Month: April 2013

For centuries, the gel of the aloe vera plant has been used as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns and wounds. Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that probably originated in northern Africa. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. Aloe Vera has been cited to have many topical and internal uses, there is, however, little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes, and what positive evidence is available is frequently contradicted by other studies.

But many people swear by the effectiveness of Aloe Vera and use it to treat a wide variety of ailments which include topical uses and internal uses. Aloe Vera Gel is great to help soothe pain and regenerate new skin cells and has antibacterial properties so helps fight bacteria and avoids infection. Use it topically on skin abrasions, cuts, sunburn, scalds, blisters, cold sores, rashes and insect bites. Apply 2-3 times a day. It can also be used as a moisturiser as it has great water retention properties and absorbs into the skin easily. Include it as an ingredient when making your own moisturisers or apply by itself. Aloe Vera is also great in hair care, apply to the scalp for treatment of dandruff, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Substitute Aloe Vera Gel for your natural styling as a hair gel.

Aloe Vera has many internal uses including healing mouth ulcers, it strengthens gums and promotes strong and healthy teeth. It also has laxative properties which is effective in relieving digestive problems like stomach aches, heartburn, bloating and constipation amongst others. Before using Aloe Vera internally please seek medical advice from your doctor or a medical professional.

Aloe Vera can be used directly from the plant. For convenience Aloe Vera is now found quite easily on shelves of health food shops in different forms such as the plant, powder, gel or drink form. Look for items where there is no colour or fragrance added and that it is 100% Aloe Vera!!

Niaouli Essential Oil (Melaleuca veridiflora),sometimes also called gomenol, is a relative to Tea-Tree Essential Oil and therefore shares many of the characteristics of Tea Tree. Although it is gentler and has a less effective action than Tea Tree, it is more tolerated by the skin, making it valuable in a local wash for cleaning wounds. The main therapeutic properties are Analgesic, antiseptic, anti-viral, bactericide, cicatrizant, decongestant, febrifuge, insecticide, stimulant and vulnerary.
Niaouli Essential Oil is great for skin care problems like acne, boils, burns, cuts, insect bites, oily skin, spots, ulcers and wounds. It is great for the immune system in times of colds, fever or flus and also respiratory problems like bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat and whooping cough.
Use Niaouli Essential Oil in steam inhalations, baths, hot compresses, or neat onto the skin (apply a drop of oil onto the end of a cotton bud and apply onto the skin).
Avoid using Niaouli Essential Oil in the evenings as it is a powerful stimulant and when vaporized will help keep the mind clear and alert!!

Nails can become weak and split easily if they are not properly cared for. Massaging oil into them will keep them moiturised and provide nutrients that will help them become strong and healthy. Some essential oils that can help include Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus Peppermint, Carrot, Grapefruit, Rosemary and Cypress Essential Oils. Vegetable Oils that you can use are Jojoba, Borage and Evening Primrose Oils along with a Base Oil such as Apricot Kernal, Grapeseed, Sweet Almond Oil and Avocado Oil.

To make a Nail Strengthener Blend start with 1 tablespoon of Grapeseed Oil and add 8 drops of Lemon Essential Oil and 2 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil, 5 drops of Jojoba Oil and 3 drops of Carrot Oil. When you go to use add 10 drops of this blend to 1 teaspoon of base oil such as Avocado or Sweet Almond Oil. Massage into your fingers and nails. Don’t put any nail varnish on afterwards, it is best used before bedtime.