Have a look at the video below to get a good idea of how the Pax 3 works.

The post PAX 3 – A True Dual-Use Vaporizer for Dry Herb and Extracts appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Sadly, federal and state governments don’t work that way, so it’s up to all of us to find legal ways around the antiquated system that will benefit our health without being bureaucratically bamboozled by our own government.

Whereas many states that either has not implemented cannabis legislation or where states have just begun to enact cannabis laws, navigating the cannabis landscape can be challenging for people looking to use a cannabis product like cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp, without any THC in it for their pain, anxiety, depression or other ailments.

What are CBD isolates?

The cannabis revolution has attracted many entrepreneurs to find ingenious ways to get the most out of cannabis, especially CBD, and one that is sweeping the country is a CBD rich product known as CBD isolates.

With an impressive 99%+ content of CBD, isolates are what people are discovering as an alternative or in conjunction with, full spectrum CBD oil that can only achieve at most of roughly 40% CBD.

CBD isolate is the most potent CBD product available on the market. In its pure crystalline form, CBD isolate is a fine white powder containing only the CBD chemical compound.

CBD isolate is not a synthetic or lab-made cannabinoid. Instead, it is an all-natural product, extracted from the hemp plant and refined down to an incredible purity.

CBD isolate removes all of the oils plant material, waxes, chlorophyll, and more, leaving behind the valuable CBD, which can then be ingested as is or taken using one of the methods detailed below.

What’s great about CBD isolates is that it is derived from hemp which is legal in all 50 states and doesn’t require any legislation to be passed to have access to it.

The difference between Hemp and Medical Cannabis

A hemp crop grown in Suffolk, England (Photo: Adrian Cable)

The core agricultural differences between medical cannabis and hemp are largely in their genetic parentage and cultivation environment.¹

While marijuana plants contain high levels of THC, the psychoactive component, hemp contains very little of the psychoactive chemical. This single difference is what most rely on to distinguish hemp from marijuana.²

Hemp plants produce more CBD than THC, while marijuana produces more THC than CBD. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD acts to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, separating hemp further from marijuana.

With all the benefits that CBD has, and for people looking to tap into just how they affect everything from treating cancer, opioid, and benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, MS, Alzheimer’s disease and many more, there is no doubt that making the conscious choice to escape the clutches of BigPharma is one that frees us from the chains that our own government has purposely placed on all of us for their profits and sordid agendas.

How to stay clear of the state regulatory traps

With all the restrictions state regulators are putting people through, if one were to consider having the opportunity to use the legal CBD isolates or full spectrum CBD oil for that matter, that might be able to solve at least some of the issues patients have by not having access to, nor can afford, cannabis going through regular state-sponsored channels.

For people looking for relief, they don’t need to go through the hurdles of the bureaucratic jungle just to get CBD.

Just imagine:

• NO state registration to fill out
• NO state initial registration to pay
• NO annual registration to pay
• NO taste
• NO smell
• NO THC
• NO cartridges needed
• NO medical card needed
• NO annual doctor visits
• NO 30-45 day wait period

Did I miss anything?

In a landscape of confusion over CBD products, state regulators have made it more difficult for people to find what’s right for them.

In particular, where I live in Florida, the Department of Health is placing unnecessary restrictions on patients who want and need access to affordable cannabis or CBD oil. You can’t smoke it (John Morgan is suing the state of Florida because of the DOH’s decision). When you add on the exorbitant price that it costs to get a doctor’s recommendation, the application fee, then purchase the product itself, a person can wind up paying over $400!

How to use CBD isolate

Left: Small CBD isolate crystal slabs – Right: CBD isolate crystals (not quite powder)

Because CBD isolates have no taste or odor and are easily soluble in oils like coconut, palm, and avocado, you can use CBD isolate to fine-tune your own CBD-infused liquids.

Once crafted, these infused oils can be used to:

• Create CBD edibles like brownies, cookies, or any other recipe that uses oil
• Infuse your daily coffee or smoothie
• Fold into ice cream
• Apply topically as a soothing massage oil

One note to consider is that the boiling point of CBD is between 160-180°C (320-356°F). At temperatures higher than this, it is possible that some CBD potency may be lost. When cooking with CBD, aim for lower cooking temperatures to avoid degradation of the CBD.

Some companies are also including flavor terpenes from various fruits like lime, blueberry, strawberry and other to achieve a better vaping experience if you choose to go that route and enjoy an assortment of flavors.

CBD isolates are so versatile that it can be used in countless ways in the form of a powder and add glycerin to it, wax or oil for vaping, but they are also sold as slabs where they can be used for dabbing as well.

With zero levels of THC or dense plant material, CBD isolate is perfect to make any formulation. The CBD isolate powder can be integrated into a number of products. However, when creating your own CBD-infused oils, be sure to accurately calculate the potency of your individual servings. Because it is over 99% pure, each milligram of CBD isolate represents a milligram of active CBD.³

Accurately measuring out daily CBD servings is easiest when done with a scale that measures small weights in milligrams. This allows you to precisely measure your potency down to the milligram. You can also purchase 10 mg scoops online that can help you accurately use CBD isolate powder without the use of a scale.

CBD isolate crystalline

Another interesting thing about pure CBD isolates is that if you happen to be “too high” when vaping or smoking your regular TCH infused product or simply the dry herb alone, ingesting CBD isolate will help ease off the feeling of being high and it will smooth it out.

The easiest way to use it simply mix it with your preferred oil. Some retailers also have it premixed for you in MCT oil which makes it very easy to ingest.

There are also online retailers that combine full spectrum CBD oil with 99% CBD isolate for extra health benefits for pain or other ailments.

There are many online companies that sell CBD isolates; one of the cheapest we found is The CBDistillery (we’re not affiliated) with 1 gram at $30, but there are many others if you do a Google search.

Like with anything you put in your body, it’s essential to do your due diligence to make sure the product you’re buying is tested by a 3rd party lab and the company is reputable and has proof that you can see for yourself of the test results with a Certificate of Analysis that confirms the potency and purity of the product.

Personally, I believe CBD isolates will be the wave of the future because there is no smell, it doesn’t get you high (for some that may be a deal breaker) and you get all the health benefits of CBD without the regulatory hassle that has so often been the case for millions of people who need it to help what ails them.

Have you had any experience with CBD isolates? What are your thoughts about CBD isolates? Let us know by leaving us a comment below. We welcome your input!

References:

1. https://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/16/5-differences-hemp-marijuana/
2. http://naihc.org/hemp-information/289-hemp-defined
3. https://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/complete-guide-hemp-cbd-isolate/

The post The Lowdown On High-Tech CBD Isolate Craze Sweeping the U.S. appeared first on Natural Revolution.

For that reason, I hardly ever eat the pizza crust because all the good stuff is further in the dough and it’s gobbled up to leave me with the dreaded leftover pizza crust.

But in my tried and true (well, 90% of the time) ‘throw assorted leftovers in the fridge and see what tastes good’ method, I found this tasty meal that left me gratefully satisfied.

If you don’t eat the pizza crust like me, you know there’s at least a pound of crust just thrown out with each pizza. Hint: don’t through it out! As my Dad always said, “Waste not, want not!”, and the same principle applies here.

So save those leftover crust portions and don’t let anything go to waste.

The key here is to freeze it and then thaw it out until you’re in the mood for a tasty treat that costs pennies.

This may not be the healthiest treat, but for someone who wants to get their money’s worth and use every part of the pizza that I paid for, alas, there is a tasty solution.

I recently bought two pizza’s at Papa John’s Pizza (the best pizza chain I’ve found east side of the Mississippi) and had over two pounds of pizza crust and I wasn’t about to let it go to waste; after all, it’s the same dough they made my mouthwatering pizzas from!

Prep time: 5 mins.

Cook time: 20 mins.

Cooking skill: easy

Servings: 2

This recipe is a meat-free option. If you’d like to go full vegan, you can substitute the cheese with Daiya Swiss (alternative) Cheese. It’s the best I’ve tasted and melts just like the real deal! You can also substitute the butter for olive oil if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of pizza crust
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (I prefer freshly grated)
• 1 Tablespoon of basil
• 1/8 cup flat leaf parsley
• 1 heaping Tablespoon of minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons of grass-fed butter
• 1 teaspoon of Pink Hymalian Salt
• 4 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Take the pizza crust out of the freezer and out of the freezer container.
2. Cut the pizza crust into 2-3″ strips.
3. Melt the butter in a large bowl in a microwave oven.
4. Put all of the ingredients except the marinara sauce and cheese into the mixing bowl.
5. Mix ingredients making sure the butter is sopped up and things look evenly covered.
6. Place the ingredients in the bowl on a large baking pan (line with aluminum foil to save time on cleanup) and spread out the crust leaving about a half inch between each piece.
7. Spread a moderately thick layer of the mozzarella cheese over the pizza crust strips.
8. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
9. While it’s baking, heat the marinara sauce in a microwave covered bowl to your desired temperature.

After 20 minutes, take it out of the oven and using tongs or spatula place into a serving plate, sprinkle parsley evenly over it and it’s ready to serve. Dip them in the marinara sauce and enjoy!

If you have any pizza crust leftover recipes you’d like to share, leave them in the comments below. We welcome your input!

The post Ridiculously Delish Cheese-Dripping Pizza Crust Leftover Recipe appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Anyone who knows about our support of cannabis and the numerous studies, mostly from Israel whose ongoing research points to a myriad of health benefits from the use of cannabis, this article seeks to offer both sides of the debate on whether smoking versus vaporizing cannabis is the best choice, backed by information that is available from researchers, doctors, and heads of cannabis organizations and institutions that are experts in the field of cannabis.

There is research that shows vaporizing cannabis as a safer method for consuming it which studies claim can reduce respiratory toxins and carcinogens that can occur when it is smoked. When you factor in cannabis that is grown with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other byproducts that can be released in smoke from its combustion (fire), still organic cannabis has been found, when smoked, to contain some of the same carcinogenic compounds contained in tobacco smoke.

Conversely, vaporizing cannabis allows a person to receive all of the components such as THC, and other cannabinoids such as CBD that is available within a specific strain of cannabis, minus the combustion toxins, specifically polycyclic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene which is highly carcinogenic that ordinarily takes place through combustion and during consumption of smoked products including cannabis.

Trending: Ultimate Guide to The Best Vaporizers for Cannabis

The main source of atmospheric benzopyrene is residential wood burning. It is also found in coal tar, in automobile exhaust fumes (especially from diesel engines), in all smoke resulting from the combustion of organic material (including cigarette smoke), and in charbroiled food. (Source) Think about that the next time you throw that shrimp on the barbie!

One side of the cannabis coin

Donald P. Tashkin, MD — Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratories at the University of California, Los Angeles and has been studying the effects of cannabis for over thirty years states:

“With regard to the carcinogenic potential of marijuana, it is noteworthy that the tar phase of marijuana smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds contained in tobacco smoke, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benz[a]pyrene, which was recently identified as a key factor promoting human lung cancer… Preliminary findings suggest that marijuana smoke activates cytochrome P4501A1, the enzyme that converts polycyclic hydrocarbons, such as benz[a]pyrene, into active carcinogens.

Although it is true that smoking marijuana carries no immediate risk of death, there may be serious adverse effects in the very patients for whom medicinal marijuana is most commonly considered.” (Source) – Mar. 1997 – Donald P. Tashkin, MD

Dr. Tashkin found that regular smoking of marijuana by itself causes visible and microscopic injury to the large airways that are consistently associated with an increased likelihood of symptoms of chronic bronchitis that subside after cessation of use.

However, it’s important to point out that he also found that the evidence does not indicate that frequent use of marijuana leads to significant abnormalities in lung function when assessed either cross-sectionally or longitudinally, except for possible increases in lung volumes and modest increases in airway resistance of unclear clinical significance.

Dr. Tashkin’s research also indicated no clear link between marijuana use and the development of COPD or lower respiratory tract infections.

In addition:

“…findings from a limited number of well-designed epidemiological studies do not suggest an increased risk for the development of either lung or upper airway cancer from light or moderate use, although evidence is mixed concerning possible carcinogenic risks of heavy, long-term use,” Dr. Tashkin notes. (Source)

More findings from smoking cannabis

Dale Gieringer, PhD, State Coordinator of the California National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), stated in his 2004 article “Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with Effective Suppression of Pyrolytic Compounds,” published in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, where he compared the chemical constituents of marijuana smoke (from a glass pipe) with marijuana vapor (from a vaporizer machine):

“Aside from the cannabinoids, only three other compounds were tentatively identified in the vapor gas, and one in the solvated condensate. THC accounted for a nominal 94.3% of the inferred estimated mass [of vaporized marijuana]…

Comparison runs using combusted [burned] cannabis presented a strikingly different picture… Review data from the gaseous headspace detected 111 tentatively identified compounds, including THC and CBN. Included were five known PAHs [polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons]. Cannabinoids represented only 12% of the inferred recovered mass; the remaining 88% consisted of extraneous products of combustion.” (Source)

The other side of the cannabis coin

On the other hand, while these carcinogens have been found from research in the smoke of combusted cannabis, researchers cannot conclusively to find the link between cannabis and lung diseases.

Though the cannabis and lung health debate persists, two pieces of recent research have undoubtedly shaken things up. The first came out in 2012, from researchers working on a long-term study on the risks of cardiovascular disease. During their 20-year study, the scientists tested the lungs of 5115 young adults.

Their findings were a quite astonishing. Tobacco use was associated with lung decline. But, moderate marijuana smokers had positive results on lung function. Specifically, those who smoked cannabis had increased lung capacity. The study authors conclude:

“Marijuana may have beneficial effects on pain control, appetite, mood, and management of other chronic symptoms. Our findings suggest that occasional use of marijuana for these or other purposes may not be associated with adverse consequences on pulmonary function.

It is more difficult to estimate the potential effects of regular heavy use, because this pattern of use is relatively rare in our study sample; however, our findings do suggest an accelerated decline in pulmonary function with heavy use and a resulting need for caution and moderation when marijuana use is considered.” – CARDIA (Source)

The next groundbreaking study was published in 2015 by Emory University. This study looked at cumulative lifetime cannabis use and lung health. The researchers tested the exhalation capacity of light, moderate, and heavy smokers. They found that cannabis smokers were able to smoke one joint a day for up to 20 years before they showed signs of lung decline.

“Lifetime marijuana use up to 20 joint-years is not associated with adverse changes in spirometric (exhalation strength) measures of lung health.” – Emory University, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Source)

There are obviously multiple conclusions as to whether smoking vs vaporizing cannabis is safe or not and you get to choose which study you find is more robust and holds weight as to its accuracy. And although there have never been any reports of deaths or lung disease from smoking cannabis, there reportedly are some risk factors associated with smoking.

While cannabis and lung cancer don’t go hand-in-hand, heavy smokers still have some risks to consider:

• Trouble Exhaling: Heavy smokers that crossed the joint-a-day for over 20 years threshold lost some of their capacity to make full, forced exhalations. (Source)
• Inflammation: Long-term, heavy smokers also had more inflammation in the small air pathways in the lungs. This can cause asthma-like symptoms later in life. (Source)
• Coughing: An increase in symptoms of bronchitis-like coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. (Source)

Some other considerations

While it may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget that when you smoke cannabis, you’re breathing in hot, smoldering plant materials into your body. In stark contrast, some vaporizers that have temperature settings, use just enough heat to activate the cannabinoids in your flower or wax without combusting it, avoiding a scorched itching throat many times associated with smoking cannabis that’s been lit up with fire.

Rolling papers and the products you use to smoke may also be to blame for some of the lung irritation. Rolling papers may be processed with bleach or other chemicals, damaging your lung tissue. Switching to a vaporizer would avoid all of these risks as well.

Check out this infographic below to learn more about the effect of Smoking Vs Vaporizing cannabis.

Photo credit

Cannabis vaporizers allow smokers to inhale the many healthy active cannabinoids that are contained within the dry herb or wax, while at the same time avoiding any of the possible harmful elements that may exist if smoked.

To learn more about vaporizers and what types are best for cannabis and what forms of cannabis can be used in them, check out our Ultimate Guide to The Best Vaporizers for Cannabis.

Either way you look at it, there still needs to be more research that can shed light on both sides of the cannabis debate. But what is very clear, is that cannabis has incredible healing properties and anyway that you may choose to consume it, its benefits far outweigh any risks that some limited research has pointed to.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, kindly share it and let us know what you think in the comments below. We welcome your input!

The post Smoking Vs. Vaporizing Cannabis – Know The Facts appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Pharmaceutical drugs are not your only path to pain relief. Natural pain remedies like herbal medicine, in which parts of a plant are used medicinally to treat health problems — is an increasingly popular way to manage pain.

The post 5 Natural Remedies for Pain Relief appeared first on Natural Revolution.

By Steven Peters — When you consider sinking your hard-earned money into picking up a quality essential oil to lift your mood that will also give yourself other positive therapeutic effects, you, of course, want something that is safe and to know exactly what’s in the bottle.

Unfortunately, you have no idea what you’re buying if you blindly trust a seller or company that claims their essential oil is “Therapeutic Grade”, “100% Pure Grade”, “100% Pure Pharmaceutical Therapeutic Grade”, “Grade A”, or any other official-sounding adjective that describes them because, in fact, you could be buying snake oil, as laying claims like that have no legal justification.

Certain companies have coined these terms to make it seem as though they have better oils than other companies. This is simply not true. Companies that use such phrases as “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade”, sometimes are using registered trademark phrases.

And here’s the kicker — any company that claims that their essential oils are a particular grade, this may come as a shock, but there is no city, state or federal regulatory agencies that evaluate, tests, certifies or grades any essential oils on the market. It is an unregulated and unlicensed field both for the practice of aromatherapy as well as the manufacture of essential oils, resins, and other aromatherapy products.

It is purely voluntary that companies, suppliers or vendors test their own products by third-party laboratories, and there still is no guarantee that what you just bought isn’t diluted, contaminated, fractionated, or worse, contain toxic chemicals in them from mishandling, unless you know about the company, where the products are sourced and how they’re tested and manufactured first before you buy any essential oil from them.

The reason companies can claim that “no other company can say that they have Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade oils”, is because their company has trademarked the words, and no other company can legally use that particular phrase/words, not because there is any difference or superiority of their oils.

There are some companies that may use these terms that are not necessarily trying to be deceptive, however, many companies very often do so to increase their sales. This is why it’s imperative to know the company background and where the oils are sourced, how they’re stored, the date of harvest, how they’re handled, bottled and packaged, as well as having a batch number and data sheet with test results that detail the oil’s constituent profile. Otherwise, you have no idea what you’re getting.

In fact, high-quality pure essential oils do have therapeutic properties that have positive effects on specific parts of the body, which are pointed out below. But knowing how to navigate your way through all the hype that can be found online, and to know which companies are credible that actually do sell high-quality essential oils, is something we cannot overstate the importance of knowing prior to buying any essential oil.

We researched countless credible sources online and found companies and organizations that are the leaders in essential oils and aromatherapy practices (which are cited at the end of the article) to bring you comprehensive information with this, our Essential Oils Guide: Therapeutic Uses, Recipes & Safety.

A Brief History of Essential Oils

Intriguing myths and folklore are associated with aromatherapy and essential oils. The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes goes back to a number of ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs.

Essential oils, or aromatic oils as they were once called, have been used by many cultures around the world for centuries. Their uses varied between cultures from religious purposes to healing the sick. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when essential oils gained notoriety as effective healing agents, but eventually the knowledge of essential oils spread around the globe.

The earliest evidence of human knowledge of the healing properties of plants was found in Lascaux, located in the Dordogne region in France. There, cave paintings suggest the use of medicinal plants in everyday life that have been carbon dated as far back as 18,000 B.C.E.

Sorting Out the Good From the Not So Good

If you don’t know anything about the company or the essential oil they’re selling, it’s impossible to know if they are pure, refined or distilled, from low-quality harvests, or if they’ve been sitting in their stockroom on a store rack for a long period of time, stored in such a way that harms the oils by heat or moisture, not processed correctly, or the oils may be inadvertently blended with harmful chemicals during bottling.

This is why it’s essential that essential oils, from seed to store are processed in such a way as to safeguard the quality that ends up either on you and eventually in you, or in your home through aromatherapy diffusers.

High-quality essential oils should come in dark-colored glass bottles. Be cautious of merchants that offer oils in plastic or clear glass bottles, that’s because many undiluted essential oils can melt plastic over time or leach toxic plastic by-products into the oil, and clear glass bottles offer no protection from sunlight which can lessen their therapeutic potency and can degrade the scent and quality of the oil.

Companies or merchants who may offer a large amount of oil in aluminum bottles are adequate if the container is lined inside.

Tips for Savvy Shoppers on What to Lookout For

Refrain from purchasing oils that are packaged in containers that incorporate rubberized dropper on the inside top of the bottle. After some time, undiluted essential oils are strong enough that they can break down the dropper and the oil can become contaminated.

It’s a good practice to send a supplier or seller an email and simply ask anything you feel you need answers to so you know how fast they respond to your question(s), as well as seeing how informed and helpful they may be. This will give you some insight on how a particular seller does business.

Search out and ask merchants for test results for their oils. A reputable seller/supplier will give point-by-point test results about their oils and will be knowledgeable and transparent about their practices, and their company and products they sell.

It’s also important to see how long they’ve been in business, and if they have any consumer complaints with the Better Business Bureau or another consumer-related review websites.

It’s best to find an online or small local retailer who specializes in essential oils as their oils are least likely to remain on the store shelves or be mishandled as opposed to large retailers.

Large retailers like Whole Foods and alike, too often the bottles will have dust on the top cap of the bottle which is one of a few indicators that they’ve been sitting there for a prolonged period of time and are not as fresh as possible.

Avoid purchasing oils from retailers/providers that don’t give the oil’s a botanical (Latin name), where the herb/flower originated and the technique for extraction. This lets you know how informed, or uninformed for that matter, they are about the oils they sell.

Organic essential oils are typically superior to non-organic oils and are grown in compliance with organic farming practices and the suppliers are usually more careful in sourcing their oils for therapeutic quality and aroma. But of course, you’re going to pay a higher price for organic oils.

If you’re trying to decide on a seller or merchant to pick up some essential oil, there’s nothing wrong with asking for samples to discover if this is a supplier/seller that you‘d like to buy from without wasting your money on a large order which you may not be satisfied with.

There are some legitimate vendors who may want to charge a small fee for supplying samples, so don’t let that stop you from getting a sample from these sellers/suppliers.

While thinking about a buying essential oil from a vendor at an outdoor or indoor event like street fairs, farmer’s markets, craft shows, festivals, ask the seller for information about their business and where it’s physically located. Ethical and knowledgeable vendors are typically open and honest and answer any questions about their products and generally, appreciate any questions you may ask.

Be careful with phrases which include “fragrance oil,” or “perfume oil”, as what they are selling is not a pure essential oil.

How Essential Oils are Extracted

The different methods of extraction are:

• Steam Distillation: The most common process of extracting an essential oil is by distillation, a process that isolates the aromatic, volatile element of the plant with steam.
• Cold Pressed: Expression, or cold pressing, is used primarily for citrus fruits like orange and lemon, where the essential oil is obtained in tiny pockets in the peel or rind. Oils extracted by cold pressing are the most volatile of essential oils and can evaporate quickly when exposed to air.
• CO2 Extraction: The CO2 extraction method yields a greater number of aromatic compounds than any other distillation process. In certain conditions at a low-temperature Carbon Dioxide or CO2 can be pressurized to become a liquid.
• Solvent Extraction (only used for absolutes): Flowers too delicate to be processed with heat are soaked in a solvent, usually hexane that extracts the volatile elements. The solvent is then evaporated leaving only the most fragrant constituents behind. This process produces what is called an “absolute”.

Essential Oils When Using on Skin

Essential oils are volatile, meaning that they evaporate very quickly. When you dilute essential oils, the evaporation process is much slower because they are diluted in non-volatile substances.

Carrier oils such as almond oil, avocado oil, etc., carry the essential oil into the skin using less of the essential oil. Additionally, the therapeutic benefits of a carrier oil often increase the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil.

Some essential oils shouldn’t be used on the skin directly because it may be an irritant.

Pure essential oils are many times more concentrated than the whole plant, which is why it’s recommended diluting essential oils before applying them to the skin. Dilutions are typically 2% – 10%. For adults, a 2.5% dilution is recommended for most purposes. For children under 12, 1% is generally safe.

Dilutions of essential oils into a carrier oil are typically 2% – 10%. For adults, a 2-3% dilution is recommended for most purposes. For children under 12, 1% is generally safe.

Guidelines for Scenting Bulk Bases with Essential Oils

There are many great carrier oils from which to choose. Jojoba, almond, marula, coconut, argan and avocado are all nourishing oils with a good shelf life.

Where to use essential oils

Bath – To soothe sore muscles, for relaxation, emotional calm, and balance. An aromatic bath is a luxurious way to relax, pamper the skin and feel better if unwell or tired. Always mix essential oils with a natural emulsifier such as milk, honey, almond oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or in sea salts before adding them to the bath. A safe dose is 5 – 10 drops of essential oils mixed with 1/2 – 1 cup of salt or emulsifier. Aromatic baths are excellent for supporting all systems of the body and creating a healthy and balanced state.

Steam inhalation – To directly affect the respiratory system in the case of illness prevention or treatment. Steam inhalation delivers essential oils directly to the nasal passages, sinuses, and lungs. Add 1 – 5 drops of essential oil to a pot of hot water. Cover head with a towel and allow steam to circulate inside the towel. This practice is excellent for opening sinuses, easing tension, and invigorating the skin. Eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils are great for facial steams.

Diffuser – Use anytime to scent a room and keep the air fresh. Excellent for busy offices or health care treatment rooms to help prevent the spread of common pathogens.

Oil based blend or lotion – Great for massage, bath oils, and local topical treatments. The choice between an oil base or lotion base is mainly a personal choice. Experience will be your greatest teacher.

Lip Balm – For chapped or dry lips. Great as an everyday lip moisturizer.

Top 15 Essential Oil Origins and Their Therapeutic Benefits

Each and every essential oil that comes from a particular plant species contains compounds with unique healing and therapeutic benefits. Here are some of the most popular essential oils, their origins, and therapeutic benefits.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and are commonly used as a spice. Clove is antibacterial, anti-parasitic and has antioxidant protection. (1)

Cypress (Cupressaceae)

Cypresses are cone-bearing trees or shrubs with opposite or whorled leaves. Many species have aromatic wood. The oil from this plant improves circulation, reduces varicose veins, lifts confidence and can help heal broken bones. (2)

Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae)

Eucalyptus is the tallest known flowering plant on Earth. There are more than 700 species of eucalyptus and most are native to Australia; a very small number are found in adjacent areas of New Guinea and Indonesia. The use of its essential oil improves respiratory issues like bronchitis, sinusitis, allergies, is invigorating and purifies the body. (3)

Frankincense

Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula, in North Africa, and Somalia for more than 5000 years. Frankincense is gathered by slashing the bark, which is called striping, allowing the resin to bleed out and harden, which are called tears. Frankincense builds immunity, reduces inflammation, heals age spots, supports the brain and may help fight cancer.† (4, 5)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger was exported to Europe via India in the first century AD as a result of the lucrative spice trade and is widely used as a spice or a Traditional medicine. The characteristic fragrance and flavor of ginger result from volatile oils that compose 1-3% of the weight of fresh gingerGinger reduces inflammation, supports joints, improves digestion and relieves nausea. (6, 7)

Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi)

The grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree is a hybrid originating in Barbados as an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange, and pomelo, both of which were introduced from Asia in the seventeenth century. Grapefruit supports metabolism and cellulite reduction. Mix with coconut oil and rub on areas of cellulite or take a few drops internally with water. (8)

Lavender (Lavandula spica)

Lavandula (common name Lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found from Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India. Lavender helps with relaxation, improves mood and heals burns and cuts. (9)

Lemon (Citrus limon)

The lemon is a species of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to Asia. The tree’s ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice and oil, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. Lemon is great to use in homemade cleaning products, improves lymph drainage and cleanses the body. (10)

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Myrrh is a resin, or sap-like substance common in Africa and the Middle East. Myrrh is botanically related to Frankincense and is one of the most widely used essential oils in the world. It’s a natural antiseptic and can prevent or reduce infections, and also supports beautiful skin, reducing stretch marks and stabilizes hormone balance. (11)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family and is native to temperate western and southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano’s most prominent use is the staple herb eaten in Italian dishes for centuries. Oregano has powerful anti-microbial properties, it can kill fungus and help with the cold virus. (12)

Rose (Rosa)

There are over a hundred species of roses. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa. Rosa chinensis has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries. Rose is astounding for reducing skin inflammation and great for creating glowing skin. Add a few drops to your facial moisturizer. (14)

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly pulegone and menthone. Peppermint supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, reduces fever, headache and muscle pain relief. (13)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean and Asia.  The name “rosemary” derives from the Latin for “dew” (ros) and “sea” (marinus), or “dew of the sea”. Rosemary can naturally thicken hair so it is great to add to homemade shampoos. Also, it improves brain function and memory so it’s great to use when working, reading or studying. (15)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

The Tea Tree is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil was first extracted in Australia, and this species remains the most important commercially. Tea Tree is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, reduces odors and can help stimulate the immune system. (16)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwoods are part of the same botanical family as European mistletoe. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods and is the second most expensive wood in the world. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. Sandalwood is a natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and can also improve energy. (17)

Essential Oil Recipes

Click to view larger

Safety Concerns

• Ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes is not recommended by self-prescription due to the highly toxic nature of some essential oils.
• Essential oils such as thyme, oregano, clove, and cinnamon can irritate the skin—even cause blisters.
• Essential oils in the citrus family (bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, angelica), as well as cumin, can cause phototoxicity, resulting in a burn when you’re exposed to the sun (or radiation from a sunbed) even briefly.
• Some essential oils can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy, including eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, pennyroyal, rosemary, and sage.
• Peppermint and eucalyptus can interfere with the effectiveness of the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil and potentially other medications.
• If you are allergic to ragweed, you may be allergic to the essential oil of chamomile, which is in the same botanical family.
• Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
• It’s recommended to stay out of the sun or sun tanning booth for at least twenty-four hours if photosensitizing essential oils were applied to the skin.
• Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils.
• Avoid the use of undiluted essential oils on the skin, unless otherwise indicated.
• If you suspect any sensitivities to specific essential oils or have known allergies, it may be wise to perform a skin patch test prior to its use.
• Know the safety data on each essential oil and place into the context of use and knowledge.
• Use caution when treating a female client who suspects she is pregnant or has been trying to become pregnant.
• Keep essential oils away from inadvertently entering the eyes.
• Essential oils should be kept away from direct contact with flames, such as candles, fire, matches, cigarettes, and gas cookers.

Dermal Irritants (Table 1)

*bark is more irritating than leaf

The following oils listed in Table 2 are considered to be dermal sensitizers and are not recommended for use in aromatherapy massage.

Dermal Sensitizers (Table 2)

Photosensitizers (Table 3)

Non-phototoxic citrus oils (Table 4)

A mucous membrane irritant will produce a heating or drying effect on the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, and reproductive organs. It is recommended that mucous membrane irritating essential oils not be used in a full body bath unless placed in a dispersant first (e.g., milk, vegetable oil). Table 5 lists some common essential oils considered to be mucous membrane irritants.

Table 5 lists some common essential oils considered to be mucous membrane irritants.

Mucous membrane irritants (Table 5)

Purity is Essential for Potency and Safety

With any essential oil you may be considering buying, it’s imperative that the company you buy from has standards for testing every batch of oil with Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Gas Chromatography (GS) technology, whether through an on-site or third party laboratory, assuring purity and the exact chemistry of each oil.

GC and MS technology is utilized by a very sophisticated device that separates the volatile compounds in essential oils into individual components and produces a linear graph and produces their percentages.

Each batch number should be listed on the essential oil bottle and should match the batch GC/MS report. This process is vital for medicinal blending and for quality assurance.

Below is a sample Gas Chromatography report. Mass Spectrometry test results show similar components and their percentages.

Click on image to view larger

The precise breakdown of the chemical components in individual oils from GC/MS reports are important as the therapeutic benefits and safety issues of essential oils are, in large part, determined by their chemical makeup.

In order for essential oils to have a therapeutic effect, they must be pure plant extracts. Adulterated oils or perfume/fragrance oils will not offer therapeutic effects and may, in fact, cause allergies, headaches and chemical sensitivities.

Where to Find the Best Source of Essential Oils

There are so many online retailers that sell essential oils that it can be overwhelming to search through the countless number of them to find which has high-quality oils.

One of our favorite suppliers of high-quality essential oils is Plant Therapy, where they are a family-run business.

Plant Therapy’s standards of quality are some of the strictest in the industry. Before they sell an essential oil they do everything possible to establish that it is 100% pure, natural, and of the highest quality, making it appropriate for use in aromatherapy, and even kid-safe.

Plant Therapy works directly with world renowned essential oil expert, Robert Tisserand, and several analytical laboratories.

Before they obtain a sample, they gather every bit of information about the farmer, distiller or supplier. They research their background, reputation, commitment to quality, and commitment to the industry. Once this has been established to their satisfaction, they then move on to the oil.

Their essential oils are first organoleptically (relating to qualities as taste, color, odor, and feel of a substance that stimulates bodily senses) tested by Robert Tisserand before being sent to a third party testing facility. Robert has been evaluating essential oils professionally for over 40 years.

Every bottle of oil from Plant Therapy will have a specific batch code that describes exactly what batch of oil is in the bottle. This information is also directly linked to the testing reports for each batch of oil.

You can see each essential oil’s GC/MS report by going to the essential oil’s product page and clicking on Test Reports.

If you’d like to pick up some high-quality essential oil from Plant Therapy, click here.

Below are other top-rated companies that have very high-quality essential oils.

• doTERRA
• BioSource Naturals
• Artisan Aromatics
• Stillpoint Aromatics
• Aromatics

If you’d like to read a must-have book for beginners and intermediates who are eager to gain a solid understanding of specific essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils and learn how to safely incorporate them into daily living, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, is one of our top picks.

The book features extensive and easy-to-follow information on:

• Using essential oils and their therapeutic properties
• A broad range of conditions and remedies
• Therapeutic healing for babies and children
• Skincare, haircare, and body care
• Essential oils best suited for massage modalities
• Creating natural home care products

It’s a good choice for those who are seriously interested in learning about aromatherapy, remedies (recipes), tips, cautions and supporting information.

If you’d like to pick up a copy, you can find it on Amazon by clicking here.

We’ve found and gathered our information within this article from a few credible sources after scouring the internet and going through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, Aromahead Institute, and AromaWeb, where all three are the top go-to sources for anything else you may want to know about essential oils.

We hope this article has shed some light on what to look for when buying or using essential oils.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, kindly share it and let us know what you think in the comments below. We welcome your input!

The post The Ultimate Essential Oils Guide: Therapeutic Uses, Recipes & Safety appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Wouldn’t it be nice if our worries could just float away with a single pill? While that might not be the case just yet, there are powerful healing herbs that have been around for centuries and studied which have shown just how incredible they are to being the closest thing to a “miracle cure” that nature has to offer.

The post 6 Healing Herbs That Can Change Your Life appeared first on Natural Revolution.