Herbal Renaissance

Aromatherapy~ 10 Uses #3

2007-06-22T04:40:00.001-07:00

Overindulge last night? Essential oils of Juniper, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Carrot, Fennel, Rosemary, and Lemon help soften the effects of a hangover. Make your own blend of these oils and use a total of 6-8 drops in a bath.
Essential oils of Vetiver, Cypress, Cedarwood, Frankincense, and Myrrh all make wonderful firewood oil. Drop approximately 2-3 drops of oil blend of your choice or combination on a dried log and allow time for the oil to soak in before putting the log in the fire.
Flies and moths dislike Lavender oil. Sprinkle it on your outside window frames.
Place 1-2 drops of sleep enhancing oils such as Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli on your pillow before retiring for restful sleep.
When moving into a new home, first use a water spray containing your favorite essential oils and change the odorous environment to your own. DO this for several days until it begins to feel like your space.
Ideal scents for the bedroom are Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, or Lemon.
1 drop of Lemon essential oil on a soft cloth will polish copper with gentle buffing.
When washing out the fridge, freezer, or oven, add a drop of Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine, or Orange essential oil to the final rinse water.
For burns or scalds, drop Tea Tree oil directly on the affected area.
Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in ½ glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve stomach upset.

Herb Fact Sheet ~ F

2007-06-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

Herb
Fennel
Historical/Medical Uses
Digestive aid, weak diuretic, mild stimulant, increases milk production in nursing mothers, eases colic in babies, clears lungs, in poultice reduces swelling.
Side Effect
None Known

Herb
Fenugreek Seed
Historical /Medical Uses
Demulcent, emollient, expectorant.Fenugreek is useful for all mucus conditions of the lungs. It aids digestion and increases milk production in lactating mothers. Recent studies indicate that fenugreek may lower blood cholesterol.
Side Effects
None Known

Herb
Feverfew
Historical/Medical Uses
Migraine headaches, helpful in alleviating inflammation and discomfort of arthritis.
Side Effect
Allergies- hayfever variety, formation of small sores in the mouth, potential interaction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can inhibit the activity of platelets (blood clotting factor)

Herb
Flax Seed
Historical/Medical Uses
Soothes and softens irritant to membranes. Seeds once used for skin and mouth cancers; colds, cough, lung and urinary ailments, fevers; laxative; poultice (mixed with lime water) to relieve pain of bums, gout, inflammation, rheumatism, boils. Oil, a folk remedy used for pleurisy and pneumonia, has been promoted like Evening primrose oil
Side Effects
Do Not take flaxseed if you are on the following medicines: blood thinners, statins, Cyclosporine or NSAID's

Herbal Renaissance Lover's Tea Recipe

2007-06-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Exclusive to this blog site~ One of Herbal Renaissance's best selling herbal tea blend and now you have the recipe to make it yourself!

Lover's Tea
A delicious blend of herbs for those romantic, exotic cozy moments

1 part damiana leaf

1 part chamomile

1 part lemon grass

1/4 part peppermint

2 parts rosehip

1 part jasmine flower

1 part orange peel

1/4 part lavender buds

Blend all ingredients together and sweeten with Stevia herb or honey.
Measure 1/4 cup of herb mixture to two cups of boiling water. Cover and let steep for three minutes. Enjoy it with someone you care about!

Herb Fact Sheet ~ E

2007-06-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Herb
Echinacea
Historical/Medical Uses
stimulates immunity mechanisms at infections and chronic inflammations
Side Effects
Do not use with immunosuppressive drugs. Should not be taken over two weeks.

Herb
Elder Berries/Flowers
Historical/Medical Uses
Inner-bark tea as diuretic, strong laxative, emetic; poulticed on cuts, sore or swollen limbs,leaves made into poulticed on bruises, and on cuts to stop bleeding, fever reducer, stimulating sweating, mild stimulant.
Side Effects
Bark, root, leaves, and unripe berries toxic (cyanide poisoning), severe diarrhea

Herb
Ephedra Herb
Historical/Medical Uses
Specific for asthma, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, low blood pressure, energy, stimulant, kidney and bladder, arthritis
Side Effects
excites the function of the heart (rapid heart rate). Those with known heart condition, and are taking Amphetamine and Amphetamine derivatives,Antidepressants,
Aspirin, Blood Pressure Medications, Caffeine,Narcotics, such as morphine and codeine,Phenylpropanolamine (also known as norephedrine) Should NOT use this herb.

Herb
Eucalyptus Leaf
Historical/Medical Uses
used as a steam inhalation. For its antiseptic and expectorating effect in bronchitis and influenza to relieve congestion. It is also serviceable in sluggish urinary tract infections of a chronic nature
Side Effects
Toxic in large doses, readily absorbable through the skin

Herb
Evening Primrose Flower
Historical/Medical Uses
Antispasmodic,weight loss, hormonal balancing, menopause, PMS
Side Effects
May enhance effects of chemotherapy,should NOT be taken with ibuprophen (Motrin)

Herb
Eyebright Herb
Historical/Medical Uses
Anti- catarrhal astringent, anti-inflammatory. Eyebright is valuable in eye and vision weakness. AS a wash, it is used for inflammations and conjunctivitis of the eye. It has also been effective in removing mucus from the head and nasal area, making effective for sinusitis
Side Effects
None Known

How to Make Your Own Simple Massage Oil

2007-06-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile
You will need a couple of things from the health food store so here's your shopping list.

4 Oz bottle of carrier oil (almond, jojoba, olive, sunflower, or avocado)
Essential oil of your choice (Pick a fragrance or oil to do what you want it to do)
Vitamin E capsules

The Mixture

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Carefully open your bottle of carrier oil. Most have an inner liner, but not all.
Empty two (2) 400 mg capsules of vitamin E into the carrier oil. This has preservative qualities.
Add ten drops of essential oil into the bottle. If using Eucalytus oil NEVER add more than two drops.
Recap bottle and swirl bottle between two hands until mixed.

Way to go! You've just created your first simple bottle of massage oil. This can be used for more than just massages. Add it to a tub full of water for a skin nourishing bath. This is a thin consistency oil and absorbs readily into the skin.

Come back again for more massage oil recipes!

Herb Fact Sheet~ D

2007-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Herb
Damiana Leaf
Historical/Medical Uses
Contain thymol, strong antiseptic, in ancient Mayan sulture it is said to enhance sexual prowess and balance hormones, tonic, stimulant, strengthens nerves, antispasmodic, antidepressant
Side Effects
None Known

Herb
Dandelion Leaf
Historical/Medical Uses
One of the best diuretics available. It eliminates edema and dropsy without robbing the body of potassium. It is especially good for those with congestive heart failure. It is an effective weight loss program.
Side Effects
Drug interactions with Lithium, Antibiotics,and Quinolone (Cipro, Levaqin)

Herb
Dead Nettle Leaf
Historical/Medical Uses
Astringent, expectorant, diuretic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory. Useful internally in cystitis, leucorrhoea and particularly metrorrhagia, as a bowel regulator, it can be used to treat either diarrhea or constipation, in respiratory or nasal problems. Can be applied to wounds styptic and healing. It may also be applied to hemorrhoids and burns.
Side Effects
Drug Interaction with NSAIDs (Aspirin, motrin, tylenol, etc)

Herb
Dill Seed/Weed
Historical/Medical Uses
Antispasmodic, calmative, carminative diuretic, popular remedy for upset stomach, stimulates appetite, and a decoction of the seed may be helpful for insomnia as well as for pains due to flatulence. Nursing mothers can use Dill to promote the flow of milk, particularly in combination with anise, coriander, fennel, and caraway.
Side Effects
None Known

Aromatherpahy~10 More Quick Uses for Essential Oils

2007-06-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft rope with Pennyroyal or Tea Tree oil, roll up into a handkerchief and tie loosely around animal’s neck.
Shoes can be freshened by either dropping a few drops of Geranium oil directly into shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon oil into shoes. Great for Athlete’s foot? Tea Tree is great!
Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place in your vacuum cleaner bag. Lemon and Pine are nice. Rose Geranium helps with pet odors.
To fragrance your kitchen cabinets and drawers, place a food scent dabbed on a cotton ball into an inconspicuous corner.
Are mice a problem? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place at problem area.
The bathroom is easily scented by oil-scented cotton balls in inconspicuous places, or sprinkle oils directly onto silk or dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
Apply true Lavender oil and Tea Tree oil directly to cuts, scrapes, scratches. 1 or 2 drops will promote healing.
Homemade soaps are pleasant and offer therapeutic effects when scented with essential oils. Use soaps, which contain pure essential oils.
Homemade sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are blended with flowers and herbs.
An essential oil dropped onto a radiator scent ring or light bulb will not only fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, but will also set a mood such as calming or uplifting. (Do NOT put essential oil in the socket.)

Herb Fact Sheet~ C

2007-06-14T12:24:00.001-07:00

Herb

Calendula Flower

Historical/Medical Uses

Has been recommended for wide variety of ailments from cramps to cancer, antiseptic, induces sweating with fevers, aids digestion, acts as general tonic, infection buster when applied topically

Side Effects

None Known

Herb

Catnip

Historical/Medical Uses

Digestive aid, sleeping aid, reduces craving for cigarettes, eases cold & flu symptoms, calms restless children, calms nervousness, and promotes liver functions
Side Effects
May increase menstrual flow, not for use during pregnancy

Herb

Chamomile
Historical/Medical Uses
Soothes digestive disorders, moderate sedative, relieves cold & flu symptoms,, soothes irritated skin, antispasmodic, relieves menstrual cramps, and anti-infective agent
Side Effects
Flower has pollen, persons allergic to ragweed should not use this herb. Because of its calming effects, chamomile probably should not be taken in conjunction with sedative medications or alcohol

Herb
Chicory
Historical/Medical Uses
Mild tonic, diuretic, laxative, reduces swelling & promotes liver function
Side Effects
None Known

Herb
Chickweed
Historical/Medical Uses
Reduces inflammation and aids in healing contact dermatitis
Side effects
None Known

Herb
Comfrey Root
Historical/Medical Uses
Tissue and cell regeneration properties, protein builder
Side Effects
Advise against drinking or eating comfrey root, alkaloid effects on liver

Aromatherapy~7 Essential essential oils

2007-06-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for just a few essential oils to have on hand this article is for you.Seven essential oils every budding aromatherapist needs in their medicine cabinet.

Lavender- soothes the skin, can be used as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, and digestive aid, mild sedative effect, stimulates and cleanses the skin, increases blood flow to the muscles, relieves headaches and migraines
Lemon- aids digestion, tonic effect on intestines & stomach, sedative, anti-congestive agent, reduces fevers
Peppermint-Digestive aid, reduces gas, relieves nausea, cold & flu symptoms, eases headaches, & menstrual cramps. Also when mixed with vinegar can soothe sunburn pain.
Eucalyptus-used externally for congestion, clear sinuses.
Tea Tree-This is a medicine cabinet in a bottle. Immune Stimulating, anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-infectious agent.
Chamomile- Soothes digestive disorders, moderate sedative, relieves cold & flu symptoms,, soothes irritated skin, antispasmodic, relieves menstrual cramps, and anti-infective agent.
Rosemary- Stimulant, tonic, astringent, increases urine output, expectorant, aids in digestion, antioxidant, may prevent Alzheimer

Herb Fact Sheet ~ B

2007-06-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Herb

Black Cohosh

Historical/Medicinal Uses

Menopausal symptoms and female issues, arthritis, and muscle pain

Side Effects

Nausea, dizziness, central nervous system diturbances including seizures. Not safe for pregnant women or women with breast cancer.

Herb

Bloodroot

Historical/Medicinal Uses

Rhuematism, polyps, cancer, warts, as a mouthwash, sore throat, and cough

Side Effects

Do not take internally. Can cause low blood pressure, vertigo, tremors, vomiting, reduced pulse, shock, and coma. Large doses can be poisonous.

Herb

Burdock

Historical/Medicinal Uses

Teas for a wide range of ailments: colds, catarrh, gout, rheumatism, stomach ailments, cancers, a diuretic, diaphoretic and laxative.Treatment of fever, infection, cancer, fluid retention and kidney stones

Side Effects

This herb has atropine in it causing blurred vision, headache, drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, incoherent speech, restlessness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, seizures, disorientation, flushing, dryness of mouth and nose, rash, lack of sweating, fever. Not to be used by heart patients or epileptics.

Herb

Butcher's Broom

Historical/Medicinal Uses

laxatives, diuretics and treatments for circulatory diseases, and treatment of hemorrhoids

Side Effects

nausea and queasiness. Not recommended for people with high blood pressure.

10 Quick Uses of Essential Oils

2007-06-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

For good smelling clothes, sheets, towels, etc add a few drops of essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into dryer while drying.
Potpourri, which has lost its scent can be revived with a few drops of essential oil.
Add a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on the stove or in a potpourri pot.
To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two into the hot wax of a burning candle.
To dispel household cooking odors, add a few drops of Clove essential oil to a simmering pot.
For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Cinnamon, Sage, and Basil oils to 4 parts Sweet Almond or other vegetable oil and use as a massage oil.
Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Rosemary/Lavender oil onto the back of the neck.
To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 oz Sweet Almond oil or other skin-nourishing oil.
Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over carpets in your home. Let set 1 hour or more then vacuum.

HERB FACT SHEET~ A

2007-06-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Herb
Alfalfa
Historical/Medical Uses
Stimulates appetite, aids digestion, helps body absorb proteins, carbohydrates, iron, and calcium, relieves headaches, cleanses bowels if used in enema, contains vitamins A, D, E, G, K, & P, has 14 of 16 essential principal elements
Possible Side Effects
None Known except allergy to this plant

Herb
Aloe Vera
Historical/Medical Uses
Traditional internal use as purgative bitters not advised and may cause hemorrhage. If taken in excess, its powerful laxative chemicals can cause intestinal cramps leading to ulcers or irritated bowels. Topical aloe preparations are not useful in the treatment of deep vertical wounds such as surgical wounds produced during laparotomy or cesarean delivery. Used for burns.
Side Effects
May result in allergic reactions, cramps or diarrhea. If these side effects are experienced try a lower dosage or stop using the product.Do not take if you are pregnant or have a gastrointestinal illness. Aloe should not be used internally by children or the elderly.

Herb
Angelica
Historical/Medical Uses
"Dong Quai" (Chinese name for the herb) Used as a panacea for gynaecological problems, and it is also proclaimed as an invigorating tonic for both women and men.
Possible Side Effects
Angelica may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy. Should not be used by children or during pregnancy.

Herb
Arnica
Historical/Medical Uses
External bruising.
Possible Side Effects
Poisonous when taken internally.May cause skin irritations. Internal consumption can cause vomiting, weakness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances. Never apply arnica on broken skin. Arnica may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy.

What are Essential Oils?

2007-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Essential Oils aren’t really oils at all. Essential oils are the subtle liquids that are distilled from plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years ago to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of medicine and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold.

There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. In Exodus, Moses was given the formula for a “holy anointing oil.” When Jesus Christ was born the wise men brought gifts of Frankincense and Gold and Myrrh. During the time of Christ, Frankincense was considered the most prized commodity in the world because of its healing properties and use in spirituals rituals. (Clinical studies show that frankincense oil contains very high immune stimulating qualities.) Modern science is only beginning to investigate the incredible healing substances found in essential oils…something our great—great-great grandparents already knew.

Essential Oils are 100% PURE and ORGANIC
· Immune Stimulating
· Anti-viral
· Anti-septic
· Anti-Bacterial
· Anti-Microbial
· Anti-Infectious
· Anti-Bacterial

Aromatherapy is the natural method to care for the mind, body, and soul using pure essential oils. Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through inhalation.