Monday, November 21, 2011

Herbal Treatments For Eczema

Eczema is characterized by inflammation of the skin, resulting in the formation of pustules that may emit a discharge of clear fluid.  Itching, redness, dryness and flakiness of the skin are also common symptoms. Usually, it appears on hands, wrists, arms, neck, face, upper chest and back of the knees.

Many alternative, herbal remedies exist for the treatment of eczema.  Try using the following listed below.  

Coconut oil - can be applied as it helps the skin to remain soft.

Oatmeal - is considered to be one of the best natural eczema treatments that anyone can use. Its vital ingredient is phenol, a known anti-germicidal compound that occurs naturally in many plants.  It works by acting as an anti-oxidant and stopping the effects of free-radicals on the skin.

Turmeric powder - mixed with the same proportions of bitter neem leaves is useful. Try applying these with a cold compress.

Blueberry - alleviates inflammation. 

Papaya seed - prevenst itching.

Herbal treatments are safe alternatives for treating any skin disorder.  They can be easily applied using a homemade herbal soap.  The only negative side effects of herbal treatments are allergic reactions.  Be sure to test the herb or herbal soap on a small portion of your skin before applying to the entire affected area.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Cystic Acne vs Benzoyl Peroxide

Tea tree oil may be used for the treatment of different forms of acne. The most common form of acne is acne vulgaris, also known as cystic acne.  Hard and painful nodules form deep in the skin's tissues with this type of acne.  The effectiveness of tea tree oil for treating cystic acne was demonstrated in a study that appeared in the 2007 January/February issue of "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology." The study found that the application of a gel that consisting of 5 percent tea tree oil significantly reduced the number of acne lesions and the severity of the acne over a 45 day period. 

Benzoyl peroxide is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat acne.  It is a common ingredient in many facial cremes, lotions, and washes produced specifically  for the treatment of acne. The effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil in the treatment on acne was the focus of a study published in the October 1990 issue of "The Medical Journal of Australia." Although this study found that gels containing 5 percent of either substance effectively reduced the number of lesions in participants with mild to moderate acne, the benzoyl peroxide produced results faster. However, tea tree oil yielded less side effects (skin dryness, redness, itchiness and burning).
 
Remember, tea tree oil is toxic and should never be ingested. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be fatal. Although there are no known interactions with medications or herbs, according to the MedlinePlus website, it should be used with caution and at the direction of your doctor.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Important Vitamins & Minerals in Common Herbs

Click the link below to view a list of important vitamins and minerals found in common herbs.  

Also, be sure to visit http://eherbalsoap.com/ for regular updates on the natural benefits of herbal soaps and their powers to promote healthy skin.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Uses of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

When used in an herbal soap, eucalyptus essential oil brings many useful benefits for the user. Eucalyptus oil can treat the following ailments: 

  • Respiratory Problems: A study published in Laryngoscope in 2004 shows its usefulness in treating non-bacterial sinusitis. Patients suffering from non-bacterial sinusitis showed faster improvement when given medicines containing eucalyptus oil. Gargles of eucalyptus oil mixed with warm water are effective on treating sore throat.

  • Wounds: Eucalyptus essential oil is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.
  • Muscle Pain: During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain. The volatile eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain. The oil is massage in circular motion on affected areas.
  • Mental Exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Benefits of Basil Essential Oil

In 

, the crisp-smelling basil oil is often used to clear sinus congestion and bring down fevers. It also has a calming effect on the nerves as it induces calmness of mind and clarity of thought while removing mental fatigue. It’s excellent for stress-related headaches and migraines. It has an uplifting effect for those suffering from depression.

Basil has been proven to be useful in treating ailments relating to the respiratory tract. It provides effective relief for asthma, sinus problems and bronchitis. Relief could also be found for cold, influenza and whooping cough.

Basil essential oil works well in the treatment of infections. Its antibacterial properties are found to retard skin-related infections and those in cuts and wounds. It also works well for viral infections.

Basil's analgesic properties provide relief from painful conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries and sprains.

Stomach-related disorders can be alleviated with the help of basil essential oil. Indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps, flatulence and excessive gas in the stomach and intestines are among the conditions basil oil’s carminative properties can provide relief for.

Other ailments basil has been proven to be effective in treating are nausea and motion sickness, not to mention insect bites.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/78711.aspx#ixzz1IhZbwJIB

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/78711.aspx#ixzz1IhZUwCGo

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Coriander Essential Oil Benefits

The health benefits of coriander essential oil can be attributed to its properties of being an analgesic, aphrodisiac, depurative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, lipolytic, and stimulant. 

Analgesic: Components like Terpineol and Terpinolene makes Coriander oil and analgesic, i.e. an agent that reduces pain. This oil has been found to be effective for curing toothache, headache and other pains of joints, muscles and those resulting from injuries or collisions. It reduces pain by desensitizing the affected part.

Aphrodisiac: Coriander Oil can make your married life a heaven. It arouses and increases libido as well as cures temporary impotency, frigidity of both male and female, erectile dysfunctions and loss of interest in sex. It stimulates certain hormones that activate the sleeping Cupid in you and brings you to a mischievous mood.

Depurative: Coriander Oil cleans blood of toxins and thus acts as a detoxifier or blood purifies. It helps remove the regular toxins like uric acid, heavy metals and certain compounds and hormones produced by the body itself, from blood, as well as other foreign toxins which get into blood accidentally.

Deodorant: Like coriander, Coriander Oil is a good deodorant too. It clears bad breath and eliminates mouth and body odor, when used internally or externally. When consumed or ingested, the typical aroma of this Coriander Oil mixes with the sweat and fights body odor as well as fights oral odor as its scent, coming up from your stomach, fills your mouth. This also helps inhibit the bacterial growth in mouth and around sweat glands and thereby fighting odor. Mixed in water, when externally applied or used as a mouthwash, it again does the trick.

Digestive: Coriander Oil has very good digestive properties. It gives prompt relief in indigestion and flatulence and its aroma also acts as an appetizer.

Fungicidal: It inhibits growth of fungus and helps cure fungal infections. This property helps cure a number of skin diseases, most of which are caused due to fungal infections. It also helps cure dysentery, which is often caused due to fungal growth.

Lipolytic: People who are fed up of trying all possible methods to lose fat need to pay an attention over this property of Coriander Oil. It promotes lipolysis, which means hydrolysis of lipids and which in turn means hydrolysis or breaking down of fats and cholesterol. The faster the lipolysis, the faster you get slim and lose weight. The best part of it is that you need not go for a liposuction which has terrible adverse effects on health as well as costs a fortune.

Stimulant: It stimulates and warms up the organic systems and various functions going on inside the body. It stimulates hormone and enzymes secretions, digestion, excretion, brain functions and nerves. It also fights depression and boosts spirit.

Other Benefits: Improves appetite, regulates endocrinal secretions, cures nausea and tendency to vomit etc.

Few Words of Caution: Nothing serious. Only that if taken in excess, it can make you lose control over your senses for a while, as if you are spell bound. You cannot decide properly.

Blending: The other essential oils with which Coriander Oil can be blended well are Bergamot, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Ginger, Neroli, Lemon, Lime, Orange and other Citrus fruits oils.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Benefits of Rose Oil in Herbal Soap

Rose oil in herbal soap is well-known for its relaxing and massaging properties. Adding a drop or two in facials, massages and even baths will surely provide luxurious relaxing and even a soothing experience. It also helps in glowing skin and also used as toner. This particular oil is preferred in lotions, powders, creams and many cosmetics. Rose water is also available which is useful for refreshing up skin when washed with it. Another remarkable property of rose oil is that they are romantic, gently cheering and even creative oil! The source of these oils is the rose flower and is extracted from the petals. Traditionally it was used as astringent. It is special oil that is capable of blending with all floral oils. Jasmine is specially recommended in this case. The major ingredients in this oil are very complex such as geraniol, phenyl ethanol, stearopten, nerol and citronellol. The only precaution that has to be taken is to prevent its use during pregnancy!

Rose oil is frequently used in medicinal purposes. It is highly recommended to use Rose oil when having burning or itching sensations in the eyes. You will have to soak cotton pads in diluted Rose oil solution and place it on eyes for 10-15 minutes. Keeping the cotton for a few minutes provides a remarkable change in the stress levels of eyes and also in any other eye problem. It can also be used in cooking to impart a unique flavor or aroma to your food. Rose oil is highly recommended for massages as it has no side effects and can be used by any type of skin. It is not at all harmful even if used on cut or wounded skin. Due to its romantic and pleasant smell it is well sought by people through out the world and is highly in demand.