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The Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

The Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing


Dry skin brushing is a great way to keep the skin healthy, soft, and smooth. I've made it a habit to dry brush my skin before I take my showers.  It is important that the skin is dry to create friction, since water acts as a lubricant and reduces the effect. Make sure you use a natural bristled brush. A brush made of nylon tears the skin, and it also disturbs the electro-magnetic balance. The natural bristles seem harsh and stiff at first, but they will soften up after being used for a while.

Dry brushing the skin:
  • stimulates the pores to eliminate toxic products
  • redistributes fatty deposits
  • breaks up areas of cellulite
  • stimulates the circulation, especially of the small capillaries under the skin
  • tones the muscles
How to do it
You should brush the whole body in small circles. Brush upward towards the heart. Brush inward on the arms in circular movements towards the heart. Don't forget the soles of your feet. You want to avoid brushing the face and other tender or inflamed areas. 

How often?
Brush once a day on dry skin and follow with a hot and cold shower. Once you do this consistently over a period of a few months, you will notice the benefits of the dry skin brushing. The benefits will be so noticeable that you will miss it if you forget to brush a couple of days. Dry brushing my skin has made such a difference that I couldn't imagine not doing it anymore. My circulation has always been slow, and dry brushing is one of the things I've done that has improved it.

Essential oils
I liked to add a couple of drops of essential oils on the brush to enhance the effect, but it is not necessary. Oils like peppermint, juniper berry, rosemary, orange and grapefruit will stimulate the circulation of the lymph and tissue fluids. Black Pepper is a circulatory stimulant that will increase circulation, and assist in improving the muscle tone. Please read the essential oil safety page to make sure that these oils are right for you.




Thanks for visiting!


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Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.





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9:18 AM | Read more...
Essential Oils and Candida Albicans

Essential Oils and Candida Albicans




Candida albicans is a yeast found in various parts of the body, and it is part of the normal flora. Candida can be found in the mouth, throat, intestinal tract, and the genital tract. Candida is normally in balance with other bacteria and fungi in the body, but occasionally the balance of the bowel flora is interrupted. Interrupted balance of the bowel flora can cause the fungi to move through the blood to other areas of the body. Now different symptoms occur.


Symptoms
The mouth and the vagina are two areas where various symptoms can be found. When Candida appears in the mouth it is called thrush and can be recognized by white sores on the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. When Candida is found in the vaginal region it is called vaginitis, or it may also be called thrush. White discharge and itching are the most common symptoms. Untreated Candida may lead to fungal infections, cystitis, poor memory, and depression. It may also cause food intolerance, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. When treating Candida it is important to consider a change in diet, as well as natural remedies since yeast thrive in certain environments. 

It is important to consider the various symptoms associated with the condition since they require different methods of administration. Essential oils with  anti-fungal, antiseptic, and immune stimulants are the most suitable oils to use. It is also important to consider the digestive and psychological concerns. Candida can cause depression and digestive concerns as well. 


Essential Oil Properties
Anti-fungal oils will destruct and suppress the growth of fungi, while antiseptic oils will prevent and counteract the growth of microorganisms. The immune stimulant oils inhibit the microorganisms as well as stimulate the immune system. If digestive discomforts such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating are a problem I would consider carminative and antispasmodic oils as well. Carminative oils will stimulate the peristalsis and assist in reducing gas. Since many antispasmodics have astringent properties as well as calming the nervous system, antispasmodics will reduce spasms and contractions and therefore may be beneficial in diarrhea. Hepatic oils are also important in order to enhance liver function. They strengthen the liver and assist in increasing the flow of bile.


Lemon
is a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial and immune stimulant oil gentle enough for oral administration such as gargle and mouthwash.

Lavender
has immune stimulant, antimicrobial and antiseptic actions at the same time as it soothes the mind. It is a non - toxic oil with powerful actions and gentle enough for oral administration such as mouthwash and gargle too.

Tea tree, 
Melaleuca alternifolia has shown remarkable activity both in vitro and as well as in vivo against Candida albicans. Tea tree is an immune stimulant and a  powerful antimicrobial oil. The oil is  safe enough to use for oral administration such as a mouthwash or gargle.

According to Battaglia, for oral thrush, 2 drops of tea tree can be added to warm water and used as a gargle and mouthwash after meal.

For vaginitis, douche and vaginal slides seems to be the most effective even though a sitz bath can be used. For a vaginal slide 15 drops of essential oils can be added to 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and added to a tampon. For a sitz bath, fill the bath tub with enough water to cover the hips up to the waist only. Add 5 drops of essential oil per quart of water and mix well.

Valerie Ann Worwood suggests the following blend for Candida:

German Chamomile 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops
Tea tree 5 drops

Add the oils to about 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and mix well. Use a tampon applicator to get the mixture in to the body. She also says the yogurt can be diluted with warm purified water until a thin fluid, add the essential oils and used as a douche.

Roman Chamomile 
has antifungal, antiseptic and sedative properties. Chamomile may assist in stopping the overgrowth of yeast, at the same time as it soothes the mind with its sedative properties. 

Bergamot
has antiseptic, antifungal and nervine properties. It also has an affinity with the urinary system. It is also an uplifting oil, and may assist in stabilizing the emotions and ease tension.

Bergamot and Roman Chamomile are gentle enough to be used on the delicate mucus membranes of the vagina.

Lavender, bergamot and chamomile can be used in a stomach massage. They may alleviate digestive discomfort and depression due to their sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, hepatic, immune stimulant and antimicrobial actions. An uplifting oil such as bergamot can be used in an oil burner or in a bath.


Dietary Consideration
Dietary considerations are important. Avoid food that cause allergies and this includes dairy and wheat. Grain, potatoes, eggplants, salted food, and tomatoes should be avoided. Avoid all refined carbohydrates and yeast containing food such as fermented beverages, beer, yeast bread, moldy cheeses and so on. 

One clove garlic and one teaspoon of olive oil can be taken daily. Foods that can be eaten freely include fish, vegetables, poultry and meat. Natural yogurt, raw garlic, and rye bisquits are fine to eat. Vitamin C, E, A, and B-Complex are known to be beneficial for Candida. Digestive enzymes, Probiotic supplements and zinc should also be considered. 



Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.






11:22 AM | Read more...
The Endurance and Anti- Fatigue Potential of Noni Juice

The Endurance and Anti- Fatigue Potential of Noni Juice

First of all, what is Noni and where does it come from? 


Noni grows in most tropical regions around the world but the highest quality noni fruit comes from the South Pacific. It is an evergreen shrub and its white flowers turn into white creamy fruit the size of a small potato. In Polynesia they have used most parts of the plant for centuries but it is the fruit that is used for the juice. Encapsulated Noni  made from the roots, fruit and leaves is also available.

Morinda critrifola and Morinda officinalis are the species with all the health benefits. Over 150 compounds with therapeutic value have been identified by scientists. The two compounds Anthraquinones and scopoleptin have according to Isa Navarre been helpful against bacteria, inflammation, fungus, and allergies. Terpenes is another compound found in Noni fruit that helps rejuvenate cells according to Navarre. Dr. Ralph Heinicke also discovered and named another compound proxeronine. Proxeronine helps the body make xeronine which Dr. Heinicke also discovered. Xeronine is an alkaloid that is very important since it strengthens and regulate protein in our cells.

The WR Terrell Owens made noni well known to the public when he admitted he was drinking noni juice as he healed from his sprained ankle and broken leg. From an athlete's point of view noni has many benefits. An athlete put a lot of stress on its body, and it is important to supply the body with sufficient nutrients.
Stimulating an immune respone is one of the major benefits of noni. It contains phytonutrients which nourish the cells, organs and tissues. Antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of free radical damage caused by strenuos exercise, aging, pollution and other chemicals. It is also anti-inflammatory and alkalizing which are valuable properties when doing sports. An acidic body is more likely to become injured, and training causes a mild inflammation.

Interestingly enough a  study has been done to investigate noni's endurance and anti-fatigue potential.  Morinda Citrifolia was historically used to increase endurance during long trips on the sea.

In one study, Noni juice increases athlete endurance via antioxidant mechanism, by Brett J. West, C. Jarakae Jensen, 40  highly trained athletes (ages 18-27) were divided into two groups of twenty.
One group consumed blackberry juice while the other group consumed noni juice. 100 ml of either blackberry or noni juice was consumed for three weeks. At the beginning of the experiment for each athlete,  the time-to-exhaustion in the treadmill (increasing resistance), urine chemiluminescence analyses and blood analyses were tested. This was also done on day 10 and 21.

The time-to-fatigue of the blackberry group didn't increase, but in the noni juice group in increased by 22%. The blood analysis showed that the lactate level increased in the blackberry group on day 21. In the noni juice group the chemiluminescence decreased by 25%, which showed an great decline in lipid peroxidation. Which was credited to noni juice's antioxidant activity. According to the authors of the study,  "this confirms the hypothesis that improvement in physical performance and energy is associated with noni juice's antioxidant properties." Jensen and West further state that this demonstrates noni's ability to improve endurance in highly trained athletes.

My oldest son started his football practice yesterday so I decided to give him an extra boost of NSP's Noni Juice.
Other benefits are that it promotes healthy skin and joints as well, a great bonus for a 16 year old football player.


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2:43 PM | Read more...