Herbs are made up of flowers, berries, leaves, roots, bark,
seeds, stems and gums and come in many forms. When you buy
herbs whether they be in capsule, powder, oil, lotion, or
liquid form, it is important to look for ?standardized? ones.
The majority of herbs are not regulated by the FDA so read
labels carefully for dosage and safety information. Another
consideration is how fresh the herbs are. Herbs sold in bulk
have lost most of their nutritional value therefore it is
better to choose freeze-dried ones.

Herbs can play a role in assisting weight loss and curbing
appetite. As with any weight loss plan, exercise and proper
diet or necessary to safely and successfully lose weight;
however, herbs can assist in speeding up the process. Just make
sure to exercise caution as some herbs can have side effects.

As mentioned earlier herbs can be used be used in many forms.
Popular methods for preparing herbs include a tea made by using
an herb plant?s leaves, flowers and the whole herb and adding
boil water and allowing them to steep. You can add honey to the
tea to make if more palatable. A juice can be prepared using
small pieces of herbs that are heat sensitive. It is best
consumed right away before it has a chance to lose its vitamin
content. The following herbs have been noted for their
assistance in weigh loss.

Green Tea: Green tea, is similar to coffee in its stimulating
effect, yet it has the added benefits of antioxidants and
vitamin C. Green tea can be purchased in capsule form but the
liquid variety is proven to work better.

Brazilian Cocoa: Brazilian Cocoa is also similar to coffee.
Like coffee, this herb stimulates the central nervous system,
increases metabolism and acts as a mild diuretic. Also, like
coffee when this herb is over consumed it can cause
restlessness and anxiety.

Cayenne: Cayenne pepper when consumed in food stimulates
saliva. It also aids in digestion and helps speed the
metabolism at a safe level.

Evening Primrose: Evening Primrose has been proven effective in
reducing cholesterol levels and helping people process fats
correctly and loose weight.

Seaweed: Seaweed contains a trace mineral that is a natural
thyroid stimulant. It can be purchased in capsule or tablets
forms.

Psyllium: Psyllium seeds, consumed with water, prior to a meal
help control the appetite. Psyllium acts by making the stomach
feel full. As you feel full you are likely to consume less.

Queen?s Flower: Queen?s flower, though less popular has been
proven to be an effective plant used in alternative weight
control and diabetes.

About The Author: Miranda Thompsen is a staff writer at
http://www.diet-gazette.com and is an occasional contributor to
several other websites, including http://www.aging-guide.com.

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For instance, essential oil of eucalyptus, which is one of the
most popular oils for use in saunas, is reported to have
additional benefits for the respiratory system. Commonly used
in natural cough and cold remedies, eucalyptus helps to clear
the bronchial passages and reduce sinus congestion.

Another essential oil which is commonly used for respiratory
problems or infections is pine. Not only is essential oil of
pine good for the lungs, it is also one of the more
invigorating oils. It is especially pleasant to help revive
the sauna bather after a long, tiring day. Also, oil of pine
can help reduce the pain and inflammation of joint problems
like arthritis.

Essential oil of rosemary is also especially good for relieving
fatigue. It is also considered to be a powerful general remedy
for many different health conditions, and is good for boosting
the bather’s sense of general well-being.

A blend that is of particular interest to women is cajeput and
lemon oil. Cajeput is a well-known muscle relaxant and
antiseptic. Essential oil of lemon is used for its
bactericidal and disinfecting capabilities. It is also
considered to be a powerful restorative. This blend is
commonly thought to be ideal for use if the bather feels a cold
coming on, or simply to give a boost to the immune system.

These are just a few of the wonderful scents available as
accessories for saunas.

About The Author: Catherine Cannon writes on a variety of
subjects. To learn more about this topic Catherine recommends
you visit http://luxsauna.com/

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When aromatherapy is used for the treatment or prevention of
disease, a precise knowledge of the bioactivity and synergy of
the essential oils used, knowledge of the dosage and duration
of application, as well as, naturally, a medical diagnosis, are
required. In the Anglo-Saxon world, even among “natural”
practitioners like herbalists or naturopaths, aromatherapy is
regarded more as an art form than a valid healing science. At
best, it is viewed as a complementary and seldom the only
treatment prescribed.

On the continent, especially in France, where it originated,
aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine. There,
the use of the anti-septic properties of oils in the control of
infections is emphasized over the more “touchy feely” approaches
familiar to English speakers. In France some essential oils are
regulated as prescription drugs, and thus administered by a
physician. In many countries they are included in the national
pharmacopeia, but up to the present moment aromatherapy as
science has never been recognized as a valid branch of medicine
in the United States, Russia or Germany.

Essential oils, phytoncides and other natural VOCs work in
different ways. At the scent level they activate the limbic
system and emotional centers of the brain. When applied to the
skin in the form of massage oils they activate thermal
receptors, and kill microbes and fungi.

Internal application of essential oil preparations, mainly in
pharmacological drugs, may stimulate the immune system, urine
secretion, may have antiseptic activity etc. Different
essential oils have very different activity.; they are studied
in pharmacology and aromachology.

While the practice of aromatherapy is sometimes thought to be
confined to inhalation, it may include various methods,
including:

* Inhalation (directly or diffused into the air)

*Absorption through the skin (baths, massages, compresses)

* Absorption through the mucous membranes (oral rinses and
gargles)

* Ingestion (occasionally prescribed, with caveats)

Skeptics argue that while pleasant scents can be relaxing,
lowering stress and related effects, there is currently
insufficient scientific proof of the effectiveness of
aromatherapy. Like many alternative therapies, few controlled,
double-blind studies have been carried out. A common
explanation is that there is little incentive to do so if the
results of the studies are not patentable.

There are some treatments generally accepted in Western
medicine to give a form of relief for the airways in case of
cold or flu, such as mint and eucalyptus essential oils.

Some skeptics acknowledge that aromatherapy has limited
scientific support but argue that its claims go beyond the data
or that the studies are not adequately controlled and peer
reviewed.

The term “aromatherapy” has been applied to such a wide range
of products that almost anything which contains essential oils
is likely to be called an “aromatherapy product”, rendering the
term somewhat meaningless in that context.

Some proponents of aromatherapy believe that the claimed effect
of each type of oil is not caused by the chemicals in the oil
interacting with the senses, but that the oil contains a
distillation of the “life force” of the plant from which it is
derived that will “balance the energies” of the body and
promote healing or well-being by purging negative vibrations
from the body’s energy field.

Arguing that there is little scientific evidence that healing
can be achieved, or that the claimed “energies” even exist,
many skeptics reject this form of aromatherapy as pseudoscience
or even quackery.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be
interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk
to a qualified professional for more information about
aromatherapy.

About The Author: Copyright ? 2006, Heather Colman. Find more
aromatherapy resources at: http://www.aromatherapy-centre.info

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What causes acne?

Acne is caused primarily due to the blockages of pores on the
skin. These blockages stop the oil (sebum) from draining to the
surface of the skin. Bacteria grow in these blockages, which
lead to an infectious inflammation of that area; this is known
as acne. Several factors contribute to the development of acne.
These may include hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin
deficiency, and stress, among others.

What can I do to cure my acne?

There are a number of remedies for acne available in the
market. However, since the causes of acne are so myriad, not
every type of treatment works for every individual. It is
usually through a system of trial and error that the
appropriate remedy is found, especially in the more severe
cases of acne. The problem with some of the new systems of
treatment is that if they don?t work, they may actually
exacerbate the symptoms of this infection. This is why people
are looking more and more towards more natural and organic
remedies for acne as a starting point.

Aromatherapy treatment for acne

Aromatherapy has had a reputation as a natural treatment for
acne for many years. Of the aromatherapy oils, tea tree is
probably the best-known as an acne remedy, though other oils
such as lavender have been anecdotally reported effective. The
advantantage with using essential oils such as tea tree for
treatment is that these oils are a natural organic cosmetic.
Thus, there are no side effects to this kind of treatment.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from the Melaleuca
tree of Australia. Tea tree has anti-septic and anti-fungal
properties. Before the advent of modern medicine, this oil was
an essential part of the First-Aid kits of the Australian army.

How do I use it?

Tea tree oil should be applied on the skin and never taken
internally. For treating acne, mix tea tree oil with aloe vera
gel in the ratio of five per cent tea tree oil to ninety five
percent aloe vera gel. Apply this solution to clean skin.

What are other aromatherapy treatments for acne?

Several other aromatherapy remedies have been shown to inhibit
the growth of acne causing bacteria. Some of the popular
essential oils used for acne treatment are Jasmine, Lavender,
Myrrh, Palma Rosa, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

What are natural, organic cosmetics?

A further contributor to the increase of acne and skin diseases
among our generation is the increased proliferation and usage of
skin care products. Many of these products contain harmful
chemicals that adversely affect the skin and result in
irritation of the skin and acne. Natural, organic cosmetics
contain fully natural ingredients including essential
aromatherapy oils such as tea tree. The use of these cosmetics
helps our skin retain its balance and stay healthy. Healthy
skin is better able to combat and withstand skin infections,
such as acne and eczema.

About The Author: Sharon Hopkins, webmaster of
http://www.aromatherapies.net site writes about alternative
healing methods to treat acne naturally using aromatherapy. She
also writes for other sites on Massage Therapy, Yoga,
Hair-n-Skin-Care site and several other health sites.

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Most people have been introduced to aromatherapy, as part of
their massage therapy, or as a “luxury” process they are
experiencing once in a while when treating themselves during a
relaxing bath. The main branches of aromatherapy include, home
aromatherapy, which takes place when one is self treated with
the aid of perfumes and cosmetic products, clinical
aromatherapy, which is an essential part of pharmacology and
pharmacotherapy, ad finally, aromachology, which is a distinct
term for the study of the effects of odors on one’s mind and
psychological state. But, regardless of the frequency one
selects to perform an aromatherapy act, the fact still remains
that the art of aromatherapy harnesses the potent pure essences
of aromatic plants, flowers and resins to work on two powerful
of human senses-smell and touch-to restore the balance between
body and mind.

Aromatherapy has to be experienced a holistic type of therapy
that works on a person if the “patient” is open to receive its
unique characteristics. Used in treatments against stress, or
to reduce minor ailments and negative emotional states,
aromatherapy should not be considered as a substitute of
conventional medical treatment, but rather a complementary
method one has to attain a positive result for his or her
health in less time. For instance, if somebody suffers from
back aches traditional medical treatment should not be avoided
just because an aromatherapy session has been scheduled.
Especially for serious medical conditions, such as cancer,
heart conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, neural
disorders, and post-operative states, aromatherapy cannot be
applied as the sole method of treatment to help a patient
recover or fight the health situation. Nevertheless, an
aromatherapy massage can go a long way.

Due to their high concentration levels, aromatic essential oils
are measured in drops and used in a variety of ways. Scented
candles, body and facial creams, or house-keeping products like
room sprays, disperse their fragrance in the air and help people
feel better. Whether one wishes to feel more relaxed or increase
his or her energy levels, experiencing an aromatherapy massage
through the use of essential oils is a therapeutic treatment
for both mind and body that can work miracles on a person’s
nervous system. Improving a person’s immune system and
balancing emotions, essential oils penetrate the body via the
skin and have a tremendously welcomed feeling of comfort. Thus,
experience aromatherapy and let your body reach your type of
“nirvana”-internal balance and peace.

About The Author: Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for
http://4alternativehealth.com/ – In addition, Jonathon also
writes articles for http://forahealthyman.com/ and
http://worldof-science.com/

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