Natural Body Guru

The key to having super soft skin is to moisturize it. A lot of people I know never use lotions, and as a result, they always have dry and itchy skin that worsens when the weather is dry. But to me, having a moisturizing lotion is so important. I use lotion daily so my skin continues to keep its natural moisture throughout the day.

I think skin moisturizers should be staples in the world of beauty. They are just so important for keeping the youth people desire so much. They’re also important for people with dry skin, as having dry skin is a sign the skin needs more moisture.  People often use abrasive soaps for showering or bathing that can steal the moisture away from the skin. It’s so important to make sure the moisture sticks around by using skin moisturizers.
What’s also great about skin moisturizers is they help relieve skin cracking. When the weather gets dry, sometimes people’s hands crack due to how dry it is. It can be painful, and a great way to avoid it is to make sure your hands and knuckles stay moisturized. There are just so many reasons why you should use skin moisturizers.

Do you suffer from dry or oily skin, frequent breakouts, and serious acne problems? Then it’s about time you take regular cleansing seriously. Facial cleansers are essential to keep you looking healthy, young, and radiant. There are many cleansing brands to choose from and you need to figure out which one works best for your skin.

Choosing the right facial cleansers starts by knowing your skin type. Avoid cleansing products that contain high alcohol levels if you have dry skin. For oily skin, buy facial cleansers that have a lower PH level. For sensitive skin, a basic cleanser without additives and synthetic ingredients is best for you. If you put on a lot of makeup, cleanse with a product that’s made to thoroughly remove it. Delivery of the cleansing product matters as well – and so, cream-based cleansers for dry skin, foamy or gel cleansers for oily skin.

You can always consult a dermatologist if you want to be extra sure with the facial cleansers you ought to be using and the right cleansing regimen for your skin type. Ultimately, a good match for any skin type is a cleansing product that can maintain you skin’s natural balance, can effectively remove dirt and clogged pores, and keep your skin clear, hydrated, and healthy.

We also have an essential oil blend for circulatory problems during menopause. This blend can be also be used for other circulation problems too. Geranium is the main oil in this blend and it is especially good for circulatory problems. Not only is it antiseptic and antibacterial, it also smells wonderful.

Circulatory Problems Blend

• 10 drops geranium
• 5 drops peppermint
• 10 drops rose
• 5 drops patchouli

Blend these oils together and dilute them in 3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil to use as a body oil. Always massage in the direction of the heart. If the legs are affected, massage from the feet to the thigh. If the hands are affected, start at the fingers and move up the arm. If your whole body is affected, apply to the front and back of your torso.

If your menopause symptoms include water retention and bloating, we have a blend that will help alleviate these issues. Blend together the essential oils below and dilute 3-5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil to use as a body oil. You just need a small amount to apply over the abdominal area, lower back and upper thighs.

Water Retention and Bloating Blend

• 5 drops coriander
• 5 drops juniper berry
• 15 drops lemon
• 5 drops peppermint

If you are having the day and/or night sweat symptoms of menopause, this blend will help calm the problem for you. I still have night sweats but usually it’s when I haven’t used this blend for a while.

Day and Night Sweats Blend

• 10 drops grapefruit
• 10 drops lime
• 2 drops peppermint
• 5 drops thyme

Blend these essential oils in an amber colored bottle and dilute 3-5 drops of the mixture in a carrier oil. Massage the blend over your lower back. For a bath, mix 1 drop of geranium and 1 drop of cypress into a little carrier oil and add it to your bath water. Swish the water around well before getting in the tub.

Menopause has many symptoms and for each one there is a list of essential oils that can be substituted for prescription drugs that usually have side effects. Always check with your physician or a naturalist before using either essential oils or prescription drugs with essential oils. Below are 5 more symptoms of menopause and the essential oils you can use to alleviate each problem.

Essential oils for depression:

• Bergamot, chamomile roman, clary sage, rose, frankincense, neroli, lavender and ylang ylang.

Essential oils for Aches and pains:

• Black pepper, cardamom, cypress, ginger and sweet marjoram.

Essential oils for anxiety and loss of concentration:

• Cardamom, cedarwood, lemon, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, vetiver, mandarin, petitgrain and neroli.

Essential oils for digestive problems:

• Chamomile, cardamom, peppermint, lime, coriander, spearmint, basil and bergamot.

Essential oils for sleeplessness:

• Valerian, spikenard, vetiver, sweet marjoram, lavender, chamomile roman, mandarin, sweet orange and petitgrain

Menopause not only causes hot flashes and bloating but also exhaustion and fatigue. If those are your only symptoms, you may not even associate menopause with your physical difficulties but these issues can also be a part of menopause.  Below are the essential oils you can use to relieve exhaustion and fatigue.

• Basil
• Bergamot
• Cardamom
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Rosemary
• Frankincense
• Eucalyptus
• Petitgrain
• Ylang ylang

Some women go through menopause without any uncomfortable symptoms but most of us are not that lucky. Yesterday we talked about hot flashes. Today’s menopause symptom is fluid retention. This includes bloating and water retention. The essential oils to use for fluid retention are below.

Essential Oils for Fluid Retention

• Juniper Berry
• Cedarwood
• Cypress
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Sweet Orange
• Coriander

If you are experiencing menopause, you are probably having those embarrassing hot flashes that are often one of the first recognizable uncomfortable symptoms of this condition. The physical and emotional difficulties of menopause are very unique to each individual woman so the essential oils used should be chosen according to what is most appropriate for you. These are the essential oils to use for hot flashes.

Essential Oils for Hot Flashes

• Cypress
• Geranium
• Chamomile Roman
• Clary Sage
• Peppermint
• Niaouli
• Rosemary
• Palmarosa

1. We all know that oregano is used as a flavoring for spaghetti and pizza but that is usually the dried and crushed leaves instead of the essential oil. According to Wikipedia, Hippocrates used oregano as an antiseptic, as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments. Oregano is still used today in Greece as a palliative for sore throat.

Oregano is high in antioxidants because of its phenolic acids and flavonoids. It also has shown antimicrobial activity against strains of food-borne pathogens. The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood lists oregano several times as one of the  essential oils to use for respiratory problems such as coughs, sinusitis and influenza.

My main reason for writing about oregano essential oil today is anecdotal. We went to lunch with some friends and the topic of essential oils came up. One of our friends said that he had been using some over the counter medicines for a cold that kept lingering when he was told to try oregano essential oil. He says that he was so tired of feeling bad that he put 5 or 6 drops of oregano on his tongue and he felt better almost instantly. While that was distressing to me because I don’t think you should take essential oils by mouth without diluting them, I think I will try oregano essential oil the next time I start feeling like I’m coming down with a cough, sore throat or a cold.