why chocolate is good for you!

Did You Know…

… that the world’s most incredibly sweet, decadent and satisfying food is actually good for you?

     Once considered the “bad guy” in the world of food, chocolate has turned into a national health-food phenomenon.  Read on to find out why and how chocolate is considered the “No. 1 longevity food in the world.“

Chocolate is formed out of raw cacao seeds, the product of a fruit grown on the cacao tree (theobroma cacao).  Cacao trees are exotic—growing naturally in the shade of tropical rainforests in South America and the West Indies.  According to researchers, “The raw cacao bean is one of nature’s most fantastic superfoods due to its mineral content and wide array of unique properties.”

No wonder experts like nutritionist David Wolfe, author of Naked Chocolate, are extolling the benefits of the world’s most popular comfort food.  Its benefits are far-reaching:

check out the book: Naked Chocolate: The Astounding Truth About The World’s Greatest Food

	Chocolate is good for sufferers of asthma, as it contains the anti-asthmatic compounds theobromine and theyophilline.
	Cocoa, a component of chocolate, contains flavonels, antioxidants that increase blood flow to the brain.
	Cacao also contains high levels of sulfur and magnesium, increasing your focus and alertness.

	Chocolate can actually make you happier, longer. That’s because cacao enhances the amount of time the happiness-inducing compound anandamide stays in your system.
	Chocolate decreases your anxiety and stress levels. A clinical trial demonstrated that dark chocolate reduced the production of stress hormones in as little as two weeks!
	Chocolate is good for your teeth; the theobromine compound contained in chocolate kills the bacteria that cause cavities.

	Chocolate contains zinc, a key mineral that contributes to the health of your immune system, liver, pancreas and skin.
	Chocolate ensures your blood stays healthy, as it contains the key mineral copper.
	Chocolate is considered by many nutritionists to be the best food for your heart.  A study conducted by the German Institute of Human Nutrition found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, in part due to chocolate’s ability to reduce blood pressure.

In addition, a 15-year study involving men ages 65 and older, scientists studied the eating and exercising habits of 470 men, tracking their chocolate intake as well.  Their results?  “The men in the group that consumed the least cocoa were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than those in the group that consumed the most cocoa.”  Additionally, “Men in the study who consumed the most cocoa were less likely to die of any cause.”

     Just because chocolate is good for your health doesn’t mean you should indulge in the rich, calorific, sugar-laden chocolates that are widely available.  Many commercial chocolate bars contain ingredients such as refined sugar or unhealthy sweeteners, trans fatty acids and artificial flavors.  The key to gaining the most benefit from the world’s No. 1 longevity food is to choose chocolate that is …

organic

dark (as opposed to milk chocolate)

raw

stone-ground and/or cold-processed  … with a minimum of additives that can negate the health benefits.

Such chocolates  like; organic dark chocolate, especially; xocai brand cold processed natural dark chocolate are available at raw-food and natural-food stores, as well as online chocolate retailers like Amazon, Sacred Chocolate.

Not only is chocolate good for your insides, but ere’s a few Benefits of cocoa absolute essential oil: aphrodisiac, creates a feeling of well being and contentment, clarity, relaxes the muscles, anti-aging, decreases anxiety, anti-bacterial, an overall balancer of the body and mind.

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Method of Extraction: Hexane Free extraction
Parts Used: bean
Country of Origin: France
Principal Constituents:
Arginine – an amino acid responsible for helping blood flow and increasing sexual desire
Phenylethylamine – unites with dopamine in the brain which creates a feeling like being in love, and increases focus, intuition, along with a sense of well-being and contentment
Theobromine – gently activates the neurosystem which then provides clear thoughts and relaxes muscles, speeds up metabolism, is anti-aging and can successfully prevent the growth of 102 types of bacteria
Tryptophan – is a mood enhancer and decreases anxiety
Anandimide – generates a feeling of calm

Cocoa essential oil (or absolute) makes a luscious lip balm too. For a peppermint patty lip balm; Just use 1 oz. of coconut oil, 1/2 oz. beeswax and add a few drops of this lovely chocolately goodness and a drop or two of peppermint essential oil and you’ve got yourself an awesome lip treat!

where to Find cocoa absolute essential oil:

OrganicInfustionswholesale:

Cacao Absolute (Chocolate Essential Oil), from Theobroma cacao …

http://www.anandaapothecary.com/.

Cocoa Absolute at Wholesale prices – New Directions Aromatics

http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com

Cocoa Absolute Essential Oil – $4.99 – Bless Your Body

http://www.blessyourbody.com › Rare and Exotic‎

 

Spring Meditation

After completing  Oprah and Depok Chopra’s 21-Day Meditation Challenge, a certain quote stood out in my mind’s eye and has stayed with me ever since.

“It’s been said in many healing traditions that the perfect medicine is often blooming right outside our front door. Everyday nature offers us its healing bounty, creating balance and cultivating greater harmony in our world. ” -Oprah & Depok Chopra

That snippet of their quote reverberated inside me, and echoes of the message still ring true. It even inspired a bit of poetry.

click here to read my poetry: Spring Meditation -on Yahoo! 

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy

Essential oils really are little miracles in a bottle. Especially when you employ the use of therapeutic grade essential oils.

I had to reblog this great post  from holistichealthliving about anti-inflammatory, and analgesic essential oils, because it reminded me why I used many similar essential oils in my Natural Tiger Balm Recipe.

“A look at the latest data uncovers a long list of abstracts where researchers have confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of therapeutic essential oils. The oils used in therapies have been meticulously extracted to keep their medicinal potential. There’s a wide difference in aromatic oils in terms of their medicinal action, and one need to find therapeutic quality essential oils to realize this property.”

via A Look At The Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy.

Also, if you love free things….

FREE e-books; UNLIMITED ebooks for Amazon Kindle, BN Nook, SONY Ebook Reader, or Apple iPad

Your Simple Guide to Aromatherapy, by Dr. R.J. … – Free-eBooks.net Download the “Your Simple Guide to Aromatherapy” ebook for FREE. Read and write reviews and more… http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/Your-Simple-Guide-to-Aromatherapy

“Your Simple Guide to Aromatherapy” – Free … – Free-eBooks.net Read “”Your Simple Guide to Aromatherapy” – Free HTML version, Page 1″, by Dr . R.J. Peters & Tamar Goldstein in HTML for FREE. Many translations available. http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/Your-Simple…to-Aromatherapy/html

“Holistic and Alternative Medicine-101 Natural … – Free-eBooks.net Become familiar with aromatherapy. … holistic therapist who deals with aromatherapy on a daily basis, consider. an aroma massage with an aromatherapist. http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/Holistic-and-Alternative…101…/13 “Stress Management – How to Break Free From a … – Free-eBooks.net aromatherapy to actually work, you have to use pure essential oils and not anything that is … Most massage therapists incorporate aromatherapy into their … http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/Stress-Management-How-to…/42

7 Essential Oils–100 Solutions, by Julien Griffault – Free-eBooks.net Download the “7 Essential Oils–100 Solutions” ebook for FREE. Read and write reviews and more… http://www.free-ebooks.net/ebook/7-Essential-Oils-100-Solutions

Comphensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils, by … Download the “Comphensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils” ebook for FREE. Read and write reviews and more… http://www.free-ebooks.net/…/Comphensive-Guide-to-Accessory-Nutrients-and- Essential-Oils

essential oil scientific research on the human brain

This is so interesting, a must-read for updates on essential oil scientific research on the brain:

Ananda Apothecary wrote:

Scientific research regarding health and medical applications of essential oils is going on regularly at universities and other facilities around the world. Many of these studies are immediately applicable to aromatherapy practitioners for improved health and well-being, while others spark interest in the potential of essential oils as a part of future medicine protocols. Modern scientific research is regularly confirming aromatherapy’s practical medical applications!

Here’s a look at two important journal publications just released about direct effects of essential oils in the brain, reviewed by the staff at Ananda Aromatherapy of Boulder, Colorado.

In the first study, performed at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Shizuoka Japan, Tarragon, Inula, Lavender and Tulsi~Holy Basil were tested for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In other words, their ability to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, the primary information-handling neurotransmitter. Supplements with this action are becoming more and more popular with regular folks trying to increase their smarts, and are used to treat dementia (Alzheimer’s) by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.

Of the essential oils tested, Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) produced in France had the highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, though all the oils tested showed significant AChE inhibitory activity. All the oils were analyzed by GC/MS to find the individual natural chemical constituents of the oils which produced this effect. Of real interest is that 1,8-Cineol had the greatest inhibitory activity of all the constituents examined. Why this this interesting? Rosemary essential oil has long been considered a mental stimulant (we find in the office to be particularly brightening) and has been studied for this effect, improving mental focus in humans through a variety of tests. The primary component of Rosemary essential oil is 1,8-Cineol (it is also a major constituent of Eucalyptus oils, used for invigorating massages and steam treatments).

Also of great interest was that the effect of these constituents relative to their amounts in the complete natural essential oil was not very high – meaning the complete essential oil, with nature’s balance of the chemical constituents, was synergistically more effective than the singly-extracted molecules. This is a theme in aromatherapy: that the complete natural essential oil will generally have more benefits than a single ‘active ingredient’ extracted in a laboratory — Therapeutic grade oils are those that retain the natural balance of the plant’s, with proper harvesting and distillation methods.

The second study very much ties in with the first, as it demonstrates the ability of Lemon essential oil to directly prevent dementia (Alzheimer’s).

How can you benefit from these studies? The best method is to find a cold-air nebulizing diffuser. These employ no water or other carrier, and make a very fine mist of essential oils that easily evaporate into your room. These are the only diffusers that create high concentrations of essential oils in the air — enough to show measurable biochemical effects. A ‘warming’ diffuser or other non-nebulizing style will allow you to smell the aroma, though the concentration will be significantly lower.

• Buy Three Get One FREE Aroma-Ace OR
• Rainforest Diffuser
• MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS; lavender and lemon essential oil

read more at; http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils-news/2009/04/aromatherapy-research-update-essential.html

Best Aromatherapy Books on Chakras

Books about AROMATHERAPY AND CHAKRAS (Amazon links):

• Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field
• Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
• Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils
• Subtle Aromatherapy
• Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
• Avalonia’s Book of Chakras: A Practical Manual for Working with Your Charkas; Using
• Aromatherapy, Colours, Crystals, Incense, Mantra & Meditation to Work With…Your Body’s Natural Energy Centers
• Vibrational Healing Through the Chakras: With Light, Color, Sound, Crystals, and Aromatherapy
• Ultimate Balance Infusing the Vibrational Energy of Essential Oils into Chakras, Meridians and Organs
• Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing
• more aromatherapy/chakra books

highly recommended reading:
Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras

The Fragrant Heavens by Valerie Ann Worwood. the spiritual aspects of aromatherapy.
Also by Valerie Ann Worwood; The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion ,
Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils .also by Valerie Ann Worwood.
Anita Slotte’s ” Tools for Transformation ” article, http://www.alternativeculture.com/spirit/chakra.htm
Aromatherapy information; http://www.bhia.org/aromatherapy.htm
Chakra information; http://health.indianetzone.com/aromatherapy/1/essential_oils_chakras.htm
Wonderful website on chakras; Suzanne Bovenizer’s website ; http://www.suzannebovenizer.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/aromatherapy-and-the-energetic-bodies

MORE READING ON CHAKRAS AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE :

• Chakra Test ; Find out if your chakras are open or are blocked by taking this questionnaire. http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/chakratest.php
• More On Chakras and Balancing them ; http://www.chakraenergy.com/seven.html
• More on Essential oils and Chakras; http://health.indianetzone.com/aromatherapy/1/essential_oils_chakras.htm
• More on Balancing the Chakras with essential oils ; http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilschakras/chakraessentialoilrecipes.asp

MORE OF MY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ARTICLES:

• Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras
• Part One; Introduction to Using Essential Oils for Balancing the Chakras
• Part Two; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; The Root Chakra
• Part Three; The Sacral Chakra. ,
• Part Four; The Solar Plexus Chakra ,
• Part Five; The Heart Chakra ,
• Part Six; The 5th Chakra-Throat Chakra
• Part Seven; The 6th Chakra – Third Eye
• Part Eight; 7th Chakra or the Crown Chakra
• Top 10 Albums for Balancing the Chakras
• Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils
• List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions
• Sonopuncture: What is It? How Does it Work? What is it Used For?
• Feel Great, Lose Weight and Boost Metabolism
• Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator
• Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety Stress & Depression; Natural Alternatives To Prozac,
• Valium & Ritalin
• Natural Holistic Remedies for Shingles
• Kanna the “happy plant” Natural Alternative for weight loss, anxiety, depression and addictions to alcohol & smoking
• How to quickly remedy stings naturally with papaya enzyme (mosquito, bee, wasp or jellyfish)
• Alternative Therapies; Life Changing Rewards for happier and healthier living- a personal account

Natural Tiger Balm Recipe

from herbsandoilsworld

No one likes having aches & pains, and what better way to get relief with an all-natural product that you’ve made yourself?

Tiger Balm is an old remedy that’s been around for ages helping people deal with everyday muscle and joint pains and works miracles for deep relief. It’s also great for; arthritis, back pain, sprains, joint pain, tension headaches, muscle strain or aches, and even offers a little relief from common cold symptoms.

When your muscles and joints feel stiff and sore, the warming effect of this all-natural ointment, linament, or balm soothes the aches, and lessens the pain when massaged into your skin. It’s also great when used in conjunction with a damp heat wrap (warm compress) over the affected area.

And since your skin is the largest organ of the human body, why use products with petrolatum or other harmful ingredients? Make your own, with ingredients your body will love (it’s so easy!) and your wallet will thank you too. It may seem like alot to spend at first, to get everything you need, but if you suffer from on-going pain, and do some crunching with the numbers, you will be suprised with how much you get out of them, it’s quite a bit cheaper to make your own.

Wax is needed, and I like using natural beeswax instead of paraffin-based waxes. Also, I think the combination of African Shea Butter (Pure Raw Unrefined ), olive, grapeseed, and coconut oils make a perfectly balanced texture for this balm. But feel free to experiment with any of your favorite carrier oils (like sweet almond, avocado (great for dry skin), or even fractionated coconut oil (awesome for a dryer feel). You’ll also need menthol crystals.

Read the rest of my infobarrel article (the entire recipe here). Below is ONLY the essential oils needed:

Essential oils:

• • camphor (cinnamomum camphora) essential oil 25 dps.
  • peppermint  (mentha piperita) e.o. 40 dps
  • eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus- or any eucalyptus) e.o. 50 dps.
  • clove (syzygium aromaticum) e.o. 25 dps.
  • cinnamon bark (cinnamomum zeylanicum) e.o. 10 dps.
  • wintergreen (gaultheria procumbens) e.o. 10 dps.
  • birch  (betula alba) e.o.12 dps.
  • cassia (cinnamonum cassia) e.o.15 dps.
  • cajeput (melaleuca leucadendra) e.o. 40 dps.
  • thyme (thymus vulgaris) e.o. 3 dps.
  • oregano (oreganum compactum) e.o. 4 dps.
  • lavender(lavandula angustifolia) e.o.15 dps.

   
• Read more at http://www.infobarrel.com/How_to_make_natural_Tiger_Balm_for_aches__pains

Notes About Menthol Crystals:

Using in a salve: Melt all ingredients together except for the menthol and essential oils. Remove from heat, stir in menthol crystals, re-heat until crystals are melted if needed. Remove from heat and let cool before stirring in the essential oils or they will evaporate, pour into containers.

If you don’t have experience in using menthol crystals, they are quite powerful, so do wear a mask when using them and caution, you don’t want to have your head right over the bowl when mixing this item.

Menthol crystals are soluble in alcohol, essential oils and olive oil but almost insoluble in water and glycerin, with a melting point that typically averages 41°C to 44°C (105.8°F to 111.2°F), and boils at 212°C (413.6°F).

Menthol is the chief constituent of mint oil and is responsible for its distinctive odor and taste and the “cooling sensation” it produces when applied to the skin.

Mentha piperita contains up to 50% menthol and Mentha arvensis contains 70-80% menthol.

Menthol and its derivatives can also be added to various peppermint type compositions to enhance the cooling and freshening effects. In ointments, liniments, and solutions menthol crystals are employed in strengths ranging from 5 to 20 per cent, and the crystals are commonly applied to cosmetics, salves and balms.

Use a few drops on the tiles of the walls surrounding your shower (not on the floor!) and the menthol will be released by the steam created by the hot water. Externally, it is employed as a local analgesic, but it must be diluted first in an adequate carrier and may be rubbed liberally on the skin. here you will notice that it produces a sensation of immediate cold, followed by numbness and partial anesthesia; it first stimulates the nerves, conveying the sensation of cold, and later penetrates the skin and paralyzes the nerve endings.

Note:

Not for use on small children or pets.

_____________________________________

Also find ingredients Here, and:

where to buy the best organic butters

and fixed oils

where to buy wax

Mountain Rose Organic carries all your natural ingredients

More articles on Essential Oils

Essential oils are little miracles in a bottle. There are literally thousands of uses for them that can help balance your life in mind, body and spirit.

Here are some of my past articles on essential oils that may help with anything from learning about them and how they work, to emotional uses, spiritual uses (like for chakras and connecting with angels) , physical uses (like allergies, travelling, skin/ acne/ etc.) and everything else you may want to know about them.

GENERAL & MISC. essential oil helpful uses:

Many Helpful Suggestions on Uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils are wonderful substances that can be used in a variety of applications. Below you will find a list of many essential oils and their common uses along with a short primer on essential oils for analyzing quality of the oil.

Essential Oil Recipes for Detoxing the Body

Skin and Internal Organ Detox Blend, Immediate Detox Blend, Cleanse & Detox Blend, Super Detox and Cellulite Buster Blend, Liver / Lymphatic System Detox Blend, Mind-Detox Blend and Stress Relief, Purify Your Space Blend

How to Use Essential Oils for Detoxification

Detoxifying the body using essential oils is one of the best ways to clean out the harmful toxins laying stagnant in our bodies. Find out which essential oils to use for detoxing the body, and different ways to detoxify the body, mind and spirit.

Best Essential Oils for Insect Bites and Natural Insect Repellent Recipe

Read on to see a few natural remedies and recipes for mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats/no-see-ums, and ant bites, as well as a natural insect repellent recipe.

How to Make a Natural Travel Kit with Essential Oils

Aromatherapy for travelers includes notes & dilution uses, recipes for; sunburn relief spray, jet lag, migraines, stress headaches, nausea, travel sickness, queasiness, fear of flying, preventing deep vein thrombosis and more!

Natural Holistic Remedies for Anxiety, Stress and Depression

Part two of the “Natural Holistic Remedies” series, this one targets anxiety, stress and depression, natural alternatives to Prozac, Valium and Ritalin.

Natural Holistic Remedies for Shingles – more info on shingles and e.o. recipe.

List of Essential Oils for Specific Emotions

List of Emotions and what kind of Essential Oils to use to either enhance or subdue them.

Natural Remedies for Allergies; Immune Boosting Essential Oils, Allergen Home Spray Recipe, and Allergy Relief Blend Recipe

See inside What is an allergy? How to get relief from allergies with essential oils? How to naturally fight allergies with essential oils as well as Immune Boosting Essential Oils, Allergen Home Spray Recipe, and an Allergy Relief Blend Recipe

Can Essential Oils Help with Depression & Anxiety? Using Aromatherapy as a Mood Regulator
Learn how to use pure therapeutic grade essential oils to ease depression and anxiety, simply and naturally.

Shortcut DIY Incense & Aromatherapy Blends to Go with Them

Relaxing Blend, Purify my Space Blend, Exotic Blend, and Fresh Burst Blend, plus an easy recipe for DIY incense making.

Fair Skin Natural Beauty Treatments

For those that want to take extra good care of their fine porcelain veneer, use these natural beauty treatments to really glow.

Aromatherapy as an Aphrodisiac ; Essential Oil Recipes for Love

Aromatherapy is great for an aphrodisiac, here’s some fabulous recipes including; Aphrodisia blend, Sexy for Her, Sexy for Him, Warming Bath, and Hot & Sexy Rub.

Essential Oil Recipes for New Beginnings

Essential oil recipes for a new year and a fresh start including: new beginnings blend, blessings blend, business success, citrus purification, courage, uplifting energy, interview blend, peace blend, and a winter depression ease blend

Clean Your Home “Green” While Saving Lots of Green

Kill germs, inhibit mold, and clean your entire space naturally with a few simple ingredients around your home.

How to Make Natural Pergo or Laminate Floor Cleaner

Super easy recipe and simple to follow directions on making a natural pergo or laminate floor cleaner that won’t harm your family, pets, friends or the environment.

Information on Ingredients for Natural Products

I’ve compiled a list of the top five resources for consumers who are looking to find out what exactly is in those products you’re using and what to look for when purchasing ‘natural’ products.

Easy DIY Natural Handmade Soap Recipe Without Using Lye or Caustic Soda

Not only is it fun to make and far better for your skin than the junk in the store, but this recipe is fully customizable to suit whatever mood, flavor, scent, or property you want.

SKIN & HAIR:

How to Cure Frizzy Hair with Essential Oils

Learn how to combat dry, damaged or frizzy hair with essential oils by using these tips and tricks. Includes recipes, essential oil info. and much more. Never have the frizzies again.

How to Use Essential Oils for Healthy Hair

Great tips and the best essential oils to use for getting beautiful hair, whether you have dandruff, dry hair, oily hair or dull hair. Essential oils can also help with lice, flaky scalp and under active sebaceous glands.

Best Natural Treatments for Skin Blemishes and Essential Oils to Use for Acne some products and recipes that have worked for me in the past, are all natural, and dependable

How to Make a Non-Drying Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer with Essential Oils and Aloe

In this article you’ll learn how to create an all natural and “organic” version of Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer without all the alcohol in it that may dry and crack your skin (leading to open wounds or sores which are more susceptible to germs).

Easy DIY Body Cream Shea Butter Recipe

The best moisturizers aren’t necessarily the most expensive, and if you love knowing exactly what you’re using on your skin, and don’t mind messing up your kitchen a bit, then this DIY body cream recipe is for you.

Easy DIY Shea Butter Hair Conditioner Recipe

If you love DIY projects and saving money, try this easy and fabulous hair moisturizer/conditioner that is fully customizable to your hair’s needs.

Best DIY Natural Pore Cleanser Recipes

find fabulous skin care tips and all-natural DIY recipes such as: a pore-reducing mask, an acne mask & toner, and a pore cleansing strip recipe

DIY: Easy Beauty Recipes; Natural Lipgloss and Lip Plumper

Super fun, easy and cheap recipes for DIY lip gloss and lip plumper. You’ll find an excellent supplier resource list here too.

Get Pretty Feet for Summer with These Homemade Feet Treats

Learn how to make peppyfeet salt soak, super peppy footbalm slather, and a recipe for a very refreshing and cooling foot spray.

ANGELS & CHAKRAS:

How to Use Essential Oils for Connecting with Angels and the Best Essential Oils to Use A guideline for which essential oils and scents to use for attracting angels, the best of, along with descriptions of how each essential oil relates to the spirit, angels and connecting with angels, and how to go about using them to connect with angels.

Angels and Aromatherapy; Archangel Raphael About Archangel Raphael, Essential Oils attuned to Archangel Raphael, Colors and Gemstones / Crystals associated with Archangel Raphael, and Prayer / Meditation asking for Archangel Raphael’s assistance.

Essential Oil Recipe Blends & Dilutions for Energy Work; Clearing & Balancing the Chakras

About dilution, “Rose Base” Recipe, Clearing Room Spray, Positive Energy Spray, Setting up Boundaries or for Protection blend, Asking for Spiritual Guidance blend, Clearing the Aura after Energy Healing Work blend, Facial Winter Spritzer and more

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Eight; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; 7th Chakra or the Crown Chakra

Understanding the crown chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds and notes used to help balance the crown chakra, angelic aid in balancing the crown chakra, as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them.

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Seven; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; 6th Chakra or the Third Eye Chakra

Understanding the third eye chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds and notes used to help balance the 6th chakra, angelic aid in balancing the 6th chakra, as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Six; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; 5th Chakra or the Throat Chakra

Understanding the throat chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds & notes used to help balance the throat chakra, angelic aid in balancing the 5th chakra as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them.

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Five; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; 4th Chakra or the Heart Chakra

Understanding the heart chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds and notes used to help balance the heart chakra, angelic aid in balancing the heart chakra, as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them.

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Four; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; 3rd Chakra or the Solar Plexus Chakra

Understanding the solar plexus chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds and notes used to help balance the solar plexus chakra, angelic aid in balancing as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them.

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Three; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; The Sacral Chakra

Understanding the sacral chakra, essential oils, gemstones, crystals, flower essences, sounds and notes used to help balance the sacral chakra, angelic aid in balancing the sacral chakra, as well as which essential oils to use, and how to use them.

Essential Oils and Chakras Part Two; Using Essential Oils for Balancing Chakras; The Root Chakra

The root chakra; how to add essential oils to your chakra balancing technique, which oils to use, and how to use them, as well as a few notes on how to incorporate them with the aid of angels, specific crystals, gemstones & corresponding notes

Essential Oils and Chakras Part One; Introduction to Using Essential Oils for Balancing the Chakras

In this section you’ll find the answers to: a little about aromatherapy, What are the chakras? Chakras explained through the aura, and How can aromatherapy be used to balance the chakras?

I hope you found something that peaked your interest and helped you in some way. Thanks for reading!!

Sacred Frankincense curing cancer

This is big news.

I mean huge, world changing news.

I believe Sacred Frankincense will be the next biggest thing in the battle of cancer.

This year my family received a Christmas miracle. I believe Sacred Frankincense was the catalyst.

I still can’t get over how wonderful this news is. All the prayers, positive mental attitude,  and everything else that goes along with living healthy were all a part of it.

I promised I wouldn’t say who, but someone close to me has been taking Sacred Frankincense (2 drops of essential oil in orange juice every morning for 3 months) and has seen dramatic improvement in health. The bone that was eaten away by a tumor is literally healing as we speak from this rampant killer that is devastating so much of the world. It is horrific watching someone you love suffer from one of the worst diseases humanity has ever dealt with – yes, cancer. I’ll bet everyone knows someone who has had to deal with this terrible disease.

But there is hope.

And it’s coming from nature. God said that He gave us everything we need here on Earth. And I believe this to be true. Every plant, flower, tree, animal, etc. is here for a reason, and many we still need to figure out what those reasons are. Some are for healing, and medicines have always been based in nature. Look at any medicine and it’s source is based in nature.

Sacred Frankincense was one of the gifts the baby Jesus was given by wise men, and that alone should tell us something. It should be prized as gold.

The Frankincense the wise men gave baby Jesus probably came across the deserts from Oman.

(The BBC’s Jeremy Howell visited the country to ask whether a commodity that was once worth its weight in gold could be reborn as a treatment for cancer.) Read about his journey here.

Want more proof? There are tons of scientific studies going on right now. Here is one:

Boswellia sacra essential oil induces tumor cellspecific apoptosis and suppresses tumor
aggressiveness in cultured human breast cancer cells. Link to biomed central for study in .pdf. 

Click here to see more – Sacred Frankincense and cancer research

Notes from Jeremy Howell’s trip …Cancer hope

But immunologist Mahmoud Suhail is hoping to open a new chapter in the history of frankincense.

Scientists have observed that there is some agent within frankincense which stops cancer spreading, and which induces cancerous cells to close themselves down. He is trying to find out what this is.

“Cancer starts when the DNA code within the cell’s nucleus becomes corrupted,” he says. “It seems frankincense has a re-set function. It can tell the cell what the right DNA code should be.

“Frankincense separates the ‘brain’ of the cancerous cell – the nucleus – from the ‘body’ – the cytoplasm, and closes down the nucleus to stop it reproducing corrupted DNA codes.”

Working with frankincense could revolutionise the treatment of cancer. Currently, with chemotherapy, doctors blast the area around a tumour to kill the cancer, but that also kills healthy cells, and weakens the patient. Treatment with frankincense could eradicate the cancerous cells alone and let the others live.

The task now is to isolate the agent within frankincense which, apparently, works this wonder. Some ingredients of frankincense are allergenic, so you cannot give a patient the whole thing.

FRANKINCENSE FACTS Boswellia sacra grows in Oman, Yemen and Somalia . Other Boswellia species grow in Africa and India. The tree may have been named after John Boswell, the uncle of Samuel Johnson’s biographer In ancient Egypt frankincense was thought to be sweat of the gods Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal

Dr Suhail (who is originally from Iraq) has teamed up with medical scientists from the University of Oklahoma for the task.

In his laboratory in Salalah, he extracts the essential oil from locally produced frankincense. Then, he separates the oil into its constituent agents, such as Boswellic acid.

“There are 17 active agents in frankincense essential oil,” says Dr Suhail. “We are using a process of elimination. We have cancer sufferers – for example, a horse in South Africa – and we are giving them tiny doses of each agent until we find the one which works.”

“Some scientists think Boswellic acid is the key ingredient. But I think this is wrong. Many other essential oils – like oil from sandalwood – contain Boswellic acid, but they don’t have this effect on cancer cells. So we are starting afresh.”

The trials will take months to conduct and whatever results come out of them will take longer still to be verified. But this is a blink of the eye in the history of frankincense.

Nine thousand years ago, Omanis gathered it and burnt it for its curative and cleansing properties. It could be a key to the medical science of tomorrow.

Jeremy Howell reports for Middle East Business Report on BBC World News.

Now it’s not just any Frankincense that will do. It has something to do with the specific type from Oman. Sacred Frankincense -  Boswellia Sacra is the type most associated with cancer reasearch.

See this site for videos on cancer and frankincense.

Frankincense has demonstrated ability to kill cancer cells in every organ cell line on which it has been tested, while causing no harm to healthy cells. Now, Frankincense essential oil has been show to specifically disrupt the development of breast cancer cells, with a note in the research abstract that “the essential oil may be effective for advanced breast cancer”.*

Frankincense resin, from which the essential oil is distilled.

In research published in BMC Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, essential oil steam distilled from Boswellia sacra tree resin was used. Frankincense is the dried resin commonly from one of three Boswellia tree species, the others being Boswellia carteri and Boswellia seratta.

Another point brought up by a fellow aromatherapist mentioned the sustainability of this special Frankincense.

 Since tapping the tree for sap (frankincense) might suggest no permanent harm and therefore sustainable; but…. “These over-tapped trees have a pollination rate of around 16 per cent, compared with 80 per cent for a healthy tree. Tapping also makes them more vulnerable to attacks from the longhorn beetle, which lays its eggs under the bark. ” http://www.telegrap h.co.uk/gardenin g/gardeningadvic e/9758581/ What-will- save-the- frankincense- tree.html Management guide for sustainable production of frankincense http://www.cifor. org/publications /pdf_files/ Books/BKassa1101 .pdf

 

Also see this post for more about Frankincense & Myrrh what you should know.

If you are interested in buying sacred Frankincense, I recommend using only THERAPERUTIC grade Boswellia Sacra from Oman, which the only place I know of right now to get it from is through Young Living Oils. A dear friend of mine sells it, see her Facebook page “EssentiallyForYou” here and message her for more information, she’ll be glad to help.

List of Phototoxic Essential Oils & Homemade Sunscreen

Summer is in full swing, and for those that love to spend time outdoors it’s always a good idea to wear sunblock.

I love making  all natural products so I know exactly what’s in them, and what better way to take care of yourself (and/or family/friends) then by using an all natural sunscreen. I found a great recipe (found below list of phototoxic essential oils ).  Recipe is from Green Boot Girl. Thanks!

Be sure that if you add essential oils to your sunscreen stay away from using any of the phototoxic essential oils.

Not all citrus are phototoxic..

Robert Tisserand says,

Essential oils of verbena, tagetes, rue, mandarin leaf, bergamot fruit, lime fruit, bitter orange fruit, lemon fruit, grapefruit, cumin seeds and angelica root. Not tea tree, not patchouli, not celery, not cedarwood, not mandarin fruit, not tangerine fruit, not yuzu fruit, not bergamot FCF, and not parsley.

Essential oils with a high furanocoumarin content are photosensitizing, though a few photosensitizing oils have no furanocoumarins. Coumarin the molecule is not photosensitizing. It is found in several absolutes and in tiny amounts in one or two oils. Furanocoumarin molecules a made up of a furanoid ring attached to a coumarin molecule, which has two rings, so they are 3-ringed molecules.

Clementine oil has not been tested for phototoxicity.

here is a link to some helpful info on the NAHA website from Tony Burfield: http://www.naha.org/articles/brief_safety%20guidance%20.htm

Phototoxic Essential oils (may cause sun sensitivity)

• Angelica
• Angelica root
• *Bergamot oil
• Cassia
  
• Cumin
• Dill
  
• Fig leaf
• Grapefruit
• Ginger
  
• Lemon
• Lime
• Lovage
  
• Bitter orange
• Rue
• Tagetes
• Verbena (or lemon verbena)

* Unless it is bergaptene-free oil – sold as Bergamot FCF.

When using essential oils you should keep in mind that some of them are photo-toxic. If you apply them to the skin, and it gets exposed to sunlight within 24 hours, the symptoms of dermatitis may develop.

Photosensitizers

Expressed citrus oils are considered to be photosensitizers. The furocoumarin bergaptene, or 5 methoxypsoralen known as 5-MOP, is the phototoxic constituent of citrus oils like bergamot or other citrus oils. The phototoxic effect is neutralized when the furocoumarin content is 0.0075%.

Phototoxic oils

bergamot, Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
cold pressed lime, Citrus medica
cold pressed bitter orange, Citrus aurantium var. amara
angelica, Angelica archangelica

Mild photosensitizers

Cold pressed grapefruit, Citrus paradisi
cold pressed or distilled lemon, Citrus limon, Lippia citridora
distilled lime, Citrus medica
cold pressed sweet orange, Citrus sinensis
cold pressed tangerine, Citrus reticulata blanco

Other oils that may cause phototoxicity

cedarwood, Cedrus atlanticum
cinnamon bark, Cinnamomum zeylanicum
clary sage, Salvia sclarea
elecampane, Inula helenium
ginger, Zingiber officinalis
lovage, Levisticum officinale
opoponax, Commiphora erythraea
patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli

As you can see, the phototoxic oils themselves are not causing any reaction when applied to the skin without exposure to ultraviolet light.  Make sure that the essential oils are safe for you and that you  dilute the essential oils properly.

Sources:

FromNatureWithLove.com – FromNatureWithLove.com offers a large selection of 1,750+ natural ingredients used in skin care, hair care, cosmeceutical applications, massage, aromatherapy, spa products and herbal preparations. FNWL also offers a large selection of packaging supplies, bath accessories, natural body scrubs, books and equipment.

http://joshealthcorner.blogspot.com/2009/10/massage-and-how-to-dilute-essential.html

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/sun-sensitivity.htm
http://myhealthygreenfamily.com/blog/wordpress/are-your-essential-oils-photo-toxic-keep-safe-in-the-sun/

http://wp.me/p2bvEN-CZ

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I love this recipe! Thanks Green Boot Girl~!

Homemade Sunscreen

We live and Florida and love the beach.  We’ll be going to Honeymoon Island once a week when summer is finally here.

 

Just a few pictures to help you understand why. :0)

It is beautiful and the boys love playing in the water and sand.  If we are not at the beach, you can find us at the pool.  There is a great pool right by us and we go often.  I guess Florida is known for its outdoor recreation. We take advantage of it.

I have one son that is very tan, and one son is that is fair skinned.  I am right there with my fair skinned son, even though we tan easily… we have to be careful.  We mainly use natural sunscreen from the health food store.  Many of the ingredients in regular sunscreen contain toxic chemicals and endocrine disrupting chemicals.  These ingredients are especially  bad for children and women during child-bearing years.  Some sunscreens actually raise your chances of getting skin cancer.   There are some good options out there, but be careful even natural sunscreens can have sketchy ingredients.  Always read the LABELS.  If you want to read more in details about the risks and benefits check out this article.

Since making my homemade facial cream,  I have really wanted to try my own sunscreen formula.  Many of the ingredients are the same which makes it easy.  My boys are always in the sun, so it was a no-brainer.  Experiment time!!! I love this part.

Another way to help build and strengthen the skin and keep from burning~ take fermented cod- liver oil regularly.

I found the sunscreen formula here and changed it a little.

You can also find awesome ingredients at From Nature with Love;

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grape seed oil (coconut or olive)
• 5 tsp zinc oxide (available online or in stores~make sure it is pure zinc oxide.  For those concerned about contaminants or nano-particles, I bought this version and it has larger particles)
• 1 Tbsp Beeswax (I buy mine from here)
• 2 Tbsp Natural Aloe Vera Gel (I buy mine from here) Not the kind with alcohol or propylene glycol.
• 1/8 cup distilled water
• 1 tsp Rosehip essential oil (optional~ use any for scent, just not citrus bc it is phototoxic) Check out why rosehip oil is so great for the skin.

How to Make It

Heat Oil and beeswax on double boiler (or in a mason jar sitting in a pan of low boiling water) until just melted.

Remove from heat, and add essential oils.

Put into bowl that will not be used for food, and add zinc oxide powder, set aside.

In small pan, heat water and aloe vera until just warm.

Add the water/aloe mixture slowly while whisking vigorously or use an immersion blender.

(Note here- I tried whisking vigorously and it did not work very well.  I will be buying the immersion blender on amazon before I try this again.  You can always just strain the extra liquid off or add more beeswax)

Add any additional essential oils or fragrances (except citrus)

I left mine sit in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.  Mine was a little watery (hence the immersion blender).  I think that really fluff’s it more.

On my skin ~ nice consistency and texture.  It rubs right in, but you can make it thicker (more beeswax less water) or thinner (more water).

Extra Notes:

~this sunscreen is not completely waterproof and will need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating

~make sure not to inhale the zinc oxide powder (use a mask if necessary)

~this recipe has a SPF of about 20, adding more zinc will increase the SPF

~add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen- adding about 3x the amount of beeswax and removing the water/tea will make a “sunscreen bar” that rubs on like stick deodorant

~vanilla extract is great for fragrance

~if you store in the fridge, it will be thicker

~remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes a great lotion

We are heading to the beach tomorrow.  I am excited to have our “real” sunscreen.  Enjoy the sun this summer.  Make your own sunscreen and take lots of Vitamin D!

~Green Boot Girl

link to Green Boot Girl’s post about Homemade Sunscreen.

Have you had your cup of hibiscus tea today?

image by Jayson Delos Santos

Drinking hibiscus, roselle, sorrel, or whichever-name-you-prefer-to-call-it  tea has gained popularity in recent years for many reasons. Some studies have concluded that making a tea from the calyces (sepals) of the hibiscus flowers, and drinking it at least once a day can do everything from lowering high blood pressure to easing constipation. With its multitude of benefits, and bright-zippy cranberry/lemony flavor, no wonder it’s so popular.

Here’s a list of some other aliments that have made hibiscus tea so popular for a mild remedy:

• Loss of appetite,
• colds,
• constipation,
• irritated stomach,
• fluid retention,
• heart disease,
• nerve disease
• Warms and unblocks all the chakras
  
• Helps one to feel passionate and excited about life
  
• Promotes feelings of Inner Peace and that “All Is Well”
  
• Helps to harness one’s creative abilities
  
• Excellent for both women and men in regards to sexual issues of all sorts including helping to release trauma due to abuse Excellent for creative visualization and stimulating the imagination
  
• Helps one to come into vibrational alignment with that which is desired
  
• Positive direction of the life force so that one is not over or under active in daily life
  
• Attracts more Beauty and Abundance into one’s life
  
• Excellent for Prosperity and easing fears that one will not be supported or taken care of by Life and The Universe
  
• Attracts much attention to both you personally and your life’s work in very positive ways
  
• The flowers of the Hibiscus only last about a day which also indicates that their essences can help you move through things rapidly as well.
  
• Hibiscus plants may appear to be dying off and yet suddenly they spring back to life again. This indicates that their essences can also help you “revive” situations or circumstances that have great value to you.

What other names is Hibiscus known by?

Ambashthaki, Bissap, Gongura, Groseille de Guinée, Guinea Sorrel, Hibisco, Hibiscus Calyx, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Jamaica Sorrel, Karkade, Karkadé, Oseille de Guinée, Oseille Rouge, Pulicha Keerai, Red Sorrel, Red Tea, Rosa de Jamaica, Roselle, Sour Tea, Sudanese Tea, Thé Rose d’Abyssinie, Thé Rouge, Zobo, Zobo Tea.

http://www.medicinenet.com/hibiscus/supplements-vitamins.htm

Click here to learn how to make this beautiful iced tea hibiscus beverage called fresca de jamaica.

Hibiscus tea is the infusion made from the calyces (sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, an herbal tea drink consumed both hot and cold by people around the world. It is also referred to as roselle (another common name for the hibiscus flower), flor de Jamaica in Latin America, karkadé in Egypt and Sudan, Chai Kujarat in Iraq, bissap or wonjo in West Africa, sorrel in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, red sorrel in the wider Caribbean, and other names in other regions. Hibiscus tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor, and sugar is often added to sweeten the beverage. The tea contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine.
Hibiscus tea contains 15-30% organic acids, including citric acid, maleic acid, and tartaric acid. It also contains acidic polysaccharides and flavonoid glycosides, such as cyanidin and delphinidin, that give it its characteristic deep red colour. http://primatea.com/

pink sorrel iced tea ,or hibiscus iced tea

Here’s another lovely iced sorrel tea recipe: