Although the current scare with swine flu is causing many people to research the aromatherapy industry is a means of preventive care, there are other factors that have created the need for study within the industry in terms of prophylactic care. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have created resistant strains of bacteria that defy the conventional treatment of doctors worldwide. The World Health Organization has induced studies to meet the growing crisis.
For centuries, many essential oils have been known to stimulate white blood cell production, leading to stronger immune systems. Additionally, some oils, such as clove and cinnamon bark, have shown antibiotic properties. Clove is even used in most dental tinctures for this every reason.
Recently, a study at the Antibiology Laboratory, CHU Hospital Nord, Saint-Etienne, proved that these oils are in fact effective for antimicrobial warfare. The French researchers studied 13 different essential oils for their properties against 51 different bacterial strains. While clove, cinnamon, and rosemary were quite effective at killing bacteria, lavender and rosemary did not fare as well.
This is not a problem for these oils however. While they were not very good at killing bacteria, researchers found that there is significant proof that both are very good at stimulating white cell counts. Combined, these oils can be a great way to prevent illness in your family.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Aromatherapy and Childbirth
While aromatherapy is not recommended for women who are pregnant, there is a growing trend of using essential oils during labor and childbirth. The emotional apprehension along with the physical pain involved in labor are stressful for any expectant mother, and this is where the use of essential oils can fit with any type of delivery process, whether through a midwife at home or the more traditional hospital setting.
The base of almost all essential oil mixtures for childbirth and labor is lavender. Lavender has so many properties within the family of oils, and many of them come into play in the delivery room. The most important is that lavender has been proven to have a calming effect.
In most cases, the use of lavender increases as you progress through the different phases of childbirth. Some suggest beginning with 4 drops of lavender, and increase as the labor gets more intense. Prior to the day of delivery, it may be best to make mixtures for each phase of labor and clearly label them. Sit down with your partner, labor friend, or midwife, whoever will be with you, and explain the process. You will have a million other things to tend to in delivery; the last thing you should have to worry about is your aromatherapy application. With a little forward planning, essential oils can be a great part of the birthing process.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
Aromatherapy to Aid in the Treatment of Alzheimer's
Whether we are more aware because of the media, or whether it’s a rise in the number of diagnoses, Alzheimer’s disease has become part of the national discussion of aging in the United States and throughout the world. With the discourse has come a reinvigorated search for more treatment options that allow seniors to be productive and to stunt the spread of this debilitating illness. Among the discussion should be the use of essential oils and aromatherapy.
Most Alzheimer’s medications that have proven to be effective work on the levels of the acetylcoline system. The drugs work to inhibit cholinesterase, a chemical in the body that absorbs acetylcoline. This is a lot of science, but it’s a discovery that conventional medicine has found that aromatherapy practitioners have known for centuries. Cholinesterase inhibition leads to a sharper mind, and this is exactly how oils like Spanish Sage, rosemary, and lemon work.
If you are dealing with a parent or other loved one who has Alzheimer’s or some other degenerative neurological disorder, it is important to consider these oils as viable options. Speak with your aromatherapy salesperson and the loved one’s doctor, and be sure to administer them apart from them administering the oil themselves. The study is ongoing but is showing real promise, and may allow you more time with the person involved, so please look into it.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
Most Alzheimer’s medications that have proven to be effective work on the levels of the acetylcoline system. The drugs work to inhibit cholinesterase, a chemical in the body that absorbs acetylcoline. This is a lot of science, but it’s a discovery that conventional medicine has found that aromatherapy practitioners have known for centuries. Cholinesterase inhibition leads to a sharper mind, and this is exactly how oils like Spanish Sage, rosemary, and lemon work.
If you are dealing with a parent or other loved one who has Alzheimer’s or some other degenerative neurological disorder, it is important to consider these oils as viable options. Speak with your aromatherapy salesperson and the loved one’s doctor, and be sure to administer them apart from them administering the oil themselves. The study is ongoing but is showing real promise, and may allow you more time with the person involved, so please look into it.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
Essential Oil Treatment for Swine Flu
With the recent fears surrounding swine flu and a new vaccine on the horizon, it may be a time to consider the antiviral properties of aromatherapy. There are several essential oils that have the ability to get into the bloodstream and prevent illness. There are rumors swirling around about how the untested vaccine will affect the population. Before flu season, you may want to consider this course of treatment.
There are reports from the World Health Organization that the addition of the swine flu strain to the normal flu season will bring about a rash of cases that involve the respiratory system. Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been successful in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It may be time to consider these oils as a preventive treatment early on to keep the strain at bay.
Further, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree have been proven to stimulate white blood cells, the main cells involved in protecting the body from infection. These “fighter cells” will attack the viruses and bacteria in the system to keep you from getting sick. These oils should be considered.
Finally, some essential oils are specifically antiviral. On this list are Ravensara, Clove, Oregano, and Rosemary. Since swine flu is a virus, it may be important to use these preventatively. As always, discuss these options with your doctor before starting anything.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
There are reports from the World Health Organization that the addition of the swine flu strain to the normal flu season will bring about a rash of cases that involve the respiratory system. Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been successful in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It may be time to consider these oils as a preventive treatment early on to keep the strain at bay.
Further, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree have been proven to stimulate white blood cells, the main cells involved in protecting the body from infection. These “fighter cells” will attack the viruses and bacteria in the system to keep you from getting sick. These oils should be considered.
Finally, some essential oils are specifically antiviral. On this list are Ravensara, Clove, Oregano, and Rosemary. Since swine flu is a virus, it may be important to use these preventatively. As always, discuss these options with your doctor before starting anything.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
Aromatherapy to Battle Bugs
Almost everyone begins the summer dealing with essential oils and they don’t even know it. Most homes have a citronella candle on their front porch to prevent mosquitoes from gather around the family as they enjoy the warmth of spring and summer. As harvest comes and the insects around the house wanes, it may seem like an odd time to discuss the use of aromatherapy to rid your space of insects, but new information has just been released about its use.
New studies have taken place concerning the use of DEET, the most common chemical for insect prevention. The “powers that be” still do not know what the long term effects of DEET have on the populace. In the meantime, millions of children have daily been given doses of it on their skin to play outside.
Research in the aromatherapy community suggests that there are several oils that can combat mosquitoes and other pests as well or better than DEET. For example, Catnip oil has shown itself to be 20 times more effective as a repellent than DEET. In addition, geranium, lemon, and tea tree have also been effective. Placed in an unscented lotion base, this can be an effective form of repellent that does not have the threat that untested chemicals carry. It may be late for this year, but it’s something to consider for spring.
New studies have taken place concerning the use of DEET, the most common chemical for insect prevention. The “powers that be” still do not know what the long term effects of DEET have on the populace. In the meantime, millions of children have daily been given doses of it on their skin to play outside.
Research in the aromatherapy community suggests that there are several oils that can combat mosquitoes and other pests as well or better than DEET. For example, Catnip oil has shown itself to be 20 times more effective as a repellent than DEET. In addition, geranium, lemon, and tea tree have also been effective. Placed in an unscented lotion base, this can be an effective form of repellent that does not have the threat that untested chemicals carry. It may be late for this year, but it’s something to consider for spring.
Check out Moriah Herbs, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.
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