Witch Hazel

 Witch Hazel -

Not technically an "oil", Witch hazel is a topical astringent derived from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, the common or North American witch-hazel shrub.  Native Americans have long recognized the medicinal properties of witch hazel and used a decoction of the boiled plant parts to treat skin irritations and tumors.  Nowadays this popular herbal remedy is recognized world-wide as a natural cleanser and toner, but witch hazel has many more uses than simply to clarify skin and shrink pores.

In this article, we explore fourteen amazing witch hazel uses for your health, beauty and in your home.

1. Natural Astringent (a nice rose petal- infused witch hazel can be found here.)

Probably the most famous way witch hazel is used is as a natural astringent. High concentrations of tannins in witch hazel make it an excellent astringent which means it has the ability to remove excess oil from skin and shrink down pores.  Health-wise, those who are exposed to lots of environmental pollutants may apply witch hazel to the face in order to reduce the amount of contaminants that enter pores and, consequently, the amount and severity of blemishes.  Also, because astringents remove excess oil, regular use of witch hazel may further prevent blemishes, especially black heads which result from dried sebum build-up in pores.

2. Fade Bruises and Blemishes

Witch hazel may also be used to treat blemishes already present on the face or other areas of the body.  Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball or cosmetic pad to reduce irritation and appearance of acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.  Witch hazel applied to bruises can also help to fade discoloration and speed up the healing process of any underlying damage.

3. Brighten Around Eyes

The ability of witch hazel to tighten skin and reduce inflammation makes this an ideal natural remedy for treating discoloration and puffiness under and around eyes and is one of the most popular uses for witch hazel.  Just make sure not to get any of this natural astringent on the eyes themselves as it will result in significant pain and lingering discomfort from dryness.

4. Shrink Swollen Veins

Soak soft terry cloth in witch hazel and lay over skin affected by varicose veins to temporarily reduce swelling and pain.  Also, remember to prop up the areas to be treated as high as possible.  This will decrease blood pressure in swollen veins and maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.

5. Stop Bleeding (for other uses a plain witch hazel like this would be better.)

Witch hazel naturally tightens skin and promotes faster healing.  Apply organic witch hazel  to minor cuts and scrapes to stop bleeding.  Store-bought witch hazel also often contains isoproply alcohol which disinfects, making it a popular choice for cleansing wounds before bandaging.

6. Post Hair-removal

For both men and women, witch hazel is a great follow-up to shaving any part of the body.  Not only will it stop bleeding from nicks or cuts, anti-inflammatory witch hazel can also work to prevent razor burn.  Furthermore, those who employ hot wax treatments for hair-removal may also apply witch hazel as an anti-inflammatory post-waxing or use it to stop bleeding from damaged hair follicles.

7. Hemorrhoid Relief

Witch hazel is great for easing the pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding of hemorrhoids.  In fact, it’s a common ingredient used in many commercial hemorrhoid creams.  Just mix witch hazel with a carrier like Aloe Vera gel and apply to affected areas for fast relief.

8. Ease a Sore Throat

Due to its astringent properties, an herbal tea of witch hazel (not the store-bought kind which almost always contains isopropyl alcohol) can help to ease the discomfort of a sore throat.  Gargle with witch hazel tea to reduce swelling, dry up excess mucus, and ease pain caused by laryngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, or other throat maladies.

9. Treat Damaged Gums

A witch hazel mouth rinse (again, don’t use witch hazel that contains isopropyl alcohol) can help to reduce pain and swelling of irritated or infected gums.  Witch hazel can be used stop minor bleeding of the gums and mouth.  Try a teaspoon of witch hazel tea with one drop each clove and myrrh oil to safely relieve teething pain for infants.  The same treatment may also be used to soothe pain caused by emerging wisdom teeth or after oral surgery to reduce discomfort and inflammation.

10. Dry Up Swimmer’s Ear

Otitus externa – commonly known as ‘Swimmer’s Ear’ – is caused by microbial infection of the ear canal.  Use an eye dropper to insert several drops of witch hazel into each ear to dry up pus, clear away excess oil, and break up wax and debris that may be clogging the ear canal.  Allow ears to drain then clean gently with a cotton swab or cosmetic pad.  Follow up with a natural anti-microbial like basil oil, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil.

11. Soothe Diaper Rash

Anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel make it an effective and safe remedy for soothing pain from diaper rash.  Regular application will also assist in healing damaged skin faster, further reducing your baby’s discomfort.

12. Cool Down Sunburn

Mix some witch hazel in with your Aloe Vera gel the next time you need to treat a sunburn.  The anti-inflammatory power of this incredible plant extract will aid your skin in healing while it and the Aloe help to cool the burn.  This treatment can also help to prevent skin from peeling in the days following a bad burn.

13. Neutralize Contact Dermatitis

Because of its drying and anti-itch power, witch hazel can also be used to counter the effects of skin-irritating plant compounds like urushiol, the sap oil contained in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac that causes contact dermatitis in about 85% of adults who come in contact with it.

14. Bug Bites and Stings

Just as witch hazel can be used to ease pain and itching from poison ivy and its cousins, the same works for bug bites and stings.  Yet another reason to carry a small bottle of this awesome remedy with you the next time you plan to spend a day outdoors!

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

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus -

Originally native to Australia, eucalyptus trees are now grown all over the world and used for their medical properties. The healing power comes from eucalyptus oil, which is made from the tree’s oval-shaped leaves.

The leaves are dried, crushed, and distilled to release the essential oil. After the oil has been extracted, it must be diluted before it can be used as a medicine.

The primary active constituent in the medicinal/aromatherapy eucalyptus species is cineol, also known as eucalyptol. Cineol's medicinal, camphoraceous aroma has antiseptic and expectorant properties. The brisk aroma is energizing.

For many years, eucalyptus oil has been used to relieve coughing. Today, some over-the-counter cough medications have eucalyptus oil as one of their active ingredients. Vicks VapoRub, for example, contains about 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil along with other cough suppressant chemicals.

The popular rub is applied to the chest and throat to relieve cough symptoms from a common cold or flu.

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis may be helped by inhaling steam with added eucalyptus oil. The oil reacts with mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough it up.

It’s also possible that eucalyptus contains a chemical that helps block asthma symptoms. On the other hand, for people who are allergic to eucalyptus, it may actually worsen their asthma. More research is needed to determine how eucalyptus affects people with asthma.

Mosquitoes and other biting insects carry diseases that can be dangerous to our health. Avoiding their bites is our best defense. DEET sprays are the most popular repellents, but they’re made with strong chemicals.

As an effective alternative for those who aren’t able to use DEET, many manufactures also make a botanical compound to repel the pests. Brands such as Repel and Off! use oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep the pests away.

The Australian aborigines used eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection. Today the diluted oil may still be used on the skin to fight inflammation and promote healing. You can purchase creams or ointments that have eucalyptus oil as an ingredient. These products may be used on minor burns or other injuries that can be treated at home.

Research suggests that eucalyptus oil may help to ease joint pain. In fact, many popular over-the-counter creams and ointments used to soothe pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis contain the essential oil. The oil helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with these conditions. It may also be helpful to people experiencing back pain or recovering from a joint or muscle injury.

  

Emotional Benefits

  

Its aroma is more commonly known for it's support of the respiratory system and any issues involving it, as well as many skin related concerns. But aromatically, it has some interesting psychological benefits too. In particular, it relates to a person's willingness to be well. Many people may think that everyone desires to be well, but don't acknowledge the often underlying patterns that keep us perpetuating illness. It might be out of a lack of self-love, feelings of "selfishness", hypochondria, or even a lesson that many people learn that says illness is what gains you love and attention. Eucalyptus oil uses may then include helping a person regain their own health empowerment, self-approval and self-love, release patterns of neediness to those who can't or aren't willing to love or care for them, and even move past patterns that keep a person in a role of victim to people or circumstances.

  

Ideas:

  

Make shower melts to help support respiratory health:

• 2 Cups Baking Soda

• Water

• 10 Drops Eucalyptus Oil
Find Eucalyptus oil here!

• 10 Drops Peppermint Oil

• 5 Drops Rosemary Oil

• 5 Drops Lavender Oil

DIRECTIONS

Gradually add water to baking soda until just wet enough to stick together and form a very thick paste. Add in all essential oils and mix well to incorporate throughout. Place in mold of choice (recommend using smallish mold around 1”-2” in diameter. Allow to air dry overnight. Remove from mold and store in air tight container. Drop one in bottom of shower as needed for respiratory comfort.

Purifying Spray: In glass spray bottle; mix, 1 Cup water, 1 Cup Vodka (seriously, use the CHEAP stuff...don’t drink it!), 10 drops each Melaleuca(tea tree oil), Lavender, and Eucalyptus essential oils.

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

Basil

Basil - (find some here!!)

Basil originates from tropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, but is now cultivated throughout Europe and the USA. The plant is an annual hairy herb growing up to 1 meter (3 feet).

The flowers range from white to pink, depending on the species and attract swarms of bees in summer time. Basilicum comes from the Greek word 'Basilicos' meaning 'king' or 'royal'.

A much favored herb in India, it is held sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, and the leaves are even chewed before taking part in religious ceremonies.

One of the worlds oldest medicinal herbs, basil was used in ancient India to treat colds, coughs and mucous discharges, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastric conditions, headaches, heart disease, inflammation, malaria, poisoning and venomous bites, skin diseases and vomiting. It would be administered as a juice or in teas, infused for massage, or the fresh leaves were applied to wounds.

It is said to have protective qualities, a Basil leave is placed on the chest of a Hindu when resting.

 The Roman naturalist, philosopher and writer, Pliny (24-79 AD), considered basil to be an aphrodisiac and good for treating flatulence and fainting fits, whilst the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed basil for headaches.

 It is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

The sweet and refreshing aroma of basil essential oil will be familiar to most people, since unlike some oils it is very similar in aroma to the popular herb it is obtained from. The three most commonly available ‘basil’ essential oils are derived from the following species; Sweet Basil (O. basilicum ct. linalool), Exotic Basil (O. basilicum ct. methyl chavicol), and Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) which is also known as Tulsi or Tulasi. Essential oils from other species are mainly used in the perfumery and flavouring industries and for various reasons are best avoided in aromatherapy.

Therapeutic properties

 The therapeutic properties of basil oil are analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti- venomous, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, tonic and stimulant. It is considered anti-bacterial/anti-viral, and it also helps keep one alert.

Uses -

 It has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. It furthermore is also effective in cases of constipation, nausea, vomiting and cramp, and is also good when used for menstrual problems.

 Due to the emmenagogue properties, it is often used to relieve scanty periods and normalizing menses.

 It helps to minimize uric acid in the blood, thus relieving gout. It is useful in arthritis as well and when used on the skin, it helps to control acne. In general it refreshes the skin and can also be used on insect bites.

Uses in aromatherapy-

 With a vast array of healing properties, sweet basil is an outstanding essential oil and in my experience virtually every one of its uses in traditional medicine have proven effective in aromatherapy.

 Basil Essential Oil is amongst the oils that I immediately think of when I want an oil that can help stimulate my mind and allow me to focus on the task at hand. Basil Oil is an energizing oil and is best used during the morning and daytime hours.

  Basil oil is a good tonic for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines and allergies. It is unsurpassed at bringing clarity and strength of     mind to those suffering from stress, fatigue, mental exhaustion and headaches.

 Basil oil also has a direct action on the digestive system, easing colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps when massaged onto the abdominal area in a clockwise direction. Due to its action on the nervous system, sweet basil essential oil is particularly effective when treating digestive disorders caused by stress and nervous tension.

  Although there is still divided opinion on the subject it is better to avoid the use of any type of            basil essential oil during pregnancy.

 IDEA:

  § Burners and vaporizers

   □ In vapor therapy, basil oil can be used for migraines, headaches and to help increase concentration and clear the mind.

  § Blended in the bath

   □ When adding basil oil to a warm bath, it can help relieve gout and arthritis, as well as muscular and menstrual pains.

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

Lavendar

Lavendar - (find some here!!)

The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems. The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma which has a particularly clean aroma.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has also been used in making perfumes. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations and combinations are made using lavender oil.

The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include the following:

Bug Repellent: The smell of lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some of the lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites. Furthermore, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, the lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep which has made it a common recommendation for an alternative treatment of insomnia. Frequent studies on elderly patients have shown an increase in their sleep regularity when their normal sleep medication is replaced with some lavender essential oil being placed on their pillows. It has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.

Nervous system: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety issues. Therefore, it can also be helpful in treating migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity. It has a well-researched impact on theautonomic nervous system, which is why it is frequently used as a treatment for insomnia and also as a way to regulate heart-rate variability. One study showed that people taking tests showed a significant decrease in mental stress and anxiety, as well as increased cognitive function when they inhaled lavender oil and rosemary oil before taking the exam!

Acne: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne, which is a very uncomfortable and embarrassing condition that primarily affects young people as they move through puberty, but can also afflict adults. It is characterized by red, raised sores on the face and body that develop due to a bacterial infection near the sebum gland. When sebum cannot be properly secreted from the sebum glands on the face, it begins to build up, particularly because puberty stimulates extra sebum and bacteria feeds off of it, creating a vicious cycle of irritation, infection, and visible sores that can result in serious scarring.

Lavender essential oil inhibits the bacteria that cause the initial infection, helps to regulate some of the over-excretion of sebum by hormonal manipulation, and can reduce the signs of scarring after the acne has begun to heal. Adding a small amount of lavender essential oil to other skin creams or ointments can greatly increase the potential for relief and healing.

Pain relief: Lavender essential oil is known as an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore and tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. A regular massage with lavender oil can also provide relief from pain in the joints. A study done on postoperative pain relief showed that combining lavender essential oil vapor into the oxygen significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced, versus those patients only revived with oxygen after a major surgery.

Urine flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders because of its stimulating effect onurine production. Furthermore, it helps in restoring hormonal balance and reducing cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder. It also reduces any associated cramps with these and other disorders.

Respiratory disorders: Lavender oil is widely used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or is applied on the skin of the neck, chest and back. It is also added to many vaporizers and inhalers that are commonly used for colds and coughs. The stimulating nature of lavender essential oil can also loosen up the phlegm and relieve the congestion associated with respiratory conditions, speeding up the recovery process and helping the body naturally eliminate phlegm and other unwanted material. The vapor of lavender essential oil also has antibacterial qualities which can battle respiratory tract infections.

Hair care: Lavender essential oil is useful for hair care because it has been shown to be very effective on lice, lice eggs, and nits. Furthermore, lavender essential oil has also been shown to be very helpful in the treatment of hair loss, particularly for patients who suffer from alopecia, an autoimmune disease where the body rejects its own hair follicles. A Scottish study reported that more than 40% of alopecia patients in the study reported an increase in hair growth when they regularly rubbed lavender essential oil into their scalp. Therefore, lavender oil is sometimes recommended as a preventative measure for male pattern baldness!

Blood circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving the circulation of blood in the body. Research suggests that aromatherapy using lavender oil has beneficial effects on coronary circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension. This means that not only do the organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health, but brain activity can have a noticeable boost, skin remains bright and flushed with blood, and the body is protected from the risks of heart attack and atherosclerosis that is often associated with poor circulation.

Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion because it increases the mobility of food within the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, thus aiding in the treatment of indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea.

Immunity: Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to a variety of diseases. It is well-known that lavender has antibacterial and antiviral qualities that make it perfect for defending the body against rare diseases like TB, typhoid, and diphtheria, according to early research in the 20th century.

General Skin care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is also added to chamomile to treat eczema.

Other: Other health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to treat leucorrhoea. The oil can also used to repel mosquitoes and moths, which is why you will find many mosquito repellents that contain lavender oil as one of the primary ingredients.

As with many other essential oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that patients with diabetes stay away from lavender oil. It may also cause allergic reactions to people that have unusually sensitive skin. Some people may also witness nausea, vomiting and headaches due to either common or excessive use of lavender oil.

Perhaps most importantly, lavender oil should never be ingested, only topically applied or inhaled through means of aromatherapy or similar activities. Ingestion can cause serious health complications, characterized by blurred vision, difficult breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. So, even if you think that lavender oil is a wonderful miracle cure, don’t get excited and start putting it on your food!

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

Lemon

Lemon - (Find some here!)

Lemon is indigenous to Southeast Asia, but in the second century was introduced to Greece, then Italy, where it quickly adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It is now widely cultivated in Italy, Australia, and California. Christopher Columbus introduced the citrus to the New World in the late 1400s.

This oil is popular in cleaning agents and colognes and is widely used in aromatherapy.

Lemon essential oil works well on oily skin and general impurities. It’s astringent properties reduce cellulite, obesity and tightens sagging, lackluster skin.

It helps with acne, mouth ulcers, varicose veins, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, joint swelling, poor circulation, throat and respiratory ailments, and gout.

Lemon essential oil also boosts the immune system by clearing lymphatic congestion, preventing contagious illnesses.

The scent of lemon essential oil was shown to be anxiolytic, meaning it works to reduce anxiety and uplift mood. Studies have also shown lemon essential oil to be conducive to memory retention and focus.

 Lemon essential oil antirheumatic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, antifungal, insecticide, tonic, immune stimulant, antiviral, and anxiolytic.

 Lemon essential oil is a rare and treasured addition to cosmetic applications, personal care formulations, soaps, perfumery, incense, candles, and aromatherapy.

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

Patchouli

Patchouli -

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) has been popular for decades... Its aroma is very rich and earthy, with an herbal and balsamic scent.

  Primary Benefits

   § Grounding, balancing effect on emotions

   § Promotes a smooth, glowing complexion

   § Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks

 

  Emotional Benefits

 Emotionally, patchouli essential oil is also said to connect one to their own body, helping a person release patterns of shame or "not enough-ness", and feel more self-love and acceptance towards their physical self. It does this by acting as a grounding support, helping you to reconnect with and settle into your body. In this way it compliments exercises that encourage body mindfulness, such as tai chi or yoga asanas. It can also help to relieve anxiety or stress, the things we often feel when we begin to disassociate and feel ungrounded or unbalanced.

Precautions of Patchouli Essential Oil

Always test for skin sensitivity prior to widespread use and use on the feet when possible. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitization. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Not all oils are created equal, so test brands carefully, and never use an oil in a way not recommended by its maker.

Popular Uses of Patchouli essential oil

1.Combine with Peppermint and apply to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck to help with tension.

2.Apply one to two drops to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, or problem skin areas, or add to your favorite moisturizer.

3.Combine with Vetiver and apply to the bottoms of feet to help calm emotions.

4.For wrinkles Consider applying 1-2 drops of patchouli essential oil to your daily skin care routine, or apply a small dab topically to acne prone areas as desired.

5.For a grounding effect Add 1-2 drops to the palm of your hand, cup over the nose and mouth, and breathe naturally for several minutes. Or massage into the soles of the feet and back of the neck.

Inspiration for Using Patchouli Essential Oil

1.Hand Cream: Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup coconut oil and beeswax, heat until combined. Then add 15 drops Patchouli and 10 White Fir essential oil.

2.Sleepytime Salve: Mix 1/2 cup coconut oil with 1/4 cup beeswax and heat until combined. Then while hot mix in 10 drops Patchouli and 15 drops Lavender essential oil.

3.Exfoliating Face Scrub: Combine 1/4 cup yogurt and cornmeal and add 5 drops each Patchouli and Lavender and 8 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree) essential oils.

 Complimentary Oils

       Patchouli essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger,Lavender, Lemongrass, Myrrh, and Sandalwood. In addition to Patchouli essential oil, also consider trying Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Wild Orange, and Lavender.

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