AN ESSENTIAL: ESSENTIAL OIL

LAVENDER A VERY VERSATILE ESSENTIAL OIL

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender is from the same family as Rosemary and can be used in much the same way as Rosemary in cooking, often used in French and Moroccan dishes, it is relatively easy to grow and has a multitude of uses but here I want to talk about the use of Lavender as an essential oil.

Like all essential oils do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding and in epilepsy and a known allergy

Lavender is the only essential oil that can be used neat on the skin (its extremely rare for anyone to have a reaction) and very useful to have in the first aid kit for MINOR burns where the skin is unbroken and the appropriate first aid routine as taken place first i.e. placing affected area into cold running water for 20 mins. It helps prevent scaring, its good to apply with a cotton bud on spots (unbroken skin) and insect bites and in fact applied onto pulse spots like the wrists, backs of knees and temples, neck etc. will help avoid being bitten in the first place. However for massage of large areas a 1% dilution for the head and face and 2% dilution for the body in a suitable carrier. If adding lavender to a bath either dilute in carrier oil and if you have no carrier it can be diluted in some milk and added to the bath.

It's one of the most popular of essential oils in Aromatherapy and has been used in healing in one form of another for centuries. Dried lavender bags have been used in time gone by to deter moths and insects in linen drawers as well as to fragrance them. It was used as an antiseptic back in Roman times who used it to cleanse their skin and wounds and the word comes for the Latin "Lavare" meaning to wash. Lavender was also very popular in Elizabethan times and English lavender was cultivated around Mitchum Surrey and now cultivated extensively in Norfolk.

It's properties were discovered or rather re-discovered by the French chemist Gattefosse quite by accident when he burned his hand and having no water to cool it he plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil, he noticed how well the burn healed with no scaring and so heralded the birth of modern Aromatherapy.

It can lower blood pressure so can make the user feel a bit dull and drowsy so some caution is needed. It has a calming effect on the mind and can help insomnia however only in small doses if too much is used it will have the opposite effect. It's good for muscular aches and strains and beneficial for the respiratory system helping ease catarrh, laryngitis and colds (a couple of drops to some hot water for inhalations). It helps menstrual cramps massaged over the lower back and abdomen. Its good for headaches either a drop neat on the temples or better still added to some tepid water to make a compress to apply across the forehead

On a spiritual level Lavender helps stabilises the physical, etheric and astral bodies therefore induces a calm state of mind and helps dispel anger and soothes the spirit and helps dispel negativity.

There are so many ways to use this valuable essential oil both neat on the skin for spot treatments in dilution for massage and in the bath, as an inhalation, on pillows to help insomnia and in a burner and can be made into a room spray (a few drops of the essential oil added to some water add a drop of liquid detergent this acts as an emulsifier to disperse the essential oil throughout the water and can be placed in an atomiser 

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

I do agree that Blowing your nose forcefully will make it worse, as it will drive the infection into your sinuses and Eustachian tubes to your middle ear, if you must blow your nose blow gently and only one nostril at a time. To see the results of popular decongestants the link is at the foot of this article and since I am a Holistic Therapist I will give you my tips on dealing with this bunged up feeling.

Central Heating/air conditioning whether in the home or car will make it worse as these make the air very dry and this will thicken the mucus in your respiratory tract, so it's a good idea to use a humidifier. Also it's important to drink plenty of water, your body is making mucus for a reason to trap bacteria and viruses and wash out any invading micro-organisms, so this needs replenishing and helps thin the mucus. Steam whether whether on its own or with additives e.g. essential oils or menthol crystals. Steaming is very easy to do, you can purchase electric steamers or cups with a nose piece to aid effective delivery, however the good old bowl of hot water with a few drops of essential added and inhaling the vapour with a towel over the head is effective. It's essential for best effect to do this several times a day and it goes without saying keep away from small children.

These are my favourites for Steam inhalations

Eucalyptus, Camphor Benzoin, Rosemary, Naouli, Ravensara, Rosemary will raise the blood pressure as its a stimulant and of course anyone suffering from Epilepsy should not use essential oils

PLEASE REFER TO THE AROMATHERAPY SECTION ON THIS SITE FOR FULL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ESSENTIAL OILS MUST NOT BE TAKEN INTERNALLY AND MUST ALWAYS BE DILUTED 

The safety section is at the bottom of the Holistic Therapies page

Ravensara is particularly good for preventing catching colds and flu, this can be added to bath water diluted in oil or a little milk or used via a burner.

Ravensara Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and grown in Madagascar. There it is referred to as “the oil that heals” because it is used for so many different conditions. It can also be distilled from the bark.

The best use of the oil is for lung and throat infections as well as chronic sinus inflammation and bronchitis inflammation. It is also helps protect against viral infections such as hepatitis, shingles and herpes.

Ravensara oil also supports the immune systemwhich is so important when you have any type of infection or challenged by any health condition.

Echinacea is believed to support the immune system and help defend the body against infections, so consider taking a course of this periodically, though NOT if you suffer from Autoimmune disorders.

Increase your levels of Vitamin C by eating foods rich in this  such as citrus fruits, potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables and increase your Zinc levels foods such as oysters, toasted wheat germ, veal liver, low fat roast beef, roasted pumpkin and squash seeds,dark chocolate and cocoa powder, lamb, peanuts, crab

For the initial stages of colds and sore throats dissolve half a teasp of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle (DON'T SWALLOW IT) as salt helps prevent infection

Remember too increased mucus and a runny nose are good signs that your immune system is working well

Article below from the Daily Mail.

Bunged up? Blowing your nose will make it WORSE 

Struggling with a blocked-up nose or stuffy feeling in the head? 

It’s that time of year, but while the temptation is to keep blowing your nose, it probably won’t help. 

A blocked nose from a common cold is caused not by mucus, but by swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels in the nasal airways, triggered by the infection, explains Dr Ayah Al Ayoubi, consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon at Chase Farm Hospital, London. 

Struggling with a blocked-up nose? It's that time of year, but while the temptation is to keep blowing your nose, it probably won't help

Not only will blowing not work, studies show that forceful nose blowing can propel some infection-laden mucus into the sinuses, where secondary bacterial infections may take hold.

So if you must blow your nose, it’s best to blow gently, one nostril at a time. 

And don’t bother inhaling the steam from a bowl of recently boiled water because that won’t help unblock your nose either. 

But what about an over-the-counter remedy?

Decongestants — in the form of tablets or medicated nasal sprays — contain different chemicals that work as vaso-constrictors. 

These narrow the small blood vessels in the nose, so reducing blood flow, which brings down the swelling and helps to open up the nasal airway so you can breathe more easily. 

 

However, such decongestants should be avoided by people with heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma or diabetes. 

That’s because the vaso-constricting drugs also work as stimulants, raising the heart rate and blood pressure. 

These problems are more common with oral tablets which provide a higher dose to the bloodstream than sprays because, if used properly, sprays should be limited to the vessels in your nose.  

Yet despite this, sprays are actually four to five times more effective than tablets as they are applied right at the source of the congestion, says Professor Ron Eccles, director of the common cold centre at Cardiff University. 

A spray is also unlikely to cause side-effects since the amount of medicine absorbed into the bloodstream from the nose is fairly limited. 

Sometimes a spray can cause more sneezing and a dry mouth or throat; tablets can cause raised heart rate and dizziness in some people.

Because of their stimulant effect, these products may well disturb your sleep, says Nicholas Eynon-Lewis, a consultant ENT surgeon at the London Nose Clinic. 

So if you do take an oral decongestant, it is better to do so during the day. This is not such a concern with the sprays.

Don’t use decongestants for more than a week, or you could end up with more severe congestion — rhinitis medicamentosa. 

Normally, the spray shrinks the tissue. But overuse of the drug causes the tissue to swell rather than shrink, making a blocked nose even worse.

And as the tissue swells, the medication stops working. 

Mr Eynon-Lewis adds that you should also limit use of sprays to no more than three times a day. 

Any kind of spray will only be effective if used properly, says Henry Sharpe, a consultant ENT surgeon at East Kent Hospital.

‘They need to go into the nose, rather than ending up down your throat, if you want them to work. 

'To do this, kneel on the floor with your head on the ground or lean over the edge of a table or chair so that your head is forward. Don’t use them sitting up.’ 

‘Once the drops are in your nose, stay in this position for a minute or two to let the drops work their way up to the top of the nose between the eyes.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2262414/Bunged-Blowing-nose-make-WORSE--winter-cold-expert-ideas-help-.html#ixzz2I8XC87QS 

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories

WEIGHT LOSS FRAGRANCE PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL

Now this is not a new discovery, this is something us Aromatherapists have been well aware of for years scroll down to the Aromatherapy Profile 'Patchouli essential oil' below. Patchouli is well known for reducing appetite and I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't the active ingredient. As for massaging it into areas to sculpt total nonsense as if this was possible, which it is not, then it would have to be licensed as a medication, total sales hype folks. Aromatherapy acts on the Limbic system of which the Hypothalamus is at the centre, the area of our brains that deals with our moods and emotions and maintains homeostasis within the body

Article from the Daily Mail below, followed by my profile on Patchouli essential oil

The world's first 'weight loss fragrance' revealed... and it already has a waiting list of over 6,000!
Designed to ‘slim with pleasure’, Prends-moi is based on extensive aromatherapeutic and ‘neurocosmetic’ research
75% felt the perfume limited the need to snack
73% felt a feeling of pleasure
From fad diets to savvy gadgets, there are hundred of products claiming to aid the all-important weight loss.
And now, the latest slimming aid comes in the form of a perfume bottle.
Prends–moi is the world’s first slimming fragrance from Velds that has been developed at the French perfume house Robertet.

The latest revolution in slimming comes in a small perfume bottle and costs £29.99
Makers claim the fragrance is designed to ‘slim with pleasure’ and is based on 'aromatherapeutic' and ‘neurocosmetic’ research.
The perfume contains ingredients which release B-endorphins present in the skin and a ‘pleasure message’ is transmitted through the brain triggering a sensation of well being and an increase in contentment reducing the need to overeat.


73% of testers felt a feeling of pleasure when applying the perfume
A ‘Slimming Complex’ formulated with caffeine, carnitine and spirulina extract activates the two key enzymes directly involved in lipolysis (fat degradation).
A trial study by BIO-EC of women aged between 18 and 70 years of age, who were not on a diet, found that 75% felt the perfume limited the need to snack and 73% felt a feeling of pleasure.
Generously spritz in the morning, as you would do with any perfume, and throughout the day when the need for snacking arises.
Further results can be achieved by very lightly massaging into targeted areas, morning and night to help sculpt and slim the contours of the body.
As for the smell, there are top notes, with lively accents of bergamot, mandarin and grapefruit.
With a low alcohol content, Prends-moi is perfect for those who love summer all year long.
But unfortunately you will have to join a fast-forming queue of over 6,000 eager customers who are desperate to get their hands on the bottles.


THE TRIAL RESULTS


A trial study by BIO-EC (Centre of Biological Research and Cutaneous Experimentation) of women aged between 18 and 70 years who were not either on a diet or medical or dermatological treatment during the whole duration of the study revealed the following results after 28 days of regular use:
• 82% felt a feeling of comfort after application
• 75% thought it had a pleasant fragrance and they would wear it every day
• 73% felt a feeling of pleasure
• 75% felt it limited the need to snack
• 70% felt a feeling of well being
• 70% felt it acting on their eating behaviour
Prends Moi 100ml is £29.99 and available at The Fragrance Shop


AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL PATCHOULI

Patchouli essential oil's value in skincare is incalculable. It is also great for fighting depression and anxiety. It has great diuretic properties and also helps break down cellulite, while stimulating the regeneration of skin cells, speeding up healing and preventing ugly scars forming when wounds heal. Patchouli oil has a rich musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. It is light yellow to dark brown in color and is a thick oil. It is a perennial, bushy plant that grows up to 1meter (3 feet) high, with a sturdy, hairy stem and large, fragrant, furry leaves, about four inches long and five inches across. It has whitish flowers tinged with purple. The plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as 'puchaput'. The word is derived from Hindustan word 'patch' meaning 'green' and 'ilai' meaning 'leaf.' It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England, to protect the merchandise from moths, and without this signature smell of dried patchouli leaves the shawls could not be sold in England. In the East, it is used in potpourris and sachets and place between linen, to keep bedbugs away, and it is the smell of patchouli oil, mixed with that of camphor, that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.  Patchouli oil is extracted from the young leaves which are dried and fermented prior to steam distillation and yields 2 - 3 %. This oil improves with age to have a fuller, more well rounded odor.

Chemical composition
The chemical components of patchouli oil are b-patchoulene, a-guaiene, caryophyllene, a-patchoulene, seychellene, a-bulnesene, norpatchoulenol, patchouli alcohol and pogostol.

Precautions
It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, but the smell of patchouli oil may be a little persistent for some people and large doses may cause loss of appetite in some individuals (thus can help curb appetite in aiding weight control). As usual do not use if suffering from epilepsy or in pregnancy and always in dilution.

Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of patchouli oil are antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic.

Patchouli oil has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits, fighting depression and anxiety. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.
It is effective for fungal and bacterial infection and is of great help for insect bites. It could also be used as an insect repellant and is also used as a support for dealing with any substance addiction.
With its excellent diuretic properties, it is effective in fighting water retention and to break up cellulite, easing constipation and helping to reduce overweight. Furthermore, it has a great deodorizing action, and helps when feeling hot and bothered, while cooling down inflammations and assisting with wound healing. On the skin, this oil is one of the most active and is a superb tissue regenerator, which helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. In wound healing, it not only promotes faster healing, but also helps to prevent ugly scarring when the wound heals. Patchouli oil is very effective in sorting out rough, cracked and overly dehydrated skin and is used to treat acne, acne, eczema, sores, ulcers, any fungal infections, as well as scalp disorders. Patchouli oil has a beneficial effect on the skin, helps for infections and insect bites, water retention and can help with stress related problems and addictions. 

  

Burners and vaporizers

In vapor therapy, patchouli oil can be used to fight anxiety and depression, while at the same time creating a very amorous atmosphere and acting as an insect repellent.

Blended massage oil or in the bath 

As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, patchouli oil can help to fight depression, skin and scalp complaints, fungal infections, fluid retention, help to break down cellulite and also assists with constipation, overweight and dermatitis.

Lotions and creams 

In a lotion or cream, patchouli oil can be used for general skin care, as it has superb tissue regenerating properties, to help rejuvenate the skin and stimulate the formation of new skin cells, while fighting infections. It also speeds up healing, while preventing the wound forming ugly scars and is effective for acne, eczema, weeping sores, ulcers, slow healing wounds, scalp disorders, as well as other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories

INSTIGATING THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (STRESS SOLUTIONS PART 3)

Minor raised blood pressure can easily be controlled by simple lifestyle changes, taking some exercise and no its not neccessary to take out a gym membership, brisk walking, taking the stairs rather than the lift, walking instead of driving. Loosing some weight, cutting out fatty foods, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol.

Now we know that the Sympathetic Nervous System increases blood pressure, so designed to help us survive in danger, though we no longer have the same dangers today as we did in evolution and we know the body can't differentiate between modern stressors and those centuries ago. Modern stressors tend to go on for long periods of time, this is bad for us, so to combat the effects of the SNS we need to "fool" the body into believing the stress is over and triggering the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The PSN reverses all the effects of the SNS, so therefore blood pressure will fall, the heart rate will slow down, respirations will become slower and deeper, blood will begin flowing to the extremities such as the skin and hair this is due to adrenaline no longer being produced as adrenaline causes vaso contraction (arterioles tiny arterial vessels narrow, this causes a rise in blood pressure as the volume of blood has less of an area in which to flow, blood is diverted from the skin and hair) and the digestive system will start functioning properly. 

Many types of therapies can instigate the PSN one of the simplest and cheapest, as it needs no financial outlay is Meditation. Some people may find meditation difficult as it does take a bit of mind discipline as the idea is to empty your mind of current thoughts and you do get better with practice. By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency. If we train in meditation systematically, eventually we will be able to eradicate from our mind the delusions that are the causes of all our problems and suffering. In this way, we will come to experience a permanent inner peace. There are many ways to learn the art of meditation, you can join a class and meditate within a group and by being part of a group it does help and you can discuss any difficulties you may experience but equally a cheaper option is to use a guided mediation CD and this is very effective, remember practice makes perfect. Meditation instills an inner calm so effectively you are working on the Hypothalamus, the area of moods and emotions within the brain, by practicing meditation you trigger the PSN. There are a number of articles on Meditation included 'A guided meditation' on my site here.

Any kind of massage will also trigger the PSN, it does this in the following ways. Massage stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin due to the specialised cells within the Dermis, Mast cells, to release Histamine, what histamine does is to cause vaso dilation (the tiny arteries arterioles to dilate) this means that the blood is able to flow over a wider area over the body to the skin, this then takes the strain of the heart and reduces blood pressure. The skin and hair will of course will get a better blood supply so increased nourishment for them. 

When we are stressed we inadvertedly tense up our muscles particularly in the area of the neck and upper back, this can lead to tension headaches, by working on the muscles in massage you ease the tension so this can ease those tension aches and aches in the neck and back.

Whenever we touch one another there is an exchange of energy, think back to childhood when you fell over, didn't your mother rubbing or kissing the affected area feel better. Touch is fundamental and massage has been practised as a therapy from ancient times, it is comforting and healing. Massage comforts and soothes, eases tension stimulates peripheral blood flow, this stimulates the PSN.

With Aromatherapy massage it works in two ways, the massage alone is beneficial as I have described but the use of certain essential oils affect the body by evoking a reaction in the hypothalamus via the limbic system (specialsed nerve cells within the upper portion of the nose pick up the tiny molecules of the essential oils these cells are connected to the hypothalamus. The other way essential oils work is by absorption through the skin into the blood stream whereby the can also evoke a reaction in the hypothalamus as  well as being the home of moods and emotions it maintains homeostasis in the body. Different essential oils create different effects in the body and most of them do relax the body but there are those that can raise the blood pressure such as Hysop,  Rosemary, Sage and Thyme, these have a stimulating effect.

In the next article I will explain how other holistic therapies work and further ways of dealing with stress.

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories

AROMATHERAPY LIME ESSENTIAL OIL

One of my favourite essential oils is Lime it can help lift depression and lighten your mood when feeling blue also useful to fight cellulite and to tone the skin in general.

Oil properties

Lime oil has a sharp, citrus peel smell and is pale yellow to light olive in colour.

Extraction 

Lime oil can be extracted by expression or by distillation - the peel of the unripe skin by cold expression or the peel and /or the whole ripe fruit by steam distillation. Steam distilled Lime essential oil tends not to have a phototoxic effect on the skin.

Precautions

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising if the oil is obtained by steam extraction, yet the oil obtained from cold expression can cause photosensitivity in strong sunshine and can irritate the skin.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of lime oil are antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative and tonic.

Therapeutic effects 

Lime oil is useful to cool fevers associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune system while easing coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as helping asthma. Lime oil can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.

It can be helpful for arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, as well as for obesity and cellulite and has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.

Summary

Lime oil is beneficial to the immune system, easing infection in the respiratory tract and relieving pain in muscles and joints, while revitalising a tired mind and banishing the feeling of apathy, anxiety and depression.

• Burners and vaporisers
• In vapour therapy, lime oil can be used to lift depression and energise a tired mind, while easing breathing and assisting the digestion.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath
• Lime oil can be used as a massage oil or diluted in the bath, to help with painful muscles and joints, respiratory problems and cellulite, as well as when colds and flu strike.
• Cream or lotion
• When used in a cream or lotion, it is helpful to clear oily congested skin and is also often used to help fight cellulite and remove the cottage cheese effect from the skin.

Lime essential oil blends well with

Although most essential oils blend well with one another, Lime oil blends particularly well with neroli, lavender, clary sage and ylang-ylang. I also find it blends well with Benzoin

AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer. 

These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner. 

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should be avoided as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.

Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.

Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with some other health conditions. If in doubt always consult a qualified practioner

Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.

Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.

Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.

Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Essential oils are flammable. Keep them out of the way of fire hazards.

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL, WONDROUS STUFF (AROMATHERAPY)

Funny how your intuition throws things up I had been discussing this recently so I've posted this as I found this by chance in the Daily Mail archives, but Tea Tree oil is something I am very passionate about being an Aromatherapist myself. There are only two essential oils that can be used neat on the skin one is Lavender the other is Tea Tree, however there are a few certain individuals who may be sensitive to neat Tea Tree. 

It makes me laugh that scientists have only discovered how wonderful this essential oil is, its use goes back centuries and was used by the native Aborigines in Australia as a cure oil. All essential oils are antiseptic but some are more potent than others and Tea Tree falls into this category. Many too are antifungal and I would say Lemongrass is more so but that cannot be used neat and not on the intimate tissues of the body where Tea Tree can however diluted of course (PLEASE READ MY SECTION ON HOLISTIC THERAPIES FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS)

One particular brand I would recommend to have in your home for its effectiveness is: 

Australian Body Care http://www.australian-bodycare.co.uk/

The wonders of Tea Tree oil

Scientists believe that tea tree oil's remarkable properties are due to 100 different 'medicinal' chemical constituents.
Here we tell you why it makes an essential addition to your family medicine chest.
Bacterial Infections Mounting evidence suggests that tea tree oil may treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections such as the superbug MRSA better than orthodox antiseptic skin preparations.
Because of its multiple resistance to conventional antibiotics, MRSA can often flourish unchecked in wounds, causing problems with the healing process and, in the worst cases, blood poisoning, gangrene and even death.
Researchers at the University of Western Australia found that every MRSA strain they tested was killed by a 0.5 pc solution of the oil - a finding recently replicated in Britain by Giles Elsom, a microbiologist at the University of East London.
'We've found tea tree oil to be safe and effective in cases where conventional, more toxic, anti-microbial treatments have failed,' says Mr Elsom.
Thrush Tea tree oil is effective against the Candida albicans yeast that causes thrush. In a study published in the Journal Of Anti-Microbial Chemotherapy, a concentration as low as 0.25 pc killed 90 pc of Candida albicans samples grown in the laboratory.
Julia Lawless, author of Tea Tree Oil (Thorsons, £3.99), recommends treating thrush with a solution made by mixing 20 drops of tea tree oil in 100ml purified water.
For vaginal thrush, a tampon soaked in this solution should be inserted in the vagina, and changed every 24 hours.
For oral thrush, Lawless recommends diluting pure tea tree oil to 50 pc with water and dabbing this solution on the affected area with a cotton bud twice daily for three days.
Athlete's Foot Research shows that tea tree oil can also ease athlete's foot. In a study at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, New South Wales, tea tree oil was equally as effective as a standard anti-fungal treatment at relieving the scaling, inflammation, itching and burning caused by the infection. Julia Lawless recommends treating athlete's foot by applying neat oil to clean, dry toes.
Cuts and Grazes According to Professor Tom Riley of the University of Western Australia's Department of Microbiology, tea tree oil used at the right concentration is a good antiseptic and disinfectant for domestic use, and can be used for abrasions and cuts.
'The chemical composition of tea tree oil means it has the ability to penetrate the skin extremely well, which previous antiseptics and disinfectants have not done,' says Professor Riley. 'It also has some anaesthetic effects, which may help to stop it stinging.'
Julia Lawless suggests applying a few drops of neat tea tree oil to cleaned cuts and grazes before applying an adhesive plaster.
Acne Researchers compared the effects of a water-based gel containing 5 pc tea tree oil with a lotion providing the same concentration of benzoyl peroxide (a standard pharmaceutical treatment).
Clinical assessment and self-reporting of side-effects demonstrated that tea tree oil was not as fast-acting as benzoyl peroxide, but was equally successful at reducing the number of blackheads, whiteheads and acne spots after three months. Tea tree oil was also far better tolerated by facial skin.
Oral Hygiene Researchers at Zurich University have demonstrated that tea tree oil is highly active against the oral bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and conditions such as gingivitis, mouth ulcers and bad breath. Laboratory tests performed on volunteers by Thursday Plantation Laboratories, the world's first commercial plantation producers of tea tree oil, confirm these findings.
How safe is Tea Tree Oil? Robert Riedl, technical manager at Thursday Plantation Laboratories, says: 'Always buy oil from a reputable source. Brown bottles, which are designed to keep out sunlight, are best. 'But at the very least make sure that you keep the oil in a well-sealed glass container in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
'Sensitive skin may still react to the neat oil, but specially formulated shampoos, antiseptic creams, lozenges and soaps contain lower, but still effective, concentrations that are much less likely to irritate.
'To be effective, shampoo should provide 1pc to 2 pc tea tree oil, antiseptic skin creams at least 5 pc and soap around 2pc.'

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories

HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN HEART

How to heal a broken heart

When you truly love someone part of your auric field reaches out like a tentacle to the other person and if that relationship is broken up, part of your auric field is broken off with them. This leads to a feeling that part of you is missing, which is true because it is. This leads to that awful empty feeling and a hole in your heart. However a cutting ties exercise can help you get that bit back.

Click here for Cutting ties Ritual

Even if you were the one to break off the relationship you can still find that empty feeling within, so its worthwhile doing the exercise.

You will find this exercise is no fast cure, nothing is, for if you had genuine feelings for someone, you are not going to get over it quickly and if you do, it certainly wasn't love but infatuation. I guarantee though if you repeat this exercise it will get easier and easier till you find you no longer feel you need to do it.

The use of crystals can be very therapeutic and two in particular are very beneficial Rose Quartz and Aventurine. Pink and green respectively these are the colours of the heart chakra, both are very soothing crystals. I refer to the green variety of Aventurine as it does come in shades of yellow, reddish brown to blue green. Aventurine releases fear and anxiety and is is said to increase confidence, and gratitude, promotes emotional tranquility and positive attitudes. Rose Quartz, which is a delicate shade of pink as the name suggests is a heart-healing gemstone can be used for treating any issue that needs emotional healing. It's a crystal that carries a very gentle and soothing energy and gives comfort to anyone whose heart has been wounded. It encourages self love, heals emotional body, eases heartache, relieves loneliness, releases repressed hurts, often as sight and may encourage weeping, but these are healing tears, promotes forgiveness and  offers inner peace. Meditation with these crystals placed close to the heart are very healing but not to worry if you are not the best at meditation, carrying the crystals close to you, ideally close to your heart in a pocket or tucked in a bra are beneficial.

Click the link here for cleansing and tuning crystals.

Aromatherapy is also good at alleviating the depression associated with a broken relationship most of the citrus essential oils lift the spirit and the lethargy that accompanies it. The citrus essential oils are sweet orange, lemon grapefruit, tangerine, pettigrain and neroli. If you find that you are feeling sleepless Lavender will help with this and an alternative if you find citrus aromas are not your thing. What is important with aromatherapy it has to smell pleasant to you, if you don't like the aroma its not the correct essential oil for you. Clary Sage is very good at dealing with paranoia however drinking alcohol whilst using clary sage will intensify the effects of the alcohol and not to be recommended. Clary Sage can rarely affect some people like catnip does to cats and induces a feeling of euphoria so must be used sparingly. Lastly for the loss of confidence during the healing process you cannot beat Rose.

Click the link here for safety instructions and how to use essential oils.

Reiki too is a wonderful holistic therapy which has the ability to send healing to the past as well as the present and the future and works on all aspects mind body and spirit. Its very gentle in action and very good at releasing hurt and anger which often accompanies a broken heart, it has a cumulative effect and I have had excellent results on clients.

Click the link here for more about Reiki


Spell work

A SIMPLE HEART HEALING SPELL

Doing this simple Heart Healing spell three times a day (just like you would take a prescription pill), morning, noon and night for 9 (3x3) days WILL significantly improve your energy flow and your health and happiness if you are suffering; I also recommend to use this spell at any time you experience a real "heart ache", because that is your sign that your heart of energy needs attention, and to make sure it gets the energy it needs to stay healthy.

The Heart Healing Spell

Place both your healing hands flat on the center of your chest, take a deep breath and speak the following words:

I place my own healing hands
on my own dear heart
with the gentleness
and with exquisite care;
the care I would afford
a tiny frozen bird
I found here on my doorstep.

Here, with my gentle healing hands
my touch brings warmth and life;
to right what once went wrong;
to heal what once was broken.

Fear not, my love.
I will do all I can do for you.
For sure, I am no angel
but what I have to give,
I give to you.


 CALMING THE MIND AND SPIRIT TO BRING PEACE

You will need 4 purple candles, a lavender incense and a chalice full of warm brewed chamomile tea.

While sitting in a dark quit area place the 4 candles around you at the four directions. The incense is to be placed at your right side while the chalice is to be held at your left.

Light the candles, sit for a few minutes with eyes closed meditating. Then call the goddess of your choice to aid you with relaxing. Light your incense, inhale its fragrance deeply and say: by light and love I Invoke the powers of love and tranquility to enter in me, So Mote it Be!

Drink a sip of tea and say the phrase once again. Now sit calmly and finish your tea and feel your inner self relaxing. When your have finished the tea, put out the candles and leave the incense burn out. Thank the goddess and feel free of your anxiety.

HAPPINESS/COMFORT SPELL

You Will Need:

• Jasmine oil
• Freshly picked flower (any kind will do)
• Paper + Pen
• Candle (Any Color)
• Container

The Spell: Write down on a piece of paper who or what makes you sad or angry and burn the paper saying: 

"I burn this paper to bring me happiness." Then drip the jasmine oil on the flowers and burn the flowers saying: "I burn these flowers to bring me comfort." Pour the ashes into the container while saying: "Akasha (the goddess), bring me happiness and bring me comfort." Repeat it three times then put the container somewhere cool. (I.e. fridge).

Lastly no matter how you are feeling don't try and exert revenge or hold a grudge all that will do is harm your own soul by hanging onto negativity. Try and see it this way, the Universe knows what is best for us, perhaps the relationship was not at the right time or there is someone out there that will help us grow. If you still feel you have a soul connecton, let the other person go with unconditional love and if he or she truly loves you, the Universe and love will find away.

The old adage that time heals is a true one, you are in effect grieving for the love you once had and now lost, grieving is a healing process, it takes time but you will get through it for a new door to open the old door has to close.

MPB (C)

Maggie Brown (Author)

Visit Amazon's Maggie Brown Page

Find all the books, read about the author, and more.

Top Stories