It is one of the most used essential oils as its benefits are numerous. Lavender officinalis (lavandula officinalis or lavandula angustifolia) also known as true lavender is a plant known for its soothing properties, antispasmodic, analgesic ... Update on its various uses.
The tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia in Latin), or tea tree, is a tree that can measure from 2 to 30 meters high. It bears thorny green leaves and flowers in yellow and / or purple clusters.
What is tea tree essential oil?
May 06, 2021
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It is recognizable by its fresh and tart smell. The essential oil of lemon (citrus limonum) is renowned for its purifying and antibacterial properties. In diffusion, in massage or by inhalation, the point on its various uses and the evils that it can relieve. We also explain why it is effective in healing to lose weight.
What is lemon essential oil (EO)?
May 06, 2021
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The essential oil is a companion both olfactory and therapeutic of your everyday life.
The atmosphere of a place is magnified by the diffusion of one or more essential oils selected with finesse and accuracy. Essential oils and essences then contribute to transport the human being towards an emotion, that it is with the aim to provoke a "relational synergy" between the people present or on the contrary "the rest of the soul", the relaxation and the inner meditation.
Essential oils have a thousand and one secrets. We discover new ones every day, for our greatest pleasure.
In Latin and Greek, "aroma" means "aroma, herb" and "therapeia" means "care, cure". We are talking about the therapeutic (medical) use of aromatic extracts of plants.
In contrast, herbal medicine uses all the elements of a plant. Note that only the doctor (doctor of medicine) can claim to be an aromatherapist. The aromatologist, meanwhile, is a specialist in essential oils.
Where does the essential oil come from?
The essential oil is derived from an aromatic plant by a process of steam distillation. The volatile aromatic molecules of the essential oils thus obtained give them benefits both in terms of health but also psychologically and emotionally. This is called aromatherapy: therapy with essential oils.
The distillation process is carried out in a still. Plants are placed on a "pierced" tray located above heated water and brought to a boil. Thus, the plant releases its aromatic essences which are harvested in a tank (the decanter).
Several parts of the plant can be distilled: wood, leaf, branch, root, stem, bark, zest, flower ....
The benefits of essential oil are a function of its chemical composition. But this depends on the conditions of production and harvesting: the nature of the soil, altitude, climate (level of sunshine, amount of rain, temperature), distillation.
The different methods of using essential oils
To determine the dosages, here are some essential notions:
- 1 ml of essential oil = about 25 drops of essential oil
- For example: 10% essential oil in a bottle of 100 ml = 10 ml of essential oil = about 250 drops of essential oil
- Another example: 10% essential oil in a 50 ml bottle = 5 ml of essential oil = 125 drops of essential oil
- The dosages below are given as an indication and depend on many criteria. It is recommended to contact a professional.
Precision: the term "child" means from 5 years old.
First use: cutaneous application of essential oils
Several modes of application are possible by cutaneous way, according to the desired benefit and the age of the user:
In local application:
Directly on the affected area: in case of button, herpes, etc ...
Dosage:
- Baby: dilute 1 drop of essential oil with vegetable oil (sweet almond oil for example) in the palm of the hand
- Child: 2 drops of essential oil mixed with a vegetable oil in the palm of the hand
- Adult: 3 to 4 drops of essential oil diluted with a vegetable oil in the palm of the hand
In function for a localized care:
Dosage:
- Baby: dilute 1% of essential oil in vegetable oil (sweet almond oil for example)
- Child: 3% essential oil mixed with vegetable oil
- Adult: 5 to 10% essential oil mixed with a vegetable oil*
Action: relaxation
Dosage:
- Baby: dilute 1% of essential oil in vegetable oil
- Child: 3% essential oil mixed with vegetable oil
- Adult: 3 to 5% of essential oils diluted in a vegetable oil
The essential oil is not water soluble and must be mixed with a neutral base (vegetable oil, liquid soap, shampoo, etc. ...).
Action: relaxing (Lavandula Angustifolia for example), decongestant (Eucalyptus Radiata) ...
Dosage: The dosages are indicative but be careful as to the proportion of essential oil in relation to the amount of water in the bath.
- Baby: 1 to 2 drops of essential oil mixed with a neutral base, in a baby bath
- Child: Mix 2 to 3 drops of essential oil with a neutral base. Caution: vegetable oil makes the bottom of the bath slippery.
- Adult: Mix 5 to 10 drops of essential oil with a neutral base.
Action: regenerating, healing, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, etc ...
Dosage:
- Child: A few drops of essential oil (1%) mixed with a cream or an oil
- Adult: a few drops of essential oil (1 to 2%) mixed with a cream or an oil
Action: anti-greasy, anti-dandruff
Specific action: remove lice for example (Lavandula angustifolia)
Dosage dry: a few drops directly on the affected areas of the scalp
Second use: the pulmonary way
In olfaction
For targeted and individual therapeutic use: place yourself above the vial of essential oil and perform 5 slow breaths (inhale 5 times placing your nose over the vial, and exhale 5 times, spreading slightly)
Inhaled
Place your face over an inhaler containing 2 to 4 drops of respiratory essential oils mixed with hot water. If you do not have an inhaler, you can use a bowl of hot water and cover your head with a cloth. Important precision: do not heat the water with essential oils but integrate them at the last moment.
In diffusion
The basic principle, in order to respect the aromatic molecules, is to never heat an essential oil. It is recommended to avoid diffusers that heat essential oils. Several devices are currently on sale on the market. There are two main dissemination methods:
1) Diffusers in which the essential oils, poured into a cup of water, are emitted in the form of micro droplets (haze). These diffusers adopt the principle of micro-cold spraying. They are broadcast over a long period of time (typically 60 to 90 minutes, some even broadcast up to 7 hours). The number of drops of essential oils depends on the type of diffuser and the surface of the room. This process has the advantage of offering a pleasant olfactory atmosphere, relaxing or invigorating.
2) Diffusers in glassware: the essential oils are diffused alone (without water) during 5 to 10 minutes per hour. The aromatic molecules are then released to offer all their therapeutic benefits, whether to clean a room (eg Lemon), to facilitate breathing (eg Ravintsara) or to install a relaxing atmosphere (eg Lavender). The amount of essential oil to pour into the diffuser depends on the surface of the room and the type of diffuser.
Third use: the internal way
It is sometimes proposed to absorb an essential oil by mixing it with sugar or honey. Since the essential oil is lipophilic (soluble in fat), it is recommended to eat it with a vegetable oil or fat, the only food that can buffer the gustatory force and causticity of an essential oil. Nevertheless, some essential oils can be toxic to the liver, kidneys and brain. Also it is better to refrain from ingesting, as a precaution, except to seek the advice of a professional.
Only the doctor is authorized to propose the manufacture of capsules (administered orally), ovules (vaginally) and suppositories (rectally).
December 01, 2020
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The seed is life. Living food. Raw seeds are very nutritious. Most of the calories a person receives is from edible seeds or grains, for example, from legumes or nuts. Seeds are a source of vegetable oils, beverages, seasonings and useful food additives. Depending on the type of seed, either the germinal part or the endosperm (storage tissue) will be richest in nutrients. Proteins stored in the germinal tissue and in the endosperm differ in their set of amino acids and in their properties.
The only way to get the most out of seeds is to eat them raw. Heat treatment leads to the formation of toxins, while vitamins, minerals and essential oils denature. Roasted seeds are no longer a living meal. No seeds in the world can withstand heat and frying, retaining their nutritional properties. It is always necessary to remember that you need to eat seeds in their natural state - cheese. They can be soaked, ground and crushed, especially if the seed coat is too hard for the teeth.
You should choose raw and unsalted seeds.
It is necessary to avoid fried and glazed seeds.
No need to eat them candied.
Pomegranate
The recommended single serving is half a glass.
Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants. These substances protect the body's cells from free radicals and prevent premature aging. In other words, pomegranate juice "pumps" blood with oxygen. Antioxidants not only fight free radicals, but also prevent blood clots. It improves blood flow and enriches blood with oxygen.
Pomegranate grains are particularly rich in polyphenols. It is a type of antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Pomegranate juice because of the beneficial tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid contained in it has a much stronger antioxidant effect than green tea and red wine. Bones of pomegranate grains, covered with a juicy shell, are edible. Grains are rich in vitamin C and potassium, they are low in calories (only 80 kcal per procution, which is a third lower than most fruits) and rich in fiber.
The antioxidant properties of pomegranate seeds help prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. This prevents constriction of the vascular walls with fatty deposits and maintains blood saturation with antioxidants.
Research doctor Claudio Napoli from the Neapolitan Medical Institute says: "In mice that were fed with pomegranate juice, atherosclerosis progressed at least 30 percent slower."
Pomegranate is also useful for the skeletal system - it reduces the manifestations of arthritis in the affected cartilage tissues. This fruit reduces the intensity of inflammation and prevents the destruction of cartilage enzymes.
FLAX SEEDS
Recommended single serving: 1-2 tablespoons (in a crushed form).
Dietary fiber flax reduces blood lipids and regulates appetite. According to scientists from the University of Copenhagen, flax seeds reduce hunger and help combat excess weight.
Lyon has been cultivated for centuries, and its benefits are generally known. Hippocrates described the use of flax to relieve abdominal pain, and the French Emperor Charles I the Great loved so much flaxseed that he issued a special decree on their universal use.
The beneficial properties of flaxseeds consist of their saturation with linolenic acid, a high content of dietary fiber and an abundance of lignans (vegetable phenolic compounds - antioxidants).
Essential linolenic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the production of inflammatory agents and reduces the blood levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. The combined action of linolenic acid and lignans inhibits the growth of tumors in animals and may reduce the risk of developing cancer in humans.
Lignans are phytoestrogens and have properties similar to estrogen (female sex hormone; ca.). They have antioxidant properties. Phytoestrogens help stabilize hormone levels, alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause, and can help prevent the development of breast and prostate cancer.
Dietary fiber flax supports the normal function of the intestine. One tablespoon of whole flaxseeds contains as much fiber as half a cup of oat bran. Soluble fiber fibers reduce cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes.
Ground flaxseed is healthier than whole. Seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder or blender and added to cereals, pastries and fruit smoothies.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Recommended single serving: half a cup
These are the only seeds that form alkaline blood counts. This is important, given that most modern diets form an acidic environment.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in proteins. One hundred grams of these seeds provide 54 percent of the daily value of proteins.
Many people take vitamins to compensate for the deficiency of the B vitamins. Pumpkin seeds in this can successfully replace synthetic drugs. These seeds contain all the B vitamins - thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (nicotinic acid), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6), and salts of folic acid.
People in a bad mood pumpkin seeds will help to cope with depression. Ingredient L-tryptophan helps to elevate mood.
Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can prevent the formation of kidney stones. Judging by the results of research, pumpkin seeds prevent the formation of kidney stones from calcium oxolate.
Another advantage of these seeds is that they excrete parasites from the body, especially tapeworms.
Apricot kernels
Apricot kernels are no less nutritious than various nuts and seeds. Among other components, the core contains amygdalin, its other name is vitamin B17. This substance attacks cancer cells and can prevent the spread of a tumor. Amygdalin can be found in hundreds of different products, but they are not present in the diet with a predominance of convenience foods and fast food. People with a more balanced and traditional (national cuisine) diet are less at risk of developing cancer, including because of foods high in vitamin B17 (amygdalin).
In addition to apricot kernels, amygdalin is found in bitter almonds. It is amygdalin that gives it a bitter taste. Therefore, if the apricot kernel does not have a bitter taste, then there is no vitamin B17 in it. Amygdalin is found in apple and grape seed, in millet, garden beans, in various berries, cassava and many other seeds, grains, cereals and legumes. The exception is hybrid varieties.
Speaking about the prevention of diseases, you should pay attention to the words of the doctor Ernst Krebs-junior, the inventor of the drug "Laetril" (concentrated amygdalin). According to him, a person who uses from ten to twelve apricot kernels every day will almost certainly not get cancer, even if irradiated close to the background in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant area.
KUNJUT SEEDS
The most useful seeds and grains
Recommended single portion: a quarter cup.
Sesame seeds - one of the oldest known to mankind seasonings. They are valued for their oil content, which is very well stored.
Sesame is valuable as a good source of manganese and copper. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. In sesame seeds a lot of vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to the above, sesame contains two unique substances, sesamin and sesamolin. Both belong to the lignans. These substances lower blood cholesterol in humans. In animals, they prevent an increase in blood pressure and increase the saturation of tissues with vitamin E. Sesamin protects damage to liver cells with antioxidants.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
November 30, 2020
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Let's discover together what are the benefits of turmeric on health.
What is the composition of turmeric?
In summary, the composition of the turmeric is:- essential oils
- curcuminoids (mainly curcumin)
- starch
- vitamins
- fibers
- This, for 100 g:
- 291 Cal
- Protein: 9.6 g
- Lipids: 3.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 44.4 g
- Fibers: 22.7 g
In detail, the main components of turmeric are:
- curcuminoids which give the yellow color and are the main active ingredients of the main spice: curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bidesmethoxycurcumin and dihydrocurcumin.
- quinoids
- sesquiterpenes: alpha and gamma alantones, bisabolen, bisacumol, bisacurone (with anti-inflammatory properties), caryophyllene (other anti-inflammatory), curcumene, curcumenone (with antioxidant properties)
- steroids: cholesterol, campesterol (with anti-inflammatory properties), stigmasterol
- monoterpenes: cineole, camphene, terpinene
- phenylpropanoids: caffeic acid, p-cumaric acid, 4-hydroxy cinnamoylmethane.
- lignans: iso-proccumenol, 4-hydroxy-cinnamoyl- (feruloxyl) methane
- benzenoids: curcumin and drifts, guaiacol.
- carbohydrates: ukonan A.
- alkaloids
- essential oils: turmerone (with antidepressant properties), dehydroturmerone, gingiberene (with antiulcer properties), atlantone, curcumenol, borneol, camphor, terpinene.
What are the benefits of turmeric for health?
We are going to separate the effects of turmeric into two categories, the effects recognized by Western science, and the effects not officially recognized by Western science, but used in foreign traditional medicines, such as Indian Ayurvedic medicine for example, where it is call the spice of long life.
Turmeric is a spice with many properties, preventive and curative, mainly used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to prevent certain cancers and protect aging-related diseases
Uses recognized by Western medicine
* ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT
This is one of the main uses of turmeric in the West, but also in India and China: relieve pain related to inflammatory diseases (often rheumatism and other arthritis, but also lumbago or tendonitis), whether inflammation chronic or acute.
It is effective in relieving inflammation that affects most organs and tissues of the human body: digestive system, nervous system, skin, joints, muscles, tendons, etc.
Whether auto-inflammatory diseases, autoimmune systemic and localized, or inflammatory conditions of undetermined origin, regular consumption of turmeric can relieve symptoms and associated pain, by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins inflammatory.
Studies have shown that curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect close to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and cortisone, acting on pain, mediators of inflammation and morning joint stiffness, all without effects. unwanted side effects such as irritation of the digestive tract.
1200 mg of curcumin per day is as effective as phenylbutazone, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. 2 g of turmeric a day for 6 weeks have effects comparable to 800 mg of ibuprofen per day.
Long-term consequences of turmeric consumption:
- reduction of the frequency of osteoarthritic attacks
- reduction of pain intensity
- Slowing down of the inflammation and destruction of the joint.
* INFLAMMATION OF THE SKIN, WOUNDS AND SCARS:
The healing, antibacterial, antiseptic, healing and soothing virtues of turmeric are demonstrated and approved by all. It is used as a paste to fight psoriasis, eczema or acne.
Check out our article on the benefits of turmeric on the skin.
Use to treat minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, acne and skin lesions. It also helps soothe redness.
More surprisingly, turmeric helps fight against the growth of hair, it is used elsewhere to prepare pasta and mask depilatories natural in India!
* STOMACH ACIDITIES
As a result of excess secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, the causes are many: meals too rich in meat, tobacco, alcohol, energy drinks, soft drinks, sodas, excess animal fat, etc.
Turmeric helps fight stomach acid and acid reflux, either through regular consumption in the kitchen, or at the moment of symptoms, thanks to an infusion of turmeric with a dash of lemon juice and honey
* DIARRHEA
Simple or viral diarrhea, due to stress, a cold snap, or other, we have all been confronted with this symptom of the most unpleasant.
Studies have shown that turmeric helps relieve diarrhea by stopping the destruction of cells in the intestinal wall. To heal, drink a turmeric infusion twice a day.
The antimicrobial properties of turmeric are also effective in cases of gastroenteritis.
* bloating
Among the troublesome intestinal problems, one finds the bloating that can be painful. This increase in the volume of air in the digestive tract is often due to large bites swallowed too quickly, or to an excess of soft drinks, etc.
Regular consumption of turmeric, in cooking or infusion can effectively fight against bloating.
* NAUSEA
Consuming turmeric, especially when it is combined with ginger, helps relieve nausea of all kinds: motion sickness, pregnant women, chronic nausea, etc.
Prepare an infusion of turmeric and add a piece of ginger, with a hint of honey to soothe the nausea.
* BAD INTESTINAL TRANSIT
Poor intestinal transit often causes stomach upset: dyspepsia, abdominal pain, tiredness, headache, feeling of bloating, loss of appetite, feeling of heaviness in the stomach and gall bladder after heavy meals, flatulence, etc.
[Read: HONEY WITH TURMERIC]
It seems to be mainly related to stress and anxiety. All of these symptoms can be greatly relieved by regular consumption of turmeric, which has a direct impact on sleep, which is why turmeric is found in the moon milk, the Indian drink that helps sleep.
The World Health Organization has recognized its positive action against digestive disorders.
* CONSTIPATION
Mainly related to our diet, constipation can also be psychological or emotional. Apart from general advice such as practicing physical activity, reducing fatty foods, increasing fiber intake or drinking more water a day, regular consumption of turmeric is an excellent prevention of constipation.
* IRRITABLE COLON SYNDROME AND INTESTINAL INFLAMMATORY DISEASES:
Irritable bowel syndrome affects mostly women, and turmeric helps relieve infusions for at least 8 weeks in parallel with a probiotic course.
Indeed, studies have shown that 140 mg of curcumin per day can reduce symptoms.
Curcumin at high dose, 1 g twice daily for 6 months, reduces the number of acute attacks of Chron's disease.
* GINGIVITY:
A study has shown that mouthwashes with turmeric are as effective as chlorhexidine in treating inflammation of the gums. It is widely used for all oral health, but also for whitening teeth.
Uses in traditional medicine, not categorically recognized in Western medicine:
* Cancer:
This is surely the most active area of research currently. Many researchers believe that the concentration of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories contained in curcumin prevent and may even cure cancer. Check out our article on turmeric to fight cancer to find out more.
Indeed, it has been noted that in countries where turmeric is highly consumed, particularly in South-East Asia, the concentration of cancers such as cancer of the colon, breast, stomach, liver, prostate or still lung, is much lower than elsewhere.
From a clinical point of view, research is still insufficient and data are still scarce.
Preventive effect:
November 30, 2020
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