Tips for Memory Improvement Using Essential Oils of Aromatherapy

The Essential Oils of Aromatherapy can assist in developing and maintaining a good memory. Although it is convenient to use these essential oils at home they can also be used at work; in the office for instance, to assist in cultivating a better memory. At home this will facilitate undertaking tasks such as looking after the children, whilst at work; a good memory is essential to the multitasking that is frequently expected, especially for those who have promotion in mind.

Your memory is a vital function that needs to be cared for as a valuable asset. Your short term memory assists with the myriad of routine tasks that you almost take for granted, whereas your long term memory stores information which may not be used as frequently, but is there when you want it. Without these memory attributes you would not be the efficient operator your boss expects you to be. After all he is the one who pays the wages, and influences promotions!

Using Essential Oils of Aromatherapy at home can assist you to relax after the stresses of the working day. They also help in promoting the healing benefits of a good night's sleep, which will help you to wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy the next working day.

Rosemary and Sage essential oils will help you to relax and facilitate a receptive memory. Furthermore, they will help you sleep soundly which promotes long and short term memory development. Whether your requirements are to have better memory at home, or at work, these essential oils will assist and you will be pleased with the advantages of aromatherapy.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a stimulating essential oil that helps you to focus the mind and maintain persistent attention for better information retrieval. Burning Rosemary at home or work can revitalize tired muscles, and help soothe the stresses of a hard day's work. This stimulates the ability to think clearly. The most popular way that the oils are administered, at least in the USA, is using an Aromatherapy Massage. Use chosen blends or a single oil with the right choice of carrier.

Rosemary and Sage

It has been reported that Psychologists at the University of Northumbria tested essential oils from Rosemary on memory attention and mood and discovered it made volunteers feel more alert and improved their long-term memory by around 15 per cent.

Essential oils made from Rosemary and Sage can stimulate the memory, strengthen clarity and awareness, and offset mental fatigue.Other studies have established that volunteers' ability to remember lists of words improved after they had taken a capsule of sage oil.

Ayurvedic Healing: The Healing Power of Eucalyptus Oil

Ayurveda is the world's oldest system of medicine and healing, dating back some 5000 years, yet it's principles continue to be valid and applicable in our modern world, to create holistic and natural healing.

In Ayurveda, essential oils are blended for their therapeutic properties based on each individuals needs and body type. You are born with your own unique individual constitution, called a 'dosha" in ayurvedic terminology.

We like to use specific oils for each of the three different doshas... Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Eucalyptus oil is especially beneficial to kapha types because it is stimulating, pungent, warming, and helps to clear mucous and moisture from the body, a common imbalance for Kapha types.

Yet, it is also beneficial in small amounts for vata and Pita types.

Here are seven of my favorite uses and recommendations for Eucalyptus oil.

1. For nasal congestion: Place 2-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of steaming water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply. Instant relief.

2. Place 10-20 drops in a diffuser or your humidifier in your bedroom or kid's room to reduce congestion and promote clear breathing and a good night's sleep.

3. For a luxurious spa-bath at home add 12 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1/2 cup of dead sea salts and fill tub with hot water. Relax and enjoy!

4. At work or in your home office when you need to think clearly and focus, add 20 drops of oil to a 5 ounce spray bottle and spritz in your work area to clear the air and your head.

5. For chest congestion, add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil to an ounce of sesame or grapeseed oil and rub on your chest. cover with a towel or cloth. Lay down for 30 minutes covered with a blanket.

6. If you are like many kapha types who have a hard time waking up in the morning, place 3-4 drops of essential oil on the shower floor before you get in, for a refreshing, invigorating shower.

7. For tired, stiff, achey muscles add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to 2 ounces of massage oil or lotion. Apply to affected areas to relieve tension and increase blood flow to the area.

I have used these applications in my home and with our clients in the healing center and have gotten wonderful results.

Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and respond very well when given the opportunity to work with the raw, pure materials that mother nature offers us. In the long run, the body remains healthiest when we work to take advantage of the most natural medicines rather than overloading the liver and tissues with pharmaceutical drugs that contain toxic residues and side effects.

Inhibitory Effect on the Growth of Candida Albicans by Anthemis Nobilis

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment is to determine is Anthemis nobilis, Roman chamomile, will effect the growth of Candida albicans in the human body, candidiasis.

Abstract

Candidiasis is a common overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the human body. This overgrowth can occur due to a poor diet consisting of refined sugar and processed foods, high stress, and minimal exercise. Yeast is part of the human body's normal micro flora however, if left to overgrow will compete with probiotics needed for proper immune, digestive, and integument functions. Anthemis nobilis, Roman chamomile has antibacterial properties due to its high ester content. My hypothesis is that Roman chamomile will inhibit the growth of C. albicans. I will design an experiment to be performed in a controlled microbiological laboratory, execute the method, and determine if my hypothesis is correct based on results obtained.

History

Ancient Egyptians were aware of the benefits of chamomile and this herb was used traditionally throughout the Roman Empire. In the book, Peter Rabbit, it is said that he drank the tea of chamomile to soothe himself after he ate too much out of Mr. McGregor's garden. The word chamomile comes from the Greek word, Chamomaela meaning "ground apple". Romans used this flower to flavor incense and beverages. Rome gave its name Roman chamomile due to the plant collector who happened to find some growing in the Roman Coliseum. In the Middle Ages it was used as a "strewing" herb to improve the atmosphere at gatherings and festivals. At these times it was also used as the bittering agent in beer-making.

Cultivation

Also know as English chamomile, Roman chamomile is a perennial with feathery fern-like leaves and daisy-like flowers. It is part of the Asteraceae family and is predominately composed of aliphatic esters. It is native to Western Europe and today is cultivated in England, Belgium, France and Hungary. The flowering tops are used to distill the fine, sweet-smelling essential oil. It prefers cooler climates and not too much direct sunlight. The essential oil is pale-yellow and does not leave a stain on the blotter. Its scent is sweet, tea-like, middle-note, and has a strong herbaceous flavor.

Therapeutic Uses

Roman chamomile is known to be an analgesic, anti convulsant, anti depressant, anti inflammatory, anti neuralgic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiallergenic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, tonic, and ant parasitic.

The physical benefits of chamomile are: asthma, allergies, headache (migraine), acne and boils, dermatitis, arthritis, inflammations, burn, blisters, wounds, ulcers, broken capillaries, herpes, psoriasis, gastritis, colitis, teething/toothache, PMS, and menopause.

The psycho-emotional benefits of chamomile are: stress, nervous tension, insomnia, anxiety, anger, irritability, fears and worries. The high ester content is associated with its antispasmodic, sedative properties as well as when used topically to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Contraindications

Chamomile should be avoided during first trimester of pregnancy. One must avoid long-term use with estrogen dependent cancer. Chamomile is gentle enough for young children and is safe to use to help with anxiety, teething, and dermatitis for infants.

Roman chamomile essential oil has been reported to be non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. This herb is not be used if allergies to the Asteraceae family exist.

Candida albicans

Introduction

Candida albicans is a diploid fungus (a type of yeast). It is part of the normal human mouth, vaginal, and gut flora and is partly responsible for proper digestive function. When C. albicans has a chance to over grow in the body it can be the main cause of numerous host ailments such as oral and/or vaginal thrush, skin disorders including eczema, itching, flaking skin especially on feet and heels, depression, exhaustion, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, a weakened immune system, and many more. To infect host tissue, the usual unicellular yeast-like form of C. albicans reacts to environmental cues and switches into an invasive, multicellular filamentous forms. These cues are most commonly a poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress in the individual. C. albicans lives in about 80% of the population without harmful effects. It reproduces by budding and is typically 10-12 μm in diameter.

Candidiasis

The infection known as candidiasis is due to the overgrowth of C. albicans in the body. This infection can travel through the blood thus causing many symptoms that vary from person to person. If this condition persists, it can cause depression, loss of memory, PMS, fungal infections such as athlete's foot and tinnea. It can also cause food intolerances, which can result in abdominal distension, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. There are predisposing risk factors for these conditions such as altered bowel flora, prolonged antibiotic use, low digestive secretions, poor diet, and high stress.

Candida Cleanse

Ways in which to eliminate the over growth of C. albicans in the body is to make sure one has proper digestion. The most important key here is to ensure that waste does not stay long inside the colon. Taking a multivitamin and probiotic supplement are also excellent ways to help support the healthy gut bacteria and keep the growth of C. albicans down. Aromatherapy is a wonderful and non-invasive way to help eliminate the overgrowth of C. albicans in the body. Essential oils with anti microbial properties such as Melaleuca alternifolia, Australian Tea Tree, Lavendula angustifolia, Lavender or Rosmarinus officianlis, Rosemary are all excellent oils to help alleviate yeast. In addition to aromatherapy and supplementation, proper nutrition is vital to help eliminate yeast. Avoid all yeast-containing foods, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products.

Experiment involving the effect on growth of Candida albicans by Anthemis nobilis

Experimental Outline

This experiment was designed to determine what effect, if any, R. chamomile essential oil had on the growth of C. albicans. This experiment took place in a controlled laboratory setting by a qualified Quality Control microbiologist.

Materials:

1.) Sarboaurd Dextrose Agar (SDA) plated media
2.) C. albicans, ATCC # 10231
3.) Rehydrating fluid 2mL
4.) Calibrated incubator 20-25°C
5.) Micro pipettor and sterile micro pipette tips
6.) Sterile spreader
7.) Anthemis nobilis essential oil
8.) Calibrated incubator 36°C
9.) Digital camera with USB cable

Procedure:

1.) Drop two (2) lyophilized pellet of C. albicans into 2mL hyrdating fluid.
2.) Allow fluid containing pellets to incubate at 36° C for no less than 30 minutes.
3.) Administer 0.1mL using micropipettor and sterile pipette tips of reconstituted C. albicans onto duplicate SDA plates.
4.) Pour 2 drops of R. chamomile essential oil onto both plates.
5.) Spread contents evenly onto both plates using sterile spreader.
6.) Inoculate a third SDA plate with only 0.1mL C. albicans. This will serve as positive control.
7.) Incubate at 20-25°C for 3-5 days.
8.) Examine plates after 3-5 days of incubation and take pictures of growth, if any.

Hypothesis:

Roman chamomile will inhibit the growth of yeast (C. albicans) in vitro. Chamomile contains high ester content and is found to be a strong anti microbial.

Results:

After 5 days of incubation the three (3) plates were examined. The positive control had growth of 58 colony forming units (CFUs). The two (2) plates containing R. chamomile essential oil had no growth. All 3 plates were inoculated with 10-100 CFU of C. albicans. The first 2 plates also contained 2 drops of R. chamomile e.o.

Discussion:

Based on the result of this experiment it is safe to say the R. chamomile essential oil completely inhibits the growth of C. albicans. The plates that were inoculated with both the e.o. and the yeast showed no growth (0 CFU). The positive control plate that contained only the yeast had growth of approximately 58 CFUs.

Based on this experiment I would recommend R. chamomile as an effective treatment of yeast over growth, candidiasis, in the human body. In vitro the e.o. demonstrated powerful antifungal capabilities by completely inhibiting the growth of yeast. Due to its gentleness R. chamomile would make an effective and noninvasive treatment for yeast in the body.

Modern Day Use of Roman Chamomile

As our modern day lifestyles continue to become more hectic and stressful as we try to incorporate too much into schedules and connect less with nature, aromatherapy will become more mainstream once again. Today's use of R. chamomile can range from a tea and used to treat digestive disorders such as gas, bloating, constipation, or as a sleep aid all the way to skin care products such as eye creams to help reduce inflammation, puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. As essential oils continue to gain in popularity we will see the use of chamomile become more prevalent to help treat anxiety, hypertension, candidiasis, dermatitis, insomnia, worries, fear, and much more.

Recipes

Chamomile Tea

1 tsp of dried R. chamomile flowers
1 cup of boiling water
tea ball

Add the flowers to tea ball and immerse in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Remove flowers from water and enjoy.

Chamomile Ice Cream

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoon powdered chamomile flowers

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup light cream

Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring, until the sugar melts, and simmer the syrup for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of the syrup with the powdered chamomile, then add that mixture to the syrup in the saucepan, and stir until evenly mixed. Add the light cream and heavy cream, pour into an ice cream freezer, and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

Chamomile -Vanilla Bread

2 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups of ground chamomile flowers
2/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons baking soda
Pinch salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon

METHOD
1 Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the chamomile and then the melted butter. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour, a third at a time. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg and mix.
2 Divide the batter equally between 2 buttered 5 by 9 inch loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour (check for doneness at 50 minutes) or until a wooden pick inserted in to the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks to cool thoroughly.
Makes 2 loaves.

Diaper Rash Formula

4 Tbsp. of Sweet Almond Oil
1 Tbsp. of Beeswax
2 Tbsp. of Cocoa Butter
1 Tbsp. of Lanolin
4 drops of Lavender
4 drops of Chamomile
2 drops of Geranium

Over double boiler combine all ingredients except for essential oils. Once beeswax melts entirely remove from heat and stir. Add essential oils and stir. Pour into container and allow to cool. Allow the ointment to settle for one day. Apply to infected area 3 times a day.

**Can add these essential oils to a Calendula gel base to create a wonderful baby eczema gel. Apply over infected areas twice a day. Use only 3d chamomile, 4d lavender, 3d geranium into 1.5oz gel to create a safe 1% dilution.**

Baby Diaper Powder

½ c of dried chamomile flowers
½ c of dried lavender flowers
½ c of dried calendula flowers
4 c of pure cornstarch
4 drops of R. chamomile essential oil

Mix all ingredients together in plastic ziplock bag. Allow mixture to dry for approximately 2-3 days. Once dry pour into container with holes. Apply during each diaper change.

Essential Oils for Anxiety

Anxiety is a common disorder that is often hard to treat. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, some more than others. The condition is triggered by different things depending on the person. Medication is not always the best treatment for anxiety because it can produce some undesirable side effects. So, how else can you treat anxiety? With essential oils, of course! There are several oils that can be used to treat and prevent anxiety, including bergamot, cedarwood and lavender. Better yet, some oils can be combined for optimal effects.

The following essential oils for anxiety are noted for their importance in proper meditation and anxiety reduction. It is recommended to use them together for an all-natural solution to combating anxiety.

• Bergamot Oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent. The aroma has the ability to lift you spiritually and rids your mind of negative thoughts. It keeps your emotional health balanced and can even help you feel focused. Bergamot is also known to be an anti-depressant.

• Cedarwood Oil has a soothing aroma, so it helps reduce stress from your body and mind. It has strong relaxing benefits and can help problems with insomnia.

• Lavender Oil is rejuvenating because of its flowery scent. It has the power to decrease anxiety and release tension from your body.

Now that you know which essential oils for anxiety to use, how exactly do you use them? Follow the instructions below.

1) Drop a few drops of your chosen essential oils into a warm bath while you soak for about 15 minutes. Feel the anxiety disappear!

2) Add a few drops to a carrier oil and use as a massage oil. It's best if the oils are used on you-that is how aromatherapy works best.

3) Dribble a few drops onto a cotton ball, close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

4) Place a drop of oils into a hot bowl of water. Stick your head close to the bowl and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

5 Essential Oils for Wrinkles

If you're looking for a pure, all-natural product to restore your young looking skin, essential oils for wrinkles might be right for you. Natural essential oils extracted from plants are often used as ingredients in anti-aging and other skin products. Some oils are more effective in treating wrinkles than others, but trial-and-error is the best way to determine what works for you. A primary advantage of all the oils listed below is that they can deliver nutrients to the skin without clogging pores.

1. Sandalwood Oil softens dry skin and can be used a moisturizer to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes the formation of new skin cells, gives skin a smoother look, and can increase compounds in the body that increase skin thickness and elasticity-all of these properties work together to reduce wrinkles.

2. Myrrh Oil is an antibacterial and antifungal oil that can be used topically or as a massage oil to smooth out wrinkles. Using this oil will repair and prevent further skin damage due to its antioxidant content.

3. Clary Sage Oil is best used to remove fine lines and wrinkles, especially when used in combination with skin moisturizers. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helps to tighten pores and make the skin more firm.

4. Geranium Oil can be used for almost any skin type, whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. It works to increase blood circulation, skin elasticity and retaining moisture in the skin. It can be added to skin moisturizers and toners.

5. Grape Seed Oil has antioxidant properties which help to fight free radicals that cause damage to your skin. They help repair damage to the skin caused by free radicals. It is an extract that is rich in vitamin E, which can slow the aging process of your skin. Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants contained in this oil, which protects that body from free radicals that become more common in the body as you age.

All of these essential oils for wrinkles have their unique properties that will help improve your skin, especially wrinkles! Although wrinkles are part of the natural aging process, they are tough to deal with as everyone will miss their young looking skin. Using essential oils, diluted with a carrier oil, will help reduce them or diminish their appearance while also providing your body with other health benefits.

Essential Oils Starter Kit

If you're new to essential oils and aromatherapy, you can start your home or professional practice slowly; that way you can get used to how to use and blend the oils and begin to use them more frequently for health, therapeutic and household purposes. There are a few different oils that are considered "starter oils" due to their versatility and ease of use. The below oils should definitely be in your essential oils starter kit!

Lavender Oil is said to be the most versatile of all essential oils. It works as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, natural sedative and a top antiseptic. It is helpful for several skin conditions and is well-known for its relaxing effects. A few drops of lavender oil can be blended with any carrier oil and used on the skin, in a bath or around the house.

Peppermint Oil is known for its strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. It is highly regarded for soothing digestive and improving gastric issues. A drop of peppermint oil can be added to your tea or combined with a carrier oil and used on the skin or added to a bath.

Lemon Oil has antiseptic like properties and contains substances that help improve immune system function. It has been said to improve vision and acts as a skin cleanser. Add a drop to a carrier oil and massage onto the face or hands.

Eucalyptus Oil is helpful for sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, sore throat and mouth infections. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to some bath salts and soak a virus way. You can also combine with a carrier oil and massage the bottom of your feet for quick anti-bacterial protection.

Tea Tree Oil has countless healing characteristics, including anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It is helpful for the skin, digestive system and several other health issues. Ever have a problem with pimples? A drop of neat tea tree oil applied to a pimple will do amazing wonders!

Rosemary Oil can be used for hair care, as a mouth rinse and as a natural pain reliever. Again, a few drops added to a carrier oil, shampoo or tea is a great way to use this essential oil.

As you can see, there are several very versatile essential oils that have amazing health benefits. All of the ones listed here would be great additions to an essential oils starter kit, but there is a long list of others that are also good for beginners. Don't forget to learn the proper amounts to use and how to dilute them with a carrier oil so you don't irritate your skin.

Ways to Utilize Essential Oils - Aromatherapy for Skin and Body

Many people are looking for a natural alternative way to heal the body from illness or from a health condition. Aromatherapy is ideal because it is non invasive and overtime may work to the source of the problem. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are oils that has been extracted from herbs, flowers or tree barks using steam distillation, resulting in pure oils that is highly concentrated. If used correctly, the application of these essential oils can benefit the skin and body. Each has its certain characteristics that can have an effect on a particular condition.

How can we use essential oils? The term "aromatherapy" refers to the use of the vapor of the oils that we inhale. However, there are many uses of these oils to enhance their benefits. Some good method to get the most out of aromatherapy on the body are:

Bathing

One of the easiest way and the most enjoyable in using essential oils are when you take your baths! Simply add 5-6 drops each of your favorite essential oils to your warm bath water. Good oils to try for relaxation are Lavender, Chamomile, Mandarin, and Bergamot. It is a good idea to add 2-3 different kinds of oils as they will enhance each other's properties.

Massage

One of the most widely used method of aromatherapy, massage can benefit the body in two ways, through increasing blood circulation and by inhaling the scents of the oil. By increasing blood circulation, massage can neutralize toxins and release energy trapped in stiff muscles. Inhaling the aroma of the oils can stimulate the senses resulting in relaxation.

The absorption of essential oils through massage is relatively high; therefore, it has to be mixed with a carrier oil which also makes it more spreadable. Ideal carrier oils for massages are light botanical oils such as Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Grapeseed oil or a mixture. Mix 10 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil. Ideal oils for massages are Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Lavender.

Compress

Warm or Cold Compress are used to relieve swelling, pain, or to reduce fever. Adding essential oils in these compress will help accelerate healing.

Warm Compress

Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Soak a small towel in the water, then wring it out and place it on the problem area of the body. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, occasionally re-soaking the towel. Preferred oils to reduce pain and inflammation are Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage and Bergamot.

Cold Compress

Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to a large bowl filled with water and 6 ice cubes. Soak a hand towel in the water, wring it out and place it on the sore area. Cold compresses are ideal for burns, blisters or sores on foot, muscle pain and headache. Good oils to try are Sweet Birch, Marjoram, Lavender and Clary Sage.

Steaming

Used frequently by spas in facials, steaming does wonder for face because it opens up the pores to ease the absorption and clears up impurities. It can be done easily at home as well. Simply fill the wash basin with steaming hot water, and add 2-3 drops of of essential oils. Inhale the vapor for about 5 minutes or so before rinsing it off with warm water. Rose and Palmarosa are good for mature skin, while citrus oils are suitable for oily skin. Chamomile is calming for sensitive skin.