The Age Old Aroma Of Frankincense Oil – Boswellia Sacra

/0 Comments/in /by

Frankincense comes from the dried sap of the Boswellia sacra tree that is native to regions such as Oman, Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. When dried, the sap is burned as incense and thought to have several medicinal properties. The Boswellia sacra tree by which Frankincense is harvested is unusual in that it can sometimes grow out of solid rock.

Frankincense is typically mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Mixed with other oils, Frankincense holds medicinal characteristics. At a cellular level, Frankincense has profound qualities. Scientists recently discovered that frankincense has active ingredients that activate changes on a cellular level.

Uses:

Support cellular function: According to the National Institute of Health, Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous cells from one another. In a study conducted, Frankincense oil could distinguish cancerous cells in the bladder. While this research is controversial, more studies increasingly support the use of frankincense as an healing alternative to cancer.

Facial rejuvenation: Frankincense is said to have anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties as it promotes the rejuvenation of healthy skin cells. It can be applied directly to trouble spots with little to no carrier oil. Avoid direct contact if you have a history of sensative skin problems.

Anti-inflammatory: Frankincense, while marginally studied scientifically, is said to target multiple mechanisms to decrease inflammation.

Pain relief: Use frankincense oil with Vick’s rub for pain relief. Apply to areas needing relief a few times a day. Frankincense may decrease scar tissue which can decrease deep pain. During menstruation, frankincense is said to reduce symptoms of menstruation.

Prevent common illnesses: Clove and Frankincense essential oils are said to prevent common illness such as the cold and flu. Use 8 drops of frankincense and 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oils in a diffuser or in a perfume bottle for whiffs/scents throughout the day.

Benefits:

The power of aromatherapy: Frankincense has healing powers to ease stress, anxiety and clouding of the mind. Soak in a warm bath a few times a week to suppress anxiety. When used as an everyday remedy, benefits should arise in mental clarity.

Home cleaner: Who doesn’t love an all natural cleaner? Add ⅔ cup of vinegar, warm water and 10-15 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle. For extra strength, add baking soda. This all natural cleaner works on bathroom and counter surfaces to naturally remove stains and caked on stains.

Indigestion relief:  Frankincense oil can help speed up the secretion of gastric juices, bile and acids, and help stimulate peristaltic motion to allow food to move properly through your intestines.

Change the air: In an aromatherapy diffuser, add 15-20 drops with a drop of water. Burn with a candle and use to circulate new and refreshing air. Combine frankincense with other oils such as lemon, lavender and orange to create a room scent. Combine 10 drops of frankincense oil into a spray bottle with a half cup of warm water and spray as needed.

Frankincense stems its roots from Egyptian beliefs and medicinal benefits. From early times onward, Frankincense bodes alternative to traditional methods.

Lavender Essential Oil – Benefits & Uses

/0 Comments/in /by

Lavender has some interesting history behind it. The Egyptians used lavender during the mummification process. The Romans used lavender for bathing and perfume. One of the most famous of all is when Mary apparently used Lavender to anoint Jesus with her hair. It’s believed it was lavender essential oil, but we may never know.

Now, lavender is used to soothe the mind, relieve tension and provide overall medicinal benefits to its user.

Benefits

Anti-inflammatory

Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties. Some research shows diabetic is really a build up of inflammation. That’s where lavender can come in and reduce inflammation. It helps increase blood glucose, reduce weight gain, replenish liver and kidney antioxidants and stimulate cell growth. This is particularly important in diabetic patients as free radicals often “steal” fat molecules from cell membranes.

Increase blood circulation

Lavender can be applied in many ways. It’s said to increase blood circulation. This can be done in a variety of ways such as mixing pure cocoa butter and lavender essential oil to make a paste and applying to areas that may need a little extra boost. It’s beneficial to areas that may remain stagnant for long periods during the day. Areas include the lower back, feet and calf muscles.

Powerful antioxidant

Helped produce three of the most powerful antioxidants: gluthaione, catalase and SOD. There are so many wonderful ways to add lavender to a simple dish. It can be added to muffins or even pastries. It pairs well with honey, apples and cranberries. Adding small amounts of lavender is a quick way to get those antioxidants in your system. As a topical application, lavender and clove oil can be used in combination to stimulate antioxidant production. Do not ingest. Rather, apply both essential oils with a carrier oil and massage into the skin topically. The feet are a great place to start!

Uses

Alleviate headaches, decrease insomnia

A cold compress will do! Using a cold or lukewarm washcloth, place a few drops of lavender essential oil and place on your forehead. Sit back and relax and let the oil infuse into your skin, helping to ease the pain of migraines and headaches. Place a few drops of lavender essential oil in an oil diffuser before bed to assist with those late night headaches.

Release nervous tension

Buy as therapeutic grade! That’s the most important element when purchasing lavender. It can help release nervous tension. For those with mental illness, lavender could be the cure for relieving symptoms of depression. An evidence-based study was published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice stating that that supplementing with 80 mg capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Who doesn’t want a  little extra sleep at night?

Heal wounds and burns

Coconut oil and lavender make a stellar team. Combine both and apply to cuts, wounds and burns to help alleviate pain and begin the healing process. For troublesome eczema, combine coconut oil, lavender and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Over time, this can greatly decrease eczema or puffy red spots.

The Benefits Of Antioxidants – Topical Skin Care Products / Foodstuffs

/0 Comments/in /by

Making skin look and feel beautiful can be as simple as choosing a product that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage created by free radicals (a term given to certain groups of volatile or reactive molecules) commonly found in the environment or in everyday substances. They can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables, teas and other pieces of yummy goodness. To understand more about how antioxidants can help you, read on…..

Antioxidants for Topical Use (The Best of)

Antioxidants come in many forms. Some are best if taken orally while others reap the rewards through a topical application. Rosehip, Jojoba and Vitamin E oils are just three examples of oils rich in antioxidants and have properties that function as healers.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip is a powerful antioxidant. Its rich texture combines lycopene and beta-carotene as well as Vitamins A and E. Its healing properties can help subdue redness associated with acne and rosacea. Rosehip rehydrates, making it a great replenisher after a hot day. To make a mask, simply add a tsp of honey with a serving of Greek yogurt. Add 5-7 drops of rosehip after mixing the honey and yogurt. Let sit on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Admire your beautiful skin!

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has many benefits. Aside from its ability to cleanly remove make-up, jojoba oil can be used as a topic antioxidant to help reduce signs of wrinkles while also hydrating skin. When our bodies naturally begin to produce less sebum, jojoba works its magic and helps replenish the natural sebum in our skin. Jojoba is known as an emollient, meaning it protects against pesky dirt and bacteria that seek to enter through pores. Jojoba oil can appear thinker than some oils. Despite that, jojoba oil does not clog pores. Instead, it serves as a natural block to bacteria. A study conducted in Germany concluded that jojoba oil has the ability to reduce skin lesions. One hundred and ninety participants applied a clay jojoba oil mask to their face 2-3 times a week. That lesions were significantly reduced.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is versatile in its healing properties. Studies show that Vitamin E can reduce scaring after a burn. That’s good news! The University of Maryland released a study in which different varieties of vitamin E oil were compared against one another. The study concluded that vitamin E oil rich in alpha-tocopherol cream helped reduce the depth of fine lines and wrinkles as well as the roughness of skin. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E oil can be applied topically without fear of a skin irritation. Some varieties of vitamin E oil can be taken orally.

Clove Essential Oil

The clove is native to the Spice Islands (ironically!). It’s a more potent essential oil that can be applied topically but with careful guidance. Acne is caused generally when there is an excess of oil build up on the skin. Clove is purifying and can be used to reduce inflammation after a breakout. Remember to add a carrier oil with clove as it can be an irritant if used independently. Jojoba oil or coconut oil is a great match for clove oil. Or, if you prefer a thicker oil, coconut oil can be used in combination with clove oil to form a face wash.

Explore the essential oils that cater to antioxidants. There are many and many that pride themselves in reducing fine lines and the early signs of aging.

Best Antioxidants for Skin (When Taken Orally)

Green Tea 

Green tea can contain caffeine, so be aware of consuming in large quantities. To reap the benefits of green tea, look for caffeine-free tea. Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which are high in antioxidants. Recent studies allude to the idea that green tea can serve as a shield to protect against various diseases. Green tea is said to improve physical performance, which can in turn, lead to healthier skin throughout.

Grape Seed

Grapes are incredibly healthy, but as a culture, we neglect, perhaps, the healthiest part of the grape: the seeds. Grape seeds are rich in powerful antioxidants and natural plant compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). That’s a fancy way of saying that grape seeds are known to decrease free radical molecules floating around the body. Grape seed extracts can be found in many red wines, so while it’s not recommended that you snack on heaps and heaps of grapes, you can substitute grapeseed oil over vegetable oil while cooking.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is critical for survival. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidant effects of vitamin C have been conducted in vitro. After conducting such experiments, we learned that human diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer might occur in part from oxidant damage to tissues. Increasing amounts of vitamin C could therefore decrease the number of oxidants in the body. Your skin benefits too! Increasing vitamin C can decrease red marks and go so far as to protect skin against pollution.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are the wonderful seedy fruits we can’t help but look at. They hold healing powers for our skin. They naturally act as a hydration method for dry skin. Its powerful antioxidant properties protect skin against the blaring sun on summer days and prevent premature wrinkles. Pomegranate seed oil can be very concentrated so proceed with caution when applying directly to the skin. Dilute with a carrier oil when placed directly on skin.

Garlic

Garlic is another great source of antioxidants. Sulphur is an active molecule in garlic. It helps prevent infections and reduced inflammation. It’s naturally soothing characteristics help give skin a natural glow. Garlic can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Take a fresh clove of garlic and lightly press on the skin and gently release some of the liquid from the clove. If the pure garlic is too much, combine chopped garlic with honey and yogurt to create a paste before applying to the skin directly.