About Health & Medicine

These pure oils cold pressed from nuts, seeds or fruits are highly nutritious and have many therapeutic properties. Cold-pressed vegetable oils are sometimes referred to as “carrier’ oils, as they are commonly used to carry essential oils in massage oils, and skin and hair care preparations. They have good skin penetration leavmg the skin nourished and feeling soft and supple. Base carrier oils are always cold pressed and stored in amber glass containers.

The life span of base oils becomes limited once essential oils have been added – approximately three months. To prevent oxidisation add 10% wheatgerm oil to base oil blends or vitamin-E.

The Most Common Cold Pressed Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil: (Prunus armeniacaa) oil is cold pressed from the kernel and is very pale yellow. Contains minerals and vitamins A, Bl, B2, B5, B12,andC.

It has a light texture making it easily absorbed by the skin. It is suitable for mature, dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. It is used in treatment for rough, or sun-damaged skin and for healing scar tissue. Avocado: (Persea americana) oil is extracted from the fruit and seeds and is rich in chlorophyll, the reason for the dark green colour. Contains vitamins A, B, C, D, B6, as well as protein, lecithin, potassium and essential fatty acids. The oil can be used to soothe the skin, being useful for eczema and nappy rash. Its moisturising properties are ideal for dry mature and ageing skin, it can assist in the treatment of climate damaged skin.

Castor Oil: (Ricinus communis), is a tropical plant and is derived from the bean like seeds of the castor oil plant. The healing properties have been known for several thousands of years, in the middle ages the herbalists in Europe used the oil as a kind of liniment and lubricant. Uses: Castor oil is used to relieve joint stiffness, pain from arthritis, for lesions such as a wound or injury, sore, rash or boil. For topical application , apply castor oil on by massaging into the area or by applying a castor oil pack.

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(Recommended for Adults)

Bath: Fill bath with water add 4-8 drops. Agitate water well to disperse the essential oil. Soak for 10-20 minutes.

Body Compress: Add 10 drops to 200 ml of water. Place cloth into water. Wring out, then apply to affected area for 10 minutes.

Body Massage: Dilute 10 drops of essential oil to 20 ml of cold pressed oils such as Sweet Almond Grapeseed or Sesame Seed.

Facial Compress: Add 2-4 drops to a bowl of warm water. Soak a face cloth in the water and apply to the face. Repeat 4-5 times.

Facial Massage: Dilute 5 drops of essential oil to 20 mis of cold pressed oils such as Apricot, Peach or Jojoba. Inhalations: 2-5 drops into bowl of hot water. Place face over steam, towel over head and “inhale”. Close your eyes.

Cautions: In very rare cases it has happened that people may faint, To prevent accidents it is recommended to cover the bowl with a grid. Do not use steam inhalation during an asthma attack.

Mist Spray: Add 10 drops to 100 ml purified water. Shake well. Close your eyes, spray mist above the head and inhale.

Hand Bath: Add 2-4 drops to a large bowl and soak for 10-15 minutes. After the bath, massage the reflex point with the hand massage oil adding to each 5 ml hand massage oii 3 drops of essential oils. Sauna: Add 4 drops per litre water, then throw on the heat source Shower: 2-3 drops in wet face cloth, rub all over body.

Sitzbath: you require a large bowl to sit in. Add warm water and 4 drops of essential oils. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes Spa: Add 3 drops per person to the spa bath

Roomspray: Place in a 100 ml pump spray bottle 90 ml of water, 10 ml vinegar and 1 ml essential oils. Shake well before each use. Vaporiser/Oil Burner: Add 5-10 drops essential oil (depending on room size) into water on top of the burner. Foot Bath: Add 4-6 drops to a large bowl and soak for 10-15 minutes. After the bath, massage the reflex point with the foot massage oil adding to each 10 ml foot massage oil 5 drops of essential oils.

When using essential oils on children use half to quarter of the amount to adults, and dissolve the essential oils in a carrier oil or in milk before adding to bath water.

Do not use essential oils on babies or during pregnancy without advice from a qualified Aromatherapist

Remember : To achieve maximum benefits from essential oils use less rather than more.

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Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is especially useful in treating dry flaky skin, wrinkles, inflammation, rashes, stretch marks, muscle stiffness and limb paralysis. Also used in hair care for a conditioner, especially for blond hair.

Chickweed (stelllaria media) is great to bring comfort to chronic itching and rashes. Make up a salve by mixing together 1-1/2 cups of chopped fresh chickweed, 2 cups of olive oil, 6 tbsp. beeswax. Warm ingredients up to 2 hours then strain.

Cleavers or Bedstraw (Galium aparine, G. verum) excellent face wash to tighten wrinkled saggy skin. Add 31/2 tbsp. of dried herbs to 1 quart of boiling water, cover and steep for 40 minutes. Wash the face and neck with solution, also apply face compresses leaving them on for 10 minutes several times a day.

Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale) leaves are used in a fomentation for abscesses, bruises, boils, cuts, insect bites, sprains, swellings, ulcers and wounds.

Elder (sambucus nigra) when used in a facial steam tightens the pores, and makes an excellent face lotion slightly astringent suitable for all skin types. When used in the bath it is stimulating and healing. It can also be used in an ointment to repair any chapping and keep the skin supple. Hops (humulus Lupulus) is well known for its calming, relaxing and rejuvenating effect. For a good night’s sleep it is recommended to soak in a warm (not hot) bath for 15 – 20 minutes. The estrogen’s contained in hops are used cosmetically to slow down the skin aging process. Hops extracts are used in creams and lotions for sensitive, and for sagging and impure skin. Beer can be used as a hair rinse to make hair glossy and to treat dandruff.

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There are two methods of making herbal vinegar’s.

Using commercial vinegar: herbal vinegar’s are commonly made by

buying a bottle of vinegar (important to avoid white and malt vinegar’s)

and adding herbs like marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme to it. The

bottle is sealed again and left for at least four weeks for the herb to

disperse.

Fermenting the herb itself to vinegar: you can easily make your own herbal vinegar. Make a herb tea with the herb of your choice and ferment with sugar and a Kombucha culture as you would prepare your Kombucha brew. Instead of drinking the herbal Kombucha brew after 7 to 15 days, simply forget it for a minimum of 6 weeks. You can now use your own herbal vinegar. It’s the best vinegar you can get and it’s next to free. For more information about Kombucha brewing it is recommended to read the book “Kombucha Teaology”.

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The healing power of clay used externally increases the circulation and flow of oxygen to the skin and all over the body. Green clay is used to repair damaged skin without scarring. It has a strong exfoliating, purifying and toning effect at a cellular level. It is suitable for all skin types, but more specifically for oily and blemished skin. Red clay is high in iron oxide, and is most suitable for post-acne, mature, dehydrated, tired and stressed skin. It may be used for refining the texture of the skin, calming inflammation. White clay is rich in magnesium, stops perspiration and can be used as a lotion for eczema and for sensitive skins. Can be used as a replacement for talcum powder and is ideal for skin rashes. Also excellent as a treatment pack for dry and brittle hair, Pink clay refines the texture, improves softness of the skin, and has a tonic and firming effect on the epidermis. It is mainly used for dehydrated and sensitive skin. It is ideal as a body wrap, for it helps to firm the bust, thighs, stomach and upper arms. Yellow clay absorbs impurities and toxins from the skin high in iron content. It is suitable for most skin types, especially for sun damaged, combination and fatigued skins.

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Most ill people need to be dependent for a time. As they recover, they gain confidence and self-esteem, and reliance on the helper disappears. The odd time that this is not the case, it is up to the helper to encourage independence by gradually withdrawing attention unless really positive moves are made by the user.

Caution for Helpers

No matter how sincere you are in your efforts to help, there will always be someone who will direct their anger at you. Try not to be hurt by this, however unjustified you feel it to be. You may be serving a useful purpose. The person may feel it safer to express anger outside the family circle. It will be upsetting, particularly if you are not feeling completely recovered yourself. Get used to it—it will happen again.

It is good to have positive talk times, when all talk of withdrawal symptoms is banned, or to have social outings away from where the group usually meets. Marvellous things happen when people get together to work towards being well. It is touching to see how much strangers can care about each other if they are given the opportunity. If someone weeps, don’t be in a hurry to make tea—that may only be to save your own embarrassment. A box of tissues in one hand and the other on the shoulder of the distressed person usually means more.

Even if you do get a bit discouraged at times, the work in groups is very rewarding. It is exciting to see people looking healthier as they cut down their drugs, and to see confidence and animation return.

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Most of the hormonal symptoms are at their worst when the user is taking the full dose of tranquillizers. They may change during withdrawal, but return to normal when withdrawal is completed. For instance, all interest in sex may be lost whilst taking tranquillizers. The reverse may happen for a time during withdrawal before normality returns.

Some women who suffered heavy periods for years when they were on the pills, find they have a normal flow after withdrawal. Vaginal discharge, burning vulva, and increased pre-menstrual tension can also cause temporary discomfort.

Research has shown that a hormone called prolactin is increased whilst tranquillizers are taken. This stimulates lactation, and reports of breast symptoms are common. They range from a slight pale brown discharge to considerable quantities of milk. This has happened up to sixteen years after the last pregnancy. After you have been examined by your doctor, be patient and the symptoms will disappear when you are through withdrawal.

Men too report swollen tender breasts and slight discharge. They also complain of impotence, loss of seminal fluid, and pain in the testicles. Some have eruptions of adolescent acne.

When the hormone levels return to normal all the symptoms disappear.

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The main principles of the diet are: Avoid or cut down on all quickly absorbed carbohydrate including sugar, chocolate, sweets, white bread, white flour, cakes, biscuits, pastry, alcohol, soft drinks and anything with added sugar. Man’s natural diet did not include these—you would be better off without them.

Reduce the intake of animal fat. Vegetable oils (corn or sunflower seed oil) may be used.

Eat whole meal bread, wholegrain cereal, vegetables and fruits. This can be lean meat, poultry, dairy produce, pulses, peas, beans, nuts and seeds.

Five or six small meals should be taken at regular intervals. Eat before going to bed, and as early as possible in the morning, to cut down the fasting time.

As soon as you get up: small glass of unsweetened fruit juice/half a grapefruit/ medium orange. Breakfast: more fruit juice or fruit.

Choose from:

Egg / bacon / kidney / baked beans/black pudding/kippers (or any fish)/cheese/cottage cheese/yogurt. Also whole meal bread or toast with butter. Milk or weak tea without sugar.

Two hours after

breakfast:

Lunch: small glass of fruit juice, milk or yogurt.

Choose from:

any cold or hot lean meat/ chicken/fish (fresh or tinned), sardines, tuna, etc., salads/ vegetables. Wholemeal bread or crispbread if desired.

Three hours after lunch: small glass milk/tea with crisp-bread/yogurt One hour before dinner: small glass fruit juice.

If you are hungry between meals, eat a handful of unsalted nuts.

Don’t try this diet for just a few days then revert to your sugar-laden diet—try it for several weeks—many have found it very helpful.

Digestive problems are common in withdrawal. If you cannot manage the diet because you feel sick, or have diarrhoea, try to eat steamed fish, minced liver/chicken/ meat or high protein baby food. To increase protein intake have Sanatogen powder or Complan in milk several times a day and particularly before bed. Vegetables will be easier to digest if sieved or liquidized.

Remember to eat often and avoid sugar and fat.

Note: Vegetarians can substitute all vegetable protein.

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Some doctors prefer to change their patients from Ativan to Valium, then withdraw the Valium—10 mg Valium are substituted for 1 mg Ativan. Others prefer their patients to cut down their Ativan as far as they can, and then change over to Valium for the last part of withdrawal. If side-effects are a problem it is sensible to change over at the beginning.

If you are on 6-8 mg Ativan you may be able to cut down to half the dose quite quickly, giving up 1 mg per 1 to 2 weeks and then proceed with slow withdrawal for the rest.

Ativan tablets are difficult to cut into small doses. Some chemists are willing to make up ? mg doses into capsules.

Some people prefer to dissolve ? mg Ativan in 10 ml of water, then divide it into 2?5 ml doses. Plastic 5 ml spoons are available from chemists.

Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)

Some capsules can be taken apart and fitted together again. If not, ask the doctor to prescribe empty capsules. Divide powder and put it into empty capsule.

Some powders are irritants. Avoid taking powder without capsule. When 2l/2 mg ( ? capsule) daily dose is reached, you may wish to ask your doctor to substitute an equivalent amount of Valium. It will be easier to complete withdrawal by cutting up tablets rather than dividing tiny amounts of powder.

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