Wonders of Lavender Essential Oil

April 2, 2008 at 7:44 pm (Articles)
Tags: , ,

Author: Juliet Cohen

Lavender oil has been popular since ancient times. It has a wide variety of uses. Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it brandishs throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally. Lavender is a scent with a long tradition in perfumes and Aromatherapy.

The Romans used its antiseptic quality to bathe and cleanse their wounds. Lavender oil is an essential oil, kin from plants by steam distillation of the flowers. Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean countries. The oil is widely used in aromatherapy to ease tension, tiredness and feelings of depression. Lavenders gentle yet powerful healing properties allow it to be used for burns and insect bites. The oil is widely used in aromatherapy to ease tension, tiredness and feelings of depression. Lavenders gentle yet powerful healing properties allow it to be used for burns and insect bites.

Aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Blended lavender oil, when used for massage produces a relaxing, calming effect. A few drops of the oil in a hot bath will relieve anxiety and produce a pleasant drowsiness. In a cool bath the oil will refresh and energise. Lavender oil makes a superlative skin or facial oil for troubled skin conditions such as acne and gives temporary relief to the symptoms. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, and nervous stomach irritations.

Lavender as a tonic in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. It is also used visibly in a healing bath for circulatory disorders and as a rub for rheumatic ailments (conditions affecting the muscles and joints). Essential oils, including lavender, for treating children with eczema concluded that the oils added no benefit to therapeutic touch from the mother; in other words massage with and without essential oils was equally effective in improving the dry, scaly skin lesion. Lavender should not be used during the early stages of pregnancy. Use Lavender with caution if you have low blood pressure.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles

/wonders-of-lavender-essential-oil-376025.html

About the Author:

Juliet Cohen writes articles for Health Problems. She also writes articles for Stye and Sunburn Treatment.

Leave a Comment

Delicious Lemon Squares

April 2, 2008 at 7:15 pm (Recipes, Watkins)
Tags: , , ,

00037_lemnsqrs2.jpgIngredients
Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup/125 mL butter
1 cup/250 mL flour
1/2 cup/125 mL chopped pecans
1 tsp/5 mL Butter Extract Cream Layer:
1 cup/250 mL powdered sugar
8 oz/227 g fat-free or light cream cheese (at room temperature)
1 tsp/5 mL Original Double-Strength Vanilla
Half of a 1-quart/liter container of whipped toppingLemon Layer:
1 pie filling recipe from Watkins Lemon Dessert package, using 2-1/2 cups/625 mL water, Lemon Dessert Mix
1 tbsp/15 mL lemon juice
 

Cooking Directions
Combine bottom layer ingredients and pack into an 11 x 7”/28 x 18 cm baking pan. Bake at 375°F/190°C for 15 minutes. Cool completely.  Cream together powdered sugar and cream cheese. Add whipped topping and fold in. Prepare lemon pie filling; add lemon juice and let cool.  Spread a thin layer of cream mixture over baked bottom layer. Spread lemon filling on top; spread rest of cream mixture on top of that. Chill. (Note: Chilling after applying lemon layer may make it easier to spread top layer.) Cut in large squares.(Note: Other Watkins Dessert Mixes may be used in place of Lemon.)

Leave a Comment

J.R. Watkins Natural Personal Care Line is Here!

March 30, 2008 at 5:06 pm (Watkins)
Tags: , , , , , ,

naturalapothgroup1.jpgWe are pleased to announce the latest addition to Watkins family of products — J.R. Watkins Natural Personal Care. We continue our commitment to you, your family and the environment by continually remaining on the forefront of product development and innovation. We are pleased to be one of the first companies to offer a complete line of natural personal care with formulas that are at least 95% natural, with many 99% natural or higher. We truly are at the forefront of this product category!

By using renewable, plentiful ingredients from mother earth, we are able to provide you with a luxurious line of natural personal care products.

When J.R. Watkins mixed his first ‘natural remedies’ batch in 1868, he probably had no idea his “green” philosophy would be more relevant today than ever. This new line represents more than 140 years of innovative, natural product development — J.R. would be so proud!

To view the entire J.R. Watkins Natural Personal Care visit www.WatkinsOnline.com/debbie.mursch today!

Brand Commitments:
95% Natural and Above
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free
Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free
Paraben Free
Phthalate Free
Mineral Oil, Petrolatum Free
Dye Free
Propylene Glycol Free

Leave a Comment

Cinnamon-Scented Grilled Chicken Breasts

March 30, 2008 at 5:01 pm (Recipes, Watkins)
Tags: , , , ,

00016_cinnchic2.jpgIngredients

2-1/2 to 3 tbsp/40 to 45 mL fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Garlic Flakes
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Curry Powder
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Purest Ground Cinnamon 6 oz.
1/8 tsp/0.6 mL Black Pepper 6 oz
Freshly ground, to taste Sea Salt
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Cooking Directions

Combine lemon juice with all ingredients except chicken; mix well. Add chicken and turn to coat all sides. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Grill or broil chicken 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories 130
Protein 27 g
Carbohydrates 2 g
Sodium 80 mg
Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 68 mg
Dietary Fiber 0 g

Leave a Comment

The Health Benefits of Aloe

March 2, 2008 at 6:26 pm (Articles)
Tags:

Aloe Barbadensis Health Benefits

Author: cristi ion

Aloe vera gained worldwide recognition and has been intensively used from the oldest of times due to its extraordinary features. Just about every important civilization used it for its benefical effects over health and beauty.

Egyptians would mix aloe with other herbs while preparing remedies for internal and external anomalies. Greek physicians (Celsius and Dioscorides), Romanians (Pylni the Great) and Arabs (Al-Kindi) have dedicated ample studies to this plant, fascinated by the numerous usages. Today the studies discuss ample issues pointing out the way in which the wonderful herb can help against serious illnesses like cancer.

The most oftenly used substance from this herb is the aloe gel, a thick viscid liquid found in the interior of the leaves. The leaves are used in the treatment of burns and the aloine – a bitter milky yellowish liquid is used as a laxative. The herb contains:

- 20 minerals among which are: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium , Selenium;

- 12 vitamins: A, B, C, E, folic acid;

- 20 aminoacids from which 7 are essential (the human body needs 8 essential aminoacids);

- 200 active components

- enzymes;

- polysaccharides.

What is aloe vera good for? It toughens up the immune system (owing to the 23 peptides contained in its composition); it accelerates and regulates the methabolism, purifies the human body from toxins. Moreover, this herb has an antiseptic effect (by distroying the bacterias, viruses and fungi), disinfectant capabilities. Aloe vera can also stimulate the cell-renewing process.

A wide array of products with curative and therapeutic effects is obtained from aloe vera, starting from vitamins and laxatives to face creams and body care lotions and deodorants. Also aloe vera can be also administrated internally due to its high nourishing influence. When mixed with other fruits, this herb can be ingested as an excellent natural beverage rich in vitamins and minerals. It is recommended that it is ingested during travels to prevent dehydration.

Aloe vera has proved its efficiency from the simplest allergies to the treatment of wounds and skin infections and even to its usage in alleviating more serious afflictions. With the help of this herb a wide variety of internal and external afflictions are controlled like: asthma, virosis, arthritis, arthrosis, gingivitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, intestinal inflamations, constipations, obesity, sprains, muscle strains, cutaneous inflamations. The efficiency of the herb was also proven in the cases of anemia, deficiency illnesses, insomnia and depressions and the B-sisterole from the Aloe vera brings about the lowering of the cholesterol level. Also, this herb is used for controlling the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, diabetes, hepatitis and pancreatitis and multiple sclerosis.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/aloe-barbadensis-health-benefits-347092.html

About the Author:

Read more about Benefits of Aloe Vera or about Medicinal Herbs in general!

1 Comment

Watkins Lands Spot in Oscar Gift Bags!

February 24, 2008 at 1:04 pm (Watkins)
Tags: , , ,

It is that time of year again, when celebrities gear up for Oscar night and celebrate the 80th annual event. Ceremonies for the coveted Academy Awards will take place Sunday, February 24, 2008.It is a well-known fact that with the big event comes celebrity galas and gift bags brimming with fantastic goodies from brands all over the world. But this year is extra special, because Watkins will participate in all the fun!Watkins will donate product for the event – the J.R. Watkins Apothecary Treat Your Feet Gift Set. The set includes all the necessities to soothe tired feet after a night of working the red carpet.”This is a fun and exciting opportunity, to be part of a time-honored tradition such as the Oscars and the celebrity gifts,” said J.R. Rigley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We’ve had many celebrities sample and enjoy our products, and I’m sure they will love these pampering treats.”You too can enjoy these pampering treats and soothe your tired feet with the same set Oscar celebrities will surely enjoy — The Treat Your Feet Gift Set. Watkins is proud to offer this set at a deep discount to you! Hurry, quantities are limited.

Regularly $18.99
Special $9.99 — SAVE $9!

Leave a Comment

The Chai Cake was Great!

January 22, 2008 at 6:19 pm (Recipes)

The chai cake turned out really nice. And it was easy to make! My family loved it. I think it would be a really nice cake to make for an afternoon tea or having friends over for coffee.

<a href=”http://whereistand.com/d3bbie?ref=b316e505d5fe8faf42efda3539a52e0c”><img src=”http://whereistand.com/images/i_guy.gif” alt=”d3bbie – whereIstand.com” /></a>

Leave a Comment

Chai Cake

January 17, 2008 at 7:36 pm (Recipes)

I’m going to try making this Sunday. I love Chai but I haven’t had a chance to try the Waktins Chai yet. I’ll let you know how it comes out!!
Ingredients – Cake
3 tbsp/45 mL Chai Latte
2/3 cup/160 mL hot water
1 cup/250 mL flour
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL Baking Powder
1 tsp/5 mL Purest Ground Cinnamon 6 oz.
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Cloves (Ground)
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Ginger
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Sea Salt
1/2 cup/125 mL butter or margarine
3/4 cup/180 mL granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp/5 mL Original Double-Strength Vanilla
Chai Glaze
2 tbsp/30 mL butter or margarine
1-1/2 cups/375 mL powdered sugar
1 tsp/5 mL Original Double-Strength Vanilla
1/4 tsp/1.2 mL Purest Ground Cinnamon 6 oz.
Reserved 2 tbsp/30 mL prepared Chai Latte from cake recipe
Grated cinnamon stick (optional)
Cooking Directions
Heat oven to 325°F/170°C. Grease and flour a round cake pan (8″/20 cm). Stir hot water into Chai Latte until blended. Measure 1/2 cup/125 mL for cake and set aside 2 tbsp/30 mL for glaze.
Mix flour, baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt. Set aside. Beat sugar and butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth and blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with 1/2 cup Chai Latte until smooth. Pour into pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Spread Chai glaze over top of cake, allowing some to drizzle down side. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
For glaze, melt butter in 1-quart/litre saucepan over medium heat. Stir in remaining ingredients until smooth. Drizzle glaze on cake. If desired, grate cinnamon on top as garnish

Leave a Comment

Newer entries »