Aromatherapy 101: Using Lemon Essential Oil

These days we can buy supercritical carbon dioxide extract of tropical Hibiscus seeds grown in Ecuador, or certified organic combined fractions of Ylang Ylang essential oil — so Lemon essential oil is just not that interesting anymore! But the practitioner interested in therapeutic activity should never forget how amazing Lemon really is. It has a very diverse set of effects, which comes down to it being a great “pick me up” any way you look at it. Here’s a review of these effects, and how you can very easily make use of them every day.

Many people are introduced to Lemon essential oil by someone suggesting putting a few drops in their water throughout the day. It may be to simply make tap water taste better, make the water “cleaner”, or a suggestion to enhance detoxification and even weight loss. Well, the reality is that Lemon will do all these things! While there’s a pervading miss-perception that essential oils should not be ingested, it’s clear that this is actually an oil directly from a food we might eat every day (ok, so we don’t eat the peels, but no one ever said they would kill you!)

In terms of making the water cleaner, Lemon essential oil is noted to kill Diphtheria bacteria at a 0.2% concentration. This converts to 10 drops in about 8 ounces of water. This is a little bit strong — a very lemony flavor — and 5 drops at any one time is a more common amount to consume (unless you feel your water is really in need of purification). The oil is also thought to be an excellent detoxifyer for the liver and the lymph system. For this, add 5 drops to a cup of water and drink on an empty stomach. This can be done first thing in the morning, an excellent time for purification of the body. So you can see, adding a little Lemon to your water is a great idea just for taste, for purification of the water itself, and for personal detoxification — easy to do and very worthwhile!

Lemon has a gentle yet effective antiseptic action, yet this effect for the skin is outweighed by the way it will make the skin more sensitive to UV light. It’s ok to use it on areas that will not be exposed to direct sunlight for the following forty-eight hours. The oil is noted in many aromatherapy texts for wart removal — here, because the areas affected are so small, there’s little chance of danger. Just use one drop on the wart, a few times per day. The best cleaning application for Lemon is not the skin, however — it’s actually the oil that’s most used in natural, home made cleaning recipes. A wonderful all-purpose cleaner can be made by mixing two cups each of pure water and white vinegar, then adding twenty to thirty drops of essential oil. Use this on every kitchen surface, and even your windows — you’ll have a clean fresh scent in the house like never before.

Some of the most impressive and unexpected therapeutic effects of Lemon essential oil are simply from its aroma. Battaglia in “The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy” notes the: “oil is reputed to have High Vibrations, which can lift the spirits and overcome mental fatigue…(it) clears the mind very effectively and is said to aid in the decision making process without over-stimulating”. The oil’s vapor, as one would experience with a diffuser has a scientifically-researched anti-depressant, anti-anxiety action. Interestingly, the aroma interacts with both our dopamine and serotonin systems to produce this effect.

It’s not just an emotional pick-me-up Lemon offers, but one to our calculating brains as well. Research in Japan showed office workers reducing their errors by nearly one-half when inhaling the aroma. The essential oil has been the focus of university research which clearly indicated chemical changes in our gray matter: Lemon essential oil reduces the rate at which acetylcholine is broken down, making more available for use. Acetylcholine is the primary information-processing neurotransmitter — so whether its from putting a smile on our faces or making more neurotransmitters available, simple lemon oil is a great choice for students when studying, the office environment, or anytime a little mental clarity is called for.

Just a quick look at Lemon oil reveals an amazing diversity of therapeutic actions that we may not have known it had. It’s a very worthwhile essential oil with so many uses, it can be the perfect start to those just getting into aromatherapy, or for the long-time practitioner interested in incorporating another oil into their already pleasant-smelling lives!

The author is a consultant for Ananda Aromatherapy. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy supplies & essential oil blends through the website.

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Your Chiropractor: Help For Sports Injuries

Time and time again, professional and amateur athletes find themselves sitting on the sideline with an injury that could have been prevented. If the injuries don’t respond to conventional treatment, the athlete may continue to practice or play through the pain to show everyone how tough or how dedicated they are.

Unfortunately, this kind of behavior may result in further injury and can very often make whatever was wrong before even harder to cure in the long run. Pain killers may mask the symptoms of an injury, but just like playing through the pain, unless something is done to address the root of the issue before the injury gets worse through overstressing or overuse, permanent damage can be the result.

As much as any healthcare field, chiropractic is perfect for sports injuries as it can provide a tailored approach to solving the problem. Chiropractic cannot fix a broken ankle, but in with the addition of some complementary therapies, chiropractic can address the source of the problem. For example, addressing posture or balance that may have lead to the broken ankle in the first place.

In this way, chiropractic is more of a preventative health process, and as any athlete or sports player knows, it is far better to prevent an injury in the first place than it is to work on an injury once it has already occurred.

These days, more professional athletes are coming out to publicly proclaim the benefits of chiropractic. From runners, to bodybuilders, to football stars, it seems like everyone has something to gain from keeping their spines in the right alignment. Even more, chiropractic does not just prevent injuries, it can also enhance your game. There can be a huge amount of pressure on athletes to perform at the highest of levels.

This is what sometimes leads athletes to lose sight of why they got into the game in the first place and turn to illegal and harmful steroids. With chiropractic, all of the harmful stuff isn’t necessary. Chiropractic is perfect for the athlete that wants to live up to their full potential physically.

Some athletes get adjusted before the game, kind of a pre-game “tune up. This allows the athlete to be better balanced, have better blood flow, more energy, and less stress. The San Francisco 49ers swore by chiropractic in the 1980s, citing it as one of the reasons they managed to win four championships during that decade.

In concert with other sports therapy techniques, chiropractic is a great treatment for just about anything from strains and sprains to bursitis and tennis elbow. It does not involve any invasive surgery or potentially dangerous chemical drugs, and still it works wonders.

Philip Vincent is a health educator. Need a Chicago Chiropractor? Consider a visit to this Chicago Chiropractor.

The Many Important Health Effects Of Frankincense Essential Oil

Oh the mysterious Frankincense — it really holds a special status in the world of natural medicine. What other plant extract has been valued as highly as gold, sought after by kings, and been one of the world’s most recognized birthday presents? There must be something to it too, as university’s around the world have found it important enough to spend significant sums investigating its medicinal effects. What follows is a summary of the great benefits of this nearly magical oil, and how you can make use of it.

“Frankincense” refers to the dried resin of the Olibanum tree or shrub. A great many varieties of the essential oil are available, from 3 different species and two distillation technologies. The resin is typically collected in the wild — no need to worry about finding a “certified organic source, as wild-crafting produces the purest, cleanest of all natural medicines. The most popular botanical variety is Boswellia carteri, the species also with the greatest amount of scientific research backing its medicinal use. The aroma is lovely, with fruity and woody notes combining to make a very uplifting scent. Boswellia seratta from India produces an oil with a deep and mysterious scent, treasured for its great aroma-therapeutic value.

Modern natural medicine and aromatherapy have taken to the use of the essential oil of Frankincense. The oil, having a warm, woody, sweet aroma with a hint of citrus, is steam or CO2 distilled from the resin. There are several species of Olibanum tree from which the resin is collected and the essential oil distilled, the most popular being Boswellia “carteri” and Boswellia “seratta”. Carteri has been the most widely researched for medical applications, and seratta is appreciated for its rich, exotic aroma. The new modern CO2 distillations are more likely to contain the same healthful compounds as the historically-used resin. One of America’s leading medical aromatherapist notes, regarding the production of essential oil from the resin, “It could be that the (health-related) substances in question are too polar and too large a molecular size to appear in steam distillates – their presence would be more likely in CO2 extracts.”

The very wide range of therapeutic applications is one of the most appealing features of Frankincense. First off, it is highly revered for its use in skin care, particularly for mature skin that may be prematurely aging due so sun exposure. The desert-source of the plant material makes this use almost obvious. Extracts of the resin have even been the subject of double-blind studies, where one have of each participant’s face received the preparation with the “active ingredient”. The result was a significant improvement in skin texture (a measurable decrease in roughness), as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. To benefit from the oil this way, you could add 4 to 12 drops per ounce to a cream or lotion you’re already using, or if making up a new formula, use the essential oil at a concentration between .5% and 2%.

Boswellic-acid creams are becoming popular in over-the-counter topical pain relieving formulas. These are simple extracts of Frankincense resin, which are available to you in the form of the CO2 distillations. The extracts are highly anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and can be excellent ingredients in massage formulas for any sort of joint pain. The oil will blend in a synergistic manner with other pain relieving and anti-inflammatory essential oils such as Helichrysum, Ginger, Black Pepper and Marjoram. Simply mixing all these oils together, using a 1 to 2 percent concentration of each in any carrier oil, will make a fine arthritis care recipe.

Perhaps the most impressive therapeutic potential of Frankincense lay in its now extensively researched anti-cancer activity. The resin and its extracts have been shown to specifically target cancer cells in a number of different organs, causing apoptosis (normal cell death, which doesn’t “normally” occur in cancer cells) to the cancerous cells, leaving healthy ones unaffected. While treatment protocols are still a ways off, it is possible to include daily doses of Frankincense as a protective measure. The essential oil is rapidly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream — small doses can also reasonably be ingested with the guide of a natural health professional.

Not to be overlooked, the aroma-therapy aspect of the essential oil is just as impressive as the rest of its uses. The aroma of the carteri species has uplifting citrus and woody notes, and is considered an excellent antidepressant. That of the seratta is grounding and calming, lending itself to meditative use and deep introspection. Leading therapists have discussed the ability of the aroma to slow the breath, actually deepening it so that more air transpires, and fewer breaths per minute are taken. This has interesting implications, noting that some physicians believe the human lifespan can be counted in the number of breaths taken, rather than the number of heartbeats. Either way, the stress-relieving effect of the oil is almost certain to lead one to better health!

With the incredible history Frankincense has as a natural healer, we are especially fortunate at this time to have it readily available to us in many forms. The new CO2 extracts make it especially easy to utilize for every one of is therapeutic actions. This form is a wonderful way to add a little of this highly revered medicine to your life, to the potential benefit of your mind, body and soul.

For more, visit The Ananda Apothecary and Organic Herb Medicinals.

What Makes A Great Essential Oil? It’s All In The Chemistry

Chemistry. Already getting nervous? The chemistry chapters of essential oil texts are the most frequently skipped, even by natural health professionals. But it can be fun and useful…really! Knowing what essential oils are made of, and how this affects their aroma and therapeutic value can have a big impact on the efficacy of your aromatherapy practice. Understanding the basics can help you make better choices in essential oils, and better choices in their application. Plus, this can give you the foundation for further understanding of true “medical aromatherapy”, as practiced in much of the rest of the world. So here’s a primer on the chemistry of essential oils, with some common examples and important tips to help you grow as a holistic medicine practitioner.

So what is it that makes an essential oil different than every other oil we’re familiar with? They don’t feel the same, they don’t act the same, and they certainly don’t smell the same. Essential oils and the so-called “fixed” oils (you may also know them as carrier or base oils – like Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Evening Primrose, etc) are distinctly different in their molecular structure. While both essential and fixed oils share common basic atomic elements of Carbon and Hydrogen, that’s really where the similarity ends. Fixed oils are made of triglyceride structures – three long chains of carbon atoms, with hydrogens bonded at various places. The length of the chains and the position and number of hydrogens define the nature of the oil; if hydrogens are bonded to every available location, the oil is “saturated’, for example. One missing hydrogen is “mono-unsaturated’, more than one is “poly-unsaturated’. The long chains and relative consistency of the molecular structures makes fixed oils “oily’, and does not allow them to evaporate quickly.

Essential oils are “volatile” oils – oils that DO easily evaporate. Their chains of carbon atoms to which the hydrogens attach are not as long or heavy, and are much more complex. Many essential oil structures are not really chains, but ring, or multi-ringed shapes with diverse sub-units – called “functional groups” – sticking out in various directions. Like their fixed oil counterparts, essential oils are lipophillic – meaning “fat liking”. The fat-liking nature of both fixed and essential oils makes them easily absorbed by our bodies. Because of their typically smaller structures however, essential oils are absorbed more rapidly than fixed oils, and can easily penetrate deep into the body. Despite their plant origins, this lipophillic nature of essential oils makes their profound healing action on the human body possible.

The therapeutic action of an essential oil is primarily determined by the “functional groups” found in the molecules that make up that oil. An essential oil is actually made up of many individual molecular constituents. Each of these natural chemicals is formed of a carbon-hydrogen structure with a functional group attached. It is the combination of the base structure AND the attached functional group that makes a single, unique molecule. And MANY of these unique molecules combine to form ONE essential oil.

The extremely complex nature of essential oils becomes apparent from this description. There are an almost infinite number of molecular combinations that can be formed from the building blocks of chains, rings and functional groups. And any SINGLE essential oil is made of many, sometimes even hundreds of these molecular combinations. Yet while this may sound complex, you needn’t know ALL the chemical details to use oils therapeutically. It IS helpful to know that each oil is made of many molecular forms, that all the molecules within each oil exert some biologic effect, and that it is the SYNERGY of ALL these molecules together that create the sum total of an oil’s therapeutic action AND its aroma. Nearly every laboratory study comparing complete, pure essential oils to one singled-out molecule that was thought the “active ingredient” shows the essential oil to be more active.

The best natural, undiluted, properly distilled essential oils with all the major and minor chemical constituents will have the finest aromas AND the most potent therapeutic action. Many factors in an essential oil’s production affect the total number and relative amounts of individual chemicals found in the final product. These include where the plant was grown, soil and climate conditions, time of harvest, distillation equipment, plus the time, temperature and pressure of distillation. This can give you an idea as to why two varieties of the same oil can smell so different: The full, beautiful bouquet of a fine essential oil will contain a myriad of notes, telling you that all natural components are present and in balanced amounts.

As an example, let’s look at Lavender, the most commonly used of all essential oils. More than 50 individual molecules are present in a high-quality Lavender. As noted earlier, all of these chemicals work together to produce a therapeutic effect. For example, “linalool” is antiviral and antibacterial; “linalyl acetate” is also emotionally calming; other constituents including cineol, limonene, alpha-pinene and others are all noted for specific biologic and aromatic activity. It is the combined, balanced action of these chemicals that make lavender such a useful healing agent – no one chemical can be singled out and used to give the same profound results.

What does this mean to the lay-practitioner? That it’s important to find a nice smelling lavender oil! Each of the individual chemicals has a distinct smell, talked about in terms of “notes” within the overall lavender aroma. A precise amount of each will create a certain Lavender aroma. Some Lavenders are more sweet (and therefore more relaxing), others are more herbaceous (and more anti-microbial). There can be significantly different aromas from the same species of plant, even when the essential oils are of the highest quality. It is most often the essential oil that smells the most “true” to you that will be the most beneficial. Your senses can naturally detect what is good for you and what is not, if you’re willing to listen to them impartially.

For the most therapeutic benefit, it is always best to use true, carefully-made essential oils. To do this, find a source that is dedicated to supplying only the highest grades of oils. Examine their product’s aromatic quality and business practices and so that you are comfortable with their dedication to your health. Listen to your intuition and your own nose; they won’t lie to you! With experience, your ability to discern between subtly different grades of oils will become more astute. And you’ll understand what it is about the oil, chemically, that makes it unique.

The author is a natural health professional utilizing aromatherapy and essential oil blends.

Tea Tree, Lemon and More: Using the Antiseptic Action of Essential Oils

The anti-bacterial action of essential oils may be their most studied effect, in-part because these are simple experiments to perform. Place a piece of filter paper saturated with an essential oil in the center of a petri dish and watch the growth, or lack of, bacteria around the paper. The larger the area where bacteria do not grow, the stronger the action of that particular essential oil inhibiting that particular strain of microbe. This test, known as an Aromatogram, was popularized by French scientist Paul Belaiche. Through extensive research, large tables of data now allow aromatherapists to quickly find the most efficacious oils once the infecting species of bacteria is known. But you don’t have to be a scientist to make use of this information – there are many simple, effective means for using essential remedies for yourself and your family and children as part of a holistic natural health program for your household.

Essential oils derive their antimicrobial effect from their unique chemical makeup. Each single, pure essential oil consists of several, sometimes hundreds of distinct natural chemicals. Many of these have antimicrobial activity, and show synergistic effects; blends of the chemicals – as found naturally in the oils – can be more potent than any individual chemical alone. Many studies have shown that Carvacrol, the primary molecule found in oil of Oregano, has exceptionally strong antimicrobial activity. Further studies have noted the combination of Carvacrol and Thymol (a minor constituent of the same oil) to be more potent than either of them alone. So the next time you might reach for Neosporin or rubbin alcohol, you might consider that the remedies nature has made will likely work better.

There’s evidence for an incredible spectrum of antimicrobial action from essential oils, yet it is important to select the right oils in the right amounts. Topical application of Oregano and Thyme may be the best solution for a case of stubborn nail fungus, yet these oils are far too intense for use on soft tissue of any kind except in the most dilute blends. Often a combination of a potent antiseptic with a known soothing oil can improve the overall effectiveness. Here we will briefly profile these highly-regarded oils, and look at some formulas and methods of application: Tea Tree, Lavender, Oregano, Geranium, and Lemon.

Tea Tree may be the hands-down most popular antiseptic essential oil. Tea Tree is a must for every natural first aid kit for the home. One of the safest and most effective ways of controlling minor infections is the immediate intervention action of Tea Tree. Tea tree’s tolerability allows it to be used for longer periods of time without the slightest irritation. A drop on a Band-Aid can keep the reddening indication of infection from children’s cuts and scrapes, and when combined with Lavender, makes a soothing rendition of popular over-the-counter antibacterials. Tea tree can also be used directly on minor wounds for those with less sensitive skin, and is highly useful as an acne treatment – some individuals can use it ‘neat’, while others should dilute it in Hazelnut oil (a ‘non-oily’ base oil that will not exacerbate an over-oily skin condition).

Lavender is the most versatile essential oils in use today, and in fact began the modern medical aromatherapy revolution through its quick healing of burns by a French cosmetics chemist. The cooling aroma disperses heat and inflammation and brings relief from pain, spasms, and general unrest. With its calming and balancing properties, the oil is exceptionally supportive of relaxation and rest. Lavender imparts this action in healing wounds as well; for healing unbroken skin such as burns, apply Lavender ‘neat’ to the wound several times a day; insect bites also get a ‘neat’ treatment. For cuts and scrapes, keep a equal mix of Lavender and Tea Tree on hand for the best all-purpose antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving solution. Moms will really appreciate the synergy of the antibacterial nature of Tea Tree and the soothing effects of Lavender.

While the Tea Tree and Lavender blend gives us a formula for regular use, Oregano is the all-time heavy-hitter of essential oils for antimicrobial action. Oregano is serious medicine; it has been the subject of many successful scientific evaluations. Interest in the oil’s efficacy growing in amongst the world’s medical practitioners as infectious microbes become more and more resistant to synthetic antibiotics. Pure oil of Oregano is exceptionally strong – too strong for topical application except in the most stubborn cases, and then only with careful attention. Oregano holds the most promise as a systemic antimicrobial; Oregano oil can be found in enteric-coated (for targeting parasites and bacteria in the intestines) and regular capsules for support of the immune system during illness. Consult a qualified medical practitioner for dosage recommendations.

With a softer aroma and gentle effect on skin, Geranium is versatile choice for frequent use. Known as the ‘flower of constancy’, Geranium helps to lift the spirits and bring joy and happiness to one’s daily activity. Harmonizing and balancing, Geranium essential oil has the quality of equalizing hormonal and emotional extremes. These properties extends to the skin, where it creates balance between oily and dry states; Geranium helps to cleanse the skin while restoring balance, tone, and suppleness (try including in your skin care formulas at 0.5% to 3%). A non-drying, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and general tonic, Geranium is traditionally indicated as a remedy for acne, dermatitis, eczema, and weeping wounds. Geranium essential oil is one of the few that has been used successfully against the MRSA bacteria in laboratory studies. The ‘asperum’ sub-species (also known as Egyptian Geranium) is generally considered the most potent Geranium for its antimicrobial action, with a wonderful sweet and herbaceous aroma.

Lemon essential oil is a powerful antiseptic and bactericide that performs many tasks around the house, as well as for your health. Lemon has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system, additionally providing relief from insect bites and tension headaches. Use this pleasant antimicrobial blend with confidence to clean counter tops, windows, and door handles: 2 drops each of Lemon, Pine, and Eucalyptus Radiata essential oils in 4 ounces of distilled or spring water (distilled water dries without leaving haze from mineral deposits). Keep a spray bottle of this solution handy for your day-to-day cleaning.

There are many, many choices for antibacterial and antiseptic essential oils – these are a few of the most commonly used oils with a broad range of applications. Many oils, particularly when properly blended, can have greater specificity for your individual needs. There are many excellent books available by reputable authors – ‘Advanced Aromatherapy’ and ‘Medical Aromatherapy’ by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, and any of the books by Valerie Worwood are worth investigating to further your knowledge in the practical application of essential oils. These books cover the safe use of essential oils in general, and specific conditions you’ll want to be aware of when delving deeper into aromatherapy. In selecting essential oils over synthetic preparations, you’ll find great satisfaction making the natural choice for yourself and your family.

For more resources on using essential oils and Bach flower essences therapeutically, visit the Ananda Apothecary.

Tinnitus And Vertigo

Few days back, i had a patient having persistent noise in ear along with dizziness.

Tinnitus is not actually a health condition, but rather a symptom of another underlying condition.

It may also cause ear defect, proliferation of microorganisms, food poisoning, swelling of body, deafness and heart problems.

People with this condition hear ringing, buzzing, whistling, sassing or chirping sounds which aren’t caused externally. This can be the only symptom but oftentimes, as with my client, hearing loss and/or sound sensitivity.

As with my client, it was likely a combination of things. He had been a baggage supervisor for an airline and had spent many years around loud planes and had noticed that his hearing had diminished over the years.

It wasn’t until he suffered from an ear infection that he noticed, upon recovery, that he would hear “static” in his ears. This was annoying but intermittent so he didn’t give it much thought. It wasn’t until his first vertigo attack that he really started to notice his condition.

He could not hear the voice of his daughter when she spoke to him and he just fluttered his eyes. He started to lose his balance and improper biological actions were seen. After that he rested himself and it took twelve hours for him to get back from bed.

Many a time he had this problem. A week later, his daughter came back and his problem continued in the same manner. It was then found that it was his area of problem.

Because he couldn’t live with the possibility of not talking to his daughter for fear of a vertigo attack, he decided to seek help. Several doctor visits (including more than one ear, nose and throat specialist) and tests later, they determined that he did have tinnitus.

Regretting the diagnosis was difficult to find, luckily it was easy to cure. Many times, tinnitus can affect the inner ear structure, it will be permanent.

It made his daughter feel bad when she came to know that her speech made her father ill. It is necessary to find a solution for this problem that makes my patient free from any disturbance while speaking to his daughter.

He actually found my site in an effort to rule out one common cause of tinnitus, high blood pressure. He wanted a natural way to cure his high blood pressure and in turn, hopefully ease his tinnitus. He tried my High Blood Pressure program and the results were amazing!

It was when he was purchasing my program that he found my Dizziness & Vertigo program. Now, he can actually have a conversation with his daughter and not experience symptoms of vertigo! I highly encourage you to try my programs today!

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Make Alterations To Your Diet And Reduce Your Blood Pressure Levels

There’s a greater awareness today in the use of organic and natural solutions for high blood pressure. More and more folks today start looking to them instead of modern medications or drugs. The problems of drug side effects and the notion of getting ongoing medication will not appeal to most people and there’s a real move towards more natural alternatives.

If you have high blood pressure then it’s with you for life – if you don’t take steps to change your lifestyle or unless you are able to discover the trigger factors in your eating routine or in the way you live your life. If you need to commence medication from your physician then you definitely really are looking at taking the medications for the rest of your lifetime. It’s hard to come off them again. Hypertension or high BP isn’t something that you merely recover from – once it is there then it is there to stay for most of us. That’s 1 of the main reasons that diet remedies and herbal choices are becoming more well-liked.

Most medical doctors will look to treat your high BP levels by giving you medicinal drugs – often two or three various pills each day. This combination approach to sorting things out was organized to enhance the readings without offering too many side effects. In previous times the approach was to give one type of tablet and push it to the limits of its dose before seeking something else. This almost always resulted in distressing unfavorable outcomes from the medicines.

In herbal remedy options the method is usually to begin by looking at diet and lifestyle and making modifications there prior to adding in food changes towards the diet plan or getting supplements by mouth. The supplements are generally a combination of herbs in capsule form – although occasionally only one herb is used at a time. Some individuals take the treatment in the form of herbal tea or tissanes. In general there are no unwanted effects associated with the organic remedies obtainable, although some individuals do react badly once in a while, and there have been some reports of herbal treatments interfering with other professional medical treatments and prescription medicines.

In relation to food stuffs it is most likely reasonable to state that garlic is the most regularly used option for lowering blood pressure readings. Garlic has been recognised for centuries as having advantages for the heart and blood vessel systems. A number of modern day research projects have shown that garlic can decrease hypertension levels. Onion extract or onion juice contains the same effect and in the last 10 years or so interest has also turned towards the advantages of Lycopenes – chemicals taken from the skins of particular red fruits – specially tomatoes.

The herbs used for BP remedy consist of hawthorn berry, nutmeg, cardamon and cinammon. Most of these probably work by taking extra fluid off the body. This is also known as having a diuretic or water removing effect. In Indian or Ayurvedic medicine you will find a range of other herbs used and the same is true in Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies.

As for the diet plan side of things – you need to aim for really low salt or sodium intake coupled to a deliberate attempt to eat a lot more fresh fruit and more raw vegetables.

Dr Gordon Cameron keeps a long standing fascination with high blood pressure treatment and in the use of natural blood pressure treatments You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

Using Aromatherapy to Support Better Immune Response

The Merry-Go-Round of Disease

Humans have been given an incredible immune system – able to ward off some of the nastiest of microscopic invaders. Yet, if this defense system is compromised due to an overload of toxins (from the environment, our diet or our stress level), cells tissues become exhausted and susceptible to attack. Since environmental toxins are on the rise and pathogens seemingly on every nook and cranny, it is important to maintain a healthy immune system. If the immune system is compromised, a breech in wellness occurs. This can lead to a vicious cycle of sickness leading to more sickness and eventually disease.

Using Essential Oils for Immune Support

In these modern times, many are familiar with the stress-relieving qualities of essential oils as well as their antimicrobial properties. Such characteristics of essential oils are helpful in supporting a fully functional immune system; stress and microbes are known to weaken its army of defenses. Few are aware that essential oils can actually strengthen the capacity of the immune system directly to fight off foreign invaders.

Fighting off Disease

When we bang our leg, get a sliver in our hand or cross paths with infectious entities the immune system is recruited and responds with inflammation – a tool to heal damaged cells and tissue. This initial inflammatory response is vital to restoring the injured area, yet prolonged inflammation can lead to a number of debilitating and often painful diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer. Research has established that essential oils have the ability to inhibit detrimental inflammatory processes that contribute to disease. Scientists are now investigating the actually mechanisms by which essential oils can enhance the immune system directly.

Melaleuca EO Helps Out

At the Laboratoire de Botanique in France (2006) researchers were able to identify that Melaleuca alternifolia was able to regulate the amount of inflammatory-causing secretions found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In so doing, natural anti-inflammatory agents, known as cytokines, were still able to be created and thus boosting the body’s ability to protect and restore itself. This in itself is quite a finding, especially for individuals suffering from conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

Swallowing Pathogens

Once a pathogen gets into the cells, it is looking to replicate and destroy tissue, often resulting in painful infections. A branch of the immune system is designated to engulf cellular invaders and send lymphocytes (T cells) to destroy these foreign bodies. At Jeonju University, Korea (2008), researchers found that niaouli essential oil (from an Australian evergreen) was able to enhance the effect of cell-mediated immunity (one of two major branches of the immune system). Researchers support clinical use of niaouli essential oil to control infectious diseases.

Ginger EO Controls Immune

The Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine in Italy (2008) found that Eucalyptus essential oil actually stimulates a component of the immune system known as macrophages. These immune cells are one of the primary defenses against pathogens invading our human cells. Using in vivo (in rats) and in vitro trials, they were able to pinpoint that eucalyptus essential oil does indeed mimic our natural immune response. Researchers propose that such findings may drive develop of a new family of immune-regulatory drugs/treatments altogether. This could be quite helpful for those who have weakened immune systems due to contracted diseases and effects of chemotherapy.

Wrapping It Up

In a perfect world where our planetary environment was well tended, our purpose was clear and community supported, and our foods were safe and saturated with nutrition, it is likely that few of us would suffer from disease and frequent sickness. Yet, in these modern times of high stress, environmental hazards, individualism, and processed foods our immune systems are often compromised and in some cases malfunction. Recent research indicates that essential oils are able to boost the functions of the immune system as well as suppress certain components when misdirected. With such capabilities, essential oils seem indispensable and a gift to humanity.

The author has made available reports on specific oils such as patchouli and other therapeutic oils.

Using Chocolate as a Superfood: Choose Raw!

Almost daily in the news we see reports of chocolate’s health benefits. It’s a potent antioxidant, and is chock-full of chemicals and nutrients that have been attributed to making us happy. Yet many of us remain skeptical; eating lots of chocolate doesn’t seem to make us feel better, and in fact can lower energy levels for awhile. So what gives? If chocolate is such a miracle food, shouldn’t we be able to eat it all the time, without guilt and feel great? Well, yes, we can, but the way chocolate is prepared is crucial to unlocking its true potential as a health food. If you’d like to learn how to have a healthy dose of chocolate daily, read on…

Raw, unroasted chocolate IS A MUST to really reap the health benefits. Little of this fact is given weight in the mass-media’s portrayal of chocolate’s health benefits, but its the crucial point for anyone interested in bettering their health naturally. There’s a big difference in the chemical composition of un-roasted, naturally-dried chocolate when compared to 99% of the chocolate products available today. Nearly every single chocolate bar or drink, even at the large-chain heath food markets, is made from chocolate that’s been roasted at high temperatures. ‘Organic’ does not mean raw; chocolate powder is not raw unless it says its raw. High-end organic hot chocolate drinks are still roasted, and likely processed with alkali to make them dissolve more easily. Why the roasting and processing? Because we’ve become accustom to chocolate looking and tasting like it has since our childhoods. Working with raw chocolate (called Cacao – note this is different than Cocoa!), like so many things that are really good for you, is best prepared at home using carefully selected ingredients. It’s easy to do, and we’ll include some recipes at the end. But first back to the question of why raw is better.

Energy and stimulation is at the heart of the chocolate experience, but many people are sensitive to chocolate’s effects. There are however, significant differences in the alkaloid structures of raw and roasted chocolate. Raw chocolate’s stimulation comes primarily from theobromine, which has little anxiety producing effects. Studies by natural wellness professionals and user reports both note that while commercially prepared dark chocolate has a very stimulating action that caffeine sensitive individuals may find too strong, an equivalent amount of raw cacao does not. The stimulating effects are reported mild, gentle, and without a ‘crash’ that is often associated with caffeine. A reason for mothers to think about creating their own raw chocolate treats for their children, too. The jury is still out on the actual amount if caffeine in raw chocolate; some investigators have found none, some have found small amounts in the ‘skin’ of the cacao beans, and others of found only small amounts in beans that have fermented somewhat (an indication of a lower-quality cacao). Either way, if you’ve refrained from chocolate because of it’s caffeine content, raw cacao may just be your answer to enjoying this treat again.

Next the question of anti-oxidants. Chocolate has been discovered to have exceptionally high quantities of important polyphenols. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry was titled: “Cocoa Has More Phenolic Phytochemicals and Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Teas and Red Wine.” It’s hard to argue with that. Here again the question of raw arises: One report notes that while roasted chocolate is made up of 5% antioxidants, raw chocolate contains twice as much at 10%. Another important note is the addition of milk to make milk chocolate. Research has shown that the addition of milk actually cancels-out the positive effects of chocolate’s antioxidants. And milk may be one of the reasons many people seem to be allergic to chocolate, as lactose intolerance is fairly common. Another chocolate myth is some individuals break out when ingesting high amounts; reports indicate that raw chocolate does not cause this response, and that it may be the refined fats and sugars present in most chocolate products producing this effect.

Maybe the most intriguing constituents of chocolate are it’s mood-altering chemicals besides its stimulation. Many users of raw chocolate find and even greater boost than from commercial chocolates. Like caffeine, some of the molecules attributed to mood-enhancement are also heat sensitive. Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is present in significant amounts and is known to be broken down by heat (and apparently it’s not the Tryptophan in the turkey dinners that makes one tired, it’s the three servings followed by pie and ice cream!). Other natural constituents are dopamine and precursors to dopamine, one molecule called the ‘love chemical’ and another called the ‘bliss chemical’. Add to these monoamine oxidase inhibitors which actually enhance the activity of all of the above mood brighteners. Finally, there’s lots of easily absorbed magnesium in raw chocolate, a mineral associated with serotonin production (many pharmaceutical antidepressants increase serotonin activity), and the ability to relax. Raw chocolate offers the healthiest and most effective means of adding these happy-making nutrients to your daily diet.

Need more be said? Ready for some recipes? The simplest means of eating raw chocolate is snacking on cacao nibs. These are small pieces of cacao beans that mix well with natural granolas or dried fruit. To really get the most benefits, and for the most delicious raw chocolate creations, find yourself a source of raw organic cacao powder. The powder can be added to any drink, or easily made into bars, drops or other shaped candies. The hands-down most common preparation of cacao powder is the hot chocolate drink: Put one heaping tablespoon raw cacao powder, one teaspoon raw agave nectar, and one teaspoon high quality coconut oil in a blender (note that coconut oil quality varies greatly – a good coconut oil should taste pleasant by itself and have no chemical or rancid flavor which would otherwise be noticed in your chocolate drink). Add eight to twelve ounces of hot (but not boiling water) and blend at low speed for about ten seconds. That’s it; Chocolate magic that’s easily adjusted to your tastes — experimenting in whatever way comes to mind is highly encouraged.

There are many, many recipes available online and in books about raw chocolate. Some favorite additions to the drink are Maca (Peruvian Ginseng), essential oils like Vanilla, Peppermint or Orange (just one drop is often enough) or a little powdered cinnamon. Raw chocolate bars for your family are very easy to make, really just by omitting the water and adjusting the oil and sweetener ratios to make a thick chocolate paste. Add some chopped nuts if you like, press into a casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator long enough to make it firm. Experiment; it’s chocolate! You’re supposed to have fun. And with raw chocolate, it might be the most fun you can have eating while positively and naturally benefiting your health.

Learn more about aromatherapy from the author’s blog.

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