by urbansqueeze | Jun 19, 2018 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
Essential Oils: Spearmint its Benefits
An essential oil that’s been used for years to help people in many ways is peppermint oil. Unfortunately, for many users, peppermint is just too strong. In fact, it has been linked to skin rashes, diarrhea, heartburn, mouth sores, and headaches. Since the negative side effects of peppermint sometimes outweighs the benefits, many people turn instead to its milder form—spearmint oil. Spearmint is a milder oil that still has many significant benefits when used. Sometimes it is mixed with peppermint oil to dilute the negative effects, but more often it is used on its own.
Benefits of Spearmint Oil—As with most essential oils, there are significant benefits for spearmint oil. These include:
· Some research indicates that spearmint oil can be used as an antimicrobial agent that can kill at least four different bacterial strains and several fungal pathogens.
· The menthol found in spearmint oil acts as an antiseptic. This means it can be applied to wounds to clean them, prevent infection, and help them to heal faster. If the oil is ingested, it’s been shown to treat internal wounds including ulcers and infections in the digestive tract. In some cases, it has also been used to disinfect wounds and sores from STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
· The menthol in spearmint oil has also been shown to help relax the nerves and muscles of the body. This can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from muscle spasms and cramps, especially those associated with menstrual pain.
· Besides helping with internal wounds such as ulcers, spearmint oil can also ease and relax the stomach and intestines. This will allow excessive gas to pass naturally so that you don’t feel bloated or pained.
· Spearmint oil has also been used to treat a myriad of other problems including headaches, irregular menstrual periods, colds and congestion. It has also been used to stimulate blood flow in the body and improve neural (brain) function.
How to Use Spearmint Oil—There are several ways you can use spearmint oil, often depending on what you want to use the oil to treat. The most common uses include:
· Topical Application—One of the easiest ways to use spearmint oil is as a topical solution. You can add a few drops to your skincare products or to massage oils. By rubbing into the skin, you can help ease muscle pains and even treat skin rashes and insect bites.
· Bath—Drops of spearmint oil can be added to your bath water to help with relaxation and pain relief.
· Ingestion and Inhalation—Spearmint oil can also be taken into the body, either orally or through inhalation. Just a couple of drops are all that are needed.
Spearmint oil is a relatively mild oil that has many of the benefits of peppermint without some of the more abrasive side effects. It can be used in a variety of ways to help treat physical conditions and ease the muscles.
by urbansqueeze | May 15, 2018 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health, Skincare
Essential Oils: Rose Touch and Its Benefits
It’s well known that roses have the ability to warm your spirits and brighten your day. Receiving a big bouquet of the beautiful flowers can be a loving and affectionate touch that will definitely help your mental and spiritual health. But what about improving your physical health?
In fact, those who are attuned to the healing properties of essential oils have found that Rose Touch oil can have significant benefits when it comes to your overall health and can put you into a better frame both physically and mentally.
What is Rose Touch?
Rose Touch is an essential oil that blends fractionated coconut oil with rose essential oil. Part of the process of creating rose touch is to harvest rose petals and then distill them to separate the oils. Usually these are used in perfumes because of their sweet aroma. But in this case, the oil is blended to create a product that can be used in different ways and for a variety of effects. It can be applied topically, particularly to pulse points or the neck and wrists. It can also be applied directly to the skin around blemishes to help treat these.
What are the benefits of using Rose Touch?
There are a variety of different benefits that are associated with Rose Touch.
- First and foremost, rose oil has been found to lift a person’s emotions in general. But this has also been found to help alleviate depression and anxiety as has been used as an all-natural antidepressant.
- Rose oil has also been found to help alleviate inflammation of the body, particularly in the joints as seen in those suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. It has also been found to lower inflammation of the digestive tract and can reduce fever.
- Rose oil has long been used for its qualities in skin care. The oil balances moisture levels in the skin and has been found to help acne, scars, and even stretch marks fade quicker. The oil has also been found to help skin wounds heal quicker because of its antiseptic qualities. It also acts as an astringent which can help not only tone the skin, but also help with blood flow and the firmness of muscles.
- Because roses have long been linked with romance, it should come as no surprise that it has aphrodisiacal qualities meant to increase the libido and promote desire.
- Finally, rose oil has been found to help with hormone regulation which can lead to an easing of menstrual cramps and pains.
These are just a selection of the benefits that come from using Rose Touch. It is an essential oil that can help bring a little romance to your life and a little physical and mental balance to your overall well-being.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 15, 2018 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
What is Myrrh and How is it Helpful
Even though it has health benefits that are truly amazing, the chances are you probably have only heard about myrrh in relation to the story of Jesus’ birth as the third gift brought by one of the magi or wise men. Although it may not seem as precious as gold, it was highly valued. But what exactly is myrrh and why is it still so important for modern individuals trying to stay healthy?
What is Myrrh?
Myrrh is a substance that has previously been used as a spice and for its medicinal qualities. Like many similar substances from early historical eras, it was a resin produced by trees found in Northern Africa and the Middle East. The name actually derives from the Arabic word for “bitter” because of the acrid smell produced by the substance. Myrrh essential oils have been used to season food but also as medicines and even as an embalming agent and purifier for the dead.
What are the benefits of Myrrh?
First and foremost, myrrh has a powerful anti-inflammatory component that has allowed it to be used to treat joint paint and arthritis. It is probably because of this component that so many people use it as an ingredient in massage oils and for aromatherapy as a means of relaxing. It is also an antioxidant, which can prevent cell degeneration and can help combat diseases including diabetes and cancer. In fact, some studies have found that myrrh can inhibit the growth of different cancer cells, not curing the disease, but certainly curtailing it. In addition, the oil has been used to clear up skin irritations including acne and even ringworm as well as fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Besides treating skin irritations, some people swear by myrrh’s ability to rejuvenate the skin and keep it looking young and vital.
How can Myrrh be used?
As with many essential oils, one of the easiest ways to benefit from myrrh is to use it with an oil diffuser. Inhalation of myrrh oil has been used in the past to treat lung and breathing ailments including bronchitis. Others will apply the substance directly to their skin with just a few drops or will add it to cold compresses so that it can be absorbed through the skin and also breathed in at the same time.
Myrrh is an ancient substance with many modern uses. As we learn more about medicine and health, it is becoming obvious that some of the old methods for treating ailments actually work more than we might think.
by urbansqueeze | Mar 1, 2018 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
Are You Familiar with the Zendocrine Oil Blend?
Many people have recently learned the benefits of essential oils and their uses to help regulate the body’s systems. These oils can help relieve tension, ease pain, and relax the body, even going so far as to help with anxiety and depression. One of the most versatile of these essential oils is Zendocrine, which is actually a blend of four single oils. This particular oil can help you to cleanse your body of toxins and improve your overall health.
How does Zendocrine help your health?
First and foremost, Zendocrine has been found to cleanse the liver. This organ helps to filter your blood as it passes from your digestive tract to be circulated throughout the rest of your body. Your liver cleanses your body of chemicals and toxins built up and even helps your body process your medications. Unfortunately, our environment is full of toxins. We unknowingly absorb and collect these through the air, water, our food and even medicines. As these toxins build up in our system, it can throw other parts of our body into disarray leading to a variety of health problems.
By purging the body of these toxins, Zendocrine can help other parts of the digestive tract such as the colon and kidneys, and it can help other systems stay healthy such as the lungs and heart in the cardiovascular system.
It does this through the unique blend of four different oils in one, including antioxidants clove and rosemary. The clove can help with endocrine disorders while rosemary is great for treating diabetes as well as stress-related fatigue. It also contains geranium oil to balance hormones and assist the liver and pancreas as well as grapefruit oil that can cleanse your kidneys and lymphatic system. It has also been found to help with keeping hair and skin looking healthy.
How do you use Zendocrine?
Perhaps the easiest way to use Zendocrine is to apply a few drops to your stomach or the soles of your feet. This way, it is absorbed through your skin and helps to cleanse your body. You can also either take the oil orally with just a drop a day or add a couple of drops to your water or tea. As with any essential oil that contains citrus elements, Zendocrine may cause sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so it is a good idea to avoid direct sunlight for up to twelve hours after applying or ingesting Zendocrine. Any time you add something new to your health regimen, you should consult with a health professional to make sure there will not be adverse reactions.
by urbansqueeze | Feb 1, 2018 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
Essential Oils and Your Heart
In the United States, 1 in every 4 deaths is attributed to heart disease. While many people take medications or receive surgery which helps keep them alive, they are really only treating the symptoms – not the underlying cause. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do at home to help avoid ever getting heart disease in the first place, from eating the proper foods to getting plenty of exercise.
What you may not realize is that essential oils can also be beneficial for heart health.
When used appropriately, they help lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate. Studies have shown that the sweet spot seems to be about 1-hour – being exposed any longer could actually have the opposite effect.
Below are some of the most common oils used for their heart-healthy benefits:
Lemon
Lemon oil is known to treat asthma, stress disorders, insomnia, and fatigue. Because of its calming qualities, it also helps relieve anxiety, nervousness, and nervous tension, potentially lowering blood pressure and pulse rate.
Eucalyptus
According to one study, eucalyptus can significantly lower your blood pressure. Other benefits include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunity-building properties.
Basil
Basil is delicious in your Sunday sauce, but it’s also good for your heart. The oil from this common herb is known to help lower cholesterol naturally, as well as having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
Frankincense
Sometimes referred to as olibanum, frankincense has been used for its health benefits for thousands of years. Benefits include reducing stress and anxiety and helping relieve chronic inflammation.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum offers many different full-body benefits, but it is especially beneficial for the heart due to its inflammatory enzyme inhibition, free radical scavenging activity, and corticoid-like effects.
Ginger
Ginger root is used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, but the oil, in particular, is beneficial for heart health. Like helichrysum, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as naturally lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar.
There are a variety of ways you can use essential oils, from diffusers, to topical application, to steam (one of our favorite methods is to place a few drops into a warm bath and take a long, relaxing soak). The application method will depend on your desired results, as well as the oil you’re using. A little research can help you find out what method is best for you.
by UrbanSqueezeWeb | Jan 3, 2018 | Essential Oils
One of the biggest advantages (and perks) to using essential oils is that there are so many to choose from – a multitude of plants and ingredients, different ways to utilize them, and various benefits from each option. Having this abundance is great for consumers but does bring its own challenges. With so many choices how does someone find a true, high-quality essential oil?
First, understand that essential oils typically aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA considers these products to be cosmetic and, therefore, doesn’t approve or regulate this industry. Therefore, it’s imperative that you take the time to research your essential oil company. How are their products made? Where are their ingredients sourced? How transparent are they about their production process? What sort of online reviews are available for their products? You definitely need to dedicate the time to doing the research before investing in an oil.
When you break down the components of an essential oil bottle what you should find are concentrated amounts of specific plants (processed through distillation) diluted in a carrier oil.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here is a breakdown of what to look into to determine a level of quality.
Ingredients: It may seem obvious, but plants grown in an environment free of pesticides and other chemicals is naturally a quality improvement. Also, the area where the ingredients are grown in terms of environment, soil quality, and weather will also make an impact. An essential oil company that cares about the quality of its product will source their plants from all over the globe, keeping an eye for where the crop grows best and how it is cared for and harvested.
Process: The process for distilling the oils into a liquid form is a science. Some people do it in their kitchens while large companies have a processing plant to make the work more efficient. Don’t be afraid to ask a company how their oils are processed. How much dilution is involved? Do they add any additional ingredients during dilution?
Storage: How and where oils are stored is also improvement. Exposure to heat, or light, oxygen may cause the products to lose their quality. After processing the oils, where are they stored? Ideally they are in containers of dark glass and stored in a cool place. Each bottle should be marked with a date to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
Shipping: The same quality issues that come up with storage will apply to shipping. Oils that are exposed to the elements for any length of time will definitely lose their quality. How does the company manage their shipping to ensure products are delivered in the best possible condition?
In an ideal situation, your essential oils would start with organic, natural agricultural processes and then harvested, stored and shipped while keeping in mind that the oil’s benefits will be directly impacted by exposure. Purity is also important so the liquid should be 100% of the main ingredient(s) combined with the carrier oil and should be labeled properly if anything else has been added. Pay attention to price as well. As with anything, the lower the price point – the less likely that the product was made with quality in mind.
