Archive for April, 2010

Aromatherapy Oils - Sage Essential Oil Benefits

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Sage essential oil is extracted from the sage plant, which is an herb. It is scientifically referred to as Salvia officinalis. Sage essential oil has been used from ancient times for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some of the health benefits and uses of sage essential oil have been listed below:

  • Sage essential oil contains anti-microbial substances like camphor and camphene. These constituents of the essential oil give it anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, protecting and curing microbial infections.
  • Sage essential oil is widely being used as an ingredient in anti-ageing products. It serves as a potent anti-oxidant, thereby reducing the pace of natural process of degradation of body.
  • As mentioned above, sage essential oil is anti-inflammatory in nature, and as such, it is also used as an anti-septic. It is used to quickly heal wounds and relieve pain.
  • Sage essential oil is a potent anti-spasmodic oil. It relieves of you conditions resulting from various kinds of spasms like pain in chest and stomach.
  • Sage essential oil also helps in regulating the digestive system on account of its choleretic property, which means that it stimulates the secretion of bile.
  • Sage essential oil can also be deployed to remove scars and marks. Thus, it is widely used to make cosmetics to relieve blemishes and other skin problems.
  • It is also used as a depurative, which removes toxins from the blood by regulating the process of excretion and sweating.
  • Sage essential oil is also used as a potent emmenagogue. It regulates the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle by regulating blood flow and relieving pain.
  • It also helps prevent and cure constipation and is a powerful laxative.
  • Sage essential oil is a potent expectorant, and thus, it can be used to relieve cough and cold.
  • It can also be used as a stimulant to stimulate the brain, nervous system, circulatory system, spleen, and other biological systems of the body.
  • Sage essential oil also helps in regulating body temperature, thereby serving as a febrifuge.
  • Sage essential oil is instrumental in curing various other diseases and conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, bronchitis, herpes, and sinusitis.
  • Sage essential oil is also a powerful disinfectant.

Sage essential oil can do wonders if used with caution and under expert supervision. You are recommended to consult your aromatherapy specialist before you use sage essential oil to prevent and relieve various problems.

Acupressure - Treat Hypertention in Natural Way

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure above the normal levels. Given today’s fast-paced lifestyle and immense work stress, hypertension has become a very common condition, affecting almost everyone. Usually, middle-aged people are more prone to hypertension. However, instances of young people being affected by hypertension are also not uncommon. It is considered to be a silent killer as there are no visible symptoms.  You may feel frequent headaches, giddiness, and restlessness. Blood pressure is elevated due to narrowing of the arteries that carry the blood to your heart. There are a number of causes that can lead to this condition. Some of the most common causes of hypertension are work stress, improper food habits, smoking, and over drinking.

One of the effective ways to treat of hypertension is acupressure, which is also the most popular treatment for hypertension. In this technique, pressure is gently applied at certain points on your body. Usually, these points are on your feet, knee, neck, and forehead. Another form of acupressure in acupuncture. In this, specially designed fine needles, called the “acupuncture needles,” are used for applying the pressure. Like any other alternative treatment methods, acupressure treatment may give relief to some people, but not to all. Also, acupressure points are really sensitive, and if pressed in an incorrect manner, may cause more harm than good. As such, you are recommended to consult an acupressure specialist before using acupressure techniques to cure hypertension.

In addition to acupressure and the usual allopathic treatments, there are some alternative treatment techniques like home remedies to treat hypertension. Some of the effective home remedies to relieve the symptoms of hypertension are listed as follows:

  • If you have a family history of hypertension, you should get your blood pressure checked regularly after the age of thirty, and strictly follow the advice of your doctor.
  • Do not take foods containing high quantity of fats like red meat and fried foods. You may eat boiled eggs; however, you should consume only egg white and should avoid eating yolk.
  • You must not eat junk foods and packaged foods. These foods are rich in salt that makes you susceptible to hypertension and other cardio-vascular ailments.
  • If you are a smoker, quit immediately.
  • Avoid getting stressed and ease workloads.
  • Avoid getting irritated over trivial things like getting stuck in traffic.
  • You should start doing some yoga exercises, after consulting a good yoga instructor. Meditation is excellent for relieving stress and relaxing the body.

Aromatherapy Gout Treatment | Gout Remedies And Prevention

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Gout is a condition that affects the bones and joints, and it is regarded as a form of arthritis. It results in swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is a painful condition that can cause much discomfort to the patient. People in the late thirties or above are more susceptible to gout. Further, overweight people and certain food habits can also cause this condition. Gout occurs if you have high levels of uric acid in the blood stream. Usually, anti-inflammatory drugs, with analgesic formulations, are used for the treatment of gout. However, the continuous use of such drugs can result in many side effects and complications.

As we know, prevention is better than cure. Here are some preventive measures or home remedies to keep gout at bay.

  • If you have a family history of gout, you should go for a regular check-up of the uric acid levels in your body, and strictly follow the dietary plan as suggested by your doctor.  You will be asked to restrict certain food products that may lead to an increase in the uric acid, like organ meats, foods containing yeast, and bread.
  • Drink a lot of water during the day even if you do not feel thirsty. You should drink small quantities of water at regular intervals in such a way that it amounts to at least half of your body weight.  More water intake flushes out the surplus quantity of uric acid through urination.
  • Never restrict yourself when you feel the urge for urination.  The more you delay the urination, the more uric acid concentration will build up, and ultimately it will go to your blood stream.

Essential Oils For Gout Natural Cure

If you happen to suffer from this painful ailment, you can opt for aromatherapy for relieving gout pain. You can try any of the following recipes for preparing aromatherapy mixtures at home:

  • Mix five to six drops of juniper or lavender essential oil in about 25 ml of olive oil and gently massage the affected joints. Do this four times a day to relieve the pain and alleviate symptoms.
  • Take about 50 ml of vinegar and boil it with some rose petals. Cool it and massage the joints with this mixture.

As it happens with any alternative treatment, some people get relief from it whereas some do not. Before using any combination of aromatherapy oils, you must consult a qualified and experienced aroma therapist. Also, do not stop taking medicines without consulting your physician.

Headache Treatment | Massage For Tension Headache Cure

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

There is hardly anyone who has not suffered from a headache. Some headaches may begin at any time of the day, and then continue for as long as it doesn’t receive treatment. Headaches can come with different symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light or sounds, and pain in the temples, head, and forehead. If you experience a headache frequently, and it carries on for an extended period of time, there is a possibility that these headaches may even cause a disruption in your work.

One of the easiest and most effective treatments for headaches is a massage. Apart from allopathic medicine, massaging is considered to be the best alternative treatment. Massage is also all natural, and therefore, you can save yourself from unnecessary side effects that come with the over the counter medicines.

Another symptom of headaches is pain in the neck. Massage can also help relieve the soreness and tension in the neck region. There are two types of headaches, muscle and vascular. If you have a headache due to muscle tension, it can cause aching in the neck and sensitivity in the neck and the scalp. The muscles behind the head and the neck seem tense and hard. There is a tightening in the temples, forehead, and the base of the skull. Vascular headaches on the other hand, feel like a throbbing or pounding sensation. Vascular headaches usually increase with physical activity, and it is important to take adequate rest to treat the headaches.

Massage therapy can be used to relieve both types of headaches. Massage can also help relieve spasms. To relieve a headache, begin with a massage, using small strokes and medium pressure. You can use a warm oil for the massage or simply warm up your own hands before beginning with the massage. This will help dilate the blood vessels so that the blood flow to the brain increases. Start at the base of the neck, from the point where the shoulders meet the neck. Work your way upwards, working the length of the neck and the base of the skull before you reach the forehead. Once you have reached the forehead, massage the temples lightly and work towards the center of the head. Use circular and oblique strokes to improve blood flow and relieve pain.

If you receive massage on an ongoing basis, it is possible to prevent headaches in the future. Regular practice of yoga mediation and other relaxing techniques can also help ease muscle tension and keep the stress levels low.