|
|
|
Acne Proactive Solution: Treatment to the Stars
You may have seen the infomercials featuring stars like Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams, but is the science behind the acne treatment Proactiv Solution solid? Is it all sales pitch or does this product really work?
With over one half of adult...
Organic juices for constipation
Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which will help you eliminate constipation. Taken regularly they will help you have daily bowel movements.
Organic juices contain loads of mineral, bioflavonoids, vitamins, enzymes,...
The Essential Oil Home Medicine Chest – Part I: The Oils
Essential oils provide a wonderful natural-medicine alternative to common ailments we see at home. Their actions are broad and diverse, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and...
Wash Away Years of Facial Wrinkles
The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface
lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of
accumulated skin damage and inevitable aging. We are not able to
stop the clock that tells us our age through the...
What Is Home Acne Treatment?
Many people suffer from acne and that is why there are so
many acne treatment products available in the market. These
products try to help acne suffers get the clear skin that
they want without spending too much money.
There are also many...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Counterculture Aromatherapy - Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli's History and Uses
Ah, Patchouli oil - people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, it's use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though it's traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Today, Patchouli oil has a well-deserved reputation in aromatherapy, with it's deep, musky, and sweet odor, and Earth and Fire balancing energy. It is an exotic aroma that can forever leave an imprint on the olfactory memory.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, growing wild in Sumatra and Java at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet - though it's cultivation is more pervasive in lower tropical jungles. This bushy plant grows to the height of 3 feet, having a strong stem and soft, hairy leaves. For essential oil production, the plant is cut two or three times per year, with the best quality oil derived from leaves harvested in the wet season. The leaves are hand picked, bundled or baled, and allowed to partially dry in the shade and ferment for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation (Patchouli oil is now becoming available as a CO2 extract in limited quantities). The fermentation process softens the plant's cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil.
The relative ease of it's cultivation, and it's high oil yield keeps the price of true Patchouli essential oils relatively low. It is important to note however, Patchouli is one of the few essential oils that improve with age (others being Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver), and that a properly aged Patchouli oil is much more desirable than a fresh one. Over time, the oil looses a harshness that many find distasteful, and adds a sweet top note. As it ages, the oil turns from light yellow to a deep amber, with the aroma becoming smoother and more rich. Principal constituents of the oil include: Patchoulol (25-35%), Alpha-Bulnesene (12-20%), Alpha-Guaiene + Seychellene (15-25%), and Alpha-Patchoulene (5-9%).
Perhaps first due to it's power as a moth repellent, the aroma of Patchouli was pervasive in cloth and clothing exported from India in the 19th century. The scent became an indicator of true 'Oriental' fabric, so much so that English and French garment makers were obliged to scent their imitation products with Patchouli to ensure their acceptance in the domestic marketplace. Beyond its use for preventing holes from being eaten in one's cloting, Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Malaysia, China and Japan. Primarily indicated for skin conditions, Patchouli may be of benefit in cases of dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, and other irritating conditions, along with dandruff and oily scalp conditions. As a cell rejuvenator, it may help in healing wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. It is considered an excellent remedy for insect and snake bites, and has been used as a fumigant and rubbing oil to prevent the spread of fevers and to strengthen the immune
system.
Aromatherapy and Perfumery Uses of Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil is considered an excellent base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes. As a fixative, it slows the evaporation of other, more volatile oils so that their aroma may be released over a longer period of time. A little patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of sources - these include Vetiver, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Jasmine, Rose, Citrus oils, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Ginger.
In Aromatherapy, Patchouli is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity where overwork and anxiety have left the individual in a susceptible state. It is said to bring the three principal forces at work within the body - the Creative at the navel, the Heart center, and transcendental wisdom a the crown - into harmony.
Patchouli oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel 'out of touch' with their body and sensuality. It has been considered a relaxing aphrodisiac, and can be helpful for those with impotence, frigidity, and sexual anxiety that are products of mental anguish. Patchouli combines this aphrodisiac effect with an antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it's sweet, warm, spicy scent.
As if this were not enough, Patchouli is thought to be a bringer of prosperity and abundance. Perhaps by allowing one to open to these possibilities energetically, the oil is used in ceremonies and prayers by those in need of financial or other type of infusion in their lives. One may simply close their eyes, imagine the abundance they need, and inhale the oil's aroma for a few seconds.
For a few simple blends, try:
3 parts Patchouli and 1 part Rosemary Cineol. This is a wonderfully uplifting blend combining the deep earthiness of Patchouli with the invigorating aroma of Rosemary. This can certainly be worn as a perfume, or used in a diffuser.
When the going gets tedious, try brightening with 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. This may uplift the spirits and remind one of the joy to be found in life.
For the sensually insecure, try 1 part Geranium, 1 part Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A beautiful yet simple blend for getting comfortable in one's own skin.
It may take a little education, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample a properly aged or beautifully blended oil.
About the Author: Misty Rae Cech, ND, is a Naturopath and yoga instructor practicing in Boulder, Colorado - she is the owner of http://www.anandaapothecary.com
Source: www.isnare.com
|
|
|
|
|
| Acne.org |
| Information on acne, medications and treatment of scars. Includes a regimen for keeping skin clear. |
| www.acne.org |
|
| AcneNet |
| Dermatologist-reviewed information about acne, which lets people know that today virtually every case of acne can be resolved. |
| www.skincarephysicians.com |
|
| What is Acne? |
| Information about the different types of acne lesions and what causes acne to develop. |
| www.skincarephysicians.com |
|
| Questions and Answers About Acne |
| Illustrated information on causes of acne skin lesions, and tips and information on common treatments, their side effects, and current research. |
| www.niams.nih.gov |
|
| Acne Resource Center |
| Acne, Nutrition, Research on Acne and Important Tips for Getting Acne Free. |
| www.acne-resource.org |
|
| Acne - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Acne is a group of skin rashes that have different causes. Acne vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and ... |
| en.wikipedia.org |
|
| Acne vulgaris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
| Different types of Acne Vulgaris: A: Cystic acne on the face, B: ... The vernacular term bacne or backne is often used to indicate acne found specifically ... |
| en.wikipedia.org |
|
| MedlinePlus: Acne |
| From the National Institutes of Health; Questions and Answers about Acne (National Institute of ... Select services and providers for Acne in your area. ... |
| www.nlm.nih.gov |
|
| MedlinePlus Interactive Tutorials: Acne |
| Acne. Start Tutorial. Starts multimedia presentation with questions. Requires Flash Player. Download Flash. download button for flash player. ... |
| www.nlm.nih.gov |
|
| Acne Treatment by AcneHelper.com |
| Resource for acne treatments and prevention. Learn tips and techniques to stop pimples, zits and blackheads for good. |
| www.acnehelper.com |
|
| Acne |
| Acne Creative bring brands to life through advertising, design and product ... Commercials, music videos and other film formats are made by Acne Film. ... |
| www.acne.se |
|
| Acne Jeans |
| About · Collection · Acne Studios · Contact · Press/Retailer · Work at Acne Jeans · Newsletter · Shop (EU). Copyright © Acne Jeans. |
| www.acnejeans.com |
|
| Acne |
| If you're almost a teen, chances are pretty good that you have some acne. About 8 in 10 preteens and teens have acne, along with many adults. |
| www.kidshealth.org |
|
| Acne - treatment and causes of pimples and blackheads |
| What are the causes of acne and which skin treatments are most effective - BUPA health information factsheet. |
| hcd2.bupa.co.uk |
|
| Natural Acne Treatment Information |
| Acne and Diet · The Risks and Side Effects of Prescription Acne Medications ... This is a great jumping off point for natural acne treatments. ... |
| www.absoluteacneinfo.com |
|
| ASG www.stopspots.org ! | Index Acne, Pimples, Blackheads, Zits ... |
| Information and support on acne, including top ten tips, beauty tips and problems. |
| www.stopspots.org |
|
| Acne.net - Acne & Skin Treatment Resource |
| Introduction to several forms of acne and some available treatments, by a dermatologist and medical school professor. |
| www.acne.net |
|
| Acne.com - Acne Treatment Information |
| Acne.com - Acne Treatment Information. Your source for Acne information on the web. Learn more about what causes acne and how you can fight acne. |
| www.acne.com |
|
| Acne – Complete medical information regarding acne and its ... |
| Complete medical explanation produced by doctors regarding acne, its causes, myths of causes, treatment on your own, and treatment by doctors. |
| www.medicinenet.com |
|
| AAD - Acne |
| Acne is a skin condition which has plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pimples (pustules), and deeper lumps (nodules). |
| www.aad.org |
|
|