Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Feel prosperous
Inner health leads to external beauty, and inner prosperity leads to external riches, or so says Marilyn Jennet.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Everything You Need to Know About Cavities
The pain definitely tells us when we have cavities, but few of us understand why we get them. You likely know that poor dental hygiene causes cavities, but do you understand why not brushing or flossing causes cavities?
In order to understand all that's involved in the making of a cavity, you've got to first understand the key players. Those players include saliva, pellicle, plaque and calculus and each resides in the mouth.
Saliva is really important when it comes to protecting teeth and keeping our mouths healthy. Saliva keeps teeth, gums and other tissues inside the mouth lubricated and moist. Saliva helps break food down while eating, and afterwards it washes away some of the bits of food that get stuck on teeth. Saliva also can neutralize acids which lowers the amount present in the mouth. Interestingly, it can even help protect us against certain viruses and bacteria.
If you've ever noticed a slippery feeling on your teeth right after you brush, that's the result of proteins in saliva called pellicle. Pellicle coat teeth after brushing by absorbing into the surface. The pellicle gives teeth an extra layer of protection against decay-causing acids. Unfortunately, bacteria and microorganisms can easily attach to the pellicle and this is actually the stage during which plaque begins to develop.
If you were to look at the white sticky substance on your teeth through a microscope, you'd realize that plaque consists of yeast, microorganisms, bacteria, protozoa, mycoplasmas, white blood cells, food particles, body tissues and viruses.
If people realized that, surely they'd do a better job brushing and flossing! Several hours after brushing is when plaque starts to develop and in just one hour, a good amount will accumulate. If left untouched other microorganisms join the mix, thickening the plaque and turning on its destructive powers.
Bacteria are in the mouth too and they're always present in both good and bad form. The good bacteria help us fight colds and other illnesses. The bad intensify the tooth decaying process. Streptococcus mutans is the worst, producing acid while attaching to teeth. Lactobacillus only can attach to plaque so it doesn't do quite as much damage. Several other bacteria located inside the mouth contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
To summarize, decay begins when bacteria start attaching themselves to the pellicle. Six or so hours later, plaque begins to form. The bacteria present in your mouth produce acids, and these acids, by throwing the pH balance of your mouth out of balance, cause tooth decay. In the case of tooth decay, a process called demineralization begins when the pH level inside the mouth drops below 5.5.
Remember, this chain reaction begins the moment you finish brushing your teeth. But brushing is what continually returns the pH level in your mouth back into the range of 6.2 and 7.0, which is considered neutral. That's why brushing and flossing are so important in fighting tooth decay.
We will further elaborate on the importance of a neutral pH level in preventing tooth decay.
We have introduced you to the key players involved in tooth decay and touched on the importance of maintaining a neutral pH level inside the mouth. This next part will elaborate on pH balance, the different types of cavities and what you can do to prevent tooth decay.
You'd never have to worry about tooth decay if you didn't eat. Of course, you wouldn't have to worry about much because you would die. But eat we do, every day, and the foods we choose aren't always the best.
When we eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into sugars including sucrose, fructose, maltose, dextrose and glucose. Fermentable carbohydrates actually begin breaking down in the mouth (as opposed to the digestive tract where other foods begin the process). If you eat cookies, cake, chips, crackers, candy, sugary drinks and cereal you are eating fermentable carbohydrates.
When the sugars in these foods interact with the bacteria in the mouth, acids are produced. Acids are what cause a drop in pH level. When pH drops to 5.5 or lower, the drop causes the minerals inside the teeth to start dissolving. This is demineralization.
This loss of minerals weakens teeth. The damage will continue for as long as pH is at or lower than 5.5. Remember brushing teeth returns pH to a neutral level, between 6.2 and 7.0 which is why brushing is so important in preventing tooth decay. Some of the bacteria inside your mouth love sugar so as long as sugar is present, these bacteria keep producing more and more acid.
Tooth decay begins inside the tooth, as demineralization takes hold. Remineralization from fluoride and saliva can defend against decay at this early stage. If left untreated though, the spot where the decay began grows. Once the decay spreads through to the enamel, the damage cannot be reversed. You've now got a cavity.
With a break in the enamel, food particles can get inside the tooth and cause pain. That's when you'll show up at the dentist begging for help. The dentist will clear away the debris and decay and fill the cavity. If you don't get the cavity filled, the decay can spread into the dentin and even to the pulp and the nerves.
Acute caries (the proper term for cavity) develop quickly, in just a few months. Children whose enamel tends to be weaker and young adults are more prone to acute carries. Chronic carries take longer to progress, and sometimes don't progress much at all. Older individuals are more prone to this type of cavity. When decay forms in the roots, root caries develop and they too are more common in older individuals. When decay continues to form even after a cavity has been filled or a crown has been put into place, that is called recurring decay.
Only you can prevent cavities and it's not that hard if you brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria, drink fluorinated water, seal the teeth that are most vulnerable, and limit your intake of fermentable carbohydrates.
In order to understand all that's involved in the making of a cavity, you've got to first understand the key players. Those players include saliva, pellicle, plaque and calculus and each resides in the mouth.
Saliva is really important when it comes to protecting teeth and keeping our mouths healthy. Saliva keeps teeth, gums and other tissues inside the mouth lubricated and moist. Saliva helps break food down while eating, and afterwards it washes away some of the bits of food that get stuck on teeth. Saliva also can neutralize acids which lowers the amount present in the mouth. Interestingly, it can even help protect us against certain viruses and bacteria.
If you've ever noticed a slippery feeling on your teeth right after you brush, that's the result of proteins in saliva called pellicle. Pellicle coat teeth after brushing by absorbing into the surface. The pellicle gives teeth an extra layer of protection against decay-causing acids. Unfortunately, bacteria and microorganisms can easily attach to the pellicle and this is actually the stage during which plaque begins to develop.
If you were to look at the white sticky substance on your teeth through a microscope, you'd realize that plaque consists of yeast, microorganisms, bacteria, protozoa, mycoplasmas, white blood cells, food particles, body tissues and viruses.
If people realized that, surely they'd do a better job brushing and flossing! Several hours after brushing is when plaque starts to develop and in just one hour, a good amount will accumulate. If left untouched other microorganisms join the mix, thickening the plaque and turning on its destructive powers.
Bacteria are in the mouth too and they're always present in both good and bad form. The good bacteria help us fight colds and other illnesses. The bad intensify the tooth decaying process. Streptococcus mutans is the worst, producing acid while attaching to teeth. Lactobacillus only can attach to plaque so it doesn't do quite as much damage. Several other bacteria located inside the mouth contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
To summarize, decay begins when bacteria start attaching themselves to the pellicle. Six or so hours later, plaque begins to form. The bacteria present in your mouth produce acids, and these acids, by throwing the pH balance of your mouth out of balance, cause tooth decay. In the case of tooth decay, a process called demineralization begins when the pH level inside the mouth drops below 5.5.
Remember, this chain reaction begins the moment you finish brushing your teeth. But brushing is what continually returns the pH level in your mouth back into the range of 6.2 and 7.0, which is considered neutral. That's why brushing and flossing are so important in fighting tooth decay.
We will further elaborate on the importance of a neutral pH level in preventing tooth decay.
We have introduced you to the key players involved in tooth decay and touched on the importance of maintaining a neutral pH level inside the mouth. This next part will elaborate on pH balance, the different types of cavities and what you can do to prevent tooth decay.You'd never have to worry about tooth decay if you didn't eat. Of course, you wouldn't have to worry about much because you would die. But eat we do, every day, and the foods we choose aren't always the best.
When we eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into sugars including sucrose, fructose, maltose, dextrose and glucose. Fermentable carbohydrates actually begin breaking down in the mouth (as opposed to the digestive tract where other foods begin the process). If you eat cookies, cake, chips, crackers, candy, sugary drinks and cereal you are eating fermentable carbohydrates.
When the sugars in these foods interact with the bacteria in the mouth, acids are produced. Acids are what cause a drop in pH level. When pH drops to 5.5 or lower, the drop causes the minerals inside the teeth to start dissolving. This is demineralization.
This loss of minerals weakens teeth. The damage will continue for as long as pH is at or lower than 5.5. Remember brushing teeth returns pH to a neutral level, between 6.2 and 7.0 which is why brushing is so important in preventing tooth decay. Some of the bacteria inside your mouth love sugar so as long as sugar is present, these bacteria keep producing more and more acid.
Tooth decay begins inside the tooth, as demineralization takes hold. Remineralization from fluoride and saliva can defend against decay at this early stage. If left untreated though, the spot where the decay began grows. Once the decay spreads through to the enamel, the damage cannot be reversed. You've now got a cavity.
With a break in the enamel, food particles can get inside the tooth and cause pain. That's when you'll show up at the dentist begging for help. The dentist will clear away the debris and decay and fill the cavity. If you don't get the cavity filled, the decay can spread into the dentin and even to the pulp and the nerves.
Acute caries (the proper term for cavity) develop quickly, in just a few months. Children whose enamel tends to be weaker and young adults are more prone to acute carries. Chronic carries take longer to progress, and sometimes don't progress much at all. Older individuals are more prone to this type of cavity. When decay forms in the roots, root caries develop and they too are more common in older individuals. When decay continues to form even after a cavity has been filled or a crown has been put into place, that is called recurring decay.
Only you can prevent cavities and it's not that hard if you brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria, drink fluorinated water, seal the teeth that are most vulnerable, and limit your intake of fermentable carbohydrates.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Aromatherapy and Resins
The term that is more commonly associated with aromatherapy resins is incense. Resins, or incense, have long been an important part of history. Widely used for ceremonial purposes in many ancient eastern and western civilizations, use of incense today, while still popular, is not nearly as common as is the use of perfumes and products containing fragrances.
Most resins come from tree bark. Resins are the gum-like substance that extrudes from a tree when its outer layer has been damaged. They're actually unsaturated hydrocarbons that harden when they come into contact with air. In their natural state, resins can be semisolid or solid. Resins help trees and some other flowers, roots and seeds during the process of healing.
Obtaining resins is very simple. All you have to do is cut into the bark of a tree and soon thereafter, the thick, sticky substance will emerge. Removing tree bark resins is easy as well - just scrape them away using a shape object.
Because they are so thick, they're difficult to work with. That's the primary reason why they are not commonly used in aromatherapy sessions. Their thick and sticky characteristics prevent them from being mixed with carrier oils. In their hardened states, resins can be burned. This is accomplished by breaking off a chunk of resin, placing the chunk into a diffuser and lighting the corner. When ignited, its fragrance will emerge. Chunks of resins can also be ground into a powder.
More often than not however, resins are processed into oils. Resins cannot be dissolved using water, but they can be dissolved using chemical solvents and a steam distillation process. Resinoids are a viscous byproduct of this type of extraction process. When dissolved into odorless high-quality alcohols, resinoids are then used in the manufacturing of perfumes.
Frankincense and myrrh resins have a long and well-known history. They were two of the three gifts given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. That these resins were given to this miracle child gives you a sense of how valuable these scents were thousands of years ago. In fact, these resins were more valuable even than the gold presented by the third Wise Man. These resins are still popular and readily available today.
Frankincense, which comes from the leafy Boswellia Thurifera forest tree, is used as a way of helping to soothe and purify the spirit and alleviate fears. This aromatherapy resin can help a person to relax as its fragrance is inhaled. Its fragrance can best be described as a mixture of sweet and spicy and amazingly fresh.
The resin myrrh has been used throughout history as a way of fortifying and strengthening a person's spirit. People use myrrh today to help promote feelings of happiness and confidence. Some people believe that myrrh can help with physical healing as well. It is also said to be effective at encouraging the growth of new cells. That's why many people use this aromatherapy resin as a way of prolonging the aging process.
Most resins come from tree bark. Resins are the gum-like substance that extrudes from a tree when its outer layer has been damaged. They're actually unsaturated hydrocarbons that harden when they come into contact with air. In their natural state, resins can be semisolid or solid. Resins help trees and some other flowers, roots and seeds during the process of healing.
Obtaining resins is very simple. All you have to do is cut into the bark of a tree and soon thereafter, the thick, sticky substance will emerge. Removing tree bark resins is easy as well - just scrape them away using a shape object.
Because they are so thick, they're difficult to work with. That's the primary reason why they are not commonly used in aromatherapy sessions. Their thick and sticky characteristics prevent them from being mixed with carrier oils. In their hardened states, resins can be burned. This is accomplished by breaking off a chunk of resin, placing the chunk into a diffuser and lighting the corner. When ignited, its fragrance will emerge. Chunks of resins can also be ground into a powder.
More often than not however, resins are processed into oils. Resins cannot be dissolved using water, but they can be dissolved using chemical solvents and a steam distillation process. Resinoids are a viscous byproduct of this type of extraction process. When dissolved into odorless high-quality alcohols, resinoids are then used in the manufacturing of perfumes.
Frankincense and myrrh resins have a long and well-known history. They were two of the three gifts given to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. That these resins were given to this miracle child gives you a sense of how valuable these scents were thousands of years ago. In fact, these resins were more valuable even than the gold presented by the third Wise Man. These resins are still popular and readily available today.
Frankincense, which comes from the leafy Boswellia Thurifera forest tree, is used as a way of helping to soothe and purify the spirit and alleviate fears. This aromatherapy resin can help a person to relax as its fragrance is inhaled. Its fragrance can best be described as a mixture of sweet and spicy and amazingly fresh.
The resin myrrh has been used throughout history as a way of fortifying and strengthening a person's spirit. People use myrrh today to help promote feelings of happiness and confidence. Some people believe that myrrh can help with physical healing as well. It is also said to be effective at encouraging the growth of new cells. That's why many people use this aromatherapy resin as a way of prolonging the aging process.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ideas for Bedrooms and Bedding
Some ideas to help you choose essential furniture and to decorate your bedroom in style. After all, this is the place where you sleep and, as you spend a third of your life sleeping, it should be comfortable.
- Bedrooms and bedding
- Bedroom furniture styles
- Bedding style guidelines
- Bedroom accents
- Mattresses everywhere
- Mattress size selection guidelines
- Closet organizers for every bedroom
- Keeping your bedroom allergen-free
- Pillow and comforter fillers
- Safety tips for children's bedding
Friday, December 7, 2007
Understanding Diffusion
To be effective, essential oils must be disbursed throughout the environment. In the world of aromatherapy, the proper term for this type of disbursement is diffusion. There are many ways aromatherapy oils can be diffused including several methods that make use of items you likely have lying around the house. Commercial solutions are items that have been created especially for the purpose of diffusing aromatherapy oils and they're available for purchase.
Overview of commercial aromatherapy diffusion solutions
A lamp ring fits on a light bulb. This popular option is made using terra cotta. The lamp ring has a groove into which essential oils are placed. When the lamp is turned on, the heat from the bulb heats the ring which heats the oils. As oils are heated, they're diffused into the environment.
Also made from terra-cotta, clay pots are another type of inexpensive commercial solution. Essential oils aren't heated. They're simply poured into and stored within the pot. To operate, you remove the cork and the aroma from the oils is released.
A candle diffuser is a self-contained unit that utilizes a small candle as a heat source and a tray for holding oils. When the candle is lit, the heat from the flame warms the oils which then release their aromas. Candle diffuser styles abound but as with all diffusers that utilize heat, there is the potential of degrading the oil's properties.
Fan diffusers don't utilize heat and are more efficient at disbursing an aroma. Essential oils are placed onto an absorbent pad which is then inserted into the appropriate fan opening. Cool air blows over the pad, picks up the scent and carries it throughout the room. Electric or battery-operated, they're portable but can be noisy. To be effective, it's important to look for a fan large enough to accommodate the room size.
An electric heat diffuser is a unit that first heats oils and then uses a built-in fan to diffuse them.
The most sophisticated (and expensive) aromatherapy diffusion product is the nebulizer. This 3-part system consists of an electric pump, glass container and a tubing/cork. The pump forces small amounts of essential oils through the twisted glass. This action breaks oils into tiny droplets which are then disbursed throughout the room. The oils aren't degraded, just reduced in size, which helps to maximize aromatherapy benefits.
Overview of household aromatherapy diffusion solutions
If you'd rather not spend any money on diffusers, you can easily make your own or you can use candles. The simplest household diffusion system needs only a tissue and oil. Onto the tissue place several drops of essential oil and position tissue nearby. Aromas are released from the tissue with movement. Although effective, the aroma released isn't very strong and doesn't last long.
Steam diffusion is quick and needs just boiling water and essential oils. All you do is place about 10 drops of oil into boiling water. The steam carries molecules of evaporated oil throughout the room.
Using candles to diffuse aromas is easy too. Light a candle and allow to burn for a few minutes. This will melt some wax around the base of the wick. Blow out the flame and add a few drops into the melted wax. Reignite the wick so the aromas can start dispersing throughout the room.
Although steam diffusion and candles are effective household diffusion methods, the aroma released isn't long-lasting and the heat can damage the properties of the oils.
Overview of commercial aromatherapy diffusion solutions
A lamp ring fits on a light bulb. This popular option is made using terra cotta. The lamp ring has a groove into which essential oils are placed. When the lamp is turned on, the heat from the bulb heats the ring which heats the oils. As oils are heated, they're diffused into the environment.
Also made from terra-cotta, clay pots are another type of inexpensive commercial solution. Essential oils aren't heated. They're simply poured into and stored within the pot. To operate, you remove the cork and the aroma from the oils is released.
A candle diffuser is a self-contained unit that utilizes a small candle as a heat source and a tray for holding oils. When the candle is lit, the heat from the flame warms the oils which then release their aromas. Candle diffuser styles abound but as with all diffusers that utilize heat, there is the potential of degrading the oil's properties.
Fan diffusers don't utilize heat and are more efficient at disbursing an aroma. Essential oils are placed onto an absorbent pad which is then inserted into the appropriate fan opening. Cool air blows over the pad, picks up the scent and carries it throughout the room. Electric or battery-operated, they're portable but can be noisy. To be effective, it's important to look for a fan large enough to accommodate the room size.
An electric heat diffuser is a unit that first heats oils and then uses a built-in fan to diffuse them.
The most sophisticated (and expensive) aromatherapy diffusion product is the nebulizer. This 3-part system consists of an electric pump, glass container and a tubing/cork. The pump forces small amounts of essential oils through the twisted glass. This action breaks oils into tiny droplets which are then disbursed throughout the room. The oils aren't degraded, just reduced in size, which helps to maximize aromatherapy benefits.
Overview of household aromatherapy diffusion solutions
If you'd rather not spend any money on diffusers, you can easily make your own or you can use candles. The simplest household diffusion system needs only a tissue and oil. Onto the tissue place several drops of essential oil and position tissue nearby. Aromas are released from the tissue with movement. Although effective, the aroma released isn't very strong and doesn't last long.
Steam diffusion is quick and needs just boiling water and essential oils. All you do is place about 10 drops of oil into boiling water. The steam carries molecules of evaporated oil throughout the room.
Using candles to diffuse aromas is easy too. Light a candle and allow to burn for a few minutes. This will melt some wax around the base of the wick. Blow out the flame and add a few drops into the melted wax. Reignite the wick so the aromas can start dispersing throughout the room.
Although steam diffusion and candles are effective household diffusion methods, the aroma released isn't long-lasting and the heat can damage the properties of the oils.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is all the rage, with teeth looking whiter and brighter than ever before. Strictly cosmetic, this dental treatment improves the appearance of teeth by lightening stains and other discolorations. There are many reasons why teeth stain and turn yellowish in color, but the biggest culprits are the things people do every day – drinking coffee, tea and non-clear soda and smoking cigarettes. The pores on the enamel take hold of these stains which is why regular brushing can't remove them.
Age is also a factor in tooth staining and discoloration. And sometimes, teeth stain from the inside rather than from the out. Excess fluoride and certain medications can cause these intrinsic stains. Tooth whitening, a process that needs to be repeated regularly, works on the stains on the outside of the teeth.
Teeth whitening can be done while at the dentist's office or it can be done while at home. At home, you can use whitening products available at your local pharmacy or you can use custom-made trays and solutions that are prepared by your dentist. Each requires a series of whitening procedures of varying lengths. If you're interested in having your teeth whitened, it's a good idea to discuss with your dentist the benefits and disadvantages of each method.
Before teeth whitening can begin, teeth must be cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist and all cavities will need to be filled. Receding gum can cause a problem if it has receded so much that the roots are exposed. Because there's no enamel on roots, whitening won't take hold. Whitening also won't work on teeth that have crowns or veneers.
How teeth whitening woks
To whiten teeth, trays are loaded with a solution made with hydrogen peroxide. The trays are similar in look and shape to a mouth or night guard. The solution-filled trays are positioned over the top and bottom rows of teeth and they remain in place for one to two hours. Or if the whitening is done at home, overnight.
Sessions can be shorter when done at the dentist's office, but the patient needs to return for several visits. When done in the office, the dentist is right there to monitor the process. If done at home, care must be taken when inserting and wearing the mouth guards. If any of the solution leaks, it may irritate the gums.
In theory, the longer you keep the solution on your teeth, the whiter they'll become. However, some types of discoloration are difficult to remove. There are some whitening products that are only activated when they come into contact with a light or heat. Those are best used under the supervision of your dentist.
Whitened teeth can last just one month or 6 months or longer. The more you avoid the substances that cause staining, the longer the process should last. The only side effects of teeth whitening are possible gum irritation and temporary sensitivity. Overall the process is very safe however those who are pregnant should avoid teeth whitening. To date, studies on how or if whitening agents affect a developing fetus have not been conducted.
Age is also a factor in tooth staining and discoloration. And sometimes, teeth stain from the inside rather than from the out. Excess fluoride and certain medications can cause these intrinsic stains. Tooth whitening, a process that needs to be repeated regularly, works on the stains on the outside of the teeth.
Teeth whitening can be done while at the dentist's office or it can be done while at home. At home, you can use whitening products available at your local pharmacy or you can use custom-made trays and solutions that are prepared by your dentist. Each requires a series of whitening procedures of varying lengths. If you're interested in having your teeth whitened, it's a good idea to discuss with your dentist the benefits and disadvantages of each method.
Before teeth whitening can begin, teeth must be cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist and all cavities will need to be filled. Receding gum can cause a problem if it has receded so much that the roots are exposed. Because there's no enamel on roots, whitening won't take hold. Whitening also won't work on teeth that have crowns or veneers.
How teeth whitening woks
To whiten teeth, trays are loaded with a solution made with hydrogen peroxide. The trays are similar in look and shape to a mouth or night guard. The solution-filled trays are positioned over the top and bottom rows of teeth and they remain in place for one to two hours. Or if the whitening is done at home, overnight.
Sessions can be shorter when done at the dentist's office, but the patient needs to return for several visits. When done in the office, the dentist is right there to monitor the process. If done at home, care must be taken when inserting and wearing the mouth guards. If any of the solution leaks, it may irritate the gums.
In theory, the longer you keep the solution on your teeth, the whiter they'll become. However, some types of discoloration are difficult to remove. There are some whitening products that are only activated when they come into contact with a light or heat. Those are best used under the supervision of your dentist.
Whitened teeth can last just one month or 6 months or longer. The more you avoid the substances that cause staining, the longer the process should last. The only side effects of teeth whitening are possible gum irritation and temporary sensitivity. Overall the process is very safe however those who are pregnant should avoid teeth whitening. To date, studies on how or if whitening agents affect a developing fetus have not been conducted.
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is all about essential oils. Essential oils are naturally-occurring oils that have been extracted from the various parts of different plants including the leaves, the bark, the stem, the flowers, the fruits and even the roots. Essential oils are not to be confused with perfumes which frequently are manufactured using a variety of ingredients, many of which are synthetic and do not provide the same types of mind and body benefits.
There are several commonly used methods of extracting the essential oils from plant matter. The oldest method and the one that is still the most commonly used is distillation. In this process, the plant material is heated. The volatile components are then able to be condensed and collected from the vapors that result. Maceration, enfleurage, solvent extraction and expression are other methods used to extract essential oils from plant matter.
Something interesting about essential oils and something many people don't realize is that there are different qualities of essential oils. While there is no formal grading system for these essential oils, where and how the plant was grown can have a significant impact on the quality of the oils that are extracted. Environmental conditions such as the weather and soil quality will impact the harvest as will the actual time of harvest, the farming methods used during planting and harvesting, and believe it or not, the way the plant material is treated after it has been harvested.
Essential oils contain a number of different chemical components and it is these components that influence the various effects on the body. While this sounds dangerous, it really isn't as our bodies naturally produce and utilize many of these chemical components. First and foremost, essential oils stimulate our sense of smell. From there, the chemical components go to work, stimulating or sedating the different systems within our bodies.
For example, the chemical component ester acts as a sedative, a calming agent, an anti-fungal and an anti-inflammatory. Esters are found in lavender, chamomile, bergamot and sage. Ketones promote new cell growth and help wounds heal faster and they're found in rosemary, camphor, sage and eucalyptus. Alcohols act as diuretics, they kill bacteria, energize and stimulate the body. Tea tree, ginger, rose, rosewood, peppermint, sandalwood and patchouli are some of the plants that contain alcohols.
The methods used to extract essential oils from plants produce highly concentrated oils. Therefore, you need only a very small quantity to reap the benefits. Oftentimes, concentrated essential oils are first diluted and then inhaled or absorbed. This makes economical sense, especially when you realize that essential oils can be expensive. When you begin shopping for essential oils, you'll also notice that many are sold as blends of different oils. Buying blended essential oils can save you a good deal of money. It's also very easy to create your own essential oil blends, and doing so can be more fun.
There are several commonly used methods of extracting the essential oils from plant matter. The oldest method and the one that is still the most commonly used is distillation. In this process, the plant material is heated. The volatile components are then able to be condensed and collected from the vapors that result. Maceration, enfleurage, solvent extraction and expression are other methods used to extract essential oils from plant matter.
Something interesting about essential oils and something many people don't realize is that there are different qualities of essential oils. While there is no formal grading system for these essential oils, where and how the plant was grown can have a significant impact on the quality of the oils that are extracted. Environmental conditions such as the weather and soil quality will impact the harvest as will the actual time of harvest, the farming methods used during planting and harvesting, and believe it or not, the way the plant material is treated after it has been harvested.
Essential oils contain a number of different chemical components and it is these components that influence the various effects on the body. While this sounds dangerous, it really isn't as our bodies naturally produce and utilize many of these chemical components. First and foremost, essential oils stimulate our sense of smell. From there, the chemical components go to work, stimulating or sedating the different systems within our bodies.
For example, the chemical component ester acts as a sedative, a calming agent, an anti-fungal and an anti-inflammatory. Esters are found in lavender, chamomile, bergamot and sage. Ketones promote new cell growth and help wounds heal faster and they're found in rosemary, camphor, sage and eucalyptus. Alcohols act as diuretics, they kill bacteria, energize and stimulate the body. Tea tree, ginger, rose, rosewood, peppermint, sandalwood and patchouli are some of the plants that contain alcohols.
The methods used to extract essential oils from plants produce highly concentrated oils. Therefore, you need only a very small quantity to reap the benefits. Oftentimes, concentrated essential oils are first diluted and then inhaled or absorbed. This makes economical sense, especially when you realize that essential oils can be expensive. When you begin shopping for essential oils, you'll also notice that many are sold as blends of different oils. Buying blended essential oils can save you a good deal of money. It's also very easy to create your own essential oil blends, and doing so can be more fun.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Dry Eye Syndrome
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye problem. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States alone suffer from dry eye syndrome. A person who has dry eye syndrome generally has a problem with the quantity or quality of the tear film which is responsible for properly lubricating the eyes.
The production of tears is an amazingly complex process. A tear actually consists of 3 separate layers and each layer has a purpose. There is a mucous layer, which coats the eye and acts somewhat like an adhesive. In the middle of a tear is an aqueous layer and it's responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cornea. Consisting primarily of water, this layer also has a bit of salt, which is why tears taste salty. The outer layer of the tear, the lipid, is oily and its job is to seal in the moisture so it does not evaporate. Tiny glands surrounding the eyes produce the ingredients needed for the various layers of tear, and excess tear fluids drain into tiny ducts.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye irritation is the most notable symptom of dry eyes. Eyes may itch, burn and become red. It doesn't seem possible, but excessive tearing is also a symptom of dry eyes. That's because the eyes produce tears in response to many conditions including protecting eyes from injury.
Who is at risk?
Anyone is at risk of developing dry eye syndrome, but the majority of complaints arise from the elderly. As people age, the body's production of oil begins to slow. As oil production diminishes, less oil is available for the outer layer of tears. With less oil, the moisture produced by the middle layer cannot be properly sealed and it therefore evaporates more quickly, leading to the dry spots on the cornea known as dry eye syndrome.
Older women are more at risk than men. Hormonal changes during menopause are primary culprits. Smokers are at higher risk, too. Many environmental conditions increase the occurrence of dry eyes including air conditioning, hot, dry climates, wind and higher altitudes. People who read a lot or work at a computer all day complain more of dry eyes because they tend not to blink as much.
Those who take certain medicines, who suffer from a deficiency of vitamin A or who have been diagnosed with certain diseases including Parkinson's disease tend to have dry eyes.
Early detection/treatment
Most individuals know whether they have dry eyes, but an eye doctor should confirm this eye problem. Detection takes place using special eye drops that help the eye doctor gauge tear production and associated rates of evaporation.
Artificial tear drops placed regularly into the affected eye is the most common form of dry eye treatment. Collagen or silicon plugs can be inserted into the tear drains to keep tears from draining. Drinking plenty of water helps, too, as it keeps the body hydrated. Avoiding eye rubbing and blinking more frequently also help alleviate dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye problem. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States alone suffer from dry eye syndrome. A person who has dry eye syndrome generally has a problem with the quantity or quality of the tear film which is responsible for properly lubricating the eyes.
The production of tears is an amazingly complex process. A tear actually consists of 3 separate layers and each layer has a purpose. There is a mucous layer, which coats the eye and acts somewhat like an adhesive. In the middle of a tear is an aqueous layer and it's responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the cornea. Consisting primarily of water, this layer also has a bit of salt, which is why tears taste salty. The outer layer of the tear, the lipid, is oily and its job is to seal in the moisture so it does not evaporate. Tiny glands surrounding the eyes produce the ingredients needed for the various layers of tear, and excess tear fluids drain into tiny ducts.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye irritation is the most notable symptom of dry eyes. Eyes may itch, burn and become red. It doesn't seem possible, but excessive tearing is also a symptom of dry eyes. That's because the eyes produce tears in response to many conditions including protecting eyes from injury.
Who is at risk?
Anyone is at risk of developing dry eye syndrome, but the majority of complaints arise from the elderly. As people age, the body's production of oil begins to slow. As oil production diminishes, less oil is available for the outer layer of tears. With less oil, the moisture produced by the middle layer cannot be properly sealed and it therefore evaporates more quickly, leading to the dry spots on the cornea known as dry eye syndrome.
Older women are more at risk than men. Hormonal changes during menopause are primary culprits. Smokers are at higher risk, too. Many environmental conditions increase the occurrence of dry eyes including air conditioning, hot, dry climates, wind and higher altitudes. People who read a lot or work at a computer all day complain more of dry eyes because they tend not to blink as much.
Those who take certain medicines, who suffer from a deficiency of vitamin A or who have been diagnosed with certain diseases including Parkinson's disease tend to have dry eyes.
Early detection/treatment
Most individuals know whether they have dry eyes, but an eye doctor should confirm this eye problem. Detection takes place using special eye drops that help the eye doctor gauge tear production and associated rates of evaporation.
Artificial tear drops placed regularly into the affected eye is the most common form of dry eye treatment. Collagen or silicon plugs can be inserted into the tear drains to keep tears from draining. Drinking plenty of water helps, too, as it keeps the body hydrated. Avoiding eye rubbing and blinking more frequently also help alleviate dry eye syndrome.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Present Times
We exchange presents for many reasons. There are birthdays and we give then no matter what. Whenever we get an invitation to a baby shower, graduation party, a bridal shower, a wedding, a gift is in order. There are the growing milestones in our children’s lives and we celebrate –the celebration name and time vary slightly with our personal beliefs, but we all do.
We want to make present-shopping simple. You will find here ideas for all, a hint of whatever things that made it to their wish list. There is a list of gifts for your mother, gifts for your dad, gifts for your girlfriend or gifts for your boyfriend. Find home items for the house proud, fragrances for him or beauty goodies for her.
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