July 5th, 2010 by Helen Bliss
The wonderful therapeutic values of essential oils are many: they have science-proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. On a psychological and emotional level, oils have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-depressant action in placebo-controlled research. And so, what about one of the greatest therapeutic challenges of our times: the ability to get a good night’s rest? Well, the data is in! A number of studies have shown essential oils to be able to improve both the quality and the duration of sleep. This is crucial for those who have difficulty getting this rest, as it is so important to both our physical and mental health. Would you like to give essential oils a try? Here’s a look at which oils might work best for you, and how you can most effectively apply them.
The most widely prescribed oil by natural health professionals for deeper, more restful sleep is lavender. This is probably the most widely used and recognized essential oil in use today, particularly for its proven anti-anxiety action. The oil’s pleasant sweet-floral scent is primarily a result of particular natural chemical constituents which themselves have been proven to have anti-anxiety effects — lavender is the essential oil with the highest levels of these natural constituents, hence its great therapeutic efficacy.
Several factors make lavender this number one choice: It’s absolutely safe, so much so that it can be used with young children as well as those well into old age. It’s relatively inexpensive, the aroma is generally well-liked, and is readily available from a number of sources. At the same time, the choice of lavender is not for everyone — and this is an important note in all therapeutic uses of aromatic oils — the user must not find the aroma of the oil unpleasant and expect it to work. Women seem to have an affinity for lavender, as do young children. This is of course a generalization, but if you or someone you know would like to try aromatherapy for enhancing sleep and don’t care for lavender, don’t force it! There’s other oils out there.
One of the great features of lavender is that it can safely be used with infants, a feature every mother will be particularly appreciative of. Researchers at the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that a bath scented with lavender essential oil resulted in infants that “cried less and spent more time in deep sleep after bath”. Further, lower stress of the mothers bathing their children was also noted: “The cortisol levels of this group of mothers and infants significantly decreased, confirming the behavioral data showing increased relaxation of the mothers and their infants.”
The latest published research involving lavender utilized an ingestable lavender capsule, rather than lavender aroma. The focus of the study was to see whether the capsule reduced anxiety when compared to a placebo or a common sedative drug. The lavender capsule was deemed as effective as the pharmaceutical preparation in reducing anxiety, and it was noted that study participants also slept better when ingesting the equivalent of 2 drops of lavender oil per day. Because lavender works both when inhaled and when ingested, it stands to reason it will work via topical application as well, where the oil can both be smelled and passed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Sandalwood is another very popular oil with sleep enhancing properties. Sandalwood comes from the heartwood of trees growing in India, Australia and islands in the South Pacific. All these oils contain the individual constituents attributed to improved rest and relaxation, called “santalols”. So while the Indian variety is considered the finest for perfumery, all of these should do the trick. Santalols seem to produce a someone different physiological action than the linalool in lavender. It is not considered sedating, and might even be clarifying to the mind. Like lavender, sandalwood also appears to work not only through aroma alone, and should be effective via both aromatic and topical use.
A few other oils are commonly used for sleep therapy. These include the chamomiles, valerian, vetiver, rose and ylang ylang. The chamomile oils, both Roman and German, have a long history of use for bringing about a calm state and enhancing sleep, especially with children. They do have unique aromas, such that they are best used sparingly, or perhaps blended with other essential oils. It may be that only small amounts are necessary to produce the effect you’re looking for — it may not be necessary to smell the aroma intensely to achieve the desired result. The oils distilled from the roots of valerian and vetiver are very pungent, and are probably best suited to adults who enjoy their strong aromas. These too are excellent choices for topical application, particularly on the feet (more on this in a moment). Finally, the floral scents of rose and ylang ylang can be very relaxing and sleep enhancing, and might be a great choice for those who like floral aromas but don’t care for lavender in particular.
We then need to look at the actual applications of these oils, and there are really many ways to use an essential oil for enhancing sleep. The most common method is by diffusing the oil throughout the night. When using a diffuser in this way, it’s important to keep it set at its lowest output, or use a timer, because too much of the aroma can actually keep one awake. Sprinkling a drop or two on the pillow or bedspread acts just like a diffuser, releasing the aroma as the oil evaporates — again, start with the smallest amount and work up if necessary. Topical application is best on the feet — they’re a very receptive part of the body for essential oil therapy. While lavender and chamomile can be used undiluted, for other oils, add a few drops essential oil to a tablespoon of almond (or other “carrier” oil) before application. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a bath, where the oil is both absorbed by the skin and enjoyed aromatically.
There are clearly many oils and many methods that may enhance sleep. It’s important to experiment to find the oil and technique that works best for you. You (or the loved one you’re working with) should enjoy the oil’s aroma, and the application should be simple enough that it actually gets used. When you or someone you love is having challenges getting a good night’s sleep, aromatherapy has a lot to offer, with its brilliant natural aromas and science-backed therapeutic actions.
The author the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy in Boulder, Colorado, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oils through the website.
The Science-Supported Activity Of Essential Oils For Enhancing SleepunratedSylviaJones2010-07-05 03:52:45The wonderful therapeutic values of essential oils are many: they have science-proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. On a psychological and emotional level, oils have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-depressant action in placebo-controlled research. And so, what about one of the greatest therapeutic challenges of our times: the ability to get a good night’s rest? Well, the data is in! A number of studies have shown essential oils to be able to improve both the quality and the duration of sleep. This is crucial for those who have difficulty getting this rest, as it is so important to both our physical and mental health. Would you like to give essential oils a try? Here’s a look at which oils might work best for you, and how you can most effectively apply them.
essential oilsThe Science-Supported Activity Of Essential Oils For Enhancing SleepThe wonderful therapeutic values of essential oils are many: they have science-proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. On a psychological and emotional level, oils have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-depressant action in placebo-controlled research. And so, what about one of the greatest therapeutic challenges of our times: the ability to get a good night’s rest? Well, the data is in! A number of studies have shown essential oils to be able to improve both the quality and the duration of sleep. This is crucial for those who have difficulty getting this rest, as it is so important to both our physical and mental health. Would you like to give essential oils a try? Here’s a look at which oils might work best for you, and how you can most effectively apply them.
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June 21st, 2010 by Mary Maschic
Start today with the all the benefits of massage chairs and live a more stress free life.
Now that you finally have your unit, you can go ahead and use that especially after work to somehow unwind. Just sit down, turn it on and relax.
But wait! If you want to further your massage chair experience, then here are some additional relaxation ideas that you can perhaps try with it.
1. Some say a shower of nice hot water for 10-15 minutes will help get your mind and body in the mode of relaxation before your massage.
2. Avoid tight or bumpy clothes during a massage that can cause unnecessary rubbing.
3. You will want a soft setting, as in lights, take the time to dim the lights, light a candle, or just shut the blinds.
So if you are trying to achieve a warm atmosphere, try to switch to dim yellow lights. If you do not like the idea of using incandescent light bulbs for environmental purposes, you can instead use candles as your lighting feature. Just make sure that you put them away from things that can easily catch fire like walls, curtains, bed sheets and/ or pillows just to be safe.
4. Aromatherapy is a great idea for helping one to relax, some oils can be found in candles themselves while others just come in straight oil form.
5. Play your favorite relaxation music. Again, it does not matter if you want classical music, instrumental or contemporary. As long as the melody has the capability to soothe your nerves, then that would do. Just try to avoid rock music because the anger expressed in those songs tends to be too distracting.
6. When everything is set, take a seat on your massage chair and start with the mildest massage , that you can get, and then work your way up the controls until you find the perfect massage mode for you.
Just remember to limit intense massages to 15 minutes because anything longer may leave you black and blue the next morning.
7. Once you have the perfect intensity for the massage, just relax and let the chair do the rest.
And that is how you maximize the effects of massage chairs. Then again, you do not really have to take our word for it. Just try it and experience it yourself.
Looking to relax! Visit Dr. Weidner at his website, www.massage-chair-relief.com.
Getting The Ultimate Relaxation In A Massage ChairunratedMaryMaschic2010-06-21 04:05:38Start today with the all the benefits of massage chairs and live a more stress free life.
essential oilsGetting The Ultimate Relaxation In A Massage ChairStart today with the all the benefits of massage chairs and live a more stress free life.
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June 17th, 2010 by Nancy Bluestone
These days we can buy supercritical carbon dioxide extract of tropical Hibiscus seeds grown in Ecuador, or certified organic combined fractions of Ylang Ylang essential oil — so Lemon essential oil is just not that interesting anymore! But the practitioner interested in therapeutic activity should never forget how amazing Lemon really is. It has a very diverse set of effects, which comes down to it being a great “pick me up” any way you look at it. Here’s a review of these effects, and how you can very easily make use of them every day.
Many people are introduced to Lemon essential oil by someone suggesting putting a few drops in their water throughout the day. It may be to simply make tap water taste better, make the water “cleaner”, or a suggestion to enhance detoxification and even weight loss. Well, the reality is that Lemon will do all these things! While there’s a pervading miss-perception that essential oils should not be ingested, it’s clear that this is actually an oil directly from a food we might eat every day (ok, so we don’t eat the peels, but no one ever said they would kill you!)
The essential oil in water is known to kill certain dangerous bacteria, including diphtheria and tuberculosis. And if that’s not enough to get you to add a little to your water, how’s it sound that it will also aid in the cleansing of your liver and lymph system? Further, lemon is considered to help release the cellular clogging resulting in cellulite. For all these purposes, just add lemon oil to taste to your water. You can add it to your bottle of water at the beginning of the day and take it with you everywhere you go. Do not, if you can avoid it, do this with a plastic bottle however, as the essential oil may decompose some plastics. Looking for a more precise dosage? Try five drops per cup; this is a great way to start your day, when our organ systems are ready for detoxification.
Lemon’s antiseptic properties make it an excellent choice for skin care for those dealing with oily skin, however, the challenge with the oil is its photo-toxicity. If using for antiseptic skin care effects, it should really only be used on parts of the body not to be exposed to direct sunlight for 48 hours after application. However, a more reasonable skin care application is that for dissolving warts. The oil is mentioned in a number of texts for this purpose; apply a single drop directly on the affected location up to 3 times daily. Frankincense can be used at the same time or interchangeably if desired.
How about a great mood lifter? Lemon oil is a perfect choice — being the oil that is considered the highest note, the brightness has a direct brightening on our moods. It’s really the perfect choice for those mid-afternoon doldrums, where our minds and bodies really seem to get stuck in slow gear. This is the time to break out the diffuser and get a little lemon oil going! Its ability to lighten up has been backed-up by scientists noting its stress reducing and anxiety relieving action by working with our dopamine and serotonin systems.
The oil has been the subject of other research directly related to our “smarts”. In one study, Japanese office workers were exposed to Lemon essential oil from a diffuser, and 54% fewer errors were made in the tasks being performed. This makes sense, as the oil is one that has been scientifically confirmed to reduce the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, the primary information-processing neurotransmitter. This results in a higher amount of this chemical being available in our brains. This is the reason people consume choline supplements! The use of essential oils which have this property have also been suggested for use in preventing senile dementia. Bottom line is inhaling Lemon vapor can can clear up the mind, and may help us multitask during busy days.
Just a quick look at Lemon oil reveals an amazing diversity of therapeutic actions that we may not have known it had. It’s a very worthwhile essential oil with so many uses, it can be the perfect start to those just getting into aromatherapy, or for the long-time practitioner interested in incorporating another oil into their already pleasant-smelling lives!
The author utilizes pure therapeutic grade essential oils for aromatherapy. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.
Beginning Aromatherapy: Making Use Of The Amazing Lemon Essential OilunratedBrendaHarris2010-06-17 02:14:01These days we can buy supercritical carbon dioxide extract of tropical Hibiscus seeds grown in Ecuador, or certified organic combined fractions of Ylang Ylang essential oil — so Lemon essential oil is just not that interesting anymore! But the practitioner interested in therapeutic activity should never forget how amazing Lemon really is. It has a very diverse set of effects, which comes down to it being a great “pick me up” any way you look at it. Here’s a review of these effects, and how you can very easily make use of them every day.
essential oilsBeginning Aromatherapy: Making Use Of The Amazing Lemon Essential OilThese days we can buy supercritical carbon dioxide extract of tropical Hibiscus seeds grown in Ecuador, or certified organic combined fractions of Ylang Ylang essential oil — so Lemon essential oil is just not that interesting anymore! But the practitioner interested in therapeutic activity should never forget how amazing Lemon really is. It has a very diverse set of effects, which comes down to it being a great “pick me up” any way you look at it. Here’s a review of these effects, and how you can very easily make use of them every day.
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June 8th, 2010 by Sal Chomee
Massage can effectively release tension within the muscles, improve blood and lymph flow, and get rid of unwanted toxins in the body. Today, there are various massage chairs, that enable you to enjoy a massage therapy without having to go to a spa center or find a masseuse. To ensure that you always have a perfect one with your massage chair, here are a couple of things to remember.
Buy the Right Chair!
If you are going to invest in a massage chair, you need to consider several factors so you can end up with one that would be able to meet your needs and expectations. It is best to rely on a trusted and topnotch brand so you can be assured of quality. Moreover, you have to check the features of the chair such as focus area of massage (full back, lower back, neck, shoulders, feet, and so on), integrated music player, heating element, traction system, foot and leg rest, adjustable recliner, and automatic controls. Although it is not necessary to get all of the features that you see in the market, you have to pick those that can enhance your massage experience.
Location, location, location
Place the massage chair in an area of the house that is the least busy and the most peaceful. You cannot have a massage therapy in the middle of a noisy living room and expect that you can have the most blissful experience.
Here are Some Things to do Before and After
1. Drink water before and after a massage to aid in the removal of the toxins.
2. Turn your MP3 player to soothing and calming melodies and tunes such as classical and instrumental. Loud music like rock and heavy metal will prevent your mind from relaxing.
3. Light up scented/aromatherapy candles. These are effective in soothing the mind and calming the senses.
4. How can you enjoy the massage therapy , if you keep on thinking about next week’s presentation or the household bills that you have to pay tomorrow? Even just for a while, clear your head and let soothing music be the only thing that you hear.
5. Combine massage therapy with any other relaxation technique to further enhance the experience.
6. Do not eat at least one hour before the massage. You don’t want to sit there starving so have some light snacks before if you need too.
7. Dim the lights in the room where you intend to get the massage, or turn off the lights and light some candles.
Make sure you have the perfect break by enhancing the experience of massage therapy with the help of the tips mentioned in this article.
Looking to relax! Visit Dr. Weidner at his website, www.massage-chair-relief.com, and start relaxing with your personal massage chair today.
Enhance Your Massage Chair ExperienceunratedDouglasSimchick2010-06-08 05:17:24Massage can effectively release tension within the muscles, improve blood and lymph flow, and get rid of unwanted toxins in the body. Today, there are various massage chairs, that enable you to enjoy a massage therapy without having to go to a spa center or find a masseuse. To ensure that you always have a perfect one with your massage chair, here are a couple of things to remember.
essential oilsEnhance Your Massage Chair ExperienceMassage can effectively release tension within the muscles, improve blood and lymph flow, and get rid of unwanted toxins in the body. Today, there are various massage chairs, that enable you to enjoy a massage therapy without having to go to a spa center or find a masseuse. To ensure that you always have a perfect one with your massage chair, here are a couple of things to remember.
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April 20th, 2010 by Harriet Blisston
Returning to Nature
Large companies are now realizing that people prefer natural home and body care products to artificial (and often dangerous) chemically manufactured items. Slogans on commercial and TV ads tout “Now, with essential oils.” Yet, the use of essential oils as a form of medicinal therapy is still a relatively new concept in this modern era.
Perhaps you may have read in health magazines about what scientists are finding out about essential oils – how they are excellent antimicrobials, or a valid form of stress reduction, or even a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s or cancer. Yet, practically speaking, what can one do with this information? To take some of the mystery out of these findings, we sifted through over a hundred research articles on essential oils and provided a few practical applications that many people experience.
Relief from Anxiety with Aromatherapy
An increasing number of people now experience high levels of sustained anxiety and often turn to pharmaceuticals. Conventional medicine is still widely skeptical of the use of essential oils for anxiolytic (antianxiety) purpose. However, a study published in March of 2010 gave actual scientific support to the anxiolytic activity of essential oils, specifically sweet orange oil (Citrus sinensis). Researchers found significant changes in the behavior of tested Wistar male rats that were exposed to the oil’s aroma.
Supporting Healthy Microflora
Living in an intensely changing world, a growing percentage of the population is experiencing high levels of sustained anxiety and worry. Medical treatments for this disorder are commonly psychotropic drugs; however, long term use of pharmaceuticals is now being discouraged due to their side-effects. An alternative treatment may be warranted from the citrus family – Citrus sinensis or sweet orange. A 2010 study conducted in Brazil looked at the potential of sweet orange essential oil to reduce anxiety behaviors in lab animals. They found that this oil had significant anxiety reducing effects on tested rats.
Researchers from Australia published findings in 2009 on the value of using essential oils to treat disbiosis. Their study found that lavender, caraway and neroil were highly effective against the major disbiosis-causing intestinal microorganisms. What was impressive in this study was that these essential oils not only had significant impact on the pathogenic bacteria but also left the health-supporting microflora untouched.
Supporting Oral Health
We all know that brushing and flossing promote healthy teeth and gums by removing harmful bacteria. If such bacteria are not removed from such measures, they may form a biofilm – a slime covering. Working together, biofilm bacteria are known to cause plaque which leads to decay as well as gum disease.
A 2009 study out of Thailand found that American basil (Ocimum americanum L.) was effective at reducing oral microbes that form biofilms.
Conclusion
Latest research on essential oils supports the use in areas of oral, mental and intestinal support. A bridge between what has been found in science research and practical application is a growing aspect of aromatherapy. With each of our reviews, a practical application has been provided.
The author is a frequent user of helichcrysum essential oil and other natural botanicals for healing.
Essential Oils Continue To Find Scientific ApprovalunratedLoiseHarrison2010-04-20 04:29:28Returning to Nature
essential oilsEssential Oils Continue To Find Scientific ApprovalReturning to Nature
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April 16th, 2010 by Linsey O\'Neil
Stress on the Job
A growing majority of jobs today require sitting at a desk for long periods of time and staring at a computer screen. Stress from inactivity, office chatter and deadline pressures can overwhelm the nervous system prompting feelings of depression or, on the flip side, high-anxiety.
Stress in the Body
Stress is a beneficial. Well, sometimes. When stress due to injury or short-term illness is perceived by the nervous system, a cascade of events occurs, namely the production of hormones that in turn trigger the production of immune fighting agents. These stress-triggered hormones alert the immune system to quickly respond.
It is now understood that body functions are largely controlled by two components of the autonomic nervous system- the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. Side-stepping complex details, the parasympathetic system slows the heart rate and increases intestinal activity, while the sympathetic accelerates the heart rate and raises blood pressure – each serve to help us adapt to changes in our environment.
Chronic (continual) stress can lead to high blood pressure, muscle tension (including migraines), digestive disorders, higher susceptibility to colds and flu and just a general feeling of yuckiness. Makes you just want to snap your fingers and be in Tahiti. Such may be true for Samatha (Bewitched), but we mere mortals have to figure out a means to reduce our stress levels.
Reducing Stress with Essential Oils
It might not be possible to escape an often overstimulating work environment, but it is possible to use essential oils as a mean to reduce your stress level. In 2009 the University of Tokyo found that linalool, a primary component in many plants and essential oils, was able to return the stress-elevated immune systems of rats to almost normal levels. The researchers suggest that their findings may initiate a new blood test for identifying stress reducing essential oils used in aromatherapy practices.
An increasing amount of science literature is dedicated to finding sources to relieve levels of stress. Recent studies indicate that essential oils, such as cedarwood, grapefruit, lemon and of course lavender are a safe and effective means to relieve work-related stress. Below is a review of research focused on lemon and cedarwood essential oils.
A Couple of Excellent Oils to Try
In the work place stress can create feelings of frustration, nervousness, anxiousness, as well as a depressed spirit. A 2008 clinical study from Ohio University found that inhalation of lemon essential oil by both men and women significantly affected their mood in a positive fashion despite a stressor being applied. Thus, lemon essential oil can be seen as uplifting to the spirit and assist with those times when feelings of discouragement could easily ruin your day.
Stress can also exhaust the adrenals and overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system. A 2003 clinical study looked at the effects of cedrol ” an active compound of cedarwood essential oil- on the autonomic nervous system. Researcher found that inhalation of cedrol increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic activity and thus acted as a relaxant.
Conclusion
It is unlikely that the daily stresses created in the workplace will completely disappear. Dealing with stress in the workplace is of course unique to every individual. A growing body of science evidence points to the stress-reducing properties of essential oils, most notably those that contain linalool. The use of essential oils, whether to uplift the spirits or to calm the mind and body, is an effective and safe way to alleviate work-related stress. When deadlines are looming, the gift of essential oils can be priceless.
For more on essential oils as natural therapeutic agents, visit The Ananda Apothecary online at http://www.anandaapthecary.com
Science-Proven Stress Reduction with Essential OilsunratedLinseyO’Neil2010-04-16 04:47:27Stress on the Job
essential oilsScience-Proven Stress Reduction with Essential OilsStress on the Job
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April 8th, 2010 by Suzan Quill
As the efficacy of natural medicines in general is being more widely recognized, the true value essential oils are also being recognized. The have a broad range of medicinal actions, and many are applicable to therapeutic skin and hair care. Here we’ll look the premier oils for supporting stimulating new hair growth, and building a personal formula for a therapeutic daily oil treatment.
Building a Super-Effective Hair Growth Stimulating Recipe
The oils used for hair growth are also those used for skin care in general — the health of the follicles is of course closely related to the health of the scalp and skin. Essential oils for your most effective, custom recipe can be selected from one of three general categories. These are: stimulating (may signal new hair to grow), nutritive (offers important nutrients), and balancing (helps over-oily or over-dry conditions become normal). The most deeply therapeutic means of using essential oils for hair growth is to make an oil treatment formula — a blend of essential oils and carrier oils that is massaged into the scalp and left for some period of time (rather than simply just adding to your conditioner or shampoo).
Choosing Essential Oils for Scalp Stimulation
Rosemary and Sage essential oils, as well as “low-tech” infusions from these herbs, have a VERY long history in hair care. Women have been using these herbs for centuries to promote full, lustrous heads of hair. Though their use by women does not preclude their use by men. The are certainly “gender neutral”. Each of these essential oils contains unique molecules that are considered “regenerative”, stimulating the growth of new cells. In terms of growing hair, this activity is thought to activate the follicles to work a little faster at their job. Note that the oils of choice here are “common” Sage, and a special kind of Rosemary called “verbenone”. The “cineol” type will not have the same effect, so be careful in your choices. Use these at a maximum of 2% of your blend (that’s total, not each!).
Add Some Nutrient Providing Oils
Chock full of growth supporting nutrients Carrot Root, and the new kid on the block Sea Buckthorn Berry essential oils are amazing at supporting follicle health. They each have a diverse collection of antioxidants and growth enhancing vitamins and vitamin-like compounds (the only difference between a vitamin and a vitamin-like compound is a scientific designation — early on, the “vitamins” are the ones you would die without having — though you wouldn’t do so well without having the other either!). You almost can’t have too much of these oils — use at a 2% concentration.
Bringing Balance to Those Follicles
Next, the balancing essential oils — balancing oils should make up a part of everyone’s blend. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is the premier balancing oil for skin, scalp and hair care, and has many helpful properties — it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative all at the same time. It’s the perfect balancing essential oil if you do not have a specific “scalp condition”. If one needs to balance the scalp’s natural oils, Myrtle is an excellent choice, also with antibacterial and regenerative properties. Myrtle can reduce excessive oil production, and can help a flaky, itchy scalp. For women, Clary Sage can be especially balancing, particularly where regular hormone production is the source of hair loss or slow hair growth. Proper estrogen metabolism on the cellular level is critical for beautiful hair, and older women in particular may really benefit from one-half of one percent Clary Sage included in their personal recipes.
How Are These Oils Applied? In Come the Carrier Oils!
Carrier oils are also called “fixed” oils, as unlike the essential oils, they do not readily evaporate. These are seed or nut oils with their own therapeutic value that “carry” the essential oils to your scalp and follicles. Using the essential oils themselves would be FAR to strong, and would greatly irritate the scalp, and have the opposite of the desired effect on your hair! Choose one or more of these for your foundation: Jojoba, Coconut, Rosehip Seed, or Evening Primrose. Jojoba is highly regarded for moisturizing and bringing a wonderful luster. Coconut delivers very important nutrients to the scalp, and is called for all by itself by some natural health practitioners to combat hair loss. Rosehip seed has well-known regenerative properties for the skin, and should have these same effects for the hair follicles: returning them to a more youthful state. Finally, Evening Primrose is full of essential fats, known to combat inflammation, a potential cause of hair loss for many. All these can be mixed and matched as you see fit.
Putting Your Blend Together
Often folks are a little intimidated by blending. Really, it’s no big deal — far easier than baking virtually anything in your kitchen (and if you’re a raw food fan, it’s about THAT easy!). First, determine your base mixture. Equal parts of the carrier oils you choose is a fine way to go. If you’re using virgin Coconut, Rosehip Seed and Evening Primrose, just use equal parts of each. Making one-ounce of oil treatment? Just estimate filling a 1oz dropper bottle about 1/3rd full with each oil. Then add the essential oils. Each 1 percent essential oil is equal to 8 drops per ounce of total mixture. Using 1 percent Rosemary? Add 8 drops to your blend. Two percent Sea Buckthorn? Use 16 drops. Making 4 ounces instead of 1? Multiply all these numbers times four! Still unsure? Here’s some clear recipes…
High End Botanical Extract Hair Growth Stimulating Formulas
Here’s two great recipes. For men, to make 4 ounces (which should last 2 to 4 months): To a base of equal parts Rosehip Seed, Hempseed and Coconut oils, add 32 drops Sage (Dalmatian or Common), 64 drops Carrot Root (also called Helio-Carrot), and 32 drops Lavender. For women, to the same base, add 32 drops Rosemary Verbenone, 64 drops Sea Buckthorn, 32 drops Lavender, and 32 drops Myrtle. Feel free to adjust as you see fit — using your intuition is an excellent means of customizing your recipe.
Gently invert or “spin” the mixture until you feel it’s blended. The best absorption occurs right after the scalp has been immersed in warm water and lightly dried. One dropper-full distributed evenly over the scalp is often enough for complete coverage. Massage in, and leave as long as you like. Overnight is great, just make sure to cover your pillows! And there you have it, your very own, custom, high-end botanical extract formula for stimulating the growth of bountiful, healthy hair.
The author is a consultant for Ananda Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Supplies. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy supplies and essential oil formulas here.
Here’s How to Blend Your Own Hair Growth Stimulating Therapeutic FormulaunratedSylviaJones2010-04-08 06:01:44As the efficacy of natural medicines in general is being more widely recognized, the true value essential oils are also being recognized. The have a broad range of medicinal actions, and many are applicable to therapeutic skin and hair care. Here we’ll look the premier oils for supporting stimulating new hair growth, and building a personal formula for a therapeutic daily oil treatment.
essential oilsHere’s How to Blend Your Own Hair Growth Stimulating Therapeutic FormulaAs the efficacy of natural medicines in general is being more widely recognized, the true value essential oils are also being recognized. The have a broad range of medicinal actions, and many are applicable to therapeutic skin and hair care. Here we’ll look the premier oils for supporting stimulating new hair growth, and building a personal formula for a therapeutic daily oil treatment.
Read the rest »
Tags: alternative health, aromatherapy, children, disease, essential oils, family, health, home, illness, natural health, sleep
