Quit Smoking Using Essential Oils

We all know smoking is not the easiest habit to kick. The following tips will help you decrease the desire to smoke, rebuild your lungs (use this part even if you don't want to kick the habit) and deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Decrease the Desire:

Spice for Life essential oil blend from Be Young on the tongue before lighting up can help decrease the desire. Take one drop with each meal to help increase the immune system (it is stressful to quit smoking, stress decreases the immune system).

Eucalyptus (Radiata) will stop cravings and also helps clean out the receptor sites. Every 10-15 minutes apply 1 drop of Eucalyptus to arm and lick off. Drink 8-10 glasses of pure water each day. You may want to rotate Eucalyptus and Rosemary, or use them together. You can also do one drop of Eucalyptus and one drop of Rosemary at the same time. This will be stronger. (Note: only use an essential oil internally that has been approved for internal use! Many essential oils contain synthetics that are not okay to use internally. I recommend the Be Young brand because of its guarantees of purity and the testing done to assure that purity.)

Applying Myrtle to the bottoms of the feet will help remove the desire.

Use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Google this, it's easy to find instructions online.

Remember, whenever you take something out of your life you replace it with something else, make a conscious decision of what you want to replace smoking with, preferably something that makes you feel good, some examples are: going for a walk, yoga, building models, reading, learning a new skill. People are all different, some need to keep their hands busy, others find a need to fill the space with something emotional, others need to involve their mouths-we recommend taking up the harmonica as opposed to using food. Some people find that making balloon animals helps them.

Dealing with Withdrawal:

Applying Dill essential oil to the wrists helps reduce the sweating that can often accompany withdrawal.

Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, and/or Sandalwood can also help with withdrawal. Diffuse and apply to temples.

If you get a withdrawal headache, apply Peppermint to the temples and back of neck. (Note: Peppermint can be a bit strong, you may find you need to dilute it in a carrier oil.)

Quiet Scent blend from Be Young can help with the nervous jitters.

Use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).

An EAT (Emotional Aromatic Touch) treatment is often very beneficial. I'll write more about this in another article. Simplified, it's using seven different essential oils in defined patterns on the back to create an emotional release or it can also be done by applying those seven different essential oils to the hands or the feet on certain reflexology points to trigger a gentle emotional release.

Rebuilding your lungs:

To get some of the gunk out of the lungs and get them started regenerating... apply one drop of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, or Breathe essential oil blend from Be Young to the chest (if you are a man) or to the back (if you are a woman). Apply a warm compress and leave on until it feels cool. Rinse off. Why the different locations? You are going to be drawing toxins out with the compress and the essential oil. You do not want to draw those toxins through the breast tissue. Why rinse off afterwards? Because you have drawn those toxins to the surface, you want them gone, not reabsorbed! Repeat with the feet.

Diffuse the Breathe blend. I have seen a lot of people who simply diffuse the Breathe blend, or put a drop or two in their hands, rub them together, and then cup their hands around their nose and inhale and experience a strengthening of their lungs. If you are unable to quit smoking, please add the Breathe blend to your day to strengthen your lungs and improve your health in spite of the smoking.

Liver Cleanse daily. Drink plenty of water.

Learn more about the Liver Cleanse by reading the article I have already written. Essentially, it is one drop of Lemon essential oil, one drop of Peppermint essential oil and one teaspoon to one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice taken every morning upon rising. Remember to use an essential oil approved for internal use.

Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your system. Your goal is one ounce of water for every half pound you weigh. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you want to drink 80 ounces of water a day.

Penny Swann has been working with essential oils and herbs for over 10 years. She writes a weekly article for their newsletter subscribers. She and her mother, Debby, work as health coaches, helping people improve their lives daily in a natural way. Visit their website at http://www.tracesetc.com/ to learn more about improving your health naturally.

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

Using Essential Aromatherapy Oils to Boost Your Health

Essential aromatherapy oils have been in use for centuries by millions to improve health conditions.

Many of them will benefit you physically, emotionally and mentally. You can use them to treat problems like headaches, stress and skin diseases and improve the functioning of vital body systems.

How do you use these aromatherapy oils for maximum benefit?

There are many methods of using the oils depending on the condition you are dealing with.

You can inhale them directly either from the bottle or pour a few drops onto a piece of cloth. This way, you will get instant relief from nasal congestion, coughs, colds and flu.

For deep inhalation, you should put a few drops of oil into a basin of hot water and cover your head over the basin to inhale the steam. You can also use the oils as vaporizers or burners to keep the air in your room smelling fresh and clean.

A hot press would work fine, while a cold press will reduce swellings and ease headaches.

Massaging your body with essential aromatherapy oils will not only revitalize your skin but will also treat acne and other skin conditions.

Another beneficial way to use the oils is to add a few drops to your bath water and apply some to your hair.

Lavender oil can be used as a deodorant and decongestant. Inhaling its aroma will lift your moods, relieve you of tension, improve your circulatory system and memory, reduce symptoms of asthma and ease feelings of nausea. Also, it is a good remedy for burns, scratches cuts, muscle pain and joint pain.

Massage lavender oil onto your scalp to address hair loss. It will stimulate your scalp to encourage growth of new hair.

To fight depression, you should use jasmine oil. It has a strong sweet smell which will instantly uplift your spirits and reduce the stress levels in your body. In addition to that, it will improve your heart rate and boost your immune and respiratory systems. Women will experience the benefits of jasmine oil when dealing with menstrual and labor pain.

During labor, inhaling jasmine oil will strengthen your contractions, reduce your pain and increase your energy levels. This will make the delivery process easier and faster. Stretch marks and scars can be an eyesore, but you can reduce their appearance by applying the oil of jasmine to the affected area of your skin. It increases your skins elasticity and encourages the growth of new skin cells.

Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil of your choice as it may irritate your skin in high concentrations.

Emu oil is another favorable aromatherapy oil.

You will find it pleasant to apply to your skin because of its non-greasy nature. It will penetrate your skin fast to deliver the benefits. Apply it onto your neck to reduce stiffness and pain and massage it onto your skin to refresh it and give it a youthful glow.

It is also effective in healing minor wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. You have many reasons to try Essential Aromatherapy Oils. They will improve the overall state of your health as you enjoy using them.

This article was brought to you by Michelle Reynolds who will provide you with a comprehensive, highly informative and useful resource for using essential aromatherapy oils to help improve health conditions. Find out more about Visit her site at http://www.essentialaromatherapyoils.net/ and see the benefits of the oils.

Original article

Aromatherapy Recipes Using Essential Oils

In ancient Egyptian times they used oils from flowers and herbs in their baths and for skin care, not only for their aromas but for the medicinal properties too. These oils are the volatile part of any plant and are extracted in different ways, by distillation, steam or compression. Once you have their oils they can be used individually or mixed together and can be put in the bath for a hot soak, a few drops added to a diffuser so the sweet aromas fill the air or added to a carrier or base oil for a massage. You can even get candles containing these oils or could add net oil to the melted wax as it gathers on the top of a burning candle.

All plants contain essential oils but in different quantities, some more than others. To get just one teaspoon of jasmine oil it takes 40,000 hand- picked jasmine flowers which is why this in one of the more expensive oils to buy. Rose is another flower that does not contain many oils and are usually extracted by using a solvent. The only down side with this method is that is gathers other properties from the plant as well as their oils. These are then known as absolutes and are well known in the fragrance industry and in cosmetics.

Fine essential oils are like diamonds or a fine champagne and known as the soul of any plant. Essential oils all have their own properties and used for different reasons, from rejuvenating, balancing and deep cleansing. They easily absorb in to the skin and can help psychologically and physically. Benefits of aromatherapy oils range from relief of headaches, mood swings, muscle relaxants, blood circulation and other healings.

There are hundreds of essential oils on the market and can be a daunting experience when going out to buy for the first time. Almost anyone can use essential oils but precautions do need to be taken. Because they are very potent it is important to dilute any oil before putting it on the skin and not to put too much in the batch as they can burn. You must ask yourself why you want to use these oils whether it be for a particular ailment and then how you are going to administer, either massage or inhalation so as to get the right ones. Below are a few just to get you started.

Basil - floral sweet aroma used for uplifting, energising and refreshing.

Bergamot - fresh and fruity used for uplifting and inspiring. An excellent deodoriser.

Chamomile - fruity, apple -like used for its calming properties

Clary sage - spicy, hay-like aroma for a euphoric feeling

Eucalyptus - Best known for inhalations and liniments and is very invigourating.

Geranium - A leafy-rose aroma with fruity, minty undertones. A soothing, mood lifting oil.

Grapefruit - This has a bitter citrus aroma which is very refreshing.

Lavender - A fresh almost eucalyptus aroma used in insect repellants, deodorants and room sprays. A calming and purifying influence.

Majarom sweet - Warm and spicy with a hint of nutmeg. Warming and balancing works well on sore muscles.

Orange sweet - Used for its refreshing, uplifting properties.

Rosemary - with its strong fresh, camphor aroma invigourates and clarifies.

Sandalwood - a sweet wood warm aroma. Perfect for that sensual soothing atmosphere

Ylang ylang - an intense floral almost jasmine aroma used for euphoria and sensuality.

Once you get used to the oils and their aromas you can mix your own but be careful with quantities.

There are many sites and books on the subject including my other site Aromatherapyrecipes.org.

Tony Marks is a writer providing information articles. You can check out his latest site at Aromatherapy Recipes where he provides unbiased information and advice on a range of products including Essential Oils and much more.

Original article

Several Benefits of Using Essential Oil

It is only recently when essential oils have gain a lot of popularity. This makes many of us think that essential oil is a product of modern age. However, contrary to this belief essential oils are in use for centuries for several benefits they offer. Many manufacturing companies take advantage of the numerous benefits of these and use it as an advertising fact. There are several families of essential oils, each having their own set of benefits and features.

There are several essential oils that help in anti maturing props and are also efficient at diminishing scrapes and stretch marks. Although there are more than hundred to choose from, given below is a list of most popular oils preferred due to their effectiveness and ease of application.

Rosewood: The rosewood oil is extracted from rosewood tree well known for its beauty. The rosewood oil helps in regeneration of tissues and is thus very effective in healing. Due to this property of rosewood oil it is used in the scrap against maturing skin. To use rosewood oil, mix few drops of it with a cream or lotion and apply gently on the affected area.

Neroli: Extracted by the steam distillation method from the flower petals of the orange tree, the Neroli oil is popular for its ability to regenerate skin cells. It is used in the similar fashion as rosewood oil. Add two to three drops of Neroli oil to any cream or carrier oil and apply to the skin.

Myrrh: Myrrh oil is praised for removing fine lines and wrinkles from the skin. Regular use of Myrrh oil by mixing it with carrier oil, cream or lotion can bring glow to your face to make it all new and fresh.

In addition to the above oils, there are many anti-ageing solutions that help in keeping the skin in a good condition without having to spend much time and money. A small bottle of essential oil may appear costly at first glance, but most oils are used in dilution and one small bottle lasts for months. In addition to skin and aromatherapy benefits, there are several other benefits of oil like improved digestion, breathing problems, and nausea.These oils are also widely used for spiritual purposes as they are believed to cause calming effect and a clear mind and spirit.

It can be fun to know more about essential oils and experimenting to find what is right for you. However, proper care should be taken and you must make sure that the oil is safe to use or not before using them.

Abhinav Solanki is an accredited Master Herbalist and writes about helichrysum oil that have many aromatherapy benefits. For high-quality, pure aromatherapy oils like yellow camphor oil visit the Natures Natural India- a marketplace of suppliers, distillers, and whole seller.

Original article

The Benefits of Using Incense

Burning incense and aromatic resins for their pleasant aromatic properties is very familiar to most everyone. However were you aware that there are many benefits associated with it as well? This ancient and wonderful ritual that dates back millenia and it has been practiced by most cultures around the world at one time or another. It's use and popularity has been consistent due to its many and remarkable properties, which are believed to include but by no means limited, to improving your concentration, deepening levels of spirituality and helping with meditation and relaxation. The following will help lead you to understanding what burning incense can offer you, and we'll peruse this topic in more detail.

Many people in this stressful world suffer at times from an occasional headache sometimes even chronically. Most people are unaware that burning incense may alleviate your pain and could help bring you relief. By simply relaxing while the incense involves you in its enchanting aroma, the chances are that your headache may disappear within a few minutes. Certain areas of the brain can be positively affected by certain fragrances more efficiently than some other methods. One example of this is how a familiar aroma may trigger memory from your childhood. It is able to do this because the olfactory sense is closely connected to our neural pathways! Certain aromas may stimulate a response in your limbic system to induce your brain to release certain beneficial compounds. These may include compounds such as dopamine and even serotonin, and some incense can help dilate your constricted nasal passages as well. All of this adds up to helpful relief by just lighting a stick of incense.

In many cultures the use of certain types of incense formulated with specific herbs, spices and medicinal plants to help one achieve a greater level of focus. Some have the issue of a wandering or busy mind; incense can be a healthy and natural way to help. In fact, many religions have used incense for this very purpose, to allow them to pray or meditate more effectively. The churches of the Greek Orthodox as well as the Buddhist temples and shrines of India, Tibet and Japan incorporate Incense as a vital part of their ceremonies There are many types of incense specifically formulated from ancient recipes specifically for the purpose of meditation, there are many to choose from and one will be found to be a perfect fit for you. Some fragrances may include Sandalwood, Aloeswood or spices such a cinnamon or honey.

Not only can incense brighten a room with a beautiful scent and give you a peaceful feeling, it may help to alleviate depression as well! A group of scientists from around the world, including members from John Hopkins University, have found that levels anxiety or depression can be positively affected by the aroma of frankincense. How exactly this effect is achieved is not yet fully understood but may cause certain ion channels in your brain to be affected.

With incense providing all of these wonderful benefits and many more, it is an excellent addition to your home and life. Its aroma will create an inviting atmosphere in your home and living space. However, it may have even more profound effects, from reducing your headache pain to alleviating depression. So, give incense a try... to Life and Love Peace!

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/. Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Using Essential Oils to Enhance Your Life

The use of essential oils dates back to ancient times. Our ancestors used these wonderful essences for perfumes and cosmetics, medicinal purposes, incense, religious ceremonies and rituals, and culinary purposes. Essential oils are derived from plants primarily through steam distillation and some through methods of solvent extraction. They are highly concentrated, therefore, small amounts of the oils are sufficient for use in various applications. For this reason it is recommended that the oils not be used directly on the skin. Instead blend them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or any of the other vegetables oils available utilizing a ratio of 1-3% essential oil.

Lavender and tea tree oil are two oils that be used neat or directly on the skin. It is recommended that a skin test be done prior to using these oils neat by placing one or two drops on the skin and waiting 24 hours for any possible reactions that may occur.

Therapeutic oils are those that are pure meaning they are not diluted with a carrier oil such as a vegetable oil and are taken from the first pressing of the twigs, bark, leaves, stems, or flowers. Almost all essential oils have bactericidal properties such as being antiseptic, antimicrobial, diuretic, antidepressant, antispasmodic and more.

As those who have used essential oils in the past know, sometimes you may purchase an oil and find that at some point in the future that same oil that you purchase in the future may have a different scent or effect or even a different price. A number of factors, including the skill of the distiller, growing region, climate, and variations in cultivation and harvesting will influence the quality and character of the finished oil. Environmental factors are sometimes conditions growers have no control over. Distilling essential oils is more closely related to producing a fine wine than to making a standardized fragrance: both are dependent upon the interplay between humans and nature.

I have used essential oils for many years due to their healing capabilities and generally because they nourish my body, mind and soul. I utilize them in place of chemical drugs for healing due to the numerous side effects and toxins that result from drug usage, as a natural insect repellent, for cleaning my home naturally, for cleansing and purifying the air, for wounds and injuries, for relaxation and meditation, for massage, in the bath for detoxification, sore muscles, illness, and scent. Of course, please consult your medical practitioner before using essential oils in place of any prescribed drugs you may be taking.

I welcome your comments and questions.

Original article

Tips for Using Aromatherapy for Natural Stress Relief

Among the many natural stress remedies I recommend, aromatherapy has got to be one of the easiest and most pleasant to use. It's all about using essential oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots and other plant parts for improved mental and physical health. These essential oils can be absorbed through the skin although I suggest inhaling their aromas to promote quick mood enhancement and natural stress relief.

Many studies have shown that aromatherapy may bring relief to those suffering from stress. Let me explain how in simple laymen terms. When you inhale essential oils, their scent links directly with the limbic system in the brain through the olfactory nerve. This triggers the production and release of neurotransmitters that relax the central nervous system and reduce stress.

Aromatherapy is a passive form of natural stress relief with few if any side effects. It's convenient because you can reduce stress as you go by inhaling an aromatherapeutic scent while doing something else. It's also complementary to other natural stress relievers like massage and meditation. Stress relief doesn't get much easier than this! That's why aromatherapy is one of my favorite stress remedies.

There are a wide number of essential oils available for effective stress management, each with its own therapeutic value. Here are some of the most popular:

Basil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for natural stress relief. It may help reduce mind fatigue and negative thoughts and improve concentration and enthusiasm levels.

Eucalyptus has a pleasant and soothing smell that's a powerful stress fighter! It can counter lethargy, restlessness and confusion while increasing your energy, creativity and ability to think clearly.

Cinnamon Essential Oil comes from cinnamon tree bark. It may help with mental anxiety and enhance optimism.

Rosemary reduces mental or physical strain and is helpful for increasing productivity.

Lavender's sweet floral scent invokes feelings of calmness when inhaled under stress. Add a few drops to a handkerchief that you can inhale a few times for instant stress relief. Lavender is also good for restoring balance, clearing the mind and general relaxation.

Cedarwood is good for chronic worriers. You may focus and concentrate better and be more productive.

Orange Essential Oil is very stimulating to the mind and is effective for anxiety, burnout and apathy.

Marjoram assists with anxiety and stress reduction and fights depression and fatigue.

In addition, the following list may help you select the best essential oils for you as stress remedies:

For anxiety try Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Neroli, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Juniper, Neroli, Ylang YlangFor depression try Bergamot, Clary Save, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, VetiverFor restlessness try Chamomile, Lemon, Marjoram, Rose, Sandalwood, Valerian, Vetiver, Valerian, Ylang ylangFor nervous tension try Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Pettigraine, Ylang Ylan

Ideas for Using Aromatherapy

There are tons of ways to reap the natural stress relieving benefits of aromatherapy essential oils. Try these suggestions on for size:

Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshenerAdd a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in potpourri potTo enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burnsAdd a few drops of oil to your pillowcase before you sleepUse a nebulizer, diffuser or incense to unleash the stress relieving scentsInhale the scent directly from the bottle

Besides ease of use, essential oils and related aromatherapy products are widely available as remedies for stress. So if you're looking for an inexpensive, easy and convenient stress remedy, aromatherapy and essential oils may be your ticket to a less stressful existence.

Jennifer Purcell is a stress management expert. After suffering for many years with unmanageable stress and anxiety, she stopped being a victim and found a way out for herself. After years of research and testing, she has brought together some of the best stress remedies she used to transform her life. By incorporating a few techniques into your daily routine as she has, you can transform your life as well.

Jennifer now runs a website to help others defeat stress naturally and reclaim their lives.

Do you want to live a happier, more productive life without the shackles of stress? Click here and start reducing your stress today! http://www.naturalstressremedies.com/

Original article

Multiple Benefits of Using Camphor Essential Oil

Camphor essential oil is extracted from camphor trees that are more than 50 years in age. This tree is found mainly in tropical regions of Asia and in different parts of South America. This oil is extracted using the steam distillation method of extraction from the woods and roots of the camphor tree.

Today, using advanced distillation techniques, three different types of camphor essential oil are produced- white, yellow, and brown. The yellow and the brown camphor oil contain a toxic substance called safrole and hence only white camphor is used for medicinal and aromatic purpose. However, proper care should be taken even while using white oil to avoid overdose.

Given below are few common uses of camphor oil:

Insecticide: This oil is a very good insect repellant. You can simply leave a piece of cloth soaked in camphor oil in the open to drive the insects away. It also serves well as a mosquito repellent lotion or as a lotion to get rid of lice. A drop of camphor oil when mixed with grains can keep the insects away.

Decongestant: This oil is very effective in removing congestion from the respiratory system and is therefore used in making of many cold rubs and balms. A lotion of camphor oil diluted using lavender or olive oil when applied directly over chest is helpful in reducing coughing and curing nasal problems

Decongestant: Many decongestant products like cold rubs and balms contain camphor essential oil because of its proven efficacy in getting rid of congestions in the respiratory system. Just dilute camphor essential oil in lavender or olive oil and apply it on the chest to reduce coughing or cure nasal problems.

Stimulant: A dilute solution of camphor essential oil acts as a stimulant and is very helpful in elimination of metabolic problems that are caused due to poor circulation. It helps in regulation of problems, such as sluggishness, rheumatism, poor bowel movement and gout.

Anti-inflammatory: Camphor oil is anti-inflammatory. It leaves a cooling effect that is very effective in relieving pain. It is also used to suppress the pain caused due to neuralgia by contracting the blood vessels and easing the pressure on the cranial nerve.

Anesthetic: Camphor oil has the property to numb the sensory nerves in the skin and hence can be used as a temporary anesthetic. Using the oil can offer relief from pain caused due to insect bites, mild burns or skin irritation.

Acidity: Camphor essential oil is relieving our body from unwanted gases and can eventually even stop the formation of gases.

Essential oil exporters is a distiller of essential oil, absolutes camphor oil and attars. I have several years experience on distillation, customized perfumery etc. I am specialize in rare, handmade Indian Attars.

Original article

Using Essential Oil to Fight Depression

Depression is real. It is not something to be ignored, laughed at, scoffed at, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It can come from many different causes-hormonal imbalances, diet, exposure to chemicals, as a side effect from medication, and more. There are also different kinds of depression, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, panic disorders, anxiety, and others. I'm not going to go into the various kinds and causes here. Be aware that in order to fully rid yourself of depression you will need to explore diet, environment, and your health. That's a step you can take a little further down the road. It amazed me as I researched depression how depressing many of the articles and information were that I read! I didn't have a problem with depression and then I started researching it and started feeling low. That's not what we want to do here. I want to give you some good, solid ways to use essential oils to give you a lift, a hand up, a smile, a dose of hope so that you can get to feeling better. Once you've accomplished that then you'll be in a better frame of mind to begin exploring your options to restored health.

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils, can have an incredible effect on your emotional outlook. We all know that scents can affect us emotionally. We use perfumes and colognes to make us more attractive. We associate memories with various smells. A newborn baby learns to identify his mother by sense of smell before his eyes are developed enough to focus. Diffusing an essential oil (spreading the aroma throughout a room) can have a profound and almost immediate effect on mood. Scent is a vital part of our lives. The limbic system is considered to be the oldest system in the human body. The limbic system is made up of several organs that together process scents and determine how the body will respond. These responses often involve emotions, especially those that are related to survival such as fear and reproductive urges. The limbic system is also tied in closely to determining which memories will be stored and how they will be recalled. The hypothalamus is also a part of the limbic system. It has a major role in monitoring and regulating hormones.

Essential oils have an aroma that activates the limbic system through smell. Essential oils also have the ability to affect our hormones. They can help us eliminate unwanted toxins from the body. They can help ease pain. They can carry oxygen to the cells of our body. Essential oils applied to the skin can be detected in the blood in as little as twenty seconds! The essential oil molecules are smaller than our cells; they permeate our bodies and affect us on a cellular level. There are ten main systems in our body: integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine (hormones), digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive and essential oils can affect them all!

Here's a quick list of essential oils that are commonly used in relieving depression:
Basil (especially good for manic depression and anxiety)BergamotBlossom blendBrain Gem blendCedarwoodChamomile, RomanClary SageFrankincenseGeraniumGrapefruitHelichrysumJuniper BerryLavenderLoving Care blendMarjoram (especially helpful with grief based depression)OrangePalmarosaPeppermint (especially helpful if you can't stay awake)Quiet Scent blend (especially good for when you can't sleep)RavensaraRoseRosemary (especially helpful if you're anxious)Sandalwood

*All blends mentioned are Be Young blends.

**A warm or hot essential oil that you will want to use diluted with carrier oil before applying to the skin. If you use without a carrier and it feels hot DO NOT rinse with water, it will get hotter, apply a carrier oil to the area and it will cool it.

As you can see, there are quite a few to choose from. The best way to choose is to smell each one. If you smell an essential oil and it's just nasty smelling to you, you're not going to want to use it, you'll hesitate because it's not a pleasant experience. When you find that oil that you just want to crawl in the bottle and live there, that's the one for you! I worked with a gentleman whose oil of choice for improving his mood was Birch. Now, that's not on the list above, but Birch oil smelled like root beer to him and started him reminiscing about his childhood days and homemade root beer and always lifted his mood and made him smile. It was the perfect pick-me-up for him. Here we see the perfect example of how powerful smell is in affecting the emotions.

Diffusing an essential oil is a powerful way to impact your mood. You can set a timer so that the oil is released into the air at certain intervals. I use a diffuser that is set to diffuse fifteen minutes out of every hour. You can also purchase a pendant diffuser. This is simply a necklace made of clay you add the oil to or a hollow necklace with a wick inside you put the oil on. Some people prefer a sniff stick-it looks kind of like a tube of chap stick, but inside is a cotton wick that you add the essential oil to. Whenever you need a whiff you open it up and the aroma comes out. Some people simply carry the bottle of essential oil with them and open it up when needed, just be careful the lid doesn't come undone in your pocket so the oil spills. Find what works best for you.

Frankincense is perhaps the most often used essential oil for depression. Many people have been able to discontinue use of antidepressants by using Frankincense. First, make sure you have a 100% pure essential oil of Frankincense. Frankincense is an expensive oil so it is often cut or synthesized. If you're not familiar with the various essential oil companies, you can get a good idea of the oil's purity by its price. I recommend the Be Young brand; they stand strong against diluting an essential oil in any way before you receive it. They also regularly test their essential oils to make sure that the grower didn't dilute it before they received it. Why do you care? If you'll recall, up in the first paragraph I listed some of the causes of depression, among them are exposure to chemicals. If an essential oil is synthesized (made with chemicals) or improperly extracted (with chemicals) those chemicals are now a part of that essential oil and can be carried into every cell in your body.

This will only compound the problems you are experiencing. It is absolutely vital that you get the best essential oil you can or you may be feeding the fires of depression instead of smothering them. To use Frankincense to replace your antidepressant, every morning put a drop of Frankincense under your tongue. Carry Frankincense essential oil with you throughout the day. Some days are one drop days, some are ten drop days. If you have difficulties getting just one drop or can't handle the taste, put it in a little bit of water. You can purchase droppers that can be used with essential oils so you can control how many drops you get. Always consult with your doctor when decreasing any medication! Use an essential oil two hours before or after taking a medication so that they do not interfere with each other.

Ways to use essential oils for depression:
Diffuse or use the essential oil as a room spray (To make a room spray add 10-12 drops of essential oil to 1-2 ounces of filtered water in a glass spray bottle. Shake and spray. Always shake before each use and use a glass bottle as the essential oils will eat through a plastic bottle.)
Internally (Frankincense especially and ONLY if you are sure the oil is pure, like the Be Young brand) Apply a drop or two under the tongue, or take in a capsule filled with carrier oil
Apply a drop to the back of the neck and the temples
Use in a massage (add 5-6 drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil and massage with this blend)
In a bath (Add 5-6 drops of your chosen essential oil to 1/4-1/2 cup bath salts or Epsom(tm) salts, then add to your bath water. Soak for twenty minutes and rinse off. Always rinse off, the combination of salt and essential oils will pull toxins from your body to the surface of the skin. If you don't rinse off you will reabsorb those toxins and may develop a rash. Always add to the salts before the water or the essential oils will float on top of the water.)
Simply open the bottle and inhale
Use as a perfume, apply a drop or two to your pulse points
If you're feeling anxious, apply a drop to the tops of your ears

After you start feeling better you'll want to begin modifying diet. Often depression is caused because various chemical receptors within the body are blocked by toxins. Start with the Liver Cleanse (see my article on Liver Cleanse for more information) and begin eliminating prepared foods and other harmful activities from your diet and lifestyle. A lack of calcium can often contribute to depression. Carbonated beverages (especially those in the cola category) leach calcium from the body. The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin control depression. Trace minerals allow our bodies to use these neurotransmitters. A good source of trace minerals is Masaji(tm) (a whole food supplement created by Be Young, it also contains Frankincense and Rose essential oils.)

Some fun recipe blends you may want to try:

Recipe #1

10 drops Bergamot

5 drops Clary Sage

2 drops Rose

(Note, Bergamot can cause photosensivity in some individuals, avoid direct exposure of skin with Bergamot oil applied to it to the sun or tanning beds for 24 hours. As long as the skin is covered by clothing you should be fine.)

Recipe #2 (guilt and depression)

15 drops Geranium

5 drops Lavender

10 drops Bergamot

This should give you some good ideas. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed, pick one direction and give it a try, give it a week or so and then evaluate yourself-no change, try a different oil; some change, add something in addition to; great change, congratulations! Start making modifications (slowly, one step at a time) to your diet and environment and enjoy your journey to health and happiness!

Penny Swann has been working with essential oils and herbs for over 10 years. She writes a weekly article for their newsletter subscribers. She and her mother, Debby, work as health coaches, helping people improve their lives daily in a natural way. Visit their website at http://www.tracesetc.com/ to learn more about improving your health naturally.

Original article

Using Aromatherapy Oils To Feel Better: Discover The Fundamentals of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and essential oils are nothing new. In fact, the idea of aromatherapy has been employed for hundreds of years. It might not have been called this precise name, but the idea of using smells to change the body and mind is something which has been done throughout history. This concept is something that may not be rooted in deep science, but the proof is in all of the folk who've profited from the method.

Aromatherapy products must contain essential oils. Important oils are all natural. They don't contain anything synthesised. When employed in products the level of oils used must be acceptable to use the way that it is structured. Products used for this purpose include soaps, candles, lotions, body oils and oils that are used with an infuser that puts them into the air. Products could be used for the home or for the body. It's really important to note that aromatherapy products aren't controlled, so basically any company can put the word aromatherapy on their products even if they don't seem to be a real product. You have to read labels and discover what the ingredients are before purchasing products for this use.

Essential oils in any form can be used for many things. You can use them to create a calmer home environment. You may use them to make a room or area of your house more relaxing. You may use them in body care products so you've got the lasting effects throughout the day.

Aromatherapy is generally used to help in treating mental and physical conditions. The essential oils may be employed to help in alleviating stress and induce relaxation. They can be employed to help to lessen the results of conditions like asthma. You can also use them to assist in easing body pains.

When you are using essential oils it is really important to employ them correctly. You've got to watch out about using oils you're not familiar with. Always teach yourself about an oil before you use it. You'll do research on your own or talk with a pro. You would like to make sure that the oils won't cause a side effect, like an allergic response or that the oil isn't harmful.

Some oils may not work for people with certain conditions or allergies. Some aromatherapy oils are also annoying when used immediately on the skin. Just because you have seen an oil used in an aromatherapy product does not necessarily imply you can safely use it on yourself. It is always best to be careful and do your preparation first.

Aromatherapy can perform wonders for your mind and body. After you start doing it you will spot the changes. You can use aromatherapy products and essential oils everyday if you would like. You can make them part of your day. The advantages from aromatherapy have authorized many of us to chill, be happier and to overcome some health and psychological issues they have fought with. You might be just as lucky if you choose to start trying aromatherapy in your life.

We all lead busy, stressful lives - and the stress leads to feeling rundown, knackered, catching every cough and sniffle that's going round. Aromatherapy is a straightforward way to unwind, de-stress, and help you body shake off those coughs, colds, pains. I hope you enjoy reading http://aromatherapyoilsfinder.com/, and find some handy info to help you select and use the right aromatherapy oils for you.

Original article

Using Aromatherapy to Balance the Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel of light". There are seven chakras, each representing a different spiritual energy center in our bodies that transmits and receives energy to and from Spirit (aka God, the Universe etc.). When your chakras are out of balance, your physical and emotional health is affected. Aromatherapy can be used as one of the methods to balance the chakras and help you return to a peaceful, happy and healthy state of being. In this article, I will talk about the areas of the body that each chakra governs, characteristics of a balanced and unbalanced chakra, the essential oils that can be used in aromatherapy to help balance the chakra and some examples of how to easily incorporate these in your everyday life.

The Root Chakra

Color Correspondence: Red
Essential Oils: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Cloves

The Root Chakra is the first or base chakra. It connects our spirit to our body as well as our body to Mother Earth. It is located at the bottom of the spine. The root chakra governs our instincts of survival or self-preservation. Certain aspects of our personalities are attributed to this primordial chakra such as the feelings of safety and security as well as primal sexual urges. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel grounded, healthy and full of life, active, energetic, able to accomplish tasks, we feel that life is abundant, happy and we're sexually healthy. At times though, the root chakra may be thrown out of balance due to unexpected circumstances such as the death of a loved one. Such events have a way of turning our world inside out and it's no surprise that our chakras will be thrown off balance along with everything else. When the root chakra is out of balance, one may feel afraid, victimized, disconnected from oneself and is prone to violent outbursts.

The Sacral Chakra

Color Correspondence: Orange
Essential Oils: Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Rose, Sage, Bergamot

The Sacral Chakra is the second chakra and it is located just below the belly button in the lower abdominal area. The sacral chakra governs our emotions and sexuality. A person with a balanced sacral chakra enjoys a wonderful sexual energy as well as a great awareness for their emotions. When the sacral chakra is out of balance, you may feel either too emotional or needy all the time or on the other end of the spectrum, be totally disconnected from people and emotionally unavailable. Other signs of an imbalance include sexual dysfunction, infidelity and fear of intimacy.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

Color Correspondence: Yellow
Essential Oils: Frankincense, Rose, Myrrh, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Chamomile, and Rosemary

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third chakra and it is located above the belly button in the upper abdominal area, below the chest. The solar plexus chakra governs our sense of self, our self-esteem and the development of personal power. When the solar plexus chakra is out of balance we experience low self-esteem, fear of rejection, oversensitivity to criticism, self-image fears and indecisiveness.

The Heart Chakra

Color Correspondence: Green or Pink
Essential Oils: Citrus Essential Oils (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, etc.), Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Rose and Lavender

The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra and it is located in the chest. The heart chakra is all about love and healing. Painful situations that can wound this chakra are divorce or separation, death of a loved one, emotional abuse, abandonment or adultery. When the heart chakra is out of balance we experience feelings of grief, depression, loneliness and we are unable to freely express love.

The Throat Chakra

Color Correspondence: Blue
Essential Oils: Peppermint, Spearmint, Chamomile, Bergamot and Basil

The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra and it is located in the neck, throat and ears. The throat chakra governs our ability to communicate effectively as well as to listen and understand others. When the throat chakra is out of balance, one may experience difficulty expressing themselves, repress feelings and experience poor learning ability. Other symptoms of an imbalance include habitual lying, feelings of fear, doubt and uncertainty.

The Third Eye Chakra

Color Correspondence: Indigo
Essential Oils: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Vetiver, Cypress and Juniper

The Third Eye Chakra is the sixth chakra and it is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. The third eye chakra governs our ability to use common sense, intelligence, wisdom, interpret dreams, spirituality and intuition. When the third eye chakra is out of balance, one may lack intuition, common sense, be forgetful, have sleep issues and suffer from confusion.

The Crown Chakra

Color Correspondence: White/Violet
Essential Oils: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose and Sandalwood

The Crown Chakra is the seventh chakra. Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra helps us connect and communicate with Spirit. When the crown chakra is out of balance you may feel like you are lacking creativity and disconnected spiritually. You may become very materialistic, stuck in past pain, and worried about the future. Focusing on material possessions may be your way to feel complete.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the chakras and the characteristics of each, their color correspondence and essential oils that can be used for balance. If you feel that any of your chakras are unbalanced, the use of aromatherapy along with meditation can help achieve balance once again.

Here are some simple ways you can use aromatherapy to help balance your chakras.

•Take a bath or shower with products made with the essential oils that are tuned into the specific chakra.
•Use a tissue with a few drops of the desired essential oil and breathe deeply focusing on balance.
•Burn incense during meditation.
•Wear clothes or jewelry of the color correspondence of the chakra while you focus on creating balance and harmony.

Namaste.

Day Evans is the owner of The Bath Fairy Shop, an online boutique offering unique organic and natural bath and body products. Visit the shop at http://www.thebathfairyshop.com/

Visit our blog site at http://www.organicbathandbody.net/

Original article