Search Results for: blog essential oils eucalyptus

Ask a Health Blogger: Dry, Bloody Nose

Lately when I blow my nose, I see red or brown streaks on the tissue. What’s going on? I’ve had a stuffy nose lately — but I thought it was just fall allergies. Should I be worried? I don’t think you have an emergency on your hands. My first question in response is: how dry is it in your house? When I have blood in my snot (red or brown streaks), it’s often because things are dry. I also tend to get nosebleeds a LOT during the winter. Something as simple as running a humidifier in your bedroom might help. … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Basil

Across the Mediterranean, people have been using basil medicinally for centuries, even thousands of years. Basil (also known as ocimum basilicum) originally comes from India but is perhaps best known in Italian cooking. Pesto, pizza, sauces… but basil is much more than a seasoning! In the sixteenth century, basil was used as an antidepressant — herbalist John Gerard wrote that the herb “taketh away sorrowfulness.” Basil is still used in aromatherapy today to help ease negativity and mental fatigue. Use basil to help your mind stay sharp; the scent promotes circulation and can help you stay alert on a long … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Frequently Asked Questions

What are essential oils? Basically, essential oils are concentrated plant essences. Some are extracted by pressing (similar to how olive oil is made!). You can collect your own essential oils from the rinds of citrus fruits with a press. Most essential oils are extracted with steam, a more complicated process that more or less breaks down the plant material by cooking. How much do essential oils cost? The prices can vary widely. Certain oils are easier to obtain, and therefore will cost less. You should be able to buy basic oils like lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, orange, grapefruit, peppermint, lime, and … Continue reading →

Homemade Hand Sanitizer

The other day, I visited my best friend in the hospital. She had surgery for ruptured discs and although the operation went well, I still wanted to stop by and see her. We visited during my lunch hour then I left to go back to work. Once I got in the car, I realized I hadn’t washed my hands. I am probably not as fanatical about washing my hands as I probably should be, but for some reason, I always feel incredibly germy after leaving the hospital. I was afraid I’d stick my fingers in my mouth unconsciously, so I … Continue reading →

Aromatherapy Massage

What’s better than a massage? How about an aromatherapy massage! Aromatherapy is the alternative medicine practice of using essential oils (made from volatile plant materials) to help your mental and physical health. Examples of essential oils include tea tree, sandalwood oil, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, and sweet orange. Aromatherapy message is the practice of using essential oils during a massage. While you can perform this at home, there are also professionals that can use just the right essential oils to help improve your attitude and maybe even your health. If you try it at home, don’t apply too much pressure. … Continue reading →

Bug Bites Be Gone

My 5-year-old recently came home from school with a bug bite. Bug bites at the end of September? I’m not an entomologist, but it looks like a mosquito took a hit from her eyebrow. I was a bit shocked that she got bit so late in the season, but we have had an unusually warm September, so I guess the bugs have decided to stick around. Too bad. I was hoping our days of being buffet options for hungry bugs were over for the year. Apparently not. This means that I have to dig out my DEET-free insect repellent once … Continue reading →

Herbal Insect Repellent

One of my best friends called yesterday and was freaking out a bit. Her two year old son had a tick. I hate ticks. If you read my blog about spiders, know that ticks only fall slightly under spiders because I see fewer of them. She talked about getting an herbal insect repellent for her children and I thought that would make an excellent green living blog. I had actually already bought a herbal insect repellent at Target to send to my husband overseas. If you love Burt’s Bees products, they have an herbal insect repellent that includes oils such … Continue reading →

Should Menthol Flavoring in Cigarettes be Banned?

There is a bill before Congress right now that would ban some flavor additives in cigarettes: mint, clove, and vanilla. These flavorings are under fire because they’re seen as appealing to young people. One flavor that isn’t on the list? Menthol. According to government estimates, menthol is a pretty popular cigarette flavoring among certain groups of smokers. More than seventy-five percent of black smokers choose menthol cigarettes. That translates into nearly thirty percent of the entire cigarette market. Some members of the American Medical Association — including some who served as government health secretaries under several administrations — are opposing … Continue reading →

Flea and Tick Prevention Options for Pets with Sensitive Skin

I mentioned recently that Lally seems to be having trouble with a new flea and tick preventative we tried. Hopefully we won’t have any more skin problems if I switch back to Frontline… but I wonder if she’s just getting more allergic as she ages. That got me thinking about alternatives to the insecticide-medication-on-the-skin type of flea and tick prevention. Traditional flea and tick collars. You might remember the narrow white collars that dogs and cats used to wear before medications like Frontline and Sentinel came along? Since the medication doesn’t get soaked into the skin, it might be an … Continue reading →

How To Make Herbal Water

An herbal water is a refreshing, cooling, cleansing rinse for face and body. Best of all, herbal water is very easy to make! Gather your herbs. Try to do your harvesting early in the morning, before the sun burns off all the dew. Crush one once of herbs into one cup of water. Crushing (rather than adding the whole herbs) helps release the essential oils and other good stuff in the plants. If you’re using flowers, bruise them, rather than crush them. Pour the mixture into a ceramic or enamel pot. A metal pot is okay, but ceramic or enamel … Continue reading →