Aromatherapy Top 10 – Peppermint

May 24th, 2013

This week’s blog is features the epitome of refreshment – Peppermint! This is the second installment of our 10 part series of “Aromatherapy Top 10” and I hope you enjoy it!.

Peppermint – “The World’s Oldest Medicine”

Peppermint comes from a Latin word “mente” meaning “thought” and is known to help us concentrate! According to Greek mythology, Pluto’s wife Persephone crushed the nymph Mentha into dust after learning that Pluto had affections for her. Subsequently, Pluto changed her remains into a peppermint plant so she could be enjoyed and appreciated for many years to come!

Use of peppermint has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back from 1000 B.C. Peppermint not only has a multitude of proven therapeutic benefits but is also helpful around the home for organic pest control. In the early 1900’s peppermint oil soaked rags were used to catch rats. The strong scent of the oil, combined with ferrets to chase the rodents, lured rats into cloth bags so they could be removed from homes and businesses. These days it is also used in construction and plumbing to test for the tightness of pipes and disclose leaks by its odor.

Peppermint essential oil is Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS). It is approved by the FDA for use as a Food Additive (FA). Do not use peppermint oil near your eyes or open cuts. . If irritation does occur, don’t use water as it will worsen the symptoms, use a pure vegetable oil on location instead. Peppermint oil should not be used on children younger than 6 years of age and should be avoided if a person has high blood pressure. Peppermint may cause skin irritation for some; in those cases dilution is recommended. Please carefully read the ”warning” section below before using Peppermint essential oil.

The Research Says
• Inhaling peppermint essential oil helps trigger a sense of fullness, as shown in a study by Alan Hirsch, MD.
• A Kiel University study found that 10% of the peppermint oil in ethanol had the same result as taking a 1000 mg dose of paracetamol. Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic to combat tension headaches, pain and to reduce fevers.
• Dr. William N. Dember from the University of Cincinnati, studied the mental accuracy of students when inhaling peppermint oil. The results showed that mental accuracy increased by 28 percent.
• Jean Valnet, M.D., studied peppermint’s healing effect on the liver and respiratory systems.
Helpful Usage Tips
• Inhale the fragrance of peppermint essential oil 5 – 10 times per day to curb the appetite and lessen the impulse to overeat.
• Add a drop of Peppermint essential oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.
• Keep Peppermint oil in the car on your commute to stay alert. Add a few drops to a napkin, and place in the a/c vent.
• Diffuse Peppermint essential oil in the room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy and inhale Peppermint oil while taking a test to improve recall.
• Placing 15 – 20 drops on your a/c filter in the morning is a pleasant way to help you wake up and keep your home smelling fresh.
.Around The Home
• Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides. To deter rats, mice, ants or cockroaches, place two drops of Peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and place along the path or point of entry for these pests.
• Remove ticks by applying a drop of Peppermint essential oil on a cotton swab and swabbing the tick. Wait for it to unhinge its head and remove from your pet.
• Mix Peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil such as Almond or Olive Oil in a footbath to relieve sore feet. Keep water agitated while soaking feet.
• To kill aphids add 4-5 drops of Peppermint essential oil to 4 ounces of water and spray the plants.

Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of peppermint oil are: analgesic, anesthetic, antiseptic, antigalactagogue, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, decongestant, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor and vermifuge. Peppermint oil can assist in nervous disorders and is dramatically effective in stimulating the mind and focusing concentration, for treating the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and for some skin problems

Warning
Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritant in low dilutions, but sensitization may be a problem due to the menthol content. It can cause irritation to the skin and mucus membranes and should be kept well away from the eyes. It should be avoided during pregnancy and should not be used on children under six. If you are currently under a doctor’s care or pregnant, consult your physician prior to use. Avoid contact with eyes, mucus membranes, or sensitive skin areas. Do not apply neat to a fresh wound or burn.

Certain oils can be very toxic to cats. Pine and citrus products and oils in particular those that are not of therapeutic grade. Please consult your vet if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your pet.

Peppermint oil blends well with
Although most essential oils blend well with one another, peppermint oil blends particularly well with benzoin, eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, lemon and rosemary.


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Aromatherapy Top 10 – Lavender

May 17th, 2013

Clients frequently ask us about which essential oils to use and the best way to use them. There is so much information available on essential oils that it can become a little overwhelming at first. We’re creating our “Top 10” most useful oils as an easy starting point just for you. Each essential oil is unique, interesting and special in its own way. Take your time and have fun learning about each one and you will be surprised how many practical uses they have!

Each week we’ll share one of our top 10 oils, covering points like its history, usage and properties. At the end of the series we’ll recap with a summary listing all 10 oils and a brief description. You can use it as a handy reference for most of your aromatherapy needs.

We’ll kick the series off with a must have in every aromatherapy kit – Lavender.

Lavender – The “Universal” Oil
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. The use of lavender has been recorded for more than 2500 years and was historically used in perfumes, insect repellants and in the mummification process where the dead were wrapped in lavender-dipped shrouds. In Roman times lavender flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound – the equivalent to a full month’s wage for a farm laborer at the time. In Medieval and Renaissance times, Lavender was used to ward off the Black Plague. These days we know that the Plague was spread by fleas and since Lavender is a known insect repellant it may have been an effective for this purpose. “Lavender” is derived from the Latin “lavare”, meaning “to wash” and was also used to cure everything from insomnia and aching backs to insanity.

Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils and no home should be without it. It is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. Its powerful healing abilities when it comes to burns or scalds is well known. More recently, Lavender has also been used in an approved anti-anxiety medication in Germany termed Silexan. Clearly the uses for Lavender are many, here are some times on how to use them on a day to day basis:

Helpful Usage Tips
• Inhale lavender essential oil to soothe and relax the body and mind.
• Make an herbal tea by mixing 2 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 teaspoon of local raw honey and add to warm water.
• Add 4–5 drops of lavender essential oil in a warm bath for relaxation.
• Drop 1–2 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow to aid in a restful night of sleep.
• Drop 15 – 20 drops on your air conditioning filter towards the end of the day to freshen the air, and help to unwind before bedtime.
• Lavender can be applied directly to a burn to drastically help reduce pain, increase healing time and reduce scarring.
• Apply lavendar directly to insect bites and stings to relieve pain.
• Add lavender to your home made washing detergent or insect repellant spray. There are many recipes available online.
• Remember Lavender is known to relax and soothe the body and mind so it is not recommended to use at times when you need to be alert such as driving.

 

Around The Home
The anti-bacterial properties and the sweet smell of lavender oil make it useful, not only for your body, but also for your home.
• Essential Lavender Oil is a great natural remedy for getting rid of moths. Add a few drops to the softener compartment of your clothes washer or to the final rinse of a hand wash. NEVER put away woolen or silk clothes for any length of time once they have been worn. This is the most common way to attract moths. Lavender Oil not only keeps wardrobes free from moths but see how fresh all your laundry smells. Used regularly and your wardrobe and linen cupboard will smell like a dream.
• Add a few drops to a sponge and wipe over kitchen surfaces to deter flies and leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
• Add a few drops onto your polishing cloth and wipe over wooden furniture after polishing. This leaves your rooms smelling fresh and clean for days.

Properties of Lavender Oil
Antifungal, analgesic, antiseptic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, vasodilating, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, vermifuge.

WARNING
Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly night-shade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils should NOT be used under any circumstances:
Bitter Almond, Boldo Leaf, Calamus, Yesllow Camphor, Horesradish, Jaborandi leaf, Mugwort, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sassafras, Savin Southerwood, Tansy, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormseed, Wormwood.

Note about Animals: Certain oils can be very toxic to cats. Citrus products and oils in particular. Please consult your vet if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your pet.

General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a medical doctor r qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you’ve never used before. For very in-depth information on essential oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs.


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Water, Water, Everywhere

May 9th, 2013

Hi guys! I’m Mo and I’ll be guest posting here from time to time. No, I’m not a skin care or massage expert, I’m just a friend of Balanced Skin and Body Therapy. My posts are more about well-being and life in general.

Today’s post – hydration. I know, I know. You’ve heard it all a million times and it’s boring. Be honest. Drinking eight glasses of water a day isn’t nearly as exciting or sexy as the latest health fad, be it some exotic berry or fast. Hydration may not be exciting, but it is essential. Go three to five days without any water and you’ll be really boring since you’ll most likely also be really dead. Our most vital bodily functions – respiration, blood flow, and brain activity – can be negatively impacted by even mild dehydration and more advanced cases require serious medical intervention.

So how do you know if you are dehydrated? For most of us the really dead symptom isn’t likely. Of course thirst can be an indication of dehydration, but there are loads of mundane symptoms that many of us shrug off or put down to some other condition or disease. These are things like:

Ahhh......

Ahhh……

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially upon standing suddenly
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
  • Snack attacks

 

Do you feel like this? Drink some water!

Do you feel like this? Drink some water!

Obviously any of the above symptoms can also be symptoms of serious health issues and if you have any of these chronically or suddenly you should consult a doctor. While there is a direct cause and effect relationship between dehydration and most of the symptoms, others are a little more removed. For example, an allergic reaction is caused by your body’s reaction to some external factor like pollen. Being hydrated can’t change that, but it can help flush potential allergens from your system, keep your sinuses well lubricated, and keep mucus thin which aids in symptom reduction.

We’re all made differently and that means we need different amounts of fluid. The Institute of Medicine suggests that the average, healthy, female adult drink approximately 2.7 liters (91 ounces) while adult males should have on average approximately 3.7 liters (125 ounces daily) of total water daily. Keep in mind that hydration doesn’t just mean water and these suggestions include intake from food. Don’t fool yourself though. Most of us only get about 20% of our daily water from food, so the average woman still needs to drink a little more than 72 ounces of water a day.  Of course being more active, living in a hot and/or humid climate, and certain medications can deplete your fluid resources faster and in these cases you need to up your intake accordingly.

If you’re like me, the simple act of hydrating enough seems almost painful. I have no idea why I’d rather happily do an hour and a half kickboxing class than peacefully sip on water all day, but I find myself having to constantly remind myself to hydrate. There are loads of tricks out there to help you make sure you get enough fluids, but my favorite three are three of the easiest: start early in the day; carry something like a sports bottle with you wherever you go; and, fill it with something tasty.

Most of us wake up a little dehydrated. Starting the morning with a glass of water helps offset that and gets you primed for the day. I find that if I have a warm to hot eight ounces of water with lemon and a dash of cayenne that I crave less coffee and sugar throughout the day. It’s a common detox remedy as well. Step two is to fill something up to have with you all day. A sports bottle is convenient and typically large enough that you only have to refill it a couple of times to get through a day. Some people prefer the opposite approach; using something small and refilling it multiple times. Figure out what works for you and do it.

Fill it up! Drink it up!

Fill it up! Drink it up!

Step three is the tasty part. What you find tasty is up to you. Caffeine is a diuretic, so you do want to be careful not to over indulge in highly caffeinated drinks or alcohol for that matter. There are some great non-caffeinated options out there. Herbal teas, like those from Tea Forte are a great option and you can drink them hot or cold.  Tea itself has a host of benefits. The Tea Forte website has a lot of great information on that and you can always try  out some of their flavors at Balanced Skin and Body Therapy. Juices of course can be good hydrators, but be wary of the sugar and calories lurking inside. The same goes for sports drinks. Most of them are laden with all sorts of things we don’t need. Even the average weekend athlete warrior doesn’t need electrolytes in that concentration and no one needs the sugar and artificial ingredients. If the flavor helps you drink more, you could water it way down. For a healthier alternative consider flavored water.

Personally I don’t care for the commercial bottled flavored waters that are out there. Most of them are full of things like artificial sweeteners and flavors. You can easily make your own flavored waters, including sparkling waters, at home. The easiest way is to just include a dash of your favorite juice, citrus, or extract like cinnamon in your glass of water. Making a pitcher full at a time is more practical though if you want to use herbs and fresh fruit to flavor water. If you like sparkling water, consider getting something like a SodaStream. Once you carbonate the water you can add anything you’d like. There are loads of flavored water recipes out there and Pinterest is full of ideas. One of my favorites for something different to drink is to use frozen blackberries like ice, pour in sparkling water, and then add a squeeze of lime. Try a few out and see what works for you.

As always, use your common sense and moderation in all things. You can actually over-hydrate. It’s an unlikely problem for most of us, but consult your doctor before making changes if you have chronic health issues or concerns.


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Acne 101 and 911

May 2nd, 2013

Probably one of the questions I get asked the most as an esthetician is “Why do I have acne???” While acne is a complex interaction of skin, oil, and bacteria, this  simplified answer will help you get a handle on those break outs and cysts.

The Hair Follicle (where it all happens)

Acne is technically a disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Sounds very dramatic and mysterious, right? It’s not! The pilosebaceous unit is a fancy term for where you’ll find a combination of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and an arrector pili muscle. The sebaceous gland is an oil gland that produces the sebum our bodies need to lubricate the hair and skin. Acne develops within the hair follicles themselves, especially those on the face, upper arms, chest, and upper back. The pimple, blackhead or cyst you see is actually blocking the hair follicle.

The Skin Cells (too many of them!)

In Acneic skin, skin cells produce at an abnormally rapid rate (4x-5x) that of normal skin. Also, Acneic skin is sluggish in shedding skin cells and actually tends to hold on to them. These excess cells stick together and clog up in the follicle and on the surface, effectively plugging the follicle.

The Sebum (oil or sticky goo)

Acneic skin produces sebum (oil) 3 times faster than normal skin and the sebum is much thicker and stickier than normal oil. Not only does the sebum clog the hair follicle itself, excess and dead skin cells stick in it creating a weird facial quicksand that further clogs the hair follicle.

Bacteria (the invader!)

Bacteria lives on sebum and thrives in an environment without oxygen. When the follicle is blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, no oxygen can penetrate and a perfect bacteria habitat is created. Bacteria releases substances that cause irritation, redness, swelling, and pus. How did the bacteria get there? It’s everywhere, on our hands, desks and other surfaces and even on our loved ones! It only results in acne when it has found a nice clogged and sebum filled follicle to move in to.

Help!! What Can Be Done?

The good news is that there are many products and treatments available to help control acne but the challenge is figuring out what works for you. To get through the muddle of products, treatments, and advice, I recommend using good old common sense. You now know that acne is basically caused by too much sticky oil and dead skin cell build up combined with the skin’s inability to correct the situation. So, very simply put, you need to slow the production of oil and get rid of the extra dead skin cells. That can be done with a regimen of products containing specific ingredients that do just that  – without excessively drying out or harming the skin. In addition, being educated on a few small lifestyle changes, correct product usage and a consistent regime can set you on the road to a clear, healthy skin.

Of course facials can be very helpful, but be sure that you discuss your acne with your esthetician before your service. Using the wrong product or technique can actually make your acne worse. I have to confess that helping people with problem skin is one of the things I enjoy most. If you are in the Boca Raton area, come see me for a complimentary skin consultation. We can discuss if facials would be right for you and what you can do at home to make a significant improvement in your skin.


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Travel Spa Review: Oasis Spa, Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

April 20th, 2013
The Hide Away Bungalow

The treatment bungalows have gorgeous uninterrupted ocean views.

I had a great trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica this March. While there I managed to squeeze in a few spa trips! Here is my review on one of them, the Oasis Spa, at the Couples Sans Souci.

Treatment:  50 Minute Bamboo Fusion Massage

Treatment Description:  Heated bamboo rods knead out knots and relax tense muscles.  Combined with the benefits of traditional massage, this treatment counters the effects of stress, tension and lack of rest.  55 Minutes – $130.

Review:

Location, location, location!  The Oasis Spa at Sans Souci in Ocho Rios has all others beat when it comes to location.  The spa room bungalows are nestled in gorgeous tropical foliage on a steep rise overlooking the pristine Caribbean ocean. Each treatment bungalow is open air with uninterrupted ocean views.   Delightful breezes combine perfectly with the acoustics of real time waves breaking below.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Bamboo Fusion Massage from Thelma.  The pressure she was able to achieve using the warmed bamboo was intense and exactly what I needed.  I was surprised how good the bamboo felt working the larger muscle groups like hamstrings, quads and calves.  Even on the upper arm area the bamboo did a great job working the muscle tissue.  The bamboo work was extremely versatile in that it was able to work pretty much the entire body (no stomach).  The warmth from the bamboo was somehow even more soothing and relaxing than that of a hot stone.  The surface of the bamboo was smooth and glided very comfortably on the skin.  Massage oil was used to create an easy glide.

sans-souci-spaPutting the massage aside for a moment, I would say that the setting alone makes having a spa treatment at the Oasis Spa at San Souci is a unique experience in itself.  I have been to many spas around the globe and can honestly say I cannot think of a more naturally pleasing environment than this.  You cannot possibly be more connected to Mother Nature while having a massage at the Oasis.  It’s doesn’t try to mimic sophisticated, glamorous and contemporary urban spas but if you love the ocean, the tropics and nature you will love this experience.  I would highly recommend visiting the Oasis Spa at Sans Souci at least once and would recommend the Bamboo Fusion Massage if you enjoy a deeper pressure style massage with a warming element.  The only down side I could think of is the price ($130 for 55 minutes) but sometimes in life you really do get what you pay for and this was a treat like no other!!

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While receiving your treatment all you will hear is the sound of the waves breaking below.

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This is the view you have while receiving your spa treatment.

 

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Stone pathways lead to the treatment bungalows tucked away in the foliage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Are You Old or Just Inflexible?

April 10th, 2013

Hello everyone! Today’s post is a guest post from Abby Brelage.

How many of you stop reaching for the top shelf of the cabinet or stop bending over to pick something up because it hurts or is uncomfortable? Do you tell yourself that you’re just getting older? I say you’re not getting older, you’re just getting less flexible so keep reaching for the cabinet and keep bending over!

Muscles have memory. Any work, exercise or activity that produces repeated overuse of the same muscles day after day will confine joints within a restricted range of motion and will tend to reduce flexibility. This is true whether you’re working on the computer, sitting or driving for long periods of time, or simply doing any repetitive task. Conversely, the more you restrict your movement, the more you are retraining your muscles to do less and less. All of this makes you more prone to injury, pain, stiffness, and soreness.

Let’s see if I can explain this simply. There is “the belly” of the muscle (the thickest part) is connected to the tendons. The tendons attach to bones. Repeated overuse can make the belly of the muscle tight, decreasing the length of the muscle, thus reducing the flexibility and “give” it needs. This is especially important when making a sudden movement that your muscle is not accustomed to which can cause a tear in any of the muscle fibers. Many times it can even start to tear the muscle away from the attachment site at the bone. The result is usually pain and soreness of the muscles and/or the joints. Think of a rubber band that you repeatedly wrap around a bundle tighter and tighter until it tears with great force. Once it snaps, it flies across to the other side of the room just missing your eye. Well, not exactly, but you get the picture.

Whether you are 90 years old or 18 years old, a flexible body is more efficient and enjoys more range of motion. It is more easily trained to strength and endurance and stays balanced more easily. When you are more flexible, you are less prone to injury and pulled muscles, can recover from workouts more quickly, and will just feel better overall. The only way to gain a more flexible body is to get up and move! Listen, we are all prone to stress that touches our lives daily whether it’s physical, emotional, or environmental. It’s time to get serious about health and come up with a plan to deal with it. Get started with stretching, a simple daily routine that will only take 10 minutes of your time.

Of course there’s a proper way to stretch and a proper amount of time to hold each stretch which I’ll cover in my next post. But for now, try stretching for  10 minutes before going to bed. Whichever stretch you decide to do exhale with each only holding the stretch for two seconds (I bet you’re wondering why two seconds? Stay tuned. I’ll explain it in my next post along with a demonstration, but for now just trust me.) It’s very important not to stretch any further than a “hurt so good” feeling. Hold the stretch and count out loud “1001, 1002” release to the original state and repeat four or five times. I guarantee you’ll feel better and sleep better. Add a little “Zen” music and you’ll be out like a light before you know it.

Better sleep is only one of the advantages. Gentle stretching movements combined with proper breathing can invigorate the respiratory and neuromuscular systems and can calm the central nervous system. The central nervous system is like your “hard-drive”. It stores all of your body’s data and controls all of your bodily functions. Stretching and breathing will also improve the circulatory system increasing blood flood, allowing the body to do what it’s meant to do…heal and stay healthy. Your mood will be uplifted and your ability to make logical decisions and your capacity to think and learn will increase because of the additional amount of oxygen in the blood flowing to your brain.

The next time you have difficulty reaching up for the top shelf or feel a twinge when you bend over, let that inspire you and get up and move!


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The Secret Ingredient to a GREAT Massage – Part V Evening Primrose Oil

March 27th, 2013

Welcome back to the last post in “The Secret to a GREAT Massage” series! Today’s topic is evening primrose oil, an extract of the seed of the evening primrose plant. A native of North America, the oil has been used since the 1930s as a folk remedy for eczema. It is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid associated with human growth and development. One of the most proven benefits of evening primrose oil appears to be its ability to treat dry, scaly, or itchy skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis. In addition, I read that evening primrose oil may also help clear skin allergies, rashes and even prevent pores from becoming clogged. Taken internally in capsule form, the list of ailments that this oil may help with is extensive. As a caution, be aware that this oil may induce labor in pregnant women and may increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding so use caution if you have a bleeding disorder.

I enjoy this oil for its versatility in being able to use it on the body and the face as well as its pleasing, but subtle, aroma. It always leaves my hands feeling soft and silky and in my opinion provides the silkiest glide of all oils.  Evening primrose oil is easily absorbed as far as oils go but does have a limited shelf life so be sure to check the expiration date before using. As with all topical products applied to the skin, always check for contraindications, allergies or sensitivities before applying. Again, remember that it may induce labor in pregnant women.

To recap our series, the choice of medium in a treatment makes a difference for both the therapist and the client. Matching the medium to the client and the treatment can make or break the experience. Keep in mind personal factors like allergies. Those with nut or seed allergies should stay away from nut based oils or sesame oil. If you’re a therapist, always be sure to discuss issues with clients before you start any treatment and suggest what medium might be best. If you are a client, don’t be shy! Ask about the medium being used, let your therapist know about any issues or concerns and don’t be afraid to request a specific medium. Whatever medium you choose, have a GREAT massage!


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The Secret Ingredient to a GREAT Massage – Part IV Castor Oil

March 20th, 2013

Depending upon your age, you may remember your mother or grandmother talking about castor oil. Once upon a time castor oil was a folk remedy for all sorts of ailments and mothers were fond of giving their children a daily dosing of this not so pleasant tasting oil. While castor oil does in fact contain a host of benefits, there are fortunately much more appealing ways to access these benefits without a heaping dose on a spoon!

Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant and has been used for generations as a traditional cure for skin, gastrointestinal and many other common health issues. Pressed from the seeds, pure castor oil is clear and tasteless but its oily texture makes its palatability questionable. The oil’s unique healing qualities can be derived by topical application and it appears to be useful for a variety of skin conditions like keratosis, dermatosis, wound healing, acne, ringworm, warts, sebaceous cysts, itching, and even hair loss. It is a thick, rich, emollient oil that I find best to use on dry feet or as a castor oil pack. I particularly enjoy the unique glide it provides when working on dry, cracked feet, making my work easier and allowing me to work deeper when needed.

Castor oil contains large amounts of ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid enhances the absorption of other agents across your skin.  Castor oil packs build on this concept to help a wide variety of issues including: constipation, inflammation, arthritis, lymphatic system congestion, reducing inflammation, and occupational dermatitis. As the oil is absorbed through the skin, your lymphocyte count increases. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play an important part in our body’s immune system. As the lymph flow in the body increases, toxin removal increases and swelling in our lymph nodes decreases.

We use castor oil packs at the spa frequently, but you can do a home version as well. You’ll need:

  • Cold pressed castor oil. Be sure you use one labeled for human use and not an industrial variety;
  • Heating pad, hot water bottle, or heated stones;
  • Plastic garbage bag or plastic wrap;
  • Two or three one-foot square pieces of wool, cotton flannel or similar material; and,
  • A large bath towel.

Castor oil can be messy, so you’ll want to put the bath towel down between yourself and any bedding or furniture. Soak the wool or cotton in oil and place against the skin. For general use you can put the material on your abdomen, but for lower back or other localized pain, put the material on the affected area. Next, put your plastic garbage bag over the soaked material and your heating pad over that. The plastic keeps the moisture from your heating pad. Keep the heating pad turned to the warmest setting that is tolerable and keep the pack in place for an hour. Any oil that remains on the skin should be rubbed in for maximum effect, but you could just wipe it off.

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it an excellent massage oil for relieving arthritic joints, nerve inflammations, and sore muscles. You can also use it at home as  a direct application on the skin for topical issues like wounds and other issues described earlier. Just rub a small amount on the area. Remember though that some conditions, like ringworm, can spread through touch so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the oil.

Castor oil is normally safe if used in moderation. However, pregnant and lactating women and people with intestinal blockage, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis, or abdominal pain should not take castor oil without their doctor’s approval.  Note that precautions must be taken when taking the oil internally, so you should always follow the directions on the package and consult your doctor or naturopathic professional before consuming it. A typical recommended dosage for the oil is no more than one-half to one full teaspoon per day. Over dosage of castor oil may result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramping.


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The Secret Ingredient to a GREAT Massage Part III – Shea butter

March 13th, 2013

Today’s post is the third in our series “The Secret to a GREAT Massage” and the medium for today is rich and creamy Shea butter. Shea butter is the fat of the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Traditionally the harvesting of Shea butter was strictly reserved for women and there are many commercial sources that support women owned co-ops that not only support this tradition but also provide women business opportunities.

Shea butter has been shown to be have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several fatty acids and plant sterols, namely oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids, contribute to the healing properties in Shea butter. These oil-soluble components are nonsaponifiable. Nonsaponifiable materials do not undergo saponification, or convert to soap, when introduced to an alkali. A greater percentage of Shea butter is nonsaponifiable compared to most other nut oils and fats, which lends it greater healing potential.

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, as well as catechins. These plant antioxidants also found in green tea. While it is unclear how well vitamins A and E in raw Shea butter are absorbed, there is evidence to suggest that cinnamic acid esters in Shea fat help to prevent skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

The traditional use of Shea butter is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and stretch marks and to ease a variety of skin irritations such as psoriasis, eczema, and sunburn. I often use Shea butter on small scrapes and cuts and the skin seems to heal much faster and with less of a scar when I apply it daily. It’s great to use on the dry, cracked skin on the feet. Shea butter’s thick and creamy nature can leave a residue on the skin so it might not always be the preferred choice during a humid summer or if you are going back to work following a treatment. During a massage I will always check with my clients to see if they are OK with the thickness and rich residue of this wonderful product as the benefits so great. For home use, Shea butter is definitely a product to keep on hand.


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The Secret Ingredient to a GREAT Massage – Part II Fractionated Coconut Oil

March 6th, 2013

Welcome back to the second part of the “The Secret Ingredient to a GREAT Massage” series. Today’s oil is fractionated coconut oil – a great oil to help with winter’s drying effect on the skin or for the more sensitive among us.Coconut

Just as the name implies, fractionated coconut oil is only a part, or a fraction, of raw coconut oil. By removing almost all of the long chain triglycerides and leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides, an absolutely saturated oil is created. This saturation gives the oil a very long shelf life and stability. These qualities make it a very popular choice as a product base for both home and spa use and it is widely used in health products, lotions, hair care products and soaps.

Fractionating also raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, thus giving it a more anti oxidant and disinfecting edge.  Capric acid, also known as decanoic acid, and Caprylic acid, or octanic acid, are both fatty acids and their short chain lengths make it easier for them to go through fatty cell wall membranes. The antimicrobial properties make the capsule form of Caprylic acid a homeopathic remedy for some bacterial infections.

A clear and odorless oil with cooling and soothing properties, fractionated coconut oil is suitable for use on all skin types. It protects and moisturizes and is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, or aged skin. This light oil is readily absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and is an excellent choice for work on inflamed or irritated skin. It’s a great choice for a full body massage and for use as a base oil or carrier for essential oils.

 


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