In the clean, pollution-free countryside of New Zealand, a plant known to the natives as the Manuka tea tree grows wild. A very special flower grows on this plant that contains nectar that is rich in medicinal components not found anywhere else in the world. When bees use this nectar to produce honey, a very unique byproduct is formed.
Some people look at honey as merely a food item. However, honey was used as a medicine for thousands of years, prior to the advent of modern day medicine. It has now been discovered that Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains healing properties not found in any other type of honey. In fact, its medicinal value often outperforms most traditional forms of medicine, without the risk of negative side effects. Researchers have found that Manuka Honey contains natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, making it capable of treating health conditions caused by a bacteria, virus or fungus.
(more…)
For those of us who enjoy the many varied aromas that nature offers us, essential oils can be a wonderful addition in our life to help improve our well being. You can use them in aromatherapy, for medicinal purposes and as flavouring in foods. But where do they come from and what exactly are they?
Basically, these highly aromatic oils are concentrated liquids that contain natural aroma composites from plants. They are called essential because they carry the distinctive aromas of the plants the come from. Basically, they hold the “essence” of that plant. One thing to keep in mind is that they should not be confused with fragrant oils, which are synthetic oils that contain both natural and artificial fragrances.
History of Essential Oils
Holistic treatments using pure oils have been around for thousands of years. Some of the first documented uses of essential oils for therapeutic purposes were found in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used aromatic herbs and plants and their essences for rituals, cosmetics and medicines, as well as in the process of embalming and mummification. These uses and many others have been assimilated by many cultures and have been perpetuated throughout history into modern times, especially in the area of aromatherapy.
(more…)
