Holistic Health And Wellbeing Advice from Holistic Health Experts
natural medicine
Natural medicine categories such as holistic medicine, complementary medicine, traditional medicine, ayurvedic medicine and alternative medicine. The use of herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, aromatherapy, healing foods
The Therapeutic benefits of clary sage essential oil, why it is known as a gift for female health and well-being by holistic and modern medicine.
What is Clary Sage? And why is clary sage widely regarded as a hormone-balancing essential oil for many female hormone-related issues? To help reduce anxiety and stress, a supportive muscle relaxantand antidepressant.
What is Clary Sage? (Salvia sclarea)
Clary sage also known as salvia scalrea is a purplish blue flower/plant that is cultivated worldwide although it is native to Southern Europe. Its extensive therapeutic properties make it regarded as a high-value essential oil which is used in cosmetics, perfume and for medicinal use.
Each species of clary sage grown in different countries demonstrates different biological activity and chemical composition as documented by Researchgate.net
History Of Clary Sage
Clary sage also known as ‘clear eye’ and ‘Oculus Christi’ (Eye of Christ) has been used since the middles ages for its medicinal properties. The flowers of clary sage were added to salads and are still used as a herbal tea. It is widely used in herbalism, ayurveda, allopathic medicine, cosmetics and perfumes.
Therapeutic Properties Of Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage is a well-known antispasmodic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory that has antifungal and antiseptic, and anti-infectious properties.
Clary sage oil helps alleviate insomnia, lowers cortisol levels, encourages deeper quality sleep, and acts as a natural sedative and nerve tonic.
A great antispasmodic and muscle relaxation it is widely used to treat muscular cramps, muscle tension, and muscle painand increase circulation.
As an essential oil Clary Sage helps regulate the endocrine system as it is potent in natural “phytoestrogens” that mimic the effects of oestrogen in the human body and are reputed to slow down osteoporosis.
It helps alleviate menstrual cramps, it is widely used to reduce PMT premenstrual tension and PMS premenstrual symptoms.
Insomnia
It is widely used by clinical aromatherapists to help boost mood, reduce anxiety and stress levels. It is reputed to be a natural antidepressant.
Use Of Clary Sage Oil In Modern Medicine
Clary sage has been used extensively in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industry for many years.
Research Into The Use Of Clary Sage Oil
“Effect of clary sage oil as an aromatherapy on cardiac autonomic function among patients with premenstrual syndrome – A randomized controlled study” S. Geethanjali, V. Venugopal, S. Poonguzhali, K. Maheshkumar.
“Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil” † Kyung-Bok Lee, Eun Cho, Young-Sook Kang
Some of the main health benefits of Eucalyptus Oil in modern medicine and holistic medicine. The history of eucalyptus oil, its use in medicine, and how to use eucalyptus at home as a natural home remedy.
Eucalyptus is widely used in medicine and pharmacology, especially in the treatment of respiratory conditions, coughs, colds, and influenza. It is also used in pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory including being anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral and antiseptic.
That is why I recommend you have eucalyptus at home in your natural medicine cabinet. Although it has to be used with certain cautions, not used on infants, eucalyptus is very versatile.
What Is Eucalyptus Oil?
Eucalyptus Oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree which is native to Australia and surrounding areas. There are actually over 400 species of eucalyptus but most eucalyptus oil is extracted from the Eucalyptus Globulus tree.
The eucalyptus oil is obtained by extracting oil from the leaves through steam distillation.
Eucalyptus oil has been used in medicine for thousands of years, by the aborigines, in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, as well as different types of European and Greek Medicine.
Eucalyptus trees first arrived in the UK as seeds in 1774. In 1778 two Doctors in Australia Dennis Codden and John White started to treat colic and different chest issues with distilled Eucalyptus Piperita.
But it wasn’t until botanist Baron Ferdinand von Muller’s writings about different Eucalyptus species in approx 1860 did Eucalyptus start to come to the forefront first as antiseptic.
During the first World War 1, Eucalyptus was used to help put an end to a serious occurrence of meningitis in the midst of the influenza epidemic.
It would be later used in the treatment of different respiratory conditions and other ailments. And used in very tiny drops it would be used in dental products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum as well as cough drops and sweets.
Medical Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus
Some of the medical health benefits of eucalyptus used in pharmacology, holistic and modern medicine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Do not use eucalyptus on infants, always use sparingly as it is highly potent, caution on sensitive skin.
Eucalyptus In Dental Products
Eucalyptus is widely used in mouthwash and toothpaste due to its reputation for fighting off infections, bacteria, and tooth decay. It also helps eliminate bad breath and alleviates symptoms of herpes simplex 1 (cold sores). Some dentists also suggest eucalyptus in mouthwash can help reduce the risk of receding gums.
Eucalyptus For Respiratory Infections
Eucalyptus is widely used in aromatherapy and medicine to help treat asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, throat infections, and flu. I take these Eucalyptus Pastilles during the winter months.
In just one medical research paper we see how a herbal emulsion of eucalyptus oil can help treat influenza. “Oil-in-water emulsion formulated with eucalyptus leaves extract inhibit influenza virus binding and replication in vitro”
In aromatherapy, we recommend steam inhalation of eucalyptus oil for many respiratory infections, colds, flu, asthma, and bronchitis. As well as or a hot compress, see bottom of the page for instructions.
Eucalyptus For Pain Relief And In Treatment Of Inflammation
Eucalyptus can be used in compresses for deep muscular pain and tension. See below for hot compress instructions. This is a great Eucalyptus Balm For the muscles from NYR Organics.
Eucalyptus As An Insect Repellant
Eucalyptus has been officially registered as an insecticide and miticide, especially for the elimination of mites and ticks for over 70 years.
One way to use eucalyptus oil at home as an insect repellant is to diffuse essential oil through a diffuser. Another way is to add a few drops of eucalyptus to a spray bottle and use it to disinfect work surfaces, floors, and cupboards. Or add it with a few other oils such as tea-tree, thyme to spray bottle.
The Safe And Effective Use Of Essential Oils
Most people underestimate the power, properties, and potency of essential oils. Even though essential oils are extracts of nature every essential oil is uniquely made up of different volatile compounds.
Each essential oil tends to have a long list of therapeutic properties but some also have potentially toxic and harmful properties when not used in a safe and effective way.
So it is important that you choose the right essential oil for your and your family’s need and use that oil in the most appropriate safe and effective way for each person. That includes checking for contraindications, safety use guidelines, and buying good high-quality essential oils. That is why I choose NYR Organics and have my own online shop.
WARNING: EUCALYPTUS is highly potent it should not be used on infants. Use essential oils with care, especially when applying essential oil blends on children, the elderly, those with certain health challenges or medical conditions. Always check with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist to see if essential oils are suitable for any chronic or rare medical condition.
Steam Inhalation Instructions:
Recommended oils for inhalation include eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, tea-tree.
How To Inhale Steam
You’ll need the following materials:
a large basin or bowl
water
a pot or kettle
towel
Steps To Inhale Safely And Effectively
Boil the water.
Carefully pour the hot water into the bowl.
Then drape the towel over the back of your head.
Turn on a timer.
Close your eyes and then slowly lower your head toward the bowl until you’re about 8 to 12 inches away from the water. Be extremely careful to avoid making direct contact with the water.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for at least two to five minutes.
Aromatherapy Diffusing
Aromatherapy diffusers are a great way to diffuse essential oils out in the home. Many essential oils diffused can help eliminate or reduce viruses, boost the immune system. They can also help produce happy hormones, help you unwind and relax. Most diffusers will come with instructions on how many drops of essential oil to use to add to water tank.
Hot Compress Instructions
You’ll need the following materials:
a small bowl
water
a pot or kettle
small flannel or towel
For a hot eucalyptus compress, add one drop of eucalyptus oil to a small bowl of hot water. Then dip the cotton flannel into the water and apply directly to the skin.
Aromatherapy Bath Instructions
The best way to add essential oils to the bath is to add the oils to a base oil that will easily disperse in the bath such as avocado, coconut oil, olive oil.
Adult Recommendations:
Run bathwater.
Then add 5 ml of your eucalyptus essential oil blend ( a mixture of carrier oil such as coconut oil with essential oils)
Or add 5 drops of Pure Essential Oils to bathwater.
Then thoroughly disperse in water before entering the bathwater.
Relax in the bath for a minimum of 10-15 minutes to get the full benefit.
What is the Main Difference Between Organic Remedies and Natural Remedies?
Are organic remedies and natural remedies the same or different?
What about organic medicine and natural medicine?
Should I choose organic over more natural remedies to support my family’s health and wellbeing.
Well first of all it’s important to explore what Organic And Natural means:
What is Organic?
Anything that is Organic means it is entire growth and production is free from chemicals and toxins, for example, free from anything that is not a natural fertilizer, pesticide, or preservative.
Organic And Natural – What is the difference?
The biggest difference between an organic remedy and a natural remedy is both are made by the extraction or blend of ingredients from nature. For example a plant; vegetable, fruit, or tree.
In the cultivation, the plant or plants from see to end production must be completely free of anything inorganic or manmade.
Certification Of Organic Products
Anyone who manufactures an organic product needs to pass what is regarded as organic certification. For example, we recommend a lot of NYR Organic Products because we use them ourselves.
Neal Yard Remedies sell a variety of natural remedies, some are organic natural remedies, and some are organic essential oils. Anything that is clearly organic has to be clearly labeled.
The biggest difference between an organic remedy and a natural remedy is that both may be extracted from nature. For example a plant, vegetable, fruit, or tree. In the cultivation and growth of the plant, the plant/plants must be completely free of anything inorganic or manmade.
Natural Medicine
This means that natural medicine although medicine from nature isn’t necessarily organic medicine, neither is a natural remedy automatically organic remedy it is important to check the ingredients and or label of the product.
We have included some of our favourite natural and organic remedies and organic essential oils below:
is a perfect blend of organic aromatherapy essential oils that can help support and defend the human immune system.
It includes Organic Thyme Essential Oil, purifying Niaouli and the refreshing zing of lemongrass.
As an aromatherapist Thyme Essential Oil is one of those oils I would add to a spray bottle or blend to help fight against certain bacteria and viruses at winter. Especially to clean surfaces and the environment.
A great non-toxic product if you want to avoid chemical nasties.
Pure organic eucalyptus oil is another powerful essential oil used in organic medicine and natural medicine. It is particularly used in a lot of cold and flu natural remedies for the chest or used for inhalation. Eucalyptus oil is also great to diffuse at home during cold, flu or virus seasons.
Eucalyptus is one of my favourite winter essential oils to add to my diffuser Learn More
Elderberry syrup is one of the oldest well known natural remedies, organic remedies used in the winter months here in the UK. The elderberry tree grows wild in Europe and North America.
Elderberries are known for their high antioxidants and vitamins. Other than being used as a cough syrup it can be a great boost to be added to your cereals, porridge, or fresh juice.
Organic vetivert (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a deeply sedating, grounding organic essential oil. Vetiveria it is also said to be useful as a nerve tonic and said to repel ticks.
Vetivert oil can be a great oil to support a deep quality sleep, suffer from insomnia. A great sleep aid for those whose sleep cycle is compromised e.g. work night shift, or back shift.
Caution: Don’t apply directly to skin, add a few drops to a bath or well-diluted in a massage blend. Use sparingly don’t continue to use daily as Vetivert stays in the bloodstream for more than a few days.
Organic Remedies For Babies And Children
With an increase in toxic products, many parents are consciously choosing organic natural baby remedies and natural skin care products for their babies and children’s well-being.
These natural products for infants and kids that are well-reputed to be more safe, effective and far healthier for our children’s health and our environment.
A collection of Natural and Organic Baby Products. Organic Baby Balm, Pure Baby Oil, and Organic Baby Bath and Shampoo with lovely organic cotton flannel.
This is perfect gift to nurture that newborn baby or infant without any toxic nasties. Learn More
Why Choose Homeopathy for Children? Supporting children’s health naturally through homeopathy by Naturopath, Karen McElroy.
Why Choose Homeopathy For Children
As any parent will know, the rapid growth and development a child goes through from birth through to early adulthood is phenomenal. This growth requires abundant energy and good vitality. One of the best things to remember when making choices for your kids is that “children are not little adults.” Kids are sensitive, they are still growing and have their own needs and requirements as they follow their own trajectory of development. We should try to minimise ‘adult’ environmental conditions before our children are old enough to handle them. This is true of everything from the dosage of medication, exposure to processed foods to television shows, the news, and other adult topics of conversation.
Developmentally, a child’s organs do not reach maturity until the teenage years. As such, they are less effective at handling toxins, through the kidneys or liver. So when it comes to medicines and foods, wherever possible we should consider safe and natural options like homeopathy for children. Supporting children’s health naturally with gentle medicine options and quality nutritious foods gives them the best start in life.
Why Homeopathy For Children And Infants Is So Popular
Like all plants and animals, our bodies have an innate intelligence or natural capacity to heal and self-regulate. This inner power or vital force is understood and harnessed in all-natural health traditions and is seen to govern growth and development as well as healing and repairs of the body. So long as the environment is favourable to our body, this innate vital force does a great job of keeping us healthy. The environment is everything from the food we eat, to our sleep quality, our home life, and relationships. So when children are sick, we must identify where the imbalance has occurred and endeavour to make changes to allow the body to heal. Consider for example, whether there is enough nutrition being provided, whether sufficient sleep is being obtained or whether there is too much screen time or stress and disharmony in the home. An imbalance that leads to symptoms and illness can often be remedied by making necessary changes in the environment.
In some cases, additional natural medicines can be offered that can help support faster healing or strengthen the constitution and can be especially useful when the environmental conditions are difficult to change or will take some time to be effective. Homeopathy for children is a great tool to support children’s health naturally. Homeopathy has a natural affinity with children and offers a very safe and effective option for many health complaints.
Homeopathy was founded by Samuel Hahnemann, a German medical doctor who, by a chance experiment, discovered that some plants could cause a range of symptoms, but when the same plant was used in a much smaller diluted dosage, it could treat the same symptoms. This came to be known as the Law of Similars, or ‘like cures like’. Broader principles of homeopathy were developed along with foundations of natural medicine practice, giving rise to the homeopathic tenets that remedies should be gentle, do no harm, have a rapid impact on symptoms, and deal with the underlying root cause of the disease. A reason homeopathy for children and infants is so popular.
Homeopathy has continued to be a popular medicine and despite modern medicine’s focus on powerful drugs and big profits, new scientific understanding of energy and the quantum field suggest that the body has many layers from the physical to the vibrational/energetic, and thus homeopathic medicines can work on the more subtle layers to effect change right across the body.
Homeopathic medicines come from many different natural substances, including minerals, plants, and animals. They aim to treat the whole person, and thus symptoms are evaluated on both the physical body level as well as the level of the mind in order to find a remedy that matches closely. Finding a remedy that displays as many similarities to the symptom picture gives the best chance of it working. There are remedies for just about every health complaint, and many symptom pictures can be found in more than one remedy, so honing in on the best one, with the best match to the child’s illness picture is important.
Popular Homeopathic Remedies For Children
Some popular homeopathic remedies for children’s health complaints include Pulsatilla for cold, coughs, and clinginess, Chamomilla for teething and diarrhoea, and Arnica for bumps, sprains, and bruises. When selecting a remedy, a process called repertorising is used by a homeopath, where all the symptoms are listed in as much detail and then cross-referenced with the remedy picture to ensure the correct remedy is found.
Homeopathic medicines are normally dispensed in small sucrose pilules that have the remedy absorbed into them or they are suspended in liquids. They are easy to administer to children and they are very safe as the physical substance has been diluted and there is no risk of overdose. Remedies come in different potencies, from very low potency which is closest to the physical substance, through to very high potency that has a higher frequency imprint of the medicine. Generally speaking, the lower potencies are used for more physical health issues, while the higher potencies are used for more emotional and mental symptoms. A popular mid-range potency is 30c, which means the remedy has been diluted and potentised 30 times.
Homeopathic First Aid Kits And Remedy Books
While simple homeopathic first aid kits and remedy books are available and useful for administering at home for straightforward conditions, it is important to always have the backup of a medical professional to support and guide you in managing your child’s health, and serious health issues should always be treated and managed by a qualified health professional or doctor. Next time your child is struggling with a health issue, step back and see what is out of balance, make some healthy changes to their diet or lifestyle and consider using some homeopathic medicines to support your child’s return to health and vitality. Meanwhile, check out Karen’s Homeopathic First Aid Kits and Kids Healthy Lunchbox Book
Help Boost Your Kids Health
with these Nutritious And Tasty Lunch Ideas For Kids by Naturopath & Medical Herbalist Karen McElroy
Karen is a qualified naturopath, with over 20 years of clinical experience specialising in women and children’s health.She offers both in-person consultations at her clinics on the Sunshine Coast, Australia as well as offering online video or phone consultations for people internationally. Karen also speaks at conferences and runs a range of popular courses, workshops, and retreats. Visit her website for more information about homeopathy for children and adults at https://www.karenmcelroy.com.au/
How to Grow a Small Organic Garden outdoors or indoors in a small space, using bedding, planters, or even using hydroponics. The things every gardener needs to consider when creating a Small Organic Garden.
A Small Organic Garden
Organic growing is essential if you want to do the right thing for people and the planet. The basic principles of organic food production are simple. In organic growing, you avoid the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. More than this, however, organic growing is about working with nature rather than fighting it. A small organic garden can take many different forms. It can be:
·A small container garden (on a balcony or patio, or even indoors).
·A vertical garden, growing leafy plants in pockets or on shelves up against a sunny wall.
·A small kitchen garden, with traditional rows, or more diverse and abundant planting.
·Or a low maintenance forest garden – with one or more fruit trees with layered perennial planting below.
Even in small spaces, you have a lot of choices when it comes to how exactly you grow.
However and wherever you choose to grow, there are certain very important things to bear in mind when gardening organically:
Top Tips for Organic Gardening
–Work from an understanding of the environment, and choose the right plants for the right places.
–Boost biodiversity in plant and animal life as much as possible. Protect and value wildlife, which will help you in your gardening endeavours.
–Protect and care for the soil in your small organic garden. Healthy soil equals good gardens and healthy people.
–Think about water. Harvest rainwater wherever possible and use it wisely in your garden.
–Maintain fertility over time – make sure you return nutrients to the system.
Getting Started On A Small Organic Garden
To grow a small organic garden, you need to make sure you have the basics in place. Before you begin:
–Learn more about natural cycles, your own garden, and specific plants. The more you know before you begin, the more successful you can be in your gardening efforts. Growing organic vegetables, organic fruits, organic herbs, and organic flowers can be easier than you might think. And you can hone skills and develop knowledge over time. But taking some time to learn and grow yourself before you start growing plants can be a great idea.
–Get the basics in place. Before you make new growing areas or sow any seeds, think about water management. Consider setting up rainwater harvesting systems. And get a composting system in place.
–Choose a growing method from those mentioned above – thinking about the best solution for your own particular site and your own particular needs.
–Make a plan for your growing areas. Think about any containers you might need. If you will be creating raised beds or growing in the ground, it is a great idea to use ‘no dig’ gardening methods. In no-dig gardening, the goal is to disturb the soil ecosystem as little as possible. In a no-dig garden, organic matter mulches are laid over the soil surface to build healthy soil over time.
Creating New Growing Areas
In container gardens, choosing the right containers and the right growing medium is key. Make your own growing medium or buy a sustainable organic option. (Avoid peat-based media, which are not an eco-friendly choice.)
If you are creating raised beds or traditional vegetable plots, determine the best position for these beds (considering climate and microclimate – sunlight, wind, and water – and the needs of plants you want to grow).
‘Lasagna beds’ are one great solution for no-dig gardening. Making a lasagna garden means layering ‘brown’ (carbon rich) and ‘green’ (nitrogen rich) organic materials to compost in place. These layers are covered with a thin layer of compost/soil into which you can plant.
In a forest garden, you will begin by planting one or more fruit trees (or other useful trees). You will then establish guilds of beneficial plants. Mostly perennial plants will be placed around the trees to form low maintenance ecosystems that mimic a natural woodland or forest ecosystem, but provide us with the edible and other useful yields we need.
Choosing Seeds and Plants and Planting For Your Small Organic Garden
When choosing seeds and plants for any organic garden, choose them for your particular garden. And think about what you and your household actually like to eat. If you choose the right plants for the right places, your chances of success are always going to be much higher.
Think, also, about how to combine different plants for the best results. Choosing beneficial combinations is called ‘companion planting’. It can help with environmental conditions, fertility, pollination, and pest control in an organic garden.
There is a lot to learn about organic gardening. But it is easy to get started on the right track. Take the plunge and you will grow a small organic garden successfully, one seed at a time.
Elizabeth Waddington is a permaculture designer, sustainability consultant, and writer, working to encourage organic gardening and promote sustainable change around the world.
If you would like to include a link to my business website – www.ewspconsultancy.com – that would be great.
The benefits of Tea-Tree for medicinal, pharmaceutical, home, and travel use. Learn why Tea-Tree is an extremely versatile essential oil used by not just aromatherapists but the by the army, navy, nurses, doctors, families, and backpackers. Learn some of the cosmetic and medicinal use of Tea Tree.
What is Tea-Tree?
Tea Tree Oil comes from the leaves of the small Tea-Tree Plant ( Melaleuca alternifolia) this tree is said to originate from the warmer areas of Australia. So the Tea Tree plant needs a more warm climate to grow.
Although Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, do not confuse Tea Tree with Cajeput, Niauouli, Kanuka or Manuka oil extracted obtained from other Melaleuca species. Or the plant that grows leaves used to make black, green and oolong tea.
What Is Tea-Tree Essential Oil?
Tea-Tree Essential Oil is the essential oil extracted or distilled from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It is highly concentrated and highly potent so should be used sparingly and safely. Tea tree oil has been used in natural medicine for centuries by the Aborigines. One way they would prepare and use it was crush the Melaleuca alternifolia leaves and then apply the oil to the skin. Or through inhalation to treat colds and coughs.
When buying TeaTree Essential Oil for therapeutic use always use a high-grade essential oil like NYR’s Organic Tea-Tree Pure Essential Oil.
Safe Use Of Tea-Tree Essential Oil
NEVER USE TEA TREE INTERNALLY
DO NOT USE ON BABIES
Never apply tea tree oil directly to skin. You should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as almond oil, apricot kernel coconut oil, or olive oil.
For every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil.
Blend 1 drop of TTO to at least 20 drops of carrier oil for children over 7 years.
Or 1 drop of TTO to the bath for children over 5 years.
Be careful to avoid the eye area
Before use do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react to the tea tree oil.
Natural Components of Tea-Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Here are just some of the natural components of Tea-Tree
Tea-Tree is not just widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Tea Tree began being used by the Australian army during World War II, the navy soon added Tea Tree Oil to their first aid kits as an official germicide.
Tea-Tree is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry particularly for its anesthetic, ant-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. There also has been a huge surge in the use of Tea-Tree Oil in cosmetics over the last decade especially because of its wide skincare benefits to reduce acne and fungal issues. That is why the tea-tree market is graded into both Pharma-Cosmetic Grade and Therapeutic Grade. The fact that Tea Tree has so many therapeutic benefits especially being antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic it is assumed its market use will continue to increase especially in more developed countries.
That is why Tea-Tree Essential Oil is something I believe everyone should have in both their travel and home first aid kit. A small 10 ml bottle of Tea Tree Oil is extremely inexpensive, versatile, easy to pack and store, especially for backpackers who require a lightweight and small travel first-aid kit.
Learn about the health benefits of turmeric, regarded as the star of the spice world. Known as ‘the Golden Spice’, the turmeric root has been used in Indian cuisine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is famous for its vibrant yellow colour and has a warm bitter taste. Also known as Curcuma longa—a member of the ginger family, it is primarily cultivated from the rhizomes, or roots, of the flowering turmeric plant in India and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Research On Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Research has shown that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can support brain and gut health, promote a healthy immune system and benefit a range of inflammatory conditions. Registered Nutritional therapist Clarrissa Lenherr states that ‘turmeric has been shown in emerging science to be anti-inflammatory, so it can really help bring down inflammation that can occur in the body, whether that is from poor diet, stress, stimulant use, pollution, and lots of causes.’ You can watch Clarrissa explain the benefits of turmeric and curcumin and why she is a fan of Your Bodhi Natural Turmeric
Active Ingredients In Turmeric
Turmeric is made up of bioactive compounds, collectively known as curcuminoids. Curcumin is the primary curcuminoid and the most active ingredient in turmeric. Research shows that curcumin is a powerful polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase the amount of antioxidants our body produces. Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health – Susan J. Hewlings, Douglas S. Kalman. Turmeric contains around 3% curcuminoids and therefore one teaspoon of turmeric powder (about 5,000 mg) only provides about 150 mg of curcuminoids.
Many studies have shown that it is the curcumin that is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with turmeric and that taking curcumin regularly can have a wide range of benefits. These benefits can include:
Supporting Your Immune System
A strong and healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Studieshave demonstrated that turmeric contains excellent anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Research also shows it can help to regulate different signalling molecules which are essential for the functioning of a health immune system.
Alleviating Joint Pain
Inflammation in the joints can be very painful, causing swelling and restricting movement. Studies have shown that turmeric and curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and tenderness, cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. In particular, a study by Vilai Kuptniratsaikul et al. has shown that curcumin can reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with arthritis.
Reducing symptoms of Skin Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process. However long term chronic inflammation of the skin can lead to eczema and damage the skin. Studies have shown that curcumin can suppress pro-inflammatory signals, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make curcumin perfectly placed to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
A 2016 systematic review of clinical evidence by Alexandra R Vaughn et al has shown that curcumin can help to reduce itchiness and scaling for people with eczema.
Supporting Gut Health
Our gut health is not just important for digestion but a healthy gut supports the immune system and contributes to general health and wellbeing. Registered Nutritionist Clarris Lenherr states that ‘turmeric is full of polyphenols, which are kind of antioxidants that can actually feed and really nourish the beneficial bacteria that we have living in our digestive system. So it’s a great way to actually support digestive health’.
Studies have shown that curcumin can have positive effects on human gut microbiota, reducing intestinal inflammation, as well as supporting diverse gut bacteria which supports a strong immune system.
Reducing Muscle Inflammation and Soreness
Working muscles hard can often lead to damage to the muscle fibres which can cause soreness and stiffness. Muscle damage can be caused by overexertion or wrong use of a muscle.
Curcumin And Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
A recent study in 2017 by Jäger R et al. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis shows that groups of those provided with curcumin had a ‘measurable impact on muscle damage and recovery in 59 healthy, physically active, young adult participants after downhill running’. The findings were that those in a curcumin group ‘had significantly reduced elevation in creatine kinase levels, which are elevated when there is muscle damage’ and ‘Self-reported pain scores were significantly reduced as well in curcumin groups compared to placebo groups.’
Turmeric and Black Pepper
Turmeric and curcumin are poorly absorbed by the human body on their own. Pairing turmeric with black pepper extract known as piperine can increase the bioavailability and absorption. Proper absorption of turmeric has been shown to enhance curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%. This means that you should add some black pepper whenever you are cooking with turmeric, or make sure you choose a turmeric or curcumin supplement that contains piperine.
Sophie Nazareth, the Founder of Your Bodhi set up her business to share the amazing benefits of turmeric and curcumin. After personally struggling with a chronic illness for years, discovering curcumin helped her to regain control of her life.
Check Out Your Bodhi’s Natural Turmeric Curcumin Click Here
Acne Ayurveda Herbal Treatment And Home Remedies. Acne, or Acne Vulgaris, commonly known as pimples, is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by the presence of bumps with or without pus formation on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. It is formed when dead skin cells or skin oil from the outer surface of skin clog the hair follicle and cause local inflammation. It occurs most commonly around puberty. In some cases, acne does affect adults as well. As it affects appearance, many young people experience a lack of self-confidence due to repeated acne and often resort to measures which would give them instant benefits. Acne presents itself as blackheads, whiteheads, or in severe cases, painful enlarged bumps called cystic acne.
Causes
Hormones: Imbalance in hormones can lead to increased production of sebum, which clog pores and results in acne formation. Anaerobic bacterial infections Unhealthy diet Stress Environmental factors like pollutants, spores, allergies.
Management of Acne in modern medicine often limits to use of oral and topical antibiotics,
comedolytic, and anti-inflammatory agents. As these medicines have harmful effects, in the
long run, it is important to look for an alternative approach.
Acne- An Ayurvedic View
Acne is known as Yauvan Pidika (yauvan – adolescence, pidika- pustules) or Mukh Dooshika
in Ayurveda.
Causes
The primary cause of acne is an imbalance of all three Doshas, particularly Pitta Dosha which
further vitiates Rakt (Blood) Meda (Fat) and Lasika (lymphatics). This impaired dosha and
dhatu lead to the production of toxins. These toxins block the Strota (body channels) leading
to pimple formation.
Acnes are furthermore aggravated by the intake of sour, spicy and oily food items.
Management.
One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is treating on a holistic level. Management
includes a change in diet, lifestyle, and proper use of Ayurvedic herbs.
Balance Doshas:
Imbalance of three Doshas, mainly aggravated Pitta Dosha is treated with pitta pacifying diet
and lifestyle.
Ayurvedic herbs:
These potent Ayurvedic herbs will help in tackling the root cause of acne formation with
healing effects.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice used in all kitchens. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-
bacterial, and digestive properties. It addresses all the pathology in acne formation, making it
the most widely used remedy to treat acne.
How to use it
Oral:
Taking Turmeric supplements
Drinking turmeric tea- Boil an inch of ginger and a teaspoon of organic turmeric powder in a
cup of water. Turn off the gas and let the flavors infuse for 10 mins. Strain and drink warm
Topical:
Mix turmeric powder with honey and apply it as a spot treatment on acne overnight.
Face pack:
Mix turmeric powder with sandalwood powder and rose water. Apple all over the affected
area and let it dry. Wash with warm water. Use this pack twice a week.
Amla or Indian Gooseberry
Amla or Indian gooseberry is a rich antioxidant and it is loaded with vitamin C which has
skin healing properties. It also has vitamins A and E which also helps in scar healing. Amla
also helps in detoxification and digestion.
How to use it
Oral:
30 ml Amla Juice in a cup of lukewarm water empty stomach in the morning.
Cinnamon:
Dalchini, as it is commonly called, is one more Indian spice that has potent results in acne
treatment. Also, it helps in lowering blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, making it work
best in cases of hormonal acne.
How to use it
Oral:
1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder can be added to Green Teas or any healthy drinks.
Topical:
Mix cinnamon powder with honey and apply on acne spots. Wash after 20 minutes.
Triphala:
Triphala is a combination of Haritki, Amla and Bibhitak, which is excellent to balance all
three Doshas. Triphala also helps in digestive disorders by treating constipation.
How to use it:
Oral:
1 tablespoon of Triphala Powder in a glass of lukewarm water before sleeping.
Neem:
Neem has anti-bacterial and astringent properties. It also acts as a natural blood cleanser.
How to use it:
Oral: Chew neem bark for its anti-bacterial properties.
Topical:
Neem soap is used to treat acne on back and hand.
Neem oil is traditionally used in Ayurveda as an antidote to acne. Massage 8 to 10 drops of
neem oil on affected areas. Keep it for 30 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
Mix neem paste with Aloe Vera gel. Apply on face and wash after 20 mins.
Chandan
Chandan or sandalwood has cooling properties. It is used to treat acne scars. It also helps to
cool of burning of skin due to inflamed acne.
How to use it
Topical
Mix red sandalwood powder with lemon juice to make a face pack for oily skin. Apply it all
over face and wash off after 20 mins. It helps in oil control and tightens the pores.
Ayurvedic formulations
These ayurvedic medicines will help in the management of acne. It is advisable to consult a
registered ayurvedic practitioner to manage doses and duration of these
8 to 10 glasses of water every day to remove toxins.
Improper diet is a major cause of acne in many. Common in those who have frequent constipation, indigestion. Eat foods rich in fibre. Include fresh vegetables in fruits in the diet.
Avoid spicy oily sour and Junk foods
Avoid Fermented foods as it causes dosha imbalanced
Best Essential Oils For Flu Symptoms And Prevention
How to choose the best essential oils for flu, the prevention, and treatment of flu, influenza. Why flu can be hard to treat. Why essential oils can reduce the risk of flu and cold and be useful in reducing the most common symptoms of flu.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral infection an infectious disease that attacks your respiratory system, your throat, nose, and lungs. Influenza is viewed as an unpredictable virus. The flu has common symptoms to the cold and although it usually clears up on its own with proper rest and self-care. But in those with a vulnerable immune system, it can develop into further complications including death. Especially those living with a compromised immune system; young babies, children, sick and elderly. Those already living with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, auto-immune disease, cancer… We know some strains of flu can be more serious than others.
As someone who has lived with a compromised immune system for over 30 years. I was so glad to be introduced to essential oils many years ago and then become a qualified aromatherapist. Most of my family and my extended family all use essential oils for basic first aid in the home. We use essential oils for burns, bites, colds, flu, inflammation, headaches, fibromyalgia, PMS, Sleep Issues. The kids love lavender to help them sleep, as a compress when they have a bump or bruise.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Influenza
The benefits of using essential oils, is that pure essentials can help prevent and reduce the risk of flu. As well as reduce many of the common symptoms of flu. Such as sore and achy muscles, sore throat, fatigue and weakness, headache… Quality pure essential oils are completely natural and have fewer side-effects of many pharmaceutical drugs if used correctly. Essential oils are extremely versatile and can be often used alongside other medications with correct usage. But make sure you always check with a qualified aromatherapist and or dr if you are on other medications.
Pure Essential Oils are extracted essential oils from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, fruits even resins. They are highly concentrated extracts so one tiny little drop is highly potent so it should be used sparingly and not directly on the skin. Today we have access to so many different companies selling essential oils but not all are of the best quality and concentration. As a qualified aromatherapist for over 20 years, the two companies I would only recommend and promote are NYR Organics and doTerra. Both companies source ethically and organically in many cases. But no matter where and who you buy from. Please remember that essential oils are extremely therapeutic and healing if used safely and effectively. And no matter how good quality these essential oils are from these companies do not add pure essential oils directly to the skin, do not drink internally.
Use Essential Oils Safely For Symptoms Of Flu
Each essential oil has its own unique components and therapeutic qualities. Some essentials oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, some are more sedating, more calming and relaxing. Some oils are immune-boosting and mood-lifting. Others are extremely potent and should be used so sparingly that only 1-Drop of essential oils should be added to 100ml of carrier oil.
Some essential oils such as eucalyptus should never be used on children if you have epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure or are pregnant. That is why you should make sure you are buying essential oils or getting advice about essential oils only from a fully qualified aromatherapist. I have lost count the number of stories of sales consultants of essential oil companies recommending oils that are extremely dangerous for the consumer. Parents being told that it was safe to put essential oils directly on to an infant’s skin, oils highly toxic and irritant for a baby. People adding a combination of essential oils to their drinking water that can burn and inflame the esophagus.
Bergamot is an uplifting essential oil that is used in many types of aftershave. Known for its anti-depressing and anti-viral activity as a vapor, bergamot is helpful for the treatment and recovery of flu.
Eucalyptus is also known for its ant-viral activity a well known essential oil for flu and cold remedies and chest rubs. But it is extremely potent so it must be used with caution. Use highly diluted, smaller doses of essential oil to the ratio of carrier oil or water is recommended. Avoid in the use of children and for those with sensitive skin. Adding one or two drops of eucalyptus to a basin of water is an effective steam inhalation to clear up chest and sinus congestion. 1-2 drops of eucalyptus with lavender, frankincense or sandalwood to the bath, (disperse) can help reduce flu symptoms.
Frankincense is a great winter essential oil. Other than being deeply grounding and calming frankincense has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and expectorant properties. It is a useful essential oil to help soothe the chest and bronchia tubes, frankincense is also helpful for asthma sufferers. It is widely used as an aid to meditation and as a rejuvenator, preservative of the skin. Very useful to prevent dry cracked skin in winter.
Sandalwood is another winter essential oils useful to reduce respiratory and viral issues. A natural anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory sandalwood is used as a throat and chest rub. Like Frankincense, sandalwood is deeply grounding and calming. Useful for those who struggle to stop and rest or feel overwhelmed by the exhaustive fatigue and stress of flu.
Important Cautions and Contraindications Using Essential Oils
As a qualified aromatherapist, I would suggest you always check for contra-indications of essential oils you are using in relation to other medical conditions you have. Or medication you are presently on. For adults, you can normally add up to 5 drops in 2 tbsp bath oil or massage/ carrier oil. For children over 2 years old or adults with sensitive skin, reduce the amount to up to 2 drops per 2 tbsp. The essential oils above are not recommended for children only use Chamomile or Lavender for young children.
For more information on clinical research using essential oils for flu check out this
Eileen Burns is a highly qualified stress management therapist, coach, and healer. A qualified aromatherapist and holistic therapist who has been studying holistic wellbeing for over 30 years. Eileen runs Stress Coach Training, online training for coaches, healers and therapists. And self-care programs for empaths and highly sensitive people.
Natural remedies for the treatment of colds and flu. We all know flu and colds are symptoms of a low immune system. Both can have very similar symptoms. But while a cold is not viewed as a serious health condition. Flu can if not addressed, develop into further health complications. Especially if the body is not allowed to rest and heal appropriately.
Now, what are the main differences between colds and flu?
Both cold and flu are respiratory tract infections caused by dissimilar viruses. Although cold and flu have some similar symptoms. Generally, flu symptoms are more severe than the common cold. If you have a cold you will normally have a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. Colds generally come on gradually. Flu is a bit different it comes on more abruptly, symptoms usually include fever, fatigue and weakness, general aches and pains. Sore throats, chills, and chest issues are also very common. Flu can if not treated appropriately lead to a variety of linked health complications, for example, bacterial infections, pneumonia, and sometimes hospitalization.
Recommended Medical Treatments For Cold And Flu
According to doctors within the National Health Service here in the UK, there is no recommended medical treatment for colds. A cold is regarded as a mild viral infection that usually heals itself over a few weeks. But they do advise you to drink enough fluids, make sure you eat healthily, and get plenty of rest. For symptoms, of a blocked nose, decongestant sprays are recommended. For a sore throat, they suggest gargling with salt water and using menthol sweets.
Recommended treatments for flu by the NHS here in the UK are to get plenty of rest, sleep, stay warm, and be hydrated with plenty of fluids. The NHS does recommend the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any fevers or temperatures. And to make sure you do what you can to not spread it to others. If you are elderly, pregnant, or already have other chronic or serious health challenges, you are told to check with your Dr.
Natural Remedies For Colds
If you prefer a more natural, less toxic, and fewer drugs approach. In the world of tradition and holistic medicine, we treat the body from a holistic perspective. So it is not just about treating the symptom but it is about reducing or eliminating the cause of the illness or disease which today is usually STRESS.
We look at the whole body and use natural remedies to support the whole body back into balance. In herbalism or naturopathy, this often includes helping support the body’s own natural healing and immune system. There are many alternative and natural remedies used to alleviate and help treat the common symptoms of colds and flu. Such as naturopathy, herbal remedies, essential oils and foods that heal or are packed with nutrients.
Most Common Remedies For Colds And Flu
The most commonly used natural remedy for colds and flu in the West is a hot honey lemon drink. In the East ginger is often used for these types of ailments.
So hot ginger and lemon drink are becoming increasingly popular, and back into fashion.
The Medical Medium suggests Lemon Honey Ginger Water for many things including colds, flu, and sore throat.
Garlicis widely used at helping fight many viruses and bacteria. Medical research has demonstrated Garlic (Allium sativum) when crushed has strong antimicrobial properties due to allicin (diallylthiosulfinate). In one clinical study, we see how how the allicin in crushed garlic “Kills Human Lung Pathogenic Bacteria, Including MDR Strains, as a Vapor.”
Lemons are packed with vitamin C and their sharpness is said to help cut through heavy catarrh and congestion. Honey even recommended by the NHS is widely known to soothe your throat and coughs.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacteria it helps warm the body up in Ayurvedic Medicine ginger has so many uses that it is regarded as a wide medicine chest by itself. Ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine
Over The Counter Natural Remedies For Colds
Natural remedies are now becoming increasingly available, online in our local stores and even local pharmacies. More and more consumers want to use natural and organic remedies to support their and their family’s well-being.
When you have a cold or flu, a sore throat or cough can prevent you from getting the deep rest your body needs.
Natural throat pastilles without a lot of toxic nasties such as these Eucalyptus Pastilles can help soothe the throat.
In holistic and traditional medicine again we treat flu holistically. And like mainstream medicine, we encourage the person to give the body enough time to heal and rest.
If you are someone who struggles to relax and rest, this Listen And Nurture Your Body guided meditation will help.
We also suggest you have plenty of fluids with hot drinks and healthy soups. And the use of a variety of natural remedies including essential oils to prevent, reduce and support the healing of influenza.
You can also use a variety of essential oils that reduce symptoms of flu, reduce muscle aches and pains, fevers, and chills.
Pure lavender essential oil added to your bath to help will help relax and soothe achy muscles. Lavender oil is also used to help take the temperature down in young children.
Eucalyptus and rosemary are other great essential oils that can be used to reduce symptoms of flu and colds. But eucalyptus is very strong for the bath and skin, so should be used sparingly. Eucalyptus and rosemary are not suitable for children or if you are pregnant. Rosemary should be avoided if you suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure.
Supplements For Colds And Flu
Vitamin C and Zinc are widely recommended to boost the immune system for colds and flu so is Echinacea. If you have been recently been run down a multi-vitamin and mineral is often helpful. In some studies, Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to act as a defense against acute respiratory tract infections. And to improve the immune system in the early stages of influenza. It is interesting that most of us suffer colds and flu in the darker, winter months when we have lower exposure to natural vitamin D.
As you can see there are a variety of natural remedies that can help treat cold and flu, above is certainly not exhaustive. But like all illnesses and dis-ease, we have to address the reasons we get sick in the first place.
The disease is a state of dis-ease, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Are you pushing yourself too hard mentally, emotionally, or physically? Have you been getting enough sleep and rest? How much balance do you have in your life, remember all work and no play doesn’t just lower your mood it can increase anxiety and stress levels.
3 Essential Oils For Every Home Or Travel First Aid Kit.
Why these 3 essential oils are so common and extremely versatile in helping treat many minor ailments, symptoms, and injury. In this article, I share why as a qualified aromatherapist for over 20 years I choose these natural remedies to replace many over the counter medication.
So What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the concentrated oils of the plants they are extracted from. Essential oils come from a variety of plants, leaves, bark, shrubs, fruits, and flowers. Pure essential oils are unadulterated oils that are regarded as having various therapeutic health and wellness benefits. They are used widely by the pharmacological and cosmetic industries.
Cosmetic And Pharmalogical Use Of Essential Oils
Various research has demonstrated the benefits of certain essential oils to treat bacterial infections. In the study – Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of some essential oils “Origanum onites recorded antimicrobial activity against all test bacteria, and was strongest against Staphylococcus aureus.’
According to Science Direct –A status review on the medicinal properties of essential oils “Essential oils are prescribed for a variety of health problems by traditional systems of medicine, all over the world. Various pharmaceutical and biological activities like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antiviral, antiinflammatory, and antiprotozoal properties are assigned to them.” Now as someone who had chronic health challenges from a young age I began to use essential oils to support my health in my early twenties. I used essential oils to boost my immune system, as an aid to treat bacterial and viral infections to treat a bad burn, reduce a high temperature, relieve toothache and cramping and so much more.
Safe Use Of Essential Oils
Now when using essential oils therapeutically for your health and wellbeing. It is important to use only pure essential oils of the highest grade. Sadly not all of these natural oils are unadulterated and of the highest quality. That is why I choose doTERRA oils or Neals Yard Organics.
Important: Do NOT consume or apply essential oils undiluted directly on the skin the only exception is lavender in the case of a burn. Essential oils are always diluted in a carrier or massage oil, added to bathwater, used in inhalation or applied to a compress. No matter the quality of the extraction of these oils they can burn the skin. Always check instructions for correct use and dilution of essential oils
Natures First Aid Kit
Pure essential oils are not only a natural alternative to many common ailment medication. Used to treat a variety of different ailments and injury. For the backpacker or executive flyer who needs minimal luggage, these 3 tiny bottles are worth their weight in gold
Lavender Oil is extracted or distilled from the lavender herb plant Lavandula latifolia . Both the flower and the oil of lavender are actually used to make medicine. Lavender’s extremely versatility is probably why it is the most common therapeutic essential oil used today. Lavender oil in the right dosage and dilution can be applied or inhaled by most children and adults. But should not be used on newborns. In another blog, I explain in more detail why lavender should be part of every home first aid kit.
Lavender is commonly used as an aid for bites, bruises, headaches, muscle inflammation, sprains, and stings. Lavender can be applied directly to the skin in case of a burn and can help reduce scarring. Lavender’s analgesic properties help reduce inflammation and pain. Lavender has a deeply soothing, relaxing and gently uplifting scent which makes it helpful for insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress. My mother and siblings use lavender to help relieve high temperatures in their children.
Like other essential oils, Lavendula has a wide range of psychological benefits. They can have a tremendous effect when inhaled on the olfactory and limbic systems. Lavender has been shown various research as a possible treatment in some psychological and neurological conditionsIt is well-reputed for its benefits on the mood and emotions. Lavender is one of the safest oils you can use on children and those who are highly sensitive.As long as you follow the recommended guidelines by a qualified aromatherapist.
Tea tree oil has been demonstrated to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and ant-viral benefits against Herpes Simples Virus and treating wound infections. Tea-tree is a powerful antiseptic, antifungal and anti-microbial agent that can be used to clean wounds, used in skincare and as a cleaning aid. Add a few drops to a spritzer bottle of warm water to clean surfaces. Tea-Tree is widely used as an antifungal against candida by many naturopaths. It is also used as a treatment aid for nail infections, dandruff, and acne by cosmetic and pharmacological companies. Tea-Tree was used by the Australian army and navy in world war 11 as a germicide. It has also been medically researched on its uses in alleviating eczema
Peppermint oil is widely used by the pharmacological industry as an antispasmodic for the treatment of Irritable BowelSyndrome. It is also widely used in a variety of products used to help reduce headaches, migraines and even neuralgia type issues. Peppermint like tea-tree has good anti-bacterial against various strains of bacteria. It also has demonstrated to have ant-viral properties and ant-fungal activity against Candida. Peppermint is extremely cooling on the skin, it is widely used by the cosmetic, confectionery and food industry. A few drops of peppermint added to a water spritzer bottle makes a perfect cooling spray. Add a few drops of peppermint to a foot bath or added to a base cream to cool down warm achy feet.
Benefits Of Essential Oils
They are all from mother nature’s cupboard, so less risk of allergies and side-effects.
You can make up your own required dosage of application which is ideal for kids.
The ability to mix and blend different these oils.
They can be used in a variety of ways; added to a bath, footbath, compress, added to a carrier oil or even inhaled.
They are in small discrete easy to pack bottles so take-up minimal luggage space.
Opportunity to save money by replacing a long list of over the counter medicines that you rarely use, but need just in case. With natural remedies that are much more versatile and can often have a much longer shelf-life.
Eileen Burns is a qualified aromatherapist and holistic therapist who has taught aromatherapy for over 18 years.
Ayurvedic Medicine is one of the ancient forms of traditional medicine which is in practice from over 6,000 B.C. Indian mythological texts, the Vedas refer to this traditional medicine and its importance. Ayurveda focuses on the entire body healing with the help of detoxification. This eastern medicine’s main focus is on boosting the immune system, the energy systems through natural remedies. This world’s oldest holistic healing therapy is believed to bring balance between the mind, body, and spirit for better health.
Ayurvedic medicine is considered as an alternative to many western medicines and treatments. But in fact it is a holistic treatment that can be used alongside modern medicine. In the USA, Ayurvedic medicine treatments are considered a type of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine). The origins of the vedas and ayurvedic treatment are completely holistic.
-*******
How the Vedas and Ayurveda relate to each other?
Ayurveda has its roots originated earlier than the 8th century. The Vedas is the ancient Hindu religious textbooks that deal in healthcare techniques, astrology, spirituality, politics, human behaviour etc. Altogether there are four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. Each of these Vedas deals in specific things with relation to society and living.
The Atharva Veda is an ancient book that deals with ancient medical practices. It has a details description of Ayurveda and various types of Ayurvedic treatments using plants with medicinal values. All these books were written in Sanskrit which was later translated into Chinese, Greek, and many other languages.
How is Ayurvedic Medicine linked with your life energy?
The yogic theory believes that when the mind, body, and soul connect with each other in harmony, it brings good health. Meditation, Relaxation and balance helps to keep them working harmoniously. It is also believed that the human body is made up of five basic elements like air, fire, water, earth, and space. These elements combine together in pairs and form life energy or doshas which controls the working of your body. There are three major types of dosha as mentioned in Ayurveda. They are:
Vata dosha is a combination of Space and Air.
Pitta dosha consists of the two vital elements of fire and water.
Kapha dosha consists of elements of water and earth.
These doshas control different functions of the body. Whenever there is any disbalance in these doshas, a person falls into dis-ease, becomes sick. An Ayurveda practitioner will first understand a person’s dosha and recommend a specific treatment to balance it.
What Happens If The Doshas Get Imbalanced?
Vata Dosha
Vata Dosha is believed to the strongest among the three doshas. This traditional medicine theory underlines the fact that Vata Dosha controls cell division which is the fundamental of life. It controls your bowel movements and other organs of the body like heart, blood flow, etc. Vata Dosha also controls your mind and breathing rate. There are various reasons for which disbalance occurs in its functioning. Like unhealthy and improper diet, less sleep, fear, grief, etc. Once there is disbalance, there are high chances to develop conditions like heart disease, blood pressure, stress, anxiety, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Ayurveda deals with these health issues and offers natural remedy with the use of herbal medicines, detoxification techniques, etc.
Pitta Dosha
When there is a problem with regards to your digestion, it is believed that there is a disbalance in Pitta Dosha. The energy center in Pitta Dosha controls your metabolism. Once it functions properly it helps to break down the food with the help of various digestive hormones. If you are suffering from digestion problems, acidity or constipation, it means there is a disbalance in Pitta Dosha. If Pitta Dosha stops functioning properly there are high chances for these conditions to develop. When you eat too much junk food, drink less water or expose yourself to excess heat, you are likely to develop this problem. Ayurveda deals with these health issues and offers a natural remedy to treat them.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha Dosha, which is a combination of water and earth, controls your muscle growth and body strength. It also gives you stability, makes your immune system strong and keeps your weight under control. An unhealthy lifestyle like improper sleep, eating too much sugar and fast food, etc. can disrupt it. In case it gets disturbed, patients are seen to develop many health issues like cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc. The natural herbal healing techniques used in Ayurveda can help solve the root of these problems by rebalancing Kapha Dosha.
How Do You Become An Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners are called Vaidya which is a Sanskrit word. In English it means physician. If you wish to learn Ayurveda and become a Vaidya there are various approved training programs. The course-curriculum covers a detailed study of dosha, yoga, meditation, and various herbal treatments. It is important you choose a properly accredited and recognized course in this area.
What are the different branches in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda medicine has eight different branches of treatment. They are listed below:
Internal medicine or Kayachikitsa – It deals with the overall treatment of the body with the use of herbal oils, lotions, and creams.
Treatment for children or Baala Chikitsa – It focuses on all treatment with regards to a child’s development.
Psychiatry treatment or Graha Chikitsa – It focused to cure various mental problems with the help of yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
Urdhyaanga Chikitsa – This branch of Ayurveda emphasis to cure health issues with regards to eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Surgery or Shalyaroga Chikitsa – Deals with any kind of surgery using surgical instruments.
Toxicology or Damstra Chikitsa – Deals to remove toxic elements from your body.
Geriatric or Jara Chikitsa – Deals with various therapies on anti-aging.
Reproductive health or Vajjikaran Chikitsa – Deals with infertility and sexual health.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine
Centuries ago there was no such thing as cosmetic or modern medicine. People only had access to natural medicine. Ayurvedic treatments focus on eliminating the root of these health issues. Using nature and a state of balance. It can be a slow but effective process to cure various illnesses using natural medicine. We all know plants have medicinal properties. Ayurveda uses those medicinal properties to give relief from different illnesses without the usual side effects associated with modern medicine.
