Discover Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Can you smell your way to good health? There are many people who now think or are sure that you can.

The planet is filled with natural fragrances that many of us take for granted. However there are many who believe that the right natural fragrances can help you feel better, work better and, best of all, relax!

It could be the fresh smell that precedes a rainstorm, the smell of freshly ground coffee or the smell of your favourite flower; natural aromas are all around us and influence our disposition. An excellent example is the trick of having bread baking or fresh coffee on the go as you show a prospective buyer around your house.

Much work and research has been done to see if the power of smell can help in the treatment of many common ailments. Is that possible? Put a good quality lavender essential oil onto an aromatherapy diffuser or hot stone vaporiser, close your eyes and feel yourself relax and drift off into another world. Our bodies have worked in close unison with Mother Nature for so many years and maybe she knows something we are only just beginning to understand.

There are more than 150 oils that have distinctive therapeutic, psychological and physiological properties that are reputed to improve health and prevent illness. All aromatherapy oils have their own unique healing and antiseptic properties. Some oils are antiviral, others relieve pain, some are relaxing and yet others can even be used as anti-depressants.

Like all alternative treatments, aromatherapy is not something you experiment with without attaining some knowledge. For example, mentioned above is vaporising lavender essential oil and enjoying the soporific effect. It may be tempting to massage the lavender essential oil straight from the bottle onto your temples or foreheads. However, good quality lavender oil is very concentrated and that strength on the skin is likely to cause an unpleasant reaction. It is only recently that the advice has been given to mix Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils with a carrier oil before massaging into the skin. Previously it was considered safe to put either of these essential oils directly onto the skin but there have been cases of allergic reactions.

Research by reading articles, books and e-books by experienced practitioners. The time will be well spent as there may be benefits to you, your health and wellbeing.

There is much to be discovered and enjoyed in the safe use of aromatherapy and essential oils.

Rodger Cresswell is Managing Director of Avondale Consultancy Limited and Consultant to JC Regali

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Three Fresh Ways With Essential Oils

Have you ever thought of how often you vacuum your home?
It’s wonderful that modern vacuum cleaners have good efficient filters and often two or more!
They should of course be kept as clean as possible, preferably every time the cleaner is emptied.
They are excellent for trapping the smaller dust particles while cleaning but have you thought of using a few drops of your favourite pure essential oil dripped onto the filter.
Two or three drops of lemon myrtle, lavender or pine can leave a wonderful aroma around your home, not to mention the benefit of enjoying the fragrance while doing your chores.

Why not add one or two drops of pure essential oils to your washing powder to leave their wonderful scent on your clothes.
Another possible method is to drip a couple of drops of pure essential oil onto a piece of cloth and adding to your laundry in the tumble dryer.
Favourite essential oils of mine would have to be lavender, lemon myrtle or eucalyptus.

Motherhood can be a wonderful experience, especially the joy of bonding during the final evening feed whether by bottle feeding or breast feeding.
We have to be mindful that pure essential oils are very potent and should not be allowed onto the skins of either breast feeding mothers or babies.
That is not to say that the use of aromatherapy has to be completely avoided at this time.
In fact there can be wonderful positive benefits to be had if used with caution.
A couple of drops of chamomile, lavender or a mixture of both dripped onto a tissue or piece of cloth in the bedroom or nursery (out of reach of children) can have a wonderful calming affect on both mothers and babies to unwind, relax and enhance the bonding experience of mother and child.

John Schofield of Bonvale Creations http://www.bonvalecreations.com.au information@bonvalecreations.com.au Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Schofield

Aromatherapy Treatment - Natural Medicine to Heal

Sometimes in the medical treatment, traditional sources of medicine work better than the chemical compounds. And, there are many who prefer to go for herbal treatment rather than going for the allopathic ones not because merely that they are without side effects, but because they have the natural healing process which delights you as well. After all, they are taken from the nature. Aromatherapy treatment is just like that. Here the aromatic ingredients are taken from deep down the nature for the mental and bodily well being.

Aromatherapy treatment is sure to give relief from a large number of problems. There are essential oils, the distilled liquid extracted from herbs plants, barks, roots which have the fragrance therapy as well as other medications to heal your physical and physiological wounds, at times to relax you.

Aromatherapy can be used for the treatment of a number of ailments. A range of aromatherapy essential oils are used for treatment of specific conditions. The following is a list of essential oils that are used as different medication purposes. Just look at the tremendous impact they can have on our mind and body:

Essential oils reducing pain: Bergamot; Chamomile; Lavender; Marjoram; Rosemary.

Anti inflammatory oils: Bergamot; Calendula chamomile; Lavender

Preventing and combating local bacterial infection: Bergamot; Eucalyptus; Juniper; Lavender; Rosemary; Tea-Tree.

Sleep inducing: Chamomile; Lavender; Marjoram

Immune system stimulant essential oils: Garlic; Lavender; Tea Tree.

Sometimes, they are hepatic also, which strengthen the liver: Cypress; Lemon; Peppermint; Rosemary; Thyme.

Well, not only for the bodily well being, aromatherapy treatment is used for the mental pleasure too. You can use the aromatherapy candles to have a relaxing aura around you. They are the best to calm down the tension through their sweet fragrance spread over the aura around you. Again, there are aromatherapy massages where essential oils are used for relaxation purposes. You will have a soft human touch mixed with the pleasure of having the benefit of natural products harping throughout your body. The fragrance also takes you to a new height. There are aromatherapy bath salts and the soaps that exfoliate your skin and keeping it smooth in addition to providing an unmatched relaxation.

Aromatherapy treatment is natural and is beneficial both for the mental and bodily well being. Also aromatherapy is easily accessible through online means. Aromatherapy is a complete treatment source but don't forget to make sure you are not allergic to any product before using it.

Mercy Dorson is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with various researches on rare species plants. To find Aromatherapy treatment, essential massage blends, essential oils, aromatherapy, oils visit http://www.essentialoils-and-aromatherapy.com/

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Top 5 Aromatherapy Oils for Beginners

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils (oils extracted from plants) for a healthy benefit. Because aromatherapy can be done as a self-help technique, it can be used for a variety of common health issues. Below is a list of the Top 5 essential oils that beginners can use for common issues.

Eucalyptus -- Eucalyptus Globulus
Eucalyptus has a stimulating smell that clears congestion. It has a long history and is common in many of today’s over-the-counter cold preparations. It is a powerful antiseptic which reportedly kills airborne germs. It is excellent in vaporizers during cold and flu season.

Lavender -- Lavandula Augustifolia
Lavender has a mild fragrance and is often used in potpourri, soaps, & talcs. It is a gentle oil that may be applied directly to the skin. It is excellent for use on burns. Lavender is widely known for its relaxation properties. It is an excellent stress reducer.

Peppermint -- Mentha Piperita
The distinctive smell of peppermint is widely recognized. This essential oil should not be used internally or directly on the skin. It is a very potent inhalant which contains menthol which clears the head and stimulates thinking. Also, it has traditionally been used for nausea, headaches and fatigue. It makes an excellent foot massage when mixed with carrier oil.

Rosemary -- Rosmarinus Officinalis
Rosemary has a long history and has been valued as sacred and religious oil. It has antiseptic properties. Rosemary is a powerful physical and mental booster and is often used in “Wake Up” blends.

Tea Tree Oil -- Melaleuca Alternifolia
Tea Tree oil has a very distinct, medicinal-like smell. It may be applied directly to the skin. It is exceptional for use on cuts, acne, warts, and other skin/fungal infections. It may be added to shampoo as head lice or flea repellent.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health care for over 15 years. She is editor of Holistic Health News Visit our site at http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter.

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Guide to Essential Oils (O-R) Obesity - Restlessness

OBESITY - Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Orange

OBSESSIVE/COMPULSIVE - Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

PANIC - Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Thyme, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

PMS/PMT - Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Rose, Chamomile

PSORIASIS - Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Juniper, Sandalwood

RASH - Blue Tansy, Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Tea Tree, Spikenard, Patchouli (Hives & itching)

REGRET - Frankincense, Rose, Sandalwood

REGULATING - Geranium

RELAXATION - Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang

RESPIRATORY - Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Basil, Clove, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrtle, Peppermint, Ravensara

RESTLESSNESS - Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Orange, Rose, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang

Especial care should be taken when using "hot" oils! Always use "hot" oils in extremely weak dilution of less than one percent for skin application.

Commonly used "hot" essential oils known to have the potential to cause, skin irritation, include: basil (Ocimum basilicum), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), birch (Betula lenta), black pepper (Piper nigrum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove (Eugenia aromatica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), expressed (cold pressed from peel) oils of lime, lemon, orange and grapefruit (Citrus limetta, limonum, sinensis and paradisi), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), oregano (Origanum compactum), Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), Siberian, balsam or silver fir (Abies siberica, alba, balsamea), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and in some cases, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) and peppermint (Mentha piperita).

If any of these essential oils is applied in a dilution of carrier oil on the skin and a hot, red irritation occurs this is the result of a burn to the skin that requires immediate attention. Always have a vegetable carrier oil like Pure Light Coconut Oil or Jojoba available to apply onto the skin in such cases!

Apply a carrier oil will have an immediate effect of calming the skin irritation. Do not wash or rinse the area with water as this will drive the essential oils further into the skin and increase, not diminish discomfort.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult your health care professional about any serious disease or injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances such as essential oils for serious health conditions that require professional attention.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA & founder of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products. She compounds aromatic remedies for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression & more. A registered and accredited MindBody Therapist and Health Educator KG has advanced certification & training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk & Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center & has developed massage training & holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs, clinics, schools, resorts and individual clients.

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/consulting.htm KG’s Consulting Services

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/presentations.htm KG’s Presentations & Workshops<

More Info? Contact: KG at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315. Mahalo!

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Benefits of Lavender Green Tea

In Health

Organically grown Green Tea is rich in polyphenols and anti-oxidants that fight free radicals that damage cells and tissue. An 8 oz. Cup of Green Tea has as much potency as a cup of blueberries, a best source of anti-oxidants and as much vitamin C as a lemon. It also contains magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, folie acid and potassium.

Larch Arabinogalaetin (AG) is a good source of natural dietary fiber. Women who increase fiber from 12 to 24 grams absorb 90 fewer calories from fat and protein. Men who increase fiber from 15 to 36 grams absorb 130 fewer calories. Larch (AG) moves waste through the digestive tract promoting intestinal cleansing, making it the safest dietary supplement. Unlike psyllium, larch increases mineral absorption, and like our green tea, it contains no sugar, sweetener, seasonings or colorings.

AG provides us with healthy bacteria that fight free radicals in the digestive tract. The digestive tract is the site of the vast majority of free radical production. A healthy digestive tract directs nutrients to the organs of the body and eliminates waste.

Skin Care

We eliminate toxic materials through the digestive and urinary tract. Should these organs fail, toxins will attempt to exit via our skin, decreasing the quality of our skin. Green tea, larch, and lavender are frequently used in skin care products.

Weight Management

Green tea has been sold in health food stores as a safe way to reduce weight. Green tea is thermogenie. That is, it bums fat. If we don't burn fat, we will soon wear it.

Weight Management & Stress

Does stress causes you to reach for comfort food7 Comfort foods are often used to deal with emotional events. Lavender is emotionally balancing; that is, it picks us up when we are down and helps to calm us when we are tense. Possibly reducing our desire for high calorie sweets. Long before Lavender was used for fragrance, it was considered a culinary delight. Enjoy the taste of Lavender Green Tea with Larch and profit from the many nutritional benefits without the calories.

Gerald F. McCarthy holds a patent on the unique diffuser used in all ESSENTIAL AIR models.

Over the years McCarthy of Leyden House has accumulated seventeen patents in the field of energy and health related products. A speech pathologist by profession he was intrigued by the beneficial effects of natural healing and began searching for ways to deliver essential oils more effectively.

Visit: http://www.essential-air.com

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Lavender Aromatherapy For Stress Relief-Seven Little Known Tips To Feel Better And Live Happier

Aromatherapy is the essential oil portion of the plant that is separated and may be used to stimulate healing in a variety of ways, including stress relief and stress management, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pregnancy, child birth, migraine headaches, muscle soreness, nausea and a number of other health issues. It is best to use Aromatherapy sparingly with a vegetable oil such as olive oil, or sweet almond oil (my favorite). Try to avoid using the essential oil directly on the skin.

Aromatherapy can get pretty involved, and you can get quite bogged down with learning a variety of essential oils, so we are going to keep this simple and to the point by focusing on one of the best and safest essential oil - lavender and how you can use it to manage stress.

Why lavender? Women love the smell of lavender! It's perhaps the most popular essential plant oil that is a big favorite of many women for stress management, balance and healing. Its properties are safe, calming and very pleasant. Just what you need to de-stress so you feel serene and think clearly.

The purer the quality of lavender you use the better results you will get. You can mix it with lotions, vegetable oils or water. Lavender is great for a number of health benefits, especially, insomnia, depression, stress and anxiety.

Here are seven little known ways to use lavender for stress relief

Tip one – lavender with your bath.

Use three to five drops of lavender in your bath when you have a few minutes to take a bath. The essential oil actually seeps into your body and stimulate a feeling of calm and relaxation. If you don’t have time for a bath, just mix a few drops of the lavender in your favorite lotions, creams or carrier oil and use it as a moisturizer. Be mindful of what you have to get done after use because it can make you feel sleepy. You can actually make your own lavender moisturizer so you can have it on tap and ready to use whenever you want. Simply buy the lavender plant at your local health food store, blend it with your favorite carrier oil and keep it in a cute little bottle in your bathroom or bedroom.

Tip two – ‘take five’ with your lavender eye pillow.

Get a basic eye pillow that comes ready made with the lavender scent in the pillow. When you have a few spare minutes, just sit back on the couch and put the pillow over your eyes as you inhale the scent of the lavender and ‘take five.’ When you are relaxing, remember to take some nice deep breaths and think of five things you are absolutely grateful for in your life. This is a great time to meditate; you will feel calm and re-energized. Think of adding some music therapy as you enjoy your lavender scented eye pillow and enjoying your deep breathing. Get music that will actually slow down your heart rate, classical music is great for this.

Tip three – lavender at bedtime.

Put a few drops of pure lavender oil with distilled water in a spray bottle and shake well. Simply spray the mist on your pillow before you go to sleep. You will be in dreamland very quickly. You can sip a cup of lavender herbal tea prior to going to bed. This will also help you sleep peacefully and get you ready for the day ahead.

Tip four- lavender for healing and pain relief.

Lavender's anti- inflammatory properties has great healing power and may quickly assist in the healing process for minor scratches and bruises such as insect bites. I use lavender to wipe my hands during the flu season. Lavender in any form can be great during childbirth to ease the mother’s tension, or during pregnancy to alleviate some of the mother's discomfort.

Tip five – lavender with your favorite massage.

When you have about ten minutes to give yourself self-massage, use lavender in your massage oil and simply work you way from head to toe. This is a great way to say I love you….to you! Of course the other option is to have a willing partner who is kind enough to give you a full head and body massage. Then there is the professional option, where you can either have a massage therapist come to your home or you go to a day spa, or even a stay spa. You can either request the use of lavender with the massage oil or you can bring your own.

Tip six – lavender neck and shoulder pillow.

There are some great aromatherapy neck and shoulder pillow that come with the lavender scent mixed into the ingredients inside the pillow. For tight shoulders and a stiff neck, simply put the pillow in the microwave for two minutes or LESS, please watch this so the pillow does not burn, and make sure it is NOT too warm for you, then simply wrap it around your should and let the heat relax the muscles as the lavender stimulates your nervous system. I do this while I am on the computer or watching TV. Heck, if I get the opportunity I use this around my shoulders while I'm in traffic! It sure stops me from swearing when someone cuts me off.

Tip seven - lavender scented candles/diffuser.

If you don’t have the time to do much of anything to get some lavender into your life, then you can simply get a lavender scented candle and just burn it. My personal favorite is soy candles. Soy is awesome because it burns clean; there is no flakey wax to deal with. It is a lot safer around pets and children because it is plant-based and non-toxic. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser and enjoy the calming effects as you inhale. Think of it as mental yoga.

Monique is a speaker, author, lifestyle expert, nationally certified massage therapist & reiki practitioner. She has worked with hundreds of busy women using an eclectic blend of techniques to help her clients achieve relaxation and the energy required to be successful in ALL areas of life. Monique's passion is helping busy women to have success without the stress. Monique is the publisher of the 'Home Spa Tips ezine. Check her out at http://www.homespatips.com

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Lavender Essential Oil - Universal Healing Remedy

Highly scented Lavender has a distinctly sweet floral-spice aroma that's a little wild and woody. Lavender smells like the color blue to me! I think of the Blue Bird of Happiness when I inhale its lovely and intoxicating scent.

Distilling at high altitude allows lower temperatures and lower pressure for distillation making it possible for the volatile phytochemicals to come through intact in the final product.

A universal first aid healing oil! Lavender's pure and clean scent is well known. Every home and office should consider keeping a bottle of it on hand!

Lavender is the most commonly used essential oil and the absolute classic oil for treating burns!

During the early 20th century, French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal properties. While working Gattefosse accidentally burned his arm very badly!

On reflex Gattefosse plunged his burned arm into a large vat of lavender oil. His burn healed rapidly and there was absolutely NO scarring of tissue!

Gattefosse is credited with coining the term "aromatherapy" in his 1928 article supporting the use of essential oils in their whole, pure and unadulterated state.

Apply Lavender immediately to burns to prevent blistering, or scarring, as well as speed healing of wounds as it stimulates cellular repair and regeneration.

Lavender was first cultivated in the high mountains of Persia and southern France.

A hearty and robust plant Lavender thrives in barren environments that sharply contrast to its natural power for producing healing energy.

Lavender's gentle nourishing and healing effect on the body, mind, spirit and emotions comes from its notable ability to harmonize and stabilize the entire human energy system, or Chakras.

Excellent for balancing hyper emotional states such as shock, anger, impatience and irritability.

Lavender helps dispel the negative mental states of fear & worry.

Supports self growth and development of inner freedom from compulsion and clinging to one's desires.

Please join me for The Universal Healing Remedy Part II. We'll explore Lavender's healing power for nurturance and self care!

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA. PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils. Remedies with Lavender

KG recommends: Click to learn about & order http://www.kgstiles.com/chakraoils.htm CHAKRA CARE - ANOINTING OILS

Click to learn about & order http://www.kgstiles.com/essentialoilsbasicgift.htm ESSENTIAL OILS BASIC GIFT SET - INCLUDES LAVENDER

Click to order http://kgstiles.com/moreinfo/lavender.htm LAVENDER

More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

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Lavender for Nail Fungus

Natural healers often recommend using essential oils from herbs such as thyme, oregano, mint, and even lavender for nail fungus treatment. Lavender (from the scientific genus Lavandula) is not one of the commonest herbs mentioned in this regard, but it is a member of the mint family and scientific studies have shown that it does have some antifungal properties. Aromatic herbs, which must fend off the attacks of fungi and other organisms in nature, seem to produce potent substances that can be extracted or distilled from the plant to produce a concentrated antifungal substance.

Lavandula antifungal properties are perhaps the least well known of the herb's many uses - esthetic, culinary, and medicinal. Lavender has long been used to create a sweet flowery scent in perfumes, bath water, linens, and closets. It is used to flavor teas, potato dishes and other foods. It is known to have a calming effect and has been used in many first aid remedies including medicines for headache, wound dressings, and insect bites, and as a treatment for chronic health problems such as rheumatism, psoriasis and parasitic infections, to name just a few. Lavender has antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, characteristics that explain why herbalists recommend lavender for nail fungus treatment.

The mechanism for lavandula antifungal activity is not well understood, but it may act in similar ways to essential oils from other herbs. Fungi that are actively growing spread by putting out long fine branching stalks called hyphae - most people have seen this type of growth on occasion when mold starts to grow on food items. It has been noted that essential herbal oils seem to eat away at the walls of hyphae, causing them to disintegrate and lose their inner contents. Interestingly, some studies show that a preparation that contains other essential oils as well as lavender for nail fungus may work better than single oils by themselves. For example, lavender oil appears to be synergistic with tea tree oil, meaning that the two mutually increase each other's positive effects.

Fungal nail infections have always been notoriously hard to treat and modern medicine, despite many attempts to find effective antifungals, hasn't been very successful at developing drugs that are both safe and effective. In this respect the potential of herbal oils such as lavandula antifungal extract provide considerable hope for people who don't want to take a systemic drug which may cause unpleasant side effects. Many preparations from alternative medicine vendors today contain special blends of essential oils including lavender for nail fungus, and there is a growing collection of literature confirming that these remedies do work. If you're looking for an alternative to an expensive prescription drug for a nail fungus infection, a natural remedy containing essential oils is worth a try.

Before starting self-treatment with lavender for nail fungus, or any other alternative or home remedy, have your nail infection confirmed by a medical professional: other nail conditions can look similar but will not respond to antifungal remedies.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Lavender for Nail Fungus at Nail Fungus Treatment, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

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Lavender The Universal Oil

The smell of lavender has to be one of the most exquisite sensations your mind, body and soul can experience. Close your eyes and let the sweet, earthy, slightly herbaceuos, floral scent calm your frazzled nerves and relax your mind. Folklore has given this tall, fragrant flower many names and properties. Elf’s Leaf, Nard, Nardus, and Spike, all have been said to carry powers of love, protection, sleep chastity, longevity, purification, happiness and peace. Lavender was carried to see ghosts and worn to protect against the "evil eye". Sachets were made and filled with the dried flowers to attract love. Its has even been given masculine qualities and an association with the planet Mercury and its element is air.

This spiky flower was imported by the ancient Greeks from Syria for its fragrance. Today commercial perfume houses still use lavender essential oil as the base ingredients in many of their perfume blends. This herb is grown commercially in England, France, Bulgaria and Croatia among many other parts of the world. Depending on where lavender is grown and at which altitude, gives this herb its different healing properties. The Botanical name Lavandula comes from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash". Lavender essential oils are also used in combination with massages to relax and relieve stress from the body. Given the name "Universal Oil" this herb stands up to its many claims.

This aromatic essential oil should be in every household medicine cabinet or first aid kit. Lavender is known to work wonders on minor scrapes and burns, itchy insect bites and is used to prevent scarring. In 1910 Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, one of the founders of the science of aroma therapy, found this out accidently after burning his hands in a laboratory explosion. Thinking he was submerging the burned hand in a pot of water when in fact it was lavender essential oil. He later noticed that the hand healed faster and with less scarring. Lavender essential oil is one of the only essential oils that is safe to use undiluted directly on your skin and is baby safe as well.

Here is an easy salve recipe to make using the dried flowers of lavender and lavender essential oil. This salve may be used to help treat dry cuticles, hangnails, minor burns and scrapes. This does not replace any medical assistance as with any injury you may need to seek the advise of your medical doctor. This salve puts no claims on healing and is meant only to assist.

What you will need; Paper towels, 1 cup olive oil, ½ once lavender herb (dried flowers), ½ ounce lavender essential oil, ½ ounce beeswax, ½ teaspoon vitamin E (400 unit capsule) and cheesecloth to strain. Makes 5 ozs.

Put lavender herb in your olive oil and bake in oven at 200 degrees for 3 hours. Allow this mixture to cool a little, while its still war, strain lavender herb (with cheesecloth) into a pan on top of the stove. Add vitamin E ( ½ teaspoon). Add beeswax and stir until melted, let cool some, add your essential oil to the mixture after it has cooled, pour into a wide mouth 5 ounce jar or into five 1 oz jars.

To learn more about essential oils visit www.neesoaps.com/earthsoaps.html

Paulette Gehrke has taken several correspondence courses in herbal preperation, reflexology and accupressure through Herbal Healer Academy, Inc. and is currently enrolled in Lakeside School of Massage Therapy. She owns and operates Natural Earth Essentials where you will find quality handcrafted aroma therapy soaps made with all natural ingredients.

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Lavender Bath Salts - A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

When you are thinking about special products that you will enjoy and will also enhance your bathroom, lavender bath salts is the perfect place to start. Lavender bath salts are very popular; and there are reasons why so many people love them. If you are not yet familiar with this product, it is something you definitely must try; after you do, you will surely agree that there are plenty of reasons why it is at the top of most people's lists of favorites.

A Classic Scent

Lavender is a classic. It has been one of the most favored aromas throughout time, preferred over most other scents by everyone from royalty to average people, young and not-so-young alike. The fact that its popularity has had such staying power and is loved by those of all ages and from all walks of life, shows that it is something extra-special indeed.

Lavender bath salts will give an air of delicate sophistication to both you and your bathroom. While the scent itself is glorious, it is also loved because it is strong enough to hold without being overpowering. It will give just the right amount of scent to your skin and to your bathroom, lingering just enough to be noticeable and enjoyed to its utmost.

Lingering Aroma

Using lavender bath salts will give you the best that this product has to offer. First, if you can imagine reveling in a long, luxurious bath, relaxing in an aromatic paradise, these salts will be an absolutely wonderful experience! However, a point which is even better is that the rewards you get from using them do not stop with your bath-- the warm scent will linger in the room so that it will delight your senses for a long time after your bath.

The distinct scent of lavender is much nicer than the aromas given by candles, burning incense, or any types of standard air freshener; and it is also a decidedly natural scent, much preferred over strong perfume and other scents which seem to mask the air rather than to enhance it. You will be giving your room a special treat when you use lavender bath salts-- and this scent's lingering presence will be a delight to anyone who captures its essence hours after it is used.

One-of-a-Kind Experience

There is no other product that can honestly make so many positive claims. This is one whose long-standing use has made it a favorite for generations, among all ages, classes, and backgrounds. In addition to being a classic, it always seems to be distinctly unique whenever it is used. And it will provide as much aromatic enhancement to the entire room as it provides enjoyment to the person who is actually using it.

When you think about all of these reasons together, it should be quite easy to understand why lavender bath salts is a product which so many people have loved for so long a time-- and also why you, too, should treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind experience!

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Bathrooms-And-Showers.com. He provides more resources on topics such as lavender bath salts, Bath and Bodyworks and bathroom colors that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

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