Friday, September 11, 2009

Natural Therapies to Help Treat Your Cold & Flu Symptoms

The children are back to school and not only do they bring home assignments but also the cold season.  Combined with the flu season fast approaching we need to take precautions to ensure our health. There are several things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms - or prevent any ailment from occurring.
One that I like is a simmering potpourri of health!
From the herbs in your cabinet to your home garden you may naturally enhance the atmosphere to keep you and your family healthy with an aromatic pleasure.

My favorite blend of herbs and flowers to simmer are lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Add a little peppermint to enhance the affects further. Peppermint is great to help alleviate those headaches that accompany the cold and flu symptoms and will give you the energy needed to get through the day.
To make your simmering potpourri of health simply add dried lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint to either a crock pot or a pan on your stove filled with water - enough to cover your blend. The proportions may be as desired. I do suggest that you add more lavender than eucalyptus and rosemary due to the strength of the aroma's. Also, before placing your blend in your pot gently rub the herbs to help release the aroma and medicinal properties. Check the water frequently and add more as needed. If your headache and other symptoms persist place a washcloth in the potpourri wring out and place on area of desired relief.
Oh what a wonderful way to heal! Not only will you feel good but your home will be filled with the aromatic pleasure of God's wonderful gift of nature.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Benefits Of Peppermint Essential Oil


What brings me to write about peppermint is the other day my allergies were in full swing. I felt absolutely terrible from the runny nose, watery eyes to the exhaustion allergies can cause. By the time I took my medication it was too late. Although, the symptoms subsided the affects were still there - especially the exhaustion. I remembered an article I posted in 2008 and would now like to share this with you again. Allgery season is upon us and peppermint can come to your rescue!

Peppermint is sometimes known to be the world's oldest medicine. There is archaeological evidence dating this plant as far back as 10,000 years. Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and honey bees as well as other nectar harvesting organisms forage them heavily. The uses of peppermint are plentiful. You will find peppermint in cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, culinary delights, topical agents, and is taken internally.
Some of the properties in peppermint are as follows: antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, astringent, stomachic, antispasmodic, sedative, antiseptic, digestive, expectorant, stimulant, tonic (nerve), and vasoconstrictor to name a few.
The benefits of this wonderful plant are also incredible and may be used in many different ways. Such as an inhalant, topical applications, taken internally, added to a bath or lotions and oils to help relax and act as an anti-inflammatory for muscles, a great ingredient for soaps, and may be added to many foods as a flavoring agent. Here are some of the ailments that peppermint will help alleviate: acne, bronchitis, clears the sinuses, colds, coughs, dermatitis, eczema, flatulence, indigestion and irritated colon, mouth or gum infections, muscular pain, mental fatigue, headache, migraine, motion sickness, hysteria, insect bites, and poor circulation. As you can see there are many ways in which peppermint may be used. Also, a recent report from Italy has shown that patients who took peppermint oil capsules for 4 weeks had a major reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Another interesting fact about peppermint oil is that it is an "all-natural way" to deter ants from being inside and outside your home. Just apply to desired areas in sparse amounts until the ants are discouraged from returning. Please note that the application will have to be reapplied every few days.
To grow peppermint it is best to do so in a container - it expands quickly by underground rhizomes. Plant in part-sun to shade areas and needs a good water supply.
As you can see, peppermint essential oil and the plant should be in every home and garden. A beautiful way to enhance your well being.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Welcome Back

Oh, it feels good to be back. It has been a long 6 months but I am ready to get, shall we say, "Back in the saddle again"!
Gwendolyn's Gate is now returning with a new format. I will still continue to offer recipes for natural health care and of course my product. But, in addition to this I am reviewing product, will list relevant links to my posts such as where to buy and other information. I will also be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to natural care - calling it "Ask Gwendolyn".
If any of you would like me to review your product and link your website please feel free to post a comment and I will get back to you with the information needed, terms and conditions.
Stay tuned & I look forward to working with all of you again!
Wendy