GHS Natural Health Blog

When it comes to herbs, how do you know which preparation is best? Herbs & Health explains the differences between the various herbal preparations to help you decide on the right choice for you and your family.
 
Single herbs
 
These are from one herb species, ground to a powder and put into capsule or tablet form. Capsules are generally the better option because the herb has not been through a manufacturing process where fillers and binders are used,   therefore the integrity of the herb is not compromised. A capsule provides faster absorption due to easier digestibility. Single herbs are ideal for use when a therapeutic action is required for a specific symptom, such as Pau D’Arco for thrush.
 
Combination herbs
 
These are a mix of two or more herbs that work together when combined in specific amounts to address one or more symptoms. For instance, a stress-related indigestion formula should contain herbs that not only address the indigestion, but also the stress. Some people find this approach a more convenient and economical way to take herbs. Combination herbs are ideal when you suffer from one or more symptoms.
 
Bulk herbs and teas
 
This is an ideal way to take herbs if you prefer to sprinkle them on your food or drink them as a tea. They are more readily absorbed by the body because they are not encased in a tablet or capsule. Bulk herbs can also be made into topical preparations (such as compresses, poultices or lotions) by mixing the powdered herb with a carrier oil such as vitamin E oil or sorbolene cream.
 
Concentrated herbs
 
Standardised herbal extracts are a result of modern day scientific technology, where herbs are concentrated for incorporation into high-potency tablets or capsules. This form of herbal preparation guarantees the potency of the active ingredient, allowing for a more accurate dose. Standardised herbal extracts lean towards a ‘pharmaceutical’ approach to treatment. Read the label carefully, as often the amount of ‘equivalent’ dried herb sounds huge, but is not the amount of the extract. Look for the standardised quantity as this is what guarantees the potency.
 
The benefits of using the traditional ‘whole herb’ often outweigh standardized preparations because they contain more than one chemical fraction that’s usually responsible for achieving the desired therapeutic result. Concentrated herbal preparations are good when a high dose of the herb is required to achieve a therapeutic benefit.
 
Liquid herbal extracts
 
These are mostly alcoholbased and, in some instances, glycerinebased. If you can tolerate the taste of liquid extracts they are readily absorbed. They are good to use if a fast-acting herbal preparation is required. The downside is often the taste and, compared with capsules and tablets, the range can be limited. Many liquid herbal formulas are only available after a consultation with a qualified herbal practitioner.

So, what can you do with it?

• Don’t think of it as a replacement for extra virgin olive oil, but rather as a new oil, a new flavour, to introduce to food. Use it in place of other oils, or as a blend with olive oil.
• It will heighten the flavour of any dish that features avocados. Stir it into avocado dips, guacamole and avocado soup, for example.
• Drizzle it over a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a few squirts of lemon. You could also add some plump Spanish or Italian green olives to this. Basil, lemon and lime basil will also add an extra complementary flavour.
• Make a New World gazpacho with avocado oil in place of olive oil and garnish the chilled soup with finely diced avocado carefully tossed with avocado oil, chopped fresh red chilli and chopped coriander.
• Make a bulky gazpacho (use very little liquid) and strew the top with garlicky prawns seared in avocado oil.
• Sear fresh scallops in very hot avocado oil, grind over some black pepper and sprinkle with chopped coriander.
• Drizzle over a salad of cos lettuce, goats’ cheese, snipped chives, lemon or lime segments and serve with crispy chunks of garlic or walnut bread.
• Make a tapas of fat green Spanish olives with a few strips of orange peel, a few cloves of smashed garlic, a sprig of oregano or marjoram and freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with avocado oil.
• Drizzle it over cooked seafood, mixing in crushed garlic and chopped Italian parsley, or crushed garlic and a little finely chopped fresh red chilli.
• Mix it with ground pink peppercorns and drizzle it over salmon steaks before grilling them.
• Marinate seafood in avocado oil and lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper, before pan-frying, grilling or barbecuing.
• Use it in a fruity smoked chicken salad that includes cubed rock or honeydew melon.
• Dress fresh steamed artichokes with avocado oil mixed with lemon juice, salt, pepper, crushed garlic and crushed mint leaves

Aromatherapy is considered as one of the most effective holistic medicines for skin diseases healing. Nowadays, aromatherapy baths and compress are very popular ways of aromatherapy skin care. Keep in mind that although all essential oils have therapeutic attributes, only certain of them are appropriate for acne treatment. What is more, you should always observe the safety precautions when using the essential oils. Never use essential oils undiluted to your skin. Always use a carrier oil for dilution and remember that generally only 2-3% dilution of essential oils in blends that will be applied to skin, is not only safe but also effectual.

Acne is a typical skin disease that afflicts almost every teenager. Nevertheless, statistical researches show that at least 80% of the population experience acne at some time in their lives, not necessarily the teen age. Acne pimples may appear at any age, from early baby to elderly age.

Acne’s symptoms are pimples, black heads, cysts and even scar and lumps on skin. After an acne attack the annoying symptoms become severer and worse leading to bad feelings, stress and sometimes pessimism and signs of depression to young person. It is important patient to learn how to manage stress and fight melancholy because acne has psychosomatic aspects and can intensify acne’s outbreaks.

The essential oils which are believed to be the most effective and appropriate for acne treatment are: Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia), Lavender oil (Lavandula Officinalis), Helichrysum oil (Helichrysum Angustifolia) and Ylang Ylang oil (Cananga Odorata). Most aromatherapy practitioners suggest mixing the above oils with Jojoba vegetable oil before applying to skin. Usually, a cotton pad is used to deliver the blend directly to the acne spot.

These essential oils have been proved to stop the growth of a broad range of bacteria and microbes which cause acne. The have remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, they clear and unclog pores, heal scars and generally help to remove acne spots contributing to a fresh and supple skin. As mentioned before, jojoba is the one of the best carrier oil for dilution because it is not greasy, so it does not block the pores, but it moisturizes and exfoliates the skin.

Keep in mind that aromatherapy treatment for acne, although its indisputable success in cure acne, it can not have immediate results and take some time to initiate healing. Therefore, you have to be patient and it is advisable to follow some every day tips in order to enhance the healing.

• Avoid harsh facial lotion with alcohol.
• Do not scrub your pimples, spots or scars.
• Adopt a healthy life style. Eat healthily, learn stress management techniques and stay away from pollution.
• Wash your face regularly with much water. This will help you to get rid of skin waste toxins.
• Do not use facials more than twice a day, because this can have the opposite results than those desired.

At last, if you search on internet you will find several aromatherapy recipes for acne but it is not wise to try any of them before consulting your aromatherapy practitioner. Otherwise you take the risk to have unwanted side effects like skin irritation or flaking.

Reference: George Kaskaris

If you haven’t tried Aromatherapy massage, you have to read this article to get informed what you miss. An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind.

The practice of aromatherapy involves using essential oils from plants to heal the body, decrease pain and help keep one’s moods in check. It can help in decreasing depression, increase focus and provides a “pick me up”. Essential oils come from roots, flowers and plant extracts.

Aromatherapy massage utilizes these essential oils for all of these benefits. They can also be used for other spa-like treatments, for example facials and hydrotherapy baths.

To prepare essential oils for a aromatherapy massage, they should be combined with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil. The oils that you use will depend on how you are feeling, what you are looking to accomplish or what ailment that you are trying to treat. If you are feeling sad, or stressed, Lavender oil is a good essential oil to use. If you need to treat tired and sore muscles, then you may opt for Peppermint oil.

A massage therapist can mix up to five essential oils to create your massage oil. You want to make sure that you work with an aromatherapist who is qualified and that knows how to properly mix and use the massage oils so that you don’t suffer any skin irritations or other negative reactions.

Many store brought products claim to use aromatherapy. However, it most cases, these include little more then perfumes and fragrances. These do not quality as aromatherapy. Real aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which most of these products do not contain. Instead, most of these use chemicals and not essential oils. So don’t be fooled. You won’t get the same benefits that essential oils provide.

If you are interested in creating your own aromatherapy massage blend, you may want to try the following recipe.

Massage Oil:

• 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil blend, or single essential oil
• 1 ounce of carrier oil
• You will need to mix the oils. The mixture should be stored in a cobalt glass or amber bottle or container. You can use this blend whenever you get your next massage.

An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind. If you plan on creating your own massage oil, be sure to mix your essential oil blend with a carrier oil so that you do not irritate the skin. You should not place essential oils directly into the skin without a carrier oil. Also, be sure to only use safe oils that will not negatively react to the skin. This may require that you do a little research to determine which essential oils are not safe for human use. Also never use essential oils on babies or young children.

Essential oils are liquids that are taken from the leaves, flowers, roots or stems of plants or flowers. Essential oils are typically clear and sometimes amber or yellow in appearance. They are highly concentrated and have many great and versatile uses. They can be used to help relieve stress and anxiety, thin out congestion in the lungs and chest and even clean the house.

Essential oils, when they are inhaled, impact the olfactory receptor cells. They then reach the parts of the brain that are known as the limbic system or the part of the brain with controls our emotions. Essential oils can also be placed directly into the skin, however, they should be diluted with a carrier oil before doing so. The limbic system affects blood circulation, memory and even the levels of hormones in the body. Different essential oils have different effects on the body.

Essential oils are categorized into three types. They include Top Note, Middle Note and Base Note essential oils. Top Note oils provide the most stimulation. They are for good for providing a pick me up for users. They are very strong scents and typically last for the shortest amount of time.

Middle Note essential oils last a little longer then top note oils. They are also a little less strong in scent. They can have a metabolic affect on the body. Base Note essential oils usually last for about a week. They are really useful for helping individuals relax.

Essential oils provide physical and mental benefits. They are great for helping individuals relax and also can act as a stimulant. They can also be used to treat depression, anxiety and stress. Inhaling of these oils is also believed to provide benefits to the lungs, and help decrease congestion.

Essential oils may be considered by some individuals to be quite expensive. However, it is important to note that they are extremely concentrated and a little bit goes a long way. If you add a few drops to a carrier oil, you will find that you will be able to make it last.

Certain essential oils not only work well on the body, but also for household tasks. Essential oils can be used to clean and disinfect the home, without the use of dangerous and harsh chemicals.

There are many benefits of using essential oils; the ones’ listed above, are just a few. Essential oils are pure and most do not include chemicals that may have harmful effects. Instead, when used carefully and correctly, they can help remedy a great number of ailments.

Visit Global Herbal Supplies for a full range of essential oils.

Reference: George Key