Aromatherapy - Get To Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 3

By Donna Chisholm

In the final of my three-part series on the Lamiaceae family, we will explore the remainder of the essential oils.

Marjoram - Spanish (Thymus mastichina)

The properties of Spanish marjoram are similar to those of sweet marjoram, although Spanish marjoram has a higher cineole content. This makes it more effective for assisting with respiratory tract infections.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage needs to be used with care as it can bring on epileptic fits and can be toxic to the central nervous system in large quantities.

Sage could be helpful for tiredness, depression and grief. It can be soothing to the emotional (parasympathetic) nervous system and calming to the nerves.

It is an oestrogen mimic so can be used to assist in regulating the menstrual cycle. It can also be used to assist with menopausal problems.

Sage can also used for digestive problems, and aches and pains caused by rheumatism.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clary Sage has oestrogen mimic properties which makes it good for assisting with female hormonal disorders, from menstrual problems through to menopausal symptoms.

It could be very effective for treating fear, nervousness, paranoia and depression. It stimulates, revitalizes and regenerates.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

There are three main chemotypes of rosemary: camphor-borneol, 1,8-cineole, and verbenone.

Specific to the chemotypes, the camphor-borneol type is best for helping with muscular aches and pains, the 1,8-cineole type is best for helping with pulmonary congestion and to help with elimination of waste from the liver and kidneys. The verbenone type is non-irritant and is very good for assisting with quality skin care.

In general, rosemary is good for assisting with lifting the spirits and for stimulating the mind. It can be effective in helping with fluid retention, liver and spleen disorders, and jaundice, along with blood circulation and low blood pressure.

Rosemary is one of the most effective essential oils for the central nervous system. It can help with mental clarity and awareness. It is a very good brain stimulant and can help improve memory.

It can assist with many respiratory problems, including coughs, asthma and sinusitis, and it can be used to help relieve pain caused by rheumatism and arthritis, and stiff and overworked muscles.

As it is a highly stimulating oil, it is not suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. It is also to be avoided during pregnancy.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint can be used as a digestive stimulant, and can be helpful for nausea, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea. Spearmint is more suitable to use with children than peppermint. It can be helpful for respiratory complaints due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal properties. Spearmint can be uplifting for the spirits and for mental fatigue and depression.

It is not to be used during pregnancy. It is not a skin irritant and is non-toxic.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the very versatile essential oils in this botanical family.

It is most important that if you have any questions you consult with a qualified aromatherapist, and it is most important that you consult with your medical professional.

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here

Aromatherapy - Get To Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 2

By Donna Chisholm

In part two of my series on the Lamiaceae family, I would like to explore five more essential oils in this group.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

This oil needs to be used with caution as it is neurotoxic. It is best used by a trained therapist. Hyssop is said to be anti-inflammatory. It can be helpful for asthma, cystitis and a sore throat. It can also assist with relieving the aggravation caused by scratching eczema.

It has no known contra-indications, but there are many other oils that could be used instead if you are not trained in aromatherapy.

Lavendin (Lavendula hybrida)

Lavendin has a camphor content of about 20%. This makes it very good for assisting with respiratory complaints such as bronchitis and laryngitis. It can also be helpful for muscular and circulatory problems. Lavendin can be very helpful in assisting with relieving symptoms from insect bites and stings. Due to the high camphor content though, it should be avoided in cases of epilepsy and pregnancy.

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa is very hard to find and due to this is quite expensive. Some people get confused because some companies sell a product called melissa, but it isn't true melissa. It is generally a blend of oils such as lemongrass and citronella.

True Melissa is recognized as one of the best essential oils available for sickness during pregnancy. It could be helpful for calming hysteria, indigestion, nausea and settling upset stomachs. It has been found to be very antiviral and assists well against viruses such as flu, herpes, smallpox and mumps.

It does have a high aldehyde content, which can cause skin irritation.

Marjoram - Sweet (Origanum marjorana)

Sweet marjoram can be very helpful to assist with insomnia, especially with high blood pressure. It is a good oil for warming and comforting the heart, so might be useful in cases of grief or loneliness. As it is a warming oil, it can be used for muscle spasms, rheumatic pain, strains and sprains.

Sweet marjoram might also be helpful for digestive complaints such as colic, flatulence, constipation and spasmodic indigestion.

It has anti-spasmodic and emmenagogue properties which are good for painful and scanty periods. It can also be used in a hot compress over the abdomen to help relieve period cramps.

It should not be used during pregnancy.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil can be used to assist with most circulation and heart problems, including arteriosclerosis, hypotension, irregular heart beat and varicose veins. It can also be helpful for uterus congestion, painful periods and fever.

Basil is a very good oil for assisting with the respiratory system. It could be helpful for sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and flu.

Digestive complaints such as vomiting, nausea, hiccups, dyspepsia and gastric spasms can be assisted.

Basil is excellent for helping with mental fatigue, clearing the head, and for nervous disorders.

Basil should be avoided during pregnancy.

It is important to note that several of the above essential oils are to be avoided during pregnancy. There are many essential oils that are safe and gentle to use so it can be easier to use them. Please consult with a qualified aromatherapist if you have any questions, and do not forego your medical professional's advice.

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here

Know the Top 5 Ghee Benefits For Babies & What Brand to Prefer

By Sunny Sharma

Modern science now verifies what Ayurvedic health science has said for thousands of years: Ghee has a host of health and cooking benefits and is good for the mind and spirit.

However, people are still not aware of what are the ghee benefits for babies. Which brand they should recommend when it comes to the case of their baby. So let's have a look at this article and have answers to this questions.

Ghee Benefits for Babies

Decreases the chances of infection:  'Ghee' is an excellent source of antioxidants. Making it a practice to add an optimum amount of constipation.

Energy booster:  One of the most effective health benefit of ghee is - its loaded with calories and a good energy booster, which is able to satisfy the requirement of extra energy, especially if he or she is a fussy/choosy eater. Most of the babies like the smell of ghee.

Helps to regulate thyroid hormone function:  Consuming the right amount of ghee helps to regulate the thyroid hormone function as ghee is a good source of iodine

Treating eczema in babies:  Eczema is a skin condition, which is very commonly found among the babies, characterized by an itchy, red, and swollen skin. The itchiness is mainly due to the dryness. The anti-inflammatory property of the ghee will help in the treatment of eczema. Rub pure ghee in the infected area of the baby around four times daily. 'Ghee' will act as an excellent moisturizer and soften the rough and infected skin, avoiding further cracking of the skin.

Using ghee as massage oil:  Another basic property of the ghee is that it protects the body from cold. Oil massages are inevitable for better blood circulation and growth of the infants. During the winter season, especially in high altitudes and cold area, ghee is used to massage the baby. This will help the baby's skin to become smoother and supple.

Why To Eat Ghee Everyday?

There are also diverse reasons to eat ghee on daily basis. Here are few of those.

1. Ghee is Lactose-Free

The ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk varies depending on the quality of the dairy product, your digestive health, and even your ethnicity.

Traditional cultures knew how to improve the digestibility of dairy. Raw milk, for example, contains enzymes that break down the lactose. Fermenting dairy into yogurt and kefir breaks down much of the lactose. And the process of creating ghee removes the lactose and leaves behind a pure butter oil.

2. Casein Free

Casein, the protein component of milk, is blamed for milk allergies (technically, an allergic reaction occurs to the protein in a food). When gut flora is compromised, casein consumption can actually create an opiate effect on the brain because it is not being properly digested. In the creation of ghee, the milk solids containing the lactose and casein float to the top, where they are removed.

Note that if you are actually allergic to milk, trace proteins in ghee may trigger a reaction. Pure Indian Foods offers a lab-tested ghee, certified free of trace remnants of lactose and casein. Culturing - a fermentation process - eats up any traces of these components.

3. Ghee is a source of butyric acid

Ghee contains a significant level of butyric acid, an anti-carcinogenic short-chain fatty acid. Butyric acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of mammary tumours.

Butyric acid is also a biological response modifier, a substance that arouses the body's response to infection. Studies show that it boasts numerous healing and soothing properties on the intestinal tract. Some strains of beneficial gut flora produce butyric acid, and research shows the butyric acid produced may be a potential treatment for Irritable bowel disease.

Recommended Ghee Brands in the Market

For the busy professional in every one of us, there are some reputed brands of ghee that are available. Among the top ghee, brands are Pune-based Gowardhan ghee, Gujarat-based Amul ghee, Britannia ghee, Baba Ramdev's Patanjali ghee, one of the oldest ghee brands namely Anik ghee among many.

While homemade ghee is the best, the process is lengthy and time-consuming. So one can use Gowardhan Ghee, there is no human contact involved in the preparation method, and that is important.Hygiene in the process of manufacturing is needed, as Ghee is something that can go bad soon. Many families generally prefer Gowardhan, it is true to the Indian taste, therefore I think it is the best brand.

When it comes to trans fat, some processed food items have a higher quantity make sure you compare it with some other brands before buying, Ghee is really healthy but if it is made from 'pure' cows milk cream.

Product Application

• It can be spread on Paratha, Roti etc.
• Ideal for cooking, garnishing and making sweets.
• Gowardhan Cow Ghee is available in India.
• It is available in segments like Grocery Store / Online store / Hotel & Restaurant segment.

So, don't ignore the benefits of ghee, add in your diet on regular basis.

He is a passionate content writer. He has been writing articles in field of dairy health along with being partner in Online Dairy product Shop. People can Shop for   ghee online

Why Moisturizer Is Essential

By Alex Hanson

Mosturizing your face may sound like an unneeded hassle, particularly if your skin doesn't feel dry to start with. People with oily and acne prone skin often skip this vital step on their skincare routines. But did you know that moisturizer is actually an essential element if you want your skin to be happy?

Moisturizer Benefits

Hydrating your skin is key to making your skin look healthy, plumb and glowy. Dry, dehydrated skin not only feels tight and uncomfortable but it's also more likely to age and wrinkle. Using a moisturizer regularly can help keep fine lines away, and give the appearance of younger skin.

Many moisturizers go beyond hydrating ingredients. They have other active ingredients to perk tired skin and make it look plumper and younger. For example, an evening moisturizer may contain Vitamin A derivatives to help skin texture and tone. A morning one could include Vitamin C and other antioxidants to perk up skin and fight pollution damage.

A typical moisturizer will also seal any previous treatment cosmetic you have applied to your skin. It acts as the finishing element of your beauty routine, ensuring that the active skincare toners and serums you just applied have time to work.

Not All Moisturizers Are Creams

Most people who say they don't like moisturizer are actually using one without knowing. Not all moisturizers are creams! A refreshing hydrating gel or a few drops of marula oil after your toner are have the same function as cream moisturizers.

Modern cosmetic brands invest a lot of time and effort researching alternative ways to deliver hydration and protection to skin. There are many natural moisturizers in the market that do away with mineral oils, preservatives and other chemicals that may irritate skin. At the same time, lighter formulations that provide longer lasting hydration keep coming into the market.

Moisturizer and your Makeup Routine

Healthy, hydrated skin is a much better canvas for makeup. In fact, you may find that you need less foundation or concealer if your skin is properly moisturized. The trend for no-makeup makeup starts with glowing, healthy skin and that means using moisturizer and hydrating masks as a base.

If you feel that your moisturizer is making your foundation slip off, you may need to use a primer. Or at least wait five minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed by your skin before you apply makeup.

There Is No One-Size Fits All Moisturizer

There are people who pass on moisturizer because they feel it makes their skin oily, or makes them break out. This is usually due to using a moisturizer that is too rich for your skin type. For example, somebody with oily skin should be using an oil-free, mattifying moisturizer instead.

Consider your main skin concerns and personal preferences before disregarding moisturizing altogether. If you don't like the feeling of heavy creams, choose a lotion or even a light oil such as squalane oil.

Without moisturizing, your skincare routine will feel incomplete. Moisturizing protects your skin natural barrier that prevents outside elements from harming it. Without a moisturizer, your skin is left to fend for itself against cold, pollution and dry air. This can cause discomfort and premature ageing.

Applying your cosmetic products in the    right skincare routine order is key to make the most of them. If you apply your moisturizer too early, it will prevent lighter products such as serums and toners from being absorbed by the skin correctly.

I write about skincare advice for all skin types on my website,   Beauty Fan Site.

Aromatherapy - Get to Know The Lamiaceae Family - Part 1

By Donna Chisholm

Welcome to the first of a three-part series on the Lamiaceae plant family relevant to aromatherapy.

The Lamiaceae plant family is also known as the Labiatae plant family. It is the largest of all the plant families and includes many of the well-known herbs. The plants are known for their strong aromas, and in aromatherapy some of the best known and loved oils come from this family.

Plants include: Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Melissa true, Clary sage, Sage, Hyssop, Marjoram-Sweet, Marjoram-Spanish, Patchouli, Spike lavender (Lavendin) and Basil.

General therapeutic benefits for this plant family include being good respiratory oils, stimulating, balancing, antiseptic and anti-viral.

Three of the essential oils from this botanical family are:

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

Lavender would be one the most used of all essential oils. It is gentle yet effective and is suitable for all ages - from babies through to the elderly. It is also used in hospitals at times, one of the few essential oils that is.

Lavender is used to assist with stress relief, insomnia and to relieve headaches. It is very good for assisting with colds, coughs, flu, sinus, and other respiratory ailments because of its antiseptic properties.

With the stress relief, lavender works on both physical stress and emotional stress.

Because of its versatility, lavender would be one of the must-have essential oils for the first aid kit.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

It is important to have a good supplier of peppermint oil, so that you know it is unadulterated.

Peppermint is a cooling oil and anti-inflammatory. It is said to be helpful with irritable bowel syndrome and with regulating the ovaries.

It is very good for helping people to become clear-headed and refreshes the spirit. It can be used to help people who have mental fatigue or who can't concentrate. Due to this, it is excellent for oil burners in environments such as offices, meeting rooms, and other areas where people need to be alert and concentrate.

Peppermint is an ideal assistant for all digestive problems such as indigestion, colic, flatulence, stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and relief from travel sickness.

It is also used in ointments to help relieve muscle pain, bruises, contusions, joint pain and insect bites.

Because peppermint is a very strong oil it should not be used on very small children. It should also be used in small quantities because of its potency.

There are no known contra-indications to the complete oil. This is why it is important to know that you are getting a good quality oil.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)

Patchouli has several uses in aromatherapy - it can assist with fluid retention and is also great for healing cracked and broken skin as it has regenerative properties.

It is an oil for emotional balancing and can be beneficial in helping with stress-related issues.

Patchouli is non-irritant and non-toxic.

If you're feeling down, mix a little patchouli with mandarin and spearmint!

As always, if in any doubt, it is important to consult with a qualified aromatherapist. Never diagnose yourself - that is what your doctor is for!

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy and essential oils, particularly for your children? Great educational resource here