Herbs With Healing Properties You Can Grow at Home

Growing herbs in your home is not only easy, it is highly recommended. This is especially true if you are growing them for medicinal purposes. Although you can buy herbs, you won’t know how the plants were raised or how the herbs were stored. Nothing beats the quality of homegrown herbs.

It doesn’t really matter if you have expert gardening skills as herbs require nothing but basic knowledge and some free space. If you have a garden in your home, it is wise to reserve some of the available space there for herbal medicines, as they can truly help when you are feeling ill. The best part is that the following are all easy-to-grow and require very little in terms of care.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

The flavour of this plant is so unique,  that people either hate it or love it. It is used in several Thai and Mexican dishes, but most notably in Indian curry.  You can easily grow it in a moist, cool garden. Cilantro is a digestive aid and it also helps you detox heavy metals.

Callendulla or Marigold

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

The other name for Calendula is pot marigold. It is a powerful antiseptic and antifungal tool. Use the petals  for wound care and soothing the skin. Numerous cosmetic products use the plant for its properties, which is proof of its quality. This annual blooms throughout the entire season and looks charming in an outdoor garden, where it can receive plenty of sun.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

PeppermintYou are well-aware of the boost of freshness you get from peppermint flavoured toothpaste. Did you know that peppermint is also a very powerful ally against digestive discomfort (peppermint tea) and aching muscles (peppermint liquid/lotion)? You will do well to include this moist-loving plant in your garden. Just keep in mind that the leaves of the plant should be harvested before they flower or they will taste bitter.

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

RosemaryThe main benefit of rosemary is its power to bring more oxygen to your brain for better memory. According to expert gardeners, this herb is the equivalent of caffeine. The best part is that the evergreen plant is very drought tolerant and will likely survive any environment.

Lavender (Lavandula)

LavenderAccording to some studies, lavender is not only a perfume plant, it may also be used to benefit the nervous system. Adding some lavender oil to your bath will most certainly reduce tension, stress, and even insomnia. In order to grow lavender, you will need to provide a dry environment that is hot and sunny.

You can benefit a lot from each of these herbs, especially if you have invested time and effort in growing them at home. Do consider all of the benefits, and plant them today. Be sure to check out Handy Gardeners’ Blog for more articles on gardening.

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5 Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

As soon as the temperature starts trolling down, the common cold returns. While it can’t always be prevented, it can be cured before it turns into severe infections like strep throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

A number of over-the-counter medications have proven to be dangerous. Even common medications like Tylenol can be dangerous if taken in high doses. Hence, the best solution is to count on natural treatments. These solutions are highly effective in treating the common cold, and they don’t leave you with any side effects.

Garlic

Garlic

It is the magic of antiseptic properties present in the garlic that help protect your immune system. You can fight back common cold and prevent it from coming back. A number of scientific studies have proved that the ‘allocine’ contained in garlic acts as a stimulator for the white blood cells and the oil in it opens up the respiratory passages. Hence, adding it to your diet in any form helps flush out all the toxins in the system. To prepare garlic soup, boil three to six chopped garlic cloves in one cup of water. You can add salt to it and drink the liquid two to three times a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple Cider Vinegar

You can use it the way you like. Try an ACV tea or use it to gargle. All you have to do is add 2 tablespoons of ACV, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon honey to a little hot water. If this appears to be too strong for you, dilute it by adding more hot water. You can repeat 3-4 times a day for better results.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil

It is the simplest thing you can do. A quick steam in the shower with few drops of eucalyptus oil can help you fight a cold. And if you have more time, you can go for an intense steam treatment. Pour 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a glass bowl and add boiling water to it. Covering your head with a towel to trap the steam in, lean over the bowl and inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you repeat this twice a day. Basically, the steam opens up the nasal passages and you are free to breathe better.

Honey

Honey

This is another powerful soothing and healing agent that is widely available at home. You can use raw honey from untainted bees to boost immunity and treat several cold symptoms. The presence of an array of antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral nutrients, make honey a perfect cold medicine. It can be mixed with other cold remedies, too, like apple cider vinegar and lemon for faster results.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

The effective healing properties of cinnamon help ease the pain of a dry or a sore throat.  Add one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon to a glass of water, and bring it to a boil. You can also add some pepper powder and honey to this for better results. The other way to use it is to add two to three drops of cinnamon oil to food or drink.

Don’t allow a cold get the best of you. Just take over with some simple natural do-it-yourself treatments and clear up your stuffy nose and soothe your scratchy throat!

Editor’s Note: Here’s a good recipe for anyone with a cold, check out Golden Milk Tea.

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How are Ayurvedic Oils Healthy for Your Skin?

Ayurveda is the oldest science for healing and improving health using plant fats and essential oils that provide nourishment and rejuvenation to the body, mind, and spirit.

The following benefits of Ayurvedic oils make them an effective skin care regimen.

Ayurvedic Oils Create Good Vibrations in the Body

As per the wisdom of classical Ayurveda, natural plant-based oils have high vibrational frequencies, which are much needed for the skin to thrive. Ayurveda says that the human body is electrical and requires natural fats and oils to work at its optimal vibrational levels.

Everything in the universe works at a specific frequency and even the essential oils vibrate at a high frequency.

For example, therapeutic-grade rose essential oil has an average frequency of 320 MHz, and lavender has an average frequency of 118 MHz, whereas fresh produce vibrates at 15 MHz and fresh herbs between 20-27 MHz.

Human beings also have their own electromagnetic frequencies. If you consider the frequency of a healthy person then you will find it to be between 62 and 78 MHz. Using high-frequency ingredients like essential oils for our skin care helps the body achieve its optimal vibration.

Skin and plants contain high levels of prana and using them together can help to increase the skin’s frequency.

According to Ayurveda, dead or tamasic food such as canned or processed items have zero prana levels, which means they possess no measurable vibrational frequency. Therefore, they aren’t beneficial to our body in any way.

If one understands the way frequency works in the universe, one can easily heal and prevent diseases and using these high energy oils from plant extracts that raise the vibrational frequency of the body and improve our overall health.

Perfect Superfoods for Skin

Our digestive system is capable of preventing chemicals or synthetic additives from mixing with our bloodstream and cells. But when we apply chemicals directly on our skin, they are absorbed into our blood, organs, tissues, and cells without any filtrations. This excess dead waste can get accumulated in the liver and lead to health problems in the future.

If we understand the need of our skin and importance of fatty acids for it, we would never apply chemical-laden products on our skin and use only plant-based oils containing antioxidants, omega-3 fats, vitamins, minerals, and living enzymes.

Feeding your skin with a good amount of fatty acids helps to improve the health of skin cells and makes the skin look radiant, supple, and rejuvenated.

Immunity Booster

Essential oils are laden with natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which guard the skin against invading organisms and infections. Essential oils have the power to remove toxins from the body and their aromatic therapeutic properties help to calm the nervous system and help the body to cope up with stress and rejuvenate. Moreover, a relaxed nervous system can help the cells to repair themselves.

Your skin has the capacity to heal itself regardless of whatever it has been exposed to in the past because skin cells regenerate every 40 days. This allows exposed cells to heal.

Nourishing your skin with Ayurvedic oils improves health and helps your body and mind to heal quickly. Plants are full of life and possess natural properties that can help your skin to thrive, glow, and vibrate with health. So, start using them today.

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Foods that Fight Cancer

Everyone has heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but did you know that you can combat and prevent cancer through healthy food choices? The number one thing to focus on when trying to create a cancer-fighting diet is to follow a diet that includes at least 80% raw, fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Many pesticides are known carcinogens. The best way to lower your exposure to pesticides in your food is to buy organic. Raw produce is key in any cancer-fighting diet. Eating a variety of raw organic produce is the optimal way to access all the key nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, heal, and if need be to fight cancer. Here’s a short list of some of the top foods that are known to help fight cancer in the body.

Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens are the basis for every great salad. They also contain high levels of important vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. While iceberg lettuce may be the most widely used salad vegetable, it is almost completely empty of nutrition and it tastes very bland. Better choices that not only taste better but also are nutrient dense include spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, arugula, Swiss chard, and kale. These powerhouse vegetables are high in carotenoids, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Carotenoids have been shown to slow the growth of certain types of cancer including breast, lung, stomach, and skin cancer. There are many other nutrients in leafy greens, and many of them act as antioxidants and help to remove free radicals from the body before they can do much harm. Leafy greens are vital to a healthy diet.

Berries

Berries are a versatile powerhouse source of nutrition. While popular varieties include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries, and blackberries, less well-known varieties such as acai, bilberry, and elderberry are also great sources of cancer-fighting nutrients. These deeply colored fruits have high levels of antioxidants including anthocyanins and other flavonoids. These antioxidants work to remove free radicals from the body, making them important in fighting cancer. Berries also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the body heal itself.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are probably one of the better-known types of food that fight cancer, but many people do not understand why. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which helps protect the body’s DNA from cancer-causing damage. Cooking tomatoes makes the lycopene more readily available to the body. Tomatoes are also high in alpha-tomatine, a phytonutrient that has been shown to hinder growth of cancer cells as well as kill fully formed cancer cells. Everyone should eat tomatoes, raw and cooked.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Some popular cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. These vegetables are high in sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates. These phytonutrients help the body remove carcinogenic compounds before they damage the body’s DNA and they help repair damaged cells. The benefits of these compounds are accessed when the vegetables are chopped up and the glucosinolates are broken down by enzymes called myrosinase. These vegetables are also high in fiber.

Watermelon

Watermelons are a powerhouse source of important cancer-fighting nutrients. Higher than tomatoes in lycopene by 40%, they also have high levels of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin C, and citrulline. The lycopene in watermelon is readily bio-available. Watermelon’s antioxidants remove free radicals from the body and protect DNA from damage. It helps hydrate the body and is very alkaline, which can help detoxify the body and prevent cancer. Many nutritionists believe watermelon to be both a fruit and a vegetable.

Conclusion

We all have cancer cells in our bodies, every day, all the time. The state of our health determines whether we “get cancer.” Beating cancer is something we can do every time we eat, depending on what we eat. Most of us have had friends or family who have died of cancer, and all of us can think of better ways of passing away than being slowly consumed by abnormal cells.

Almost all produce kills cancer in some way. Raw, fresh, organic (ideally home grown) produce creates the healthiest gut flora, provides enzymes to reduce aging and repair injuries, and heals the body from the inside out. The most important aspect of any natural health protocol is diet. The first step to reversing diseases like cancer is to repair the gut.

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Four Techniques to Relieve Joint Pain Using Essential Oils

Joint pain may result from injuries, rheumatism, arthritis, or by maintaining bad posture for long periods or time. Essential oils are widely used for relieving joint pain due to their anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. These effective oils may be used individually or blended together before they are applied to the affected area.

Depending on the location and severity of the pain, application of the essential oil may be through massage, soaking in the bath, or hot or cold compresses. The best essential oils for joint pain alleviation include clove, rosemary, lavender, ginger, marjoram, chamomile, peppermint, eucalyptus, and juniper.

Technique 1: Massage Clove Oil on the Affected Area

Clove oil is a popular essential oil with strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hemostatic properties that is used to counter inflammation. Apply small quantities over the painful muscle or joint to avoid skin irritation or you can dilute clove oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) if you have sensitive skin. Add up to 12 drops of clove oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil, and massage it into the affected area.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, clove oil should be avoided.

Technique 2: Apply a Blend of Essential Oils

A blend of clove oil with other essential oils such as cinnamon, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, and geranium is also effective for alleviating joint pain. Mix at least three of the oils with your preferred carrier oil to make a 1% dilution (6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil). Apply to the painful joint two times a day.

You may increase the concentration to 3% (20 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil) or more or apply more than twice a day depending on the reaction.

Another combination that works well with sore joints is 1 drop of black pepper, 1 drop of ginger, 2 drops of V’Nilla blend, 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of coriander, 4 drops of marjoram, and 6 drops of roman chamomile with 2 ounces of carrier oil. Massage the area with this blend on a daily basis until the pain decreases.

Technique 3: Bath Soak With Oils

Pain involving many joints is best relieved by taking a warm bath in water blended with essential oils. Mix 2 drops of rosemary, 4 drops of juniper berry, 2 drops of cypress, 2 drops of lavender and 1-2 cups of bath salts. Make the bath salts by mixing Epsom salt and baking soda in equal amounts.

Add a few flakes of sea salt and magnesium chloride, and pour the mixture into a tub. Fill the tub with water and allow it to blend for about 30 minutes  before bathing.

Technique 4: Hot and Cold Compresses

Medics have found that hot and cold compresses alleviate joint pain, and adding essential oils improves the effectiveness of this therapy. Heat water to a favorable temperature. Select at least three essential oils and add 4 drops of each oil. Dip a towel in the water, squeeze out the excess water, and place it on the affected area. Apply the hot pack for 15 minutes for each session, alternating with a cold pack after a few hours.

Conclusion

Applying the right combination of essential oils on affected areas is an effective way to relieve joint pain. These oils also reduce muscle spasms and muscle tension and create a soothing effect.

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Serotonin, What You Need to Know About the Body’s Key to Health and Happiness

We all know that sunny days, sweet treats, warm bread, and the scent of vanilla make most of us feel better when we’ve got a case of the blues, but the reason why is not common knowledge. The answer lies deep in our nervous systems and the intricate communication between nerve cells. Neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that catalyze a myriad of metabolic functions, also affect our moods and behaviors. Some calm the body, promote digestion, and support good immunity while others are involved in keeping memory sharp, triggering the fight or flight stress response, and filling us with feelings of euphoria when we are in love or engaging in daredevil behavior. There are many neurotransmitters, but the body’s heavy hitters are serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and GABA. All of these are essential to life and well-being and work with each other toward the body’s homeostasis or state of equilibrium.

Poor diet, unrelenting stress, too much coffee or sugar, not enough physical activity, inadequate rest, and predisposed genetic deficiency all contribute to neurotransmitter dysfunction, especially that of serotonin. Inadequate or too much serotonin—as well as impairment of how the body utilizes it—has numerous consequences that can be the underlying factor in depression, anxiety disorders, obesity, Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), osteoporosis, chronic insomnia, low energy, compromised immunity, even diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Serotonin disruption can also play a vital role in the insidious development of addiction, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), body dysmorphia, and other neuropsychological conditions. In short, proper serotonin levels play a central role in our quality of life, and we do not usually consider it until we are in the grips of its shadow side. If the problem is not addressed early, more and more unpleasant symptoms and syndromes may manifest down the road, consequently affecting other neurochemicals and body systems.

Serotonin is produced in the brain, but ninety-five percent of this neurotransmitter is made and used in the digestive tract along with twenty-nine other neurotransmitters. The human gut is often referred to as our “second brain”, but medically, it is called the enteric nervous system. No wonder our emotions are so often accompanied by physical responses! What is even more profound is the fact that good intestinal flora is essential for adequate serotonin.

Pharmaceutical antibiotics are prescribed in near-reckless proportions, and judging by the fact that it takes up to one year to restore beneficial gut flora after a single round of antibiotic use, it is not surprising that serotonin-related conditions and syndromes both physical and “emotional” are increasing at staggering rates. It is not uncommon for a person who has gone through rounds of antibiotics over a certain period of time to become clinically depressed, but the connection is rarely recognized.

On the other side of the coin, too much serotonin can also be a problem and contribute to digestive woes including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also be a contributing factor in osteoporosis and certain types of heart disease. Since serotonin is usually known to be a calming chemical in the body, it is surprising to learn that too much of it can cause certain types of depression and extreme anxiety.

Excessive serotonin leads to depletion of many other neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine. On the emotional front, too much of this neurotransmitter can make one incredibly fearful of criticism, easily yielding to anger, feelings of inadequacy, and sadness. Prolonged lack of sleep can also contribute to serotonin excess, which would explain why most people “lose it” emotionally after a period of inadequate rest. Social interaction becomes difficult, though the individual desires it.

Too much serotonin can result by taking pharmaceutical antidepressants in conjunction with each other or combined with natural serotonin-affecting supplements, herbs, or even foods that stimulate serotonin. A medical condition called Serotonin Syndrome is also possible as a side effect of antidepressants, and can be a very dangerous thing. Physical symptoms can include trembling, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and seizures. In many cases, ginger is given to the person afflicted to counteract the excessive serotonin in the system.

It is a balancing act for many of us to bring this neurochemical into balance. Putting these pieces together, one cannot help but come to the conclusion that supporting and harmonizing the body’s serotonin supply can be an integral piece in achieving better health. Vitamins, herbs, clinical aromatherapy, gentle exercise, Swedish massage, cranial-sacral therapy, meditation, and finding alternatives for prescribed antibiotics can all be mediators in our sometimes-rocky relationship with serotonin and other vital neurotransmitters. The following is a list of modalities, supplements, and tools to better nourish the production and utilization of this precious, life-enhancing neurochemical. Note: if you are taking prescribed antidepressant medication, please consult your doctor before taking any of the following:

Vitamins, Supplements, and Herbs

B6. This B vitamin is essential for nerve health and enzyme production, which are both critical for regulating mood and nourishing and balancing hormone levels, especially that of the female reproductive system. All B vitamins are important for neurotransmitter production and balance, but B6 is essential for serotonin.

Inositol. Inositol, a B vitamin component much like what bioflavonoids are to vitamin C, is a powerful yet gentle supplement for the entire nervous system, including the brain. There are few, if any, side effects with regular to high doses. Inositol can be extremely helpful in the withdrawal of drugs and alcohol, which is especially useful for repairing an overwrought nervous system. Inositol is a reliable supplement for serotonin deficiency and may be extremely helpful for anxiety, panic attacks, trembling, insomnia, chronic pain syndromes, and nervousness that is especially worse in the morning hours and during the hormonal shifts of menstruation and ovulation.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). Derived from the grafonia seed, 5-HTP is a natural amino acid involved in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and melatonin. In Europe, 5-HTP is sold by prescription under numerous trade names to treat major depression. Here, in the United States, 5-HTP is sold as a supplement, the most reliable being the enteric coated variety that is not destroyed by stomach acid on its way to the small intestine where it is utilized. 5-HTP is extremely helpful for PMS, general anxiety, irritability, mild-moderate insomnia, certain pain syndromes, and food cravings (carbs and sugar).

Damiana. Damiana, native to Mexico, is an aromatic herb mainly used for sexual dysfunction, but its value goes way beyond the reproductive system. Damiana increases neurotransmitter production including serotonin and dopamine and is reliable in reducing pain, easing anxiety, soothing digestive troubles, and increasing pleasure.

Ginger root. Ginger is an ancient as well as modern remedy for a plethora of ailments and a powerful player in neurotransmitter production. In cases of too much serotonin in the body, ginger is reliable in lowering it. In some people, ginger helps decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Individual chemistry is key, but this herb is definitely one to consider.

Kava Kava Root. Kava kava root is a centuries-old Polynesian herb used in ceremonial drinks as well as a libation in social situations. It is a powerful sedative that not only affects serotonin but other key players in the nervous system. It is reliable for panic attacks, trouble sleeping, and digestive distress related to “nerves.”

Lavender Flowers. Commonly grown for cosmetic and culinary use, lavender flowers can also be made into a tea that will naturally nourish the nervous system, namely serotonin production and utilization. Smaller quantities are recommended for calming the body, as larger doses prove to be stimulating.

Lemon Balm. A common garden herb, lemon balm (also called melissa) is a gentle but reliable remedy to boost serotonin levels in the body. It is highly useful for digestive upsets, insomnia, nervousness, and depressive states.

Olive Leaf. Olive leaf is a wonderful alternative to pharmaceutical antibiotics. It is the strongest antibiotic and antiviral in the plant world and is a powerful warrior against everything from malaria to viruses, the common cold to food poisoning. It is excellent for all bacterial and viral conditions as well as building good microbes in the gut, which is essential for healthy levels of serotonin.

St. John’s Wort. St. John’s wort is an age-old herbal remedy for melancholy, depression, and nervousness. It is valuable in the production of not only serotonin but other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Foods

Foods that stimulate serotonin production include chocolate, avocado, chicken, turkey and most protein sources, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, sugar and all carbohydrates, wheat germ, and dairy such as cheese and cottage cheese.

Clinical Aromatherapy/Essential Oils

Bergamot Essential Oil. Bergamot essential oil boosts serotonin and is highly useful for depression and lowered immunity. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day.

Cacao Essential Oil. Essentially chocolate essential oil, cacao stimulates both serotonin and dopamine production and is a good oil to use to curb sugar cravings, ease despondency, and increase feelings of enjoyment and pleasure. It is especially beneficial for premenstrual-related food cravings and sadness. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5 minute intervals throughout the day.

Frankincense Essential Oil. Frankincense essential oil is a wonderful ally for all forms of anxiety and is a key oil in aromatherapy for brain and nervous system health. Frankincense helps the body make and utilize serotonin and dopamine. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day. Frankincense essential oil can also be applied to the soles of the feet for quick absorption and results. Application: apply 3 drops of the essential oil to each sole of the foot 1-2x a day. Allow to absorb before putting on socks and do not shower for a few hours after application.

Ginger Essential Oil. Ginger essential oil can be applied undiluted to the soles of the feet for quick absorption in cases of excessive serotonin. Ginger is an antagonist to the neurotransmitter and can relieve severe anxiety, digestive distress, and other symptoms springing from too much serotonin in the body due to various factors. Application: apply 3 drops of the essential oil to each sole of the foot 1-2 x a day. Allow to absorb before putting on socks, and do not shower for a few hours after application.

Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender essential oil, long associated with calm feelings, is the CEO of essential oils that stimulates serotonin production in the body. It can be used to boost immunity, improve mood, promote sleep, quell general anxiety, and even prevent anxiety from escalating to panic. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day. Lavender essential oil can also be applied to the soles of the feet for quick absorption and results. Application: apply 3 drops of the essential oil to each sole of the foot 1-2x a day. Allow to absorb before putting on socks and do not shower for a few hours after application.

Neroli Essential Oil. Neroli essential oil reduces stress hormones in the body and is known to increase serotonin. It is almost unequaled in stopping trembling, anxiety, and nervous agitation. It is also used to decrease symptoms of depression and calm an overexcited state. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil. Roman chamomile is a wonderful ally for a stressed nervous system and can be inhaled to calm emotions and accompanying, unpleasant physical responses. It brightens the mood and outlook, soothes digestive storms, and promotes a feeling of wellbeing and hope. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day.

Sandalwood Essential Oil. Much like frankincense, sandalwood is a deeply nourishing oil for the entire nervous system. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day. Sandalwood essential oil can also be applied to the soles of the feet for quick absorption and results. Application: apply 3 drops of the essential oil to each sole of the foot 1-2 x a day. Allow to absorb before putting on socks and do not shower for a few hours after application.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil. Sweet orange oil is highly useful for decreasing obsessive thoughts and/or behaviors, calming the body, and promoting serotonin and other neurotransmitters. It also quells anxiety, chronic worry, and feelings of dread. Sweet orange oil also elevates the mood and combats depression. Add a drop or two to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil. Ylang ylang essential oil unsurpassed for calming excitatory neurotransmitters and kicking in calming neurochemicals like serotonin. It also regulates adrenaline in the body. Add a drop to a tissue and inhale for 5-minute intervals throughout the day, but no more than 2-3 times or a headache may result. Ylang ylang essential oil can also be applied to the soles of the feet for quick absorption and results. Application: apply 3 drops of the essential oil to each sole of the foot 1-2 x a day. Allow to absorb before putting on socks and do not shower for a few hours after application.

Lifestyle Changes

One can do everything right to have better nervous system health, but without positive, serotonin-friendly lifestyle changes, the body and mind will always fall short of reaching homeostasis. In the quest for serotonin balance, don’t forget to:

Get more rest. 8 or more hours of sleep a night and periods of non-doing during the day are critical in normalizing neurotransmitters and boosting immunity. Non-doing means designating 5-minute intervals to one-hour timeslots to doing nothing but lying back and zoning out without guilt. Insomniacs might find it surprising that non-doing during the day promotes better sleep at night.

Unplug. from the computer, cell phone, iPad, radio, etc. Electronic screens and noise all negatively affect the brain and its chemical activity. Using devices non-stop contributes to neurotransmitter disruption.

Get out into nature. It is proven that being outside, especially in sunlight, or looking out a window onto greenery instantly boosts neurotransmitters. When you are outside, breathe deeply, notice the beauty around you, and take in the soothing sounds of birds, water, or wind.

Do more gentle exercises. Working out in the gym, running for miles, or taking high-energy exercise classes boost stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, but our friend serotonin needs yoga, creative movement, ballet, tai chi, qigong, and deep breath work to be utilized in the body.

Receive more massage and bodywork. Swedish massage is known to boost serotonin and other calming chemicals in the body by triggering the autonomic (fight or flight) nervous system to yield to the parasympathetic (rest and digest mode). If you want to stimulate serotonin, avoid deep tissue work or more aggressive modalities. Opt for flowing, gentle massage, preferably set to beautiful music.

Listen to calming music and nature sounds. Ditch the driving percussion of rock music once in a while for more calming music. Even better, listen to real or recorded nature sounds including birdsong, ocean waves, crickets, gentle wind, or streams.

Whatever way you choose to boost serotonin and other calming neurotransmitters, nature will work with your unique chemistry, and it won’t take long for you to know what works best for your body and psyche. Happiness and wellbeing are indeed rooted in the physical; the more harmonious we are on this level, the more harmonious on every other level, even in the face of adversity and stress. With serotonin on our side, come what may- we can be ready!

For more about neurotransmitters, nervous system health, and clinical aromatherapy, see my new release, Multidimensional Aromatherapy: Clinical, Practical, and Vibrational Applications.

…

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and the material presented in this article is not intended to treat, prescribe for, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or to replace conventional medical treatments.

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Five Essential Oils That Help Fight Infections

Essential oils are routinely used in Aromatherapy for their pleasant, sweet scent. However, they have much more to offer. Essential oils are popular in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat a number of conditions. Recently there has been an increased interest in antimicrobial properties of essential oils.

Many reputed labs have confirmed that essential oils have anti-infective properties. Research has also shown that essential oils are effective in many antibiotic-resistant infections. Essential oils have the potential to offer an alternative, natural, and side-effect free solution to tackling infectious diseases.

The active components of essential oils, have a small molecular weight and hence, they absorb easily into the body. Essential oils also have a high potency, meaning that only a small dosage is enough.

Another advantage of essential oils is their shelf life. Most of the essential oils are quite stable and can be stored for as long as 10 years (with the exception of citrus oils which can be stored for up to two years). These oils are a must in any natural medicine cabinet.

Many times, essential oils will need dilution with “a carrier oil” to dilute the potency of it. These carrier oils serve as a base for the essential oils. Some good examples of carrier oils are sweet almond oil and coconut oil. Due to their sensitive skin, if you plan to use essential oils on a baby, it is always a good idea to dilute them with a carrier oil.

Five Essential Oils Effective in Treating Various Infection

Lavender Oil

This is perhaps the most well-known oil on the list. Lavender oil has a sweet, pleasant scent, and it has good antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. When applied to scrapes, bruises, and stings, Lavender can significantly reduce healing time. This oil is pretty mild and does not need a carrier oil.

A common way of applying Lavender is directly on the skin. Recent studies have also shown that Lavender oil is effective in killing both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Apart from being used against infections, lavender oil is used to induce and promote sleep.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil possesses strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Mixing it with coconut oil or aloe vera gel is a great way to dilute it. Applying it directly on the skin can help with acne, fungal infections, ringworm, and athlete’s foot.

Tea tree oil is often used as an antiseptic to treat minor burns, bruises, and scrapes. It is also effective for some vaginal infections. Two cups of water containing 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil can be used as an excellent all-purpose disinfectant cleaner.

Tea tree oil is pretty strong and can cause mild irritation and reddening if applied undiluted. Mixing the oil with coconut oil significantly reduces the side effects. Please be aware that tea tree oil is not recommended for internal use.

Roman Chamomile Oil

This sweet-smelling and gentle essential oil is ideally suited for sensitive skin and commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne. Chamomile oil is gentle enough to be used undiluted, but if need be, coconut oil works well as a carrier oil.

Roman chamomile can be used to treat diaper rash, and it’s been found effective against eczema and hemorrhoids. In the case of various ear infections and inflamed sinuses, a few drops added to a steam bath works great for relief. Roman chamomile has amazing pain relieving properties.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has been found to have antibacterial properties for the bacteria of the upper respiratory tract. Diluted eucalyptus oil can be used internally to treat bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. It can also be used to treat various mucous membrane infections (such as asthma).

Eucalyptus has analgesic properties and when used in a spray form, it offers relief from minor pains. Additionally, it’s been found effective against bacteria causing tooth decay. According to recent study, eucalyptus oil has been found to stimulate the immune system of the body as well.

Oregano Oil

The unique composition of oregano oil makes it especially suitable to treat staph infections. The phenolic compound found in Oregano Oil has been shown to be more effective than as many as 18 pharmaceutical drugs including penicillin.

It has excellent antifungal properties but must always be diluted before application. Use coconut oil or sweet almond oil as a carrier oil to dilute it.

Conclusion

Overall, essential oils are excellent for treating infections. However, it is recommended to dilute the oils with carrier oils to prevent irritation of the skin. Also, please be aware that not all of the essential oils can be taken internally. To learn more about essential oils, subscribe to our email updates at the Essential Oil Advocate and get 2 free audiobooks on essential oils and aromatherapy.

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