Posts

Tea Tree Essential Oil – Fantastic Multi Purpose Protection – Benefits & Uses

/0 Comments/in /by

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from leaves of the native Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia (M. alternifolia). It’s known for his medicinal properties. It’s so diverse that it’s been known to treat colds, sore throats, infections, insect bites and skin infections.

It’s therapeutic properties include both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. As we move towards organic and more natural products, we also see a rise in tea tree oil products in cosmetics, shampoo, oils and nail products. Tea tree oil is capable of eliminating a large number of microorganisms.

Benefits

Fight fungus

Tea Tree can prevent fungal infections. Laboratory research indicates that tea tree oil may be powerful enough to stop the growth of candida. It also appears to interfere with membrane properties/functions of candida. That’s pretty impressive! As if that wasn’t enough, research has demonstrated tea tree oil reduces candida’s ability to adhere to human cell surfaces . For the purpose of fighting fungus, pair tea tree oil with lemongrass drops and massage onto the affected area. w

Fight acne

There’s hope when it comes to fighting acne! Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can kill particles that damage our skin and stick to our pores.  Due to tea tree oil’s potency, dilute tea tree with water and use as a spot treatment.

Remove makeup (naturally)

Makeup removers are rooted in chemicals. Luckily, tea tree has properties that’ll make taking off makeup feel cleaner.

To remove makeup, use about 10 drops of tea tree oil and blend with…

Blend with canola oil

Blend with coconut oil

Blend with a oil of your choice

Place on a cotton pad and remove!

Uses

Cure a sore throats

Tea tree should not be taken orally. It should only be used topically. THere’s a way to go about not ingesting tea tree oil. Use a damp wash cloth with tea tree oil drops and drape around the throat or area affected. Repeat this periodically for the full effect!

Deodorize (garbage + yourself)

Tea tree oil is an active ingredient in natural deodorants. But first – you’ll see shea butter. Shea butter is a fat extracted from the African shea tree. It’s a great thickening ingredient to add to deodorant.

You’ll need baking soda. Baking soda naturally neutralizes so that’s a must-have. Then, you’ll need arrowroot powder. Arrow root powder is like cornstarch. Lastly, you’ll need tea tree oil. It’s the ultimate anti-fungal oil that’ll add to the most potent property of this homemade deodorant. For the full recipe, visit Modern Hippie Housewife.

For the garbage…there’s a cure for that stench too! Soak tea tree oil in small makeup remover pads and place on the bottom of your garbage. It’ll add a little bit of neutralization.

Athlete’s Foot

Fight Athlete’s Foot! Athlete’s Foot is primarily a fungal infection. Use tea tree oil for a bedtime soak. While it won’t fully treat Athlete’s Foot, it will help reduce the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot.

Soften cuticles + soothe sores

Make a warm bath. Add 15 drops of tea tree oil and soak for 20 minutes. Not only will your hands feel smooth, but your cuticles will thank you too. This is the perfect way to start a manicure.

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.

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.