SkinCare or SkinPoison?

Your skin is a living organ. It breaths, drinks and carries topically applied substances through to the rest of your body. Caring for your skin is like eating. We have become very concerned about what we eat in recent years - this is very good. But, an idea that is only beginning to bloom is that you eat through your skin too. What do you want your body to eat? This question needs to be considered when choosing your skincare and bath products.

Currently, the personal care industry has no regulation. This is very unnerving, especially when the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors states that ?a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from the FDA?

Manufacturers are allowed to twist their claims, by exaggerating or even outright lying. With this slack industry, it becomes nearly impossible for the consumer to know for sure what they are getting. Labels like ?organic?, ?cruelty-free? and ?hypo-allergenic? can have little to no meaning. Manufacturers can even hide behind an organic label without disclosing all of their chemical ingredients.

The Environmental Protection Agency states that 89% of 10,500 ingredients commonly used in personal care have not been adequately evaluated for safety. Among these ingredients are carcinogens, penetration enhancers, allergens and harmful impurities that can cause cancer, inhibit fetal growth, cause nerve damage, disrupt hormones and cause other severe reactions.

So what?s a pampering bath loving soul to do? Educate yourself, read labels, shop from companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics (that?s us, close to the bottom of the list), and keep your eyes out for our next personal care article.

Ivy Mills has been researching chemical sensitivity and natural alternatives for over five years and has brought her knowledge to the marketplace in her company, Valhalla Essences. Her personal experiences have fed a passion to help others with the same problem. Ivy welcomes others to share their stories and experiences on her blog, Peaceful Power.

Essential Oils Kit Part VI

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

LAVENDER ( Lavendula augustifolia ) - Organic, Steam Distillation Flowers, Italian High Altitude.

Highly scented, sweet, floral, and slightly woody Lavender is a universal healing oil and has a beneficial and healing effect on the body, mind spirit and emotions.

Keywords: UNIVERSAL HEALER Lavender is the most commonly used essential oil and the absolute classic oil for treating burns!

During the early 20th century, French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal properties. While working Gattefosse accidentally burned his arm very badly! On reflex he plunged his burned arm into large a vat of lavender oil. His burn healed rapidly and there was absolutely NO scarring of tissue!

Gattefosse is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in his 1928 article supporting the use of essential oils in their whole, pure and unadulterated state.

Lavender has broad application and is especially useful for skin care healing, headaches, bug bites, and sore muscles.

Lavender is the most well known and used essential oil and every home and office should keep a bottle of it handy!

Distilling at high altitude allows lower temperatures and lower pressure for distillation making it possible for the volatile phytochemicals to come through intact in the final product.

Lavender is excellent for skin care and to promote healing. Use it for burns, rashes, acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Apply it immediately to burns to prevent blistering, or scarring, as well as speed healing of wounds as it stimulates cellular regeneration.

Lavender is useful for relieving headaches, premenstrual tension, as well as promoting restful sleep.

It is excellent for balancing hyper emotional states such as shock, anger, impatience and irritability and helps dispel the negative mental states of fear & worry.

Try a synergistic blend of Lavender with any of the following aromatic oils: Clary Sage, Geranium, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood & Vetiver.

Please join me for Part VII in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ).

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click for PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils & Kits Click to order Basic Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Essential Oils Kit Part VI

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

LAVENDER ( Lavendula augustifolia ) - Organic, Steam Distillation Flowers, Italian High Altitude.

Highly scented, sweet, floral, and slightly woody Lavender is a universal healing oil and has a beneficial and healing effect on the body, mind spirit and emotions.

Keywords: UNIVERSAL HEALER Lavender is the most commonly used essential oil and the absolute classic oil for treating burns!

During the early 20th century, French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal properties. While working Gattefosse accidentally burned his arm very badly! On reflex he plunged his burned arm into large a vat of lavender oil. His burn healed rapidly and there was absolutely NO scarring of tissue!

Gattefosse is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in his 1928 article supporting the use of essential oils in their whole, pure and unadulterated state.

Lavender has broad application and is especially useful for skin care healing, headaches, bug bites, and sore muscles.

Lavender is the most well known and used essential oil and every home and office should keep a bottle of it handy!

Distilling at high altitude allows lower temperatures and lower pressure for distillation making it possible for the volatile phytochemicals to come through intact in the final product.

Lavender is excellent for skin care and to promote healing. Use it for burns, rashes, acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Apply it immediately to burns to prevent blistering, or scarring, as well as speed healing of wounds as it stimulates cellular regeneration.

Lavender is useful for relieving headaches, premenstrual tension, as well as promoting restful sleep.

It is excellent for balancing hyper emotional states such as shock, anger, impatience and irritability and helps dispel the negative mental states of fear & worry.

Try a synergistic blend of Lavender with any of the following aromatic oils: Clary Sage, Geranium, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood & Vetiver.

Please join me for Part VII in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, PEPPERMINT ( Mentha piperita ).

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click for PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils & Kits Click to order Basic Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Healthier Living and Organic Farming

A large part of organic agriculture involves the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised. Foods certified as organic must be produced using growing methods that minimize soil erosion and that maintain or enhance the fertility of the soil. All the chemicals in the world can't nourish a garden as well as healthy organic compost.

Look for natural and organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers, such as the use of compost. Natural fertilizers, compost and organic materials encourage native earthworms. The soil's organic matter contributes to good soil structure, and water-holding capacity. Improve the soil with organic matter and fertilizers to develop the best soil for growing seeds and plants.

The availability of nutrients from organic fertilizers depends on their breakdown by soil organisms, which in turn depends on weather and soil conditions. Their nutrients are not available to plants until the organic matter has decomposed. In reality, you can't have a good organic garden without a good composter.

The use of disease resistance must be emphasized within an organic program. In current organic production systems, growers are not permitted to use conventional synthetic organic fungicides in their disease management program. The national organic program rules prohibit the use of conventional pesticides, petroleum, or sewage-sludge-based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation and synthetic substances. But, there are several general things any organic gardener can do to beat those pests naturally.

Many believe that organic foods contain a higher level of nutrient minerals and much lower levels of heavy metals. As a result, the industry has understandably grown from experimental garden plots to large farms with surplus products sold under special organic labels.

Today, organic foods are available at supermarkets and farmer's markets, in restaurants and through mail-order suppliers, even here on the web.

Example - http://www.organic-items.com

Buying organic will insure that the food products you consume contain no genetically modified organisms, and are free from irradiation.

Purchasing locally grown, organically produced fruits, vegetables and meat assures you of having the very best food available for your family's table. Buying hemp, organic cotton and recycled products like home furnishings, baby clothes, and natural beauty products aid conservation of natural resources. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more.

Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net leading portals for organic products and natural excercise.

Essential Oils Kit Part II

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit. My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

GERMAN CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) - Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Flowers, both England and the USA grow and distill lovely oils.

German Chamomile is a lovely shade of deep blue - like Blue Tansy it can stain, so take care. Its aroma is deeply melodic and sweet. It reminds me of fresh mown hay!

Keywords: CALMING & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY As an Anti-inflammatory German Chamomile is my first choice when treating inflamed, irritated skin!

It acts as a sedative or pain reliever, for angry situations and feverish conditions including, burns, cuts, inflamed joints, migraine headache, teething pain, toothache, injuries, sprains, and swelling, as well as various aches and pains, arthritis, colic, cramps and stress related complaints.

A very relaxing and peaceful oil, German Chamomile quiets the mind and body by calming emotional feeling states. German Chamomile summons sleep and is excellent for insomnia.

Use it to relieve tension or stress-related headaches and intestinal spasms. A revitalizing and comforting tonic German Chamomile stimulates the production of red blood cells and is known to relieve aches and pains.

Good results have been reported for relieving distinctly feminine complaints like irregular menses, premenstrual tension, or menopausal upsets, as well as cystitis, rheumatic type pain and loss of appetite.

A highly respected oil for over 3,000 years, German Chamomile has a long history of helping skin conditions, such as dermatitis, boils, acne, rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

It regulates the skin's natural sebum production and is outstanding for balancing dry, itchy or flaky skin conditions, as well as treating too oily or dry skin and sensitive skin types.

German Chamomile is effective when used in a carrier oil for direct application to your skin. Use it in a blend for soothing inflamed skin such as acne or barber's rash. Because of its benign nature Chamomile may be used as a remedy for diaper rash.

Try a synergistic blend of German Chamomile with any of the following aromatic oils: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, or Vetiver.

Please join me for part III in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, Eucalyptus globulus.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to see PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Order Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils Kit Click to see and order Complete Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Essential Oils Kit Part VIII

Whether you use aromatherapy as a stand alone or as a complementary first aid treatment there are several aromatic oils I'd like to recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit.

My recommendations include important details for you to consider when purchasing an oil, such as its Latin Name, Country of Origin, Method of Extraction and Part of the Plant Used. I also list the best oils to consider when creating a synergistic blend.

TEA TREE ( Melaleuca alternifolia - Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, Australia.

Strongly assertive disinfectant Tea Tree has a fresh and spicy, medicinal and antiseptic smell.

Tea Tree has the undisputed popular reputation as a 'cure all.' It has powerful anti fungal, anti viral, and antibacterial properties.

Keywords: ANTISEPTIC & ANTIFUNGAL First suggestion for athlete's foot, nail viruses, and fungal infections. Can be used topically undiluted.

Captain James Cook and his mates when arriving in Australia in the 1700's wanted a refreshing herbal tea to drink. They chose the fragrant leaves of a tree. The tree has been called Tea Tree ever since.

Use in anti acne remedies, as well as to combat flu and other viral and bacterial infections.

French physician Paul Belaiche in 1985 studied Tree Tree's healing abilities for Candida albicans, a vaginal yeast infection. In most cases this infection can be treated effectively without the side effects common with conventional treatments.

Research has proven it useful for another vaginal infection, trichomoniasis. In 1962 an American study of 130 women treated using it recovered from this infection.

Helpful for balancing skin conditions like acne, alone or in a blend.

Can be used topically to treat insect, spider and scorpion bites.

Tea Tree is also an immune stimulant, a decongestant and an analgesic or pain reliever.

Try a synergistic blend of Tea Tree with any of the following aromatic oils: Black Pepper, Atlas Cedarwood, Himalayan Cedarwood, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Thyme and Rosemary.

Please join me for Part IX in this series of articles to learn about the FINAL essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, VETIVER ( vetiveria zizanoides )

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary and alternative health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organic, or ethically wild crafted oils whenever possible.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click for PurePlant Essentials Menu & Essential Oils Kits: Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Essential Oils & Kits Click to order Basic Essential Oils Kit. KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

Being Healthy Can be Fun

Many fear that our younger generation are being forced into a world of vedging out in front of the TV, spending hours playing computer games and indulging in what is perceived to be quite frankly a lazy lifestyle. Research into the growing rates of childhood obesity points towards such a lifestyle as one of the main triggering factors for this illness.

Campaigners are desperately trying to combat the ever growing statistics of obesity in children through a myriad of activities (http://www.feedmebetter.com ). Jamie Oliver?s landmark campaign Feed Me Better has grown from strength to strength and has forced schools across the UK to review the items known as junk food on the school menus. It?s finally time to say goodbye to turkey twizzlers and beans and chips. Thank goodness!

Undoubtedly children that are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and lead an active lifestyle will be in a better position both physically and mentally. So what can be done to lure our youngsters away from hours in front of the TV or computer?! Too many kids miss the opportunity to enjoy healthy activities in the fresh air.

There are a number of outdoor products on the market tailored to meet the needs of children, whilst maintaining a high standard of safety. The Early Learning Centre (ELC) offers some great products for your garden. With the summer finally in our midst it?s a great time to check out what?s available on the market. A fantastic product that is loved by all has got to be the trampoline. It is thought that the Eskimos, who used to toss each other up into the air on a walrus skin, came up with the first official type of trampolining. Here in the UK trampolining is said to have kicked off when a number of people holding a large blanket would toss a person into the air and catch them.

Trampolining is not only fun, it is healthy and an ideal method for children to remain active in a safe environment. The ELC site offers a buyers guide to trampolines to ensure you select the most suitable type for your children. Bounce surrounds and trampoline covers are also available.

In fact, who?s to say exciting forms of exercise like trampolining should be limited to children? Why not get one big enough for you to enjoy too. Not only would this help you to keep off the pounds, it would set a great example to our younger generation.

Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael's Website: Taxi Belfast Airport