The Herpes Simplex virus (or HSV) is a difficult disease. It is widely known as incurable, with painful skin lesions on sensitive areas of the body. The lesions reccur more often for some people than others - their 'outbreaks' tend to be related to periods of high-stress. Modern medicine does not offer a cure, though there are pharmaceutical preparations available to limit the frequency and duration of HSV outbreaks. With a reputation as 'incurable', 'painful', 'not-so-pretty', and varieties described as 'oral and labial' or 'genital', the disease can be a little challenging and embarrasing to say the least.

Alopecia is a readily observable condition and may prompt some to hide behind a hat or scarf. Alopecia can stem from a multitude of things. Why not try an alopecia aromatherapy recipe before researching the internet or drugstores.

Some people are genetically predisposed to flawlessly beautiful skin, unfortunately, the rest of us are not so fortunate. Whether it is acne, oily skin, or overwhelming dryness, the majority of people wrestle with some type of skin problem.

The anti-bacterial action of essential oils may be their most studied effect, in-part because these are simple experiments to perform. Place a piece of filter paper saturated with an essential oil in the center of a petri dish and watch the growth, or lack of, bacteria around the paper. The larger the area where bacteria do not grow, the stronger the action of that particular essential oil inhibiting that particular strain of microbe. This test, known as an Aromatogram, was popularized by French scientist Paul Belaiche. Through extensive research, large tables of data now allow aromatherapists to quickly find the most efficacious oils once the infecting species of bacteria is known. But you don't have to be a scientist to make use of this information - there are many simple, effective means for using essential remedies for yourself and your family and children as part of a holistic natural health program for your household.

The beautiful orange liquid of Rosehip seed oil is becoming well-known as useful skin and beauty product around the world, as scientific study has recently validated it's positive effects on many types of skin condtions. The pure oil has produced miraculous results for some, useful for a great myriad of conditions from premature aging and over-exposure to the sun, to lessening the appearannce of many types of scarring. Where does this lusciuos oil come from, how does it work, and perhaps of greatest interest, can it work for you? Rosehip seed oil is made from the seeds of the fruit of wild thorny rose bushes native to mountainous regions of South America. Also known as 'Rosa Mosqueta', the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years. The oil can be solvent extracted or cold-pressed, though pressing is the optimal method, as there is no chance of chemical traces being left in the final product. The cold-pressed oil is the most natural; the oil has an exceptionally high essential fatty acid content ('essential' meaning the body cannot make it on it's own from other oils), and is considered quite delecate. Rosehip seed oil should be kept in a cool place, perhaps even under refrigeration, away from light, and should be used within one year of storage. The oil is a fantastic source of natural vitamins and antioxidants - most notably, it contains a version of vitamin A that is very similar to the active ingredient of Retin-A, a commonly used wrinkle-reducing pharmaceutical preparation. Rosehip seed has been found to have the same positive effects as Retin-A without the side effects of over-drying and peeling of the skin. The first major study on rosehip seed oil included individuals with diverse forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other premature aging, sun damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring, dermatitis, and more. The oil had significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and helping the skin to regain its natural color and tone. In all ways, the oil returned skin to it's original, natural healthy state for many of the study's participants. A seperate investigation was performed on women with noticable premature aging of their skin. As before, rosehip seed oil has a major, positive impact on the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: "After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible." Besides its regenerative properties, rosehip seed oil is also an excellent moisturizer. This is most likely due to its high essential fatty acid content (fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself), which are necessary for healthy skin. The oil penetrates the upper layers of the skin quickly and, being known as a 'dry' moisturizer, does not leave the skin feeling greasy or oily. Rosehip seed oil is very gentle - it can be used daily undiluted; because of it's relative high cost, it may also be diluted in other oils like jojoba or shae nut, and will produce it's regenerative effects in dilutions as low as 1 tenth of the total concentration. For improvement of scarring, a simple blend of 20 drops of Helichrysum Italicum per 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil, applied daily to the area, can be helpful. Helichrysum is known for its content of regenerative 'ketones'. For a more luxurious beauty blend, try the following in 4 ounces of rosehip seed: 5 drops Helichrysum 5 drops Lavender 3 drops Sandalwood 3 drops Neroli 3 drops Carrot Seed 3 drops Geranium 2 drops Roman Chamomile 2 drops Jasmine 1 drop Palmarosa 1 drop Ylang Ylang. Even simply the Helichrysum and Lavender will go a long way - Lavender oil is very gentle, and is also known to have regenerative properties. So, whether using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin, or simply giving it a little nourishment, you will almost certainly be happy with the results. This luscious oil, with its broad range of positive effects, is sure to take a prominent place in your natural beauty botanical collection.

Yes, it's true: Helichrysum essential oil provides fast-acting, effective pain relief for a great many physical ailments. Aromatherapy companies are, by law, prevented from advertising this fact directly along with their products, but it's true. Many, many individuals are regularly using this very healing oil to both reduce pain and, depending on the injury or ailment, to actually speed healing. As noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, America's leading medical aromatherapist, the effects of this oil are "so convincing that it has never met with any kind of criticism." So what's special about Helichrysum, where do you get it and how do you use it?

Busy parents are always on the lookout for natural, effective alternatives to support their children's health and happiness. Invoking gentle calm in an otherwise hectic family life is especially appreciated. Essential oils can offer this support in a fun, safe and natural way. A few essential oils are particularly suitable for use with young ones, both for bringing soothing emotional calm and contentment healing the small wounds of childhood - here's a quick primer to help you safely and effectively use five valuable essential oils with children.

Nearly everyone uses some sort of skin care these days. With new awareness of how our skin ages, many people have discovered that they do need to use some sort of skin care. Unfortunately, there are a lot of low quality skin care products out there that claim to do amazing things, but never deliver. Jurlique skin care products are just the opposite.

The most pervasive concept of aromatherapy in North America is that of nice smells making you feel good - a strong whiff out of a little bottle and you're carried away to your personal 'happy place'. Not a bad idea, but this concept carries the burden of 'New Age' stereotypes with it. Aromatherapy is but a simple folk remedy that works only because the yoga-posing, mantra-chanting, tantric-sex practicing user thinks it does. Well, we've got news for the 'Establishment': Science has validated aromatherapy! Perhaps most profoundly, science has shown that smelling essential oils has true anti-anxiety effects; there's actual data showing essential oils will actually help you relax. Now all you natural health and wellness practitioners can tell your doubting, possibly smirking friends - this stuff is for real.

Trends in health and beauty are placing more trust in the efficacy of natural and organic ingredients. Skin care is no exception, with more women coming to realize the purity of what they put on their skin is as important as that of what they eat. The skin is the largest organ, and is generally permeable to substances placed on it. This is particularly important in healing wounds, for the skin may be broken and more sensitive. Enter essential oils; these powerful plant derived medicines have been used for many years for treating skin conditions, enhancing beauty and promoting wellness. Oils have been found particularly useful for regenerating skin that has suffered from accidents or surgery, or has their remaining signs in the form of keloid, acne, or other scars. Certain essential oil blends can speed healing time, reduce or eliminate scars from recent wounds and even greatly diminish the appearance of old ones.

Eucalyptus essential oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma. With this aroma, eucalyptus has been widely used in aromatherapy but mostly it uses for treat congestion and respiratory problems. List of top ten benefits of Eucalyptus oils are: Can be used as an antiseptic gargle. Its powerful germicidal properties effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and have been used to treat tuberculosis. Eucalyptus oil as a stimulant can increase cardiac action. Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to relief fevers that arise comes infectious diseases. Useful in cool compresses; apply to the forehead, back of neck, over the kidneys and pelvic region. Only a small amount is needed otherwise may produce a chilling effect Preliminary research shows that Citriodiol spray, containing eucalyptus, may reduce the number of tick bites and thereby tick-borne infections, although additional studies are warranted. Several studies report that eucalyptus applied to the skin can reduce Headaches. Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be helpful in aiding with parasite infestations. Eucalyptus oil treats respiratory tract and is useful for sinusitis and head colds. Can ease muscular pain & stiffness in affected muscles in case of chronic muscular rheumatism. Eucalyptus radiata is an antimicrobial oil and has been studied for its action against viruses. When applied externally, Eucalyptus oil can provide relief in asthma. Even though Eucalyptus oil has many benefit to our body, but still you should be very careful when using it. If you internally take large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. The symptoms are: drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. If you meet one of these symptoms after you used the oil then you should immediately seek medical assistance. Eucalyptus oil is very stimulating , so do not use it on anyone who is pregnant or suffers from high blood pressures, heart disease, hypertension and epilepsy. But if you use this oil wisely, then you'll have many benefits of eucalyptus oil as listed above. No wonder this oil should be recommended as one of in home first aid kits.

The essential oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in the United States, though interest in this natural healing phenomenon is growing, and with very good reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically healing essential oils used in medical aromatherapy today. As noted in 'Medical Aromatherapy: Healing With Essential Oils', the effects of this oil are "so convincing" as to have "never met with any kind of criticism." What is this little known oil, where does it come from, and what are its healing actions? Let's have a look!