Healing Extract

10 actions for a toxic-free home

Although we are not aware, the way we clean our homes is adding pollution to the planet and attacking our health. Pay attention to this! You will have a healthy home and you will join the movement for a green, non-toxic world.

Living with the enemy

The US Environmental Protection Agency says that in an average home the air is up to 500 percent more polluted than its exterior due to the toxicity of common cleaning products. Greenpeace claims that a European house contains up to 120 substances that predispose to allergies, skin diseases or general toxicity.

Women, children and pets are the most affected, the former because they still do most of the house chores, children because their organs and immune systems are developing and vulnerable and since they have a higher respiratory rate, they absorb more pollutants, and animals because they remain at home almost all the time.

According to Women's Voices for the Earth, asthma - a chronic condition on the rise - is being linked to common cleansers acting as triggers or aggravating factors.

The artificial aromas that we put in our homes through "air fresheners" are another threat, due to components hostile to the respiratory and reproductive systems, and even carcinogenic.

In September 2016 the US FDA ordered 19 antibacterial ingredients to be removed from personal soaps, fearing their long-term effects plus they were not believed to clean better. In Consumer Report they think this is insufficient because it does not mention toothpastes, deodorants, wipes and cleaning products with these and other dangerous ingredients.

They warn that antibacterial such as triclosan are under suspicion of affecting hormonal health thus contributing to infertility, precocious puberty, obesity, and its widespread use worsens the current global problem of super-resistant bacteria.

And after we use these undesirable ingredients, they end up in rivers and seas, further polluting the planet.

Let's change from home!

1) Allow air to circulate often, let the sun in and remove dust daily. Experts say that pollutants from the paint on walls, cleaning products, etc. settle on dust and we end up inhaling them.

2) All-Purpose Cleaner. In a glass spray bottle combine ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 ¾ cups water and the essential oil or Blend you prefer, you can choose: a) 15 drops of lavender and 15 of lemon oil; B) 10 drops of eucalyptus, 10 peppermint and 10 wild orange; C) 30 drops of the "Protective Blend"; or d) 15 drops of grapefruit and 15 of the "Protective Blend". Shake vigorously before use.

3) Floors. Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 liter of water and 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, white fir or lemon. Apply this Blend with a cloth and remove it after a few minutes with a clean and damp mop.

4) Clean bathrooms, quickly and without risking intoxication. Mix ¾ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of unscented liquid Castile soap, and 1 tablespoon of water. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 5 to 10 drops of lemon oil, and mix until smooth. Apply it to tiles, floor and toilet, wait 10 minutes, rub well with a cloth, and finally remove the mixture, wiping everything with a damp cloth.

5) Refrigerator, microwave. In a spray bottle mix 1 cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of hot water and 15 drops of lemon oil. Apply, then scrub with a cloth and finally clean with a damp cloth.

6) Spotless kitchen, 20 minutes. ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup salt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 4-5 drops of "Purifying Blend", stir to form a paste to spread over burners and the whole stove; wait 15 minutes, rub with a sponge and finally remove pasta and dirt with a cloth.

7) Windows, mirrors. In a bottle spray 1 ½ cup of white vinegar, ½ cup of distilled water and 8 drops of some citrus oil. Shake well.

8) Carpets. 1 cup of baking soda and 20-50 drops of melaleuca, lemon or "Purifying Blend" in a spray bottle, stir well and let stand overnight; shake again, spray, wait 15 minutes and vacuum (if you have a water tank put 5 drops of oil).

9) Make air fresheners. Put them in bathrooms, near trash and dirty clothes ... In a glass jar put ¼ cup of baking soda, add 6 drops of cassia, geranium, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, the "Protective Blend", the "Purifier" or wild orange; cover with a piece of cloth with holes, secure with a band or rubber band ... shake often to activate the aroma, and if it decreases, add 3 drops of oil.

10) Aromatherapy diffusers, a magnificent investment. As soon as you can, acquire a diffuser of essential oils, you will enjoy pleasant aromas and additionally, you will purify your air, protecting yourself from germs and improving your mood and immunity.

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Sunday, December 18, 2016

SOOTHING BLEND for muscles and joints

"I really did not believe it would help until they gave me a sample: it was the biggest relief I found for my arthritis and shoulder tendinitis, thank God I tried it! I had received cortisone injections, but they worked only temporarily" - Linda S., Canastota, New York.

Regardless of age or how active we are, we all experience muscle fatigue and some pain in joints or muscles at times. And unfortunately for many people this is a constant problem.

Luckily, essential oils have been an effective resource to prevent, overcome or reduce these problems for thousands of years.

We can use specific oils and, if we have some knowledge - to mix several oils for this purpose - as well. But it is simpler if we have a mixture made by experts in the properties and ideal combinations of essential oils. Here, we will speak about one of these mixtures, the "Soothing Blend" of therapeutic grade essential oils.

Advantages of essential oils

Cramps, sprains, back contractures, tendonitis, joint wear (osteoarthritis), muscle fatigue, sprains, etc. accompanied by pain and inflammation are very common problems for which oral anti-inflammatory drugs are usually used.

But these drugs have the drawback that first they have to be absorbed intestinally, then metabolized in the liver to reach the blood and finally the inflamed tissue; a slow course with frequent side effects such as gastric discomfort, liver toxicity and kidney, and increased blood pressure.

On the contrary, essential oils do not have these disadvantages since the special composition of their molecules allows its immediate absorption trough topical application on the skin, entering the bloodstream and benefiting the affected area in addition to providing a healthy systemic effect to the whole organism.

Ideal ingredients acting synergistically

Several of these oils are traditionally used alone with satisfactory results, but together, in the ideal proportions, their benefits are greatly increased.

The Soothing Blend contains:

Wintergreen, with 99% of natural methyl salicylate, which gives, without harmful effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Camphor, also analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Peppermint, with a refreshing and relieving effect on the joints.

Ylang Ylang, traditionally used against stress, exhaustion and to normalize breathing and accelerated heart rate.

Helichrysum, anti-inflammatory and conducive to circulation.

Blue Tansy, traditionally used for low blood pressure, and joint pain.

Blue Chamomile, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Osmanthus, a very expensive oil from China, traditionally used to relieve muscular overexertion and pain.

The Favorite Uses of the Soothing Blend

The Soothing Blend should only be used topically. When rubbed gently on the chosen area, it leaves no greasy sensation and the therapeutic benefits are experienced almost immediately.

If you practice a sport or a regular exercise the Mix is excellent to help prepare before going into action and afterwards, to relieve muscle fatigue or any discomfort that may have occurred. There is also a presentation of the Blend in the form of a cream, ideal to have it always in your bathroom or carry it in your gym bag.

It is a restorative and comforting resource after a day of heavy chores or to overcome rigidities, contractures and discomfort after a long day in the office.

Older adults benefit greatly from this Blend, especially by applying it to their legs and joints with pain or inflammation. To minimize any possibility of skin irritation - especially when used frequently - it is advisable to dilute it in carrier oil. This also makes it easier to use for massages.

If you want to enhance the therapeutic effects of the Blend, you can also apply frankincense essential oil, or if you have bone pains you can increase the analgesic effects by applying additional wintergreen essential oil. And when finishing a massage you can increase the effects of the Blend by placing a warm wet towel over the area, so that the oils penetrate deeper.

Even though therapeutic grade essential oils are not a medicine, and although this information is not intended to replace medical advice, it is important to say that many users of the Soothing Blend who suffer problems with very different types of intense and chronic pain in muscles or joints, report the great help that this Mix gives them.

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MEZCLA CALMANTE para músculos y articulaciones

"Realmente no creía que ayudaría hasta que me regalaron una muestra: ¡el mayor alivio que encontré para mi artritis y tendinitis en el hombro, gracias a Dios que lo probé! En el pasado recibía inyecciones de cortisona, pero sólo solucionaban temporalmente". - Linda S., Canastota, Nueva York.

Sin importar edad, ni que tan activos seamos, todos experimentamos en algunos momentos fatiga muscular y algún dolor en articulaciones o músculos. Y lamentablemente para muchas personas este es un problema constante.

Afortunadamente los aceites esenciales desde hace miles de años son un recurso eficaz para prevenir, superar o reducir estos problemas.

Podemos emplear aceites específicos, y también -si tenemos algún conocimiento- mezclar varios aceites para este fin. Pero es más sencillo si contamos con una mezcla elaborada por expertos en las propiedades y combinaciones ideales de los aceites esenciales. De una de estas mezclas hablaremos aquí, la "Mezcla Calmante" de aceites esenciales de grado terapéutico.

Ventajas de los aceites esenciales

Calambres, torceduras, contracturas de espalda, tendinitis, desgaste de articulaciones (artrosis), fatiga muscular, esguinces, etc., problemas muy comunes, que vienen acompañados con dolor e inflamación, para lo que se suele emplear medicamentos antiinflamatorios por vía oral.

Pero estos fármacos tienen el inconveniente de que se debe esperar a que sean absorbidos intestinalmente, se metabolicen en el hígado y arriben a la sangre para por fin llegar al tejido inflamado, un recorrido lento y con efectos colaterales frecuentes como molestias gástricas, toxicidad en hígado y riñón, y subidas de tensión.

Por el contrario, los aceites esenciales no tienen esos inconvenientes, la especial composición de sus moléculas permite que mediante uso tópico, al aplicarlos a la piel, sean absorbidos inmediatamente, entren al torrente sanguíneo, beneficien el área afectada, además de brindar un efecto sistémico saludable a todo el organismo.

Ingredientes ideales, actuando sinérgicamente

Varios de estos aceites se usan tradicionalmente solos con resultados satisfactorios, pero juntos, en las proporciones ideales, sus beneficios se incrementan enormemente.

La Mezcla Calmante contiene:

Wintergreen (Gaulteria), con un 99% de salicilato de metilo natural, lo que le da -sin efectos dañinos- propiedades antiinflamatorias y analgésicas.

Camphor (Alcanfor), también analgésico y antiinflamatorio.

Peppermint (Menta), con un efecto refrescante y de alivio en las articulaciones.

Ylang Ylang, usado tradicionalmente contra estrés, agotamiento y para normalizar respiración y ritmo cardíaco acelerado.

Helichrysum (Helicriso), antiinflamatorio y favorecedor de la circulación.

Blue Tansy (Tanaceto azul), empleado tradicionalmente para la presión arterial baja, y dolores de articulaciones.

Blue Chamomile (Manzanilla azul), con propiedades analgésicas, antiinflamatorias y antisépticas.

Osmanthus (Osmanto), aceite muy costoso, proveniente de China, empleado tradicionalmente para aliviar del sobresfuerzo muscular y dolores.

Los usos favoritos de la Mezcla Calmante

La Mezcla Calmante únicamente se debe utilizar en forma tópica. Al frotarla suavemente en el área escogida no deja sensación grasosa, y los beneficios terapéuticos se experimentan casi de inmediato

Si practicas algún deporte o ejercicio regular la Mezcla es excelente para ponerte a tono antes de entrar en acción, y además después, para aliviar de la fatiga muscular o de cualquier molestia que se haya producido. Existe también una presentación de la Mezcla en forma de crema, ideal para tener siempre en tu baño o llevar en tu bolso de gimnasio.

Es un recurso reparador y reconfortante luego de un día de trabajo doméstico muy pesado, o para superar rigideces, contracturas y molestias después de un trabajo prolongado en la oficina.

Los adultos mayores se ven muy beneficiados por esta Mezcla, sobre todo aplicándola en sus piernas y en articulaciones con dolor o inflamación.

Para minimizar cualquier posibilidad de irritación de la piel -sobre todo al usarla frecuentemente- es conveniente diluirla en un aceite portador. Esto también facilita emplearla para masajes.

Si deseas potenciar los efectos terapéuticos de la Mezcla, puedes aplicarte también aceite esencial de incienso (frankincense), o si tienes dolores en los huesos puedes aumentar los efectos analgésicos al aplicar aceite esencial de gaulteria (wintergreen) adicional. Y al concluir un masaje puedes incrementar los efectos de la Mezcla, colocando una toalla húmeda y caliente sobre el área, para que los aceites penetren más profundamente.

Si bien los aceites esenciales de grado terapéutico no son medicamentos, y aunque esta información no pretende sustituir los consejos médicos, es importante decir que muchos usuarios de la Mezcla Calmante, que padecen problemas con muy diversos tipos de dolores intensos y crónicos en músculos o articulaciones, reportan la gran ayuda que esta Mezcla le está brindando.

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Friday, December 2, 2016

Cypress, source of health and life

For centuries, cypresses have been associated with cemeteries probably due to their solemn image. But curiously, cypress essential oil has soothing, refreshing, energizing effects and it is full of properties that we can take advantage of for a healthier life.

Longevity, stamina and endurance

Although you may not know much about plants, it is easy to identify cypresses. They are coniferous trees (because of their conic shape, similar to pines), their tops are compact and narrow with very small green leaves in the form of scales and they can reach great heights. We often see them around temples and cemeteries.

Everything indicates that since ancient times, cypresses were associated with the hope of transcending death and with the idea of rebirth; even its scientific name contains the word "sempervirens," which means always vigorous or flourishing.

Its evergreen foliage has contributed to this name since it is very resistant to cold, drought and neglect with an incorruptible wood immune to insects and besides, it is a very long-lasting species, being able to last 300 years and some even much more.

In Andilla, Valencia, Spain there is a famous story about a forest fire that in 2012 devastated 30 thousand hectares of trees in 5 days except a plot of cypresses that were in the area.

Only 1.72 percent of them burned, and this attracted the interest of forest experts, who have recommended its use as firewalls. The specialists observed that even in the case of the few cypresses that burned, the size of the flames was smaller, since the leaves - charged with essential oil - ended up volatilized.

Excellent health properties

Cypress is antibacterial, anti-infective, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, vasoconstrictor, mucolytic (it fights excessive bronchial secretions), diuretic, decongestant and relaxing.

Historically, cypress oil has been used as support for arthritic pains, spurs, hemorrhoids, urinary system, circulation difficulties and health of the pancreas. The Chinese valued the benefits of their topical use to help liver health.

Take advantage of its physical and emotional benefits

Cypress is not used internally so it should not be ingested; however, the therapeutic degree essential oil of cypress is perfectly safe (it doesn't even need to be diluted), for aromatic and topical use.

* It prevents and fights varicose veins and "spiders". Apply 4 or 5 drops on your legs, twice a day. Or massage upward this mixture, in the morning and at night: 30 drops of cypress, 20 of lavender, 10 of any citric oil, in 2 ounces of carrier oil.

* As respiratory support. Inhaling cypress oil is excellent to prevent all kinds of problems with lungs, bronchi and if we already have a cold it will reduce the symptoms.

* To tone muscles before exercise, relieve fatigue and muscle aches, joint pain or support recovery from injury.

The affected area should be massaged. In bursitis use 6 drops of marjoram in the area and wait 6 minutes, then 3 drops of wintergreen, wait another 6 minutes, and then finish with 3 drops of cypress. For bunions apply 1 or 2 drops of cypress.

* Skin. It is very good to use it topically to revitalize the skin, especially if it is greasy. You can mix rose water with a few drops of cypress in a spray bottle, shake it very vigorously and then apply moisturizing mist to your face throughout the day; it will keep grease off but looking hydrated.

For acne is excellent because of its antiseptic and astringent properties without irritating the skin.

* To clean and deodorize sweaty feet.

* Important emotional support. Used aromatically, but also in massages, it is ideal for moments of change in life, such as losses or transition stages, as it provides calm, while helping to "ground" and recover feelings of security and foundation.

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Ciprés, fuente de salud y vida

Por siglos, los cipreses han tenido una imagen solemne y asociada a los cementerios. Pero curiosamente, el aceite esencial de ciprés tiene efectos relajantes, refrescantes y energizantes, y está lleno de propiedades que podemos aprovechar para una vida más saludable.

Longevidad, vigor y resistencia

Aunque uno no sepa mucho de plantas, es fácil identificar los cipreses. Arboles coníferos (por su forma de cono, como los pinos), sus copas son compactas y estrechas, con hojas verdes muy pequeñas en forma de escamas, pueden alcanzar grandes alturas, y con frecuencia los vemos alrededor de templos y cementerios.

Todo indica que desde la antigüedad se asoció a los cipreses con la esperanza de trascender a la muerte, y de un renacimiento, incluso su nombre científico lleva la palabra "sempervirens" que significa siempre vigoroso o floreciente.

A esto ha contribuido su follaje siempre verde, el ser un árbol muy resistente al frío, sequía y descuido, que produce una madera incorruptible inmune a insectos, además de ser una especie muy longeva, pudiendo superar los 300 años y algunos ejemplares incluso mucho más.

En España es famoso un incendio forestal que en 2012 arrasó en Andilla, Valencia, 30 mil hectáreas de árboles en 5 días, y lo que sucedió con una parcela de cipreses en la zona.

Apenas el 1,72 por ciento de ellos ardió, y esto atrajo el interés de expertos forestales, que han recomendado su uso como cortafuegos. Los especialistas observaron que, incluso en los pocos cipreses que se quemaron, el tamaño de las llamas que producían era menor, ya que las hojas -cargadas de aceite esencial- terminaban volatilizándose.

Excelentes propiedades saludables

El ciprés es antibacteriano, antiinfeccioso, antimicrobiano, antiséptico, astringente, vasoconstrictor, mucolítico (combate secreciones bronquiales excesivas), diurético, descongestionante y relajante.

Históricamente, el aceite de ciprés se ha utilizado como apoyo ante dolores de artritis, espolones, para hemorroides, sistema urinario, dificultades en la circulación y salud del páncreas. Los chinos valoraban los beneficios de su uso tópico para la salud del hígado.

Aprovecha sus beneficios físicos y emocionales

El ciprés no se emplea internamente, no debe ser ingerido, sin embargo el aceite esencial de grado terapéutico de ciprés es perfectamente seguro (incluso sin necesidad de diluirse), para uso aromático y tópico.

* Prevenir o combatir varices y "arañitas". Aplica en tus piernas 4 o 5 gotas, dos veces diarias. O masajea en dirección ascendente en la mañana y en la noche esta mezcla: 30 gotas de ciprés, 20 de lavanda, 10 de cualquier aceite cítrico, en 2 onzas de aceite portador.

* Apoyo respiratorio. Inhalar el aceite de ciprés es excelente para prevenir todo tipo de problemas con pulmones, bronquios, y si ya tenemos resfriado disminuirá síntomas.

* Para tonificar músculos antes del ejercicio, aliviar fatiga y dolores musculares, de articulaciones, o apoyar recuperación de lesiones.

Debe masajearse el área afectada. En bursitis emplear 6 gotas de mejorana en el área y esperar 6 minutos, luego 3 gotas de gaulteria, esperar otros 6 minutos, para finalizar con 3 gotas de ciprés. En juanetes se aplican 1 o 2 gotas de ciprés.

* Piel. Muy bueno en forma tópica para revitalizar la piel, sobre todo si es grasosa. Puedes mezclar agua de rosas con unas gotas de ciprés en un envase atomizador y luego de agitar muy vigorosamente aplicar niebla humectante a tu rostro a lo largo del día, manteniéndolo sin grasa pero hidratado.

Para acné es excelente, por sus propiedades antisépticas y astringentes, sin irritar.

* Para limpiar y desodorizar pies sudorosos.

* Importante apoyo emocional. Utilizado aromáticamente, pero también en masajes, es ideal para momentos de cambio en la vida, como pérdidas o etapas de transición, ya que aporta calma, al tiempo que ayuda a la "conexión a tierra" y a recuperar sentimientos de seguridad y fundamento.

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