Skin Breakouts? Natural Remedies for Healthy Skin You Can Do at Home

Skin Breakouts? Natural Remedies for Healthy Skin You Can Do at Home

Apr 23, 2014 | Uncategorized

skin blemishes can surprise you and feel ugly, but these natural remedies from eurospa will keep you healthy and beautiful

Nobody likes it when they take a look in the mirror and notice the surprise of a breakout.  It’s always untimely and pretty embarrassing!  Now, while I can’t promise you they’ll go away immediately, I can share with you some ways to speed along the process and hopefully prevent them from happening in the future!

First of all, our skin is our largest organ. It breathes.  It takes in and it releases.  It’s a filtration system for both the external and internal.  When we break out, our bodies are telling us that something on the outside or inside in NOT happy and it’s time we do something about it.

So you’re thinking, topical medication right? No.  Because that doesn’t fix the problem and ultimately you’re just going to teach your body to be quiet when there’s a problem in the future and we just don’t want that.

Preventative?  Be clean inside and out.  Ladies, if you go to bed with your makeup on you’re just asking for trouble. Our bodies go through so much when we sleep.  Our hormones shift, we sweat, our pores open and all the makeup and skin oils mix together in the folds and pores of our skin, basically suffocating it and causing it to get stuck (for now) and expelled later.  It’s the expelling part that we irritated about! Back to being clean?  Be clean on the inside – and the best way to do this daily is getting a good water intake- at least 60 ounces a day. Water flushes out the garbage we store inside with refined foods, sugar, alcohol, excess salt and preservatives.  So hey – make it easier and DON’T consume so much garbage.  You’re skin will thank you.

Solution to the NOW problem?

1.  Go SANS makeup.  I know, hard.  If you’re feeling to attached, then go with some eyeliner and mascara with some gloss.  But leave your skin ALONE.
2.  Sweat it out.  Get to a sauna or make a steam shower/bath and sweat that nasty stuff out.  Enhance the sweat by spraying Eucalyptus Oil Shower Mist into the steam.  It’s anti-microbial and will cleanse your body (inside and out) even deeper!
3.  Gently Exfoliate.  I love to use baking soda because it’s natural and cheap.  Just shake a few sprinkles of it into your hands and massage in small, gentle circles around your face, being careful to avoid the area and be extra nice to those open blemishes.
4.  Tone it up.  Top choice for me is witch hazel.  It’s anti-inflammatory and regulates your skin’s ph.  Add anti-microbial tea tree oil to the mix as well to further your cleanse.
5.  Moisturize.  My top two choices are (in order) Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil. Jojoba is the oil that’s closest to our skin’s ph and is readily absorbed.  Coconut is similar, but heavier.  So if your skin tends toward oily, go with jojoba.

So there you have it!  No miracle cures here, but stick to the ‘clean inside and out’ routine and I promise you will begin to see the difference! Eurospa is committed to your health and would love to hear from you.  Stop by and let us know how we can make your life a healthier one!

Feeling Stressed? Fast and Affordable Tips for Stress Relief At Home Or On the Go!

Feeling Stressed? Fast and Affordable Tips for Stress Relief At Home Or On the Go!

Mar 19, 2014 | Uncategorized

Stress is a hot topic everywhere whether you are male or female and so often it has to do with our busy lives and family dynamic.   But how do you relieve that stress when you feel there’s just no time to handle it?   It’s time we talk about the simple and affordable tips to relieve stress quickly at home and on the go. 

Let’s talk about the men first.  We know you guys.  You are a hard working crowd with a lot of pressure on your shoulders.  And whether you are the game watching or fine dining type, you have the right to experience the relaxing fruit of your labor!  

And Ladies?  We know you too.  Whether you are a mother at home, working hard at your career or the busiest of the two worlds: BOTH, we invite you to take the time here and there to reward yourself for your thorough dedication to your many responsibilities!

I know we all have heard of the dangers stress brings to our lives, but I do want to touch base on a few major points (before I go into the fixes) so that we remember to take it seriously and take charge of the stress relief we so greatly deserve.  

So what is stress? It’s simply a fact of nature.  Forces from the inside or outside world affect people in various ways and the individual responds to stress in ways that affect both themselves and their environment as well. Due to the overabundance of stress in our modern lives, we tend to think of stress as a negative experience, but from a biological point of view, stress can be a neutral, negative, or positive experience.  In general, stress is related to both the external and internal factors. External factors include the physical environment, such as your job, relationships with others, your home and all the situations, challenges, and expectations you have to deal with on a daily basis. Internal factors determine how your body responds to and deals with the external stress-inducing factors. The internal factors that influence your ability to handle all that stress include your nutritional state, overall health and  fitness levels, emotional well-being, and the amount of sleep and rest you get. 

Now that that’s clear,  let’s talk about some simple ways to deal with it all!

  • Move Your Body:   Pretty clear, don’t you think?  When we move our bodies via running, dancing, yoga, weight training, cycling and other forms of movement, we release dopamine (a happy hormone) and get rid of cortisol (the stress hormone that wreaks havoc).  Our heart rate increases and our whole bodies get into a groove of joy and excitement.
  • Eat Well, Live Well:  Just a few simple rules here.  Stay away from white foods as much as you can.  This includes white breads, pastas, rice and sugar. These cause peaks and lows with our blood sugar, contributing to mood swings and feelings of anxiety.  Make sure your food includes veggies and fruits in a variety of color (extra greens if you can) and that you are adequately hydrated.  DRINK WATER.  You may be surprised at how much that single tip helps! 
  • Breathe Deep:  Annoying people and frustrating circumstances are all around us and this is the most easy tip yet the hardest to remember.  Breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply, pausing at the peak of inhalation.  This activates the back of your brain, causing a slower and calmer reaction time.  
  • Relax:  This is, of course the most enjoyable tip.  What relaxes you?  Whether it’s a massage or a slow walk in the park, you can determine what you will enjoy.  I know for me, my favorite two things are to sit in a hot tub or sauna or to sit in the sunshine with a book. 
  • Gratitude:  Be thankful.  Yes, times can be hard.  I’m not at all saying it’s easy.  We can recognize the pain, feel it and then take a deep breathe and really be thankful for the beauty that *is* in our lives – the things that are working, the people that do love us and the health we are experiencing. 
  • Laugh:  Enjoy your laughter! Talk to an old friend and think back on old times.  Recall stories that make you smile. Play with children.  Invite friends over for charades!  Watch a comedy.  Laughter is healing.  Don’t underestimate it’s power. 
  • Sleep:  Here’s the most medicinal one.  We tend to slack on sleep because our work and family load can keep us busy until midnight.  Then we wake to being our recurring routine at 6 am the following morning and then wonder why we are burnt out.   Many medical studies agree that we need to turn off all media at least an hour prior to bed time.   In that hour, practice the art of being in the present moment and just letting everything else go.   Take a hot bath with some drops of lavender oil and a few sprays of eucalyptus shower mist to the steam – and do the same with the lavender and eucalyptus to your pillow and bed sheets for an even deeper sleep relaxation.   Read, pray and be thankful. Trust that tomorrow will have plenty of beauty of it’s own to be thankful for as well.

Your health is so important and it begins with your state of mind and being.   Take care of your mind, body and soul and the rest will begin to fall more peacefully into place.   At Eurospa we want to know that people’s live are enriched and full of beautiful health.  Don’t hesitate to ask what we can do for you!

Enjoy the day that awaits you!




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