Pesticides suspected for Parkinson

I have read recently, in issue 305/2011 of the Journal of the American Medical Association *, that researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center in California are associating the use of pesticide substances rotenone and paraquat with an increased risk of developing Parkinson disease. My first thought about the results of this research was that, once again, some chemical substances prove to be harmful to people. The incrimination of chemistry was in this particular situation only half true.

Hug a tree!

Do you remember the Ents, a race of elderly creatures in the movie "The Lord of the Rings" who looked very much like trees?

I love nature since I was a child, but I have to admit that this certain movie and the way it presented the treelike, wise guardians of the wood and their relationship to people changed a lot my perspective on trees.

Are air fresheners safe?

Are you using air fresheners in your home, office or car? How safe are they?

"How stuff works" hosts a very interesting article on air fresheners. You may read it here.

I am only quoting some parts that certainly drew my attention:

"A 2007 study by the National Resource Defence Council of USA concluded that many contained chemicals that could cause developmental and reproductive problems, especially for infants."

"According to the USA Environmental Protection Agency, most store-bought air fresheners consist of formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants. The agency's "Indoor guide to air quality" also notes that air fresheners release pollutants more or less continuously."

"The USA National Institute of Health Sciences reported that the chemicals in air fresheners can reduce lung capacity and may hasten respiratory diseases."

It could be that those statements are exaggerating and further studies need to be carried out to prove them.

However I believe that the use of natural alternatives, such as essential oils, is safer and should be preferred. You can prepare a fragrant air freshener that will simultaneously lift your mood and tone your spirit with this recipe:

in 25 ml orange flower water add

6 drops eo mandarin

5 drops eo patchouli

4 drops eo sandalwood

My suggestions:

Use an oil burner to create the atmosphere you desire with the appropriate essential oils. A great variety of oil burners is available, such as the simple ones for romantic souls that love candles or the practical yet stylish electric diffusers.

Most of us spend every day a lot of time in the limited space of our cars. Use a few drops of the above mentioned mixture with a special car scenter and feel the beneficial effects of aromatherapy even while you are driving!

Essential oils for ecological households

The use of essential oils is not restricted to therapy and beauty. If you want to limit the use of some health and environment aggravating substances (for example ammonia and petroleum derivatives contained in window, oven, silver cleaners etc.) there are some essential oils and other materials (baking soda, lemon, vinegar) found in our kitchens which can be used for the preparation of many household cleaners.

Which is your environmental footprint?

Would you like to know if you are environmentally conscious?

Here you are given the opportunity to find out what is the effect of your way of life on Earth's natural resources stock through an original questionnaire. Fill it in, see the result and you may reconsider many of your everyday habits.

If after this test you feel the need to come closer to nature but conditions do not allow that, light up the diffuser, drip 5-6 drops of essential oils cypress, juniper or eucalyptus and feel the invigorating power of forests in your room!