What is Aromatherapy?

Posted by kevin1234 on 9/29/2011 to Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine. It uses volatile plant materials known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds to help alter someones mood, thinking or health. While evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions is not well established, there is some evidence supporting the therapeutic potential. The term aromatherapy was first used in 1937 in a French book on the subject.

The use of essential oils for healing purposes has been around for a very long time. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat or prevent disease. It is also used for anxiety reduction, short term memory improvement, relaxation, enhancing energy, preventing hair loss, and reducing eczema-induced itching.

Aromatherapy can affect the brain and limbic system through the olfactory system. Another affect is caused by the direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils. Aromatherapy doesnt heal, but allows the body to find a natural way to cure itself while helping improve immune responses.

Some popular uses of aromatherapy include using lemon oil as an anti-depressant. Lemon oil can help enhance ones mood and aid relaxation. Peppermint oil can deter ants when you apply a few drops on their trail. Lavender and tea tree oil are often used as antiseptics, and can be found in lotions or soaps.

Lavender oil is used to help heal wounds and burns. Essential oils have also been found effective when used in dental mouthwash. Essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate the skin, so they are usually used in a carrier oil before topical application.
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Benefits of Natural Soap

Posted by kevin1234 on 9/20/2011 to Soaps
Natural soaps are suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. Natural soaps dont contain chemical additives such as alcohols, esters, low grade oils, wax and fillers. Natural sops dont contain animal fats, so they cut down on the soap scum often found in the shower or bath.

A natural soap wont strip your skin of its natural oils, so your skin will be left feeling soft and smooth. Natural soap bars are made with coconut, palm, sunflower, rice bran, castor or soya bean oils. You will notice a difference in the way your skin feels when you switch to a natural soap when youve been using a commercial soap.

Natural soaps are made using the cold process method. This means all the ingredients are mixed at a low temperature. This helps them retain all the natural goodness of the base and essential oils.

Natural soaps are loaded with glycerin. Glycerin prevents skin dryness and irritation and is a great moisturizer. Commercial soaps often have the glycerin removed in order to make a harder bar of soap.

Currently there are many different natural soap products available. Check out user reviews to see which soaps will best suit your skins needs. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and caring for your skin will help you feel better all over.
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Uses of Essential Oils

Posted by kevin1234 on 9/15/2011 to Oils
Essential oils can be used in many ways on a daily basis.  They can be used as air fresheners, in facial creams and lotions, foot soaks and hair care. Essential oils are also used extensively in massage and sauna situations, as well as in steam vaporizers.

Using essential oils can add natural fragrance while also giving you the therapeutic benefits of the oil. Essential oils can form an integral part of holistic living and healing. These oils are very concentrated, so only a very small amount is needed for most applications.

Essential oils can be used to treat a myriad of symptoms. Since essential oils are so concentrated, care must be taken in their use.  Too much of a good thing can also cause additional problems, or perhaps give an allergic reaction.

Essential oils can be used as topical antiseptics for minor cuts and insect bites. Muscle pain can be alleviated by using essential oils when massaging sore muscles. Fungal infections can also be treated effectively using essential oils.

Essential oils can be used in shampoos and conditioners, toothpastes and bath soaks. They are in perfumes and air fresheners.  Once you are aware of the many uses of essential oils, you will start finding uses for them almost everywhere.
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What Are Essential Oils?

Posted by kevin1234 on 9/8/2011 to Oils
Essential oils, also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, or aetherolea is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing the oil of the plant from which they were extracted.  The oil is considered essential in the sense that it has a distinct scent or essence from the plant. Essential oils are usually extracted by distillation, but could also be expressed from a solvent extraction.

Essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products. They can also be used for flavoring food and drink, adding scents to incense or household cleaning products. Essential oils can be used for many different purposes.

Essential oils have also been used medicinally throughout history. They are often used as skin treatments. Sometimes they are used to treat more serious illness as well.

Over time, the use of essential oils declined in evidence-based medicine. Older textbooks still contain references and information regarding the use of essential oils.

In recent decades, interest in essential oils has revived. Aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine, uses essential oils and other compounds for curative purposes. Essential oils are also diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage. Essential oils can also be diffused into the air using a nebulizer, heated over a candle or burned as incense.
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