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A Quick and Easy Guide to Essential Oils

essential oils

Although a lot of us tend to underestimate the healing power of it, aromas are actually one of the most important aspects of healing. After all, everything we smell and breathe travels straight to our lungs and impacts it. So, if we’re inhaling something toxic, it can be detrimental to our lungs. Or, on the other hand, if we’re inhaling something soothing it can increase our dopamine and make us happy.

Below are a few things to help you get started on your aromatherapy journey.

Aroma Device

Essential Oil Diffuser

Believe it or not, an essential oil diffuser can help you get better when you’re sick or even feel better when you’re feeling down. It’s a must-have when you want to improve your body. Similar to a humidifier, an essential oil diffuser disperses a cold mist in the air which moistens it. It’s up to you to decide what aroma you want and why.

Essential Oils

Eucalytpus

This is such an essential essential oil. Saw what I did there? I have to stress it because eucalyptus aids in a lot of things. It’s antiviral, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Sick and want to make sure bacteria isn’t in your space? Choose eucalyptus. Have a cough that doesn’t improve? Use eucalyptus as a decongestant. It’s one of the most popular oils for treating lung problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold.

Lavender

Maybe you’ve heard about lavender, or maybe you haven’t. It’s known for improving moods and reducing anxiety and stress. If you’re also having headaches, lavender can alleviate them. Want to fall asleep quicker? Use some lavender oil at night to relax along with chamomile tea.

Peppermint

Known for increasing energy levels, peppermint has been used for years. Sprinkle a few drops into your diffuser, and wait for that boost of energy. Along with this benefit, peppermint also helps improve memory. And if you’re feeling a little woozy, this oil can help relieve nausea.

Lemon

Suffering from allergies is no fun. Thankfully there’s lemon oil. Inhaling lemon aroma can drain your lymphatic system, reducing your allergy symptoms. Lemon oil can also be used as a disinfectant. Instead of sprinkling drops into your diffuser, make your own cleaning agent by mixing the oil with water. Voila!

5 Benefits of the Chamomile Flower

5 benefits of the chamomile flower

The magic of the chamomile flower shouldn’t be limited to only insomnia. It is widely popular for its sedative effects because well, it works. But there’s way more to this power flower than just sleep benefits. I included insomnia, because it’s still an important issue, along with four other health problems that this flower can help with.

01. Treats Insomnia and restlessness

This is the number one complication that chamomile tisanes are known for. Whether you’re suffering from insomnia or you just have a lot on your mind, chamomile is the go-to aid. Its sedative effects relax you until you go to sleep. However, there is much debate that the sleep effects comes from the placebo effect. Hmm, I think I prefer to believe in the flower’s power.

02. Serves as a cold remedy

Research has proven that chamomile provides medicinal benefits that can help fight colds and infections. This isn’t such a surprise to me since I have tried it as a cold remedy myself and it works wonders. And it’s great for kids too. Whenever my daughter gets a cold, I don’t opt for cough or fever suppressants. What’s the point of your immune system working if you’re just trying to suppress it? But for nights when she has a pesky cough that won’t go away, I always use chamomile. I make her a mild tisane with honey and warm milk. Not only would the cough go away, but it makes her sleep throughout the whole night. At the same time, the flower is fighting the cold internally.

03. Improves stress levels

It’s no surprise that chamomile can improve stress levels since it already has sedative effects which produce relaxation. You can use the flower in aromatherapy. I haven’t seen a lot of chamomile essential oils but you can still DIY it. Or just boil the flower and infuse your home with its gentle smell. That should do the trick.

04. Reduces eye bags and dark circles

Not only is this pretty flower a health aid but it’s also a must-have beauty product. Have dark circles or eye bags? Boil some chamomile tea bags and let them cool down. After, place them under your eyes for five minutes. The antioxidants in it will brighten the dark circles and liven your eyes up. It also helps reduce puffiness. I think I’ll start putting those tea bags to boil. Be right back.

05. Alleviates upset stomach and cramps

Chamomile is great for so many things. But next time you have an upset stomach, let this power flower help settle it.  Its anti-inflammatory properties makes sure your stomach lining isn’t going out of whack. The flower can reduce cramps since it’s great at relaxing muscles and reducing irritability.

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3 Healthy Things to Adopt in your Home

spiritual

Having been playing with new decor elements in my living space, I’ve been mainly focusing on my physical and spiritual health. I’ve also been suffering from Hay Fever for the past few weeks so it pushed me to look after my surroundings and what triggers it.

Below are the three things I have incorporated into my living space to keep me happy, healthy, and hydrated.

01. Essential Oil Diffuser

To combat the Hay Fever, I bought an essential oil diffuser, which also serves as a humidifier, and it really helped with the allergic reactions. A diffuser or humidifier can improve allergies and colds. It can even help shift your moods. So if you’re feeling a little stressed, lavender oil would do the trick.

My go-to essential oil for colds has always been Eucalyptus. It kills bacteria so if you’re having trouble with a cough or allergies, it can really alleviate the situation and help you sleep at night. And if there’s congestion, Eucalyptus helps you breathe better too.

02. Plants

Bringing in plants was one of my other goals. I actually went a tad plant crazy since I bought Basil, Mint, Parsley, and Cilantro plants. Check out my cute sage plant. It’s still a baby but it will grow.

It’s so great to have them at hand since you don’t have to worry about running to the store at last minute or even when you’re sick. You can clip them and dry them if you want. Or just clip and put in a tea.

Just like a humidifier, plants also have the power of increasing humidity. They also improve air quality in that they reduce airborne dust. Another benefit is that they keep the air temperature cool. Want another cool fact? They absorb sound. Sounds crazy right? Well, it’s been proven that plants can reduce background noise from cars and highways.

03. Tisanes

A tisane is basically an herbal infusion for those who don’t know. You may consider it a tea cause it looks like one but if there aren’t any tea leaves, it’s not a tea.

The first time I experienced the power of a tisane was when I poisoned myself with antibiotics for my wisdom tooth. I did just as the doctor said and out of nowhere started experiencing severe stomach pains. I decided to drink a sage tisane since I had heard that Native Americans used the plant to get rid of pains and negativity. The minute I finished my cup of Sage, everything came out. I’ve been a firm believer of tisanes ever since.

Tisanes are good for different conditions. Sage can be good to expel any toxicity in the gut while Chamomile is good for insomnia. Then you have Rooibos which can aid in losing weight. It’s all up to you.

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10 Benefits of Rooibos

Rooibos tea

Rooibos tea, also known as red tea but not to be confused with hibiscus tea, comes from the Asphalathus linearis plant in South Africa. It aids many conditions including allergies, insomnia, as well as weight loss. This is due to all of the minerals the plant has which includes iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and copper.

Unlike other herbs, rooibos has a pleasant and mild taste. The taste is reminiscent to cinnamon which makes the tea great to drink without sugar or any other additives. And it’s caffeine-free unlike other teas. So what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the conditions Rooibos tea is good for. After check out the cool Rooibos iced tea recipe below.

Print
Rooibos Iced Tea

4 cups

Rooibos Iced Tea

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 tbsp. of Rooibos tea
  • honey

Instructions

  1. Boil water in a pot or teapot.
  2. Before water starts boiling, pour the Rooibos tea.
  3. Let it boil for 7 minutes.
  4. When the water turns a deep red, remove from stove and add honey to it. The amount of honey depends on how sweet you want it. Afterwards, allow to cool.
  5. Once at room temperature, pour the tea into a pitcher and place in refrigerator.
  6. Serve tea cold.
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01. Helps treat and prevent Diabetes

Balancing blood sugar is necessary for those who already have diabetes. If the blood sugar levels are constantly fluctuating, it can be a threat to your health. Rooibos balances the blood sugar and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. The herb has also been known to serve as a defense against type II Diabetes.

02. Aids in losing weight

The polyphenols that Rooibos has makes the herb burn fat. In addition to this, it prevents new fat cells from forming. There have been studies that prove that Rooibos can fight against obesity as well. Consuming Rooibos causes an increase in leptin secretion. Leptin, the “hunger hormone”, is what tells the body that it’s satisfied. Without this, the body thinks it’s not satisfied and therefore becomes hungry more often.

03. Maintains skin and hair youthful

To maintain skin and hair youthful, you need antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. Antioxidants act as a shield against free radicals while the alpha hydroxy acid improves the skin. Luckily rooibos is filled with antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acid. It’s the same acid that is used for chemical peels. However, it is safer to consume it from natural sources such as herbs or foods. Rooibos is one of the few natural sources that contains this acid.

04. Filled with Anti-inflammatory properties

Suffering from bronchitis or allergies? Rooibos is good at treating inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, hay fever, and asthma.

05. Helps curb insomnia

This caffeine-free herb is perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. While it does increase energy, it doesn’t disturb the hormones produced by the adrenal gland.

06. Reduces allergies

Aiding the immune system, Rooibos is filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate allergic conditions such as hay fever.

07. Gets rid of colic

Rooibos is a well-known treatment for colicky children in South Africa. The reason for it soothing colic remains unknown but has been related to its anti-inflammatory properties.

08. Builds strong bones

Manganese and calcium are necessary minerals for strong bone growth. Almost every tea can provide strong bone growth because they increase osteoblast activity. Osteoblasts are what create bone mass. On top of the ostebolasts, Rooibos contains two important flavanoids, orientin and luteolin which increase minerals in the bones.

09. Lowers blood pressure

Rooibos maintains blood pressure balanced. Therefore, it can improve hypertension and stress levels. It can also reduce the chances of heart attacks.

10. Cures headaches

Due to its relaxing properties, rooibos can eliminate headaches or any tension you may feel. After all, headaches happen when your muscles contract in the face or head.

Caution: If you are suffering from an underlying condition, it is best to consult with your doctor before trying Rooibos tea.

rooibos tea

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Getting Rid of SAD

outdoorsDepression isn’t always blatant and it isn’t always all year round. For a lot of people, depression peaks at certain times of the year. The most popular time is Winter. Seasonal affective disorder (commonly known as SAD), is when this peak hits and you feel unmotivated, tired, and moody. Ever experience this?Read More

Tea & Morocco

MoroccoHaving an annoying cold and working at the same time is a big no-no. I had to work from home, this past weekend, to prevent an office annoyance from my sniffling and sneezing.

Whenever I feel under the weather, I have a list of must-haves. I definitely need my Ricola cough drops, in Honey-Herb preferably. Even if I don’t have a cough, I need the Ricola to moisturize my throat. I prefer Ricola to other brands because it doesn’t irritate my throat with a strong menthol taste. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and menthol.Read More

Highlights of My Life

I was browsing through some images and found some of my favorites. These pictures describe my life at this moment. The image above is a great salad I bought from Trader Joe’s; it’s very tasty!

Below you can see some of the groceries I bought and Maggie in the kitchen. Lately, I’ve been showing her how to cook! Yeah you read right. And she loves it. Last night I turned on some melodies (Yann Tiersen to be specific) and sat her down on the counter. She helps me with the beginning process of cooking. After that, the cooking gets intense and her job is over.

On another note, I’ve been trying to make time for painting and my health. Those are two goals that I will focus on next year. I definitely need to start eating healthier. Not that I’ve been eating terribly but improving is never a wrong option.Read More

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