Moriah Herbs

Sports Massage Video Part 1

2010-01-31T09:50:00.003-05:00

Everyone, especially athletes, have aches from time to time. Aromatherapy massage is an excellent way to relieve those aches and relax as well. This technique would be particularly effective with the Moriah Herbs Muscle Massage oil.

Using Essential Oils as a Safe Alternative to Traditional Insomnia Treatment

2010-01-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

Nearly as important as needing a safe and healthy way to relax is the need to have a safe and healthy way to sleep. Many people suffer from insomnia, and many don’t want to take medications to alleviate the symptoms due to the risks associated with them. The same key essential oils used for relaxation also aid in treating insomnia in a homeopathic way.

The best essential oils to aid in sleeping are Lavender and Chamomile. These can be used in many different ways. Some of the most popular modalities used to treat insomnia include rubbing a few drops of Lavender on your pillow case, or on an eye mask, prior to sleep. This way the aromatherapy can work its magic with very little effort from you.

Other methods include using unscented candles with a few drops of Lavender or Chamomile near the wick and allow the candle to burn for a few minutes before bed, or you can add some drops of Lavender or Chamomile essential oils to a warm bath before bed. This method is commonly used for children but is equally effective for adults. Another alternative to bathing or burning a candle could be gently rubbing a small amount of diluted oils directly on your temples or wrists before bed, you can truly make this a pampering experience by adding the oils to unscented body wash and unscented lotion.

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 Oils for Concentration and Focus

2010-01-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

Aromatherapy has been used for many years to aid in concentration and focus. In testing atmospheres, different essential oils have been evaluated for their individual performances. Peppermint essential oil is a known concentration enhancer, and while it also helps with nausea and sore muscles, it’s focusing properties are one of the best uses for it. Many times during tests Peppermint candy is given to the test takers and the results show that Peppermint has been proven to help raise test scores. Peppermint has also been known to help with headaches; this is an essential oil you should absolutely keep on hand, since it has so very many different and valuable uses. Peppermint oil is a fabulous “do-it-all” to keep in your medicine cabinet at all times.
Rosemary is also a vital energy increasing essential oil, which also aids in muscle pain and weakness often associated with arthritis and sore muscles from being overworked.

Adding the Peppermint or Rosemary essential oil to unscented candles in an office or the area where you work, or by using a reed diffuser can be very effective ways to help aid in concentration. Another unique way to incorporate essential oils and aromatherapy into your study/ focus time could be to rub the Peppermint or Rosemary oils into your book mark, for a constant, subtle fragrance, that will aid in concentration.

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 Comfort Irritable Babies

2010-01-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

Many infants suffer from gas, colic, and all children suffer from teething at some point. For the parents of children who are suffering from such ailments, life can be less than pleasant. Medicating infants is a very difficult decision for parents to make, and often something they try to avoid. A great alternative to the usual medications used such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and numbing gels, is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can not only help ease the discomfort of these conditions but it can help the child relax and be able to deal with the discomfort more easily. From chamomile tea watered down in a baby bottle, to a cool compress for their foreheads enhanced with essential oils such as lavender or peppermint there are many different ways to use aromatherapy and essential oils effectively on a small child.

There is also the classic way of simply using essential oils in the bath water. Care must always be taken however, when using oils on children who may or may not have sensitivities or allergies to the oils. It is always important to discuss any concerns you may have about your child with a health care provider, especially if the issues are frequent or do not get better with basic treatment.

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 Uplift and Revitalize

2010-01-09T14:05:00.002-05:00

Using aromatherapy for a renewed outlook or an energy boost may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aromatherapy. However, it may be one of the best uses for it. Using an aromatherapy candle that is made especially for mood enhancement is a known way to help lift your mood and your outlook on life.

To use aromatherapy for an extra 'pick-me-up' throughout the day you can add essential oils, such as tangerine, peppermint or lemon to a hand lotion, or simple put a drop or two directly on to your skin on your neck, temples, or wrists.

Another option is to add your essential oils to a cup of water and place a wash cloth in the water to soak, after a few minutes place it over your eyes for as long as you'd like. This will help relieve dry, itchy eyes and also give you a relaxing treat no matter what time of the day you decide to do it.
To use aromatherapy at the office you can try a number of things. You can get electric diffusers that don’t require an open flame. There are even some that use the USB port on your computer to power them. You can also try placing some essential oils on the collar of your shirt so that you can inhale it throughout the day.

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.

Treating Stretch Marks with Essential Oils

2009-12-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

For any woman who’s had a baby, or anyone who has experienced a period of rapid weight gain, stretch marks are an ugly fact of life. Those dark purplish marks that often show up during pregnancy can be bothersome to many women and often it’s worse after the baby arrives. Then you’re just left with loose skin and ugly purple lines. The darkness of the lines will fade over time, but there are some essential oils and natural treatments that will go a long way toward getting you back into your regular shape.

Far and away, the best essential oil for treating stretch marks is Helichrysum. This is one of those oils that no one should be without. It treats so many things and has so many benefits that it justifies the somewhat high cost.

Helichrysum has three properties that make it particularly suited for treating stretch marks and firming skin. It is a cytophylactic, which means that it stimulate cell growth and the removal of dead cells which is great for firming skin and encouraging the growth of new, tighter skin cells. It is also an emollient which means that it makes skin smoother and softer, which is great for the bumpy texture that is often left in the wake of stretch marks. The third property that makes this miracle oil great for treating stretch marks is that it is a cicatrisant. That means that it helps wounds and scars heal quickly.

When purchasing this oil, be sure that you get the variety that comes from Corsica. It is the most potent and a number of people have reported that oils that come from other areas are not nearly as potent.

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.

Effectively Treating Fibromyalgia with Aromatherapy

2009-12-29T16:49:00.001-05:00

For millions of Americans, the reality of living with Fibromyalgia is all too real. For those who don’t know what it is, Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that can present with a multitude of symptoms that are all fairly benign on their own and can be indicative of other conditions, so it is often misdiagnosed for years. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect every aspect of daily life.

People with Fibromyalgia often have pain in nearly every part of their bodies with no apparent cause. They suffer from debilitating migraines and can’t sleep well. They experience problems with their vision and it’s not uncommon for eyeglass prescriptions to change rapidly. If they become injured, it often takes longer for them to heal. A large percentage of Fibromyalgia patients also suffer from depression that is severe enough to require medication. But one study has shown that aromatherapy can be effective in easing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

For years, regular massage has been used to loosen up tight muscles and ease some of the pain associated with this condition. It often takes several visits to a specially trained therapist before patients and therapist find what works, since the disease affects each patient differently. With the addition of aromatherapy, the benefits are even greater. The study concluded that the addition of essential oils produced increased circulation, increase levels of pain tolerance, uplifted mood, and overall rejuvenation.

The essential oils that were found to be most effective for treating this condition are Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Juniper and Black Pepper, all which help increase blood flow to tissue. To help patients relax, which is so hard to do with this condition, Lavender, Jasmine and Chamomile were found to be most effective. Citrus oils would also be helpful here to lift mood and provide revitalization.

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 and Menopause

2009-12-29T12:54:00.001-05:00

Menopause is inevitable for every woman. While some look forward to it (YAY, no more monthly cycle), others dread the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and the loss of the ability to bear children. But if you are facing menopause, there is hope. Aromatherapy can help you.

There are several essential oils which help ease the symptoms of menopause. Here they are in no particular order; Geranium, Grapefruit, Cypress, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Lavender, Fennel, Lemon, Lime, Melissa, Marjoram, Pine, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Ylang-Ylang, and Peppermint.

These oils all have different properties but they work together to alleviate the symptoms. Peppermint is the only one on the list that you can use alone to treat the hot flashes. Just mix 20-25 drops of oil with 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle and mist on whenever a hot flash occurs. You can even keep it by the bed at night. It works wonders and doesn’t smell half bad either.

You can use the other oils in a variety of ways. You can mix 20-25 drops of any of them together and make a spritz just like the Peppermint one above and it makes a great all natural alternative to perfume. You can also mix 15-20 drops and add it to bath water. This is particularly helpful at night as it will help you relax and sleep better. You can also blend 25-30 drops together with 2 ounces of carrier oil or lotion and use to massage or moisturize the body. This is great because as women age their skin looses elasticity and moisture, and this will help restore that balance.

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 for Epilepsy

2009-12-29T11:07:00.003-05:00

Epilepsy can be a devastating condition for millions of people worldwide. Often the seizures result in the patient needing to take large amounts of mind numbing drugs or in some cases they even require brain surgery to treat them and all of this doesn’t help 20-30% of Epileptics. For them, the seizures don’t respond to any treatment at all which can have a dramatic affect on their quality of life. Not knowing when the seizure is coming often means they can’t work, drive cars or in severe cases even leave the house or live on their own. But one study out of the UK has found a link between aromatherapy and treating this 20-30% of patients who don’t respond to anything else.

The study, conducted at the University of Birmingham found that patients who are taught a self-hypnosis technique (what many call meditation) and then combined that technique with aromatherapy massage greatly reduced, if not stopped altogether, the number of seizures that they had. The essential oil that was chosen was left up to the individual patient; they were allowed to choose whatever scent they found most relaxing. After a few brief exercises which created a conditional response to the oil, the patients were then instructed to smell the oil whenever they felt a seizure coming on. The results of the study showed that the patients who just learned the meditation technique showed no improvement, while those that used aromatherapy showed dramatic improvement.

The oil found most useful in this study was Jasmine. It was favored among the study participants and it worked the most effectively. There are several oils that were not allowed to be used in the study because they are known to be convulsants. Fennel, Camphor, Hyssop and Rosemary should never be used on anyone with a seizure condition for that reason. So if someone you love suffers from Epilepsy, no matter how severe, offer to give them a relaxing aromatherapy massage with some Jasmine oil. I doubt they will complain.

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.

Inexpensive Ways to Use Essential Oils

2009-12-28T13:21:00.002-05:00

There are many different ways to use essential oils. Once you make the decision and decide what you would like to use them for your possibilities are endless. From the economic to the extravagant there are many different options for essential oils beyond what you may already have in mind.

You can simply add a drop to a light bulb and when the light is on you will have the room lightly scented with the oil of your choice. A wash cloth dipped in water infused with a few drops of lavender or peppermint can do wonders. You can also buy very beautiful decorative diffusers where you add water and essential oils to them, and heat them with a tea light candle. These can be made from ceramic, glass or metal.

Some essential oil users opt for the less extravagant and simply add a drop or two of oil to their unscented candles, which will then emit a light fragrance when the wick is lit.

Some enjoy a fragrant bath in essential oils which is a very direct way to relax and take in the full effect of the aromatherapy. No matter what your preference there are many different ways to reap the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy.

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.

Debunking the Myths of Aromatherapy

2009-12-28T12:50:00.001-05:00

Many people, especially those who are new to aromatherapy and the use of essential oils in healing, have likely read enough warnings about the toxicity of essential oils to fill a dump truck, but these warnings are often misleading at best, and outright false and malicious at worse. While care should always be used when using essential oils as a treatment, they often are not as bad as what those in the medical establishment, and the unfortunate group of “complimentary medical providers” who work with them would have you believe. In fact, thanks to these warnings, they may have created a bigger problem than they were trying to solve in the first place.

Many essential oils are said to be dangerous for use during pregnancy and can cause serious illness or death. This can be a very dangerous statement to make, especially in places where women don’t have the option to end an unwanted pregnancy. Many women have accidentally fatally poisoned themselves in an effort to abort a pregnancy, especially in third world countries. The amount of essential oils it would take to do something like that is quite large, but thanks to disinformation, it does happen. In contrast, many common over the counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen have been proven fatal in much smaller doses.

The reason for the disinformation is unclear, though it is most likely motivated by profit. After all, if you aren’t treating yourself, you will have to pay the doctor to cure you. The overall message that everyone needs to remember is to use common sense and if you have questions or concerns, consult an independent aromatherapist who can advise you.

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 for Acne

2009-12-28T12:25:00.002-05:00

Many people have skin problems. Conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis and others can be especially bothersome because they are quite visible and affect one’s self esteem as well as the skin. But there is hope. There are a number of essential oils that can be very useful in treating skin conditions like acne.

Acne is a very common skin problem and it is most often seen during puberty, however it is possible for it to continue well into adulthood. It can often itch or be painful and if it is severe enough and not treated properly, it can leave permanent scars. The cause of acne is nearly always hormonal which is why it usually shows up in the teen years, and women often experience breakouts near their menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. While there is usually nothing that can be done to treat the hormonal effects, you can treat the surface problem.

Oils such as Tea Tree, Lavender, Thyme, Oregano and Basil can be used to help kill the bacteria that causes the pimples and, in some cases, cysts. Be sure to dilute your essential oils in some water and use after washing your face. In cases of severe blemishes or cysts, you can apply these oils directly to the skin with a cotton swab, but be very careful. It will likely burn and you’ll want to be very precise about where it is applied as it will cause burns on unaffected skin. If the burning becomes too much to handle, immediately flush the area with water until the burning stops.

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 for Morning Sickness

2009-12-28T11:44:00.001-05:00

The female body goes through a great many changes during pregnancy. It’s amazing that the female human body is capable of holding another life inside. But along with those changes comes occasional discomfort. Most pregnant women aren’t bothered by them very much, but sometimes they need to find relief for certain discomforts like morning sickness. So we’ve compiled a list of essential oils that can be blended to provide relief.

Most experts say that pregnant women shouldn’t use aromatherapy within the first trimester, simply because the fetus is so fragile. This is the period when most women experience the greatest physical symptom of pregnancy, morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day. It is caused by an elevated level of hormones that are required to support the fetus. Once the placenta is fully formed and takes over supporting the baby, it usually goes away.

Aromatherapy can be very useful in easing morning sickness and it is generally safe. But be sure to consult you OBGYN or midwife to be sure. Peppermint, Lemon, Orange and Spearmint can ease nausea when inhaled. Place 3-5 drops of essential oils in a cotton ball and inhale, or diffuse in a diffuser placed somewhere close by.

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.

Treating Headaches and Migraines with Aromatherapy

2009-12-27T12:11:00.004-05:00

A common homeopathic use for aromatherapy is to alleviate the discomfort of headaches and migraine headaches. Herbs such as Peppermint have been known for centuries to help with headache pain. In addition, some of the same scents that many use to help relax and sleep, such as chamomile and lavender will help as well.

Using essential oils is not the same as using sprays that you might typically find in a grocery store to freshen your home. Essential oils are far less offensive and aggrivating and using those kinds of products can actually make headaches worse. But using small amounts of essential oils can help to ease the pain of headaches.

Essential oils can also allow your sinuses to be cleared and allows you to breath more freely, in the event that your headaches are caused by sinus problems. Also soothing peppermint essential oils can help to freshen your mind, body and mood when used with a cool compress on your forehead or the back of your neck.

A diffuser can also be a very effective way to achieve the results from the essential oils that are best for headaches, since the diffuser allows a light fragrance to emit slowly throughout the room. The most important thing to remember when treating headaches with aromatherapy is that the oils work best when incorporated with other homeopathic methods, such as a dark quiet place to rest, a cool compress and drinking plenty of water.

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.

Relaxation and Eliminating Stress

2009-12-24T08:41:00.002-05:00

One of the most popular ways for people to incorporate aromatherapy into their lives is by buying products aimed at “de-stressing” or relaxing the individual. Often the labels will claim to have essential oils such as lavender or chamomile which have been proven to help relax the body and ease the mind. Many of these products are very costly and the same outcome can be achieved by using the essential oils at home.

For instance, cotton balls soaked in water and a few drops of lavender essential oils can work wonders when gently rubbed on your wrists or on your neck. There are plenty of other alternatives as well, such as applying a small amount of lavender essential oils to your pillow case to help drift off into a relaxing sleep. You can also put just a drop or two on your light bulbs and when they are turned on and heat up the scent radiates off the bulb leaving the room smelling fragrant but not over powering,helping to alleviate the stress of the day.

Always be sure to talk to a doctor if your stress does not seem to diminish with basic relaxation techniques, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

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.

Natural Medicine for Stress

2009-12-23T11:16:00.002-05:00

Hans Selye once said “Stress is the spice of life”. Everything that we do in our lives that requires an adaptive response is a stressor, whether good or bad. However the accumulation of Psychological and physical impacts, often becomes overwhelming.

As this year comes to a close many of us are reflecting on the many changes that have taken place in our lives. For many of us there have been huge financial, psychological, and emotional upheavals this year as many people have lost their jobs and homes, and doctors are seeing an increase in many health concerns relating to the stress of it all, depression, migraines, fatigue, and asthma are just a few of the conditions that have seen a steady increase in the number of cases reported over the last year.

However there are things that can be done about the stress we are all under. There are several different ways in which herbal medicine can help with stress. Some herbs are tonic and others are adoptogenic, meaning that they help the body to adapt to various stressors as they occur. Nervines are also helpful for not only repairing damage but preventing further damage.

Ginseng is a supreme adoptogen that helps the body's ability to cope with physical and mental stressors. It reduces fatigue and difficulty sleeping while also improving alertness and concentration. It is also useful for improving Adrenal function and the immune system.

Yerba Mate is a South American herb that has long been touted for its use in treating stress. It increases mental clarity, much like caffeine but without the characteristic “jitters” It balances sleep patterns, aids in digestion, improves depression and increases oxygen to the brain.

Hopefully in this new year we will all have less stress in our lives, but until then we must all do what we can to protect our health from the circumstances of everyday life.

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 for Erectile Dysfunction

2009-10-24T18:11:00.001-04:00

You can’t turn on the television nowadays without seeing a commercial for Viagra, Cialis, or Livetra. The culture, particularly in America is obsessed with sex and the ability to function. Unfortunately, too many times people mistake a physical symptom with an emotional problem. This is especially true in the bedroom. And this is where aromatherapy can help a lot.

There are a variety of treatments available for sexual dysfunction from traditional medicine, but with aromatherapy, essential oils work to help both mind and body, as opposed to ridding the person only of the symptoms. In a world filled with the stresses of everyday life, sex can be as big a stressor leading to erectile dysfunction in men and vaginismus in women. So, in aromatherapy, practitioners use essential oils like Chamomile, Lavender, and Peppermint to alleviate stress and open partners up to each other. None of this will work however without patience, understanding, and time with your partner. Trust is an integral part of the process.

Finally, sometimes the mood isn’t conducive and there are essential oils for that. Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, and Cardamom are aphrodisiacs, with Sandalwood the most potent. Patchouli and Clary Sage both decrease inhibitions that may be working against you as a couple. Regardless, this should be considered before any traditional treatment.

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 on the Road

2009-10-24T07:06:00.001-04:00

There is a new type of diffuser on the market that might diffuse more than essential oils. It is a device that plugs into your car’s power outlet and releases the oil through a fiber pad inside the machine. This product even has the backing of the United States Department of Transportation.

There are basically two reasons to throw out those old Christmas tree air filters and work with this device. First the Department of Transportation is concerned with a new push for keeping drivers awake and alert on America’s roadways. Essential oils have proven to help in that fight. Peppermint in particular is known to have that response, and is highly recommended. Ginger, Rosemary, and Grapefruit are also oils known to have the intended response of keeping you awake.

On the other hand, many people in this world find driving a chore because they get so angry behind the wheel. Essential oils that have a calming effect might just be the answer. Lavender oil is the first that comes to mind. Many people don’t know that eucalyptus can be both calming and increase alertness, so it may be the best in this case. Either way, aromatherapy in your car can provide a pleasant and safe driving experience in the future.

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 Oils to Help with Alertness

2009-10-23T19:34:00.001-04:00

In the hectic day to day lives that we lead, all of us have the ability to be overcome by fatigue. This is yet another area that aromatherapy can help. There are basically three essential oils that can help in this area.

Rosemary focuses on awareness. An interesting fact is that it takes 68 pounds of rosemary to make a pound of the essential oil, but the work is definitely worth it. It has an overall stimulating effect on the body, both mentally and physically. Additionally, it’s will increase your ability to memorization and mental concentration. It can give you the shakes, and make sure to see your doctor if you have epilepsy, as it can potentially trigger an episode.

The second essential oil for alertness is peppermint. In addition to keeping you awake and aware, peppermint can help with headaches, nausea, and vertigo. There are a great many traditional medical doctors who tout the properties of peppermint. It should however not be used in with people who have medical conditions of the heart, epilepsy, or fever, because the effects can create real medical emergencies.

The last is orange essential oil. Commonly, people think that this harkens back to waking up to fresh orange juice and is a pleasant memory. In reality, it is the diffused oil that is invigorating. The only caution is that it creates photosensitivity if exposed to the skin.

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 for ADHD

2009-10-23T17:33:00.002-04:00

Over the last decade, Ritalin has been the drug of choice to be prescribed to hyperactive children by traditional doctors. Unfortunately, it has become overprescribed, the long term effects are not known, and finally, it has created a world of almost zombie-like children in many cases. It has also become the newest street drug, readily bought and sold in school halls across America. Children are meant to be boisterous and energetic, but in some cases, it needs to be tempered. Aromatherapy can help.

Roman Chamomile essential oil has been around for centuries and is known for its calming effect. Chamomile tea has been popular especially in the British Isles for almost as long since it has the ability to prepare someone for bed. This makes it a perfect essential oil for a child who suffers from hyperactivity.

The premise and implementation for your child is relatively simple. First, find the correct diffusion mixture to water. Mix the preparation and place it in a spray bottle. Then when the child begins to become rowdy, have them stand next to you. Spray 3-5 shots around 6-10 inches above the child and have them inhale the scent. It should have an immediate effect. If you have multiple hyperactive children, there is a boiling method. Bring the diffusion water to a slow boil and drop several drops into the boiling water. Then, boil the water until you no longer smell the oil.

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.

Using Essential Oils Safely

2009-10-21T22:33:00.003-04:00

One problem that many people who begin with aromatherapy and the use of essential oils have is that they are not properly instructed on their use. It is crucial to remember that aromatherapy is just that, therapy. There is a science to the use of oils that you must be familiar with and precautions that you must take to ensure your own safety.

The most important rule of thumb is to never apply undiluted oil directly to your skin. Many people take for granted that essential oils are natural chemicals. And just like the laboratory produced solvents, they can be just as harsh. You wouldn’t place undiluted chlorine on your arms, so why would you place oils on yourself directly from the bottle?

Another thing that many people don’t recognize is that some oils, Citrus Oils and Angelica in particular though there are others, make your skin susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. This is the same radiation that causes sunburns, so before applying any oil check to see if it falls in this category.

Finally, never forget that the development of traditional medicine came from many of the plants used in aromatherapy today. Before beginning a regimen, consult your physician as well as your aromatherapist before starting a treatment.

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.

Christmas Ideas

2009-10-21T20:26:00.001-04:00

Christmas is approaching and there’s no better time than now to introduce your friend to the use of aromatherapy and essential oils. Moriah Herbs has a fine line of products to check out, and with a little bit of work we can provide a great way to show your family and friends that you care.

Probably the best way to introduce people to aromatherapy is Moriah’s Muscle Massage Oil. Everyone needs a massage at some point, and this blend of pure oils is the perfect match. The blend is a mixture of Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, and even bears the seasonally appropriate oils Peppermint and Wintergreen. Its application is simple; it is reasonably priced and eases muscle pain and inflammation.

It would be perfect to place in a small gift basket with peppermint sticks, some fine chocolates, and cocoa. This way, you are giving your friends the opportunity to relax any joint pain while resting in the comfort of their home with a hot drink and an old movie.

It has been said that it is better to give than receive and the Moriah Herbs product line has plenty of ideas like this to suit the fancy of someone you love. When shopping this year, consider the gift of aromatherapy, you’re family won’t be disappointed.

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.

Lavender: The Most Versatile Essential Oil On The Market

2009-10-21T18:15:00.001-04:00

The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender. Having been used in treatments for centuries, it likely holds the distinction of both being the most tested oil as well as having the most effective treatment list. If you look at the list of possible remedies for everything from acne to muscle inflammation, almost all contain at least some amount of lavender. In the plant form you can even eat it. Here are just a few of the things you can use it for.

Insect bites are a quick way to end a day out with the family or a camping trip. But lavender oil works with the peripheral nervous system to act as a painkiller at the site. In addition, it reduces inflammation and swelling around the area. It also carries a pleasant odor that children like to smell.

Since it helps with inflammation, muscle aches are not a problem if you have lavender oil. Lavender can be applied undiluted, which is rare for an oil, so applying to an arm or leg to reduce pain and swelling is not a problem, though talk to an aromatherapist about proper application.

Finally, it is comforting. There are lotions at “big box” stores that promise to help you and your children go to sleep. The main ingredient is lavender. It has a calming effect and allows you to relax. With these in mind, you can see why lavender oil gets the attention that it deserves.

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.

Unique Aromatherapy Products

2009-10-21T16:07:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the increased popularity, there is a plethora of product ideas available or soon to be unveiled in the aromatherapy market. Ingenuity has opened the door to things that so far have not been possible. One example is the aromatherapy eye pillow. Typically products used by massage therapists and aestheticians, several companies have developed ways to apply essential oils to the device while keeping them safely away from your eyes. Imagine being able to come home, and apply this to yourself as you rest after a day of work. It sounds relaxing because it is.

In addition to the eye pillow, another area of tension that can be relieved in the comfort of your home is your shoulders. Normally, you have to spend most of the weekend at a day spa to relieve the tension that builds up along your back and neck, but not anymore. An aromatherapy wrap has been created so that you can enjoy the soothing relaxation of an aromatherapy and massage session without ever leaving the house. It crosses the shoulders and meets in the middle of the chest and provides comfort for hours.

Finally, there is one interesting item on the market for diffusion. It is a ring that is placed on an everyday light bulb. When a few drops of essential oils are placed on it, the heat from the lamp diffuses the oil. There are many aromatherapy products that can enrich your experience, so check them out.

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.

How to Make Your Own Carpet Deodorizer

2009-10-05T14:50:00.001-04:00

Many people, especially those with pets, spend a fortune each year on products to remove odors from soft flooring surfaces. But you don’t have to do that. It is quite easy to make your own carpet deodorizer from essential oils and simple organic products you already have in your home.

All you need is a glass jar, some essential oils of your choosing and a box of baking soda. Simply add 100 drops of to ½ cup of baking soda. Then all you need to do is put the lid on the jar, give it a good shake and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Then just use as you would the expensive stuff from the supermarket. The longer that you let the powder sit, the stronger it will become. The cost of the expensive carpet deodorizers in the store can be up to 3 or 4 dollars a box or bottle, and that will last you one or two uses. The cost of this recipe is less than 1 dollar. You also have the added benefit of not having artificial chemicals in your home which can be harmful to your family and pets.

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.

Making Your Own Aromatherapy Candles

2009-10-05T14:45:00.003-04:00

Candles are a great way to enjoy all of the great benefits that aromatherapy has to offer. Candles are long lasting, inexpensive, and visually pleasing. However, ready-made aromatherapy candles can be expensive, so we’ll tell you how to do it yourself.

There are a couple different ways that you can make your own candles, and it’s very simple to do. If you are the crafty type of person you can certainly make the candles yourself for little money. Simply pick up some paraffin in the canning section at your local grocery store and a candle mold at the craft store. There are different shapes and sizes. You’ll be able to choose colors for the wax and then you will need your favorite essential oils. All you need to do is melt the wax in a microwave save container, or in a pot of simmering water on the store, add coloring and essential oils and pour into the mold. You can cover the top of the mold with foil to keep the essential oils from evaporating out while the candle cools. Once cool, you can burn it like any other candle, but with all the benefits of aromatherapy.

If you aren’t the crafty type, that’s ok. There is an easy way to make aromatherapy candles that doesn’t involve melting wax. Take any unscented candle in any shape and size you want. Take a sharp metal tool like an ice pick or skewer and poke several holes in the candle, parallel to the wick. Simply drip essential into the spaces and then light the candle. This will melt the wax and plug the holes to keep the essential oils from evaporating before you burn the entire candle. Then when you want to use your aromatherapy candle, simply light and enjoy.

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 Oils to Treat Drug Resistant Bacteria

2009-09-30T11:58:00.002-04:00

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.

Aromatherapy and Childbirth

2009-09-30T11:52:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-30T11:29:00.003-04:00

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.

Essential Oil Treatment for Swine Flu

2009-09-30T10:50:00.002-04:00

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.

Aromatherapy to Battle Bugs

2009-09-30T00:20:00.002-04:00

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.

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.

The Advantages of Hydrosols For Aromatherapy Newcomers

2009-08-12T20:34:00.002-04:00

There are many advantages to using a hydrosol as opposed to pure essential oils in aromatherapy, especially for the home user. This is particularly true for the beginner, who may not be familiar with concentrations.

First, a hydrosol is a much less concentrated form of the essential oils. It is important to remember that like traditional medication, it is potentially harmful to overdo certain oils. Additionally, mixing extracts that do not belong together is also a dangerous prospect and shouldn’t be done by the “newbie”. This is not to say that a beginner can’t do it, just that caution should be exercised. Hydrosols take out the guess work.

Since they are already in proper concentration, the second attribute to hydrosols is that the application is considerably simpler, in that most are sprayed on. This means that the aromatherapy treatment becomes as easy as putting on perfume or cologne. Additionally, the strength is considerably less concentrated, so this type of application makes it easier on the skin and less likely to result in any sensitivity issues.

One of the most often overlooked attributes to hydrosols is that to create the formula, they have to be taken through another distillation process independent on what it took to purify the oil in the first place. Double distillation virtually guarantees that the product is a pure source. Unfortunately, slick marketing and an increased demand in the aromatherapy brings about charlatans who do not provide quality products. With hydrosols, the process of development almost certainly insures that the product is high quality.

Finally, those who specialize in producing hydrosols are very familiar with the formulas of herbs that work best with one another. Aromatherapy is part of a holistic approach to medicine, and use of mixtures form this basis of this type of medicine. Hydrosols have been developed that use several essential oils in conjunction with one another to provide this balance. For example, an oil used to rid the patient of a migraine will probably be used simultaneously with one that relieves anxiety or as a calming effect. Developers can place these together in the process to provide a product that is all encompassing. As with every, do your research, but hydrosols are a great option for someone beginning aromatherapy, or someone who is on the go.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Illness Symptoms and the Essential Oils That Treat Them

2009-08-12T20:32:00.002-04:00

There are countless ailments and other problems that can be resolved using essential oils and aromatherapy. The list would be too great to piece together even in a series of blogs. Books have been written over the centuries of their attributes. Here is a minute sampling of some things that aromatherapy has been known to make a difference in from a medical standpoint.

One of the oils with the widest range of uses is lavender oil. It has been proven to be effective in topical form as an antiseptic and pain reliever for minor burns and insect bites. It doesn’t stop there. Lavender has been shows signs of being a calming and relaxing fragrance, and therefore is being used for treating depression, anxiety, and stress. It can be diluted to eliminate nits in cases of head lice. But possibly the best potential application regards breast cancer. The research is ongoing, but it appears that lavender oil has been used in laboratory tests to reduce advanced mammary tumors in rats. This is not to suggest that it will be a replacement for conventional treatments of breast cancer, but it shows promise and any advancement in this area is important.

Australia has given aromatherapy a boost with the extraction of tea tree oil. Recently, there have been outbreaks in public spaces such as schools, jails, and local gyms of an infection called MRSA. MRSA is a staph infection that can be transmitted across skin barriers. Tea tree oil has been shown for many years to treat these types of infections as well as being an antifungal agent.

If you have a tooth ache and can’t get a prompt dental appointment, clove oil has been known to numb the jaw. In fact, many dental medications actually contain clove oil already as a pain killer. Its analgesic properties have also been effective in severe burns and other emergency disorders. Finally, it is used in many cases to lighten the pain of multiple sclerosis, allowing people afflicted to be ambulatory for greater periods of time, thus aiding in longevity and independence.

There are a great deal more essential oils that can be used for specific afflictions. Contact an aromatherapy practitioner near you to find out about them all.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Aromatherapy Fountains

2009-08-12T20:29:00.003-04:00

For people who practice the art and science of aromatherapy, it can be very much a feng shui item in their home. What good is using lavender or chamomile to reduce stress in your life if the atmosphere creates even more stress than you had in the first place? Welcome to one of the latest technologies in the aromatherapy industry ~ the aromatherapy fountain.

For those unfamiliar, aromatherapy uses oil from plant extracts with therapeutic value to effectively change parts of the body’s chemistry yielding cures to many chronic ailments. It can also be used in preventative care. It is the most open secret in the world that even Hippocrates himself, the father of medicine, used aromatherapy in treating many of his patients. The results of this treatment have held up throughout time for over 2500 years and across all 7 continents.

The aromatherapy fountain uses warm water to diffuse the aromatherapy oil over a larger area, allowing everyone in the space to achieve the therapeutic effects. The use essential oils brings about the desired result. In addition, the water in the fountain gives the room an attractive ambiance for the eyes. Visual stimulation has been proven in other mediums to also have curative effects. This is in part the reason that there are aquariums in many doctors’ offices. Moving water has a calming effect.

The last factor involved in using an aromatherapy fountain is the sound. There are companies that produce CD’s that sell for $5 or more at local discount department stores that will recreate the sound of rushing water. People spend plenty of money to be aurally stimulated during their trips to the day spa. So, with one piece of technology, it is possible to create an ambiance that helps soothe the spirit and body through three senses. Maybe the best part of this idea is that it is only a conversation piece for a short time. Friends and family will soon not even notice that they are being “treated” when they enter your living space. Hippocrates would be proud.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Medicine for the Whole Person

2009-08-12T20:23:00.003-04:00

Holistic medicine is the term used to describe an array of different procedures that usually focus on natural forms of therapy. The practice is based on the tenet that in any malady or problem, it is necessary to treat the “whole person” rather than focus on specific symptoms.

Holistic medicine’s roots go back to the 4th century BC and cover the globe from Asia to the old world of Greece and Mesopotamia. Hippocrates, father of the medical field, used a holistic approach to all of his patients. So it stands to reason that many of the myths surrounding holistic medicine as “voodoo” are not only unwarranted, but flat out false.

Sometime between the age of the frontier doctors, who used a decidedly holistic approach, and the advent of modern medicine, snake oil charlatans ruined the image for the entire method. Perhaps it can be attributed to the success of large pharmaceutical companies that pandered to the use of chemically altered medications. In many ways, they spent years marketing the idea that science could create better cures than nature itself, and the general public bought into it. Additionally, many who claimed to practice the art in the early 20th century were nothing more than men who had not been through any formal medical training and were more concerned with profit than with the health of their clientele.

Today’s holistic medicine is decidedly different. The practitioners who are considered part of the new movement are being taken seriously again by the medical community. Chiropractic medicine is now being paid for by insurance companies, something that was unavailable 20 years ago. Holistic stores are on the rise, and pharmacies have entire sections that are devoted to herbal remedies. And now, like Hippocrates himself, physicians are using aromatherapy to aid in what are still considered “more conventional” treatments.

This move comes from the recent push toward “wellness” which completely coincides with the mission of holistic medicine to begin with. Further, holistic practitioners have been faithful in recommending their therapy work in unison with a traditional medicinal approach. The health of the individual patient hangs in the balance of this new détente, but it will serve both partners and patients in the long run.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Aromatherapy and Your Pets

2009-08-12T20:21:00.002-04:00

When considering aromatherapy for your pets, many things apply that don’t fall into categories that would normally be reserved for human use. For instance, what may be an effective remedy for a person may be a waste of essential oils to a dog or cat, and what may work for one, may not work for the others. When used properly, aromatherapy can be as effective a treatment for minor ailments with animals as it is with humans.

For instance, lavender oil makes cats sleepy and pacifies them. In addition, it helps them repels insects, leading to fewer issues with ticks and mosquitoes. From that, it is easy to gather that you will deal much less with inflammation and rashes.

The important thing to remember, when dealing with pets and essential oils, is that pure oils are strong. In most cases they have to be diluted for human consumption. It is even more important with animals. Always bear in mind that the average cat weighs 10 to 15 pounds, and unless you have a Great Dane or Rottweiler, the average dog size is between 45 and 70 pounds. So even if a specific oil can be used at full strength on a human, your pet is roughly one tenth to half your size. This should be the understanding when working with them.

In many instances, it is possible to utilize the therapeutic effects of the oil without the oil even coming in contact with the pet’s skin. For example, the lavender oil for a cat can be diluted and sprayed into their bedding, giving the animal the treatment and making the house smell pleasant also.

Aromatherapy and animals can be very effective, as long as you keep in mind that animals are smaller, and that animals are different. What may be a good therapy for a human can make a pet severely ill or lead to its death. Caution must be used when choosing treatments for animals. There are many lists available at holistic stores that can help when making these choices.

Finally, before deciding on any treatment, consult your veterinarian. You would not start a treatment for yourself without talking to a doctor; give the same courtesy to your pet. It will pay off for both of you in the long run.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Essential Oil Safety

2009-08-11T15:42:00.001-04:00

There are precautions to take when utilizing any form of therapy. All therapy affects the body, acting and reacting with the chemical reactions that make up our physiological person. Incorrect, uninformed, or choices that are ignorant of all of the factors surrounding your total health can in the least be a waste of time and money, and at worst be detrimental to your health and safety.

The first, most important step when considering aromatherapy is a consultation with your primary care physician. In recent years, traditional medical practitioners have begun to accept aromatherapy as a science. Many of the myths surrounding it have been debunked, and it is no longer considered “voodoo”, especially in the new push throughout the medical community for preventative care. Therefore, you can use this opportunity to visit your doctor. Schedule a physical. Take the time to sit and discuss any medication regimen that he has prescribed, and be open with him about what you are undertaking. Any aromatherapist worth seeing is concerned first and foremost with your whole health, so tell them about your health plan from the traditional physician. It is vital to the success of the therapy that these people work hand in hand for you.

Second, it is important to make sure that any medications that you are taking are noted before you begin a particular oil regimen. One that typically comes to mind is the use of the blood thinner Warfarin. Several different essential oils are contraindicated when taking Warfarin, so it is important to know which ones will work with what pills you take. The rule of thumb is simply to remember that most drugs were formulated by some type of herb, which is also the source of essential oils. Caution should be used.

Finally, remember that a little goes a long way when utilizing essential oils. While safe in the proper dosage, even safe oils like lavender can cause sensitive skin and allergic reactions. Do not forget that these things can be exacerbated by sunlight. Sunburns, rashes, and even allergic reaction can occur, so take this into account before you start. Used properly, aromatherapy can greatly improve your life, be do it safely.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

How to Select Essential Oils

2009-08-11T15:31:00.002-04:00

Anyone who has experienced therapeutic effects of aromatherapy will tell you that there is no substitute for good quality essential oils. Fortunately, you aren’t the first person to purchase these oils, so you don’t have to do the trial and error required to figure out how to spot the good oil from the bad. There are several tips you can use to know what you are getting.

The first thing to do is simply read the package. It doesn’t take a genius to know that there is a different between a fine French cheese and Velveeta. Watching the marketing on oils is similar. For example, avoid phrases like “fragrance” or “perfume”. Though not always true, many times these are red flags to suggest that this is not a pure, unadulterated oil, in much the same way that you know a “cheese product” is not cheese. Also, in many cases, the terms “pure essential oil” and “aromatherapy” are overused in the marketing of these products and don’t necessarily reflect the purity or medicinal value of the product.

Another thing to avoid is essential oil that is marketed in any type of clear bottle. This may seem like a beginner’s mistake, but it happens all too often. Many products are deliberately packaged in a different colored bottle, medications for example. This is because the sun affects these products over time. Essential oils are no different. When oils sit in stock, and there’s no telling when these products were made, the sunlight and heat of the warehouse can degrade the effectiveness of the item in question. It would be a waste of money to purchase oils that did not work. Further, it is important to note that once purchased, the oils should be kept in brown bottles away from sun and in a cool, dry place.

Finally, one should use a great deal of caution when a sales outlet prices all of their essential oils at the same price. This is not always an indicator, but it says a lot about the quality of all of the products. Jasmine is rarer and should clearly be more expensive than geranium. If it is a sale, it is important to know when the oil was manufactured. Armed with these tips, it is possible to make wise choices in your aromatherapy needs.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What are Hydrosols?

2009-07-30T12:55:00.002-04:00

Hydrosols are compounds that are also used in aromatherapy. They are a product of the steam distillation process of making essential oils. Hydrosols are what are left after the oil has been collected. They are also called floral waters or distillates. The word “hydrosol” literally means water (hydro) solution (sol).

Hydrosols are full of beneficial properties. They will retain many of the constituents of the plant from which they were made, and because they don’t have any synthetic additives, chemicals or alcohol they are perfect for use in a variety of applications for the whole family. Hydrosols have been used for things from aftershaves to room sprays and even as a laundry additive. Because they are pure, you can gain many of the same aromatherapy benefits from them, and when used as a perfume, aftershave or fabric spray, you can carry your aromatherapy with you all day.

Some hydrosols are even appropriate for cleaning and disinfecting. Citrus hydrosols make great disinfectant cleaners and don’t contain many of the dangerous chemicals of other widely available cleaners. A number of hydrosols are also used to treat cellulite and varicose veins as well as treat cuts and burns.

Hydrosols are powerful products that you can use in a number of ways to achieve your desired aromatherapy benefit.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What are Base Oils?

2009-07-29T19:05:00.002-04:00

In aromatherapy, there are essential oils, which capture the essence of whatever plant they are made from and there are base oils. Base oils are used to dilute essential oils so that they can be applied to the skin for a variety of healing purposes.

There is a variety of base oils, each with different properties and effective for different ailments. Base oils are typically less expensive and more viscous than essential oils, which makes them ideal for blending. You should choose your base oil to compliment the ailment you are trying to treat with your essential oils.

Here are some of the most common base oils, though it is in no way an inclusive list.

Almond Oil- Almond oil is used in massage and cosmetic applications. This oil has a long shelf life and is quite easy to find, even in some grocery stores.

Arnica Oil-Arnica is quite effective as a natural pain reliever. It is blended into Moriah Herbs Muscle Massage formula for this reason. It makes an ideal base for aromatherapy massage blends.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is easy to find in most grocery stores and is ideal for use on very dry skin. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and doesn’t become liquid until it is above 80 degrees. For this reason, you should mix your essential with the oil when it is in it’s liquid state, but be sure to store it in a wide mouth container, so that when it cools to it’s solid form you can get it out. If it were in a bottle, it would be quite difficult.

Grapeseed Oil- Grapeseed oil is a great base oil for massage oils, as it is not known to cause allergies. It is available in some grocery stores and widely available in natural food stores.

Olive Oil-Olive oil is not just great for your heart when used in cooking, it’s good for your skin as well. Olive oil has been used since antiquity for massages and for treating dry skin and hair. It is rich in Vitamin E which makes it a powerful when used for healing skin conditions. This would be ideal to blend with lavender essential oil.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What is an Herbal Detox?

2009-07-29T15:16:00.001-04:00

If you are like many people, you’ve likely seen some of those infomercials on TV that tout the healing benefits of a detox. But what the heck is that? Well that is actually a complex answer.

Nearly everyone today has an incredibly hectic lifestyle. Both parents work full time and then there are the kids in 5 different team sports and people spend their days rushing around, and usually grabbing dinner from the drive through a couple times a week, and that’s not counting all the lunches that come from the same unhealthy place, or that get skipped altogether. All of this adds undue stress on the body and when stress levels go up so do Cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that your body creates in response to stress. Prolonged elevation of this hormone can lead to a variety of problems, including obesity. But this is where a detox can help. Detoxing removes harmful toxins from the body, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.

There are a number of different types of detox products available. Some are designed to work with a specific part of the body, such as the liver or colon, and others are full body detox systems, designed to give the body a good spring cleaning. These systems are widely available, but it’s important to be careful of the one you choose. It should be all natural, herbal based, and contain no synthetic ingredients or harsh stimulants.

It is recommended that people detox at least twice a year, however some find it more beneficial to do it more often, such as 4-6 times per year. This will depend on your individual lifestyle. One thing is universally true. If you take good care of your body, it will last longer, and isn’t health and longevity something we all want?

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Built In Aromatherapy in Your Car?

2009-07-28T19:03:00.002-04:00

Researchers in India and the US are working with experimental technology that will recognize when I driver is sleepy and respond with blasts of aromatherapy scents to increase alertness. Tens of thousands of accidents are caused each year when drivers fall asleep behind the wheel. But now thanks to this new facial recognition technology, the car will be able to define between a yawn and other facial expressions and respond with a warning that the driver needs to stop driving and rest.

Nissan Motors has taken this technology a step further. They are integrating aromatherapy into their new Forest AC system. This system will monitor things like humidity, temperature and ventilation and respond with an appropriate aromatherapy scent to increase alertness when needed. This system is currently being tested in the Nissan Fuga, which will only be released in Japan at this time.

It’s important to remember that the Japanese have been doing a number of studies on the effective uses of aromatherapy, including one impressive study that showed that workers who were exposed to citrus scents while working had a more than 50% reduction in errors over those who weren’t.

With this new technology being developed in Japan, it’s only a matter of time before this is available in the US.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

The Ancient History of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

2009-07-28T17:22:00.000-04:00

Aromatherapy has been used in some form or another for thousands of years. It is thought that the ancient Chinese burned herbs to create balance in a space, although the most documented use comes from ancient Egypt.

Several essential oils were used in the process of mummification, although they were not true essentials because the process of distillation had not been invented yet. Cedarwood, Myrrh, Clove and others were wrapped with in the wrappings on bodies. In one case the tomb of the deceased was opened thousands of years later and the scent, while faint, was still present. It is believed that during this time herbs were prepared by infusion rather than distillation because the technology did not yet exist to distill them.

At the same time in ancient Egypt, perfume was quite popular, among both sexes. It is believed that both men and women heavily perfumed their skin. It is believed that the Egyptians actually created the word “perfume” from the words “per fumum”, which is Latin for “through the smoke”. The ancient Greeks learned of perfume from the Egyptians, though they give the credit to their many gods.

Hippocrates, thought to be the father of modern medicine, was the first to study the use of essential oils and plants for their medicinal purposes. He often performed fumigations, or what many now would call smudging, for both medical and aromatic purposes.

Read on for Part 2

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

The History of Aromatherapy and Essential Oil through the Middle Ages

2009-07-28T17:04:00.001-04:00

During the domination of the Roman Empire, the use of herbs and plants in healing continued. It was during this time that a book called De Materia Medica was written by Discoredes. It details the healing properties of around 500 plants and is thought by many to be the first book written on natural healing with plants. It was at the same time that the author of the book, Discoredes, began experimenting with distillation, though his goal was fragrance water, not essential oils as we know them today.

It was during the 11th Century that distillation took a major leap forward with the invention of the coil cooling pipe by a Persian named Avicenna. Prior to this, plant essence and steam was cooled in a straight pipe which was not nearly as effective as the coiled pipe. As a result, more emphasis was placed on the healing benefits of essential oils.

During the 12th Century a German Abbess (one who runs and abbey) began to grow and distill lavender for it’s use as a medicine. As we’ve discussed in other posts, Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils, and one no one should be without. It is like a first aid kit in a bottle.

It is during the 13th and 14th Century that the use of herbs gains enormous acclaim. In the 14th Century, Plague gripped Europe and much of the Western world (or what was known of it at the time) and herbal preparations were used extensively to treat those affected. It is widely thought that a great number of perfumers escaped the Black Death due to their near constant contact with the herbs.

Into the 15th Century a larger number of plants and herbs were distilled and toward the end of the century a vast number of books were published on the subject.

Read on for Part 3

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

The History of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils through Modern Times

2009-07-28T16:35:00.001-04:00

The 16th Century saw the birth of the apothecary, and it would be a fixture in every city and town for hundreds of years to come and lead to the creation of the modern pharmacy. It was also during this time that a change started occurring. During the 16th and 17th Centuries, there started to be a divergence between those using herbs and plants for perfumes and those using them to heal. Perfumes were still highly prized among women, and in fact women would go to the jeweler and have special bottles made to hold their treasured blend. However, apothecaries became more for the medicinal preparations of herbs and in many cities and towns, the local doctor or healer would either own the apothecary, or would work out one. An example of this can be seen in the apothecary in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, where visitors can see the office in the back of the store, with the jars and bottles of ingredients and the huge mortar and pestle in the front on the counter.

During the 19th Century, science advanced and the ability to isolate individual properties of the essential oils could be identified. We still use those individual properties today when mixing blends to treat the ailments of patients.

As the 20th Century dawned, this increasing knowledge of the individual constituents of each oil led to the modern pharmaceutical industry. These properties were used as a basis to create synthetic fragrances for the perfume industries and a variety of others, as well as being used to synthesize modern pharmaceuticals. One well known example of this is the drug Valium, which is commonly used for anxiety and insomnia, among other conditions. Valium is a synthesized version of Valerian Root, which is still widely available today and is also used for anxiety and insomnia.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Moriah Herbs Muscle Massage Oil

2009-07-28T15:41:00.005-04:00

Moriah Herbs Muscle Massage oil is a synergistic blend of aromatherapy essential oils that treats sore muscles. Many people experience sore muscles for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s a strenuous workout or a chronic medical condition Muscle Massage oil can help relieve your pain. Simply apply the oil directly to skin and massage in and within moments, you’ll feel a wonderful warm feeling that relaxes muscles and eases pain. This formula is even effect on TMJ pain, where the jaw muscles can spasm painfully, and this formula is gentle enough to be applied to the face to ease the pain from the temple to the jaw.

This is also a great formula for massage therapists as well. Massage therapists frequently deal with painful sports injuries and this formula would go a long way toward easing that pain and aiding in the healing process.

Massage is becoming more and more popular each day as a healing practice. More and more doctors and other healthcare providers are recognizing the benefit of healing touch as a complimentary therapy. Many physical therapists and chiropractors have integrated massage into their practices as well.

Moriah Herbs Muscle Massage is a complimentary formula, and is safe for nearly everyone to use without interfering with conventional medical treatment. However, you should always consult your physician before using any natural healing product.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

USB Aromatherapy Humidifier/Purifier

2009-07-17T11:45:00.005-04:00

Here at Moriah Herbs, your health and well being is our concern, and in our extensive research we came across this new device which can greatly improve the air quality in your personal space.

This USB Humidifier/Purifier/Diffuser is a little powerhouse. It uses clean water to trap and eliminate pollutants which are so common in office buildings where fresh air can’t circulate. It uses a curtain of water to draw in the bacteria, fungi, and other germs and particulates in the air and then traps it inside and releases clean, moist air back into the room. This little unit can treat an area of up to 30 feet.

Many people suffer from allergies and the instances of colds and flu viruses are more common in people who work in large office buildings due to a lack of fresh air circulation. This device can greatly reduce the chance that you will contract these viruses, especially if you add something like grapefruit seed extract or some other type of bright scented citrus oil, as these oils are anti-biotic, anti-fungal, and anti-viral as well as being uplifting and giving the user a sense of alertness. One study out of Japan found that those who worked on computers and were exposed to citrus scents (lemon, grapefruit, lime etc.)reduced typing errors by a whopping 54%!

To add to the benefits, you can add a few drops of any of your favorite aromatherapy essential oil to get the benefit of aromatherapy while cleansing the air around you. This is a great use for the Moriah Herbs Physical Revitalization Formula. Just add a few drops to the water, and you’re ready to enjoy the benefit of aromatherapy while breathing nice clean air.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

USB Aromatherapy Diffusers

2009-07-17T10:56:00.006-04:00

Here are Moriah Herbs, we’ve been telling you how important aromatherapy is for your overall health. Aromatherapy can help restore a sense of balance and harmony to the body, especially for those who work long hours cooped up in a cubicle. But now we’ve found a great aromatherapy accessory to help you. This USB powered aromatherapy diffuser is perfect for those who spend long hours in their office. In our research we’ve found several different models. So here we go.

The first style that we found is the smallest of the group. It is a functional USB Flash Drive, which also uses the heat produced by the unit to diffuse essential oils. These flash drives contain differing amounts of memory. They are also available in a variety of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find something to suit everyone. Some even come with a small vial of fragrance, though here at Moriah Herbs we always recommend buying your essential oils separately so that you can ensure that they are therapeutic grade, which is what you need for aromatherapy to be effective. While fragrance oil may smell good, it doesn’t have the constituents that genuine essential oils do so you gain no health benefit. The benefit to this style is that it is quite small and easy to pack in a laptop bag, which is perfect since these are really meant to be used with a laptop where it can be plugged directly into the USB port.

Another style of USB aromatherapy diffuser is a small unit that has a USB cord, unlike the flash drive style above. There are a number of benefits to this unit. First is that this style allows you to use essential oils or wax tarts. Some prefer the wax because the fragrance lasts longer and can easily be refreshed by adding a few drops more oil. This unit also has a cord, which makes it more ideal for those working at a desktop PC, as most offices still do. Its drawback is that it is less portable than the flash drive, though it is still fairly small and portable. However if you plan to use it in your office daily, this shouldn’t be a problem.

These units are a great accessory to use with Moriah Herbs’ Physical Revitalization formula. This formula is specifically meant to be used in a diffuser, so you can buy one bottle to use at home and one to keep in the office and always have that feeling of well being when you need it most.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Reiki Natural Healing Method

2009-07-15T02:45:00.003-04:00

Aromatherapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of healing. Debbie Gez, founder of Moriah Herbs is also holds a Master’s certificate in Reiki healing method.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction that aids in the healing process. The term Reiki is actually two Japanese words that mean “universal life energy”. It utilizes the laying on of hands in relation to one’s “life force energy”. If one’s “life force energy” is not in balance, they will become sick and unable to function. Used in conjunction with aromatherapy, the Reiki method is a great path to health and wellness, without trips to the doctor.

A Reiki healing session will normally combine other methods such as aromatherapy and soothing music to create an atmosphere that promotes healing. After achieving a semi-meditative state, the practitioner typically begins the laying on of hands in various positions. Many times items like Moriah Herbs’ Physical Revitalization Oil are used for effect on the senses. The rosemary and eucalyptus scents invigorate and cleanse, while therapeutic oils like lavender promote cell regeneration and healing.

Many times, a practitioner will not even touch the patient but rather use a technique called “phantom hands”. Similar to the use of chakras in Hindu mediation, phantom hands use the energy created between the hand and body to develop a reinvigoration of the meditator’s own life energy. This type of treatment is obviously best suited for people who have access to a specialist.

For more information, go to http://www.moriahherbs.com/, and the staff will be happy to assist you in this type of treatment.

The Founder's Story

2009-07-15T02:43:00.003-04:00

Debbie Gez, the founder of Moriah Herbs, is a good example of what happens when an idea comes from an odd place. When she was 24, her three year old son developed a case of bronchitis. She was on her way to pick up medicine; she found the allure of a natural foods store too attractive and was soon drawn to the books about health and herbs. This led her on a quest for the knowledge of the healing power of plants. She left the store that day with plant extracts for bronchitis treatment for son and skipped the drugstore altogether. Her son was soon cured, without the medication that she initially went to get. She is now an authority on aromatherapy with a BA in Health Science and several Master’s certificates.

According to her website, Debbie says, “In time plants became my best friends. They aided me in my work of healing and training others in the use of alternative medical modalities. They enabled me to not only help people heal themselves but to also help people find their inner peace, happiness and physical health.” In a world that is generally devoid of product loyalty, Debbie’s company is a breath of fresh, scented air. Let’s be honest, the Walton family doesn’t shop at Wal-Mart most of the time. Debbie uses her products because she developed them from a sense of personal need. Owners like this are rare indeed. And that is the most telling example of the necessity of her product. If Debbie is willing to utilize the information to develop these product for her own family, then certainly they should be used for yours.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Healing Myths

2009-07-15T02:37:00.003-04:00

There are many critics of aromatherapy who suggest that it is some type of New Age fad practiced by Wiccans. There are some who think that therapists have some animosity toward “real doctors”. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are several myths that should be addressed.

The first myth that has been propagated recently is that essential oils comprise the immune system. After extended research, several different studies have dispelled this idea. Most likely, this plan was hatched by some doctor trying to prevent his business from winding up at the natural foods store, and seeing less and less of him at the office. In fact, some essential oils have been known to increase the effectiveness of the immune system since the body in not fighting a multiple battle.

The second myth is that somehow aromatherapy is a religion. Many places, especially in the “Bible Belt” of the American southeast, the therapeutic use of scent are likened to Yoga, Tantra, and Voodoo. There are obvious fears of the unknown, so the idea that aromatherapy has a religious aspect is patently false.

Finally, the biggest and most important myth that needs to be broken is the idea that aroma therapists have some animosity toward the medical community. Nothing could be further from the truth. On all major websites including Moriah Herbs, the companies that market the treatment and the product make a point to request that you speak with a physician prior to beginning any therapy. It is sad that this respect is largely not reciprocal.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Remedy for Tendonitis

2009-07-15T02:34:00.003-04:00

Rosemary and lavender have been used for centuries to limit pain, particularly in muscles and joints. So for people who suffer from tendonitis, the combination of these two oils has been known to increase mobility and make the pain of the condition better.

Tendonitis is the acute inflammation of the tendons which hold muscle to bones. It generally takes place due to a traumatic injury to the area involved. Many times the issue is sports related. When an athlete goes to the doctor for treatment, it is usually recommended that he receive a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like aspirin or Motrin. But this is not always necessary if aromatherapy is utilized. Why destroy the liver to protect the rest of the body? Essential oils have been proven to reduce both pain and swelling in affected joints and muscle tissue. There is no reason to believe that they would be ineffective for pains in the tendon.
Hippocrates himself used aromatherapy in conjunction with other medical treatments to aid in patient healing. He most certainly used items like juniper and lavender which have analgesic effects for pain management, and let’s face it, that is really what’s important when it comes to tendonitis. A person does not go to the doctor because his arm is swollen, he goes because it’s swollen and it hurts.

Moriah Herbs has combined these essential oils among others as a treatment for both chronic and acute tendonitis. This therapy, used in addition to regular visits to a primary care physician, will improve pain relief and mobility.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

An Herbal Remedy for Gingivitis

2009-07-15T02:31:00.004-04:00

One problem that men and women frequently encounter, especially when dealing with the public, is gingivitis. For some, it is a source of consternation, shame, and ridicule. But according to sources, most people will have some form of gum infection at least once in their lives. Essential oils can assist in preventing this from taking place when used in conjunction with good preventative oral hygiene practices.

Clove bud essential oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy. Clove contains eugenol, which is a local anesthetic used especially in dentistry. For obvious reasons, this is a good path to travel when dealing with oral health. Juniper is also a natural analgesic that has been known for curative in joint and muscle pain.

Moriah Herbs has combined these two oils in a product called Vital Gums. This product is a combination paste and oil that is applied to the teeth and gums prior to brushing regularly. Within 24 hours, the product works and soothes bleeding gums and gingivitis.

The problem that most people face in gum health has to do with a bacteria that forms around the teeth over time. It is the same bacteria that causes plaque. While most people are diligent in regular brushing to prevent tooth decay, gum health is largely ignored. This bacteria settles in the gums, creating a problem that leads to bleeding and gingivitis. The clove bud and juniper combine to stave off the bacterial growth, and the brushing focuses on the gum region. Using these oils causes significant success in oral hygiene and should be used on a regular basis.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Essential Oils for Arthritis Pain

2009-07-14T18:52:00.001-04:00

Do you have arthritis? How many times do we hear on television that aches are part of aging, and some new miracle pill will take them all away? When it comes to your health, you cannot afford to trust your wallet and your liver to some new medication that they haven’t quite worked the “bugs” out of yet. For centuries, aromatic oils, what we call essential oils, have been the staple of cultures throughout the globe, and they have been effective. It has not gone unnoticed in the holistic community, who hold herbalists to high standards to produce good products.

Bone Injury Relief Oil, available from Moriah Herbs through their website, claims that, “It is ideal for arthritic pain, tenderness, sprains, bruises, tennis-elbow and sports-related injuries.” When compared to the typical daily regime of analgesic drugs that are shoved into the hands of senior citizens and athletes the world over, this is a product that can provide the same level of pain management without the ill effects on the body’s cleansing system.

The oil is a mixture of Myrrh, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Cistus. All of these compounds have been used extensively throughout the history of mankind to relieve pain and ease anxiety. The only precautions to remember are that all treatments can counteract each other. Before beginning any therapeutic treatment, you should first talk to your primary care physician to ensure that the treatment will not be dangerous or ineffective.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Hematoma Reduction Essential Oils

2009-07-14T18:41:00.004-04:00

One of the most important areas that most people value is their skin. When people with sensitive or fair skin are exposed to the slightest trauma, bruising becomes an issue very quickly. Further, it is not a vanity issue only. When someone bruises, it is because the small blood vessels called capillaries burst under the surface, and creates the black and blue mark that you see as a bruise. The medical community calls these contusions or hematomas. Typically, a bruise while unsightly is not an issue unless the person suffers from a disease or medication regime that thins blood. But due to its unimpressive look, people want to rid themselves of bruises as quickly as possible.

Moriah Herbs has developed just such a product. The reasonably priced Hematoma Reduction Oil is a mix of Lavender, Juniper, and Helichrysum and promises to heal this type of trauma both inside and outside the body. Its effectiveness comes from the fact that the entire prospect is pretty much failsafe. The essential oils that are contained in this remedy have been proven over the centuries to stimulate cell regeneration. The more cells that are being created around a wound, the quicker it heals. In addition, these oils have been proven to aid in the re-absorption of the blood that lays beneath the skin, resulting in smaller bruises and a quicker healing process.

The item is ideal for post surgery patients, although let your doctor know before you try it. The oil has shown a lot of promise with plastic surgery patients, who are worried about their appearance in the first place.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What Are Essential Oils

2009-07-14T18:40:00.001-04:00

Essential oils are a concentrated liquid that contain naturally volatile compounds that are made from various parts of plants, including roots, stems, petals, bark and in some cases resins or peels. These essential oils are used in aromatherapy, and are most effective when metabolized through the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream. They also work by inhaling the aroma. The skin and the membranes of the nasal cavity have long been a quick and easy passage for substances to enter the blood stream.

The truth is that the sense of smell is critical to one’s mental stability. Scents are governed by the limbic segment of the brain, which also controls mood and emotion. Doctors have learned recently that people who lose the sense of smell have a higher instance of psychiatric problems including depression. This is what makes aromatherapy both effective and critical for treatment of some disorders. This form of medicine has so successfully overcome the myths surrounding it that it has been incorporated into mainstream medicine as an adjunct to traditional forms of treatment.

For example, in France, some oils are regulated like a prescription drugs and are applied by physicians. In the United States, it is fortunately still a holistic venture, and therefore unregulated by the government. The oils themselves from various plants have been known to have curative effects on everything from migraines and depression to joint pain and infection. Some oils are even used as aphrodisiacs. When shopping for oils be sure you purchase those that are 100% natural and organic, so purity is not a question. And when it comes to this type of therapy, toxins defeat the purpose. Don’t be fooled, aromatherapy is important for good health and wellness.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Making Herbal Remedies for Children

2009-07-14T18:05:00.001-04:00

As parents we want to do whatever we can to help our children when they are sick, injured or in some other kind of discomfort. Often the conventional medicines found at the pharmacy only suppress symptoms but don’t really do much to support the body, and help it to heal itself.

Making your own remedies for your children is easy, effective and most of the ingredients can be found readily in a health food store, farmers market or even the grocery store. The easiest way to administer your herbal remedies to your little ones is a syrup preparation in a standard baby medicine dropper or spoon, but your herbal medicine preparations can also be mixed in candies, popsicles, or teas.

The first step in making herbal medicine for children is to decoct the herbs of your choice, by simmering the herbs over medium heat for 20 minutes. Then strain the herbs out and return the liquid to the stove, and add half as much honey and simmer over low heat. It is important to not over heat the honey because it kills many of the beneficial enzymes in the honey. It is also important to note that when making an herbal remedy for any child under the age of 1year, that vegetable glycerin is used instead of honey as it can be very hazardous to babies.

Whenever possible we owe it to our children to give them medications that help their bodies work better. So try making your own remedies, you will love it and so will your children.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Aromatherapy Passes the Test

2009-07-14T17:48:00.002-04:00

You don’t have to be in a severe amount of pain to utilize the benefits of aromatherapy. There is much to be said for simply using it for clarity of mind and spirit. The Chinese have used this type of therapy for hundreds of years. According to one research study, a Japanese laboratory conducted a study highlighting the sense of smell. Subjects were fed data to type while the researchers filled the room with different fragrances. Typing errors were tallied, and an amazing thing happened. As each fragrance was pumped into the room, the errors went down! In fact, when the scent of lemon was used, errors decreased by an incredible 54%!

It stands to reason that the skeptics are just wrong on the issue of aromatherapy. While no one is suggesting that this treatment alone will cure cancer, it only makes sense that the therapeutic value is severely underrated in the scientific community, to the detriment of the patients. While no aroma therapist would disregard the value of the sound medical practice of a doctor, why doesn’t the reverse hold true?

Aromatherapy has been utilized to great effect throughout the course of human existence, and yet we are only now finding out why it works. The limbic region of the brain controls the sense of smell. It also controls mood and emotion. Further, scientists have discovered that the pheromones that control our very existence through mating are controlled through the sensation of smell on a subconscious level. The medical community needs to recognize the effectiveness of the treatment and incorporate it as they do in places like France, China or India.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

The Case for Aromatherapy and Physical Revitalization

2009-07-14T17:23:00.004-04:00

In this country, it seems as though the pace that has been created is giving every businessman in America their first ulcer. The fatigue of worrying about your mortgage, your job, and raising the family in the face of a looming economic crisis is enough to put even the sanest person on edge. Perhaps it’s time for everyone to sit back and take a deep breath and maybe indulge in some aromatherapy.

Used for centuries by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, therapeutic scents have been used in conjunction with medicine by none other than Hippocrates himself. The word perfume comes from the Latin for this type of treatment. If you are stressed, on edge, and physically run down, then aromatherapy can deliver the boost that you need. The problem with energy drinks and others substances like them is that they create an artificial “high” that comes from essentially overdosing on a stimulant, usually caffeine, without addressing the underlying symptom that is causing the tension and weariness in the first place.

Using essential oils such as Rosemary and Eucalyptus, the Physical Revitalization Oil offered at Moriah Herbs is designed to be used in a diffuser. The science is simple. The invigorating scent given off opens up the nasal passages and stimulates the cilia within the cavity. As a result, more oxygen enters the body and travels to the brain. The more oxygen the brain receives the better you feel, and more energetic. It can even be used at work. Simply put a couple drops on your collar and watch the day perk up. In times like these, it is critical to be awake and effective, and the Physical Revitalization Oil does just that.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Using Herbal Medicine to Treat Acne

2009-07-14T17:01:00.003-04:00

Acne can be a struggle for many people, and while there are many myths about one of the most common skin conditions in the world, there are some things that you can do to treat and more importantly help to prevent it.

First don’t believe that just because a product is expensive or has a bunch of flashy advertising on television, that it will work better. This is just not true.

In order to prevent acne and many other skin conditions (such as boils and abscesses) you must first know what causes it, as they say the best defense is in fact a good offense.

The skin is the single largest organ of the body, and acne is an infection of the pores of the skin. The basic explanation is that hormonal imbalances over stimulate the skins sebaceous (oil) glands and the pores then become clogged allowing bacteria to grow causing acne; this is why it is so common at infancy, during puberty, or during menstruation, and pregnancy.

Many herbs are very useful in the treatment of acne and other skin infections.

Calendula is a very useful herb for treating acne and many other skin related conditions from cradle cap to skin ulcers, and is effective even in long standing infections. It promotes rapid healing and also helps to prevent scar formation.

Burdock is a tradition herb for treating acne, which is not only antiseptic but also has anti cancer properties as well. Tea tree oil is also excellent for treating acne, it is one of the most broad spectrum herbal medicines known, it is gentle on the skin, it is as effective as the allopathic medicine benzoyl peroxide without an of the side effects of redness, itching, stinging, or dryness.

So there is no need to suffer anymore acne is a common condition that herbal medicine can treat quite successfully.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Grapefruit Seed Extract Makes Great Herbal Medicine

2009-06-23T21:22:00.002-04:00

Grapefruit has been making a lot of headlines lately as the latest and greatest in diet plans. Supposedly, the acidic grapefruit is supposed to dissolve fat on contact. Whether or not this is true does not diminish the benefits of this miracle herbal medicine.

Grapefruit seed extract is one of the two most powerful natural antibiotics in the world, with garlic being the other. Grapefruit seed extract is a true antibiotic which means that it is 100% effective in killing bacteria.

Grapefruit seed extract is made from the seeds, peel and leaves of the grapefruit. One of the drawbacks of Grapefruit seed extract, GSE for short, is that it is not a substance that is easily produced at home. However one of the biggest benefits of GSE is that it is not only useful as an herbal medicine, it is also shown to be more effective (100%) at cleaning hospital environments than the commercial products (97%) used in most facilities.

GSE has been shown to be effective in killing multiple strains of bacteria that cause some pretty devastating diseases. Staph and MRSA have been proven to be deadly, as have as have pseudomonas and mycobacterium, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Other bacteria that are successfully treated with GSE include Giardia, which can affect humans, as well as pets, Strep, Salmonella, Cholera, Chlamydia, Legionella (which causes Legionaire’s Disease), Herpes simplex 1, influenza, measles, as well as treating H.pylori, the organism that causes stomach ulcers.

One pleasant trend in hospitals now is the use of citrus essential oils as deodorizers. In the past they would use commercial grade air fresheners to cover the smells of the hospital, but many people have had allergies to these products, so now hospitals are using citrus essential oils to not only cover the bad smells in hospitals, but since citrus oils are also invigorating and uplifting, they help the patients feel better as well.

There are a variety of ways you can use GSE, from drinking it to using it as a nasal spray. Just remember that it must always be diluted or it can cause some damage and it should be used extremely carefully if pregnant. If you are going to drink it, be sure to mix it with citrus juice as it is extremely bitter and the only thing that will cover the taste is citrus juice.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Healing with Ginger

2009-06-23T19:01:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered why your mom gave you a ginger ale when you had a tummy ache? Well the reason is because Ginger ale (the real stuff, not the artificially flavored stuff) contains Ginger, and Ginger is one of the most curative herbs on the planet. It is well known for it’s antiemetic properties, but it is also a great herbal antibiotic as well.

Ginger has long been used in warm climates as well as in most of Southeast Asia, as it has a natural antibiotic affect against food borne illness, Shigella, E.coli, and Salmonella, which are three diseases that have been rampant in commercial food production in recent years. One of the most high profile cases of Salmonella recently is the case of the Peanut Corporation of America, which thanks to their toxic practices sickened more than 500 people in 43 states, and caused several deaths.

In addition to curing nausea, did you know that Ginger is also excellent for treating colds and the flu? It is particularly effective in children, and it’s safe to consume in large amounts, and it tastes good. Imagine being able to hand your sick child some candied ginger and they think they are getting a treat, when in fact they are taking medicine. You’d never have to fight them taking the prescription stuff again.

Ginger is an effective antitussive (anti-cough). It can rival even the prescription medicine with codeine that makes kids groggy. It is also a great antihistamine and expectorant, which will thin mucus secretions, making it easier to move it out of the system. Another of Ginger’s actions is that it relieves pain, reduces inflammation and encourages sweating, which helps to lower fevers.

While not a problem in the US, malaria and dysentery can be devastating and even deadly in some parts of the world. But thanks to Ginger’s powers the chills and fever associated with malaria and the diarrhea and vomiting associated with dysentery.

Ginger can be consumed in a number of ways including eaten candied or pickled (usually served with sushi) made into a tea from both the fresh and dried root, taken in capsule form, or as a tincture. Of course you can add it to cooking as well. Large amount of Ginger should be avoided if pregnant, but otherwise eat up, drink up and be healthy.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Herbal Medicine for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

2009-06-23T15:08:00.005-04:00

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been widely featured in the news lately. Diseases like E.coli, Salmonella, Staph and MRSA have become an increasing problem resulting in ever greater numbers of fatalities. But how do these strains of bacteria form a resistance to the drugs which are supposed to eliminate them and how can herbal medicine treat these infections?

Many people forget that bacteria are life forms, just like you and I. And just as we’ve evolved and adapted to conditions over millions of years, so do bacteria, only they do it 500,000 times faster than humans. While humans create a new generation about every 20 years or so, bacteria create a new generation about every 20 minutes. As such, not only do they survive pharmaceutical antibiotics, they in fact grow stronger, creating what the New York Times has termed as “superbugs”.

For those of you out there who are concerned about the trend of over medication that seems to be occurring more and more frequently in the world of conventional medicine, there is hope. Herbal medicine is the answer.

You see, before there was penicillin, there were herbs. In fact man has been using herbal medicine to cure a wide variety of ailments for thousands of years. These herbs are organic, and because of this, they have a higher rate of absorption in the body, since they are not chemically synthesized. Another bonus to herbal medicine is the cost. With millions of people having no health insurance, the cost of prescription antibiotics can be financially crippling.

There are dozens of herbs and other organic substances that can fight off infections. One of the most readily available is Garlic. Now some of you may be thinking that the cure, or rather the smell, is worse that the disease, but that really isn’t the case. You can purchase odor-free garlic capsules in the vitamin section of most major grocery and discount stores.

If garlic seems to be too harsh for you (some people find it too strong), grapefruit seed extract comes in a close second in terms of effectiveness. So the next time you get a cold or the flu, reach for some garlic and leave the chemicals on the shelf.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Herbal Alternatives to Treat Depression

2009-06-13T22:18:00.003-04:00

Depression affects all of us at some time or another, but for millions of people each year, depression is a serious problem affecting their daily lives. Often these people are subjected to years or a lifetime of prescription antidepressants, which can have a number of side effects from weight gain to seizures, and often over time these medications become less and less effective, necessitating constant adjustment for the patient to see results. But there are herbal alternatives which can be used alone or in a complimentary therapy to prescription medications, in order to use less of the prescription.

One of the most well known and widely accepted herbal treatments for depressions is St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort works by altering the levels of the brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin which regulate mood, energy levels and sleep patterns. It is also found in scientific studies to increase theta waves. These brain waves only occur in deep sleep or deep meditation. However for it to be effective, St. John’s Wort must be taken on a regular schedule so that it can build up in the body and it is most effective when used as a tincture or infusion. You can often find St. John’s Wort tea at natural food stores.

For the anxiety that often accompanies depression, you can’t beat Valerian. Valerian is the basis of the modern day valium, but it is often more effective in its natural form. It is a calming herb and muscle relaxer and is often recommended by chiropractors and massage therapist to ease chronic muscle pain. Valerian is also very useful in aiding sleep, which often suffers in those with depression because of the imbalance of melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin is a sleep regulator, so if the levels aren’t sufficient, sleep will suffer.

Other helpful herbs for treating depression include hops and borage. Hops is known for it’s anti-anxiety properties and can be infused into a tea. Borage is an adrenaline stimulant. This beautiful blue flower works with the adrenal gland to boost energy levels.

If you suffer from depression, know that there is something you can do, besides be subjected to drugs for the rest of your life. While these herbs may not be enough for everyone, but for some they may just be the cure you need.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

How Are Essential Oils Made?

2009-06-13T21:40:00.004-04:00

Most people think of one type of product when they think of essential oils. But the term “essential oil” is actually a blanket term used to describe essentials, absolutes, CO2s, and hydrosols. While not technically oils, hydrosols are commonly used in aromatherapy and are effective. One thing that all of these products (except hydrosols) has in common is that they are volatile compounds. A volatile compound is a compound that will evaporate easily under normal conditions.

Essential oils are produced by distillation, most commonly steam distillation. Parts of plants such as lowers, stems, leaves, bark or roots are put through a distillation process that extracts the pure essence of that plant. Contrary to what the name implies, essential oils are generally not very oily feeling at all. They are usually quite light both in consistency and color, although some can be a darker shade of yellow or amber, depending on what they are made of.

Absolutes are very similar to essential oils, and in fact are used in the same ways with the same benefits, but the process of extracting the oil is different. Absolutes are extracted by a chemical solvent that is then removed in the final stages of production. Common absolutes are rose absolute and jasmine absolute. These types of flowers are very fragile and would be destroyed in the process if they were steam distilled.

CO2s are products that are extracted by pressurized Carbon Dioxide. The CO2 is pressurized until it becomes liquid and then it used as a solvent, similar to the process in creating absolutes. The difference is that at the end of the process, the CO2 is returned to normal pressure at which time it naturally evaporates, leaving no trace of the CO2 in the product. CO2s often have a scent that more closely resembles the plant from which they came and they are often a thicker consistency.

Hydrosols, while not essentials, are also used in aromatherapy. These are fragrance waters that remain after the steam distillation process. These products do not require dilution before being applied to the skin, as they are much gentler. Hydrosols can be added to bath water or used as a perfume spray on linens and clothing without fear of oil marks.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What is Aromatherapy?

2009-06-13T18:09:00.003-04:00

Aromatherapy is the practice of healing through scent using plant essences, also known as essential oils. Essential oils don’t just work with your sense of smell, but when applied to the skin in a blend, they can also work transdermally.

Aromatherapy works in a number of ways. The first and most obvious way being through the sense of smell, or the olfactory sense. Scent directly affects the limbic system in the brain which controls things like emotion, behavior, long term memory and the olfactory sense. It is the primary reason why the sense of smell can trigger a memory more acutely than any other.

Aromatherapy can also be used transdermally, or through the skin. Essential oils can be blended together carefully by a qualified aromatherapist, and then applied to the skin in the form of a lotion, cream or massage oil. The essential oils are then absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream. An example of how the process works would be the nicotine patch or the birth control patch. They are treated with a specific medication and then applied to the skin. Since our skin is our largest and most sensitive organ, everything around us is absorbed through our skin and it’s up to our bodies to filter out the substances that we don’t need.

There are several ways to get the benefits of essential oils, including the use of essential oils blended into lotions, creams and carrier oils, through oil vaporizers, and essential oil scented candles and incense sticks. Be sure that the products that you choose are pure essentials, as the US currently has no regulation about the labeling of essential oils. It is possible that you could be getting a synthetic product, which is not suitable for aromatherapy. Look for oils labeled therapeutic grade, this is the highest level of purity.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Henna- Color your life with natural products

2009-06-12T19:27:00.003-04:00

Henna is an Egyptian plant that has many uses, its usage goes back in time to before recorded history, and since it has such an ancient history no one really knows when its usage began. However ancient records going back at least 5000 years, record its use as an herbal medicine, ceremonial substance and an herbal cosmetic.

While henna and its use have its origins in North Africa and Asia, it has spread worldwide in the last ten years, gaining a huge following in the alternative medicine and herbal community. But it is still the most popular and well known for its use among the eastern Indian culture especially in a marriage event known as “the night of henna” in which the brides hands and feet are painted with very beautiful and intricate patterns as a means of driving away evil spirits and insuring good luck.

Though henna is often and primarily regarded as a colorant, it has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It is still used in many parts of the world today as an herbal remedy for the inflammation of arthritis, for headaches, as a treatment for sore throats, and as an herbal remedy for an upset stomach.

Henna also makes a wonderful colorant for your hair and is a key ingredient in many of today’s natural product lines and is often used as very popular spa product for coloring the hair.

There are different shades of henna and they can be combined and mixed to produce different results, for different shades of hair and it covers gray hair wonderfully. So try this wonderful herbal product and see how what amazing shades it can color your life.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

The Four Step Herbal Cleanse Can Remedy Many Ailments

2009-06-12T19:25:00.001-04:00

Our bodies need food to survive, that’s no big surprise. Also no big surprise is that most of us eat when we get hungry. But we as humans need a variety of foods to obtain the necessary nutrients for optimal health, and while we all know that fast food and sugar and carbohydrates are bad for us, many of us may not be aware that certain foods can actually prevent the proper absorption of all of the key nutrients that we need.

If our bodies can’t process our foods (even if we do eat right) then we can’t absorb what we need. This is where natural healing plays a big role with the natural herbal cleansing process. This herbal treatment relies on implementing a mucusless diet in order to obtain optimal health, (this includes whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like those form nuts and seeds, no meat, dairy, bread , or sugary refined or processed foods are allowed) and then using natural healing and herbs to cleanse the bodies major systems and get them working.

The cleanse takes place in four areas, the first is considered to be the most important, the colon, and this blend of herbs includes things like cayenne, ginger, and fennel to help clear out the old mucus, then the next step in the herbal treatment is The liver/gallbladder and it includes such herbs as peppermint, wild yam, and catnip to help cleanse the billiary system, the third stage is the kidney/bladder and uses herbal medicines like parsley, uva ursi, and marshmallow root, to encourage the natural healing of the urinary system. And the fourth and final stage of the herbal cleanse is the blood, and this uses herbs like red clover, licorice root, and poke root, to help cleanse the blood and give you more energy. This alternative therapy can help you to feel better than you have in a long time.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Herbal Treats and Pain Relief for Tired Feet

2009-06-12T19:22:00.002-04:00

Our feet are one of our most valued body parts they have always faithfully supported our weight and taken years of torment and abuse.

Our feet are a huge indicator of health problems elsewhere in the body and our feet have an enormous influence over our overall health. Foot problems that are left unaddressed can lead to such things as lower and upper back pain, poor posture, and even headaches, never mind the foot pain that usually comes first. Feet are one of the most sensitive parts of the body containing over 70,000 nerve endings, that is why foot massages feel so nice and reflexology is such a hugely popular spa and therapeutic massage service.

Some of our greatest foot treatments can come from Mother Nature herself. There are some very effective herbal treatments for foot pain relief and other foot problems.

To soak and cleanse the feet in general an herbal treatment of lavender, oats and a variety of essential oils can be used depending on the mood you are in, for an invigorating feeling use peppermint or eucalyptus, for a relaxing foot bath use essential oils of chamomile and lavender.

If there is a bacterial infection or foot problem, such as a nail fungus, a good blend of essential oils would be tea tree and rosemary, tea tree is one of the strongest anti bacterial, anti viral, and anti fungal essential oils there is, try this in your foot bath for conditions like toe nail fungus or athletes foot.

Al ways remember to wear good, supportive, quality footwear, this can also mean less wear and tear on the feet, and anything we can do to take care of our feet is a good thing because if we take care of our feet they will take care of us.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Products for Baby

2009-06-10T15:49:00.002-04:00

Making your own spa and personal care products for your baby is not only incredibly simple, but it’s very cost effective and it is an all natural alternative to the commercially available baby care products that are anything but natural.

Most commercially available baby care products, even the high end “spa products” from baby wipes to baby wash contain an ingredient called propylene glycol; propylene glycol (or PG) is the main ingredient in many products, from household cleaning chemicals to anti-freeze for your car! That doesn’t sound like a product that should touch a baby’s delicate skin at all, but all natural and organic products are often too expensive for today’s budget conscious parents.

One of the most commonly used herbs in children’s spa products is calendula. Calendula is a bright sunny flower that is renowned for its gentle, soothing effects on the skin. An infused oil of calendula and chamomile is a great basic natural product for your baby, it can be used as is or, with a few extra herbs and essential oils a custom blend can be created for diaper rash, eczema, chicken pox, cradle cap, or contact dermatitis. It is also great massage oil for babies as well.

Another great spa product for your baby is an all natural baby powder, that with the addition of a few additional herbs and essential oils, can be adapted for any number of skin conditions, from diaper rashes to heat rashes.

And who could forget about an herbal bath blend for baby. For a soothing and relaxing blend for babies a combination of herbs including calendula, chamomile, lavender, and roses is a great way to help your baby get ready for bed at night. This is also a great way to help ease the discomfort of colic.

If you or a friend has children or is expecting it is a very rewarding experience to make your very own spa products for your baby, you will be glad you did!

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Reiki- An Alternative Therapy and it’s Health Benefits

2009-06-10T14:43:00.003-04:00

Many people that are not very familiar with alternative medicine and natural healing practices may not know what reiki is or how it works on the body.

Reiki is a simple non- invasive healing system that works to help achieve balance in the body mind and spirit by the use of “Life force energy”. Reiki is a very gentle and subtle type of energy work that allows the practitioner to transfer and flow of energy from a limitless source to the patient through the hands of the practitioner. This type of therapy is very old, and despite criticism from skeptics, it is gaining momentum as a popular alternative therapy.

In a recent article put out by the associated press it reads “Alternative medicine has become mainstream. It is finding wider acceptance by doctors, insurers and hospitals like the shock trauma center at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consumer spending on it in some cases rivals that of traditional health care.

People turn to unconventional therapies and herbal remedies for everything from hot flashes and trouble sleeping to cancer and heart disease. They crave more "care" in their health care. They distrust drug companies and the government. They want natural, safer remedies.”

Some of the potential benefits of reiki are, it can help to relieve pain, it supports the immune system, it can aid sleep, it can reduce blood pressure, it can assist the body in clearing toxins, it can potentially increase vitality and help to postpone that aging process, and it can also help with spiritual and emotional growth.

Reiki is a very gentle therapy and can be used quite successfully with other forms of alternative therapy especially therapeutic massage, aromatherapy and herbal remedies. When used in conjunction with other forms of alternative medicine reiki can actually help these therapies to work better.

Reiki is a very effective form of natural medicine and has been shown to have great benefits for the body, mind and spirit.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Making Your Own Natural Products With Herbs and Essential Oils

2009-06-10T12:41:00.002-04:00

Making your own natural products for bath and body is a fun, inexpensive, and very therapeutic experience and it is something that the entire family can do.

Baths are not only a necessity of hygiene and daily living, but they can also be used as part of religious ritual (there is extensive mention in the Bible, the Quran, and the Torah about the use of ritual baths, and many religions today still use this practice)and as a means of alternative medicine( some of the most renowned herbalists in the world prefer bathing as their modality of treatment) And even the great Mae West said “When all else fails, take a bath” They are good for the body, mind and spirit.

Some of the best natural products are ones that can be made with very simple ingredients, herbs and essential oils, and perhaps some other ingredients to yield a product that is not only useful for the body, but is satisfying to the spirit too, after all doesn’t it make you feel good to make something with your own hands? They make great gifts for friends and family too!
One really great example is making a natural body powder. A combination of white clay powder (also known as Kaolin) cornstarch, a few herbs and essential oils of your choice and you have a nice a silky textured product that is both very absorbent and has whatever scent or combination of scents that you would like.

This one is a favorite for kids to get involved in because they end up with a great natural product and get to make a lovely mess in the process and have fun. They can even collect some lovely feathers and make some nice feather dusters to go with the powder (although I would visit a fly and tackle shop for this, they usually have a great selection and they are clean)
This is a great family project that you should try with your family.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Ibogaine- Alternative Medicine in the Battle with Addiction

2009-06-02T22:19:00.001-04:00

Ibogaine is an herbal product made from an indigenous African plant, Tabernanthe iboga; it has been used by the native Bhiwi tribe for centuries for religious ceremonies and spiritual vision quests.

In 1962 however that all changed when a New York based Heroin addict named Howard Lotsof, took Ibogaine believing it to be the latest and greatest in illicit party drugs. Much to his surprise when he awoke 30 hours later, he felt no withdrawal symptoms and further felt no need to seek drugs. He began to casually experiment with other addicts and was able to achieve similar results.

In the last four decades Ibogaine, like all alternative medicine and natural products, has met with its share of resistance in the world market. Ibogaine has the potential to have an enormous impact on a worldwide epidemic that has been raging out of control for centuries, most believe that the conflict is because it is in the best interest of big government and big business to do so, if word got out that there were natural products that could cure addiction in mere hours the government (through taxation) and the pharmaceutical giants (through loss of sales) would stand to lose billions, never mind that it is the right thing to do.

Ibogaine is often compared to another Natural product, kratom, and while both of these herbs are alternative therapies for addiction that is about where the similarity ends, ibogaine is believed to be a onetime use cure, and kratom is meant to be a gradual reduction until use ceases. Also they seem to according to research occupy completely different brain receptors.

Ibogaine is just another example of how alternative medicine and herbs have the potential to greatly impact lives the world over.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Kratom-Alternative Medicine has an Herbal Treatment for Opiate Addiction

2009-06-02T19:43:00.004-04:00

For millions of people worldwide the sad reality of being addicted to drugs was never what they had intended to happen, after all who wakes up one day and says “I think today I’ll become a junkie” Of course, No one.

All too often in our country, the addiction begins when a doctor hands out a prescription for a narcotic pain pill (such as Vicodin, Percocet, Oxicontin, and even Methadone) for some affliction, under very honest circumstances. Eventually the prescription becomes ineffective and a higher dose is required, and so begins the cycle, people don’t even realize they are getting addicted, and are usually just trying to find relief from pain.

Well for those of us that believe there is a better way, Alternative medicine has found an herbal treatment for both addiction and chronic pain conditions, it is called Kratom. Kratom comes from Thailand and has been used for centuries for spiritual and religious practice as well as medicine and pain relief.

As far back as 1897, it was suggested that Kratom might be an excellent herbal treatment for opiate addiction, and even in recent years patients in rehab in Australia were given kratom as an alternative medicine for withdrawal.

In the alternative medicine world kratom is often compared to another herbal treatment Ibogaine, however it is important to note that kratom and Ibogaine occupy different receptors in the brain, so they work differently, and kratom is meant to be given in a gradual decrease, while Ibogaine is largely believed to be a one-time dose, as a cure for addiction.

Kratom is also believed to be an excellent pain reliever. According to some patients who have written about their experience, it worked far better than even Dilaudid and Morphine after surgery. And there are also similar reports by others who have used it for treating everything from migraines to cancer.

This is just another example of how we can find herbal treatment for almost any condition of the modern age if we only have the patience and wisdom to stop, look, and listen.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Aromatherapy and It’s Uses for Pain Control

2009-05-21T23:12:00.002-04:00

Aroma therapy has become increasingly popular as the cost and inconvenience of conventional medicine increase. Even more than the convenience and relative inexpensive nature of aromatherapy, is the appeal of having control over one’s own healthcare again.

Aroma therapy and herbal medicines are two great home remedies for pain control, and while there are many different kinds of pain and many different conditions that cause them, it is clear that in many cases, significant improvement can happen when aromatherapy is used for pain control.

Essential oils of lavender, chamomile and/or marjoram are all wonderful remedies for pain relating to the nerves, and a lesser known but still very promising essential oil is called helichrysum, and has specific implications in treating nerve pain and is also great in treating bruises and hematomas as well.

Some excellent essential oils for joint pain and arthritis would include juniper berry, clove, rosemary, cypress, chamomile and ginger many of these essential oils can be found in many popular remedies that have been used by professional athletes and physical competitors for years.

For pain control of the muscles, including menstrual cramping, some wonderful options for aroma therapy remedies are lavender, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint and of course camphor and wintergreen, the last two being what give most over- the -counter preparations their strong smell that will clear your sinuses as well as relax the muscles.

In short using aromatherapy remedies for pain control is not only personally gratifying but also highly effective in broad spectrum pain control.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Natural Pain Management for Arthritis Pain

2009-05-14T21:55:00.005-04:00

Arthritis and Osteo-Arthritis, are believed to affect over 40 million people; And believe it or not that figure includes some 200,000 children.

While Osteo-Arthritis (the wear and tear sort) is far more common, Reumatoid Athritis is part of a bigger Auto-Immune dysfunction and can be far more progressive and destructive.

Many natural pain management strategies have been shown to be markedly effective for Athritis pain, and many herbs have been shown effective in relieving pain.

Many herbs have been shown to be as effective and even surpass the effectiveness of cortisone, at relieving Arthritis pain and inflammation. Ironically, aspirin and other NSAID pain reliever have the side effect of cartilage damage, however when studied, a number of herbs where shown to have the potential to stop and reverse the crippling effects of Arthritis.

In addition to herbal medicine there are also several supplements that have shown to be useful in boosting the rate of cartilage repair. Glucosamine Sulfate, MSM and Omega 3, in addition to several antioxidants, can also assist in slowing the rate of cartilage deterioration and in some cases help to reverse it.

Herbs not only assist in pain management of arthritis but they also help to balance the hormonal and immune systems which are two of the underlying causes for chronic Arthritis pain.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

Herbal Medicine and Pain Management

2009-05-14T17:28:00.005-04:00

There is a new resurgence in the herbal medicine community with regards to pain management. With the scientific and economic phenomenon of the 20th century, came the overzealous attitude of the medical community that “more is better”. Consequently, we now have a major problem with the “superbugs” due to the overuse of antibiotics, and a growing crisis in this country due to the abuse of prescription pain medication. Oxicontin and Vicodin addiction numbers are at an all time high, so much so that Oxicontin now carries a warning that the patient should keep it locked up securely and not tell anyone that they even are in possession of it and pharmacies are being robbed in record numbers for their drugs.

What people fail to realize is that some of the greatest pain management drugs in the world are in fact herbal. Morphine, Codeine, Oxicontin, and Vicodin are all derivatives of the poppy flower and are so strong that they are regulated by law.

However, many other plants have also been used for hundreds and maybe even thousands of years, for pain management and inflammation treatment. Many of these plants are also anti-spasmotics and anti-inflammatory so that they go beyond mere symptomatic control to actual organic healing.

Check out http://www.moriahherbs.com/, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.

What is Herbal Medicine?

2009-05-13T17:35:00.001-04:00

Herbal medicine can be a very complex natural healing modality that uses plants and botanical material as a way to promote natural healing the body, whether physically or emotionally, and can be employed by both human beings and animals.

Herbal medicine has been a part of human civilization for millennia, as long as there has been illness or injury to people (and animals) there has been the steady pursuit of those learned individuals in some of the oldest societies on earth to combat these hardships. Since the beginning of recorded time, and in some cases dating back even farther than that, some of the most successful, readily available and cost effective natural healing products (at least by today’s capitalist standards of operation) have been the fungi, living plants, trees, grasses, and herbs that are all around us.

Today, after the scientific and economical phenomenon, of the pharmaceutical revolution of the 20th century, the plants and herbs used in the natural healing of countless generations of our forbearers has come into a new focus, of respect, and appreciation like a new, admired pillar of the community; And while it is still true that herbal medicine and natural healing mean different things to different people for some very different reasons, herbal medicine is becoming an increasingly integral part of our individual lives and modern medical treatments and solutions also, as more and more doctors are realizing that there truly can be ”to much of a good thing” when it comes to synthetic pharmaceuticals.

Check out www.moriahherbs.com, it is your source for natural healing. At Moriah Herbs you are part of the vision, our mission is your well being.