Glimpses of the Inauguration Class of IBAM sponsored Holistic Healing Course

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, has sponsored the conduct of a 100 hour holistic healing course for spreading natural healing know-how and wellness in Kolkata, India. This course is being offered to housewives and teenage girls to enable them to understand the importance of natural health and being. As part of the Board’s charitable activities, sponsorship of the program has resulted in it being offered absolutely free to all.

The course commenced on the 7th of April, 2011 on the occasion of World Health Day and shall continue through until the first week of June. The class has a total strength of 108 students.

Considering the eagerness of the people to learn and based on several requests from prospective candidates who were denied intakes due to reach of the maximum class limit, IBAM has undertaken to sponsor the conduct of the holistic healing course for a duration of one year comprising six batches in all, to be held at every interval of 2 months. Local Kolkatans can register themselves at our campus for the next batch commencing from June. Candidates from out of station can contact the Board for vacancy over the phone or through email. Because the training is being sponsored, the class shall remain free for students the whole year round.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

Aromatherapy for Personal Balance in Every Season!

Aromatherapy, in the form of floral and herbal extracts and incense, has always been an integral aspect of Ayurvedic healing. From sandalwood incense to enhance the benefits of meditation to water infused with holy basil for purifying the environment, aromas have been a pleasant way to infuse the human psycho-physiology with the healing wisdom of plants.

Although single aroma incense and floral waters are not uncommon in Ayurveda, it is more typical to see blends or combinations of several different aromas. The benefits? Synergy and balance.

A synergistic blend of healing substances, according to ayurveda, delivers a holistic benefit that is greater than the sum of its parts. And careful balancing of ingredients is reported to counteract possible side-effects from a single healing substance.

Ayurveda talks about restoring balance to mind, body and spirit in every season. The three Ayurvedic operators - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - that control all the functions of the mind and body have seasons associated with them as well. Fall and winter are associated with Vata, spring with Kapha and summer with Pitta. There are traditional aroma blends that are particularly useful for restoring overall balance in each of these three seasons. Vata, Pitta and Kapha aroma blends are also useful for personal balance. If you need to pacify one of these doshas, these aroma blends are a convenient and very pleasant way to balance your environment.

Vata balancing blends generally include sweet warming oils that soothe the mind and emotions and enhance serenity - Sweet Orange, Geranium Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Frankincense, for example. Try equal parts of Ylang Ylang and Frankincense (2-4 drops each) mixed in 2 oz. of a light massage oil such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond for a relaxing therapeutic full-body massage. A couple of drops of the Maharishi Ayurveda Vata blend in hot water works well for facial steam therapy in cold windy weather. A combination of 2 drops of Lemon, 2 drops of Sweet Orange and 4 drops of Jasmine can help you unwind: try this blend as an infusion in a late evening bath. A complex Vata blend can include as many as seven or eight oils in a precise combination for optimum balance.

Pitta tends to get out of balance in situations of extreme heat, whether it be weather-related or emotions-related. Aroma blends for balancing Pitta include sweet cooling oils such as Rose, Fennel and Sandalwood, often with smaller amounts of soothing oils such as Ylang Ylang and Frankincense and some uplifting oils such as Lemon or Peppermint. The combinations are designed to keep you calm, yet focused and alert. Try 4 drops each of Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood for a bathwater infusion on hot days. Or blend equal parts of Vetiver, Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmine and Fennel and use the quantity directed in an aroma diffuser for creating a calm environment and diffusing intensity.

Kapha blends are generally warm, spicy and invigorating, designed to wake you up on damp, cold, gray spring days. They contain vital oils such as Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Basil, with smaller amounts of balancing oils such as Frankincense or Ylang Ylang. Try four drops of Peppermint and 2 drops each of Frankincense and Ylang Ylang as a bath infusion in a morning bath or as part of your shower gel (use 4-6 drops per 2 oz. of unscented cleanser) - you'll feel the invigorating aromas subtly balance your body and mind long after you've bathed or showered. A drop each of Eucalyptus and Basil works wonders in steam therapy water on moist cold days. This blend will help you feel fresh, alert and clear.

Healing scents afford both pleasure and gentle balance for body, mind and spirit. The Maharishi Ayurveda Vata, Pitta and Kapha aroma oils are pre-balanced blends that offer synergistic benefits. Use them in every season to restore harmony!


Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Zero In on Your Child's Health Needs with Ayurveda

You're crammed into the car for a family vacation, and your kids are getting antsy. Red-haired Mandy keeps saying, "I'm hot!" and "I'm hungry. When do we eat?" She is trying to get the others to play car games, which she usually wins. Thin, wiry Jenna is talking a mile a minute, wound up from the travel and anxious to get there. Suresh, who is prone to gaining weight, congenially listens to his sisters and then drifts off to sleep.

As every mother knows, no two children are alike. Just as one child may have blond hair and another dark, psychological and physical needs can also vary widely from child to child.

The health and creativity of the child is based on how much good feeling, how much emotional, physiological, and psychological nourishment he or she receives from the parents. And once you understand your child's mind-body type -- his or her basic make-up -- you know how to help.

Know Your Child

The three main Ayurvedic mind-body types are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Of the three children, Mandy is a typical Pitta type, with her red hair and fair skin. The fire in her personality is expressed as anger when she's stressed and affection when she's feeling balanced.

For this type of child, it's better not to make promises but just to surprise her or present things when they are in place, for she will become emotionally distraught when disappointed. A Pitta child should avoid hot, spicy foods such as hot peppers, and should eat more cooling foods such as sweet lassi, sweet, juicy fruits, and cooked vegetables. Mandy is not the sort of child who can handle it well if a meal is delayed -- she should have snacks on hand if the meal is going to be late. Even though Mandy may enjoy competitive sports, she should avoid getting overheated, and should stay out of the sun.

Jenna is a typical Vata-type -- quick to learn, always moving, and prone to anxiety and insomnia. A Vata-based child such as Jenna thrives on a daily oil massage and abundant hugs, as the sense of touch soothes Vata dosha. While a regular daily routine, with regular meals and early bed-time is important for all growing children, it is absolutely essential with a Vata child. Jenna's parents will want to take care not to feed her too much Vata-aggravating foods, such as dry cereals, raw vegetables, crackers, and cold foods and drinks.

As for Suresh, he is probably an easier child to raise in some ways; as a classic Kapha type, he is more easy-going. However, it's important for parents not to overlook the needs of Kapha children just because they aren't as demanding. John's parents should get him involved in sports, as Kapha children thrive on vigorous exercise but may not seek it out unless prodded. Kapha children may be slower to learn in school, but can be excellent scholars if given time and patience. They have excellent long-term memories. Suresh will feel healthiest if he avoids heavy, cold desserts such as ice cream and cheesecake, and in general should eat light, warm, foods such as soups and cooked vegetables.

Of course, most children won't fall so neatly into these three categories. There are seven different combinations of these three basic types. A child might be Vata-Pitta, or Pitta-Kapha, or Vata-Kapha. Or he or she might be a combination of all three.

Foods to Grow On

All children should eat lots of fresh organic foods, with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as these foods have more chetana or intelligence than fresh foods. An excess of "junk" foods may create mental imbalance according to ayurveda. Indeed, recent research shows that additives in junk foods, if eaten as a steady diet, can actually lower IQ.

Organic dairy products such as whole milk and freshly made yogurt are ideal proteins for children, as are soaked almonds and walnuts. Spices such as turmeric, cumin and pepper help digestion, metabolism and brain nourishment, and should be introduced in small pinches if your child is not accustomed to them. Some spices are anti-oxidants, and black pepper helps enhance utilization of oxygen in the brain.

The Main Idea is Balance

All fathers and mothers should examine the quality and quantity of fat, protein, sugar, and air the children are ingesting. The brain needs these four major nutrients for mental clarity and integrated functioning. Recommended fats include ghee (clarified butter) and olive oil, and recommended sugar includes organic raw sugar, Sucanat, honey and rock sugar. Even if it's of good quality, it's important not to let the child eat too much fat or sugar. Just as an example, the average American consumes 125 lbs. of sugar a year, when just a hundred years ago the average was two pounds.

Lifestyle

With stress so much a part of modern life, a weekly oil massage and relaxing aromatherapy can be beneficial for children. Make sure they get enough sleep, and that they get plenty of affection and understanding. If you manage your own time and stress levels well, you act as powerful role-models for your children.


Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Healing Waters

Well water, pond water, rain water - there are many types of water described in Ayurvedic texts, and each has a therapeutic value, just as food does.

Water represents soma, the nourishing, cooling quality that is associated with lunar energy. It helps with digestion, cools and balances Pitta dosha, supports Kapha, and counteracts the dryness of Vata. It nurtures, lubricates and also detoxifies when it flows out of the body as urine.

Water, when properly absorbed by the body, has several healing qualities:

1.Helps to remove fatigue (Shramnashana)
2.Enhances glow of skin
3.Prevents constipation
4.Increases stamina
5.Provides satisfaction
6.Helps the heart by pacifying Sadhaka Pitta
7.Helps digestion
8.Cooling
9.Always helpful to the body
10.Easy to assimilate
11.Life-giving
12.Antioxidant
The healing effects of water can be enhanced using Ayurvedic methods.

Water for Cleansing

Sometimes people have dry skin and unquenchable thirst even though they drink lots of water. The deeper physiology is not getting enough moisture. This occurs when the person's agni is low and ama blocks the micro-channels (shrotas) which carry water to the cells. In order to cleanse the channels and enhance moisture absorption, Ayurvedic texts recommend boiling the water for various lengths of time, creating a therapeutic water called ushnodaka. Another method is to add spices or herbs to the water after boiling.

Why It Works

When the water boils, it gets charged with heat, becoming sharper in quality (sookshma). This sharpness allows it to cleanse the channels and penetrate deeper levels of the physiology. Spices create an added therapeutic effect by interacting with the water on the molecular level. Spices create different effects on the body through aroma and taste. It becomes easier for the body to flush out toxins and impurities because of the sharpness of the agni (heat) in the water and because of the sharpness of the spices. Over time, it cleanses the channels so the water is unobstructed as it travels into the body to hydrate the tissues, and travels out carrying waste.

Ancient texts talk about the difference in the rate of absorption of regular water vs. boiled water:

1.regular water - takes about 6 hours if every channel is clear
2.boiled and cooled water - takes about 3 hours to be absorbed, and helps open the channels
3.hot herbalized water - takes about 1 1/2 hours, due to sharpness of agni and herbs and spices

Water for Your Body Type

An Ayurvedic expert can design a therapeutic water recipe to give a specific benefit. One water recipe might enhance immunity, another might cleanse the skin, another might help with prostate imbalance. You can also choose a spice-water recipe for your body type or imbalances.

Vata Balancing Water

Boil two quarts of water for 5 minutes. Take it off the heat and add 3 leaves mint, 1/2 t. fennel seed, and 1/4 t. marshmallow root. Place the water in a thermos. Sip it throughout the day at a warm but not hot temperature.

Pitta Balancing Water

Boil two quarts of water for 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and add 1/4 t. fennel seed, 2 rose buds, and 1 clove. Store it hot inside a thermos, but before drinking pour it into a cup and let it cool to room temperature in summer. In winter, it can be slightly warmer.

Kapha Balancing Water

Boil two quarts of water for 5 minutes. Take it off the heat and add 3 holy basil leaves, two thin slices of fresh ginger, 1/4 t. of cumin, 1/2 t. of fennel. Place the water and spices in a thermos, and sip the water at a hot or warm temperature throughout the day.

How Much is Enough?

How much water you should drink depends on your age, how much physical work or exercise you do, the weather, your diet, your stress levels, your herbal food supplements, and your body type. The warm Pitta types usually are thirstier than the watery Kapha types. Vata types are often constipated or have dry skin and thus need to drink more water. I usually recommend two quarts of spice-water a day, but every person has to determine their own individual needs. Make your spice water first thing in the morning and sipping it every fifteen minutes throughout the day. Drink plain water after 7:00 p.m., as spice-water is too enlivening to drink right before sleeping. If you don't finish the spice-water by then, throw it out and start fresh in the morning. You may want to drink some plain water during the day as well. If you have been exercising and need to drink a full glass of water, it's better to drink plain water rather than the spice water.

Water at Meals

Ayurvedic texts also recommend sipping plain water at meals, because Ayurvedic food already contains spices and you don't want to overwhelm the body. On the other hand, if you are eating a plain meal without spices, then the spice-water will help digestion. A cup of water at meals is good, but it depends on what you are eating. If you are eating soup or dhal, you'll need much less water. If you are eating a higher quantity of dry foods, such as crackers, you'll need more. Water at meals can be room temperature or hot, depending on your body type, but should never be ice-cold, as that would douse the digestive fire. Forty-five minutes after the meal, you may suddenly feel thirsty, and then it's a good idea to drink a lot of water as the body needs it for digestion. In between meals you can sip the spice-water. You will be surprised how something as simple as water can enhance your health.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Dr. Siddharth M. Jondhale Awarded with the Young Scientist Award for his Work on HIV Aids

Dr. Siddharth M. Jondhale, a Young Homeopath from Nanded, Maharashtra was awarded with the Young Medical Scientist Award for his excellent work and research on Treatment of HIV Aids by the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines. Dr. Siddharth has been a close associate of the Board for a long time and the entire IBAM family congratulates him for his breakthrough work and is pleased to confer upon him one of the Highest Honours of the Young Medical Scientist.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

Glimpses of the International Seminar on Integrated Medicines organized by the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines organized an International Seminar and Convocation Ceremony on Integrated Medicines on the 23rd of January, 2011 in Kolkata, India.

The event was attended by students, Doctors and Board's faculty from 7 countries of the world and has been greatly appreciated by several national and international dignitaries including the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, Chief Ministers of different States and Embassies of different countries.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India

You can Stay Healthy this Winter

If you follow the Ayurvedic dietary guidelines and lifestyle for each season, you can develop an established, permanent state of immunity, when sickness is no longer a threat. This is the third level of immunity (Yuktikrit), which is the goal of Maharishi Ayurveda. This is what "Bala" really means, "a state without disease"

Winter gets a bad rap. It's called the flu season, the cold season, and the season when contagious diseases abound. Yet according to Maharishi Ayurveda, winter doesn't have to be this way. Winter is actually the best season to improve immunity. It's not a weakening season if you know how to strengthen immunity.

To understand how to improve immunity in the winter season, you first need to understand the unique concept of immunity in Maharishi Ayurveda. Bala, which literally means "strength," is the Ayurvedic word for immunity.

Bala goes far beyond the Western concept of physical immunity. Besides physical immunity, it includes psychological immunity, and spiritual immunity. Bala provides endurance against any disturbance to these areas.

In Ayurvedic terms, immunity is connected with the digestion. When digestion is strong and appetite is good, then immunity is strengthened. Whatever weakens digestion weakens immunity. It's that simple.

Raising Your Immunity Quotient

Besides diet and lifestyle, there are other factors that determine your immunity quotient. These include your heredity, the season of the year and your age. It is even possible to develop an established level of immunity that remains stable throughout all the ups and downs of life. The chart below explains these three levels of immunity.

Three Levels of Immunity

1.Hereditary (Sahaj) - the innate level of immunity, which you are born with.
2.Seasonal (Kalaj) - fluctuating levels of immunity due to the change of seasons, different stages of life, and planetary cycles.
3.Established (Yuktikrit) - a balanced, permanent level of immunity that can be realized by following an Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle. This type of immunity can be "planned" using dietary and lifestyle principles and herbal preparations.
If someone is born with an innately low level of immunity, that fact cannot be changed. So that's why in Maharishi Ayurveda, we focus on strengthening the second type of immunity, which fluctuates with the seasons, age, and planetary cycles. One reason that winter is a good season for building immunity is that the digestion is stronger in cold weather. Just as your home's heating system works harder in cold weather, so your inner digestive fire stokes up when the air turns chilly.

Winter is the season when nature is ready to nurture us. Due to the digestive level being very high, people feel hungrier, and can actually digest food better in winter, thus nourishing their bodies more.

People just think this season is bad for immunity because as appetite increases, people start eating more junk food and heavy, hard to digest foods, and thus weaken their immunity. But it's important to understand that we are creating the bad immunity, not that nature is giving us that.

For this reason, it's more important that people eat immunity-boosting foods in winter, and that they follow the Ayurvedic daily routine. This should be the regimen in winter, to nourish the mind and body by getting more rest and eating well. Other seasons are better for purifying, but winter is the time to build up and nourish all systems--the hair, the nails, and the skin. It's also the best season for taking Rasayanas and herbal products, because the high level of digestion helps people to assimilate them better.

Immunity-boosting Foods and Lifestyle Tips for Winter

In general, immunity-boosting foods include those that are fresh, organic, easy to digest, pure and wholesome. These include fresh, organic milk and yogurt, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and ghee (clarified butter).

Foods that are hard to digest should be avoided if you want to increase your immunity. Commercially processed foods, as well as canned, frozen, and packaged foods are old and difficult to digest, so they weaken immunity. Leftovers, foods grown with chemicals, and foods laced with preservatives tax the digestive system and clog the channels of circulation, creating a sluggish, compromised immune system.

Foods that nourish and balance the body in the cold, dry, winter season are the sweet, sour and salty tastes. It's best to eat less of the astringent, bitter, and pungent tastes in winter, although all six tastes should be included in your diet. Warm, home-cooked, unctuous foods are ideal, as long as they are not deep-fried and are cooked with easy-to-digest oils such as ghee or olive oil. Avoid cold or ice-cold foods, as cold foods and drinks douse the digestive fire and decreases immunity.

Lifestyle also impacts immunity. Staying up late, working at night, eating at irregular times, exposing the body to stress and fatigue, and sleeping during the day can all affect the digestion and body rhythms - and thus compromise the immune system. That's why it's important to follow the Ayurvedic daily routine, to keep the digestive system and other bodily rhythms working smoothly, and thus keeping the immunity high.

In winter, when the days are shorter and the nights are longer, it's natural for the body to crave more rest. Try going to bed a little earlier, and you will wake up with more vitality and freshness. Winter is a more inward season, when nature is at rest, so you can take advantage of this natural tendency by giving the mind and body extra nourishment in winter.

Doing a daily self-massage (abhyanga) will also help enhance immunity. Self-massage stimulates all of the organs of the body, flushes out impurities, and builds resistance to stress and disease.

If you follow the Ayurvedic dietary guidelines and lifestyle for each season, you can develop an established, permanent state of immunity, when sickness is no longer a threat. This is the third level of immunity (Yuktikrit), which is the goal of Maharishi Ayurveda. This is what "Bala" really means, "a state without disease".

So this winter, try giving your immunity a shot in the arm - and spend the cold season staying warm and healthy.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Ayurveda Regimen for Winter Depression

Long nights, short days, sweaters, warm clothes and chilly weather make many of us sick and depressed. This depression which surfaces especially in winter is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is often called as winter Time Blues or Winter depression. The exact cause for this depression is as of yet unclear. But yet few scientists believe lack of exposure to sunlight as the reason for this disorder.

The symptoms of winter depression are tendency to over eat, craving for carbohydrates and sweets and weight gain.

Had our ancestors observed this change in humans? The answer is yes. Have they recommended any remedies? Yes, they have recommended simple and effective natural remedies to overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder. They have laid down explicit guidelines about diet and lifestyles which have to be followed according to seasons.

The winter season is marked as Hemanta ritu and Sisira ritu in Ayurveda. Hemanta ritu starts from mid November and ends in mid January. This falls in southern solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in Ayurveda. Sisira ritu starts from mid January and lasts till middle of march. Sisira ritu falls in Northern solstice which is called as Aadana kaala or uttaraayana.

The response of human body to this season is very well explained in Ayurveda. People will have increased strength and their digestion capacity is increased during the winter season. This is marked by increased hunger. These symptoms are caused by increased body fire which is supported by vata. Vata inside body increases in winter because of cold and dryness which is prevalent in outer atmosphere.

The winter time depression is noticed mostly in persons who have vata as major constituent in their prakriti or body constitution. The cause for this type of change is longer nights of winter.

Light therapy is recommended by doctors for winter time blues. Exposure to artificial light may cause headache, Irritability, Eye strain, Inability to sleep and fatigue. Exposure to sunlight and if sunlight is not available sitting near fireplace is the remedy suggested in Ayurveda.

Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression.

Moderate exercise like yoga is another remedy for winter depression. Ayurveda recommends oil massage (abhyanga) to body and head (moordha taila). Indulging in sexual act to keep the moods elevated and to keep the body warm is another strongly suggested Ayurvedic remedy.

Meeting friends who are kind and understanding boosts morale and brightens up the day. Spending time with friends on the beach helps to expose your body to sunlight and keeps your spirits high.

Relaxing with meditation, massage , light music and laughter helps to great extent.

The following Ayurvedic tips help to prevent and reduce the intensity of seasonal disorder of winter, the winter time blues.

Expose yourself to sunlight as much as you can. In absence of sun light sitting near fire place is very helpful.

Massage your body with vata balancing herbal oil (abhyanga). Never forget to apply oil on your head (moordha taila). Then remove the oil by taking hot water bath. A mixture of flours of yellow gram (channa), green gram (moong), fenu greek seeds (methi) in equal proportion is the best herbal scrub which can be used to remove the oil. This mixture prevents the washing of natural oil from skin.

Consume hot soups. Use vata balancing foods like wheat, oil, corn, black gram and jaggery. Tickle your taste buds with sweet, sour and salt tastes. Always use hot water for all daily routine activity. Use thick blankets and sheets made of cotton, silk and wool. Always wear foot wear. Indulge in sexual act. Spend your leisure time with friends and relatives whom you like.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine introduces its Mobile Van for Health, Environment and Peace

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines introduced its Mobile Van focusing on Health, Environment and Peace on the 10th of December, 2010 in Kolkata, India. The inauguration was carried out by Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, President of the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines in the presence of Dr. Damir A. Shakambet of The... International Society for Bioregulatory Medicine, London (U.K.), Revd. P.S.P. Raju (Bishop of Kolkata), Muni Shree Ji (Leader of the Jain Samaj), a former graduate of I.B.A.M. from Burma and a team of I.B.A.M. volunteers.

With the primary objective of I.B.A.M. being to promote, propagate and advance the science of alternative systems of medicines, this Mobile Van is a part of I.B.A.M.'s charitable activities aimed at disseminating information on higher standards of health and free medication.

We thank everyone involved in this noble cause and for helping I.B.A.M. move a step ahead in achieving its Goals.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700002
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

How to Use Essential Oils for Christmas

Christmas time is a perfect time to become experienced in diffusing and blending essential oils. By learning How to Use Essential Oils for Christmas one can assist in getting everyone into the festive spirit of the season. There is nothing better than creating an atmosphere of relaxation, warm spices, the smell of pine needles, or some other woody aroma for the holiday season.

Naturally, cinnamon, clove bud, and ginger are strong in aroma, quite warming, and considered to be spicy essential oils. So when diffusing these scents a few drops will go a long way or try enhancing the mood by adding the mild scent of orange blossom to create a pleasing aroma.

Staying Healthy for the Holidays

Christmas is also the time of the year that health issues (colds, flu, and other viral illnesses) are on the increase due to the winter season. So it is a perfect time to be proactive and keep your anti-bacterial and anti-viral therapeutic essential oils on hand. So replace the usual synthetic room fragrances with a diffuser and essential oils that can potentially help to keep your family healthy by warding off the spread of viral sicknesses. Tea tree, neem, and eucalyptus found on the hub titled, Therapeutic Essential Oils and Healing are good for their anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities; however others within this hub can assist in fighting the cold/flu season.

There are numerous oils that can be used at Christmas time and then can be used throughout out the year. Coniferous oils like Fir Needle, and Scottch Pine, minty oils of Spearmint and Peppermint, spicy oils like Cinnamon and Nutmeg, woody oils like Cedarwood and Sandalwood, and resinous oils like Frankincense and Myrrh.

For Healing and Holiness during the Holidays

Frankincense Essential Oils

The history behind the essential oil scents of frankincense and myrrh may entice one to learn how to implement these two therapeutic essential oils into the holiday season. Christians are familiar with the story of the 3 Wise Men that bought the precious gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh to the baby Jesus. Frankincense is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, the Ebers Papyrus (dating from sixteenth century BC) an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes. During these times frankincense was more valuable than gold and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it.

In ancient times frankincense was used to treat every conceivable illness know to man, known for its anointing, and healing powers. However, healing was reserved for priests and priestesses only. And the power to heal at that time was focused more on the sacred art of practiced rituals than the actual healing power of the oil itself.

The frankincense aromatherapy is said to increase spiritual awareness, promote meditation, improve attitude and uplift one’s spirits. Add frankincense essential oil to sandalwood for enhancing and supporting the skin’s natural ability to rebuild DNA. The medical properties consist of being an anti-depressant, anti-tumoral, immuno-stimulant, and can be used to treat cancer, depression, inflammation, stimulate the immune system, and treats respiratory infections.

Myrrh Essential Oils

As stated early Myrrh and Frankincense are resinous oils and they both have similar medical properties. Myrrh is also mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus and listed in Hildegard’s Medicine (a compilation of early German medicine) by highly regarded Benedictine herbalist Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179).

It is written that the Arabian people used Myrrh for many skin conditions, such as chapped lips, cracked skin, and wrinkles. It can be used to treat cancer, cancer, hepatitis, tooth/gum infections, skin conditions (chapped, cracked, stretch marks, and wrinkles) and fungal infections like Candida, ringworm, eczema, etc.

Myrrh essential oil promotes spiritual awareness, is uplifting, and also contains sesquiterpenes (i.e .defensive agents or pheromones), which stimulate the limbic system of the brain and the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. The medical properties of Myrrh essential oil is a powerful antioxidant, analgesic/anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-turmoral, and anti-viral.

How to Use Essential Oils for Christmas

Fun Facts and Festivities

There are many ways one can use essential oils for the Christmas holidays; you can add aroma to wreaths, pine cones, ribbons, and other decorations, also you can add scent to the wrapping paper of your gifts.

Artificial Tree

Here’s a nice Christmas tree blend that can be used just to provide the aroma of a live tree around an artificial one or a wreath.

Combine 5 drops Spruce essential oil, 3 drops Fir Needle essential oil, 3 drops Pine essential oil and 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil. If you want to mellow the scent add a few drops of Juniper oil for a well rounded smell.

Firewood

Add one drop per log for your fire and only include one scented log per fire of essential oils like sandalwood, cypress, cedarwood, frankincense and myrrh. Make sure you let the oil soak into the wood over night prior to using it for the fire to avoid dangerous sparks.

Wrapping Papers

Place 2 drops of oil on a cotton ball and place the wrapping paper in a sealed bag over night. Use woody smells like cedarwood or frankincense for men. Try using geranium or cinnamon for women, and mandarin or lemon for children. However, if you happen to know that individuals aromatherapy smell, then surprise them by placing that on their gifts.

Candles

As I’ve stated before I love candles and use them almost daily to add pleasant moods and aromatics to a room. Try adding an essential oil to the candle as soon as the wax starts to melt; normally one drop by the wick is enough. Bay is a good choice but I like to add peppermint, cinnamon, mandarin, or other spices to mine. Here is a blend you can mix and try on you candles to create a unique holiday aroma -4 drops of mandarin, 1 drop of geranium, and 1 drop of cinnamon.

Baking Goodies

If you choose to bake or prepare other food items, please be sure to purchase only therapeutic grade essential oil products. Essential oils like cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom can be added to your cakes, pies, puddings, and other desserts.

Note: Read your essential oil products carefully, if the label states "external use only" such oils are not to be ingested by mouth.

Tips and Warnings

■Never apply therapeutic essential oils directly to skin unless advice by an expert to do so. Such tactics can be harmful if performed inappropriately.
■Use blends undiluted in diffusers, in potpourri, on radiant heaters, or on wood chips. But, never near a flame where it can catch fire.
■For a room spray mix your blend with 1 cup distilled water and 1/2 Tbs alcohol or glycerin.
■Create a custom holiday perfume by mixing your blend with 2 Tbs pure Jojoba Oil, perfumer's alcohol, or your favorite carrier oil.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
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