Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Essential Oils & Sinus Problems




Having sinus problems is very painful. I remember the first time I had a sinus infection, it was when my oldest son started  daycare in Sweden when he was a year and a half. Unfortunately I didn't know anything about essential oils at that time. Over the years I have used essential oils successfully for sinus problems in our house. We have also changed the diet since then. I also learned from Steven Horne, the Herbalist, how to activate the healing when I feel a cold coming. So it doesn't happen very often that my family suffer from sinus problems anymore. 

To activate healing
To activate the healing you need to give the body an energy boost to help it push the irritants out of the system. Herbs with pungent taste, such as capsicum, horseradish, ginger etc help generate wei qi energy. When you eat spicy food your eyes water, your mucus clear from your throat and lung, your nose runs and you start to perspire. You see, pungent herbs activate the energy that helps the body discharge whatever it is irritating it. So make them your best friends during a cold. As soon as you feel a cold coming on, stop eating, start drinking lots of fluid and start taking some of these pungent herbs. 


Other tips

  • Check for inhalant or food intolerants.
  • Poor bowel function may be the cause.
  • Battaglia suggests to increase garlic, onion and ginger. 
  • Eliminate sugar from your diet.
  • Avoid dairy.
  • Battaglia also suggests to make a sinus soup:  vegetarian minestrone with added horseradish, hot peppers, garlic, and ginger. 
  • Battaglia also suggests to use vitamin C to increase immunity against infection and to reduce mucus. He also suggests to add vitamin A since it increases the health of the epithelial tissue lining of the sinuses. 


My favorites essential oils  I've used for sinus problems
I have used different oils over the years, but one of my favorite is a Respiratory blend.  I have also used an Antimicrobial oil  successfully too. My son cleared his painful sinus congestion with a Pain Relieving blend  within a day. I also like to use frankincense, especially if I don't have any of my  favorite oil blends at home.

The Respirator blend contains the following oils:
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, myrtus communis oil, pinus sylvestris (pine) leaf oil, origanum majorana (marjoram) leaf oil, eucalyptus radiata leaf oil, eucalyptus citriodora leaf oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, cupressus sempervirens oil, tsuga canadensis leaf oil, and mentha piperita (peppermint) oil.

The Antimicrobial blend contains the following oils:
Clove† (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon† (Citrus limon), cinnamon† (Cinnamomum verum), Eucalyptus radiata† and rosemary† (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol).

The Pain Relieving blend contains the following oils:
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and peppermint (Mentha piperita).

Some single oils I've used in the past
Peppermint, helichrysum, thyme linalol, rosemary, marjoram, pine, eucalyptus, ravensara, myrtle and ginger. These oils have also historically been used for sinus problems.

How I use essential oils for sinus problems

  • I like to use steam inhalations for sinus problems and it is really powerful. For steam inhalations I add a few drops of oil to hot but not boiling water and inhale. Most of the times I drape a towel over my head to increase the intensity. I bought an electric facial steamer and it works great for upper respiratory problems. 
  • I also like to rub the oils on each side of the nose and over the sinus areas. It depends on the oil, some I may apply neat and others I mix with massage oil. I like to mix essential oils with some massage oil and put in a roll-on bottle,  I use it frequently on my sinus areas throughout the day. This is great when I have to leave the house. 
  • I've also put oils on the sinus Vita Flex points on bottom of the feet, this is especially handy when dealing with stronger oils or when using oils on children. Some oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus should not be applied on the facial areas of small children.
  • I also diffuse appropriate oils in my diffusers.
  • For a quick relief I may inhale straight from the bottle. I plug on side of the nose and inhale deeply and then I switch side. 
  • I may also apply  a couple of drops of oil on the inside of my hands, rub them together, and cup them over my nose and inhale deeply. 
  • I've also used hot compresses over the sinus areas. (See at the bottom of page for how to make a compress)


Why I prefer to use blends
I prefer to use essential oil blends when possible since it will enhance the synergy between the oils, synergy is based on the fact that the whole is greater than the sum of the part. Essential oils with similar constituents can enhance activity. For example, research has shown a greater antimicrobial activity when oils were combined. Therefore, I like to mix several different oils into on blend for enhanced therapeutic value, and most of the times it is more economical for me to buy already blended oils.


How to make a compress

Place 5-15 drops of essential oils into a basin filled with warm water.
Agitate the water vigorously and let it stand for one minute. 
Place a dry cloth on top of the water to soak up the oils that float on the surface. Wring out the cloth and apply on the body. 



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:
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.










Photo credit

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


This post is linked to:
Titus 2 Tuesdays, Domestically Divine, The Gathering Spot, Healthy Tuesday Hop, Tuesday Greens, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Encourage One Another, Adorn from Above, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Homemaking Link UP, Simple Lives Thursday, Natural Living Link Up, The Homeacre Hop, Hearts for Home Link Up, Small Footprint Family, Sunday School Blog Carnival, Mop It Up Monday, The Better Mom Mondays Link Up, Natural Living Monday, Thank Goodness It's Monday, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Mama Moments Monday

Monday, 8 April 2013

Lemongrass - Cymbopogon flexuosus


Do you have a hard time getting started in the morning?  Lemongrass may be the right oil for you, according to Fisher-Rizzi, lemongrass is considered a secret aid for people who have trouble starting in the morning. She says the effect of the lemongrass aroma is like taking refreshing shower in the morning.

Origin and common name
C.flexuosus is also known as East Indian lemongrass. Lemongrass oil can be produced from two different species of Cymbopogon. C.citratus and C. flexuosos are tufted perennial grassed with numerous stiff stems arising from a short rhizomatous rootstock. C. flexuosos is the what I'm going to focus on today. It is native of India, which is also the major producer of East Indian lemongrass.

Aroma
It has a  very strong, fresh grassy, herbaceous and citrus aroma. Lemongrass promotes psychic awareness and purification. The refreshing aroma is uplifting and refreshing. Battaglia says it aids our logical thinking and it is ideal to use at home or at work where clear thinking and concentration are needed. 

Historical and traditional uses
Lemongrass was originally used as food flavor in Asia. The fresh leaves are crushed in water and used as a hair wash in India.


Indications, therapeutic actions, and traditional uses
Lemongrass has traditionally been used for digestion and purification. According to Battaglia, lemongrass is considered a stimulant for the digestive system and is recommended for colitis, gastroenteritis, and indigestion. Lemongrass is also, according to Battaglia, referred to as the connective tissue oil.  It is  recommended in the after-care of sports injuries, sprains, dislocations, and bruises. 

Gary Young suggests lemongrass for bladder infection, parasites, edema, fluid retention, kidney disorders, varicose veins and torn ligaments. Young says lemongrass may help improve digestion, circulation, and eye sight, as well as combat infections, respiratory problems, headaches, sore throat. 

Young also says lemongrass tones and helps regenerate connective tissues and ligaments, strengthen vascular walls, and promotes lymph flow.


Precautions
Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Always dilute. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use near fire, flame, heat or spark.

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

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

Johanna is an aromatherapist and an 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


Thursday, 4 April 2013

Why Bears Are Not Extinct



I picked up the book, Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks..But People do! by Matthias Rath, M.D a few years ago. The title caught my eye in the book store. Rath  explains in his book that animals can produce their own vitamin C which protects their blood vessels.  Rath believes cardiovascular disease is an early form of scurvy. Clinical studies show that optimum daily intake of vitamins and minerals can reverse coronary heart disease.

Cholesterol
Bears and other hibernating animals have an average cholesterol levels of 400 mg per deciliter. If cholesterol causes heart attacks and strokes, the bear and other hibernating animals would be extinct long time ago as a result of heart attacks. The bears produce large amounts of vitamin C which stabilize their artery walls so they are unaffected by cholesterol.
According to Matthias Rath, the bears are not extinct because:
  • Elevated cholesterol blood levels are not the primary cause of heart attacks, strokes, or atherosclerosis.
  • It is more important to achieve and maintain stability of the artery walls through optimum vitamin supply than lowering cholesterol and other risk factors in the blood stream.
  • Cholesterol and other repair factors in the blood stream can only become risk factors if the artery walls are weakened by chronic vitamin deficiency.
The Paleo Diet is high in vitamins and other nutrients recommended in Dr.Rath Cellular Health Progam outlined in his book.
A large study about the importance of vitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease was performed in Europe. Cardiovascular diseases are more frequent in Northern European countries and Scandinavia, compared to Mediterranean countries.  The vitamin intake is low in Northern Europe. The diet in the Mediterranean countries is rich in vitamins.
Professor K.F Gey, from the University of Berne in Switzerland compared the blood levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as cholesterol to the rate of cardiovascular disease in these countries. He found that:
  • The people in northern European countries did not only have the lowest blood levels of vitamins but also the highest rate of cardiovascular disease.
  • The people in southern Europe had the highest blood level of vitamins as well as the lowest rate of cardiovascular disease.
  • A high intake of vitamin C, E, A had a greater impact on decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease than lowering the cholesterol.
The regular diet in southern Europe is high in bioflavonoids and provides an optimum amount of vitamins daily. 
Source: Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks…But People Do! by Matthias RathPhoto Credit
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Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.


Wednesday, 3 April 2013

Emergency Preparedness – Diabetes



This is my sixth post in my Emergency Preparedness series where I address an important issue such as lack of access to medicine and medical care in case of emergencies. 

What if access to medication and medical care is denied?

In my first post, Emergency Preparedness  I was wondering how people on prescribed medications would handle an emergency situation if access to medication and medical care is denied.  I encourage you to go back to my previous posts and read them. My previous posts cover  high blood pressure, anxiety & depression,  pain and allergy.

I urge you to take charge of your own health so you're better prepared for any situation where you might not be able to fill your prescription or use any medical facilities.

Natural solutions
Below are some natural solutions to the most prescribed drugs in America today.

Why essential oils?
  • You can stockpile essential oils, and they have no expiration date if they are stored correctly. Herbs also lose their potency over time.
  •  They are small enough so they can be put in a pocket if needed. 
  • They are more potent so less amount is needed for healing. You have to drink 26 cups of peppermint tea in order to get the same healing effect as one drop of therapeutic peppermint essential oil. 

Treat the body holistically
It is important to remember to take a holistic approach to healing and not only rely on natural remedies. Dietary changes, living a toxin free life, exercise, sufficient rest and sleep, and incorporating other healing therapies into your life should also be considered. 

Okay, here we go:

#5 Diabetes medications are some of the most prescribed drugs in our country


It is said that at least 17 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Most of them have type 2 diabetes, also known as adult- onset diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Dietary changes, maintain a healthy weight, and increasing the level of physical activity.

Type 2 diabetics need to address the root of the problem, which is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is caused by faulty leptin and insulin signaling, which is due to lack of exercise and incorrect diet. Dr. Mercola says that to correct and restore the insulin/leptin signaling in the body, most sugar and carbs need to be cut out from the diet, this also means cutting out alcohol which equates sugar, and increase the protein intake, along with regular exercise.

Dr. Mercola's guidelines to preventing and reversing diabetes:
  • Eliminate or severely limit grains and sugar from your diet. This also includes sweetened drink, only one drink a day can increase the diabetes risk by 25%. Also avoid processed foods with fructose, even fruits may need to be eliminated until your blood sugar is under control.
  • Exercise is needed if you want to get diabetes under control. Include high intensity sprint-type exercises since they boost fat loss, promote muscle building, and triggers your body to produce human growth hormon naturally. Until your blood sugar is under control you'll need large amounts of exercise.
  • Trans fats will worsen the insulin resistance so avoid.
  • Eat saturated fat such as avocados, grass-fed organic meat, and coconut oil. They provide building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormon-like substances. They also provide a concentrated source of energy and act as carriers for vitamin A,D,E, and K.
  • Add omega-3 fats from a good quality animal source.
  • Make sure you monitor your fasting insulin level. It is just as important the fasting blood sugar. The fasting insulin level should be between 2-4, the higher level the worse your insulin receptor sensitivity is.
  • Make sure you get enough quality sleep every night.
  • Make sure you get sufficient amount of vitamin D, according to Mercola, levels around 60-80 ng/ml can significantly help control blood sugar.
  • Address any underlying emotional issues and stress.

Dr. Mercola says if you're willing to make the lifestyle changes stated above,  nearly 100% of type 2 diabetes can successfully be treated, meaning eliminating the symptoms of diabetes, or the high risk of developing health complications. 

Other tips from experts
  • Wolfberry balances the pancreas and is also a detoxifier and cleanser.
  • Chromium has shown to help people metabolize blood sugar properly.
  • Substituting sugar for real stevia leaf extract may help rebuild glucose tolerance and normalize blood sugar.

Time for the oils
Even though we try to make the necessary lifestyle changes,  it may take a time to achieve the desired results. 

According to the Essential Oils Reference, ocotea lowers insulin needs for diabetics and reduces blood sugar fluctuations and is said to be the best options. 
Coriander is another option, it has been researched at Cairo University for its effect in lowering glucose and insulin levels, and for supporting pancreatic function. It has also been studied for its effect in strengthening the pancreas. 



The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide written by Gary Young, suggests the following oils:
coriander ~ Coriandrum sativum
cinnamon ~ Cinnamonmum verum
fennel ~ Foeniculum vulgare
dill ~ Anethum graveolens
cypress ~ Cupressus sempervirens
clove ~ Syzygium aromaticum

Watch your insulin intake carefully, you may have to cut down. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, talk to your physician and see if it is possible to stockpile insulin.

Remember
Never quit any prescribed medication on your own since it may be dangerous. Some medications needs to be weaned of slowly. Consult with your doctor first.




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:
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:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
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
Julie Behling  (2011). Medical Preparedness for Adults  E-book


What You Need to Know About Olive Oil

Source: NAOOA
Attention all olive oil lovers: A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, which followed over 7,000 adults for about 5 years, showed that adherence to a Mediterranean diet, especially one with extra virgin olive oil, reduced the incidence of cardiovascular disease by 30 percent.  Olive oil is not only rich in oleic acid, a heart-healthy unsaturated fat but also polyphenols, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the body. 

These antioxidant-rich polyphenols help protect the LDL “bad” cholesterol from being oxidized in the body.  Oxidized LDL is thought to be damaging to the walls of your arteries, paving the way to atherosclerosis. A study in Clinical Nutrition of 200 individuals showed that the olive oil with the highest amount of polyphenols did a better job of protecting the LDL cholesterol against oxidation than the olive oils with lower amounts of these antioxidants.

But unfortunately, not all olive oils are created equal as polyphenols are lost in the refining process.  The highest quality olive oil with the most polyphenols is extra virgin olive oil as it is “cold pressed,” which means it is not heated during the process, according to the Oldways’website.  Oldways is a nonprofit organization best known for introducing Americans to the Mediterranean Diet and the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.  Although heating can destroy polyphenols, take comfort in knowing that you can cook with extra virgin oil.  According to Eryn Balch of the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), sautéing with extra virgin oil is fine as the heat in the frying pan is well below the temperature whereby the polyphenols are destroyed. 

In addition to heat, exposure to light and air will age the oil more rapidly, both destroying the polyphenols and increasing rancidity.   To protect against this, Balch recommends that you buy extra virgin olive oil that is sold in dark glass bottles or a can and store it in a cool dark place in your pantry rather than near the stove.  

When purchasing extra virgin olive oil, look for the “Best Used Buy” date on the label and buy a bottle with a date that is as far in the future as possible.  Keep in mind, once you open the bottle, air will get trapped in the bottle increasing the aging process of the oil, claims Balch. 

For more information and recipes using olive oil visit Oldways and the NAOOA websites.


                                           Follow Joan on Twitter at:  joansalgeblake

Monday, 1 April 2013

Geranium - Pelargonium graveolens


Who doesn't love the scent of flowers? Smelling geranium is almost like smelling a bouquet of roses. The aroma of geranium is positive and happy and it lifts the mood. It is an uplifting aroma while it is also very calming and relaxing. Geranium is one of my feel good oils, it lifts my mood with its pleasant floral aroma. It is very balancing and calming and puts me in a state of well-being.

Aroma
Geranium has a warm, sweet, heavy rose-like aroma. The middle note still has a rose aroma but the characteristic geranium aroma is more obvious. The base note is sweeter and not as heavy. It is fresh with some citrus and it smells like the geranium plant.

Characteristics
Geranium is yellowish and it leaves no stain on the perfume blotter. The taste is flowery, bitter, and warms the mouth. It is like eating a whole flower and the taste remains for hours.

Family and place of origin
Geranium belongs to the botanical family Geraniaceae. It is steam distilled and it comes from India, Egypt, Morocco, Japan, and Spain. It is native to South Africa and was introduced to Europe in the 17th century.

Historic uses
Geranium has historically been used as a wound healer and it has been used for centuries for skin care. According to Battaglia the main medical use in the past was the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea.

Indications
According to Battaglia, Pelargonium graveolens has diuretic properties and has traditionally been used for conditions such as gall stones and jaundice. He also says it has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system which can help relieve fluid retention, congestion and swollen ankles. Jean Valnet, MD, recommends geranium for hepatitis and other liver disorders.

It has traditionally also been used when there is a need for relieving congestion.

According to Battaglia, it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which regulates the hormonal system, and therefor geranium is traditionally recommended for where fluctuating hormones are a problem. Battaglia, says it useful in treating PMS and  menopause problems.

According to Battaglia, geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is sedative and uplifting and may be used in a massage, bath or diffuser to relieve nervous tension. It may help to release negative memories.

According to Battaglia, the cicatrizant and antiseptic actions make geranium very useful in the treatment of wounds, burns, and ulcers. He also says it balances the sebum of the sebaceous glands so it makes geranium valuable for  either oily, dry, or combination skin.

Other uses
According to Gary Young, geranium may also be used for circulatory problems, gingivitis, neuralgia, regenerating tissue and nerves, tumor growths, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, ringworm, sore throat, pancreas imbalances and insomnia.

Safety data
Avoid in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is generally non toxic but it may irritate the skin in persons with sensitive skin.


Caution: Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use.




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



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

Johanna is an aromatherapist and an 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