Essential Oils Kit Part III

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.

EUCALYPTUS ( Eucalyptus globulus ) Certified Organic, Steam Distilled Leaf, Corsica.

A fresh, powerful, and long lasting scent, Eucalyptus has a long standing reputation as an effective respiratory decongestant.

Keywords: RESPIRATORY AID Eucalyptus is known for its broad spectrum anti-microbial action. Its antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial and anti viral properties make it a powerful remedy to consider for flu, colds, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, and acne.

Its bronchio-dilating action helps ease inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, as well as nasal congestion. Try it for relieving asthma, catarrh and headaches especially when due to any sort of congestion.

Eucalyptus also makes an excellent insect repellent!

Try a synergistic blend of Eucalyptus with any of the following aromatic oils: Basil, Atlas Cedarwood, Himalayan Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary.

Please join me for part IV in this series of articles to learn about the next essential oil I recommend you have in your aromatic first aid kit, GERANIUM (Pelargonium roseum).

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 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

Is A Low Carb Diet Part Of Your Anti Aging Strategy?

It ain't fun getting' old... but it beats the alternative. Surprising new research indicates that a low carb diet may help us live longer. Since some of my friends have been so rude as to suggest that I'm older than dirt I thought it would be a good idea to learn more about aging... especially how to slow it down.

The Anti-Aging Solution seminar featured Vincent Giampapa, M.D. cofounder of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, which now has more than 2,000 physician members. The seminar included the usual anti-aging strategies that we are familiar with but don't always practice, such as reducing stress, eating the right foods, taking natural health supplements, heart vitamins and of course getting enough exercise.

Then it started to get real interesting. Doctor Giampapa and his associates have taken these strategies to a new level by showing how our genes are affected by our lifestyle. Since I a proponent of the low carb eating approach, the role that sugar and other refined carbohydrates play in prematurely aging us was especially fascinating. The typical American diet of white flour products, snacks and fast foods quickly turns into glucose creating a domino effect, which plays havoc with our healthy heart goals.

Although the clinical studies showing the connection between low carb diets and longevity are recent, the evidence is very compelling. Dr. Cynthia Kenyon, a noted anti aging researcher at U.C. San Francisco, has conducted an amazing experiment. Dr. Kenyon turned down the activity on a single gene in lowly earthworms and extended their life by an astounding 600%.

What is so interesting about this gene is that the human counterpart is a critical network of genes known as the insulin gene pathway which influences aging, fat storage and metabolism.

Here's how it works. Sugar is toxic to cells, (as a sweet-o-holic it pains me to write this) and this glucose overload causes the cells to become insulin resistant over time. When this happens you develop diabetes and are susceptible to a host of other life threatening diseases. Medical researchers tell us that the vast majority of overweight people suffer from insulin resistance.

High carb diets are lethal because they produce high levels of insulin and prevent your body from burning fat, says Jonny Bowden, a certified nutrition specialist and author of the book, Living the Low-Carb Life.

Research data consistently finds three common factors in people who are mentally and physically fit and live to be at least 100 years old. The first is low triglycerides, the second is high levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and the third is a low level of fasting insulin.

A low-carb diet improves all these variables, says Bowden. So bingo, you just hit your three longevity bull's-eyes. Add exercise and sleep, which are proved to raise HDL, and you've got it made!

Sounds like a good plan to me. Take advantage of these strategies to slow aging and improve your heart health for life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The cardiologist looked up from the treadmill report and grimly stated, You are a walking time bomb. You need to go to the hospital immediately. Two days later a heart surgeon sawed open Gene Millen's chest and stitched in bypasses to six clogged arteries.

A six way heart bypass isn't a record said Gene, but it's not bad for a skinny 59 year old with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. The villains and heroes in the heart attack melodrama may surprise you as they have me.

Gene Millen reviews new research on heart attack risks that are more dangerous than high cholesterol... and how natural supplements and heart vitamins can send them packing! Check out The Heart Health website at http://www.heart-health-for-life.com

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Acne Facts Myths & Treatment

People of all races suffer from acne, In the US 85% of everyone aged between 12-24 develop some form of acne, that amounts to 17 million people making it the most common form of skin disease.

In the UK 80% of 11-30 year olds will suffer from acne at some point.

Acne symptoms tend to disappear for the majority of people when they reach their 30?s, however people can still suffer from acne well into their 40?s & 50?s.

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skins oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions more commonly known as pimples or zits. They tend to appear on the face, neck, back, chest & shoulders.

Doctors believe that acne results from several related factors rather than one single cause. One of the most important factors is an increase in hormones called androgens, a male sex hormone. These increase in both boys & girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge making more sebum.

Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Heredity or genetics is another factor and researchers believe that acne can be inherited from parents. Studies have shown that many school age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.

Certain drugs containing androgens or lithium can cause acne. A side effect of steroids can be acne.

Greasy cosmetics can alter the cells of the skin follicles and make them stick together causing plugs which can lead to acne.

Factors which can also cause acne are:

Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin.
Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
Hard scrubbing of the skin.
Environmental irritants such as pollution & high humidity.
Changing hormonal levels in adolescent girls & adult women 2-7 days before their menstrual period starts.
Pressure from bike helmets, backpacks or tight collars.

Myths about causes of acne include.

Greasy foods & chocolate are often blamed for acne, but what we eat seems to have little effect.

Acne is cause by dirty skin is another common myth however blackheads & other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.

Stress is often blamed but has no effect in regards to the condition.

Acne treatment

There are 2 ways to treat acne, topical (applied to the skin) or systematic (taken by mouth). Both over the counter (OTC) meaning no prescription is necessary & prescription remedies are available. The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, to prevent new lesions forming, stop scarring & minimise psychological stress & embarrassment caused by the disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of the cells in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria & inflammation.

Depending upon the extent of a persons acne it is recommended to try one of several OTC medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or systematic (taken by mouth) or a combination of both. For prescription remedies you must see your doctor.

Prescription topical medicines can result in side effects, the skin may look worse for a while before hopefully improving. Other side effects include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling or discoloration of the skin.

Similarly some prescription oral medicines can have side effects such as increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or light-headedness & changes in skin colour. Also some drugs decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills making it necessary to use a backup birth control method.

John Mac is author & owner of http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a website aimed at providing help & information for people looking to improve their fitness, diet & health & for information about acne

Sunlight for Your Life

All life on the planet and everything in nature is dependent on the sun. Without the sun, there would be no life on the planet. All life is dependent on the sun. Plants convert the sunlight into energy, and all animals need plant life or other animals in order to live. All life in nature is dependent on the sun. We as humans are part of nature. We need sunlight just like everyone else.

Sunlight is essential for your life and health. This often brings up the concern of skin cancer. People are told the sun causes skin cancer and they should wear sunblock to prevent skin cancer. This is a big fat theory of the medical symptom and disease care profession. Skin cancer is on the rise because people are supposedly spending more time in the sun, and this is the supposed proof that skin cancer is caused by the sun. Did the experts happen to notice that most cancer is on the rise? Does the sun cause these cancers as well?

Well, my friends, I have a question for you. How many other bad things are on the rise that people are doing? Lots. Just because the sun hits the skin, the powers that be say it means that is the one thing that causes skin cancer. They are looking for the one cause and one cure. Remember, there is no one cause of anything. There are only contributing factors.

In my opinion, it is not the sun that contributes to cancer, but being burned by the sun. Most people get no exposure to the sun for months; then they play weekend warrior and go out in the sun all weekend, often getting burned. My inner knowing tells me it is this burning that is a major contributing factor to skin cancer, not the actual sun exposure.

So if you do not build up to being in the sunlight, and you know you will be in the sun for a long time, use a chemical-free sunblock.

The irony about sunblock is the stuff most people use actually contains a chemical that is known to cause cancer. The FDA says PABA is a known carcinogen, or causes cancer and yet it is in most sunblocks. How ironic. There are PABA-free sunscreens that use new different chemicals. My thought is that those chemicals that replace the PABA will soon be identified as carcinogens as well. Just give them time. Even PABA was labeled safe by the FDA at first.

My recommendation: get a good chemical-free sunblock. Many health food stores will have them. Or you can find a place near you that sells them on the web. Avalon Organics is the sunblock I recommend and use. Unfortunately, they are not available everywhere right now.

The easiest way to get sunlight is go outside. Go outside every day without contacts or any type of glasses and have large amounts of your skin exposed to the sun. For you this might not be feasible, because you live some place where there is a thing called winter. So an acceptable alternative is getting some quality full spectrum light bulbs for your work and home. These are light bulbs that put out light similar to the sun. You can order them online as well, full spectrum solutions are the brand I use. But be careful; not all full spectrum bulbs are created equal. Most of the full spectrum bulbs in traditional stores are not much of an improvement over ordinary lights.

A fun alternative is going south for the winter. Go someplace where you can hang out in the sun without glasses or contacts, with much of your skin exposed to the sun.

Either way, you need sunlight all year round to be Totally Healthy.

The Freedom to do everything you love is what Dr. Jamie wants to help give you. He is also giving you dozens of valuable free gifts to ethically bribe you into helping him make his new book, The Creator's Manual for Your Body a #1 best seller. This extraordinary life creating book is a complete and extremely simple guide to gaining your freedom from the limitations and constraints shackled to you by your body. For details go to: http://www.TheCreatorsManual.com/free

Healing TMJ Naturally

Sometimes we need to think outside of the box, such as to give ourselves permission to change a belief or paradigm that we have developed. One such disabling belief is that doctors, dentists and other health professionals can heal you. These health professionals can sometimes guide you in the direction you need to go, but they cannot provide healing.

Healing comes naturally; it is innate, it's part of our wondrous design.

It may be a stretch for you to believe that you know more about healing than your doctor or dentist, but it is something I suggest that you start thinking about (meditating on). Of the many talents given to those practitioners, healing is not amongst them. They have learned the knowledge that allows them to diagnose (which is an educated guess) and then prescribe a protocol that may help your situation.

However, all healing is internal. A doctor may dress a wound, clean it, add some stitches, but when it's all said and done, all they have done is enhance the conditions so that healing can take place. A dentist may grind away the decayed portion of a tooth and then add a filling to cover the hole so more decay won't happen, but have they really accomplished any healing? A psychotherapist can keep asking questions until you reach a disabling belief that is creating a problem for you, but are they the one's that actually change the belief that is in your mind? Never. Only you can relearn a new belief and it only happens when you become willing to make the change.

The thing that we can do ourselves is set the stage so that the healing can take place. You wouldn't start building a house on bare dirt. It would be best to provide the house with a firm foundation. The same is true for our bodies. We need to supply the body with all of its needs so it can repair itself.

Our daily existence requires thought and energy. To rejuvenate, we require rest. Our bodies are 70% fluid. We sweat, we urinate, we may spit, or blow our noses, depleting our fluid levels. This means we need to re-hydrate consistently.

We also deal with toxins daily. We absorb chlorine when we shower, we breathe in all sorts of toxins from the glue in our rugs, breathing in exhaust fumes as we drive to work. This list could go on and on. But, the point is that all of the toxins taken into the body create Free Radicals, and to counteract these Free Radicals, we need to consume Anti-Oxidants.

Our bodies are one of the most complex and complicated chemical manufacturing plants in the world. In order for all of the processes to take place we must have all of the micro and macro minerals that the body requires. Without a constant supply of quality nutrients, our body has to rob Peter to pay Paul. This is what happens in the case of osteoporosis. The body needs some calcium, which it is not getting from our nutrition, or the body is lacking in other nutrients that won't allow the calcium you are getting to be assimilated.

It is not the stress in our lives that causes us to grind our teeth at night or clench them during the day - it's how we deal with that stress. A phenomenal stress buster is simply breathing efficiently and effectively!

Emotional issues can be dealt with by learning skills that allows you to process your feelings appropriately while you are feeling them. Having a Higher Power in your life can provide that shoulder to lean on when life seems to be overwhelming.

Our TMJ Relief DVD gives you the information you need so that you can ask the right questions, make better decisions, and start the healing process, no matter how far your TMJ has progressed. Please go to www.holisticspecifics.com for more information.

Michael McCright is a Holistic Health Practitioner, educator, coach, and motivational speaker. His website: http://www.bodymindconnection.com covers a variety of health concerns. Michael is co-producer of an informative and educational DVD: ?TMJ Relief?. For information and holistic solutions regarding TMJ disorder, go to: http://www.holisticspecifics.com ? 2005 Michael McCright ? Reprints allowed as long as copy is complete with last paragraph and copyright information.

Enjoy These Tips for Living a Healthy Life

What is more important than the way you feel? Is there anything more important? Your physical health, the way your body feels, is probably the most important determining factor in the way you feel. Any feeling, weather it be physical or emotional is experienced through our bodies and by applying these simple tips for living a healthy life, the way you feel will vastly improve.

Psychoneuroimmunology, the science of the mind-body relationship, has now produced scientific evidence of the effect of your mind on your body and vice versa. Depressed people use their bodies in a certain way that causes them to feel depressed and by just changing simple things like their facial expressions, studies have shown, they can literally change the way they feel instantly.

The significance of this fact is that it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that our physical bodies have a tremendous effect on the way we feel both physically and emotionally. The one thing we are all pursuing in life is happiness and happiness is nothing but feeling good. By following some basic tips for living a healthy life we can make significant changes in the way we feel physically, emotionally and mentally.

We've all heard the clich? a healthy body houses a healthy mind and thanks to scientific research we now know this for a fact. Also, the opposite is equally true: a healthy mind equals a healthy body. If we learn to be in control of our emotional association to food, we will automatically take care of our bodies. The instant satisfaction we get from junk food caused a lot of people to make pleasurable association (in their subconscious minds) to these foods that lead to overeating and addiction.

Living a healthy life starts with your body. If you take care of your body you will develop that sense of pride in yourself and the consequently the way you feel about yourself (or your self esteem).

With this in mind, let me offer you some very simple and basic tips for living a healthy life. Firstly, realize the importance of oxygen to your body and your health. Breathing is not just to get oxygen to our vital organs. Every cell in your body requires oxygen for it's survival and health.

You are only as healthy as the cells in your body. In order to fully oxygenate our bodies we must learn to breathe deeply, fully and effectively. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will, apart from oxygenating your system, stimulate the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph is the body's natural cleansing system, essential to keeping your cells free from toxins and maintaining a healthy environment for the cells of your body to live in. To breathe properly you must breathe in the following ratio: inhale(1) : hold(2) : exhale(4). For example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhale for 16 seconds. Doing this simple exercise with 10 deep breaths 5 times a day will vastly increase your health, your energy and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Secondly, understand the importance of water to your body and health. Our bodies consist mainly of fluids and water, along with oxygen is the basis of all life. Taking sufficient amounts of water is essential for health and life, but also we need to avoid foods that drain our bodies from vital fluids. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, caffeine and preservatives will actually absorb fluids from your body causing certain vital functions to shut down. Eating foods that are naturally rich in water is essential and include all fruits, vegetables and sprouts.

Your body is your temple and what you put in is what you get out. Stop abusing it and adhere to these simple tips for living a healthy life. The very least you must do to life a healthy life is to stop depriving your body from the two most essential element, water and oxygen.

Applying these simple tips for living a healthy life will vastly improve your health and consequently the way you feel. When we feel good life is a pleasure and we suck from it all the juice. Life is a gift and know that tomorrow is not promised to you. Live everyday like it's your last and constantly seek out tips for living a healthy life and improving yourself and the quality of your life. It's all out there and the only thing that is required to have whatever you want from life is for you to go and get it. Just do it and do it with passion and joy.

This article is published with the permission of the author, Deon Du Plessis. He is the founder of The Self Improvement Gym, a network of website dedicated to helping ordinary people create extraordinary lives by improving themselves in every area of their lives. For more information and free tips, books and courses please visit http://www.tonyrobbinsaudiobooks.com for the best from Self Improvement guru, Tony Robbins.

Look and Feel as Young as You Like!

How is this possible? By taking steps to improve your overall health and well-being so you will look and feel younger as you get older. Good nutrition, exercise, sleep, sun protection and a good skincare routine can help you maintain your youthful appearance and well-being at all stages of your life. Your skin is the most visible indicator of your general health and the condition of your skin is often the first signal of illness nor nutrition problems. Sallow, dull or blotchy skin often reflects a disease or nutritional deficiency. A vibrant glowing complexion reflects a state of good general health.

Your skin needs protection both inside and out. Inner and outer nutrition are really two sides of the same coin. It makes sense to nourish the body within to obtain the correct balance of nutrients, because a healthy body is reflected in healthy skin. A correct balance of vitamins and minerals is essential for a wonderful, vibrant, healthy glow to your skin. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and using a high quality multivitamin supplement can do wonders for your appearance.

Your skin also needs specific nourishing. Skin also needs protection from damaging environmental conditions like exposure to sun, wind and pollution. This is why a regular skin care regime is so essential at any age. Our skin is the barrier that shields us from:

?Physical impact such as pressure and knocks

?Thermal influences from heat and cold

?Environment effects, such as chemicals, the sun?s UV radiation and bacteria. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin which provides a chemical defence against ultraviolet light.

To maintain healthy, glowing skin ensure:

?Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate and cleanse your skin

?Wear sunscreen on all exposed areas throughout all seasons

?Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

?Top up with a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement

?Be vigilant with a morning and evening cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is an independent Herbalife distributor, weight loss coach and creator of the online health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For a free weight loss consultation, newsletter and resources to help you lose weight and keep it off forever, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au Online Herbalife store at http://weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com Herbalife business opportunity visit: http://free2liv.com