The Terpene: Most Fundamental Fragrance, Flavor and Healing Component of Essential Oil

One of the most important compounds present in essential oils is the terpene.* Terpenes are vibrantly fragrant molecules that occur naturally in plant life, especially in conifers, bearing pigment, scent and flavor. When applied to skin, terpenes in essential oils work to promote homeostasis (balance) not just in skin but throughout the entire body once they enter the bloodstream through the skin.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural bxeauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique holistic beauty tips and offers.

Terpenes are bioactive compounds which influence the body’s endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating various biological functions in the body such as immune response, appetite, metabolism, memory, respiration, sleep, stress response and more.

The effect of a terpene on the body will vary based on:

• its concentration

• its characteristics

• the physical makeup of the person using it.

“The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors that responds to chemicals like THC, among others. These receptors are mostly found in the brain but also show up in the immune cells, liver and lungs. This system is what helps with pain and inflammation regulation… Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that interact with and bind to receptors in the brain, which can help regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation… Cannabinoids are found in every person. What makes it different is the level of neurotransmitter that is present in a person's body.” — “The Endocannabinoid System for Dummies: 7 Facts.”

The term terpene was coined in 1866 by the scholar Fr. A. Kekulé. Later, German chemist Otto Wallach made a major discovery about terpenes noting a pattern of carbon to hydrogen atoms in all essential oils. Though the number of hydrogen and carbon atoms vary from terpene to terpene, the ratio is always the same: five carbon atoms to every eight hydrogen atoms. This “isoprene rule” earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1910 and he was literally dubbed the “Messiah of Terpenes.”

The isoprene rule is the basic concept of terpenes' molecular structure and their biogenesis.

The isoprene unit acts as monomer or single unit that builds up in repeating units to form groups of terpenes we find in essential oils. Their names usually but not always end in -ene.

“A terpene can fall into a number of given classes, including mono, sesqui, di, tri or tetra terpenes, all of which are found in nature. Isoprenes are bonding units, and a terpene is classified into one of these categories by how many isoprene [units] it contains. Think of isoprenes as the building blocks of terpenes.” Andrew Freedman in Terpenes for Well-Being: A Comprehensive Guide to Botanical Aromas for Emotional and Physical Self-Care

• monoterpenes consist of two isoprene units

• sesquiterpenes consist of three isoprene units

• diterpenes: four units

• triterpenes: six units

• tetraterpenes: eight units

Terpenes are known to modulate mood and heighten our sense of well-being. Stimulation of our olfactory receptors which happens when we take in the fragrance of a flower, for example, often makes an emotional impact on us. But this isn’t the whole story. The chemical composition of the terpenes interact directly with brain cells to regulate and influence their activity, in turn interacting with the entire body.

Terpenes present with woody, earthy, floral, fruity, citrusy, spicy or sweet aromas. An example of the woody note is the terpene guaiacol, a component of guaiac wood essential oil found in Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream (above) by PHYTO5. It also provides the woody notes, for example, to support the rose fragrance in Chanel No. 19. All PHYTO5 skin and hair care is extremely abundant in terpenes given that all products are essential oil rich.

Over 20,000 unique terpenes exist in nature but only a fraction of them have been explored. In addition to working to create stasis in the human body, they play a vital role in maintaining stasis in our ecosystem. As one example, scientists believe terpenes evolved to protect plants from pests by repelling them with an unpleasant odor, killing or luring them with their scent only to trap them in their resin. Still other terpenes give off a pleasant odor that attracts beneficial insects.

Alpha-Pinene is the terpene found in essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, sage and frankincense. Alpha-Pinene gives evergreen trees their aroma. It’s anti-inflammatory and is known to help improve respiratory function.

Basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, patchouli, oregano, lavender and rosemary contain the peppery smelling terpene beta-Caryophyllene. It’s anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

A final example of a common terpene is linalool. It exudes a calming fresh, floral smell and offers analgesic action as it promotes relaxation and stress relief. Lavender, basil, cilantro, clary sage, neroli and bergamot all contain linalool.

Terpenes are the constituents of flavors for spicing foods or creating distinct fragrances in perfumery. They equally serve as vital components in medical therapies and are hardly given the attention they deserve in most organic and pharmaceutical chemistry textbooks.

“Many of us think of aroma as a linear concept, a characteristic made up of easy to identify elements… but what really is the source of that aroma?” —Andrew Freedman

Terpenes are the building blocks of scent and flavor and layers of them create the aromas, the flavors and the healing properties we take for granted today. When you dissect what really creates combinations of scents and flavors, you become more aware of the majesty of nature. You become more aware of the enormous potential terpenes and essential oils have for your self-care, well-being and healing.

#####

Endnotes:

* You may have guessed that the word terpene is derived from the word turpentine. This is because terpenes are a major component of turpentine most of which is derived from coniferous trees.

Kreider, Heather. “Terpenes In Essential Oils.” Skininc.texterity.com, 7 Oct. 2021, https://skininc.texterity.com/skininc/october_2021/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1730052&ajs_uid=5912I1544689E4Z&oly_enc_id=5912I1544689E4Z#articleId1730052.

Potter, Beverly A. Terpenes: The Magic in Cannabis. United States, Ronin Publishing, 2019.

“The Endocannabinoid System for Dummies - 7 Facts.” ShredCBD by PFX Labs, https://shredcbd.com/blogs/shredcbd/the-endocannabinoid-system-for-dummies.

Breitmaier, Eberhard. Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones. Germany, Wiley, 2006.

Freedman, Andrew. Terpenes for Well-Being: A Comprehensive Guide to Botanical Aromas for Emotional and Physical Self-Care. N.p., Mango Media.

Lemon Essential Oil For Skincare and Emotion

Lemon essential oil, which is present in many Metal element line skincare products among many others by PHYTO5 is astringent, antibacterial and antiseptic making it perfect for skincare. Cleansing and stimulating, it is primarily and best used for 1) oily and/or acneic skin and for tired, sluggish and aging skin, and 2) the nervous system, however its benefits to our health do not stop there.

Lemon is one the most common oils and because of its abundant presence in nature, it is most often cold pressed. The more rare and expensive steam-distilled oil has an indefinite shelf-life and is the one most suitable for skincare.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural bxeauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique holistic beauty tips and offers.

Lemon oil clarifies and brightens the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface as it gently and deeply cleanses. It provides tone, tightening and lifting the skin. 

Lemon essential oil in skincare controls oil production in the skin and helps shrink large pores. It eases out blackheads as a result of its skin tightening ability and prevents blackhead formation by blotting excess sebum and shrinking the pores.

This versatile essential oil is known to help promote hair regrowth. Its presence in shampoos like PHYTO5’s Metal element Shampoo, Earth element Shampoo and Wood element Shampoo balances oil production dry itchiness in the scalp.

“Typhus germs may be killed in less than one hour; germs causing pneumonia in three to four hours and staphylococcus germs in five minutes. Its antiseptic properties will last for twenty days.”

— Susanne Fischer-Rizzi in Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health

Antioxidant-rich, it can help prevent premature aging because of its citric acid and vitamin C content. It boosts collagen and helps the skin regain elasticity.

Lemon reduces scarring, makes the hair shine and balances skin’s pH.

A disinfectant and styptic, lemon can stop wounds from bleeding. It may be applied directly to insect bites to stop the itching and reduce swelling. 

Lemon is also an antibacterial and acne fighter. Its antibacterial properties give lemon its potent germ-killing ability.

Lemon essential oil is excellent in treating colds and throat infections. By adding one or two drops per quart of water in a sponge bath, lemon oil relieves itchy eczema.

Lemon oil is perfect for destroying air-borne germs in well populated places when used in aroma lamps and diffusers. 

Lemon also strengthens vascular tissue and is therefore beneficial for treating varicose veins. It strengthens the heart and proactively may prevent the onset of arteriosclerosis. It also promotes red blood cell formation.

Lemon stimulates the immune system. It cleanses the blood and activates white blood cell formation for the purpose of protecting the body during flu or any virus epidemics.

It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system supporting the movement of lymph, a colorless fluid containing white blood cells which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.

Lemon oil cleanses the body by stimulating the liver to flush out the essential oil along with toxins that have accumulated in the liver and blood. 

Lemon can be a great heartburn remedy and can help balance sickness-causing high body acidity. By taking lemon essential oil orally, it can help counteract a high acid content in body fluids by stimulating the production of neutralizing potassium carbonate in the body. (Caution: Never consume more than one or two drops of any essential oil at a time because their composition is extremely concentrated.)

In massage, lemon essential oil can be a vital muscle tonic.

Lemon also stimulates the nervous system. Lemon lifts the spirit, balances mood, helps regulate mood swings and is excellent for both physical and psychological heaviness. It can be psychologically strengthening people who feel depressed or fearful. 

In addition to improving sleep, lemon essential oil is known to increase concentration and the ability to memorize by activating the center of the hippocampus in the brain. It helps clears the mind and aids one in the decision-making process. Lemon is quite helpful in calming stormy emotional outbursts and when pursuing challenging intellectual tasks. 

Lemon essential oil is present in the following products by PHYTO5:

• Metal element Phyt’Ether serum

• Metal element Day Cream

• Metal element White Clay Mask

• Metal element Shampoo

• Wood element Phyt’Ether serum

• Wood element Day Cream

• Wood element Night Cream

• Wood element Green Clay Mask

• Wood element Shampoo

• Wood element Yogi Body Gel

• Earth element Skin Toner

• Earth element Phyt’Ether serum

• Earth element Yellow Clay Mask

• Earth element Yogi Body Gel

• Earth element Shampoo

• Fire element Skin Toner

• Water element Skin Toner

• Phyt’liss Hair Conditioner

• La crème acide [Natural pH Balancing Cream]

• L’émulsion corporelle [Body Lotion]

• Le Phyt’Acid [Phyt’Acid Face & Body Cleansing Gel]

• La crème visage [Face Cream with Vitamin E]

• L’alguessence bain [Algae-Essence Bath]

• Chi Yin Massage Oil (certified organic)

• Contouring Serum

• Hand Cream

• Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream

#####

Endnotes:

Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne, and Jeanette Green. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health. Sterling Pub. Co., 1990.

Miller, Light, and Bryan Miller. Ayurveda and Aromatheraphy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing. Motilal Banarsidass Publishing, 1998.

Atkinson, Alicia. Essential Oils for Beauty, Wellness, and the Home. Skyhorse Publishing. November 3, 2015.

Photo by Sasha Pritchard via Canva.

Balanced Flow of Blood and Chi Are Essential for Beautiful, Younger Looking Skin

I recently received a series of non-invasive facelift treatments (called the Chromalift) performed by PHYTO5’s Director of Education. I’m at the point in my life where I’m actively working to counteract or reverse fine lines and some loss of elasticity in the skin. As Gina and I chatted while I was on the table, she said something that really struck me: people with red, ruddy, rather flushed looking skin—a sign of a little too much red blood circulation—don’t usually get lines and sagging later in life. This is because all that red blood marked by skin redness has been abundantly delivering nutrition to the skin cells all along. I learned in that moment how critical blood circulation is to beauty.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

I’m sure people with red and hot skin don’t enjoy that skin condition either. Each of us has unique challenges. But since Gina told me that, I’ve been on the lookout for women whose skin tends to redness so maybe I can observe the effects in action. And I have to say I do admire the firmness and ‘lift’ they seem to more naturally enjoy.

Beautiful skin really does start with healthy clean blood and proper circulation. Improved blood circulation can prevent the formation of fine lines. It opens the capillaries in the body and improves oxygen uptake of the skin cells.

Still, lines and wrinkles are the result of a number of conditions and not always poor blood circulation. They can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, weak connective tissue, acidification of the body, metabolic disease, hormonal disorders, declining oil production of the sebaceous glands, poor nutrition, heredity, environmental insults, stress, an inactive lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco.

But the five fluids of the body system (vital energy, red blood, lymph, blue blood, water) are our deepest source of nourishment and detoxification and, ultimately, defense against aging. These fluids actually bathe our cells. If we don’t pay attention to the fluid environment of the body and work to support it naturally, the quality of not only our skin, but our organs and glands will suffer.

Beautiful skin and hair require that we support our internal organs. After all, they produce and constantly circulate blood. This is how we prevent inflammation and acidity.

Wrinkles, that rather awful sign of aging, are not only lessened or maybe even prevented by improved fluid circulation, but our flow of vital energy is tantamount to it.

Says Letha Hadady, D. Ac., renowned herbalist and acupuncturist:

“Wrinkles begin from inside due to weak chi originating from poor digestion and circulation. The Chinese medical texts explain this energetically.”

Hadady goes on to explain in her book, Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine, that chi becomes weak in certain acupuncture meridians located on the dorsal sides of both arms and hands. These meridians naturally flow upward to lift the face. When these meridians become weak, when what is called the ‘upper Yang’ deteriorates, wrinkles develop.

While you could visit an acupuncture physician to help remedy this, Hadady says you can prevent wrinkles and stay young and beautiful with blood and chi building herbs such as these:

• elderberries

• chicory root

• burdock root

• red clover flowers

• comfrey

• coltsfoot

• rose hips

• nettle

• dandelion greens

• parsley

• watercress with a pinch of paprika

Refer to page 297 in Hadady’s book for the exact recipe to achieve beautiful skin with perhaps little incidence of lines according to the author.

“Chi is the invisible envelope that lifts your energy. You can lift your face by lifting chi. This is done with good nutrition and herbs.” —Letha Hadady

Finally, the issue of collagen depletion causing skin to get saggy and lethargic also contributes to lines and wrinkles. Collagen loss happens incrementally year by year until one day the percent of collagen loss is significant.

Hadady tells us an excellent approach to amplify collagen is by increasing our intake of herbal vitamin C.

Herbal vitamin C means you are ingesting herbs that are rich in naturally occurring vitamin C and these actually increase your chi. See the list above.

Herbal vitamin C cleanses the liver ensuring healthy calcium absorption and better blood circulation. Vitamin C rich herbs combine the vitamin with important minerals that work together to maintain healthy collagen and blood circulation. Moreover, the body is always going to accept nutrition from a whole food better than it will from an isolated nutrient.

The PHYTO5 Metal element skincare line is formulated with specific essential oils like rosemary, eucalyptus and niaouli that support better blue and red blood circulation. These cause the superficial capillaries to dilate and regulate temperature while an interchange of tissue fluids takes place increasing nutrition to the skin’s surface layers.

When you apply a skincare product you should always do it mindfully and in a way to increase the blood circulation of the face and neck. (I noticed when Gina gave me my facial treatments she used light circular motions with her fingertips to bring red blood into my face.)

Both PHYTO5 skincare plus your mindful application of the products can work synergistically to increase the local skin temperature and bring color to your skin.

Maybe do what I do. Approach your skincare from all directions:

• the skincare products you put on your face and body

• your vital energy flow

• your nutrition

• your lifestyle

When you understand what the skin and body need, you can get to work to give both the raw materials, love and kindness they deserve. And you can be a natural beauty no matter your age.

…

Endnotes:

Isla, Dr Jeremiah. Gua Sha: The Healing Guide On Using Gua Sha To Improve Your Skin Beauty. N.p., Independently Published, 2021.

Howard, Jackie, et al. Principles and Techniques for the Beauty Specialist. United Kingdom, Nelson Thornes Limited, 1993.

Kopf, Robert. Wrinkles - Prevention and Treatment with Homeopathy and Schuessler Salts (homeopathic Cell Salts): A Homeopathic and Naturopathic Guide. Germany, BookRix, 2018.

Hadady, Letha. Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine. United States, Three Rivers Press, 1998.

Sage Essential Oil: All-Around Natural Wonder for Skin and B

Sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis) is a key ingredient in a number of PHYTO5 skincare products mainly for the broad range of benefits it uniquely offers. From working to balance skin conditions to women’s health to the nervous system, sage essential oil is an all-around and extremely versatile remedy.

In France and Russia, sage is specifically cultivated for its essential oil. Sister to rosemary, its leaves are large and fuzzy while small blue/white, pink or purple flowers grow off the thin long stem.

The buds, flowers and leaves are steam distilled to prepare the essential oil of sage. Its aroma is herbaceous, spicy, nutty and warm.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural bxeauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique holistic beauty tips and offers.

Sage essential oil contributes well to healthy balanced skin. It has moisturizing and conditioning properties that help soothe skin dryness and irritation. Enjoy sage essential oil in Metal Skin Toner, Water Skin Toner and Wood Skin Toner. 

Sage is very cleansing for skin with excess oil, grime or sweat. It’s anti-fungal and antibacterial.

Sage essential oil is antioxidant rich and therefore fights free radicals which cause signs of premature aging. It’s antioxidant* content is the primary reason why it is formulated in anti-age skincare. Water Ceresal and Night Cream from the Water element line, geared for more mature skin showing aging, are formulated with sage essential oil.

According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, rosmarinic and carnosic acids are responsible for sage’s antioxidant properties.

Used cosmetically, sage essential oil helps eliminate toxins, offers relief to minor skin abrasions, lessens the appearance of blemishes and stretch marks. It calms skin conditions such as dermatitis.

Sage essential oil is also a key ingredient in anti-spot skin treatments. It helps to eliminate scars, post-natal abdominal stretch marks and blemishes caused by boils, pox, and sores. It has the resilient ability to quickly heal wounds and incisions. 

Sage is used in all types of home remedies from antiseptic throat gargles to lessening menopausal hot flashes, sage embodies just about every health benefit you can think of.

Sage essential oil helps regulate sebum production and other fluids of the body. It helps purge toxins from the fluids.

A mild hormonal stimulant, sage is very beneficial for women’s health, menstrual pain, regulating menses and easing the process of childbirth. It can be used for mothers weaning their babies because even a small amount ingested actually dries up mother’s milk production. 

Sage aids in the digestion of very fatty foods, helps lower cholesterol and as a bitter herb is very beneficial as a tonic for the liver.

Sage can help rebuild vitality and strength after a long-term illness. Because of its astringent and antiseptic properties it’s an effective cold and flu fighter and a classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat and tonsils

Sage has energetic qualities of happiness and self-confidence. It calms the nervous system and is often therefore used in cases of stress, depression and anxiety. 

…

* Antioxidants are substances like vitamins C or E that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism. They slow down aging and prevent symptoms of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and muscles, vision and hearing loss, nervous disorders and loss of mental capacity such as memory loss.

Keniston-Pond, Kymberly. Essential Oils 101: Your Guide to Understanding and Using Essential Oils. Adams Media. 2017.

Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use. Storey Publishing. April 2012.

Photo by Gary Barnes at Pexels.

Be a Rice Bran Beauty: How Rice Bran Oil Is Perfect for Anti-Aging Skincare Regimens

Rice bran oil, present in Metal element skincare products, is a highly valued anti-aging ingredient in Asia. Historically, Japanese women added the leftover water from washing rice to their baths to soften and smooth their skin. Both rice bran, known as Nuka or komenuka by the Japanese, and rice bran oil are commonly used in Asia to brighten and help detoxify the skin and remove blemishes. It is a very high compliment in Japan to tell a woman that she’s a “rice bran beauty” or that she has “rice bran splendor.” 

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Also known as rice bran extract, rice bran oil is produced from the bran of the rice kernel. The ferulic acid content in rice bran oil, an organic phytochemical compound found in plant cell walls, has potent anti-aging properties. Because of the anti-aging effect of rice bran oil, it is also an important ingredient in PHYTO5’s Ageless La Cure Five Secrets Serum and Cream Duo for a 3-Week Cure.

Nuka is a vital source of vitamins A, B2, B12 and E and naturally occurring moisturizing proteins. 

A natural enzyme exfoliant, rice bran actively removes impurities from the skin while providing skin nourishing oils. Mixed with water or in skincare formulations such as PHYTO5’s Metal element Phyt’Ether serum, Day Cream and Night Cream decongests pores, brightens skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation and prepares skin to better absorb nutrients such as minerals for better hydration.

Unrefined brown rice bran is considered one of the most nutrient dense foods ever studied. Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, writes that rice bran is comprised of more than 70 antioxidants that protect against cellular damage and, as a result, preserve the youthfulness of skin.

Nuka has a very important anti-age polyphenol antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Alpha lipoic acid is also known to restore damaged liver and to convert glucose to energy.

Deeply hydrating, rice bran oil is very light and readily absorbed into the skin. Vitamins B and E combined with a high percentage of fatty acids which deeply penetrate the skin, beautifully and gently moisturize, firm, tighten and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rice bran is exceptionally good for treating dehydrated, flaky, delicate and mature, fragile skin. Rice bran oil has been shown to prevent every aspect of ultraviolet damage and to reverse aging at the genetic level.

Rice bran oil provides a good source of tocotrienols, an antioxidant that is even more potent than vitamin E. They have gained a great deal of recognition in the cosmetics industry because of their potent antioxidant properties.

Tocotrienols accumulate in the skin and act as a first line of defense. The antioxidant components of tocotrienols, namely, beta-carotene and lycopene (a red carotenoid pigment present in tomatoes and many berries and fruits), help protect the skin from the harmful effects of aggressive environments.

For this reason, rice bran is especially beneficial to skin during cooler months of the year.

“When you use rice bran oil, you get exactly the benefits you need to reverse skin aging, including the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for good health.” Roxy Dillon, Bio-Young: Get Younger at a Cellular and Hormonal Level

Coenzyme Q10 present in rice bran oil helps the skin maintain a more youthful glow. In addition, rice bran oil is an excellent source of squalene which helps to stimulate your body to produce collagen, the main structural protein found in skin and connective tissues which helps your skin remain firm. Squalene in rice bran oil helps keep the skin bright, soft, supple and smooth.

There are many other rice bran oil health benefits in addition to those for the skin:

Cardiovascular health

Rice bran oil is also known as a heart-friendly oil. It helps lower cholesterol because it contains the perfect amount of the antioxidant known as oryzanol. It helps decrease cholesterol absorption and increase cholesterol elimination.

Weight reduction

Free of trans fatty acids, rice bran oil is an optimum choice for cooking.

Hair growth

Ferulic acid (mentioned above) and esters present in rice bran oil have the potential to boost hair growth and health.

Immune system

The abundance of antioxidants in rice bran oil fight free radicals which would otherwise contribute to aging and sickness.

Hormones

The high presence of vitamin B in rice bran oil balances hormone production in the body.

Menopause

Gamma oryzanol (mentioned above) in rice bran is known to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

Liver health

Rice bran improves liver function. It assists in the prevention of fatty liver development. 

#####

Cheong, Ling-Zhi et al. Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil: Chemistry, Processing and Utilization. Elsevier Science. January 14, 2019.

Jhin, MD, Marie. Asian Beauty Secrets: Ancient and Modern Tips from the Far East. Bush Street Press. May 2011.

Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books. November 2002.

Photo by Владимир Васильев at Pexels.

Using Your Body Shape to Help Explain Health Challenges and Reverse Them

Morphology is the study of body shapes. Your physical appearance is the specific manifestation of the sum total of all hidden and subtle energetic influences at work within you—what you were born with as well as what results from where and how you live your life. (This article was originally published September 2, 2016 and has been updated here for freshness and comprehensiveness.)

A healthy human constitution can be described as a relatively harmonious symbiosis between body and spirit. This is comprised of one’s morphological structure, physiological function, psychological makeup and ability to adapt to environments.

---

Every person has his or her own stamp, so to speak—a set of unique characteristics which is reflected in differences in morphology, function and psychology.

While there are an infinite number of body shapes, traditional Chinese medicine categorizes them into five groups based on specific characteristics and corresponding to each of the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine theory.

To each of the five elements corresponds a body type—a specific morphology. Here’s an overview:

• Wood: Muscular-type in need of physical activity; well-developed upper body (strong yang) with a generally lesser development of the legs (declining yin); dynamic; Sensitive to wind.

• Fire: Red-faced; rounded upper body with thin legs (strong yang and weak yin); likes to laugh; extroverted; sensitive to heat.

• Earth: Good proportions between upper and lower body (yin and yang in balance); likely to develop a belly; thinking type with stable demeanor; can be nervous when problems occur; sensitive to humidity.

• Metal: Skin poor in oxygenation, looking paler than usual, particularly for Caucasian and Asian complexions; skin sensitive to dryness and visible signs of desquamation; early loss of skin tone.

There are two possible versions of Metal body shapes:

1. Yin type: Thin and withdrawn; loss of minerals with poor oxygenation; poor circulation; cold perspiration.

2. Yang type: Bloated face with poor lymph drainage; puts on weight easily all over the body; poor venous circulation (on legs in particular); perspires with a strong odor.

• Water: Thin to skinny (strongest yin); early gray hair, black circles or puffy eyes, localized water retention; early loss of skin tone resulting in wrinkles; poor muscular development, very flexible articulations; dislikes cold.

Numerous descriptions of body morphology appear in Chinese medical texts. A famous passage from the Divine Pivot (Ling Shu)* corresponds the shape, number and types of human body parts to the structure of Heaven and Earth.

The texts documented the crucial spots on the body where a practitioner could insert needles or apply the heat of burning mugwort to cure illness, and they taught practitioners how to locate these points by describing their position relative to the bones, creases and swellings of the body.

Awareness of human morphology similarly shaped therapeutic texts in which illnesses and their cures were categorized according to the part of the body that was afflicted.

Morphology provides an additional set of information to help confirm the dominating energy influencing your health and appearance. It is a quick tool that can be used in tandem with information ascertained from your skin condition and biorhythm.

Morphology and biorhythm are likely to correlate and confirm each other. This combined information allows a trained practitioner to anticipate the likely direction of your aging process and to create a highly personalized skincare program for you.

In the case of an established esthetic challenge, skin condition or body shape, information from morphology helps define the proper solution for you. It confirms the right treatment protocol and the proper home regimen.

Morphology is just one important tool to help us better understand the energetic tendencies that affect each of us. It can also help explain the reasons behind some of our chronic health challenges.

“Setting aside any consideration of human evolution or racial groups, the human body can be broadly categorized into three types: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. People classified as ectomorphs usually have a long, lean frame and narrow shoulders and hips… Endomorphs, by contrast, are short and broad, with wide hips and a tendency to gain weight. Mesomorphs are athletic in build with broad shoulders, narrow waist, and powerful, but not wide, hips…

The basic shape or skeletal framework of a person, whether ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph, or a combination (few people will fall neatly into one specific category), cannot be changed by exercise. Exercise and food intake, however, can influence how you look.”

— Chan Ling Yap in Fusion Fitness: Combining the Best from East and West

#####

Endnotes:

*Ling Shu: Also known as Divine Pivot, Spiritual Pivot, or Numinous Pivot, is an ancient Chinese medical text whose earliest version was probably compiled in the first century BCE on the basis of earlier texts. It is one of two parts of a larger medical work known as the Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Huangdi or Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon). The other section, which is more commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is known as the Suwen.

University, Tsinghua University Press Tsinghua, and Dongpei Hu. Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Principles. De Gruyter, 2017.

Yap, Chan Ling. Fusion Fitness: Combining the Best from East and West. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 2003. Print.

Wu, Yi-Li. Reproducing Women: Medicine, Metaphor, and Childbirth in Late Imperial China. University of California Press, 2010.

Wu, Jing-Nuan. Ling Shu: Or the Spiritual Pivot. The Taoist Center, 2004.

Image in the public domain: Bather and Maid (La Toilette de la baigneuse) (1900–1901) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Escin Derivate from Horse Chestnut: Beneficial for Chronic Venous Stasis, Venous Circulation and Leg Edema (Heavy Legs)

Escin (aescin) is the main active component in horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), the unpalatable nut of the horse chestnut tree.* Horse chestnut derivate with escin is formulated into PHYTO5’s Metal element Yogi Body Gel specifically for the purpose of improving venous circulation. A group of 43 females who suffered from chronic venous stasis (slow blood flow in the veins) were treated once a day for 30 days with 2% escin in an oil/water emulsion and experienced marked improvements in 11 skin characteristic categories. (See results below.)

Escin is a substance that both thins the blood and supports blood coagulability. It works to reduce edema and increase venous tone. Escin also makes it harder for fluid to leak out of veins and capillaries and weakly promotes fluid loss through the urine to help prevent water retention.

Escin derivate is anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive and vasoprotective. Evidence suggests that escin, especially pure β-aescin, is a safe and effective treatment for short-term treatment of vascular fragility, varicose veins and veinous inflammation.

Escin is a dry extract and has long been extensively used by general practitioners in Germany in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Escin is used intravenously in vascular medicine and topically in cosmetics.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Especially for topical cosmetic application as in Metal Yogi Body Gel, escin is an excellent astringent, anti-inflammatory and decongestant that supports venous circulatory energy. Metal Yogi Body Gel is recommended for ‘heavy legs’ helping to keep legs light during long periods of travel, especially during flights. In fact, studies show escin may be just as effective as compression stockings for many people experiencing edema in the legs.

The horse chestnut tree is native to the Balkan peninsula and is commonly found in European ornamental gardens. Both the dried seeds and the bark of the horse chestnut tree have been used medicinally since the sixteenth century.

Homeopathic preparations of both the leaf and the seed are also used for treating hemorrhoids, lower back pain and varicose veins.

The buds and the flower of the horse chestnut tree are used to make the Bach flower remedies chestnut bud and white chestnut. The BACH remedy identifies the white chestnut remedy prepared from horse chestnut as encouraging to one’s positive potential to find tranquility and peace of mind. According to the BachCentre, white chestnut is “the remedy for unwanted thoughts and mental arguments that intrude into the mind… repetitive. They worry at us like a dog worries a bone.”

Related to this, the entire Metal element skin and haircare line by PHYTO5 also assists with the emotion of discontentment, helping to bring us to a balance point where we know that all is well.

In addition to horse chestnut derivate containing escin, unique ingredients in Metal Yogi Body Gel are essential oils of niaouli, eucalyptus, lemon and thyme. Metal Yogi Body Gel is rich in minerals iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and silica. Nourishing and hydrating biosaccharides and aloe and apricot oils are also unique ingredients in this decongesting, hydrating, mineralizing line of skincare.

Results of the 30-day study with 43 females suffering chronic venous stasis discussed in paragraph 1 above
The following values are approximate and each reflects an improvement in that area.

• roughness: 46%

• pastiness: 36%

• elasticity: 6.5%

• flexibility: 9%

• lipedema (a condition that is almost exclusively found in women and results in enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat): 60%

• ‘plaques’ with edema: 55%

• spontaneous pain: 30%

• provoked pain: 35%

• flaccidity (loose hanging skin): 45%

• striae (ridges in the skin): 5%

• cold skin: 24%

…

* Unrelated to true chestnuts, the horse chestnut bears unpalatable nuts enclosed in fleshy, thorny husks.

8 Ways to Expose Yourself To Earth's Healing Negative Ions

Many of us are aware that a return to nature is sorely needed in a world of technological devices, 5G, wifi signals and more. We are literally being insulted all day and sometimes all night long not just physically, but psychologically, socially and mentally as well. And the reason we know that a return to nature is our best remedy to counteract our technology bombarded lives is because when we enjoy even a short time in a nature setting we just feel better—and quickly. Why do we feel better? One big answer: NEGATIVE IONS. 

What are negative ions?

First, positive ions are atoms or molecules that have lost one or more electrons and consequently have a shortage of electrons.

In contrast, negative ions have gained one or more additional electrons which makes these odorless, tasteless, invisible molecules negatively charged as a whole.

There’s a delicate positive-negative ion balance in nature.

In a thunderstorm, the natural ratio of positive to negative ions can be disturbed very easily.

The normal concentration of positive ions in the air is very high. During and following the storm, the number of positive ions gradually declines while the concentration of negative ions increases.

Negative ions are actually biologically active and make a positive impact on the natural 24-hour cycle. Created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, ultraviolet rays, the vital energy of plants and moving air and water, they are not harmful even if their concentration is high. 

Offices, factories, and shopping malls are places where we will encounter an excess of positive ions.

We should very frequently expose ourselves to places with very high concentrations (tens of thousands) of negative ions such as these:

• mountains

• parks

• waterfalls/water fountains/your bathroom shower/misty rain/dewy grass

• springs

• beaches/pounding surfs

• forests (especially pine forests)

• moving air/wind

• dirt/earth

Along with placing ourselves in nature settings teeming with negative ions, here are some other creative activities you can do to generate negative ions right in your home or office environment:

• Burn beeswax candles; they are said to clean the air, produce negative ions and assist with allergy and asthma reduction. Make sure your beeswax candles are the real thing. Some manufacturers sell candles that are not 100% beeswax.

• Operate a Himalayan salt lamp wherever you spend a good deal of time in your home. They counteract the electronic vibrations and excessive positive ions caused by electronic devices in the home. The heated salt attracts and absorbs water in the air and then evaporates it; the salt mixes with the water molecules creating a solution. The positively charged ions of sodium and the negatively charged ions of chloride become neutral and are released into your environment. This reduces pollutants, irritants and allergens from the air.

• Run an indoor water fountain. The force or energy of falling or splashing water causes the neutral particles in air to split which frees electrons to attach to other air molecules resulting in negative ions.

• Have amethyst and tourmaline crystals nearby or wear them. Tourmaline is believed to convert moisture from the air to negative ions. Amethyst is considered to be similar in nature.

• Surround yourself with plants. They clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and breathing out fresh oxygen and many negative ions. Some plants release higher levels of negative ions than others (best choices: chrysanthemum, coconut palm, gerbera, spider plant and weeping fig). You will be able to tell if your plant is effective at dispersing negative ions into your environment if it thrives in its growth inside your home or office.

  • Adding on to the concept of plants in the home, diffuse high quality purely natural essential oils in a good diffuser. This creates a natural ionization effect. Read more about how to in our article, How Essential Oils May Help Purify the Air We Breathe.

• Use radiant heating from far infrared devices (they warm the body and not the air) and emit negative ions.

• Sit in front of bon- or hearth fires. Fires creative negative ions, too.

• Walk barefoot or use earthing/grounding inserts in your shoes; try earthing sandals (see earthrunners.com). When you come into direct contact with the earth, your body is suffused with negative ions and aligns to the same electric energy level as the earth.

  • In addition to walking on bare earth, walk on dewy grass or take a walk in the misty rain. Dew and mist also contain negative ions.

There are more ions in the WOODS than in the FIELD; more on a SUNNY day than on a CLOUDY day; and more where the ground has a high RADIOACTIVE content. PLANTS are nature's most prolific source of negative ions for they conduct the negative energy of the earth into the air by ejecting it from the tips of their leaves. We are told that "there are life-giving properties in the BALSAM of the PINE, in the FRAGRANCE of the CEDAR and the FIR, and other TREES also have properties that are HEALTH-RESTORING....

One potted plant per 100 square feet of floor space can help clean the air in the average home or office.... 15 to 20 potted plants of the right variety, such as PHILODENDRONS, SPIDER PLANTS, ALOE VERA, PEACE LILIES, CORN PLANTS, POTTED IVY, SNAKE PLANTS, and FLOWERING BANANAS would do the work of a good high-efficiency air cleaner in purifying the air in a room. – Paulien, Gunther B. The Divine Prescription and Science of Health and Healing. Brushton, NY: TEACH Services, 1997. Print.

…

Photo courtesy of Louis at Pexels

Guaiacwood Essential Oil Benefits

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits include skin tightening, age mitigating and purifying. Guaiacwood essential oil heals and soothes skin with its non-irritating, non-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Guaiacwood essential oil contracts blood vessels and skin tissue creating a tightened more youthful appearance. It works as a diuretic moving excess fluid. Guiacwood essential oil is able to mitigates signs of aging because it’s antioxidant rich. Antioxidants fight free radicals that cause aging in skin.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits include skin restoration. This is why cosmetic companies will formulate the oil into their therapeutic skincare.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural bxeauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique holistic beauty tips and offers.

A Comprehensive List of Guaiacwood Essential Oil Benefits

• skin tonifying; astringent/skin pore tightening

• cleansing and purifying to tissues and skin

• supportive of venous and lymphatic circulation (so necessary for radiant skin)

• balsamic (sharing a root with the word ‘balm,' balsamic here means healing to skin)

• antioxidizing (for slowing down the visible signs of aging)

• soothing to swollen or injured skin tissue

• anti-fungal (especially for skin)

• anti-inflammatory

• antiseptic (therefore good for acne and oily skin)

• astringent

• diaphoretic/sudorific (stimulating sweat)

• diuretic

• laxative

• anti-rheumatic

• tight muscle loosening

• easing of respiratory challenges

• stimulating to the genito-urinary system

• aphrodisiacal, calming, relaxing and tension relieving (slows down reflexes)

• mood uplifting

• mental clarity sharpening

• balancing anxious or depressed emotional state

• emotional pain relieving

• creativity enhancing

• restful sleep supportive

• meditation experience enhancing

Technically known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, guaiacwood essential oil benefits enhance a number of PHYTO5 skincare products:

• Zen Body Exfoliation

• organic certified Zen Massage Oil and

• organic certified Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits skincare products like the PHYTO5 products mentioned above in part, because it’s very viscous.

Unfortunately, even though the guaiacwood essential oil benefits for skin are numerous, it’s more often used for foods, beverages, candles, soaps, and perfumes because of its inherent intriguing flavor and scent.

Guaiacwood essential oil serves as an excipient or medium for the delivery of other ingredients in many products.

The cosmetic and perfume industries often utilize guaiacwood essential oil for its excellent fixative properties and delicate wood-rose odor.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits include scent balancing. It smoothes out strong or harsh fragrances with its sweet, delicate balsamic fragrance reminiscent of tea roses.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits and balances the rose notes in Chanel No. 19 with its own woody notes.

Once reserved strictly for use as incense, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) now regulates and protects guaiacwood and its trade.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits or those from the pure burning wood itself (often called palo santo) offer a calming fragrance similar to the burning of cedar. The calming nature of palo santo explains why meditating people enjoy when it releases its smoke into the air.

Guaiacwood essential oil possesses high levels of a highly complex mélange of odorant terpene compounds.(3) Roughly two thirds of guaiacwood’s terpene composition are guaiol and bulnesol. Guaiacwood is composed of approximately twelve different terpene compounds.

Click through the following links to learn about terpenes in our articles on the topic:

• The Terpene: Most Fundamental Fragrance, Flavor and Healing Component of Essential Oils; and

• Scent, Flavor and Healing Are Found In All Plants Because of Terpenes

Many soaps contain unpleasant smelling synthetic ingredients. The soap manufacturers utilize the natural fragrance guaiacwood essential oil benefits to potently mask the chemical odor.

Guaiacwood essential oil benefits include the flavor component. It’s used in baked goods, meat products, gelatins, puddings, confectionary, beverages including alcoholic, and frozen dairy desserts.

Guaiacwood Essential Oil Benefits In Folk Medicine

Guaiac grows endemically as a tree with beautifully fragrant wood in the Gran Chaco region(1) of South America.

For hundreds of years, the local population takes advantage of guaiacwood essential oil benefits in the wood as a multipurpose folk medicine. They make infusion remedies by brewing the tree’s bark, crust or leaves. Guaiacwood essential oil benefits seep organically into the tea. And the people enjoy a whole range of health benefits from the tea.

The Gran Chaco people tap into guaiacwood essential oil benefits as:

• blood cleanser

• perspiration inducer

• diuretic

• gastric pain reliever and

• wound and skin healer.

They use guaiacwood essential oil to treat serious diseases and conditions like syphillis, leprosy, gout, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. And they treat less serious conditions with guiacwood essential oil such as common colds, flu symptoms and headaches.

Guaiacwood Essential Oil Benefits Derive from the Exemplary Strength of the Tree Itself.

Guaiacwood possesses a high resin content and is particularly dense. It makes an excellent wood in some construction, in floor parquetry and handicrafts.

Essential oil manufacturers produce guaiacwood essential oil by steam distillation of the heartwood,(2) sawdust and wood leftovers of the tree.

The wood of the guaiacwood tree grows 20 to 65 feet tall. And the age of the guaiacwood tree determines how potent the essential oil will be.

As mentioned earlier, guaiacwood grows in the Gran Chaco region which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and to some extent Brazil.

Essential oil producers in the Gran Chaco region yield roughly 100 metric tons of guaiacwood essential oil per year.

In the Gran Chaco region, the people call guiacwood—palo santo (holy wood). The name palo santo originated in the jungles of Northwest Argentina.

But guaiacwood goes by many more names:

• champaca-wood

• pockwood

• lignum vitae (wood of life)

• essence bois de guaic in French.

If you come across guaiac resin understand that it’s an entirely different product from guaiacwood essential oil. Guaic resin comes from the tree Guaiacum officinale of the Bahama Islands. They use this resin to produce drug store stool tests looking for hidden blood in a sample.

Perfumers rarely use guaiac resin. But the tincture prepared from this resin does have a pleasant balsamic vanilla-like odor with a slightly smoky undertone. This particular guac tincture is the same tincture Sherlock Holmes used to identify blood stains in a murder scene.

…

Endnotes:

1. The Gran Chaco region is a lowland plain in central South America that extends from southern Bolivia through Paraguay to northern Argentina.

2. Heartwood is the dense inner part of a tree trunk, yielding the hardest timber.

3. Terpenes are aromatic metabolites found in the oils of all plants. Almost without exception, when a plant produces a scent or flavor, that odor or flavor comes from the terpenes present in the plant.

…

Sources:

Tissandié L, Viciana S, Brevard H, Meierhenrich UJ, Filippi JJ. Towards a complete characterisation of guaiacwood oil. Phytochemistry. 2018 May;149:64-81. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.02.007. Epub 2018 Feb 23. PMID: 29477626.

Schmidt, Erich, and deGroot, AntonC.. Essential Oils: Contact Allergy and Chemical Composition. United Kingdom, CRC Press, 2021.

Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. N.p., Lulu.com, 2017.

Abourashed, Ehab A., and Khan, Ikhlas A.. Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients: Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. Germany, Wiley, 2011.

High Tech Natural Compound DEFENSIL PLUS Soothes Inflamed Skin

DEFENSIL®-PLUS* is a high tech natural compound and a slightly viscous, olive-green liquid formulated in gels and emulsions designed to protect and prevent the appearance of sensitive and irritated skin in need of regeneration. For this reason Defensil Plus is a unique principle ingredient in PHYTO5’s Yogi Body Gel.

According to RAHN, the maker of Defensil Plus, it is scientifically confirmed to be a soothing, anti-inflammatory used as first aid in sensitive skin. It protects and replenishes the damaged skin barrier, reduces allergic reactions, reduces tissue damage resulting from mosquito bites, soothes the skin after shaving and epilation, and helps alleviate atopic eczema.

One of Defensil Plus’ main components is black currant seed oil.

Skincare products infused with black currant oil benefit provide a protective and moisturizing boost to the skin.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has high contents of anthocyanins, major contributors to the antioxidant capacity of the oil. An excellent source of Vitamin C and phytochemicals, black currant oil’s antioxidant content helps protect skin from harmful free radicals caused by environmental insults.

Black currant is used in cosmetic products for its astringent and skin smoothening action as well as for its fragrancing and emollient properties. The oil of black currant is considered effective for enhancing skin’s ability to develop normal barrier functions resulting in improved water-retention and an overall increase in skin hydration. It also lends a protective effect on the corneum layer (outer layer of the skin). Black currant seed oil contains fatty, linoleic,** and linolenic*** acids, all enormously beneficial to skin. When applied to dried skin, Defensil Plus may increase the skin’s own content of these fatty acids.

Another major component of Defensil Plus is extract of balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum). Rich in antioxidants, it is also an anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic and anti-arthritic. Medical studies have confirmed that balloon vine extract is effective in treating eczema.

Extracts from balloon vine are added to creams and oils for treating eczema and dermatitis. The herbal extracts are even added to hair oil preparations to reduce dandruff and even to darken the hair. Powdered bark extracts of balloon vine are also internally administered to treat skin diseases, asthma, sore throat, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

Other unique ingredients found in Fire Yogi Body Gel but which are not components of Defensil Plus include: rosemary essential oil (circulation balancing), lavender essential oil (quickens healing; soothing to allergic dermatitis), ylang ylang essential oil (calming to skin), biosaccharides (moisturizing and soothing), aloe vera extract (pain and dermatitis soothing), apricot kernel oil (nourishing and hydrating) and menthyl lactate (cooling to skin).

#####

Endnotes:

* Made by the American company RAHN, a leading global supplier of high-quality specialties for the personal care and cosmetics industry; Defensil Plus is comprised of Octyldodecanol (and) Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables (and) Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract (and) Tocopherol (and) Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (and) Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

** A polyunsaturated essential Omega-6 fatty acid found mostly in plant oils. It is used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and cell membranes.

*** An essential fatty acid belonging to the omega-3 fatty acids group. It is highly concentrated in certain plant oils and has been reported to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin resulting in reduced inflammation and prevention of certain chronic diseases.

Lim, T. K. Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants: Vol. 4 Fruits. Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg. London, New York. 2012.

Michalun, M. Varinia and DiNardo, Joseph C. Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Cengage Learning. 2014.

Hari, Ven. Phytomedicine: Healing Herbs. Notion Press. 2020.

“Linolenic Acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Linolenic-acid. 

“Linoleic Acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Linoleic-acid. 

Brod, J. et al. Evolution of lipid composition in skin treated with blackcurrant seed oil. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 10.4, 149-159 (1988).

Tangerine Essential Oil: Purifying, Refreshing and Toning to Skin and Body

Tangerine essential oil (Citrus reticulata), the brightly sweet essential oil expressed from the pericarp (peel) of the ripe tangerine, is excellent for cleansing, purifying, refreshing and toning skin. For this reason, tangerine essential oil is a primary unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Cleansing Milk.

Tangerine essential oil contains a significant quantity of d-limonene, an antioxidant, found to be excellent for skin and hair. D-limonene reduces inflammation and fights disease-causing germs.

The antiseptic, antibacterial properties of the oil help to remove bacteria on the surface of the skin and reduce excess sebum and congestion in oily and combination skin types. This makes tangerine essential oil an effective fighter against acne.

Tangerine essential oils helps alleviate stagnant fluids.

With a high folate content (vitamin B9/folic acid, tangerine essential oil speeds the healing of wounds while it staves off infection.

Further, tangerine essential oil assists in the healing of scars, spots and stretch marks and is widely considered a tonic for the entire body.

The high vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium and magnesium content in tangerine essential oil means good hair health when it’s present as an ingredient in haircare. It penetrates the scalp to nourish follicles from within.

Tangerine essential oils is regarded as a remedy for indigestion. It helps to eliminate toxins by regulating liver function and health.

A 2018 scientific study referenced in the endnotes of this article found that the use of citrus peels, particularly of Citrus reticulata (tangerine) which is wasted in huge amounts, may indeed be a cancer preventive and anticancer agent, in part, because of its strong antioxidant properties.

The essential oil of tangerine is known to relax both physically and mentally. Post workout, it can assist to relax strained muscles and relieve muscle cramps.

When mentally stressed tangerine can be mildly aphrodisiacal as it helps soothe and comfort and uplifts a sad spirit. Tangerine essential oils supports a feeling of stability and strength when one is in need. It promotes better, sounder sleep and encourages mental focus. Diffused tangerine essential oil works to lift burdens of the creative mind to allow the art to flow and it nurtures a sense of well-being. (Read our blog about diffusing essential oils to purify the air here.)

Tangerine is a hybrid of the mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and the pomelo (Citrus maxima). Often interchangeably called mandarin essential oil, the two are actually distinctly different since each represents different chemotypes.

Tangerine is one of the sweetest of the citrus fragrances. The first shipment of tangerines from Asia was believed to have been sent to Tangiers around 1845 and so tangerines got their name from Tangiers in Morocco.

In both the flavor and fragrance industry, differences are said to exist between the various varieties of tangerine both in the juice and the essential oil.

Applications for tangerine essential oil are skincare, haircare, the bath, massage, in a diffuser, in perfume and as flavorings in food.

The following is a summary of the properties of tangerine essential oil:

• antibacterial

• antioxidant

• antiseptic

• antispasmodic

• carminative (flatulence relieving)

• digestive

• diuretic (mild)

• laxative (mild)

• sedative

• stimulant (digestive and lymphatic)

• tonic

#####

Quezada, Maria. Finding Infinity, Vol. 1: An Easy Aromatherapy Guide to Blending Essential Oils (Anti-Aging Secrets). Mount Olympus Books. Aliso Viejo, CA. 2010.

Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential OIls: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well-Being. Red Wheel. San Francisco, CA. June 2013.

Ishfaq M, Akhtar B, Muhammad F, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Hamid I, Sohail K, Muhammad H. Antioxidant and wound healing potential of essential oil from Citrus reticulata peel and its chemical characterization. Medicinal values of peels essential oil. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020 Sep 17. doi: 10.2174/1389201021999200918102123. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32957881.

Nair S A, Sr RK, Nair AS, Baby S. Citrus peels prevent cancer. Phytomedicine. 2018 Nov 15;50:231-237. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.08.011. Epub 2017 Aug 17. PMID: 30466983.

Photo by Sunsetoned at Pexels

Negative Ions Skin Benefits and How Negative Ions Improve Your Health

Both positive and negative ions contribute to life and are very necessary. Air minus these elements is neutral air and won’t sustain life.

But too many people constantly expose themselves to a positive ion poisoned atmosphere. In today’s modern lifestyle, we constantly deprive ourself of negative ions benefits. It contributes to disease. Living a more natural life gives us the antidote. It’s how we reap negative ions benefits both for skin and health.

Are negative ions good for you?

Negative ions benefits truly exist even if their concentration is high. Nature creates them as air molecules break apart. This breaking apart action happens as a result of sunlight, radiation, ultraviolet rays, the vital energy of plants, and moving air and crashing water.

Studies show exposure to negatively ionized air increases oxygenation of the lungs and the vital capacity of lungs’ ciliary(1) activity.

Negative ions benefits help to relieve headaches and respiratory conditions and even assist to regulate blood pressure.

Regular exposure to negative ions in nature generates a sense of profound well-being.

Skin and your anti-aging efforts benefit enormously from exposure to negative ions. (Read on for those important details.)

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Here’s how negative ions occur in the example of the thunderstorm:

After a thunderstorm raindrops strike the earth. Water droplets split into larger positively charged particles and smaller negatively charged particles. And the smaller negative particles repel from earth’s negative surface back up into the air (negative repels negative).

As electrons leave water molecules they attach themselves to oxygen molecules. Once an atom or molecule acquires more electrons than protons it instantly becomes a negative ion.

Science calls this natural action the Lenard effect named for German physicist Philipp Eduard Anton Lenard. Although he didn’t discover negative ions Lenard did scientifically prove that air is negatively charged in certain natural conditions like the waterfall.

Negative ions benefits and health go hand in hand. They give us enormous health benefits based on increased energy and vitality. We can say this because naturally occurring negative ions in air, ground, plants and water enhance our own internal electrical conductivity.

The more you daily expose yourself to the negative ions benefits from these natural sources, the more energy and vitality you’ll enjoy.

Earth’s sand, soil, grass abound with negative ions that raise from the rocks underground. The sun, cosmic radiation and lightning strikes also offer us negative ions. They float in the air and also go into the natural ground surface under our feet.

Depending on what time of day you choose to enjoy sunlight, you’ll subject your skin and body to either positive ion harm or negative ions benefits. The sun emits different light frequencies and energy depending on its height and trajectory in the sky.

The midday sun causes major proton generation dumping masses of positive hydrogen ions into the atmosphere. These positive ions pelt your eyes and skin.

It’s better to enjoy either the sunrise or sunset because both generate a copious buffer of negative ions benefits.

Or connect your bare skin with the ground to absorb vitality generating negative ions. Walk barefoot or lay down on the ground for at least 15 minutes at a time. We call this action earthing or grounding—your natural gateway to negative ions benefits.

As soon as your skin makes contact with organic negative ion surfaces, you create a natural pressure gradient between the negatively charged earth and your body. Negative ions immediately transfer into your body through the skin for as long as you keep skin and body and the negatively charged medium in contact.

Negative Ions Skin Benefits: Better Circulation of the 5 Fluids

Contrary to synthetic ingredient skincare devoid of negative ions skin benefits, PHYTO5 5-element quantum energetic skincare is naturally formulated. PHYTO5 skincare is rich with natural plant-based hero ingredients—bringing negative ions skin benefits right to your skin.

PHYTO5 skincare works to balance the five fluids present in skin for improved radiance and exalted natural beauty. Almost without even trying, PHYTO5 deliver negative ions skin benefits to your skin.

Each of these five fluids corresponds to one of the five elements in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). And each of these five fluids, especially when balanced, offer you negative ions skin benefits.

The five fluids are:

1. vital energy: energetic Spring and the Wood element

2. red blood: energetic Summer and the Fire element

3. lymph: each of the four 18-day transition periods of the Earth element, bridging one of the other four seasons to the next

4. blue blood: energetic Fall and the Metal element

5. water: energetic Winter and the Water element.

Grounding improves circulation of both red and blue blood so necessary for skin health.

By improving circulation, negative ions skin benefits also include improved lymphatic flow.

Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells that bathes tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream. Radiant skin health and beauty demand good lymph flow.

Earthing also supports the flow of vital energy which is another requisite for natural beauty and skin health. It enhances cellular health vital to skin. (And it also supports good brain function.)

Negative ions you naturally absorb also supports you to maintain moisture balance in body and skin.

Negative Ions Skin Benefits: Balanced pH

Negative ions also help restore an optimal pH level important for health and skin. It shifts your body’s indicators blood acid-base balance to alkaline.

Lay on the earth or walking barefoot on it for several minutes a day and help alkalize your skin.

Negative Ions Skin Benefits: Counteract Harmful Positive Ions in Some Skincare Contains

Many cosmetics, fragrances, shampoos, conditioners and body washes are formulated with synthetic ingredients with a plethora of harmful positive ions.

They bombard skin, hair and body with too many positive ions. Fluoride toothpastes generate many positive ions.

It makes complete sense to use only natural skin, hair and personal care products if you want to reduce your exposure to positive ion bombardment.

Negative Ions Skin Benefits: Mitigating Signs of Aging

Theoretically, if skin cells contain positively ion charged free radicals and they do, then negative ions should slow signs of aging and cell damage. This is because negative ions bond to free radicals that hold a positive charge.

Since skin is permeable to negative ions, it better absorbs the nourishment from quality natural skin care products. These naturally formulated products also help you maintain moisture in skin. Radiant dewey skin looks younger.

Negative Ions Skin Benefits: Accelerated Wound Healing

Studies demonstrate accelerated wound healing when the wound’s exposed to negative ions. Negative ions skin benefits include rapid closure of the wound beginning at skin level.

One among them, a 1986 study published in General Physiology and Biophysics, showed that accelerated wound healing occurred in rats whose skin was exposed to negative ions for three hours.

The researchers also found that harmful microorganisms (Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus) proliferated on oxygen deprived skin. Negative ions pulsed onto the injured tissue immediately killed the harmful microorganisms.

Are negative ions good for you? Absolutely. Stay away from these positive ion generators.

Unfortunately, positive ion poisoned atmospheres form the foundation of today’s modern living. Western technology is distorting the electrical charge of the air we breathe. So we need to take proactive measures against this.

Here's a list of positive ion generating offenders:

• man-made fragrances and chemicals

• modern structures of concrete, steel, plastic

• mobile phones

• cell towers

• power lines

• office buildings with central heat and A/C

• hermetically sealed high-rise apartments

• automobile exhaust fumes

• off gassing of man-made plastics, paint, etc.

• factory fumes

• airplanes

• synthetic fibers

• smoking

• air pollution

• industrial waste

• state-of-the-art insulation (actually prevents negative ions from entering the building)

…

Endnotes:

(1) Cilia are small slender hair-like structures on the surface of all mammalian cells. They play a major role in locomotion as they move water to the cell in a regular movement.

Sources:

Donsbach Ph.D., D. Sc., N. D., D. C., Kurt W. Dr. Donsbach Tells You What You Always Wanted to Know About Negative Ions. The International Institute of Natural Health Science. Huntington Beach, CA. 1981.

Mindell R.Ph., M. H., Ph. D., Earl. The Happiness Effect: The Positive Benefits of Negative Ions. Square One. November 2015.

Matadeen, Harry. Negative Ions: The Grand Unifier Of Health And Life. Self-published. September 2019.

Robertson, Sheena. “Negative Ions and Anti Aging.” Guardian Liberty Voice, 4 Dec. 2020, guardianlv.com/2020/12/negative-ions-and-anti-aging/. 

“Role of Vegetation in Enhancing Radon Concentration and Ion Production in the Atmosphere.” Environmental Science & Technology, pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es201152g. 

Silica Rich Horsetail: Very Beneficial for Anti-Aging Skin and Hair Care

Horsetail extract (Equisetum arvense), one of the most important ‘cosmetic herbs,’ can be found in PHYTO5’s Facial Cleansing Gel and Water element Phyt’Ether serum and Horsetail-Buckwheat Shampoo. Horsetail is a very rich source of silica and a basic component of hair, skin and nails. The silica in horsetail (70% silica in soluble form) is very bio-available making horsetail an extremely effective constituent in skincare and nutritional supplementation.

Silica rich horsetail is very beneficial for use in anti-aging and acne skincare products. Horsetail in PHYTO5’s Water element Phyt’Ether serum for skin, scalp and body works to soften lines and firm and tone. Because of its silica content it promotes elasticity and helps rejuvenate skin. This potent ingredient also acts as astringent tightening the skin.

Horsetail helps cleanse the body of impurities and excess water and as a result reduces swelling and puffiness while restoring color to the skin. It helps strengthen the kidneys, the organ associated with the Water element according to traditional Chinese medicine.

It can help heal skin damaged by fungal diseases, allergies and rashes such as eczema, skin irritated by shaving or disfigured by acne or blemishes.

Horsetail also improves the health of brittle fingernails and cuticles.

PHYTO5’s Water element Horsetail-Buckwheat Shampoo provides horsetail as a perfect primary unique ingredient because it gives body to lifeless hair and improves the condition of the scalp. It naturally helps create lather for the shampoo and acts on scalp's blood vessels to stimulate 1) circulation in the scalp; 2) the function of silica and sulfur which are both anti-seborrhea;* 3) the function of the amino acid cystine which acts as a bridge in the structure of hair.

Horsetail discourages dandruff and restores scalp oil glands to their proper working order. It’s known to hasten the scalp’s recovery from rashes, fungal diseases and allergic reactions and it helps to prevent hair loss.

Research shows that plants that have adapted to survive in difficult conditions often contain phytochemicals with medicinal value to humans and horsetail is one of those plants. The fern plant horsetail has been used medicinally by Native Americans, Tibetans, the Chinese and ancient Greeks and Romans. 

Horsetail when used for skin is also stimulating, soothing, healing, and nourishing. It assists skin to increase its own defense mechanism. Because of its rich mineral content, it helps regulate the skin. The silicic acid present in horsetail makes it able to strengthen connective tissue and capillary walls..

Additional constituents of horsetail extract are amino acids citruline (antioxidant and skin conditioning agent), valine (tissue recovery and repair), lysine (collagen builder), serine (natural moisturizing agent) and asparaginic acid (strengthens skin’s natural defense system and helps slow signs of aging caused by environmental damage).

#####

Endnotes:

* working against excessive discharge of sebum from the sebaceous glands

Michalun, M. Varinia, and Joseph C. Dinardo. Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Milady, 2015. 

Arrowsmith, Nancy. Essential Herbal Wisdom A Complete Exploration of 50 Remarkable Herbs. Llewellyn Publications. 2009

Bio-dynamic Farming and Gardening Association. Bio-dynamics Issues 182-202. Cornell University. 1992.

Jones, Pamela. Just Weeds: History, Myths and Uses. Prentice Hall Press. 2009.

Schoffro Cook, Michelle. Be Your Own Herbalist Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking. New World Library. 2016.

Photo by Julia Schwab at Pixabay.

Green Tea: Powerful In Treating a Variety of Skin Conditions and Elevating Our Vitality and Well-Being

Green tea extract is effectively absorbed through the skin and provides skin with a whole host of nourishing, protective and age mitigating actions. Skin has measurably more health, vibrancy, elasticity and firmness after continued application of green tea containing skincare. This is why green tea is a vital unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Earth element Yogi Body Gel, a product that effectively reduces the appearance of ‘orange peel thighs’ or cellulite.

More than 150 in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the benefits of green tea for skin. A number of mechanisms in green tea appear to be responsible.

Green tea extracts play a protective role in preventing free radical damage that may result in skin tumors, cancers and DNA damage (Chiu and Kimball, 2003).

The methylxanthines(1) in green tea extracts help stimulate skin microcirculation and therefore influence skin’s health. For this reason, green tea polyphenols can be used as an anti-aging ingredient in skincare as it fights inflammation that induces premature aging.

Green tea is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and vulnerary (wound healer), studies show.

The research also shows that green tea extract “can be exploited against a variety of skin disorders. Although more clinical studies are needed, supplementation of skin care products with green tea may have a profound impact on various skin disorders in the years to come.” —S. K. Katiyar et al in “Green Tea and Skin”

Green tea’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties makes it effective against acne and oily skin. When green tea is applied to the skin, its polyphenols(2) help reduce sebum secretion which may lead to acne.

Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds also known as epicatechins(3) which are antioxidant in nature. These polyphenols have been found to limit the rate of cell death when cells are vigorously exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The polyphenols in green tea protect the cells against damage from sunlight and reddening of the skin. Research has proven that topical application of green tea to skin one half hour before ultraviolet light exposure protects the user against sunburn and epidermal damage (Elmets et al 2001). The effect is largely due to EGCG (the catechin,(4) Epigallocatechin gallate), a primary polyphenol in green tea. EGCG is 20 times more powerful than vitamin E as a free radical neutralizing antioxidant.

In fact, Dr. Andrew Weil(5) found that EGCG in green tea shows “impressive activity against many kinds of cancer, while appearing to protect the heart and arteries from oxidative damage.” It contributes to a healthy heart and even blood pressure as it works on strengthening the lining of the blood vessels.

Those who consistently drink green tea are shown to have greater dilation of the arteries on ultrasound 30 minutes after drinking the tea compared to those drinking simple hot water or a diluted caffeine beverage. Slightly less than 1/4 ounce of green tea consumed daily or three to four cups of tea per day is all that’s required to achieve healthier cardiovascular function.

In addition, you get a healthy dose vitamin C when consuming green tea–approximately 280 mg in every 3.5 ounces of raw tea.

One 2009 Japanese scientific study conducted by Tokushima Bunri University found that green tea is able to effectively fight against the H1N1 influenza virus.

In addition to protecting cells and organs including skin, consuming green tea helps reduce stress and assists to creates balance of body and mind acting like a natural medicine.

Besides drinking green tea for its enjoyment or applying topically to the skin, green tea is beneficial to:

• Curb an overactive appetite by drinking one cup before meals

• Fertilize plants with leftover green tea leaves from steeping tea

• Prevent or lessen dental cavities

• Refresh the mouth since its tannin content removes stickiness and bad breath, also killing bacteria

• Deodorize and freshen the air (by simply boiling some on your stovetop)

• Stimulate the mind and mental faculties

#####

(1) A naturally occurring mild stimulant

(2) A type of naturally occurring plant antioxidative compound that protects the body's tissues against oxidative stress and associated pathologies such as cancers, coronary heart disease and inflammation.

(3) One of the most abundant flavonoids (plant pigments) present in different fruits such as apples, blackberries, broad beans, cherries, grapes, pears, raspberries, cocoa, and also in tea leaves.

(4) Natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage among other benefits

(5 )Andrew Weil, MD is founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology, and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health.

#####

Endnotes:

Juneja, Lekh R., et al. Green Tea Polyphenols: Nutraceuticals of Modern Life. CRC Press, 2016. 

Chiu, A., and Kimball, A. B. 2003. Topical vitamins, minerals and botanical ingredients as modulators of environmental and chronological skin damage. Br J Dermatol, 149; 681-691.

Braun, Lesley, and Marc Cohen. Essential Herbs & Natural Supplements. Elsevier Australia, 2017. 

Kayaki, Toshimi A. Green Tea Living: a Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-Friendly Habits, Health and Happiness. Stone Bridge, 2010. 

H;, Katiyar SK;Ahmad N;Mukhtar. “Green Tea and Skin.” Archives of Dermatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10926734/. 

CA;, Katiyar SK;Elmets. “Green Tea Polyphenolic Antioxidants and Skin Photoprotection (Review).” International Journal of Oncology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11351267/. 

Photo pouring green tea by Tima Miroshnichenko at Pexels

Essential Oils: Regenerative Wonders of Nature for Skin and Body

Essential oils can be used to help positively shift many health conditions. Though they are not a miracle cure for all ailments they can be used in a strategic holistic way to help bring balance back to the body and assist us to regain higher levels of health.

Humans have long consumed plants for their healing value. Plants and their highly concentrated essences–essential oils–can be used to complement and support whole food diets that aim to uplift physical vitality. We are meant to consume hundreds of different plant species each year and not just a handful. The more diverse our plant consumption is, the greater our resiliency and vitality.

As your body digests plants, thousands of metabolites–substances produced when the body breaks down food and chemicals–are absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream. These metabolites have a major impact on our risk of diseases: cardiovascular, autoimmune, mental imbalances, obesity, diabetes and even cancer. These metabolites created through the digestion of a wide array of plants contribute to how our cells create our internal chemistry of life. We will create a more perfect chemistry of life when the thousands of metabolites streaming through our bodies come from a great diversity of plant life.

Essential oils contain the key components of the plants’ immune systems. The oils assist the plants to grow, thrive, evolve and adapt to their surroundings and what essential oils do for the plants, they can do for us also. Humans have a shared chemistry with plants. Both plants and humans are made of three primary elements–carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The oil of the plant protects the plant from bacterial and viral infections, heals injuries, repels unwanted predators, guards against environmental aggressors, and deliver nutrients to the cells. And the essential oils of plants have the ability to do all the same for the human body, too.

Along with oxygen, plants pass along the nutrients which they’ve absorbed from the soil and solar energy from the sun when we consume them.

“Plants take the energy of the sun and transform it, through photosynthesis, into the food energy upon which all animals rely. Essential oils are the concentrated form of that sun energy.” —Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils

The healing benefits of plants are largely more accessible when the plants are immersed in water for a period of time. The method used to extract the oils from plants, steam distillation, obviously exposes plants to water along with heat and pressure. Through steam distillation the essential oil becomes accessible to the body and easy to assimilate.

Since many of us, even when our diet is largely good and balanced, consume some foods and beverages that are terrible for our bodies, a great variety of plant metabolites in the body over time will result in fewer physical challenges and enduring health.

Terry Wahls, MD, who became an expert in the use of essential oils after she used them with great success to treat a number of her own health issues says:

“When I look at essential oils through a food lens, I know that essential oils are interacting positively with our biochemical pathways and nervous systems, even calming excessive inflammation. The inhalation of essential oils activates the same pathways in the brain. The topical application of essential oils on the skin ensures they are entering the bloodstream and affecting the body’s pathways.”

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

And says Stephanie L. Tourles in Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty:

“The molecular structure of a pure plant essential oil is so compact that within minutes after inhalation and a bit longer following topical application, the oil can be detected in your breath and in your bloodstream. Just imagine what benefits your skin will receive from the rapid absorption of these regenerative wonders of nature.”

Dr. Wahls urges:

“I encourage the addition of essential oils in your self-care program along with different vegetables, spices and teas as sources of plant diversity. There are literally hundreds of essential oils and spices that you can integrate into your life to expose yourself to at least two hundred different plant species in a year.” —Terry Wahls, MD

Intriguing Facts About Essential Oils You May Not Have Known

• Once essential oils are applied to the skin, they are quickly and easily absorbed, then carried by the bloodstream to every cell in the body within minutes.

• The super small size and light weight of essential oil molecules are what make them so aromatic.

• There are approximately 40 quintillion molecules (that’s a 4 with 19 zeros after it) in one single drop of essential oil. Our bodies are composed of 100 trillion cells, therefore once we consume one drop of essential oil, there are 400,000 molecules for each cell in the human body.

• Essential oils are fat-soluble which makes them especially helpful for penetrating the blood-brain barrier and enhancing brain function. (The brain is 60% fat and needs fat to function well.)

• It takes 28 cups of peppermint tea to equal one drop of peppermint essential oil. More than 250 pounds of peppermint leaves are needed to make one pound of peppermint essential oil. There are five drops of lemon essential oil in one lemon.

• Diffusing essential oils can actually help increase the atmospheric oxygen in a room.

• When diffused, certain oils have the ability to remove toxins or metallic particles from the air (e.g. tea tree, lemongrass, pine, citrus, ylang ylang).

• Citrus oils like lemon, orange, and grapefruit have been found to boost positive thoughts and enhance your mood.

• Many European doctors prescribe oils to be taken internally, in addition to or in place of pharmaceuticals.

• Each essential oil contains several to several hundred different kinds of molecules, each of which offers benefits in promoting good health, healing and regeneration.

• Testing the purity of your oil is best done by placing a drop on construction paper. If there is nothing left behind after 15 minutes, it is pure. If there is an oil ring, it is not pure.
  
  

…

Cohen, Jodi. Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body: 5 Steps to Calm Anxiety, Sleep Better, and Reduce Inflammation to Regain Control of Your Health. Ten Speed Press, March 2021. 

Worwood, Valerie Ann. Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils. New World Library, 2006. 

Photo by Elly Fairytale at Pexels

How Essential Oils May Help Purify the Air We Breathe

Synthetic mass marketed perfumes and aerosol fragrances are commonly used to overtone unpleasant smells but they don’t actually cleanse the air we breathe. Diffusing only the purest essential oils in a room using the natural air as a propellant will fill an average sized room in minutes with millions of ionized micro-droplets–a natural aerosol.

Negative Ions

This simple method of diffusion is actually more effective than heat and evaporative methods which oxidize the oil and suppress the natural ionization effect. Many essential oils are also highly antiseptic and kill most airborne bacteria and viruses within a short period of time.

As a diffused essential oil decomposes it releases ionic oxygen into the air creating a negative ion charge. Air negative ions* are naturally produced by cosmic rays, weather fronts, moving water and wind, for example and these negative ions are extremely beneficial to our health.

For more extensive details on negative ions and your health, please read our viral blogs:

“24 Ways to Reap the Benefits of Earth’s Gift of Negatively Charged Ions"

“8 Ways to Expose Yourself to Earth’s Healing Negative Ions"

Most buildings we spend time in, including our homes and offices, are sorely lacking negative ions because of electrical fields and electrostatic charges created by electric and electronic appliances and devices, especially if they are not grounded. Faulty and harmful wiring combined with static charges from synthetic surfaces and air with less than 50% relative humidity will tend to deplete negative ions in the air. Other offenders include metal ducting, cigarette smoke and general indoor air pollution.

Similar to how we’ll find high levels of negative ions close to a fireplace fire, a beeswax candle or falling shower water, diffused essential oil of plants will balance the electro-climate as they emit negative ions into the air.

Diffusing an essential oil is one excellent way to balance the air we breathe with natural negative ionization.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Ozone

Ozone, an active form of oxygen, is a constituent of the atmospheric air we breathe and is not the same as negative ionization.

Sometimes we may find ourselves uncomfortable in a room and can’t put our finger on the reason why. This feeling is often due to the condition of the air in the room which is impure or unfit to breathe.

The ozone content of the atmosphere is exceedingly small but without it, we breathe in stagnant air. The air in a closed room, for example, rarely contains any ozone, while the air in an open room is very rich in ozone. As another example, in months with abundant precipitation, the air will register more ozone than usual. The same will occur on nights with heavy dewfall. And in forests we find greater amounts of ozone above the tips of the trees.

Ozone acts as a stimulant to the entire nervous system which is why we’ll feel so good when we walk through a forest. The evaporation of the essential oils from the branch tips of the pine trees assist to form ozone in the air. Essential oil of Sylvester/Scots pine possesses this ability to a very high degree and since its fragrance is so delightful, it was one of the very first to be used in air purification applications. Juniper berry and lavender essential oils are also very effective in adding ozone for air purification.

Properly distributed essential oil fragrance through diffusion makes the room’s air pleasantly fresh and rich in ozone as the essential oil slowly evaporates. Simply burning an essential oil causing the oil to rapidly evaporate does not distribute the aromatic molecules in a finely divided condition rendering it ineffective before it even reaches the air.

Antimicrobial, Antifungal

Research supports that very many essential oils possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help clear surrounding air. The following essential oils have been found beneficial for air purification from microbes and fungi.

Tea Tree: ”Tea tree essential oils have an affinity for the respiratory system and have been clinically shown to kill the airborne flu virus," says Leigh Winters, M.A., M.S., neuroscientist, psychologist and aromatherapist.

Eucalyptus: rejuvenating, freshening, energizing and purifying to the air

Lemongrass and Cinnamon bark:

”Lemongrass and cinnamon bark are known to be a tad too strong to use in high dosages for DIY skin care products, but they work wonders on battling bacteria in the air," Winters adds.

3. Conifers Pine, Spruce, and Fir: all containing pinene, a chemical compound with well-documented antibacterial properties

4. Citrus: Sweet orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils are antimicrobial, destroying airborne germs with their high levels of limonene.

5. Clove bud and ylang ylang: In the study, “Essential oils may help fight effects of pollution,” we read about … “the first evidence that natural essential oil components counteract the inflammatory effects of particulate matter, such as that contained in polluted air.”

…

*Positive ions are atoms or molecules that have lost one or more electrons and consequently have a shortage of electrons. In contrast, negative ions have gained one or more additional electrons which makes these odorless, tasteless, invisible molecules negatively charged as a whole.

Kanuka-Fuchs, Reinhard. Healthy Home and Healthy Office: Sick Building Syndrome, Indoor Pollution and Solutions. Reinhard Kanuka-Fuchs, 2001. 

The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review. Independent International Journal, 1914. 

Authors, All, and Oleg V. Pyankov. “Inactivation of Airborne Influenza Virus by Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oils.” Taylor & Francis, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02786826.2012.708948#.VMb5Af7F-GG. 

Posted by CBD & Chronic Pain - Dank Flavors, et al. “Terpene Profile: Pinene.” The Leaf Online, 5 Oct. 2017, theleafonline.com/c/science/2014/10/terpene-profile-pinene/. 

02, Shara Rutberg | Mar. “Essential Oils May Help Fight Effects of Pollution.” New Hope Network, 3 Mar. 2017, www.newhope.com/breaking-news/essential-oils-fight-effects-pollution?NL=NP-05&Issue=NP-05_20170317_NP-05_936&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3_2&utm_rid=CNHNM000000808938&utm_campaign=20527&utm_medium=email. 

Photo by Eva Elijas at Pexels

Arnica Montana: Natural Soother, Healer, Tissue-Regenerator

Arnica montana extract, the principle unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Arnica-Lavender Massage Oil is derived from the medicinal Arnica flower of the aster family. It’s used for soothing pain from injuries, accidents, and for relieving rheumatic muscles and joint pain. Arnica also stimulates skin’s complexion and has been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin while moisturizing dry skin.

For centuries, arnica has been a staple in folk medicine in North America, Germany and Russia. More than 100 prescription drugs are today derived from arnica in Germany alone. Indigenous North Americans prepared a tea from its roots to ease back pain and in Russia, arnica preparations were indicated to treat wounds, black eyes, sprains and contusions. They also used herb itself for uterine hemorrhage, myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, and cardiac insufficiency.

Twelfth century polymath and healer Hildegard von Bingen, a German nun known for her intimate understanding of nature and physiology, recorded her observations about the wide range of healing properties of the Arnica montana plant.

Arnica brings relief to discomfort and pain experienced by all sorts of lifestyles, including aching athletes, children, yogis and weary travelers.

“Arnica, also known as Arnica montana, is the most loved and the most widely used remedy in all of homeopathy. It could even be said that it is the success of Arnica that has led to the success of homeopathy.”

— Ruth Elston in What Is Arnica? Why Arnica Montana is the #1 Bestselling Homeopathic Remedy in the Worl

Current Health Enhancing Uses for Arnica Today

• Adding a few drops of arnica tincture* to warm water for a foot bath may relieve fatigue and soothe sore feet.

• Hair rinses prepared with the extract have been used to treat alopecia neurotica, an anxiety condition leading to hair loss.

• Hair tonics formulated with arnica work to combat dandruff.

• Homeopathic arnica is ingested to relieve vertigo, hoarseness, seasickness, swelling from injury, pain and muscle soreness.

• Arnica can be used as a natural antibiotic.

• Arnica is excellent for jet lag and for transient insomnia caused by overexertion or stressful events. It is non-habit-forming.

• The herb can be used to relieve stiffness from flying or long-distance driving.

• Many therapists give arnica to their patients post-surgery to help alleviate residual pain.

• Arnica soothes playground bumps and bruises.

Arnica’s Properties Make It An Ideal In Massage and Pain Therapy

• analgesic

• anti-inflammatory, calming, soothing

• formative and reparative of tissue

• anti-bacterial

• antioxidant

• anti-fungal

• antitumoral

• immunomodulatory**

• healing acceleration

• relaxation

Common names for Arnica montana include leopard's bane, mountain tobacco, mountain snuff, and wolf's bane.

#####

*Arnica can be toxic when consumed in large quantities; only highly diluted homeopathic preparations are considered safe for ingestion. In some individuals, arnica may also cause rashes and contact dermatitis due to its helenalin content. Prolonged exposure to this allergen has been reported to cause blistering, skin ulcers and surface necroses. Arnica should never be applied to open wounds.

** Encouraging homeostasis or balance in the immune system

#####

https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-andanimals/plants/plants/arnica

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15569527.2020.1743998

http://www.paolobellavite.it/files/322_2020-HomeopathyFN1Arnica_1zchz70u.pdf

Anderson, Rachel Grabenhofer and Katie. “Jar Deconstructed: Arnica.” Skin Inc., www.skininc.com/skinscience/ingredients/Jar-Deconstructed-Arnica-573900821.html?utm_source=newsletter-html&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SI%2BE-Newsletter%2B03-04-2021&absrc=img. 

Elston, Ruth. What Is Arnica? Why Arnica Montana Is the #1 Bestselling Homeopathic Remedy in the World. Better Life Books, 2012. 

US;, Kriplani P;Guarve K;Baghael. “Arnica Montana L. - a Plant of Healing: Review.” The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28401567/. 

What is Nana Mint? This Exotic Spearmint Is a Key Anti-Age Skin Care Ingredient

Nana mint (Mentha spicata) is a variety of Moroccan spearmint long known for its natural rejuvenative and healing properties. These includes benefits for skin, energy, mental acuity and the health and immunity. Spearmint is largely used as flavoring in foods. But Moroccan Nana mint’s cleansing, rejuvenate, anti-age properties make it a superb ingredient in PHYTO5’s anti-age Cleansing Foam.

What is Nana Mint? It’s an anti-age agent when used in skincare.

Anti-inflammatory and soothing Nana mint offers powerful antioxidant action in skincare. It contributes to slowing visible signs of aging.

Nana mint essential oils helps rejuvenate and energize mature skin while minimizing lines. Nana mint also powerfully helps clear acne.

What is Nana Mint? It’s the source of the Moroccan woman’s beauty.

Moroccan women have long been known for their natural beauty. With radiant flawless skin and shiny silken hair, Moroccan women practice unique natural beauty rituals. And Nana mint plays a key role in their beauty rituals.

Moroccan people combine Nana mint with gunpowder (Chinese green) tea and sugar to create a beverage they consume every day several times a day. This Nana mint tea elixir is not only a staple of Moroccan culture, Moroccan women consider it key to their youthful beauty.

Moroccan people enjoy Maghrebi mint tea hot even during Morocco’s ultra warm Summers. They’ve found that the spearmint is superb at cooling down the body. It defends the body against the Summer heat. Chemicals in Nana combine with the body’s cold-sensitive receptors tricking the brain. The brain sends cooling sensation messages into the body.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

What is Nana Mint? It’s a spearmint grown in the Maghreb region of Northwestern Africa.

Nana is Arabic for mint. It’s also called Moroccan or Maghrebi mint. Nana mint is grown in the Maghreb region of north and northwestern Africa where Morocco is located and Arabic is spoken. Nana is also grown in the Mediterranean region.

Nana mint is called by many different names. Its original and real name is crisped mint. Nana mint’s original name is ‘crisped mint.’

What is Nana Mint? It’s a milder form of mint with warm herbal tones.

With no menthol nuances such as with peppermint, Nana mint has an earthier, sweeter flavor.

Nana is one of 210 species of mint cultivated all over the world and is one the oldest of all mints.

Moroccan Nana mint looks very similar to most common mint varieties except that it's more compact in shape. Nana leaves are a bright green color with slightly toothed edges.

The Nana plant itself bears soft stems with leaves that grow closely together. Pale purple flowers bloom in whirls at the tops of taller stems in late Summer and early Fall. Even the flowers of Nana are edible. The leaves tastes intensely spearmint flavor whether you consume them fresh or dry.

What is Nana Mint? It’s an important nutritious food.

Nana mint is very nutritious. One cup of Moroccan Nana mint tea delivers a generous serving of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, copper and selenium. All of these boost immune function.

Nana mint is rich in niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin lowers LDL bad cholesterol and increases HDL good cholesterol.

Folic acid in Nana mint regulates the body’s level of homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause heart disease if too much of it is present.

What is Nana Mint? It’s a cleansing tonic for internal and topical use.

Nana mint contains less menthol than other mints. This makes it a milder yet still efficient cleansing agent. Nana still possesses all the benefits of other mints. It’s very uplifting and energizing.

Nana spearmint contains the amino acid l-Theanine which raises your levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of relaxation and calmness.

What is Nana Mint? It’s a potent healing spearmint.

For thousands of years we’ve cultivated spearmint for its medicinal and healing applications.

You can use Nana spearmint for digestive support including upset stomach, heartburn, flatulence and nausea.

Use the essential oil of Nana mint to support oral health just as it’s been used since the Middle Ages. Back then, the people regularly added spearmint to drinking water to purify it.

Nana mint offers many more healing benefits:

• provides greater mental performance and focus

• offers analgesic soothing for respiratory tract

• loosens congestion and cough

• abates bad breath as an antimicrobial

• kills off bacteria, fungus and viruses

• relieves nasal allergies

• cleanses blood

• relieves headaches when rubbed on the temples

• soothes muscle pain as an anti-spasmodic

• boosts immunity

Chili Pepper Ferment Extract: Potent In Skincare and Especially for Athletic People and Anyone Needing Better Blood Circulation

Chili pepper ferment extract is a unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Wood element Yogi Body Gel specifically for its ability to help increase blood flow and create better absorption of Yogi Body Gel’s other ingredients on the skin’s surface. Only a tiny bit of extract is formulated into the product therefore the burning that many might associate with chili peppers is nonexistent. Studies show no 'meaningful irritation or contact dermatitis’ when chili pepper is formulated appropriately into skincare as it is in PHYTO5’s.

For the active athletic person, the fact that chili pepper ferment extract is a unique ingredient in Wood element Yogi Body Gel can be very important. This is because the capsaicin compound found in chili pepper has potent pain-relieving properties. In addition, chili (Capsicum frutesense) is a stimulant and thermogenic which means it actively helps encourage blood circulation thereby bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin and also causing a feeling of warmth important for good athletic performance. Capsaicin is also a potent muscle relaxant.

The capsaicin compound in chili pepper functions as an external analgesic since it desensitizes neural pain receptors. This can also be an important consideration for those who are experiencing arthritic pain.

The ferment extract of chili pepper captures the full range of phytocompounds found in chili pepper making it very useful in skincare. Today’s cosmetics industry utilizes chili pepper as a fragrance ingredient and skin-conditioning agent. It is antimicrobial and antioxidant, both of which are extremely important for good skin health.

Chili pepper offers the following additional health benefits

• helps keep hair and skin healthy

• improves digestive health and metabolism

• fights fungal infections, colds and flu

• alleviates migraine headaches

• provides joint pain relief

• fights inflammation

• encourages greater cardiovascular health

• promotes red blood cell growth

• improves vision and overall ocular heath

In addition, studies suggest that chili pepper can decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Because chili peppers are high in antioxidants, cartenoids,* and vitamin C, chili pepper helps regulate insulin. A number of Australian scientists found that a meal containing chili pepper can result in proper insulin production in the body that reduces blood sugar levels. (As documented in “Effects of chili consumption on postprandial glucose, insulin, and energy metabolism;” see endnotes for complete citation).

#####

Endnotes:

• Carotenoids are a class of phytonutrients ("plant chemicals”), mainly yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotene, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves; carotenoids are found in the cells of a wide variety of plants, algae and bacteria and help plants absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis. They also have an important antioxidant function of deactivating free radicals — single oxygen atoms that can damage cells by reacting with other molecules, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.**

** “Carotenoids.” Linus Pauling Institute, 1 Jan. 2021, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids.

“Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Capsicum Annuum Extract, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract, Capsicum Annuum Resin, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Powder, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, and Capsaicin1, 2007.” SAGE Journals, 1 Jan. 1984, journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10915810601163939?journalCode=ijtb&. 

Ahuja, Kiran DK, et al. “Effects of Chili Consumption on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and Energy Metabolism.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 June 2006, academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/84/1/63/4633023. 

“Carotenoids.” Linus Pauling Institute, 1 Jan. 2021, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids. 

Probably the Most Underappreciated Nutrient for Skin’s Radiance and the Body’s Vitality: Silica

The trace mineral silica is widely recognized as a factor of development in young animals and children. It is absolutely essential to bone growth and development of the body. This is why children have beautiful silky hair, soft skin and perfect nails. Silica is mostly present in the deeper connective layers of the skin. It has moisturizing effects and accelerates wound healing. Since silica is used by virtually every cell and internal gland in the body, and since its stores can be depleted over time, it’s vital that we ensure we’re consuming natural silica internally through the food we eat and topically in the skincare we use.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Many PHYTO5 skincare products' natural unique ingredients deliver silica to the skin (Water element Yogi Body Gel, Eye Cream, Face Cream (biostimulant) and organic certified Zen Body Exfoliation with bamboo powder providing the silica)

Silica is one of the largest components of collagen. Collagen is an important factor in skin looking soft, supple and moisturized. Silica becomes even more important for skin as we age because damage from free radicals is constantly occurring in the body especially showing up externally over time in the form of lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Silica ensures healthy outer cell layers of the skin by enhancing collagen production in the body.

Silica also promotes lustrous hair and may even prevent or mitigate thinning of the hair. It ensures that hair follicles continued to be supplied with the nutrients required for vitality and growth of hair.

We’re born with large amounts of silica and low amounts of calcium. As we age we lose silica while our bodies deposit calcium into our glands leading to calcification of our tissues and increasing loss of glandular function. Calcium requires vitamin D3 in order to be optimally absorbed by the body but it also requires silica in order to build strong bones and teeth. Silica enhances bone mineralization and can be very valuable in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It promotes proper balance between calcium and magnesium in the body. This, in turn, assists to bring hormones into balance.

Calcium deficiency is almost always associated with silica deficiency. Several studies show that people with broken bones heal much quicker when silica levels are high even when calcium levels are low. If you’re taking a calcium supplement you should always look for silica content in the formulation to ensure your supplement is a good one.

Since silica lends strength and elasticity to collagen, joints become more flexible, heal more resiliently and become able to snap back from daily wear and tear. Silica assists to ease joint pain.

Silica also is known to strengthen the digestive, cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

The central nervous system depends on calcium and magnesium to carry its nerve impulses accurately throughout the body and since calcium requires silica for its functions, silica is vital to this system.

With the skin and our digestive system as the first lines of defense against pathogens, silica is a vital factor in our immunity. Silica also helps build strong stomach and digestive tract muscles and tissues caused by poor diet, parasites or injuries.

In the cardiovascular system, silica is found to be more prevalent in healthy hearts than diseased ones and it strengthens blood vessels.

Silica helps the body to detox from heavy metals and prevent their recirculation. It actually helps remove aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead from the body.

It’s silica that rebuilds and regenerates our connective tissues. Silica assists our bodies to recover from strain and stress, while it promotes healing and moisturization.

Foods rich in silica are millet, bamboo, garlic, potatoes, onions, oats, bananas, spinach, soybean/tofu, rice, and seafood. Horsetail is the quintessential plant supplement containing high levels of bioavailable silica.

…

Endnotes:

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Sangvanich T, et al. Novel oral detoxification of mercury, cadmium, and lead with thiol-modified nanoporous silica. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014; 6(8): 5483-5493.

Kaufmann, Klaus. Silica, the Forgotten Nutrient: Healthy Skin, Shiny Hair, Strong Bones, Beautiful Nails : a Guide to the Vital Role of Organic Vegetal Silica in Nutrition, Health, Longevity and Medicine. Canada, Alive Books, 1993.