A Beautiful Housewife

Posts Tagged ‘disease’

Aromatherapy lovers sometimes forget that rose is — and always has been — the most ubiquitous symbol of beauty. Forget that it’s also been a symbol of love, enduring the same great reign. Forget that it’s been the most revered flower in all of history, and remember this: Rose essential oil may have the most diverse therapeutic applications of any essential oil in use today.

The oil of the deep red “Rosa damascena” is considered the premier heart opening aromatic; can you think of something we need more of in this world? And even if you’re still just a little vain (just kidding!), rose is one of the most active essential oils in beauty care — it helps us love more and be more beautiful at the same time. Plus it’s anti-viral, antiseptic, and a stress-reliever too. What’s so special about rose oil? What is it, where do you get it and how do you use it? Let’s have a practical look at this profoundly useful therapeutic essential oil.

All pure rose oils are special for these extraordinary reasons: It takes an incredible amount of flowers to make even the tiniest amount of oil — on average, the yield of essential oil is 1-to-8000. For every 8000 pounds of flowers, 1 pound of oil is produced, thus being one of the most concentrated natural aromatics. Chemically, rose is one of the most complex essential oils, being made up of over 300 distinct natural constituents. This unique make up is the source of its great variety of therapeutic applications.

Two types of rose oils are commonly available: rose absolute, the less expensive of the two, is a liquid solvent extract. The absolute smells most like the flower, being produced under cool temperatures, leaving most of the natural constituents intact. The yield of absolute is relatively high, thus it is the somewhat less expensive variety. Rose otto is this steam distilled oil, and the true “essential oil” of rose. While the absolute retains the deep red color of the flower, the otto is clear or slightly pale yellow and has its own unique aroma. The scent of otto is brilliant and uplifting, with brilliant high notes and a subtle sweetness. The most famous of rose growing countries is Bulgaria, producing the most sought after varieties of each oil type. Rose otto is also produced in large quantities in Turkey, while the absolute is also commonly extracted from flowers grown in Morocco.

The alternative health applications of rose oil are many. On a physiological level, rose otto is a strong antiviral, used primarily to treat herpes and shingles outbreaks. The otto is also exceptionally beneficial to the female reproductive organs. It acts as a tonic for the whole system, and can be diluted in an aromatherapy carrier oil and massaged into the pelvic region for this effect. It is said to be both a regulating and purifying agent, and may help with infertility and other conditions of the uterus.

Rose extracts are found in many of the worlds premier skincare formulas. Rose oils are particularly effective for dry and mature skin. Hence the symbol of duty brings about beauty through an overall healing action in the dermis. Rose oils are stimulating to skin cell metabolism, cleansing, hydrating, smoothing, and naturally astringent without being drying. The distillate water of rose, called rose hydrosol, is used as a natural cleansing agent unto itself; it can be applied daily after the face is washed to improve skin texture and impart a healthy glow.

The most important healing effect may be roses ability to open the heart. When the world around us seems exceptionally challenging, it is particularly important to keep our hearts open. Simply the aroma of either the absolute or the otto can do this — our olfactory sense is intimately connected to the emotional center of our brain, and our brains and hearts talk to one another constantly. The aroma of the floral symbol of love just happens to signal to the system to unlock the heart chakra, making it easier for us to both give and receive love. Either oil (the otto or the absolute — you should investigate which one works best for you) can impart this effect. They may be dabbed on the heart area and wrists at full strength, or diluted in organic Jojoba oil to your desired strength and worn anywhere as a natural perfume (keep in mind rose absolute’s deep red color will leave this color on whatever it touches before it is absorbed). Many whom use the oil in this manner describe an uplifted sense in their emotions, and even more open and kind reactions from those around them.

Using rose oils is very easy and uncomplicated. Both the otto and absolutes are very safe and non-irritating, and can be used at 100% concentrations without concern for anything but perhaps the cost. Pure rose oils are very strong aromatics, and can be significantly diluted and still retain all it’s therapeutic properties. A 10% dilution in Jojoba is very common, and a little bottle will go a long way for aromatic use. This can be massaged in small amounts into the wrists, solar plexus or pelvic region. Rose Otto can be used undiluted on herpes legions, but again, dilution would not reduce the efficacy (with many essential oils, dilution in fact enhances the efficacy). Either otto or absolute can be used in a diffuser, filling your space with a brilliant uplifting aroma. Rose oil can be added to bathwater, or used in a massage formula at between a .5 and 3% dilution as well.

Rose essential oil, and particularly rose otto has the potential to be very transformative. It may be that this revered symbol of beauty and love is now offering us its incredible health-giving effects in its most concentrated and portable form. One of the interesting aspects of our digital age is that while the planet is in peril, positive information and healing materials are available faster than ever. A bottle of rose originating in Bulgaria can be delivered almost anywhere on Earth virtually overnight. If rose oil sound right for you, it’s encouraged that you give it a try — every little bit one can do to open their hearts and bring out their light will make the world a better place for everyone.

The author regularly employs pure aromatherapy essential oils and Bach flower essence therapy in her practice.

Bed bugs have long been a problem in the existence of man. They are however, mounting a resurgence that will leave many itching for some time to come. Bed bug spray can offer you and your home a great form of protection if you are a frequent traveler and often stay at hotels, motels or hostels.

These insects tend to inhabit the sleeping quarters of their victims. Humans make great hosts, and they are quite happy to both breed and feed where you sleep. Although most insect infestations dictate that their be certain unsavory living conditions, bed bugs are just as content in a clean home as in an unclean one.

These bugs are small, round and excellent at hiding. The do leave signs of their presence however, and they can be pretty predictable. Most mattresses that are infested with bed bugs will shows signs of staining. The bugs leave their fecal matter not far from where they eat and in the form of tiny black and dark brown dots.

If you suspect that there are bed bugs present in your sleeping area you can check under the mattress and along the side of the mattress where the ridged stitch is. They also like to hide behind picture frames that are nearby or behind the bed, as well as behind the bed frame or within any furniture that is directly beside the bed such as nightstands and dressers.

Some people return home from an extended vacation only to find several days later that they keep waking up to itchy red bite marks that literally cover their bodies. It seems unfathomable that the cause of these could possibly be bed bugs. Unfortunately, it is highly likely that the last away trip resulted in a few stow away bed bugs that could have easily been stopped before gaining entrance.

Individuals that sleep often in hotel rooms, motel rooms, or other places besides home run a much higher risk of getting a bed bug infestation of their own. This can be prevented however, by simply treating your luggage after long trips before you bring it back into your living area. Doing this can be quite simple and requires very little time or money.

When you have returned home empty the contents of your suitcase and other luggage into your car. Park the car in direct sunlight and leave it with the windows rolled up for several hours. Because of the greenhouse effect the car temperatures will increase. They will in fact rise high enough to kill any living bedbugs that may have stowed away in your belongings.

Before bring you actual luggage inside vacuum it thoroughly and use the hose attachment to get into all of the hard to reach place. Spray the inside of your case to make sure that no bugs are hiding in between the cover and the lining and also vacuum and spray inside of all pockets and compartments, both interior and exterior to the luggage. When you are finished, make certain to empty you vacuum canister before bringing it back in as live bed bugs can travel into you home via this method as well. These extra measures will help you keep you home free of bed bugs.

Finding an effective bed bug spray is important for your well-being. A bed bug killer must get the job done without endangering the health of pets or humans.