Archive for February, 2010

The Benefits of Aromatherapy

February 9th, 2010 Cheryl

aromatherapyOne great natural intervention to help with stress and many other issues is Aromatherapy.  This is a practice whereby you use volatile plant oils, including essential oils, to create psychological and physical well-being.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are the pure essence of a plant. In addition, they use cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba, herbs, mild powders and more.  Aromatherapy can be used in a few ways. You can inhale essential oils on a tissue or by smelling the products from the bottles.  The aroma of the essential oils is said to stimulate the brain to trigger the desired reaction, whether that’s peace of mind, wellbeing, serenity and more.  One example is the use of eucalyptus essential oils to help ease congestion.

Another option is the physical application of the oils.  This is when the oils are gently applied to the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream.  Of course, these essential oils are only to be applied in a diluted state since they are quite potent – and they should be mixed by a professional.  Usually, the essential oils are diluted into a carrier oil such as cold pressed vegetable oil.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy are said to have many therapeutic purposes.  Like anything else, not everyone will find that they work and not everyone will believe in their potential. In addition, it’s important that you know what you are doing before you start doing aromatherapy and that you work with someone who is qualified in the field and knowledgeable.

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Uses of Argan Oil

February 7th, 2010 Cheryl

Nature often provides for our heath – all we need to do is be aware! Take for example Argan oil.
Argan oil is incredibly versatile. It represents a valuable food supplement and can also be very beneficial for atopic dermatitis. It consists of more than 80 percent of single-and polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, alpha-and gamma-tocopherols and linoleic acid which have an antioxidant effect and therefore can have a positive effect on the dry skin of atopic dermatitis. Argan oil is also suitable also excellent for cooking and roasting.

It has a positive effect on cholesterol levels and is increasingly used in cosmetics. Argan oil is already used daily by generations of the Berbers in Morocco in many ways, without having the ingredients and knowing the exact background of the oil. The oil is thought of in Morocco as an elixir of life, beauty and health, and has been trusted by the Berber women for centuries. Users of the oil, women of advanced age, have shiny hair, healthy nails and youthful skin, despite intense sunlight and harsh living conditions. This phenomenon is attributed, among others, by the French University in Metz to the ingredients of argan oil. In a study they found that argan oil is a cell rejuvenation and a regenerating anti-aging process.

Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The high proportion (80%) of essential and biologically active unsaturated fatty acids and its high content of vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds cause aggressive oxygen molecules in the body are rendered harmless.

The argan tree stocks have fallen in recent years, is only occurs in Morocco. It is also called Arganier or ironwood tree because of its hard wood. Its fruits look like a mixture of olive and plum and are inedible because of their bitter taste to humans. The argan tree provides a livelihood for approximately 3 million people through its traditional products such as wood, animal feed and argan oil income which is risk of jeopardizing the fall in stocks. Attention should be paid to the shortage and an associated crisis – research will lead to higher protection and better usage.

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