Infused Water: A Healthy and Refreshing Summer Drink

I love to cook and incorporate what we grow in the garden into our meals.  Lately I have been inspired to make Infused Water meaning water that has been infused with fruit, flowers, or herbs for a flavor and health boost.  The kids really enjoy helping to make these waters and have even been inspired to create a few recipes of their own.  
While infused water is new to us it is not a new concept.  In fact infused water has been around for many centuries as is evident

from the painting "Water Seller of Seville" by Diego Velasquez (1599-1660).  The painting portrays a young boy purchasing water from a water seller who has flavored the water with a fig.  It was common practice to flavor water with figs as it was meant to represent purity and freshen the taste of the water.

Now, centuries later Aromatic waters are making a resurgence.  They are easy to make and rewarding to our health.  Have fun experimenting with different fruits.  The following is the recipe we have been enjoying. 

Infused Water with Strawberries and Lemon Thyme

 

1000ml/1 litre Mason Jar

4-6 organic sliced strawberries

2 sprigs of organic Lemon Thyme

1/2 organic lemon sliced thinly

Pure water

Add the above ingredients into a 1 liter mason jar.  Fill the mason jar with water and seal with a lid.  Let the jar sit overnight or for 4 hours to let the flavors infuse.

You can drink the water right from the jar with the infused fruit still in the jar or strain the water into a glass then add a fresh slice of lemon.

Enjoy your Infused Water!

Essential Oils for Exhaustion

Underlying physiological reasons such anemia, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis are some things that may cause exhaustion. It  is also important to make sure that the exhaustion is not caused by overwork, excessive drinking, insomnia or that you're recovering from a bacterial or viral infection that would make you tired.

40% of the cases of tiredness/exhaustion cases are caused by lifestyle and psychological reasons. If these are recognized they can be worked on. It's a good idea to start with the working environment, is it too noisy, are you sitting too close to the photocopiers, do you use the computer all day, are you sitting in a good chair,  is the lighting to dim, are you sitting close to the air vents? 

Essential oils have historically been used for exhaustion, tiredness, and fatigue for a long time. The oils recommended for exhaustion can be used in all the usual way. At the bottom of this post you'll see some links to tips on how to use essential oils.

Worwood recommends the following:

Essential oils to help in cases of exhaustion:

Bergamot, eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, black pepper, cypress, grapefruit, ginger, marjoram, frankincense, lemon, cardamon and pine.

As you notice, some oils listed are traditionally used to calm, but Worwood says that overstimulation in tiredness can result in increased tiredness instead of relief from it.

Essential oils to help in cases of nervous exhaustion:

Juniper, rosemary, Roman chamomile, clary sage,  lavender, petitgrain, orange, neroli and marjoram.

Essential oils to help in cases of general mental fatigue:

Basil, Eucalyptus Piperata, Eucalyptus Citridora, lemon, rosemary, peppermint, petitgrain,

Essential oils to help in cases of mental tiredness:

Marjoram, peppermint, clary sage, rosemary, lavender and grapefruit.

Essential oils to help in cases of intellectual fatigue:

Rosemary, cypress, black pepper, ginger, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit and basil.

Important

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

 References 

The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996

Essential Oils & Lymphedema

Lymphedema may be localized or generalized. Kahn says lymphedema may be due to a primary or secondary cause. The primary cause is  also referred to as congenital, and the secondary cause is caused by a known condition which could be radiation or trauma, or removal of lymph nodes. 

The Aromatherapy Treatment Strategy

The aromatherapy treatment is to reduce the swelling by stimulationg the lymph flow by using cool compresses and lymphatic drainage massage techniques. Kahn suggests to use essential oil such as fennel seed, juniper berry, and cypress for the compress. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage that assists the lymph flow, decrease pain, balance the central nervous system and boosts immunity. Kahn recommends to use laurus nobilis, lemon, rosemary, grapefruit, peppermint and lemon essential oils. These oils assist lymph fluid circulation and  aid in elimination of wastes from the interstitial tissue.

The leg should be elevated. Kahn also suggests to incorporate deep breathing, yoga, self massage, nutritional and lifestyle advice. Aromatherapy baths are also recommended and they should not be too hot, the heat can cause filtration of fluids into the tissue and make the condition worse.

Kahn further says it is important to use pH balanced moisturizing lotion with essential oils such as tea tree and lavender to minimize the risk of infections.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Salvatore Battaglia (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition.The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

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Five Aromatherapy Tips For Everyday Wellness

People often ask how they can incorporate essential oils into their everyday life.  They are on the path to greater wellness and have realized that using essential oils is an effective and enjoyable means to their wellness goals.  I use essential oils and essential oil blends daily, many times a day and truly believe that my everyday wellness and joy has increased with aromatherapy in my life.  Following are 5 aromatherapy tips that can be started right now for everyday wellness.
For more aromatherapy and essential oil information please visit my website www.evokearomatherapy.com and follow my blog www.evokearomatherapy.blogspot.ca
Individual essential oils and vegetable carrier oils are available from Evoke Aromatherapy.  These products are available by request only which can be submitted on our "contact us" page.  Currently pure essential oils and carrier oils have no separate listing on the website.


5 Aromatherapy Tips For Everyday Wellness

1. Practice breathing: use your favourite essential oil to teach you to fully breathe into the bottom of your lungs then exhale completely.  Do this by applying a drop of your favourite essential oil to your hands, inhale deeply, exhale fully and repeat.
Benefits: increased oxygen to your body equals increased alertness, improved mood and increased energy.  Hint:  use an anti-viral essential oil like lemon to boost immune, or a calming essential oil like sandalwood to soothe the nervous system.

2.  Diffuse pure essential oils:  add a few drops of your favourite essential oil into a vaporizer to infuse the air you are breathing with natural calm.  One of my favourite oil blends is cinnamon and sweet orange.  An all round oil blend for wellness and an uplifted mood.
Benefits:  decreased stress hormones equal an increase of inner peace and calm.




3.  Aromatic Baths:  adding Epsom salts mixed with a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the bath water encourages your body to unwind and de-stress.  My favourite bath salt blend is Evoke Aromatherapy's Sweet Surrender that has lavender, neroli and geranium essential oils.  This bath blend helps the body and mind to completely unfurl.
Benefits:  Epsom salts help increase Magnesium absorption which decreases muscle pain and encourages relaxation.  Essential oils refresh, purify and relax the mind and body.

4.  Dry skin brushing and body oil:  dry brushing the skin allows you to slough off dead skin cells and increase circulation.  Applying a body oil afterwards revitalises the new skin cells bringing luxurious softness to your skin.  My favourite body oil... Evoke's Spring Fling (which will be released this spring.  Sign onto our newsletter or like us on social media to learn when it is available)
Benefits:  increased circulation, promotes healthy skin, increased self care which equals more SELF LOVE!






5.  First Aid:  promote healing of cuts, scrapes and burns using lavender diluted in a vegetable carrier oil.  Disinfect cuts using tea tree essential oil also diluted in a vegetable carrier oil.

Benefits:  healing the natural way, strengthen the bodies natural healing response.




Bonus Tip for increased wellness using essential oils.... have fun using them!  You are caring for and loving yourself in a wonderful proactive and healthy way.  You are on your way to enjoy a life of everyday wellness and self love!
All this benefit from simply "stopping to smell the roses!"

NOTE:  Always dilute essential oils before use.  Also check on their safety and proper dilution ratios before using.  Evoke Aromatherapy is providing this information for educational purposes only and does not intend to treat, diagnose, or cure any ailment, or disease.  

Natural and healthy ways to manage head lice using essential oils

While our children are in school with their heads near their peers in “deep concentration” lice can enjoy easy passage from one person’s hair and scalp to the next. Head lice love the close quarters of classrooms and enjoy having children bring them home to infect the whole family through pillow sharing, sharing of hair accessories and even from their beloved stuffed animals!
Essential oils are a fast, effective and natural way to both prevent and treat head lice.
Some simple methods we can use at home are to wash everything, making sure it gets time in the dryer as heat can kill lice. Bagging stuffed animals and other bedroom toys where lice can live, and then leaving the bag to sit somewhere hot or cold for 2 weeks can help break the life cycle and kill off the lice. Treating our person starts with purchasing a good quality metal head lice or nit comb. This is needed to brush through hair daily to remove the lice and nits from the hair. This needs to be done for a good week until there are no visible signs of eggs in the hair. If one person in the family has head lice it is recommended that all members of the family be treated.

Essential oils that prove to be effective for head lice in children are:


Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Please pay special attention to the variety specified in the above list, as it’s important to use the correct variety of essential oil on children.
Sometimes Rosemary essential oil is mentioned in conjunction with head lice, however I do not recommended this essential oil for young children and since it is also not to be used on anyone who is prone to seizures, I do not recommend using this oil for head lice.

To make your own oil blend to massage into your child’s hair follow this general guide line:

Into 1 ounce (30ml or 2 TBSP) coconut oil add 3-6 drops essential oil for children 5 years and older.

You can choose any combination of essential oils from the list above.  Then apply a few drops of this mix onto their scalp and hair (avoiding the eyes) then wrap hair in a plastic bag to keep the head warm and sit for 30 minutes with the oil mix in the hair. After 30 minutes brush the hair thoroughly with the nit comb, rinsing the comb in soapy water between each stroke through the hair. Then blow-dry the hair using the heat setting, as head lice are heat and light sensitive. Do this treatment multiple days until there are no visible eggs caught in the comb. Adding a few drops of this mix to your shampoo also helps and is a good prevention to head lice.
Keep in mind that you can get a custom aromatherapy blend from a certified aromatherapist to help target head lice and create a pleasant blend for preventative use throughout the school year. Also if your child has developed an irritated and red scalp from the head lice then an aromatherapist can custom blend an oil to help soothe the scalp.

Evoke aromatherapy has the pure essential oils needed for lice prevention and can custom blend products for the prevention and treatment of head lice. To inquire email: info@evokearomatherapy.com

Thank you! :)

Evoke Aromatherapy
May we live with love in our heart and actions

A picture slide show featuring head lice
http://www.medicinenet.com/head_lice_pictures_slideshow/article.htm 

Essential Oils & The Lymphatic System

According to Battaglia, aromatherapy can help with some of the problems associated with the lymphatic system. Essential oils with diuretic, alterative, circulatory stimulant, bactericidal, antifungal and antiviral properties are most suitable.

What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of superficial and deep vessels and can be found in all parts of the body except for the spinal column, brain, bone marrow and cartilage. The lymph capillaries, vessels, and and larger ducts transport the lymph and the lymph nodes are the filtering devices. The thymus, tonsils and the spleen are lymphatic organs and the breasts are mostly made up of lymphatic vessels and glands.

What's the function of the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system has three major functions in the body:

• aid in providing immunological defenses
• draining excess fluids from the body cells
• absorbing and distributing fat soluble nutrients.

When it is not working well
Sometimes our lymphatic system is not working well and this condition is called congestion. The lymph is filled with waste products that has passed through the lymph nodes. It is the liver's responsibility to neutralize and eliminate a large number of toxins. Unfortunately, when the liver and the lymph nodes are unable to cope with the toxins, the toxins can leak through the mucous membranes and other emergency elimination sites. This leaking is commonly known as catarrh or inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Vital to life
Just because the lymph system is like a sewage system doesn't mean it is not vital to life, you see, when this system fails to function properly, excess toxins and fluid will build up in the body causing pain, infection, loss of energy and various diseases.

Okay, so let's talk about the essential oils.

Diuretics
According to Battaglia, diuretic essential oils are often used in conditions where water is retained in the body. Battaglia says the following oils have diuretic properties, which means they accelerate the detoxification process by stimulating kidneys.

~Grapefruit, fennel, lemon, juniper, cypress, tangerine, orange, and mandarin. Caution, excessive use of juniper has been known to cause kidney irritation.

Increasing leucocytosis
According to Battaglia, the following oils will increase the body's ability to make white blood cells:
~Lavender, rosemary, lemon, thyme and tea tree.

Blood cleansers, alteratives, detoxifiers or depuratives
According to Battaglia, most essential oils will stimulate phagocytosis, which means the ability of the white blood cells to ingest and clean up toxins and microbes. Battaglia refers to Mills, who says that by improving the functions of the eliminatory channels in the body the tissues may be cleansed. The remedies capable of doing so are referred to as blood cleansers, alteratives  or depuratives. Battaglia lists the following oils as being alteratives, depuratives, blood cleanser or detoxifiers:
~ German and Roman Chamomile, sweet fennel, rosemary, lemon, lavender, geranium, juniper and angelica.

Stimulating lymph and tissue fluid circulation
Battaglia says essential oils such as grapefruit, juniper berry, orange, cold pressed lime, rosemary, peppermint and tangerine will stimulate the tissue and lymph fluid circulation.

Anti-fungal, antiviral and bactericidal
According to Battaglia, Jean Valnet lists these oils as being very useful:
~ Clove, niaouli, eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, cinnamon, sandalwood, lavender, peppermint and German chamomile as being very useful.

Circulatory stimulants
By stimulating the circulatory system you stimulate the flow of lymph. Battaglia says black pepper, rosemary or ginger may be used in a lymphatic massage blend.

The Essential Oils Desk Reference also lists myrtle, lemongrass and hyssop as essential oils that aid in detoxifying and stimulating the lymphatic system. The Reference Guide also lists ledum, Ledum groenlandicum, as being useful for inflamed lymph nodes. 

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Source:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

Lemon ~ Citrus limon

The lemon tree is a small evergreen tree. It is the outer rind of the ripe fruit that is used. 3,000 lemons produces one kilo of essential oil.

Origin 

Lemon is grown in different regions around the world. 

Aroma

Lemon has a sharp, clean, and refreshing citrus aroma. Gary Young says it promotes clarity of thought and purpose, as well as healing, purification, physical energy and health. 

Historical and traditional uses

Columbus brought lemon and orange seeds to Spain in 1493. Spain quickly became one of the largest producers of lemon. Already in 1692 distilled and expressed lemon could be bought in Paris.

Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses

Research in Japan has found that lemon improves the ability to concentrate. It is said to lift the spirit during times of mental fatigue. Lemon has also been found useful for stimulating and clearing the mind. It is also said to aid in the decision making process.

According to Battaglia, lemon is able to stimule the action of the white blood corpuscles, which are the body's own defense. According to Dr. Jean Valnet, the vaporized essence of lemon can kill the meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli in one hour, Staphylococcus aureus in two hours, and Pneumococcus bacteria within three hours. Battaglia also says lemon improves the functioning of the digestive system. Battaglia also says it counteracts the acidity in the body and makes the stomach more alkaline. 

Battaglia says lemon is said to have a tonic effect on the circulatory system and is useful in treating varicose veins. Battaglia says it may be helpful in cases of high blood pressure and can be used in preventative regimen against arteriosclerosis. 

Battaglia also says lemon can be used in cases of toxemia, such as gout, rheumatism, general obesity, cellulite, abscesses, and carbuncles and boils.

As an astringent lemon has an effective cleansing effect on greasy skin. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for treating boils and cuts according to Battaglia.

According to Gary Young, lemon may be beneficial for blood pressure, anxiety, respiratory problems, digestive problems, sore throats and respiratory infections. Young says it helps promote leukocyte promotion, improve memory, cleans the nails and promote a sense of well-being. 

According to a research done by Komori, et al., 1995, lemon has shown to have antidepressant effect. It is also said to work well in removing wood stain, oil, gum, and grease spots.

Safety

Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution recommended for both topical and internal use. Dilute before using on sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genital area, etc. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid using on infants and very small children. Avoid using on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays. Do not use near fire, flame, heat or sparks.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Add Essential Oils to Your Drinking Water

I like to add essential oils to my drinking water. I add lemon water to my drinking water first thing in the morning since it is said to counteract acidity and make the stomach more alkaline. Lemon is also a powerful antibacterial and it stimulates the action of the white blood corpuscles. It also tonic for supporting the nervous and sympathetic nervous system and it also has a tonic effect on the circulatory system.

When it is hot outside I add peppermint essential oils since it is said to cool the body down. Peppermint is also one of the most effective oils for the digestive system. It is best to dip a toothpick into the bottle of peppermint and then swirl around in the water.

Other oils I add to my drinking water are grapefruit, tangerine and orange. They are powerful antioxidants due to the d-limonene content. 

Try to add some essential oils to drinking water but make sure that the oils you use are listed as dietary supplements. It is important that the company you buy the essential oils from list their oils as suitable for ingestion. Ask me if you want to know more the oils I use from Young Living.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Raising Homemakers Link Up, Healthy 2day Wednesday, Party Wave Wednesday, Natural Living Link Up, Simple Lives Thursday, All Things Thursday, Fight Back Friday, Mop it Up Monday, Homemade Mondays, The Gathering Spot, Fat Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Domestically Divine, Teach Me Tuesday