With the beautiful days of summer blazing down hot upon us, people are always looking for great ways to sooth the burn, cool down the skin but at the same time moisturize and feed it.
A quiet essential oil that doesn't get much recognition is Ylang-ylang oil. This beautiful oil is native to the Philippines and comes from a tree that can reach heights of over 60 feet. The blossoms from the Ylang-ylang tree are harvested before sunrise to retain the highest amounts of oil and then are extracted through steam distillation. The exotic smelling oil is valuable for softening the skin and helping to balance natural production of moisture.
A wonderful recipe for easing the pain of sunburned skin, while supporting the formation of new skin tissue is as follows: add 7 drops of Ylang-ylang oil, to 5 drops of English Lavender oil, and 3 drops of Frankincense oil, and 1 drop of Peppermint oil to 3 Tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar in 1 quart of cool water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply to the affected areas by gently blotting.
Ylang-ylang has many other uses such as headaches, high blood pressure, anger, fear and mild depression.
NOTE: try to make sure your Ylang-ylang oil is hexane or solvent free other wise you might find the smell mildly nauseating or causing mild headache reactions.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Natural Aftershave
Did you realize that the principles of aromatherapy are practiced whenever cologne, aftershave or any other scented product is used, whether it is to add a pleasant fragrance, to mask odors, or create an astringent action on the skin but instead of using chemical reproductions or synthetics why not use natural products that feed and nourish the mind as well?
Throughout history men have used essential oils to treat wounds and restore their mind and spirits. Anciently the Egyptian priests would also use essential oils for embalming and Greek soldiers would carry different compounds into battle to help treat wounds.
A common, everyday use for essential oils would be in treating irritated skin after shaving. Shaving irritation can result in a painful, burning sensation on the cheeks and around the mought, but aftershave made from natural ingredients can soothe the skin.
Blend 10 drops each of lavender and sandalwood into 3 ounces of jojoba or grapeseed oil and then add 3 to 4 drops of lemongrass. Shake the mixture well and then gently pat it onto your face after shaving. If you prefer an antiseptic type aftershave, add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil and 1 ounce of witch hazel. Shake well and apply as needed.
Hair loss is an issue that concerns many men. Sandalwood, Cedarwood, basil, sypress and rosemary oils can help stimulate hair growth. Mix 10 drops each of any two of these essential oils listed and mix with 4 ounces grapeseed oil, apricot oil, almond oil or jojoba oil and massage a few drops of the mixture into your scalp twice each day. NOTE: if you choose to use basil oil only use 5 drops!
Throughout history men have used essential oils to treat wounds and restore their mind and spirits. Anciently the Egyptian priests would also use essential oils for embalming and Greek soldiers would carry different compounds into battle to help treat wounds.
A common, everyday use for essential oils would be in treating irritated skin after shaving. Shaving irritation can result in a painful, burning sensation on the cheeks and around the mought, but aftershave made from natural ingredients can soothe the skin.
Blend 10 drops each of lavender and sandalwood into 3 ounces of jojoba or grapeseed oil and then add 3 to 4 drops of lemongrass. Shake the mixture well and then gently pat it onto your face after shaving. If you prefer an antiseptic type aftershave, add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil and 1 ounce of witch hazel. Shake well and apply as needed.
Hair loss is an issue that concerns many men. Sandalwood, Cedarwood, basil, sypress and rosemary oils can help stimulate hair growth. Mix 10 drops each of any two of these essential oils listed and mix with 4 ounces grapeseed oil, apricot oil, almond oil or jojoba oil and massage a few drops of the mixture into your scalp twice each day. NOTE: if you choose to use basil oil only use 5 drops!
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