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?
Monday, February 6, 2012
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.
Have you enjoyed this article? Then please visit us at http://www.pearlbeautygarden.com for more articles, books and products for natural skin care.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-and-Why-to-Use-a-Botanical-Toner&id=6415937] How and Why to Use a Botanical Toner
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.
Have you enjoyed this article? Then please visit us at http://www.pearlbeautygarden.com for more articles, books and products for natural skin care.
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
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
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