commonly harvested from plants. The unrefined version of jojoba oil is usually gold tinged while refined versions are always clear. Jojoba oil has a wide number of commercial uses today which include:
Moisturizing agent
Jojoba oil sets itself apart from all other essential oils by being probably the best plant-based moisturizer on the planet. Ever since the ban on whale oil in the 1970's, itl has been seen as a good replacement. Whale oil was primarily used as an emulsifier (helps with the interaction of a variety of chemicals) and an emollient (Skin moisturizers). As such, the cosmetics industry scrambled to find a suitable replacement at the time.
They found many suitable plant-based substitutes such as those derived from the jojoba and coconut tree. Today, its products are used in soaps, skin creams, shampoos and even acne treatments. When applied to the skin (Massaged in), it has the ability to moisturize without clogging up our pores. This is particularly useful when dealing with dry skin issues such as eczema and various forms of dermatitis.
It also works as a scalp conditioner. While some manufacturers use a bit of it in their hair products for the same effect, it is usually more cost-effective to purchase pure jojoba oil on its own. It should be applied and massaged on to the scalp before shampooing. This helps the hair retain oils that are otherwise stripped out by the shampoo. It is an effective treatment for dandruff as dandruff is merely dermatitis of the scalp. It should be noted that too much of it will make your hair somewhat greasy. For an added "Kick" to your hair conditioners, a few drops will suffice.
Aromatherapy
Jojoba oil can used as a carrier oil as most of the ingredients used in aromatherapy (Lavender, peppermint) are rather volatile (They evaporate easily). When exposed, they tend to oxidize, which can destroy the therapeutic properties they carry. The same is not true for jojoba oil as it is very resistant to oxidation and has a very long shelf life because of it. There are a variety of carrier oils used in aromatherapy which include rosehip, sweet almond, coconut and Argan oil. All of them have their own characteristics when used for such purposes For those looking to infuse a skin moisturizer into their concoction, there is no better carrier oil than jojoba oil and coconut oil.
Agriculture
Jojoba oil is a natural fungicide. As such, it can be used for organic farming alongside neem oil and tea tree oils for pest and fungal control. For the home garden, it can be used in a spraying mechanism to achieve the same effect. It is typically diluted with water to use as a fungicide. It is also seen as a viable alternative to diesel. This is because it contains less carbon than fossil fuels in general.
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