Oils that Benefit the Skin
Posted by Rain Shadow Labs on 5/28/2012 to
Oils
Usually, essential oils are diluted for use in skincare products and anything for application on the body. This is done with carrier oils like avocado, jojoba, soybean, olive, hazelnut, and almond. It usually only requires a few drops of concentrated essential oil to make a treatment.
Some essential oils help heal the skin while others oxygenate. And, unlike other artificial skincare products, essential oils have the capability of sinking down into the subcutaneous tissue layer, well underneath the top surface of the skin. This enhances the potential benefits to the health of the skin.
Some of the most effective essential oils for skincare include: German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita), a bright blue essential oil that taints most mixtures teal. It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota) is yellow-orange and smells spicy and sweet. With its concentration of beta carotene, it can stimulate skin elasticity.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) essential oil is yellow-brown with a perky lemon scent. Lemongrass can help the skin eliminate toxins and re-moisturize. Lavender (Lavandula Augustifolia) can be used without dilution and is the safest of essential oils. Lavender helps soothe sunburns, bee stings, and minor burns. Tee tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is a powerful antibacterial agent and is often used to treat acne. Using essential oils instead of synthetic products can greatly benefit the health of the skin.
Essential Oils that Kill Germs
Posted by Rain Shadow Labs on 5/22/2012 to
Oils
For cleaning the home, there are many common synthetic products that are known to cause respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and other unpleasant side effects, even when used as directed. For example, window cleaner contains chemicals that, when airborne, are harmful to the lungs. That is why it is warned that users should keep the area well ventilated while they clean.
But with essential oils, used in aromatherapy practices, the vapors are safe to breathe in as you clean. One drop of tea tree essential oil and one drop of lavender will disinfect surfaces in your home when applied to a warm damp cloth.
To disinfect the air, place 3 drops of cinnamon essential oil, 5 drops of orange, and 3 drops of clove into a diffuser. Not only will your room smell wonderful, but it will also come without any of the hazards of chemical air fresheners. In this way, you can utilize the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils while also helping eliminate odors in your home.
If you are suffering from a respiratory infection, a great way to assist the healing process is to use a steam treatment with essential oils. Start with a quart of boiling water just removed from the stove and add 1 drop each of eucalyptus, thyme, and tea tree essential oil. Place a towel over your head and, keeping a safe distance, place your face over the steam and breathe for 10 20 minutes.
Of course it is important to seek medical attention when necessary. But adding essential oils can go a long way to increasing the health of your home and family.
Essential Oils for the Non-Believer
Posted by Rain Shadow Labs on 5/10/2012 to
Oils
A recent study presented in Edinburgh at the Society for General Microbiologys spring meeting was performed to test essential oils as a replacement for antibiotics. This study went beyond that to evaluate whether the essential oils could treat some of the antibiotic resistant superbugs that have hospitals and physicians across the world worrying.
The results of the study indicated that not only could some essential oils be used to replace antibiotic use, as an inexpensive and efficient substitution, but that essential oils even worked against these warped virus strains we refer to as superbugs.
Two Greek professionals, Dr. Effimia Eriotuo and Professor Yiannis Samaras, who performed the research, evaluated 8 types of essential oils derived from plants. Thyme essential oil was proven the most effective and was able to destroy all bacteria it was exposed to within an hour.
A combination of Thyme and Cinnamon made a powerful combination against several Staphylococcus strains. The researchers concluded that the effectiveness of essential oils made them a potential candidate for replacing antibiotics and for preventing the development of more antibiotic-resistant germs.
Essential Oils for Romance
Posted by Rain Shadow Labs on 5/4/2012 to
Lifestyle
Jasmine is a scent often worn behind the ears of women to intrigue their partners and to boost confidence. Ylang ylang, an exotic scent close to the smell of jasmine is used in weddings and on honeymoons to encourage feelings of love and connection.
Vanilla is a warm, inviting scent that Pre-Columbian Indians used to worship their Gods. It has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Clary Sage is often used to increase a partners interest. Its scent is nutty with a hint of fruit.
Patchouli is an earthy and pungent aroma that is pleasant enough to appeal to both genders. It is often used in treatment of low desire. While it has its roots in long ago history, it became popular again in the 60s, the era of the Beetles and Make Love not War.
Rose is a lovely scent that has long been associated with love and admiration. Supposedly, Cleopatra bathed in hot water with rose petals added to scent her skin. Sandalwood has also been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. Like Patchouli, it is an earthy scent, but it has more of an oriental tone. It mixes well with rose or lavender for added effects.
Strangely, research has found that sandalwood sends out a scent closely related to the androsterone men produce under their arms when they sweat. It is thus believed that it has the effects of natural pheromones. Using essential oils to make a romantic massage oil, diffuse in a room, or even add scent to a candle, can enhance the mood and improve the closeness of a couple in love.