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.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Herbs for Treating Acne

Acne is a skin infection that is caused by the excess of production of sebum. When too much sebum is secreted, it clogs the pores of our skin. This often results in pimples or acne and makes the skin look unhealthy.

People of all age groups can be affected by this skin disorder but it is most commonly seen in teenagers when there is hormonal imbalance in the body. Males and females are both prone to this. Females are more prone to acne during their menstruation as there is a hormonal imbalance.  Acne can result in scars on the face and body if treated improperly.

The following herbal remedies have been suggested as alternative methods to prescribed medications for treating acne:

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is commonly used in many creams and ointments. This herb has antibacterial property. Aloe gel can be directly applied to the affected area.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil can be directly applied on skin too.

3. Lavender: Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Neem: Neem is very useful for all kinds of skin problems. The leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin.

5. Echinacea: This helps in improving the body immunization which helps the system to heal and get rid of toxins.

Reference: http://www.articlefield.com/163836/5-effective-herbal-remedies-for-acne-that-work/

Friday, March 4, 2011

Sandlewood Soap Benefits

Sandlewood is a herb that has been used since ancient times because of its ability to soothe the body and mind.  The ancient Egyptians, Indians, and Chinese used it to bring calmness to the mind, reduce depression, and to treat skin disorders.  Sandlewood's scent has long been considered an aphrodisiac as well by many cultures throughout history.  Today, sandlewood is most often used in herbal soaps or in aromatherapy oils.  The main mental and physical benefits of sandlewood are summarized below.

Soothes and Calms the Mind

In ancient cultures, such as that of India, the scent of sandalwood has long been appreciated for its affects on the mind, some would even say on the soul. Sandalwood has been used in a religious context for thousands of years, helping to calm the mind and ease meditation. It’s not surprising that today sandalwood is used by practitioners of aromatherapy to offer relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. Clinical studies, according to the National Cancer Institute, have demonstrated some positive benefit from aromatherapy, and researchers continue to study its potential.


Helps the Skin Supple and Healthy

The skin is the largest organ of the body, serving to protect all that is underneath it in part by blocking harmful bacteria from entering. Protecting it from becoming too dry is important, not just for appearance, but also for health. When skin gets dry to the point of cracking, those cracks in the surface of the skin offer an opportunity for germs and bacteria to enter the body. A good quality sandalwood soap, made with true Sandalwood oil, cleanses without drying, its own oils remaining to protect the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple.


Antiseptic and Other Properties

In the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine, still relied upon by many in India today and gaining recognition throughout the world, sandalwood is believed to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Because of this, it is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a broad range of skin disorders, ranging from mild abrasions to acne to dermatitis. Clinical studies are in progress to determine how effective this traditional remedy is, and some researchers are even seeking to test its effectiveness in helping to treat serious skin diseases, such as cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Differences Between Psoriasis and Eczema

Many people often confuse the symptoms of psoriasis with those of eczema.  While some symptoms may be similar, they are in fact two completely disorders. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by reddish bumps that itch and flake off, causing the skin underneath to bleed.  Two common types are plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most commonly diagnosed version.  In this, the reddish lesions form silver scales which eventually fall off.  The scales are excess skin produced when certain substances in the body become unbalanced, and cause skin cells to grow out of control. In severe cases skin cells grow at a rate up to 1,000 faster than normal growth.

Guttate psoriasis appears most often in children and young adults, showing as small, red bumps the size of drops of water on the skin. It usually appears suddenly, often several weeks after an infection, such as strep throat.

Eczema

Eczema is almost identical to psoriasis.  The main difference between the two is that in eczema, the skin does not usually flake off like it does in psoriasis.  Also, the skin may or may not be rough and form small bumps.

Eczema is generally erupts in response to environmental factors such as exposure to products containing harsh chemicals. Psoriasis, on the other hand, usually has a genetic link, and is a response to factors occurring inside of the body.

Who is suffering from these skin disorders can be a good sign of whether the affliction is eczema or psoriasis. As a general rule, psoriasis tends to strike adults most often, while eczema is more commonly seen in children.

Both psoriasis and eczema are maddening, inconvenient, irritating and embarrassing skin diseases presenting coping difficulties for both adults and children. Under any circumstances, a visit to a dermatologist is a must to address diagnosis and treatment options.