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Lotions: Beauty As Medicine Aging with style, health & sex-appeal. Dale Bellisfield, RN, RH(AHG) Medical Herbalist www.herbaldale.com Potions, Notions & Lotions Medicine Series New Jersey Center for Healthy Living Montclair, NJ 21 October, 2012 The information contained in the following presentation is not intended to substitute for a health care practitioner’s diagnosis, advice or treatment. It is based on the education, experience and research of the author, and is included as part of an overall program for wellness. Before using any drug, supplement, food or herb described in this material or in the presentation, each individual should consult with a qualified health care practitioner for guidance with individual medical problems. Any attempt to diagnose or treat an illness should be done under the supervision of a health care professional. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the following information. Always discontinue any substance taken if signs of skin rash, light sensitivity, difficulty breathing or gastro-intestinal upset occurs, and report this to your health care professional. Prescription medication should be discontinued ONLY with the approval and supervision of a physician. ©2012 Contents Intro Current Situation. Aging Overview Skin Nutrients, Wrinkles, Irritants. Within Nourishment, Sleep, Movement, Stress Management, Intimacy. Beauty Medicines Terms, Essential Oils, Action, Carrier Oils, Baths. Recipes Massage Oil, Bath Salts, Lotion, Salve. Hot Topics Hormones. Resources Web, Books, Products. Summary Take-Home Info. Intro Intro Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. Hard to think of it as a blessing in our youthobsessed culture. Anti-aging medicine is now a clinical specialty. Goal to prolong the healthy lifespan in humans: Fasting & calorie restriction. (+35-70 years) High-tech biomedicine. (+15-30) Anti-aging drugs. (+10-20) Exercise & lifestyle. (+10-20) Artificial organs. (+8-20) Nanotechnology. (+7-20) Stem cell therapies. (+6-15) Genetic screening & interventions. (+3-10) Advanced prospective diagnostics. (+3-10) http://www.worldhealth.net/static/images/slideshow/AboutAAM_Primer.pdf Intro Maintain telomere health. Telomeres are structures on ends of chromosomes that protect DNA. Shorten with age, cell damage, inflammation, alcohol. Increases risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, etc. Keeping telomeres lengthened/slow rate of decay may help. Fish oil, acetyl-l-carnitine, anthocyanidins, N-acetylcysteine, Vitamin D, associated with/ protect long telomeres. Fossel M, Woynarowski D, Can You “Reset” Your Genes?, Bottom Line Health, 5-6, March 2012. Much else you can do. Diet, exercise, lifestyle interventions. Aging Aging Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that the longest-living Americans are Asian-American women living in Bergen County, NJ!!! They live longer than any other US ethnic group, average lifespan of 91.1 years. Bergen County overall, people live longer than any other county in northeastern US, @80 years. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/12/nyregion/12longevity.html?pagewanted=print Researchers also found that anti-aging lifestyle can add 24.6 more years of productive lifespan. All risk factors & diseases that led to mortality differences in the study were modifiable. Murray C, et al, Eight Americas: Investigating Mortality Disparities across Races, Counties, and Race-Counties in the United States, Harvard School of Public Health, PLOS Medicine, online, http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030260, 12 Sept 2006. Aging Portland State U. study examined how 2,432 elders maintained exceptionally good health. Tracked participants’ health for 10 years. Found the most important predictors of excellent health throughout the decade: Absence of chronic illness. Income over $30,000. Never smoked. Moderate alcohol intake. Maintained a positive outlook. Managed stress levels. Many of these factors can be modified now (in youth or middle-age). Kaplan MS, Huguet N, Orpana H, Feeny D, McFarland BH, Ross N. “Prevalence and factors associated with thriving in older adulthood: a 10-year population-based study.” J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008 Oct;63(10):1097-104. Aging Americans are living longer, 79.4 in 1950, 84 years old in 2000. About 1 in 8 Americans are over 65, by 2030 it will be 1 in 5. Aging is slow, relatively minor process until 9th or 10th decade. We can slow the process in many ways, & thrive instead of just survive. Age gracefully: enjoy healthful diet, exercise moderately, reduce chronic stress impact, nurture close relationships, cultivate spiritual practice, discover what gives meaning to your life. Change what we can, release everything else. Howard B, What to Expect in Your 60’s, AARP Magazine, 57-61, Oct/Nov 2012. Aging Menopause is not pathology, but natural process. Estimated by 2015, 50% of all US women will be menopausal. Estimated 50-75% women use alternative therapies to manage symptoms. Romm A , Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Churchill Livingstone, 455, 2010. Romm A, Botanical Medicine & Women’s Health,Curchill/Livingtone, 469, 2009. Integrative /holistic program is person-specific, including foods, supplements, customformulated herbal blends & lifestyle guidance. Reframe concept from loss & dread to honoring. Aging Oldest known images of women, 35-40,000 years old. (no male images found…) Embrace inner (neolithic) goddess. Seek new elder role models. Recent AARP survey showed from early 50’s on, happiness increases over time: we get happier. Iris Apfel, interior designer, fashion icon, 2011 face of MAC cosmetics, 91. Jane Goodall, primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, UN Messenger of Peace, 78. Skin Skin Plays major role in health— Largest organ of the body. Protects internal organs from injury & infection. Provides a barrier to keep moisture in, microorganisms out. Protects against temperature changes between outer & inner environment. Absorbs & excretes nutrients & toxins via pores. Clears wastes & cools the body via sweat. Waterproofs & lubricates via waxy/oily sebum. Helps make vitamin D from the sun. Provides sense of touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold. Skin Each cubic centimeter (@3/8” x 3/8” x 3/8”) contains 6 million cells, 15 sebaceous glands, 100 sweat glands, 5,000 nerve endings, 5 yards of blood vessels. Plus collagen fibers for strength & stability, elastin fibers for resilience & elasticity. Over half the body’s blood supply feeds the skin. Healthy skin is over 50% water. Needs nutrients & oxygen from the blood to make new cells. The epidermis has no blood vessels, receives nutrition from the underlying dermis layer. Skin Skin dries with age & more age spots. Our skin is driest in winter when temperatures & humidity levels drop. Central heating, wood burning stoves, space heaters, fireplaces all draw out moisture. Frequent showering or bathing, especially in heavily chlorinated water, frequent swimming, break down skin’s lipid barriers. Many soaps/detergents strip lipids & water. Products containing fragrances are harsher, more irritating than unscented. Deodorant & antibacterial soaps usually the most damaging. Skin Skin conditions reflect body’s internal situation. Liver & kidney insufficiency, constipation, low fluid intake, diet, stress often relate to chronic skin issues. Mind-skin connection in many skin disorders (acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo, etc). Massage & other relaxation therapies enhance mood & also improve skin. Exercise helps body sweat out toxins from pores in skin. Skin Nutrients Everything you eat & apply becomes part of your skin. 60% of compounds absorbed through the skin, to protect, heal, moisturize (or irritate, inflame, injure) tissues. Healthier your foods, the better your skin. Feed your skin from inside & outside. Treat the symptom and underlying condition. External applications are good for treating tissues close to the surface—cut, burn, rash, abrasion. Internal applications good for chronic issues. Skin Nutrients Study demonstrates that a carotenoid-rich diet (beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, etc.) can help reduce skin aging. Strong correlation between skin wrinkles & levels of lycopene in the skin. Consuming tomato paste, 2½ Tablespoons a day for 10 weeks, reduced sunburn 40%. Peel of fruit and vegetables usually contains a higher amount of carotenoids than the pulp. Darvin M, et al, Resonance Raman spectroscopy for the detection of carotenoids in foodstuffs. Influence of the nutrition on the antioxidative potential of the skin, Laser Physics Letters, 4(6), 452-456, June 2007. Diets rich in olive oil, vegetables, legumes correlate with less wrinkles. Skin Nutrients Internally Topically Alpha Lipoic Acid Aloe Vera Omega-3 Ess. Fats Avocado Oil Selenium Beneficial Microbes Silica Coconut Oil Vitamin A/Carotenes Colloidal Oatmeal Vitamin B Complex Evening Primrose Oil Vitamin C Jojoba Oil Vitamin E Olive Oil Vitamin K Rosehip Seed Oil Water Sea Buckthorn Oil Zinc Water White/Green Tea… Skin Nutrients Green or White Tea Japanese adults who consumed higher amounts of green tea had a lower risk of death due to all causes. Internally, protects against sun damage, prevents skin & other cancers, antioxidant. Topical formulations are antioxidant, reduce sun damage, protect against UV light, reduce skin inflammation. Combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreen. Drink green or white tea daily, steeped 3 minutes. without milk (inactivates antioxidants). Supplement green tea extract in capsules, standardized for polyphenols & catechins. ScienceDaily, online, 13 Sept 2006. Skin Nutrients In a 2007 University of Alabama Birmington study, mice were exposed to skin carcinogens. The mice were divided into groups. Some of the groups were treated with green tea by substituting it for their drinking water. Others were treated topically with green tea extract. Some of the groups of mice were already suffering from skin cancer, as well. The research concluded that all of the mice benefited from the green tea treatment, whether it was given orally or applied topically. In every group, the green tea was effective at preventing skin cancer. The study found that green tea applied topically seems to scavenge and destroy skin cells that are likely to become cancerous before they can mutate. The green tea, whether given orally or applied topically, slowed down the cancer growth in the mice that were already infected. In addition, green tea given orally seemed to cause some regression of existing skin cancer. Katiyar S, Elmets CA, Katiyar SK. Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 May;18(5):287-96.Univ Skin Nutrients Jeanne-Louise Calment lived to 122, the oldest authenticated person in history (February 21, 1875 - August 4, 1997). She smoked until she was 117. But she ate more than two pounds of chocolate a week until her MD had her give up sweets at 119. 2006 study showed drinking high antioxidant cocoa drink daily for 12 weeks improved skin texture & hydration. Skin Lifestyle Irritants Alcohol and caffeinated drinks Increase skin dehydration/dryness. Environmental conditions Weather, sleep, circulation, exercise, health, diet. Smoking Irritates the skin, slows wound healing, brings premature wrinkles, deprives skin of oxygen & nutrients, damages collagen & elastin, decreases blood flow to the skin, depletes vitamin C. Stress Triggers or aggravates skin conditions. Sun damage Excess sun exposure & burns harm the skin & promote aging, cancer. Trans fats Promote inflammation, speed aging of the skin. Skin Chemical Irritants Put on your skin only what you would put in your mouth. Average adult American uses 9 personal care products daily, exposing themselves to 126 different ingredients, including many industrial chemicals. No definitions for natural, hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free. Read labels carefully. http://www.cleanandhealthyme.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=7uqB2t8lR7U%3D&tabid=36 Skin Chemical Irritants “Dirty Dozen” cosmetic chemicals to avoid— BHA & BHT Coal-tar dyes DEA, cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA Dibutyl pthalate Formaldehyde releasing preservatives Paraben, methylparaben, butylparaben & propylparaben Parfum PEG Compounds, PEG-60 Petrolatum Siloxanes Sodium laureth sulphate Triclosan David Suzuki Foundation 2010 Skin Chemical Irritants Lead: Lipsticks (Y.S.L. has highest lead amount.) Dr. Nahid Neman, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada Mineral Oil Phenol Carbolic Acid Phthalate Family: Di-n-butyl Phthalate (DBP)/Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) Women with high urinary phthalates linked with 50-70% risk of diabetes. Phthlates found in soaps, nail polishes, hair sprays, perfumes, moisturizers. Preidt R, Study Ties Chemicals in Beauty Products to Women’s Diabetes Risk, Haelth Day online, 13 July 2012. Propylene Glycol: Butylene Glycol Synthetic colorants: Red No. 3,Yellow Talc www.greenlivingonline, Jan 30, 2008 No.5 Skin Wrinkles Wrinkles come with age, but prevention helps lessen them. Caused by smoking, sun exposure damage, low skin pigment, heredity. Worse on areas exposed to sun. Topical treatments more effective for fine lines. Deeper furrows require more invasive techniques. Peels, dermabrasion, resurfacing, heat/radiofrequency, fillers, botox, surgery. Within Within Self-care checklist. Restoratives to protect & sustain us, grow us into & through our elder years: Nourishment Sleep Movement Stress management Intimacy Self actualization Resilience & humor Love & gratitude Social connection Spiritual life Within Nourishment Quality fluids (water, green tea, rooibos, tulsi tea). Avoid hot foods in plastic/cooking in plastic. Avoid/minimize high-temp cooked foods. Incorporate low glycemic/Mediterranean, varied diet of phytoestrogen-rich, whole foods: Nuts & seeds (flax) Fruits & vegetables (crucifers, pomegranates) Organic/hormone-free/grass-fed meats, dairy Whole grains Mushrooms Healthy fats & oils (coconut, seeds, chocolate...) Seaweeds Safe seafood Beans, legumes (traditional soy) Within Sufficient Sleep Lack of sufficient sleep (6+ hours) results in elevation of stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol raises blood sugar & insulin levels, setting up carb craving. Low sleep interferes with appetite-regulating hormones, blunts insulin response. Low sleep is associated with a 60% higher rate of diabetes. Low sleep linked to higher breast cancer risk. U of Md Med nter, 2009. Within Movement shows those the least fit in their 40’s & 50’s developed the most chronic conditions early in their aging process. The most fit lived longer, with less debility. Exercise reduces inflammation, a component of many chronic conditions. Moderate exercise, 30 minutes a day, more efficient for weight loss than an hour a day. Reduces coronary artery disease risk 14%. Reduces breast cancer risk, increases survival. Study National Cancer Inst., 12 March 10. Training in interval, strength, core & stretching. Mercola J, Getting Fit By the Age of 50 Helps Prevent Disease in Your “Golden Years”, Peak Fitness, Mercola.com, 9 Oct 2012. Within Stress Management Greater life stress & stress reactivity cause central fat accumulation, especially in lean women. Fat is sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol, & grows in response to it. Some make more cortisol than others. Central fat linked to risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer. Those with high waist-to-hip ratio (>0.80 F) indicates fat storage at the waist, lean or obese, & more vulnerable to stress. Other factors for central fat include sex hormones, smoking, alcohol, sedentary, insufficient sleep. Epel E, et al, Stress and Body Shape: Stress-Induced Cortisol Depletion in Consistently Greater Among Women with Central Fat, Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 623-632, 1 Sept 2000. Within Stress Management High levels of stress may increase breast cancer risk via increased cortisol. Czyzewski A, MEDWIRENEWS, Oncology 25 Jan 2008. Women with prolonged stress and trauma have doubled risk of breast cancer recurrence. Bankhead C, Medpage Today, 27 Sept 2007. Participants in relaxation program show lower levels of stress hormone & higher breast tumor antibody levels. Also allowed full dosage of chemo and reduced depression. Doctor’s Guide, 23 Aug 1999. Within Intimacy Recent U. of California San Diego School of Medicine study found 2/3 of sexually active women, average age 67, moderately or very satisfied with their sex lives. Howard B, What to Expect in Your 60’s, AARP Magazine, 57-61, Oct/Nov 2012. sex-related hormones decline, women’s sexual satisfaction rises with age. Sex boosts immunity, linked to higher infectionprotecting IgA in once or twice a week activity. Physical contact increases hormone oxytocin, which builds trust, generosity, reduces pain, promotes sleep. Many effective personal lubricants available, including organic coconut oil (extra virgin!). While Doheny K, Health & Sex, WebMD online, 19 Oct 2012. Beauty Medicine Beauty Terms Bath Herbal infusions, salts &/or essential oils (5-10 drops) can be added to bathwater to promote relaxation, reduce pain, open sinuses. Carrier Oil Base oil to dilute essential oil, spread its benefits & slow its absorption into the skin. Sweet almond, organic lanolin, cocoa butter , herbinfused oils, other pressed oils. Max 5-10% of massage oil is essential oil. @ 25 drops total essential oil in 1 oz. carrier oil Compress Direct application of a cloth, soaked in hot or cold herbal infusion or decoction, to painful muscles/joints, headaches. Emulsified blend of water- & oil-based plant material., with beeswax added to firm the texture. Decoction Simmered infusion. Tougher plant materials added to cold water, heated to boiling, simmered 20-40 minutes, then strained. Cream Beauty Essential Terms Oil Oil within the plant extracted out via distillation process. Much plant material yields very little oil. Oils have many actions topically, internally, via inhalation. Used in aromatherapy, massage oils, foods, topical products. Buy only pure aromatherapy-grade. Hot-Cold Soak Water therapy to increase circulation & relieve pain in body part soaked. Soak (hands/feet) in very hot water 2 minutes, then very cold water 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times. Do 1-2 times a day. Infused Herb A tea of fresh or dried herbs in just-boiled water. Steep covered 3-30 minutes (based on herb), strain & drink hot or cold. Refrigerate up to 48 hours. Plant material steeped in oil to extract oil-soluble compounds . Used in massage oils, creams, salves/ointments. Liniment Herbal blend formulated for easy absorption through the skin, often with alcohol or vinegar. Used for pain relief on muscles, joints, ligaments. Infused Oil Beauty Terms Lotion A water-based mixture applied to moisten, soothe or blend with skin. Poultice Chopped fresh herbs are heated and applied directly to an injury, held in place with gauze. Salve/Ointment Semi-solid preparation of only oil-infused herbs, with beeswax added to firm the texture. Used to protect skin. Steam Inhalation Used for relief of respiratory conditions. Basin is half-filled with steaming water. Essential oils (5-10 drops) or 16 oz hot herbal infusion added. Drape towel over head & basin to contain the steam. Inhale normally 10 minutes , or until scent no longer detected., 1 to 2 times a day. Tincture A water-alcohol (25%-75%) extract of the herb, usually prepared in a 1 to 5 part ratio (herb to liquid/menstruum). The mix is steeped several weeks, pressed & strained. Beauty Essential Oils Molecules of aromatic compounds transmitted to the brain via receptors above & behind the nose. Effect is instantaneous, sending impulses to amygdala, brain structure playing a key role in processing emotions of fear & pleasure. Aromatic compounds enter the lungs, absorbed by alveoli into blood. Pass into systemic circulation. Compounds also enter topically via skin, rates vary per compound (20-120 minutes). Use of aromatics dates back to antiquity for medicinal, personal & ceremonial use. Beauty Essential Oils Aromatic compounds found in leaf, rind, blossom, bark, root, seed, etc., but not found in all plants. Ancients crushed plant part, mixed it with animal fat, then processed fat to remove oils. Modern essential oils are extracted via pressing, steam distillation or solvent to release aromatic oils bound within the plant. Very concentrated. 1 ton of rose petals yields 10.5 oz. rose oil. Lawless J, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, 13, Barnes & Noble Books, 1995. May irritate sensitive skin if applied Most mixed with a carrier oil. directly. Beauty Essential Oils Not studied scientifically until early 20th century. Many properties: powerfully anti-microbial, wound-healing, mood altering, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, broncho-dilating, anti-cancer, etc. Not oily, evaporate quickly, “volatile oils.” Like fixed oils, essential oils are easily absorbed into our bodies. Small molecular size allows quick penetration into skin, & general circulation. They dissolve in pure alcohol, fats & oils. Complex chemical structure contributes to aroma & therapeutic action. Beauty Essential Oils Eight major classes— Monoterpene alcohols: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, stimulating & sedative, uplifting aroma. Lavender, Geranium. Tea Tree, Peppermint Sesquiterpene alcohols: Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer. Frankincense, Cedar, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Vetiver, Carrot Seed. Aldehydes: Anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, disnfectant, sedative in low doses, bright aroma. Lemongrass, Lemon, Citronella, Lemon Verbena. Esters: Antifungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, calming & sedative, fruity & floral aromas. Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Geranium, Wintergreen. Ethers: Antimicrobial, analgesic, antispasmodic. Clove, Anise, Fennel Ketones: Analgesic, regenerative. Jasmine, Fennel, Helichrysum. Oxides: Expectorant, stimulant. Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Bay Laurel, Hyssop. Phenols: Strongly anti-microbial, immune & nervous system stimulants, irritating to mucous membranes. Thyme, Oregano, Clove, Savory. The Ananda Apothecary, http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essentialoilchemistry.html Beauty Essential Oils: Today’s Top 10 Balsam Fir: Antiseptic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, sedative. Bergamot: Analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive, sedative, for skin spots. Jasmine: Anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-bacterial, aphrodisiac, sedative, expectorant, for wrinkles, dry skin. Lavender: Anti-depressant, relaxing, anti-anxiety, insomnia, anti-nausea, insect repellant, for acne, burns, stretch marks, wounds, wrinkles, dry skin, skin spots, headaches & insomnia. Lemongrass: Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, sedative, for poor circulation. Panaway (Wintergreen, Clove, Helichrysum, Peppermint): Mimimizes bruising, relieves muscle tension. Sandalwood: Antidepressant, urinary & pulmonary antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, bactericidal, for wrinkles, insomnia, dry skin. Scotch Pine Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, for arthritis, cough & colds. Tangerine: Anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, relaxant, immune stimulant. Ylang Ylang: Antispasmodic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, for wrinkles, insomnia. Lawless J, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, 70-236, Barnes & Noble Books, 1995. Beauty Essential Oils: Action For Arthritis: Allspice, angelica, benzoin, white birch, cajeput, camphor, (white), carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginia), celery seed, chamomile (German & Roman), clove bud, coriander, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint), silver fir, ginger, guaiac wood, juniper, lemon, sweet marjoram, mastic, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, Spanish sage, thyme, tumeric, turpentine, vetiver, yarrow. For Constipation/Sluggish Digestion: Cinnamon leaf, cubeb, sweet fennel, lovage, sweet marjoram, nutmeg, orange (bitter & sweet), palmarosa, black pepper, tarragon, tumeric, yarrow. For Dry Skin: Peru Balsam, Tolu balsam, cassie, chamomile (German & Roman), frankincense, jasmine, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), rosewood, sandalwood, violet. Beauty Essential Oils: Action For Insomnia: Lemon balm, French basil, calamintha. Chamomile (German & Roman), hops, true lavender, linden, mandarin, sweet marjoram, orange blossom/neroli, petitgrain, rose (cabbage & damask), sandalwood, thyme, valerian, lemon verbena, vetiver, violet, yarrow, ylang ylang. For Skin Spots: Bergamot, cade, cajeput, camphor (white), eucalyptus (lemon), helichrysum, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lemon, lime, litsea cubeba, mandarin, niaouli, tea tree. For Varicose Veins: Cypress, lemon, lime, orange blossom/neroli, yarrow. For Wrinkles/Mature Skin: Carrot seed, elemi, sweet fennel, frankincense, galbanum, geranium, jasmine, labdanum, true lavender, mandarin, mimosa, myrrh, orange blossom/neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, rose (cabbage & damask), rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, spikenard, ylang ylang. Beauty Carrier Oils Fixed oils which dilute & carry the essential oils into the skin for massage/aromatherapy. Use organic, cold-pressed oils. Keep cool, away from direct light. Many suitable for culinary use & have other healing properties. Avocado Oil Reduces age spots, heals sun damage & scars, increases collagen, moisturizing. Vitamin-rich for sensitive & problem skin. Store away from heat & light. High viscosity. Edible Beauty Carrier Oils Evening Primrose Seed Oil One of the best oils for wrinkles & aging skin, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant. Increases skin resistance to UV rays, aids in blood circulation. Rich in beneficial GLA fatty acid for skin health. Keep refrigerated. Do not heat. Food & cosmetic use. Jojoba Liquid Plant Wax Similar to skin’s sebum, not greasy Does not clog pores or cause allergic reaction. Can be used around the eyes. Has anti-bacterial & anti-fungal activity. Shelf-stable. External, cosmetic use only (do not eat). Beauty Carrier Oils Rosehip Seed Oil Rejuvenating for dry skin, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks & age spots. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A & E. Keep refrigerated. External, cosmetic use only. Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil For damaged skin, wrinkles, scars, burns. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenes, tocopherols, phytosterols. Concentrated, thick, red. Use sparingly, diluted. Keep at room temperature. Food & cosmetic use. Beauty Baths Baths combine relaxing effect of hot water, therapeutic effects of salts, calming or renewing effects of essential oils. Water is solvent, carrying minerals, compounds, oils suspended in it into our skin & bloodstream in 2 to 15 minutes. Water relieves pull of gravity, warms body temp (Lyme’s), increases blood flow, stimulates metabolism, flushes wastes out skin. Promotes physical & mental well-being. Avoid overheating in pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart medications. Consult with MD. Beauty Bath Ingredients Epsom Salt: Not true salt. Crystallized magnesium & sulfate. Provides muscle relaxation, pain relief, skin softening. Himalayan Salt: Formed in Jurassic Era (250 million years ago) sea beds, now in Pakistan. Rich in skin-replenishing minerals. Dead Sea Salt: Less sodium, more magnesium, calcium, minerals. For muscle relaxation, joint pain, post-exercise replenishment. Colloidal Oatmeal: Powdered starch-protein compounds from oats. Protects & repairs skin, relieves itching, irritation. Recipes Recipes Massage Oil 1 oz. base/carrier oil (can blend cold-pressed almond, hazelnut, apricot, peach kernel, etc.) 12-30 drops (maximum) essential oils 5 drops Vitamin E liquid Pour base oils in a glass container. Add essential oils & vitamin E, whisk to blend. Carefully pour into bottle with tight fitting lid. Store away from light and heat. Makes 1 oz. Use: Gently massage about a teaspoon at a time into skin. Avoid essential oils of basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, bay laurel, cinnamon, black pepper, or any oils that irritate your skin. Recipes Bath Salts 1 cup total salts (Dead Sea, Epsom salt, etc.) 1 tablespoon base/carrier oil ( 40-80 drops essential oils (chamomile, sandalwood, eucalyptus, lavender, ylang ylang, etc.) 1 cup baking soda 1 cup finely ground oatmeal Place the salt mixture into a glass/stainless bowl. Add base/carrier oil & essential oils, mix well. Add the dry ingredients, mix well. Store in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Mix again in one day to re-blend. Makes 3 cups. Use: Add 1/2-1 cup of the salts to running bath water, stir well. Soak 10-15 minutes. Pat dry Caution in pregnancy, other medical conditions. Avoid essential oils of basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, bay laurel, cinnamon, black pepper, or any oils that irritate your skin. Recipes Healing Salve 3 oz. total herb-infused oils (can blend calendula, Saint Johnswort, yarrow, &/or plantain oils) 3 teaspoons beeswax pieces 30-40 drops (maximum) essential oils (lavender, tea tree, frankincense, chamomile, sandalwood) 15 drops Vitamin E liquid Pour herb-infused oils into a heatproof glass. Set on low heat & add wax, stir to melt. Remove from heat as soon as wax is melted. Add essential oils & vitamin E, whisk to blend. Carefully pour into clean jars, & let cool. When hardened, cap, label & store in refrigerator. Makes 3-4 oz. Use: For all topical wounds. Clean wound, apply salve & cover with bandage as needed. Avoid essential oils of basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, bay laurel, cinnamon, black pepper, or any oils that irritate your skin. Recipes Lotion 1 oz./2 Tablespoons base lotion 12-30 drops (maximum) essential oils 5 drops Vitamin E liquid Measure lotion into glass or stainless dish. Add essential oils & vitamin E. Whisk or stir to blend thoroughly. Use funnel to transfer into lotion bottle. Cap & label, use within 6 months. Makes 1 oz. Use: For protecting & lubricating dry or overworked skin. Avoid essential oils of basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, bay laurel, cinnamon, black pepper, or any oils that irritate your skin. Safety Safety Cautions Buy only quality products from reputable suppliers. Buy only aromatherapy-grade (organic) essential oils. Do not take essential oils internally unless under professional supervision. Use wintergreen, clove, anise fennel, methyl chavicol basil essential oils in low doses. Thyme oregano mucous-membrane irritating. "Ivory Wave," "Purple Wave," Vanilla Sky," and "Bliss" are among the many street names of a designer street drug known as “bath salts,” not the spa treatment. Safety Cautions Caution in pregnancy & lactation. Seek professional advice before using any product. Always test product for allergy, & stop if any signs of reaction. Stop product if any worsening of symptoms, or if no improvenment in expected time-frame. Avoid essential oils of basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, bay laurel, cinnamon, black pepper, or any oils that irritate your skin. Hot Topics Hot Topics Exogenous hormones Bio-identical hormones (pharmaceuticals) Human hormones made in body ratios. NOT phytoestrogens or herbal medicines. Use plants as a scaffold in their manufacture. Herbal starting materials DO NOT convert in the body into these hormones. Xenoestrogens (environmental) External hormone-disruptors. Chlorinated water, plastics, pesticides, home products, cosmetics, foods, everywhere. Exposure reduces thyroid function, increases risk of hormone-induced issues, cancers, insulin resistance. Resources Resources Web Biosis database www.cas.org http://stneasy.cas.org Fee-based world-wide research on all biological & biomedical topics. FDA reporting system for tainted products: [email protected] Google Scholar www.scholar.google.com Scholarly literature search, many sources. Resources Web NIH Office of Dietary Supplements http://ods.od.nih.gov/ Natural Products Association http://www.npainfo.org/ Sciencedirect www.science-direct.com Over 2,000 peer-reviewed journals, over one quarter of the world’s scientific medical & technical information online. Free. Resources Books Drop Dead Gorgeous Erickson K Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair Falconi D Home Herbal Ody P Naturally Beautiful Yabsley C The Complete Illustrated Herbal Hoffmann D The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook Green J The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils Lawless J Resources Products Natura Health Products Herbal extracts, caps www.naturahealthproducts.com 541-488-0210 HerbPharm Herbal salves, oils, extracts, etc. www.herb-pharm.com 800-348-4372 Herbalist & Alchemist Herbal salves, extracts, www.herbalist-alchemist.com 800-611-8235 Resources Products Mountain Rose Herbs Bulk herbs, ess. oils, etc. www.mountainroseherbs.com 800-879-3337 Pacific Botanicals Bulk herbs www.pacificbotanicals.com 541-479-7777 Resources Products Healing Spirits Farm Beeswax 607-566-2701 www.infoblvd.net/healingspirits Act By Nature Hair Dye 763-463-2454 [email protected] Divinitea Bulk organic teas www.divinitea.com 877-892-0013 Summary Summary Most animals self-medicate with herbs. 20-50% American adults use. Many plant compounds are active in humans. Human using for millenia in acute & chronic ailments. Intervene in symptom relief & underlying cause. Different paradigm: patient-specific not disease specific. Herbs are multi-taskers, used combined. In women’s health, herbs regulate hormones & conditions affected by imbalances. Many menopausal symptoms benefit by holistic approach. Protocol blends targeted herbs, phytoestrogen-rich foods, specific supplements, healthy lifestyle choices. Select herbs to match person from among many appropriate medicinal plants. Vitex is useful for hot flashes & other hormone-related issues. Support optimal sleep, other symptoms improve. Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. FDA regulates herbs as dietary supplements & can remove from market Herbs very safe, negligible adverse events compared with adverse rx events. Safety concerns mostly with contamination & fraud. Caution in pregnancy & lactation. Many resources available for accurate information & herbal studies. Refer to trained practitioner. Summary Aging Well Prevention is key (move to Bergen county!). Maximize healthy lifestyle choices. Reframe dominant culture’s concept of aging, incorporating new role models. Drink organic green/white tea! Put safest products on your skin & within. Care for self, within & without. Treat yourself to the beauty medicines. Enjoy healthful nourishment, sleep, movement, intimacy, stress management. Pursue self-actualization, social & nature connection, meaningful life. Maintain resilience, humor, love, gratitude, spiritual connection. Leave the world better for your being in it. Change what you can & release the rest. Weathering Literally thin-skinned, I suppose, my face catches the wind off the snow-line and flushes with a flush that will never wholly settle. Well: that was a metropolitan vanity, wanting to look young for ever, to pass. I was never a pre-Raphaelite beauty nor anything but pretty enough to satisfy men who need to be seen with passable women. But now that I am in love with a place which doesn’t care how I look, or if I’m happy, happy is how I look, and that’s all. My hair will grow grey in any case, my nails chip and flake, my waist thicken, and the years work all their usual changes. If my face is to be weather-beaten as well that’s little enough lost, a fair bargain for a year among the lakes and fells, when simply to look out of my window at the high pass makes me indifferent to mirrors and to what my soul may wear over its new complexion. –Fleur Adcock The Boomers will eventually have to accept that it is not possible to stay forever young or to stop aging. But it is possible, by committing to show up for others in community after community, to earn a measure of immortality. Eric Liu There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. Sophia Loren Many Thanks!!