Lavender essential oil, an all in one solution.

Lavender is an amazing essential oil and is widely regarded as the most useful of all essential oils. It holds many beneficial properties and can be used for a range of ailments. It also has a great fragrance and is safe for sensitive skin types.

If you've never used an essential oil before, then buying lavender would be a great first step into the world of aromatherapy. Or even if you're a regular practitioner there is always a reason to include it in your essential oil kits.

Background:

It's a flowering plant and grows in gardens across Europe, the most common of the 42 species is Lavendula angustifolia. There are many farms growing Lavender for essential oil production and the majority of suppliers reside in England, France, Bulgaria and Spain. The plant or oil can be sourced from various soils, locations, climates and lavender species to create different aromas and beneficial uses (specific to each country). It is advantageous to aromatherapists that they have such a great range of Lavender oils to choose from.

Aroma:
Lavender has a fantastic sweet floral scent with herbal undertones. It can be mixed and used in blends with many other essential oils.

Benefits:

Lavenders' popularity derives from its diverse range of properties, some of these are:

- soothes burns and insect bites (antiseptic and anti-inflammatory)

- aides relaxation and sleep

- relieves headaches and is a good neurological balancer

- soothes muscular pain.

All these beneficial properties are why Lavender essential oil is crucial in any households first aid kit.

Using the oil:

You can apply Lavender neat to treat spots, burns and bites. However other essential oils should not be used neat on the skin. For all other benefits mix the oil in small 'per drop' quantities, with a carrier oil (Sweet Almond or even supermarket Olive Oil, if that's all you can find) to make a massage oil.

When used to scent rooms or to influence mood, you can use as follows:

- 3 to 6 drops in your bath water.

- fragrance a room by dripping some oil on the radiator (non electric).

- mix the oil in water and add to an oil burner.

- add 20 drops to 100ml of lotion or shampoo & shake to add fragrance.

If you suffer any allergic reaction to an essential oil then stop using it. Essential Oils are concentrated plant compounds and should never be consumed (topical use only) and should be avoided when pregnant or on medication.

If you wish to buy a Lavender oil then we recommend Tender Essence French Lavender, which can be purchased here: http://www.tenderessence.com and is available for worldwide delivery.

5 Health Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a large subtropical citrus fruit generally recognized for its slightly bitter and sour taste. It was first produced in Barbados as a hybrid fruit that resulted from a cross between pomelo and sweet orange. Grapefruit was named after the grape, because grapefruits grow in clusters like grapes.

Many grapefruit varieties are being cultivated in different countries such as the United States and China. The well-known varieties include those with red, pink and white pulp. Like all other citrus fruits, grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C, although this is not the only benefit that you can get from grapefruit. Here are five other health benefits of grapefruit.

1. Grapefruit Helps in Losing Weight

Grapefruit is high in enzymes that burn fats, has high water content and has less sodium. A combination of these three characteristics make grapefruit a perfect food for increasing your body's metabolism. Try eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice every day and you will notice how quickly you lose those extra pounds.

2. Prevents Arthritis and Works as an Antiseptic

Grapefruit contains salicylic acid that helps break down the body's inorganic calcium, which builds up in the cartilage of joints and may lead to arthritis. If you have arthritis, try drinking grapefruit juice with apple cider vinegar. You will notice a reduction in your arthritis symptoms.

The salicylic acid in grapefruit also works as a powerful antiseptic. In addition, grapefruit seed extracts can be added to water to make an antiseptic spray for treating bacterial and fungal infections.

3. Grapefruit Helps in Cancer Prevention

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the red color of grapefruit. It is a powerful agent against tumors and cancers as it acts as a scavenger of cancer-causing free radicals. Lycopene works best with vitamins A and C, which are also found in grapefruit.

An antioxidant compound, called naringenin, is also found in grapefruit. Naringenin helps repair damaged DNA in prostate cancer cells. DNA repair contributes to cancer prevention as it impedes the reproduction of cancer cells.

4. Grapefruit Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels

The antioxidants found in grapefruit are effective in reducing cholesterol levels. However, if you are on prescription drugs, do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. Grapefruit has a negative reaction against many prescription drugs such as those used in treating depression, allergies, high blood pressure, seizures, impotence, heart palpitations and even HIV. Inform your physician if you want to use grapefruit as a regular form of treatment.

5. Grapefruit Treats Common Ailments

Eating grapefruit or drinking its juice helps treat common cold and fever, dissolve gallstones, boost liver function and enhance immunity against infections. As grapefruit contains a dietary fiber called pectin, it thus promotes better digestion. In addition, if you want to have a healthy and smooth skin, try including grapefruit in your diet.

You can get many other benefits from grapefruit because it also contains essential elements such as iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin). You can even extract oil from grapefruit peel for use in aromatherapy.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/5-health-benefits-of-grapefruit/