Friday, July 24, 2009

The Word is Spreading, Avoid Phthalates!

’ve been preaching about the negative side effects of fragrance oils and phthalates for some time now. But for many people the message is just hitting home today with the release a study in the February edition of Pediatrics.

Phthalatefree300_2

The study's lead author, Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a University of Washington pediatrician, has finally brought the issue of the dangers of phthalates to the main stream media. The study as been reported all day on the news networks like the Fox News, ABC, and the Washington Post. Even the critics are talking about the study at the PR Newswire.


Phthalates are used in the cosmetic industry as fixatives to hold fragrances. Most fragrance oils on the market contain phthalates in order to insure that the scent will linger on the skin and clothes longer. We are exposed to phthalates everyday. Phthalates are found in most commercial fragrances that are not 100% pure unadulterated essential oils. Your family is exposed to phthalates in: commercial air fresheners, plug-in air fresheners, laundry and household products, baby products, perfumes, cosmetics, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, shower gels and much more. In order to avoid phthalates you must avoid adding fragrance oils to your products or purchase phthalate-free fragrances.


Some believe we should wait for more studies to come out to determine the exact extent of the dangers of phthalates. I believe consumers have learned their lesson with waiting for more studies to prove the dangers in the case of cigarettes. Why risk waiting for more studies when the only purpose to use phthalates in cosmetics is as a fixative or adhesive for fragrance? Babies don’t need to smell like their lotion, shampoo, diaper ointment or laundry soap all day long, and neither do we. All companies should demand the removal of phthalates from fragrance chemicals or switch to unadulterated essential oils. Despite significant evidence from many studies, Stephanie Kwisnek, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration, said that the FDA "has no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics. Should new data emerge, we will inform the public as well as the industry." (Associated Press)


Consumers have the power to change the cosmetic industry as proven by the public outcry for paraben-free products, which did transform the industry from the outside in. In the coming months I expect that consumers will become more educated on this subject and demand “phthalate free” products. This will not only change the way consumers read baby product labels, but how they look at all cosmetic, personal care and household product labels. With a peek into the mysterious ingredients hidden behind the term “fragrance oils”, consumers will wonder what other ingredients are going undisclosed. Now is the time to transition your product line to be either “fragrance free” or scented with only 100% pure unadulterated essential oils.


__________________________

Paraben Puzzle

Answers To Some Of Your Questions About Parabens

arabens. What are they? Do they work? Are they dangerous? These are just a few of the questions I get at least a few times a day, every day. Hopefully, this post clears up some of the paraben puzzlement. Parabens are esters of para-hydroxibenzoic acid that have been used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods for many years. The most common parabens are: Methylparaben, Propylparabens, Ethylparaben, Benzylparaben, Isobutylparaben and Butylparaben.

Puzzle_312_2

They are commonly used in bundles that include two or more parabens and/or other preservatives. Two good examples of paraben bundled preservatives include: LiquaPar containing; Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben; and Germaben II containing; Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Are Parabens Dangerous?: One Study Says "Maybe," But ...

A study in the UK found the presence of intact parabens in 20 samples of human breast tumors. However, this research was not scientifically balanced. It is unclear if the parabens arrived in the tumors via food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, deodorants or from the solutions used to preserve and process the tumors. It is unknown if parabens caused the tumors or if parabens appear in healthy breast tissue. It is also unknown whether or not the parabens would have been sweated out of the body without the use of antiperspirants and naturally flushed out of the system. Sweating is one of the natural mechanisms of elimination for our body. When we use antiperspirants one has to wonder if we are allowing our waste to pool up in our bodies.

One other question that was not addressed in the issue was whether or not the patients had received chemotherapy or other drug therapies which contain parabens themselves. All the unanswered questions make it difficult to assess whether the cosmetic industry had anything to do with the results of this study. A great deal of research still needs to go into the paraben question.

Manufacturer Response

In the meantime, the cosmetic industry has responded and many companies have reformulated their products. It is wise to learn about the other preservatives that have taken their place. A great deal of research went into choosing the right paraben-free preservative systems for Yellowstar*Essentials. The needs of our customers cover a wide range of consumers. We believe it is critical to provide a safe and effective preservative system.

Parabens Are All Around Us

Parabens are well hidden in many ingredients and even those who are attempting to avoid them with more “natural” choices are finding them hidden in their ingredients. For instance, many version of hyaluronic acid in solution on the market today are preserved with Phenonip, which contains Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben. We make our own hyaluronic acid in solution in order to avoid stow-away ingredients. We also make our own aloe juice and extracts because they are commonly filled with unwanted ingredients as well.

Another ingredient that many people use in pursuit of a natural product is Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). However, this natural preservative is commonly adulterated with synthetic preservatives. A study by the Institute of Pharmacy, Ernst Moritz Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany stated, “The antimicrobial efficacy as well as the content of preservative agents of six commercially grapefruit seed extracts were examined. Five of the six extracts showed a high growth-inhibiting activity against the test germs. In all of the antimicrobial active grapefruit seed extracts, the preservative benzethonium chloride was detected by thin layer chromatography.

Additionally, three extracts contained the preserving substances triclosan and methyl paraben. In only one of the grapefruit seed extracts tested no preservative agent was found. However, with this extract as well as with several self-made extracts from seed and juiceless pulp of grapefruits (Citrus paradisi), no antimicrobial activity could be detected. Thus, it is concluded that the potent as well as nearly universal antimicrobial activity being attributed to grapefruit seed extract is merely due to the synthetic preservative agents contained within. Natural products with antimicrobial activity do not appear to be present.”

Concerning GSE the USDA said, “Confirming an earlier study by researchers in Germany we found that some commercial grapefruit seed extracts contain benzethonium chloride, a synthetic antimicrobial agent commonly used in cosmetics and only approved for topical use, at relatively high levels of 8%.” And according to the Swiss Toxicological Information Center, “Grapefruit seed extracts containing benzethonium chloride in concentrations of 7-11% represent a major health risk if larger amounts of a concentrated solution are ingested (i.e. by mouth). Exposure of the skin or the eye may cause toxic symptoms. The Swiss Toxicological Information Center discourages consumers from administration of these extracts unless it is known which of them are containing benzethonium chloride and what the concentrations are."

The Discussion Continues

The debate regarding parabens and preservatives in general is certainly not finished. It is important that we continue to do research and learn more about the safety of the ingredients that we are exposed to everyday. I believe it is critical that all research be scientifically sound with all areas addressed. The cosmetic industry may have ‘thrown the baby out with the bath water’ in the case of parabens. It is vital that we not replace parabens with chemicals that are more dangerous or that do not practice full disclosure in the pursuit of being “paraben-free”.

A Closer Look at a Few Common Ingredients

A Closer Look at Aloe Products

There is a great deal of confusion regarding Aloe products. The number one point of confusion is regarding the viscosity of aloe products. Consumers expect Aloe Juice to look and feel like Aloe Jelly. Many consumers believe that the thick jelly on the market came straight from the plant itself. But in reality the jelly like product is made by adding a thickener. The most common thickening agent is a combination of Carbomer (a.k.a. Carbopol) and TEA (Thiethanolamine), however there a few on the market that use a gum like Xanthan or Guar Gum.

Aloe

Carbomer and TEA are chemicals that work in conjunction to create a synergetic force that both thickens and changes the surface tension of any water based product, thus creating a jelly. The viscosity confusion, I believe, is created by two factors. One being that consumers are most familiar with the clear or green Aloe Gel products commonly sold on the market. The front of the label says that it is Aloe Gel and not everyone reads the ingredient list. The second cause for confusion is that if you ever cut a piece of an aloe leaf, the inside (fillet) appears to be gelatinous and thick. However, the thickness comes from the pulp and fiber that is removed when aloe is processed. Even if the fillet is left intake with the pulp and fiber the required preservation method would thin out the finished product. Be aware that there are also some thick Aloe Gel products which contain acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylates Crosspolymer in addition to Carbomer and TEA. Read labels and ask questions.

In reality, pure Aloe Juice has the same consistency and viscosity as water. Aloe Juice is created by reconstituting freeze dried, cryo-dried, or spray dried aloe powder with deionized water to a single strength equivalency (SSE). Once the Aloe Powder is reconstituted the finished product requires preservatives in order to remain stable. While there is Aloe Juice on the market that is simply pressed, Aloe leaves the resulting juice is unstable and not thick like Aloe Jelly. A fresh unpreserved Aloe Juice needs to be treated like any other food grade juice that you purchase at the grocery store. It requires refrigeration and has a short shelf life. This short shelf life makes it unfriendly for cosmetic purposes. We have tested the preservative free aloe juice products on the market and they tested positive for bacteria and mold. If you make a product using this unpreserved aloe your product becomes unstable, despite preservatives added to the finished product.

We have run tests using many different methods of preservation using the unpreserved aloe juice and all of them have failed. The simple fact is that you must start your formulas with stable ingredients. The only way around using preserved Aloe Juice is to formulate using Aloe Powder, Aloe Oil or Aloe Butter and then use a preservative system that is stable and acceptable to you for your finished product. At Yellowstar*Essentials we have chosen to preserve our Aloe Juice with Potassium Sorbate and Citric Acid (to adjust the pH). We believe that this is the safest and gentles method we could use. Be aware that there are other aloe juice products that contain glyceryl polymethalcrylate and propylene glycol.
Aloe Oil and Aloe Butter are created when the constituents of aloe are extracted into a carrier oil. The aloe plant does not naturally create an oil or butter. Using Aloe Oil or Aloe Butter in a formula is a great alternative to Aloe Juice because the butter and oil do not require preservatives. When creating a product that does not have a water phase, formulating with Aloe Oil and Aloe Butter allows aloe to be added simply to your product.

Aloe Butter is created by extracting aloe into coconut oil. Our Aloe Oil is created by extracting aloe into soy bean oil with added vitamin E to enhance the shelf life and antioxidant properties of the finished product. Be aware that there are some Aloe Oil products that contain mineral oil on the market. There are hundreds of different formulas and processing methods in which aloe is available on the market. It is no wonder that there are many people who believe they are allergic to aloe. In reality they are most likely allergic to an added anti-caking agent, preservative or thicken agents used in different forms of aloe. There are no ingredients on the market today that are 100% hyper allergenic because allergies are complex and varied. With that said it still is more likely that people are allergic to something other than the pure aloe. If you wonder if you are truly allergic to aloe the very best method to determine if aloe is the culprit is to snip off a piece of an aloe leaf and do a patch test.

A Closer Look at Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil has an indefinite shelf life and is light, non-greasy, non-staining, liquid oil. It is great for use in massage, toiletries, aromatherapy and soap. Fractionated coconut oil is a very good choice for use with essential oils, as it helps carry therapeutic oils under the skin. Fractionated coconut oil can be used in creams, lotions, bath oils, bath salts and soap. Fractionated coconut oil is especially useful in face creams where light oil is desired. It is a good substitute for sweet almond oil if you are concerned about rancidity or a short shelf life. My favorite use for fractionated coconut oil is as a base for a massage oil because it does not leave the sheets rancid smelling.

Many people are familiar with whole coconut oil which is a solid a room temperature but do not have experience with Fractionated Coconut oil. But if you haven't tried it you are missing out on a truly great product carrier (fixed) oil product.

Coconut

All carrier oils consist of a class of molecules called fatty acid triglycerides which means they contain three, long-chain fatty ester groups. Most all plant derived carrier oils consist entirely of what are called "unsaturated" fatty acid triglycerides which means they have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in their long fatty ester side chains which are typically 16 to 20+ carbon units long. The double bonds in these side chains are susceptible to oxidation over time and their reactions with oxygen are what produce the rancid odor that you may have noticed in your carrier oils when they get old.

Whole coconut oil also has some quite long unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides (which is why it is a solid at room temperature). But Fractionated Coconut oil is special in that it has a relatively high percentage of shorter length (C8, C10 ), completely saturated (no double bonds) triglycerides. These smaller fatty acid triglycerides are separated from the whole coconut oil to give us what is known as "Fractionated Coconut Oil."

Coconut oil is the number one oil used to make surfactants and castile soap because of it produces a nice lather. Coconut in its pure form when it has not gone through a chemical synthesis with another ingredient is not in any way drying to the skin. Some surfactant based cleansers that are formulated to strip the skin do the leave it feeling dry and that is wrongly blamed on the coconut. Typically cleansers that are formulated for oily skin are designed to strip away the oily layer on the skin. Many consumers feel that their skin is truly clean in this state however, the skin produces more oil because it is dry and a vicious cycle of oily, dry, oily, dry is created. Soaps and cleansers can wash away the protective layer of oil and acid on our skin leaving it feeling tight and dry. Using a coconut based moisturizer helps make the skin feel better as well as help reestablish the protective layer of oil.

A Closer Look at Coconut Oil

Pure coconut oil has a small molecular structure which allows it to be easily absorbed by the skin. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth but not oily. Coconut oil is great for the skin because of its antioxidant properties, which also attributes to the long shelf life coconut oil has. The antioxidants in coconut oil stop the chain reaction of free-radicals creating more free-radicals. Because of the antioxidants, coconut oil not only softens your skin but protects it from further damage, while promoting healthy skin. Coconut oil is also the riches source of good medium chain fatty acids, which our sebum also produces as a protective layer on the skin to kill harmful germs.

Coconut

Coconut oil is vegetable sourced oil that is naturally free of the need for pesticides and other chemicals to grow and harvest. Some of the myths about coconut oil come from the belief in post World War II times that coconut contained high levels of cholesterol, which internally or topically would result in acne. Current research on the chemical composition of coconut oil has proven that it does not contain cholesterol at all. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which actually supports the antibacterial activity of the skin’s cells.

Coconut oil contains the fatty acids caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid. Many of the coconut derived ingredients can be identified easily by these fatty acids. Coconut oil consists of 90% saturated fat. It is made up mostly of medium chain triglycerides which are 92% saturated fatty acids (44.6% lauric acid, 16.8% myristic acid, 8.2% palmictic acid, 8% caprylic acid), 6% monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid). Coconut melts at 76°F but if stored at a cooler temperature is solid. Coconut oil resists rancidity because it is slow to oxidize.

It is interesting to note that the only other naturally occurring source of lauric acid is mother's milk.

______________________________

I hope this post has helped you decipher a few of the commonly seen ingredients and help you make your purchase decisions more easily in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

What Roast Do You Like Your Coffee? Learn Your Roasts

Do you like coffee???
It's an absolute must for me (if not coffee then at least a cup of flavorful tea in the morning). I like to use a french press to make my cuppa joe as it seems to enhance all the wonderful nuances of the beans. And I can make it as strong as I want each time.













Many people grind their beans themselves, to ensure a fresh and flavourful cup of coffee. But not as many people roast their own. Whether you are a home-roaster or not, knowing the different roast levels and their taste characteristics can be helpful when purchasing coffee.

What exactly does roasting do? The sugars, fats and starches that are within the bean are emulsified, caramelized and released. This creates the delicate coffee oil. This oil is what gives coffee its distinctive aroma and taste.

In general, lighter roasts are sharper and more acidic than the darker roasts. Darker roasts have a fuller flavor. Beans that have been over-roasted will take on a burned, smoky or charcoal flavor. Also, there is less caffeine in the darker roasted coffees than in the lighter ones. The roast alone doesn't determine the resulting coffee taste or quality. The origin of the beans makes a big difference. A bean from Ethiopia will taste differently than a bean from India, even if they are both French roast.

Here are the basic roast terms. Many are used interchangeably, so be careful.

Cinnamon
The bean is light brown, and dry (no oil visible). The flavour is baked or "bready", like toasted grain. There will likely be definite sour tones. There is not much body in cinnamon roasted coffee.

New England
A term not as frequently used as the others, though this roast is apparently common in the eastern United States. It's a little darker than the cinnamon roast, but without the grainy flavour. New England roast will still have some sour tones to it.

American, Light
Medium light brown beans. This roast is the norm for eastern USA. This roast (and sometimes cinnamon as well) is the most often used for cupping or professional tasting.

City, Medium
The colour is darker still, more of a medium brown (think chocolate). This roast is common in the western parts of the USA. This roast is a good choice to taste the differences between varietals.

Full City
Medium dark brown beans. The beans will start to show some oily drops on the surface with this roast. Full City will have caramel or chocolate undertones.

French, Espresso
Beans are starting to get dark brown, and French roasted beans are shiny with oil. There is less acidity, but with burned undertones. This roast is often used when making Espresso. Many people think this is the darkest roast available, but that's not true.

Italian, Dark French
Similar to regular French, but more so. Darker and oilier looking, and with a stronger burned flavour.

Spanish
Darkest roast of all. Colour is nearly black, and the flavour is flat with a charcoal undertone.

More on Roasting


information from; http://coffeetea.about.com/od/roasting/a/roasts.htm

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Safe Deodorant Alternative

AromaGuard®

Safer, Gentler Personal Care

There is a personal care dilemma we all face. How do we eliminate the possibility of body odor without exposing ourselves to harmful ingredients? Is the only answer to use an irritating, chemical-laden deodorant?

Madison Avenue advertising has force-fed the public the idea of chemical prevention of perspiration. Aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum chlorohydroxide plug underarm pores to provide “protection” while possibly leading to neurological damage.

It is a scientific fact that the largest organ of our body, the skin, is also a gateway to the interior of the body through absorption. Underarms in particular are receptive sites for chemical absorption.

Aluminum is a toxic metal found in numerous studies to be in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also believed to cause skeletal damage in infants and adults. It works by blocking pores to prevent perspiration. But at what price?

Young Living Founder and President Gary Young’s solution to this personal care quandary is summarized by his saying, “If you can’t eat it, don’t wear it.” New AromaGuard® deodorants utilize nature’s age-old secrets: All-natural ingredients fortified with pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

No longer need you worry about the safety of long-term use of products containing aluminum. AromGuard® deodorants keep you fresh and odor free with powerful essential oils to inhibit the bacterial formation that causes odor. Now you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your deodorant is free of synthetic perfumes, damaging chemicals and drying alcohols.

Another benefit of AromaGuard® is that it works with your body to allow the natural process of detoxification. Only food-quality ingredients that support and enhance a healthy lifestyle are included in these outstanding products.

AromaGuard’s® invisible formulation clings to you, not your clothing. Using pure beeswax, fractionated coconut oil, and esters from tropical oils, this new deodorant also offers an exclusive combination of natures’s most powerful essential oils.

Two fragrant versions await the discerning consumer: Meadow Mist and Mountain Mist.

Meadow Mist has lemon (Citrus limon), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Melaleuca alternifolia and Melaleuca quinquenervia, and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils to create a bacteria-free environment for delicate underarm skin. Only pure essential oils can effectively kill bacteria, at the same time soothing and supporting the skin.

Mountain Mist has the same base but with these fresh and invigorating essential oils: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), lemon (Citrus limon), peppermint (Mentha piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT 1,8 cineol), Eucalyptus radiata, and white fir (Abies concolor).

Pure zinc oxide has been added to this formula to absorb odor, while vitamin E provides antioxidant and immune-boosting power.

Effective and mild, Gary Young’s deodorant formulas are so pure you could eat them. AromaGuard® deodorants offer the best of both worlds: effective hygiene and product purity. They are the personal care products that enhance your life and protect you from harsh petrochemicals. Start your day with soothing, healing, protecting AromaGuard® deodorants.

Buy Young Living Products here or sign up to get your products at a discount by using my independent distributor # 1064822

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine


Testimonial

Frank is a very physically active 43 year old, who does not always make the smartest choices regarding footwear.

One day while playing soccer in very worn out shoes, he noticed a painful tearing sensation in the heel of his left foot.

Next morning, he could barely walk. Being an avid user of the oils, Frank started applying Peppermint and Wintergreen to his sore foot.

He also went to his doctor, who diagnosed his condition as Plantar Fasciitis. The doctor told him to take mega-doses of Ibuprofen for his foot pain and come back in 6 months for surgery in case the Ibuprofen did not work. Feeling that destroying his liver with megadoses of Ibuprofen might be less than stellar advice, Frank ignored the doctor and kept on applying oils each day. After 3 months, the pain was gone completely and Frank returned to his active lifestyle, though a little bit wiser regarding his choice of footwear.

Frank has a former neighbor named Cathy, also an active 43 year old. Cathy is on her feet all day, running a rescue kennel for abandoned dogs.

Cathy also was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis around the same time Frank was. Cathy elected to follow her doctor’s advice. The Ibuprofen did not help overcome her foot pain, so she elected surgery.

The doctor warned her that the surgery was only successful half of the time. He was not kidding. Cathy was off her feet for over a month after the first surgery. This was followed by a second surgery.

The foot worsened. Cathy went back for a third surgery, now off her feet for most of a year. This time Cathy contracted a Staph infection that almost killed her.

Folks, do the math. Two bottles of Peppermint and Wintergreen versus three extended hospital stays, medication, specialists and a year of lost productivity. How much cheaper would all of our insurance premiums be if the health care profession opened their minds to the plethora of health promoting, non-invasive modalities (such as essential oils) that exist today?

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or disease of the human body.

Candice Collins, Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils Member #1064822

Friday, July 3, 2009

Peppermint Essential Oil Uses

Peppermint has been used in candies and sweets for ages, and not without good reason! Extracted from the Mentha Piperita plant, peppermint essential oil has a very distinct, fresh, menthol smell. The oil itself is light yellow in color, and has a viscosity like that of water. In aromatherapy, the oil is known to stimulate the mind and increase focus. It also has healing properties for the skin, cooling it and healing redness and itches. Furthermore it helps with headaches, sinus problems, chest congestion, and bolsters the digestive system.

The peppermint herb is endemic to the Mediterranean, and is now cultivated in many other countries like the USA, Italy, the UK, and Japan. The oil is extracted by steam distillation just before flowering.

Therapeutic properties:
Peppermint oil has many healing properties. It is an analgesic, antiseptic, anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiphlogistic, antigalactagogue, carminative, astringent, emmenagogue, cephalic, cholagogue, decongestant, febrifuge, expectorant, nervine, hepatic, stimulant, cordial, stomachic, vasoconstrictor, sudorific, and vermifuge.

Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil:

  • Because of it invigorating properties, it is excellent for mental fatigue, stress and depression. It revitalises the sprit and encourages mental agility. For students, it can help to increase concentration. It helps to give relief from headaches and migraines. It can also help shock, nervous stress and vertigo. This strong oil clears the respiratory passage, and helps with coughs, sinus congestion, asthma and pneumonia.
  • It is also helpful for the digestive system. It stimulates the gall bladder and bile secretion. It can be used against colic, dyspepsia, crams, spastic colon, flatulence and nausea.
  • It can also give relief from toothaches, aching feet, muscle pains, rheumatism and painful periods. When applied to the skin, it can relieve skin irritation and itching. It can reduce redness and inflammation. Because of its cooling action, it is used for dermatitis, acne, scabies, ringworm and other skin diseases.

How to use:

  • Peppermint oil blends well with rosemary, lemon, marjoram, lavender, and eucalyptus. It can be mixed with these to achieve different results.
  • Vaporisers - Add a few drops of peppermint oil into a vaporiser to clear up coughs and headaches. It will energise the mind and spirit. When allowed to diffuse in a room, it can act as an insect repellent.
  • Aromatherapy baths - Add a few drops of peppermint or blended oil into a hot bath. This will provide instant energy, and help with aches and pains in the body. It can also help with colic, bowel disorders, cough, and skin problems.
  • Using a sprayer, spray this oil all over your room to keep away ants.
  • Make a mouthwash with diluted peppermint oil to help with bad breath and gum problems.
  • It can be made into a cream or lotion, which will cool the skin and help heal skin problems.

Precautions
When diluted, peppermint oil is bearable, but otherwise it is very strong. Applied undiluted on the skin it may even burn the skin. It should not be used on babies or pregnant women.

Tags: , , ,

This blog is for those interested in understanding aromatherapy, essential oils, natural remedies, and healthy living tips.

Powered by Blogger.