There are many spices that are known to have medicinal properties. You probably already know that garlic and ginger benefit your health, but I have a few others you may not know about. ".. Most Americans don't take full advantage of the wonderful world of spices", according to author Bharay Aggarqwal, in his book, Healing Spices. This book highlights 50 different spices that are said to either prevent or heal certain medical conditions and diseases. Following are a few spices that I thought were a bit more "unknown" in regard to their health benefits.
When choosing a Bay leaf, look for the whole ones, and ones that are uniform in size and color, and are free from stems and bark. The darker the coloring, and the larger the leaves, the better. When cooked, the bay leaf releases an array of antioxidants. Bay leaves are a natural medicine for various forms of cancer, arthritis, ulcers, wounds, and even mosquito bites.
Interestingly enough, Cumin, in a study done in India, was found to be as effective as an anti-diabetic drug when given to lab rats. It has also been shown to protect bone health and to help prevent food poisoning. The book recommends purchasing whole cumin seeds rather than the ground seeds.
Horseradish is a spice that was actually used as medicine before it was used as a food. It can clear congestion, fight both viruses and bacteria, relax smooth muscles, and reduce inflammation. Aggarwal recommends buying it prepared and preserved in vinegar, although he does say that it won't give you the same zing that fresh horseradish does.
One very tasty spice that is commonly used, especially in Fall and Winter dishes and drinks, is cinnamon. Cinnamon is another antioxidant with antimicrobial properties. It also improves insulin sensitivity while it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides.
So try spicing up more of your foods and drinks to put these spices to the test with your numbers!
***Remember, you should never quit taking any medications without consulting with your physician. Especially diabetic medications. Doing so could adversely affect your health, and even potentially result in death!
I recommend routinely adding these spices to your diet, then you and your doctor can compare your (laboratory) blood tests to measure their impact. Together, you and your physician can decide the best plan for you and your health needs.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Teaching Tuesdays - Stomp Out Some Good Summer Foot Care
While our feet may not show age like the hands do, they support our body weight, pound the pavement, bask in the sand at the beach, walk in ridiculous shoes, have circulation issues, and are often covered with socks and heavy shoes. Unless they are aching or smelling, feet are generally ignored.
Well, we should not ignore our hard-working feet, and with a few simple steps, we can care for them and ensure their health, just as much as we care for the rest of our skin!
Of course, as with all other skin care, good health begins on the inside. So make sure that you are eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and plenty of water to drink.
Of course, common sense works well too, so make sure that your shoes fit well, and that you wear the appropriate shoes for the activities of the day.
It is best to purchase new shoes in the middle of the day, when your feet have had time to swell slightly. This will help to ensure that you get a comfortable fitting shoe.
Additionally, here are a few more tips that you may not have given much thought to.
Make sure to completely dry in between your toes after bathing or swimming. Moisture can lead to yeast infection/athletes foot, so we want to eliminate any possibility of that.
Inspect your feet and take appropriate care of any small cuts or nicks. Some diseases, age, and even some skin conditions may impact the feeling in your feet. It is imperative that you take care of small cuts before they become large infections.
Keep the toe nails and cuticles away from soaps, detergents, and hot water as much as possible. Avoid the frequent use of nail polish remover, it dries out the nail bed and leads to splitting.
Massage and moisturize as often as possible, but daily at minimum. The feet are always subject to issues of poor circulation, massaging not only feels good, but stimulates and increases the circulation.
Give yourself or get a pedicure once a week or more frequently if you can swing it.
Do not use a sharp object to remove dirt from under the nails, use a nail brush with baking soda as a cleanser. If your nails are dull and /or yellowed. brighten them with white vinegar!
Never cut the cuticles (or use cuticle removers), instead, soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back, using a soft, moist towel, or by gently applying pressure with an orange stick.
Keep your nails trimmed, and make sure that you cut straight across when you cut, to prevent hang nails.
Soak feet for 20 minutes in a warm footbath before exfoliating.
A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil will help to stimulate the circulation of the feet.
Come back tomorrow for some great recipes to aide in your foot care!
Well, we should not ignore our hard-working feet, and with a few simple steps, we can care for them and ensure their health, just as much as we care for the rest of our skin!
Of course, as with all other skin care, good health begins on the inside. So make sure that you are eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and plenty of water to drink.
Of course, common sense works well too, so make sure that your shoes fit well, and that you wear the appropriate shoes for the activities of the day.
It is best to purchase new shoes in the middle of the day, when your feet have had time to swell slightly. This will help to ensure that you get a comfortable fitting shoe.
Additionally, here are a few more tips that you may not have given much thought to.
Make sure to completely dry in between your toes after bathing or swimming. Moisture can lead to yeast infection/athletes foot, so we want to eliminate any possibility of that.
Inspect your feet and take appropriate care of any small cuts or nicks. Some diseases, age, and even some skin conditions may impact the feeling in your feet. It is imperative that you take care of small cuts before they become large infections.
Keep the toe nails and cuticles away from soaps, detergents, and hot water as much as possible. Avoid the frequent use of nail polish remover, it dries out the nail bed and leads to splitting.
Massage and moisturize as often as possible, but daily at minimum. The feet are always subject to issues of poor circulation, massaging not only feels good, but stimulates and increases the circulation.
Give yourself or get a pedicure once a week or more frequently if you can swing it.
Do not use a sharp object to remove dirt from under the nails, use a nail brush with baking soda as a cleanser. If your nails are dull and /or yellowed. brighten them with white vinegar!
Never cut the cuticles (or use cuticle removers), instead, soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles, then gently push them back, using a soft, moist towel, or by gently applying pressure with an orange stick.
Keep your nails trimmed, and make sure that you cut straight across when you cut, to prevent hang nails.
Soak feet for 20 minutes in a warm footbath before exfoliating.
A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil will help to stimulate the circulation of the feet.
Come back tomorrow for some great recipes to aide in your foot care!
What's Happening Wednesday- Exotic Oils Cont.- Emu
I know that it is hump day, or for our purposes, What's Happening Wednesday, but today I thought that I would keep going with exotic oils, and discuss Emu oil. I really didn't think you would want to hear more about my soap making, which is still what I am up to, and will be for a few more Wednesdays to come! Lol ! So let's discuss emu oil!
Emu oil comes from the prehistoric, Australian bird, the emu, a large, flightless, ostrich like bird. This bird is thought to have wandered the Australian outback for the past 80 million years, and can still be found there today! Its history can be compared to the Native Americans' relationship with bison, as this bird provided the Australian Aborigines with food, clothing, shelter, medicine ( it was used for wounds, aches, pains and skin protection) and spiritual sustenance. The emu has been valued by the Aborigines for thousands of years, especially for its healing powers, and it does indeed, have many natural qualities which are beneficial to our health.
Emu oil is a by product of the Emu, after it is processed for it’s meat. It has a thick layer of fat, just under its skin on its back, and this is what is rendered, refined and sterilized, to get the oil that is used in cosmetic and medical applications. Unlike many other oils, the emu oil is beneficial to your health without the addition of any additives, either herbal or chemical. In fact, the fatty acid composition of this oil is very close to the correct composition of the fats found in [normal] human skin. Emu oil has been proven to be an intensive pain reliever in cases of chronic arthritis, strains, sprains, and muscle pain. And it is known to possess; anti-inflammatory properties, with effects comparable to ibuprofen; bacteriostatic properties, meaning that it inhibits the growth of bacteria, but may not prevent it; Hypoallergenic properties, which means that it is not known to cause skin irritation or have any side effects; is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning that it does not clog the skin pores; and it is [also] widely used as am accelerant for wound healing.
When searching for warnings for the use of emu oil, all I found was a note that warned that not all emu oil sold on the market today is of animal origin. Just what the impostors are made with, I didn't find, nor did I find a way to tell whether you had an impostor or not. So my only suggestion is to purchase this oil from a reputable company. Additionally, I found warnings that some
*As with all these posts, please make sure to read the references/bibliographies by clicking on the Reference tab at the top of this page.
Emu oil comes from the prehistoric, Australian bird, the emu, a large, flightless, ostrich like bird. This bird is thought to have wandered the Australian outback for the past 80 million years, and can still be found there today! Its history can be compared to the Native Americans' relationship with bison, as this bird provided the Australian Aborigines with food, clothing, shelter, medicine ( it was used for wounds, aches, pains and skin protection) and spiritual sustenance. The emu has been valued by the Aborigines for thousands of years, especially for its healing powers, and it does indeed, have many natural qualities which are beneficial to our health.
When you look at the contents of emu oil, its benefits are not all that surprising. Emu oil contains Vitamin E, which is a major antioxidant and healing agent; Vitamin A, which is a known skin repairer, as well as another antioxidant; Linoleic acid, which helps to ease muscle and joint pain; Oleic acid, a proven skin cell regenerator and anti-wrinkle agent; Sapogens, which are skin softeners; and Terpines, which are known antiseptics.
Skin care products made with emu oil, because of the powerful antioxidants, will be great skin cell regenerators, and anti-wrinkle agents, actually improving the condition of aging skin. Additionally, products made with this oil are great moisturizers, capable of smoothing and conditioning even the roughest and driest of elbows, knees and heels. It is also good for reducing the itching and flakiness that often accompanies dry skin issues, as it forms a protective barrier after it moisturizes and lubricates the irritated skin. Emu oil is actually a skin-thickening agent, as well, and it affords the skin protection from wind and other weather conditions, especially that of the face and hands.
Not too mention the fact that, because of its natural bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, and cell regeneration properties, this oil would make a great addition to homeopathic balms. In fact, it is gaining popularity in the sports medicine world, as its properties make it a natural choice for balms to treat muscle aches, pains, strains, pulls, sprains, and cramps, as well as minor wound repairs, especially when scarring could be an issue. It is also a good oil for recipes intended to; lessen the pain of chronic conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia; lesson the pain and scarring of burns and sunburns; reduce the appearance of stretch marks; alleviate the discomfort of eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and shingles; as well as ones that reduce the infection, pain and swelling of insect bites and/or stings. Emu oil has also been shown to help reverse hair loss, so you may wish to consider it in a shampoo or scalp conditioning type of treatment.
The anti-inflammatory, as well as the other benefits, of emu oil are considered to be long lasting. Because the human skin lacks phosphorus, and the fact that the chemical composition of emu oil is very similar to that of human skin, this oil, and its beneficial substances, can quickly and easily penetrate the skin, to a deep level. Then, after it's applied to the skin, this odorless product goes on to moisturize and condition the skin's surface, leaving it smooth and non-greasy. Even after repetitive washings, the skin will still reap the benefits of an application of emu oil.
When searching for warnings for the use of emu oil, all I found was a note that warned that not all emu oil sold on the market today is of animal origin. Just what the impostors are made with, I didn't find, nor did I find a way to tell whether you had an impostor or not. So my only suggestion is to purchase this oil from a reputable company. Additionally, I found warnings that some
emu Oil is only rendered and filtered, not purified, so therefore it can contain contaminants. So be sure to read the fine print, and always choose the refined product.
Scrub a Dub Dub Take Time To Do A Body Rub!
When visiting any Spa, the integral part of the treatment will be some type of exfoliation. While the techniques may vary, the purpose of exfoliation is always the same. First of all it serves to rid the skin's surface of dirt and oil as it rubs off the outermost layer of dead skin cells. The removal of this layer of dead cells enables the skin to more easily and effectively absorb or react to any products used after the exfoliation process. Therefore the second purpose of exfoliation is that it actually prepares the skin for other, subsequent treatments.
It is very important to remember that body scrubbing is NOT facial scrubbing. You need to have appropriate tools for the job, such as; a sisal mitt, a loofah sponge, a stiff, natural bristle brush, and/or an abrasive sponge, a pumice stone and a towel are good to have also. The pumice stone is great for the bottoms of the feet, but not a necessity. Whichever tools you choose to use, make sure that you use your scrubber in a circular motion, beginning at the feet , moving to the legs, the working the hands, arms, shoulders, then down the back and up the torso toward the heart. Apply firm, even pressure but do not apply so much that you irritate or "burn" the skin. As you incorporate a full body rub into your daily beauty regimen (it really should be done daily five minutes is all that you need if done consistently) your skin will build a tolerance to the rubbing and you will be able to apply more pressure, offering a more vigorous scrub. When you are brand new to body rubs, you have to begin by being more gentle in order to avoid abrading the skin.
Body scrubbing helps to stimulate and circulate the lymph fluids, which then help to eliminate the body's toxins. A cool water rinse after the body scrub will further help with blood circulation. After the rinse, pat dry and moisturize if you are not performing another type of treatment. Do not skip moisturizing! As previously stated, after the exfoliation the skin will more readily drink in the moisturizer, making it much more effective at this time than any other. Since exfoliation is very energizing and revitalizing, it is a treatment that is really best suited to a morning regimen.
As with most recipes for body treatments, the ingredients are dependant upon your needs. You will need an abrasive ingredient along with one that will make it easy to apply to the skin. The various oils used should be chosen according to your skin type and any essential oils used should be chosen to maximize the effects that you desire. You can review what the essential oils are used for by reading the archives. All essential oils are listed alphabetically during 10/08 and 11/08.
The next post will review potential choices for the abrasive ingredient in recipes, as well as the various carrier oil choices, along with a few more recipes. Meanwhile, you can find some recipes in the archives for 8/16/08.
Cinnamon is for More Than Sugar Toast!
Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree, and cinnamon sticks are actually pieces of that bark. The tree grows from 20 to 30 feet high and it has a thick, scabrous bark with strong branches.
As early as 2700 B.C., this spice was mentioned by ancient Chinese herbalists. It was an ingredient in the embalming mixtures of ancient Egypt, and the Bible says that Moses used it as a holy anointing oil. After the fall of the Roman empire, when trade between Europe and Asia became difficult, Cinnamon was extremely prized. It found its way west, and by the twelfth century, German herbalists recommended cinnamon as the "universal spice for sinuses." They recommended it be used to treat colds, flu, cancer, and many other internal ailments.
The word cinnamon can refer to the "origional" cinnamon, Cinnarmomum zeylanicum of Ceylon, or the product of the Cassia tree, which is usually regarded as a substitute for Cinnarmomum zeylanicum of Ceylon because it VERY closely resembles the Ceylon. It possesses much the same qualities and constitu
ents, but it is inferior. It is also much cheaper and more abundant than the Ceylon variety, hence the reason for its popularity. As a matter of fact, it is now the only official oil of cinnamon in the United States and German Pharmacopoeias.
Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and now modern science has confirmed its value as an anti-infective and digestive aide. Cinnamon possesses antiseptic qualities which kill many disease causing viruses and fungi. It is no accident that cinnamon is frequently used in toothpaste. Besides tasting good, cinnamon is known to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. According to some overseas studies, cinnamon suppresses the cause of most urinary tract infections and kills the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. They also report that it helps to prevent stomach ulcers. Cinnamon, like many culinary spices, is known to soothes the stomach. According to the US department of agriculture (USDA), it also appears that cinnamon helps diabetics metabolize sugar by reducing the amount of insulin necessary for glucose metabolism. As little as "one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency," per Dr. James Duke, author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.
In its powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are nontoxic, although allergic reactions are possible. Cinnamon oil, however, is a completely different story. If someone were to swallow it, they would likely experience nausea and vomiting, and quite possibly kidney damage. While some herbalists taught cinnamon oil as a skin conditioner and anti-inflammatory agent, others maintain that it doesn't provide any dermal benefits. No matter your stance on this issue, everyone agrees that cinnamon oil is a known dermal (skin) toxin, irritant, and sensitizer. It is also known to irritate mucous membranes. Since it may cause redness and burning on the skin, if you make a product containing the oil, be sure to highly dilute it. If you are using someone else's product that has cinnamon oil as an ingredient, including soaps and lip balms, remember that you really don't know how concentrated they left the cinnamon. Do not take make the mistake of assuming, perform a patch test to make sure that the product will not negatively impact your skin.
You can enjoy cinnamon in foods, simply seasoned to taste, or you can brew a tea and drink it. To make a tea, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of the powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep the powder for ten to twenty minutes. You may drink up to three cups per day. Whatever you do, NEVER use the essential oil internally.
ents, but it is inferior. It is also much cheaper and more abundant than the Ceylon variety, hence the reason for its popularity. As a matter of fact, it is now the only official oil of cinnamon in the United States and German Pharmacopoeias.
Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and now modern science has confirmed its value as an anti-infective and digestive aide. Cinnamon possesses antiseptic qualities which kill many disease causing viruses and fungi. It is no accident that cinnamon is frequently used in toothpaste. Besides tasting good, cinnamon is known to kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. According to some overseas studies, cinnamon suppresses the cause of most urinary tract infections and kills the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections. They also report that it helps to prevent stomach ulcers. Cinnamon, like many culinary spices, is known to soothes the stomach. According to the US department of agriculture (USDA), it also appears that cinnamon helps diabetics metabolize sugar by reducing the amount of insulin necessary for glucose metabolism. As little as "one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency," per Dr. James Duke, author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs.
In its powdered form, culinary amounts of cinnamon are nontoxic, although allergic reactions are possible. Cinnamon oil, however, is a completely different story. If someone were to swallow it, they would likely experience nausea and vomiting, and quite possibly kidney damage. While some herbalists taught cinnamon oil as a skin conditioner and anti-inflammatory agent, others maintain that it doesn't provide any dermal benefits. No matter your stance on this issue, everyone agrees that cinnamon oil is a known dermal (skin) toxin, irritant, and sensitizer. It is also known to irritate mucous membranes. Since it may cause redness and burning on the skin, if you make a product containing the oil, be sure to highly dilute it. If you are using someone else's product that has cinnamon oil as an ingredient, including soaps and lip balms, remember that you really don't know how concentrated they left the cinnamon. Do not take make the mistake of assuming, perform a patch test to make sure that the product will not negatively impact your skin.
You can enjoy cinnamon in foods, simply seasoned to taste, or you can brew a tea and drink it. To make a tea, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of the powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep the powder for ten to twenty minutes. You may drink up to three cups per day. Whatever you do, NEVER use the essential oil internally.
DROWN YOURSELF IN SOMETHING GOOD!
Bathing can be invigorating and rejuvenating or relaxing and soothing depending which herbs and essential oils you mix into the tub. You can help the body heal or calm aching muscles by just changing the additives in your bath. So here are some recipes for you to try. For those of you that missed the bathing tips, or if you just need to refresh your memory, please read this previous post;
http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2008/06/soaking-in-everything-you-should-know.html
With all of these recipes, add essential oils after the bath is filled with warm water, and relax for 15-20. To help the oil mix in the water you can mix it with a cap full of baby shampoo or purse castille soap if you wish.
___Calming Bath___
6 drop Juniper essential oil
6 drops Geranium essential oil
This bath is soothing and acts as a sedative, while being spiritually uplifting. Juniper has many healing properties impacting the skin, immune system and circulatory system. In the bath Juniper helps combat mental fatigue and restores clam. Geranium oil is thought to balance hormones and stimulate the adrenals.
___An Aphrodisiac Bath____
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil
2 Tbs. honey
2 ounces fresh cream
This recipe is said to relax the mind and stimulate sexuality and euphoria.
___Invigorating Bath___
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried sage
2 Tbs. oatmeal
Rosemary relieves mental fatigue. Sage treats loss of concentration. Oatmeal softens the water.
___Stimulating Blend____
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried eucalyptus
1/4 cup dried peppermint
Basil regenerates mental powers. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration. Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, and revitalizes.
______Citrus Tonic_________
1/4 cup lemon peel
1/4 cup grated orange peel
1 Tbs. dried parsley
1 Tbs. dried comfrey
Lemon treats lethargy. Orange fights depression and anxiety. Parsley stimulates.Comfrey is a mild antiseptic.
___Relaxing Bath Infusion_____
1 Tbs. dried peppermint
1 Tbs. dried lavender buds
1 Tbs. dried eucalyptus leaves
1 Tbs. dried chamomile flowers
Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, it revitalizes. Lavender relaxes, soothes, promotes rest and sleep, and restores balance to the body systems. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration, and helps you to breath deeply. Chamomile calms you and helps to tone the skin.
You can also use bath additives to help with skin issues.
___Oily Skin Bath___
4 drops cypress essential oil
4 drops orange essential oil
Cypress oil is known for alleviating menopausal symptoms and circulatory problems, and will help remedy oily skin when used in the bath. The orange oil is a tonic for the muscular system and will combat wrinkles while rejuvenating the skin and giving the bath a fresh aroma. You should soak for the full 20 min. for best results.
___Dry Skin Bath___
3 TBS. sweet almond oil
8 drops sandalwood essential oil
Sandalwood has excellent skin healing properties, especially for cracked and chapped skin. Sweet almond oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. Put these two together, and you have a great treatment for dry skin. You should only soak for 15 minutes, but you should use this treatment daily until you are healed. Make sure that you pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer after your bath.
___Normal Skin Bath___
3 Tbs. olive oil
8 drops geranium oil
Geranium oil is a multi-purpose essential oil. It is a mood elevator, antiseptic, insect repellent, athlete's foot remedy and more. In the bath, it is very soothing , rich and relaxing, with a great aroma. Olive oil is high in vitamins and mineral and helps to maintain the correct water balance and level of acidity, both internally and externally.
6 drop Juniper essential oil
6 drops Geranium essential oil
This bath is soothing and acts as a sedative, while being spiritually uplifting. Juniper has many healing properties impacting the skin, immune system and circulatory system. In the bath Juniper helps combat mental fatigue and restores clam. Geranium oil is thought to balance hormones and stimulate the adrenals.
___An Aphrodisiac Bath____
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil
2 Tbs. honey
2 ounces fresh cream
This recipe is said to relax the mind and stimulate sexuality and euphoria.
___Invigorating Bath___
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried sage
2 Tbs. oatmeal
Rosemary relieves mental fatigue. Sage treats loss of concentration. Oatmeal softens the water.
___Stimulating Blend____
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried eucalyptus
1/4 cup dried peppermint
Basil regenerates mental powers. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration. Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, and revitalizes.
______Citrus Tonic_________
1/4 cup lemon peel
1/4 cup grated orange peel
1 Tbs. dried parsley
1 Tbs. dried comfrey
Lemon treats lethargy. Orange fights depression and anxiety. Parsley stimulates.Comfrey is a mild antiseptic.
___Relaxing Bath Infusion_____
1 Tbs. dried peppermint
1 Tbs. dried lavender buds
1 Tbs. dried eucalyptus leaves
1 Tbs. dried chamomile flowers
Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, it revitalizes. Lavender relaxes, soothes, promotes rest and sleep, and restores balance to the body systems. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration, and helps you to breath deeply. Chamomile calms you and helps to tone the skin.
You can also use bath additives to help with skin issues.
___Oily Skin Bath___
4 drops cypress essential oil
4 drops orange essential oil
Cypress oil is known for alleviating menopausal symptoms and circulatory problems, and will help remedy oily skin when used in the bath. The orange oil is a tonic for the muscular system and will combat wrinkles while rejuvenating the skin and giving the bath a fresh aroma. You should soak for the full 20 min. for best results.
___Dry Skin Bath___
3 TBS. sweet almond oil
8 drops sandalwood essential oil
Sandalwood has excellent skin healing properties, especially for cracked and chapped skin. Sweet almond oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. Put these two together, and you have a great treatment for dry skin. You should only soak for 15 minutes, but you should use this treatment daily until you are healed. Make sure that you pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer after your bath.
___Normal Skin Bath___
3 Tbs. olive oil
8 drops geranium oil
Geranium oil is a multi-purpose essential oil. It is a mood elevator, antiseptic, insect repellent, athlete's foot remedy and more. In the bath, it is very soothing , rich and relaxing, with a great aroma. Olive oil is high in vitamins and mineral and helps to maintain the correct water balance and level of acidity, both internally and externally.
Tips to Soak in about Moisturizing Your Skin
You should care for your skin by moisturizing it daily, immediately after your shower or bath, so that the skin is still warm and moist while applying. This facilitates a deeper penetration of the oils, as the skin's pores are open.
Be sure to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, that doesn't make you feel greasy, and that will not clog your pores. To accomplish these goals you will need to stay away from petroleum based oils (such as baby oils) and ones that contain animal fat. These type oils are not absorbed by the skin and may irritate the skin as it forms a greasy layer on top it. In other words, the natural, earthy oils, ones that are plant and vegetable derived (warning, shameless company plug coming) such as the ones I make, are the best for your comfort and your skins' health.
Although there are variables, and certainly more to take into account when creating a recipe, there a really only two basic categories of oil to look at for your moisturizing needs. If your skin is dry or damaged, choose a rich, heavy oil, and if you have normal to oily skin, choose a lighter oil. It is probably best to try pure oils first, but you can always experiment by mixing two or more oils. Gels, such as aloe vera, are water based and do not blend well with oils. They are better used alone, on normal to oily skin.
Some rich, heavy oils are; olive, sesame, and safflowers.
Some finer, lighter oils are; jojoba, grapeseed, and avocados.
-Sunflower Oil is lightweight, but it has a slower absorption rate and may feel a bit oily on the skin as it soaks in. It is, however, very high in fatty acids and natural vitamin E, so it is a great product for your skin. You may want to use it in a bath, as a massage oil, or mixed.
-Sweet Almond Oil is also a light oil. It penetrates well, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is very rich in oleic and linoleic (essential) fatty acids, making it a great oil for damaged skin. It also happens to be cholesterol free, and great to use for cooking. The flashpoint of this oil is high, so it is great to use when cooking stir fry!
-Jojoba oil is really a liquid wax, rather than a true oil. But it is excellent as a moisturizer, and is readily absorbed by the skin.
-Hazelnut Oil is gentle and non-greasy and is highly recommended for extremely dry skin. The only draw back to this oil is that is best kept refrigerated and only has about a three month shelf-life. Good news though, it is also a great oil to cook with.
-Caster Oil is a thick, viscous oil, and is also a humectant. This means that the oil actually acts to draws moisture to the skin. That more than makes up for the natural odor of the oil., if you have very dry skin.
Aside from
oils, you can also use butters to moisturize. Probably one of the best known, Cocoa Butter is an edible vegetable fat, coming from the seeds/beans of the cacao plant. It has a mild chocolate flavor but the chocolate aroma is very intense. It is solid at room temperature and melts when it comes in contact with the heat from your skin.
-Shea Butter also presents as a solid and melts as it heats. It is obtained from the seed of the Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii), which is common to west Africa. From these seeds a soft, pliant "butter" is expeller pressed without the use of chemical solvents. It is high in vitamin E and well known for its skin softening and moisture retaining abilities.
-Mango Butter, another solid until heated butter, is obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango Tree. It is an excellent skin lubricator and moisturizer, and counters the drying effects of commercial bar soaps and cleansers.
Wether you use a butter or an oil is a matter of personal preferance. The important thing is that you USE one, and do so as part of a daily regimine. Caring for your skin will not only make you look and feel better, but it will help to protect you against premature aging and disease. Your skin is the largest system of the body (the integamentary) and it is your bodys' first line of defense against destructive organisms. Protecting and maintaining the health and elasticity of your skin benefits your over-all health.
Reference materials; The World Beauty Book, by Jessica Harris, Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation, by Eva Gizowska, Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox, and Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter.
Be sure to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, that doesn't make you feel greasy, and that will not clog your pores. To accomplish these goals you will need to stay away from petroleum based oils (such as baby oils) and ones that contain animal fat. These type oils are not absorbed by the skin and may irritate the skin as it forms a greasy layer on top it. In other words, the natural, earthy oils, ones that are plant and vegetable derived (warning, shameless company plug coming) such as the ones I make, are the best for your comfort and your skins' health.
Although there are variables, and certainly more to take into account when creating a recipe, there a really only two basic categories of oil to look at for your moisturizing needs. If your skin is dry or damaged, choose a rich, heavy oil, and if you have normal to oily skin, choose a lighter oil. It is probably best to try pure oils first, but you can always experiment by mixing two or more oils. Gels, such as aloe vera, are water based and do not blend well with oils. They are better used alone, on normal to oily skin.
Some rich, heavy oils are; olive, sesame, and safflowers.
Some finer, lighter oils are; jojoba, grapeseed, and avocados.
-Sunflower Oil is lightweight, but it has a slower absorption rate and may feel a bit oily on the skin as it soaks in. It is, however, very high in fatty acids and natural vitamin E, so it is a great product for your skin. You may want to use it in a bath, as a massage oil, or mixed.
-Sweet Almond Oil is also a light oil. It penetrates well, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is very rich in oleic and linoleic (essential) fatty acids, making it a great oil for damaged skin. It also happens to be cholesterol free, and great to use for cooking. The flashpoint of this oil is high, so it is great to use when cooking stir fry!
-Jojoba oil is really a liquid wax, rather than a true oil. But it is excellent as a moisturizer, and is readily absorbed by the skin.
-Hazelnut Oil is gentle and non-greasy and is highly recommended for extremely dry skin. The only draw back to this oil is that is best kept refrigerated and only has about a three month shelf-life. Good news though, it is also a great oil to cook with.
-Caster Oil is a thick, viscous oil, and is also a humectant. This means that the oil actually acts to draws moisture to the skin. That more than makes up for the natural odor of the oil., if you have very dry skin.
Aside from
oils, you can also use butters to moisturize. Probably one of the best known, Cocoa Butter is an edible vegetable fat, coming from the seeds/beans of the cacao plant. It has a mild chocolate flavor but the chocolate aroma is very intense. It is solid at room temperature and melts when it comes in contact with the heat from your skin.-Shea Butter also presents as a solid and melts as it heats. It is obtained from the seed of the Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii), which is common to west Africa. From these seeds a soft, pliant "butter" is expeller pressed without the use of chemical solvents. It is high in vitamin E and well known for its skin softening and moisture retaining abilities.
-Mango Butter, another solid until heated butter, is obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango Tree. It is an excellent skin lubricator and moisturizer, and counters the drying effects of commercial bar soaps and cleansers.
Wether you use a butter or an oil is a matter of personal preferance. The important thing is that you USE one, and do so as part of a daily regimine. Caring for your skin will not only make you look and feel better, but it will help to protect you against premature aging and disease. Your skin is the largest system of the body (the integamentary) and it is your bodys' first line of defense against destructive organisms. Protecting and maintaining the health and elasticity of your skin benefits your over-all health.
Reference materials; The World Beauty Book, by Jessica Harris, Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation, by Eva Gizowska, Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox, and Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter.
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