Practical Aromatherapy: Anti-Viral Properties Of Essential Oils By: Misty Rae Cech

Antiviral Activity of Essential Oils

The body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of natural botanicals against a great variety of viruses is growing. Over twenty years ago, German scientists found extracts of more than 100 species of the Lamiaceae family to have antiviral effects. This discovery lead to and increase in the examination of essential oils in Europe for the treatment of viral infections.

Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. Interestingly, different plant families exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. This is due to the particular molecular structures found in each type of oil, which penetrate physical entities to varying degrees (different tissues, cell walls, mucous membranes, etc). The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure (enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.)

Certainly, one of the reasons for oils' effectiveness en vivo is their lipophillic character - essential oils are easily absorbed into mammalian tissues, where they may produce the greatest results. In fact, when studying the anti-viral effects of essential oils, researchers found that normal cells seemed to acquire a special resistance to viral penetration, though the mechanism for this effect is not yet known.

Melissa and the Herpes Virus

One of the Lamiaceae plants studied, Melissa (Melissa officinalis - also known as Lemon Balm), was shown particularly efficacious against the herpes virus (HSV). Doctor Dietrich Wabner, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, has even reported that a one-time application of Melissa oil led to a complete remission of HSV lesions. A cream medication for Herpes outbreaks, who's active ingredient is an extract of Melissa, is now sold in Germany under the name Lomaherpan. Use of Melissa essential oil itself may be just as effective - the oil can be applied directly to the lesions (or diluted to 10% in carrier if sensitivity is noted) to speed healing. Further occurrences can be prevented by applying oil to the area when sensations signal an eminent outbreak - repeating this protocol 3 or 4 times has been reported to cause total remission in some individuals.

Other essential oils found effective against the Herpes virus include bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree. Related to HSV is Herpes Zoster or 'Shingles', another common virus-mediated skin condition. Application of a 50/50 blend of Ravensara essential oil and Tamanu nut oil has been found extremely effective for reducing symptoms by many people.

Antiviral Components of Oils

The list of essential oils exhibiting antiviral effects is extensive: Melissa (as above), tea tree, juniper, eucalyptus, thyme, palmarosa, lavender, rosemary, clove, laurel, cinnamon bark, anise, rose, lemongrass, geranium, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, and dill. The antiviral effect of an essential oil is due to particular components of the oil - some oils will work just as effectively on a particular infection as another, because they contain similar amounts of a certain component. The components of essential oils showing antiviral activity, and the oils in which they can be found, are as follows (from K. Schnaubelt, Ph.D. - Advanced Aromatherapy, p. 36):

Anethol - found in Anise
Alpha-Sabines - found in Tea Tree, Laurel, and other oils
Beta-Caryophyllene - found in Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme Linalool, and other oils
Carvone - found in Dill
Cinnamic aldehyde - found in Cinnamon Bark
Citral - found in Melissa, Lemongrass and other oils
Citronellol - found in Rose and Geranium
Eugenol - found in Clove
Gamma-Terpinene - Found in Juniper, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree and other oils
Linalol - found in Lavender and Neroli
Linalyl acetate - found in Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot and other oils

Limited In-Vivo Data

Good studies of application of these essential oils in cases of illness are difficult to come by, as infecting people with viruses in the laboratory to subsequently be treated with aromatics would be a difficult process at best. The oils and components above have mostly shown effectivenessin-vitro, though tests also indicate that the anti-viral effect should occur in-vivo as well. As with Melissa, it has been HSV that has been most thoroughly examined, because of the relative simplicity of doing so. But there is nothing particularly special about the herpes virus, and proper oil/pathogen paring should prove as effective.

There are some noted case studies by professional aromatherapists. Of importance in these studies is the oil/symptom relationship. Essential oils from plants of the Myrtaceae family - notably Eucalyptus Radiata and Tea Tree - and Ravensara (also high in Eucalyptol) seem to have helped in cases with respiratory symptoms. For the lower respiratory tract, Hyssop decumbens (from the same plant family as Melissa) has been of interest. Essential oils for such cases may be used either in a diffuser, being taken at regular intervals, or through massage, diluted in a carrier oil.

Conclusion

Because of the difficulty in many cases of illness in determining the exact virus type involved, more specific application cannot be given. Certainly, in cases of HSV, Melissa has been shown effective in a number of studies. For respiratory infections, Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been used with success, and can be safely used as an adjunct to regular medical care. These oils may support one's recovery on a physiologic level - essential oils also play a part in uplifting emotions, which may also speed healing, or at least improve mental outlook during the healing process. For such instances, one may simply find the essential oil or combination that one finds pleasant, calming, and/or uplifting.

PLEASE NOTE: In no cases, however, should self-treatment with essential oils be used in place of professional medical care where signs/symptoms of infectious illness are present.

photo credit: Jorge Barrios, Melburnian

Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com

What Is The Purpose Of Ayurveda By: Eric Cho

“Life science” is what Ayurveda means in Sanskrit. It is derived from the two words ‘Ayu’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda is not just a preventive health care system; it is a way of life that found its origins in ancient India 5,000 years ago.

According to this system, health is determined by three biological principles, called ‘Doshas’. The three ‘Doshas’ are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, each controlling movement, metabolism and structure.

The body, mind and spirit is free of disease when the ‘Doshas’ are in equilibrium. Disease strikes when there is an imbalance or disequilibrium in even one of these ‘Doshas’. Balance is the key. Improper diet, pollution, unhealthy habits are just some of the reasons that lead to an imbalance.

Ayurveda emphasizes the use of mind, body and spirit to prevent and fight diseases. Thus it strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual. The main thrust of Ayurveda is to synchronize and coordinate the various bodily functions by identifying the imbalance in the body. The underlying principle is that if the roots are watered well, the plant will flourish. Sleep, diet, internal cleansing and lifestyle are given as much or perhaps more importance than herbs and potions.

Ayurveda places a lot of importance on learning. In this method, treatment is based on the physician’s awareness of the world. Insights are gained by seeing, smelling, tasting and listening. Ayurveda seeks to restore a person’s health by bringing him into equilibrium with his true self. Thus the aims of Ayurveda are:

* To maintain the health of healthy people
* To cure diseases of ill people

Ayurveda is rightly enjoying widespread resurgence all over the world. With healthcare becoming exorbitant and fraught with risks, health-conscious individuals are taking more responsibility for their own health and well-being. People have started realizing that alternative holistic health systems like Ayurveda will help them lead a healthy life and prevent diseases even before they occur.

Ayurveda has offered an interesting theory of disease. Effective digestion is crucial to health, and any problems in the digestive system causes toxins to build up within the body and clog the channels in the body. This weakens the physiology and creates the right conditions for disease and infection. Rejuvenation is possible only through cleansing programs like Panchkarma. These programs are designed to flush toxins from the body.

Ayurveda depends a lot on herbs, roots, grass and other natural products. Ayurveda also pioneered the science of herbal combination – a happy blending of a variety of herbs to produce a medication that offers the dual benefits of synergy and balance. Sometimes, an Ayurvedic formulation may contain over twenty or more spices and herbs. The combination of primary herbs, balancing herbs and supporting herbs expedite the healing process.

The ayurvedic approach is rising in popularity because it is comprehensive and gentle. Instant cures through pill-popping are foreign to Ayurveda. Patience and persistence pays because Ayurveda seeks to correct the source of the problem. For those who can commit themselves to the effort Ayurveda offers effective, cumulative health benefits and can lead to a happy, healthy and joyful life.

photo credit: Jigesh

Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com

Home Remedies for Spider Bites

There many Home Remedies for Spider Bites, from raw eggs, to slices of bread to activated charcoal. Here are a few popular natural remedies.

Baking Soda remedy:

Mix one part spring water to three parts baking soda for a thick paste. Apply directly to spider bite. Pureed garlic (one clove) may be added for antiseptic qualities.

Garlic remedy:

Apply a slice of garlic directly to spider bite, secure with a bandage, leave overnight for this natural remedy.

Salt spider bite remedy:

Wash affected area, apply salt (sea salt or kosher is better in my opinion.) You can dampen a bandage, sprinkle salt on pad then adhere bandage to the bite.


These remedies will have various heal times depending on the type of spider bite and how quickly a remedy is applied after a bite.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Some people have been mistaking boils caused by MRSA for spider bites. MRSA is a serious infection. Do not assume you have a spider bite if you didn't actually see the spider or feel it bite you. If you're unsure, seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.


photo credit: hberends

Spider Bites - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

MRSA - Spider Bites: The Flesh-Eating Bacterial Epidemic That Threatens America

Yoga And It's Advantage by getallabout

Why are so many people today getting into Yoga! While most of the people are not actually into the metaphysical, theoretical or religious basis of Yoga, although many of them are, the one thing that no-one can deny is the incredible rewards of greater health, liveliness and balance that outcome from a regular Yoga practice. In the east Yoga has been proficient for 1000s of years and shows no signs of flagging, in both India itself the birthplace of most forms of widespread Yoga, and in most Asian countries which have their own form of yoga known below various names.

Now what Yoga actually is! Yoga is a system of techniques and disciplines that move the user to an end objective. The system may vary as in the many different forms of Yoga, but the end result always is the same, to find the true balance within and without that leads to knowing the self entirely. Now that may seem like a big ask, but even taking a few steps toward that end objective can result in multi-faceted changes in the life as people begin to feel the effects of better posture, better focus and better health. Yoga literally means the union of body, mind and soul that leads to betterment and enlightenment. Within the many forms of Yoga there are the constants, those physical postures that enable the body to become more flexible, balanced and healthy and create a body awareness that can be felt in every day life.

This body awareness helps to keep people healthier as we are able to become aware almost immediately of any imbalance in their body. In today's busy world people are often too busy to take note of the smaller warning signs that their body is becoming overloaded, either through stress, toxicity or poor dietary and sleep habits and they often do not know they are becoming unwell until it is far too late to prevent. People end up sick and in bed and at times this can become the only time we take off from our busy schedules. It is this Yoga cultivated body awareness that can help people to prevent and pre-empt most of these illnesses and become aware of the need to slow down and take some time for ourselves so that we can be at our best, and giving of our best at all times. People also get to enjoy the time off rather than spend it in bed wishing someone would just bury us alive.

An Asana or posture or pose, is meant to be refreshing and relaxing rather than fatiguing or requiring effort, although some forms of Yoga are a real exercise. These postures while performed regularly are meant to create a stable and balanced use of the body in all situations. Some of the postures have been developed from copying the characteristic postures of animals, birds, reptiles and insects and others as form of dance performed as a prayer to the sun. All of them prepare the body for standing, sitting or moving in conscious stillness as meditation.

There are a few commonsense rules that should be observed before performing a Yoga exercise. One should allow at least 2 to 3 hours going by after a main meal and an hour after a snack. They must empty the bladder and if possible the bowels; sponge over their body to give a feeling of freshness before they begin; wear loose fitting preferably stretchable clothing and workout on a level floor or park and be sure the room has adequate ventilation. People must use a thick blanket or yoga mat under his or her body. For greater control and for deepening their practice they should use a Yoga Swing. There are many types of Yoga filtering into Western society which means it will be easy to find one that suits them.



Read about Diet Fitness Magazine. Also read about Yoga Guide and Health Lifestyle Magazine

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
photo credit: DBCondit

Raw Food Diet Cures Diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, there is a person diagnosed with diabetes every 20 seconds. Eight percent or 23.6 million children and adults have diabetes. These staggering numbers cost the nation approximately $174 billion annually, and that figure keeps growing. Left untreated or if poorly managed, diabetes can lead to heart problems, blindness, loss of limbs, death. Clearly, diabetes is a very serious disease that must be addressed. But if you have the disease are you doomed to take medications for the rest of you life, or is there a natural way to control, or actually reverse and cure diabetes? The answer is quite possibly!

Click the image below to see the trailer for "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days. A group of six "incurable" diabetics were cured at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Arizona. Raw for 30 Days is a documentary chronicling these six peoples dramatic transformation. Amazing stuff!