Monthly Archives: January 2011

Cypress Oil and Its Uses in Cellulite Spa Treatments

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Cypress Oil and Its Uses in Cellulite Spa TreatmentsThe Egyptians made sarcophagi from cypress, the Phoenicians and the Cretans used it to build houses and ships, and the Greeks used it to carve statues of their gods. The cypress tree has been an integral part of Western civilization for centuries. The tree is named after the Greek island of Cyprus, on which cypress trees grow in abundance, and where they were worshipped.

Early civilizations not only used the wood to make life more comfortable, they also steam distilled the branches and needles to extract oil from the wood, and used the oil medicinally. The Greeks valued cypress oil for the calming effect that it has on the nervous system, as well as for its ability to relieve and eliminate asthma symptoms and other respiratory troubles.

Through the years cypress oil has been credited with helping to alleviate symptoms of bronchitis, nosebleeds, fluid retention and muscle cramps, and the oil also has the ability to increase circulation, which is a vital factor in reducing cellulite. Cellulite is where the cells in the fatty layer under the skin are attacked by toxic lymph. If the lymphatic system is sluggish and circulation is poor, cellulite often appears on the upper arms, buttocks, and thighs as well as other areas of the body.

Anyone can develop cellulite. Excess weight is not the villain, but excess estrogen does play a role, and so does a weak lymphatic system. If the lymphatic system and the immune system are not strong enough to get rid of them, toxins are pushed to areas of the body where they will do the least harm. The result of that internal action is called cellulite.

When an alkaline detoxification diet is combined with aromatherapy treatments, cellulite begins to break down. Cypress essential oil is one of the main oils used in successful aromatherapy treatments. Cypress oil is combined with other essential oils such as clary sage, lavender, juniper, and lemongrass oils because they eliminate fluid retention. The blended cypress oil can be applied directly in a massage, diluted in a bath, and infused in a seaweed wrap during spa treatments.

Cypress oil is also used to treat varicose and broken veins and congested and oily skin. When the oil is blended with pine, marjoram, sandalwood, rosemary, frankincense and citrus oils in aromatherapy oil treatments, cypress oil can be very effective in assisting with emphysema, diarrhea, cramps, rheumatism, sweaty feet, whooping cough, and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

Thyme Oil and Its Antiseptic Uses in Medical History

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Thyme Oil and Its Antiseptic Uses in Medical HistoryThyme oil has a long and fascinating history of use. The Egyptians would never have been able to embalm their departed loved ones so successfully if it weren’t for thyme oil. The early Romans identified thyme oil as a medicinal as well as a culinary oil. Italy is still famous for its many delicious foods featuring thyme, and the locals still use the oil to cure stomach issues, wounds, and insomnia.

The Greeks liked the smell in perfume so they named the plant ‘thymos,’ which means ‘to perfume.’ In fact all the ancient societies that enjoyed the beauty of the Mediterranean region grew thyme to heal an assortment of skin, stomach, and circulation problems.

These ancient cultures learned early on that thyme could be blended with rosemary, oregano, cedarwood, black pepper, eucalyptus, juniper, bergamot, lemon, lavender, marjoram, grapefruit, pine, peru balsam, tea tree, and peppermint oil. Using such combinations,  most of the mental and physical issues that impede quality of life may be healed, cured, or relieve with a homemade concoction of oils.

During the Middle Ages thyme oil was given to jousting knights for courage, and wreaths of thyme were placed around rooms to fight infections and diseases. The world fell in love with thyme essential oil such a long time ago that it is not surprising that the plant is so widely cultivated. Spain is still the main supplier, but Portugal, France, Greece, Israel, and the Western part of the US produce a large amount of thyme oil as well.

The name red thyme comes from the reddish-brown to amber color of the oil. The rich chemical components are thymol, linalool, camphene, a-thujone, a-pinene, b-pinene, p-cymene, a-terpinene, b-caryophyllene and borneol.

The therapeutic properties are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, bactericidal, cardiac, cicatrisant, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, stimulant, emmenagogue, vermifuge, hypertensive, and tonic, so the oil relieves a long list of unwanted health issues when it’s used in aromatherapy. The caryophyllene and camphene compounds in the oil provide its antiseptic qualities. It has thus been used around the world for years to keep sores and wounds from getting infected. Thyme oil still holds its place as an effective aromatherapy treatment for heart, stomach, and circulatory issues as well as for preventing infections resulting from animal bites and insect stings, plus it kills intestinal worms and hook worms.