skin care routine for combination skin type. I also use a mud pack on my oily areas only (the areas get dry if I use it there) and some other herbal facepacks.
Duration : 0:2:52
Choosing the best antiaging product eventually comes down to what suits your skin. There are different skin types to consider when coming up with a reliable antiaging routine and it took me a little trial and error to finally arrive at a regime that suited me. You’ll need to do a little due diligence but in the end, the “legwork” you perform will be more than worth it.
Determining Your Skin Type
It’s important to remember that all products are not created equal. If you are a little concerned about your skin reacting to various antiaging agents in some products then get some advice. Visiting a dermatologist might be a good option as they will be able to determine what you need to help your skin. A dermatologist report will help you steer clear of certain agents that could prove harmful particularly if you have sensitive skin.
An Antiaging Routine
As a television presenter, I eventually had to seek out an antiaging routine because I found that daily makeup combined with sitting under hot studio lighting was having an effect on the moisture aspect of my skin. Bear in mind that as a guy, deciding to search for an antiaging product routine was a big decision; it’s not something one would discuss with his buddies down at the local pub. I sought advice from people who were qualified to make an assessment and this included nutrition experts and skin specialists.
Here is my five step process for combating the ravages of aging:
1. Nutrition… not just in the foods I eat but I take optimal amounts of nutrition in the shape of antioxidants and minerals. Look for a product that can provide the complete range of vitamins and minerals, not just in isolated doses.
2. Stick with a product once you find it doesn’t have any adverse effects on your skin. Avoid jumping onto the latest skin care fad that comes along. If you are happy with a product why change? Changing to another brand could cause a reaction of sorts in your skin.
3. Use a combination of a daily cleanser, a toner, a protective emulsion with sunscreen capabilities and eye cream. These four products form the basis of my daily morning routine and I have to say, I have no complaints whatsoever. You’ll need to get advice on what works best for you.
4. Some suggest using a night cream but I repeat the cleanser and toner applications combined with the eye cream and it suits me fine although I’m not suggesting that a night cream won’t be suitable for you. This is a personal choice.
5. Once or twice a week, use an exfoliating process such as a mask which will help cleanse your skin and open up your pores.
Whatever antiaging product you decide on remember, if you are happy with it, resist the temptation to change it. A combination of a nutrition and skin care based routine is hard to beat.
Acne at its mildest is a constant form of irritation and social embarrassment. Who wouldnât want to have a clear smooth complexion? I know I do.
Some of us have it tougher than others when we are stricken by severe acne conditions. So what exactly causes acne? A lot of it has to do with a loss of balance in the rate that our skin discards the old skis and regenerates new ones. Some of these old skins get stuck under oily pores (another contributing factor) which lead to an accumulation of oil and bacterial fodder, a nirvana for those nasty bacteria to breed and infect.
So you end up with severe acne which causes extreme irritation, resulting in open wounds, puss-filled pores, and unsightly scarring. Severe acne is nothing to write home about; itâs also not a condition to take lightly and must be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.
We talked earlier about balance which leads to acne in the first place. Balance? In What? Weâre talking about environmental as well as genetic factors which contribute to an acne prone skin condition and worse, aggravate it. Prevention and treatment are the best ways to deal with such cases. Seldom does an extreme acne sufferer’s skin clear up naturally, but in most instances, it actually worsens.
Prevention is not something which can be taken for granted. We could do our best in influencing the environment surrounding us, making them less acne friendly. Good personal hygiene coupled with a good skin care regiment can increase your odds tremendously. A few popular types of acne prevention regimes commercially available are Murad Acne Comples as well as Pro Active Acne Treatment, however you are advised to consult a qualified dermatologist before commencing on a regime.
Usually a dermatologist will also recommend a combination of both topical cream and oral drugs. Several types available include different antibiotics, benzyl peroxides, Tretinoin, Adapalen and the strong, yet effective Azelaic Acid to tackle the source of inflammation-the bacteria lining the follicle.
A form of vitamin A, Tretinoin, stops the development of comedones, or inflamed hair follicles. Although non-antibacterial, this is a natural way of unplugging clogged pores that cause inflammation and lesions, thereby allowing the use of topical antibiotic cream to work deeply within the skin.
Dermatologist will routinely ask you which form of medication you’d prefer. Creams are good for those with extra sensitive skin, while gels and other solutions tend to make the skin become more dry and irritated. He or she may recommend one or the other based on gender and/or whether you live in a hot and humid climate.
At first, your skin may look and feel worse with the use of such strong medications. If the pain becomes unbearable or if you develop a rash or extreme redness of any kind, be sure to stop using the product and immediately talk to your doctor and dermatologist. Any improvement will take up to 8 weeks to show up.
Discover useful advice and information about the causes and prevention of acne. Website contains useful articles and updated information on this nasty skin condition. http://www.acne-treatment-options.info/
For More Info or to Buy Now: http://www.hsn.com/redirect.aspx?id=il&url=http%3A//www.hsn.com/cnt/prod/default.aspx%3Fpfid%3D350438&afsrc=1&sourceid=youtube&cm_mmc=advsvc*youtube*na*350438
Take the shine off oily skin with the innovative ingredients in Elysee Clear Effects Skin Care Trio. Our unique formulations work together to help cleanse and control oily/combination skin, purify…
Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #350438
Duration : 0:3:41
Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflammed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis Eczema is a chronic skin disorder / allergy usually characterized by scaly and itchy rashes.
Children are very prone to it. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild form, the skin is dry, hot and itchy, while in more severe forms the skin can become broken along with bleeding. Eczema is not contagious. Although it can occur just once, it generally keeps coming back or lasts the entire lifetime. Like many diseases, eczema currently cannot be cured. However, for most, the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
Causes â
Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies.
Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma.
What causes eczema is not known until date. It can be triggered by just about anything that comes in contact with the skin.
Some possible factors that worsen the condition â
# Exposure to water, temperature changes.
# Stress
# Chemicals
# Allergens such as nickel or yeast growth
# Upper respiratory tract infections.
# Certain soaps, detergents.
# Contact with juices from fresh fruits.
The triggers are not the same for every person and it is very difficult to find out the exact cause of a flare-up.
Symptoms â
Eczema looks different from person to person - dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin most often characterize it. Eczema is sometimes referred to as “the itch that rashes,” since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of a rash.
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In adults, eczema occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
# The first symptom is intense itching followed by appearance of rashes. This causes a burning, tingling sensation.
# Blisters - if scratched, the blisters may ooze and become crusty and scaly.
# Infected skin area becomes abnormally dark or light in colour.
# Painful cracks may develop followed by bleeding.
# In some cases, there might be ear discharge
Treatment â
Effective treatment of eczema requires correct diagnosis of the allergen. Eczema cannot be cured in most cases, but it can be managed well and controlled.
Main aim of treatment is to relieve discomfort. It depends on the -
â age, health and medical history of patient.
â type and severity of eczema present.
Thus, acute rashes, dry scaly lesions, or chronic lesions are each treated differently.
Anything that aggravates the symptoms should be carefully avoided, whenever possible, including any allergens and irritants.
Dry skin often makes the condition worse. When washing or bathing, keep water contact as minimum as possible and use less soap. After bathing, it is important to trap the moisture in the skin by applying a moisturizing cream on the skin while it is damp. Treatment of bleeding lesions may include soothing moisturizers and wet dressings.
Mild anti-itch lotions help soothe less severe dry scaly lesions.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce inflammation in some severe cases.
In very severe cases, alternate treatments such as chemotherapy, phototherapy may also be given.
Self care at home â
The best treatment is to remove the allergy-causing agent. Now this is quite a difficult task. You need to keep a track on your habits or go for a laboratory allergy testing.
# Prevent dry skin. Use a mild anti bacterial soap while bathing and follow it up with a moisturizer.
# Avoid scratching the rash, for it will only aggravate the irritation. Keep nails short.
# Cotton clothing and bedding keep the skin cool and allow it to breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool as they irritate.
# Avoid stress. Undertake light activity, eat healthy food â this will help prevent flare-ups.
Preventive steps â
# Keep the affected area clean and dry to avoid further breakdown. Avoid scratching.
# Avoid whatever causes a flare up of your eczema.
# Grind 1-tablespoon turmeric along with 1 tablespoon of neem leaves. Apply 2-3 times daily on the affected areas.
# Keep bedrooms, living areas free of dust mites (a common eczema causing agent).
# Apply a teaspoon of sandalwood paste mixed with a teaspoon of camphor to the affected area. It has a cooling effect.
# Drink tomato juice daily, it will cure the symptoms in a few days.
# Coconut oil to be applied to the portions with eczema.
# Carrot juice and spinach juice in combination is highly beneficial for eczema.
# Drink plenty of water.
# Sunbathing is beneficial as it kills the harmful bacteria.
# Papaya seeds mashed and applied on the infected area, will give relief from itching.
Basic skin care includes treating oily, dry and combination skin with a variety of cleansers, moisturizers and toners. Get information on basic skin care from a life coach stylist in this free video on skin care.
Duration : 0:1:26
Skin diseases that are caused by contact with chemicals related to your work are called occupational skin diseases.
In order to diagnose these types of skin diseases, you will have to work closely with your dermatologist. You will need to pinpoint the condition first appearance and what triggers make it worse.
Occupational skin diseases may be furthered by irritants you are using at home. The most common occupational eczema include: allergic contact dermatitis, hives (contact urticaria), and irritant contact dermatitis.
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic contact dermatitis is not only common but has a huge list of potential suspects behind it. Allergens may be aromatic chemicals, caustic chemicals, metals, organic chemicals, plants, plant extracts or any combination of these. Haptens, simple chemicals that require a protein bond to become an antigen, are the most common culprits.
The immune system is a factor in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), meaning that people who have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to ACD, which makes age a factor in diagnosis.
Depending on location and chronic qualities, the appearance of ACD varies. Most symptoms include: blisters (of all sizes), cracking, flaking, inflammation, papules, redness, and swelling. Common body areas for manifestation include: ears, face, feet, hands, and neck. Common culprits include:
Adhesives.
Beauty Products, including cosmetics, skin/hair care
Chemicals
Dyes
Jewelry
Latex based products
Plants (and plant derivatives)
Rubber based products
Typically, treatment of ACD includes: identifying the allergen and finding/following ways to avoid it which may include substitution of a different product. Topical medication in the form of corticosteroids will relieve symptoms.
What are Hives (contact urticaria)?
Hives can be caused by either allergens or caustic substances and can attack people with atopic dermatitis very easily. For example, a person who works at a cosmetics counter and is required to wear that product may have more trouble if they have atopic dermatitis. Treatment for this form of occupational eczema is the same as for allergic contact dermatitis.
What is irritant contact dermatitis?
Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common form of occupational eczema and affects exposed areas of skin (arms, face, hands, and neck). It can just bed a reddish patch of chapped skin or it can be as bad as skin ulcers. Itching is extreme and scratching seriously worsens the flare up.
An inherited overactive response to triggers is one cause longer life spans and more severe symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis. These triggers can be temperature/precipitation, friction, chemical irritants and stress. The number of potential irritants is very large and on-the-job contact may be with one or more:
Adhesives/glues
Alkalis
Aromatic chemicals
Asphalt
Bacteria
Bathroom cleaning products
Chemical salts
Foods
Fungi
Gases
Glass fibers
Lubricants
Metals
Plants/derivatives
Soaps and detergents
Solvents
Tar
Irritant contact dermatitis is treated the same as allergic contact dermatitis, but the addition of exposure modification and protection are critical, as is educating the workers.
With any form of occupational eczema, it is as important to be aware of possible infections as it is with other forms of dermatitis. This is especially true for people who work in agriculture, food processing, food preparation (restaurants/cafeterias), health care, school systems, and veterinary medicine. The tendency of the skin to get broken open through scratching allows infection to attack your already deprived immune system with ease.
Consultation with a doctor is important for diagnosis. Skin infections, whether bacterial, fungal, or viral can mimic eczema but can be cured and may be contagious; eczema is not. Prompt treatment of these infections can lead to further complications and spread of the infection.
Other Occupational Skin Conditions
Acne: comedogenic products, such as theatrical cosmetics, industrial oils, cooking oils can cause acne. Comedogenic means that the pores are plugged with an oily substance, which becomes apparent through both black and white heads.
Apparel with rubber lining (such as hard hats and rubber straps for carrying tools) may also be comedogenic in some occupations.
Frictional dermatitis: this is caused by repetition in handling of necessary tools for the job. For example, a worker who sews the tags on blue jeans may get frictional dermatitis from the constant movement of the denim against her hands/arms.
Much ado about nothing! That’s what you feel at times, when you read thousands of pages about treating acne. You get totally confused by having a look at the multitude of over the counter products for acne treatment. Each supposed to be better than the other! Among all this confusion, votaries of the proactive acne treatments are gaining in number.
There is another reason for support for proactive skin care products. When you recall the suffering you underwent, in treating acne, that too without adequate benefits, you feel encouraged to support the alternative method. They waited in the wings to take over.
The vast number of satisfied customers boost the market for proactive skin care products.
A medicine that works on the acne problem of one individual, will not work on the other. But proactive acne solution gets the nod from a large number of acne sufferers and they tell you about marked improvements in skin quality. For any product to find genuine acceptance in the market, it needs to have the real merit. It must address to the problem sincerely.
Proactive acne treatment is based on basic skin care products- toner, cleanser and repairing lotion. With these products, a good combination therapy is developed. The collective might of these three products confronts acne successfully in majority of the cases. The top quality of Proactive products is that they are neither harsh nor astringent. Therefore, they don’t dry out your skin.
With Proactive acne treatment you get soft and healthy skin. This indeed is the bonus and helps to increase the popularity of the natural ways of curing acne.
All in all, what matters most in the realm of acne treatment, is your proper understanding of acne condition. You can get a firm view about this, only after consulting your dermatologist.
The expensive treatment need not be the best. Excessive medication may also result in complications. Some types of mild attacks of acne may not require any treatment as such at all. Just take care of your face, and don’t wash it with hard and astringent soaps unnecessarily. Many natural treatments go well in case you have sensitive skin. The fear of side effects is not there as far as natural skin products are concerned.
Know your skin type!
Skin is your biggest organ, it regularly gets scratched, bruised and burnt. Its one of your main erogenous zones, yet much of the time it’s not given any thought. Perhaps its time to change that, after all, how good you look depends on how well you take care of it.
Skin constantly regenerates and renews itself. The outer layer, called the epidermis, is as thin as a pencil line. It consists of a protective layer of skin cells that continually sheds and gives way to new cells. Below the epidermis are the dermis and hypodermis, two layers that produce the oil, collagen, and elastin that give your skin support, elasticity, and shine.
There are 4 basic skin types: oily, dry, combination and normal. The type of products you use will depend on your skin type.
Be aware that your skin type will change from time to time and you will have different needs depending on the time of year, if you are under stress, or as you age.
DRY SKIN
Skin is tight, drawn, flaky with a dull complexion. Dry skin can lack elasticity and be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures. Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum. Often people with dry skin change frequently from normal to dry then back again.
Causes of dry skin
The skin has become dehydrated because oil glands are not supplying enough lubrication to the skin.
Skin has been exposed to the elements, particularly in winter.
A genetic condition.
Nutritional deficiencies, lack of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can contribute.
Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhoea.
Reaction to a product you have put on your skin.
Solutions to dry skin
Moisturise: good moisturisers should have antioxidants, water-binding agents, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Kate recommends trying Jack Black’s Double Duty Face Moisturiser.
Keep applying moisturiser: If your skin really is dry you can’t use too much. Whenever your skin starts feeling dry, put more on.
Avoid products that are drying: do not use a soap, cleanser or any product that leaves a dry feeling on your skin. Avoid products with harsh ingredients such as alcohol. Do not over scrub skin. Men-U’s Healthy Facial Wash won the Instinct 2004 Grooming Award for Best Facial Product.
Avoid taking long showers: Too much water is bad for skin, it breaks down the skin’s protective covering.
Exfoliate: increases skin cells turn over giving a more natural, youthful appearance, removing the build-up of old skin cells and replacing them with newer, smoother ones. Woody’s Exfoliating Pre-Shave is specially designed to meet the needs of men’s skin.
OILY SKIN
Oily skin can change from day to day, depending on the elements. This type of skin appears as shiny, thick, or slightly waxy , often oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other blemishes. It is prone to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. In this type of skin, the oil-producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce excess oil and lipids than is needed. The oil gives the skin a greasy shine, the skin pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.
Oily Skin Causes
Hereditary
Diet
Hormone levels
Humidity and hot weather
Reaction to a product you have used
Solutions for oily skin
Keep your face as clean as possible, cleansing two or even three times daily.
Exfoliate several times a week, this will stop pores from clogging.
Avoid using products that overdry skin, this paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.
Wash in tepid water, hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.
Use noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens, they are oil-free and won’t clog pores.
Kate has found the perfect solution to this common problem in Medik8’s Oil Balance which automatically balances the sebaceous function. She says “not only is this a great product to control oily skin, it can also be used to solve the problems of too dry skin - it will increase or decrease the number of active glands as required”.
COMBINATION SKIN
This can be a mixture of all the basic types, usually the differences are in the T-zone that crosses the forehead and down the nose and chin.
Treatment for combination skin
Look for products that normalise your skin, such as those that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs or fruit acids) or retinols, a vitamin A derivative. (Don’t use AHAs at the same time as shaving the combination could cause irritation).
Try different products for different areas and follow the tips above in the areas they are needed or use Medik8’s Oil Balance to control the sebaceous function of the different areas automatically.
NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin has an even tone, with a smooth texture; this type of skin has a clear, supple and smooth surface which is neither greasy nor dry. It is not suffering from enlarged pores, blemishes, greasy patches or flaky areas. It condition stems from good blood circulation and excellent health.
Caring for normal skin
Normal skin is the ideal state for your skin to be in, to keep it this way:
Cleanse twice a day. Jack Black’s Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser works gently, without over-drying, to leave your complexion clean, hydrated and fresh.
Moisturise twice a day.
Exfoliate once a week.
Hope this helps you find the best products for you!
The true medical aromatherapists around the globe tell us time and time again: the most effective use of essential oils for health is the combating of infectious illness. Aromatherapy in the US is still mostly relegated to support of the psyche - which it does quite well - but study after study continues to confirm the antibacterial and antiviral effects of essential oils, along with their great compatibility with human physiology. Many protocols (detailed instructions) have been translated and published from the European medical aromatherapy literature - information which you can personally incorporate into your own natural health and wellness program.
For the uninitiated, essential oils are the volatile aromatic compounds distilled from plants. They are the chemicals that give plants their smell; the luscious aroma of a rose or the sharp scent of peppermint. Plants use these chemicals for, among other things, defense from invaders such as bacteria, fungus and viruses. Each plant’s oils have a unique makeup as a result of the plant’s own physiology, natural environment, and its potential microbial invaders. Because of their chemical structure, essential oils are easily absorbed into the human body, passing through cell membranes, then further on into the bloodstream due to their ‘lipophillic’ nature (a structure in alignment with the lipid components of our cell walls). Essential oils can protect us from microbes in many different ways, from keeping the space around us naturally microbe-free, to readying our immune system for defense, to actually destroying the microbes once they’ve entered our bodies.
For starters, lets look at keeping the air and our environment pure and healthy. A cold-air nebulizing diffuser works best for this, as it creates a fine mist of essential oils which disperse throughout your living or work space. Diffusing essential oils into your environment provides three primary benefits: First, the oils are directly eliminating microbes in the air, thus reducing the concentration of live pathogens you may be inhaling or touching at any time and reducing the load on your immune system. Second, most essential oils, and particularly the strong anti-microbial ones, have an uplifting effect on the psyche and a sharpening effect on the mind. Your space will smell nicer, and generally will be more pleasant to be in. This can be very pronounced in certain workspaces where the air can be heavy. Lastly, in many cases, essential oils will actually fortify your own immune system to prevent you from catching an illness in the first place - some studies have shown mammalian cells having increased resistance to microbial invaders after exposure to essential oils. Many single oils can be used for this - Eucalyptus Radiata or Eucalyptus Globulus are excellent all-around choices, as is Ravensara, and the oil of Rosemary of the Cineol chemotype. A popular oil blend can be made using 3 parts clove bud oil, 5 parts lemon oil, 1 and a half parts Eucalyptus Radiata, 1 and a half parts Rosemary Cineol and 2 parts Cinnamon Bark oil. Diffuse these oils to your heart’s content - it’s a wonderful combination!
Next, it’s important to fortify your own immune system. Medical aromatherapists don’t claim essential oils as wonder drugs in this regard - it is important to keep yourself healthy for your immune system to work effectively. Many natural medicine physicians believe it important to keep your own internal ‘friendly bacteria’ in balance for best protection. This can be done by eating a ‘clean’ diet with an abundance of natural and organic foods, and consuming intestinal bacterial support in capsule form (available at almost all health food stores). On the aromatherapy front, the essential oil of Niaouli has been considered by some to be the single most powerful supporter of the human immune system. Niaouli essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the Niaouli tree, native to Madagascar, but now being cultivated in Spain for aromatherapy use. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, one of America’s leading medical aromatherapists, “Niaouli oil is as complex in its composition as it is in it’s uses…One of the fastest-acting and most effective applications of Niaouli is to apply anywhere between 5 and 20 drops to the whole body during the morning shower. This procedure will become entirely holistic if a loofah glove is used and the oil is worked into the skin along the energy meridians. This application…is especially recommended in the flu season, as it stimulates the defense mechanisms of the body.” Niaouli would also be appropriate for diffuser use similar to the Eucalyptus varieties.
Once a bacteria or viral infection has set it, treating it with essential oils can be a little more complex. The difficulty lies in finding the proper oil for one’s particular illness, as some oils are excellent against certain microbial strains, though these same oils may not be the right choice in other instances. Prevention with immune stimulant oils as above is best; however, at the very first signs, application of 10-20 drops to the skin of both Eucalyptus Radiata and Bay Laurel essential oils to the skin in the steam of a shower (so that the skin is more porous) is called for. Eucalyptus can be applied to the chest and back, whereas Bay Laurel should be applied directly to the lymph nodes to support the immune response. The vast majority of individuals will have no sensitivity response to such application - if, however, any skin irritation is noted, apply diluted to 5% in a carrier oil such as olive oil hazelnut oils. Green Myrtle can be used in cases of bronchial infection where Eucalyptus may be found to strong an aroma. Ravensara used in the same manner is called for in cases of colds and flu - it can be a stronger antiviral than the above mentioned oils, and has a pleasing aroma.
In general, Eucalyptus Radiata and Globulus, Green Myrtle and Ravensara can be applied to the skin (dilute if any sensitivity is suspected) or used with a diffuser or inhaler to loosen mucus and support the body’s cleansing process. Rosemary Verbenone is indicated for sinusitis and bronchitis - The medical aromatherapy literature indicates this may be inhaled, applied topically in small amounts, or even ingested (with great caution) one drop two or three times daily. Also, one drop of Bay Laurel can be taken internally at the onset of a sore throat, as it directly supports the lymph system in the area.
When choosing your own self-healing methods as part of your overal natural health and wellness program, it is important to choose the proper modality for each situation. Conventional medicine has it’s place, and should absolutely be employed when it will provide the best results. When it comes to common colds, the results have not been so dramatic. Alternative therapies have offered a reasonable solution, and can be effective if used wisely and with discretion. There are many helpful texts available for the use of essential oils as medicines - Advanced Aromatherapy and Medical Aromatherapy, both by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, are excellent sources for the intermediate to advanced practitioner. Be aware of your own body’s sensitivity to any essential oil and adjust usage accordingly, and seek professional advice whenever necessary.