If you are concerned about the safety of your deodorant you would be well advised
to know what it is made of. Deodorant and other personal care products including
lotions, soaps, body wash, toothpaste, makeup and other products that we use on a
daily basis can contain toxic chemicals.

Aluminum, an ingredient contained in antiperspirants has recently become a topic
of natural health discussions because aluminum and parabens (chemical preservatives)
have been found in cancerous breast tumors. This has led to questions about the safety
of aluminum applied daily via antiperspirants. Do chemicals become concentrated in
underarm breast breast tissue and contribute to breast health issues that are currently
unknown?

Aluminum is a chemical compound added to antiperspirants to reduce perspiration
by blocking sweat ducts. Sweating is a natural and healthy cleansing and
detoxification process for the body. Blocking the pores may interfere with the
body’s natural cleanse/detox process with the affect on breast health and the
onset of disease unknown.

Parabens another group of chemicals used as a preservative in deodorants
and most commercial body care products has also been linked to a higher risk
of breast cancer.

On another note, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, an aluminum
based chemical ingredient in antiperspirants is the cause of “armpit stains”
as it reacts with armpit sweat and causes yellow staining.

Natural deodorant without aluminum, parabens or other chemicals is a healthy, safe
and effective solution for eliminating underarm odor without interfering with the
body’s natural processes of getting rid of toxins via perspiration. And, some
natural deodorants are even more effective for eliminating underarm odor than
chemical based deodorants.

As we look for more natural “green” products to use in our daily lives, now
may be a good time to check out healthy alternatives to our unhealthy products
and make the switch.

photo by Lilly

esanspa.com

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils. The fresh herbal scent of this
versatile and unique oil is one of the most well known and familiar in aromatherapy.
However, less well known is that lavender is also a powerful and effective herbal
remedy that is useful for many common health issues.

The properties of lavender include:

- antibacterial

- antiviral

- analgesic

- anti-inflammatory

- decongestant

- deodorant

- sedative

1. The analgesic and antiseptic properties of lavender oil makes
it an effective herbal remedy to ease the pain of minor burns.
Apply lavender oil undiluted to minor burns to relieve pain and
accelerate the healing process.

2. Lavender essential oil helps to relieve restlessness and promotes
restful sleep. Massage a few drops of undiluted lavender
essential oil into the soles of the feet immediately before going
to bed, or put a few drops on a tissue and place the tissue between
your pillow and pillowcase to help you “sleep like a baby”.

3. Lavender essential oil is very calming and helps to relieve stress.
When feeling anxious and stressed, inhaling lavender essential oil is
instantly relaxing. Place 1 drop on a tissue and inhale the calming
fragrance for soothing stress relief.

4. Lavender essential oil can help to ease the pain of stress and migraine
headaches. Massage a drop of lavender essential oil into temples and
put a few drops on a tissue and inhale, while placing the tissue over your nose and
mouth. Sit or lay down and continue to inhale the lavender oil for a few moments,
as headache pain and tension subsides. My migraine and stress headaches begin to
fade instantly during this relaxing treatment.

5. Lavender essential oil is analgesic (reduces pain). Massage with a lavender
massage oil made by adding a few drops lavender essential oil to a carrier oil
(examples include: soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil), can help to relieve
muscle pain associated with overexertion.

6. Use lavender in a vaporizer to help relieve cough and congestion
due to colds. The antibacterial properties of lavender works to fight
cold symptoms while promoting restful and restorative sleep.

7. For relief of motion sickness and jet lag, massage 3 or 4 drops of
lavender into inside of ankles.

8. Ease muscle and joint pain, with a relaxing lavender bath. Blend
8 to 10 drops lavender essential oil into in 1 cup of epsom salt. Pour salt into tub
as it fills with warm water and soak for several minutes for soothing relaxation and
pain relief.

9. To help keep insects away when outdoors, lavender essential oil works
as an effective insect repellent. It can be used as a natural alternative
to toxic, chemical based products. Apply a few drops to the neckline,
wrists, and ankles, and rub a few drops into palms and hair, to repel mosquitos
and other flying insects. For maximum insect repelling effectiveness, lavender
essential oil should be reapplied every hour as needed.

10. For a natural air freshener, add a few drops of lavender essential oil
to an air purifier or furnace filter to freshen the air of the whole house.

Lavender essential oil should not be applied undiluted to babies and
children. Apply only after dilution with a carrier oil including soybean,
sunflower, and olive oils, at 4 drops lavender essential oil to 1 oz. carrier
oil.

This amazing aromatherapy oil offers wonderful health and wellness benefits,
making lavender essential oil a powerful herbal remedy and an essential for
natural home health care.

esanspa.com

Disclaimer Notice:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to substitute for medical care, or to prescribe treatment for any medical
condition, ailment or illness.

Photo by muha…

I was working on a large order a few days ago and after running around with all the tasks that had to be done I came to the conclusion that after a 12 hour day, there were still some tasks left that I had to get done. I was exhausted, my back ached, I needed a mini spa break in a big way! But after using this easy and quick fatigue beater, I felt energized and ready to finish my work. And just as important, after getting only about 4 hours of sleep I woke up feeling rested and refreshed. How was that possible? With a special bath. Yes, by adding bath salts made with epsom salts and aromatherapy essential oils to a warm bath, I was able to both recharge and relax allowing me to have that extra burst of energy when I needed it most. We all have times when we have a lot to do and not enough time to get it done without rushing and a lot of stress. If you can spare about 15 minutes for a bath, you can reclaim some of that lost energy to save the day.

The key ingredients of these stress relieving bath salts include epsom salt, lavender and sweet orange essential oils. Epsom salt helps to soothe muscle aches and promotes relaxation and stress relief. Lavender essential oil helps to relieve restlessness, calm nervousness, and promote feelings of relaxation and peace. The delicious fragrance of sweet orange essential oil uplifts the spirits.

The next time you feel stretched to the limit try an epsom salt bath to help you feel more energized, rest better and end your day on a peaceful note.

Disclaimer Note: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any health issue, ailment or illness. Please consult your doctor or health care professional for any health concerns you may have.