5 Essential Oils for Happy Skin
There are many benefits of using essential oils in skin care. The essential oils are easily absorbed through the skin and they can be added to vegetable oils, moisturizers, scrubs, face masks, ointments and so on. It is also especially beneficial that they have an appealing scent which works on the emotional level as well. I love applying my morning facial cream with geranium because I also love the aroma and it makes me happy. The essential oils have been used throughout history for healing, cleaning, religious ceremonies, flavoring, skin care and perfumes.
Some of the benefits of essential oils in skin care are:
- they improve blood circulation and muscle tone
- they are anti-inflammatory
- they reduce the signs of emotional stress
- they are antiseptic
- they regulate sebum production
- they help eliminate waste
- they increase the speed of removing old skin cells and also stimulate the growth of new skin cells
There are many oils which are beneficial to the skin so I have selected my favorites.
Lavender
The one and only. I always say if you can only afford one bottle of essential oils then pick lavender. It is very versatile oil with many uses. It works for all skin types, if you have dry skin, combination skin, mature skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin you can use lavender. According to Battaglia, lavender is also beneficial in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and boils.
Geranium
Who doesn't love the scent of flowers? Not only is the aroma of geranium positive, happy and mood lifting, but geranium will also make the skin happy. Battaglia says it is valuable for oily, dry or combination skin as well as balancing the production of sebum. It is also a valuable oil for burns and wounds according to Battaglia. I like to add geranium to massage oil to add balance to my aging skin.
Frankincense
Yes, frankincense is an amazing oil. It rejuvenates aging skin and return dry and oily skin to normal. According to Battaglia frankincense is recommended for mature and dry skin, wrinkles, wounds and scars. It firms skin, promotes healing and fights inflammation.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood is a wonderful oil and it smells of fresh cut timber, but I noticed many don't realize its value in skin care. According to Battaglia, cedarwood's astringent and antiseptic properties makes it very useful in oily skin conditions. He also says it helps to clear dermatitis and psoriasis. Battaglia also says it is a great hair tonic and effective for treating dandruff.
Tea trea
Tea tree is another great oil to use and it is mild enough to use on children. However, always check out the safety information before using any essential oils on children. According to Battaglia, tea tree is very effective for treatment of acne and pimples when combined with lavender. It can be mixed in a 1% dilution with a light oil such as jojoba or apricot. Massage into face and then wipe off. He says it can be added to shampoo and used in the treatment of dandruff.
If you haven't tried any of these oils in skin care before then I suggest that you try. Except for frankincense, these oils are fairly inexpensive as well as very versatile. Using essential oils for your skin care regimen is safer than using most commercial products that contain many harmful chemicals. An extra bonus is that the oils can be used for so much more than skin care.
Important
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safety information before you start using essential oils.
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safety information before you start using essential oils.
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:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Sources:
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
9:05 AM |
Read more...
Essential Oils for Emotional Burnout
Burnout can affect the mental and emotional processes which influence the physical. The body shuts down when the emotions shut down, when there are no feelings anymore or tears to cry. There are many reasons why someone could get burnout, perhaps caring for a relative with terminal illness for a long time or a break up from a spouse.
When someone gets burnout it may paralyze a person, it may seem like all the feelings that normally make up a person's personality are gone. The person may feel like he or she is in a vacuum and can't reach out to others. The person may simply feel depressed and exhausted. The emotional side has closed down to recharge the batteries but the feelings are still there of course.
Valeri Worwood recommends the following essential oils for those with all kinds of emotional burnout:
Vetiver, rose Otto, patchouli, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, frankincense, ginger, Roman chamomile, bergamot, neroli, Melissa, marjoram, sandalwood, lemon, helichrysum, jasmine, petitegrain.
How to
When making blends for burnout it is better to start softly, Worwood suggests to start with half the amount and use 15 drops to the usual 30 ml (1 oz) base oil for massage that she recommends. Use only 1-2 drops of a blend in the bath or 1-2 drops in the diffuser. Over time you can increase the amount and eventually add 30 drops to 30 ml of base oil.
Important
This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.
Before you leave:
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:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996
9:33 AM |
Read more...
Essential Oils & The Nervous System
It is important to acknowledge the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of our well being. The nervous system is part of the physical make up but the psychological process also takes place in the nervous system. When there's a disease on the physical level it will affect the psychological and when there's a disease on the psychological level it will affect the physical.
Aromatherapy is unique, and Battaglia says no other holistic modality can offer such a multidimensional approach to dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system. The aromatherapy massage is very nurturing and therapeutic, the essential oils have pharmacological activity, the olfaction has powerful influence of ANS memory and emotions, and there's is a caring relationship between the therapist and the client.
According to Battaglia, the following properties of essential oils are useful when dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system:
Antidepressants
Battaglia says the following essential oils can be used to alleviate depression:
~ Sandalwood, ylang ylang, neroli, jasmine, geranium, lemon, lavender, rose otto and absolute, bergamot, basil and clary sage.
Soporifics
Battaglia says sweet marjoram, lavender, and valerian can be used to induce sleep.
Nervines
There are two types of nervines - sedative and stimulant nervines. Nervines strengthen and tone the nerves.
According to Battaglia, the stimulant nervines strengthen the nervous system and are useful in stress, shock or nervous debility. He says the following oils are useful nervines:
~ Vetiver, clary sage, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, angelica root and juniper berry.
Battaglia says relaxant nervines can help alleviate tension and stress. He says some excellent nervines are:
~ Bergamot, Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, valerian, sandalwood, neroli and lavender.
Analgesics
According to Battaglia, analgesic can be used for migraines and headaches. He says the following oils are analagesics:
~ Eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, sweet marjoram, spike lavender, lavender, thyme and rosemary.
Antispasmodics
According to Battaglia, antispasmodics help prevent or alleviate spasms or convulsions, and may be beneficial for treating migraines, headaches and muscular spasms caused by nervous tension. Battaglia says the following oils are antispasmodics:
~ Clary sage, Roman chamomile, yarrow, sweet marjoram and lavender.
Behavior and attitude can influence our resistance to disease and positive imagery and meditation have been used in cancer treatments for years. It is also important to consider eating a well balance diet, get enough rest and sleep, use relaxation techniques and consider other natural remedies such as flower essences and herbs.
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:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source:
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday
12:43 PM |
Read more...
Hyperactivity
 |
| Click for a larger view |
Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:17 PM |
Read more...
Allergies in Children
According to a CDC study survey, 1 in 20 children have food allergies which is a 50% increase since the late 1990's, and 1 in 8 have contact allergies. Dr. Benjamin Perkus said at the Young Living Convention, "kids and teens who are born abroad and immigrate to the United States are about half as likely to have asthma and allergies as those who are born in the U.S."
As a European who has lived in several countries I have noticed a few things:
So I am not surprised to find out that children born abroad will develop less asthma and allergies than children born here in the U.S. The European Union has also taken an interest in what damage chemicals can do to children. It is now a law to label products aimed at children that contain artificial coloring. EU recognizes that food dyes can cause allergies, asthma and cancer.
Dr.Perkus recommends to use lavender, and an anti-microbial blend of rosemary cineol, clove, cinnamon, lemon and Eucalyptus radiata for children. He recommends to use the anti-microbial blend for mold. He also recommends to use probiotics and enzymes.
What to do about allergies
Fortunately as parents we can be proactive and protect our children here in the U.S. Whether your child is allergic or not, it has to start with the diet.
Replace all the toxic household products and personal hygiene products with natural products. It doesn't have to be expensive, you can use vinegar and baking soda for a lot of things in the house. Check out my Natural Cleaning Post.
It is recommended to keep a log once you notice your child show signs of allergies. It is important to ask what has your child touched, inhaled, smelled, eaten prior to the change. Contact and inhalant allergies are usually instant while food allergic are usually delayed 20 min - 2 hours.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
As a European who has lived in several countries I have noticed a few things:
- More food in other countries contain less or no preservatives than here in USA.
- More food in other countries contain natural food colorings (from vegetables) than here in USA.
- A lot of chemicals are forbidden in Europe but still allowed here in USA. American food manufactures have to make special products for the European market.
- Genetically modified food has been banned in many countries, and GMO food is required to be labeled in several countries.
- The amount of vaccines children receive is less in many other countries than here in USA. Swedish children receive less vaccines than most other children in other countries and the amount of SID cases are among the lowest in the world.
So I am not surprised to find out that children born abroad will develop less asthma and allergies than children born here in the U.S. The European Union has also taken an interest in what damage chemicals can do to children. It is now a law to label products aimed at children that contain artificial coloring. EU recognizes that food dyes can cause allergies, asthma and cancer.
Dr.Perkus recommends to use lavender, and an anti-microbial blend of rosemary cineol, clove, cinnamon, lemon and Eucalyptus radiata for children. He recommends to use the anti-microbial blend for mold. He also recommends to use probiotics and enzymes.
Fortunately as parents we can be proactive and protect our children here in the U.S. Whether your child is allergic or not, it has to start with the diet.
- Make sure to purchase food that doesn't have any nasty chemicals, but as you will notice it will be hard to find good quality food in the stores. Your best bet is to make as much as possible from scratch and to buy organic.
- Eat wholesome food with plenty of fruit and vegetables, replace the sugary snacks with some fruit, veggies, smoothies, chicken, eggs etc.
- Make sure that your child receives sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, it is said it is impossible to receive all the nutrients we need through food alone so purchase a good quality multivitamin.
- Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acids are said to decrease allergy symptoms.
Replace all the toxic household products and personal hygiene products with natural products. It doesn't have to be expensive, you can use vinegar and baking soda for a lot of things in the house. Check out my Natural Cleaning Post.
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:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:55 PM |
Read more...
If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit
I would pick lavender, tea tree (melaleuca) if I could only choose two bottles for my first aid kit. The picture below will explain why.
 | |
Click to enlarge the picture.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
9:48 AM |
Read more...
The Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils ~ Lavender
Place of origin
Lavender is grown around the Mediterranean area. France is one of the major areas where it is cultivated, but lavender is also cultivated in Spain and England.
Historical uses
The medicinal and perfume properties of lavender has been used for a very long time. The Romans used lavender for their baths and it was used to ward off evil spirits in the Middle Ages. Lavender derives from the Latin word lavare, which means to wash.
Constituents
The higher altitude lavender grows on, the higher the ester content will be. The esters are soothing, antimicrobial and balancing. Lavender also has linalool ociemene, 1,8 cineole, octanone, camphor, caryopyllene, terpinene-4-ol.
Characteristics
Lavender is colorless or sometimes yellow to green oil with aromatic herbaceous and slightly floral scent.
Fragrance
The aroma is very calming and soothing to the mind. It is relaxing and balancing, both emotionally and physically. The top note is fresh, sweet, strong and herbal-floral aroma. The middle note is pleasant, clean with a sweet floral herbaceous scent with a woody undertone. The base not is perfumery. It is soothing, refreshing, slight herbal-floral.
Indications:
Mind and Spirit
Lavender is a sedative nervine and as such it has historically been a helpful oil for psychological and nervous disorders. Some conditions that have historically benefitted from the use of lavender are insomnia, hysteria, depression, migraine. Lavender is also an analgesic agent, and its sedative and analgesic properties are said to help migraine and headaches. Lavender is also said to alleviate stress and may also be helpful in fearful situations.
Body:
Lavender is a very versatile oil and is a definite choice for the first aid kit. It is antiseptic and it has historically been helpful in flu, wounds, catarrh, cystitis, colds and coughs. It also possesses antispasmodic actions and it has traditionally been used to alleviate asthma and bronchitis. Its antispasmodic, analgesic, and relaxant actions has historically provided relief in muscular pain and rheumatism.
Lavender has also historically been used to lower blood pressure and according to Battaglia, it also acts as a stimulating agent for someone with a weak heart. He also says it has emmenagogue actions and is therefore beneficial for scanty periods. Battaglia says lavender has low toxicity levels and is therefore a good oil for treating different childhood cuts, scratches, and infections.
I also learned that lavender has antihistamine properties and many have used lavender for allergies with great results. Learn more about essential oils and allergies:
Essential Oils & Allergies
Skin and hair:
Lavender has become the most useful oil when treating burns and it is even used by European hospitals. It has excellent healing properties on the skin. According to Battaglia, its analgesic and antiseptic properties will ease the pain and prevent infection of the burn. Its cytophylactic actions promotes rapid healing and reduce scarring. Lavender's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties are according to Battaglia, said to treat dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and boils
Actions
Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vulnerary.
Contraindications
There are no known contraindications to lavender. Consult your physician if you're pregnant or under a doctor's care. Lavender is safe for use on small children.
Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.
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:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo Credit
Sources:
Gary
Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide.
Essential Science Publishing
Salvatore
Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect
Potion Pty Ltd
12:47 PM |
Read more...
