Health Advice

Compresses are effective in the treatment of a variety of muscular and rheumatic aches and pains as well as bruises and headaches. To prepare a compress add 5 drops of oil of your choice (Albas oil) to a small bowl of water. Soak a piece of flannel or other absorbent material in the solution. Squeeze out excess moisture although the compress can remain fairly wet. Secure in a position with a bandage. For acute pain the compress should be renewed when it has reached blood temperature otherwise it should be left for a minimum of two hours and preferably overnight. Cold water should be used where fever or acute pain or hot swelling require treatment whereas the compress should be hot if the pain is chronic. If fever is present the compress should be changed very frequently.

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There are certain foods that are super foods - packed full of nutritional value in a balanced form they are easy to assimilate. Much richer in specific nutrients than ordinary or processed food if you incorporate these super foods into your diet you will boost your energy levels and achieve a personal equilibrium. They include foods such as almonds, apricots, avocado pears, barley and beetroot to say the least.

Almonds are a important source of the mineral zinc, magnesium, potassium and iron. A small handful of the nuts can transform a light salad into a well balanced meal. You eat vitamin c rich foods at the same time because almond also contain oxalic and physic acid which can prevent your absorption of this vitamin.

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The human body resists infection by means of antibodies and white blood cells. Antibodies are protein substances produced by the lymphoid tissue that circulate in the blood. They react with their corresponding antigens and make them harmless the lymphatic system is also important in the body’s immune response. Lymph nodes are swellings that occur at various points in the system. They are found in the neck, groin and armpit and their main function is to remove foreign particles from the lymph and to participate in the immune response. In this latter function they become enlarged and produce lymphocytes a type of while bloody cell with locate and neutralize antigens or produce antibodies depending upon the type.

The lymph is circulated by muscular action and pumped through the lymph nodes for filtering. The lymphatic system and the immune system overall are very important in maintain good health. Any disorder or deficiency in this system will lead to illness which in some cases may be life threatening.

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Juniper Berry is a native species of many northern countries and has a long history of medicinal use. It has stimulant, tonic and antiseptic properties. It is beneficial in the treatment of stress and sleeplessness. In cases of debility it helps by acting as a tonic for the digestion and boosting the appetite.

Juniper seems to be beneficial to the digestive system, the female reproductive system and the menstrual cycle. It also helps regulate problem skin and is favoured by therapists in the treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis and haemorrhoids. It helps disperse uric acid build up and is therefore useful in the treatment of gout and other joint problems. It is a good stress reliever especially when used in the baths.

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Because jasmine is so costly it is not much used in home aromatherapy but like all essential oils it does have therapeutic uses. Its heady uplifting scent makes it useful in the treatment of stress related illnesses. It also has a smoothing effect on skin and is a valuable component in skin preparation. It also seems to have a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle and has been successfully used for throat problems, coughs and catarrh.  However as there are many less expensive oils that will perform these functions jasmine main use is as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes.  Although non toxic and non-irritant it has on occasion cause an allergic reaction.

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Tea tree contains four substances that do not occur anywhere else in nature and next to thyme is the most antiseptic of all oils.  It is also strongly disinfectant, antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral.  All these qualities make tea tree an invaluable weapon in the treatment of a multitude of infections. Similarly it also seems to offer a boost to the body’s own immune system whenever threat of infection occurs.  Tea tree should be considered when treating any of the following problems - colds, influenza, bronchitis, asthma. It can be used undiluted on facial spots and in a cream on sunburn. It is generally very safe but may cause sensitization in some people.

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Light is important factor in determining the quality of our everyday lives,  in the depth of winter most of us look forward to the long summer days ahead - this is because natural light is almost as vital for healthy living as the air we breathe.  It regulates levels of the hormone melanin which influences sleeps, mood and the reproductive cycle.  our instinctive love of light and sun explains our annual migration to hotter climates.  Without light we feel lethargic and depressed which is where the SAD - seasonal affective disorder is seen - more so in the winter months.

Suffers of this feel antisocial, tired and depressed, in order to counter such feelings it is advisable to work beside windows and let as much daylight in as possible.

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