Knock Out The Bug!

Knock Out The Bug, Flu That Is






Sometimes the common or familiar can be just as effective as the exotic. When the flu bug hits and the body begins to ache our mind and reasoning most often goes right out the window, for me this is truly the normal.. Whenever someone else is sick I am full of great advice and remedy suggestions, HOWEVER, when it comes to be being sick I become completely stupid and void of any reasonable thought functions. Lying in bed sick and miserable my brain becomes totally useless, however by the bed was a small bottle of Essential Oil of Lavender that I try to keep within easy reach because this oil is so versatile.

Essential Oil of Lavender is a good and versatile oil that will relieve tension while at the same time it is antiseptic and analgesic in its actions. It stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating cellular regeneration.

So I rubbed the lavender into the nape of my meck, under the jaw bone and down the sides of my neck. As my mind began to clear a little and the muscles started relaxing I remembered that Essential Oil of Ravensara is one of the oils used by French Doctors in their aromatic treatment of viral infections, especially those infections of the respiratory tracts.

For those of you who don't know, Ravensara is related to the Bay Laurel Family and smells very similar to the common bay leaf. By using the Ravensara with the Lavender I felt like I might just knock the flu bug out.

After sleeping for several hours I felt somewhat better, but I realized that the "bug" was trying a comeback round with a sore throat and almost laryngitis so I gargled with a water solution of 2 drops of Essential Oil of Tea Tree in 4 ounces of warm water followed by 1 drop of Essential Oil of Sandalwood in 1/4 teaspoon of honey.

Essential Oil of Sandalwood is a very powerful anti-bacterial agent and is not as hot as oregano. It can kill streptococci and staphylococci as effectivey as most antibiotics. The taste is very bitter but, it is well worth the assault on the taste buds. Not only is Sandalwood soothing, but it has a slight analgesic (pain relieving) quality.

Needless to say, my recent experience was truly a championship knock out! Score 1 for me, 0 for the bug.

Kitchen Cupboard Remedies

There are many common ingredients in every kitchen cupboard that have hidden or under estimated health remedy uses. For instance let's talk about the common mustard, this common seed is an excellent and very natural, easy laxative. By simply chewing on a few of the seeds (about 1/8 of a teaspoon) in the morning and the evening you can count on being regular once again without the harsh effects of other remedies. Mustard can be used in powdered form and mixed with olive oil for pain resulting from bruises. When mixed with enough vodka and olive oil to create a paste you can place it on the chest which has been covered with a layer of cheese cloth and it will relieve congestion and croup symptoms. always, always place a clean cloth between the mustard plaster and the bare skin because it can cause burns. Check the area often.

Oatmeal is almost unequaled when it comes to most skin disorders. It is extremely soothing in bath water for all types of rashes or in a poultice for minor insect bites. It can be cooked, mixed with olive oil and cornstarch then blended or stirred together and used as a topical ointment for such things as diaper rashes.

Wonderful, delicious pineapple is a naturally sweet fruit and it known as nature's sponge. When experiencing a sore throat, gargle deep in the back of your throat with pineapple juice that is room temperature and then SPIT IT OUT! This will draw infection out the throat and mouth. It will relieve sore throats and laryngitis. DO NOT SWALLOW as it will pull the infection down through the intestinal system Mashed pineapple can also be used as a drawing poultice on infected wounds. This wonderful fruit is great to aid in digestion and will help stop heartburn.

Whole grain, brown rice is an excellent source of protein and is very soothing for stomach problems if the following recipe is used. Boil one cup of rice in four cups of water and after the rice becomes soft, strain it through a small mesh. Drinking this "water" will help nourish and hydrate the body from excessive vomiting or diarrhea. Using white rice will NOT have the same effects.

Good old table salt is a good gargle for sore throats and swollen tonsils and adenoids, it will relieve inflammation. Warm salt water sprayed into the nostrils in small amounts will dry up nasal passages that are congested and swollen. Salt in the bath water will relieve sore muscles and will help to break down cellulite. It can also be extremely soothing for menstrual cramps.

Sage tea is a great rinse for acne, and dermatitis problems. When combined with nettle and chamomile it is great for dandruff and hair loss problems and when sage tea is ingested it will help control excessive sweating problems.

Thyme is good for fevers and is excellent for children who have persistent nightmares. Thyme helps in most headaches, stomach cramps and is a good choice for hard persistent, croupy coughs.

Ginger Root helps with digestion, endurance and energy. Ginger will help keep the sinus clear. Genger increases circulation and speeds up the leukosyte action of the blood which in turn stimulates the body's natural immune system. Ginger also helps keep the bronchioles free from congestion.

For more information see our news letters at www.zhealthinfor.com

Understand the Delivery System

Carrier oils refer to the solution or the medium which literally becomes the vehicle in which the essential, or neat oil, travels. Many times the carrier oil serves to slow the action of the volatile oil. These oils are fixed oils which means that they are not volatile. Unlike an essential, or neat oil, carrier oils will feel slightly thicker and possibly somewhat greasier. The benefits of your essential oils can be greatly undermined if you do not pay enough attention to the carrier oils that you select. There are several things to consider when choosing which carrier oil you prefer, such as how does it feel when gently rubbed into tender skin areas? What is the nutritional content of the oil you are considering? And what, if any, is the therapeutic effects that the carrier oil in question can assist in?

Then when it comes to the storing of carrier oil, treat them as you would a very expensive extra virgin olive oil! The best cooks would automatically say to keep them in the refrigerator. Those same professionals would also advise you not to over purchase. When purchasing a good carrier oil, buy no more than you will use in a months time and also store your oils in narrow necked, dark bottles. Why? Because one of the quickest ways for oils to spoil is through oxidation. Limit the effects of light and air and your oils will last longer.

Most carrier oils have a maximum shelf life of 6-8 months. Oils that are kept beyond their shelf life may turn rancid from oxidation or bacterial contamination which will leave them with a bitter or sour smell. These oils should and must be discarded!

Bitter almond oil should never be confused with, or substituted for sweet almond oil. Although is might smell wonderful, this synthetic almond contains prussic acid and can ultimately burn the skin.

During the holiday season, we often overextend ourselves and we don't take the time for adequate personal rest and recharging. This can result in adrenal fatigue which will in turn weaken the body's natural immune system. Running a diffuser in the the bedroom with a few drops of clary sage, bergamot, and jasmine can help with restoring an exhausted adrenal system. Taking the time for 15 minutes of meditation, especially while using a diffuser will go along way in helping to deal with the energy fluctuations of this stressful time. If you don't own a diffuser, add 2-3 drops of those oils onto a cotton ball or clean washcloth and keep on hand in the bathroom. While otherwise occupied for a few minutes take some deep breaths of the beautiful fragrances, this will provide a quick recharge throughout the day.

It is quite common to have moments of mild depression during the holidays and winter months. Frankincense, jasmine, and patchouli can help to dispel these kinds of thoughts and help with goal setting, and managing a sometimes confusing social life with family and friends.

Chamomile, and ylang ylang oils will go a long way in soothing angry feelings from the holiday rushing to and fro. Rosemary can help with anger that is unable to be expressed such as road rage, while geranium, helichrysum, lavender and sandlewood help with emotional stresses.

Remember that essential oils carry exact information between the cells rather than the broad spectrum communication received by the body through the digestive process so essential oils work much faster than ingesting herbs through teas, etc.

WINTER FUN IN THE SUN

After a day in the mountains, playing in the sun and snow, the skin usually becomes somewhat dehydrated. Nothing completes a day of fun like a deep, relaxing spa type treatment for the scalp, face and neck that will clean, moisturize and realx you for a wonderful evening with family and friends.

Starting with a nice cleaning formula for the face and neck can be really relaxing and the formula can sit and absorb into the skin as a moisturizer while you work on the scalp and hair. Begin by gently steaming the face and neck with warm/hot moist cloths. This application will begin to open the pores of the skin and allow the dirt of the day to gently be rubbed off.

There is no sense in taking care of a beautiful flower or face it the stem or the neck does not get the attention necessary to give it the ability to support the head and face of that flower. So do not ignore the importance of cleansing and relaxing, stretching and contouring the skin, muscles and ligaments of the neck. Also of importance is not to forget the lips!

Gently massaging the rich, light cream into the face and neck in an upward and outward stroking movement without aggressively pulling on the tissues will being to relax the muscles. Be extremely gentle around the eyes! Leave a thin layer of the cream mixture on the face and cover again with a warm/hot moist toweling and then let it sit while you being to work on the scalp and hair.

A Cleansing/Moisturizer Recipe would include: Melting clean beeswax in a double boiler, whipping in liquid lanolin, and then blending in light oils such as coconut oil, almond oil or grapeseed oil along with some distilled water. Add 3 drops each of clary sage, lemon helicrysum, chamomile and geranium into the rich, emulsified cream mixture. This combination is not strong smelling, and it will gently clean as well as moisturize the skin.

Working through the scalp and hair is very important to do while the face and neck are resting in the warm/hot cloths. You may not want to use a product that has a high oil content if you might be going out later and don't want to have the need to shower. However, nothing feels better than the combination of relaxed scalp tissue that is experiencing a gentle, lively, tingling sensation.

A great scalp stimulator can be made by using a small amount of vodka (not rubbing alcohol) and mixing it with different oils for different need applications. Using vodka leaves the hair soft and manageable without an oily feel incase a shower is not possible for a while. Another perk of vodka is that it will leave the scalp feeling clean and fresh without the heavy smell of a vinegar application and it will not be extremely drying.

3-4 Tablespoons if vodka is all that is needed for an effective scalp treatment while the face and neck are resting. When 3-4 drops of Tea Tree oil and 2 drops of Peppermint oil is added the effect will be a mild tingling sensation. The following oils can be added to the vodka according to your person sensory preferences. When oils such as Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary or Sandalwood are used, the mixture will be relaxing, comfoting and soothing. When oils such as Lemon, Lemongrass, Cypress, Helicrysum, or Birch are added to the original mixture it will be invigorating and uplifting.