Eucalyptus: The Remedy Your Cough Is Begging For!

Eucalyptus: The Remedy Your Cough Is Begging For!

Mar 11, 2014 | Uncategorized

I don’t know about you, but I have seen far to many coughs and respiratory infections these days and it’s time we start talking about ways to cure this beast at home – and FAST.

The cold season can be feisty one, wreaking havoc in homes all over. Now that spring is upon us, it is important, more than ever to nip this thing in the bud, so we all can go back to enjoying the return of the sunshine!

First of all – let’s talk immune boosters.  Those pesky germs are likely to come around regardless, so it’s best to remain prepared and ready to fight them off at all costs!

  • Up Your Greens!  Now, I understand that many people may wince at the very thought of this, but I’m here to say, “It’s time to overcome your aversion!” Green foods have the highest amount of balanced proteins, vitamins and minerals of our diet.  Our white blood cells require their nutrients to function properly.  
  • Hydrate! It’s really hard for you to have too much water.  Every one of your cells require it and all of your organs as well.  More water means the viruses are more quickly and efficiently carried out of the body. 
  • Sleep! Get enough of it.  Only you know how much you need.  Some people need 8 hours and others need less.  The point is to do what’s best for your body.  What’s best may not be convenient, but it sure is more convenient that being sick for two weeks. 

If you’re unlucky enough to have that viral visitor drop by, here are some safe and natural ways to get you feeling healthy again.

Coughs:  First of all, there are two main categories of herbs that are used in DIY home cough remedies: antitussives, meant for clearing the lungs of congestion and make coughing more productive and expectorants, meant for those dry, hacking cough to calm the reflex and act as a mild sedative.

I found this great recipe for herbal cough syrup from wellnessmama! (not affiliated, just passing on the pearls of wisdom)

*Homemade herbal cough syrup that soothes the throat to ease coughing and promote restful sleep.
Author: 
Recipe type: Remedy
Serves: 8+
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the dried herbs.
  2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer until the volume is reduced by about half. (You will need 1 cup of liquid after herbs are strained off)
  4. Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs (compost the herbs!).
  5. While liquid is still warm (not boiling) mix with lemon juice and honey and stir well.
  6. Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Notes
I give 1 teaspoon to children and 1 tablespoon to adults as needed for symptoms.*

GET IT OUT!  Check out our own Eucalyptus Shower Mist and spray it into every room and as a cleaning solution for door handles to kill the active invader.   What’s even better, is that you can spray it into the steam of your shower for a vaporizing effect!

We just want you to feel better and hope that you found this helpful!

We’d love to hear from YOU!  What do you do to conquer the cough?  Please let us know in the comments below!

Have a healthy day!

by:  Navae Fiona

Post Workout Recovery Tips for the Lover of All Things Natural!

Post Workout Recovery Tips for the Lover of All Things Natural!

Mar 8, 2014 | Uncategorized

We all want to be strong and fit, but let’s face it.  In our dedication to a more toned body, we can often times over do it and really pay for it in the days to follow.  Sorry folks, the solution is NOT to work out less  – though some may wish it that way.  Exercising on a regular basis let’s our bodies know we are thankful for it’s hard work and would like to keep this whole ‘life thing’ lasting as a long and beautifully as possible.  So – keep up your healthy routine and enjoy some of these all natural, post workout recovery tips!

STRETCH BEFORE & AFTER!

Gentle stretching before AND after a workout is a key component not to be dismissed.  Trust me, I’ve been there and sometimes you just don’t want to ‘waste your time’ stretching.  I want to emphasize the gentle part for a minute as well.  Especially before a workout, your muscles are not warmed up. This will cause them to be more tight and stiff – like a dry rubber band.  Over stretching or stretching to forcefully will actually weaken the muscle, making injury more likely. Once your workout is complete – consider stretching in a sauna (still gently) and really make use of the extra heat.  More about saunas below…  


HYDRATE!

You lose so much water during exercise and while it’s best to replace it during exercise, refilling your personal hydro-tank after exercise is a great and simple way to speed up your recovery time. Water supports every metabolic function and transfer of nutrients in the body. Having plenty of water will improve each and every bodily function. Adequate fluid replacement is even more vital for endurance athletes who lose larger amounts of water during hours of sweating and peak activity. 


REFUEL!

It’s SO important to make sure you eat within 60 minutes of a hard workout.   You just depleted your energy stores and now it’s time to refuel them if you expect your body to recover, repair tissues, get stronger and be ready for the next challenge. Some great go-to foods for a speedy recovery are protein shakes, bananas, nut butters, hummus and red peppers, yogurt, berries, fish and all green plants.  Let’s just face it – green plants are the food to eat pre and post anything!



HOT COLD! 

Take alternating hot and cold to the next level.  The old advice of ice pack and heating pad have great purpose but are better for targeting certain areas.   Try taking a really hot shower and then switching to the coldest setting for about 30 seconds (or how long you can handle it) and switching back to hot again.  As well, if you have access to a steam room or sauna – go stretch in the heat for 5-10 minutes, go out and take a cold shower (or use the ice bath if it’s available) and the return to the sauna.  Repeat the process 2-3 times for best results.  


DID SOMEONE SAY SAUNA?

Of course I did.  I would almost go as far as saying that I’m one of the biggest sauna fans in the world.  It’s for good reason too.  The health benefits that saunas deliver make me wonder why more people don’t invest in building one in their own home! {If you DO want one built, talk to THESE GUYS and you’ll be on your way to better home health in no time!} But back to muscle recovery…  If you’re already going to be stretching and alternating hot and cold in that gift of a sauna – enhance the experience further and add Eucalyptus oil or Spray!  For the oil, mix the essential oil into another base, like almond or jojoba and you’ll quickly have a muscle recovery rub!  The oil penetrates deep into the tissue (more so in the heat of the sauna) for an anti-inflammatory effect.  When using the spray, simply spritz into the shower steam or the sauna/steam room.  The oil in the air will then enter your lungs and be carried off to nurture the needier parts of your well-worked muscles.  


You are working out and exercising to better your health and look your best. Congratulations! That’s a big commitment you should be proud of!  Please take care of yourself with proper diet, rest and recovery as you live your life to it’s absolute fullest! 


-Navae Fiona 

Why Every Parent Should Keep Eucalyptus Oil in the Home

Why Every Parent Should Keep Eucalyptus Oil in the Home

Mar 3, 2014 | Uncategorized

Eucalyptus oil uses have long been known to include aiding the respiratory system, including asthma attacks, bronchitis infections, colds, and more. But surprisingly, there are still dozens more uses for this essential oil. It’s camphorous, slightly sweet aroma is more commonly known for it’s support of the respiratory system and any issues involving it, as well as many skin related concerns.

Whether you use the oil mixed into another base oil for massage directly in to the skin,  diffuse the oil, or even spray it when cleaning both home and body, there is always a way to incorporate eucalyptus into your family health and safety regimen.  

Here is a great list of uses and benefits of eucalyptus oil that every parent and family should read and know about!  And please, pass this on to your friends and family, as we know that a healthy planet, begins with being informed!


Arterial Vasodilator
Eucalyptus will help dilate the circulatory system, increasing circulation. Use 1 drop during massage over any area of concern.
Asthma
During an asthma attack, massage 1-2 drops over the chest. Also, inhale the aroma directly or diffuse in the air.
Brain Blood Flow
Diffuse or spray the mist throughout the home or classroom to increase circulation to the brain.
Bronchitis
Use topically or aromatically, massaging into the chest, back and throat, inhaling from the bottle, or dropping the oil on the shirt collar.
Congestion
Eucalyptus oil uses included clearly congestion from the airways. I recommend inhaling for nasal congestion and massaging the oil over all other affected areas.
Cooling
Yes, eucalyptus oil uses even include cooling the body down. Place several drops in a spray bottle, along with peppermint oil if you’d like some extra oomph, and spritz over the body. 
Coughs
Diffuse or spray throughout the room throughout the span of the illness, but also massage into the reflex points of the feet (follow the application guidelines in the link above), as well as over the chest, back, and throat. *Be sure to add the shower mist spray to a hot shower, bath or steam room, as this will quickly break through congestion and mucous for faster relief of respiratory conditions.
Diabetes
Because of the vasodilation mention above, using eucalyptus on a daily basis can increase circulation, a common issue for diabetics. I recommend massaging it into the body with lotion after each shower, as the massage will also help increase circulation.
Disinfectant
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties naturally make cleaning among one of the eucalyptus oil uses. Follow this household cleaners guide for more information.
Dysentery
Massage 2 drops of eucalyptus over the abdomen in a counter-clockwise direction to ease diarrhea, inflammation, and fight infection.
Ear Inflammation
Never put essential oil IN the ear canal! However, you can massage the oil on and around the outer ear. Use only 1 drop to start, diluted for children.
Emphysema
Eucalyptus oil uses are wonderful for all manner of respiratory disease. Diffuse or spray your personal sized mist the oil daily, massage 1 drop over the chest at least once a day, and another drop into the reflex points of the feet.
Expectorant
To help drain mucus from the lungs, massage 1 drop into the reflex points of the feet and apply another drop over the chest at least once a day (I’d personally do three times a day if no sensitivity is found).
Fever
Because eucalyptus oil uses include cooling the body (above), using during a high fever can help the body regulate its temperature and support its efforts in fighting infection.
Flu
Depending on your flu symptoms, eucalyptus oil uses will vary. You can apply to the abdomen to ease diarrhea, massage into aching joints and muscles, or simply diffuse through the air to fight infection.
Hypoglycemia
Another of eucalyptus oil uses, you can help regulate your blood sugar by massaging 1-2 drops into the soles of the feet daily.
Inflammation
Massage 1-2 drops over the afflicted area, always moving toward the heart to support the lymphatic system.
Iris Inflammation
This recommend comes from Modern Essentials (mentioned below). While you should never put essential oils IN the eyes, massaging into the temples may support the irises.
Jet Lag
Eucalyptus oil uses include waking up the body with its slightly sweet, fruity, and uplifting aroma. Use topically or aromatically.
Kidney Stones
Massage 1-2 drops of the oil over the afflicted area up to three times a day.
Lice
Its natural insecticidal properties make this among one of the more surprising of eucalyptus oil uses. Read more about treating lice naturally here.
Measels
Diffuse  and spray your mist throughout the home for the length of the illness, and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet 2-3 times a day.
Neuralgia
Another of the little-known eucalyptus oil uses, massaging into the areas of concern daily can reduce pain.
Neuritis
Along with neuralgia, massage several drops into the reflex points of the feet and over the affected areas can reduce inflammation.
Overexercised Muscles
Strain, fatigue, etc can all be treated with a gentle massage of eucalyptus oil. Always massage toward the heart to move the lactic acid buildup through the lymphatic system.
Pain
Depending on the type of pain, eucalyptus oil uses may necessitate application to the reflex points of the feet or directly over the area of concern.
Pneumonia
Help the lungs to clear by diffusing constantly and massaging directly over the lungs. Use the shower mist as often as possible.  It will also help to massage eucalyptus into the reflex points of the hands and feet. 
Rhinitis
Reduce inflammation and open airways by inhaling directly from the bottle, massaging one drop over the sinuses, or applying as a hot compress.
Shingles
Eucalyptus oil uses include shingles for its antiviral properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Massage into the affected areas daily, add to a warm bath, or use a hot compress over the area.
Sinusitis
Apply as a hot compress over the sinuses and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet (toes and pads of the feet). You can also inhale directly or diffuse throughout the room.
Tennis Elbow
I highly recommend finding a massage therapist who specializes in treating tennis elbow and bringing along your eucalyptus to include in the deep massage of the area.
Tuberculosis
Eucalyptus oil uses include fighting the bacterial infection, clearly the lungs, reducing inflammation and more. Diffuse constantly and massage 2 drops into the chest and over the back.

I cannot recommend enough how beneficial this oil is for everyday use in both keeping your house clean of bacteria and viruses, but also in the treatment of both major and minor issues.

Go HERE to buy your own affordable personal sized shower mist spray that can be used for clean, disinfecting a room and adding to your shower, hot bath or steam room.   Additionally keep a bottle in your car to keep your traveling space clear of germs and ready for muscle spasms and spontaneous emergency needs.

As a mother or father, you know the value of being prepared and caring for the health of yourself and your family.  Please take the next step and get your own Eucalyptus Oil now.

We value your health.   Have a vibrant day!

by:  Navae Fiona

Natural Home Remedies to Ease Menstrual Pain

Natural Home Remedies to Ease Menstrual Pain

Feb 27, 2014 | Uncategorized

The pain that comes with menstruation can be so ridiculously debilitating that women often end up missing work or social activities and must resign themselves to lying miserably in bed, wishing for a way to surgically remove their insides.  Sounds like a morbid exaggeration, but the truth is, this is an all too common reality for so many women. 

So it’s no surprise that when that time of the month rolls around, women sometimes feel the need to wear a neon sign that reads, ‘approach with caution’.   Being a woman myself, I entirely agree.  It’s an under-recognized time of both pain and cleansing that we are expected to experience while just getting on with life.

Why?

Well, because we can!  We do!!  However, that doesn’t lessen the pain or the frustration that accompanies it.  And who really wants to resort to popping pain killers every three hours?

I believe that our reproductive systems and overall health are requesting (begging) for a better way.

So, I have compiled a small yet helpful list of natural home remedies to ease that pesky menstrual pain.

Hot shower.  
Not just any hot shower.  Turn up the heat as much as you can stand it.  Let the steam add up.  While you’re at it, spray some of Eurospa’s Eucalyptus Shower Spray into the steam.  The cleansing nature of the oil will be heightened in the stream and permeate your bronchial passages, resulting in relaxation and a further detoxified system.   Make sure that while you allow the hot water to really fall on your lower back.  This will relax those aching muscles and give you the chance to, at the same time, massage your lower belly which actually makes the process of ‘release’ more efficient!  Who wouldn’t want that?

Massage.   
Just like I mentioned above, you can also do a similar massage while laying down.  I suggest getting some massage oil.  A warming oil would be great, but if you only have a regular base, try adding some other essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus and cinnamon to the massage.  Lavender will relax and calm you, the cinnamon aids in circulation (bringing comfort) and the eucalyptus is actually a very good topical anti-inflammatory.  I did this step recently and slept so much better that night.

Hot Water Bottles.  
Yep, I mean the same kind you may (or may not) remember your grandparents using for their back pain. They may seem old-fashioned, but they really, truly help warm and relax the muscles in your lower abdomen. They are an affordable and worthy investment that will bring you relief month after month.  GO get one. 


Just Say NO to Caffeine.  
Don’t freak out… I know it’s an intimidating thought, but eliminating caffeine from your diet could help alleviate a large amount of menstrual pain. Caffeine constricts your blood levels and raises tension: so when you’re suffering from cramps, you want to get the opposite happening. Additionally, caffeine dehydrates you, causing the cleanse to be a slower process. Drinking water and herbal tea instead will not only keep your flow hydrated, but will also help relieve bloating that may occur during your period. 


I’m not saying this will make your reproductive pain disappear all together, but I do believe you will feel more alive and able to function more comfortably and happily. 


It’s a part of life, but it doesn’t need to control it. 



At Eurospa, we enjoy bringing more quality to your life!  Stop by and see what we can do to better your health and daily living!


by:  Navae Fiona







Cold? Here are 5 Tips for a Better Winter

Cold? Here are 5 Tips for a Better Winter

Feb 24, 2014 | Uncategorized

These winter days can really get the best of you.   Even if you live in a moderate climate, the general feel in the air is that of stillness and stagnation.  The chill damp nature of winter leaves our bones begging for sustainable warmth.  Investing in life quality should be a priority for anyone really desiring to feel their best in the midst of trying circumstances.

So it seems to make sense to look to how other people around the world deal with these frigid seasons and then try their methods in our own days.

– Turn Down Media.   As a whole, our society forgets how important it is to rest our minds from  our screen addicted culture. (this I say, while writing from a computer of course) But the point remains.  We have a hard time turning off our screens.  We likely spend half our day in front of a computer, then go home to watch t.v. and likely watch some youtube or play on our phones before retiring our overworked eyes.   So do your health and sanity a favor by turning those screens of at least an hour before bed.

– Slow Down & Say No.  It’s ok to say ‘no’ occasionally… maybe even more? We tend to over ‘yes’ people and then find ourselves missing times of relaxation and needed stillness.   When we say ‘no’ appropriately, we remind others and ourselves of our personal value and the self respect that should go along with it.  You know what’s going to benefit and drain you; it’s ok to set those boundaries.

– Get Outdoors.  I know it might be grey and cold outside, but fresh air is so necessary! Get out your rain or snow gear and feel alive.  Whether for a brisk walk, run or hike, the strain the cold weather puts on our system is countered by the deep breathing and increased circulation in the fresh air.  I know it may be hard, but it’s worth it.  Love yourself enough to make it happen.

– Stop Working.  No, not entirely.   But did you know that in Sweden, it’s against the law to work overtime?  It’s not because they don’t want to pay for it. Rather, they know that an employees gives their best when they are happy and healthy.  If you are allowed to clock out after 8 hours, please clock out.  In the end, your work will be more efficient and you won’t burn out.  Live your life, don’t just work it.

– Turn Up the Heat.  Leave your thermostat alone; I’m talking about heat therapy.  Steam rooms and saunas offer a world of relief, relaxation and detoxification in this season of cold and flu.  In many European countries, it’s the norm to have a sauna in your home or apartment building.  We haven’t caught up as fast with that one, but it doesn’t mean they are hard to find.   Usually your local gym and fitness center will have an option for you.  However, if this isn’t an option, take a steam bath or shower at least twice a week to really sink some heat into your bones.  An added bonus?  Add some Eucalyptus Shower Spray to the steam and cleanse your bronchial passages.

Winter isn’t easy for many people.  Your option may include moving to a warmer client, but for many, they just need to adopt some simple practices to maximize the experience to a positive one.
Life is what you make it.  If you want to experience better quality in life (even when it’s unpleasant) then increase the quality of your activities and daily practices.

I’d love to hear what you do to better your winter season.  What’s your secret?  Let us know in the comments below!

by: Navae Fiona

5 Tips to Glowing More Youthful Skin

5 Tips to Glowing More Youthful Skin

Feb 22, 2014 | Uncategorized

Have you looked in the mirror lately?  Are you haunted by the ever increasing lines showing up on your face?  Are you finding that the skin you so proudly wore in your youth is beginning to hang out a little further from your bones than it used to?  Never fear.  Don’t simply run to the nearest medical spa!  Below are 5 simple, easy everyday tips for glowing, more youthful skin.

You ready?

1.  Hydrate – Water is your friend.  Coffee, tea and sodas are NOT your friend.  Sure they taste good and we are used to them.  But it’s time we accept the truth that our bodies are 80% water and it needs water to function best.  Beverages that wet our mouth but actually dehydrate our bodies are an addicting disservice that we have allowed to become an unhealthy norm.  If you really feel you can’t live without these things, please by all means, counter them with and increased water intake. Not sure how much to drink?  Simply determine how much you weigh in pounds – let’s say 140.  Now divide that in half and convert to ounces – 70.  If you weigh 140 pounds, you should consume 70 ounces of water daily.  Go for 90 ounces at least if you need to include coffee, tea or soda.   Now, I know this may seem like a lot.  But please don’t be discouraged.  Feel free to add a couple lemon or orange slices to the water and make it taste good.  Your blood needs water to flow well.  Your skin is the organ that tells you when the inside of your body has a need.  Love yourself and your family enough to take care of yourself, even if only with baby steps.

2.  Green Food – This one is pretty self explanatory.  As long as you know that I’m not talking about green food coloring, then you will know what to do.   Green fruits and vegetables are packed with Chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals that both bring elasticity and suppleness to the skin.  Bonus point?  Great for you metabolism as well!  Eat plenty of what you already love and begin to experiment and explore the delicious ways to enjoy the new foods!

3.  Sleep – Do it.  Sleep. Try not to eat 3 hours before going to bed.  Turn off all TVs, computers and phones at least an hour before you sleep.  Take some deep relaxing breathes and be thankful for the beauty in your life and day. Make sure your sleep environment is peaceful and calm.  Then dive in.  Sleep, is the time when our cells rejuvenate.  Things like mind activity and digestion steal our cell’s focus and keep them from using our sleep ours from the priority of their renewal.  Do your body a favor and sleep in peace.  You will not only get more youthful skin, but will wake refreshed and more motivated to continue caring for your health.

4.  Stress – We all have stress.  It’s the common thread in our modern society.  We are over committed, over worked and have a hard time saying ‘no’.  It’s ok to take time for yourself.  It’s ok to make a cut-off point for your work day.  When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol into our systems, causing tense muscles, emotional highs and lows, lowered immune system and well – wrinkles!  Now, this could be a whole topic in itself an maybe that’s soon to come.  But for now, consider what stresses you and ways you can relieve those situations and responses.

5.  Detoxify – Our body detoxifies itself best through release.  One way we ‘release’ is through sweat.  My two favorite ways to sweat is through exercise and heat.  Exercise is anything that gets your heart rate elevated for more than 20 consecutive minutes.  You can decide what exercise is best for you but then stick to it.  (Again, it seems this should be expanded in another blog.  What do you think? Let me know!)  On to the topic of heat.  Shower, sauna, steam room… you decide.  Of course, the luxury of a sauna and steam room are ideal but if you have only a shower as an option, you will get the most out of it by adding a few sprays of our Eucalyptus Shower Mist to really open up the respiratory passages, increase circulation and further detoxify the skin.

Your health and life quality is our priority.  It’s why we do what we do.

So instead of being frustrated at age taking it’s toll, step in to action and implement the 5 tips into your life schedule.  You will be so happy you did.

To know more about what we can do for your home or even health spa, visit us at Eurospa Aromatics and we’ll be happy to get you started!

Until then, more water!  Have a beautiful day!

by: Navae Fiona