Novel Ways To Combat Dry Skin And Increase Hydration

/0 Comments/in /by

Dry skin is due to lack of moisture

Prolonged dry skin can lead to wrinkles at an early age. To avoid the inevitable, we can lubricate our glands and bring moisture back into the skin we love most. Harsh soaps, itchy clothing and excessive heat can contribute to dry skin. A little TLC never hurt anyone – in fact that’s the lovin’ your skin needs to stay hydrated this season.

For one, HYDRATE. Sounds simple, but this concept can slip through the cracks as we go about our day. Start small. If you want to increase hydration, make small goals for yourself. Day one could be something as simple as drinking a half a cup of water every hour. During the second week, set a goal to drink 15 ounces of water per week. Keep a log of water consumption.

Tone down on the hot water usage! Using hot water while bathing can cause the skin to break. When the skin breaks, it becomes more susceptible to dryness. Instead, practice showering in lukewarm water. Before your shower, wash your wash with a lukewarm washcloth to remove makeup and dead skin.

Avoid alcohol-based cleansers. Many over the counter face washes and tonics contain alcohol. Use simple cleansers with oil bases. These bases include rosehip oil, avocado oil or jojoba oil.

For the adventurous type, experiment with face masks..Mix egg yolk, rose water, lime juice, olive oil and orange juice in a bowl. Once its thoroughly mixed, apply a smooth layer to the skin. This is perfect for a mid-morning mask or right before a morning shower. Keep on for about 20-30 minutes before washing off.

There’s that darn egg again! Try a simple blend of egg yolk and honey in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and add an oil of your choice. Apply and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Remember not to scrub as that could cause breakage.

Here’s a solution for the ones who aren’t afraid of a little turmeric.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 tbsp of barley or garbanzo bean flour

1 tsp of turmeric

2 tsp of mustard oil

½ cup of water

To make:

  • Mix the ingredients together to make a paste.
  • Apply the paste to the dry areas.
  • Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
  • Wash it off with a warm washcloth (don’t scrub!)

Calendula (that’s a new one) is rich in natural flavanoids and oils. This technique is unique in that it uses the pedals themselves. Collect the pedals and make a paste. Do this by crushing the petals in a bowl and mixing with a flour of your choice. Let the pedals and flour harden. When you’re ready to use, lightly mix the paste with warm water and apply to your face. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Say hello to glowing skin!

Lastly, try grapeseed oil. It’s one of the lesser known oils out there, but well known for its properties to help tighten a tone skin while providing the skin with a layer of moisture.

Peppermint Essential Oil – Natural Freshness

/0 Comments/in /by

Peppermint

Oh, the smell of peppermint! It’s a refreshing smell on a fall day makes you wanna light a peppermint candle and roll a bit of oil under your nose for continuous pleasure. Peppermint is derived from the water mint plant and spearmint plant. Peppermint is a common flavoring in beverages, toothpaste and cosmetics. Its healing powers range from muscle pain relief to allergy relief. This natural plant can be used to soothe the aching

Uses:

Muscle pain relief: peppermint is notorious for its ability to ease muscle pain. Many creams and potions can be applied directly to the afflicted area. Give yourself a break. Take about 2 tablespoons of peppermint essential oil and warm it between your hands. Massage the oil into areas in need of relief. This is a great alternative to painkillers if done when the pain is at its lowest tolerance.

Ease your sinus pain: perfect for chilly weather! Peppermint essential oil is potent, but in a calm and soothing way. To ease sinus pain, make a peppermint oil steam. Add 5-10 drops of peppermint oil to a steamy bath. Soak until sinuses feel less congested.

Allergy relief: Peppermint can ease allergy relief. From pollen to mold to dust, peppermint can do the trick. Peppermint acts as an expectorant, meaning it provides relief for allergies, as well as colds, coughs, sinusitis and asthma. Peppermint can loosen phlegm, too!

Bug repellant: Fact: spiders don’t like peppermint. To create a bug repellant, gather the following items: a spray bottle, peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil and water. Mix a gracious amount of water into the spray bottle with 10-15 drops of both peppermint and lavender. Spray the plants where spiders like most!

Benefits:

Soothing: when inhaled, peppermint gives off the aura of soothing and meditative. Peppermint leaves can be prepared in a way to create a soothing tea. It’s not just the oil that carries the medicinal properties!

Aids in digestion: peppermint capsules are the go-to for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Rather than taking an antibiotic, health practitioners are flocking to peppermint capsules. Peppermint is said to relax muscles in the colon to help release toxins, therefore making a smoother ride out the intestines and colon.

Prevent cracks and breakage during breastfeeding: while still a relatively new concept, peppermint can heal broken skin seen after breastfeeding over a period of time.To use, add a carrier oil to peppermint oil and rub thoroughly on the affected areas. Repeat as necessary.

Decrease symptoms of tuberculosis:New research suggests that inhaling peppermint essential oil can rapidly regress inflammation caused by tuberculosis. Research on this matter is still relatively new, but with continued research, tuberculosis could be prevented with the power of this natural healer.

Smell good from the inside out: peppermint is a common ingredient in toothpaste. With its natural ability to decrease bad breath, peppermint can help clear your respiratory tract. Rubbing peppermint essential oil on your chest can help release tension in the respiratory tract and lead to better smelling breath.

Does Washing Hair With Oil Really Work?

/0 Comments/in /by

Oil and water certainly can’t mix. Can your hair and oil mix?

Recent studies behind using oil as a hair care product or even as shampoo have gained popular attraction. While many of us would steer clear of using oil, many believe in the natural and holistic healing qualities of oil.  While it may seem like a big step to switch from traditional shampoo to oils, keep in mind that oils are more natural with less chemical and by-product. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are also found in shampoos. It’s a chemical that can be irritating to skin. There’s no necessarily evidence claiming sulfates cause cancer, but less is more. Less ingredients pave the groundwork for less harmful chemical contamination on the skin.

Over-washing and over-conditioning can lead to greasy hair and greasy hair is one reason people are less inclined to use oils as a replacement for shampoo. Before switching to an oil-based hair, consider going without conditioner for 2-3 weeks. Let your hair fully decompress from over-washing and over-conditioning. The properties of oil decrease the splitting that can occur with regular shampoos. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an ingredients in traditional shampoos, which is said to spread to other areas in the body such as the kidneys.

Jojoba oil: jojoba oil is the grand king of oils. Typically used to help hydrate hair follicles, which helps decrease hair loss. Jojoba oil does not tamper with the scalps natural oils. Jojoba oil has similar molecules that help balance  Jojoba oil can give the appearance of greasy hair if used in large quantities. To start, mix a few drops of jojoba oil to your regular shampoo and experiment with the look and feel once applied to your hair.Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E are all active benefits of jojoba oil. Try and buy an odorless and colorless bottle as that will be the simplest and purest form.

Avocado oil: Avocado oil stimulates blood flow when massaged into the scalp. It’s a nice change in that it uses the natural fats found in avocados to assist with natural flow in the scalp. Avocado oil is a natural dandruff remover – good for treating dandruff over a period of time. Use sparingly as avocado oil can be heavy.

Argan oil: Argan oil is most notable for its sleek factor. Argan oil can be massaged into the scalp after a warm shower. For styling purposes, it’s best to add a thin layer of oil in the morning before your day. Pure Argan oil comes from the trees of Africa so buying the purest and simplest form of argan oil is best.

Agave oil hair treatment: Agave does the gamut of all things hair. It volumizes, straightens curls and decreases the overall greasy appearance over time when used properly. Distribute the agave throughout the hair from the scalp to the tip of the hair follicle. A little goes a long way as it is a powerful oil.

Pomegranate seed oil: Now this is one that’s less common but has powerful healing capabilities. This oil is a little thicker and more expensive, but worth a try if you’re looking for premium quality oil. Try adding a few drops of pomegranate oil to water at first to help your scalp adjust.

Using oil as a shampoo replacement can be a viable option if you start slow and ease your way into a regular hair care and oil treatment. It is by no means something to glob into your hair. Instead, start slow by adding oil to water and creating a mixture before completing committing to go shampoo-less.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Floral Heaven

/0 Comments/in /by

Ylang Ylang essential oils come from the large petals of the ylang ylang tree. Usually vibrant in color, ylang ylang is a diverse plant with medicinal qualities. It has been used and worshiped for thousands of years. In the Philippines it was used widely to treat cuts, wounds and snake bites. In other parts of the world, the plant was use to its entirety, not wasting a single pedal.

Its 14 hour distillation process condemns the slow process to create the oil and the long-lasting effects it has on various and sundry parts of everyday life. Ylang ylang mixes comfortably with lavender, grapefruit and sandalwood.

Uses:

Hair care product: in recent studies, ylang ylang is said to help treat head lice. When mixed with coconut oil and anise oil, head lice are less likely to reproduce. Ylang ylang can be added to any shampoo or conditioner to not only increase the scent but to also add relaxation through the scalp.

 

Release tension: Ylang ylang can be added to a warm bath for relaxation benefits. Or add ylang ylang to a bath with Epsom salt. Relax in Epsom salt and ylang ylang for an hour to decrease tension.

 

Increase awareness and balance mind, body and soul: essential oils carry properties that heighten your senses and bring together the mind-body connection. Because of ylang ylang and its association with decreasing symptoms of depression, it’s clear that the scent and medicinal properties bridge the gap between the synaptic connections and healthy soul.

 

Benefits:

 

Lifts and elevates mood: the more conventional way to use ylang ylang is to fill a perfume bottle with the oil and place a swatch below the nostrils or on the wrist. Ylang ylang elevates mood and increases concentration when sniffed throughout the day.

 

Antidepressant: there is some science behind the idea that ylang ylang decreases symptoms of depression. The oil can increase your mood, which can help decrease anxiety and symptoms of depression. Place a few drops of ylang ylang in a humidifier before bed to not only increase moisture in the air but increase your mood throughout the night.

 

Antiseptic. Ylang ylang has a unique quality in that it can decrease the potential for tetanus germs. This unique property helps protect wounds. Do not apply directly to a wound as this may sting, but when diluted with water or another carrier oil, the effects can be desirable.

 

Treat acne: ylang ylang is a great option to use as a preventative measure for acne scarring. Use sparingly as you do not want to clog pores. Use a small drop on areas with acne. Repeat every few days ensuring you do so with a clean and moisturized face. Use sparingly over time and stop using if you notice irritation.

 

Ease cramping: while there’s no magic pill for menstrual cramps, ylang ylang is said to benefit menstrual cramping. Make an oil blend! Use a thicker oil as the base such as avocado or coconut oil. Add a few drops of ylang ylang to the base oil and rub in the area of pain. This works wonders for lymph nodes as lymph nodes can frequently experience blockage.