Benefits of Eucalyptus

Never underestimate the power of Eucalyptus oil as it can be beneficial for many reasons. First it is a very powerful antiseptic, it is used to treat pyorrhea which is a gum disease. It is often used to treat burns too. Here are a few other benefits of eucalyptus.

• Insects do not like Eucalyptus so if you mix some with water and put it in a spray bottle you can be sure that bugs will stay away. Many people will soak a cloth in Eucalyptus and put them in their pantries or closets to fend off bugs and roaches
• A small drop on the tip of the tongue is said to take away nausea. A few sniffs of Eucalyptus is said to help someone who have fainted
• When mixed with cinnamon is known to alleviate the symptoms of the flu.

Eucalyptus is also commonly used for aromatherapy too because when mixed with other oils it is extremely beneficial. The effects of Eucalyptus are stimulating and balancing and the scent is very woody. For the purposes of aromatherapy it blends well with Juniper, Lavender, and Marjoram. Eucalyptus when used in aromatherapy does the body good as it helps to relieve mental fatigue, improves mental clarity and alertness, sharpens the senses, refreshes and revives, stimulating, energizing.

It also has great effects on the body as it feels cooling; it relieves pain and sore muscles, breaks up congestion, and reduces inflammation. Eucalyptus incorporated with aromatherapy offers pure enjoyment. Inhaling the fragrance of Eucalyptus can reduce stress and lessen depression. It makes for an overall sense of better well being. Eucalyptus is great for both bathing and also for massage oils.

This is a great oil to have in your household cabinets.

Aromatherapy for Migraines

Most physicians agree that aromatherapy makes an excellent complementary therapy for migrain suffers. Aromatherapy has not been shown to eliminate migraine headaches, but when used to complement traditional therapy and medication it can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Aromatherapy is a natural healing methodology that uses plant-derived essential oils to achieve a desired therapeutic affect. It is not known precisely how aromatherapy works, whether it is the scent or a chemical action of the essential oil itself that provides relief. Because of this unknown factor some doctors worry about potential essential oil interactions with standard drugs used in treating migraines.

When trying aromatherapy to relieve migraines, keep in mind a few safety precautions.

• Always talk to a doctor before trying anything new.
• Speak to an experienced aromatherapist, if possible.
• When combining aromatherapy with other medications, watch for adverse reactions and report them to a doctor immediately.
• Buy real plant-derived essential oils designed for aromatherapy. Good ones will be sold in dark containers and stored away from direct sunlight.
• Be sure to use a carrier oil or aromatherapy diffuser. Essential oils can be powerful irritants and should not be applied directly to the skin.

Some of the essential oils commonly recommended for migraine aromatherapy are lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, sandalwood, clary sage, ginger, ylang-ylang, basil, marjoram, and chamomile.

If you are a migrain suffer, try aromatherapy. Keep in mind that all Sacred Glo products are beneficial for your aromatherapy and relaxation needs. You don’t have top suffer unnecessarily. Give aromatherapy a try to help alleviate your migraines.

10 Types of Massage

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. It is more than relaxing. It is beneficial for your health.

If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

2. Aromatherapy massage. The reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. You will just have to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

3. Hot stone massage. Here, heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

4. Deep tissue massage. This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

5. Shiatsu massage. This massage is a Japanese form of massage therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai massage. Very similar to Shiatsu, the thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.

7. Pregnancy massage. This massage is specifically for the pregnant woman. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Reflexology massage. Reflexology is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.

9. Sports Massage. The is sports massage is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

10. Back Massage. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

With each of these massages you can use the Sacred Glo lotion candle to help you relax, moisturize and feel great. Our candles are made with natural ingredients like shea butter, rose hips, and coconut oil all known for their great health benefits.

Of course there are other kinds of massage therapy aside from the top ten most popular ones mentioned. Given that these are the only ones available in spas, perhaps you should just stick with the best sellers.

Winter Skin Care Tips

It is the time of year when the cold weather brings with it drier, rougher skin, flakiness, itchiness and chapped sore lips. It can wreak havoc on your skin and cause you come uncomfortable moments. However, you can combat the effects of winter on your skin.

• Drink lots of water. Proper hydration helps to keep skin cells plump and healthy. Water also helps transport nutrients to skin cells, keeping them nourished. Water-rich vegetables like leafy greens and green-skinned squashes are great for internal hydration as well as skin nourishment. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which are dehydrating. When drinking water it should be at room temperature or slightly warm to avoid digestion issues.

• Use a humidifier. The air inside can become very dry in the winter due to heaters and closed windows. This can making any dryness worse and cause severe itching. Use a humidifier to replace lost moisture in the air, and keep skin from drying and becoming cracked and itchy.

• Cold weather can cause the body’s systems to stagnate. Eating warm cooked foods, drinking warm water or herb/spice teas and moderate daily exercise can help improve circulation, digestion and elimination, keeping skin healthy and clear.

• Weekly exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells and prevent skin from looking dull. But make sure you use a very gentle exfoliating product, and don’t scrub too hard or too long. Don’t just exfoliate the face but your body too. Learn more about the dry brush by reading this post.

• Keep baths or showers short. Limit them to one per day and use lukewarm, not hot, water. You can also add a few drops of jojoba, almond or olive oil to the bath water to help you skin stay moist.

• A good moisturizer, suitable for your skin type, is a must in winter, to keep skin lubricated. For best results, apply the moisturizer to damp skin immediately after cleansing, to help lock in surface moisture. Pay attention to knees, elbows, hands and feet, which tend to be drier than the rest of the body. If your skin is naturally oily, a light application is best to avoid clogging pores. But for dryer skin, try oil based moisturizers or add a few drops of olive or almond oil to your lotion.

To help you with your winter skin issues all Sacred Glo products have ingredients that are non-drying to the skin and help you maintain a healthy skin glow even in the rough winter months. We especially recommend our candles for daily moisturizing.

Relieving Stress Through Daily Meditation

The daily affliction of stress in our society is nothing short of an epidemic. Forget the flu; this epidemic can take you out of commission for a lot longer than 72 hours. Suffering from the weight of stress is more than just mental exhaustion. It has real physical signs and symptoms, and often leaves your emotions in tatters. It is the frequently undiagnosed cause of many health problems.

Fortunately, there are many ways to release that stress, almost as many as there are stressors themselves. Finding an appropriate outlet for your daily dose of stress is important and can save lots of heartache as life goes on.

Becoming more popular as a stress relieving method is meditation. The simple beauty of this practice is that it takes no money, very little space (you can meditate anywhere) and has dramatic results. All it takes is a small time commitment and a dedication to feeling better.

Stress release from meditation is achievable both in the very short term and long term. True believers promise you can see and feel the difference in yourself from the very first session. Practicing meditation takes only 15 to 30 minutes daily, and can be done wherever you happen to find yourself when you have that time available.

Here’s how to begin:  Sit comfortably, preferably cross-legged on the floor if it is convenient. Then, concentrate on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Listen to yourself breathe; make it become the only thing that it exists. Through this, free your mind. Push all thoughts aside until your mind is clear. That clarity will take you to the next level.

Relax your muscles slowly, starting with your feet and toes. Picture each muscle as it relaxes. Work your way up your legs, to your torso, arms and finally your face. Used your relaxed state to go deeper inside yourself, and keep that breathing regular.

By practicing meditation for stress release, your blood pressure is decreased, your body uses the oxygen in your blood more efficiently and you produce less adrenaline. Your brain will function with much more clarity, allowing you to think and contemplate situations rather than simply react based on adrenaline.

Meditation has no cost associated with it, but some people do use aromatherapy in their practice. Experiment and see what works best for you, and start reaping the benefits!

Simple Steps To Make Your Living Space Greener

Our Earth has taken care of us and nurtured our people since the beginning of days. Isn’t it time we give some of that love back?

A few simple steps to make your living space a little greener with not only benefit the environment and your family, but your pocketbook as well. Many tips on saving energy also save dollars, and can go far in the long run to help our planet be healthy.

Many of us already make a concerted effort to recycle paper, plastic and aluminum but that just isn’t enough to truly go green. Here are some ways we can start right now:

• Replace your regular light bulbs with CFLs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs may cost a smidgen more up front, but they use a lot less energy. By trading out the most readily used bulbs in your house, the savings is approximately $100 yearly. (If every family in the U.S. did this, the gas emissions would be reduced by one trillion pounds!)

• Go low-flow. Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets aerators in your home saves water without sacrificing water pressure. The low-flow units made today aren’t like the ones years ago that got such a bad rap; you’ll still enjoy your shower! Inexpensive and very available, your savings will be about $285 a year.

• Check your home for leaks. It’s easy to do. Just turn off all water using appliances and read your water meter. Wait about 30 minutes, and then read it again. If the numbers changed, you have a leak somewhere. Did you know a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water a day?

• Plant a tree! Shade trees lower your cooling costs by 25%, provide oxygen for the environment and give small birds and animals a home. Properly placed trees and shrubs can also act as a natural windbreaker, shielding your home and reducing heating costs in cold weather.

• Go Florida-friendly with landscaping. Plants and other vegetation made for our state’s harsh conditions require lots less water and fertilizer to be hearty.

• Clean with the “green seal.” There are many choices out there now for natural, non-toxic household cleaners. They’re low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and stamped with the Green Seal.

• Support green businesses. Whenever you can, buy fresh organic foods from your local farmer’s market. Select a dry cleaners or nail salon that uses only green compounds (Yes, they are out there!).

Of course, little things like programming your thermostat and changing air filters monthly also help out. For more tips on turning your home green, log on to energysavers.gov.

Take Care of Your Feet at Home

Hardworking, tired feet deserve a little pampering at the end of the day. But who has money today to spend at the spa – or the time for that matter?

The good news is it’s very easy to set yourself up for one at home without giving up any of the special treatment, and for very little cost.

Fill a basin, a large flat bowl or a big soup pan with warm water to your comfort level. If you don’t have commercial foot soaking tablets at home (many of us don’t), try a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of your favorite bath oil or beads will do the trick. For extra-dry feet, add a quarter cup of milk to the mix.

While that’s soaking into the water, remove old polish. Stick to non-acetone nail polish remover, as toe nails tend to get drier than fingernails, and need the extra moisture. Try using cotton make-up remover pads instead of cotton balls; they won’t leave any strands of cotton behind to muck up the polish.

Treat tired, dull skin to a good exfoliating body scrub. Here comes the good part:  soak those tootsies! Enjoy the refreshing, soothing warm water for at least 15 minutes to soften callused areas and tough heel skin. Pat your feet dry with a towel, and right away tend to rough dry spots with a skin file or pumice stone. You can also apply a commercial foot sloughing cream, available relatively cheap at drugstores.

You feet need deep moisturizing, regardless of the condition of your skin. Don’t use hand or body lotion, though, which are not designed for your feet’s special needs. Pick up a foot cream ahead of time. For an extra boost, choose one with peppermint oil. Take your time to massage it into your feet, ankles and calves to get blood circulating.

Tackling the condition of toe nails doesn’t have to be a scary prospect. Use an orange stick to clean under the tips and to gently push back your cuticles.  For stubborn, overgrown cuticles, use cuticle remover cream. Clip the nails straight across, and leave about 1/8 of a tip.

File them into a soft square shape, moving your emery board in one direction to round corners. No metal files! They tear your nail.

Use toe separators. Apply a base coat, preferably one with vitamins. Then, choose a long-lasting polish, since toe nails chip quicker than fingernails. A clear top coat is also a must, for the same reason. Remember to let dry completely before you slip on shoes.

Want to go for a complete spa experience? Don’t forget relaxing music, and your favorite Sacred Glo candles!

The Importance of Bedroom Decor

Even though it is the room we spend most of our time in, the bedroom is usually the last place we decorate.

And yet we look to our bedroom as a haven for relaxation, for calm and for sensual energy, but are we actually taking steps to insure that?

Providing the right kind of atmosphere for relaxation in your bedroom can be achieved through a few simple decorating changes, like color and lighting and how furniture is positioned throughout your space.

Many of these principles follow feng shui, a centuries-old philosophy that incorporates harmony and peace into a living space to control the flow of energy that surrounds you.

Think of your bedroom as a blank canvas, and start with the walls. These background colors are very important in controlling your emotions and mood, and calm earth tones are highly recommended. Tans, browns, rust, and hues of off-white can accomplish this nicely. Light shades of blues and greens are also cool and relaxing.

Your bed should be accessible from either side, experts say, to reduce stress. Also, end tables need to be on each side of the bed to keep balance. Never allow your bed to sit on the floor, or directly under a window. Also, do not place your bed directly in view of the doorway. Angle it instead so that you can see the door.

Get rid of televisions, computers and exercise equipment! Your bedroom is for relaxing. These things unconsciously raise your stress level. Also, avoid clutter, since it traps positive energy from flowing.

Lighting is perhaps one of the most critical components here. Your bedroom should have a dimmer, and when at all possible use candles to light the room, as long as they are toxin-free. Sacred Glo’s lotion candles offer a wonderful opportunity to provide relaxed toxin-free lighting and poetic aromatherapy into your bedroom haven. Paraffin wax-free with all cotton wicks and the finest natural ingredients, Sacred Glo’s handmade creations bring the calm right to your bedroom.

Making your bedroom a relaxing environment will not only reduce stress, but provide a better, fuller sleep to leave you refreshed for the next day. Carpe diem!

The Danger Of Paraffin Candles

For many of us, candles are an important part of our daily lives. The aromatherapy is wonderful for relaxation, and the warmth and light render ambiance to any room.

But what candle you choose, however, could affect your health. Candles made from paraffin wax have long been suspect as carcinogens if burned consistently. Now, the American Chemical Society has proof.

At their annual meeting in Washington D.C. last week, scientists from the ACS announced that research done on paraffin candles showed that when burned they released toxic chemicals into the air. Poisonous enough to cause cancer, they said.

The main source is petroleum, which paraffin candles are largely comprised of. Lighted frequently, especially in unventilated rooms like the bathroom, pose a health risk, researchers said. It’s been an unrecognized source of indoor air pollution, and may also be the culprit behind those suffering from allergies.

The solution? Candles made from beeswax or soy do not contain toxic pollutants, and are much healthier for you.

Sacred Glo has long known the benefits of using all natural candles. That’s why their handmade, artisan lotion candles are so popular. Made from the finest, most luxurious ingredients like soy, Shea butter and essential oils, Sacred Glo’s candles even have an all-cotton, clean burning wick.

That’s why the massage lotion and warm body butter created by burning Sacred Glo candles are so good for your skin.

And while the very occasional paraffin candle may not harm you, why take any chance at all, especially when we’re talking about cancer?

So enjoy all the ambience, warm light and relaxing scent of candles without risking your health. Sacred Glo has a fragrance for every occasion, no matter what mood you’re trying to create.

Tips For Pampering Your Skin

Who has the extra money for a facial these days? Most of us are just trying to pay the grocery bill.

It doesn’t change the fact that our still needs that bit of pampering. And if money and time for the spa are short, the good news is you can give yourself a satisfying facial with stuff right from the pantry!

All facials, regardless of where they happen, traditionally have the same components: cleansing, exfoliating, toning, steaming, stimulating mask and soothing massage.

Set the mood first, just like in the spa. Light your favorite Sacred Glo candles – try Sacred Clarity’s poetic lavender notes – and bask in that wonderful aromatherapy.

For a soothing cleanse to gently remove dirt and oil and flush out pores, mix a few tablespoons of warm milk and olive oil. Work it between your palms, then gently massage unto your skin. Flush copiously with warm water, always in an upward motion.

Oatmeal and sweet almond oil together make a fantastic exfoliant for dead skin cells. Try mixing about ½ cup of oatmeal to 3 tablespoons of almond oil. Add a dash of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon fresh mint, and mix with enough warm water to form a thick paste.  Use this on damp skin, always rub in a circular motion, and avoid your eye area. Rinse thoroughly.

Nature offers the perfect skin toner in witch hazel, especially when mixed with orange-blossom water. Sweep across your face with cotton make-up pads, using a fresh pad each time until there are no impurities left on the pad.

Old-fashioned at home steaming works just as well as the expensive machines. Needed? Just a soup pot, distilled water and your favorite herbs wrapped in cheesecloth. Try chamomile, lavender and eucalyptus. Boil, remove from heat, and tent a clean towel over your head to catch the steam. Be careful not to get too close!

Hydrate your skin with an egg yolk/honey mask. One egg yolk to one tablespoon of honey, and add in a few drops of safflower or sesame oil. Let dry, rinse with warm water.

(Psst! Don’t forget the rest of you! Blow out the flame on your Sacred Glo lotion candles and rub that luxurious body butter all over! Relax and enjoy the new you!)

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