Native to India and Indonesia, dried fruits of the pepper plant have been transported to Europe via the spice routes at least since the 5th century A.D. This culinary and medicinal spice has formed a foundation of untold riches during history and is still one of the most important flavourings at our dinner tables. The […]
Essential Oils
A Deeper Look Series: Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is an invigorating herb used for medicinal purposes, as a ceremonial herb, and in cooking for thousands of years. Peppermint Essential Oil is an effective painkiller used for headaches, migraines, neuralgia and muscle pain. It clarifies the mind and drives away mental fatigue. This wonderfully adaptable oil can also be used to heal colds […]
A Healthy Pregnancy Part 2: Using Essential Oils Safely
Essential oils can be used to alleviate many discomforts in pregnancy. There are a few guidelines that should be followed, however. Essential Oil Safety It is best to refrain from using some essential oils all together during the first trimester. These oils fall into one of three categories. They encourage menstrual bleeding. They stimulate contractions […]
A Deeper Look Series: Cedarwood Essential Oil
Related to the Biblical cedar of Lebanon, the atlas cedarwood tree is native to the Atlas mountain range in Morocco and Algeria. Cedarwood Essential Oil, which is derived from the tree, is used for treating cystitis and vaginal infections. It can reduce cellulite, clear up mucus and decrease acne. It is also a mental remedy […]
A Deeper Look Series: Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver is a grounding and relaxing essential oil used to alleviate the effects of depression, anxiety and insomnia. It is distilled from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides, a grass plant used for its anti-inflammatory qualities in the Indian medicinal tradition, ayurveda. Vetiver’s warming qualities are beneficial in rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. It also regulates […]
A Healthy Pregnancy Part 1: Supplementing and Eating Right
The human life begins at conception. When an egg is fertilized, it goes through a wonderful set of developments which, after 9 months, ends in the birth of a human child. In conception, the female egg is fertilised by the male sperm. The tiny entity immediately starts the process of division, specialisation, migration and growth. […]
A Deeper Look Series: Basil Essential Oil
Basil is a kingly herb that has been used in the Mediterranean kitchen for millennia. Its healing powers have been known worldwide since the ancient times. As an essential oil, basil is both uplifting and deeply relaxing. It fights inflammation, stimulates digestion and increases menstrual flow. This versatile oil can also be used to calm […]
Exercise for life: 5 essential oils to improve fitness performance and help you recover from accidents
We all know exercise is important for our health. Some of us even feel guilty for not moving enough. As with all-important life changes, however, the impetus for moving has to come from within. There is no amount of social pressure that will turn a couch potato into a gym junkie—unless the person themselves is […]
A Deeper Look Series: Tea Tree Essential Oil
Native to Australia, tea tree was named by the great explorer, Captain James Cook. It has been used by the Aboriginals for thousands of years to ward off colds and flu and to enjoy as a tea. Tea Tree Essential Oil is distilled from the leaves of the tea tree plant. It increases blood flow […]
These 5 essential oils cure toothache and reduce dental damage
Toothache is usually caused by bacterial infection, external trauma or a failed filling. Whatever the cause, pain in a tooth can be such a harrowing experience that finding relief takes priority over everything. Natural remedies and essential oils can cure dental cavities, gum inflammations and other dental problems. They are an effective and healthy alternative […]
A Deeper Look Series: Rose Otto Essential Oil
Called the queen of flowers by the Greek poet Sappho, rose is the raw material of an aphrodisiac essential oil that promises great results against sexual dysfunctions. It may help a woman to conceive or stop her from miscarrying. For the man, its fertile power may show as an increase of sperm in his semen. […]
A Deeper Look Series: Melissa Essential Oil
Melissa is one of the most expensive essential oils. Considered a premium essential oil, the cost is not the only factor setting it apart. Melissa is perhaps more commonly known as lemon balm, but also goes by the names common balm, bee balm, heart’s delight and the honey plant. In history, the melissa plant was […]
A Deeper Look Series: Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is a potpourri of chemical ingredients, which is one reason for its versatility as a healing herb. The primary effect of lavender, both mentally and physically, is that of balancing and regulating the spirit, body and mind. #7 of 10: Lavender Essential Oil Lavender is a short, fragrant shrub growing to the […]
Is there something in your physical or mental state that is stopping you from sleeping?
Insomnia is a temporary or chronic inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep. It is estimated that more than 30% of people suffer from some form of insomnia. Women are in the majority of insomniacs, and about 35% of those being sleep-deprived have someone in their family who has also experienced insomnia. Causes of Insomnia […]
These 5 essential oils can rid you of your migraine and free you in the future
Migraines are a throbbing headache on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea and impairment of vision. If you suffer from recurring migraines you know how debilitating they can be. The causes of migraines vary, but the good news is that information is available to help and there is hope for long-lasting solutions. Essential […]
A Deeper Look Series: Immortelle (Helichrysum or Everlasting) Essential Oil
Immortelle is a versatile and premium essential oil whose therapeutic benefits fall into various categories. It is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. It is helpful in treating skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, allergies and psoriasis. Immortelle helps heal burns, dermatitis and acne. It is a wonderful aid in treating diseases affecting the respiratory system, […]
A Deeper Look Series: Frankincense Essential Oil
If frankincense were a human, it would be mature in its attitude towards the world and confident in communicating its truth. It would be meditative and would possess a deep understanding of the universe. Frankincense is an ancient oil extracted from the frankincense trees found in Somalia, Ethiopia, southern Arabia and China. It is a […]
A Deeper Look Series: Eucalyptus Essential Oil
In Australia, the healing properties of the eucalyptus tree were first discovered by Australian Aboriginals who used eucalyptus leaves to bind wounds and cuts. They would also use eucalyptus leaves as fumigant against infections and fever. Today, eucalyptus essential oil is mainly used to heal diseases of the respiratory system and to protect against bacterial […]
A Deeper Look Series: Clove Bud Essential Oil
Clove is a thin, evergreen tree that grows up to 15 metres in height. It has shiny green leaves and red flowers. Its fruits, when they ripen, are purple-pinkish. Clove belongs to the Myrtaceae family and can boast of such distinguished relatives as the tea tree and eucalyptus. The tree is native to the Molucca […]
A Deeper Look Series: Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile is a small, sturdy herb with a hairy stem and multiple branches. It has feathery, pinnate leaves and beautiful white flowers similar to those of the daisy. The plant has a distinct apple flavour to its scent, which explains the etymology of its name. The word chamomile is derived from the Greek words […]