aromatherapy
The Power of Lavender in Aromatherapy Solutions
Have you ever found one product that “does it all”? Something that is so great, you can use it to heal your body, give you a relaxing feeling at bedtime, clean your laundry and make your house smell great? If not, then you have not discovered the amazing power of lavender. Lavender is an essential oil that can help with many of your needs.
Lavender is a little purple flower that often grows wild. You have probably seen and smelled it before. It is a beautiful flower—and the beauty of this little flower extends way beyond its looks. When made into essential oil, these flowers can give you a boost in many ways in and around your house. In fact, when you know the meaning behind the name, you will see that it really says it all. The word “lavender” comes from the Latin word “lavare”, which means “to wash”. Lavender gives off a wonderfully clean scent in both flower form and oil form. You will see many people love to grow lavender around their home for its scent alone.
Now, once lavender is made into an essential oil, what can it do for you? More often than not, the question becomes “what can lavender not do?” Lavender is known for its healing properties in many ways. If you have ever soaked your tired, worn out body in tub full of lavender scent, you know that it will relax your mind and body. Tired and aching muscles and menstrual cramps are also eased by using a little lavender. Even people with arthritis will tell you that a good massage using lavender will help ease the suffering. It is certainly worth a try when all else fails.
Lavender relaxes your mind and your body, too. If you have tossed and turned during a restless night, then try a bit of lavender scent in your room. It will help you drift off to sleep. In fact, there are actually many lavender products out there designed with this very purpose in mind. You can add lavender to your wash when you launder your sheets and pillow cases for a nice, relaxing scent at bedtime. You can also bath and lotion your baby in lavender scented baby products in hopes of getting a good night’s rest. You can even find room products that will waft lavender scent into the air at night when you sleep. Forget the sleeping pills—try lavender instead.
Want great looking hair and skin? Well, lavender comes to the rescue yet again. Did you know that a good dose of lavender added to your hair can help fight off lice? Got skin irritations? Lavender can soothe dry, itching skin any time. Like tea tree oil, lavender can also serve as a disinfectant and can help with acne, bumps, scratches and bites. It can also be added with a carrier to help soothe eczema.
With all that lavender can do for you, what are you waiting for? Buy some today and start seeing the benefits immediately.
Tags: lavender in aromatherapy solutions, aromatherapy, essential oil
The Power of Eucalyptus for Colds and More
If you are like most people, you have probably at least heard of eucalyptus. You don’t have to live in Australia to know that this tree produces bark and leaves that are very beneficial to both the koalas living in them and to humans, too! Eucalyptus has natural healing affects that you just can’t get with many man-made remedies. In fact, this plant is just as effective to ward off colds and congestion as the expensive stuff you buy in your pharmacy.
Why does eucalyptus work so well? Like many plant materials, it has healing properties all of its own. You might be surprised to learn that the leaves from this tree are very similar to the rubs and creams you can buy for your chest when you have a cold. It smells very similar, too. It can help fight off the symptoms you get when you have the cold and flu. Plus, it is natural and safe to use around children.
The next time you are feeling under the weather with coughing and congestion, consider using eucalyptus. You might be surprised at the results. It can help break up the phlegm that can build up in your chest and it can also serve as a natural germ killer. Did you know that this essential oil can also serve as a diuretic and may also help lower blood sugar? What other medication do you know that has so many healing properties?
One of the best ways to use this essential oil for coughs, colds and the flu is by inhaling the vapors. If you have ever used a vaporizer, then you know how this works. You will place several drops of the oil in boiling water. Pour the water in a heavy bowl and bend over the steam. Be careful, it is hot. You can even form a “tent” over your head with a thick towel and breathe in for a few minutes. You will immediately feel it working. You can also burn candles with this essential oil in the room for an immediate effect. Mix eucalyptus with other oils such as rosemary, lemon or tea tree oil and you can get the same effect.
Another great way to use this oil when you are feeling sick and congested is to actually rub it on your body. Find a good carrier, such as almond oil and mix a few drops of eucalyptus along with tea tree oil. You can then use it as a massage and rub it on your chest and neck. The idea is that it will start to break of the phlegm in your throat and chest. It is always a good idea to mix eucalyptus with something else, as using it alone can cause skin irritations.
There are a few warnings you should know about using eucalyptus. Prolonged use and exposure to this oil can cause liver damage or failure, therefore, it should be used sparingly and only when necessary. In addition, never use this oil and treatment on infants or on children and elderly with a suppressed immune system.
Tags: eucalyptus for cold, aromatherapy
