What’s not to love?

The petals of the organic wild rose (Rosa damascene) yield a precious, rare quality of a rose oil, an essential oil that’s more valuable than gold. Only a drop of rose oil can be harvested from each rose, so it takes over 400 million flowers a year to meet some manufacturers needs.

Rose oil is made up of more than 400 essential oil components that combine to create a harmonising, aroma-therapeutic exquisite fragrance that only nature can create. Rose oil also revitalises and deeply nourishes your skin, supporting its natural regeneration.

In contrast, rosehip oil is extracted from musk roses (Rosa moschate) and contains a unique blend of vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids make up the structure of every living cell and are vital to your skin’s metabolism. Rosehip oil is deeply nourishing and has the ability to repair skin, and together with organic wild rose oil, can revitalise dull, tired skin and reduce the signs of premature aging. As a result, you skin remains soft and supple (and will love you forever).

Tips for revitalising dull tired skin

• For a quick fix, dip a clean flannel in iced water and place on face for five minutes, This will significantly increase blood flow circulation to the skin’s surface and give you a healthy pink glow!
• Look at your skin care products, maybe you could find a range that better suits your sin type.
• Exfoliate your face and body weekly – use a different product for each. This will help remove the top, dead layer of the skin, and aid skin renewal.
• Once or twice a week apply an intensive, nourishing facial masque of rosehip and sweet almond oils and mallow, to help minimise the appearance of fine lines and help correct your skin’s moisture balance.
• Treat your face to a weekly application of a stimulating, rejuvenating oil combination preferably contains almond and peach kernel oil to protect and enhance your skin elasticity.
• Get plenty of rest and stay calm, your skin is a reflection of your overall health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep and stress can play havoc with your skin, particularly if you’re so tired and stressed you eat nutrient-poor foods and consume too much alcohol which will have a drying effect on your skin.
• Keep your skin well –hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water.
• Take a daily antioxidant supplements to help boost the health of your skin from the within.

Experts believe that in some cases, skin sensitivity in adulthood may be a relic of allergic or atopic eczema in childhood – a condition that often vanishes as children get older, but which may leave underlying vulnerabilities in the skin structure… We also know that hormone fluctuation and stress, both emotional and environmental (from harsh weather for instance), can temporarily upset your skin.

This type of skin tends to be quite dry, but responds to the nourishment offered by rich emollients (moisturising ingredients that help lock in moisture). At the same time, being particularly susceptible to chemical irritants, sensitive skin needs gentle care and the most natural of skin care regimes.

Go nuts for your skin!

If you have sensitive skin, then using simple and pure natural skin care products is important and one ingredient that will be vital to your skin is almonds! Well, sweet almond oil to be exact.
Almonds have earned celebrity status in the culinary and nutrition worlds. Often overlooked, however, is their equally beneficial use in skin care. In actual fact the almond ranks amongst the most valuable skin-healthy oils on the planet earth.

The very fine, light and non-irritating kernel oil from the beautiful almond plant protects and cares for the most sensitive skin. In nature, almonds develop in a nurturing haven, with the inner nut safely nestled inside a shell. Under this protection, the nut cultivates its rich composition of omega-6 essential fatty acids. These key fatty acids, along with the naturally occurring antioxidant vitamin E in almond oil, improve your skin’s protective barrier function and keep it smooth, supple and protected from irritation. It’s ideal for calming and soothing allergy prone, sensitive, inflamed and dry skin.

In our grandparents’ time, it was normal for children to line up in the kitchen each day for their regular dose of cod liver oil, taken straight off the spoon. Now, in 2008, this healthy habit is undergoing a revival – and for good reason too. Cod liver oil is a powerful natural supplement that’s packed with nutrients scarce in modern diets, and researchers are also discovering new benefi ts for this old favourite.

Who benefi ts from cod liver oil?

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because it is produced by the skin in response to ultraviolet rays. These days, everyone is aware we need to limit our sun exposure and use sunscreen to reduce our risk of skin cancer, but doing this can also dangerously lower our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplementation is often recommended during winter, especially for older people whose thinner skin is not as efficient at manufacturing vitamin D. People who are housebound, live in nursing homes or work long hours and don’t have sun exposure every day are also ideal candidates for cod liver oil supplementation. Cod liver oil is an excellent supplement for pregnant women, but they shouldn’t exceed the dosage on the package.

Essential ingredients

Cod liver oil is primarily a high-concentration, natural source of the vitamins A and D. Vitamin D protects against many forms of cancers, in particular, colon cancer. Vitamin D is also essential in building strong bones and fi ghting osteoporosis, due to its role in promoting calcium absorption. Some experts even believe that our current osteoporosis epidemic is as much the result of vitamin D deficiency as it is a lack of calcium. As a bonus, cod liver oil also contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have important roles in preventing inflammation and boosting cardiovascular health.

Cod liver oil and depression

A recent study by Norwegian scientists has found a fascinating connection between cod liver oil supplementation and depression. The researchers looked at almost 22,000 people and analysed their cod liver oil usage, as well as other factors that might influence depression, such as smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption, age, gender, education level and physical activity. The study found that regularly taking cod liver oil reduced the risk of depression by a whopping 30 per cent – an effect that may be due to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Choosing your cod liver oil

High pollution levels in the world’s oceans are a sad reality, so care must be taken in choosing your brand of cod liver oil. Make sure the oil you select is routinely tested for heavy metal contamination, especially for mercury, lead and cadmium. Many people prefer a liquid oil to a gelatine capsule. Liquid oils do have advantages; they are cheaper and easier to swallow for many people. If you choose a liquid oil, make sure it’s packaged in an opaque container, since exposure to light can turn the oil rancid. When swallowing cod liver oil off the spoon, aim for the back of the tongue where there are fewer taste buds, or mix the oil with your favourite juice.

Toni Jordan, BSc, Dip BA, has 15 years’ experience in the natural medicine industry. She has lectured across Australia and overseas and is now a freelance writer and consultant based in Melbourne.

Until now, understanding your health care choices has been relatively simple. If you want a prescription for a pharmaceutical drug, you consult a traditionally trained doctor. If you want a more natural treatment, you visit a naturopath. But to some patients, this division is not only artificial; it’s harmful. It denies both sick and healthy people the ability to choose the best combination of conventional and alternative treatments.

A paradigm shift

But now some medical professionals are offering their patients the best available treatment, regardless of its origins. Professor Les Cleland, head of rheumatology at Royal Adelaide Hospital, is a doctor at the foreground of this paradigm shift. Professor Cleland has been treating arthritis sufferers for more than 20 years, but his treatment of choice isn’t an anti-inflammatory drug produced by a multinational pharmaceutical company. It’s fish oil. The Royal Adelaide Hospital dispenses over 400 bottles of liquid fish oil each week to arthritis patients. ‘We’ve known for more than 20 years that fish oil supplements can benefit the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis,’ Professor Cleland says. Fish oil’s effectiveness lies in its anti-inflammatory action. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil are used by the body to manufacture prostaglandins, which are hormone like chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. All prostaglandins cause inflammation, but those made from the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are weaker than those made using other fatty acids. So fish oil can actually decrease an arthritis sufferer’s pain, swelling and stiffness.

Additional benefits

A reduction in the crippling symptoms of arthritis isn’t the only benefit of taking fish oil. ‘Not only do we have better disease control in arthritis patients, we also have a reduction in a number of cardiovascular risk factors,’ Professor Cleland says. Research shows that patients taking fish oil have improved triglyceride and cholesterol profiles, which could lead to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, if you’re taking fish oil, you’re less likely to be taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs were originally touted as a cure-all for a wide range of inflammatory diseases, but one, Vioxx, was recalled worldwide in 2004 because of its fatal side effects. ‘The Vioxx issue has caused an increased scrutinising of the other NSAIDs – they almost all increase the level of cardiovascular risk,’ warns Professor Cleland. So why isn’t everyone with arthritis taking fish oil? ‘The number one reason has been the lack of availability of a suitable dosage,’ says Professor Cleland. To control the symptoms of arthritis, sufferers need to take 10 or more fish oil capsules a day. At this dosage, fish oil supplementation quickly becomes expensive, and some people find this many capsules difficult to digest. Instead, the Royal Adelaide Hospital uses liquid fish oil. ‘Most people cope well with the liquid, taken on juice,’ adds Professor Cleland. So is this mixing of conventional and natural medicine a sign of things to come? If the patients at Royal Adelaide Hospital are any guide, in the future more and more health consumers will combine the best of both worlds.

Royal Adelaide Hospital dispenses Melrose Liquid Fish Oil as part of their arthritis treatment program. For further details contact Jackie Edgar at the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Preventative Care Centre on 08 8222 5219.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

To the heart rescue

Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega- 3 fatty acids and contains twice the amount found in fish. The most important omega- 3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil is called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This essential fatty acid cannot be made inside the body so it must come from your diet.

ALA is important for your health because it lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This helps to reduce fatty deposits in the blood stream that can build up and make the walls of the blood vessels narrow and stiff. As vessels become narrower and harder, blood pressure increases and the blood supply becomes blocked, causing angina, stroke and heart attacks.

One way ALA helps to reduce blood pressure is by increasing cell membrane fluidity and flexibility, and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. It also acts as a natural blood thinner, reducing the ability of blood to form clots. Studies have shown that, even in healthy young men, taking flaxseed oil every day will decrease this tendency for blood platelets to form.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Another function of ALA is to improve the body’s inflammatory responses. Your body converts fatty acids into substances called prostaglandins – hormone-like chemicals that control inflammation. There are many types of prostaglandins and some are more inflammatory than others. When the body produces a greater amount of stronger, more inflammatory prostaglandins, it results in conditions such as arthritis, gout and joint pain, severe menstrual cramping, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and asthma.

Old-timers used to say that flaxseed oil ‘oils your joints’, relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Now we know they were right about this effect and understand the complex biochemistry behind it.

Prostaglandins that are made from omega-3 oils are weaker than those made from omega-6 oils, so a diet that includes flaxseed oil can ‘down regulate’ the inflammatory response and improve these inflammatory conditions.

Flaxseed oil for everyone

Flaxseed oil is an essential addition to the diet, but it is most important for anyone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, period pain or asthma. Many people are concerned about the level of heavy metals found in fish these days. If this is you, or you are vegetarian or just don’t like fish enough to eat the recommended two servings a week, you can achieve your omega-3 fatty acid requirements from flaxseed oil.

Choosing the right flaxseed oil

• Flaxseed oil is available as a liquid or capsule.
• Check the label to make sure the oil is cold pressed, unrefined and GMO free.
• Look for certified organic flaxseed oil because non-organic oils can sometimes carry trace amounts of herbicides and pesticides.
• A reputable manufacturer will measure the amount of ALA contained in their flaxseed oil, so make sure the one you choose has this clearly displayed on the label. At least 52 per cent ALA is recommended.
• All oils need to be fresh and not exposed to light or oxygen so flaxseed oil should be packed in opaque packaging and refrigerated.  Always take flaxseed oil capsules with food.
• Flaxseed oil can be used in salad dressings, poured over cereals or mixed in with yoghurt or smoothies. Flaxseed oil is not suitable for use as a cooking oil.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Wheat germ oil contains the incredibly healthy linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic fatty acids. These are needed for our cardiovascular, immune, nervous, reproductive systems, and to maintain healthy cells and body functions. The Vitamin E oil present in wheat germ oil promotes skin cell formation, and is great for nourishing and rejuvenating dry, mature, dehydrated skin. This aids in reducing scars, stretch marks, sunburns and damaged skin. Wheat germ oil soothes irritated skin, especially in the case of eczema. When applied on the skin, wheat germ oil improves the circulation of blood and also helps to repair the skin cells destroyed by the scorching heat of sun. Wheat germ oil’s anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-oxidant properties make it a wonderful ingredient to add to bodycare and cosmetic products. It is a medium density oil but penetrates the horny layer of the skin easily.

The high Vitamin E content in Wheat Germ Oil is a natural preservative, which helps to prevent rancidity, and prolongs the shelf life of cosmetic products it is used in. Wheat germs thick consistency makes its independent use for massaging the body not usually preferred. Since it has exceptional nourishing qualities, it is used in lesser quantities for preparing a carrier oil blend. For massage oil blends, it is recommended that you incorporate 10-15% wheat germ oil into your oil blend. The dark color and heavy odor must be considered before using it.

As a cooking oil, wheat germ oil is strongly flavored, expensive and easily perishable. The oil can be added to baked goods. Olive or vegetable oil can be cut with wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil can be taken alone or drizzled on top of salads, vegetables, pasta and in pestos. Do not heat wheat germ oil. The valuable qualities in oil break down in high heat. 

The oil is available in unrefined and refined forms. The refined oil has a longer shelf life while the unrefined wheat germ oil is a very sensitive oil that will degrade quickly when exposed to extremes in temperature fluctuation, oxidization and light. Refrigeration of this oil is highly recommended. Because of its unrefined nature, this oil is very dark in color and heavy in odor. Wheat germ oil should not be used by those with wheat or gluten allergies, either externally or internally.

References:

Wikipedia
Wildcrafted Herbals
EHOW
Botanical
IndoBase
Buzzle

Flax seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than fish oil. Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil’s natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as the joints. This amazing oil has healing benefits that may help to lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, control high blood pressure, counter inflammation, reduce cancer risks and control constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disorders.

Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being. Although it is marketed as a nutritional supplement the use of linseed oil has declined over the past several decades. The edible flax seed oil has a strong flavor and odor and is only a minor constituent of the general publics nutrition. It would be ideal to consume small portions of flaxseed oil every day. However if flax seed oil is used in a diet for a long time without other oils, it may cause Omega 6 deficiency symptoms. So it is best to blend flaxseed oil with other oils that contain more Omega 6 in order to get the right balance, such as sesame oil, sunflower oil and evening primrose oil. This combination can be great with cider vinegar in a salad dressing.

Add flax seed to your diet and watch what it will do for you! If you’re unsure about trying flax seed, contact your physician and ask for more information. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medications and other supplements.

It’s important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. Look for flax seed oil capsules that are dark coated soft gels or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life. Like any oil, flaxseed oil may turn rancid if it is not refrigerated.

References:

Essortment
Wikipedia
Healing Daily

In cosmetics, grapeseed oil is widely used. It is often combined with other oils to make massage oil, since it glides well on the skin and it also has moisturizing properties. It is a light easily absorbed oil, often used in bases of massage oils and mixing essential oils. Grapeseed oil can assist with skin repair, as it has mildly astringent and antiseptic qualities. Some companies use grapeseed oil as a short term natural preservative in body products, while others integrate it into moisturising creams, sunscreen, sunburn repair lotion, hair products, body hygiene creams, lip balm, hand creams and an assortment of other products. Grapeseed oil is full of antioxidants and moisturising properties helpful in restoring damaged done by the elements. It’s mild astringent qualities help to tighten and tone the skin.

The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes have been heralded for thousands of years. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes and their seeds. Grapeseed oil has been used for a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and cancer. The active compounds in grape seed have antioxidant properties. Supplementation with grape seed extract can substantially increase levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals which are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Incredibly high in antioxidants, Grapeseed oil contains  a group of bioflavonoids known as procyanadins and is rich in linoleic acid. At 68-76%, it contains the highest amounts of linoleic acid among any oil or food source. Linoleic acid is one of two essential fatty acids that the human body can not produce. Grapeseed oil is also naturally enriched with Vitamin E that is well known for its potent antioxidant effects in tissues. There is growing evidence that Vitamin E helps to prevent heart disease and cancer as well as to promote healing and healthy skin and muscles. One tablespoon of Grapeseed oil provides nearly the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E.

In foods, grapeseed oil has numerous uses. It has a clean, light taste that has been described as nutty. This oil emulsifies very well and does not generally separate, making it a effective and delicious compliment to things like salad dressings, marinades, sauces, flavored oils, baking, stir-fries, grilling, sautéing, fondue and homemade mayonnaise. The flavor of Grapeseed oil is unobtrusive, allowing diners to focus on the main component of the dish. It imparts no after-taste, permitting the full flavor of the dish to be appreciated. Grapeseed oil retains the original flavor of foods. As a great gourmet alternative to olive oil, Grapeseed oil serves to enhance the natural flavor of foods and reveals a subtle pleasant buttery flavor. Culinary grapeseed oil can also be flavored with the addition of things like peppers, truffle shavings, and herbs. The oil is great as a base for infusing or flavoring with garlic, rosemary, or other herbs or spices.

Grapeseed oil has a very high smoking point, approximately 420 °F (216 °C) so many people use grapeseed oil to fry foods and to cook safely at high temperatures. Like other oils, grapeseed oil should be stored in a cool dark place until it is used, unless it has been heavily stabilized. For people who use it rarely, refrigeration is best. Although grapeseed oil may congeal slightly, it will go rancid much more slowly when kept in the fridge.

References:

Wise Geek
Wikipedia
University of Maryland
Grapeseed Oil Corporation

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of these fatty acids. The four dominant fatty acids are Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and linoleic acid. HPLC analysis of the powerful pigments found in pumpkin seed oil reveal a number of Carotenoids, the main components being Beta Carotene and Lutein. In addition to these there are other carotenoids present including: violaxanthin, luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, flavoxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, alpha-cryptoxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha-carotene. These specific components are known to prevent bladder and prostate problems. They are said to even shrink enlarged prostate glands in early stages. Preliminary studies have shown that pumpkin seeds may reduce hormonal damage to prostate cells, thus possibly reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds have also been used to treat urinary tract infections. Minimal amounts of oil are needed. Chewing a handful of dried seeds every day or taking the oil for salads and for dips can easily give a similar preventive supply.

Pumpkin seed oil is excellent for smooth skin, increased energy, maintenance and improvement of sexual health and optimum brain function. Pumpkin seed oil was often prescribed in German folk medicine, as a remedy against parasitic infestations of the intestinal tract such as tapeworms. Pumpkin seed oil has commonly been used to treat a variety of kidney problems as well urinary problems, gastritis and the expelling of some parasites. The nutrients in pumpkin seed oil affect kidney stone formation and improve symptoms associated with enlarged prostates. The lubricating effects of the essential fatty acids and antioxidant content in pumpkin seed oil are the reasons for its benefits for arthritis. These same nutrients also lower the overall blood cholesterol content by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Pumpkin seed oil is best used in its raw state. Pumpkin seed oil can be taken as 1 or 2 tablespoons straight or blended in a protein drink, shake, or smoothie. It can also be used in the making of salad dressings when combined with honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar ect. Pumpkin seed oil is an undiscovered delicious tasting nutritional oil, that keeps better than many oils and very rarely goes rancid. Nevertheless, it should be kept in the refrigerator, and of course, never heated. You should not heat it in order to protect the healthy ingredients of this oil. When it is heated it only tastes good and has no healthy aspect. Pumpkin seed oil is also used for desserts, giving yoghurt or ordinary vanilla icecream an exquisite nutty taste.

References:

Pumpkin Seed Oil
Eco Natural
Wikipedia
Australian Pumpkin Seed Company