Smudging, or to “cleanse with smoke” is a ritual to aid you in
clearing and balancing of energies. By burning the smudge
sticks the essence of herbs are released in the smoke. This,
coupled with your intentions, promotes a clearing &
balancing of energies.
Smudging Ritual
First, centre and ground yourself. Next, tune into your
space to cleanse and think about your intentions. Clearly
state your intentions e.g. the release of all negative
energies out into the universe while asking for love,
abundance, harmony and health to enter this space.
(Free yourself of any negative thoughts
before beginning smudging.)
Smudging Rooms, Areas & Objects:
First start by opening all windows, cover any food present
and light a candle. Light the smudge stick and once the
smudge stick is burning (without flame present) wash the
smoke up towards your heart, up over your head and then
down towards your feet to ground the energy and yourself.
Imagine you are connected to Mother Earth and are fully
protected around your aura e.g. visualise a bubble of light
surrounding you. After grounding yourself, offer the smudge
stick to Mother Earth + Father Sky and to the 4 cardinal
directions North, South, East and West. Carry the smouldering
smudge stick around the are you wish to cleanse, visualising
the change. Make sure you carry a dish (small saucer, bowl or
shell filled with sand) under the smudge stick while you are
walking around to catch any falling embers. Continue to
repeat your personal intentions as you fan the smoke into the
air. A feather or your cupped hand can be used to fan the
smoke around. On finishing, press the smudge stick into
sand or dirt,
not water for this is disrespectful to the fire spirits.
Give thanks to your Guides and the essence of the sacred
plants in your ritual. Standing centred in the area you have
cleansed, repeat your intentions. After this go outside and
connect with the earth by visualising you are a tree putting
down roots deep into the earth.
Allow the cleansed space to air. You may want to finish with
an aromatherapy spritzer to lighten and refresh yourself and
the room.
Smudging for Personal Use:
Smudge after stress/to ground and relax yourself and to
clear unwanted energies present. This can be done daily or
as needed. To smudge for personal use, stand outside and
wash smoke from smudge stick over yourself using the same
fanning process as in smudging rooms, etc.
Keep your smudge stick in a bowl or plate in a sacred space for future use.
Not suitable for pregnant women or children.
www.plantessentials.com.au
Rest, relax, recharge, revive, spa rituals to feel alive, Our natural products are locally made, viva la organic, recycled & fair trade, Fire, earth, water, air, for the earth and animals we care. www.plantessentials.com.au
31 March 2011
Pure Relaxation
A Wholistic Approach to Inviting Calm into Your Life
The fact that Aromatherapy is such a
pleasurable sensory experience is inherent in its
de-stressing action. Pure essential oils can be
used with massage, in a bath, and in an oil
burner to relax you and relieve tension.
Massage is essential for your wellbeing as it is a
preventative and restorative treatment. Pure
essential oils blended into massage oils are
absorbed by the body and along with the
massage assist relaxation and relieve tension,
soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and
assist in restoring balance and the natural
healing processes of your body.
In the bath we create our own private watery
world. The ancient Greek word ‘to bathe’ also
meant ‘to drive sadness from the mind’: a soak
makes today’s problems trivial and tomorrow’s
problems solvable. Plant Essentials offers a
range of aromatherapy bath preparations to
calm your mind and relax your muscles.
Oil burners, Room sprays and Incense
Releasing pure essential oils into our
environment creates a feeling of calm and
positivity and can even help us drift off to sleep.
Sometimes it is more convenient to spray the
essential oils into the room. The burning of
incense is an age old tradition of inducing calm
and a meditative state.
In The Car
Car Diffusers – are a great way to keep you calm
in the traffic to prevent “Road Rage”. Put this
device in your cigarette lighter adaptor, place a
few drops of essential oil on to the pad, insert it
into the slot and let the aromas keep you calm
and smelling great. Use essential oils such as
Lime, May Chang, and Orange.
# Do not use Lavender as it may relax you
too much while driving
Good food and supplements
Enjoy eating good food and take supplements
when necessary. Our bodies use up the B group
vitamins particularly rapidly when we are under
stress. Avoiding excessive amounts of
stimulating caffeine beverages and foods which
place an extra load on our digestive system and
elimatory organs allows our body to cope better
with stress and to relax more easily.
Rest, relaxation and sleep
Prioritise time for rest, relaxation and sleep.
Listen to your body letting you know when it
needs to rest. This is the time when our body
repairs itself.
Exercise
Research shows that physical exercise is one of
the best tension relievers. Problems always
seem less important when you are walking,
running, cycling, belly-dancing, etc. Apart from
the mental benefits, exercise uses up excess
adrenalin which can leave us feeling ‘woundup’.
The body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals,
endorphins, are also released. Exercise
benefits all our body systems and ensures we
cope with stress much more easily.
Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise which
focuses on physical and mental harmony.
Anti-stress attitude
Don’t get drawn into other people’s or your
own ‘misery’. Avoid being in the company of
‘complainers’. Catch yourself if you are
‘whingeing’ and STOP – your stress levels
will benefit immediately. Learn to be
flexible. The tree that bends before the
wind survives; the one which stays
unbending breaks.
Laugh. “Laughter is the jam on the toast
of life. It adds flavour, keeps it from being
too dry, and makes it easier to swallow”.
Take time to do the things you enjoy and
have fun.
Music
Put on some relaxation music when you
want to relax. Close your eyes and focus
on the music. It slows down your
breathing, your heart rate and your mind.
Meditation
When we practise meditation, there is a
change in brain waves. The normal beta
waves are replaced by a predominance of
alpha waves, which increase as the
meditation progresses. Alpha waves are
associated with deep relaxation and
feeling of wellbeing. An immediate benefit
is that we fall asleep quicker and sleep is
deeper. During the meditation itself, there
is rest that is deeper than sleep and
achieved in a much shorter time.
Flower essences
Flower essences help us to work through
emotional imbalances we may be
experiencing. When we experience
overwhelming stress, fear or panic, Rescue
Remedy or Emergency Essence may be
dropped directly onto your tongue or
sipped from a glass of water.
Herbal teas
In China and Japan, the tea ceremony is part
of the ancient tradition of tea-drinking,
ranging from the simpler preparation rituals
in secular circles to the meditative, devoted
tea ceremony of Zen Buddhism. Remember
afternoon tea when time is set aside purely
for the ritual of tea drinking. The act of tea
drinking is a relaxation technique in itself.
Herbal teas which can help relax and calm you
include: Catnip, chamomile, hops, lavender
flowers, lemon balm, passion flower, rose
petals, skull cap, valerian and vervain.
Plant Essentials also offers herbal tea blends –
Tranquil & Karma Calmer.
There are also herbs which help our body and
nervous system adapt to and cope with stress
better. These herbs include: Oats, St John’s
wort, Siberian ginseng, licorice root and vervain.
The Essential Stress Relief Kit
Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Bergamot,
Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin,
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Rose, Jasmine,
Orange, May Chang, Vetiver.
Use these pure essential oil blends:
• in your oil burner,
• add them to 25 ml of carrier oil to
create a massage oil,
• add them to 25 ml of dispersing bath
oil to create a bath oil.
Bliss
2 drops Mandarin
5 drops Orange
2 drops Lavender
Sleep
1 drops Vetiver
3 drops Lavender
4 drops Sandalwood
Relaxation
5 drops Lavender
2 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Bergamot
Quietness
3 drops Lavender
5 drops Orange
3 drops Chamomile
Serenity
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Clary sage
2 drops Lavender
Peace
3 drops Bergamot
3 drops Ylang ylang
2 drops Lavender
Meditation
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Bergamot
3 drops Clary Sage
Tranquility
2 drops Patchouli
2 drops Geranium
3 drops Orange
“Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop,” Ovid.
When we are stressed we become less
resistant to all kinds of illness that
affect the body, the emotions and the
mind. Allowing space for ourselves is
something that many of us find
difficult. With the present-day
emphasis on materialism and the
achievement of external goals, it is
important to keep in touch with
ourselves on an inner level.
Discover how pure essential oils along
with organic herbal teas and other
natural relaxation techniques will have
you feeling soothed and nurtured and
will assist you in restoring balance in
your life.
“When I work, I work hard. When I sit, I sit loose. And when I worry, I fall asleep.”
A 100 year old woman when asked about her longevity.
Plant Essentials
www.plantessentials.com.au
The fact that Aromatherapy is such a
pleasurable sensory experience is inherent in its
de-stressing action. Pure essential oils can be
used with massage, in a bath, and in an oil
burner to relax you and relieve tension.
Massage is essential for your wellbeing as it is a
preventative and restorative treatment. Pure
essential oils blended into massage oils are
absorbed by the body and along with the
massage assist relaxation and relieve tension,
soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and
assist in restoring balance and the natural
healing processes of your body.
In the bath we create our own private watery
world. The ancient Greek word ‘to bathe’ also
meant ‘to drive sadness from the mind’: a soak
makes today’s problems trivial and tomorrow’s
problems solvable. Plant Essentials offers a
range of aromatherapy bath preparations to
calm your mind and relax your muscles.
Oil burners, Room sprays and Incense
Releasing pure essential oils into our
environment creates a feeling of calm and
positivity and can even help us drift off to sleep.
Sometimes it is more convenient to spray the
essential oils into the room. The burning of
incense is an age old tradition of inducing calm
and a meditative state.
In The Car
Car Diffusers – are a great way to keep you calm
in the traffic to prevent “Road Rage”. Put this
device in your cigarette lighter adaptor, place a
few drops of essential oil on to the pad, insert it
into the slot and let the aromas keep you calm
and smelling great. Use essential oils such as
Lime, May Chang, and Orange.
# Do not use Lavender as it may relax you
too much while driving
Good food and supplements
Enjoy eating good food and take supplements
when necessary. Our bodies use up the B group
vitamins particularly rapidly when we are under
stress. Avoiding excessive amounts of
stimulating caffeine beverages and foods which
place an extra load on our digestive system and
elimatory organs allows our body to cope better
with stress and to relax more easily.
Rest, relaxation and sleep
Prioritise time for rest, relaxation and sleep.
Listen to your body letting you know when it
needs to rest. This is the time when our body
repairs itself.
Exercise
Research shows that physical exercise is one of
the best tension relievers. Problems always
seem less important when you are walking,
running, cycling, belly-dancing, etc. Apart from
the mental benefits, exercise uses up excess
adrenalin which can leave us feeling ‘woundup’.
The body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals,
endorphins, are also released. Exercise
benefits all our body systems and ensures we
cope with stress much more easily.
Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise which
focuses on physical and mental harmony.
Anti-stress attitude
Don’t get drawn into other people’s or your
own ‘misery’. Avoid being in the company of
‘complainers’. Catch yourself if you are
‘whingeing’ and STOP – your stress levels
will benefit immediately. Learn to be
flexible. The tree that bends before the
wind survives; the one which stays
unbending breaks.
Laugh. “Laughter is the jam on the toast
of life. It adds flavour, keeps it from being
too dry, and makes it easier to swallow”.
Take time to do the things you enjoy and
have fun.
Music
Put on some relaxation music when you
want to relax. Close your eyes and focus
on the music. It slows down your
breathing, your heart rate and your mind.
Meditation
When we practise meditation, there is a
change in brain waves. The normal beta
waves are replaced by a predominance of
alpha waves, which increase as the
meditation progresses. Alpha waves are
associated with deep relaxation and
feeling of wellbeing. An immediate benefit
is that we fall asleep quicker and sleep is
deeper. During the meditation itself, there
is rest that is deeper than sleep and
achieved in a much shorter time.
Flower essences
Flower essences help us to work through
emotional imbalances we may be
experiencing. When we experience
overwhelming stress, fear or panic, Rescue
Remedy or Emergency Essence may be
dropped directly onto your tongue or
sipped from a glass of water.
Herbal teas
In China and Japan, the tea ceremony is part
of the ancient tradition of tea-drinking,
ranging from the simpler preparation rituals
in secular circles to the meditative, devoted
tea ceremony of Zen Buddhism. Remember
afternoon tea when time is set aside purely
for the ritual of tea drinking. The act of tea
drinking is a relaxation technique in itself.
Herbal teas which can help relax and calm you
include: Catnip, chamomile, hops, lavender
flowers, lemon balm, passion flower, rose
petals, skull cap, valerian and vervain.
Plant Essentials also offers herbal tea blends –
Tranquil & Karma Calmer.
There are also herbs which help our body and
nervous system adapt to and cope with stress
better. These herbs include: Oats, St John’s
wort, Siberian ginseng, licorice root and vervain.
The Essential Stress Relief Kit
Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Bergamot,
Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin,
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Rose, Jasmine,
Orange, May Chang, Vetiver.
Use these pure essential oil blends:
• in your oil burner,
• add them to 25 ml of carrier oil to
create a massage oil,
• add them to 25 ml of dispersing bath
oil to create a bath oil.
Bliss
2 drops Mandarin
5 drops Orange
2 drops Lavender
Sleep
1 drops Vetiver
3 drops Lavender
4 drops Sandalwood
Relaxation
5 drops Lavender
2 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Bergamot
Quietness
3 drops Lavender
5 drops Orange
3 drops Chamomile
Serenity
3 drops Geranium
2 drops Clary sage
2 drops Lavender
Peace
3 drops Bergamot
3 drops Ylang ylang
2 drops Lavender
Meditation
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Bergamot
3 drops Clary Sage
Tranquility
2 drops Patchouli
2 drops Geranium
3 drops Orange
“Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop,” Ovid.
When we are stressed we become less
resistant to all kinds of illness that
affect the body, the emotions and the
mind. Allowing space for ourselves is
something that many of us find
difficult. With the present-day
emphasis on materialism and the
achievement of external goals, it is
important to keep in touch with
ourselves on an inner level.
Discover how pure essential oils along
with organic herbal teas and other
natural relaxation techniques will have
you feeling soothed and nurtured and
will assist you in restoring balance in
your life.
“When I work, I work hard. When I sit, I sit loose. And when I worry, I fall asleep.”
A 100 year old woman when asked about her longevity.
Plant Essentials
www.plantessentials.com.au
Tips using Herbal Hair Colours
Henna is made from the pulverised leaves of the Henna plant (Lawsonia
species). The use of henna and other herbs as colouring agents and
conditioners have a long history. It was used extensively in ancient Egypt;
Cleopatra and Nefertiti are reputed to have enhanced their beauty with it.
Pure henna is an excellent conditioner for the hair. It protects the ends
form splitting and gives a glorious shine. It adds red colour to the body of
your hair, giving different effects depending on your own hair colour.
On black hair it imparts reddish tones which will show particularly well in
the sunlight. Brown hair becomes auburn and fair hair red. It gives shine
and brightness to red hair. In general, henna fades gently over 2 - 3
months, thereby minimising the effect of unsightly regrowth. Do not use
henna on bleached, chemically treated or very grey hair.
The following ingredients may be used to modify the henna colour:
Red Wine - use in place of water to impart burgundy tones.
Ground Coffee - dulls the red tones and gives a darker hue.
Beetroot Juice - (not tinned) will help impart a plum colour.
The following hair colours are a blend of herbs and henna which have
been blended for your convenience.
Burgundy recommended for medium to dark brown hair.
Chestnut Brown recommended for dark blonde to light brown hair and to
maintain brown hair colour.
Black is recommended for brown to black hair.
Golden Brown recommended for light brown hair.
Dark Brown recommended for light brown or darker hair.
Clear Henna is recommended for all hair colours to impart condition and
shine. Does not colour the hair.
Because the effect of natural dyes is unpredictable, it is essential to do a
strand test first so that the nature of your hair in terms or receptivity to the
dye can be gauged. Mix about a teaspoonful of the herbal hair colour with a
small amount of boiling water and mix into a paste. Apply the henna to a tiny
section of your hair, wrap in foil and after one hour rinse off and check the
colour. In this way you can see exactly how long you should leave the henna
on to achieve the desired shade and whether that shades suits you.
How to use Herbal Hair Colours
Set aside several hours.
Prepare the utensils. You will need plastic or rubber gloves, a wooden spoon,
an old towel, old clothes, and a plastic shower cap or cling film with which to
cover your hair.
Before applying the herbal hair colour rub cold cream or a vegetable oil
around the hairline, so that the skin will not be stained. Make sure not to get
any of this on the hair or the henna will not penetrate it.
Mix the herbal hair colour powder with enough hot water to give it the
consistency of a cake batter. You may mix a beaten egg throughout the
mixture to give it a better consistency and extra conditioning qualities. when
replacing water with wine or beetroot juice, replace the water completely, do
not just water it down. The liquid should be hot. You may also add 20 mls of
apple cider vinegar or the juice of half a lemon to every 50gms of herbal hair
colour as it will enhance colour development.
For dry hair you may prefer to use 20ml of sweet almond oil to every 50gm of
henna in addition to the water.
Apply the mixture either with a henna brush or gloved fingers on to hair, which
has been washed and dried. Apply to small sections at a time, starting from
the roots. If possible, work form underneath to the top layers. Lastly, do the
ends as these (in long hair) are often both lighter colourwise and our more
porous taking the colour faster.
Make sure the hair is evenly coated. Cover your hair with a plastic shower
cap or cling film as henna likes heat to develop the hair. For browner tones
cover the hair with a hair net to allow oxygen to activate its colour. The
ultimate colour of your hair depends on the original colour. Do not use on
grey hair, tinted or bleached hair.
Leave mixture on hair until completely dry.
Rinse thoroughly, shampoo and condition.
www.plantessentials.com.au
species). The use of henna and other herbs as colouring agents and
conditioners have a long history. It was used extensively in ancient Egypt;
Cleopatra and Nefertiti are reputed to have enhanced their beauty with it.
Pure henna is an excellent conditioner for the hair. It protects the ends
form splitting and gives a glorious shine. It adds red colour to the body of
your hair, giving different effects depending on your own hair colour.
On black hair it imparts reddish tones which will show particularly well in
the sunlight. Brown hair becomes auburn and fair hair red. It gives shine
and brightness to red hair. In general, henna fades gently over 2 - 3
months, thereby minimising the effect of unsightly regrowth. Do not use
henna on bleached, chemically treated or very grey hair.
The following ingredients may be used to modify the henna colour:
Red Wine - use in place of water to impart burgundy tones.
Ground Coffee - dulls the red tones and gives a darker hue.
Beetroot Juice - (not tinned) will help impart a plum colour.
The following hair colours are a blend of herbs and henna which have
been blended for your convenience.
Burgundy recommended for medium to dark brown hair.
Chestnut Brown recommended for dark blonde to light brown hair and to
maintain brown hair colour.
Black is recommended for brown to black hair.
Golden Brown recommended for light brown hair.
Dark Brown recommended for light brown or darker hair.
Clear Henna is recommended for all hair colours to impart condition and
shine. Does not colour the hair.
Because the effect of natural dyes is unpredictable, it is essential to do a
strand test first so that the nature of your hair in terms or receptivity to the
dye can be gauged. Mix about a teaspoonful of the herbal hair colour with a
small amount of boiling water and mix into a paste. Apply the henna to a tiny
section of your hair, wrap in foil and after one hour rinse off and check the
colour. In this way you can see exactly how long you should leave the henna
on to achieve the desired shade and whether that shades suits you.
How to use Herbal Hair Colours
Set aside several hours.
Prepare the utensils. You will need plastic or rubber gloves, a wooden spoon,
an old towel, old clothes, and a plastic shower cap or cling film with which to
cover your hair.
Before applying the herbal hair colour rub cold cream or a vegetable oil
around the hairline, so that the skin will not be stained. Make sure not to get
any of this on the hair or the henna will not penetrate it.
Mix the herbal hair colour powder with enough hot water to give it the
consistency of a cake batter. You may mix a beaten egg throughout the
mixture to give it a better consistency and extra conditioning qualities. when
replacing water with wine or beetroot juice, replace the water completely, do
not just water it down. The liquid should be hot. You may also add 20 mls of
apple cider vinegar or the juice of half a lemon to every 50gms of herbal hair
colour as it will enhance colour development.
For dry hair you may prefer to use 20ml of sweet almond oil to every 50gm of
henna in addition to the water.
Apply the mixture either with a henna brush or gloved fingers on to hair, which
has been washed and dried. Apply to small sections at a time, starting from
the roots. If possible, work form underneath to the top layers. Lastly, do the
ends as these (in long hair) are often both lighter colourwise and our more
porous taking the colour faster.
Make sure the hair is evenly coated. Cover your hair with a plastic shower
cap or cling film as henna likes heat to develop the hair. For browner tones
cover the hair with a hair net to allow oxygen to activate its colour. The
ultimate colour of your hair depends on the original colour. Do not use on
grey hair, tinted or bleached hair.
Leave mixture on hair until completely dry.
Rinse thoroughly, shampoo and condition.
www.plantessentials.com.au
What's a Deodorock
The rock (also known as kaolinite) is a naturally
occurring mineral, which has been used for centuries
by cultures such as the Egyptians and Chinese. It is
free from harmful aluminium sulphate, with a main
component of potash crystal. It also contains Calcium,
Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. It occurs as a
clay mineral formed by the weathering or hydrothermal
alteration of feldspars or Aluminous silicates.
The Deodorock has many uses, the most popular as
an underarm deodorant. It may also be used as a foot
deodorant too.
The Deodorock works by leaving a fine layer of
dissolved minerals on the surface of the skin, which
inhibits the growth of odour causing bacteria. The
Deodorock is not an anti- perspirant which contains
the harmful substance aluminium sulphate. The rock
allows you to still perspire but without the smell.
Advantages of the Deodorock over conventional
deodorant:
¨ has no scent of its own to clash with your perfume
¨ does not stain clothes
¨ does not spill or leak - especially when traveling
¨ contains no artificial additives or ozone depleting
chemicals
¨ can be used on all skin types
¨ lasts up to 12 - 18 months
How to Use?
After showering simply wet the stone with water and
apply by gently rubbing the underarm areas or feet.
After use, rinse and dry off with a towel.
If you drop the rock - pick up the pieces and place in a
spray bottle filled with purified water - the rock will
dissolve and you can use it as a spray on deodorant.
www.plantessentials.com.au
occurring mineral, which has been used for centuries
by cultures such as the Egyptians and Chinese. It is
free from harmful aluminium sulphate, with a main
component of potash crystal. It also contains Calcium,
Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. It occurs as a
clay mineral formed by the weathering or hydrothermal
alteration of feldspars or Aluminous silicates.
The Deodorock has many uses, the most popular as
an underarm deodorant. It may also be used as a foot
deodorant too.
The Deodorock works by leaving a fine layer of
dissolved minerals on the surface of the skin, which
inhibits the growth of odour causing bacteria. The
Deodorock is not an anti- perspirant which contains
the harmful substance aluminium sulphate. The rock
allows you to still perspire but without the smell.
Advantages of the Deodorock over conventional
deodorant:
¨ has no scent of its own to clash with your perfume
¨ does not stain clothes
¨ does not spill or leak - especially when traveling
¨ contains no artificial additives or ozone depleting
chemicals
¨ can be used on all skin types
¨ lasts up to 12 - 18 months
How to Use?
After showering simply wet the stone with water and
apply by gently rubbing the underarm areas or feet.
After use, rinse and dry off with a towel.
If you drop the rock - pick up the pieces and place in a
spray bottle filled with purified water - the rock will
dissolve and you can use it as a spray on deodorant.
www.plantessentials.com.au
The Dangers of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
“Many people are unaware of poisoning caused by re-using
plastic bottles. Some of you may be in the habit of using and
reusing your disposable mineral water bottle (eg Evian, Aqua,
Ice Mountain, Vita, etc) keeping them in your car or at work.
Not a good idea!
In a nutshell, the plastic (called polyethylene terephtalate or
PET) used in these bottles contains a potentially carcinogenic
element (something called ciethylhydroxylamine or DHEA)
The bottles are safe for one time use only! If you must keep
them longer, it should be no more than a few days, a week
max, and keep them away from heat as well!
Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break
down and carcinogens (cancer-causing chemical agents) can
leach into the water YOU are drinking!
Better to invest in water bottles that are really meant for
multiple uses. This is not something we should be scrimping
on. Those of you with family- do please advise them,
especially children.
Graham Bauer
Workplace Health and Safety Officer
Department Natural Resources and Mines Australia
Magazine Reference: Health & Healing Vol 23 No 3. January-
March 2004 Page 6
Presented for your information by:-
The Original Polycarb Pop-Top Drinking Bottle… drink to your
health
www.plantessentials.com.au
plastic bottles. Some of you may be in the habit of using and
reusing your disposable mineral water bottle (eg Evian, Aqua,
Ice Mountain, Vita, etc) keeping them in your car or at work.
Not a good idea!
In a nutshell, the plastic (called polyethylene terephtalate or
PET) used in these bottles contains a potentially carcinogenic
element (something called ciethylhydroxylamine or DHEA)
The bottles are safe for one time use only! If you must keep
them longer, it should be no more than a few days, a week
max, and keep them away from heat as well!
Repeated washing and rinsing can cause the plastic to break
down and carcinogens (cancer-causing chemical agents) can
leach into the water YOU are drinking!
Better to invest in water bottles that are really meant for
multiple uses. This is not something we should be scrimping
on. Those of you with family- do please advise them,
especially children.
Graham Bauer
Workplace Health and Safety Officer
Department Natural Resources and Mines Australia
Magazine Reference: Health & Healing Vol 23 No 3. January-
March 2004 Page 6
Presented for your information by:-
The Original Polycarb Pop-Top Drinking Bottle… drink to your
health
www.plantessentials.com.au
Skin Brushing to Reduce Cellulite
Did you know you can reduce the burden on your kidneys by
regular skin brushing? Sounds a bit far fetched, doesn't it?
When you consider the facts, it does make sense.
The skin is the largest eliminating organ of the body. If we
stimulate it in a constructive way, the skin increases its rate
of elimination of toxic waste products. Less demands are
then placed upon the kidneys.
In Each square centimetre of skin there are as many as three
million cells, 15 sebaceous glands, 100 sweat glands, a
metre of blood vessels, 3000 sensory cells, 4 metres of
nerves, 200 pain detectors, 25 pressure sensors for touch,
two cold sensors and two heat sensors.
All of these components have vital functions and, brushing is
the surest way of stimulating them and improving their
efficiency. This type of stimulation is positive and does not
lead to exhaustion as do unnatural stimulants such as
caffeine, tannins, alcohol etc.
Except when the skin is physically covered with dirt or grease,
soap cannot clean it as effectively as a brush. Dry skin
brushing removes the dead cells from the surface of the skin,
which would eventually shed off.
Because skin brushing contributes to cleansing the blood
stream, it improves the skin everywhere on the body,
although the skin that is brushed would benefit the most.
Brushing should be carried out once or twice a day, on rising
before you dress and on retiring. If you are having a shower,
skin brush before the shower so that the dead skin and other
debris will be washed away.
Spend a few minutes brushing, working on each limb, the
front of the trunk and on the back. Please ensure that the
brush is used dry. Please use a good quality natural fibre
brush, as synthetic brushes can damage the skin.
A really nice thing about skin brushing is that it warms the
body up in less than a minute. In cold weather, the
massaging effect instantly stops you feeling 'freezing' which is
a much better way to start your day or get into bed.
www.plantessentials.com.au
regular skin brushing? Sounds a bit far fetched, doesn't it?
When you consider the facts, it does make sense.
The skin is the largest eliminating organ of the body. If we
stimulate it in a constructive way, the skin increases its rate
of elimination of toxic waste products. Less demands are
then placed upon the kidneys.
In Each square centimetre of skin there are as many as three
million cells, 15 sebaceous glands, 100 sweat glands, a
metre of blood vessels, 3000 sensory cells, 4 metres of
nerves, 200 pain detectors, 25 pressure sensors for touch,
two cold sensors and two heat sensors.
All of these components have vital functions and, brushing is
the surest way of stimulating them and improving their
efficiency. This type of stimulation is positive and does not
lead to exhaustion as do unnatural stimulants such as
caffeine, tannins, alcohol etc.
Except when the skin is physically covered with dirt or grease,
soap cannot clean it as effectively as a brush. Dry skin
brushing removes the dead cells from the surface of the skin,
which would eventually shed off.
Because skin brushing contributes to cleansing the blood
stream, it improves the skin everywhere on the body,
although the skin that is brushed would benefit the most.
Brushing should be carried out once or twice a day, on rising
before you dress and on retiring. If you are having a shower,
skin brush before the shower so that the dead skin and other
debris will be washed away.
Spend a few minutes brushing, working on each limb, the
front of the trunk and on the back. Please ensure that the
brush is used dry. Please use a good quality natural fibre
brush, as synthetic brushes can damage the skin.
A really nice thing about skin brushing is that it warms the
body up in less than a minute. In cold weather, the
massaging effect instantly stops you feeling 'freezing' which is
a much better way to start your day or get into bed.
www.plantessentials.com.au
17 February 2011
Why do you need Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Lymphatic Drainage is a treatment that has been used to treat many health conditions for many years. Dr Emil Vodder of Denmark
The Lymphatic System drains waste products (including toxins, dead cells, bacteria and excess protein) in the fluid from around the cells. The lymph vessels transport this fluid to the lymph nodes, which act as filtration, purification and exchange stations for the lymph fluid. They also play an important role in the immune system as they store and produce B and T cells known as immuno-competent lymphocytes.
The lymphatic system cleanses and maintains health by constantly removing waste products from around the cells. As a result of this Lymphatic Drainage has a positive effect on the body.
The lymphatic system is adversely affected by stress, tiredness, chemical overload and illness, thus causing the lymph system to become sluggish. This means that the removal of waste is less efficient and compromises your health, creating various forms of Oedema or fluid retention.
The following is taken from an article in Massage Australia
Some conditions that may be assisted or managed with Lymphatic Drainage are:
Ø Toothache, post dental procedures
Ø Wrinkles, cellulite and under eye oedemas
Ø Irritable bowel, colitis, stress, fatigue
Ø Chronic pain, insomnia and snoring, tinnitus and vertigo
Ø Menstruation pain and fluid retention
Ø Tonsillitis, laryngitis and sinusitis (not during inflammatory stage)
Ø Headache, migraine
Ø Skeletal, neurological and muscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and facial neuralgia
Ø Bell’s Palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel
Ø Visual problems including dry, gritty eyes, post trauma vision problems, eyelid oedema
Ø Injuries such as sprains, dislocations, ligament and meniscus pathologies
Ø Fractures, whiplash, muscle spasm and scars
Ø Pre surgical – clears the lymphatic pathways, drains the tissue and prepares the tissue for surgical intervention
Ø Post surgical oedema, pain and scarring
Ø Removal of major lymph nodes, amputations, cosmetic surgery
If you decide that MLD treatment is for you
Before your MLD treatment:
ü Do make sure you are well hydrated to reduce the after effects of the treatment
ü Do come prepared to completely relax, healing occurs during deep relaxation
ü Do allow yourself plenty of time, the treatment takes approximately 1 ½ hours
ü Do plan your day so that there is not heaps to do after your treatment
The treatment:
ü Is very relaxing - so allow yourself to drift off
ü Is very gentle and powerful
ü Is very beneficial to both the lymphatic and nervous systems
After the treatment
ü Drink plenty of water
ü Be prepared for some after effects, such as tiredness, various aches, headache is not unusual, increase in urine output, possibly stronger than normal body odour
ü Take it easy over the next day or so to allow full benefits of the treatment
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