{photo} Lightning in Bloemfontein

Just wanted to share this amazing photo with you! We had some lightning in Bloemfontein last night (and a little bit of rain)

photo credit: Jan-Hendrik Keet

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{Aromatherapy Thursdays} – Avocado Oil

Avocado Persea americana

A while back I blogged about these awesome “alligator pears”. I absolutely LOVE the fruit as well as the oil. The oil can be used in cooking, but for now I will only discuss it’s cosmetic purposes.

Although I have “normal” skin, and avocado oil is usually recommended for dry skin, I still use it, and the results are amazing. I have been using it as a night oil for little more than a year now, and it would be very difficult to change my routine!

Quick facts:

• Rich in lecithin and Vitamins A, B1, B2 and D.
• It is recommended that you dilute it with another oil 50:50, but I use it as is.
• It is great for eczema and psoriasis
• The nutrients present in avocado oil helps to increase the production of collagen in the body, which acts as a barrier for many ageing problems such as wrinkles and dry skin.

Uses:

• I know there are many oils out there, but if there is one carrier oil you MUST try, try avocado oil! (I used cosmetic as well as food grade before, and it works the same!)
• Can be used neat or diluted with another oil.
• Sometimes I add a few drops geranium essential oils to my avocado oil, it is great for circulation. (Please do not add more than 5 drops per 15ml!)
• Make a hair spray, add a tablespoon of avocado oil to warm water, and pour in to a spray bottle. Makes hair soft without weighing it down. (This works for static hair too!)
• Use on sunburn
• Mix a bit with your conditioner, or add a few drops to your scalp before shampooing.

I get my oils from Natural Oils (www.naturaloils.co.za).

Sources:

Hoare, J. (2010) The Complete Aromatherapy Tutor: A Structured Course to Achieve Professional Expertise. GAIA: London

Ryman, D. (2007) Secrets of Youth & Beauty: Aromatherapy for Natural Rejuvenation. Rodale: London

http://beauty.indobase.com/carrier-oils/avocado-oil.html

Aromatherapy Thursdays: Ylang Ylang

Ylang-Ylang Canang odorata (the name actually means “strong-smelling”)

I really want to share the amazing properties and uses of essential oils and carrier oils with you, so I decided to start a series on all the benefits these oils have to offer. Let’s hope I stick to a weekly post, instead of “monthly” posts!

I thought I’d start of with a oil that I just recently learned to love. The fragrance is quite strong, so I did not use it as much as Lavender or Geranium (my ULTIMATE favourite!). It’s only when I did my research more that I discovered all the wonderful properties that Ylang-Ylang has.

Quick facts:

• The locals in Malasia spread on the beds of newlyweds, as the scent is thought to mentally prepare them for the act of love! (Just a note, Ylang-Ylang is considered one of the top aphrodisiac essential oils)
• The intoxicating smell aids anxiety and it is also used perfumes. In fact, a few drops on a tissue, inhaled deeply for a few minutes, can calm down anger and frustration.
• The fragrances also helps to “recharge” your energy.

Uses:

• For a hair tonic, put 1-2 drops essential oil on the palm of your hands, and rub vigorously into scalp. I do this when my hair needs to “freshen” up. At first the smell is quite overpowering (with just 2 drops!) but it settles to a wonderful scent, and my hair looks shiny too!
• When added to your body lotion, it helps prolong a tan, and restores and refreshes the skin. Summer here I come!
• Add a few drops to Jojoba oil, for a light day oil. The Ylang-Ylang is said to have a balancing effect on sebum.

Safety

• Some sources regard this as a toxic oil, so it not to be taken internally!
• Because of the strong odour, it can cause nausea and headaches, use in moderation.

I get my oils from Natural Oils (www.naturaloils.co.za). They are very helpful and their oils are good quality.

Because this is a blogpost, I will not go into the deep “scientific” breakdown of each oil, but if you need it, just pop me an email or a comment, and I will be glad to share! (And also let me know whether you’d like my future posts to have more info and recipes!)

Sources:

Hoare, J. (2010) The Complete Aromatherapy Tutor: A Structured Course to Achieve Professional Expertise. GAIA: London

Ryman, D. (2007) Secrets of Youth & Beauty: Aromatherapy for Natural Rejuvenation. Rodale: London