MODULE 2

• Essential oils


  Concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or "essence," of their source
• Essential oils


  • Often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being
• How essential oils work

  1. Applied to skin, some plant chemicals are absorbed

  2. Certain application methods can improve absorption, such as applying with heat or to different areas of the body

  3. Inhaling the aromas can stimulate areas of the limbic system, which plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory

  4. The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Essential oils can be inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. They may stimulate your sense of smell or have medicinal effects when absorbed
• Health benefits of essential oils

  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Headache and migraine relief
  • Improved sleep and reduced insomnia
  • Reduced inflammation
• Exfoliants


  Compounds able to slough away the top layer of dead epidermis cells of the skin, thereby leaving the skin appear smoother, fresher and less wrinkled
• Exfoliation


  1. Mechanical exfoliation by scrubbing the skin with cleansers containing small, hard particles (scrubs)

  2. Chemical exfoliation by applying cleansers containing active ingredients with a peeling effect (e.g. alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids and others)
• Herbal teas and beverages

  Tea is a name given to a lot of brews, but purists consider only green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea the real thing
• Herbal teas and beverages

  • Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India, and contain unique antioxidants called flavonoids
  • Contain caffeine and theanine, which affect the brain and seem to heighten mental alertness
  • The more processed the tea leaves, usually the less polyphenol content
• Health benefits of different types of tea

  • Green tea: May interfere with the growth of certain cancers, prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels
  • Black tea: May protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke, reduce risk of stroke
  • White tea: Has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas
  • Oolong tea: May lower bad cholesterol levels
  • Pu-erh tea: May reduce weight gain and LDL cholesterol
  • Chamomile tea: May help prevent complications from diabetes and stunt the growth of cancer cells
• Mud masks


  Improve blood circulation under the skin, cleanse skin of dirt and impurities, moisturize and refresh tired skin and make the skin appear brighter, softer and clearer
• Mud masks


  • May contain minerals from the Dead Sea or Volcanic regions, honey and green tea, which have numerous benefits for the skin
  • Serve to repair skin tissue and to improve its natural elasticity, while making it appear younger
• Clay masks


  • Best for absorbing excess dirt and for drying out excessively oily skin
  • Tighten sagging skin, exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and refine enlarged or inflamed pores
• Difference between mud and clay masks

  • Mud is a skin-healing agent, while clay is a cosmetic, drying agent
  • Mud is water-based, so the product in mask-form is more hydrating and suitable for people with dryer, more dull skin
  • Clay masks are most useful for someone who has oily skin and is prone to breakouts of acne and blemishes
• How to use mud and clay masks

  1. Mud masks: Apply to clean, dry face, allow to dry for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water and soft washcloth

  2. Clay masks: Apply to clean, dry face, allow to dry up to 40 minutes, rinse

  3. Mud masks should be used 2-3 times per week, clay masks only once per week
• Herbal baths


  Gentle and healing for the mind and body, can relax, energize or ease tense muscles, stimulate blood flow, calm the emotions, moisturize the skin, aid digestion, and heal various other complaints
• Herbal salt scrubs


  Remove dead skin cells, draw out toxins, make fine lines disappear, and give skin a youthful glow
• Peppermint


  Used to boost energy and aid digestion
• Lavender


  Used to relieve stress
• Sandalwood


  Used to calm nerves and help with focus
• Bergamot


  Used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
• Rose


  Used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
• Chamomile


  Used to improve mood and relaxation
• Ylang-Ylang


  Used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
• Tea Tree


  Used to fight infections and boost immunity
• Jasmine


  Used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
• Lemon


  Used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more