A Tree for All Seasons

Neem oil is high in vitamin E, rich in emollients and fatty acids that help to heal dry, damaged skin. Neem helps restore the skin’s natural elasticity. Its antibacterial properties help to fight against the bacteria that cause acne. Neem is also anti-inflammatory and reduces the swelling and redness associated with acne.

Neem oil is pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree, which is an evergreen tree that grows in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries in that area. The tree is fast-growing, and usually reaches a height of about 50 feet. All parts of the tree (leaves, bark, seed, and flowers) can be used for many products, although neem oil is the best-known and most widely-used. The fruit looks somewhat like an olive, and has a single pit. Within that pit there can be two or three kernels. Oil is obtained by crushing the kernels and purifying the extract.

Neem oil is used for cooking, and as an ingredient added to soaps, hair products, and body creams. It has also been used for a variety of skin diseases and inflammations.

Besides being an effective anti-inflammatory, scientific studies have shown neem oil to be useful in the following areas:
-anti-viral
-anti-fungal
-anti-bacterial
-immune stimulant
-analgesic (effective against pain)
-anthelmintic (effective against parasites)
-anti-emetic (effective against nausea and vomiting)

Neem leaves contain fiber, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, calcium, and minerals. Neem keeps the breath and mouth clean and sweet-smelling.

Neem is also an antioxidant that helps eliminate cell damaged caused by free radicals.

Neem oils is especially high in important fatty acids that research has shown to be extremely effective in combating certain skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm.

These skin conditions clear up most rapidly when a high quality, organic neem oil is used. Neem oil absorbs quickly into the skin, going to work immediately to start healing and rejuvenating skin cells. Because of this fast absorption, the product never feels oily on the skin.

Neem oil added to health and beauty products can help to clean, beautify, and clear the skin. But it can also, when added to a non-toxic shampoo, help to clear up dandruff.

Hindu legend says that a few drops of ambrosia (which is believed to be the potion of immortality) fell from heaven onto the neem tree, giving it divine qualities.

Since the neem tree grows in India, the people there are more aware of its many beneficial properties. It is much less known in the west, where it’s many uses are just coming to our knowledge.

Terry Christensen is an expert in the area of natural skin care products and other natural products. She believes if the products we put on our skin and hair, and in our bodies, are safe for us; they are also safe for our environment. Learn more at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com

Natural Skin Care Products

A new web site, http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/ featuring natural skin care products from a Canadian-based company with products and skin care tips and information has been launched.

All natural, handcrafted bath and body products include lotions, creams, liquid and bar soaps, whipped shea butter, and soothing skin balms.

All products are handmade; all ingredients are natural. Soaps are made with natural saponified oils of coconut, palm, and shea butter.

Soaps are infused with a variety of herbs depending on the use of the soap. Some of the herbs that are used are rosemary, calendula, aloe vera, sea buckthorn berry, rose hips, chamomile, and lavender, St. John’s Wort. Vitamin E is also used in several of the products.

Soaps are made using the cold process method in which the glycerin is naturally retained. This is an involved process and is considered the true natural way of making soap.

For more information go to http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/

Take Good Care of Yourself

Skin care cream is, as the name implies, cream that helps you take care of your skin. When using a skin care cream, it is important to remember that different skin types require different care. This applies not only to different skin types on different people, but also different skin types on each individual body. For instance, the skin on your face needs a different type of cream than the skin on your hands or elbows or feet.

Today we’re going to talk about skin care cream for the face. Face cream is usually chosen to moisturize the skin and deal with concerns such as dryness, acne, wrinkles. There are many skin care products that will address these concerns. There are facial creams that will deep-clean your skin. Botanical masques are very effective in this area. These are used less frequently than daily cleansers, perhaps once very week or two. The facial cleaners that are used daily are gentler.

After the face has been cleaned an astringent is sometimes used. An astringent helps by absorbing into the skin and dissolving excess oil produced by the glands of the face. An astringent also clears out dead skin cells and any make-up, etc. that might have been left behind after you cleansed your face.

The next step is to apply a product that will protect and moisturize the skin. Some of the best kinds of creams are the natural skin care products that contain natural ingredients such as herbs. Think of this moisturizer as nourishment for your face. A good moisturizer protects from the elements of wind and sun, and keeps your skin healthy-looking and youthful.

Another product that may be very beneficial for you skin is infused oil. Infused oil is a product in which an herb of choice has been infused or permeated into a carrier oil, such as grape seed oil, virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil. Some natural ingredients that are very good for your skin are avocado, rose hips, chamomile, lavender, lemongrass, frankincense, and patchouli. The amount of these ingredients in each product determines whether it is good for normal, dry, oily, or aging skin.

Keep your facial-care routine simple and short. Have the products you need handy to reach. You’ll be more apt to take good care of your skin when it’s simple enough that you quickly establish the good habit of taking care of yourself.

http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/

Aromatherapy Might Be the Answer

Our sense of smell is so vital to our sense of well-being and so important in our connection to the past. What are some of your favorite aromas? Where do they take you? The smell of new-mown grass might take us back to our childhood days when summer vacation was beckoning us. The smell of freshly-baked bread can remind us of Grandma’s house, and the scent of a certain after shave might remind us of our dad.

Some scents that are not usually considered to be all that wonderful can bring back wonderful memories. One of my daughter’s favorite smells is the gas/oil mixture her dad put in the boat. It reminds her of summertime and vacations at the lake.

Often aromatherapy is thought of in combination with other alternative medical uses and sometimes with spiritual healing. Aromatherapy can bring to mind relaxation, indulgence to our sense of smell, comfort, contentment. Massage oils, lotions, hand and liquid soap, and candles can all be part of aromatherapy.

Aromas can be diffused by the use of air fresheners, candles, scented oil sticks, or incense. A wide variety of scents are available for our every mood. We can choose from flowers to spices to rain to an ocean breeze.

We can relax in a warm bath scented with lavender bath oil, while enjoying a scented candle. Then we can apply lavender-scented lotion before going to bed on a lavender-scented pillow. The very thought is relaxation.

Technically aromatherapy is the treatment of disease or affliction by the use of essential oils. Today aromatherapy is often thought of as just a pleasant smell that produces a pleasant feeling. But then who can say but what this brings about the desired relief from an ailment?

Since our sense of smell is one of our keenest senses and evokes the most poignant memories, being surrounded with pleasant aromas can help keep us alert and happy. Our brains are definitely affected by our sense of smell.

Research has been done to show the correlation between health and certain smells. But even without the research we know from personal experience how certain smells affect our moods.I believe we are attracted to certain smells at certain times, according to what we need.

For a long period of time I just couldn’t get enough of the citrus smell, especially lime. But orange and grapefruit essential oils were also among my favorites. After a period of time, although I still liked that citrus smell, I wasn’t as drawn to it as I had been before.

Our bodies seem to know what we need. If a certain smell is especially attractive to you, it might just be because that is what you need. That particular smell might cause a particular reaction in your brain, which will put you in a better state of mind.

Aroma definitely has an impact on our limbic system, which supports a variety of brain functions including emotion, long-term memory, behavior, and our sense of smell. Since emotion and olfaction are effected at the same area of our brains, it is not surprising that aromatherapy can have an influence on our feelings.

Since our stress level is tired directly to our emotions, and since stress magnifies our physical ailments; it is not surprising that aromatherapy can be beneficial to us in many ways.

“Take time to smell the roses” will always be good advice.

For more information go to http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/

Increased Interest in Natural Products

In the past several years there has been an increased interest in natural products, and natural skin care products are no exception. The public is better-informed than ever before. They know that when natural skin care products are being developed, ingredients that are used should be carefully selected by experienced dermatologists and herbalists.

The ingredients are simple plants and other products that occur in nature. In fact, that’s why they’re chosen. It’s the simplest, most basic ingredients that have been the most effective in healing and maintaining healthy skin throughout the ages. Natural herbs such as grape seed extract and green tea extract, natural vitamins, virgin coconut oils, natural beeswax, comfrey, lavender oil, sea buckthorn, and rose hips help bring about natural solutions to skin care needs.
(For more information on rose hips and other natural skin care tips go to http://www.naturalnews.com/.)

More and more emphasis is also being placed on the benefits of fish oil and other marine ingredients. The secret is in the combination of these simple ingredients. Depending on the amount and combination of natural ingredients, products can be formulated for a wide variety of uses, including products for different skin types, certain skin problems, and various ages of the clients.

With the expert opinions of dermatologists who specialize in skin care treatment, and the valuable expertise of herbalists who are well-versed in the healing properties of plant materials; natural skin care products have been developed that bring about the desired results to decrease the effects of stress, toxins, unhealthy diet, over-exposure to sun and wind and leave the skin radiant, glowing, and healthy. Damaged skin can begin to look and feel better. Healthy skin can be nourished to stay that way.

Some of the skin conditions that can be treated and will react well to the use of natural skin care products are acne rosacea, cellulite reduction, diaper rash, severe acne, eczema skin symptoms, jock itch foot fungus, and other fungal infections like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

People today are more and more aware of what they are putting into and onto their bodies. Labels are being read. Products that contain harsh chemicals and laboratory-derived ingredients are being shunned.

More people are interested in serious skin care, natural skin cleanser, natural facial moisturizers, natural sunscreen, anti-aging skin care, and pure essential oils. Being informed is important.

Learn more at http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/.

Herb-Infused Oils - A Double Benefit

An infusion is made when an herb is soaked or steeped in a carrier oil. The resulting infusion has the characteristics of both the herb and the carrier oil - a double benefit.

Infusions can be valuable in treating many minor skin irritations, injuries, burns, insect bites, and as a soothing moisturizer. The type of infusion that is produced depends on the type herbs that are infused into the carrier oil.

Following is a list of six herbs that can easily be infused in a carrier for specific treatments:

(1) Arnica Montana - Arnica Montana is an herb found mostly in the Northwestern United States. It is especially good for sprains and bruises, and can be used right after exercise to reduce or prevent swelling. Recently Arnica has been shown to be effective in cellulite reduction. When infused with a carrier oil, it stimulates blood flow.

(2) Calendula - Another soothing oil is one infused with calendula. This is used for minor skin irritations and rashes, and also nourishes dry, chapped skin. It can aid in the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns. It is naturally antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial, and mild enough to be used on delicate skin.

(3) Comfrey - Comfrey is one of the most valuable herbs known to botanical medicine because it has beneficial effects on all parts of the body. Traditionally used for general wound healing, treatment of bruises, aids in the growth of new cells and thus helps repair damaged tissue. It helps to heal broken bones, bruises, and other superficial damage. Be careful with comfrey, and do not use it on open wounds, abrasions, or cuts.

(4) PlantainOil - infused with plaintain is traditionally used to nourish and treat sensitive, irritated skin and scalp, help restore injured or tired skin and for continuous anti-aging treatment. A plaintain infusion is a soothing skin lubricant with beneficial properties for the outer skin tissue.

(5) Rose Hip Seed - Rose hip seed infused oil is easily adsorbed by the skin, and is traditionally used for popular rejuvenating skin care treatments. It can also be used as a facial anti-aging treatment and is an especially good under-eye treatment. It is known to reverse wrinkle formation, and maintain young fresh skin. Rose hip see infused oil is good for all skin types.

(6) Sea Buckthorn - Sea Buckthorn Oil is said to have proven effective in the treatment of skin conditions including burns, skin ulcers, dermatitis of various forms such as acne rosacea, eczema skin symptoms, psoriasis treatment, and severe acne.

For more information on infused oils and the benefits they provide go to http://www.naturalcare.sitecreatorplus.com/infusedoils.html.

The Healing Power of Balms

Balms are important and effective in the skin care world, and have been around for a long time. The scriptures talk about balms generally, and more specifically as the “Balm of Gilead.” A healing compound itself, the balm or resin from the gum of a tree, was used for the healing of wounds and skin diseases. The reference was also used as a healing for inner wounds and diseases.

A balm can be something that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain. Today balms, also called as salves or ointments, are used as a restorative for dry cuticles, elbows, feet. Some other uses of balms are:

-facial moisturizer

-effective acne treatment

-psoriasis treatment

-diaper rash ointment

-sore muscle remedy

Some oils that may be used in balms include -virgin coconut oil -extra virgin olive oil, -essential oil of lavender -essential oil of carrot seed -orange oil -ginger oil -tea tree oil.

Herbs are wonderfully effective ingredients that can be used in balms. Some of these herbs might include:

-calendula

-chamomile

-rosemary

-sea buckthorn berry -

lavender

-myrrh

-patchouli

-thyme

-yarrow

Other ingredients often used in balms are (1) St. John’s Wort, (2) beeswax, (3) vitamin E, (4) shea butter, and (5) rose hips.

A healing foot balm can be very beneficial for diabetics. It can help to heal dry cracked heels, and is also good to treat foot fungus. A new study has shown that chamomile tea may help prevent the development of skin complications. Chamomile has been used to treat inflammation and skin diseases and wounds. Research also shows that chamomile plant extract suppresses the growth of human cancer cells.

Tea tree oil, used in healing balms, is a natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal product. It is commonly used for skin ailments, infections, burns, and insect bites. It is effective against nail fungus, ringworm treatment, athlete’s foot, dandruff, and acne.

Essential oil, extracted from the flowers of yarrow, can be used in a balm as an anti-inflammatory, and is especially effective when infused with St. John’s wort.

Balms really can soothe and heal from head to toe, from facial moisturizers to foot cream. There is most likely a combination of natural ingredients in a balm that is just right for you.

Terry Christensen is an expert on natural skin care, and balms are one of the products she has researched. For more information on balms and the effectiveness for some of the uses mentioned above go to http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/.

Shea Butter - An Answer To More Than Just Dry Skin

Shea butter, sometimes called shea nut butter, is a natural plant extract from the shea tree. Shea butter is used extensively in cosmetics and moisturizers as an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. Shea butter is beneficial to the skin, and is a natural ingredient that is also edible, being used as a cooking oil and also as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate. The shea tree does not produce its large, plum-like, fruit until it is twenty years old.

Another use of shea butter is in hair conditioners, as its moisturizing properties helps to maintain moisture in the hair and keep in healthy and revitalized. It has been shown to be even more effective that cocoa butter or jojoba butter in treating dry, damaged hair. Shea Butter is allso helpful for scars and other skin conditions.

Besides being an excellent moisturizer and emollient, shea butter is also naturally anti-inflammatory. Shea butter has been successfully used for many conditions:

-fading scars and stretch marks
-treating eczema skin symptoms, burns, rashes, acne, psoriasis
-lessening blemishes, wrinkles

It absorbs rapidly into the skin, and has also been known to effectively relieve sinusitis and nasal congestion. The softening properties helps to relax the skin and thereby ease tension and increase respiration. The use of shea butter can also be effective in lessening the pain of sore muscles and arthritis.

To obtain shea butter the shea nut is cracked and roasted, and then ground into a paste. Water is added to the cooled paste, and then mixed until the shea oil comes to the top and can be collected. The oil is boiled until the water evaporates. It is them filtered until it becomes a creamy yellow color. In some places in Africa, where the shea tree grows, newborn babies are massaged daily with the rich, natural shea butter massage oil which stretches their muscles and softens their skin.

Terry Christensen is an expert in skin care solutions and natural products. Find out more at http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/.