Archive for category Tea Tree Oil

Essential Oils and Making Your Own Natural Products for Your Hair

A healthy and all-natural approach to hair care is not as difficult as you might think. Some of the most expensive hair care products in the world might claim to be natural products but all too often they contain detergents, fragrances, and synthetic ingredients, truth be told the lavender shampoo you love so much is full of synthesized stuff and probably smells nothing like the real thing at all.

 

Making your own natural products for your hair is not only incredibly easy but its economical, and most importantly its fun! Most of the supplies to make all natural products for bath, body, and hair care can be found in the grocery store, the local health food store or even the local farmers market, and any supplies that you might buy at the farmers market has the added benefit of going to support local farmers and crafts people in your community so it is not only good for your hair but good for your community too.

 

It is important to note that when making your own natural hair products you should always use the highest quality of ingredients and supplies.  Using good quality ingredients will always yield better natural products. Whenever possible use organic herbs and organic essential oil, this will make your hair even healthier. Use either distilled or if at all possible spring water again this will yield a higher quality of product, and there is just something magical about washing your hair with a spring water product. Finally always keep everything squeaky clean, this includes work surfaces, utensils, and your hands, this will prevent contamination of your natural products.

 

There are many different combinations of herbs and essential oils that you could try depending on your hair type, color or any other special considerations you may have.

 

Chamomile and calendula are great herbs if you want to bring out blond highlights; likewise, sage and comfrey are the best herbs to bring out dark highlights. For oily hair rosemary and yarrow are excellent, if the hair is dry two of the best herbs to use are marshmallow and nettle.

 

Essential oils also have their uses for hair problems, some great essential oils for oily hair are basil, lemon, and ylang-ylang, are all great for oily hair but they can also treat dandruff, encourage hair growth, give golden highlights, and make hair thicker.

 

Rose is great for fine hair and also is soothing to the scalp. Peppermint and Rosemary are not only excellent for dry scalp but they promote healthy hair growth. Lavender and Tea Tree are two of the most popular essential oils for bath and body product, are not only good for the hair but they are also antibacterial and are two of the essential oils used for treating many conditions including what all parents fear, the dreaded head lice, and calendula infused oil is used for treating another common childhood scalp problem, cradle cap.

 

Try making your own natural products for all your families hair care needs, you will love the results.

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6 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Non-toxic House Cleaning

Many of us know the value of essential oils used in skin care and, of course, in an aromatherapy treatment (eg. an essential oil massage) itself, but did you know that simple baking soda, plain white vinegar and a few favorite essential oils are about all you need in your cleaning pantry for daily cleaning and sanitizing of your home? 

Often there is an entire supermarket aisle dedicated to the many, and often confusing, sink and tub powders, cleaning creams, antibacterial wipes, toilet cleaners, floor cleaners, window cleaners, etc. - there’s a product for every different part of the home.  Really though, there is very little need for such a ridiculously huge number of chemicals.

Baking soda is about as efficient as any cleansing cream or powder, and plain white vinegar and/or certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, manuka, thyme or australian tea tree, are highly effective antimicrobial alternatives to the never ending number of cleaning solutions we seem to think we need.  And, even though there are many new ‘green’ alternatives also beginning to line the supermarket shelves, they’re not all necessary.

The benefits to using ‘green’ alternatives – baking soda, vinegar and essential oils for keeping your home clean and sanitized include:

* BATHROOM sprinkle some baking soda onto a moist rag and use this to clean bathroom surfaces.  Rinse thoroughly.  To sanitize, wipe surfaces with a clean cloth soaked in vinegar then wipe dry after allowing it to sit a few minutes.  For a fresh aroma, place 5-7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil onto a rinsing cloth and wipe this over hard surfaces.

* LINENS:  Place 8-10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil onto a piece of rag or paper towel then place between linens and sheets in the cupboard.  Enjoy a delicate lavender scent each time you walk past the cupboard!

* SHOE DEODORIZER?  Place a cup of baking soda into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Add 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.  Shake well to disperse the essential oils then use this as your deodorizer!  2 tablespoons of this powder in each shoe, shaken around to coat all of the inner shoe surfaces, left overnight or, even better, for a week, then tapped out, will do wonders to eliminate the smell from those old sneakers! And the deodorizing effect last for a very long time.

* TOOTHPASTE ALLERGY?  I have an allergy to 99% of commercial toothpastes.  Instead of using these I make a tooth powder with baking soda pre-mixed with a few  drops of Spearmint Essential Oil.  A small amount of this sprinkled onto a wet toothbrush is all that is needed for the cleanest teeth, ever.

* WINDOWS: a 50:50 water/vinegar solution in a sprayer can replace those highly fragranced synthetic cleanser.  Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance if you like (you’ll need to shake before using to disperse the oil).

* REPLACE DRYER SHEETS: that are highly doused in toxic synthetic fragrances with a 6? square out of a clean rag that has been covered with about 10 drops of your favorite Essential Oil.

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Essential Oils – What are They and How Do You Use Them?

For those of us who enjoy the many varied aromas that nature offers us, essential oils can be a wonderful addition in our life to help improve our well being. You can use them in aromatherapy, for medicinal purposes and as flavouring in foods. But where do they come from and what exactly are they?Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain natural aroma composites from plants. They are called essential because they carry the distinctive aromas of the plants the come from. Basically, they hold the “essence” of that plant. One thing to keep in mind is that they should not be confused with fragrant oils, which are synthetic oils that contain both natural and artificial fragrances. History of Essential OilsHolistic treatments using essential oils have been around for thousands of years. Some of the first documented uses of essential oils for therapeutic purposes were found in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used aromatic herbs and plants and their essences for rituals, cosmetics and medicines, as well as in the process of embalming and mummification. These uses and many others have been assimilated by many cultures and have been perpetuated throughout history into modern times, especially in the area of aromatherapy.The Birth of AromatherapyIn 1937, the French chemist Rene Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy during his experiments with the healing properties of essential oils. In fact, at one point when Gattefosse burnt his hand, he used the first liquid he could find to treat it, which was undiluted lavender oil. He found that not only did it immediately ease the pain, but also as the hand healed there was no infection or scarring.How Essential Oils WorkFor medicinal purposes, essential oils are used in three different ways: application to the skin, inhalation and ingesting. When applied to the skin, the oils soak in much like any other ointment. Upon inhalation, the molecules from the oils are absorbed through the mucous membranes in our noses and throughout our respiratory system. Ingestion, which should only be at the advice of someone who is specifically trained in this area, can be used to transport essential oils throughout the body. However, some essential oils can be toxic to different organs.Uses of Essential OilsEssential oils are well known for their aromatic, air freshening characteristics, but they can also be used in other manners. These oils can be used for many things including; steam inhalation, massage, hair and body care, floral waters, compresses and baths. A little bit of research can help you find the right oil for the right purpose. Popular Essential OilsWhile there are many different essential oils, some have become more popular than others and are commonly used in many people’s homes. Bergamot, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Ylang-Ylang all have restorative and relaxing properties as well as medicinal uses. Be sure to spend time researching them to find the best ones for your needs.Essential oils are wonderfully aromatic and healing additions to any home and with proper use; they can help restore harmony and balance to your life.

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Natural Beauty Cosmetics and Essential Oils

In today’s hectic and fast-paced life is important to spend some “me” time and relaxing yourself. Today, there is numerous options available relaxation as well as several ways to relieve stress, enjoy and rejuvenate your senses and body. A great way to experience a sky-like, self-indulgent beauty treatment is a day at the spa or a salon. Beauty professionals use 100% natural and pure oils and cosmetics extracted from plants and herbs, known as Natural Beauty cosmetics and Essential Oils, healing, healing, and energizing your body.Need for Natural Beauty Cosmetics and Essential OilsA good body care in the hands of an experienced massage therapist is not only physically but also emotionally rewarding benefit to your body. Body cosmetics and massage oils are perfect for the atmosphere and relieving stress and tension from your body and mind. These are a perfect combination of traditional and ancient healing to enhance the feeling of being healthy, vitalized, and spread a general feeling of positivity and good will. Beauty cosmetics and massage, when used for massage, not only moisturize your skin, but also relieve muscle tension and help de-stress and relax.Essential oils such as orange, lemon, and others are full of rich minerals and vitamins. There is such a composition that can be absorbed through the skin with ease and offer treatment to the deep tissues of the body. You can use aromatherapy essential oils home spa oils as well. These oils are perfect for use as bath oil and after shower moisturizer.Benefits of Natural Beauty cosmetics and Essential OilsThese are wonderful for us. Not just because they are completely natural and have no side effects, but also because they give us more than physical relief. If you use natural cosmetics and essential oils on a regular basis, your will feel glow on face, healthier, fitter, stronger mentally and psychologically more in control, in addition to a higher level of immunity against common ailments such as colds, fevers, allergies etc.Different cosmetics and essential oils offer several advantages. Some may offer only healing, antiseptic properties, while others may offer anti-virus, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressants, expectorating, and diuretic properties. You should look for an aroma therapist before you buy an essential oil and cosmetics to treat a serious disease and skin problem.However, you can use the most common essential oils such as Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, tea tree for relaxation and pleasure, too.Some Essential Oils and Cosmetics for Health & BeautyWe thought with all this talk about essential oils and cosmetics, you can now just want to know that you can buy without having skin layers through research to spend money on a professional consultation. And remember, each of these essential oils beauty cosmetics have their own healing properties that offer their pink skin and a healthy glow. So here goes:1. Sunflower – produced by American Indians for 1000s of years, the cosmetics and oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and is rich in minerals and vitamins A and E.2. Oil-One of the most expensive, valuable, and powerful multi-purpose beauty / health oil, has also been called “liquid gold” Ñ “do its miraculous powers to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Olive leaves soft skin and feels you’re shiny due to the high mineral content, vitamin E, and fatty acids and vital!3. Jojoba oil and cosmetics products – obtained from seeds of the desert Jojoba plant, the product is light and waxy. Excessively being used as humectants, jojoba products creates a protective layer on the surface of your skin to lock moisture in so that your skin gets hydrated and smooth, even in winter!Natural Beauty Cosmetics and Essential oils are the ideal way to stay beautiful and healthy for longer!

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Rosemary Essential Oil uses

Rosemary Oil is one of the most popular essential oil. It is well known due to its hair healing as well as mental growth boost up powers. It also helps in relief of respiratory problems and joint pains. It’s a perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle like leaves. It originated at Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae, which contains many other herbs having essential oils and medicinal properties like mint, basil, myrtle, lavender and sage. In Mediterranean area, it is used as a culinary herb. The latin name is “Rosmarinus Officinalis”. Some of the areas of this region use it for cooking. They use the freshly plucked rosemary leaves. The oils is basically comes from rosemary leaves. Rosemary Essential Oil is has been widely used since ancient old times for various purposes. It is also used in religious purposes during Roman Empire. Some also used in Wedding ceremonies, cooking, facials and cosmetics, herbal skin care etc. In Egyptian civilization, Rosemary extract oil was extensively used as incense and burning oil. There are numerous benefits of Rosemary Essential oil which make it most popular and highly selling around the globe. A physician, Paracelsus, well known scientist, made marvelous contribution in study of Wholesale Rosemary Oil and its extract for various health ailments. He proved that the rosemary oil have ability to strengthen the entire body. He believed that Rosemary Oil can treat some very precious organs such as liver, heart as well as brain. Now a days, there are many medicinal formula is having rosemary oil as a major ingredient. The various health benefits are described below:In Hair care: Pure Rosemary Essential Oil is highly used in hair care and one of the ingredient of hair shampoos and body / hair lotions. It helps to treat dandruff, hair fall and other hair related problems. It stimulates follicles which helps hairs to grow longer and ber. It also slows down the premature loss of hair and aging. It also helps a lot to the bald peoples. It helps a lot in dry and flaky scalps. The regular application of rosemary oil can make the nourished scalp and treat dandruff. It is also work well with combination of Tea Tree and Basil.In Mouth Care – Natural Rosemary Oil is also a major ingredient in mouth wash. It help treating bad breath, teeth decay etc. One can use directly the Rosemary Oil into canker sore to heal it quickly. It is also a very nice antiseptic. Two of the most important ingredients in rosemary, which are thought to be largely responsible for many of these therapeutic actions, are caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid – both are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.In Skin Care – Rosemary Essential Oil is extensively in skin care lotions, creams and antiseptic creams due to its healing properties. It helps toning of skin, work as a powerful anti aging agent. It helps rejuvenation of skin cells. It remove dryness and also consider for acne treatment with Tea Tree , Lavender and Sandalwood Oil.

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Herbs and Essential Oils for Diabetes

The complications of diabetes from heart disease and stroke to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and damage of the nerves, have all been linked in some way to the formation of free radicals. Studies show that omega three and omega six fatty acids neutralize free radicals, and provide the additional nutrition so desperately needed by diabetics. One way of obtaining these required nutrients is to harness the power of nature and nourish the body with medicinal plants.

The Purslane Herb

Purslane, or portulaca as it is also known, is an herbaceous garden weed with fleshy succulent leaves. Purslane is one of the richest sources of fatty acids known in nature. It is also full of nutrients that can help manage diabetes. The main components of Purslane are tocopherals which are known to be strong antioxidants. It also contains vitamins C, A and E and minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon and phosphorus. A regular intake of Purslane in the form of salads should be an integral part in the management of diabetes.

Purslane is also an anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antibiotic, and anti-parasitic. It is regularly used in cosmetology due to its soothing properties. This property of Purslane can also be utilized in the treatment of the skin conditions, such as boils and sores, associated with diabetes.

Purslane is also used internally to deal with the symptoms of toxic dysentery, boils, sores, vaginal discharges, and urinary tract infections.

Essential oils and diabetes

Although essential oils cannot claim to cure diabetes, they can be used to reduce the side effects of diabetes related ailments such as ulcers, loss of skin integrity, and skin infections. The use of essential oils can reduce inflammation, encourage cell regeneration, and eliminate infection.

Some of the common essential oils that may be used are Palma Rosa, Rosemary, Juniper, Lavender, Tea-tree, and Peppermint.

Essential oils can also alleviate the stress of coping with a chronic condition such as diabetes and ease the burden of living with such a debilitating disease. Aromatherapy is a known antidote for relieving stress. Some of the essential oils that can be used for reducing stress are lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Lemon, Bergamot, Neroli and Germanium.

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Have Essential Oils – Will Travel

During a break from my Aromatherapy studies in London, I set out on a trip with my girlfriend to Egypt. I’d always been fascinated with Ancient Egyptian culture and impressed by their diverse knowledge and documented use of essential oils. Not only were essential oils sourced and used for the sensual pleasure imparted through perfumery, they also played a paramount part in ceremonial worshiping and for general health and wellbeing. To my surprise I was about to find out how resourceful a few essential oils could be.

We arrived at Cairo Airport in the wee hours of the morning excited and apprehensive about our new adventure. Little did we know about bungling taxi drivers in Cairo. It didn’t help that the only directions we had for accommodation was our out-of-date ‘Lonely Planet’ guide. An hour of hap hazard driving and we finally arrived at a place that the driver, very convincingly, told us was paradise! Yeah, right…

Now I know for a fact that the Ancient Egyptians took cleanliness seriously. There are even ancient records of an essential oil deodorant recipe dating back to 1500BC. For those Egyptians who were quite decadent, bathing more than once a day in different temperature baths with perfumed oils was one of a number of beauty-enhancing rituals. But of course that was Ancient Egypt, which on comparison bared little resemblance to our ‘paradise’ accommodation in modern day Cairo. Cleanliness was obviously not a priority, not by any means… no siree!!! Anyway we were exhausted and decided to stay regardless. After a weary day we both looked forward to a restful night sleep only to discover that our beds would reveal another not so pleasant surprise bed mites …aghhh!

Fortunately, I brought some essential oils on the trip and pulled out my trusty bottle of (antiseptic, insecticidal, parasiticidal, deodorising, sedating) French Lavender Essential Oil and put a few drops on some tissues that we placed strategically in the bed. Egyptian mummies had the right idea, ritually embalmed in Frankincense and Myrrh and firmly wrapped in bandages…nothing gets in and nothing gets out.

Essential oils are a must when travelling. Fortunately for a little forethought we survived sharing trains with farm animals, overcrowded bus trips with lunatic drivers and need I say almost disappearing into the desert by camel…. but that’s another story.

Your essential oil travel kit should contain: lavender, chamomile, geranium, peppermint, ginger, tea tree and thyme.

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Benefits and Uses of Essential Oils

If you put three to four drops of essential oils of your choice in warm water, lean over it with a towel overhead, you can cure pimples, acne and spots. A steam facial for ten to fifteen minutes once a week with it also helps curing skin problems. Essential oils have very rich amounts of biologically active compounds.
Aromatherapy is a scented form of soothing and relaxation treatments. All different types of essential oils are used to achieve different degrees of aromatherapy. These oils are naturally occurring volatile oils that are obtained by cold expression or steam distillation. It will have the characteristically familiar aroma from the plant part from which it was derived.
Some of the common essential oils are having medicinal values which have been used widely in ancient folk medicines and they are still being very widely used today. Many people have claimed that Essential Oils have a very aromatic, uplifting and relaxing effect on the mind. The medical use of it proposed by people who are selling medicinal range are from remedies for cancer and skin treatments.
These Essential oils are very complex mixers which comprise of many single compounds and are a rich source of biologically active compounds. Different types of oils have been used extensively on seperate ancient historical periods.
It is important to remember that pimples, acne and spots can be cured with patience and an over all good health. Essential oils will be effective only if you take care of your over all health by eating healthy and by controlling stress. You also need to remember that if you over do things it will not help cure faster for example don’t wash face too frequently or don’t scrub your face while wiping it, or don’t use any harsh alcohol based products. Our body gives out its normal amount of sebum during the day if you disturb it the body gives out loads of it which would cause the pores to block further. In short remember not to over do things for faster results.
The next important question that comes to ones mind is which essential oil would do away with all these skin problems? The answer being tea tree, jasmine, ylang ylang, grapefruit, helichrysum, lavender, sandalwood are few among the oils which are known to have controlled skin problems like acne, spots, pimples etc
The origin goes way back in times of ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece. It reaches out throughout middle and far east. Aroma therapy is based on the essence of plant with some identifiable aroma or flavor that people thought it could be put to some use.

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The Head Lice Olive Oil Treatment

Do you or a loved one have head lice? Don’t be embarrassed as the best of us have had them at one point or another in our lives. And you need not rush off to the chemist to purchase an over the counter head lice treatment either, especially if you can’t get to the chemist. With the use of a natural treatment you can be head lice free in a very short time. All you need to do to remove the head lice is give the infected head an olive oil treatment.
You’re Equipment
For this process to work effectively the whole household needs to undergo the head lice olive oil treatment . You begin with yourself and then work your way through each of your family member’s one by one. You will only get re-infested with head lice if the other members of your home do not undergo some kind of head lice home treatment. To take care of your bedding and sleepwear put them in the dryer (if you have one) and let them tumble around on high heat for ten minutes. That will be hot enough to kill the eggs. If you don’t have a dryer wash in very hot water and hang to dry.
Now don’t go using the best oil in the cupboard(the cheaper the better), the head lice are not that fussy and using extra virgin imported olive oil for a head lice olive oil treatment is very painful to your bank account. You will need the smallest tooth comb you have but if you don’t have one on hand use the fine end of your regular comb. You also need a roll of paper towels. If you have on hand lavender or tea tree essential oil you can also add this as head lice hate the smell of these oils.
The Next Step
In your bathtub or shower get your hair as wet as you can. Then mix ten parts olive oil to one part essential oil, or just slathers the oil on. The oil has to be plastered on your head. Leave it in your hair for at least fifteen minutes, allowing time for the head lice to suffocate. When the fifteen minutes are up comb your hair thoroughly, wiping the comb on the paper towels after each swipe. There will be nits caught in the olive oil. Then rinse your head.
The worst part of this process is that it is time consuming and that you will most likely need to repeat this procedure once more in three days or so. Repeat it anyway in less than a week even if you don’t see any signs of head lice, just to make sure you caught any eggs that have hatched since the first head lice olive oil treatment.

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Fragrance Oils: Making Your Home Smells so Sweet

Everybody wants to have a beautiful home, that is, it is well organized with the perfect drapes hanging loosely at the window, and chandeliers sparkling with tiny crystals. And if you are one of those who loves loving your home, and making the best out of it, you will surely turn towards the perfect set-up that will cause an attraction in the eyes of your visitors.
But a well crafted furniture set, curvaceous vases, multihued paintings, and fresh indoor plants are not enough to turn your home into a stunning masterpiece. You need to stir another sense, which is the sense of smell, to create the perfect harmony and balance between your home and the people who will be entering in it.
What you need is the perfect fragrance oil that will suit your home theme and design, and make people feel they are experiencing heaven or paradise inside your home.
Fragrance oils are very popular nowadays, and they are widely used all over the world. It was discovered and formulated in the ancient times, and it was used by different cultures, like the Egyptians, Chinese, and Greeks. But even up to the present, these oils, which are also known as aromatic oils, are still being used by different people of different cultures to make their living rooms and bedrooms smell so sweet and calming.
In addition, fragrance oils are not only used to cover up fetid stenches overflowing inside your home, but it can also be used for aromatherapy. That is, it is perfect to alleviate your stress levels, anxiety levels and worries at school, or in the office. That is why, when you come back home from your job or school, it is best that you will spend time relaxing on a couch with the aromatic smell of aromatic oil soothing your exhausted body and soul.
There are different kinds of fragrance oils available in the market today. The choice of which flavor you would like to experience is up to you. But if you are still confused on which one is the best, you can opt for sweet fragrance oil flavors, like lavender, rose, pine, tea tree, jasmine, clove, hops, ylang-ylang, grapefruit, tangerine, and lime. Other essences are sassafras, cinnamon, rosewood, ginger, ocean sea breeze, bamboo, eucalyptus, basil, bay leaf, thyme, and wintergreen.
Fragrance oils are perfect in any type of home arrangement, but if you want that the flavor or essence will coincide with the over-all theme of your living room or bedroom design, it is best that you will choose the one that will suit with the ambiance. Just like if you are having some garden type living room, the best essence you can opt for are rose, jasmine, or any other oils that came from a flower extract.
Fragrance oils are simply amazing. It does not only add spice and vigor in different spaces inside your home, but it gives you relief from stress and rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. Surely, your family, friends and visitors will enjoy their time at your sweet-smelling place.

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