"Utterly Useful" - sharings from Donna
Newsletter for April 2013
Spring Tonics: Time to Renew and Restore the Body's Systems
Long before refrigeration and supermarkets, winter meant relying on foods that would keep for long periods of time. You survived the winter eating beans, potatoes, bread, meat and anything else that was stored or caught. These foods filled you to be sure, however, they lacked the vitamins and minerals to sustain overall good health. After months without fresh vegetables, herbs or fruit, the body and its systems were (and are) sluggish and in need of restoration and stimulation.
Today, though refrigerators and global marketing make it possible to get almost anything at any time, our natural tendencies are to slow down and eat heavier in winter. The need for restoration and stimulation of the body and its systems is still present. It is from our ancestors that the remedy for this winter malaise, a "spring tonic" comes. “Tonic” is a loosely used term that can be applied to those green plants emerging early in the season (from the belief and perhaps knowing, that Mother Earth supplies what you need when you need it) that reputedly strengthen and invigorate the body.
Though our ancestors would, and herbalists today, forage for the greens and flowers needed to incorporate into tonics, most are readily available in grocery stores, natural food stores and online suppliers. Herbs like alfalfa (in sprout form) and parsley are readily found in the vegetable section. Herbs such as dandelion and burdock are easily found in tincture and tisane (tea) form.
Stinging Nettle
Nettles are highest in vitamin A and calcium. A 1-cup serving of blanched nettles provides about 3/4 of vitamin A you need each day. The serving additionally contributes 428 mg calcium, or about 43 percent of the recommended daily value of the mineral. Nettles are also good sources of iron and potassium.
With spring often comes airborne allergies and nettle may help relieve some or all of these symptoms by suppressing production of histamine. Herbal practitioners often recommend that nettle consumption should begin early, before the onset of hay fever season, to maximize its effect.
Dandelion
Though most commonly thought of as a pesky weed, dandelion has long been known for his medicinal properties and in certain regions of the world is actually cultivated in the garden. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. Fresh leaves as wonderful as a salad, or made into fritters.
Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases.
Red Clover
Red clover, a member of the legume family, has a sweet taste. The red flowers at the end of its branched stems are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. red clover is an alterative, or a substance that repairs your tissues, including your liver tissues and promotes healthy changes in your organs. Red clover is also a blood purifier, or a substance that improves the function and quality of your blood.
Alfalfa
Not just for feeding livestock, alfalfa Increases energy and endurance in humans. This herb lowers cholesterol, detoxes blood and is rich in vitamins and minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium as well as Vitamins C, B, D, and K. Like dandelion, it aides in the elimination of bloating and water retention. It has also been used to treat urinary tract infection.
Alfalfa helps to replace vitamin K depleted by other drugs including antibiotics; helps prevent blood clots in the arteries; helps the digestive process by aiding in the assimilation of foods and the metabolization of fats.
Parsley
Parsley, which is a member of the carrot family, is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. As an aide to digestion and appetite stimulant, parsley is welcomed in the list of spring tonics.
Long used in the kitchen for culinary purposes; parsley has been used to treat earache and tinnitus; as an eyewash to ease the irritation of tired eyes; and when infused into bath water, as a relaxant. Nursing mothers however should take care in its use because it can stop the production of milk. Chewing raw leaves of parsley can combat bad breathe.
Burdock
Burdock root has been used for years to heal many conditions, among them measles, acne, ulcers, tonsillitis, the inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism, and sciatica. Burdock (in leaf form) is often used by burn units for pain management and to speed healing time. It is believed to ease dressing changes and appears to slow bacterial growth on the wound site and it provides a great moisture barrier.
As a tonic, some of the benefits of burdock root is its use as nature's best "blood purifier" which helps to rid the body of toxins and clear congestion from the circulatory, lymphatic, respira-tory and urinary systems. Burdock is said to very rapidly cleanse and eliminate long-term impurities from the blood through its action on both the liver and kidneys.
These are but a few of the herbs Mother Earth provides us to help "jump start" our bodies after winter's hibernation. When you can, use them in their fresh form when the energy of spring is at their peak. Otherwise, they are easily found dried to be used as tisanes (teas), in capsule form and as tinctures. Try one, or create your own blend to aide your body in it's awakening to Spring.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
Newsletter for December 2012
Essential Oils doing Double Duty for the Holidays
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| The Holidays are a time for “good cheer”; family and friend gatherings, decorating and caroling; warm fires with hot cocoa and gift wrapping and gift giving. Yet, the holidays can also be a time of standing in long lines while shopping; trying to finish your “to do” list; juggling work with the social calendar; and generally, producing stress.
Since we all seem to be doing double duty during this time of year, why not allow some essential oils to assist us. The particular oils I will be writing about will also be doing double duty. Singularly, or in combination, they will make your environment more fragrant by adding aromas that are traditionally associated with holiday time while also aiding therapeutically in helping us handle the various stresses of the season.
Cinnamon essential oil Cinnamon is just perfect for cold winter weather and this seasonal time of year. The spicy aroma exudes a sense of warmth and can be strengthening and comforting to the body and spirit.
If concentration is an issue, cinnamon essential oil helps one to maintain focus; wonderful when facing that long “to do” or shopping list. Use cinnamon oil in a diffuser, as incense or a small amount poured into the melted wax pool of a candle. Whole cinnamon sticks can be steeped in water allowing the aroma to rise with the steam and infuse the house with its lovely aroma. Cinnamon oil acts as a tonic to the mind and body, helping to boost flagging energy levels.
Clove Bud essential oil The wonderful, full-bodied aroma of clove bud essential oil is another one closely associated with Christmas. Many a school age child has studded oranges with cloves to make pomanders as gifts for mom and dad. A DIY project you may wish to try; creating not only beautiful ornaments to hang, but also fragrance in the home. Many a cook has studded a ham with this spice, adding flavors to the meat and luscious aromas to the kitchen. Whatever the use, the scent of clove adds a sense of warmth to the environment.
*Tip: The classic blend of sweet orange oil and clove bud creates an instant enlivening effect and creates an atmosphere that says “welcome” to visitors. Try steeping the cloves and cinnamon sticks together as mentioned above.
Frankincense essential oil Whether known as one of the gifts brought by the three Magi to the infant Jesus, or as the popular fragrance associated with meditation practices, frankincense oil is truly a gift. Therapeutically it is a relaxant; the perfect aroma for helping you to stay calm during the hectic holiday season. Whether used in a diffuser, burned as incense or placed in an oil pot burner, frankincense will dispel frazzled nerves by enveloping the environment (and you) with a sense of serenity. It’s a wonderful aromatherapeutic for calming excited children.
Ginger essential oil No matter the form, house, bread or men, ginger is among the favorite tastes and aromas of the season. Not only does it taste wonderful, it is an extremely useful essential oil. When you have been out in the cold, shopping or shoveling snow, a hot cup of ginger tea will literally warm you from the inside. Adding ginger to a hot bath will help to remove toxins and relieve sore, achy muscles. Back sore after a long day of shopping, baking or giftwrapping, a few drops of ginger in a carrier oil massaged into the area will help. Ginger’s sweet and spicy scent brings clarity, determination and strength and can be helpful when you are indecisive or lacking in motivation and will help to revitalize the mind, body and spirit. And let’s not forget ginger’s use when battling nausea; helpful during the holidays when we may over indulge or are fighting the effects of colds and flu (also prevalent during this time of year).
Nutmeg essential oil Not just used for cooking or grating into eggnog, nutmeg in its oil form is another oil to help combat Christmas fatigue. Nutmeg essential oil has a stimulating action on the brain, helping to support both mind and body during challenging times, so use it in your diffuser at the first signs of brain-fade. It is also a good oil to use when feeling muscle fatigue; nutmeg’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxant properties are well documented. With it’s sweet, musky, woody aroma, nutmeg can have a profound effect on our emotional state by helping to alleviate depression and stimulate spontaneity.
Pine essential oil The beauty of wreaths, garlands, swags, boughs and kissing balls bring beauty all around us and fill the air with their woodsy aromas. Who doesn’t love the fresh, uplifting scent of a freshly cut Christmas tree? Yet, with many of us becoming more environmentally conscious, faux trees are becoming more preferable. As beautiful and realistic as many of these faux trees are, sadly, they have no scent.
In the house, to have that enlivening smell of a real tree, fill a water-spray bottle with 2 ounces of water, add 5 or 6 drops of pine essential oil, a little dishwashing liquid, and shake the mixture vigorously. Now lightly spray the tree (be sure to avoid spraying near any polished wooden surfaces). Alternatively, just put a few drops of pine essential oil on cotton balls and hide them inside the tree. (Be careful if you have pets, especially cats who may climb the tree to get to the balls. Pine oil can be quite dangerous to pets)
*Tip: You can also use a few drops of grapefruit essential oil with pine to give an extra fresh effect that really uplifts the spirits. Or try blending pine, balsam, juniper and cedarwood for a well-rounded, total evergreen aroma in the house.
Sweet orange essential oil There’s something about the smell of oranges that reminds us of warm, sunny days and makes us smile. This is not a bad thing when days are shorter and often grayer. The oil of oranges is contained in and immediately released when peeling and you can’t help being immediately uplifted and energized. In any form, incense, oil or peel, this aroma cleanses the air and the senses. The uplifting and refreshing aroma of sweet orange oil is the perfect choice to blend with any, or all of the above spice oils if you want to add a burst of citrus freshness.
Tip: Sweet orange is an amazingly versatile essential oil when it comes to blending. Mandarin essential oil can be used instead of sweet orange, if you prefer. Making your own potpourri? Try adding fresh orange peels to your blend of cinnamon sticks, gloves, pine cones and cedar shavings.
Spicy shields of protection With increased activity, more exposure to many people (and their germs), reduced rest and increased stress, this time of year can mean an increase in colds and flu. Again, these essential oils do double duty. While bringing wonderful fragrances, they also have powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. While you are using them to fragrance your home during the holidays, they will be creating spicy shields of protection against all those nasty germs. If using them in incense form you can literally go room to room “smudging” away not only negative energy but also unwanted viruses and bacteria.
Whatever your traditions or plans, add the use of traditional holiday scents from essential oils. They will assist you in creating a joyous, peaceful, and healthy holiday season. Until next time, I bid you peace
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Newsletter for October 2012
Happy Fall everyone !
Mother Earth is showing off her autumnal glory; the treetops are aflame with shades of yellow, goldenrod, orange and red. The air is crisp in the mornings and immediately after sunset; a foretelling of what’s in store as winter approaches. Along with the crispness comes dryness. Now that we bronzed our skin in the summer sun (removing moisture and suppleness while doing so) let’s talk about ways to aide skin from the kiss of the summer sun and prepare our skin for the breath of winter.
You will probably get tired of me saying this; however, WATER is our greatest friend when it comes to keeping our bodies hydrated. Spend all you want on expensive anti-wrinkle treatments, however if you aren’t drinking enough water you are doing yourself (and your pocketbook) a disservice. Not only does water hydrate, helping to soften fine lines and wrinkles; it also helps to flush nasty toxins through your system while at the same time aiding your cells in holding on to nutrients. It is suggested that you drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water per day. For me, at 138 lbs. that would be 69 ounces. This said, let’s remember that we also drink other beverages during the day. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The adequate intake for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
While we’re talking about water internally, a gentle reminder about water externally. Though a nice hot shower sounds wonderful when the temps outside are lowering; a warm shower or bath is actually better for your skin; hot showers dry the skin. Watch the humidity levels inside your living space also. If your house or apartment is extremely dry, water is leeched from your body. Humidify your living space (will help to keep that static electricity down too).
Externally, there are numerous essential oils which can be used to repair and protect the skin. Whereas it is recommended that we use lighter lotions and creams in summertime (allowing the skin to breathe and perspire easier); with fall and winter chill and dryness, heavier lotions and creams are recommended. In my personal skin routine I use an oil first and then apply a lotion or cream. As the weather gets colder and even dryer, I re-apply throughout the day. To create a synergistic effect, try blending 2 or more oils – select a base/carrier oil and add a smaller amount of the other oils which have the properties you are looking for. (a general guide – to 8 oz. of carrier oil add 25 drops of another essential oil.
Aloe Vera is used externally for skin irritation and is well known for its use with burns and sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. Aloe Vera has good astringent qualities. The oil is combined in massage therapy for its healing and rejuvenating properties.
**Safety Precautions: When used topically, some individuals may have an allergic reaction and a skin patch test (behind the ear or on the forearm) is advised before use.
Emu Oil is a natural skin moisturizer, softener and has rejuvenating properties. It has been shown to reduce the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. Highly absorbent and non-greasy makes it perfect for skin care. Good for all skin types and it is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.
Grapeseed is carrier oil and is good for acne and oily skin. This is a good oil for those whose skin does not seem to absorb oils easily. This is one of the most common oils used for massage. It absorbs well without feeling greasy. It contains vitamins, minerals, protein, GLA and some vitamin E.
Jojoba Oil, because of its absorption properties, is commonly used in skin care products as a cleaning agent, makeup remover and moisturizer. It has a great effect on fighting wrinkles, as well as having an anti-bacterial effect on the skin. (also makes a makes a great scalp cleanser and hair conditioner)
Olive Oil can be used as carrier oil or alone. It has excellent moisturizing qualities and provides antioxidant benefits. Olive oil has vitamin E and oleic acid, which are both beneficial to the skin. Oleic acid helps to soften the skin, and the vitamin E improves the elasticity of the skin. Olive Oil is also excellent for conditioning the hair. Before shampooing, apply ¼ to ½ cup of warm olive oil to hair, massage in well. Wrap your head in plastic wrap or a plastic bag and then wrap it with a towel. Leave the oil in for at least ½ hour (I like to do this while I am cleaning the house) then shampoo as normal.
Sweet Almond Oil is great vegetable oil to nourish dry skin. Sweet almond oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient with nourishing and hydrating properties and is good for all skin types. Additionally it will soften and soothe the skin.
**Safety Precautions: People with nut allergies should avoid almonds and almond oil.
Essential Oil Additives
The following oils are excellent essential oils to add to the base/carrier oils above or to a cream base such as shea butter. Try making your own cream using Crisco vegetable shortening. Yes, I said Crisco. Crisco contains soybean oil (evens skin tone, moisturizes, softens and helps with wrinkles), cottonseed oil (softens) and antioxidants. You can soften the Crisco using any of the base/carrier oils (add small amount and blend, adding more oil as needed to get to the consistency you want) and then add a small amount of the essential oil additives you wish. A wonderful skin cream for pennies per pound.
PLEASE REMEMBER --- essential oils are highly concentrated so care should be used when adding them to create a synergistic blend. A general rule of thumb --- 5 drops to 2 oz. of base oil if only making a small amount.
Chamomile as a tisane is well known for its calming properties, however the essential oil will tone all types of complexions. When applied topically, the anti-inflammatory effect improves skin regeneration. The tea bag can be used as a cold compress for puffy eyes. Chamomile can be used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin.
**Safety Precautions: Handling fresh chamomile plants may cause dermatitis in some individuals. It should not to be used when using anti-coagulant drugs. Please note that the essential oil is said to stimulate the uterus and should be used with care in pregnancy. Allergic reactions may occur for those that are allergic to daisies.
Eucalyptus is used in skin care to clear congested skin. A few drops in a facial steam does wonders --- as an added benefit it works very well on clearing respiratory disorders.
**Safety Precautions: avoid if you have high blood pressure or suffer from epilepsy.
Geranium is a wonderful oil for mature and troubled skin and brings a radiant glow and promotes circulation.
**Safety Precautions: Geranium essential oil is well tolerated by most individuals, but since it helps in balancing the hormonal system, care must be taken during pregnancy.
Lavender is ideal for oily and combination skin. It has antiseptic and stimulant properties. Lavender is useful in treating skin conditions such as acne, allergies, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, insect bites and stings, insect repellent, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, sunburn and wounds. Lavender is good for all skin types
Patchouli - It can be used for inflamed and itching skin. The oil promotes cell rejuvenation, tightening of loose skin and heals wounds and sores, while sorting out rough, cracked skin.
**Safety Precautions: The essential oil of patchouli is well tolerated, but its heavy fragrance indicates use in low dosage.
Rose Oils and rose waters are welcome additions to almost any skin care formulation. The oil is quite pricey, yet worth every penny and a little goes a long way. The oil is most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. They have an astringent effect on oily skin as well as having a slight tightening effect. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation, skin redness and is useful in eczema.
Rosemary has antioxidant properties and has a remarkable stimulating effect on the skin as well as on the spirit through its aromatherapy properties. Rosemary is traditionally used for hair and scalp stimulation, as well as for its anti-aging effects.
**Safety Precautions: Rosemary essential oil has a highly stimulating action and may not be suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. The essential oil should also not be used during pregnancy.
These are but a few of the many essential oils that can be used as part of your fall and winter skin care regimen. Yes, an appropriate regimen for the colder temperatures takes a little more thought and a little more time, yet, when you remember that your skin is the largest organ of your body, taking care of it becomes even more important. With appropriate fluid (water primarily) intake for the inside of you, and the use of essential oils (alone or blended into lotions, creams or other oils) on the outside of you, you can leave the tight, dry, itchy skin and wrinkles with Old Man Winter.
Until next time,
I bid you peace
