MY FAVOURITE THING

See the words of Heli St Luce

https://vimeo.com/111386326

Lavender Essential Oil

Extracted by steam distillation from the fragrant flowers of the lavender plant, and used for in a wide variety of applications for centuries. The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash”, because it is seen as having a particularly 'clean' aroma.

This was the first later named 'essential oil' discovered by Tisserand in the branch of alternative medicine that has come to be known as aromatherapy.

Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory 

Bug Repellent*: The smell of lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some of the lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites. Furthermore, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, the lavender essential oil has qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites

It induces sleep, frequent studies on (elderly) patients have shown it has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.

Soporific* (induces sleep). Frequent studies on (elderly) patients have shown it has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.

Nervous system*: an excellent tonic for nerves and anxiety, helpful for migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. It removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while increasing mental activity. Used frequently to regulate heart-rate variability.

Acne* is a bacterial infection near the sebum gland, which creates a vicious cycle of irritation, infection and visible sores that can result in serious scarring. This oil inhibits the bacteria that cause infection, regulates over-excretion of sebum, heals the infection and can reduce signs of scarring.

Pain relief*: Excellent for sore, tense muscles, rheumatism, sprains, backache, lumbago, muscular aches,. Regular massage provides relief from joint pain. A study on postoperative pain relief showed that adding the vapour to the oxygen significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced, after a major surgery.

Urinary system: Stimulates urine production, helps restore hormonal balance, reduces cystitis, inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. Reduces cramps from these and other disorders.

Respiratory systems*: For throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis and tonsillitis. As a vapour, or diluted and applied to the neck, chest and/or back, it loosens and helps naturally eliminate phlegm, relieves congestion, speeds recovery process. The vapour is antibacterial which battles respiratory infections.

Hair*: Very effective on lice, live lice eggs and nits. Very helpful with hair loss. A Sottish study reported more than 40% of alopecia patients had an increase in hair growth from regularly rubbing lavender into their scalp*. Recommended as a preventative measure for male pattern baldness.

Cancer: Though more research is needed, there is a significant amount on the effects of lavender, in combination with other essential oils, in preventing breast cancer in mice and strong indications of lavender battling carcinogenic effects and the presence of cancer.

Blood circulation: Improves blood circulation. Research shows lavender has beneficial effects on coronary circulation. The brain and organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health giving a noticeable boost, skin is bright and flushed with blood, the body is protected from the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis often associated with poor circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension.

Digestion: increases the mobility of food within the intestine, also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, aiding in the treatment of indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Immunity: Regular use is indicated as providing resistance to a variety of diseases like TB, typhoid, and diphtheria.

Skin*: Used to treat acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, with chamomile it treats eczema, and all inflammatory skin conditions. It speeds the healing of wounds, cuts, burns, sunburns and reduces the formation of scar tissue. 

Wimin iused to treat leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge).

Blends well with most oils particularly cedar wood, pine, clary sage, geranium and nutmeg.

Word of Caution

It is recommended that diabetics avoid this oil. It can cause allergic reactions in people with unusually sensitive skin. Excessive use may create nausea, vomiting and/or headaches. Only apply topically or inhale. Lavender eo should never be ingested, ingestion can cause serious complications, including blurred vision, difficulty breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhoea!\

* coming very soon to recipes blog

For a small list of some of the research done on lavender and other oils see the references on

http://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00023210-200620040-00001

Clary Sage EO

Clary Sage is extracted by steam distillation from the buds and leaves of the Salvia Sclarea plant. It is believed to be native to Europe and has been highly praised as a medicinal plant throughout history, owing particularly to its numerous benefits for eye health and vision.
A close relative of garden sage, sometimes called “Muscatel Oil”, due to its use for this traditional flavouring.

The chief components are Sclareol, Alpha Terpineol, Geraniol, Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Neryl Acetate and Germacrene-D. Clary means clear, Sage wisdom.
The oil was and still is primarily used as an eye cleanser. However it has many other medicinal applications

Antidepressant: can boost self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength, thereby efficiently fighting depression, whether due to failures in career or personal life, insecurity, loneliness, stagnation, death of a friend or loved and many other reasons. Relieves anxiety, it can be systematically administered to depression sufferers undergoing rehabilitation.

Anti convulsive: calms, sedates tense nerves, brings peace of mind and reduces convulsions, whether their epileptic or from another nervous or mental condition or disorder.

Antispasmodic: It relaxes nerve impulses and doesn’t allow uncontrollable spasms to occur so is an effective treatment for spasms, muscle, including respiratory system cramps, spasmodic coughs, stomach aches, headaches and spasmodic cholera.

Antibacterial: kills bacteria and fungi, curbs growth and spread of bacterial infections and protects against new infection. Particularly beneficial in curing bacterial infections in the colon, intestines, urinary tract and excretory system. Equally effective in inhibiting harmful bacteria entering our body through water or food.

Antiseptic: Applied topically prevents wounds becoming septic or infected with tetanus. It can protect the body during surgical recovery in all varieties of wounds.

Aphrodisiac: Boosts libido and feelings of sexual desire, very effective in treating frigidity, psychological problems resulting in loss of libido, and even impotency. Effective in males and females, it affects the hormones by increasing testosterone levels, which in turn increases interest in sexual activities and apparently performance.

Astringent:It's astringent properties strengthen gums, it also strengthens and tones the skin, muscles and hair follicles, preventing/minimising hair loss. It functions as an antioxidant by tightening up skin sagging due to free radicals present in the body.

Skin Health: it contains an ester called linalyl acetate, which reduces skin inflammation and heals rashes, it balances and regulates the production of natural oils in the skin, reducing both oily and dry skin making skin look younger. Recommended to be used directly, or mixed into a carrier oil to facilitate maximum absorption and effect.

Carminative: Can eliminate gas quickly, through flatulence, which reduces bloating. It also inhibits the formation of gas.

Emmenagogue: If you are having troubles with irregular, obstructed or painful menses or menopause, try Clary Sage before seeing a gynaecologist. It has no adverse side effects but simply stimulates the opening of obstructed menses, while easing pain. It also cures dizziness and mental irritation during periods and helps regulate them. Excellent for treating Post Menopause Syndrome. It reduces the symptoms and negative effects associated with menstruation like cramping, bloating, mood swings and food cravings by balancing hormone that can run rampant during this time.

Euphoric: Can induce feelings of immense joy, confidence, pleasure, high spirits and fill one with the desire to live life to the fullest. Frequently used to cure depression, chronic stress and anxiety.

Hypotensive: is the antonym of Hypertensive. Very effective in reducing blood pressure by relaxing the veins and arteries, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis and brain haemorrhaging. Reduces blood pressure, widens the blood vessels allowing increased circulation, increased oxygenation to muscles and the organ systems, which boosts their and overall metabolic performance.

Nervine: Sedates nervous convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, anxiety and hysteria.

Sedative: Reduces inflammations, has an undeniably calming effect. Gives great comfort from chronic stress or anxiety disorders.

Stomachic: Heals ulcers and wounds in the stomach. Stimulates efficient absorption of nutrients, digestion of food and regulation of bowel movements. It protects the integrity of your colon and reduces the chance of serious gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer.

Deodorant: An efficient deodorant without side effects. It is natural and the effects last.

Digestive: promotes and speeds digestion, relieves indigestion, boosts the secretion of gastric juices and bile, relieves cramping, bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Uterine: helps to maintain good health of the uterus before and after menopause, including uterine tumors, bleeding, and pain, it regulates hormones reducing chances of uterine and ovarian cancer.

Other Benefits: Can battle addiction (particularly drugs) and stimulate a change in mentality towards a positive approach to life. It is anti-inflammatory, can treat back aches and joint pain. It regulates excess sebum production, preventing acne from forming. Eases labour by reducing pain.

A Few Words of Caution: It's relaxant, sedative nature can enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol and other narcotics. Heavy dosage can cause headaches. Pregnant or nursing women are often advised to avoid using it, though it is highly recommended to have a bottle handy for the actual birth!

Blending: Lemon, Lime, Orange all citrus, Lavender, Pine, Juniper, Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine and Frankincense.

An Unexpected Love - a piece by Heli St Luce

I fell in love with my body today

Stopped looking at it for a moment through the world's eyes

That compare and judge, criticise, condemn and despise

I felt it's strength of muscle and bone

The warmth of my skin, it's shades, it’s tones

The fact that it takes by yielding gives in receiving, soft, lush, pliable

I liked for the first time in all my years that my hands

Sink into my tummy and almost disappear

Hands that shape, mould, strain

To re create that which has been destroyed, build it up again

These hands encircled and cradled

As praise for the way that they pull me through the haze

They form order in the chaos and soothe the craze

My hands in my tummy are stroked as they stroke, held as they hold

My body is amazing.

If I think of all the things it can do. How it carries this heavy mind in warmth

My body is an angel to me

For though it's very visible it's something that I rarely see

I don't want to look and when I do, I see, to my ire

It doesn't fit the perfect shape to which I should aspire. It's wrong.

It reflects my love of the sedentary, the imaginary, it reflects my love of food

It's skin shows; that my ancestors were, (and still are by some)

thought of as animals or lesser, lower beings,

Some assume I'm stupid and can't access finer feelings

My hair shows that despite these beliefs, many of the higher order

Were very keen to fuck those of the animals they didn't work to death or slaughter.

My body has shapes that don't fit, can't sit, over fill, stretch and strain

But it makes love and it cuddles and it laughs so loud,

It has hairs where they choose to grow a silly fact of which I‘m proud

It's is not perky but it is firm, it’s cushioned, fleshy, squishy

It is a body of the most  ancient Goddess figurines

For many thousand years this body was a worshipped form

From the honour to this body some say the earliest societies were born

It is a primeval woman's body not a maiden's, nor a boys

It can only hope to be loved by a fearless warrior for the Goddess

One who embraces peril and adventure for their joys

Who holds their breath to plumb the depths, strives to rise to fresher skies on an unknown shore

These and many mysteries my body holds in store.

Today I fell in love with my body

The feeling faded after a short time, drawn away by thoughts, reverie, contemplation

But it felt so good, those few short moments of internal animation

I'm going to do it again as soon as I may, it comes unbidden,

I hope it stays

Copaiba EO

Copaiba has long been used in traditional and folk medicine. In Panama, the Yaviza people mix the resin with honey and give it to newborns to impart knowledge and ward off hexes.

The balsam and its oil are used as fixatives in soap, perfumes and fragrances.
Copaiba is also used by artists especially in oil paint recipes and ceramic decoration. Mineral painters use a medium of copaiba, turpentine and lavender to mix with minerals for adhesion to ceramic vessels before kiln firing. Copaiba helps with both adhesion and quality of shine.

The balsam may be steam distilled to give copaiba oil, a colorless to light yellow liquid with the characteristic odour of a balsam and an aromatic, slightly bitter, pungent taste.

The thick, transparent exudate varies in color from light gold to dark brown, depending on the ratio of resin to eo. The stimulant oleoresin (essential oil and resin) is obtained from the trunk of several pinnate-leaved (arranged on each side of a common axis) South American trees (genus Copaifera).  It is used in making varnishes and lacquers.

Copaiba is curently being investigated as a source of biodiesel, due to it's high yield of 12,000 liters of oleresin per hectare. The resin is tapped from standing trees, with an individual tree yielding 40 liters per year.

The health benefits of copaiba come from the powerful, active components  consisting mainly of terpenes, which are hydrocarbons -organic mixture of hydrogen and carbon. These have significant effects on the functioning of the body. The effects of the terpenes found in copaiba are extremely beneficial to our health.

Consumption of this potent oil should be supervised by a 'professional' or it can cause stomach issues. Fortunately, allergies or sensitivity are rare. It can be used topically and diffused. 

Skin: it is astringent, it’s active components literally tighten the skin and even strengthen it which prevents lesions or wounds as the body ages, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, which can make one look younger!

Not only does it protect and physically change the skin, it also heals and infuses the body with powerful nutrients and organic compounds that given a little time, eliminate blisters, marks, and pimples. It is often topically applied to scars to speed healing and reduce visibility.

Respiratory Health: When inhaled, the anti-inflammatory, soothing nature of the oil, is famed for easing discomfort. It loosens tensed muscles and glands which can cause irritation. As well as having soothing qualities which can ease pains caused by coughing, it is expectorant which uses said coughing  to rid the body of mucus.

Pain Relief: This wonderful analgesic, when applied, reduces pain, loosens muscles, eliminates joint pain, and even eases headaches and migraines.

Eliminate Infection: Strongly antibacterial copaiba is a major boost for the immune system. It acts as a shield for the skin, protects wounds from developing infection and can protect and buffer internally, by eliminating harmful bacteria and micro organisms from the inside!

Anxiety and Mood: it is often used to lighten the spirits and improve mood. There aren’t many essential oils with such a sweet, pleasant, rich honey aroma. The combination of scent and its gentle effects on hormonal balance can significantly improve your day.

Diuretic: Can cleanse and detoxify the system by stimulating urination. This diuretic effect can help everything from incontinence to bed wetting

Antifungal: eo effective as an anti fungal agent are rare, the unique terpene structures in copaiba eo significantly speed up the healing process and protect against future infections of athlete’s foot or any sort of (nail) fungus.

Lowers Blood Pressure: boosts heart health, reducing one's chances of a heart attack or stroke. It's anti-inflammatory, soothing nature can relieve tension and strain in blood vessels, allowing blood pressure to drop and the strain to disperse from the cardiovascular system. This helps prevent atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of strokes and coronary heart disease.

Adding copaiba to any aromatherapy or eo regimen is a very wise choice.

Generally, this essential oil is very safe, it is also one that Indiginous peoples recommend for internal use – Please always consult a knowledgeable practitioner

Essential Oils (EO)

'An EO is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the characteristics of the plant from which it is derived.'

Pure essential oils (EO) are commonly used in perfume and beauty products, also in the manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The average citizen is widely palmed off with inferior, manufactured, synthetic substitutes.

EO can influence the atmosphere. It has been scientifically proven that EO affect humans on energetic, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and aesthetic levels. Using EO is a means of regaining control of an important, possibly nebulous but tangible aspect of your personal space.

The destruction of our natural environment and multinationals (e.g. Monsanto) attempts to control natural resources threaten our access to these gifts of nature.

It is most important to note than only 100% pure EOs have any medicinal properties. 99% nature identical oils may smell fantastic however they have no healing properties whatsoever! Pure EO can be used in the home to replace many if not all; household, cleaning, beauty and health products.

EO are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include expression, solvent extraction, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping and cold pressing. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavouring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products.

The earliest recorded mention of the techniques and methods used to produce EO is believed to be that of Ibn al-Baitar (1188–1248), an Andalusian physician, pharmacist and chemist' 

 Most (internet) research dates EO use back to 4500 B.C.E. amongst the Egyptians. They included aromatic herbs in religion, cosmetics and medicines and were renowned for their knowledge of cosmetology, ointments and aromatic oils. The most famous of their herbal preparations “Kyphi” was a mixture of 16 ingredients that could be used as incense, perfume or medicine.

'However it is important to realize that almost without exception the apparatus, substances, and procedures of this art originate before the Arab alchemists of the Middle Ages and even before the grand synthesis of Alexandrian alchemy. The apparatus used in Neolithic (and in some cases Paleolithic) Mesopotamian cooking, perfumery, ceramics, and metallurgy include all kinds of containers, sieves, ovens, furnaces and fires, also mortars, pestles and grinders of all types. Along with these apparatus were an enormous range of procedures including distillation and sublimation.'

 'EOs were used medicinally in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sold/sell medicinal oils range(d) from skin treatments to remedies for cancer often based solely on historical accounts of the use of EOs for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments, and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries.

As the use of EOs has declined in evidence-based medicine, one must consult older textbooks for much information on their use. Modern works are less inclined to generalize; rather than refer to "EOs" as a class at all, they prefer to discuss specific compounds within an oil, e.g. methyl salicylate, rather than the 'whole oil' in this case "wintergreen".

Interest in EOs has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine that claims that EOs and other aromatic compounds have curative effects.'

There is an increasing amount of scientific research and evidence which has proven the efficacy in a range of treatments of individual EOs e.g. the work done by Gattefosse in the second world war using lavender oil particularly, to treat wounded soldiers, I found 7 different scientific documents on the on cinnamon oil alone*.

Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air, heated, or burned as incense.

Some oils (I have been taught, also in my opinion and personal experience) can be safely ingested. The general consensus though, is that they are only for external use.

EO can ease a wide assortment of ailments and relieve the discomforts of many health problems; aches, pains, and injuries. Many of the oils have powerful anti viral, anti fungal, antibacterial and antibiotic qualities and unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they leave no dangerous toxins in the body.

My empirical belief is that EOs can be relaxing, uplifting, calming, pain relieving, sedating and/or stimulating. They restore physical and emotional well being. There is at least one EO that can affect anything the human body experiences. 

Almost all EO can be used safely if properly diluted as necessary. Having knowledge is the key to safe usage.

Concentrated substances are rarely intended for use “as is” and EOs are no different. There is rarely a time when you would not want to dilute the potency of an EO, by adding a drop (or more) to a carrier (oil). This provides a good medium to absorb the oil into the skin and spreads the oil over the skin effectively. It is also possible to inhale EO. The perfume tone* used will dictate how frequently it would need to be repeated. EO can also be diluted in hydrosol/flower waters, pure or mixed with colloidal silver and/or plain water (I live in the NL so our tap water is excellent and unadulterated – check the quality of your tap water and use bottled or filtered water if in doubt)

.25% Dilution (1 drop per 20mls of carrier oil) – for sick children between 6 months and 6 years you may increase up to.50% if needed. For children under 2 hydrosols and/or herbs are usually the best choice.

1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon (5mls) of carrier oil; 5-6 drops per 30 mls 1 fl.oz) – for children over age 6, pregnant women, the elderly, people with sensitive skin, compromised immune system, serious health issues. Also for massaging over a large area of the body.

2% dilution (2 drops 5mls of carrier oil; 10-12 drops per 30mls) – ideal for most adults and in most situations. A good dilution for daily skin care.

3% dilution (3 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 15-18 drops per 30mls) – for short-term use with a temporary health issue, se.g. muscle injury or respiratory congestion. Up to 10% dilution is fine, depending on the health issue, the age of the person and the oils

25% dilution (25 drops per 5mls of carrier oil; 125-150 drops per 30mls) – very occasionally would a dilution of this strength is warranted, for a muscle cramp, bad bruising, or severe pain.

Using oils “neat” (undiluted) – Lavender is one of a few EOs that can be used neat. A bug bite, burn, or sting, might be a good reason to use Lavender neat. Great knowledge and great caution need to applied before choosing to use EO undiluted, some individuals can experience irritation, sensitivity even burning with neat EO.

Edited from wikipedia, books by Julia Lawless, Valerie Ann Worwood, internet pdf's on essential oils and Mesopotamian Origins and the Material Discipline March 2009
* research conducted amongst others at the National Taiwan University.

Alwareness July 2016

Juli : Ontwaken
Ontwaken in het hier en nu. Wie ben ik, wat ga ik doen, wat kan ik voor de mensheid betekenen? Blijf ik wakker of ga ik weer slapen?

Who am I, What do I want to do or be? These are all questions that I have been busy with my whole life. Wat kan ik voor de mensheid betekenen? Was never a question that I bothered with. Why would I want to 'mean' or 'do something' for mankind? Man kind is for me an archetypal example of the 'White Mind World' operating, by defining everyone else by describing them self. Man type literally. That wasn't and isn't me, nor is it something I desire or wish to achieve. Cos the only thing that man kind has brought me was a distrust of my body, my thoughts and myself as having any value.

The Blijf ik wakker bit from this month's theme I found irritating, patronising and contradictory. Am I going to stay awake assumes that people already are, which implies that if you are not you should be. Of ga ik weer slapen says that you've been asleep, so how does that fit with the being awake part. So which ever it is I find them both wrong but not quite in the way that is intended perhaps. - Just a little Lennie point. Lets move on!

I can't tell you who I am, I can't tell you 'what' or 'how' it is to be big, physically overtly gender attributable, black, 1.73 or any of the things that most people react to. I can only tell you my experiences, my reactions or responses to those experiences and the conclusions I have drawn from all three.

Strangers tend to react to one's appearance. That is a great word, how you appear – to them. Which means that it is only an indicator of what people see and the conclusions they draw. Someone who is fat because they have dropsy or a thyroid issue will still be judged as greedy and lazy.

How do we find out who we are, if we are not prepared to accept the judgements, opinions, wishes that others make? How do you choose what to be or do, if you don't know who you are? Those are the questions that just about governed my life to around about a certain moment.

Since embracing the life philosophy of the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin lots of things have become much clearer and a helluva lot easier.

My function, the reason I was born - and by extension all of us, is to discover, accept and allow my unique talents, then find a way to live true to them and most importantly, to learn how to be happy (through doing this)*. A very specific kind of happiness – indestructible happiness, which is based on a solid life philosophy, in which wisdom and reality are fused within the individual allowing the Buddha state to manifest.

The attributes of the Buddha are; courage, compassion, wisdom, life force and joy. When the Buddha state is manifest, the attributes are unavoidable – I like all of the attributes.

The best thing about this philosophy is that the third part of the theme questions – that I never saw a need to recognise is also answered.

So, from this specific philosophical standpoint. I have the potential to be a Buddha, I am going to manifest that potential, the by-products of which are enlightenment, happiness, courage, compassion wisdom, life force and joy and by becoming happy and living true to myself, I give everyone around me permission to do the same. Not only that, but with the Buddha's attributes I have the ability to actively help all the people around me to achieve the same.

About the happiness bit. Indestructible happiness is not the absence of problems, issues and challenges it is the knowledge that one can overcome anything that the universe might choose to throw in one’s direction.

And as for the asleep awake bit – I sleep when I need to and whenever I can, cos it's nice to be able to sleep whenever one needs. As for the staying awake – Don't you know that that is a recognised torture?

*People say “Well that's all very well but what about the physcopaths and peoples who's talent is in killing”

Firstly, finally, quintessentially, the question(s), the focus, the locus of this philosophy I; In Lennie terms: “How the fuck is it your business unless you are one. Are you?”

The point is that every single, human entity being has the potential to be a Buddha (inside them) – this is the theory of the Ten Worlds http://myanimagodessblog.blogspot.nl/2016/02/the-ten-worlds.html

Percy Dens made a real great addendum to this piece when I read it (differently) on the radio tonight. In my own words (then followed by a quote from Minxy McNaughty).

Some may see joy as a destination, when in fact it is a motor for the journey

Share the joy!