Use Peppermint Essential Oil to Improve Your Memory, Digestion, and Breath

I dare you to feel better. Many of you know Benjamin Franklin as an inventor and writer but did you remember that he developed community resources such as hospitals, libraries, and the University of Pennsylvania to help people. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Violet volunteered at the Benjamin Franklin Hospital as a Candy Striper, and wrote a research paper that invited people to improve their health with peppermint essential oil. Dr Matthews supervised her research project. You too can be inspired by her example and enjoy the following ways using Peppermint Essential Oil can help you:

First, inhaling this oil can help you improve your memory and concentration.

Second, using the extracted oil from the peppermint leaves can ease your digestion.

Third, peppermint essential oil can help you with your sense of taste and your breath.

When Candy Striper Violet delivered the mail to the patients at the Benjamin Franklin Hospital she would tell them: "My grandma's memory has improved because she inhales peppermint essential oil. She agreed to help me with my research project and for the last three weeks she has inhaled peppermint essential oil three times per day. I see that her concentration has improved. Now, when I visit her, she can tell me what happened on the news that day." The patients asked her and the doctor: "Can we improve our memories too?"

Candy Striper Violet knows patient Fred's tummy hurts. On her daily visits, she gives him peppermint candy to eat after his meals. Fred tells his doctor: "My tummy always feels better after I see Candy Striper Violet." The doctor sits down and asks Fred questions confirming the findings for their research project. The doctor tells Fred: "You can dare to feel better." Fred says: "I have."

At the library late at night, Violet meets with her research partner Keith and he tells her: "I can't taste my food." Violet reminds him to inhale peppermint essential oil and puts a few drops in his water. Keith notices he can taste again. She says: " Thank you. You also have better breath now." She offers him some peppermint candy to enjoy later.

After 6 months of research Violet and Keith ask Dr. Matthews to review their research documentation on the benefits of peppermint essential oil. The doctor tells Candy Striper Violet: "Indeed, the patients feel better and they can eat with ease. Now they can taste their food. They always remember you and your peppermint candy. Their memories have improved. Let's publish your research findings on the benefits of using peppermint essential oil to ease digestion, improve the sense of taste, and to improve memory and concentration."

I guide clients and students trough self-discovery and coping with illness, losses, and challenges. When directing meditation classes and energetic healing sessions I use a gentle, supportive, and validating approach. I find that my clients and students feel calm and comforted after their sessions and classes.

I am a Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. Contact me at dana@lilieslite.com for more information about these therapeutic grade essential oils.

Learn more about me through my Blogs at http://lilieslite.blogspot.com/

Original article

Essential Oils and Your Skin

So you've finally decided to bite the bullet and start your own skin care line. For some of you, that means creating products for yourself or loved ones, and for others it means creating products for resale. Whatever the case may be, you've looked into creating bath and body products and have come to find that essential oils are an essential, no pun intended, part of the creation process.

The first step is finding/creating your base. If you are looking to create your own lotion, it's best to find a good lotion base first. Obviously you want to look for wholesale and bulk. These are great keywords to keep in mind when creating your product. Oftentimes you may find a company that provides base in small quantities, and the price will be outrageous. If you buy in larger quantities, you can save quite a bit of money. Once you decide the product base, it's time to research how you want to go about customizing with essential oils. Every essential oil will have different benefits. Some will provide more moisture, others will have health benefits. Decide what you want your product to do. Do you want it to be beneficial health-wise, or would you rather have a product that is more focused on beauty? Furthermore, are you looking to create an organic or natural product, or something more synthetic. These are all great points to keep in mind, particularly when it comes to marketing your product.

Once you decide what kind of product you want to make, it's time to find the best price and availability on essential oils. Once again, it's important to look for terms like 'bulk' or 'wholesale' when looking for essential oils. If you are creating your own product, chances are you will need large quantities. If you go to a local drug store or beauty supply store, they can market these essential oils up exponentially. Furthermore, you want to make sure to find 100% pure oils. What you will find in doing research, is that many companies cut the essential oil with what is called a 'carrier' oil. The company then drives up the cost on a synthetic product that will not have all the benefits you need. Finally, from a marketing standpoint, it is a great benefit to you, the seller, to provide a product with 100% pure ingredients as much as possible.

As I always say, it is up to you to be the most intelligent consumer possible. Research, research, research. I often have people coming to me and asking how to start their own line. If you create a product line, you can make fantastic product, work from home and customize everything the way you want. However, you have to know the product back and forth. Look into every ingredient, take stock of the back and body products you use and like most, see what ingredients are in them. Finally, be a smart shopper and buy bulk. For bulk essential oils, find them at wholesale costs and large quantities from a reputable company.

Bulk Apothecary is a full service provider and industry leader of essential oils, unscented lotion base and other unscented bases along with plastic bottles, lip balm and any other soap making supplies. We pride ourselves on offering the absolute best quality and best prices in the USA.

Danny Pellegrino - Vice President of Operations for Bulk Apothecary

Original article

Intimacy Opens Your Heart to Beautiful Lovemaking

Often a subject that some may find difficult to talk about, yet secretly desire to.

Discover how to awaken your senses and experience the passion within you through the art of using essential oils and other delights for love-making.

Here, I will share recipes and essential oils, however keep in mind that our own smell preference is vital. We each are individuals and may have some aromas that we either love or simply cannot stand to smell for whatever reason and is not always known. Be mindful of the essential oils you choose to use and make sure that both you and your partner find the chosen scents pleasing.

The Senses

Smell plays such an important role in our everyday living and if we enjoy what we are smelling it will assist in improving our health and wellbeing as well as stimulate our senses. Smell can evoke pleasure, on all levels emotionally, psychologically and physiologically. When choosing your essential oils for love play take the time to smell them, take note of how you feel, what you feel, are you smiling, do they do it for you?

Taste how sweet and satisfying it is when we eat our favourite food, this alone can be a sensual experience. Some of my favourite sensual fruits are figs, pomegranates, juicy mangoes, strawberries and lychees. Chocolate of course is always associated to love. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and chilli are very exotic. Seafood especially caviar, crayfish and oysters can be incorporated by having a sensual dining experience. The colour, texture, aroma, flavour and look can all give a hint of sensuality. Even the way you eat. The simple act of eating with your fingers can be very sensual. Experience tasting morsels of food shared with your partner by feeding one another.

The power of touch, slow gentle caressing, massaging, using feather light fingers or feathers themselves. On hot balmy days and nights gently massaging with an ice cube can be a very sensual experience. There is something to be said in having lush cushions, silky sheets and soft thick blankets to lie on.

Having beautiful things to look at such as a fire on a cold chilly eve, fragrant candles burning to create a soft ambient light. On hot balmy days and nights hanging curtains that are light and gently move in the breeze, essential oils diffusing and having a bunch of beautiful flowers on display. Setting the scene taking and into account the visual affect will have a positive impact.

Hearing music is a must, nothing like heavy metal where you feel like the walls are shaking, well that could work for some people. There is so much beautiful music available to choose from something soft and sensual or some can be very romantic and even music that evokes a more passionate tone, we all have our favourites.

Setting the Scene

Create a magical space for your sensory awakening. Above I have touched on the senses, use some of the examples to help create your magical space. Let us start with soft lighting using fragrant candles or t-lites in pretty glass jars placed all around the room. Incense and essential oils can be burning as the aromas gently disperse and enhance our feelings, music to help with relaxing and getting into the spirit of the moment. The temperature of the room should be warm and cosy. Fragrant fresh bed linen, soft comfy pillows and cushions, you may have a fire going in winter or a beautiful breeze gently blowing through an open window on hot balmy nights. Flowers or petals can be scattered, a bowl of exotic fruits and vegetables prepared and ready to indulge with. Warm, spicy mulled wine or champagne with Hibiscus flowers and syrup to sip on.

Be creative and allow Venus the Goddess of Love and Beauty to guide you

Conscious Breathing

Here is an exercise that you can do together. Sit opposite one another either on the floor, lying down facing each other or sitting on a chair if that is more comfortable, keeping your back straight. Place one hand on your partner's heart chakra. Breathing in and out at the same time, slowly and rhythmically count to 10 for each breath, 5 on the in breath and 5 on the out breath, do this for ten minutes or more. This will connect you on all levels spiritually, emotionally and physically. As you breathe together you will feel the flow and connect as one. From here you may enjoy gently caressing each other, gently playing and keeping the connection with your breathing.

Breakfast in Bed

Imagine waking up and your bed has been sprinkled with fragrant rose petals or freshly picked jasmine flowers! What a beautiful fragrant and pleasurable experience. A glass of champagne with guava juice and breakfast in bed, eating sensual fruits and chocolate croissants.

Bathing

Water Play can be cheeky, sensual and exotic, a prelude to a sensual massage. Share some juicy mangos, grapes and strawberries as you sip on champagne. Gently wash each other. Explore each other and take your time.

Sensual Massage

Start by applying your essential oil blend (not too much) all over your partner's body as you apply your fragrant and sensual massage blend take your time to feel the softness and smooth texture of your lovers skin, do this with some pressure, however not to firm. Ask if the pressure is to light or to firm, we all have our own preferences. Explore and enjoy your partner's body. Breathing is important, breathe and caress with intention and rhythm. Move with the music as you caress allowing your imagination to flow. To finish massaging, use a large soft feather, your finger tips, a soft fragrant flower, or a soft fluffy mitten, gently, lightly moving from top to toe.

The Erotic Banquet

Sensual Fruit ~ Pomegranates, juicy mangoes and peaches, grapes, lychees, figs drizzled with rosewater honey.

Sumptuous Finger Food ~ shredded crayfish, crab meat and fish, oysters and caviar, asparagus, sliced salad greens dripping with your favourite dressing.

Sweet Sensations ~ Belgian chocolate mousse with cream and fresh berries, dark soft Belgian truffles coated in cinnamon sugar and cocoa, chocolate waffles or pancakes, drizzled with fresh pouring cream and rosewater honey.

Scented Notes and Love Letters

Use beautiful parchment paper and handwrite with a fountain or calligraphy pen, you can also add a drop or two of essential oil to the pen ink. Place a drop of your lover's favourite essential oil or perfume that you wear on your love letters and for all of you beautiful sensual women leave a lipstick kiss as your signature.

Sensual Fragrances Captured from Plants

Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose, Cinnamon, Ginger Co2, Neroli, Sandalwood, Cacoa Co2, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Pimento Berry, Basil Tulsi, Geranium, Nutmeg, cardamom, Vanilla Co2, Peru Balsam, Clary Sage, Black Pepper and Coriander.

Recipe for a Seductive Champagne Cocktail

In a Champagne flute place 1 hibiscus flower and a teaspoon of hibiscus syrup or a spoon full of frozen crushed raspberries and half a teaspoon of coconut sugar. Top up with your favourite bubbly!

Recipe for Belgian Chocolate Truffles

400g of finely chopped dark Belgian chocolate
180ml of fresh pouring cream

Good quality cocoa powder, organic coconut sugar and cinnamon powder to dust, you can even add a pinch on chilli powder! Or keep it simple and use cocoa powder.

Shredded coconut is also a wonderful coating and gives added texture.

Place the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over low heat and stir until completely melted and smooth. Line a bowl with non-stick baking powder and pour this mixture in, place in the fridge and leave for around 3 hours or until set. Using a teaspoon roll the truffle mix into balls and dust with the spiced cocoa powder. Place on a beautiful plate with dried pink rose petal.

You don't have to wait for Valentines day to enjoy sensuality!

Original article

Revitalise Yourself With Aromatherapy

Are you tired, working hard and all you want to do is go home and relax?

For some of us it isn't always possible to go home from work and put our feet up and chill out! Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils has the ability to promote motivation, energy, strength, endurance and much more.

Here are some simple and effective ways in which to use aromatherapy for many and varied conditions. You can use inhalations, room sprays, bathing and your aromatherapy burner or diffuser.

When you get home take a mini break, this need only be 10-15 minutes. Choose some essential oils to inhale or diffuse. Sit in a comfortable chair and take some slow deep breaths. Breath in the essential oil aroma, feel your body beginning to relax and let go. Feel the tension from the day slip away and out of your body. Continue to breath slowly and stay with this for as long as you feel the need to. By doing this exercise you will begin to feel in harmony with your mind, body and soul and you will feel your energy returning. If you are unable to sit for any length of time you can lay down to do this exercise. Another way to experience relaxation with essential oils is to have a bath or foot bath, use dry inhalations or use aromatherapy room and body sprays.

When using essential oils to assist with raising your energy, relax or uplift your emotions one thing to take into account is to choose your favourite essential oils. As soon as you smell an aroma that you love, you are immediately transported to a place that no one can take away from you. Often pleasant and past memories or experiences will be evoked. You will naturally start to release tension and feel better.

I highly recommend you choose essential oils that resonate with you personally as this will give you the desired results faster. Below I have made a few suggestions from my own personal experience. Remember you can choose one essential oil or make a blend from three. It is up to you, your nose knows best and your body will tell you.

Bathing

Add 3 drops each Neroli, Rose and Jasmine or use them on their own.

Add 3 drops of Frankincense and Rose, 2 drops of Champa.

One of my all time favourite bath blends for relaxing is 2 drops of Vetiver and 3 drops of Rosewood or Geranium.

Room spray - add the following recipes to 100 ml of filtered or floral water.

I tend to use a lot of citrus essential oils in room sprays as they are uplifting to the emotions, energising and evoke a strong sense of happiness!

Mandarin, Bergamot, Grapefruit 10 drops each, with 2-3 drops of Geranium.

Sweet Orange, Lemon, 10 drops each, with 5 drops Sandalwood and 2 drops Peru Balsam.

Inhalations

Once again I personally love to use citrus essential oils, Lime, Grapefruit and Cardamom or Lemon Myrtle, Sweet Orange and Bergamot.

The combinations are endless; have fun, play and be creative, I promise you will fall in love with aromatherapy to improve your emotional, physical and spiritual being.

If you would like to know more about how you can use aromatherapy and essential oils to improve your health and wellbeing please contact me on julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or go to http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Original article

Get Rid Of Tension Headaches With Wheatbags

It has been reported by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project that in the year 2008 2.4% of all emergency room visits in the United States were due to headaches. This accounts for over 3 million visits per year just for headaches alone with women accounting for three out of every four patients. Migraines were diagnosed in about 63% of the cases and if hospitalization was required, the average length of stay was 2.7 days. The total cost for headache hospitalizations and hospital based treatments was $408 million dollars in 2008.

These are staggering figures by any means but they certainly don't account for all the headaches that occur. Most people have headaches and they can be a symptom many different health conditions from colds and the flu through to much more serious issues and concerns. Chronic types of headaches can be a symptom of high blood pressure among other potentially life-threatening health conditions.

People that have headaches on a regular basis need to talk to their doctor. Most headaches that are acute and occasional can be linked to tension, stress and anxiety. However headaches can also be a result of eye strain and eye fatigue. Getting your eye's checked if your headaches are related to reading, using the computer or watching TV is a good option. People with current vision prescriptions should have their prescription checked as well.

If you know that the headaches you are experiencing are from tension wheatbags can be a true lifesaver. Tension headache symptoms include:

· Pain through the head, including down the back of the neck

· Feelings of exhaustion

· Difficulty concentrating

· Sensitivity to light and noise that can be mild to severe

· Occurs periodically, not chronically

· Aching muscles

· Difficulty sleeping

These symptoms may occur very suddenly but for most people they start slowly and build over time. Using wheatbags at the first sign of tension headache symptoms can help completely alleviate the headache or, at the very least, diminish the symptoms and duration of the headache.

Longer rectangular wheatbags are a great option for treating tension headaches. They are perfect as a heat source applied to the back of the neck and the top of the shoulders. This will loosen those tight muscles, increase blood flow and help to reduce the muscle tension that can trigger the headache.

At the same time you are applying heat to the neck and shoulders you can also use the same type of wheatbags as a cold pad for the eyes, forehead and the temple area. This will provide immediate soothing to the burning experience felt in the eyes and the pain associated with tension headaches.

Maria Carr

If you looking for quality wheat bags, please visit my site for further details:
Wheat Bags Online.

Original article

Insomnia And Aromatherapy

Insomnia is such a common problem! Aromatherapy and essential oils can definitely help and support you on all levels. It is very important to understand and know the source that is causing your insomnia.

What is causing it?

There are numerous reasons, here are a few examples:

~Stress which there can be many causes

~Financial problems

~Health issues

~Depression

~Anxiety

~Inability to switch off your mind which can be caused by over stimulation

~Relationship problems

~Over excitement

As an aromatherapist I will focus on essential oils and methods of application that have been and still are very supportive for me on a personal level and for my clients. Firstly here is a list of some essential oils that assist in relaxation, calming a racing mind and insomnia.

Frankincense, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Geranium, Patchouli, Lemon, Mandarin, Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Neroli, Rose, German Chamomile, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Vetiver.

Please keep in mind that each of us is individuals and we may respond better to different essential oils/blends. Also some of these essential oils may be contra-indicated to those that have severe depression and feel that they want to sleep all of the time.

There are many essential oils to choose from. Some essential oils that can also be incorporated here are ~ Basil, Cypress, Juniper, Grapefruit, Tea Tree and Peppermint. These oils are strengthening to the mind and nervous system. they are also stimulating essential oils which can give you energy to support you through your day.

It is very important that you seek the advice of a fully qualified practitioner to receive the most appropriate treatment.

Aromatherapy and essentials oils can work extremely well with Eastern or Western herbs and it is very important to have someone that you can talk to, for this will help to release any pent up feelings and emotions.

Methods of applications that can be incorporated in to your life to support and improve your health and well-being.

~Inhalations are very effective and fast acting as they are a direct link to your brain.

~Anointing a blend or single oil on to the in step of your foot can be done morning and evening. I find 3 drops is sufficient.

~Regular massage will always be beneficial, start weekly and drop down to monthly for maintenance.

~Foot baths are wonderful and of course full body baths and you only want to sit in them for no more than 15 minutes otherwise you may not achieve your desired result.

~Room and body sprays are wonderful and one of my most used applications.

It is important to consult with your aromatherapy practitioner to ensure you have no contra-indications to any of the essential oils!

Tips~ where ever you sleep, make sure your space is conducive to supporting you.

For example: having a comfortable mattress and pillow, sheets that feel beautiful and soft on your skin. The weight of your bed covers, some like heavy covers, some prefer light covers.

Do you prefer a dark room, so that no light enters? Create a beautiful safe space, one that when you enter you feel so comfortable in that you will instantly begin to feel relaxed and nurtured. You may like soft music, soft lighting and fragrance to begin with. Whatever appeals to you is what you should do!

If you have any questions you can contact me via email: Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter to receive tips, recipes for the oil burner and articles on specific conditions http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Join me on Facebook http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Original article

Aromatherapy 101

Aromatherapy is a kind of pseudo-science that utilizes herbal and aromatic plant resources, branded as aroma oils, and other sweet-scented amalgams for the intent of of changing an individual's concentration, mood, cognition or as a placebo. Certain vital oils like citronella have proven germ-killing properties, but there is unmoving medical indication validating effectiveness against bacteriological, mycological, or pathological contagions. Proof for the effectiveness of aromatherapy in handling homeopathic situations remains pitiable, with an actual deficiency of training commissioning arduous scientific approaches, but some indication subsists that vital oils may have healing possibilities.

Aromatherapy might have roots in ancient times by the practice of permeated scented emollients, prepared by softening desiccated herb material in greasy lard, cooking and then sifting. Numerous such emollients are defined to compliment the beliefs of the period concerning their curative properties. In the first century, condensed essential emollients have remained as a source of remedies from the time when the development of distillation became progressive, when 11th century distillers secluded essential oils by means of vapor condensation

The notion of aromatherapy was mainly suggested by a small figure of European inventors and clinicians, in 1907. The expression primarily gave the idea in print from the French manuscript on the theme: Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a scientist in the 1930's. Aromatherapy is the handling or deterrence of illness by usage of aromatic emollients. Additional specified usages comprise discomfort and nervousness decrease, augmentation of vigor and temporary recall, relaxation, follicular care, and lessening of eczema symptoms.

Two rudimentary instruments are presented to elucidate the supposed properties. One is the impact of smell on the brain, particularly the limbic system via the olfactory matrix. The latter is the undeviating pharmacological properties of the essential oils.

While exact information of the synapse between the body and essential oils is frequently counted by therapists, the effectiveness of aromatherapy is still unverified. Nevertheless, certain pilot clinical studies of aromatherapy in arrangement with supplementary methods demonstrate optimistic results. Aromatherapy is not an antidote, but benefits the physique to discover am indigenous approach to remedy itself and recover immunity.

Emollients with homogeneous content are prerequisite to comprise a definite volume of aroma elements that ordinarily occur in the oil. But there is no ruling that the elements cannot be supplementary in man-made formula to meet the conditions set by the FCC for that oil. The laws that govern aromatherapy oil preparation are still negligent.

For more information in aromatherapy please visit http://www.lifestylelearningdirect.com.

Lifestyle Learning Direct provides the complete distance education solution by offering online and correspondence courses from The Sackville Academy, The Writing School and Lifestyle Learning Online

Original article

Alternative Cancer Treatment - Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses organic materials like plant materials like oils. It's also referred to as a form of alternative and complementary medicine which comes from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with therapeutic qualities.

Process
In this process, the powerful oils are mixed with soy bean or almond oil then water or alcohol and will be applied on the skin, dispersed in the air or it could also be applied as a compress.

Scents like lavender may indeed encourage real good effects, like for example, it's believed to have good effects to enhance your immunity from bacteria, cure herpes and shingles. It's also known as something to help remedy arthritis, heal wounds, boost memory and reduce depression. It's also like massage therapy that improves the flow of your blood and the likes.

Just how and where did aromatherapy start?
As everyone knows, Egypt is the homeland of medicines, perfumes and pharmaceuticals. It was 6,000 years ago when Egyptians discovered the health advantages of essential oils and so, they have developed the same and they have enhanced its use. They've discovered that when essential oils were applied onto the skin, it provides great benefits to the body.

At the moment, the industry or field of this kind of therapy has increased and it's now recognized to be one of the helpful tools of alternative medicine.

Aromatherapy as an alternative cancer treatment
Aromatherapy works together your sense of smell. When you inhale an aroma, it moves across the olfactory nerves located inside your nose and then moves towards the part of the brain controlling our moods, memories and capacity to learn. This is also known as the Limbic system. When this is activated, it releases endorphins, along with other euphoric chemicals that naturally occurs in the body.

As Aromatherapy uses oils along with other fragrances which help relax the body, additionally, it gives calming sensation to the person who goes through the therapy. Oils infused or mixed with lavender can be applied to the skin during a massage or it may also be added to your bath water.

Like what spas are doing, they heat the water and blend the oils to release the scents into the air. To all the cancer patients, Aromatherapy is suggested as an alternative cancer treatment to minimize nausea, pain and stress.

When you are a cancer patient, you must have a practitioner that can carry out aromatherapy to you. You cannot perform this at home or without help.. Aromatherapy is 100% safe for everyone. The essential oils that experts are applying on your skin will help a lot for your blood flow and the likes.

In addition to these, you must always remember that essential oils are extremely concentrated and they can irritate your skin if not used properly.

Two common oils that are being used in Aromatherapy:
1. Lavender
2. Tea tree

Simple alternative cancer treatments have already been shared to you in the series of articles you have here. The writer is hoping that these simple reviews will help you on your battle with cancer. More alternative cancer treatments will be uncovered in the next articles.

Over the last nine years, New Hope Medical Center, a Cancer Treatment Center, has used very effective non invasive Cancer Therapies to thousands of patients. Offering Alternative Cancer Treatments with a personal approach to each person based on their body makeup, New Hope Medical Center treats Cancer differently, but definitely better.

Original article

Aromatherapy for the Mind - Essential Oils to Improve Your Self-Confidence

Aroma-Psychology

The word Aromatherapy refers to the clinical use of essential oils usually combined with massage. Other applications are Inhalations, bathing and topical applications such as compressing, poultices and direct applications, all of which can be used in the home environment.

There is so much more to essential oils and their use in a clinical situation and here I will share what I consider to be a valuable tool that you can use to help improve your health and well-being on an emotional level.

Aroma-psychology specifically refers to the use essential oils to have a positive effect on your mind. Incorporating these natural plant pure plant extracts in to our everyday lives can uplift our moods and emotions, strengthen and stimulate our minds, aid in memory enhancement, and boost confidence. This kind of mental stimulation has a direct impact on our daily performance. Many corporations are now using essential oils to assist in improving the performance of their employees. Several years ago a study was carried out in Japan. They used lemon in the air-conditioning unit and found that the typists had made fewer errors. They also used specific oils at the end of the day having a winding down period.

Choosing the Right Essential Oil

Although they have specific properties, I believe that when we are working on an emotional level it is important to take your smell preference into consideration as you are more likely to have a positive response.

It is important to feel connected and enjoy the aroma of your chosen essential oil/s. When you inhale your favourite aromas take notice of how they make you feel emotionally and physically.

Do you instantly smile and feel uplifted?

Does a happy memory surface?

Is it as simple as just feeling good when you inhale your favourite fragrance?

Following are some recommendations to experience and boost your confidence, however if you do not resonate with these, choose ones that you personally favour.

Grapefruit is one of my favourites for me it represents, courage, boldness and confidence. It is a very emotionally uplifting and I often start my day with it.

I find all of the citrus oils to be very encouraging and uplifting ~ Lemon, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Petitgrain, Mandarin and Neroli. These in particular are excellent for fragile people who tend to worry a lot, experience anxiety, stress and tension. Now that can be all of us at some time in our lives!

Heart oils like Rose, Jasmine, Melissa, Lavender and Ylang Ylang are very supportive they are for self acceptance, self love and love in general. When we come from a place of love we are more confident in our being.

Woody oils like Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Rosewood are strengthening and grounding.

Frankincense and Sandalwood are excellent to support us in letting go of obsessive thoughts and being stuck. They help us to move forward.

Then we have Basil, Rosemary, and Peppermint these are very emotionally strengthening and energising. They are great for confidence building.

Spicy oils such as Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Clove are strengthening, emotionally warming and invigorating. They add excitement and motivation in to our daily lives.

Most of these essential oils can be used easily and effortlessly through dry inhalations, what I call Aromatherapy on the go! I love using disposable inhalers, they fit into my purse and I can use them whenever I feel like a boost.

Here is a tip for you~ take some time to experience your favourite aromas on their own simply by inhaling them. Write down your feelings and responses in an aromatherapy journal and use this information as a tool for whenever you may feel sad, anxious, stressed lacking confidence and so on.

Wishing you success on your Aromatique journey!

If you have any questions you can contact me via email: Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter to receive tips, recipes for the oil burner and articles on specific conditions http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/ Join me on Facebook http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Original article

Soothe Your Senses With a Relaxing Aromatherapy Session Using Camphor Oil

Life has changed today as compared to what it used to be few years ago. In today's fast paced life everybody is highly ambitious. We work day and night to fulfill our ambitions and create a peaceful life for ourselves and our families. However, in this quest of earning more money and getting a relaxing life, we expose ourselves to a very stressful life. It has been proved by a number of surveys and researches that the average level of stress factor is significantly on rise in past few years. But it does not mean that no one can have a stress-free life. It is entirely how one behaves in a situation and deal with stressors.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to forget all your worries and relax all your senses. With so many aromatherapy spas getting flourished in every corner of the world, finding a right place for aromatherapy is not difficult. The main component that is used for several relaxing aromatherapy techniques is essential oil. Although, many aromatherapy spas use their choice of essential oil for a particular technique, you can ask them to use what suits you best. Let us have a look at usage of camphor essential oil to give you a relaxed mind and body.

Camphor oil has been used in aromatherapy since decades. In addition to its medicinal properties, This can result in creating a soothing effect by reliving conditions, such as pain, tiredness and inflammation. Being a relaxant, it can result in giving your body the most sought calming effects. A relaxing massage session using this can wash away all the stressors from your body that you may have absorbed while you are too busy working to fulfill your ambitions. However, it is advisable to use essential oil in diluted form by mixing it with carrier oils and other creams and lotions. Some carrier oils that blend well with this are cajuput, lavender, basil, Melissa and chamomile.

Basically there are three different types of camphor oil, white, brown and yellow camphor oil. Since the brown and yellow camphor oil contains safrole, they are considered as toxic for use in aromatherapy. White camphor oil is the only camphor oil to be used for aromatherapy purposes.

While it may not be possible to invest time and money in aromatherapy on a regular basis, still it is a good idea to spare some time for yourselves and enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy session with camphor oil.

Abhinav Solanki is an accredited Master Herbalist and writes about essential oil, absolutes that have many aromatherapy benefits. For high-quality, pure aromatherapy oils, visit the yellow camphor oil - a marketplace of suppliers, distillers, and aromatic artisans.

Original article

How to Heal Fibromyalgia Naturally

The most common symptoms are pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, the soft fibrous tissues of the body. Although the muscles hurt everywhere, they are not the only cause of the pain. The whole body is affected and symptoms are greatly magnified by malfunctions in the way the nervous system processes pain. Chronic pain, for some people can be very debilitating and they cannot work or leave the home, disturbed sleep, insomnia, too much sleep, fatigue, lack of focus and concentration, headaches and /or migraines, jaw pain, IBS- irritable bowel syndrome are also commonly experienced. Symptoms can wax and wane from to day to day and throughout the day. There are many support sights on the internet that can give you more detailed information. My focus will be Aromatherapy as a treatment.

How Aromatherapy can benefit those that have fibromyalgia

I would like to share with you my experiences and the essential oils that I have personally used to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as they can go hand in hand.

These recommendations are for those that have been correctly diagnosed by their GP or specialist through the appropriate methods.

Here I will give symptoms and then recommendations for essential oils and methods of application. It is important to understand that whilst I give you this information that we are individuals and what works for one person may not necessarily work for all. This does not mean don't try, more that it would be preferable for you to seek out a fully qualified Aromatherapist, who then may be able to personalise your treatments as that is one of the amazing gifts of Aromatherapy.

Many essential oils are analgesics, therefore they can reduce pain. Following are ones that I have used. These oils are also very good for reducing inflammation.

Basil, rosemary, ginger, lavender, chamomile, black pepper, clary sage, peppermint, cypress, juniper, sweet marjoram.

These essential oils can be used for Muscular aches, pain, stiffness and hypersensitivity. I highly recommend that you use Aromatherapy and essential oils as a preventative treatment rather than waiting until you are in pain. Using them on a daily basis, and intermittently changing the oils will result in a more positive outcome, as I believe your body then does not have the opportunity to build a resistance to the chosen essential oils.

Fatigue

Oils that are known to be energising and invigorating:

Grapefruit, juniper, cypress, petitgrain, black pepper, peppermint, basil, lemon tea tree, lemon Eucalyptus

Insomnia or disturbed sleep

Vetiver, lemon, mandarin, sweet orange, bergamot, lime, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, neroli, ylang ylang, cedarwood, clary sage, rosewood, patchouli, spikenard, rhu khus, lavender.

Memory and concentration

Basil, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, spearmint, black pepper, ginger, cypress.

Depression, anxiety, stress and tension

Most essentials are excellent for these symptoms, once again I recommend the aromas you are attracted to and prefer the smell as this kind of response will immediately uplift your emotions.

If you do experience these symptoms is essential that you seek professional advice!

Treatments

Aromatherapy massage is a very nurturing massage which promotes lymph and blood circulation, boosts the immune system, is balancing to the nervous system, promotes relaxation; reduce muscle tension, pain, stress and anxiety.

Usually recommended as a gentle massage however I personally prefer a very firm massage as do many people, it really is a personal choice and essential that you discuss this with your therapist before the treatment has commenced.

Depending on how chronic and severe your symptoms are will play a role in the initial results, like many orthodox treatments Aromatherapy is not a quick fix. Every person is an individual the results will vary from person to person. The choice of essentials oils can vary quite dramatically. Because of this Aromatherapy and essential oils can be tailored to suit your specific needs and this is truly a wonderful thing to be able to have these options.

If it is possible initially it would be advisable to have weekly treatments, then fortnightly and then monthly. This may not always be possible for a number of reasons. Do what you can and try some different methods of application at home between massages.

Some ways that you can self treat

Bathing a luxury for many of us and you may not even have a bath, so ask a friend or family if you can use theirs. Bathing is a wonderful way of treating many different conditions and many different conditions have the same or similar symptoms.

Muscular aches and pains, aching joints, stiffness, stress, tension, depression, insomnia.

When choosing to use a bathing method, you do not need any more than 10 drops of essential oil in total draw your bath, add the chosen essential oils and agitate before you hop in. A 10 -15 min soak is all you need. I love t have either essential oils in the burner or incense burning with soft relaxing music in the background. Be sure to use an alarm clock if you have a tendency to fall as sleep!

Foot baths are another wonderful, easy alternative and only take 10 minutes. If you need to give yourself a kick start in the morning or really anytime I love using grapefruit. Try this when having a shower another easy application for example: before hoping into the shower grab a face cloth wet it down and add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil. When you get into the shower place your face clothe down on the floor of the shower and start to stomp on it, you will have absorbtion occurring through the souls of your feet and also by breathing as the molecules are taken up by the steam from the hot water. It leaves me feeling quite invigorated; grape fruit is excellent for strengthening the immune system!

Bath blends for relation

4 drops neroli, 4 drops bergamot, 2 drops geranium
3 drops vetiver, 4 drops rosewood, 2 drops sweet orange
Bath blend for aching body, also relaxing
3 drops clary sage, 3 drops lavender, 4 drops chamomile, 3 drops sweet marjoram
3 drops Cypress, 2 drops basil, 2 drops rosemary

Topical application of your favourite oils will uplift your emotions and from another perspective will nourish and moisturise your skin! Depending on your personal preference you can use a vegetable oil, coconut oil, cream or lotion. To blend you can use 50 ml of your chosen carrier/base and 25 drops in total of your chosen essential oils.

Below are 2 day time blends and 2 night time blends.

Daytime

10 drops grapefruit, 5 drops petitgrain, 5 drops geranium and 5 drops lemon
10 drops neroli, 5 drops rosewood, 5 drops patchouli or sandalwood

Night time

5 drops vetiver, 7 drops rosewood, 3 drops mandarin
5 drops rose, 5 drops jasmine, 5 drops frankincense

Using a burner or diffuser I recommend using the same oils for the specific conditions.
E.g. sleepy time blend- vetiver, rosewood and geranium.
Focus and concentration- spearmint, rosemary and basil.

Chronic Fatigue

Here is a small article I posted on my blog, just a few weeks ago. Although I know some of you have read it I thought it worthwhile adding to this article.
Aromatherapy is considered to be one of the most consistently successful therapies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome.

Other holistic treatments to consider are nutrition, vitamins and herbs recommended by a qualified Naturopath, and daily exercise for example walking.

Here are some oils that I have used to help reduce some symptoms of chronic fatigue
These can be used safely with a variety of applications which I will give a bit later on. If you are unsure seek the advice of a practising Aromatherapist and research the essential oils and their contra-indications.

To reduce stress - Lemon, sweet orange, geranium, neroli, jasmine, mandarin, bergamot, ylang ylang, I recommend any aroma that you like as it will uplift your emotions and aid in de-stressing.

Muscular aches and pains - Rosemary, peppermint, clary sage, german chamomile, lavender, cypress, juniper, basil, and marjoram.

To help to increase your energy levels - Grapefruit, juniper, cypress, peppermint, rosemary, basil.

Depression

I always recommend that you inhale your preferred aromas, it is also important not to overuse essential oils that are strong sedatives like sweet Marjoram, clary sage, sandalwood, valerian and vetiver.

Most essential oils are very good for depression and boosting the immune System. All citrus, geranium, neroli, rose, chamomile, patchouli, frankincense, ylang ylang, basil, peppermint, lemon myrtle.

Insomnia can be a cause of chronic fatigue, oils that can aid in relaxation and sleep - Vetiver, sandalwood, clary sage, lavender, lemon, bergamot, rose, neroli, jasmine, rhu khus, cedarwood, and chamomile.

Suggested Blends

Raising energy levels - grapefruit, basil, peppermint or rosemary, juniper, spearmint, use as an inhalation.

Immuno-stimulent - rosemary, peppermint, cypress, lemon myrtle or lemon, juniper, lavender, lemon tea tree, daily application as a dressing oil or friction rub (once a week) on your back focusing on the spinal cord.

Insomnia - vetiver, rosewood, sweet orange or rose, geranium, lemon via inhalation, full body or foot bath, diffuser or anoint the souls of your feet.
Muscle pain - clary sage, basil, peppermint or rosemary, sweet marjoram, lavender topical application.

Other Natural therapy treatments to consider are Acupuncture, gentle exercise on a daily basis e.g. walking, therapeutic massage, relaxation techniques, gentle stretching, good nutrition, herbs and vitamins.

I am happy to answer any Questions you may have.

Email: Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au
Skype: by appointment

I will also be running a series of live webinars on 27 essential oils and how you can use them at home along with time for Q & A. I look forward to sharing with you!

Original article

What Is Aromatherapy? - Plain And Simple

Many people know Aromatherapy to be beautiful smelling scents or a luxurious massage that they enjoy having once in a while.

Well I am here to tell you that it is much more than this.

Yes it is true essential oils or most of them smell beautiful and have the power to transport us to another place or time on an emotional level they can evoke positive responses, uplift our emotions, reducing stress, tension, anxiety and depression. They help to raise our self confidence, enhance our memory, promote relaxation or enhance our energy. They improve our state of mind.

On a physical level Aromatherapists use specific essential oils to assist in reducing symptoms of PMT and PMS, muscular aches and pains, inflammation and arthritic conditions. Some oils promote circulation, aid in the digestive processes, assist with IBS, rid the body of unwanted toxins and they are very good for boosting and improving our immune system. They are used in hair care, for hair and scalp conditions such as dandruff, to improve the condition of our hair.

I personally have had 17 years of working with my daughter treating and supporting her with essential oils, along with orthodox medications (for which I am very grateful as it has saved her life) for chronic lung disease, digestive problems and her emotional state of mind where she experiences depression, fear and anxiety. My daughter was born in 1988, Royal Women's Hospital, Sydney Australia. She was the youngest and smallest TOF baby born at that time, being 8weeks premature and weighing 1190 grams. I will go into more detail another time. My point is that I have found aromatherapy and other natural therapies to be an essential part of her treatments. I am equally supportive of orthodox and traditional/alternative medicine, there have been times when prescribed medicines simply have not worked and aromatherapy and naturopathic medicine has. Doctors and modern medicine saved my daughter's life at birth more than several times throughout her life. Natural/alternative medicine has supported her without any doubt where modern medicine hasn't.

How many of us love to take care of our skin?

We cleanse, tone, and moisture every, once in a while we will use serums and masks to nourish and boost our skins health. Pure essential oils are natural and safe to use on your skin and will improve your skins integrity, reduce scars, improve elasticity, reduce the onset of wrinkles and slow down the aging process. Some essential oils are excellent for the treatment of acne, reducing scarring and inflammation, healing wounds, treating symptoms of many skin conditions.

Essential oils are produced from different plant materials such as woods, bark, leaves, flowers, berries and more, by various extraction methods. They are very potent, approximately 70 times stronger than the original plant they are derived from.

There are many factors involved in improving our health and well being including good nutrition, water and fluid intake, exercise and so on. It is called 'synergy' a combination of all of the above to produce the best results.

The Beauty or should I say one of the beauties of Aromatherapy and natural medicine is that we can personalise and custom make products to suit your specific needs. We are all individuals with specific and unique needs. I hope this has given you a better understanding of one of my greatest passions I absolutely believe in Aromatherapy, because I have seen amazing results first hand. I encourage and invite you to reach out and learn more about the world of Aromatherapy and how you can incorporate it into your everyday lives easily and with little effort to improve your health and well being on all levels.

If you have any questions you can contact me via email: Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter to receive tips, recipes for the oil burner and articles on specific conditions http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/ Join me on Facebook http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Original article

Essential Oils - What Are Their Uses in Skin Care?

Properties of the essential oils that are beneficial to our skin are as follows.

They are anti-septic, stimulate and regenerate cell growth, assist with wound healing, improve circulation and muscle tone, aid in reducing inflammation, stop itching, improve the integrity of your skin and regulate sebum production.

To gain the most benefit from your skin care it is important to use high quality ingredients.

The environment in which they are kept is important, stored in a cupboard or drawn away from direct sunlight, with an even temperature. I keep my raw products in a cooler.

It is very important to have the correct dilutions and combinations of essential oils to achieve your desired result and so that they do not work against each other. If you are unsure consult with a fully qualified Aromatherapist.

You can have your skin care custom made to suit your specific condition.

Acne is a very common condition and I have had very good results using specific essential oils. There are a variety of causes that produce acne and it is important to understand what the cause is and address it. Some of the symptoms are inflammation, pain, skin sensitivity, depression and low self esteem. Essential oils are excellent for reducing scarring and as you can see the effects of acne are more than skin deep.

Surgical scars can most certainly be reduced dramatically with the applications of specific essential oils for example Rose, Frankincense and Myrrh. These oils are exceptional for a healthy, glowing skin. Frankincense and Myrrh are natural skin preservatives and keep your skin looking younger.

First aid using essential oils

How many times have you burnt yourself while cooking or stoking a fire? For myself I always reach for Lavender! It is exceptional and can be applied directly onto a minor burn, preferably straight away and several times after, you will experience an immediate response. The pain and scarring is reduced, often there will be no scarring. Cold water and Ice are important to use if you have a more than a minor burn as the cooler temperature assists in preventing your skin from cooking. Do not hesitate to go to hospital if you have a serious burn.

Insect bites, I am everyone's mosquito repellent, much to my disappointment, they drive me crazy and all I can say is thank goodness for essential oils like Patchouli, Lavender and German Chamomile! These oils stop itching as they are anti-pruritic, reduce inflammation. For those of us that are sensitive and have nasty reactions they aid in the healing of my skin. I carry Patchouli with me everywhere I go for emergency first aid. I recommend it be in your first aid kit along with Tea tree and Lavender.

Minor cuts and abrasions can be treated easily and very effectively through topical applications and sprays.

We know how painfully itchy and uncomfortable measles and chickenpox are, Yes?

Using an essential oil blend as a body spray and in the bath prevented my daughter from scratching herself raw. She does not have one scar!

There are dozens of conditions and symptoms of the skin that are treated successfully ending with excellent results. To learn more about how Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils can support and heal your skin, talk to a qualified Aromatherapist.

I invite you to join me on Facebook where you will receive tips, recipes and inspiration on Aromatherapy.
Julie Nelson
Aromatique Essentials
http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/
http://www.facebook.com/aromatiqueessentials

Original article

What Are Essential Oils? An Overview of Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain volatile aroma compounds from specific plants. Contrary to being called "oils", they are not oily feeling at all. The majority of them are clear, but there are some that are amber or yellow in color. The color would vary on what type of plant the oil was made from.

These oils are made by extracting them from a particular plant species. They can be extracted from many different parts of the plant, such as the flower, seeds, stems, bark, leaves, roots, and wood of the plant. There are several different methods of extraction, the most common being steam distillation. Some other methods are carbon dioxide extraction, pressing, and solvent extraction.

Essential oils are sold either as a pure oil, oil made from only one kind of plant, or as a blend of several different oils. Buying the blended oils saves you from having to buy each one separately and then mixing them yourself. Buying all of the oils individually can be quite pricey, so buying blends can save you money as well as time.

However, the disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend ratios and which oils are used in the blend. Also, by not blending them yourself, the blend can't be reliably mixed with other oils if you don't know what oils were used. Some oils can't be mixed with each other, so it's a good idea to know which ones can and can't be combined before mixing.

Essential oils should not be confused with perfume or fragrance oils. Essential oils are extracted directly from real plants. That means the oil contains the true essence of the plant, including any therapeutic values the plant it was derived from has.

Perfume and fragrance oils are made from artificial aromas or fragrances, or they are made with artificial substances in addition to any natural compounds. Therefore, they are not derived from the plants themselves, nor do they have any therapeutic benefits. These are generally used just to give something a particular scent, such as in soap making or perfumes.

The chemical composition of essential oils and their aromas allows them to have physical and even psychological benefits on people. The most common ways to obtain these benefits are by inhaling the oil and applying it directly to the skin. The easiest way to inhale it is by using a diffuser. When applying it directly to the skin, it's generally diluted as the full concentrate oil can cause irritation to the skin.

Essential oils, either in pure form or blended, can have significant therapeutic benefits on people. There are many different uses for them, depending on the specific benefits of the particular oil. With over 300 different essentials, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Essential oils can also be used in massage. The essential oil is diluted with carrier oil or massage oil and massage into the skin. This is a very relaxing method of externally absorbing essential oils. Read more about it here: Essential Oils in Massage.

Original article