health alternative blog

Nature’s Profound Pain Reliever: Helichrysum Oil

There’s a little known secret in natural therapeutics — the profound healing pain relief of Helichrysum essential oil. Its action is nothing short of amazing, though this information is rarely offered directly by aromatherapy companies due to advertising restrictions. Throughout the medical aromatherapy texts however, this fantastic oil is lauded for its broad range of healing effects on the body’s tissues. Here’s a quick primer on using this oil for yourself and your loved ones.

The essential oil steam distilled from the little yellow flowers of a plant native to the Mediterranean is in a class by itself for the three most important factors for a medicine: safety, efficacy and ease-of-use. Some essential oils used for pain must be used with caution; those containing methyl salicilate should be used sparingly due to their toxicity potential. Helichrysum however, has no such restrictions in the aromatherapy literature. It is in fact, one of the few essential oils recommended for direct application to the skin in the most critical or immediate cases.

It’s the efficacy — the ability to reduce pain and heal — that is most remarkable about this aromatherapy wonder. Nearly every form of pain seems to respond positively to Helichrysum essential oil application. Joint pain, back pain, muscular and connective tissue pain, nerve pain, and pain resulting from injury, surgery and trauma can all be helped. The most common usage is a dilution in Jojoba oil, massaged into the affected areas a few times a day. The oil can also be used completely undiluted if desired for the most severe or immediate situations.

Making our own formulation is very easy to do. It is recommended to start of with lower dilutions and work your way up only if necessary; this helps you conserve the precious oil by only using as much as required for the desired results. Forty drops of the essential oil in each ounce of carrier oil will create an approximate 5 percent dilution; eighty drops for a 10 percent dilution; etc. The pure essential oil, not diluted in any carrier oil, is recommended when a trauma has just occurred, to prevent further tissue damage due to swelling and oxidative free-radicals. For example, a twisted ankle could receive a few drops from a fingertip, massaged into the painful region immediately after the injury, and several times over the next 24 hours.

Beyond its efficacy for pain relief, the oil is thought to actually speed healing and recovery. The oil does this though its synergy of natural chemical constituents; some quench free radicals, some reduce inflammation, and others signal tissues to regenerate on a cellular level. These effects make the oil an excellent addition to many blends for natural skin care — it is found in recipes for anti-aging, wrinkly reduction, scar reduction and dermatitis. It is also excellent for minor burn treatment, often instantly relieving pain from those small wounds that happen occasionally in the kitchen and around the home. Further, if one has just received a cut and wishes to reduce the potential for a scar, the oil can be applied once bleeding has stopped regularly until healing is complete (a 10% formula in Rosehip seed oil is an excellent choice).

The finest of Helichrysum essential oil varieties is considered to be that distilled from plants grown on the island of Corsica, France. The environmental conditions and sub-species genetics result in a unique natural chemical composition of the essential oil with strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative properties. This oil may be listed as with sub-species ’serotinum’. You may find that other varieties work as well for your needs, and can experiment as you see fit.

Helichrysum is considered by many therapists to be one of, if not THE, most profoundly healing essential oil used today. It is safe and effective for a wide variety of physical pain and ailments where the body’s connective tissue, skin, muscles, joints and nerves are affected. (More esoteric aromatherapy even uses the oil as a healer of the heart center, which may be constricted or closed from many years of emotional trauma). Whatever your need for pain relief and healing, this exceptional essential oil may offer the help you need, quickly and safely.

The author is a co-founder of Ananda Aromatherapy Essential Oils. More information on the therapeutic use of essential oils can be found at The Ananda Apothecary.

Essential Oils Work As Natural Remedies

It would seem that sinus infections have existed as long as men have. There are several remedies. Some work and some just profess to work. The most popular working remedy is an antibiotic, but natural remedies are growing too.

Aromatherapy is a natural remedy that works great on sinus infections. Aromatherapy uses plants oils for healing. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist in 1920, called used plant oils for healing aromatherapy.

The plant’s oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. Essential oils come from the plant’s flowers, leaves, roots, or seeds. The oil is heavily concentrated and powerful. Once extracted, the oils are bottled in glass containers and sold in natural stores.

Essential oils have several healing properties for many ailments. These essential oils help heal the body through triggering its own healing powers with the oil’s scents. This is how the oil is able to help heal sinus infections.

Two essential oils that work great for sinus infections are peppermint and cinnamon. Peppermint helps with sinus congestion. Cinnamon relaxes both the circulatory and respiratory systems.

A very effective mixture against sinus infections is thyme, cloves, and cinnamon. These three are able to fight against the infection, prevent bacteria growth, and split up mucus. Using this mixture of oils will cure the sinus infections in three days.

There are different ways to apply the oil to relieve sinus infections. One way is to massage the oil into the skin, but make sure to mix the concentrated oil with carrier oil. The oil can also be inhaled using a bowl of steaming water and a towel.

There are also a few concoctions that are great remedies if breathed in with steam. The first remedy is mixing a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, and menthol. The second one is to mix tea tree oil, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint. Putting a towel over the head to breath in the steam will make this application even more effective.

Rainshadow Labs Specializes in Intuitive Essential Oilsaromatherapy essential oils, essential oils and wholesale soap making supplies. We are passionate about Oraganic Essential Oils and soap and candle making, and we love to help people feel and look young again. Come visit anytime.

Cancer Curing Essential Oils

Cancer takes more people victim now than it did in the past. In the endeavor to cure cancer, research to find a cure for cancer grows. Although there are many medical courses of action, none of them have a guarantee to cure cancer.

Current research is looking into the possibility of using natural essential oils as an anti-cancer agent. Two of the most popular natural essential oils being researched are frankincense and lemongrass. Natural essential oils are extracted straight from their plant and usually contain the plant’s aroma.

Lemongrass oil comes after distilling Cymbopogon citratus leaves. Lemongrass is abundant, but that does not make it less effective. Lemongrass is so effective against cancer because it causes natural cell death in cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells alone.

Published in the May 2009″Chemico-biological Interactions” journal were the effects of lemongrass essential oil on cancerous cells. The study was conducted on colon cancer, neuroblastoma, breast cancer, and a connective tissue cancer in both in-vitro and in-vivo. In every case and cancer the lemongrass oil was able to induce natural death in the cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells alone.

Frankincense is extracted from the sap or resin of Olibanum trees. These trees are mainly found in Ethiopia, Somalia, and India. Throughout history frankincense has been a valued medical product. Frankincense even goes back to the time when Jesus was born. It is recorded that the wise men came and brought frankincense to Jesus.

Medical aroma therapists say that frankincense is the most effective immune system altering aromatic. Frankincense appears to be so effective with cancer because it can distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells is an organ or tissue. It also helps to cause the death of the cancerous cells while leaving the healthy cells alive. Not even radiation or chemotherapy can distinguish between healthy or cancerous cells.

It is thought that what makes frankincense so wonderful is the Boswellic acid that is unique to frankincense. Boswellic acid is able to repair skin that is damaged from the sun and act as an anti-inflammatory. Frankincense’s ability to kill only cancerous cells comes from this Boswellic acid.

These natural ways of curing cancer are a phenomenon and deserve further research. Because using these essential oils is an alternative therapy, it is not being researched at this time. It will take our government or large grass roots efforts to further the research of using essential oils as a therapy with cancer.

Rainshadow Labs Specializes in Intuitive Essential Oilsaromatherapy essential oils, essential oils and wholesale soap making supplies. We are passionate about Oraganic Essential Oils and soap and candle making, and we love to help people feel and look young again. Come visit anytime.

Medicinal Properties of Essential Oils: Eradicating Fungus

A Possible Alternative

Discussion of fungal infections is not a popular topic. Infections by these organisms are a source of embarrassment as well as a cause of severe mucosal irritation for many people. If certain fungi are able to penetrate the tissues, they can also be life-threatening. Unfortunately, conventional treatment is neither easy nor without its share of side-effects. Science studies within the last decade point to safe and effective alternative treatments using essential oils.

So, What Actually Is Fungus?

Many of us might associate fungus with hairy things growing on forgotten bread or cheese, or organisms that grow out of rotten logs. Yet, fungi are also commonly found on and in the human body. When our immune systems are compromised, fungi can infect non-living tissue such as our hair and nails as well as beneath the skin. Fungal infections (also called mycosis) can be a direct cause of skin and mucous membrane irritations and in worst case scenarios be the cause of death.

Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections

You might have experienced or know someone with a Candida infection. This troublesome yeast can cause irksome and often reoccurring vaginal infections in women and oral thrush in both adults and children. Those with compromised immune systems can develop systemic and sometimes fatal infections.

Other common fungal infections are known as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and onychomycosis (the unsightly discoloration and cracking of toenails). One not so commonly recognized is aspergillosis ? an infection caused by Aspergillus species. This fungus, which is normally found growing on decaying vegetation, can cause allergic reactions in those with compromised immune systems. Inhaled spores can lead to restricted airways and severe bouts of coughing and even bleeding.

As you can deduce, fungal infections are nothing to trifle with. In the following paragraphs synopses of science study findings are assembled. All of these studies have indicated possible use of essential oils to effectively treat fungal infections.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Candida Infections

Using essential oils in the treatment of Candida infections has been the focus of many recent research studies across the globe. Candida treated with Japanese Cypress oil, tea tree, juniper and even cinnamon are among some of the essential oils found to be effective at inhibiting further growth of this fungus. Researchers from the Defense Research Laboratory in India (2007) chose six essential oils and compared their results with two known antibiotics used in the treatment of Candida. Scientists found that the essential oils exhibited more potent activity than the conventional drugs.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Dermatophytes

Dermatophyte fungi infect the skin, hair and nails of humans as well as our beloved pets. The by-products of their colonization are toxins. These toxins in turn cause often painful inflammation and embarrassing blemishes (remember your grandparents’ brown or even green toenails?yuck!).

A study conducted by the Institute for Biological Research in Serbia (2008) found that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was able to cure rats induced with dermatophyte infections. Their findings echo several other studies, concluding that certain essential oils demonstrate potential as a natural fungicide to control dermatophytic fungi.

Treating Aspergillus Infections

Although spores of Aspergillus are found in the air and on the ground, those that develop an infection from Aspergillus (aspergillosis) can develop severe reactions. Several research studies indicated that using essential oils to combat this potentially deadly fungus merit consideration in clinical use. A 2009 study from the University of Porto in Portugal found that clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) exhibited inhibitory activity against Aspergillus. They identified that the active compound found in clove oil (eugenol) caused extensive damage to the fungal cell membranes.

Conclusion

It is certain that most of us will experience fungal infections at one time or another. Once these organisms take a foot hold, they are not eager to leave and are often resistant to conventional treatments. Acknowledging that conventional treatments are not always successful nor safe, medical researchers are looking at using essential oils as a treatment alternative. Laboratory studies indicate that essential oils are effective against fungal infections and in some cases more potent than conventional drugs.

More aromatherapy information is available at Ananda Aromatherapy, such as using bay laurel essential oil and other therapeutic organic essential oils.

Eucalyptus Radiata Essential Oil: Infinite Advantages

There are 700 varieties of eucalyptus that are discovered till now and out of these there are 500 varieties which are useful and which produce many different type of oils. Australia is rich in eucalyptus tree. You will find eucalyptus in other countries also but not in large quantities as in Australia.

Eucalyptus is best in treating different diseases. Different medicines and eucalyptus radiata essential oils have different type of healing properties. If you will see the chemical composition of all the oils you will get to know that the chemistry is totally different.

Eucalyptus is best for the treatment of many different diseases. Among these trees eucalyptus radiate essential oils are very useful and have different medicinal properties. You will find different chemistry in different oils.

Eucalyptus radiate has the most common properties and is widely used for its medicinal properties. It is richest in 1, 8 cineole. It is the best antibacterial, antiviral and is also great oil for getting relief from sinus. It helps in removing all type of infections. It is best for healing any type of problem in respiratory system and improves its condition a lot. It is lowest in aldehydes and hence is a lot effective.

Another common tree used is the eucalyptus globules. It is also known a blue gum tree. Its special property is to heal the infections of respiratory tract. It is also good for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and wounds. This tree is also helpful in purification of air and production of ozone. Its chemical component shows that it is high in oxides and the most important are 1, 8 cineole.

Another tree known for its good properties is eucalyptus citriodora. You can easily recognize this tree because of its lemony fragrance. That is why it gives a cooling effect and is best for message and for children. The main constituent of this tree is citronellal which is an aldehyde. It is also used in repelling silver fish and cockroaches and many other insects that reside in your home.

There is another common tree is E.Dives. It is also known as peppermint eucalyptus. Its fragrance matches methanol. The main ingredient of this tree is piperitone which is a ketone. It is good for healing infections of sinus, ear, kidney and vaginitis. E.Dives is also majorly used for its medicinal properties. Its oil is also good in healing infections and other diseases.

Last but not the least in the list is Eucalyptus polybractea. You can also call it as Blue Mallee. It is a good antimicrobial and acts gently on the skin as compared to other oils. It is richest source of 1, 8 cineole.

You may want to apply home remedies like Eucalyptus radiata essential oilthat are medicinal in nature and helps you keep on the go. In this fast-paced world, you need something to relieve you from feelings of stress and fatigue. Or you may want to try bergamot essential oil.

Tips on Choosing Aromatherapy Gifts For That Special Person

Aromatherapy gifts have become fashionable gifts for those that have very little time to pamper themselves. A handful of aromatherapy salts in a warm bath at the end of a stressful day can be the perfect way to a state of total relaxation. Aromatic scents are used in lots of different products like bath salts, bath oil, shower gel, body scrub, lotion, and body spray. Lavender is a popular aromatic scent, but with so many aromatic scents to choose from just try a different one each time and experience all of them!

Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret has a great selection of aromatherapy gifts that are conveniently packaged in practical gift sets and baskets. You can visit your local store, or you can shop online. You can mix and match your own gift basket for an added personal touch, or select from one of the many aromatherapy gifts that are packaged attractively and affordably priced.

There are aromatherapy gifts for just about every individual need and pleasure. When considering a person’s personal fragrance consider what type of person they are, what type of life style they have. If you’re selecting an aromatherapy gift for someone who has already used aromatic products try selecting an aromatherapy gift or new fragrance that they haven’t tried. While you’re at it, why don’t you pick something out for yourself too? You deserve it, you know you do.

Retail sites that specialize in aromatherapy gifts, essential oils, burners, candles, bath and spa treatments usually will provide information regarding the types of properties certain herbs have, and what works best for specific needs, such as stress reduction, promoting sleep, increasing energy levels, or just making you feel better.

Remember to add a personal touch to your aromatherapy gift selection by including a personal message from you. For those last minute gifts many sites offer express shipping. A little thought when selecting aromatherapy gifts can make all the difference in someone’s day.

Looking to find the best deal on Aromatherapy Gifts, then visit www.traderblock.com to find the best advice on Aromatherapy Gift Basket for you.

Get a Total Relaxation Regime at Your Beauty Salon

Stress is the curse of living in modern times. Everybody suffers from stress in some form or another. And the stress we suffer takes a heavy toll on our bodies, feelings and minds.

Feeling strung out, worn out by fatigue or just having a sad day, the neatest thing to do is relax, but what’s the simplest way to relax?

Watching television might be a sort of relaxation for some, but is not a recommended technique by experts. When we watch television we are snowed under with commercials, advertisements, sounds and photos.

So how can we achieve complete relaxation?

If there are thousands of ways we will get stressed, one of them is not meeting cut off dates, there are also many ways we will be able to relax.

In up to date studies, pros have determined that heart issues is interlinked with anger and evil temper and linked to psychological stress. Too much stress brings about high blood pressure that can end up in or cause a heart attack. Relaxation takes on added significance given this matter.

Handling your anger and viewpoint is important to heart health, and relaxation can help you manage stress.

One way of relaxation is transcendental meditation.

Fresh studies have also shown this system might reduce artery blockage, which is a major cause for coronary and stroke. People practice transcendental meditation by repeating letting out relaxing sounds while meditating, this is to attain total relaxation.

The researchers discovered that followers of transcendental meditation significantly reduced the thickness of their arterial wall compared to folks who didn’t practice transcendental meditation.

Another study on another system of relaxation, acupuncture, seems to reduce high blood pressure by initiating many body functions for the brain to release chemical compounds known as endorphins. Endorphin helps to relax muscles, ease panic, ease pain, and reduce hysteria.

One wonderful way of relaxation is getting a full body beauty massage with natural aromatherapy essential oils at your local beauty salon.

To gain full relaxation, you want to totally surrender to the handling and touch of a pro specialist.

There are a few types of massages that also give various levels of relaxation..allowing the warm oils to penetrate your skin delivering total relaxation, while you are there your trained consultant will discuss with you different sorts of cosmetic treatment and body care to compliment your beauty regimen.

Want to be Stress Free?

Stress is the curse of living in modern times. Everyone suffers from stress. And the stress we suffer takes a heavy toll on our bodies, emotions and minds.

Feeling stressed out, worn out by fatigue or simply simply having a unhappy day, the neatest thing to do is relax, but what is the best way to relax?

Watching television could be a kind of relaxation for some, but is not a popular method by experts. When we watch TV we are bombarded with commercials, advertisements, sounds and images. So how do we achieve relaxation?

If there are thousands of ways we can get stressed, one of them isn’t meeting cut offs, there also are many ways we will be able to relax.

In up to date studies, mavens have determined that heart disease is linked to fury and irritation is interlinked with psychological stress. Too much stress brings about ischemia that can lead to or cause a cardiac arrest. Relaxation takes on added significance in light of this matter.

Managing your hate and perspective is significant to heart health, and relaxation can help you manage stress.

One way of relaxation is transcendental meditation. Recent studies have also shown this method might reduce artery blockage, which is a major cause for heart attack and stroke. Folks practice transcendental meditation by repeating letting out soothing sounds while meditating, this is to achieve total relaxation.

The analysts revealed that followers of transcendental meditation noticeably reduced the thickness of their arterial wall compared with those who did not practice transcendental meditation.

Another study on another technique of relaxation, acupuncture, appears to reduce high blood pressure by initiating several body functions for the brain to release chemical compounds known as endorphins. Endorphin helps to relax muscles, ease panic, ease pain, and reduce nervousness.

One superb way of relaxation is getting a beauty massage with natural aromatherapy essential oils.

To gain full relaxation, you must completely surrender to the handling and touch of a pro specialist.

There are many types of massages that also give assorted levels of relaxation..allowing the warm oils to penetrate your skin delivering total relaxation, whilst you’re there your trained consultant will discuss with you different kinds of beauty treatment and body care to compliment your beauty regimen.

Anti Aging Eye Products

The eyes are a unique organ of the body that requires special care. As we age, the eyes are susceptible to a number of negative effects. This includes dark circles under the eyes, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and crows feet. Cosmetic companies are now meeting consumer demands for eye products that reduce the signs of aging. One type of eye product is the use of eye creams.

Because the eyes are lacking fat and oil glands, eye creams are necessary to help soften and nourish the skin around the eyes. Some eye creams improve the firmness and texture of the skin, as well as hydrate the skin. There are eye creams that smooth fine lines, reduce puffiness, and remove dark circles around the eyes. Quality anti aging eye creams contains vitamins A and D as these vitamins are diminished in the skin when there is increased exposure to the sun. Many of these eye creams also contain Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. These nutrients make the skin around the eyes healthier and younger looking.

There are eye creams that increase collagen which stimulates growth of new skin cells as well as helping to repair damaged skin. Quality eye creams for dark circles will normally contain such ingredients as Kojic acid, Vitamin K, and hydroquinone. These ingredients help to prevent bruising and they also lighten the skin. Eye creams that remove wrinkles and puffiness will normally have such ingredients as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), peptides, caffeine, retinol, and vitamin C. The ingredients stimulate collagen production and firm the skin. When targeting both wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, it is recommended that one uses an eye cream that targets a combination of skin problems. There is a new ingredient called Hylexin that has shown promising results in reducing dark circles under the eyes.

Peptides are an important ingredient in eye creams as they are very effective at reducing wrinkles. Products with a high concentration of peptides can be quite expensive. Another ingredient, Hyaluronic acid, which can be found in eye creams, is essential to firming and hydrating the skin. As well, eye creams containing the ingredient escinine, a botanical with anti-inflammatory properties, and manganese, a mineral that increases circulation, will drastically decrease under eye puffiness.

There are also all natural eye creams that can include Vitamins and minerals, natural oils such as nutmeg oil, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil, as well as sea weed extracts, water/aqua, Avocado oil, rose distillate, glycerin, alcohol, pineapple extract, Beeswax, peanut oil, rose petal extract, Jojoba oil, Mango butter, fragrance essential oil, Shea butter, and much more.

As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage. This is especially true for the skin around the eyes which makes having anti aging eye creams an essential part of skin care products to have at home and use in our daily routine. One must first figure out what eye problem they have such as wrinkles, puffiness, or dark circles under the eyes, and then pick the eye cream that best meets their skin needs. You will soon see improved, healthier, and younger looking skin.

Breaking News! Tea Tree Oil for Acne Works Right Now

Tea tree oil is one of those products that is so versatile and so unique that it is invaluable and should ultimately become a household word. The leaves and fronds of the Australian tea tree are distilled for the oil.

It is so safe that it is one of the only essential oils that can be used undiluted on the skin. People with sensitive skin however, should use it cautiously at first.

Since 1900 tea tree oil has been used for natural healing and is active against all three categories of infectious organisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Skin care products should be made from natural ingredients, not harsh chemicals.

Tea tree oil is great in skin-washes for acne. Acne treatment is probably the most common use of tea tree oil. Almost all of us have suffered from the problem of acne sometime or the other in our lives.

Many acne preparations include tea tree oil. It can reduce the swelling, redness and the lesions often associated with this common skin condition.

Certain bacteria, which invade the pores, ducts, and follicles of the skin, is believed to cause acne. The tea tree oil reduces the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands thereby reduces the production of bacteria that cause the formation of blemishes on the skin. It opens the clogged pores and removes the bacteria from the skin surface. It helps to improve the blood circulation which is very important for the overall health of skin.

Tea tree oil causes no side effects to your health which is probably its greatest benefit. In fact, in studies products containing benzoyl peroxide are shown to have more side effects than tea tree oil. So, try tea tree oil if you are looking for an all natural way to help relieve acne.

If you’d like to try the skin-wash, to warm water add three to six drops of pure tea tree oil and rinse the affected area daily. Since tea tree oil is powerful on infection but very gentle on skin, acne scarring is reduced.