Best essential oils for head massage

Getting a head massage with essential oil blends has many beneficial effects. It can help you relax and at the same time treat dandruff and dry scalp, leaving your hair strong and shiny.

The best essential oils to use for a head massage are

Lavender: soothes the scalp and heals dry skin and hair.

Rosemary: stimulates hair growth,  slows down the graying process and treats dandruff.

Chamomile: adds shine and softness to your hair while soothing your skin. Lightens hair naturally.

Cedarwood: promotes hair growth, reduces skin irritations and repels bugs.

Clary Sage: regulates oil production, treats dandruff.

Lemongrass: strengthens hair follicles, soothes itchy and irritated skin. Acts as a natural bug repellent and treats headache.

Peppermint: stimulates the scalp, treats dandruff, promotes hair growth, relieves tension and headache.

Head massage blend

30 ml sweet almond oil

6 drops lavender e.o.

4 drops rosemary e.o.

Massage 1/2 teaspoon into temples, at base of neck and hair.


Are you after great recipes of personal care and massage products? Then don't miss the exceptional book from Beth Jones "600 Aromatherapy Recipes for Beauty, Health & Home".

Aromatherapy: does it really work?

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit medical practice and medical research group based in Minnesota. It employs more than 4,500 physicians and scientists and 58,400 administrative and allied health staff. The practice specializes in treating difficult cases through tertiary care. It spends over $660 million a year on research and employs over 3,000 full-time research personnel.

What do Mayo Clinic experts say about Aromatherapy? 

• Women in labor have reported positive results using scents such as rose, lavender and frankincense.
• Studies of hospital patients have documented that chamomile and lavender scents at bedtime can encourage relaxation and improve sleep.
• People with leukemia who used their choice of lavender, chamomile or peppermint got relief from nausea and lack of appetite in one study.
• Peppermint essential oils helped some pregnant women find relief from nausea and vomiting during labor.
• Lemon essential oil is suggested for headaches and mental fatigue, mandarin to help with restlessness, anxiety, nausea and sleep.

Although research is limited, small scale studies suggest that plant-based scents may just have a place in the science of health and healing. This is the reason essential oils are surging in popularity and Aromatherapy is even showing up in hospital surgical units.

More fat, less weight?

True or false? A diet that lets a person eat fat - even saturated - without calorie counting could lead to substantial weight loss, treatment of diabetes into remission, increased HDL levels, lower triglycerides and blood pressure? True, as research and many clinical trials report those beneficial effects for the ketogenic (keto or low carb high fat) diet.

Usually low-carb diets emphasize protein and limit fat. On the contrary, the goal of a properly maintained keto diet is to limit carbohydrates without restriction of fat or overall calories. Through starvation of carbohydrates the body begins to burn ketones as its primary energy source, which are produced from the breakdown of fats in liver.

According to an article published on the latest Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, there are hints that the ketogenic diet may help obese people and patients with type 2 diabetes.

People on ketogenic diets tend to:

• Lose more weight and keep more of it off than people on low-fat diets.
• Feel less hungry.
• Maintain their metabolic rate.
• Get control of their blood glucose.
• Experience improvements in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, abdominal circumference, and blood pressure.

Starting a keto diet means you will have to keep your carbohydrates limited, coming mostly from vegetables, nuts, and dairy. Refined carbohydrates such as wheat (bread, pasta and cereals), starch (potatoes, beans, legumes) or fruit should be totally avoided. The small exceptions to this are avocado, star fruit, and berries which can be consumed in moderation. The more restrictive you are on your carbohydrates (less than 15g per day), the faster you will enter ketosis.

Generally speaking the keto diet is safe. A few adverse effects of the diet include lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty exercising, poor sleep, and constipation. But they tend to pass in a few days to a few weeks. However people taking insulin, oral hypoglycemic and blood pressure medications should consult with an experienced clinician when starting a keto dieting plan.

For a full list of ketogenic diet food see here or get your hands on the No 1 best seller cookbook “Ketogenic Diet Cookbook: 500 Ketogenic Diet Recipes to Cook atHome”. Learn everything you need to know about the ketogenic diet and start cooking in this new, exciting and healthy way!

Mesothelioma: Αromatherapy offers relief

According to the World Health Organization approximately 43,000 people worldwide loose their lives from mesothelioma every year, a rare but fatal form of cancer.

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos-containing materials (in buildings, equipment, products, machinery, insulation, electrical wiring, and more). It usually forms in the lungs of those who have been exposed to this deadly toxin, but sometimes occurs in the abdominal area or the area around the heart.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its initial symptoms are subtle and in many cases ignored. If you know/believe you have been exposed to asbestos - even 30 to 50 years ago - and experience common respiratory illnesses symptoms, tell your physician and get a medical check-up. Starting mesothelioma treatment as early as possible is crucial!

According to Mesothelioma.net, a website providing detailed and sourced information to anyone impacted by asbestos, Aromatherapy can help mesothelioma patients experience certain benefits. Used for a massage session and/or inhalations certain essential oils may help alleviate symptoms and side effects of mesothelioma:

chamomile, lavender, rose and clary sage to soothe pain,

lavender, rose, bergamot to limit stress and anxiety,

sandalwood, geranium, jasmine and orange to fight off depressive feelings,

rosemary and basil to reduce fatigue,

ginger and lemon to help with nausea.

Aromatherapy can certainly not be a replacement or substitute for mesothelioma treatment, but with the right practitioner it could be a valuable companion through a complex journey.

Maca, the Peruvian super food

MACA, the Peruvian super-food:

• grows at altitudes of 3500 m and above,
• contains protein, fiber, 19 amino acids, 6 vitamins, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, several glucosinolates, 20 free fatty acids, and unique compounds called macaenes and macamides,
• is very beneficial for hormone balancing, endocrine and thyroid function enhancement and even immune system enhancement.
• when consumed regularly has several benefits including greater energy, stamina, clarity of mind and spirit, the ability to handle stress and healthier sexual life.

Try this tasty Maca Strawberry Banana Smoothie:

Ingredients:

6 fresh strawberries

1 banana

1 tsp maca powder

1/4 cup milk or almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 small ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Garlic and onion against resistant staph bacteria

The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity of garlic and onion has been proved many times by contemporary scientific research. A new study held at the University of Nottingham indicates that even MRSA, one of the most antibiotic-resistant bugs can be killed by a mixture containing garlic and onion.

What is MRSA? According to Mayo Clinic "Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics. At-risk populations include people who have been in hospitals, other health care settings or live in crowded conditions.Children and adults who come in contact with day-care centers, playgrounds, camps, classrooms, gyms and workout facilities are also at higher risk of getting MRSA. MRSA can spread easily through cuts and abrasions and skin-to-skin contact. Usually the bacteria are generally harmless and even if they enter the body they usually cause only minor skin problems in healthy people. However MRSA infections can resist the effects of many common antibiotics, so the infections may spread and become life-threatening affecting the bloodstream, lungs, heart valves, bones and joints."

It seems though that the resistant staph bacteria can be treated - at least in the laboratory - with a 10th century topical solution for eye infections which contains garlic, onion or leek, wine and oxgal. Scientists at the University of Nottingham say the medieval remedy has remarkable effects on MRSA.

Safe tanning

As summer holidays are approaching many people are thinking to visit indoor tanning salons just before exposing their bodies to the sun and the critical eyes of other bathers. But what amount of indoor tanning is safe? According to a recent article published in the latest issue of JAMA Pediatrics, none!

The author Megan A. Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH explains: "since the intensity of the UV radiation produced by indoor tanning devices may be 10 to 15 times higher than the midday sun, in 2009, the World Health Organization classified UV radiation-emitting tanning devices such as tanning beds and tanning booths as Class I carcinogens—substances and behaviors that are most concerning for developing cancer. Other risks of indoor tanning include aging of the skin, with loss of skin smoothness, uniform color, and elasticity."

It was long believed that tanning before going to the beach offers a protection against sunburn and that indoor tanning is a healthy way to get vitamin D. However these are only myths and many organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Dermatology, and World Health Organization, recommend that children and adolescents younger than 18 years should never be allowed to use indoor tanning devices. 

So the summer is here and you want to enjoy it! You don't need to be tanned to feel nice! Just take your hat, sunscreen and umbrella and lie down under the sun, always following the appropriate safety guidelines!

Good childhood for better adult health

Adult and child holding hands

According to an article published in the latest issue of JAMA, by promoting behavioral health in children can lead to improved lifetime health. Author Thomas F. Boat, MD notes:

"evidence from developmental neuroscience indicates that the first 3 to 5 years of life are key to later life health and successes. Unrelenting, early life stress as the result of adverse childhood experiences (exposure to violence, physical and sexual abuse, neglect and substance abuse) is a major contributor to behavioral disorders of children and has been linked to poor health outcomes across a broad spectrum of disorders, as well as premature mortality, in adults. For instance, providing an enriched environment for disadvantaged children from the first year of life until kindergarten has been associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the fourth decade of life".

Anticancer diet

David Khayat led France's war against cancer and has been in the medical trenches for thirty years. In this international bestseller, he shares his knowledge on the role of diet and lifestyle in getting different types of cancer and how to bolster the body against those risks. Bringing together his own cross-national studies with those of other top cancer experts, Khayat empowers readers with the latest nutritional knowledge. He displays the correct anticancer diet through a range of products and dietary habits to be avoided. A detailed list of dangerous or beneficial foods and tips for a healthy lifestyle are included.
Unlike books based on personal experience with cancer, this edition combines the wisdom of the rules set by the researcher for thirty years, both in the laboratory and with patients, in France and the USA.

The book has been published in Greek, "Η σωστή αντικαρκινική διατροφή", Νταβίντ Καγιάτ, 2013 and in English, "The Anticancer Diet", David Khayat, 2015.

Essential oils for better digestion

High quality essential oils are a great option when you are trying to get relief from digestive discomfort. Massage is the most effective way to getting these oils into your body. So the next time you feel discomfort after a hearty meal, use one of the following blends rubbing with gently, circular movements on your stomach and belly area:

Indigestion
20 ml almond oil
5 drops e.o. basil
5 drops e.o. peppermint
2 drops e.o. roman chamomile

Heartburn
30 ml almond oil
7 drops e.o. roman chamomile
7 drops e.o. marjoram
4 drops e.o. anise

 

Infant gastrointestinal symptoms and autism

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, maternally reported Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are more common and more often persistent during the first 3 years of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in children with typical development (TD) or developmental delay (DD).

During a 10-year period (January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2008), women throughout Norway were recruited at the first prenatal ultrasonographic visit (approximately 18 weeks’ gestation). The study enrolled 95,278 mothers, 75,248 fathers, and 114,516 children. Three groups of children were defined: children with ASD (n = 195), children with DD and delayed language and/or motor development (n = 4636), and children with TD (n = 40 295).

The GI symptoms were based on maternal report of constipation, diarrhea, and food allergy/intolerance.

Love your hands

Our hands are often over-looked in our skincare routine. But when you think that your hands are exposed to the elements as much as your face is, it makes sense to use a moisturizing product that will also prevent ageing in the future. The best hand cream is the one you will make on your own with little cost and natural ingredients! You will need:

5 gr cocoa butter

10 gr bee's wax

50 ml jojoba oil

2 drops e.o. neroli

2 drops e.o. jasmine

2 drops e.o. lavender

Place cocoa butter and bee's wax in a bain marie and warm until they melt. Stir in jojoba oil and remove from fire. Transfer the mixture in a glass jar, stir in the essential oils and leave to cool. 

The healing and moisturizing properties of your hand made cream will last up to one year if you store it in a cool and dry place.

Breastfeeding and jaundice

"Jaundice is a condition in which the skin has a yellowish color. This happens when an excess amount of a chemical called bilirubin is in the blood. Jaundice is more common in babies who are breastfed, particularly babies who are having difficulty nursing. Jaundice is also more common in babies who are premature. Most newborns have some jaundice, often called “physiological” or “normal” jaundice, in the first week or so after birth. In breastfed babies, jaundice often lasts for 3 weeks or more. In formula-fed babies, most jaundice goes away by 2 weeks. If you are breastfeeding, you should nurse your baby at least 8 to 12 times a day for the first few days. This will produce enough milk to keep your baby hydrated and help keep the bilirubin level low."

More answers about jaundice in "Common Questions About Neonatal Jaundice" from JAMA Pediatrics.

Fight stress

Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

Chronic stress, a state of prolonged tension from internal or external stressors, may cause various manifestations:

If you feel stressed Aromatherapy can help you relax, make positive thoughts and alleviate harmful symptoms. The following blends of essential oils can be used for a massage (diluted in 30ml base oil), in your bath or in a candle burner, as regularly as you wish:

Blend Joy:
Mandarin 15 drops,
Ylang ylang 5 drops,
Petitgrain 10 drops.

Blend Mediterranean:
Clary sage 10 drops,
Chamomile roman 5 drops,
Lavender 5 drops,
Geranium 10 drops.

A lot more recipes for relaxed mind and healthy body can be found in Valerie Ann Worwood's book "The Fragrant Mind".

Quit smoking with essential oils

According to the World Health Organization: "One of the greatest threats to public health is the tobacco epidemic, which kills nearly six million people a year. More than five million of these deaths are the direct result of tobacco use, while more than 600,000 deaths are a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. About one person dies every six seconds because of smoking. About half of current users will die from diseases related to smoking.
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.

Are your cosmetics safe?

Do you ever wonder what is in the cream you put every night on your face? Or the shampoo you use on your baby's delicate skin? Is the chemical in your mascara safe for your eyes?

You can find all the information you need about the safety, testing and regulation of cosmetics and personal care products and the ingredients they contain in CosmeticsInfo.com. 

The site's database lists more than 2,000 ingredients, with new ingredient safety information frequently being added. By typing in an ingredient name, you can get specific information on what the ingredient is, how it is used in cosmetics and personal care products, and specific safety testing information along with references to independent scientific and regulatory studies on the safety of these ingredients. Moreover, information about specific product types can be found, along with a list of commonly found ingredients in each category that link to relevant safety information. 

Top ten of herbal teas

Dictamon

Herbal teas are pleasing and revitalizing beverages. They are prepared by immersing herbs, aromatic plants or roots in hot water (suggested temperature is 70oC) until their color and essential oils are released. Add some honey for divine taste.

My top ten of herbal teas:

1. Dictamon: antioxidant, antibacterial and soothing action.
2. Verbena: stimulative and soothing qualities. It relieves migraines, stomach conditions and digestive system diseases. In addition, it contributes to the detoxification of the human body and helps fight cellulite.
3. Melissa: great at combating stress, insomnia, nervous indigestion and melancholy.
4. Mint: refreshes the breath and relieves indigestion, inflammation of the intestinal tract, insomnia and headaches.
5. Salep: can stimulate and warm the whole body. At the same time, it soothes the nerves and combats stress and fatigue, offering a sense of well-being.
6. Dandelion: a digestive and diuretic stimulant that supports the well functioning of the liver and also helps body detoxification.
7. Tisane: known to combat kidney stones and to relieve from migraines, constipation, indigestion, fever and coughs.
8. Tettle: combats insomnia, diarrhoea and bronchitis. Moreover, it contributes to the proper functioning of the respiratory system, while it also has diuretic and anti-diabetic properties.
9. Sage: recommended for the treatment of colds. It also relieves inflamed throats and sore gums, while stimulating the body at the same time.
10. Chamomile: offers relaxation and stress relief. It helps fight insomnia, indigestion and mouth ulcers. It is also recommended for exterior use, on wounds.

Miracle weight loss?

New Year’s resolution: "This year, I’m going to lose some weight."

FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) warning: "Beware of products promising miracle weight loss."

The article at FDAs site is stating:
"Most recently, FDA has found a number of products marketed as dietary supplements containing fluoxetine, the active ingredient found in Prozac, a prescription drug marketed for the treatment of depression and other conditions. Another product contained triamterene, a powerful diuretic (sometimes known as “water pills”) that can have serious side-effects and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

Many of these tainted products are imported, sold online, and heavily promoted on social media sites. Some can also be found on store shelves.

And if you’re about to take what you think of as “natural” dietary supplements, such as bee pollen or Garcinia cambogia, you should be aware that FDA has found some of these products also contain hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs."

For your health's sake read the full article here.

Your compass to fitness

• Are you wondering how to lose holiday pounds?
• Are you following various diets without having results?
• Are you spending endless hours in the gym but your abs are still hiding?
• Do you know which snack to choose for a perfect line without remorse?
• Are you a new mama and can not get rid of pregnancy belly fat?

At MyFitCompass you will find many useful tips on nutrition and exercise for a healthy and beautiful body at any stage of your life. Most importantly, you can make your individual fitness program (even if you are pregnant, have recently given birth or have a health problem such as osteoporosis) easily and at no cost by following 5 simple steps:

Easy lip balm recipe

Winter is here and so are chapped lips. Did you know that we lose up to 10 times more moisture through our lips than we do elsewhere on our face or body?

Usually our fragile lips develop tiny splits and cracks when exposed to cold, wind, sun, indoor heating and low humidity. But chapped, painful lips may also be caused by:

• Breathing through the mouth
• Cold sores (herpes simplex virus infections)
• Malnutrition
• Mild dehydration
• Repeated licking of the lips
• Vitamin deficiency (iron, B, D)

What can you do to keep your lips in shape?