Essential oils are highly concentrated, as you can deduce from the fact that it takes thousands of rose petals to produce a single drop of rose essential oil. This potency must be respected, and the way you handle and use essential oils is important. Following the guidelines given below (and elsewhere in this book) will ensure that you use essential oils safely and effectively.

Because these oils are powerful and highly concentrated, they can be toxic if used incorrectly. However, if you handle the oils carefully and follow a few simple safety tips, they are safe and beneficial.

Safety Guidelines

As already mentioned, you should never take essential oils orally. Avoid all contact between essential oils and the delicate mouth area, and avoid placing them in or near your eyes.

Some essential oils can cause irritation if they are applied undiluted to the skin, so this is recommended only occasionally and in specific circumstances with selected oils. Otherwise, apply only properly diluted essential oils to the skin, and follow the recipes and methods carefully. Do not increase the amount of essential oils used in the recipes.

Certain essential oils, such as spices, may cause skin irritation on those with sensitive skin. Occasionally a slight redness or itchiness might occur from using these or other essential oils. If this happens, put some base cream or base oil, such as sweet almond oil, on the affected area and then apply a cold wet flannel until the redness or itchiness disappears.

If you accidentally splash a drop of essential oil in your eyes, use a small amount of base oil to dilute the essential oil, and absorb this with a soft cloth, before rinsing your eyes with cold water. If there is a serious incident, seek medical attention.

A few essential oils, such as bergamot and other citrus oils, are phototoxic. This means that they might cause skin discoloration in bright sunlight, even when diluted. It is therefore best to avoid using bergamot and other citrus oils on exposed skin if the weather is sunny.

Currently there are so many warnings about exposure to the sun that knowing how to protect your skin from harmful rays is quite daunting. Despite this mood of alarm, many people still like to sunbathe in moderation, especially on holiday. If you take sensible precautions and avoid excessive exposure to the sun, then a little moderate sunbathing need not be absolutely forbidden.

Great care must be taken when exposing your skin to the sun. The increasing prevalence of skin cancer is a major health caution, but exposing your skin to the sun for long periods of time, or with great frequency, also speeds up the ageing process. People who have sunbathed excessively develop a leathery skin texture, their suntan fades into a sallow yellow colour, and the general appearance of their skin is unattractive.

How to Sunbathe Safely

Before sunbathing: to enjoy moderate exposure to the sun, first consider your complexion. If you have fair or red hair you will probably have fair skin, and this can tolerate less sun than a darker complexion. Adjust the time spent in the sun accordingly. A week before starting to sunbathe, you need to start conditioning your skin. Do a couple of exfoliating body scrubs during the week to remove all dead skin cells. Apply a moisturizing body lotion daily with a 2 per cent dilution of essential oils that will nourish and protect the skin. Choose from patchouli, palmarosa, neroli, lavender and frankincense.

During sunbathing: choose an appropriate-strength sunscreen lotion for your complexion, taking into consideration the strength of the sun in the area of the world where you will be. Avoid sunbathing between noon and 3 pm when the sun is hottest. Drink lots of water, wear a sunhat and above all do not spend too long in the sun, especially at the beginning.

After sunbathing: cool the skin with a long, cold shower. Liberally apply a rich moisturizing body lotion with 1 per cent dilution of cooling, regenerating essential oils, such as roman chamomile, german chamomile, jasmine, lavender, neroli, carrot seed, rosewood and rose absolute.

There are three principal methods of extracting essential oils from aromatic plants. These are: expression processes; distillation processes; a nd extraction using volatile solvents.

Expression

This method is only used for citrus fruit. The essential oils in citrus fruits are situated close to the surface of the peel and are easily obtained by squeezing and scarification (finely puncturing the peel) Expression methods include the sponge method and machine abrasion, the former being more traditional and producing a very pure essential oil.

You can experiment at home with hand expression and produce small quantities of your own citrus essential oils. Wash and dry the fruit and cut off segments of peel. Using your fingers, squeeze the peel over a small bowl to collect the drops of essential oil. Store them in a small, dark glass bottle with a dropper insert, and use them as you would any other citrus oil.

Distillation

Distillation processes involve heating the plant material until a vapour is formed, then cooling the vapour until it becomes liquid. In water distillation, the plant material is covered in water and heated in a vacuum-sealed container. This method is slower and sometimes inferior to steam-distillation, because certain delicate components of essential oils are damaged by exposure to heat. The more efficient steam-distillation uses steam under pressure to swiftly extract the essential oil.

Solvent Extraction

For the most delicate plant material, such as flowers, and for those containing only a small amount of essential oil, solvent extraction processes are used. The main advantage is that this method is gentle, but the resulting essential oils include non-volatile waxes and plant dyes, as well as the essential oil itself. Nonetheless, these essential oils are considered by many authorities to be fine for use in aromatherapy. The main solvents used in modern production are volatile hydrocarbons (such as hexane).

A recent innovation is a process called hypercritical carbon dioxide. This is reputed by some authorities to produce essential oils of very high quality and purity, though others are critical of oils produced in this way. The process requires very expensive equipment, so essential oils produced in this manner are difficult to obtain and expensive.

Oily skin is the bane of many adolescents, with the accompanying acne and blackhead spots. Adolescents tend to have oily skin because their bodies are going through changes and flux after puberty, especially the endocrine system, which is linked to sebum production. At that vulnerable age it is small satisfaction to learn that an oily skin in your early years means that your skin will age more slowly than normal or dry skin.

Oily skin can also affect adults. It is characterized by a dull, neglected appearance, possibly acne, and certainly some blackheads, spots and blemishes. The skin feels oily to the touch and has a shiny look, together with enlarged pores and sometimes a thick, coarse appearance.

The combination skin of an oily T-shape of forehead, nose and chin with dry skin on the rest of the face is the most common skin type. Aromatherapy treatment is aimed at balancing and reducing sebum production. The patches of dry skin and of oily skin require different essential oils and other skin-care treatments accordingly, so a wide range of products is necessary.

It is important to resist the temptation to use harsh cleansers on oily skin. Although they are effective in temporarily cleansing excess sebum and dirt, such harsh cleansers typically contain alcohol or chemicals that literally strip the skin of sebum. This merely encourages more sebum production and is therefore counter-productive.

The best approach to treating oily skin is gentle, frequent cleansing, toning and moisturizing with a light moisturizer. Essential oils are chosen to balance and reduce sebum production and for their healing, antiseptic qualities. Deep-cleansing treatments weekly are recommended. These include lace masks based on green clay, which draws out dirt and excess sebum; and facial steaming to unblock pores and prevent spots from forming .

Suitable Aromatherapy Products

Essential oils that are beneficial for oily skin include geranium, lavender, cedarwood, palmarosa, niaouli, juniper berry, ti-tree, ylang ylang, cypress, grapefruit. bergamot and myrtle.

Flower waters for oily skin include verbena water, witch hazel, orange ­ flower water and cornflower water.

The scalp benefits from aromatherapy massage and treatments just as much as the face, This rejuvenating hot -oil treatment can be given before or after a facial massage, if desired, though it is equally effective on its own and is easy to do to yourself Hot oil with added essential oils nourishes the scalp and conditions the hair, Scalp massage promotes healthy hair growth, reduces scaling, is deeply relaxing and gently releases tension and dispels headaches,

Suitable base Oils for the rejuvenating hot-oil treatment include jojoba, which regulates sebum and is beneficial for dry, itchy scalps; evening primrose oil, which makes a good conditioner for hair and neem oil, which helps prevent dandruff and itching, Add essential oils as follows: for dark hair, use rosemary; for fair or red hair, use chamomile; for dandruff, use lavender, bergamot or sandalwood,

How To Perform It

You Will Need

An essential oil and base oil, as suggested previously; use a 3 per cent dilution: 3 drops of essential oil for each 5 ml (1 tsp) of base oil.

• A small cup or bowl
• A larger bowl of hot water
• Plastic wrap
• Hot towels
• Shampoo and conditioner

What To Do

• Take 5-10 ml (1-2 tsp) of base oil, depending on your hair length and thickness, Heat the oil in a small cup or bowl immersed in a larger bowl of hot water or in a microwave, Mix in the essential oil thoroughly.
• Apply the oil to your hair, making sure that you cover every strand. Give yourself a thorough scalp massage, using small, firm circular movements with your fingertips and covering all of the scalp Make sure you are really moving your scalp and not just skating lightly over the top.
• Wrap your hair in plastic wrap, and then cover your head with a hot towel. Replace with another hot towel once the first one has cooled, and repeat for as long as you like. Leave the oil in for at least two hours.
• Shampoo your hair at least twice to wash off the oil, applying neat shampoo for the first wash to ensure that you remove all traces of oil. Condition your hair as usual, but use less conditioner than normal. Your hair will feel soft and glossy, and your scalp relaxed and invigorated.

What are Essential Oils?

Aromatic plants produce fragrant essences in secretory cells, using nutrients from the soil and water, and light and warmth from the sun in a process called photosynthesis. These naturally occurring plant essences attract beneficial insects, such as bees, to help pollination and deter less friendly insects that would otherwise eat or damage the plant.

In many aromatic plants the secretory cells are near the surface, located in flowers and leaves. When you walk past these plants and brush against them, this releases the fragrance into the air. The beauty and magic of these essences are often described as the aromatic heart, life force or energy, and soul or spirit of the plant. When aromatic plants are distilled (usually by steam distillation), the essences undergo subtle chemical changes and turn into essential oils.

The term ‘essential oil’ is generally applied to all the aromatic oils used in aromatherapy, although strictly speaking this is not technically correct. Oils extracted from citrus fruits using simple expression of the rinds are still the plant essence. Some floral oils, such as jasmine, are obtained by a process called enfleurage or solvent extraction. This produces a ‘concrete’, which then undergoes further solvent extraction to produce an ‘absolute’. However, for ease and simplicity, the term ‘essential oil’ is often used generally to mean all aromatherapy oils.

Main Characteristics of Essential Oils

Many essential oils are light, clear and non greasy, although a few are viscous and some are coloured. However, they all share one important characteristic: they will only dissolve in fatty oils, such as almond or sunflower oil, or in alcohol. They will not dissolve in water, and this has implications for the way they are used.

Essential oils are very concentrated and powerful, and are greatly diluted before use in aromatherapy. In a massage oil, for example, the dilution of essential oil in base oil is around 2 or possibly 3 percent. Essential oils are only rarely used undiluted, and in very specific instances. They are also highly volatile and evaporate quickly when exposed to the air, so they are best kept in airtight, dark glass bottles.

Have you rightly decided that this year will be your year of weight loss? Well, your resolution is worth appreciation, but are you aware that there can be enough hurdles to turn this dream into reality? First and foremost requirement is you need to be consistent with whatever regime you embark on. Also you should definitely consult a fitness instructor to be more precise regarding the choice of supplement you use.

Hoodia gordonii is a name that has evolved great vibes in the fitness industry. Being a natural product, it is included in many weight loss supplements. However, some of these products are worthless as they do not contain required quantity and quality of Hoodia gordonii. If you want to ensure that you are using quality Hoodia, go for Hoodia Gordonii Plus. It is not just another similar product but a known name in the fitness circle.

The problem that most people face while getting into shape is inability to control appetite. When they see food, they get that unknown urge to eat more than they require. This causes undue increase in flab. However Hoodia gordonii plus reduces the extra pounds effectively by significantly lowering the appetite. Only requirement of taking Hoodia gordonii plus is that you should drink plenty of water along with it. It provides you with enough energy to carry out day to day activities effectively without feeling the need of surplus energy. The magnesium and green tea present boosts the body metabolism thus adding to the benefits of Hodia Gordonii!

When it comes to purchasing jewelry, budgets are set in order not to go overboard. This is especially true when you are buying jewelry for some occasion. But when the occasion is very dear to heart, little overboard purchase is absolutely fine, isn’t it? And when you see pearls while purchasing different types of jewelry, you just cannot ignore their sheer elegance and shine. But you want your purchase to fall within your budget. If this is the case, go online and order your pearl jewelry today!

The online purchase will avail you great discounts with fabulous service. You will be amazed at wide variety available that far outnumbers the variety available at your nearby jewelry mall. So, going online is doubly profitable. You get jewelry of your choice and also save your pocket from deep dent. Your neighbor is ought to be surprised at your hot looking Tahitian pearls in your necklace. They are so stunning that don’t be surprised if next week your neighbor sports similar necklace!

The pearls are truly the most enchanting jewels since time immemorial. Now the manufacturers of cultured pearls have created them in so subtle ways that no one can resist purchasing them. Just be on your toes to choose the best pearls of your choice and then order your favorite jewelry piece in which you want to weave these pearls. Soon, you will be dazzling hot with pearly smile! Pearls are precious but you are more!

Women are always fond of their bodies and they want to adorn it with adorable garments. But among all garments, sexy lingerie is the closest to her heart and she does not like to take chance when it comes to the purchase of sexy lingerie. Her feminine body always needs well-fitting and attractive lingerie that skips a man’s heart beat! Whether you are figure perfect or little plus size, you can have sexy lingerie for all body types.

She wants to boost her self confidence through her lingerie, so well-fitting and revealing lingerie will enchant her more. What she is inside, she is outside. So, her outer poise reveals her inner fitting. The sexy lingerie like crotch less panties, bustier, sexy gowns or stockings, all have a principal place in a woman’s wardrobe. The sexy lingerie is no more just a bedroom accessory. It is a feel good piece of garment for every woman.

Silk, cotton or chiffons are used for the manufacture of sexy lingerie. Enhancing the natural assets is also a job done by the lingerie. That’s why women are seen purchasing push up bras for breast uplift and thongs to flaunt their beautiful legs. Designer lingerie is marketed by different brands. You can view the top lingerie brands on different websites to get an idea about their varied features. Well, now there is no need to go lingerie shopping too. To avoid embarrassment, the manufacturers sell lingerie online. You can place an order online after selecting the best pieces of sexy lingerie for you and you will soon get well-packed sexy lingerie in plain boxes at your doorstep. Get sexy without anybody noticing it!

Smile is the most precious asset all human beings possess. And when you smile, the most visible organs are your teeth. White shiny teeth are said to be one of the signs of beauty. But because of different chemicals in tea, coffee, tobacco, red wine, etc teeth discoloration is common. Also some medicines like tetracycline or doxycycline lead to darkening of teeth. Fluorosis can also lead to discoloration of teeth. The tooth discoloration warrants the consultation with a dentist.

Caring your teeth is very important, as after the milk teeth are gone and you have permanent teeth, this set has to be preserved well for life. So, treating discoloration by teeth whitening should be considered. There are many ways of teeth whitening, depending upon the cause and affordability. There can be home whitening kits as well as in-office treatment. As the quality of bleaching agents used is important to assess, it is always better to opt for a specialist while going for teeth whitening.

The overall cost of teeth whitening procedure depends upon the procedure you undergo, the area of country you live in, etc. if you opt for costlier LASER whitening, the cost will be something around $1000. However, the bleaching tray treatment cost starts around at $500. Consulting your personal dentist before opting for any procedure is must, as he can analyze whether you are a right candidate for teeth whitening. Let’s smile. It increases your face value!