9 Essential Oils with Huge Health Benefits

Peppermint
The bright scent of peppermint does more than freshen your breath: It is also used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, help stop itching, and cool overworked muscles (thanks to the menthol).Add drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam to fight congestion, or rub diluted oil into sore muscles. And that’s not all: Peppermint is a key ingredient in oil mixtures that fight PMS, act as an all-natural alternative to VapoRub, cool sore throats, and quiet headaches — and it’s often credited with increasing concentration, so ideal for a mid-afternoon alternative to coffee pick-me-up.

Lavender
For Anita Boen, who runs an organic farm that provides herbs and oils to upscale spas, lavender is a go-to oil for almost any situation: Not only is it one of the few oils that is gentle enough to use undiluted, it’s a “virtual first aid kit in a bottle.”The antibacterial properties allow it to fight germs (which is why it’s also such an important ingredient in many all-natural cleaning products for home and body), and, like peppermint, it’s often credited with aiding digestion and helping fight headaches.

Lavender oil’s soft scent is said to help calm the nervous system, improve sleep quality, combat joint pain, and fight everything from urinary disorders and respiratory problems to high blood pressure and acne.

Sesame
Sesame oil may be best known for its moisturizing qualities, which make it a favorite ingredient for hair and skin treatments.But the health benefits go beyond beauty: Sesame oil has a slight SPF factor, contains fatty acids believed to lower stress and blood pressure, and has been shown to help slow the growth of cancer in cells.

Rose
This rose by any name will smell as sweet: Look for it labeled as Rose Otto, rose oil, or rose essential oil, and choose oils produced in Bulgaria and Turkey for the highest quality. These slightly-distilled oils won’t have the strong scents of oils used for perfumes, but they are more popular with aromatherapists. Nature’s Gift calls rose oil “the ultimate woman’s oil,” because it has a reputation for improving hormone balance, treating PMS and menopause, counteracting problems in the bedroom, and improving the look and health of your skin.

Geranium
Planet Green suggests including geranium oil as an ingredient in a PMS-fighting solution, but it’s also well-known for its astringent properties — which allow it to refresh skin — and its styptic aspects, which calm inflammations and stop hemorrhaging.You can also use geranium oil to treat acne, and oily skin, boost circulation, and decrease bloating. The oil can reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, get rid of body odor, and contract blood vessels to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Pine
The sharp tang of pine oil may call up Christmas trees and rugged aftershaves, but this tree’s needles also offer antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic properties that make it a favorite of holistic health experts.Pine oil is said to help treat skin issues — including psoriasis, eczema, and pimples; speed up metabolism; act as an antidote to food poisoning; ease joint pain and arthritis; kill germs; and battle respiratory problems that go along with cough and cold season.

Clove
Spicy clove oil is one of the main ingredients in Tiger Balm, an all-natural remedy said to temper hangover headaches — but holistic health practitioners find other uses for it, too.It’s a popular choice for dental issues, including tooth and gum pain, and some sites recommend using it for bad breath (although whether you’d rather have your breath smell like cloves is up to you).

Clove oil is also antiseptic, so diluted versions can treat bug bites, cuts, and scrapes; other suggested treatments help clear up earaches, digestion problems, nasal congestion, stomachaches, and headaches. As an added bonus, it’s an aphrodisiac — and therefore a popular form of stress relief.

Black Pepper
It might not be as sweet-smelling as the more floral entries on this list, but black pepper oil still has its place in your natural health arsenal.Pepper had its day as one of the world’s most valuable spices, in part because of its healing properties, which include aiding digestion, undoing cramps and convulsions, warming muscles to ease joint pain and arthritis, and curing bacterial infections.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm essential oil, also known as Melissa essential oil after the plant’s Latin name, Melissa officinalis, doesn’t look like much, but it has plenty of benefits. It’s an antidepressant, it keeps your nervous system working smoothly, it calms anxiety and inflammation, it counteracts insomnia, it heals ulcers, it fights bacterial infections, and has been credited with treating herpes, headaches, and high blood pressure.

From Care 2 Make a Difference http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-essential-oils-with-huge-health-benefits.html

Health Risks Of Poor Oral Health

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colourless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, such as respiratory disease. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.

There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Studies are also examining whether pregnant women with poor oral health may be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight (PLBW) babies than women with good oral health. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioural difficulties and are at a higher risk of infant death. Even though this research is ongoing, it is still important for pregnant women to take care of their gums and teeth.

From Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/life-vie/dent-eng.php

Low Carbon Diet

From http://youtube.com/

Ayurveda & Doshas

Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old “Science of Life” from India. It is the art of living in harmony with nature. Ayurveda gives us tools for living that we can apply to every aspect of our lives. We start by knowing our dosha, or Ayurveda mind & body type. Once you know your dosha, or Ayurveda mind & body type, you’ll know so much more about yourself! And isn’t that what life is all about? Self knowledge, self discovery. Whether you are a Vata, a Pitta or a Kapha, you will find valuable information about diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations. You can use your newfound knowledge to improve your relationships, your parenting skills, and to help find your best career path.

To find out your dominant dosha, take the Dosha Quiz - http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/quiz/

VATA

Vata-type people are generally thin and find it hard to gain weight. Because of this, Vatas have very little energy reserve and can tire easily and get themselves out of balance. Vatas need to get sufficient rest and not overdo things, stay warm, and keep a regular lifestyle routine.

The Vata dosha controls all movement in the body, including breathing, digestion, and nerve impulses from the brain. When Vata is out of balance, anxiety and other nervous disorders may be present. Digestive problems, constipation, cramps, and even premenstrual pain usually are attributed to a Vata imbalance.

The most important thing to know about Vata is that it leads the other doshas. Vata usually goes out of balance first, which causes the early stages of disease. More than half of all illnesses are Vata disorders. Balancing Vata is important for everyone, because when Vata is in balance, Pitta and Kapha are generally in balance as well.

PITTA

Pitta-type people are generally of medium size and well proportioned. They have a medium amount of physical energy and stamina. They also tend to be intelligent and have a sharp wit and a good ability to concentrate. Fire is a characteristic of Pitta, whether it shows up as fiery red hair or a short temper. Since Pittas' body temperature is generally warm, Pitta types can go out of balance with overexposure to the sun. Their eyes are sensitive to light. They are ambitious by nature but also can be demanding and abrasive.

Pitta types are known for their strong digestion but should be careful not to abuse it. Their heat makes them particularly thirsty, and they should take caution not to douse their agni, or digestive fire, with too much liquid during meals. Pitta dosha leads us to crave moderation and purity. We rely on Pitta to regulate our intake of food, water, and air. Any toxins, such as alcohol or tobacco, show up as a Pitta imbalance. Toxic emotions such as jealousy, intolerance, and hatred also should be avoided to keep Pitta in balance for optimum health.

KAPHA
 
Kapha-type people tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, providing a good reserve of physical strength and stamina. This strength gives Kaphas a natural resistance to disease and a generally positive outlook about life. The Kapha dosha is slow, and Kapha types tend to be slow eaters with slow digestion. They also speak slowly. They are calm and affectionate but, when out of balance, can become stubborn and lazy. They learn slowly, with a methodical approach, but also retain information well with a good understanding of it.

Kapha dosha controls the moist tissues of the body, so a Kapha imbalance may show up as a cold, allergies, or asthma. This is worse in Kapha season, March through June. Cold and wet weather aggravates Kapha. They should not dwell in the past or resist change. They need lots of exercise and need to be careful not to overeat. Kaphas need stimulation to bring out their vitality. Kapha dosha teaches us steadiness and a sense of well-being.

From What's Your Dosha? http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/

Spice It Up!

EUROPEAN HERB & SPICE MIXES

Greek Seasoning
2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon beef-flavored bouillon granules, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Italian Seasoning 
Equal parts basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme

Herbes de Provence
Combine four parts thyme plus four parts summer savory, two parts lavender, and one part rosemary

ASIAN HERB & SPICE MIXES

Chinese Five-Spice Powder
Combine equal parts Szechwan (or black) pepper, star anise (or anise), cinnamon, cloves, and fennel, all ground


Hunan Blended Spices
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon ground Szechwan peppercorns or lemon pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon dried cilantro, 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 tablespoon mustard seed

Gomashio (sesame salt)
Toast 1 cup sesame seeds, grind with a mortar and pestle, then add 1/4 cup salt

Shichimi Togarashi
Combine equal parts szechuan peppercorns, sesame seed, hemp seed, poppy seed, dried orange peel, crushed roasted nori, and crushed dried hot chile peppers

INDIAN HERB & SPICE MIXES

Garam Masala (Indian sweet spice mix)
2 parts ground cardamom + 5 parts ground coriander + 4 parts ground cumin + 2 parts ground black pepper + 1 part ground cloves + 1 part ground cinnamon + 1 part ground nutmeg

Curry Powder
Combine equal parts ground coriander, ground cumin, ground pepper, turmeric, and ground ginger OR
4 parts ground coriander + 2 parts ground cumin + 2 parts ground tumeric + 1 part ground ginger

Chat Masala
Roast in a pan one tablespoon coriander seeds and two tablespoons cumin seeds, then grind them along with two tablespoons black peppercorns, one tablespoon crushed dried red chile peppers, one tablespoon amchoor powder, and one tablespoon salt

HISPANIC HERB & SPICE MIXES

Taco Seasoning
To make enough for 1 pound of beef, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon each pepper, cumin, and oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper

Menudo Spices
Combine two parts oregano, two parts onion flakes, one part coriander seed, one part cumin, and one part crushed red chili pepper.

MIDDLE EASTERN HERB & SPICE MIXES

Hawaij
5 teaspoons ground black pepper, 5 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons ground cardamom seeds,
3 teaspoons ground tumeric, 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds

Zaatar
1 cup sumac, 2 cups roasted ground sesame seeds, 1/2 cup dried ground thyme, 2 tablespoons dried leaf oregano, 2 tablespoons dried leaf marjoram, 2 tablespoons dried leaf savory, 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste (optional)

From The Cook's Thesaurus: http://www.foodsubs.com/Spicemix.html