Herbal body care

Total body care is a necessary regimen. It isn’t enough to take care of the face; the rest of the skin deserves some pampering too. There are a number of herbs which you can use for herbal body care. The body is composed largely of the skin organ. In order to take care of the boy, you need to take care of the skin. The herbal body care applied will essentially provide protection for the skin too.

Herbal body care for dry skin includes using body lotions, scrubs and bath oils. Refrain from using soap since it could dry your skin even more. For dry skin itches, add quarter-cup vinegar to bath. The herbs that could promote oil production and herbal body care in dry skin are: chamomile, fennel, rose, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, sandalwood and small amounts peppermint and rosemary. Frankincense, jasmine, neroli and rose although expensive are also beneficial.

Herbal body care for oily skin involves using herb that normalize overactive oil glands which include herbs such as sage, lemongrass, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, yarrow and ylang-ylang. Bathing could also help oily skin if used with Aromatic Bath Salts or Aromatic Batch Vinegar. Avoid high heat in saunas since it encourages skin to become oilier. Bath salts make bath water feel silky, remove body oils, perspiration and soften the skin.

Herbal body care for sun-damaged skin involves PABA (part of the B-complex vitamins) and cinoxate (cinanamic acid from cinnamon). These two herbal body cares are commonly used ingredients in sunscreens. Sesame oil is also believed to decrease the impact of the sun’s burning rays by 30 per cent. Olive, coconut, peanut oils and aloe vera are herbal body cares that block out 20 per cent of the rays. Using three to six percent dilution of extract of helichrysum also called immortelle is also an effective herbal body care that serves as sunscreen. Carrot-seed essential oil is very helpful to sun-damaged skin and is used to treat pre-cancerous conditions. The beta-carotene found in this oil is also effective herbal body care used in protecting against skin cancer induced by ultraviolet rays. The South American herb pau d’arco is also an effective herbal body care that is an antioxidant that helps treat skin cancer.

Do not use bergamot if you go out into the sun. This herb contains phototoxic compound called bergaptene which skin’s sensitivity to light and can cause skin discoloration or rashes.

Herbal heat packs

Herbal heat packs are used for back pain, neck pain, eye strain and to give other forms of relaxation. Commercial herbal packs could cost some money anywhere between $18 and 35 per herbal pack. Herbal heat packs use all kinds of fillers where certain amounts of herbs are added. Fillers for herbal heat packs could be wheat or rice, husks of grains, buckwheat husks, cattails seeds, lavender and other herbs. The beauty of the commercial herbal heat packs is that they are reusable and can be reheated a number of times of times without losing their effectiveness. These herbal heat packs are safe to use. And the ingredients of these commercial herbal packs are entirely organic. On the other hand, making your own herbal heat packs especially if you have your own botanical can be another alternative. All you need to do is assemble different herbs freshly picked from your garden. You can discard them and change them once the effect has lessened.

Herbal heat packs are particularly effective when relaxing. To heat herbal pack, place the pack in the microwave oven for as little time as possible, usually less as a minute depending on the size of the pack. Herbs will lose their effectiveness if heated for a long time especially the mints. If the smell of mint has dissipated, you don’t need to make new herbal heat packs, just dab on essential oils in the pack. The same herbal heat pack can be put in the freezer and used as a cold herbal pack to treat inflammation. You can use the herb catnip as effective herbal heat packs or pillows for relaxation and to relieve congestion. Just hang the plants up to dry, put them into an old pillowslip and use them as a pillow to aid sleep. You can use other herbs for your herbal pillows. Lavender, hops or chamomile are good alternatives. You can use mints herbal pillows to relieve congestion.

Herbal heat packs usually contain the following ingredients:

For the base content: rice and lavender, buckwheat husks, popping corn, other grains, peas or beans and cherry pits.

For the herbal content: lavender which is for relaxation, catnip as sleep aid, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus for congestion, garlic for severe congestion, yucca to treat inflammation and other herbal ingredients.

Herbal heat packs are used to treat and are effective for the following symptoms:

- General muscle fatigue
- Sciatic nerve
- Back pain
- Arthritic and rheumatic pain
- Tight, still muscles
- Sinus headaches, backaches, joint discomfort or inflammation
- Warming muscle before exercising
- Muscle spasms in neck or upper back
- Ease pain of migraines and TMJ problems

Herbal Cosmetics

Herbal cosmetics have been widely offered since the ancient times up to these days. This is perhaps for the reason that herbal cosmetics really work. With that major reason, herbal cosmetics now greatly range from skin care products, to hair care products, to herbal bath teas, and to lotions, creams, powders, and a lot more.

Historically, herbal cosmetics are used by women since the ancient times, in a natural form. Most of the ancient women then turned to the bounties of nature to help enhance their own beauty. In fact, it is noted that the ancient Romans have applied beauty packs of eggs and honey, and the Egyptians then have used oils and perfumes for increasing their beauty.

Nowadays, when many cosmetic counters provide cleansers that are full of artificial ingredients, many people turned to consider searching for natural alternatives, and that is in the form of herbal cosmetics.

Among the many herbs that are included as ingredients in some herbal cosmetics formulations are the chamomile, chervil, fennel, dandelion, lime flowers, and rosemary leaves. Greatly, all of these herbs are used as cleansing and mildly astringent. With the advent of the herbal cosmetics, many experts have recommended the infusion of such herbal cosmetics into a tea for a much lighter and refreshing rinse for the skin. And such recommendation really works, for the herbal cosmetics are designed to relieve irritated skin.

Aside from that, many herbal cosmetic specialists also suggest the infusion of lavender, mint, thyme, and witch hazel to the natural antiseptics. Accordingly, this formulation will greatly help especially those who suffer from skin frequent outbreaks.

And as herbal cosmetics continue to create a great impact to the lives of most people, many herbal cosmetics companies have designed some herbal baths which in turn can be made into a spa experience, of course with the production of simple bath bags. As it is commonly noted, herbal cosmetics have the potential for relieving depression and stress. This is perhaps one of the reasons that herbal bath teas become the most commonly purchased item in the market, that they are proven to soothe both the mind and body.

With the great appreciation on herbal cosmetics, it is no wonder that many companies have established their own herbal cosmetic portals on the web. So today, wherever you look at, either surf on the internet or you walk into a certain herbal cosmetics counter; you will definitely find several herbal cosmetics in several forms. That is how popular the herbal items are.

Herbal body wraps

Herbal body wraps are used to produce both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. This is done by cleansing the body of toxins and reducing several inches. Herbal body wraps are good for anyone who wants to improve, tone and tighten the skin. People with loose skin due to weight loss or pregnancy can especially benefit from it. Those who undergo joint pain and inflammation can benefit from the effects of herbal body wraps.

Simple herbal body wraps are made up of clay and some natural sea salt. To make these herbal body wraps more complex you can add more ingredients such as herbs and not more than 2 tablespoons of essential oil.

Essential oils that you could use for herbal body wraps include: lavender, sage, lemon, sandalwood, lemongrass, rosemary, grapefruit and olive oil. Herbs that can be added to herbal body wraps include: alfalfa leaf powder, ground basil, chamomile flower powder, rose petal powder and rosehip powder.

Herbal body wrap recipe for clay body wrap include:
1 cup bentonite or green clay
¼ cup sea salt
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 cups water

To make the body wrap concoction, boil water and add sea salt until has dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Adjust the water to form a wet paste. Rub the mixture over the entire body and cover yourself with thin towels or a clean white sheet. Salons recommend that you use proper wrapping sheets in order to squeeze the tissues together for better results. Then lay in the tub for 45 minutes to one hour.

Herbal body wrap are considered messy. So, the best place to do herbal body wraps is in the bath tub. Better bring a portable television or listen to your favorite tunes while laying on the tub for 45 minutes to one hour. Take a warm shower before you apply the herbal body wraps in order to open the skin pores. Drink plenty of water before and after the herbal body wrap to flush out toxins. You can use an inexpensive thermal blanket to keep warm. And finally, avoid caffeine, sugar, fried fatty foods, soda drinks and alcohol for the next 48 hours.

Another way to draw out toxins from the body is to take a hot Epsom salt bath. Hot water draws out toxins out of the body and as the water cools it pulls of the toxins from the skin. When magnesium sulfate or Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin while bathing, it draws the toxins in the body, reduce swelling and relax muscles. Do not take hot baths if you have high blood pressure, heart, diabetes or kidney problems.

Epsom salt detox bath recipe:
1 cup Epsom salts
1 handful sea salt
2 tbsps. bath oil

Pour the above in the bath tub as the water is filling.

Medieval herbal medicines

During the medieval times, people relied on a number of herbal preparations to treat various ailments. In the twelfth century, people were not even aware of bacteria and viruses. As a result, illnesses were deemed as punishments from God. The underlying principle of medieval medicine revolved around four aspects: black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood. It was believed that the balance of these four contribute to the well-being of the person. Some of the medieval herbal medicines used during that period were the following:

Anise Seeds: They were used in medieval herbal medicine to treat gas and encourage seating and an added ingredient in sweets and candies.

Lemon Balm: This herb was used as medieval medicine to counter melancholy. It was also used as food, furniture polish and to attract bees.

Calamus: This was used in medieval medicine as body powders. To achieve this purpose, the roots were dried and ground.

Cloves: This herb was used in medieval medicine as an antiseptic and painkiller.

Coriander: The seeds of this herb were used in medieval medicine to prevent fever.

Chamomile: This herb was used in medieval medicine as treatment for headaches.

Cumin: This herb was used in medieval herbal medicine to treat gas.

Flax: Seeds of this herb was used as laxative and placed in the eye to remove foreign objects.

Frankincense: This was used for incense and as medicine.

Ginger: The warmth in this herb was used to treat stomach problems and as medicine for plague.

Horehound: This herb was used in medieval herbal medicine as cough syrups. The drinks were used for coughs and colds.

Lavender: The dried flowers were used as medieval herbal medicine for headaches.

Marjoram: This was used in medieval herbal medicine as comfort for stomach pains.

Mint: This medieval herbal medicine was used to treat stomach ailments, wounds and to counter venom.

Mugwort: This was used as foot ointments and in treating women’s ailments in medieval herbal medicine.

Myrrh: This was a tree gum used as antiseptic on wounds.

Nutmeg: This nut was used in medieval herbal medicine as aid in improving digestion.

Rosemary: The flowers of rosemary were used in medieval herbal medicine as an all-purpose medicine. It was burned as an incense to eliminate or prevent infection particularly plague.

Rue: It was used in medieval herbal medicine to treat venomous bites and poor eyesight.

Saffron: This herb is used as medieval herbal medicine for treat infections.

Sage: This is used as medieval herbal medicine for cleansing the system.

Thyme: This herb was burnt in medieval herbal medicine to fumigate against infection.

Yarrow or Achillea. This herb was used to treat wounds, headaches and bite of mad dogs in medieval herbal medicine.

Herbal Shoulder Therapy

Herbal shoulder therapy is used to address any pain in or around the shoulder joint. Most of the time, pain of the shoulder is caused by conditions that affect the ligaments or tendons near the joint. The common causes of shoulder pains are: trauma or injury to the shoulder, bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, bicipital tendonitis and arthritis. Shoulder injuries have two major categories: acute and chronic. Acute shoulder injuries have the following symptoms: redness, swelling, inflammation and sharp pain. Chronic shoulder injuries have stiffness, numbness, discomfort and dull pain.

You can apply immediate care to the affected shoulder area by doing the following therapy: To treat shoulder injuries, after you first feel the shoulder pain, apply ice for 30 minutes then leave it for 15 minutes. Continue this treatment for several hours but do not freeze the skin. Rest is very necessary. You should rest the shoulder for the next few days. After a few days of rest, slowly begin to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Doing some light weight lifting with full range of motion is recommended.

Herbal shoulder therapy for acute shoulder problems involves reducing pain, swelling and muscle spasms. The herbal shoulder therapy is intended to eliminate painful symptoms at the same time supporting the healing process. Herbal shoulder therapy consists of strong analgesic herbs such as corydalis combined with anti-spasmodic herbs and blood-invigorating herbs to ease up pain, encourage blood circulation and open the meridian channels. Herbal shoulder therapy for chronic shoulder problems must activate qi and blood circulation, opening the channels and collaterals and nourishing the muscles and tendons.

In both acute and chronic shoulder conditions, corydalis is the key herb necessary for the herbal shoulder therapy. This herb, aside from containing strong analgesic properties, also has the capacity to treat both acute and chronic inflammation cases. Corydalis also protects from NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers by lowering the gastric acid secretion. Herbal shoulder therapy formulas that are used to treat shoulder pain include the following:

- Lindera formula

- Atractylodes and arisaema combination treats shoulder disorders but do not have strong analgesic effects.

Some used herbal heat packs for herbal shoulder therapy. Herbal heat packs that contain a number of herbs for relaxation and treatment purposes such as valerian, peppermint, saw palmetto, lemon grass, lavender, white willow and a host of other herbs which are known for their pain-relieving properties are heated and applied to the affected area.

Herbal Neck Wraps

Stiff neck and shoulder pains are the most common discomforts we experience after a long day’s work. If you spend your day facing your computer, chances are, you’ll experience neck pains and shoulder aches. These kinds of discomforts may also arise from stress and pressure we face every day. Massage parlors and spas offer all sorts of remedies for these types of discomforts, from body wraps to acupuncture and herbal neck wraps to aromatherapy. Herbal neck wraps, especially, work well for reducing the discomfort from neck and shoulder pains.

Herbal Neck Wraps – What is it?

Herbal neck wraps are similar to body wraps. That is, they combine the benefits of moist heat therapy and aromatherapy to produce better results. Herbal neck wraps are excellent for pain relievers, as well as effective decongestants. People suffering from cold can use herbal neck wraps to relieve congestion. Also, athletes can make use of herbal neck wraps as a replacement for ice packs.

Herbal Neck Wraps – The Herbs

Herbal neck wraps use a variety of herbs mixed together to produce excellent results. Some of these herbs are stated below:

- Lavender

One of the main ingredients for mixing herbal neck wraps is lavender. Native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, the plant prefers sunny, stony habitats where it can grow to heights of 3 and half feet. Lavender produces an aromatic essential oil that is considered as very versatile and useful. It is the oil used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil relaxes, soothes, restores, and balances your body and mind. It refreshes tired muscles, feet, and head.

- Valerian Root

Valeriana officinalis, the scientific name of Valerian root, is also another important ingredient in herbal neck wraps. The plant is indigenous to England’s marshy thickets where its tall stems may be seen towering over other species of flora. The Valerian root is an excellent herb that allays pain and promotes sleep. Its effects are similar to the effects of narcotics with none of the unpleasant after-effects. It highly valued in herbal neck wraps as a relaxing antispasmodic ingredient.

- White Willow

White willow, or European willow, is a large tree with a rough grayish bark that is native to Central and Southern Europe. The bark of the white willow contains a high percentage of tannin, which is a natural salicylic acid that is nearly as potent as aspirin. Because of its analgesic properties, this herb is added into most neck wrap mixtures.

Other herbs found in neck wrap mixtures are chamomile (nerve tonic, relaxant), rosemary (headache relief), peppermint (pain relief and anti-spasm), spearmint (nerve support), and hops (sedative). Some many neck wraps may also contain traces of yellow dock root to improve circulation, lemon grass, cinnamon, and yarrow.

Lavender

If you have ever stepped into a well-tended garden or grow a garden of your own, then you are probably familiar with the shrub lavender.

For most of us, we know lavender as a scent used in perfumes, a kind of purple dye, a pretty spring flower. But did you know that this sweet-smelling vine that blooms in the spring can also be beneficial for your health? In the past several decades, researchers have studied the lavender flower under the microscope and discovered exciting results. However, before we get into that, let us first get to know this lovely plant.

Lavender – The Plant

In olden times, spouses were encouraged to place lavender flowers between their bed sheets as this plant was supposed to keep them from quarreling. Folklore aside, lavender can work magic to any home and any garden.

There are actually several species of the lavender plant. Spanish lavender, or Lavandula stoechas, was a popular scent used in Roman baths. Lavandula dentata, or French lavender, was also used in the same manner. The English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has a superb oil quality and mainly used as scent for perfumes. Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia, with its royal purple color and long-stemmed flowers, was mainly used for ornamental purposes.

The lavender plant has characteristic small, spear-shaped leaves that are green in color when young and turn silvery-gray as it matures. The margins of the leaves are dented with teeth-like shapes in some varieties, making the foliage look even more attractive.

When speaking about its flowers, the darker the color, the more sought-after the species is going to be. Dark purple flowers of the lavender plant are perfect for drying since their pigments don’t fade quickly.

Health Benefits

Native to the Mediterranean region, the lavender plant is best recognized around the world for its fresh and heady fragrance. However, aside from its scent, the lavender also has a long history in herbal healing.

Since the time of the Romans, the lavender plant was used in baths for its sweet scent and soothing effects. In fact, this is where it got its name. The Latin “lavare” means “to wash.” The Tibetans also used an edible variety of lavender as butter which they used as an ingredient in a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the lavender is valued widely in Europe for its essential oil. The oil, which may be applied topically or internally, is said to cure a host of ills, from anxiety to sunburn.

Researchers have also studied the extract from crushed lavender flowers. One extract distilled from Lavandula angustifolia and perillyl alcohol is said to have properties that could prevent and treat various cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and prostate. In an animal experiment, researchers at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) discovered that lavender extract could reverse the growth of advanced mammary tumors in rats.

Other uses of this herb include treatment for sunburn and minor cuts and scrapes. The flower, famous for its aroma, also has antiseptic and astringent properties which folk healers took advantage of hundreds of years ago. Tea made from dried flowers have therapeutic effects that can help people counter insomnia and promote restful sleep. Used in aromatherapy, the herb is said to relieve nervous tension and lift mild depression.

Herbal Sleep Aids

There are many sleep-deprived people these days. And among the most deprived are the college students. In fact, it has been reported from a certain study that only 11 percent of the college students have good sleep quality, and the 73 percent of them have occasional sleep dilemmas. This is perhaps due to the irregularity of their sleeping habits.

A good sleep is very necessary for a good health. And one should know that this fact is the main reason that many herbal sleep aids and over-the-counter prescriptions are formulated. However, many people rather prefer herbal sleep aids than those pharmaceuticals mainly for their safety. Many believed that herbal sleep aids are much safe and effective due to their being natural. Nevertheless, one should understand that not all herbal sleep aids labeled as “natural” are safe and effective. Some of those can interact with the other prescriptions and medications.

Speaking of herbal sleep aids, it is interesting to learn that these products generally come in different forms. Some of the herbal sleep aids come in the form of fresh or dried herb, while the others are in the form of pills, tinctures, and powders. As it is mentioned above, although herbal sleep aids are considered as natural alternatives to certain drugs and for some portions have a good safety record, they also contain active chemicals that are powerful and even toxic. So, one should consider talking to an herbal expert before taking any form of herbal sleep aids.

Among the most well-known herbal sleep aids is chamomile. Numerous clinical trials have shown that chamomile have a mild sedative effect. Aside from that, it has also been applied for the purpose of soothing the stomach in cases if indigestion, gastrointestinal spasms, flatulence, and gastrointestinal tract inflammation. And greatly, the Food and Drug Administration suggested that this form of herbal sleep aids is safe for both the pregnant and nursing women.

A common ingredient in beer known as hops is also considered as one of the best herbal sleep aids ever formulated. In fact, sleeping on a pillow distended with dried hops is a traditional treatment for sleeplessness as well as for nervous conditions. This herb can also be taken as a bitter tea or even as a freeze dried extract in a capsule form.

Finally, another herb that is widely considered as one of the herbal sleep aids sold in the market today is lavender. Most of the aroma therapists love lavender for its great healing quality. As one of the herbal sleep aids, the lavender oil can be sprinkled on the pillow or in a warm bath with some lemon balm for a comforting aroma that will lead you to feel sleepy. However, one should watch out for the Spanish lavender since such herb can be stimulating.