7 Uses for Essential Oils

Essential oils, also known as aromatherapy oils, the liquid extracts from various parts of plants, are best known for their aromatic qualities. However, they can be used for much more than making your room smell good.

Below are seven common uses for essential or aromatherapy oils:

1. Purify the air

When used in a diffuser, these oils are vaporized and distributed in the air. Most of these oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties. When pathogens come into contact with the vaporized oils, these microbes are inhibited. Therefore, essential oils are effective in purifying the air of disease-causing microorganisms.

2. Set the mood

We respond emotionally to scents. These responses can have cultural and personal roots, but some are pretty common. For example, lavender relaxes, while citrusy smells tend to be stimulating. We also commonly associate the fragrance of roses and jasmine with romance. If you want to evoke a certain mood, such as when you're expecting guests at home, you can use specific extracted oils for this purpose.

3. Promote relaxation

Most aromatherapy oils, including the stimulating ones, promote relaxation. Oils of lavender, chamomile, clary sage, and patchouli are only some of the essential or aromatherapy oils best for reducing stress and depression.

4. Clear nasal passages

Some oils reduce inflammation in the nasal passages when they are inhaled. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary are popular aromatherapy oils to help alleviate respiratory congestion.

5. Ease symptoms

Even when these extracted oils may not completely resolve a health problem, they can often relieve symptoms. This is why they are also used as palliatives during periods of illness and disease. For example, sometimes just by getting more relaxed, a patient can feel better (such as perceiving less pain).

6. Improve skin health

Essential or aromatherapy oils are readily absorbed by the skin. According to "Aromatherapy: A complete guide to the healing art," after a full-body massage with 2% dilution of lavender extracted oil, its main chemical constituents could be detected in the blood, reaching its highest level 20 minutes after a massage.

7. Support and strengthen the immune system

Finally, essential or aromatherapy oils can help strengthen and support the immune system to fight infections. Some aromatherapy oils such as lavender and thyme have been shown to effectively inhibit microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

These are only seven of the most common uses for essential oils. We have not yet touched on other uses, such as around the home, and with pets. That's how useful essential oils are.

Remember, these extracted oils are potent. Even when you use only a few drops, their effects can be powerful. Take the time to learn how to use essential oils effectively and safely.By Alexis Rodrigo

Using Essential Oils to Prevent Wrinkles - If You Are Over 50

I love the little story about the granddaughter who looked at her grandmother's wizened face, traced some of the lines with her finger, and said: "Oh grandma, what beautiful lines on your face." So let's just be positive about this! We did earn these lines, didn't we? Yes, wrinkles ARE a sign of aging. They are a symbol of wisdom. Why is it, then, that we do everything possible to keep them away? Oh, that youthful appearance. So desired. So coveted that we consider drastic measures like facelifts, and risk horrible outcomes by letting people put injections in our face to plump up our skin. Hopefully this article will give you some safe, natural ways to ward off those signs of aging.

Just like the old adage says, beauty is more than skin deep. Many factors are involved in keeping that elastic skin that looks youthful and glowing. But when we look at skin, we can truly see the effects of a healthy or not-so-healthy lifestyles. If you have spent long days out in sun, smoked or overused alcohol, or ate a high-fat diet loaded with artificial ingredients, succumbed to insomnia and stress, or abused your skin with over-manipulation or cleaning, people will be able to see a lasting impression of this mistreatment.

Fortunately the skin can renew itself, although it takes longer as we grow older. So it is never too late to change from an abusive to a healthy lifestyle. Start working from the inside out by internal cleansing and drinking adequate amounts of water. As you start eating foods rich in anti-oxidants, vegetables containing vitamins A,B,C,E and zinc, you will even begin to feel the skin's positive response. Regular exercise will help increase metabolism and circulation, deep breathing exercises will help bring needed oxygen to the cells.

You can also help bring blood flow and vitality to the skin with regular brushing of the skin to remove dead cells and dry skin. This is very rejuvenating. Start with a soft bristled brush, put a couple of drops of essential oils such as lavender or myrtle, and brush the whole body in a circular or figure eight pattern. Brush toward the heart. It is especially good to brush before a shower or bath. Facial masks are very moisturizing and excellent cleaners. Ask your aromatherapist about what is best for your particular skin type, and needs, but for mature skin and wrinkles, this mask is recommended:

Natural Facial Mask for Wrinkles

1 tsp. fine oatmeal

1 tsp. fine cornmeal

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. natural yogurt

1/2 tsp. Brewer's yeast

2 drops Myrtle essential oil

1 drop Galbanum essential oil

1 drop Frankincense essential oil

1 drop Myrrh essential oil.

Mix the first five ingredients together with enough floral or distilled water to make a paste. Then stir in the essential oil and mix well. Put this on your fingertips, and then massage it gently onto your face with upward movements. Do not rub hard, and avoid the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water to remove. Spray with a gentle mist to your face.

And now finally, here is the wrinkle prevention oil specifically for people over 50:

Wrinkle Prevention Oil If You Are Over 50

1 Tbsp Apricot Kernel Oil

1 tsp Evening Primrose or Kukui Oil

1 tsp Wheatgerm Oil

3 Drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil

4 Drops Neroli Essential Oil

4 Drops Myrtle Essential Oil

3 Drops Galbanum Essential Oil

2 drops Myrrh Essential Oil

1 Drop Rose Essential Oil (for women) or

1 Drop Jasmine Essential Oil (for men)

2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Combine these ingredients in a 1-ounce dark glass bottle. Cap the bottle and mix gently. Label with the ingredients and instructions. Apply 2-4 drops of the blend onto your fingertips, and apply to a moistened face and neck. Work upward, gently massaging the facial tissue.

By Judy Lausch

Fastest Way to Heal a Wound With Natural Remedies

To speed the wound healing process, you need to understand what is involved in wound healing. There are three phases: the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. What happens in the healing process is a growth of millions of tiny blood vessels producing new capillaries. Wound edges are then pulled together and in the last phase, new collagen forms. Time may heal all wounds. But to encourage this to happen faster, there are several things that can be done.
How to heal open wounds faster? First aid guidelines...
Most wounds do not require emergency medical treatment. However, watch for signs of severity.
If the wound is either too deep, infected, if you can't control the bleeding, if there are still remaining debris after cleaning or if the wound is located on sensitive skin, medical wound care is usually much needed. You may also need steri strips or sutures to help close the wound and heal faster.
For any open wound, your main focus should be to reduce the bleeding and avoid infection by applying pressure on the wound. Next wrap a sterile and absorbent cloth (or a compress) around it.
To reduce bleeding, you can also raise the injured part above the level of the heart.
When the bleeding is controlled, an ice pack wrapped in a towel can be applied until it begins to feel numb. This helps constrict blood vessels.To clean the wound, rinse it out with clear water. Do not use soap because it can irritate the wound, so try to keep it out of the actual wound. Wound cleaning reduces the risk of infection and tetanus.
Fastest and safest wound treatments? Natural remedies...
In case of superficial open wounds, there are many natural remedies that can be used to help fight against the infection and regenerate new cells.
Colloidal silver to avoid further infection
Colloidal silver helps kill bacteria without damaging newly forming skin cells. It does not sting or burn. Other antiseptics sting when applied to a wound because they are killing the surrounding wall tissue cells. Colloidal silver does not harm the surrounding cells or tissue. Use a spray and sprinkle the colloidal silver over the affected area.
Herbal remedies and essential oils
If infection is still likely to happen, it is best to avoid applying aloe vera or any essential oils on the wound at this stage. Essential oils, such as tea tree or clove oil, provide excellent treatment to heal faster when infection is unlikely. Comfrey or calendula ointments can also be used topically.
Other tips to heal open wounds faster
Wounds heal faster if there is no pressure on them and if they are kept relatively motionless. Movement disrupts the formation of the new blood vessels. Bandages keep the wound clean, keep harmful bacteria out, and maintain moisture to prevent your skin from drying out. Bandages should be changed daily. However, after the wound has healed enough to make infection unlikely, exposure to the air will speed wound healing.
Other natural ways to heal an open wound? Nutrition...
Nutrition is definitely something to focus on. Whereas good nutrition facilitates healing, malnutrition can delay, inhibits and complicate the process.

• Protein is required as part of the inflammatory process, in the immune response and in the development of tissue.
• The amino acid arginine is also important because it is abundant in the structure of collagen.
• Carbohydrates are needed for a healthy inflammatory response.
• Essential fatty acids are essential for skin membrane function. However, some studies show that fish oil supplements could slow down wound healing. Omega-3s from fish oil are anti-inflammatory, but you might want to avoid it for a while.
• Vitamin B, E, A, C, zinc and copper play key roles in wound healing.

Nuts, seeds, polyunsaturated oils such as flax, olive, or hemp oil, whole grains and beans should be part of your diet. Eat vegetables and fruits to get plenty of vitamins and minerals. A wound Diet Supplementation can also help heal faster. A study (Rohrich's study) shows that taking a herbal supplement called InflammEnz can heal a wound 20% faster. This herbal product combines several antioxidants, nutrients and enzymes, including calcium and potassium. But there are four in particular that are suspected of boosting the healing process : vitamin C, bromelain, rutin, and grape seed extract.
Important notice:
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed practitioner.

By Josephine Toulemonde

Oily Skin a Big Problem for Many Women

Oily skin is one of the biggest skincare problems that women mention. Practically all women have problems with excessive skin oiliness at some point in their lives. Here, you can learn about four causes and what you can do about it.

Cause #1: Hormonal Activity

As you may have read in one of my earlier articles, hormonal changes that occur during puberty stimulate the skin's glands causing them to produce more oil. As a woman, you will also have hormonal changes around your period, after childbirth and during menopause that can cause skin changes including excessive oiliness.

Cause #2: Diet

The skin's oil is called sebum. It is composed of fat. Eating a high fat diet increases your risk of oiliness, just as it increases your risk of heart disease.

Simple carbs such as white bread, potatoes and white rice can also play a role because they cause increased insulin production. Insulin can also stimulate the oil-producing glands.

Cause #3: Over-Cleansing

Excessive cleansing is one of the most common causes of oily skin. It may seem logical to wash your face three or four times a day using a strong cleanser. For a few minutes, your skin will feel less oily.

The problem is that excessive cleansing causes your glands to produce more oil. As the body becomes aware that the skin is dry, it wants to correct the problem. The oil serves a purpose. The goals should not be to get rid of the oil completely, but to balance the oil production.

Cause #4: Using the Wrong Skincare Products

This is the number one cause of oiliness. The ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and other skincare products can cause the skin to feel oily or greasy. Some of the ingredients to avoid include:

· Petrolatum-otherwise known as Vaseline-found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, sunscreens and moisturizers

· Mineral oil-the liquefied version of petrolatum-found in makeup, foundation, moisturizer, body lotion, body wash, sunscreens and many other skincare products

· Cocoa butter-not compatible with the skin's own oils-found in moisturizers, sunscreens, tanning lotion, etc.

Those ingredients do not have the same effect as excessive cleansing. They don't cause your body to product more oil. They simply make your skin feel oily.

The Solutions

You can't stop hormonal activity from happening, but a healthy diet and good dietary supplements can help to balance your hormones. You can make healthy dietary changes, avoid over-cleansing and avoid bad skincare products. Those solutions take time. What you probably want right now is an immediate solution.

The immediate solution for oily skin is a deep cleansing mask containing kaolin, bentone gel and other natural ingredients that dry up excessive skin oils while gently pulling dirt and grime out of the pores. The mask will solve the problem temporarily.

By Margaret Bell