• Distillation
• Expression
• Enfleurage
• Carbon Dioxide Extraction

Distillation of Essential Oils

Distillation of essential oils dates back to at least 3000 BC and today’s essential oils are produced using a distillation method that has remained virtually unchanged for the past 1100 years. Distillation simply involves heating a material until steam is produced then allowing the steam to re-condense in a separate chamber. After the re-condensed steam cools, the essential oils are simply skimmed off and bottled. Essential oils produced by distillation include lavender, mint, rosemary and tea tree.

Expression of Essential Oils

Essential oils like orange, lemon and lime are delicate oils that would be destroyed by the heat used in other extraction methods. Expression gives manufacturers a way to extract these oils without degradation or mutation. During expression, the cell walls of the fruit rinds are mechanically ruptured then the oil collected and bottled. Expression is used exclusively for citrus oils.

Enfleurage

Enfleurage (and its obsolete cousin, maceration) uses animal fat to collect delicate essential oils that can’t be harvested any other way. In this incredibly time-consuming method, botanicals (usually flowers) are placed in fat and allowed to sit for a period of time. The mixture is strained and the process repeated with fresh botanicals. After the desired level of concentration is achieved, the fragranced fat, now referred to as a pomade, is chemically separated from the essential oils with alcohol. The best known enfleurage is jasmine.

The newest technique for extracting pure essential oils involves carbon dioxide forced into a hypercritical state under pressure. The “naturalness” of this procedure is hotly debated among aromatherapists but it certainly has its advantages—including the fact that the resulting essential oils don’t experience any degradation or mutation. As the cost of this method drops, its usage will increase.

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Modern research has unveiled the therapeutic power contained in the seed oil of this plant. The omega-6 fatty acid, called GLA, possesses anti inflammatory and other healing action.

The GLA found in evening primrose makes it a valuable healer. When taken, the body converts GLA, which helps to regulate various bodily functions. Cell membranes rely on GLA to survive.

Evening primrose is a great reliever of PMS and menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It has been known to lessen the effects of endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts. It minimizes premenstrual breast tenderness and curbs carbohydrate and chocolate cravings.

Those suffering from join pain and rheumatoid arthritis will find relief from the GLA contained in evening primrose. Research indicates that GLA can prevent, and in some cases reverse, the nerve damage (neuropathy) so often seen in those who suffer from diabetes. In a twelve month study, tingling, numbness and loss of sensation in patients with mild neuropathy lessened in those who took a daily supplement of evening primrose oil.

People suffering from eczema, acne, rosacea, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, female infertility, Raynaud’s disease and alcohol withdrawal, should take a daily dose of 1,000 mg per day. This also helps protect against aging and nourishes the scalp, hair and nails.

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Care should always be taken when looking at homeopathic or any other alternative remedies to ensure that they won’t interact with medication you are currently taking and, of course, to make sure they have the desired effect. However, what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next so experiment to find the best cure for you.

Aromatherapy

There are a number of different ways to use aromatherapy Among the most effective application methods for headaches are the use of candles, oils and massage oils. Eucalyptus, lavender and sandlewood have proven to be particularly effective at combating migraines and other forms of headache. You should avoid the temptation to buy cheap products because often they contain very little of the actual ingredient you actually want and supplement this with chemicals that could well worsen your headache.

Feverfew

Feverfew has recently become an incredibly popular method to combat headaches and, in particular, migraines. The active component in feverfew is parthenolide that is becoming increasingly popular with researchers and physicians alike because it has shown promising signs of fighting Leukemia and other more serious complaints. Feverfew acts as an anti-inflammatory and as well as preventing the onset of migraines it can also help combat a sensitivity to light and nauseous feelings.

Research is still ongoing and, as such, it is difficult to give guidance with regards to the amount to take. Common side effects include a sore throat and mouth and skin rash if large quantities are taken. Recommendations range from 100mg to 200mg per day; any more is not advised. Feverfew capsules are available but many migraine relief tablets also include feverfew in their active ingredients so some shopping around in your local store may yield results.

Passion Flower

Passionflower (Passiflora) has gained a lot of respect in herbal medicine as providing a potential cure for various ailments. Among its uses, passionflower shows strong signs of combating migraines and headaches as well as lowering anxiety levels and works effectively as an anti-inflammatory. This combination means that passionflower extracts can help to prevent the throbbing sensation in your head associated with cluster headaches and migraines.

Peppermint

Peppermint has several advantages as a headache and migraine cure. It tastes and smells pleasant and is easily obtainable. Clinical tests have also shown excellent results for many patients. Peppermint is best used as an essential oil but you should avoid its consumption if you have acid indigestion or other digestive complaints. Peppermint has been widely recognized as a headache cure for many hundreds of years but has also been used as a coolant and a mild relaxant.

Gingko

Who hasn’t heard of Gingko Biloba and its various uses as an herbal remedy? As well as being used to help alleviate headaches it is also popular as an antidepressant and to improve memory and alertness. This unique combination of uses has made it extremely popular in health supplements and products for some years now. Many Gingko supplements are available that also contain peppermint, cayenne and other beneficial plants and herbs. Superstores and health stores have a stock of different Gingko products available so choose wisely and, if necessary, experiment until you find the perfect remedy for you.

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To ease into yoga, beginners can use the following instructions as a springboard to jump into practice.  Intermediate and advanced yoga participants can use the following to brush up on the foundation of practice.

Mountain Pose

Breathing: Inhale arms up, palms touch, and exhale hands down over the chest.

Alignment: The toes and ankles should touch gently.  Engage the abs, left the chest, leave shoulders down and back away from the ears, and keep the hands in prayer over the heart.

Benefits: Elongates the torso and spine; strengthens the core; creates body awareness; clears the mind.

Focus: A point straight ahead or close the eyes.

Alternatives: The arms can rest at the sides of the body with the fingers towards the floor.

Tree Pose

Breathing: Inhale limbs up and exhale in pose.

Alignment: The foot rests on the inner calf of the supporting leg, avoiding the knee. The knee of the supporting leg is slightly bent, not locked. The arms are up with shoulders down, hands touch in prayer in front.  The neck remains long while hips open to the front. Engage the abs for strength, control, and balance.

Benefits: Elongates the spine and neck; strengthens all leg muscles and joints (calves, quads, glutes, knees) and improves balance.

Focus: A point straight ahead.

Alternatives: The foot may rest on the ankle, calf, or inner thigh of the supporting leg.  The arms can rest in prayer over the heart or lift in prayer towards the ceiling.

Half Standing-Forward Fold

Breathing: Inhale to lift ribs and exhale to fold front.

Alignment: The back is flat and parallel to the floor as the hands rest just above the knees on the front of the thighs.  Pull back the belly button (as if a string were pulling it from behind) and hinge the torso over from the hips. The neck is long.  Toes and ankles touch.

Benefits: Stretches hamstrings, strengthens back, releases tension in shoulders and neck while moving gravity to the head.

Focus: A point on the floor ahead of the body.

Alternatives: The hands may rest on the thighs, shins, or floor.

Full Standing-Forward Fold

Breathing: Inhale to lift ribs and exhale to fold front.

Alignment: Hinge at the hips while reaching the arms down and placing the hands on the floor.  The nose should face the shins.  Toes and ankles touch.  The knees are soft and can be slightly bent.

Benefits: Stretches hamstrings, strengthens back, releases tension in shoulders and neck while moving gravity to the head.

Focus: Shins or close the eyes to focus inward.

Alternatives: The hands may lay flat on the floor or grip a dowel, strap, or towel that lays beneath the toes.

Spread Leg Forward Fold

Breathing: Inhale to lift the ribs and exhale to fold front.

Alignment: Legs are three feet apart, hips open and even, toes front, and back flat.  Pull back the belly button and hinge the torso over from the hips. Hands reach to the floor.

Benefits: Stretches hamstring, hip adductor, and groin, and elongates the spine.

Focus: A point on the floor ahead of the body.

Alternatives: The hands may rest on the thighs, floor, or can clasp behind the back and fall towards the floor over the head.

Spread Leg Forward with Twist

Breathing: Inhale to lift the ribs and exhale forward.  Inhale and then exhale into the twist.

Alignment: Legs are three feet apart, hips open and even, toes front, and back flat.  Pull back the belly button and hinge the torso over at the hips.  The hands reach to the floor.  Keep one hand and, twisting at hips, reach the other towards the ceiling.

Benefits: Stretches hamstring, hip adductor, and groin. Elongates the spine and opens the chest. Increases balance.

Focus: Top of the hand or thumb or a point on the ceiling

Alternatives: Look to the side instead of all the way up.

Pyramid

Breathing: Inhale to lift the ribs; exhale down and forward

Alignment: Legs are three feet apart with one leg in front of the other.  Hips remain square to the front.  The rear foot angles out and slightly forward.  The abs contract in while the hands reach to the floor on either side of the front foot, hinging at the hips.

Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings and lower back.  Releases shoulder and neck tension while improving balance.

Focus: A point on the floor.

Alternatives: The hands may clasp behind the back and fall towards the floor overhead or bring the hands to the front thigh or shin if they cannot reach the floor.

Warrior 1

Breathing:  Inhale while bringing the foot back and then exhale.  Inhale hands overhead. Exhale while bending front knee and arching back.

Alignment: Legs are two feet apart, one in front of the other.  The back foot is slightly turned out. The front knee is directly above the ankle and does not go further than the toes. The hips are down, even, and square to the front. The arms are up with shoulders down.

Benefits: Strengthens glutes, quads, calves, feet, ankles, abs, and arms.  Stretches hamstrings.  Improves balance. Soothes internal organs within the trunk.

Focus: A point on the ceiling or the hands above.

Alternatives: Keep the hands on the hips.

Warrior 2

Breathing: Inhale arms up to shoulder level. Exhale in a forward lunge.

Alignment: Legs three feet apart, one in front of the other.  The rear foot points out to the side and front foot points forward.  The heel of the front foot should line up with the arch of the back foot.  The hips are open to the side. The head faces forward while the arms stretch out, parallel to   the floor.

Benefits: Strengthens glutes, quads, calves, feet, ankles, abs, and arms.  Stretches hamstrings.  Improves balance.  Soothes internal organs within the trunk.

Focus: A point straight ahead or the tips of the front hand fingers.

Alternatives: Keep the hands on the hips.

Down Dog

Breathing: Exhale hips up.

Alignment: Engage the abs by pulling the belly button to the spine.  Lengthen the spine and let the head drop.   Keep the feet shoulder width apart facing front. Keep the hands on the mat about 18 inches apart, fingers spread and palms even.

Benefits: Stretches the back, hamstrings, calves, and Achilles

Focus: A point on the floor.

Alternatives: The feet can rest flat or lift onto the toes.  The knees may also bend.

Cobra

Breathing: Inhale the chest off of the floor.  Exhale lowering back down.

Alignment: (Lying prone on the floor) Chest is open to the front.  Hands remain slightly ahead of shoulders and shoulder-width apart.  Shoulders are down and back.  Legs extended back.

Benefits: Stretches abs and releases tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Focus: A point towards the front.

Alternatives: The torso can raise to any height comfortable.

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We now know that the active substances in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes help prevent disease and cancer. The very substances that are responsible for their color, flavor and disease resistance help keep us healthy.

How simplistic is that? That natural food– not processed, enriched with chemicals, steroids or artificial anything– is what we need to eat to remain as healthy as possible. Back to nature equals back to simplicity. We need to slow down and weed our gardens.

Our fast-paced lives have developed into fast-paced eating, which leads to foods that are, essentially, unhealthy. You can help counteract unhealthy foods by eating fresh produce. And unlike vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals do not appear to diminish when subjected to cooking or processing.

No matter how big your yard is, no matter how little time you have, no matter how little money you have; you can have a garden. Plant a few tomato plants, a couple cucumber vines, some carrots and watermelons; water as often as you need. And you my friend are on your way to healthy eating.

Your body will thank you when you cook with fresh produce. You will reap the benefits emotionally, as well, as physically. Gardening is good for mental stimulation and uses every muscle group.

Stay informed and stay healthy!

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Acupressure points are those spots on the skin that are particularly sensitive to these bioelectrical impulses and those spots where these impulses are conducted readily and flow freely.

Eastern cultures traditionally viewed these points as the junctures of pathways which carry the energy the Chinese refer to as chi, and that the Japanese called ki.  Scientists in the west have mapped this system and proven that it exists through the use of sensitive electrical equipment.

It is these pressure points that form the basis of both acupuncture and acupressure, but in place of acupuncture needles the acupressure therapist uses pressure and the healing power of touch to achieve the same results.  The goal of acupressure is to block pain and restore the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected areas.  This pressure allows the muscles to relax and healing to begin.

Acupressure blocks the pain signals that are sent to the brain through a mild, gentle, almost painless stimulation.  Many acupuncture therapists refer to this technique as closing the gates to the body’s pain signaling system, thus preventing the pain sensations to travel to the brain.

But acupressure is good for more than pain relief.  Acupressure can also help to rebalance the body through lessening the tensions and stresses that prevent it from performing normally.  Acupressure can also enhance the immune system, help to resist illness, and enable the body to more readily accept changes in the environment.

Tension tends to collect around certain acupressure points, and acupressure therapists take advantage of this fact to concentrate on those areas of the body that are most effected.  When a muscle is tense, the fibers in the muscle contract as a result of the lactic acid secreted by the muscle.  Acupressure therapists use these pressure points to relieve the tension and help the muscles relax.

In addition to relieving pain and reducing stress, acupressure can be used to prevent sports injuries, or relieve them when they have occurred.  Sports massage has been a growing field for a number of years, as more and more athletes discover the healing effects of massage and acupressure therapies.  Acupressure is a great part of any sports medicine program, and it can help athletes stay in top shape by relaxing and strengthening their muscles.

The Chinese have even used acupressure as a beauty treatments, since the acupressure points can be used to tone and relax the muscles of the face.  This in turn can improve the condition of the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles without the need for expensive and sometimes dangerous medications and injections.

It is important to point out that acupressure should not be used as a substitute for proper medical care from either a traditional or alternative health care provider.  Rather, acupressure should be used to complement and enhance your overall health care regimen.

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Throughout Asia it has been used for centuries to combat weakness and provide the body with extra energy. Native American Indians considered Ginseng to be one of their most sacred herbs. They used it to treat stomach and bronchial disorders as well as asthma. The Indians also used Ginseng as an added ingredient in other herbal remedies in order to gain a more potent effect from them.

There are many different species of the Ginseng plant and they all belong to the Genus known as Panax. These various species are native to many different parts of the world including China, Russia, North Korea, Japan, and some areas of North America. Of these different types of Ginseng it is the American Ginseng that is most widely in use. There are a number of other substances that are often referred to as Ginseng but they are actually from a different taxonomic Family or Genus. Some of those substances are Siberian Ginseng, Prince Ginseng, Female Ginseng, Indian Ginseng, and Brazilian Ginseng.

All of the medicinal value resides in the root of the Ginseng plant. What are some of the active ingredients of the Ginseng root that enable it to accomplish so much good for the human body? Ginseng root contains a number of ginsenocides that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant. They also act as regulators of blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The ginsenocides contain a strong anti-oxidant component that is effective in combating the signs of aging. Studies done in China have shown that the ginsenocides increase protein synthesis and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Ginseng root also contains a number of steroid compounds; one such being panaxtriol. These compounds are similar to the anabolic steroids that are found naturally in the human body. That makes the use of Ginseng by athletes a safe alternative to the use of anabolic steroids. Germanium has also been discovered to be a component in Ginseng root; it is known to aid in the proper functioning of such vital organs as the liver. There are a number of vitamins and minerals present in Ginseng: vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral Zinc. All of these assist in the production of thymic hormones that are necessary for the body’s immune system to work correctly.
Ginseng root is made available in many different forms. Sometimes it is sold as a whole root or it is offered in root pieces. It is also available as a powder, a liquid extract, a tea, a tincture and in tablets or capsules. Insure that all such products are made with pure Ginseng.

Some care may need to be shown in regards to the length of time in which an individual regularly ingests Ginseng. Phyllis and James Balch, in their book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” advise that Ginseng should be taken for fifteen to twenty days but then avoided after that for a period of two weeks. Long-term use of high doses, they advise, should be avoided.

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It is important for everyone to eat a balanced, wholesome diet, and diet and lifestyle considerations are an important cornerstone of any natural or alternative medicine program.   What goes into your body has a powerful and profound impact on its health, and just about every practitioner of alternative, traditional or natural health care stresses the importance of a healthy diet to healthy living.

The important factors in finding the right dietary zone for your body are:

• carbohydrates, such as breads, legumes, vegetables, whole grains, etc.
• proteins, such as beef, chicken, dairy products, seafood, etc.
• fats, such as butter, oil and nuts

The key is to balance these three important elements into a diet that provides ultimate nutrition and healing power.  Many experts recommend a diet that balances 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% quality fats.  Of course these ratios will vary from person to person, and it is vital to make smart and healthy food choices within these large food groups.

When it comes to carbohydrates in particular, individuals seem to have varying levels of sensitivity to the amount in the diet.  It has been estimated that approximately 25% of people are quite sensitive to the amount of carbohydrates in the diet, and unable to properly absorb excess carbohydrates.  These people tend to produce excessive quantities of insulin in response to consumption of carbohydrates.

Another 50% of people seem to be moderately sensitive to carbohydrates, exhibiting some symptoms of sensitivity but without the excessive insulin production experienced by the highly sensitive.  The remaining 25% of the population seems to be able to tolerate large amounts of carbohydrate without affecting the delicate balance of insulin and gluogen in the body.

Those who are oversensitive to carbohydrates tend to gain weight easily and hold on to it, crave sweets and sugars, and have issues with blood fats and sugars.  These people often also have a family history of hypoglycemia and/or obesity.

Knowing your metabolic profile is another good way to determine the optimal ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the diet.  There are two classifications when it comes to metabolism – fast oxidizers (or fast burners) and slow oxidizers (or slow burners).

Fast burners tend to process the foods they eat very rapidly, and this processing is often accompanied by high energy and sharp mental performance.  Fast burners often prefer fatty or salty snacks to sweets and other deserts.  Even though fast burners may have a large appetite and eat several large meals per day, their digestive system is often rather weak and inefficient.  These fast burners often need to eat often in order to prevent a drop in energy and problems with blood sugar.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are slow burners.  These slow burners tend to use the nutrients in the foods they eat very slowly, and they often have poor appetites as well.  Slow burners tend to like sweet deserts, but they are often not concerned with eating and not very interested in food.

It is important to understand the role, both of metabolism and dietary balance and apply them to your own diet.  One way to apply these concepts to your own life is to carefully monitor your reactions to certain foods.  Examine how you feel right after eating, 30 minutes after eating and three hours after eating.  This will help you determine how well you digest your foods, and where you fall on the metabolic scale.  Knowing your own body is the best way to take full advantage of the natural healing and optimal health that foods can provide.

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The natives of the Himalayan region were perhaps the first to discover the healing power of the goji berry, and it has long had an honored part in the world of traditional Chinese and Oriental medicine.
One of the most powerful effects of the goji berry seems to be on the aging process. This tiny red fruit may have an important role to play in reducing many of the most serious degenerative effects of aging on the body.

This powerful anti-aging benefit is thought to derive from the presence of compounds known as polysaccharides, which are important phytonutrient compounds. These phytonutrients are thought to play a role in how the cells in the body carry out their instructions and communicate with one another. These polysaccharides are known as the body’s master molecules, due to the ability to control so many parts of the body as well as the immune system.

The goji berry is available in a number of different forms, but perhaps the most convenient is that of goji juice. There are many varieties and brands of goji juice on the market, and this healthful juice can be an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. As with all juices, however, it is important to choose a goji juice which provides a concentrated form of the fruit, and one that stays away from added sugar, water and other fillers. Goji juice is available in most health food stores, as well as in a growing number of supermarkets. And of course it is available for excellent prices on the internet as well.

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The term essential oil is encountered often in discussion of aromatherapy, so it is important to understand just what an essential oil really is. Essential oils are the pure essence of the plant, and these oils have been determined to have benefits on both the psychological and the physical well being of patients who have tried them.

It is also important to state that perfume oils, or fragrance oils, are not the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils and fragrance oils often contain synthetic chemicals, and they do not provide the same benefits as pure essential oils. Unfortunately, many manufacturers and retailers use the word aromatherapy when marketing products that contain chemicals and perfume oils, so it is important to read the list of ingredients when shopping for aromatherapy products.

Inhaling essential oils in the lungs is believed to provide both physical and psychological benefits. The aroma of the natural essential oils stimulates the brain, and the naturally occurring chemicals of the essential oil can provide a physical benefit as they are inhaled into the lungs. It is important, however, to use essential oils properly and safely, as improper use can have very serious consequences.

In addition to inhalation, essential oils can also be directly applied to the skin to provide physical benefits. As these essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream, their components are thought to provide help for a variety of beauty, hygiene and health issues. Since essential oils are so concentrated and pure, they should never be applied to the skin undiluted. In order to apply essential oils to the skin, they should be mixed with carrier oils, which are essentially pure forms of vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils. Some oils commonly used as carrier oils include grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil and sweet almond oil.

Essential oils can have other types of benefits in addition to those listed above. For example, some essential oils provide natural protections against insects and other pests. One example of an essential oil with this characteristic is citronella. Citronella oil is used in a variety of natural pest control products, and citronella candles are often burned at backyard get-togethers to keep mosquitoes and other flying pests at bay.

In addition to using essential oils on their own, different types of essential oils can be blended together to provide a particularly pleasant aroma and trigger a positive reaction in the body and the mind. There are a number of recipes available for such essential oil blends, and a number of ready made blends are available from health food stores and on the Internet.

When shopping for aromatherapy products, it is important to remember that not all products with the aromatherapy label are pure and beneficial. It is important to read the list of ingredients carefully to ensure that no synthetic chemicals or fillers have been used, and that what you are buying are pure, unadulterated essential oils. It is also important to read the instructions for use carefully, and to use all aromatherapy products safely and in accordance with the directions of the manufacturer.

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