Grounded in LOVE with Essential Oils

February 14, 2019March 8, 2019

Grounded in LOVE with Essential Oils

Rose Petals Phase Mask and Face Mist

I love roses. Do you? If you received so many roses, and don’t know what to do with them read on.

Since I was a child, I learned to appreciate the rose petals beyond their fragile appearance and the exquisite smell. We used rose petals in flavouring the salt or the sugar, we made jam and used them in cooling drinks during the hot summer days. However, this blog is not about the culinary uses of roses. This is the subject of our Nutrition Therapy Blog to be launched soon. Today’s blog is about the Beautifying properties using Rose Petals and Rose Essential oil.

Specifically, I will outline a two of my favourite ways to use rose oil and rose petals for beauty’s sake. It needs to be noted that reference is only made to the Rose Damask type (Rosa damascena), from which the Rose essential oil is extracted.

Favourite # 1

Rose Petal Hydrosol

Can be made at home but requires a large amount of petals
It is best if it is purchased from a reputable supplier
Works wonders as a personal mist spray, similar to the one described in the previous blog
The aroma-therapeutic benefits include but are not limited to: excellent hydrating, energising and cooling properties, naturally fragrance that is soothing and helps the regeneration of the skin.
Can be emulsified to make your own moisturizer
Can be used as a skin toner
Can be used in cooking as a flavouring agent
Has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that are confirmed by centuries of use and current research (Mahboubi, 2015)

Favourite #2

Rose Petal Phase Mask includes the use of essential oils. Essentially the mask would target the skin type.

Ingredients:	A handful of fresh rose petals if available, else dried petals are always available 1 table spoon of raw honey 1 drop of Rose Essential oil 1 table spoon of White Kaolin Clay 2 table spoons Rose Floral water. The use of more or less water would result in the paste being thicker or thinner. The choice is yours.
Procedure	If using fresh petals chop them finely then use a mortar and pestle to grind them well. Add the rest of the ingredients and apply it gently on the face using a fine brush. Rest for about 15 min or until the mask starts to dry but is not fully dried Remove gently with warm water. Enjoy.
BIBI Therapy of this as a Signature Facial Treatment, details Radiance Facial Treatment

For more information on how to formulate your own face mask using essential oils, contact us.

References

Mahboubi, 2015, J Tradit Complement Med. 2015 Oct 30;6(1):10-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26870673

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019

Super-Refreshing Natural Homemade Cooling Mist

Beat the Summer Heat in Style

It’s summer is hotter who knows to keep cooler? I know a way and it’s a spray I hope you’d like and make it straightway.

Well, so far the summer, here in Melbourne has hit us all with its beautiful hot air to the point that in some places even the electricity failed to keep up with the demand.

While having thermal comfort provided by an air conditioning environment is considered a privileged commodity in the 21^st century; little do we really know about the diverse indoor air pollutants (e.g. toxins, microbes) that may cause tangible discomfort to our health (Samet and Spengler, 2003).

BIBI Therapy advocates a more holistic approach to keeping cool while achieving odour comfort as well. It is truly simple as well as it is beneficial to the skin microbiome.

The reader has the choice to opt whichever way is suitable for the given individual’s health situation.

My preferred cooling way is using a water/based sprits that I prepare using various herb hydrosols. Some of the advantages making your own mist spray are outlined below:

The use of the essential oils in the spray form directly on the skin, keep the sweaty skin free of bacteria and germs;
The Peppermint or spearmint oil helps invigorate you with the soft refreshing and cooling properties
It is safe to use directly on the skin for the entire family; avoid contact with the eye;
The aloe Vera keeps the skin hydrated and helps with any sun exposed regions;
It calms the redness and inflammation on acne prone skin
It can act as a pH balancer on the skin if it is sprayed on the face, avoiding eye region. Follow with rosehip oil to moisturise for better results.
Free from alcohol Palm oil, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance or colour.

To make the mist just follow the instruction provided below:

Ingredients:	Basic Liquid: Lavender hydrosol(10ml) with 100 ml water Basic Essential Oils: Peppermint or Spearmint 10 drops, Lemongrass Oil 5 drops, Lavender oil 5 drops Extra Essential Oils: 3 drops of Vetiver or Sandal wood for added perfume benefits Sage – This will help reduce activity in the sweat glands, which is one of the main causes of body odour. Aloe Vera Gel
Procedure:	Combine the oil with Aloe Vera gel than add the hydrosol and water. Shake well.
Storage:	Store in a glass spritzer bottle to keep the aroma fresh and potent. For extra cooling effects keep in the fridge. Use within 2 to 3 weeks of preparation and store in the fridge. Do not add alcohol as it is drying to the skin.

For more information on how to formulate your own face mist using essential oils, leave a comment below!

Precautions

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils under your armpit. Check with your family Doctor before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Disclaimer

The information and reference guides provided by BIBI Therapy are intended solely for the general information. Please seek advice from a specialist or your health care provider if you require any advice on medications.

References

Samet and Spengler, Am. J. Public Health 2003, 93(9): 1489-1493

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447998/

December 22, 2018December 22, 2018

Happy Gut, Happy Brain, Happy You

Essential Oils and Gut Health

You know the expression “the gut feeling” one? Did you know that we have three brains that enable us to make decisions? But do we know how take care of them? Which one is more important? Why? Are they connected? How? It turns out that Science has made the connection between digestive-system activity and cognition (thinking skills and memory), in other words there is clear link between The Mind and The Gut (Soosalu and Oka, 2012).

Let’s have a look how can one take care of one of the brains residing in the Gut. Yes, it’s scientifically demonstrated that our second brain is in the gut. Gut microbiota contains more than three million microbial genes, which is 150 times more than the human genome itself. In other words the 100 + trillion odd cells residing in the gut, forming the gut microbiota communicate in an extraordinary way with the Brain Central Nervous System

Heading on to the Holiday Season, we surely experience a great deal of feelings, be it because we enjoy some extra delicious foods or simply because we feel guilty/or not for doing so. The plethora of feelings varies from person to person. They may start in waves of anticipation and excitement for the season. Then just when you want to savor the moments they’re gone on the Ether. Feelings of weakness, stress, anxiety even depression knock on the Brain’s door. So what can you do? Well you can always resort to Aromatherapy as a sure way to lift up the spirits a bit.

That is to say we can use some essential oils to calm symptoms relating to the functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain, stomach upset. So fixing problems in the gut affects what’s happening in the brain. There is a growing body of research based evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system sends signals to the Central nervous system that ultimately affect the mood changes, demonstrating the relationship between gut microbiota, stress and anxiety.

So let’s see how can we keep the digestive system in top condition, while keeping the immune system alert and functioning using ancient Aromatherapy way. The table below outlines some of the essential oils than can be effective in facilitating the digestion of food. Using the oils for a massage or adding drops to skin and hair care products can be equally beneficial.

Table 1. Fragrant solutions to help keep digestion and the gut working in top condition. Not surprisingly, some oils are also very effective in emotional problems.

* — Caution: Avoid using this oil if pregnant. Do no use this oil if you undergo chemotherapy, components of this oil interact with the treatment; consult your doctor before using it.

Oil	Botanical Name	Effect on the gut and how to useSource
Peppermint*	Mentha x piperita	Relieves bloating, nausea and reliving symptoms in IBS (McKay et al, 2006); Refreshing, stimulating and settling of digestive system Inhalation or topical application of one drop on the stomach (wash hands well after use) For safety use read more
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia	Anti-inflammatory when it comes to your digestive system, lavender protects against dysbiosis, the technical term for impaired microbiota. It has healing properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature Inhalation and topical application Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure.
Cumin	Cuminum cyminum	extremely effective in treating IBS: reduced bloating and pain (Agah, 2013); can be used in favouring foods or topical application on the belly diluted 3%.
Thyme	Thymus vulgaris	Thyme suppresses pathogens in the small intestine; Topical application of diluted oil only; use a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, almond or jojoba. Thyme is my absolute favourite oil and herb; its uses exceed the digestion benefits.

So, are essential oils more than just a lovely scent? Absolutely! But while their benefits can be amazing, so can their side effects if they’re used incorrectly – just be sure to do your research first.

So this Christmas, keep the gut happy and you will be happy too.

Wishing you a great time of Peace and Light, Joy and Calm.

Precautions

If you choose to put on the oils mentioned above, please consider the following:

The use of any oil should not replace any prescribed course of treatment. If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin;
Caution is advised when using lavender and drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or drugs to reduce blood pressure;
Always dilute the essential oils, ratio of 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and
remember to check with a medical practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Sources

Agah et al, 2013, Cumin extract for symptoms control in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a case series, Middle East J Dig Dis.2013, 5(4):217-22.

McKay DL, Blumberg JB. 2006, A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research. 2006,20(8):619-633.

Soosalu, G and Oka M, mBraining: Using your multiple brains to do cool stuff, mBIT International, PTthy, Ptd, 2012.

November 24, 2018

Aromatic Reflection Beyond the Perfume Scent

Do you have a Reflection Ritual? What is your reflection Ritual? This blog is about Reflection. Before the rush of the end of the Holy Season and the End of The Year, I invite you to take a moment and reflect on the Year we are about to bring to a close. Reflect on your well-being, your achievements or perhaps you wish to remove some of the roadblocks that life brought unexpectedly. It is a time of sharing time with yourself. I choose to share my reflection ritual in the hope that it would entice the reader to take the road of reflection, even if it is just for a moment.

Set up the scene: put on some nice music. My preferred music is a soft violin of the classical kind. The idea is to enchant the brain through sound. This creates specific reverberations in response to the frequencies we hear. There is a whole theory on this topic alone.

Prepare a nice cup of tea: drink it from the most expensive tea cup. Since this is a ritual, I only use the most expensive cups for this purpose. Prepare your favourite tea. My favourite tea is chamomile tea.

Set up the ambiance: light p some candles, or dim the light in the room. My preferred way is to light up a few unscented beeswax candles, turn off the light and relax. Clear my mind.

Immerse in the enchanting scent of a particular essential oil. These days is so easy to just put a few drops of essential in a diffuser and let the room be filled with magic. Depending on the reflection point I would use different oils. Table below shows a few reflection points and the oils used to help anchor and tune into the issue of choice. Now, this is a strong element because it touches the central part of the Aromatherapy. The scent of the oils helps us to aromatically anchor new neuropathways and beliefs, as we reflect. The scents influence the heart rate, how we feel about life experiences. Moreover, inhaling the aroma of a specific enable us to tune into the energetic field of the plant where this oil has been extracted. Thus we would emotionally resonate and vibrate at different frequency. This blog will not cover in details this topic, rather provides a way of tuning into reflection moments with the goal to re-frame emotional issues we might experience.

If you would like to get a personal consultation from me and learn how to use the essential oils to aromatically anchor you and enhance your emotional care, please contact me here. Let’s stay connected!

Until next blog, cherish you’re your own magnificence and allow your true beauty to soar and touch others, starting with the ones are closest to you.

Table 1. Scented solutions to enhance emotional care through focused reflection.

Oil	Botanical Name	Reflection points
Myrtle	Myrtus communis	Am I experiencing feelings of pain or struggle with unresolved matters? What makes me shine or radiate beauty around me?
Roman Chamomile	Anthemis nobilis	Am I burdened or indifferent to the demands of life? What makes me relaxed?
Lemongrass	Cymbopogon citratus	Am I limiting myself in any way? What fascinates me to embark on the unknown voyage of discovery?
Peppermint*	Mentha piperita	Am I lacking focus in my life’s journey? What propels me forward, upward towards my glorious dream?

* — Caution: Avoid using this oil if you have a problem with estrogen dominance or any condition that would suffer from excess estrogen. Do no use this oil if you undergo chemotherapy, components of this oil interact with the treatment, consult your doctor before using it.

Precautions

If you choose to put on the oils mentioned above, please consider the following:

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin.
Always dilute the essential oils, ratio of 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and
remember to check with a medical practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

October 26, 2018

Scary Heels Anyone? Toxin-Free Aromatic Heal for Your Unsung Everyday Heroes

Soon Summer knocks and sets in. You will want to get on your feet and put on your gorgeous sandals or just your simple flip flops. It is time to take a look at the heels of your feet: the unsung heroes of your everyday life. What do you see? Are they dry, flaky, itchy, bleeding? If you suffer from any of these situations, it is very important that you take action now. Reade on!

Firstly, let’s have a look, why are you in this situation? Here is the ultimate formula to getting cracked heels:

Prolonged standing and/or on hard floor at either work or at home;
Continuous exposure to water or wet environment;
Suffer from diabetes, Thyroid, obesity, various skin conditions;
Wearing exposing footwear or wearing shoes that do not fit properly;
Constant neglect of foot care.

The list can be longer, but I limited so that you get the image. To fix the problem, you can choose to go for a professional treatment ($$$$$) or you can choose to treat it yourself at home ($).

Thankfully, there are some cost-effective remedies and easy ways to make them look supple and beautiful again. And, if you start now, you will be ready just in time for the beginning of the summer with nice heels to show off!

If you would like to get a personal consultation from me and learn how to use the essential oils to get your ultimate baby heels, you can contact me here. Let’s stay connected!

The table below outlines three easy ways you can do at home to get your heels in shape for sunshine!

Remedy	Effect	Procedure
Warm water and lemon juice	Softens the skin Re-hydrates the skin	10-15 min: Soak your feet, then scrub gently using a pumice stone
Coconut oil	Great moisturiser	If your heels are in particularly bad shape, soak as above then cover in oil after scrubbing with the pumice

Petroleum jelly	Restores moisture to cracked heels	Overnight soaking procedure: Cover the feet with it and put on some socks

If you fancy doing some work in the kitchen to honour your heels, here is BIBI Therapy recipe easy antifungal, antibacterial Healing Heels Butter. This butter is great for your skin microbiome, so you can liberally use it on your hands as well.

Ingredients:

Coconut oil: 3 Tbs

Shea butter: 1 Tbs

Essential oils: Lavender, 10 drops; Tea tree, 10 drops

Procedure:

Combine the oil and butter in a warm bain-marie. Stir in the essential oils.

Storage:

Store in a dark, air tight container.

Have a fabulous entry into Summer 2018!

Disclaimer

BIBI Therapy does not offer a cure for any ailments you may suffer. The information and reference guides provided here are intended solely for education only. Please seek advice from a specialist or your health care provider.

September 30, 2018

Leaving behind Winter and Transitioning to a great Spring The Sweet Scent of a New Beginning

Who isn’t excited about Spring? I am all excited about this beautiful season with all its beauty: the warmer weather, having fun in the Sun and preparing ourselves for summer.

All great, but some of us need a little help to cope with all these energy filled changes: temperature, pressure and/or hormonal fluctuations. Spring is a typical transitioning season. There is so much energy impacting how we feel and sometimes we get sick because of the hay fever or there is too much wind. Some may feel tightness or cracking in the tendons. While others can feel over –emotional, ranging from frustrations to inability to concentrate.

One way or another, we all feel this transition. The question is how can we cope with all this abundant energy in a more balanced way so that we enjoy it better? I created a table with the most common problems some of us are facing and the solutions offered within BIBI Therapy Practice. You’ll be surprised to find these potent preventative and curative elixirs are also very fragrant and can also be used as natural deodorant while beneficial to the skin microbiota.

If you would like to get a personal consultation from me and learn how to use the essential oils from the table below, you can contact me here. Let’s stay connected!

Table 1. Fragrant solutions to alleviate some spring transitioning discomforts.

Oil	Botanical Name	Reason to use the oil	How to use
Thyme*	Thymus vulgaris	Restores homeostatis of the body diminishing hormonal fluctuations (1) Supports healthy immune system Strong antiseptic and antibacterial (2) Fights fatigue and also helps with rheumatic pain.	Topical application of diluted (50%) Diffuser Not recommended for: people under 18 years, pregnant and breastfeeding, hypertensive and thyroid sufferers
Peppermint**	Mentha piperita	Reduces hay fever (3) Improves muscle tonicity Improves mental concentration	Diffuser and nasal inhalations
Lavender	Lavandula angustifolia	Relaxing aching tendons and/or muscles; (4) Prevents allergic inflammation stops the enlargement of mucous cells; Enhances relaxation and improves sleep;	Topical application on the affected area or behind your neck before going to sleep Bath
Lemon	Citrus lemon	Natural calmant to help mood swings Lymphatic system drainage Diminishes the effects of depression and anxiety (5) Clears sinuses and reduces congestion, common symptoms of seasonal allergies.	Diffuser Inhalation CAUTION: do not expose the skin to sun or tanning beds 12 hours after topical application

* — Caution: Avoid using this oil if you have a problem with estrogen dominance or any condition that would suffer from excess estrogen. If you have a sensitive skin it is recommended to have an allergy test for this oil; this is particularly important if you have an allergenic background ( oregano, catmint). Do no use this oil if you undergo chemotherapy, components of this oil interact with the treatment, consult your doctor before using it.

** — Combine Peppermint, Lavender and Lemon for an effective hay fever control this spring.

To tune your bodymind system with natural energies from nature contact me directly here. and get your first consultation plus a treatment tailored for you for this spring.

Have a fabulous entry into Spring 2018!

Precautions

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your skin. Furthermore, dilute 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and remember to check with a medical practitioner who specialises in aromatherapy before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

References

1.. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1998:217(3):369-78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9492350

2.. Med Chem. 2011:7(6):674-89. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22313307

3.. Eur J Med Res. 1998:3(12):539-45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9889172

4.. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 :75-80. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27863613

5.. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017: 4517971. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/4517971/cta/

September 1, 2018

Masculine Aromas Beyond the Perfume Scent

Let’s face it: who wants to talk about problems men face? In my not too long life, I was conditioned to believe that men are facing fewer problems than women. No wonder they are unable to admit they too need help, nurture and lots of aromatic love. So I will briefly expand on the aromatic aspect and let the reader fantasize about the other.

When I researched the topic about fragrances that are mostly preferred by men, I had my BIBI Aromatherapy Hat on so that the focus of search was on the therapeutic aspect more than anything else. You’ll be surprised to find these potent preventative and curative elixirs are very fragrant and can also be used as natural deodorant while beneficial to the skin microbiota.

If you would like to get a personal consultation from me and learn how to use the essential oils from the table below, you can contact me here. Let’s stay connected!

Table 1. Fragrant solutions for unglamorous problems.

Oil	Latin name	Reason to use the oil	How to use
Bergamot	Citrus bergamia	Stimulate blood circulation Strengthens the nervous system Dispels anxiety Anti-thrush Pruritus Ani (itching of the anus)	synergistic blend with other oils Use in sitz bath with Lavender and Geranium
Cypress	Cupressus	Premature Balding Anti-orchitis (a viral inflammation of the testes) Prostatitis (inflamed prostate) Varicocele (varicose swelling of a vein from a testicle) Jock Itch	Be patient results expected after 4 months provided that daily application of specific synergistic blend is applied on the scalp Used in massage oil with other two oils (Oregano,Hysop) In combination with thyme Combine with Geranium and massage the lower abdomen In combination with Patchouli and lavender
Lime	Citrus × aurantifolia	Refreshing, antiseptic	Used in after shave lotions
Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans	Enhance concentration Remove exhaustion Halitosis ( bad breath) Impotence	Overdosing can lead to side effects

Bottom, whether you are a male or female you ought to yourself to practice self-care with plenty of rest, interests, hobbies and loving the life you have. Add some spark with Aromatherapy for better management and greater enjoyment.

Precautions

References

Worwood, 1991, The Fragrant Pharmacy: A complete guide to Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, London, 1991

July 23, 2018

Mood Boosters How to Transform your Winter Gloom

When it comes to overcoming some winter blues, aromatically the essential oils have magic effects. Amongst the most effective and warming oils are those provided by the Citrus family. No wonder that nature makes them available in the Australian winter. These oils are also called “Happy Oils” and they are not only mood boosters, but they also have wonderful effects on the skin as well as promote a terrific sense of well-being and happiness.

The essential oils are usually obtained from citrus peels and they offer some 50 different chemical compounds with the well-known limonene (LIM) being the main component. These complex compounds have various effects spanning from gastro-protective to antinociceptive. The table below outlines some of the common actions of the most used citrus oils in BIBI Therapy Practice.

Table 1.Benefits of Citrus oils used in BIBI Therapy practice.

Plant name	Latin Name	Actions	Source
Lemon	Citrus lemon	Anti-inflamatory Antiseptic: nourish the skin and protecting skin microbiota Antinociceptive Eupeptic Antibacterial: inhibits the growth of certain bacteria	S1 S2
Orange	Citrus sinensis	Soothes tensed muscles Aids as a mood lifter Detoxifier and excellent booster of the immunity	S4
Grapefruit	Citrus paradisi	Reduces the accumulation of liquids that cause coughs Lymphatic drainage Reduces hangovers effects, Used to calm headaches, mental fatigue and depression Powerful antibacterial: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris.	S5
Lime	Citrus aurantifolia	relieve stress, exhaustion and anxiety or calm your mind rheumatism and arthritis and varicose veins	S1 S6
Caution: All Citrus oils are photosensitive That means they react to sunlight, radiant energy andother UV radiation. If you apply topically the oils on the skin allow minimum 12 hours before you expose the skin to any UV radiation including sunlight.

If you would like to get a personal consultation from me and learn how to use Citrus essential oils to beat the winter glooms, you can contact me here. Let’s stay connected!

Precautions

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before using them. Furthermore, dilute 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and remember to check with your family Doctor before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Disclaimer

References

S1: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013: 859083. doi: 10.1155/2013/859083

S2: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017; 2017: 4517971. doi:10.1155/2017/4517971

S3: Chem Cent J. 2015; 9: 68

S4 Mercola 2016

S5 Int. J. Food Sci. and Techn., 2011;46(7):1455-1461

S6 Flavour and Fragrance Journal March 3, 2003

June 20, 2018June 21, 2018

Turn Pain into Potential with Aromatherapy The Antinociceptive Activity of Some Essential Oils

Let’s talk about pain; this debilitating and frustrating condition that, when it hits the body, creates not only emotional or mental uneasiness, but, above all it impacts the body’s ability to heal. So, instead of rushing to the chemist and get the conventional painkiller, consider the powerful form of plant based natural pain remedy offered by some very specific essential oils that are also beneficial for the skin microbiome, in general. Relieving pain is just one of the amazing powers packed into a small bottle of essential oil: they provide enticing awakening aromas that help reduce inflammation, anxiety and stress. However, their potency should never be underestimated; they should be used with great caution and avoided during pregnancy or on very young children unless you consulted a certified aromatherapist.

Aromatherapy has started to be used as a valid intervention as pain management and various studies, including clinical trials are validating the miraculous powers of single oils or blends of oils. The table below outlines a few essential oils and their use in the current aromatherapy management procedures

Table 1. Antinociceptive activity of some common essential oils used in BIBI Therapy practice.

Essential Oil/Latin Name	Antinociceptive Activity	Source
Bergamot Citrus bergamia	Alleviates pain, including chronic pain	(Scuteri et al, 2018)
Pepper Piper nigrum L	Reduces Pain	(Zhang et al 2014)
Thyme	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant	(Goncales et al, 2017)
Spearmint Mentha spicata	Analgesic for the pain treatment in osteoarthritis; Reduces tension headaches and pain; Relaxes the muscles, reduces tension headaches and pain in fibromyalgia;	(Mahboubi, 2017)
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens	Pain relieving activity well known to Native Americans; Antioxidant, energizing and immune-enhancing and lowers inflammation and reduces pain; Commonly used in the topical treatment of arthritis and muscle or nerve pain; Very strong oil that requires dilution before application	(Mercola, 2016)

For more information on how to formulate your own pain relief blend Sign up here

Precautions

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils on your body. Furthermore, dilute 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and remember to check with your family Doctor before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Disclaimer

BIBI Therapy does not offer a cure for pain. The information and reference guides are intended solely for the general information. Please seek advice from a specialist or your health care provider if you require any advice on medications.

References

Scuteri et al, Curr Med Chem. 2018, Mar 6

Mahboubi, Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017; 26: 1-4

Goncales, et al, Pharm Biol. 2017: 55(1):782-786

Zhang et al, J Oleo Sci, 2014: 63: (12):1251-60

Mercola, 2016

March 27, 2018March 27, 2018

Suffering from Varicose Veins Agonistic Effects of Three Essential Oils

Whether we admit it or not, appearances matter. Let’s face it: who likes to see their legs being invaded by these unsightly sometimes painful varicose veins. And while there are plenty of things we can control in terms of how we look, some things may come out of nowhere. Varicose veins, though not dangerous, are a perfect example of this, and when they appear it can often be difficult to diminish their appearance, let alone the associated discomfort.

This blog is about what you can do using natural holistic options that can help anyone reduce the unsightly appearance: gentle on the veins and gentle on your pocket too. Extreme cases may require more severe steps using surgery. Expert phlebologists from the Vein Clinic, provide visual guides and more info on current procedures.

BIBI Therapy recommends the use of three essential oils, although there are many alternatives described in the existent literature.

Some preliminary steps you need to consider first:

avoid standing for long periods of time without moving the legs;
one should relax the legs putting the feet up, or at least at the same height at the head for at least an hour a day;
avoid constipation at all costs, as this increases the pressure on the veins;
Drink plenty of herbal teas;
Finally, the veins should only be gently massaged with the indicated oils without applying any pressure to avoid generating any additional damage.

Tabled below are the Essential oils BIBI Therapy uses based on their medicinal effects.

Table. Agonistic effects of essential oils for varicose veins
Essential oil	How it works	Resource	Comments
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)	Naturally lowers blood pressure in the legs Boosts blood circulation and oxygenation of the cells, tissues, muscles and organs	S1	The fragrance of Easter an much-valued perfume, spikenard was Used since Biblical times: John 12:3 states: “… Mary took a pint of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” as it has powerful antifungal properties Rejuvenates the skin and used in beauty treatments Fungicidal
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)	Relieves pain Reduces inflammation	S2	Sedative abilities – helps cope with the associated pain
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis	Improves local blood circulation and relieves pain. Spasmolytic effects as it acts as a smooth muscle relaxant	S3	A sacred substance for nearly all ancient peoples, from the Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks, to Romans. Alleviates the cramps that often accompany varicose veins and is very efficient against spider veins as well.

How to use:

• Cold/warm compress: soak a cloth in a blend of five drops of essential oils and half a litre of water. Apply the compress to the affected area for 15 minutes. Keep the legs elevated during application.

• Gentle massage: Combine up to 30 drops of essential oil with approximately 3 tablespoons of carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil. Massage gently in the direction of the heart.

• Warm bath: Dilute up to eight drops of essential oil in a small amount of liquid soap and a cup of warm water. Add the mixture to warm bathwater.

Precautions

If you have a sensitive skin, make sure you conduct a patch test before you splash essential oils under your armpit. Furthermore, dilute 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil of your choice and remember to check with your family Doctor before attempting to use any essential oil. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or undertaking any special medication including homeopathic medication.

Disclaimer

BIBI Therapy does not offer a cure for varicose veins. The information and reference guides here are intended solely for the general information. Please seek advice from a specialist or your health care provider if you require any advice on medications.

Resources

S1 J Pharm &Phytochem. 2015; 3(5): 102-106

S2 Am J Dent. 2012 Feb;25(1):39-43.

S3 Phytomedicine, 2010 Jul; 17 (8–9): 693-697.