Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Aromatheraphy-Let the senses be tempted....



Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits . My article will focus on the benefits of Indian based aromatherapy.
Rose petals were considered the secret of Empress Noor jahan's beauty. She is the wife of Saah jahaan, the king who built the Taj Mahal as a symbol of love for his wife. These oils can be dropped on a bowl of hot water and infused or even used as part of a homemade facial massage.
It is especially helpful where an emotional disturbance is linked to female sexuality. It carries with it distinct feminine qualities. It has a powerful effect on the uterus, as it helps to cleanse, purify, and regulate and may help with uterine muscle tone. It can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and help to reduce excess loss.
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Rose has long been known as an aphrodisiac, the Romans used to scatter rose petals on the bridal bed, and this custom has degenerated into paper rose petals at weddings. It is also a very good skin care oil, especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skin. On an emotional level, Rose is a gentle antidepressant and may help with post-natal depression or the depression that may follow the break up of a relationship. It is also good for skincare (cell regenerator), most especially for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It is a natural astringent and has antiseptic properties.I always use rose scents on dates as it makes me smell more feminine and it's aphrodisiac values have never failed me!
Another favorite of mine is basil. Considered one of the sacred herbs of India, dedicated to Krishna and Vishnu, Ancient Greeks called it the King of herbs. Egyptians offered it to their Gods, and used it in embalming fluids. It is used for concentration, strength, fatigue and stress. It is also beneficial for nervous disorders like weakness, indecision and hysteria.It may also be used to relieve sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, fever and whooping cough.I always prefer traditional methods of healing to modern medicine as it is less of a shock to the system and natural therapies in the long wrong keep you young and healthy.
Chamomile is also popularly used nowadays.It has wonderful anti-inflammatory and soothing properties making this oil an excellent one for all manner of skincare. It is helpful in treating acne, dermatitis, and eczema as well as inflamed and sensitive skins. For internal inflammation, Chamomile is very useful for arthritis and inflamed joints as well as inflamed conditions of the digestive tract (colitis, gastritis and diarrhea) due to the fact that tension and anxiety are often the cause of these conditions and Chamomile is very calming on an emotional level. It has also been used in the treatment of depression.On days when I am under a lot of stress at work, a few whiffs of this at the work place or home uplifts my mood immediately.
I will also like to mention the grapefruit or as I refer to it as the happy oil. Grapefruit essential oil is valued for its ability to help with fluid retention and cellulite. It is a diuretic, detoxified and lymphatic stimulant (good when used in a massage oil with geranium for these conditions!) It has been used in post exercise massage oils for its ability to help break up lactic acid from the muscles (thereby helping to relieve muscle pain and stiffness). As it has the ability to control bodily secretions, it is great for use on oily and acne skin, as it has a tonic effect. This essential oil's most important use, however, seems to be its antidepressant capabilities. It is a "happy" oil that is non-sedating with uplifting powers. Those with S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) have noticed good results when grapefruit essential oil was used. You can try giving it to your boss when he is in a bad mood!
Every aromatherapy article deserves a mention on the lavender. Lavender has the wonderful ability to help restore balance to unbalanced states, within the mind or the body. Once balance has been achieved, proper healing can then occur. The analgesic, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of lavender make it great when treating colds, the flu and coughs with the best way of using it for these conditions being inhalation through steam.Steam is a great anti-viral treatment alone, but when combined with the lavender you get soothing, decongestant, and destruction of bacteria, which may be responsible for further infections. It is also a wonderful sedative, making it great for use before bedtime, as this will help aid in sleep. When massaged into the temples, lavender may help to relieve headaches. For muscular pain, this oil is excellent, especially when blended with Rosemary or Marjoram, as the properties of Lavender improve when mixed with another oil (it also improves the properties of the oil its mixed with!). During labor, Lavender will both reduce pain and strengthen contractions (best massaged into the lower back), helping to speed labor. For skin conditions and general care, Lavender is an excellent oil. For treating acne, it is one of the most useful oils, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria which cause the infection, while working to heal the damage that has already been done. Some essential oils work well to help stimulate the growth of healthy cells (Lavender, Neroli and Tea tree), so using any of these oils in a regular skincare regime would be conducive to great skin! As an insect repellent, it will help protect clothes, sheets and towels (soak a cotton ball and place in your linen cupboard), as well as your skin when applied in a spray or body lotion. If you should forget to use something before you go outside and manage to get bitten, Lavender will help take the sting out of the bite, help to stop it from becoming infected, and work to help it heal faster. One of the few oils that may be used on the skin neat, no home should be without one!

Home remedies for acne treatment



Acne is usually treated with antibiotics to get rid of resulting scars and cysts as soon as possible. In case of severe acne dermatologist prescribe oral acne drugs especially isotretinoin which unblocks pores and prevents pimples.
Home remedies are actually the best type of treatments due to many obvious reason. Firstly, it is affordable. It allows you to consistently stick to a skin care regime. Thirdly, it works!
One of my favourite treatment for acne scars is a simple face mask consisting of green bean flour. Just mix it with water and apply it as a paste over your face twice a week. The scars will lighten and the results are almost immediate. This is a treatment used by asian ladies for many centuries.
Another favourite treatment of mine is Neem facial mask. You eat make the neem leaves as a paste and apply it over your face as a mask. Done just once a week will effectively remove acne. Neem has very strong antibacterial qualities.Neem posses' outstanding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral capabilities.
The simplest treatment has to be the toothpaste.It is a secret treatment not known to many but is effective. Just apply at night toothpaste on the affected areas and wash off in the morning. There will be a significant improvement in the scarring.
Again, it is amazing how the food items we throw away are actually treasures in skin care treatment. We just need to open our eyes and look at things around us. The peel of oranges can be made into a paste and applied to our face as a mask to reduce acne scars as well. Who would have thought right?
I also use a mixture of lemon water with rose water or just plain lemon juice to reduce scars.let the mixture stay on face for half an hour and wash off. It will eventually reduce scars as well.
The food we eat can also help to reduce acne scars. One such consumption is green tea. Just add hot water and consume twice a day. The clearing of acne scars is significant. Green Tea is a natural antioxidant and by flushing out toxins from the body it purifies our system and this is visible in our face. Also fruits and vegetables greatly help to give a clearer skin.
There are many other ways to reduce scars.Somehow, home remedies make it easier to sustain as a long term treatment due to its accessability and its effectiveness. For those who havent tried it before, why wait?Today is a good as any other day.