Essential Oils for Beginners: Flavors and Uses

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or "essence," of their source.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy trigger responses in the brain that send healing to the body. These oils can balance out hormone levels, heal digestive disorders, and dramatically reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that's ready for use.

The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

Most Popular Essential Oils:
Lavender Essential Oil.
Peppermint Essential Oil.
Lemon Essential Oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
Frankincense Essential Oil.
Tea Tree Essential Oil.
Chamomile Essential Oil.
Rosemary Essential Oil.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy has been in existence for 6000 decades or more it is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. 

It's also called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

Aromatherapy doesn’t have to be high-priced, and it has many benefits. It has become fundamental for alternative and holistic medicine. Establishing aromatherapy as a habit in your ordinary life will help you take some time for yourself.

If you don’t know how to use essential oils, don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated by how to get started. It’s really easy and a lot of fun! You’ll be surprised in how many areas of your life you are able to use your oils:

Essential oil diffuser
People everywhere are now using essential oil diffusers in their homes to reap the benefits of the scents of natural essential oils.
Primarily, diffusers are used to relieve stress, promote relaxation and freshen the air naturally. If you're looking to add one to your home, you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Use in a bath

Adding essential oils to your bath is an amazing way to take a relaxing time-out during your busy day. Buy a box of simple Epsom salts as the base for your essential oils. If you just drop the oils into the water, they will not dissolve as nicely as they do when first mixed into the salts, who then dissolve beautifully. Please don’t combine any other chemically produced soaps or products into this mix in an effort to fully enjoy all the benefits of the essential oil and Epsom salts alone.

Oils Skin Application

Coconut Oil

Used in many natural face products and for good reason: it's naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and moisturizing. Coconut oil is composed primarily of nourishing fatty acids and is especially high in lauric acid. It also contains vitamin E and healthy fats, which help to make skin smooth.

Olive Oil 

Most commonly used in cooking, olive oil can also be used for cosmetics as carrier oil. Olive oil is packed with benefits including aiding occasional ear discomfort, joint pain, support of rheumatic conditions, or hair care applications.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is a great source of vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is effective for combatting skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. In addition to vitamin E, sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins A, C, and D, making it effective in the treatment of acne. Sunflower seed oil contains vitamins and fatty acids that act as antioxidants to regenerate new skin cells and help your skin rid itself of acne-causing bacteria.

Shea Butter 
Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.
Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne.

Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils.
Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long-term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction.

Jojoba Oil 

Extracted from the jojoba beans, jojoba oil can be stored for a longer period of time compared to other carrier oils. It possesses an almost indefinite shelf life. It is easily absorbed by the skin as jojoba oil mimics collagen, making it relaxing to the skin, especially for those who have hypersensitivity, eczema, psoriasis, acne or blackheads. 

Almond Oil

Sweet Almond carrier oil is an excellent emollient which softens and reconditions the skin. It penetrates easily and can soothe dry, irritated areas. Excellent for all skin types.
Well suited as a carrier oil for aromatherapy blends. Also useful as a bath or massage oil; excellent addition to lotion bars, sugar or salt scrubs and balms.

Simply inhale

Steam inhalation

Also called steam therapy, it involves the inhalation of water vapor. The warm, moist air is thought to work by loosening the mucus in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This may relieve symptoms of inflamed, swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages.


Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is used for a variety of different reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood. These are also some of the basic benefits of massage therapy. Adding essential oils is thought to enhance such benefits.

HORSE CARRYING 'WEST NILE VIRUS'

West Nile Virus' 1st case found in a horse!

Crook County has detected it's first case of West Nile Virus, found in a horse after 15 years of testing. According to Oregon Public Health officials and the Crook County Health Department. A horse became ill in September, it was the first to test positive for the disease since 2004 when testing began. According to officials, the horse had spent time in both the Prineville and the Post/Paulina areas, and had not traveled outside of the county during its exposure period.

The diagram shows how West Nile virus is transmitted from mosquitoes feeding on infected birds; which are considered hosts. The infected mosquitoes then bite and transfer the virus to both humans and horses.

Though this is not the season for the virus, folks in the area should take this matter seriously, exercise precautions and avoid the risks of contracting the virus.

According to News Channel 21 report: 

Karen Yeargain, LPN, communicable disease coordinator at the Crook County Health Department stated:

"There's no way to distinguish whether you just got bit by a mosquito that’s carrying West Nile versus one that’s not," says Karen Yeargain, LPN, communicable disease coordinator at the Crook County Health Department. "You won’t know."

Cliff Kizer, manager of Crook County Vector Control: 

"It is unlikely that other livestock, like cattle, could catch the virus. He said mosquito bites act like "vaccination," and when the cattle get bitten, they develop immunity to the disease.
“The general population of warm-blooded animals will develop resistance, and people and horses will also, but we don’t want to take the chance of losing even one person to it," Kizer said.
Luckily, there have been no residents of Crook County diagnosed with West Nile illness.

If you feel you have been exposed to the virus here is some information that may help.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Symptoms:
No symptoms in most people. Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

Febrile illness (fever) in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

• Serious symptoms in a few people. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
• Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
• Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
• Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent.
• About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die.

Diagnosis:

See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above.
Your healthcare provider can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection.

Treatment:

No vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection are available.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms
In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your healthcare provider.

LOSE WEIGHT IN 30 DAYS! - Celebrity Weight Loss

💪    GET INSPIRED   💪

30 Day Weight Loss Challenge!

Actor, John Goodman

Actress, Gabourey Sidibe

Singer, Sam Smith

Singer, Adele

Reality TV Star, Khloe Kardashian

Singer, Jennifer Hudson

Singer, Kelly Clarkson

Mogul, Oprah Winfrey

Reality TV Star, KIM KARDASHIAN

Singer, CHRISTINA AGUILERA

Singer/Actress, JORDAN SPARKS

START ⬅

 

 

Remedies: RID MUCUS FROM YOUR BODY

Hey darlings! We all have experienced that nagging thing called "Mucus" whether you had a nasty cold or you are battling allergies. I know I have; my 12yr. old son has acute Asthma, so you know I am always looking for ways to clear his breathing passage.


Here are a few things you can do to help rid mucus from your body, but first you have to limit your exposure to irritants such as: Household cleaners, paint fumes, smoke and other chemicals that worsen respiratory conditions. Then, regularly expel mucus whenever you can.

   TIPS:  

• Try not to swallow the mucus, only a small part of the mucus goes down into the stomach where it gets dissolved. The majority of it gets stuck in your throat.

• Have a nice hot cup of soup. Chicken broth or similar soups will help moisten airways and break up the mucus.

• Avoid drinking milk as this causes the production of mucus.

• Use lemon and honey. Mix approximately 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey with a cup of hot water. This mixture should help clear your throat, as the lemon will cut through the mucus while the honey will soothe the throat.

• Try not to blow your nose too much, especially on only one side. The force of it can blow mucus farther into your sinuses and ears, causing headaches and earaches. If you need to blow, do so gently and with both nostrils.

• Gargle with salt water.

• Use a vaporizer at night. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it will help relieve some of the congestion and moisten air.

• Try and swallow a bit of pure lemon juice each day.

• Do not eat eggs, chocolate, or sugar.

• Mix Lemon Juice with cayenne pepper. This will break away the mucus.

• Horseradish and garlic tablets help.

• Put red dates, brown sugar, and ginger to a boil till the aroma comes out and consume it. This will help to clear the phlegm .

• Drink hot black Coffee

• Drink Water. This will get rid of the mucus stuck in the esophagus and clean out your throat.

• Gargle salt water. This is a remedy proven to clear the back of the throat. However, don't add too much salt because this can irritate the throat more and produce more phlegm.

• Eat spicy foods. Horseradish and hot chili peppers will help loosen up mucus.

• Consult a doctor. If none of these remedies work, your doctor will be able to give you prescription medication. They will also be able to identify if you may be suffering from influenza or bronchitis.

🖊
Hope at least one of them helps. Don't forget to let us know which worked best for you. :)  Good luck.

GOT Inner Peace?

GOT Inner Peace?

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment
• A loss of interest in judging other people
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
• A loss of interest in conflict
• A loss of the ability to worry
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature
• Frequent attacks of smiling
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it

If you are not there yet it is okay... You can always begin today.

• Meditate
• Learn the power of a smile
• Care about others
• Never lose hope
• Accept what is
• Embrace your beliefs
• Think outwardly
• Keep learning
• Spend time with nature
• Live in the present moment

REMEDIES: The Many Uses of Vinegar

Don't Forget the Vinegar! REMEDIES: The Many Uses of Vinegar 

We all can agree that Vinegar has an unpleasant scent, however, research show a daily dose, reduces many health risks factors like high blood sugar, Alzheimer's, obesity and can also rise insulin and blood sugar by 25 percent.

Add vinegar to salad dressings or mix it into a glass of drinking water.

Every Household should contain at least 1 gallon of Vinegar, why? because the uses of Vinegar are endless. 

Today we will look at ways it can help your Health:

1. Stop Itching/Antiseptic::: With a cotton ball saturated with undiluted white distilled vinegar, dab insect stings and bites. For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.

2. Soothe sunburn::: with a spray of white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar will feel even better, and may prevent blistering and peeling.

3. Clean::: your hairbrush by soaking in a white distilled vinegar solution. It also help to fight dandruff and removes the build up of hair products from your hair. 

4. Cure Hiccups::: While some doctors do not believe that hiccup cures actually work, there are countless people who would beg to differ. Why? Because they swear that vinegar is an effective cure for those pesky spasms. Although it is not exactly clear how vinegar calms and even stops the hiccups, it is worth a try.


5. Foot Odor:::  To get rid of foot odor, wash your feet well with antiseptic soap daily, then soaking them in undiluted cider vinegar for about 10 minutes.

6. Tone facial skin::: with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. You may use apple cider or lavender vinegar to add fragrance. Use on your face every night before bedtime, it will improve your skin’s appearance. Minimize the size of your pores, and regulate your skin’s oil production. It is 100% natural, and it works great!


7. Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.

8. Soak Sore Muscles::: Apple cider vinegar can actually remove the lactic acid (you know, the stuff that makes you so sore that you don’t ever want to exercise again) that builds up in overworked muscles. Simply mix a few tablespoons of vinegar into a cup of water, dip a washcloth into the mixture, and apply to affected area for 20 minutes.

9. Eliminate bad breath::: and whiten your teeth by brushing them once or twice a week with white distilled vinegar.

10. Aftershave::: If commercial aftershaves cause rashes and itching, try using undiluted white distilled vinegar as an aftershave lotion.

Amazing Celebrity Weight Loss

Weight Loss is Gaining Traction...

Impressive! whether it was for a new role, album or for health reasons; the call for celebrities to change their appearance must be lot of pressure.
Though Mo'nique was seen working out on social media daily with her trainer, others with less time and patience resort to cosmetic surgeries. 
Whatever decision one makes about their health and bodies in a positive way, should be commended!

These are a few recent transformations.

Are you inspired? 

Don't we all wish we can take on pill and wake up slimmer. It would be great if that pill existed and since it doesn't here are a few natural health tips to get you on the road to a slimmer you.

1. Limit the "bulky" carbs: white flour, potatoes, 

     cereal, etc.

2. It is important to add fresh raw fruits and 

     vegetables to your daily diet.

3. Drink 64 ounces of water each and every day.

4. Do cardio exercises EVERY day; gradually 

     building to the point where you get a minimum of 

     30 minutes a day.

5.  Set a realistic goal and date that you wish to 

     achieve.  

Diet Pills:

**If you do decide to take one of the many diet supplements available on the market; I suggest you find out as much as you can about the product and always drink lots of water. 
I will give you my recommendations and reviews on a few popular diet pills in days to come.

Good luck!

TIPS - Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

Summer heat can be dangerous - even deadly - if you don't take the proper precautions.

1.) If you are exercising change your routine to mornings or later in the afternoon.

2.) Make sure elderly folks in your family or friends and neighbors are fared well in the heat.

3.) Certain times of the day are hotter than others. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building.   It's usually hottest during the mid morning to mid afternoon.

4.) Try to use household appliances that burn less heat.

5.) Do not I repeat do not leave people especially kids or pets in the car while you dash in a store. They can die!!!

6.) Dress light for goodness sake. Now is not the time for long sleeves and excessive clothing. At night use sheets as appose to blankets etc.

7.) Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the later in the day. It will deflect the sunlight.

 

8.) Drink lots of water and other fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages that are carbonated or contain caffeine when temperatures are high, as they can lead to dehydration.

9.) Supervise children during outdoor play, monitor them closely. Get medical attention right away if they become nauseous, start vomiting or experience cramps.

10.) Try to use household appliances that burn less heat.

I hope this was helpful. :)