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Aromatherapy Candles - Do You Know How to Use These 14 Key Essential Oils?
May 23, 2007
Posted in General Family @ 8:00 amQuickly bookmark Aromatherapy Candles - Do You Know How to Use These 14 Key Essential Oils? at:
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, largely for medicinal purposes. Although the medical emphasis started to decline about 100 years ago, aromatherapists stayed focussed and have been studying the effect of essential oils on the body and brain for hundreds of years.
Although the cosmetic and perfume industries had become the major users of essential oils as mainstream medical interest declined, the pendulum started to swing back in 1928, when Ren -Maurice Cattefoss first used the term aromatherapy.
Other pioneers helped foster renewed focus on essential oils, and there is now greater interest than ever in their use for cosmetic, therapeutic and spiritual purposes.
Today’s aromatherapists can call on at least 90 essential oils, which can be used either singly or combined. Naturally, in this modern age, they are cautious in their recommendations and claims - but they themselves are convinced believers.
Aromatherapy Fragranced Candles
Candle makers have recognised this renewed interest, and provide a wide range of products for those who want to combine a love of candles with an interest in aromatherapy. Obviously, the candles do not give as intense an effect as the direct application of an essential oil, but instead provide a more subtle influence.
As they burn the candles release a continuous stream of vaporized essential oils into the air, which you absorb as you breathe. First they stimulate the olfactory nerves that lead from the nose to the brain, and then they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
And depending on what you want to achieve, there is probably an oil that will do just what you want it to.
The Abbreviated List
A list of 90 different oils is a bit much for a non-expert to absorb, so here is an abbreviated guide to some of the more common oils, and their associated recommendations:
- Bergamot - extracted from a citrus fruit. Used to fight depression, and reduce stress and fatigue.
- Chamomile - calming, refreshing, antiseptic.
- Eucalyptus - stimulant, antiseptic. Recommended for treating coughs and colds. Used as insecticide and germicide.
- Geranium - good for the skin, recommended for depression. Found in window boxes (particularly in Europe), it is a good household insecticide.
- Jasmine - anti-depressant, antiseptic. Used to overcome anxiety and depression.
- Lavender - the world’s most common essential oil, used since the Middle Ages. Relaxes, calms, antiseptic.
- Neem - extracted from an Indian tree and is used primarily in health and beauty products. Said to be anti- almost everything - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antihistamine, among others. One of the major essential oils.
- Neroli - derived from orange blossoms. Said to be calming and good for treating insomnia.
- Orange - another product from the orange tree, this time pressed from the skin of the fruit. Relaxes and calms, and is often mixed with other oils.
- Oregano - another of the majors, with just as many “antis” in its list of properties as Neem oil.
- Rose - pricey, as all who encounter it in skincare products will know. Also an antiseptic and anti-depressant.
- Rosemary - physical and mental stimulant, but also very relaxing at the end of a stressful day.
- Tea Tree - derived from an Australian tree, it has a wide range of uses, and at one stage was even in military first-aid kits. Another of the major essential oils.
- Ylang Ylang - very fragrant, relieves pain, eases anxiety, aphrodisiac.
Even Aromatherapy Soy Candles
These, and many others, are available in a wide range that includes aromatherapy soy candles. Of course, sampling this list might lead to a storage area loaded with a large variety of candles. But when it comes to aromatherapy candles, can you really have too much of a good thing?
About the Author
Justine van Zyl provides information for people who want to make better decisions about the candles they buy online. You can get more helpful information at her website, http://www.buybettercandlesonline.com
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Rose Winter Care Tips
May 13, 2007
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If you live in an area that is prone to cold winters, proper rose winter care is in order. Most roses will grow just about anywhere, and in any type of climate, but certain roses, like Hybrid Teas, do not function very well in cold climates, but will grow just as well in any other, they simply don t have the necessary winter protection that some cold climate flowers have. Below are some tips to help you with your rose winter care. First of all, you must avoid over fertilizing during the winter because by trying to promote new growth in the winter will make your roses more available to freeze damage. Also in order to protect your roses during the winter months its a good idea to add a few extra inches of soil to the base of your roses. This should provide the extra needed heat in the winter. Second, you should avoid the white plastic cones when doing your winter protection because they trap too much heat during the winter thaw. They are also quite unattractive, and they are simply an unneccessary part of rose winter care. And lastly, If you live in an area that is prone to harsh winters, you will likely find it relatively easy to find good, cold climate roses at your local garden center. It is necessary to plant cold climate roses in areas that are prone to winters because planting anything else would be a waste of your time as they couldn t survive properly during the winter frost. Cold climate roses are great for many reasons. They are very low maintenance flowers, especially good for the novice. Cold climate roses also have their very own protection set up against diseases and bacteria that can plague any flower. Below is a brief list of cold climate roses. Naturally, there are many more, but to list them all would make up the entirety of this article. These are some cold climate roses: Rugosas Griffith Buck Modern Roses Centrifolias Species Roses Gallica Alba Shrub Roses About the author: Mike Lindsey runs the popular site rose-growing.adwordanalyserBeginners Guide to Growing Beautiful Roses
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Broadband Voip Broadband VoIP, The Best Phone System Today
May 9, 2007
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The telephone is very important for all people. It allows you to keep in touch with your family and friends and it also allows you to communicate with your business acquaintances. Today, with the advancement in communication technology, it allowed people to communicate more clearly at a very cheap rate. Some communication mediums are also provided for free, such as emails. With all the different kinds of communication technol… Please see our site at VOIP for more information.
The Romance Of Highly Scented Candles
May 7, 2007
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Before the discovery and widespread use of electricity, candles and firelight were the only instruments humans could rely on to navigate after dark. But in the 21st century, they are two of the most effective stimuli for creating a romantic mood. And if you use a highly scented candle, you’ll create an even more effective sensual experience.
Candles affect us on a number of different levels:
1. Gazing at a flame is a mesmerizing experience and relaxes both the eyes and the mind.
2. Because a candle throws light on a relatively small area, it creates a sense of intimacy among the people basking in its glow.
3. On an emotional level, a candle induces a sense of warmth, even though it emits very little heat.
4. A candle can also capture the eye through the beauty of its color and design, which are enhanced by the flickering flame.
5. A highly scented candle adds more pleasure to the mix by stimulating the olfactory senses.
You can use highly scented candles to create a romantic atmosphere during intimate evenings at home, or you can give them to special people in your life as gifts.
There are so many varieties of candles now available in the marketplace that you’re sure to find one to suit every taste.
Candle Uses:
1. Aromatherapy
The study of how scent affects the central nervous system is centuries old. Modern day aromatherapists can evaluate a client’s situation and prescribe a remedy in one short consultation. Highly scented candles can be used in the same way as essential oils to change a person’s frame of mind in a calm and non-threatening way.
Here are some uses for highly scented or aromatherapy candles:
a. To help a person feel calm, give them a candle scented with chamomile.
b. A lavender candle will induce a feeling of serenity.
c. To help someone with flagging energy, give him or her a sandalwood candle.
d. To help restore a person’s spirit, give a candle scented with ocean breeze.
2. Relaxation
a. Candles are often used in meditation, and suitable types include chakra candles and Feng Shui candles.
b. Meditators often use an aromatherapy burner fueled by tealights or votive candles.
c. Give highly scented candles to someone who enjoys taking baths by candlelight.
3. Color Therapy
a. Choose soft colors or light and neutral shades for people who love to relax.
b. Give strong colored candles to people who love to celebrate.
4. Celebration
a. Candles are regularly used in ceremonies such as christenings, birthdays, weddings and funerals.
Most candles are made from beeswax, paraffin, soy, gel and other materials such as resins. You can purchase clean burning soy candles if you or the people around you suffer from allergies or hypersensitivity.
Candle Shapes
Candles come in all shapes and sizes:
1. Long thin candles known as pillars and tapers
2. Small candles including votive and tealights
3. Geometric shapes, including balls, pyramids, squares and rectangles
4. Character shapes
5. Candles in decorative containers such as glass, wire or steel vases
All of these, with the possible exception of character shapes, make great romantic gifts. And even a character shaped candle can be romantic if it has a special significance. For example, a candle shaped like a snowman can remind her of the night you fell in love while building a snowman in her parents’ yard.
Most women love candles of any kind, and men who take pride in their surroundings will also appreciate a beautifully crafted candle.
Choosing a Candle
Here are some commonsense tips to help you choose a great romantic candle:
1. Keep in mind the colors the person favors in his or her home. Don’t give her a sparkling blue candle if her living room is decorated in shades of peach. Don’t give him a red candle if his apartment is painted in olive tones.
2. Go for clean, classical lines when you buy, like elegant tapered candles or classic round candles, either short or tall, in clear, beautiful colors.
You can buy a more extravagantly decorated candle if you know the person will absolutely love it. Or you might buy a fun candle for someone with a great sense of humor. If you’re absolutely stuck, buy white.
3. If you know the person well, you might choose a candle that fits in with his or her interests. A zodiac candle will thrill an astrology buff, while a pyramid candle will please an ancient history enthusiast. You can find a whole range of candle containers that feature dolphins, butterflies and other motifs that make for an excellent personalized gift. Choose a highly scented candle that features one of their favorite scents.
4. Take into account the person’s allergies or beliefs about using natural products. Look for candles made of environmentally friendly materials like soy.
It’s worth taking the time to think through the other person’s preferences before you buy a candle for a romantic gift. People recognize when thought has gone into a gift selection, just as they sense when the choice was haphazard. Your thoughtfulness will add immeasurably to their appreciation of your gift.
About the Author
Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer for http://www.romantic-gift-ideas-online.com, a resource site dedicated to helping visitors find the perfect romantic gift.
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Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?
May 6, 2007
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Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?
Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?
They’re called paraffin candles and burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.
The National Candle Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the US alone burn candles every year.
But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.
The American Lung Association also warns that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins (in measurable amounts) into your home’s air.
It might shock you to learn that after burning just a few paraffin candles in your home, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles!
Not only is your health affected, but the health of your pets and children as well.
Cathy Flanders who has been at the forefront of addressing health and safety issues involving candles says, “With the current ‘candle-craze’ and increased candle burning in homes, expectant Moms need to be aware of the fact that the emissions from some candles are toxic, reproductive toxins, neuro-toxins and/or carcinogens. This has been a growing cause for concern for the EPA and children’s health agencies.”
And it might hit your pocket book soon too. Not only is the price of oil spiraling out of control, but you might have a nasty surprise the next time you go to renew your homeowners insurance.
The NIA Group (Insurance and Financial Services) lists the following problems with paraffin candles in an article on their website:
* Reduces the internal air quality in your home.
* Damage by particulate deposits on interior and exterior walls, carpets, furniture, appliances, window treatments, floors and other surfaces.
* Contributes to health problems from inhaling particulate matter or ingesting harmful chemicals.
* Spews hazardous chemicals that are either in the paraffin wax, the wick, or are present when paraffin wax is burned….Acetone, Benzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene and Lead
They go on to say…
“Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products, including when a wick is used which contains a lead core.”
No one knows for sure if paraffin candles cause cancer, but there are at least 4 cancer-causing chemicals associated with paraffin candles.
The EPA lists these chemicals on their website:
1) Benzene (EPA classification as Group A, known human carcinogen).
2) Carbon Tetrachloride (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).
3) Trichloroethane (EPA classification as Group C, possible human carcinogen).
4) Toluene (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).
Would you burn animal fat in your home?
Most of us would answer an emphatic “No!” or “Yuck!” to that question, but like something straight out of a horror movie, you might react in horror to realize that you probably are burning animal fat in your home when you burn paraffin candles.
That’s because many paraffin candles contain large amounts of animal fats to give them a more textured or rustic look.
So what’s the alternative?
Believe it or not, the answer comes from soybeans.
The soy plant produces a waxy substance that not only burns cooler, but can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax.
Since soy wax is derived from plants, it’s a renewable resource that’s a pleasure for candle makers to work with.
Some of the surprising benefits of soy candles include:
* Burn with no toxins, carcinogens or choking soot.
* Burn up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.
* Cruelty-free, contain no animal fats.
* Non-toxic, biodegradable, derived from a renewable resource.
* Cleans up easily with soap and hot water.
* Better for the environment.
* Use no nasty chemicals to release fragrance.
* Supports the American farmer - not foreign oil.
As more and more people learn about the harmful effects of burning paraffin candles in their homes, they’re substituting soy candles with surprising results.
Karen Key, a mother of three in Washington state, had this to say, “I’m asthmatic and when I burn paraffin candles in my home, or get around smoke or perfumy scents, my airway closes down and I start to panic. So I was more than a little nervous when a friend lit a scented soy candle in front of me. I have to say I’m completely amazed. Shocked is a better word. With soy candles I now have no problem breathing and I can finally enjoy the beauty and magic of candles in my home once again!”
So the next time you want to create a warm, inviting, and romantic atmosphere in your home, don’t destroy your home - or your health, choose all-natural soy candles as a healthy alternative.
To learn more about the dangers of paraffin candles you can go to any of the following websites:
http://www.epa.gov
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz
http://www.scorecard.org
http://www.webref.org
http://www.fpinva.org
About the Author
To reach the author, learn more about soy candles or start your own fun and highly profitable soy candle making business go to:
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz
“The most fun you’ll have making money!”
You can also download a free ebook on the topic at:
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz/freeebook.html
Read more about candles at our website.
Rose Classification
May 3, 2007
Posted in General Family @ 5:00 pmQuickly bookmark Rose Classification at:
Although there is no one set of “official” classification system of roses, there are many different popular rose classification schemes that are employed throughout the world. The most popular of the systems in use has been proposed by The American Rose Society in cooperation with the World Federation of Roses. Although this classification system is not the only one in use, a large majority of internationally established societies have adopted this scheme for classifying roses. According to the American Rose Society, there are three main groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern Roses. Species Roses, the origin of every other rose class, are commonly referred to as “wild roses.” These “wild roses” are easy to identify, as they normally have five petals, are once-blooming, and are generally thorny shrubs or climbers. Several popular Species Roses include: Cherokee Roses, Dog Roses, Gallic Roses, French Roses, and Redleaf Roses. Species Roses can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, as they flourish in temperate climates. Unlike Species Roses, which existed millions of years before man walked the earth, Old Garden Roses are identified as a major class of roses recognized before 1867. Most Old Garden Roses bloom once per season, usually at the arrival of summer. Old Garden Roses occur in a variety of shrub and vine sizes. Although colors vary, Old Garden Roses are typically white or pastel in color. These “antique roses” are generally preferred for lawns and home gardening because they are easy to care for. Several groupings of roses are classified as Old Garden Roses including: China, Tea, Moss, Damask, Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual and Noisette roses. Many “antique roses” have a strong sweet scent, which makes them very desirable. Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. Any rose which has been identified post 1867 is considered a Modern Rose. This group of roses are very popular. The Modern Rose is the result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus. The colors of a Modern Rose are lovely, rich and vibrant. Most of the roses found in this class flower repeatedly when cared for properly. Perhaps that is why horticulturists find this class so attractive. The most popular roses found in the class of Modern Roses are the hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. Although Modern Roses are adored by florists and gardeners, they do not adapt well to colder environments. After a rose has been classified according to the three main groupings, a rose can then be further classified by color, scent, growth habit, ancestry, date of introduction, blooming characteristics and size. It is very difficult for horticulturists to classify every rose, especially the hybrid roses which often seem like a grouping of their own. While there has been much debate on classifying roses, the American Rose Society appears to have the most functional system for these stages of classification. Perhaps this is why the American Rose Society’s classification system has been adopted by so many rosarians the world over. About the Author Angie Noack is a home and garden strategist with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to combine these two skills, she’s able to help gardeners save time and increase productivity. You can find her online at ranchrose.
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Voip Free International Calls Philippines Avail the VoIP offers of free international calls in the Philippines
May 2, 2007
Posted in General Family @ 9:00 pmQuickly bookmark Voip Free International Calls Philippines Avail the VoIP offers of free international calls in the Philippines at:
Filipinos have established the value and culture of close family ties. So even if family members or friends have to work outside the country, they still would find ways to get connected in any way. Good thing there’s the VoIP technology in the Philippines that bridges the distance. Now, it is possible to connect to the family way back in the home country for cheaper or free long d… Please see our site at VOIP for more information.
Voip Free International Calls Philippines Avail the VoIP offers of free international calls in the Philippines
April 23, 2007
Posted in General Family @ 4:00 pmQuickly bookmark Voip Free International Calls Philippines Avail the VoIP offers of free international calls in the Philippines at:
Filipinos have established the value and culture of close family ties. So even if family members or friends have to work outside the country, they still would find ways to get connected in any way. Good thing there’s the VoIP technology in the Philippines that bridges the distance. Now, it is possible to connect to the family way back in the home country for cheaper or free long d… Please see our site at VOIP for more information.
Mini Roses Are Going To Change The Look Of Your Home
April 15, 2007
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Your home needs some great flowers out front and there are no better flowers to choose than mini roses. These roses are fragrant as flowers get and they are pretty as well. They are easier to take care of than their larger varieties and they are just as pretty. There are tons of great things that can be done with these kinds of roses and as soon as you hear about them you will be able to use them yourself. Mini roses make the perfect borders for driveways and flower patches. Since the roses are so tiny they can border just about anything and look fabulous. They do not grow very high and each little bush has many little bunches of flowers on it. This makes for a profusion of color and smell that will make any home more attractive to the eye. There is no end to the colors that you can find mini roses in. They come in all colors and shades from white to red to peach to yellow. No matter what colors you choose they can be combined with others successfully. Having more than one color in your mini rose garden will add depth and beauty to the garden. There is even more that makes mini roses so great. They are tough little flowers that will grow just about anywhere and that do not need a whole lot of pampering. They even come back year after year so you do not need to buy new ones. No matter what kind of yard you have or what kind of style of gardening you prefer, mini roses are going to fit in with ease. These are going to take the look of your yard to a whole new level and that is why they are just the thing you have been looking for all of these years. The look and the lovely fragrance of these pretty little mini roses are going to fix your yard up right once and for all. About the author: Dana Goldberg is the owner of Gardening Design Pros. On her website you fill find a wealth of gardening information and resources including articles by top garden writers, seasonal tips and advice.
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Make Your Fresh Cut Roses Last Longer!
April 14, 2007
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Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is a symbol of love and affection. Price of roses vary from state to state and flower shop to flower shop. Regardless, it is an investment that you want to have last as long as possible. So here are some steps you can take to ensure they last. 1) If you have roses and greens wrapped and you want to arrange them in a vase, the first step is to get a bowl of warm water, and with a sharp knife slice the ends slantwise under water. You do it this way for two reasons. 1) Cutting slantwise ensures that the opening is big enough to draw water, as they drink a lot, and 2) cutting under water ensures that the cut end doesn t get an air pocket blocking them from drinking. 2) For best results put them in a vase of warm water and a package of flower food and if possible refrigerate for 2 hours. You ll want them to drink well. Note, if you don t have flower food, you can use a spoon of sugar and a few drops of bleach. The bleach will kill bacteria in the water. 3) Before you place your roses in a vase, Take each rose stem and take off the leaves that may be below the water line, but don t take them all off because the greens contribute to the overall look of the arrangement. 4) Now the next step goes against what most florists will tell you. If at all possible, if the thorns are not too big, I suggest you do not take them off. The reason for this is that it causes the rose stem to be wounded. This leaves them open to bacteria and they ll wilt quicker. If you have to take some of them off then take your thumb, put it on the side of the thorn and pop it off. This is the least invasive way to get them off. 5) Change the water daily. 6) If an arrangement has arrived to you already made, then you need to change the water daily, feed them and do a fresh cut on the bottom. Check to see if any leaves are below the water line and remove. Follow these simple steps and you ll enjoy your roses much longer. On another note; if you are allergic to flowers (or even if your not) it is nice to give yourself a floral motivational poster. You ll still have a visual of flowers. I hope this helps. Enjoy! About the Author: Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, and artist. In addition to researching and writing, she promotes Motivational Posters at artinspires. Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print. Source: isnare
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