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Tamanu Oil: Everything You Could Want In A Skin Care Oil

July 16th, 2011

You may have not heard of it yet, but there’s a carrier oil that’s been used for ages that’s about to make big waves. It has yet to make the headlines, or have models advertising it, so you might want to get yourself some while it’s still relatively inexpensive. Pressed from the nuts of trees growing on islands in the middle of the ocean, the oil is called Tamanu (it goes by many other names actually, but this is the most popular in the States. Indigenous island cultures have used the oil for healing every conceivable skin condition for a very long time.

It really seems to be the perfect carrier oil for creating blends to prevent and treat aging skin. It can be used after surgery to speed healing and prevent scarring, and should work just as well for stretch marks – just about any kind of skin healing you can think of will be benefited by this oil.

In the Journal of Cosmetic Sciences, the oil was called a “panacea” for its pronounced, significant speeding of healing of skin wounds. Application of the oil demonstrated an observable increase in the rate of healing of breaks in the skin. Speeding of skin cell generation has been the foundation of anti-aging, anti-wrinkle creams like Retin-A. The rate of skin cell production slows as we age, and Retin-A (which has the drawback of being quite irritating and making your skin more unacceptable to burning from UV rays) simply speeds up the rate of skin cell production, and reduces wrinkle appearance.

In another study seeking a chemical to prevent UV radiation damage to the eye, researchers found that Tamanu significantly blocked the absorption of UV light rays. So like Retin-A, it speeds skin cell production, and unlike it, it actually protects the skin from sun exposure (now we’re not sure how much relative to sunscreen, but they did say “Tamanu oil, even at low concentration, exhibited significant UV absorption properties”.

On top of all that, it’s been discovered that the oil also inhibits the growth of skin cancer tumors. Plus it has a host of other properties that make it useful for healing of all sorts of skin conditions: it is also antimicrobial (a good base oil for acne formulas) and antiviral as well (supporting the healing of herpes outbreaks.

The oil is very unique in color, texture and scent relative to other carrier oils. Some folks don’t care for the aroma, but it’s really not that strong – particularly if you blend it with other base oils and/or add essential oils. It’s a deep greenish-brown color, and the unfiltered product will be somewhat “grainy” – yet these are just different components of the oil which “freeze” like coconut oil, but will smooth out right away when applied to the skin (or added to a blend).

You can certainly use the oil by itself, and many people do. It blends nicely with other carrier oils as well, and for a great array of essential fatty acids, you could mix it with virgin coconut, argan oil, rosehip seed oil and borage seed oil.

For example, a base could be make of one-third each tamanu, coconut, and rosehip seed oils. To this, any number of anti-aging essential oils can be included. Next time you’re creating your own skin care beauty recipe, seriously consider adding Tamanu – you can see that it really may do all that you’d ever wanted in a skin care formula.

There’s so much more to learn. Expand your knowledge about many single note medicinal aromatics like amyris essential oil and basil essential oil at Ananda Aromatherapy.

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Consider Borage Seed Oil For Your Health

May 6th, 2011

Borage is an annual herb native to North Africa and Europe, also known as Starflower because of its blue star-shaped flowers. The oil pressed from its seeds has become a popular health supplement in recent years due to its wide variety of health benefits.

Borage oil has the highest known concentration of GLA, or Gamma Linolenic Acid. While it’s more expensive per ounce than others such as evening primrose, its GLA concentration is so much greater that borage is actually more cost effective. The primary use of the oil today is for reduction of inflammation throughout the body. It is an important remedy for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in general, and can ease the pain and stiffness experienced upon waking for many users.

The oil, whether topically applied or ingested, is converted in the body to prostaglandin E1, a hormone-like substance important to many biochemical activities. It appears that Western diets are often deficient in GLA, and many health conditions are exacerbated by this lack of prostaglandin production.

It is for this reason that borage seed oil can be used for a number of different skin complaints with great success. It provides relief from skin problems such as rosacea, psoriasis, acne, prematurely aged skin and eczema as well as it heals dry cracked skin. To obtain the maximum benefit from the oil it should become part of the diet in the form of a supplement and it should also be rubbed onto the affected area of the skin.

Respiratory illnesses such as coughs and sore throats can be treated with this oil. A gooey gel-like substance called mucilage is present in the oil and acts as a relaxant for the mucous membranes when they get irritated from coughing. The mucilage works in the same way as cough syrup and allows the mucus to come up easier.

Healthy circulation, and decreases in cases of male impotence as well as female infertility are also among the benefits from the oil’s use. The control or prevention of high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can be achieved with borage seed, resulting in fewer strokes and heart attacks. Shiny hair and strong nails are also direct results of using the oil.

Recent studies have shown a truly wide range of benefits imparted through borage oil’s use. It has been found that the oil is good for treating and preventing a number of other conditions including menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, weight loss, ADHD, ulcers, nerve disorders, lupus, Alzheimer’s, menstrual cramping and dry eye conditions.

Finding out all about the benefits of borage seed oil justifies why it is often referred to as miracle oil. The advantages are numerous, and of tremendous benefit to the user by helping to bring relief to several different conditions. This natural and healthy oil allows those who use it to enjoy a better quality of life with much less health issues.

Therapuetic qualityessential oil have an incredible array of healing effects. Go to The Ananda Apothecary, where you’ll find a wealth of resources on aroma-medicine.

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Realizing The Right Determinations For What To Carry Out AbOut Acne

October 29th, 2010

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts.

UV radiations are recognized to be a causal agent for skin cancer, so abide by this skin care tip without neglect. Use sun blocker to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use daylight moisturisers that have sunscreen reinforced into them.

The most common home remedy for acne is the skin oil removal through frequent washing. It is recommended that washing of the face as a part of a home remedy for acne is done only twice a day, once in the morning and later I the evening.

Then there are specialized acne skin care products that are available over-the-counter i. e. without the need of a prescription. These include products like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne).

The number one natural beauty tip I can give you is to take your health seriously. In Chinese medicine, we know that natural external beauty is a reflection of inner health and well being. Often, the solution to external beauty problems is an internal one. That means foods and herbs. In the case of skin problems, herbs can be use to create creams or wraps and applied directly.

Wash your face 3 times everyday with a cleanser that is meant for skin with acne. That’s what a doctor told me. Another doctor told me that the problem with many people that have pimples is that they use cleansers that are too rich for the face. That doctor recommended a soap and water regime. All natural products for acne should be non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog the pores. To figure out if something will clog the pores, either read the label and look for the word “non-comedogenic” or find out what ingredients are in the product.

Regular exercise can help in acne cure by fighting off negative stress intensity that can come from negative confidence and depression. But avoid wearing tight nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

Should the pustules become a non-stop feature or grow large enough to resist covering up, you may require a trip to a dermatologist to have oral antibiotics like tetracycline or oral retiniods such as Accutaine prescribed. When you have acne covering a significant part of your face, back, trunk or neck, you need to see the doctor about how to get rid of acne – blemish marks that are severe can result from wrong treatment.

A gentle, non-soap cleanser is recommended by most dermatologists for basic skin care and acne blemish control. Salicylic and glycolic acids are used to exfoliate. Soaps, tinctures, cotton pads and creams are all sold as treatments. Retin-A, a type of vitamin A, also works this way. It is topically applied under a doctor’s supervision or taken orally.

Qualifing for the best results for natural skin care problems is simple considering the best older acne product it’s time to obtain the best remedy for your new look.

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Baby Acne Treatment

October 22nd, 2010

‘Organic skin care’ uses combinations of various organic materials that complement each other and enhance each other’s effectiveness. Moreover, these combinations are also helpful in over-riding the harmful effects (if any) of various organic materials that form them.

In a nutshell, a few simple steps occur that cause skin blemishes. First, acne occurs when for some unknown reason or combination of reasons, hair follicles, also known as pores, become blocked. Although the exact combination of reasons that pores become clogged may not be fully known, many contributing elements for teenagers and adults alike can include; genetics (whether or not there is a history of acne problems and if so, to what extent), hormones, dietary and vitamin make up (or lack of /deficiency) and stress related factors. Other denominators could include factors like how your body normally rids itself of its dead skin cells and influences that may be working against this regularity (for example climate and other environmental forces or overall body health at the time) and your hormones and their effect on your own body’s sebum production (especially for females).

Vitamin C – A form of this vitamin, the C ester has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has helped penetrate skin and prevent the return of acne. It is being tested for repairing damage to scar tissue from teen years.

Experiment with different razors, both electric and disposable, with single- double- or triple-edged (mach III) heads to see which works best for you. And try shaving in a warm shower for better results. For after shaving applications, try toning to stop bacteria dead in its tracks before it gets into your open follicles. Here are some suggestions: try antibiotic gel or lotion, witch hazel, Dalacin T, a mild alcohol-free toner, Benzoyl Peroxide in gel form and Salicylic Acid in a gel.

Many of us don’t get enough sleep and are stressed. Actually, there haven’t been any conclusive studies on how being tired affects the condition of the skin. But, the effects are not generally hard to detect. One of the most common effects is under-eye circles. So, to avoid whatever unfavorable effects there may be, you must budget in sleep time. This may include a short afternoon nap whenever you can manage it. However, don’t sleep in the same position for years on end as this can lead to wrinkles. Perhaps the best way to consider is looking for a special pillow that helps prevent sleep creases on your face.

A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what’s washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

Wanting the most effective kept secret for scrub your pores clean problems, and the most efficient acne treatments plus discoveries, it’s all of hospitality attire place.

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Practical Aromatherapy: Men’s Anti-Aging Skin Care Formulations

October 1st, 2010

Most of the time you’ll find essential oil blends for skin care formulated for women. They’ll have fairly floral scents, and maybe ingredients specifically included to manage estrogen. Well, here’s a look at formulating for men; blends with deeper, mild aromas and therapeutic actions geared toward helping men keep their skin healthy and youthful.

Formulating blends for younger looking skin requires selecting oils which offer these therapeutic properties: regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative. Essential oils are really exceptional skin-care ingredients, as they offer these important anti-aging actions (several having been backed by scientific research), and are well-tolerated and easily absorbed. The essential oils are mixed into carrier oils — which are “oils” in the more classic sense. Yet even these are selected for their specific anti-aging therapeutic effects.

Certain aromatic ingredients have a very long “track record” of anti-aging use; specifically the resins of frankincense and myrrh are highly regarded for this purpose. In aromatherapy, these are available both as “essential oils” and as “CO2 extracts”; for skin care, the latter is best, as it they are most similar to the actual medicinal resin. These oils have a range of properties, including all three that most interest us. They’re also perfect from a “men’s fragrance” standpoint, with their earthy scents.

Next up are the oils that are known specifically for their regenerative and cell-stimulating effects. Helichrysum italicum and rosemary verbenone are found in nearly every “scar reduction” recipe; the features which make them so useful in these blends make them great anti-aging essential oils as well. Helichrysum is anti-inflammatory and high in regenerative “di-ketones” (the only oil in common use to have these specific molecular components). Rosemary of the “verbenone” chemotype is considered a “specialty skin care oil”, as it too has unique regenerative ketones. It is also thought to enhance skin cell metabolism, increasing the nutrients-in and waste-out processes.

We’ll also select one or more oils with high levels of anti-oxidant and rejuvenative nutrients. These oils have a deep reddish-orange color, indicating the presence of these vitamin-like compounds: carrot root, whole rosehip and whole sea buckthorn. While these can be found as “carrier oils”, it is the “CO2 extracts” of these plant parts that are best for our men’s anti-aging formulation. They’re a very concentrated extract, providing an incredible concentration of carotenoids and polyphenols.

And no “men’s” skin care formula would be complete without sandalwood essential oil. In addition to being a soft, relaxing aroma, it’s very balancing and protective at the same time. Sandalwood balances skin oils (helps both “too oily” and “too dry” become “normal”), and has even been shown to protect against skin cancers.

All these essential oils and extracts are measured into the base of your formula, the “carrier oils”. The base of these anti-aging recipes is 1/3rd each rosehip seed, tamanu and argan. Even without the essential oils, using these three oils together would be truly exceptional skin care. Each of these has been evaluated for youth-enhancing skin care effects; we blend them together because they each have unique properties which synergize when combined.

On to the mixing! This is really, really easy. And you can make several ounces at once, enough to last a couple of months (store everything over one ounce in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them). These essential oil quantities are given for each ounce, so increase according to your final volume. For normal-to-dry skin: eight drops frankincense OR myrrh “CO2″, six drops rosemary verbenone OR helichrsyum, six drops sandalwood and sixteen drops rosehip “CO2″. Yes, it sounds so simple, but this, in the three base oils, is a downright excellent formula for anti-aging skin care.

For men with skin prone to acne breakouts, remove all rosehip from your formulas; it can exacerbate over-oily acne conditions. You may consider adding a little spike lavender to your recipe if you feel a little extra antiseptic support could be useful. For those with sensitive skin a few drops of lavender is an excellent choice.

Feel free to modify further! The only caution to heed is that it’s easy to use too much essential oils in your formula. Only four or eight drops seems like so little, yet if you use too much, you’ll find you can make your eyes water with the intensity. Imagine essential oils acting almost like signaling agents — just a little bit of them tells your skin cells what to do, and in this case, it’s to give you a healthy, smooth, youthful glow (yes, men can glow too)!

Visit the website for more on essential oil research, Lavender essential oil and more.

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Nattokinase – A Case For Excitement

September 13th, 2010

The Japanese love it while the world hates it. As for the baby boomers, they go on to live a little longer.

Why am I so exited about Nattokinase? Well for one thing, you don`t have to brave eating Natto, the fermented soy beans in their gooey, stringy state, to get the same health benefits that the Japanese have been enjoying for centuries.

It is contained in convenient capsule form to consume with ease. But getting back to the main issue. The proteolytic enzyme, extracted from the fermented soy beans, is my first choice of nutrient to take for the cardiovascular system. It will help keep my ageing arteries and heart in peak condition as long as I can last out.

Does the mention of blood clots give you the jitters? Most people would say yes. Just like me, baby boomers in their millions are taking steps to supplement as an aid to their systems, giving support to the health of their ailing bodies and cardiovascular network. An age group that does not need to wait for the go-ahead from researchers or scientists because they already know that herbal and nutritional methods that have been used since time immemorial, can assist in healing and helping the ageing body to keep healthy.

What though is the connection between this nutrient and blood clots?

During the ageing process, our natural production of the plasmin enzyme starts to diminish. The important role the plasmin serves is to break down fibrin, the matter used to give blood platelets their stickiness. This is a very susceptible condition to be in, leaving us exposed to a higher risk of a blood clot materializing, which in turn can lead to heart attack or stroke due to the blocking of oxygen to these vital organs.

Here is where Nattokinase comes to our aid. This powerful enzyme is indeed a literal saver of lives because it takes on the role of the lost plasmin from our bodies, possessing the power to break up thrombus, another name for blood clots, by breaking up the fibrin.

Yet there is more to it`s remarkable action. It has shown the power to lower high blood pressure. The benefits of this are duplicated because lower blood pressure means a lower risk of clots. The reason being that the force caused through High blood pressure damages blood vessel walls. Doctors have saw the results of this when hardening has occurred around bends, curves, and obstruction sites in arteries, yet absent on straight stretches.

The normal practice of doctors is to prescribed ACE inhibitors to keep your blood vessels dilated. Nattokinase serves as an efficient substitute, working in the same way by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzymes that cause your arteries to constrict.

So then, does this enzyme not sound impressive to you too? Are you still repelled by the thought of sticky, gooey stuff that you would run a mile from? Hardly! Your excitement is bound to grow after considering the evidence. All credit to the Japanese, this enzyme convinces us that our blood vessels can stay the coarse along with our other organs.

Want to find out more about high blood pressure natural care, then visit Jamesina Goulbourne’s site on how to choose the best nattokinase for your needs.

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Choosing And Using Essential Oils To Treat Acne

September 7th, 2010

Acne breakouts, both “teenage” and adult, is due to a combination of factors including the proliferation of bacteria, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. Teenage acne also involves a temporary overproduction of skin oils, as well as a thickening of the skin — factors which lead to further inflammation and conditions for bacterial growth. Using essential oils for treating both teenage and adult acne is a smart choice, as you can create a blend of oils which address every aspect of the condition. Here we’ll look at creating a blend that does just this, by selecting from groups of oils with the desired effects (be aware that several oils will have multiple properties) and basing them in therapeutic carrier oils (which actually have been successful at treating acne themselves).

First examining the antiseptics, the choice for many people is tea tree essential oil. It has been the gold standard of topical antiseptic essential oils. It is readily available, inexpensive, and actually “proven” effective. A recent study was produced comparing the efficacy of tea tree to oxybenzone, the most popular over-the-counter active ingredient for acne treatment. A 5% tea tree formulation was found to be as effective as a 5% benzoylperozxide preparation, without side effects (benzoylperoxide can cause drying and peeling). Tea tree can be used at much higher concentrations if desired, as it will not produce the peeling and drying action of oxybenzone. Some people find they can use it “neat” (undiluted) without side effects, though it’s crucial you test a very small amount to see if this is both safe AND effective for you personally. Other popular antiseptic essential oils in acne blends include geranium and palmarosa — you can combine one or more of these in your formula, which may result in greater therapeutic activity.

Then there’s the important balancing of sebum secretion. Green myrtle essential oil is actually both balancing and a potent antibacterial. Like tea tree, it has been suggested as a treatment all by itself, and may work better for may individuals. If you’re seeking a single oil for direct application, consider experimenting with myrtle and tea tree — finding the one that works best for you. Myrtle will work synergistically with tea tree in an overall acne treatment blend.

Somewhat less potent of an antibacterial, but perhaps a more important oil for sebum balance and overall skin health is rosewood. You’ll find rosewood included in a great many skin care formulas, and is an especially good choice for adult acne care. If you choose rosewood for your blend, look for one from a sustainable source, or from a location other than Brazil, such that it’s not from wild-grown trees in the Amazon rainforest.

To summarize a few other highly-regarded oils for acne-care blends: Lavender essential oil may be the most commonly used essential oil in all of skin and hair care. It is thought to synergize — or tie together — all other oils in a formula. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing actions. Spike lavender, sort of a cross between sage and lavender, is a more potent antiseptic, if you feel you need something stronger in that respect. Myrrh has been used for skin care for thousands of years, with an excellent combination of antiseptic and healing actions. Sandalwood, too, is a soothing, protective, and balancing oil to include in adult-care formulas where the skin may be dry.

You may find other sources discussing the use of citrus oils, particularly lemon and bergamot. While these oils can be highly effective, their topical use on the face doesn’t make sense due to their photo-toxicity. Once applied, they will make that area of the skin hyper-sensitive to sunlight for the next day or two. As there are so many other excellent choices, use of citrus oils for acne care should be avoided altogether.

As mentioned, essential oils can be dabbed (not rubbed!) directly on pimples. However, for treating any area — and limiting future outbreaks in that area — you’ll want to create a blend of oils in a carrier. While there are many choices, the best are oils that have their own therapeutic activity. The two most well-known are coconut and tamanu nut oils; both are naturally antiseptic, and have been used by some individuals to successfully treat acne alone. Equal parts of these oils will create a simple, effective base to which you’ll add your essential oils.

Creating you blend is a simple process: chose up to 4 essential oils and measure them into an empty bottle. Create a blend with a total of around 5% essential oil concentration: 1 milliliter, or 20 drops, of essential oil in each ounce is a 3% concentration — 7 drops of essential oil in each ounce is 1%. This means you can use around 35 drops total (from a standard glass eyedropper) of essential oils in each ounce of base. You may want to measure the number of drops per ml using a measuring pipette.

On to the recipes! These are the number of drops of essential oil in one ounce of carrier. To make two ounces, simply double the number of drops. So for your base, mix equal parts of virgin coconut, tamanu and grapeseed oils (or just tamanu and coconut, if you don’t mind the thickness). For teenage acne, use 14 drops each tea tree, spike lavender and myrtle. For adult acne with oily skin, use 9 drops each myrtle, tea tree, rosewood and lavender. For adult acne with dry to normal skin, use 7 drops each tea tree, spike lavender, rosewood, myrrh and sandalwood. Please feel free to adjust these recipes, depending on your intuition and the oils you have on hand. Using 3 or more of any of these essential oils together in the carrier oils mentioned should produce effective results for nearly any acne condition.

For more on the therapeutic value of essential oils, and the many ways to employ these oils such as in aromatherapy and essentia oil diffusers, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.

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The Best Clays To Use For Skin Care And Natural Health

July 28th, 2010

Since the beginning of time, man has been using clay. The Romans healed their wounds with clay poultices, Cleopatra used it for her beauty masks and the Romans used clay as well. After the widespread use of modern medicine, clay was forgotten but is now slowly being rediscovered. Clay has been used far longer by man than modern drugs and is 100% natural.

According to Hippocrates, Theophrastes, Dioscorides and Galen, the Greeks made use of clays. According to Plines, the Romans used it. Avicennes favors it in his famous writings. Up to the beginning of the 20th century, the French and the Russian army used it to disinfect contaminated waters and to prevent dysentery.

To cover wounds, or to ingest in order to help heal intestinal or digestive issues, animals instinctively search for clay.

All clays are different as they result from a complex evolution and are very dependent of their environment. Here is a list of the most widely used French clays (easily distinguished by their colors), their properties, and what they are used for:

Green Clay: being prized by its users to exhibit great healing properties, to absorb toxins and clean the body, it is rich in minerals and gets its color from ferrous oxide (Fe++).

Illite – The most popular clay in France. Arising from the micas minerals of igneous rocks, it has a three layer structure accounting for its high absorption and adsorption properties making this variety the most efficient in natural health care both externally and internally. It has a high diversified mineral content. Montmorillonite – The second variety of green clay. Arising from the chlorite minerals of metamorphic rocks, just like the Illite, it has a three layer structure accounting for its similar properties regarding absorption and adsorption. The diversified mineral content is high. The color is of a lesser green than the Illite, due to a lesser concentration in ferrous oxide. This clay may be used internally as well as externally as well.

Red Clay: Can be found next to yellow clay and gets its color from red hematite containing ferric oxide and copper. It is a two layer structure and has one of the highest contents of Silica. There is an absence of aluminum, zing, manganese, chlorine and sodium. Due to its rich content in iron this type of clay is to be used by people deficient in iron. It is also widely used in skin care and cosmetics.

Yellow Clay: Found nearby red clay, yellow clay gets its color from a yellow-orange iron oxide and can be found on hilltops where it has been drained by rain (hence Aluminum, zinc, manganese, sodium and chlorine have been washed out). With a pH 5, a very high concentration in iron but practically no aluminum, this type of clay is recommended for bone problems and tiredness (it should be used in conjunction with green clay).

Pink Clay: It does not exist in a natural state. Pink clay is obtained by mixing red and white clay. The combined properties of both clays makes the pink clay ideal for beauty preparations. Pink clay is soft, it is recommended for sensitive skins, dehydrated skins, baby skins and facial creams. This clay is used for external purposes only.

White Clay: White clay results from the erosion of granular rocks. It is situated on sites subjected to heavy drainage by rain. White clay is a 2 layered structure with a pH of 5 and is recommended for beauty care. It is very effective with sensitive skins and is suitable for both children and adults. It is known for its healing properties with its high concentration in Aluminum and is devoid of phosphorous and chlorine.

Dr. Paul Petit is an expert on Clay Therapy in addition to a variety of natural health and beauty matters. His popular line of organic personal care products: Oblige By Nature and natural medicinal remedies under the brand name of Phybiosis, can be found in stores nationwide.

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Keep Your Skin Protected After Sun Exposure With Essential Oils

July 15th, 2010

It’s summertime again, and time to break out the sunscreen to help protect our skin and keep it happy and healthy. Much of the unwanted effects from sun over-exposure are due to the generation of free radicals in our dermal layers — a process that continues long after we’ve stepped out of the sunlight. Inflammation and tissue damage occurs on a cellular level, and long term sun damage can result if this occurs frequently. Fortunately, we can apply antioxidant and anti-inflammatory formulas topically to keep our skin happy and healthy after sun exposure.

Therapeutic grade essential oils all have antioxidant activity. Many oils have exceptionally high “oxidative radical absorbance capacity” readings found through laboratory testing. From the hard work of scientists, we can select essential oils that will have beneficial effects on our skin, not only through their antioxidant protection, but through other skin healing actions as well. A recent journal publication reported that the essential oil of Myrrh did even better than a potent man-made antioxidant at quenching singlet-oxygen free radicals generated by UV exposure. And all we have to do is rub a little of this precious oil into our skin!

Making your own formula can be fun, and it’s really easy to do. You only need to select a few essential oils and blend them into a natural “carrier oil” base. All these oils absorb particularly well into the skin in a few minutes, without any “oily” feeling. The essential oils are easy to choose: Lavender essential oil, particularly Lavendula angustifolia, may be your first choice. Lavender has a great many healing properties for the skin; it is syngergistically anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and soothing at the same time. It is perfect for general skincare and after-sun use, and is called for by many aromatherapists in cases of sunburn.

Blue tansy is a wonderful essential oil that is frequently used for its anti-inflammatory action in skin care. Blue tansy is seen in many blends for dermatitis and skin irritation, and it will impart its deep blue cooling nature in your after sun healing recipe. It has a lovely ‘blueberry patch in the forest’ aroma loved by everyone who comes across it. It will also reduce allergic reactions that give us itchy skin in the summertime. Use in relatively small concentrations, of approximately one to two percent in your overall formula. If blue tansy is not readily available, blue chamomile is a perfect substitute.

Helichrysum may be the most dramatically anti-inflammatory and regenerative oil used in skin care. While expensive, just a small amount will have important healing effects. Helichrysum is used in wound healing and scar removal blends, and will do just as well for daily facial care for “mature” skin.

Sandalwood essential oil has recently been the subject of research noting its protective effects for the skin, actually preventing skin cancer when applied before sun exposure. The mechanism of action implies that this same protective effect should occur when applied after sun exposure as well. Another exotic oil has also been researched for anticancer activity: Frankincense. You’ll also find this oil prominently in blends for aging skin, having been researched to actually reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and result in smoother skin texture. Its range of effects makes it an excellent addition to your recipe.

A relative newcomer on the block is sea buckthorn; the oil is cold-distilled from the berries of a bush found in Eastern Europe. Sea Buckthorn “CO2 extract” is now found in many of the world’s most exclusive skincare products, and is very cost-effective when added to your own creations. Its sweet, fruity aroma is very appealing, and its deep red color indicates the many beta-carotene compounds naturally occurring in this oil. Sea buckthorn is highly-recommended for addition to all daily-use aromatherapy skin care blends, and is particularly suited for an after-sun formulation.

If you feel like getting creative, you can include other ingredients that are readily available at health food stores or on the Internet. You can squeeze a couple vitamin E capsules into your blend, or add Ester-C, a non-acidic form of vitamin C, both of which are excellent antioxidants when topically applied to the skin.

All these ingredients will be based in natural “carrier oils”. Carrier oils are common seed and nut oils like avocado, apricot kernel, evening primrose, jojoba, hemp, tamanu and rosehip seed. Any of these oils alone will work wonderfully, though you can use two or more together to provide a synergy of healthy action for your skin. A general-purpose formula may include avocado and jojoba; a potent formula for extra skin health support might include evening primrose, tamanu, and rosehip seed.

The recipes are really flexible and easy to make. You can easily tailor them to your own needs, or to those of your children and other loved ones. Simply choose one or more essential oils and add them to your carrier oil mixture at the rate of between 14 and 35 total drops per ounce. The idea is that you want to have a total essential oil concentration of somewhere between 2 and 5%. Seven drops of essential oil in one once of carrier oil equals a one-percent concentration.

Here’s an example recipe: Make 4 ounces of base using one third apricot kernel, one third tamanu, and one-third rosehip seed (you can simply estimate each in an empty 4 ounce bottle). To this, add 56 drops lavender, 28 drops blue tansy, sea buckthorn and sandalwood — include 15 drops of vitamin E and 2 grams of ascorbyl palmitate for that extra nutraceutical enhancement. You can substitute or add any other essential oil you like, noting that in this formula, 28 drops equals a 1% concentration (and the essential oil concentration is already at 4%). While simple, these formulas will reduce inflammation and quench oxidative radical activity in your skin. These oils are gentle enough for family members of all ages, though for the very young ones use only a quarter as much essential oil in the recipe.

The author utilizes pure essential oils for aromatherapy. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.

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Beginning Aromatherapy: Why Choose Rosehip Oil For Skin Care

May 14th, 2010

The beautiful reddish-orange liquid of Rosehip seed oil is becoming well-known as useful skin and beauty product around the world, as scientific study has recently validated it’s positive effects on many types of skin conditions. The pure oil has produced miraculous results for some, useful for a great myriad of conditions from premature aging and over-exposure to the sun, to lessening the appearance of many types of scarring. Where does this luscious oil come from, how does it work, and perhaps of greatest interest, can it work for you?

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seed within the fruit of the wild thorny rose bush. Native to Chile, the plant is now cultivated elsewhere in South America with many countries producing the oil. Also found under the name ‘Rosa Mosqueta’, the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years, but only recently became known to the rest of the world.

The oil is produced via solvent extraction or pressing of the seed. The cold-pressed oil is the closest to nature and likely the healthiest variety – it has a high essential fatty acid content, and is considered more delicate than other common seed and nut oils. Because of it’s unique chemical nature, it should be refrigerated, or at least kept in a dark, cool place, and used within one year of purchase.

The “active ingredients” of rosehip are now available in a highly concentrated form, called a “carbon dioxide extract”. Very similar to an essential oil, but made at a cooler temperature, this very deep red, viscous oil is used in small quantities — and not as the base of your formulas as cold-pressed rosehip seed oil would be.

Rosehip seed oil is an excellent source of natural vitamin E and natural vitamin A, or ‘trans-retinoic acid’. Retinoic acid, the acid derivative of vitamin A, is the active ingredient found in Retin-A or Tretinoin. Retin-A (a pharmaceutical preparation) has been heralded as a wrinkle cure because of its ability to increase skin cell proliferation – or speed the time it takes for your skin to regenerate. In fact, the oil has been extensively studied for many of the same actions attributed to Retin-A, and has been shown effective without side effects (like over-drying and peeling – though unlike Retin-A, it should not be used to treat acne).

The first major study on Rosehip seed oil was done at the University of Santiago, Chile. The participants had diverse forms of skin damage: wrinkles and other premature aging, sun and radiation damage, scarring, and other skin damage. The oil was shown to have significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing results of all skin damage types, and contributing to an overall smoothing of the skin’s appearance.

Another later study was conducted on women ages 25-35 with extensive premature aging of their skin. Again, rosehip seed oil significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: “On some skin troubles like superficial wrinkles, chestnut spots and ephelides, good results have been obtained. After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible.” The oil has been used to successfully treat a long list of skin related conditions, including: age spots, wrinkles and premature aging, sun damage, scars from acne, burns, and surgery, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, brittle nails, and even dry and damaged hair.

In addition to its skin healing effects, rosehip seed oil is also a perfect moisturizer due to it’s high content of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The oil penetrates the skin quickly and does not leave the skin feeling greasy or oily.

Rosehip seed oil may be used directly on the skin daily – It may also be blended with other oils like jojoba and sweet almond, and will still give noticeable results at one-tenth of the concentration. In addition, rosehip seed oil makes an excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy, blending it with essential oils having skin regenerative properties will make an exceptional natural skin care product.

To smooth scars on the skin, blend of fifteen drops each of helichrysum “italicum” and rosemary “verbenone” essential oils, plus twenty-four drops rosehip “CO2″, in a one ounce base of equal parts rosehip seed oil and tamanu oil. For a lovely beauty blend, experiment with this combination in four ounces of rosehip seed: five drops helichrysum, five drops lavender angustifolia, 3 drops sandalwood, three drops neroli (bitter orange flower oil), three drops carrot seed oil (a very moisturizing essential oil), three drops geranium (also for hydration), two drops roman chamomile (for it’s anti-inflammatory properties), two drops of jasmine absolute and one drop each of palmarosa and ylang ylang essential oils.

Using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin or just giving it a little needed nourishment will almost certainly produce positive, noticeable effects. This fantastic oil, with its wonderful range of uses, will likely take an important lace in your natural beauty collection.

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using clove and other high quality essential oils.

categories: aromatherapy,skin care,beauty,women,anti-aging,alternative medicine,alternative health,natural health,health

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