GHS Natural Health Community

Aromatherapy Beauty Tips

Aromatherapy has many known benefits, one of which is beautification. Aromatherapy is not restricted to burning candles, spraying scents in the air. It also has very valuable uses beyond relaxation and the treatment of common illnesses. In this article we will discuss some specific ways in which one can use aromatherapy to help keep the skin clear, the body smooth, the hair gorgeous, essentially helping you create and develop the most beautiful you. Following are some really great aromatherapy beauty tips.

Aromatherapy and Skin: Natural oils used in aromatherapy can help the skin reach its’ optimum beauty. Essential oils can be used to treat wrinkles, pimples, cellulite and even dry skin. Aromatherapy can also help to purify the skin. Aromatherapy works so well because it is free of unnatural and toxic ingredients that can be found in many over-the-counter acne medications. Not so when using aromatherapy. The essential oils have strong regenerative properties that helps heal and nourish the skin. Good essential oils and to use on the skin include sandlewood, tea tree and lavender.

Sandlewood: Sandlewood is really good for acne and infections of the skin mostly because it has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Tea Tree: Tea tree works well for spot treating pimples. It clears up acne fast and helps to limit their reoccurrence. It has strong anti-microbial and helps to reduce swelling.

Lavender: Lavender is one of the most known all of the essential oils. Lavender helps to keep oily skin under control. It is also good for evening out the skin tone and healing blemishes.

Aromatherapy and Body: Aromatherapy is great to use for the body. It helps keep the body soft and smooth. It is important to note however, that you should be very careful about applying essential oils directly on the skin because they can be very potent. Instead, adding a few drops to a bath or to a carrier oil works best. There are several ways to use aromatherapy on the body, massage and bathing are the most common and very effective.

Aromatherapy and Hair: Aromatherapy and essential oils are great to use to remedy hair loss as well as dry and thinning hair. Adding essential oils to shampoos and conditioners that one already has, can work wonders. Massaging the scalp with diluted essential oils might also be beneficial. For individuals who suffer from alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes temporary hair loss, studies have shown that individuals who rub rosemary, cedarwood, lavender, and thyme essential oils into their scalp, successfully grew back their hair. This is just one example of the power of aromatherapy when it is added to beauty regiments.

Aromatherapy has many benefits, one of which is beautification. Individuals can achieve prettier skin and hair by simply using essential oil blends that they either create themselves or purchase. Aromatherapy is especially is especially effective because of it’s natural properties which can be used to pamper, ease, stimulate and beautify. I hope that you will consider using these aromatherapy beauty tips. Many people who understand the power of aromatherapy have done so with great results.

How to Benefit From Herbs

The medicinal benefits of herbs have been well documented. Many of the spices that we use to flavor our food can also help to heal us. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common herbs and how they can benefit us more then just my simply spicing up our favorite meals.

Garlic: Garlic is a very healthy herb. It has shown to significantly reduce the amount of fatty deposits in the arteries by up to 50%. It also helps to stop clots from forming. Garlic can easily be added to dishes to make them more tasty. If you have a problem with “garlic breath,” you may want to use a supplement.

Mint: There are many, many types of mint. The most popular ones are spearmint and peppermint. For individuals who are interested in growing their own herbs, mint is an easy one to grow. Of all herbs, mint is probably the one with the most documented evidence. Mints are fantastic for soothing stomach pain. They are also great for obtaining fresh breath.

Basil: Basil works well in helping to improve memory, and calm the nervous system. It also is an effective herb to clear the lungs, remedy ear aches and treat fungi infections.

Lavender: The herb lavender is known to help alleviate headaches and to help individuals who suffer from insomnia fall asleep. Using this herb in oil is a perfect way to administer it.

Marjoram: Marjoram is great for soothing and calming.

Parsley: Parsley is well known for it diuretic properties. It is especially good for women going through menopause who are retaining water. There is also some evidence that parsley helps to lower high blood pressure in very mild cases.

Rosemary: Rosemary is an excellent herb to take when one is suffering from poor circulation, headaches or memory lapses. It is also good for fighting bad breath.

Yarrow: Yarrow not only has bodily healing properties, it also is great in attracting beauty. Butterflies are attracted to this herb, making it a good way to entice them to your garden. Yarrow is also excellent for treating skin abrasions and cuts. It also helps to promote healing. Some individuals use yarrow to treat physical problems ranging from hemorrhoids to headaches.

Wormwood: When mixed with caraway or peppermint, wormwood can be used to sooth stomach pain and irritable bowel syndrome. It is best taken as a tea. It is important to note that wormwood has been declared unsafe by the FDA, due to thuione, which is found in wormwood and is dangerous for the liver.

Garlic, mint, basil, lavender, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, yarrow and wormwood are all herbs with outstanding healing properties. They are also all very easy to grow, making it very simple for an interested person to grow their own and benefit from them all year long. There is no need to purchase them expensively in the store, when you can successfully grow them yourself. Because many people enjoy having their food seasoned with herbs, it is really never difficult to incorporate them into one’s diet, which makes them incredibly convenient to consume. Be sure to add fresh herbs whenever you can and benefit from both their delicious flavor and their healing properties.

Thrush ... not just secret women's business

It has been estimated that a staggering one in three adults suffer from Candida overgrowth, or thrush as it's more commonly refer to as. And what's more surprising is the fact that many men get it too!

Often thought to be annoying condition suffered by women only, thrush can afflict everyone from babies to the elderly. However, it is important to distinguish infection due to the fungus from the healthy presence of the fungus. In a recent study of 1009 women in New Zealand, Candida albicans was isolated from the vaginas of 19% of apparently healthy women, who experienced little to no symptoms of thrush.

Shortly after birth, the fungus Candida albicans develops in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals in its yeast-like ‘friendly' form. Under certain conditions, however, Candida organisms can convert to a more menacing form, with root-like growths penetrating into the intestine wall. When this happens, toxins can be absorbed from the bowel into the bloodstream, with debilitating consequences.

Common symptoms of Candida

The following indications have been noted:

·  recurrent or persistent thrush and fungal infections of the skin and nails,
·  chronic fatigue,
·  constant tiredness and loss of energy,
·  decreased libido,
·  allergies,
·  psoriasis,
·  eczema,
·  menstrual problems,
·  abdominal bloating,
·  diarrhoea,
·  constipation,
·  sugar cravings,
·  frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract that result in coughs,
·  colds and sinusitis,
·  depression,
·  mood swings,
·  anxiety,
·  headaches and general irritability.

How Candida is Diagnosed

Laboratory tests can be somewhat unreliable, so the best option is to consult a natural healthcare professional who will take a blood sample from your fingertip and analyse it. Alternatively, if you suspect you have thrush because you're experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier, follow a yeast-free diet (see Foods to avoid and eat panel) for a week and see if your symptoms improve.
Why do Candida infections occur?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection by any Candida species, and may result from exposure to steroid or chemotherapeutic drugs, prolonged illness, stress, alcohol abuse, smoking, lack of rest, poor nutrition and chemical preservatives in food. Also, antibiotics destroy the healthy bacteria that control the Candida population. The female hormone progesterone found synthetically in the oral contraceptive pill stimulates Candida growth, which is why thrush is often experienced by women.

Treating Candida

Unfortunately, there is no simple treatment for yeast infections. Stopping the growth of the fungus and eliminating it from the body requires a multi-level treatment. Start by:

· Not taking antibiotics, birth control pills and other hormone-altering substances. Make sure you check with your health care professional before ceasing any medication.

· Adopting a diet designed to stop feeding the yeast. Avoid all sources of yeast and fungus and all sugars and sweets, including lactose-containing dairy products, except for butter. Also, reduce or eliminate junk food, alcohol, heavily processed cooked foods to allow the gut wall to regenerate and halt the growth of Candida. Read Anti Candida Diet

· Strengthening the immune system through supplementation with the herb Pau D'Arco.

Herbal help

Pau D'Arco is a rainforest remedy made from the inner bark of the large native South American tree. Indigenous South American tribes have traditionally drunk tea made from the shredded inner bark to boost their immunity. In 1882, one of Pau D'Arco's constituents was isolated and identified as lapachol, an antimicrobial and potentially tumour-fighting chemical. Besides lapachol, Pau D'Arco contains at least 20 other active ingredients. Modern scientific evidence shows that extracts of Pau D'Arco can protect against a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms, including Candida albicans. The herb is also useful for treating athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Pau D'Arco is not recommended during pregnancy. Click here for more information on Pau D'Arco

Useful tips to help women avoid Candida

·  Practise good hygiene after the toilet – wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
·  Avoid intercourse when you have symptoms of vaginal thrush, as you may pass it on to your partner.
·  Avoid douches, feminine sprays or other products likely to disturb the pH balance of the vagina.
·  Use a mild soap or sorbolene cream to wash the genital area daily.
·  Wear cotton underwear.
·  Babies with nappy rash should have their nappy areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.
·  Oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma medication. Patients on long-term inhaled corticosteroids should rinse their mouths after each dose to avoid this.

Foods to avoid

·  Sugar in all forms, except the occasional piece of whole fresh fruit
·  Breads and commercially baked goods. Yeast-free bread is available but it must be eaten fresh to avoid any chance of mould developing
·  Alcoholic beverages
·  Honey
·  Vinegar and all foods containing vinegar, including salad dressing, sauerkraut, green olives, pickled vegetables and relishes.
·  Fungus, moulds, and yeast in all forms
·  Most vitamin supplements (unless label states yeast-free)
·  Mushrooms

Foods to eat to combat Candida

· Vegetables
·  Natural yogurt
·  Lean chicken, fish and beef
·  Tomatoes
·  Butter and Olive oil
·  Avocados
· Muesli
·  Eggs
·  Cottage cheese
·  Wholemeal pastry
·  Rice cakes
·  Mild spices

Thrush Case Study

Susan had been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.
Susan decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A finger prick blood test confirmed the presence of Candida. Her natural health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D'Arco at 3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the micro-organisms in her gut.
As the candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with herbs such as Garlic and Golden Seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in the first place.

Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier. Best of all she has not experienced any thrush or sinusitis since.

Nervous Bladder

Q. I have a nervous bladder, what can help?

A. The layered, smooth muscle that surrounds the bladder (detrusor muscle) contracts spastically, sometimes without a known cause, which results in sustained, high bladder pressure and the urgent need to urinate. Normally, the detrusor muscle contracts and relaxes in response to the volume of urine in the bladder and the initiation of urination.

With regard to a nervous bladder, many women benefit from squeezing the pelvic floor muscles during a stressful event such as a cough - this acts against the increase in pressure which causes the urine leakage. The trick is to squeeze the muscles of the urinary and vaginal area and pull them upwards prior to the sneeze or cough, and before lifting heavy items.

Other factors that may help is to maintain your ideal body weight with a low-fat, balanced diet and regular exercise.

Avoid:

·         constipation by maintaining a high fiber diet and regular water intake
·         food and drinks containing caffeine, which increases bladder irritability and urinary frequency
·         alcohol which can cause an increase in urination.

Weakness or incompetence of the structures of the urinary system can occur following childbirth, after menopause or following a hysterectomy or may be a sign of a low-grade, symptom-free urinary tract infection.

Bladder weakness is also a potential side-effect of many diuretics, sedatives, antidepressants, antihistamines, and other medications. Discuss your concerns about these possibilities with your health care professional.

With regards to products that may help:

·         astringent herbs such as Agrimony help to tighten the mucous membranes of the urinary tract and may assist with bladder control as does Raspberry Leaf
·         the tissue salt Calcium Fluoride taken over an extended period may help to improve the integrity of the urinary structures
·         if there is low-grade infection, the herbs Cranberry, Uva Ursi or Buchu may be helpful
·         St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) can be helpful if the condition is associated with depression

Rosacea and how can it be treated

Q. What is the skin condition Rosacea and how can it be treated?

A. Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling, primarily on the face. It can cause red patches, lines and small pimples on the face, as well as burning and irritation in the eyes and eyelids. It is easily confused with other skin conditions, such as acne and sunburn.

Who is susceptible

Fair-skinned people who have lighter skin, blonde hair and blue eyes, between the ages of 30 and 60 are most likely to develop Rosacea, however, it can affect children and people of any skin type
Rosacea is often passed on in families, with women being afflicted more often than males. Men, however, often get more severe forms of Rosacea and women with Rosacea, can notice increased flushing and blushing around and during menopause

Causes

While the exact cause of Rosacea is unknown, threre are many theories:

it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors
it may be the result of highly reactive blood vessels combined with inflammation and infection
a mite called Demodex folliculorum, which lives in hair follicles, could be a cause of Rosacea. These tiny mites normally live on skin and people with Rosacea have more of these mites on their faces. The mites clog oil glands, leading to the inflammation seen in Rosacea
a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which causes intestinal infection, might be a cause. Because Rosacea causes increased warmth in the skin, bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) might be encouraged to grow, causing the pimples and bumps
problems with the immune system may also contribute to Rosacea’s development

Triggers

Flare-ups of Rosacea are caused by triggers that stimulate the blood vessels in the face to dilate, which causes facial flushing. Common triggers are:

sun exposure
exercise
hot weather
emotional stress
spicy foods
alcohol - alcohol does not cause Rosacea, however, the consumption of alcohol leads to flushing of the skin, which can worsen the condition
hot baths
some medications, especially certain blood pressure medication, can precipitate flushing, which can aggravate Rosacea - people who are being treated for Rosacea should let their dermatologists know about any medications they are taking

Symptoms

Rosacea's signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people never experience the signs of visible blood vessels, papules and pustules, and might only experience facial redness, while some people do not have it on their face at all, but rather on their back or elsewhere.

Rosacea develops in phases:

at first face gets flushed often or has a tendency to blush easily
as time goes by, facial redness may not go away for several days and small pimples or visible blood vessels develop in the center of the face or may spread to cheeks, scalp, forehead, nose, chin, chest, or back
facial skin becomes increasingly dry and physical symptoms, such as facial burning, stinging or itching can occur
visible small blood vessels and pimples, some containing pus, appear as small, red bumps and red lines, called telangiectasia, can appear when sufferers flush. This is due to small blood vessels of the face becoming enlarged and showing through the skin. These red lines usually appear on the cheeks, especially when the overall redness diminishes
it feels increasingly dry or sunburned
if treated early, the flare-ups may be minor and controlled fairly well with medication and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers for the disease
if not treated, Rosacea can eventually cause small, knobby bumps on nose and cheeks that can multiply and make the nose look bulbous and the face swollen (rhinophyma). If Rosacea progresses to rhinophyma, it may become permanent, but most cases of Rosacea do not progress that far. Men are more likely to experience the small, knobby bumps on the nose, and as the number of bumps increases, the nose and cheeks may appear swollen.

Other Factors

It is common for Rosacea patients to have other health issues:

other skin conditions, Acne is the most common, followed by non-melanoma skin cancer
about half of the people who have Rosacea also have eye irritation - eyes may become red and irritated, or blurred vision may occur

Treatments

Natural Treatments

Eliminate from the diet or lifestyle whatever triggers the flare-ups, such as alcohol, stress, spicy foods, and sun exposure
It may be helpful to keep a diary of what is eaten, drank, and what is done during the day and to note the days on which the Rosacea appears
When outdoors, always wear sunscreen to control flare-ups. Protect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and wear protective clothing, e.g. long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat
Try not to become overheated
Be sure to protect your skin from extreme cold, which can irritate the skin and cause a flare-up
Try to exercise where it is cool
Wash with Bentonite clay infused water as this is soothing and detoxifying
colloidal oatmeal can be used as a bath.
Natural Treatment for the eye irritation

bathe eyes with salt water, then do eyebath of infused and strained Golden Seal Powder. Alternate with strained Chamomile Tea or use Chamomile Tea Bags on the eyes

Supplements

One of the leading uses of Evening Primrose Oil is in the treatment of skin conditions that involve inflammation such as Rosacea
Flax Seed Oil is also very beneficial. Make sure to keep the flax oil stored at a cold temperature in the refrigerator
Goji (lycium) juice (internally) can help with redness and inflammation
Vitamin A protects the skin tissue
Zinc is helpful for skin disorders
Selenium has powerful antioxidant properties
Vitamin B Complex is necessary for all cellular functions
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is important for formation of collagen and skin tissue
Burdock Root, Oregon Grape Root and Red Clover cleanse the blood
Black Cumin Seed heals skin
Lavender fights inflammation and soothes irritated skin

Avoid

Soap which has an excess of alkali and most of them do. This alkali unites with the delicate fatty substances secreted for the protection of the skin, and removes it, leaving the skin surface dry and harsh. Cracks then form in the skin, and dirt works into them
Heavy cosmetics, irritating skin care products, moisturizers and other facial products that might contain ingredients, such as alcohol, eucalyptus, fragrance, menthol, peppermint, or witch hazel, which are more likely to aggravate Rosacea
Getting hair spray on your face
Rubbing, scrubbing or massaging the face, which can irritate the skin
Gently apply all soaps, moisturizers, sunscreens and other products
Hot baths and showers
Hot drinks, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages

Allopathic Treatments

Antibiotic creams and sometimes oral antibiotics are used to treat the pimples that develop. Antibiotic creams, however, may cause burning and stinging for some people, who may find oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, a better option
If antibiotics do not control your Rosacea, other medications, such as isotretinoin (Accutane) or retinoin cream (Retin-A), may be used, unless you are pregnant. These treatments can have side effects including sensitivity to sunlight and depression, especially Acutane.
Dermabrasion, cryosurgery, or laser surgery may be used to treat advanced cases of rhinophyma
FINACEA (azelaic acid gel 15%). This treatment can have side effects such as:

Burning
stinging
tingling or itching skin may occur during the first few weeks, but then subside as your body adjusts to this medication
Excessive facial hair growth may rarely occur
may infrequently cause abnormal changes in skin color (hypopigmentation). Dark-skinned individuals may notice a lightening in skin color
Rare but serious side effect, worsening of asthma symptoms (e.g., increased trouble breathing, increased use of quick-relief inhalers). Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

rash,
persistent itching
swelling
dizziness
trouble breathing

Steroids control the condition in many patients. Side effects from steroids include:

thinning of the skin
dilated blood vessels
bruising
skin color changes.
Stopping these medications suddenly may result in a flare-up of the disease
Eye irritation is often treated by the steroid, Prednisone. Bilateral cataracts and glaucoma induced by long term use of steroid eye drops

Natural Mastic Gum of Chios

Have you ever heard of Mastic Gum of Chios? It is a unique natural product with many therapeutic attributes which originates from the south part of the Greek island of Chios.

Hair loss, nutrition and natural treatment

Read about hair loss, types and causes and how you can treat it with proper nutrition and natural tips.

How To Stay Young � Go Naturally

Which are the best habits and activities in order to preserve youth and wellbeing? Learn how you can expand your youth appearance naturally, with everyday tips.

Spa luxury in the comfort of your own home

‘Spa luxury in your own home’

You don’t always have to spend ridiculous amounts of money on pampering yourself. Being pampered at a spa by the experts can be a special treat. But it does have restrictions which can make it difficult and beyond your reach.

With that comes the question of "How do you set up spa luxury in your own home?" I hope that you enjoy our ideas and use them in your own home!

Indulging is always important for relaxation. We are always coming up with excuses as to why we shouldn’t pamper ourselves, many of them excuses are “oh I’m too busy” or “I just cant afford it at the moment” so on.

There is no need for all these excuses. Most of the time when people say they’re too busy it’s because they don’t make time for it in the lives. Is it really that hard to find an hour to yourself every now and then? Maybe a friend or husband could look after the kids or dinner while you just relax and pamper yourself.

Even if you are behind on work or study, don’t you think you deserve a bit of time to yourself? To find some peace of mind.

     And finally if luxury it isn’t important to you then do you find yourself important? If you can’t think of an answer then let me answer it for you ‘Yes you ARE! No matter Daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend or just a person... you are significant. Think about it if everyone was at the peak of happiness think about how much better the world would be. Many of us have been brought to think that spoiling ourselves is a greedy thing to do. Many have this impression that only the rich get pampered. Or that it is strictly a once in a while thing. After all isn’t pampering just another word for healing?

Everybody has a certain degree of stress. A good way to find out your stress levels is to take notice of how tense our muscles are. Are you shoulders up around your ears right now? Seize what your doing right now and just relax you shoulders for a while. How far did they lower when you did that? That’s a perfect indicator for how stressed you are. The goal is to be as relaxed as possible, while being able to function at your best in this world. Remember, it's not a selfish thing! People who are uptight may make you feel guilty. You are in control of your own good heath so don’t let them try and get you down. Just try and let stress rebound of you, less stress is the answer to great health. The greater the health the greater your happiness. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.

     Your bathroom should provide everything you need for the day such as warm thick towels Scented candles are great if your skincare is not scented. Flowers are also good. It could just be a single rose or a lily as long as it makes you feel appreciative of the beauty around you.
Magazines or book are a big must as they allow you to take your mind of things.

   Let go and Relax…
To really enjoy the true meaning of pampering you must remember these words. Once it sinks in you will be able to relax anywhere at anytime. While you’re sitting in the tub, whilst applying your facial masque just say the words ‘Let go and relax’.
    The meaning of these words is to let go of any stress or negative emotions and you will instantly feel relaxed. As you say the word relax take a big deep comfortable breathe, and as you say let go blow it out, all of it. It's the exhalation part of the breathing that really releases all the built up stress. Let the feelings flood through your entire body from head to toe. If you feel it, it will work, believe it and it shall work. Your mind is where all the tension starts and your mind is where the tension can end, just relax.

     Plants can really bring some life into your bathroom; peace lilies are a good example. On the side of your tube lace some scented candles such as vanilla or sandalwood. Make sure you really enjoy the fragrance as it will help you drift into serenity. Try to match your bath salts and soaps with the scent of your candles.

Start off your treatments with relaxing thoughts...
     One of the lessons about relaxation is that while you’re pampering yourself is that the sooner into the process you would let go and relax, the deeper into relaxation would be.

While you are pampering yourself you must learn to relax to reach the full benefits of your time-out. Again, the best way to do this is to fill your mind with a relaxing thought. The mind is like a vacuum. It always wants to be filled if you fail to fill it with relaxing thoughts it will start thinking ‘ What time is that meeting next week, is it 4:30 or 5:30’ ‘ what will I get Sarah for her birthday’ so on.. So you should try to fill your mind with happy relaxing thoughts. Think about your childhood, or the perfect holiday.
     It’s great to choose your thoughts so they don’t choose you. And become aware of this early in your treatment so you have more time to focus on relaxing. As soon as you can consciously choose your thoughts you will be well on your way to deeper relaxation. Beautiful and positive thoughts will flow naturally into your mind.
It’s sometimes great to just step into somebody else’s home and get some inspiration.

Soothing sounds...
     Sometimes the soothing sound of nothing is the most relaxing of all. Except sometimes that's not possible and you need to block out the noises that are there at the moment. It’s sometimes good to have some soothing sounds to enhance your pampering experience. Nature sounds are enjoyed by most of us, because they bring the feeling of being in on a vacation or just being in a natural setting. These days you can find a large variety or alternative CD’s which vary from the soothing sounds of waves crashing to the sound of exotic birds somewhere in the Amazon.

Some examples of great nature music:

·        Deep forest
·        Plaisance & Doucet
·        Golaná

Unless someone has directly recommend a CD to you, always listen to it first as you never know what you may get. Sometimes a CD with a really relaxing cover can turn out to be nothing like you expected. It’s an upsetting feeling when you are relaxing only to find that when it comes to the middle of the album it speeds up and completely wrecks your mood. There are so many great CDs that can add to your pampering experience its up to you to find the right one. A fountain is also nice as it makes a great soothing sound. Most people get the biggest pleasure out of fountains.

Your time...
     Taking a nice long relaxing bath is really a good way to find some ‘Me’ time. Just lounging in a tub filled with a beautiful all-natural scent can be a heavenly experience on its own. But there a a number of different treatments you can give yourself. These days there is a large variety of natural treatments that could add to your pampering session. Treat yourself with the products that you usually wait for others to give you as gifts. Hydrosols, Bath salts, scrubs, facial masques and hair packs, these are the wonderful products that you can use to create your own special treatment.

     So why do we treat ourselves to ‘Spa Luxury’ at home? Its because it’s a way to bounce back from our stressful lives and completely revitalize. The beautifying and cleansing process achieved by our body is just as important as the beautifying and cleansing done to our psyches. So completely tuning out of the world is essential. Of coarse you could bring a friend or a partner to pamper with you. But just remember that this is a selfish pleasure that will turn back the hands of time if you achieve it! Light some candles, put on some soothing music, take the phone of the hook and just relax!!

If your partner is willing, massage can be a great pre-pampering starter, especially if they use sugar as an exfoliant for winter itchy backs (this dissolves in the warm water). Mask, cover hair with a deep penetrating hot oil treatment, play chilled out music, enjoy the ambience of candles, half way meditate with pleasant thoughts, start to drain tub and rinse off under shower, pat dry, mist with hydrosol, and apply moisturizing lotion. This is the long version and quite delightful.

Home Business in Natural Products : Is it the right decision?

zokas writes "
A Natural Products Home-Based Business: Is it Right for You?
For many women having a home based business is a dream come true. Sometimes, just having a hard time finding safe products for themselves and/or their children will lead someone to look for alternative answers to finding personal products for their home and family. Amy Alamarmanazi, owner of UrthBeauty.com writes, “Necessity was the driving factor to starting my business. As I am getting older, I am finding that my skin is more sensitive and I started having issues like rosacea and adult acne. I needed products that I could trust to be pure and good for my skin.   I know that there are a lot of others that face the same types of issues and I would love to have them benefit from the same products that have helped me. I have been handcrafting beauty products for a long time, but giving them away for gifts. I decided the next logical step was for me to start Urth Beauty.
    Many women have been motivated into natural remedies by watching their grandmothers make soaps, collect herbal remedies from the garden and make healing lotions. Whatever the reasons, many women carry that dream in their heart, but they also wonder if they have the courage, skill, and knowledge to run a home-based business either reselling, or crafting their own natural cosmetics and toiletries. This articles we will focus on the many issues of that arise from selling natural toiletries at home.

One of the first questions that comes to mind is ‘Am I the right person for a home-based business and what would make person a good candidate?’
First off you must have a good sense of discipline. If you work at home you must be able to focus on one business task at a time, even if you have other household duties to complete such as the dishes in the sink, bills to pay or the messing bedroom. It might sound simple, but if you are someone who is dedicated to your household duties, and you have a hard time leaving them till last then you might not be a good candidate for a home based business. Also, the discipline must apply to your work schedule as well. When it the middle of the night and you know you have to get up in the morning for work you have to have the motivation to stop what your doing even if you haven’t completed everything you wish to accomplish.
     Secondly , organization is a must, can you set up an office in a minimal amount of space? Can you successfully carve out a area for your business that won’t take over into the family area? Will you be able to tidy up from a day’s work so that it doesn’t intrude into times of the day when a partner, friends, or children want your full attention? You need to have the ability to organize you business as it is very impotant: without organization, your business can become a monster and can be quite invasive.
    Thirdly, necessity can become your greatest motivator. If you are a stay at home mom then a home based business that is correctly run can be a great way to can be a wonderful way to produce more income for your family, as well as give you another passageway to use your talents. If your current job is not satisfying or stimulating enough , a home-based business can prove to be a creative and rewarding diversion, while again, providing that extra income that we all need. Another ideal candidate is a person with a disability, or lack of mobility. The internet has given many people who haven’t held a steady job in the past the opportunity to earn a income with their own home business. E-bay, E-commerce websites, and other venues, are all avenues for someone to create income, who cannot work a full day out of the house.
What venues can you use to sell your products? This is one of the most pertinent and challenging questions that new business owners face? What venue will create the quickest income? How much does it cost to have a table at a fair. Can I sell to my friends or office mates?
     Mattie Horsley, owner of Makeup-Junkey.com states, “I market to anyone who is interested in more natural makeup, I sell through the internet or individual appointments or makeup parties.” This is a typical approach for home–based businesses. Many women start off by selling natural products that they themselves like, to friends or office mates. Also common for crafters is that products intended for themselves get snapped up by family members and friends, until the seed of a business is born. Constant praise for handcrafted products is a confidence booster. Local crafts fairs, womens’ events, and health fairs, are wonderful ways to create an income in a short period of time. Always do research first on how many consumer there will be, and be familiar with the clientele before you set up a table. You need to understand their lifestyle, budget range, complexions (in the case of makeup), and the general theme of the fair. If it’s a farmers’ market, you can be sure that olive oil lavender soap will sell, but makeup may not do as well.
     The internet is the gold boom or our age. People have become millionaires in as little as a year after launching E-Commerce sites, and it’s so convenient. All you need is a computer, and ‘viola’, you’re set! Of course, it’s not so easy, so how do they do it? If you are a one-person gig, and are not heavily financed, expect your sales to take off after years of hard work and little profit. That’s the unfortunate truth. You have to work very, very hard, and work very, very smart to make an internet site blossom into a real income. It’s a lot of sweat and tears, but it can be done. I run a wholesale division and truthfully, some of my biggest vendors do no internet sales. The focus on fairs, seminars, and trade shows, do some traveling, and make a very good living staying far away from a computer. But by the same token, I have seen some natural products internet stores take off at a pace that is astonishing!

Should you produce your own natural products, or purchase them from a manufacturer?
     What a packed question! If you really have a passion for making soaps, mixing different minerals together to create your own cosmetics, the go for it. Mattie Horsely says, “Creating your own makeup line is rewarding but it does take a lot of patience and work, make sure you know this before you get into it. I thought it would be easy, but after a year and I was still working on the products and colors, I learned that it does take a lot of work. It is such a great feeling though when you see one of your final products packaged up with labels from your very own company.”
     On the other hand, if you make 100% of the products yourself, pack all of the orders, package and label the products, answer phone calls from customers ,file the paperwork, pay the business bills, order the supplies… it would be hectic. I hear women business owners express grief all of the time, “ I’m exhausted!”. No wonder. What is more sensible, in my opinion, is to make what you love to make, and make well, and then source the rest from reputable companies whose philosophies, ingredients, and company mission closely mimic your own. There is nothing wrong with this, and there is everything right with it.
     Back when I had my first kiosk, and after a long fruitless search for natural skincare that I could sell to my customers, I began to make my own. I set up a lab in a warehouse next to my house, did heaps of research, and burned the midnight candle formulating, testing, and reformulating. I came up with a limited range of high-quality, natural skincare products that I was proud to sell at my kiosk. Then I had a baby! When he was about six months old, I remember going to my lab one Monday (which was the day that I had tagged as, ‘skincare production day’). I made a batch of lotion for a local salon, and it didn’t come out right. I made another batch, and the same thing happened. I realized that as much as I wanted that salon to have my lotion, that my heart was no longer in it. I was managing my kiosk, training and supervising the sales staff, doing payroll, closing the cart down at midnight on the weekends, and crafting all of the mineral makeup as well (that was my favorite part!). There I was locked away by myself on a Monday, working Tuesday through Saturday at my kiosk, and leaving my baby, and my toddler with a nanny. Sure they were right next door, but I made a decision right then and there to find someone to craft my skincare line for me, so that I could have a normal life. It took some time, but I finally found a couple of small companies whose owners had the same outlook as I did in terms of ingredients and manufacturing practices. I have never regretted that decision, and neither have my children.
How can you set up a workspace from your home?
     For a home-based business, this is a big concern. Suburban homes often have the luxury of a garage that can be converted into a lab or shipping area. A guest bedroom or the corner of a dining room can serve as simple office space with a computer, space for files, and a phone/fax. A finished basement is another space that can absorb the needs of a small home-based business.
     If you are considering starting a home-based business, make a list of the items for which you’ll need space, including: blending equipment, raw materials, such as oils, waxes, pigments etc, work tables if you will be crafting your own products, shelving, a desk for a computer and files, a table for a phone, and fax, a work space for packaging and labeling, storage room for finished products…and the list goes on. Compare the available space in your home with your list, and decide if the two are a good fit. You may want to have your cosmetics storage or manufacturing out of your home, and run the sales and paperwork from a home office as a compromise.
     If you are going to craft products from your home, make sure to use completely different utensils for your business than for your personal use. If you are making a lotion, and the spatula can’t be found, don’t use a spatula from your kitchen. It’s unprofessional, and unhygienic. Storage areas should be dry, clean, and relatively dust-free. Always consider if you were the customer.   What would you expect from the company that you were buying cosmetics from? Then do the same as the manufacturer.
How can you maintain a balance between work and family?
     As women, we know how incredibly difficult this can be, even when we work out of the home. We seem to be hard-wired to multi-task, and to be worried about everyone, everything, and all the time! My dear friend, and supplier Kimberly Platko of Geografx-Cosmetics.com, and mother of two adorable nine-year old twins has this to say after years of running her business from a lab attached to her home: “Try to establish regular working hours, and do not work beyond those hours, unless there’s an absolute emergency. A home based business tends to suck you dry, and follow you everywhere, so setting and keeping to a realistic schedule will help you balance work and home life. If you have kids, and they are home from school for the holidays, I would suggest hiring a mother’s helper, which costs less than a nanny. Since you are home, you can handle any emergencies, so the mother’s helper can be younger, and thus more economical. “
     My brother, who is an artist, works from home, and his office is right smack dab in the middle of his home. His wife, also an artist, and his children, spend most of their time either in the kitchen/family room, or the playroom, within feet of his office. How does he do it? He has clear guidelines for his work day, and enforces the guidelines strictly with his children. I remember once arriving for a holiday weekend. I was there for about 45 minutes, and didn’t know that he was there, until he materialized from his office to greet me! He had been on a business call overseas, and couldn’t stop what he was doing. His office door was closed, so he finished his work day, and then “went home”. I found the expression funny, until I realized that that is one of the ways that he maintains that discipline that is needed to work from home. He leaves his ‘house’, and goes to ‘work’ every day at the same time, and his family respects that.
How can you separate your personal and business finances?
     Kimberly Platko of Geografx advises, “I would suggest setting up a separate bank account for your company, and setting up a debit card for that account, so that you can purchase products online for your business. A lot of times, banks aren’t willing to extend credit to home-based businesses, so you need a way to be able to make purchases online. Keep careful records of any of your personal funds that you or your spouse use to start or maintain your business, and document repayment of the funds.” This is especially important if your spouse is officially or unofficially helping to finance your business by either paying some of your bills to allow you to use other work income, or business sales to develop your company, or by outright lending you money. If you’re not careful, this can become a black hole, and a source of resentment and frustration to your partner.
     In conclusion, running a home-based business is a wonderful opportunity for the right person in the right place. Space limitations, personal characteristics and the strictures of family life can be a challenge, but need not be prohibitive. Many of the world’s most successful businesses started out as home-based businesses. A good example is Carol’s Daughter, one of the premier handcrafted spa care lines. Lisa Price, whom I had the joy of meeting, ran her business out of her Brooklyn town home for many, many years. It was only recently after Will and Jada Pinkett Smith invested in her company that she was able to move into a warehouse space.
     Clever planning, enormous dedication, and the inspiration of combining the convenience of home, with the satisfaction of an extra income can lay the foundations for a rewarding and worthwhile business.