Many of us “celebrate” every new spring with new health problems and ailments like frequent colds, depressions, mood swings and weakened immunity. Fortunately, we have a great help given to us by our Mother Nature: essential oils. Therapeutic properties of these natural remedies are known since the times of Ancient Egypt, and the queens of Far East and India used aromatherapy approaches which could help them to renew and refresh the body, especially in spring time. Read the rest of this entry »

Nowadays, a great variety of oils, which can be used for cooking and as healthy meal ingredients, are available in our markets and shops. Those are good old sunflower oil and olive oil, corn oil and peanut oil,  and controversial rapeseed oil. Other oils, like fish oil or flaxseed oil, are very rich in useful elements and especially omega 3, omega 6 an omega 9 fatty acids, but these oils are not used for frying and are more likely to be consumed in the forms of capsules or supplements. However, flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) can be also added to salads or other dishes, as an important element of healthy nutrition plan. Read the rest of this entry »

Juniper essential oil is a natural remedy with earthy, refreshing and a little woody pine-like aroma. It is extracted from the berries and needles of juniper tree (Juniperus communis). The main components of this oil include Camphene, Alpha and Beta Penine, Terpinene, Sabinene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Cineole, Terpineol, and many other complicated, but very useful chemical compounds. Juniper essential oil has been used since the times of Ancient Egypt: in particular, in the Middle Ages this natural remedy helped hundreds of people in Europe to survive severe epidemics of cholera and bubonic plague. Read the rest of this entry »

Undoubtedly, roses are among the most beautiful flowers on earth. Gentle and warm climate of Asia became a cradle of these delicate flowers, and the oldest trace of roses goes back to the Paleolithic era, that is about 35 million years ago. Ancient Romans loved roses for their enticing fragrance and tenderness. Anacreon of Greece, an ancient poet write that “..healing rose balm calms the heart that beats in agony“. In many cultures of the Middle East rose is a symbol of love, happiness and friendship. Read the rest of this entry »

All of us are very well familiar with peppermint. It is one of the most favorite flavor for candies, chewing gums, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, gels and other popular consumer products. Many of us like drinking peppermint tea, and some even like adding peppermint flavoring to a cup of coffee. Weird? Not at all! Try a cup of mint mocha or mint latte. You can prepare it for yourself by adding some fresh mint leaves into your cup of coffee or by using several drops of peppermint extract. Mint is very common to cooking, especially in India and the Middle East. It is used in various salads, punches, milk shakes, as well as as a garnish for chicken and red meat. Read the rest of this entry »