How oils can stimulate behavior and heal

Aroma therapy is a name given to the use of plant oil extracts (extracted from fruit peels, seeds or certain areas of a plant) used in health treatments both mental and physical through stimulation of the emotional parts of our brains. Studies on aroma therapy suggest they are beneficial and therapeutic. Many different types of oil extracts contain various properties and effects. They also have a wide range of application methods, through rubbing the oil directly on your skin, lotions, bath salts, soaps, candles and some may even be ingested. The profession of aroma therapy is rapidly growing and can be beneficial for massage therapy, yoga or anyone with an interest in natural remedies, of course the concept of aroma therapy is nothing new. The use of oil extracts dates back centuries and even lead to the discovery of vitamin C being the cure for scurvy in seamen.

11 Oil extracts and their uses:

 

 Peppermint oil

Properties: Up lifting, cooling and invigorating

Uses:

• Applied to the skin it can aid in sunburns, aches (particularly feet) and inflammation
• Applied to the temples it can provide instant relief of a head ache
• Bronchial spasms and coughing
• Nausea and congestion
• Irritable bowl syndrome
• cramps and stomach spasms
• Increases concentration and decreases mental fatigue
• When applied as a wash it can provide a boost of energy
• Alleviates anxiety, stress and depression
• Encourages more motivating and happy feelings

Rosemary Oil

Properties:  Anti-bacterial, pain reliever, concentration aid, pleasant neutral smell and digestive aid

Uses:

• Smelling rosemary can improve memory and relieve stress
• When applied it can help with skin toning, dryness and acne
• boosts the immune system
• Menstrual cramps
• General pain relief
• May help alleviate heart, stomach, kidney and intestine related pains
• Treats bad breath
• Treats gingivitis, plague build up and cavities
• Applied to the scalp it may help in hair growth, dry and flaky scalps, dandruff and male pattern baldness. It may even slow down the process of graying hair.
• Ingesting rosemary can aid in flatulence, bloating, constipation, the release and creation of bile, detoxifying the kidneys, stimulate blood flow and circulation, digestive aid and appetite stimulant

 Grapefruit Oil

Properties: diuretic, disinfectant, stimulant, antidepressant, and antiseptic

Uses:

•  Great source of vitamin c and antioxidants
• Fights premature aging and tissue degeneration
• Fights muscle degeneration
• Aids in hearing and vision loss
• Helps with nervous disorders
• Disinfects oral, ocular and physical infections and detoxification
• Prevents tetanus and can be applied to a wound or bruise to fight infection
• Stimulates stomach digestion
• Regulates metabolism
• Decreases appetite
• Reduces blood pressure
• Fights urinary infections
• Fights conditions such as cellulite, arthritis and gout

Jasmine Oil 

Properties: Promotes feelings of warmth, strength and peace, supports circulation, muscle, respiratory aliments and uplifting.


Uses:

• Moisturizes hair
• Reduces wrinkles and scars
• Uplifting and fights depression
• Fights respiratory infections
• Stimulates feelings of romance when inhaled
• Fights insomnia
• Regulates period cycles and may reduce pain when applied to the abdomen
• Aids in milk production
• Fights skin irritation and eczema
• Acts as a sedative to calm the body and mind
• Reduces labor pains and fights the birthing process and may actually shorten delivery time
• Enhances libido
• Treats asthma and breathlessness
• Tones the uterus and promotes secretion of hormones
• Can also be used in helping fight and get off of addictions

Lemon Oil

Properties: promotes well-being, refreshing properties, packed with vitamins, rejuvenates and detoxifies

Uses:

• Improves mood and focus
• alleviates stress, anxiety, tension and other negative feelings
• Improves the chances of a restful sleep
• Reduces fever
• Improves the immune system
• Treats indigestion and an upset stomach
• Treats Pimples
• May reduce body weight
• Can be used before shaving to prevent ingrown hair and razor burn
• Removes dandruff and makes hair appear more glossy and healthy

Sage Oil

Properties: anti-fungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, digestive, disinfectant, and laxative

Uses: 

• Fights internal and external fungi and can be used to treat athletes foot
• Protects small wounds and cuts from irritation and infection
• Kills bacteria and inhibits their growth
• Anti-aging remedy
• Treats sagging skin, signs of aging and wrinkles
• Fights degeneration of tissue and even memory
• Reduces inflammation of the skin and stomach that may be caused by spice or salty foods
• Detoxifies blood
• Treats convulsions, cramps and spasms, to include those of the heart
• Helps reduce the appearance of scars, incisions, wrinkles, spots and cracks in the skin
• Aids in decomposition of food
• Regulates the menstrual cycle and reduces symptoms
• Relieves cold symptoms
• Relieves constipation
• Helps with accumulation of phlegm
• Aids in symptoms of cerebral palsy, asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis and lumbago

Rose oil

Properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, depurative, hepatic, laxative, nervine, and uterineoil substance

Uses: 

• Combats depression
• Reduces inflammation
• Can topically treat wounds
• Relieves muscular, intestinal and respiratory spasms
• Antiviral properties to help fight infections and viruses
• Boosts libido and reduces symptoms of sexual dysfunction
• Strengthens hair roots and gums to protect from loss
• Tightens skin and muscles
• Contracts blood vessels to reduce flow of blood to wounds
• Restores firmness to abdominal muscles
• Cures bacterial infections internally and externally
• Treats diarrhea and food poisoning
• Reduces and neutralizes toxins which can help you prevent certain cancers, ulcers, boils and rashes
• Regulates menstrual cycle and reduces symptoms
• Can aid with internal and external bleeding to speed up the process of clotting
• Helps intestinal and anal muscles to clear bowls and serves as a laxative
• Aids your nerves in dealing with shock, overcoming anxiety or trauma and can even protect you from symptoms such as trembling hands
• Soothes the stomach and can treat heartburn
• Reduces bloating and gas
• Regulates acid levels in the blood and stomach
• Aids in food digestion
• C lenses the uterus and helps in treating discharge, tumors and bleeding
• Cures headaches, dehydration, asthma and various infections
• Gives skin a youthful appearance
• Reduces blood pressure and aids in general health of the heart (that must be why roses are a symbol of love)

Lavender Oil

Properties: Cancer preventive, relaxant, repellent, Oxygenation, anti-bacterial, and reliever

Uses: 

• Combats lice and effectively treats hair loss
• Regulates the flow of urine
• Restores hormonal balance
• Treats respiratory problems and speeds the recovery process
• May prevent the occurrence of breast cancer
• Improves blood circulation to the body and provides organs with oxygen and muscle strength
• Reduces the risk of heart attacks
• Boosts brain activity
• Increases mobility of food in the intestines
• Speeds healing process of wounds, cuts and burns and can reduce wrinkles
• Treats acne
• Anti-fungal properties
• Treats insomnia (tip: sprinkle some lavender oil on your pillow, it has been proven to effectively treat insomnia)
• Provides pain relief
• Can be used effectively as a bug repellent
• Calming properties that help treat migraines and headaches
• Regulates heartbeat variability
• Fights depression and anxiety
• Strengthens the immune system

Mustard Oil

Properties: stimulant, irritant, appetizer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-rheumatic
 (Note: mustard oil is a mild irritant and will cause skin to temporarily turn a shade of red
-this is a normal sensation)

Uses:

• Stimulates digestion and circulation
• Can restore sensation to organs suffering from numbness
• Boosts feelings of hunger to aid with eating disorders
• Treats bacterial infections
• Can be used as an insect repellent
• Strengthens hair (Note: prolonged use on hair may give it a brown tint)
• Warms the internal body by being applied externally
• Promotes sweating which helps to cleanse the body of salts and toxins
• Tones up the bodies system, to include the immune system
• Protects teeth from germs
• Promotes muscle growth

Vanilla oil

Properties: Antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anticarcinogenic, antidepressant, sedative, tranquilizing agent

Uses:

• Lowers blood pressure and induces sleep
• Has a calming effect on the brain and relieves anger
• Treats sensitivity to allergies
• Treats inflammation and convulsions
• Treats depression and promotes feelings of happiness
• Reduces fevers by fighting infections
• Curbs growth of cancerous cells
• Enhances libido
• Antioxidant (this is Vanilla oils most important property. The lack of antioxidants we receive is actually the main cause of almost every health complication and disease)

Ginger Oil

Properties: digestive, anti-inflammatory, stimulating and aphrodisiac

Uses: 

• Can be used to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, flatulence and various other bowl related problems
• Can treat food poisoning and intestinal infections
• Treats nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
• Effective against yellow fever and malaria
• Strengthens heart health
• Helps dissolve kidney stones
• Relieves depression, exhaustion and mental stress
• Effective in treating asthma and breathlessness 
• Effective against respiratory symptoms of the cold, flu and couch
• Reduces pain and treats inflammation
• Reduces heart attack and strokes
• Eliminates impotency in men and prevents premature ejaculation
• May be useful in treating cancer

Warning: While these, and many other oils, may be effective and natural ways of treating ailments and soothing mental states, it is important to note that most of these should NOT be ingested, used during pregnancy and SHOULD be used in MODERATION. It is also advised to consult with a doctor before using any of these oils. 

For more information on Oil extracts and their benefits and risks you can visit:
www.organicfacts.net

"Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction."
-E.O. Wilson

Detox water: recipies and tips

 

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." 

-Buddha

Today I was outside drinking tea and I started thinking about this hip new trend called "detoxing" (Ok so it isn't that new, but certainly still popular) many people do this to cleanse their bodies of excess waste and harmful toxins, clean their cologne, and it just happens to be a plus that you feel a few pounds lighter and appear less bloated (which can make you feel less sluggish and more energized by the way). The question is, aside from the physical benefits of detoxing, is it actually healthy for you?

You might be surprised to hear that this built up waste in our bodies can actually cause our stomach and liver to function less effectively. The wonderful thing about Detoxing is that it can help your organs work more properly, regulate blood flow, and strengthen the immune system. It can even help improve concentration, get better rest and, after the process is over, you may feel more positively inclined to kick it up a notch and pursue other healthy lifestyle choices.

There are many different types of detox methods; drinking nothing but juice, smoothies, detox pills, teas, diets where you limit your meals to smaller more bland options and water detoxing. For the sake of this article let's focus on the process of water detoxification. This one is a bit more extreme and involves fasting for several days. "But not eating sounds unhealthy" I get why you may be thinking that, however their is mounting scientific evidence from all corners of the globe that suggests that occasional fasting can actually help to reduce the chances of many diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's and heart disease.

If You've read the facts, and you're ready to give it a try, below are a few simple water detox recipes and tips on how to get started.

Minty Ginger Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a lemon (squeezed for juice)
•  1/2 inch of fresh ginger root
• A few leaves of fresh mint
• A glass of filtered water

Instructions:

 Grate ginger finely, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add a few broken up leaves of mint to your glass of water.
Alternatively you can add all the ingredients to a small blender (the bullet blenders are perfect for this) and blend for a few moments, poor into a glass and enjoy!

Cucumber Melon fusion

Ingrediants: 

• 1 1/2 cups diced seedless watermelon
• 1/4 of a cucumber chopped into wheels
• 4 cups of  filtered water

Instructions:

Combined water, melons and cucumber into a large container, pitcher or jar (jars work best because they seal) and allow the water to sit in the fridge for a few hours. Serve in a glass, making sir to strain the fruit as you pour) and enjoy!

Apple pie

Ingrediants:

• 1/2 a lemon (squeezed for juice) (Hey now you have a use for that other lemon half ;) )
• Half an apple sliced
• 1 1/2 cups filtered water
• 1 TBSP apple cider viniger
• 1 TSP Cinnamon (Fun fact: Cinnamon can help regulate blood flow, blood sugar, boost metabolism and fight hunger)

Imstructions:
There are a few ways you can prepare this, my favorite is the fusion method (used for the cucumber melon fusion drink). But you can also add all the ingredients to a blender and blend for a couple seconds or you can add it all to a glass and pop the apple slices in (hey even if you eat them, they are a great source of fiber). Now serve and enjoy, but don't go making it alamode (ice cream on top :P)

Purple Grapefruit Passion

Ingredients:

• 1 grape fruit (squeezed for juice)
• 1 cups of blueberries
• Fresh ,edible, lavander flowers to taste
•   8 cups of filtered water

Instructions:
Combined water, grape fruit juice, blueberries and lavaender in to a container, pitcher, or jar. Chill for several hours, filter and serve. Alternativley you can blend all the ingrediants (minus the lavender) and soak the lavender in the fruit mixture for a few hours. Filter, serve, enjoy!

Tip #1: If you want to pursue an extreme water detox make sure to only ingest water (no solid fruits, vegetables or food) do this for no more then a week, drinking water frequently to stay well hydrated.

Tip #2:Many different types of fruits, vegetables and herbs can be used to infuse waters, it can be fun to experiment a little. :)

Warning: While detoxing/fasting may be healthy in moderation it should never be overdone. You should exercise caution when ingesting herbs and flowers (such as lavender) especially if you have allergies to plants and pollen.

3 ways to self-motivation

"The only Journey is the one within"

                        -Rainer Maria Rilke


I know what you're thinking "there must be hundreds of articles on this topic!" well, you're right there are and I'll be honest most of them suggest the same things from list making to avoiding contact of other human beings. But what if I told you it was actually easier then that?

Ultimately if you WANT to be more productivity you are already taking a step in the appropriate direction. The only person that can help you is you. So then how do you optimize yourself to be a better you?

#1. Showers are a key to success

You know how singing in the shower makes you feel like you may be able to try out for American Idol? Well showers have another magic, studies have shown that people do most of their creative thinking in the shower. This is due to the level of relaxation and amount of dopamine released in our brains during activities such as showering or exercise. There are actually numerous types of special whiteboards created for just that purpose (or if you avoid getting it wet you can use a washable marker on a mirror, assuming you don't take super steamy showers). So if you feel inclined to make lists to feel more productive, why not do it in the shower?

#2. Nothing is wrong with being a dreamer. 

We are taught to weigh the pros and cons of something before we do it, and while we should certainly be aware of the cons we should focus more on the pros. Our brains tend to be bias and naturally want to focus on remembering negativity, but in the end this can make you pessimistic and the "great idea" you just had will always remain as such, an idea.
If you find that you often dwell on the cons and need some extra inspiration, read motivating quotes or watch something funny to lift your spirits (even a short clip). Surround yourself with something happy or powerfully motivating and you will find it hard to be any other way.

#3. Snowball effect

Another, maybe unusual, tip that I can provide for being more productive is to find something small, such as eating more vegetables or spending less time on Facebook and more time reading a book or going for a short walk and commit to it. Set a goal of 30 days and regardless of anything else make sure you put time in to do it. After about 30 days your brain will have naturally accepted this action as a habit and you will find it easier to commit to.
The reason I emphasized something small is because these things tend to create a snowball effect. You feel more confident in yourself and it leads to you wanting to do more to feel that way.  A good example of this is when I decided to become a vegetarian. I found it difficult at first, but I always thought about my goal and after a few weeks I didn't even notice I wasn't eating meat anymore. This lead to me wanting to start to exercise more frequently and even to me starting this blog.

Of course there are more things you can do to motivate yourself to be productive; Drink a small cup of coffee in the morning, time management, to-do lists, etc. However, the information I have provided will help you get in the right state of mind to encourage yourself to do greater things.

Ignite New Life

I thought of starting a blog many times now, but I always stopped short after running in to the same problem; theme. It is true that every blog must have a general theme and for people like me that have dozens of interests it can be very difficult to settle on one.
A little background history, I am American and last year I flew across the oceans to attend a university in Germany (every American girls dream, right?) but the reality is I found it very difficult to adjust at first, you never realize how hard it is to preform basic tasks until you are presented with a place where you hardly understand the language.
Never the less, I was and am grateful for the opportunity to experience the cultural differences and ,of course, the breath taking fairy tale-like scenery Germany has to offer.

                 Photos of my first trip to Regensburg, Germany last year

 This got me thinking, I changed my entire life in the course of a few months and in many ways have discovered a new outlook along the way. What better can I do then to join the army of people that make it their mission in life to bring positive vibes to others? Ignite New Life is a blog dedicated to information regarding healthy eating, lifestyle, mental health and motivational content. I hope you will continue to read and follow my posts and allow me to introduce a little spark of light and wisdom in to your lives.

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud"

            -Maya Angelou