For over 2000 years, ancient Greek physicians included
the powerful medicinal herb contained in St. John’s wort
for treating depression and inflammation.
Image: Pixabay NickyPe – St. John’s wort.
St. John’s Wort Essential oil (Hypericum perforatum )
St. John’s wort is a flowering plant of the genus Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) which for centuries, was used for its medicinal benefits. It is believed the plant was named after ‘John the Baptist’ as the flowers bloom in late June, around the time a feast is held to commemorate him. The herb was historically used to combat issues like insomnia, depression, treating wounds, kidney and lung sickness.
Today, the inclusion of St. John’s wort has been extended to treat menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety & related issues. It can be applied to the skin to treat Eczema, wounds, bruises, burns, muscle pain, haemorrhoids, and irritating women’s health condition, vulvodynia.
Predominately grown in Europe, the plant can be found along the dry road-sides, meadows and woodlands of USA and Canada. For a long time, it was considered a weed in Australia before being cultivated as a crop, now producing 20% of the world’s supply.
How can using St. John’s Wort aid our overall health?
Using St. John’s wort as an antidepressant over the years found that the herb encourages more serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to the brain, thus improving your mood.
It has been used to bring relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, which can also cause irritability, anxiety, headaches, depression, hormonal imbalance and fatigue.
For women during the menopausal stages of life, St. John’s wort can provide a natural relief, improving sexual well-being during the use of the herbal remedy.
The benefits of using St. John’s wort for the skin are many, as it contains antibacterial properties for treating minor wounds, irritations, rashes, Eczema and burns. It’s anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties which has been used for thousands of years to attend to cuts and abrasions.
Last year, I was asked by a gynecologist to make an all-natural product for ‘vulvodynia’, which causes chronic pain and discomfort of the female genital area. I made a small batch of product which was also used to treat ‘haemorrhoids’.
The Bespoke Products ‘Pot of Magic’ contains: Bulgarian Rose Hydrolat, Aloe Vera Gel, Flaxseed Oil, Calendula, Cucumber, Neem, Soyabean with Myrrh, Neroli, St. John’s wort and Grapefruit Seed Extract. This very gentle & cooling product was used by patients suffering the condition to bring relief whilst treating the skin irritation.
In Summary, before using St. John’s wort, check with your doctor or health care professional particularly if you’re taking other medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can be obtained from your local health food suppliers as capsules, tinctures, teas, powdered forms and oil-based lotions.
Be aware that using St. John’s wort can create other side-effects like dizziness, stomach upset, restlessness and tingling skin. Use the herb preferably in the morning if you’re having trouble with sleeping.
About Essentially Lili
As Natural As You Skincare Products,
Using only 100% All-Natural Ingredients.
About Lili Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. Almost completed – Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.
My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email should you need further assistance.
At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products which are available on the webpage.
Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products. We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.
See the Blog Library for previous writings. These include topics like Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.
Always love hearing from you, your feedback and reviews. With Love Essentially Lili.
A Gorgeous Fragrant Flower, Wonderful in Aiding
Beauty, Wellness & Health.
As mentioned in the April 2023 Newsletter, this time of the year finds the streets of Zürich covered in white & pink Cherry Blossoms & Magnolia buds. The fountains in the old town are also filled with roses from the 1st to the 10th of April. It started as an initiative by the Churches of Zürich to ‘spread peace & hope to all’, where all the thorns are removed from the variety of rose buds which are placed in the water.
Historically, Rose oil was regarded exotic due to its unique elegance & fragrance. It was quickly appreciated & grown by early civilizations as far back as 5000 years ago. During ancient times, the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians, Persians and Romans included the use of rose essential oil for medicinal purposes, which are identical to how it’s being used today.
Steam distillation was the process started by the Persians, which allowed the extracted oil to be used for treating scars as it is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and allows cells to rejuvenate. The remaining rose water was utilised as a method for giving scent to their bodies. Rose oil extracted by distillation from various types of petals occurs still today, and is commonly used in aromatherapy. The oil is rich in Citronellol, it can be sedative, relieve stress, encompassing anti-depressive qualities in its aroma.
From the Middle Ages, rose oil extracted has been the base element in cosmetics and perfumery all over the world. Bulgaria ‘Rose Valley’ is the world’s number one producer & global exporter of rose oil, followed closely by Turkey and Morocco. In Bulgaria, they cultivate the rarest type called the ‘Damask Rose’ (Rosa Damascena), as well as the nicknamed ‘Cabbage Rose’ (Rosa Centifolia) plant.
Fun Fact: Did you know that it takes approximately 4000 kilograms of rose petals to produce 1 kilogram of pure rose essential oil? Just imagining the volumes of petals is mind-boggling, let alone the final product. It’s for this reason a small bottle of pure essential oil is extremely expensive.
What therapeutic benefits can we obtain from using Rose essential oil?
It contains a super strong floral smell which contains a number of fantastic elements. Let me share some of them:
• Citronellol is also found in Citronella makes Rose essential oil an effective bug repellent, whilst Farnesol, which can be found in Orange blossom, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang are all natural pesticides.
• Natural Perfume of Rose oil is incredible, without adding anything extra to it, allowing the cosmetics industry to use it as the base for many of ts products. Rose essential oil by itself can be used as a fragrance, avoiding the need to include synthetic scents which many commercial products contain.
• Anti-Depressant & Mood Booster where the scent can aid one’s mood & anxiety levels with its pleasant, fragrant smell.
• Aids Acne Treatment where adding Rose Essential oil to your beauty regime can assist in getting rid of the bacteria responsible for pimples. This wonderful oil can be found in our Magic Serum which gently treats Acne spots for all ages and skin types. It’s also contained in Just Soothing to assist treating Eczema.
• Anti-Aging Properties with its anti-inflammatory effects, containing antioxidants which fight free radicals that cause our skin’s cells to become damaged, wrinkled, dehydrated and aged. Rose Essential oil can be found in the Nourishing FaceBalm for women Over 30s, keeping your skin well hydrated and wrinkle free, whilst treating mild Rosacea & Eczema.
How can you use Rose Essential Oils?
• Using a diffuser, add the oil to it for aromatic inhalation within the household. This will make your home naturally refreshed, or you can add a few drops of oil with water into a spritzing bottle.
• When applying directly to your skin, ensure that it’s diluted with a vegetable oil like Coconut, Jojoba or Apricot. You can also use rose floral waters or hydrolats in the skincare pampering process. These are generated after the distillation process of extracting the essential oils. Rose absolutes can also be used in this way, and don’t require mixing as they are already diluted.
About Essentially Lili
As Natural As You Skincare Products,
Using only 100% All-Natural Ingredients.
About LiliEssentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.
My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an emailshould you need further assistance.
At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.
Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products. We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.
See the Blog Libraryfor previous writings. These include topics like Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.
Always love hearing from you, your feedback and reviews. With Love Essentially Lili.
Alternative methods to aid dealing
with the discomfort of itchy scalps.
Image Courtesy Unsplash – George Bohunicky.
Following on from last month’s blog about bald patches called Hair Loss Alopecia Areata, I wanted to touch on the topic of Dandruff and itchy scalps, which can create distress and anguish, affecting our social and self-esteem, irrespective of our age.
Trying to loosen and remove the scaly skin with a good shampoo scrub is one effective method, though finding a long-term solution for why it’s happening is the better option. What are the common causes for Dandruff?
• Dandruff is the name given to a skin condition affecting the scalp, making it itchy, often appearing like white flakes on the head, within the hair and on one’s clothing. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is the body responding to the inflammation caused by overgrowth of yeast (malassezia), causing excess skin cell growth, making the condition more severely irritated and itchy.The most common symptoms include skin infections, redness, swelling, damaged hair follicles and in some cases, balding. Conditions like Eczema and Rosacea, emotional stress, diet, genetics and the health of our immune system can all affect how severe Dandruff can be on our scalp.Often, the condition is treated with anti-fungal shampoos, or antimicrobial therapy, steroids and special diets.
• Allergies & Reactions to anything from shampoos, conditioners, hair colouring products, environmental factors and foods. There are loads of commercial shampoos and conditioners available on the market, which contain harmful ingredients like parabens, sodium laureth and lauryl sulfate. These can contribute to aggravating Dandruff as well as causing contact dermatitis.If this is happening to you, stop using the products for a time to monitor whether the condition improves, and look for alternative natural solutions.
• Autoimmune Disease or issues is when proteins called free radicals, or auto-antibodies attack our body’s healthy tissues by mistake.It causes the faster production of skin cells, which creates unhealthy and abnormal growth of new skin that forms in flaky, dry patches on the body and scalp. Targeting the overall health and diet is extremely important, in order to normalise the internal system. The other key factor is to prevent the condition worsening, or becoming excessively dry, which can aggravate it.
• Food Triggers Dandruff can be made worse by what’s consumed in our diet. Some foods contain inflammation and fungus causing components, which should be avoided.Common culprits include processed sugar, peanuts and some soy products.Cut back the sugar intake, avoid processed foods and oils like safflower, soy, canola, corn and sunflower.
Gallery of Pics: Scalps with Dandruff, Unsplash Antonio Gabola flowing hair, Black Seed Oil.
So what other things can we do to help combat Dandruff and dry itchy scalp?
A healthy diet will not only aid our overall well-being, but will assist preventing dandruff and those conditions that affect our skin’s condition.Ensure your diet includes fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals, flaxseeds, walnuts and fish, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients will help keep the scalp hydrated and fight against dandruff. Vitamin B7 Biotin can be found in sweet potatoes, egg yolks, almonds as well as salmon. Increase your consumption of anti-fungal foods, which includes garlic, banana, avocado, ginger, flaxseed and coconut oil.
In the previous blog about Hair Loss Alopecia Areata, I mentioned consuming Anti-Inflammatory foods. These will naturally benefit our digestive tract as they provide nutrition as well as a calming effect on our system.Often those suffering from Alopecia Areata are deficient of certain nutrients
Start by avoiding foods which are highly processed and contain loads of sugar.Instead, include foods like beets, broccoli, nuts, seeds, spices like ginger and turmeric, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, coconut oil, bone broth and wild-caught salmon to your list for consumption, which are high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and necessary minerals.
Changing up your diet can aid how you feel as well as restore autoimmune problems shown in our bodies.
Zinc is a vital mineral which supports hair follicles. Taking a supplement can aid boosting your immune system, whilst repairing your gut’s health, making it more responsive to the threat of free radicals.Not only will the supplements provide therapeutic benefits, it can work as a natural treatment for Alopecia Areata.Foods which are high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and lamb, spinach, cashews, chickpeas and yoghurt.
Hormone levels during the teen years are usually high, where the production of oil increases.For pre-teens & teens going through puberty and hormonal changes, one of the best solutions is to ensure your child is taking a multivitamin supplement which contains Vitamin B6 and B12, Biotin, Selenium, Flaxseed Oil and Zinc. These are necessary for healthy cells, skin and hair growth.Recently, I suggested a client obtain this for her teenager from Iherb: MV Teen Multivitamins as it contained a wonderful blend of necessary minerals and vitamins to assist during this pubescent time.
For adults, check out the Iherb selection and ensure these particular vitamins and minerals are contained within the supplement.Search for brands like Future Biotics and Nature’s Bounty, or seek advice from your local Health Store’s Naturopath.
I have also been suggesting clients use an all-natural Swiss made BOOM Hair Soap, which is extremely soft and gentle for any scalp.Please let Kaori Akutsu know that Essentially Lili has sent you to her shop.
Some other tips and home-spa ingredients from your cupboards to help you keep your scalp hydrated:
• Clean Your Brushes & Combs – try to avoid sharing your hair accessories with others, and ensure you wash and keep them hygienically cleaned.
• Home Spa tips – Using ingredients like Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, Olive Oil, honey, mashed bananas and yoghurt can be combined together and massaged into the scalp.You don’t have to include all of these!!!Personally, I have found Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to be too harsh for my own sensitive skin, so I avoid suggesting it for others. Eggs on the other hand, can be quite messy!!
Supplement Facts for MV Teens.
In case you missed the previous blogs and their benefits, here are some oils related to encouraging hair growth:
Products for Hair related concerns from the Essentially Lili Range is Oasis Serum. This all-natural product includes the following healing, soothing, stimulating, antioxidant Ingredients:- Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Wheatgerm (Triticum Vulgare), Black Seed (Nigella sativa), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis, Soyabean (Glicine max) Baobab (Adansonia Digitata) & Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum) with Essential Oils: Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) Patchouli (Pogostemum Patchouli), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis), Rose (Rosa Centifolia), Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) & Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) & Grapefruit Seed Extract.
• Black Seed Oil which soothes an inflamed, flaky, itchy and sensitive scalp. Black Seed Oil can assist with regrowth to thinning out areas on the scalp whilst aiding conditions like Psoriasis. Applying the Oasis Serum blend twice daily can improve the condition of the hair follicles whilst treating the irritated skin condition.
• Pumpkin Seeds are extremely rich in zinc, antioxidants, omega-3 & 6 essential fatty acids and Vitamin E.These aid with fighting free radicals, maintaining our youthful appearance, whilst the zinc levels help balance hormone levels, benefiting hair re-growth and reversing loss.
• Kiwi Fruit Oil can be used to treat your hair, as it promotes elasticity, bounce and averts the loss of moisture from the scalp.
• Tea Tree Oil – otherwise known as Melaleuca, which provides antioxidant benefits, as well as fights bacteria, viruses and fungus.It is able to reduces inflammation, including seborrheic dermatitis aiding the healing process.
• Rosemary Essential Oil – is used to enhance the growth and thickness of hair, by increasing the metabolism of cells.It can be as effective as the prescribed drug, ‘Minoxidil’ which is used for treating alopecia areata.Rosemary oil can also be used to treat dry scalp and treat dandruff.
• Lavender Essential Oil – An all-round ingredient to keep in one’s medicinal cabinet, Lavender finds another place for aiding our health.It is a powerful antioxidant which reduces inflammation, and can assist with the production and thickening of dermal layers, improving the health and depth of hair follicles.
To read more about the benefits of these other components contained in the Oasis Serum, please check out the Ingredients page. Images include Black Seed & Tea Tree.
BLOG PARTICIPATION:
What products have you used to combat Dandruff?
Have you considered changing your diet to aid relief and resolution?
For those who have used Oasis Serum, did you find itchy scalp and skin improve quickly?
“About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”
About Essentially Lili
As Natural As You Skincare, using only 100% natural ingredients.
About Lili Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management, and a Member of International College of Holistic Medicine. I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.
My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email should you need further assistance.
At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products which are available on the webpage.
Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products. We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.
See the Blog Library for previous writings. These include topics like Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.
Always love hearing from you, your feedback and reviews. With Love Essentially Lili.
Essentially Lili’s Skincare Range
Featured on both Digital & UK Magazines
from May-October 2020!
I’m so excited to be part of TATLER UK and the Hello Beautiful Campaign from May to October 2020.
Not only will the Publications be Digital, but the Hard Copy will be out soon too! I’ll update this post as the advertising features are available. Here is the summary from TATLER SHOPS: BEAUTY Online Publication!!
Essentially Lili Sun Kissed Balm
Treats Sunspots & Discolouration.
Tatler Digital Shop: May 2020
“June Digital Online Image Updated.”
“July-August 2020 TATLER Magazine
with HRH Kate Middleton on the Cover .”
Essentially Lili Frankincense Nourishing Pack
Hydrates, Nourishes and Rejuvenates your skin,
Whilst treating mild Eczema & Rosacea too.
Tatler Digital Shop: Aug 2020
“August 2020 TATLER Magazine
with British Newsreader, Author & Journalist
Emily Maitlis on the Cover – Out Now.”
Just Soothing soothes irritated cracked skin
caused by dryness and Eczema, whilst Renew Balm Hydrates, Nourishes,
Rejuvenates & Repairs your skin.
Tatler Magazine Oct 2020
“October 2020 TATLER Magazine
with Jenna Coleman on the Cover – Out Now.”
” Where Essentially Lili has been Featured, including Columns/Articles, Awards, Interviews & Blogs.”
“About Lili And Why I make
the Essentially Lili Skincare & Wellness Products”.
About Essentially Lili
As Natural As You Skincare
About Lili & Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management.I’m aMember of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.
My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance. At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients. See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.
Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products. Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.
See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.
We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.
