Massage Oils

Oil companies have taken hold of Washington for far too long. They are getting richer by the day, despite working class individuals struggling to pay for their gas, and despite their own assertions that they are not trying to profit off of our misfortunes. But what if I were to tell you that there is hope – an alternative fuel source that allows you to improve gas mileage and save thousands on gas every year.

Many people are still skeptical about the idea of having a water / gas running hybrid, however it has been proven time and time again to work very efficiently. Folks worldwide are converting their cars with the water hybrid technology. This can be rapidly accomplished when H2O is combusted with gasoline and I’ll discuss it a bit further in this writing. Let’s answer a few important questions first, though.

1) How in the World Can A Car / Truck Run with Water?

A process known as electrolysis is created using just your car battery. A current travels through water and takes out once piece of hydrogen from the two that are available in H2O. That piece of hydrogen then travels through your engine and goes into your gas tank, where it helps convert itself to energy to be used for burning fuel. Thus you are essentially increasing the amount of gasoline without adding more gas – instead, all you are doing is adding water, and letting the system do the rest.

2) Why Should You Consider Running Your Vehicle with Water?

By implementing this simple water fuel technology, my friends and I have saved in excess of 40% on gas expenses every month. As mentioned previously, the by-products from burning water are obviously much cleaner than burning toxic chemicals like gasoline. Combustible gasoline only manufactures dirty carbon emissions that are extremely harmful for the environment. I think that everyone would agree that we’ve done enough damage to the environment with the global use of gasoline.

3) How and Is it Possible to Construct This Technology For Yourself?

The manufacturing of these systems has been relatively underground, because if they start becoming too mainstream they are likely going to be squashed by big oil and corporate America. Instead, these systems are sold as how-to guides on the internet, teaching you how to build it yourself with detailed, step by step instructions designed to ensure that you do it right the first time with the few materials your need to make it correctly.

And these systems are incredibly versatile. Not only can you run your car on water, but you can run your trucks and your SUV’s as well. And the more people that use these systems, the more likely that big oil will have a problem muting it, because the systems will be too well known and used by too many people. This will force them to consider ways to improve gas mileage and provide relief at the gas tank, or risk going out of business.

As high gas prices continue to rise, the ability to use a water car system instead is incredibly beneficial. Not only are you saving the environment, but your are providing relief to your wallet as well. Converting your car into a water car hybrid is the first step towards making all of our lives better.

People are seeking ways to find better balance and harmony in our lives. Most people are feeling the pressure of the changes in the economy. In one sense, stress is on the rise. Finding ways to counteract the stress in our lives is important to maintaining harmony in your body and your mind. Many wellness centers are now starting to see increases in the need for quiet and relaxation time. Massage chairs are being integrated into quiet rooms to provide a calm and relaxing environment.

Many wellness centers have always been a place of therapy and relaxation. Restoring the health of the body with natural treatments has been that foundation. They have found that the body responds to these natural treatments with little to no side effects.

The use of natural therapies are vital for sustaining long-term health and vitality. Normally a routine of good nutrition, exercise and massage therapy is applied. This is to help regain a better balance and restore the whole individual.

We are what we eat. It is important we eat more natural foods and avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol. Many health spas have nutrition advice. They can help plan and use and teach you to count calories to maintain a healthy diet.

Exercise and stretching is another important element to wellness centers. There may be a variety of classes which include light aerobics, yoga and other methods of stretching. The exercise helps to build up the muscles and endurance. The stretching helps to restore flexibility and relieve stress and tension.

Frequent massage treatments are important to maintain the vitality of the body and mind. These treatments are excellent for relaxation and inducing calmness throughout your body. The healing process is much more effective when the body and mind are in a calm state.

Many spas have a variety of massage treatments which are offered. These can range from deep tissue, shiatsu or Swedish. These techniques are geared to invigorate the body and quiet the mind. Relaxation time is important to restore balance and harmony.

Massage chairs are also being integrated into the concept of a quiet room is gaining popularity in these for stressful times. A quiet room is a place to induce calmness of the body and mind. Normally it is a room with either soft music or no music at all. It is a place to relax and quiet the mind.

Massage chairs provide a number of therapies. They are soft and comfortable to sit in. They have automatic features which recline the chair back and raise the leg rest. There are automatic full body massage programs and also manual programs for targeting specific areas.

Music therapy is often used to help induce relaxation and quiet the mind. Massage chairs come equipped with music players and headphones to assist in this process. Slip on the headphones and let the mind drift off to the rhythms of the music.

The best massage chairs have built-in heating elements. These heaters can provide comfort and warmth to specific areas of the body. He helps to relax the body, reduce swelling and promote improved blood circulation.

Massage chairs are being successfully used in many spas and wellness centers. They provide added value and are easy to use. They require little maintenance and provide consistent therapy and results. Massage chairs are being used in a variety of ways to help even out the flow of customers through spas while providing a therapeutic treatment. See how a massage chair can benefit you.

Reflexology massage can trace its roots back to ancient Egypt. In fact traces of reflexology were found as far back as 2030 B. C. Humans have known about reflexology and its corresponding relationships. Today, many of these traditional methods have been replicated in massage chairs. Massage chairs use advanced functions and incorporate many desirable features for potential users.

Reflexology massage is an interesting field of study. The idea behind this type of therapy is that the hands and feet have special relationships with the major organs in the body. Certain areas of the hands and feet can be massaged and their corresponding organ releases tension.

Reflexology or zone therapy is the study of certain areas of the hands and feet and their corresponding relationship to other parts of the body. Reflexology uses zone maps to identify the regions in the hands and feet. Massage is provided to the areas of the feet or hands which then releases tension to its corresponding organ.

Reflexology targets relieving tension that has built up in the body. Think about when you are under stress your body releases adrenaline. This readies the body for action but at the expense of keeping the muscles under tension. Also providing a supporting role are the major organs.

We all go through points of stress in our lives. Many of the stresses we have our mental yet they cause the same reaction in our bodies as a physical threat. Our bodies are ready for action but most the time there is in action. However, the stiffness of the muscles will increase when we are under stress.

Reflexology is kind of like a reverse osmosis. It is attempting to undo the effects of stress on the body. Under stress our muscle tension increases and sometimes to the point of fatigue. Reflexology works on specific regions of the feet and hands. The feet and hands are supported by the major organs under stress. Reflexology is thought to release tension of specific organs in the body.

Massage chairs have incorporated reflexology massage. These features have so far been focused on the feet. Many massage chairs provide an air compression massage for the lower body. These chairs also contain reflexology nodes that are targeting major trigger points.

Air compressors are often used in massage chairs to deliver a full body massage capability. Air compressors can deliver air anywhere in the chair. Normally, small airbags are used to gently push the reflexology nodes into the foot. These are program to work in conjunction with the other airbags massage in the feet.

Massage chairs also have heating elements built into the leg rest. It facilitates blood flow and helps to reduce swelling. This is a nice complementary treatment to the reflexology massage.

Some massage chairs have removable reflexology plates. The user can remove these plates when the reflexology massage is not desired. When the reflexology points are removed then the main massage for the foot will be over the top of the foot for compression massage.

The Egyptians certainly were advanced for their time. It is amazing that they understood the complex relationships between feet and the major organs of the body. Reflexology massage was a way of soothing and relaxing the body to these healing. Many of these ancient arts are now being consistently integrated into massage chairs of today.

The ancient art of reflexology concentrates on the hands and feet. These are normally activated when somebody is under stress. Reflexology seeks to release the tension that is prevalent under stress. It helps to release tension from the major organs by soothing the soft tissues of the hands or feet. These techniques are being replicated in massage chairs.

Reflexology is considered an alternative health treatment. Reflexology is also known as zone therapy. It involves massaging, holding, squeezing and pushing throughout the body. As certain areas are massage then it is thought to affect other parts of the body. However, many practitioners have conflicting views on exactly how reflexology massage is supposed to work.

But fear not, there is some common ground in the reflexology world. Reflexology targets specific points of the hands and feet. Massage movements stimulate specific reflexology points that are supposed to be connected to other organs within the body. Although reflexology has been around for centuries, no clinical studies have been performed to validate the benefits of this type of massage.

Many traditional methods of healing including reflexology have not been validated with medical studies. Reflexology massage has been found as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In a sense, reflexology has been practiced over 100 generations, yet the last hundred years of science has not had time to investigate its claims. Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1938 by Eunice Ingham.

The Ingham method of reflexology is used primarily for releasing tension in the body. This method is good for reducing stiffness from stress. Many health professionals agree that stress is one of the biggest contributors to health problems. This method of reflexology is used improve nerve and blood supply while also relieving stress.

Reflexology is a natural thing which applies particular massage movements to stimulate major organs throughout the body. There are no known side effects of getting a reflexology massage. When these reflexology points are stimulated, its corresponding organ is relaxed.

There is a certification board for practitioners of reflexology. The main certification board is the Reflexology Association of America. This certification board was established in 1995. It is responsible for setting the guidelines for reflexology standards.

To attract students into studying reflexology, the Reflexology Association of America encourages that reflexology becomes a standard profession. This would be similar to other certification programs where graduates would be bestowed the right to practice this technique.

There isn’t a lot of research on reflexology. This area is starting to get more attention with the emphasis on more natural therapies. You can find some further research at Reflexology Association of America. Most of their research is around pain control.

Other research indicates a wide variety of benefits. Again, since there are no clinical studies, some of these benefits must be taken with a grain of salt. But other benefits include reducing hair loss, rectal prolapse and reductions in cardiac diseases. It certainly will be interesting to see some more studies and the traditional area.

Reflexology is a field of many traditions. Although there is a main certification board, many operate outside of this particular board. There are many diverse practices of reflexology but, nowadays all come back to the connection between the hands and feet and the rest of the body. Like many traditional fields, the light of science is slowly beginning to rise.

Have you ever wanted to learn full body sensual massage techniques for yourself? You will be happy to know that there are many different options available for you where you can learn to do this for yourself. Sensual body massage is both an erotic and a therapeutic experience that you will love.

If you never had a full body massage, you should look into making an appointment to get one. If you’d like to learn about to perform massage yourself or on a partner, you can find many good resources online.

When you have the right resources, learning sensual body massage is not that difficult. If it is massage on yourself that is the goal, you might look into books and videos that can help you perform this erotic massage. If you are really serious about learning massage, you might want to sign up for professional lessons online and sit at home with your partner and practice the full sensual body massage techniques on one another.

Sensual body massage techniques are not complete until you learn all the extras. There are supplies that can boost your full body massage to its fullest potential. For example, there are get scented or warming lotions, aroma therapies and much more that will make your massage experience out of this world.

If you do not have a massage shop close by, you can still look in online stores for all the items you want shipped to you so the possibilities are really endless when it comes to sensual massage.

Put your full sensual body massage techniques into action and plan an evening with your partner and practice erotic massage with one another. If you’d like to learn more about full body sensual massage or find a local massage therapist and get and appointment.

Reflexology is considered an alternative health treatment. Reflexology is also known as zone therapy. It involves massaging, holding, squeezing and pushing throughout the body. As certain areas are massage then it is thought to affect other parts of the body. However, many practitioners have conflicting views on exactly how reflexology massage is supposed to work.

But fear not, there is some common ground in the reflexology world. Reflexology targets specific points of the hands and feet. Massage movements stimulate specific reflexology points that are supposed to be connected to other organs within the body. Although reflexology has been around for centuries, no clinical studies have been performed to validate the benefits of this type of massage.

Many traditional methods of healing including reflexology have not been validated with medical studies. Reflexology massage has been found as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In a sense, reflexology has been practiced over 100 generations, yet the last hundred years of science has not had time to investigate its claims. Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1938 by Eunice Ingham.

Reflexology got its start with the introduction of the Ingham method. This was collaboration between Eunice Ingham and Dwight Byers. The focus of this type of massage is for relieving stiffness throughout the body. This method has been noted for improving blood flow and four relaxing the body.

Reflexology is a natural thing which applies particular massage movements to stimulate major organs throughout the body. There are no known side effects of getting a reflexology massage. When these reflexology points are stimulated, its corresponding organ is relaxed.

Practitioners of reflexology massage can be certified. The Reflexology Association of America provides a certificate program for those needing its guidelines. This association also promulgates the guidelines that set the standards for reflexology training and practice.

Reflexology massage is interesting assets only apply to mainly the hands and feet. This has made it somewhat difficult for practitioners to only specialize and this technique. As massage gains more notoriety as a natural treatment, reflexology will also increase in popularity.

The organization does publish research related to reflexology. Most of the research published is regarding either pain control or not see a control. This research looks at the connections in the body for pain and not in control. There are some proponents that believe reflexology may also plans the body of toxins, increase blood circulation and could even assist in weight loss.

There have also been reported successes in treating anything from hair loss to cardiac disease and even rectal prolapse. However, the clinical proof is certainly lacking in these cases. Many individuals have reported that they are body feels less stress and tension after receiving the reflexology massage. However, there are no research findings that show clinical proof that reflexology is able to make significant changes or prudence in particular cases.

Reflexology has been used from ancient Egyptian times to relieve tension in the body. The Egyptians developed the first relationships between certain points on the hands and feet and other major organs. Today, practitioners of reflexology can become certified by a national board. This has provided more legitimacy to preserving a long-standing traditional healing method.

Massage has been applied to relieve aching joints and muscles since ancient times. Massage therapy is a natural treatment to restore flexibility and reduce stiffness in the body. In fact, different parts of the world have developed distinct massage therapies with proprietary techniques. Many of these massage techniques have been effectively replicated in massage chairs. Massage chairs are able to deliver a variety of massage techniques and therapies.

Boosting performance: Top amateur and professional athletes routinely use massage therapy. Massages are given as part of the warm up and preparation before game time. Massage helps to keep the muscles flexible and the blood flowing. Also, the body becomes more aware enabling the athlete to have better concentration. After the game, warm down massages are great to soothe aches and pains of the body.

Relieves tension and stress: Many people enjoy massage therapy for the relief of their stress and tension. Massage is a relaxing experience helps you get your body. Normally soothing music is played to help the mind to relax. Massage has a quieting affect on the mind allowing the troubles of the day to be forgotten. It is important to take time out of your busy schedule and relax. The body is put through a lot when stress levels are high. A precious few minutes of massage can rejuvenate the body and mind.

Injury prevention: Preventing injuries is a tricky business. Sometimes, things just. However, the body can be better prepared to minimize the occurrence of injuries. Many injuries occur because the joint or soft tissues are not sufficiently flexible. If the muscles are overly stiff then they become more brittle and susceptible to tears. Massage helps to restore the elasticity of the muscles and soft tissues. It also helps to flush toxins out of the body. Keeping your body in the best shape is your best bet to minimize injuries.

Body health: Massage therapy touches across many of the body’s systems. The circulatory system is enhanced with greater blood flow. As massage is received, and/or friends are released in to the body which are its natural pain killers. This helps to relax the muscle groups in the body. The breathing rate when receiving a massage decreases which helps to kick in the healing process. The massage systematically penetrates through the muscle tissue reducing stiffness and increasing elasticity. The frequent massages helps to maintain the vitality of the body.

Positive outlook: Many of the problems of the body come from the way we view problems. Many situations may be interpreted as stressful. This stress is then felt throughout the body. Sustained stress causes tension and stiffness throughout the body. When the body has aches and pains, it is tougher to maintain he positive perspective. Periodic massage provides relief from tension and muscle aches. It also helps our minds to relax which reduces stress and anxiety.

Massage has many benefits when received on a periodic basis. Massage chairs make it possible to receive massages on a frequent basis or as your schedule allows. You will find a variety of massage treatments as well as other therapeutic therapies included in massage chairs. Many massage chairs have heat therapy with the use of built-in heaters located throughout the chair. Stretching is very popular and many massage chairs have the capability to provide stretching of the lower body and also the upper body. A massage chair is always available when you need it.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long, long time. Humans have been emulsifying, burning, macerating, pressing and distilling plants for their aromas for thousands of years. Only since the dawn of the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however, has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now, the same scientific institutions are validating the use of essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So now, rather than “running for the shelter of mother’s little helper” when things get a little hectic, you can bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food isle and head confidently to the natural health market for a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents for everyone, but the majority of mothers and generally health and wellness-conscious folks will appreciate the healthful choice for themselves, their children and their families.

The body of evidence from controlled, scientifically-valid research has grown significantly over the last decade, demonstrating aromatherapy’s potent anti-anxiety (also called ‘anxiolytic’) action. In most cases, these studies are easily reproduced by the lay practitioner – just rub a little Sandalwood oil on your wrists or diffuse a vial of lavender and you too can partake in the now-proven actions of aromatherapy. A few common oils have significant amounts of research to back them up…let’s have a look at what the science says about these oils, and how you as a regular guy or gal (or mother with one or more active children) can reap these benefits.

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results – Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease – and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure – all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use – one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job – the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

In aromatherapy, a little scent and sense goes a long way. You only really need enough oil to get a hint of the aroma for a psychologically active effect – so experiment with small amounts of several oils. There seems to be a great difference in aromatic preference between individuals; some like florals, while other’s find them too fluffy. These folks might find earthier aromas more to their liking. And different aromas will likely have subtly different effects – some can be both relaxing and stimulating (Citrus oils are a good example) where others can be just plain relaxing (the floral aromas generally have this effect). Whatever your choice, know that aromatherapy is now not just some New Age fad…the men in white coats have given the thumbs-up to natural health and wellness by just simply stopping and smelling the roses.

The anti-bacterial action of essential oils may be their most studied effect, in-part because these are simple experiments to perform. Place a piece of filter paper saturated with an essential oil in the center of a petri dish and watch the growth, or lack of, bacteria around the paper. The larger the area where bacteria do not grow, the stronger the action of that particular essential oil inhibiting that particular strain of microbe. This test, known as an Aromatogram, was popularized by French scientist Paul Belaiche. Through extensive research, large tables of data now allow aromatherapists to quickly find the most efficacious oils once the infecting species of bacteria is known. But you don’t have to be a scientist to make use of this information – there are many simple, effective means for using essential remedies for yourself and your family and children as part of a holistic natural health program for your household.

Each single, pure essential oil consists of several, sometimes hundreds of distinct natural chemicals. Essential oils derive their antimicrobial effect from their unique chemical makeup. It turns out that nature has been doing a remarkable job of therapeutic blending. Many of these have antimicrobial activity, and show synergistic effects; blends of the chemicals – as found naturally in the oils – can be more potent than any individual chemical alone. Studies have often shown that combinations of essential oil components are more effective against bacteria than any single isolated constituent. Think of this the next time you might reach for Bactine or some iodine tincture – the formulations nature has made herself will likely work better, and will most assuredly smell nicer.

Research exists describing the effective, broad-spectrum of antimicrobial action from essential oils, yet it is important to select the right oils in the right amounts. Topical application of Oregano may be the best solution for a case of stubborn nail fungus, yet this is far too intense for use on soft tissue of any kind, particularly for children. Often, home mand formuals of a potent antiseptic with a known soothing oil can improve the overall effectiveness. Here we will briefly profile these highly-regarded oils, and look at some recipes and methods of application: Tea Tree (Maleluca alternafolia), Lavender (Lavendula angistifolia), Oregano (Oregano vulgar), Geranium (Geranium asperum) and Lemon. (Citrus limon).

Tea Tree essential oil is known throughout the world for its protective properties against infections. The leaves have been used for centuries to heal wounds and skin infections by indigenous Australians. Tea Tree is a must for every natural first aid kit, both for the home and for the traveling family. One of the safest and most effective ways of controlling minor infections is the immediate intervention action of Tea Tree. The oil is well tolerated, and cases of irritation by this oil are almost unheard of. A drop on the gauze before applying a bandage can keep the reddening indication of infection from children’s cuts and scrapes. Also for the young ones, Tea Tree can be diluted to 5% in any carrier like Jojoba oil or Aloe Vera for a gentle topical antiseptic.

Often called ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ Lavender is the most versatile aromatic oil in use today. An antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic, Lavender is helpful in the healing of small burns, cuts and insect bites. The cooling aroma disperses heat and inflammation and brings relief from pain, spasms, and general unrest. With its calming and balancing properties, Lavender is very supportive of deep sleep; as noted in ‘Clinical Aromatherapy’, studies indicate that the aroma of Lavender enabled better rest than common sleeping pills with no side effects. Interestingly, Lavender imparts this action in healing wounds as well. For healing unbroken skin such as burns, apply Lavender ‘neat’ to the wound several times a day; insect bites also get a ‘neat’ treatment. For cuts and scrapes, keep a 50/50 blend of Lavender and Tea Tree on hand for the best all-purpose antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving solution.

When more serious antibacterial action is necessary, natural medicine professionals turn to Oregano essential oil. Oregano’s use in day-to-day applications are relatively limited due to its extreme potency – it should not be used topically except under the advice of a qualified practitioner, and then only in low dilutions for a limited period of time. Oregano is being studied extensively, however, for its potential use as a natural, effective antibiotic – particularly as many dangerous bacteria become resistant to pharmaceutical preparations. Oregano capsules are available at many health-food stores, and may be of use for systemic infections such as of the candida fungus or other bacteria; if you feel you or a family member could benefit from such immune system support, consult a qualified medical professional for advice.

With a softer aroma and gentle effect on skin, Geranium is versatile choice for frequent use. Harmonizing and balancing, Geranium essential oil has the quality of equalizing hormonal and emotional extremes. These properties extends to the skin, where it creates balance between oily and dry states; Geranium helps to cleanse the skin while restoring balance, tone, and suppleness (experiment with your skin care formulas at concentrations between one and three percent of your base mixture). A non-drying, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and general tonic, Geranium is traditionally indicated as a remedy for acne, dermatitis, eczema, and weeping wounds. The ‘asperum’ species is generally considered the most potent Geranium for its antimicrobial action, with a wonderful sweet and herbaceous aroma.

The ‘old stand-by’ of Lemon should not be overlooked when searching for ways to convert your home to a healthy ‘green’ lifestyle. Lemon oil, pressed from lemon peels, has historically been a component of many household cleaners – and because of its efficacy, low-cost and great aroma, it should continue to be. Lemon oil can be used alone at about 8 drops of oil per cup of warm water for an all-purpose mild antibacterial solution. You can add a little potency for kitchen and bathroom uses by adding oils like Eucalyptus, Pine, and Rosemary. Keep the total number of drops per oil the same, adding other oils in place of the Lemon. Eucalyptus may create the best antimicrobial synergy, and additional oils will build on this effect. You may increase or decrease the essential oil concentration as you see fit – if increasing, simply test your new recipe in small increments to insure tolerance for yourself and your family.

These are but a sampling of the antiseptic and antimicrobial essential oils available. They are easy to use, and offer a excellent means of bringing natural medicines and cleaners into your life. Many oils have specific action against certain microbes; if you or a friend or loved one needs more directed treatment, seek the advice of a licensed or degreed natural health professional, and consult a doctor to ensure the safety of any complimentary essential oil application. The acceptance of essential oils as valid medicines continues to grow. If you’re new to the field, dive in with some of the suggestions here – you’re sure to enjoy these great gifts of nature.