#early 2000s aromatherapy

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

Avon Aromatherapy Sunrise Rejuvenating Body Lotion and Shower Gel

2004

Found on Ebay, user madhousemusic

[thecheekyblog]

Let’s tap in into our Feminine energy.

As y’all know, November been trying to kick my a** but baby i am still here. Striving! Something that has helped me doing my best and feeling my best was to tap into the goddess within me.

I have been feeling like a star, the shiniest one of them all! I go through my day feeling like an early 2000’s vixen because i have been acting like it. I smell good, just got my most of my body laser so you know my skin is glissining and just overall feeling like the sweetest girly pop ever.

But not only that, i feel strong, confident and just powerful. As if all my chakras were perfectly aligned and everything is just going my way.

And the reason why is that i have tapped into my feminine energy and here are few tips to do so:

Cultivate your mind: expand and quiet you mind. Meditation does help mucho a lot!

Embrace your creativity : Make art, be art! Turned yourself into literally a piece of art by the way you dress, carry yourself and all.

Be compassionate : listen to others and be kind to you and others. Honestly being nice makes me prettier inside and out!

Connection: Connecting my girls, my family, you guys uplifts me and gives me so much inspiration.

Balance: finding balance is key, allow yourself to have down time.

Strengthen your spirituality: find your inner goddess, meditate, reconnect with yourself and nature. I often do some aromatherapy and it is literally life changing.

All that to see, we deserve the very best and feel like our best self.

Give yourself the very best, don’t wait on things to happen just do it. Like i am currently writing this with my Juicy Couture pyjama and robe, skin care done, nails and eyebrow freshly done by yours truly! I give my self the best and i feel in tune with the feminine goddess within me.

On that note, mucho kisses

[ashleysingermfablog]

Wk 16, 23rd of June, 2024 Research

Flower Morphology (The Cycles of Plants and the Fruiting/Flowering Parts)

Andrew Petran and Emily Tepe, Strawberry Flower, research diagram

From the text: Flower Morphology by Biology LibreTexts...

General introduction to flower parts: The flower is built upon a structural foundation consisting of a compressed stem with four nodes and three internodes. For a visual image of these compressed nodes, imagine pushing down on a telescoping radio antenna so that the antenna sections slide down into each other. At the very top of the fully compressed antenna you’ll still see the tips of each of the sections of the antenna, and this resembles the highly compressed nodes and internodes of a stem. The region of the stem containing these four compressed nodes is called the receptacle.

Some plants produce imperfect male and imperfect female flowers on the same plant. The flowers containing only androecium are called staminate (male) flowers while the flowers with only gynoecium are called pistillate (female) flowers. Squash and melons, such as the watermelon shown above, are examples of plants with imperfect flowers. Corn and cucumber are others. Notice the enlarged receptacle and inferior ovary at the base of the pistillate flower of the watermelon. These flowers, because they are missing one of the four parts, could also be described as incomplete.

Male and female watermelon flowers. Pollinator. CC BY-SA 3.0

From the text: Flower Morphology- an overview, by ScienceDirect...

Flower morphology consists of a large number of parameters, including the number and shape of petals, number of stamens, petal size and the number and arrangement of styles and ovaries. Some of these characters, for example, the size of floral organs, seem to be controlled by several genes, whereas single (five petals) versus double (>10 petals) was shown to be inherited by a single gene.

In genotypes with double (multipetalled) flowers which have been selected several times during the early history of rose breeding, a certain number of stamens seems to have undergone homeotic transitions to petals, with some intermediate forms between both organ types. This is consistent with other plant species where these homeotic transformations have been observed for a long time. In roses these intermediate organ morphologies are common but the indefinite number of stamens makes it difficult to correlate stamen and petal numbers. However, diploid crosses between double (>10 petals) and single (<6 petals) flowered genotypes revealed negative correlations between the number of stamens and petals supporting the concept of homeotic transformation.

From the text: Current status and biotechnological advices in genetic engineering of ornamental plants by Stephen F. Chandler, in Biotechnology Advances...

Genetic engineering of cut flowers:

Roses (Rosa) are one of the most economically important and favourite ornamental plants worldwide. Roses of specific color have been used for years as symbolic codes in many social and artistic events (Gudin, 2000). Besides being cultivated for ornamental purposes, roses are also used in the perfume and natural medicine industries. Petal-derived essential oils extracted from Rosa species have important secondary metabolites, used in perfume, cosmetic, aromatherapy, spice manufacturing, and nutrition industries (Feng et al., 2010). Rosa species also contain a number of medicinally important metabolites, such as flavonoids, tormentic acid, gallic acid derivative, polysaccharides, and rosamultin (Park et al., 2005; An et al., 2011). The Rosa genus is endemic to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East but the highest diversity of species is reported in western China (Phillips and Rix, 1988). Rosa has wide variation and hybridizes freely (Zieliński et al., 2004). The rose genome is mostly diploid or tetraploid comprising up to 2n = 2x = 14 to 2n = 8x = 56 chromosomes (Short and Roberts, 1991). Sexual hybridization is rather troublesome in roses due to this wide range of chromosome numbers, high level of heterozygosity, limited gene pool, and a high level of sterility (Marchant et al., 1998a; Van der Salm et al., 1998). 

Lilies (Lilium) are one of the most important flowering crops due to their ornamental value as cut flowers, garden and pot plants. Lilium is native to Asia, North America, Europe, and tropics, at high elevations (Beattie and Whittle, 1993). The Easter lily, Asiatic and oriental hybrids are commercially important. In the floriculture industry, lilies are ranked within the top 10 flowers. Desirable traits in lilies such as flower color, plant form, virus resistance, and stress tolerance can be genetically improved and Lilium transformation has successfully been established through biolistic and Agrobacterium-mediated methods. Several useful transgenic plants have been produced.

A transformation efficiency of 3% was obtained when calli of the oriental hybrid lily ‘Acapulco’ were scratched with sandpaper prior to Agrobacterium inoculation (Hoshi et al., 2004). NH4NO3-free medium was used as co-cultivation medium. This medium was also successfully used by Qiu-Hua et al. (2008) to transfer the maize pollen–specific Zm401 gene into Lilium longiflorum × L. formosanum using Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 containing pBI121 as the binary vector. A low rate of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (1.4%) was obtained when NH4NO3-free medium was used as the co-cultivation medium in transformation of eight lily cultivars, possibly due to a genotype effect (Wang et al., 2012). Liu et al. (2011) used MS medium with acetosyringone for co-cultivation with Agrobacteriumto transform L. longiflorum. A high transformation frequency was observed from nodal stem explants via direct and indirect shoot regeneration.

Morphology is the name given to the science that deals with the study of the form and structure of things. No matter which plant you take, the morphology of a flowering plant includes the roots, stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

When we look into the morphology of flowering plants, a plant has two systems root system and shoot system. The underground part is called the root while the one above is named the shoot.

It is clear from this research that my practice is preoccupied with the shoot systems of plants (the flowers, petals, fruit, seedpods) that make up the system of energy, growth and regeneration in the vegetal realm. Flower morphology clearly shows us that these complex plant systems build by design the organic matter that I am casting, so that each petal made, seedpod formed and fruit developed is a unique and vital part of sustaining life in the world of botanical species. There is no waste in the process of the shoot systems, or rather, all waste is used as nutrients in mulch, compost and the breaking down of matter- which feeds the root systems.

Ashley Singer, matter gleaned from a recent fieldwork trip in Hillsborough Road, outside of Mt Cecilia Park, 2024, research image

Casting forms allows the language of sculpture to take the permanent and delicate nature of the shoot systems in plants and hold them in space for examination, documentation and study. Textures, how it sits in space (the object related ontology of matter), the complex design, the difference and variation in species. This can all be examined by casting.

Below is a process of the shoot system loosing matter that is not needed further in the germination process. These research images were taken by me in Hillsborough in a familiar tree (perhaps to me a nementon- sacred grove), and from there I collected fallen matter to cast.

See below: Ashley Singer, Two Magnolia Trees losing petals, 2024, research images

[ecoplanetstore]

Exploring the History of Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is an ancient practice of using essential oils to treat physical and emotional ailments. Though the exact origins are unknown, evidence suggests that it has been used since ancient times in various cultures. In Europe, it is believed to have originated in Egypt as early as 4500 B.C., while in India it’s thought to have been first practiced around 2000 B.C. Throughout history, aromatherapy has been used for different purposes. Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used it for its emotionally calming properties and for mummifying bodies. Greeks and Romans also took advantage of its medicinal properties, with Greek physician Hippocrates referring to aromatic oils as “medicines from the gods” in his writings from 400 B.C. The Chinese also played a key role in furthering our knowledge of aromatherapy, developing some of the earliest known techniques for distilling essential oils from plants and herbs. Today, aromatherapy is widely popular and widely regarded for its healing benefits; both physically and mentally. While science can’t yet explain all the effects, there’s evidence that shows therapeutic massage using essential oils can reduce stress levels by lowering blood pressure, decrease anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels. No matter how you choose to use it – whether it's a calming massage or inhaling your favorite scent – aromatherapy remains an effective way to promote physical and emotional health and well-being. Read more about applications and benefits of aromattherapy at https://lnkd.in/dCF7DrAU #science #health #aromatherapy #history #applications #essentialoils (at Ecoplanetstore) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnnhhNCPK-S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[patrick-hockstutter]

Modern!Bowers Gang:

Patrick:

Really into cinematography and photography of the unsettling

Never captions his Instagram posts

Goes live on Instagram a lot, even though people really wished he wouldn’t

Makes art out of dead animals or animal bones he finds

Think Banksy, but with roadkill

He’ll take some (somehow) tasteful photos of them, post them, then leave the scene there for some unexpecting bystander to find

Has a nosering (fight me)

Never uses incognito mode

If someone happens to stumble upon his search history, he’s not paying their therapy bill

He likes reading smut more than he likes watching porn

A ps4 guy

Loves spooky games like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Until Dawn and Death Stranding

He’s not really into school, but he surprisingly reads a lot when he’s alone in his room

Only about things he likes though

Abnormal psych, criminal psych, and sometimes some zoology (u kno y)

Watches serial killer documentaries like he’s paid to

Listens to grunge, nu metal, and 80s alt

Won’t admit it, but sometimes listens to Joji

He’s not super into emo music, but he’s the only one who will listen to it with Victor (he fckn vibes to Brand New)

Ironically uses a Zune

Has an Android but lowkey wishes he had an iPhone

Doesn’t have a computer, just jailbreaks/hacks the school issued laptop

Has a black line tattooed around some of his fingers, one of his wrists, and the shell of his ear

Has a foot tattoo

Has a fucking Juul

Watches LeafyIsHere on YouTube (tell me I’m wrong)

Spends too much time on Reddit

Wears flannels, skinny jeans, and Vans (a beanie if he’s cold)

Mostly cycles through the same three or four outfits

Wears the same pair of Vans every single day

Victor:

Big into aromatherapy

He uses lavender soaps and has an essential oil diffuser in his room

Uses incognito mode to watch Vampire Diaries

A Nintendo ass b i t c h

He has the gray Switch Lite

He brings his Switch with him everywhere (yes he’s that guy)

But what else are you gonna do when you wanna ignore Patrick?

Watches conspiracy theories about ghosts, cryptids, and aliens

Also big into podcasts (mostly true crime and conspiracy ones)

He listens to them on his headphones while he takes walks or draws

Posts his drawings on Tumblr

Does art streams on Twitch when he gets really bored

Has an eyebrow piercing (but it’s a small stud one, not a ring)

Has little tattoos on his hands

Wears bomber jackets, skinny jeans, joggers, army jackets, converse, and combat boots

The boy has style okay

Had an emo phase but still listens to the music (especially Tiny Moving Parts)

The emo phase was pretty short because Henry made fun of him so much

He just fucking liked MCR and Taking Back Sunday a lot, okay?

And Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens, but he doesn’t readily admit that

Now mostly listens to new wave, synth pop, and lofi hiphop

His favorite bands are Drab Majesty and Choir Boy (look up their new album btw)

Has a black iPhone and a space gray MacBook Pro

Uses Apple Music

Vapes, but only fruity flavors

Watches BoJack Horseman

Doesn’t really eat fast food but never passes up an M&M McFlurry

Paints his (and Patrick’s) nails black

One time Patrick caught him doing a facemask, so Patrick put one on and started chasing him around screaming as a joke

Cue: hmm… this feels kinda good tho

So now Victor and Patrick have secret mini spa days

Drives a Subaru

Belch:

Makes Spotify playlists like he’s paid to

He’s just really good at putting songs together

He tried to get into music theory, but he wasn’t one for actually making his own songs

Really into metal (obvi) but also likes some classic rock and punk stuff

Has records hung up side by side all around his room where the wall meets the ceiling

Still buys CDs

His Instagram feed is full of vintage cars and custom import cars

Fast and Furious is his favorite movie series

His favorite shows are Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead

But he also loves early 2000s comedies

Has a mini projector to watch movies on his room wall

Wears band tees, flannels, jean jackets, Carhartt stuff, d a d  h a t s

Really wants a tattoo but always gets nervous

Uses incognito mode to watch porn and buy some of his band tees from Hot Topic

Only one in the gang that uses Facebook (Mama Huggins made him so he could keep in contact with family)

Follows a few meme pages but also some cooking ones so he can send his mom any cool recipes he finds

Victor lowkey makes fun of him for actually using the Facebook page

Invests money in really good headphones and car speakers

Has a black iPhone

It’s always at 20% battery cause it’s always connected to his headphones, Bluetooth speaker, or car stereo

Him and Victor FaceTime when they’re bored

Sometimes they won’t even say much, they just like the over the phone company

Doesn’t smoke, but sometimes hits Vic’s vape

A social vaper if you will

Watches Idubbbz and Filthy Frank on YouTube

His favorite fast food place is Wendy’s

Not really into video games but fucking slays at Guitar Hero

And when Rock Band came out nobody saw him for like two weeks

Has a black Hydroflask with band stickers on it

Henry:

He plays a lot of Xbox

Mostly Halo, COD, Destiny, any first-person shooter really

Baits people on Xbox Live cause he thinks it’s hilarious

He’s also a fucking cyberbully but we all expected that

Has Victor’s old iPhone

Never fucking charges it

He’ll text you back in 3-5 business days (if at all)

And if you try to call him he’ll block your number

Plays iMessage games like cup pong and 8 ball with Belch

The only social media he uses is Snapchat and Tinder to look at girls

In one of his Tinder photos he’s holding a fish (srrynotsrry)

Doesn’t really listen to too much music

He doesn’t dislike music, just usually prefers to do things in silence

His mind is chaotic enough, he doesn’t need background noise

But he will listen to Cigarettes After Sex and TV Girl on a really low volume when he goes to sleep

Uses incognito mode to pick and choose random soft or angsty songs that he likes to put into a bedtime playlist

Otherwise just listens to whatever Belch listens to

Has a tattoo on his wrist

Takes a lot of drives into the countryside/national forests/mountains with Belch

Takes a lot of scenery photos, but never posts them anywhere or shows anyone except Victor

Still smokes cigarettes (he thinks vaping is douchey)

Watches South Park and American Dad

If he’s willing to spend money to go see a movie, he’s going to an IMAX theater

Sometimes he likes 3D, but most of the time it just hurts his eyes after a while

Longboards everywhere

Needs prescription glasses but refuses to wear them

They’re mostly for reading, which he doesn’t do anyway

But he does listen to audiobooks sometimes

Likes Frappuccinos but will kill you before you find out

He orders them through Uber Eats under a fake name so nobody will find out

BONUS: all four!

Victor still has his childhood GameCube that they play Mario Party, Mario Kart, and Melee on

Henry is banned from playing Mario Party after breaking a controller while beating Patrick with it

Patrick only ever picks Waluigi in Mario Kart and everyone is sick of it

When they play Rock Band Patrick is on bass, Henry plays guitar, Belch absolutely slays the drums, and Vicky boy sings his lil heart out

One night a week they order a shit ton of Dominos and make a drinking game out of watching Vine compilations

Victor does everyone’s birth charts

They collectively made a fake Tinder account on Patrick’s phone and catfish guys with it

They all try to one up each other doing vape tricks yikes

They buy bags of chips and candy from Costco and lounge around eating them on weekends

They’re banned from the city metro busses because Belch’s car was in the shop for a week and that week was hell for every bus driver in the city

[thethinktank]

Marketing through spirituality or Spirituality through marketing!

In the recent years, the significance of spirituality has grown exponentially across the world. It’s connection with the consumer behaviour has also changed over the past few years. In today’s world, this new age consumer is not only looking for physical needs but also a way to ‘transform’ his/her life for the better. Things such as spiritual books, aromatherapy candles, ayurvedic health care products, etc sell like hot cakes in the market. In order to sell their product to consumers who are in constant search of making a meaning out of their lives, marketers in today’s world have realized the importance of adding a pinch of spirituality while selling their products. In some cases, spirituality gives rise to a potential market where they already have a loyal consumer base to target their brands. Spirituality can be sold as a lucrative product to these customers without much persuasion.

India is a booming market with a lot of innovative ventures that we have come across. Let us take the example of the website www.onlineprasad.com, which provides the service of ‘Prasad’ home delivery from the listed 50+ temples across the country. Its founder Goonjan Mall went ahead and launched a brand called ‘Zevotion’ which offers authentic ‘Rudraksha’ beads and other amulets. ‘Onlineprasad’ and ‘Zevotion’ are examples of how spirituality can be successfully sold in the market with a strong consumer base. Now, lets talk about an example where a product or brand is marketed through spirituality. I personally can’t think of anything better than ‘Patanjali’. It was started in 2006 by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. Baba Ramdev is a yoga guru who gained popularity amongst the masses in the early 2000s; he used this popularity to start his own brand ‘Patanjali’. Spiritual ‘gurus’ such as him show the ‘right path’ not only through their teachings but also through their brands/products.

Thus, there is no denying that spirituality and marketing are entwined and it is up to us as consumers to decide if we want to believe in a brand’s ideology- spiritual or not. But how do we decide? How do we figure out if it’s authentic or reliable spirituality, or just a smartly wrapped product?

Well, I don’t have answer to that. Maybe you can share your views on this.

In my next article, I will elaborate more on the success story of ‘Patanjali’, thus bringing out the key spiritual factors that made the brand what it is today.

[essentialethical]

10 Quick Interesting Facts about Organic Essential Oil

Most people do not understand how essential oils can be an important part of their lives due to the numerous uses they come with. From dealing with headaches and stomachaches to pesky insects and fungal infections, organic essential oils can help us deal with a lot of issues. Essential oils are made by extracting the oils from plants through the process of distillation that is done by steam or water from the flowers, bark, stems, roots, and leaves of the plant. After distillation, you now have a product that is a highly concentrated extract of the plant, the essential oil, which comes with healing properties and a fragrance of the plant it was extracted from. However, there are also a lot of interesting facts most people do not know about organic essential oils. Keep reading to find out some of the 10 quick interesting facts about organic essential oil you probably did not know of.

Essential oils are naturally produced

Essential oils are produced naturally, which means they come from things in nature. Since things from nature belong to the public domain, this means that they cannot be patented; hence no person or entity can lay claim on them in such a way that only they can profit. Therefore, you are likely not to see essential oil in a pharmaceutical product. This is also part of the reason why there has not been much scientific research on the essential oils to this day. This is because the research is unlikely to yield any profits in the end. Anyone that sells essential oils can profit from the sale but they will not be the only ones doing so.

2.

Essential oils work fast

It is widely known that essential oils can be used for therapeutic purposes but a lot of people do not know how long it takes the essential oils to take effect. It usually takes a very short time for the essential oils to take effect compared to other methods. Therefore, if you need immediate help with relieving the symptoms of cold and flu, then you should consider using essential oil.

3.

A lot of plants may be used to make a little amount of essential oil

When producing essential oil, a lot of plants are usually used to produce just a small amount of essential oil. Five hundred to one thousand kilograms of lavender flowers are capable of only producing approximately eight to thirty-six kilograms of the lavender essential oil. In this case, the 500-1000 kilograms being referred to is the total weight of the petals of the lavender flowers and not the whole plant as this the part that produces the lavender essential oil. 

4.

Only a few species of plants have been evaluated for essential oils

Currently, it is known that approximately 450 plant species have been found to be able to produce essential oils. However, despite this, not all these plants produce essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy. From the 450 species of plants, only approximately 125-150 are known to produce essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy.

5.

Each essential oil has different phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are chemicals that are produced by all plants. We do not need these phytochemicals to survive; however, they can benefit us in many ways when it comes to improving our health. Some come with antimicrobial properties and others can be used to help protect our cells against oxidative activity.

6.

Essential oils are not really oils

Generally, there are 2 types of oils, mineral, and organic oils. Mineral oils like petroleum come from ancient fossilized organic materials while organic oils come from plants and animals. Essential oils may be called oils but they are not really oils. This is because they do not have fatty acids or lipids that the other organic oils such as animal fat, coconut oil, and vegetable oil tend to have.

7.

Essential oils have been in use for thousands of years

What most people forget is that essential oils have been in use for thousands of years. Evidence has shown that ancient Egyptians used essential oils for spiritual and medicinal purposes as early as 2000 BC. A good example can be attributed to King Tutankhamun, who was found to have been buried with over 50 jars containing essential oils. 

8.

Fragrance oils are not essential oils.

As much as essential oils may be used for aromatherapy, it doesn’t mean that fragrance oils are the same as essential oils. Therefore, if you come across something that is either labeled as a perfume or fragrance, then it is likely to be synthetic oil and not natural oil. Even when a fragrance is termed as a “natural fragrance”, this does not mean that it is equivalent to essential oil. 

9.

Essential oils have a very long shelf life.

Essential oils are known to have very long shelf lives. To ensure this, the essential oils are usually stored in dark bottles, away from the heat of the sun, in a dry cool place. if you store your essential oils properly, then you can be sure that they will last for several years to come. This means that they are a great investment over time. However, it does not mean that if you follow these storage methods your essential oils will last you forever. 

10.

You can differentiate high-quality essential oils from the cheap ones. 

When it comes to differentiating the quality of essential oils, it is not hard to spot the difference between good quality essential oils and the poor quality ones. If you want to determine the quality of the essential oil, then all you have to do is simply lookout for the common name of the oil, the country of origin, the name in Latin, its country of origin, the part of the plant that was processed, the method of extraction, and how the plant was grown. Reputable manufacturers tend to give you all this information. 

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

Avon Aromatherapy Sunrise Invigorating Body Buff Shower Gel

2004

Found on Ebay, user fabulous-estate-finds

[foreaft]

HEADCANONS : LUNA & FRED ft. @ofwarriorsmade !

The following was taken from OOC talks between myself and Jenny @ ofwarriorsmade.  If George is mentioned, it pertains to Kezzy’s George @ humanbludger !  Anything of intimacy : kisses, cuddling, etc., happens when they are 16+ !  Normal behavior for two teens.

Luna, as a fellow member of the magical community of Ottery St. Catchpole, grew up interacting with the Weasley family for as long as she could remember.  She is a child - hood friend to many of the Weasley children, but she’s not as close to Bill and Charlie, as they were several years older than her.  She is closest with Fred and Ginny.

After her mother’s death, Luna relied heavily upon the Weasley’s for emotional comfort, specifically Mrs. Weasley and Fred.  During the funeral, Fred stood back with Luna, an arm around her shoulders & holding her hand to comfort her, while others paid their respects, visiting her mother’s casket.  Luna couldn’t bring herself to look at her mother, and she cried herself to sleep every night for a month.

Fred gifted Luna one of his old stuffed animals and a shirt of his; with Luna’s ( subconscious ) reliance on sense of smell, aromatherapy, such a small gesture was paramount in her ability to distract herself during the night.  By recognizing his scent, from the stuffed bear and wearing the shirt he gave her as a sleep shirt, she could distract herself with a different thought process.  Instead of thinking about her sadness & sorrow, Luna would be prompted to think about the next day and spending time with Fred and the Weasley family.  “ Oh, I wonder what will be for lunch / dinner, I hope Mrs. Weasley let’s me help her cook ! ”

HEADCANONS [ FRED & LUNA ] : CONTINUED .  .  .  !

Fred is very amused and intrigued by Luna, her thoughts and what she says.  He believes everything she says to be very endearing, very positive, and he always wants to hear more.

While Luna did take the Flying class during her first year at Hogwarts, it was Fred that taught her how to “ properly ” fly ( his words ) during a summer break from Hogwarts.  She was more receptive to his teachings, and that may be due to how well they understand each other, and the benefits of one - on - one teaching.  She’s also not so shy around him.

They spend a good deal of time underneath the shade of a tree, when the weather permits, that’s labeled by everyone ( but them ) as their tree.  He tells her about the dreams he has, and she often reads to him, the Quibbler usually when she’s younger, answering questions when /if he has them.  It’s their place to share secrets and talk freely to each other without judgement or nosiness from others.

She doesn’t just read the Quibbler to him, she reads him different genre of literature too ( a mixture of his favorites and hers ), mostly novels.  When they’re in their late - teens, their reading time together is often a time of affection as well.  With Fred’s head resting in her lap, Luna uses magic to levitate the book and turn pages as she finishes a page, one hand fiddling with his hair, with the other arm resting across him.

Fred has a difficult time concentrating when it comes to reading, and he finds it more interesting when she reads aloud.  Luna often studies with him, finding it beneficial to herself and for Fred; they study under their tree or in the living room of the Weasley home.

She encourages him to speak about his dreams and ambitions aloud ( even when he believes they may be dumb ), believing that they have more power when spoken.  She’s been very encouraging of him, trying to help him see that there is value in himself and in his dreams, especially when he is down about himself and / or life.

She actually made a big speech ( in the summer of ‘95 ), under their tree, about how amazing and unique and genuine Fred is, and it was the first time that she spoke of loving him.  He took it as she loves him as a friend, and not as the romantic love that it had slipped out as.

George sees the way that Luna looks at Fred, and the way that Fred looks at Luna, and he is the first to know / recognize that the two deeply love each other.

Fred and Luna miss each other dearly during Fred’s first three years at Hogwarts ( ‘89 - ‘92 ), they try to keep in touch with letters, and spend a good deal of time together when he’s home for summers & holidays.

Ever since she was a young girl, Luna has always been very intrigued by Fred & George’s antics / humor.  She always giggles at Fred’s jokes and comments.

Fred & George have never made fun of her ( tease her maybe ), and have never made her feel that it’s a negative thing to be weird or strange.  She is eternally grateful, as their acceptance of who she is helped her to remember that she should not bend or break, or change, for anyone.

Luna writes Fred letters every week to two weeks during her travels across Northern and Central Europe ( 2000 - 2008 ).

She only allows Fred, Ginny, and Molly, sometimes George when he wants to show up Fred, to play with / style her hair, but she enjoys it very much when Fred does it.  He’ll braid her hair, and sometimes put wildflowers from around the Burrow in her hair.  She and Ginny show him how to do different things, and lets him practice them on her.

The summer of Fred’s first year at Hogwarts ( ‘89 ), he is up early, knowing she will be too, and goes to her house to invite her for a walk and show her the book he has stolen from Hogwarts ( that he intends on returning, of course ), a book he thinks she’ll enjoy reading.  He catches her sniffing the open pages, and she gets a little self - conscious, and she attempts to change the subject by asking him where he got it.  She does find out he took it home ( and probably shouldn’t have ) and makes him promise to return it when he goes back.

Luna attends the Yule Ball, hosted during winter holiday of 1994, with George Weasley.  It is a platonic invitation, two good friends attending to have some fun.  Though Fred took Angelina, Fred does ask if he may dance with Luna for a bit, and Angelina with George, and Angelina sees no issue with that.  She actually might be in on knowing about it with George.

During their school years, Fred used to find her at the Ravenclaw table and make ( silly ) faces at her to engage with her even when they had to sit so far away.  It made her so happy to know that even if everyone in the school disliked or avoided her, she would always have a friend in Fred.

Fred once discovered a Gryffindor student partaking in hiding Luna’s belongings all around the castle, and he got into a physical fight with the kid over it.  The kid never helped bully Luna ever again.

After discovering her house - mates stealing her stuff, he’d give them looks whenever he could, when he walks Luna to her table, during study hall, etc.  The bullying became a tad less frequent, but it still happened at least once or twice a week.

Fred did make sure to sit with her, or call her over to the Gryffindor table, during Great Hall meals and study periods / study hall.  He’d sometimes even bring over George or Ginny too.  Luna lit up whenever she was surrounded by her friends.

Despite having his own plate of food, Fred would steal off her plate, something she didn’t mind because she’d do it right back.  This was often a way they engaged in social interaction together during meals, and it was a way that Luna was introduced to new foods as well.  Fred would get things she wouldn’t have, and she’ll try a bite.  Some things she liked, some she didn’t.

They’d often sit close enough that their sides were touching, often subconsciously without meaning too.  When Luna noticed it happening, she took comfort in it and that Fred seemed to be just as content with their closeness.

Just before the Battle of Hogwarts, being the realistic person she is, Luna decides it is time to tell Fred how she feels about him; so she pulls him aside and tells him E V E R Y T H I N G.  If she dies, at least she died with no secrets, and if he dies, then he dies knowing she loves him.  She does not care at this point if it ruins their friendship, it is better to die knowing he knows.  He responds in a way she doesn’t quite expect, with an understanding and their first kiss, simple & short yet meaningful.  After which he makes a joke, “ Sure you aren’t a Gryffindor? ” and it makes her laugh and tear up, then he says he’s loved her for a long time, but that is all there is time for, and she’s whisked away by others to finish battle preparations.  That is the last time she sees him .  .  . until the war is over.

When the battle is done, Luna finds Fred in the designated infirmary area, and he is severely injured from being crushed by a wall.  She moves to him quickly, a hand cupped over her mouth; she will be strong for him, but as she sits beside him, holding his chilled hand, she has to stop herself from asking the healers if he is going to die.  She falls asleep sitting beside him, and he wakes later, relieved to see that she is there, there and ALIVE.

When he wakes again, and she is awake to see it, she can’t help but cry in relief.  Some of it is also a release of emotions based on the trauma experienced during the battle; but she moves to give him a soft kiss on the forehead, and immediately moves to get a wet rag and wipe his face clean of dust & dried - blood / sweat.

She isn’t sure if it’s from his injuries, or if he is overwhelmed with all that has happened, but he blurts out everything he’s wanted to say to her, and he’s wearing a bashful smile but he’s exhausted.  It is her turn for a simple, “ I love you, Fred Weasley, you just rest ” she smiles, I always will; until they can be alone.

The healers did ask her to leave while they do the immediate repairs on Fred’s body, but Mrs. Weasley insisted that Luna could stay with him if that’s what Fred wanted, and as they begin, Luna starts to feel like that isn’t a good idea because the healing is painful, and Fred is squeezing her hand hard & crying out in pain, but she must be strong for him, she has to be.  He needs her, she will not leave him.

Weeks after the immediate healing repairs, her head is in his lap, and he’s working on his fine motor skills by trying to braid her hair, and he apologizes for making her endure that experience.  But thanks her for sticking by him.  She sits up and reassures him that she will always be there when he needs her, and she gives him a soft, soft kiss.

After the Battle of Hogwarts / war ( in ‘98 ), Fred takes some time during his recovery to travel with Luna during the beginning of her internship in late 2000, early 2001.  Though she loves having his company, she does talk to him about going back to London to be with his family and continue his passions.  He can’t run away from his problems, as much as she loves that he’s traveling with her.  She comes back every three months to visit him, spending most ( if not all ) of her time with him when she comes back for those few days.

Fred is claustrophobic after receiving his injury during the war, but the vehicle Luna uses for her travels is enchanted to provide the comforts of a studio apartment.

Fred & Luna don’t really officially declare themselves an item / couple after the war; however, they are an unofficial item / couple.  They are loyal to each other, and after she begins her travels, they are somewhat intimate together ( kisses, cuddling, sharing a bed, etc. ).

Fred is guilty of forehead against forehead contact, and rubbing / brushing noses.  Luna honestly loves it so much.

Luna loves all of his affectionate gestures, whether he’s playing with her hair, holding her hand or holding her, helping her in the kitchen and tucking strands of hair behind her ear or helps tie her hair back when her hands are covered in batter / ingredients.  She loves him so much.  She does sometimes get a tad embarrassed by his attention, because she didn’t get much positive attention, in that way, especially during the school years.  So when she catches him staring at her, she smiles sheepishly and looks away, her cheeks flushing a little.

Though, when he helps her in the kitchen, he requests being paid in kisses and being the dedicated taste - tester of her food.

He flicks little bits of food / ingredients at her, and then insists that it’s not him, HE BLAMES THE NARGLES.  And she deadass looks him in the face, unamused at first, then a wicked smile sometimes crosses her face and she unloads the contents of the prep bowls at him.  FOOOOOOD FIGHT.  His mischief rubs off on her over the years.

When she initiates food fights, she says “ it’s not the nargles, they inhabit plants and there’s no plants in the kitchen so nice try ” and he pretends to be offended, giving her a gasp, fake offended that she’d insinuate he was lying, HOW DARE, before it’s all out war.

Fred has helped Luna be a bit more .  .  . wild & mischievous.

Sometimes forehead rests and nose brushing is to lure her into a false sense of security and it erupts into vicious tickle wars.

She LOVES when his hands cup her face, because she is always cold, and his hands are always so warm.  She loves embraces and cuddling with him for that reason too, not just that, but you know.

Luna wears his shirts to sleep, his smell helps lower her stress levels and relaxes her.  When Fred is away, she actually uses his pillow instead of hers.  Even after washings, things he’s interacted with smell like comfort.

Fred & Luna used to wear each others scarves while at Hogwarts, and after Hogwarts as well.  Luna with his Gryffindor scarf, and Fred with her Ravenclaw scarf.

When cuddling at night, Luna is sometimes the big spoon, and sometimes the little spoon.  She moves around frequently at night, but thankfully she doesn’t accidentally kick or punch Fred.  She just naturally turns over a good deal.

She DOES sleepwalk frequently, at least three to four times a week, and due to Fred being a light sleeper, he normally wakes when she is getting out of bed.  He follows her until she either manages to get back to the bed during a spell, or when she wakes somewhere foreign from a sleepwalk spell.  She was surprised the first several times to turn and find him following her, and she apologizes every time, but it does make her feel safer to know that he’s watching over her.  She’s ended up very far from their home before, and after he found her sleeping in the woods, he’s never let her sleepwalk alone after that.

Luna’s moving actually doesn’t disturb Fred too much, it only wakes him fully when he recognizes that she’s getting out of the bed during a sleepwalk spell.  When she simply moves, he acknowledges it and sometimes gives her a kiss on the cheek or pulls her closer to him and goes immediately back to sleep.  He snores, but it’s a soft snore.  She actually finds his snoring relaxing and rhythmic.

After the war, Arthur gets into muggle television shows, and Fred soon catches on too.  He and Luna have two TVs, one located in their bedroom, and one that is in the living room where Luna can see & hear it from the kitchen.  She’s really into cooking shows.  Fred and Luna also have date nights where they watch muggle movies / shows and have a buffet of snacks on the coffee table.

Fred can’t dance, but that doesn’t stop him from dancing, he doesn’t care how he looks when doing it, and Luna doesn’t mind dancing, she actually enjoys it when she’s doing silly dances with good friends and family.  She does know how to do a basic waltz box step, but that’s about it.  All her other moves are random af, just like Fred’s, and she loves it when he randomly twirls / picks her up and twirls and dips her.

Fred has the ring for months before he proposes; he plans and plans and plans ( nice dates, beautiful dinners ), but each time, there’s something not quite right about it, and he waits.  He actually proposes under their tree at the Burrow, he is nervous and blurts out the question, and pulls out the ring seconds later.  Luna assumes that he is asking as a general question, like “ Will you marry me one day?, ” but as she goes to respond, she notices he’s moving to fetch something from his pocket, and its a RING.  Her expression literally goes from :) to :O to :D to jumping up and throwing her arms around him.  YES, she breathes, because he’s embracing her so tightly and she’s so happy she’s breathless.

Fred actually asked her father, Xenophilius, for his permission / blessing to marry Luna, and Xenophilius took his time saying yes, even though there was never a doubt in his mind about saying so.  Fred leaves sweating bullets but grinning like a fool.

Xenophilius does manage to keep it a secret from his bright & brilliant little moon, and when she and Fred come to tell him the news, he knows immediately why she is so happy, and he’s like MY BRILLIANT LITTLE MOON, I’M SO HAPPY, and Luna is confused because how does her dad know before she’s even said anything.  Fred confesses to talking to her dad about it first, and she’s so intrigued by the idea of that, because sure, Fred’s planned pranks before, but he planned all of this, he spent time planning things for her, and it’s such a serious thing to think about, and she’s just so happy that he took the time to think it through and that fact just makes it all the more better.  She loves him so much.

Luna and Fred would love to have a family together, they’d likely have three to four kids, with one set of twins.

[leflorentine]

The List of Earliest Civilizations to Use Perfumes- Know the History!

We owe our ancestral civilizations a lot of things! Our present culture is built upon what they left behind thousands of years ago. But do we wonder that one very peculiar yet significant part of our lifestyle, perfumes, also had a journey dating back to several thousand years crossing paths of many different civilizations? Seeing some of the earliest civilizations producing, trading, and using perfumes are a bit shocking but kind of interesting to know!

Today, we all have access to perfumes, but earlier, it was a luxury reserved for the nobility class. It was a trademark of their status and wealth. Throughout history, perfumes and fragrances were used in many different ways.

Let us give you a glimpse of the journey of perfumes or fragrances over some time. Here is the list of some of the earliest civilizations that used perfumes.

Also, to shop for perfumes, check out perfume shops near me, and get home a perfume couple set for both yourself and your partner.  

Mesopotamian Civilization

Mesopotamian Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations that survived on earth. It is dated back to as early as 4000 BCE. The Mesopotamians believed in cleanliness and purity, and hence, for them, the perfumes were used to shred away the body odor and for hygiene purposes. The first perfume maker on record is believed to be a Mesopotamian woman called “Tapputi”. Her stories have been found on a clay tablet from Mesopotamia dating back to 2000 BCE.  

2. Ancient Egyptian Civilization

Fragrances were a thing back then in Egyptian civilization. So much so that they attached divine importance to it. In Egyptian mythology, their God Nefertem is often depicted as the God of perfume, with water lilies in his hands. Water lilies were a common ingredient in Egyptian perfumes. Kings, queens, and high nobles also used perfumes daily. Queen Cleopatra used various kinds of fragrances to scent her body. These fragrances were usually made by distilling natural ingredients derived from fruits, flowers, and scented woods with vegetable oils or animal fat.

Incense was also used during various ceremonies and to scent the rooms and halls. They even traded various incense and myrrh internationally for profits.

  3. Graeco-Roman Civilization

The Greeks and Romans used perfumes on a large scale too. Greeks have even documented their perfume-making process in great detail. They considered perfumes to be a symbol of their prosperity and also used them to please the Gods. Greek medical physicians even came up with “Aromatherapy” where they believed that some good smells have health benefits and are calming for the body. They even used to pour scented oils in public baths to soothe and calm their body and rejuvenate their skin with fresh fragrances.

Romans too used fragrances in many different ways. They used to scent their public baths with perfumes and also made body-care items such as balms, oils, paste, perfumes to treat their hair and skin.

  4. Ancient Persian Civilization

The Ancient Persians were also huge fans of perfumes. They are known to be the inventors of non-oil-based perfumes. They used to infuse water with various fragrances and then used them to scent their hair, skin, and clothes.

The perfume was a symbol of status for the Persians. Often, the kings used to have their signature fragrance which no one else was allowed to wear. King Darius is often depicted as holding his bottle of perfume with him everywhere.  

They not only used these fragrances but also traded them widely for hundreds of years. They built several perfume-making workshops where the art of making perfumes was promoted on a large scale.

  5. Early Chinese Civilization

Ancient Chinese were also enchanted by these perfumes. They believed in cleanliness, therefore, they used fragrances for purity and hygiene. They also believed that some fragrances have medicinal properties, which is why they generally practiced anointing their bodies with fragrant paste to keep away the diseases. Their oriental fragrances were generally made of various Asian herbs and spices that were also used in food and medicine. Apart from that, they also extracted fragrances from plant oils, fruits and flowers.

They used to infuse fragrances in the items of daily use such as stationary, carpets, sculptures, and articles at home.

   6. The Vedic Period

In India, we can find traces of usage of perfumes since the earliest times of the Vedic period. In the Vedic period in India, perfumes and various other fragrances were used in tantric rituals such as yajnas. The sculptures of Gods and Goddesses were usually anointed with Sandalwood paste (Chandan) which was a common fragrance at that time. Ancient queens anointed their bodies with sandalwood before bathing to smell good.

Apart from that, even incense was used during various religious ceremonies and other occasions.  

7. Medieval European Period & The Renaissance

The prominence of modern perfumes can be traced back to the medieval European period.

The Italians had become masters of the modern-day perfume-making process that replaced solid perfumes with liquid ones. The Mediterranean aroma started to gain prominence during the 16th century because of the ‘Godfather of Perfumes’, the famous ‘René Le Florentine’. He was also the Perfumer of Catherine De Medici, who introduced the art and essence of perfumes to France and subsequently, to the rest of Europe, upon her marriage with the French king Henry ll.

Our balsamic and aromatic Le Florentine perfumes are inspired by the Godfather of Perfumes, René Le Florentine. We try to bring in the essence of the rich Mediterranean aromas to you through our fragrances.  

These are some of the examples that prove the prominence of fragrances and perfumes since the earliest of times. Perfumes were in vogue since the beginning of human civilizations. Now that you know the rich history of perfumes, do you find the perfumes even more interesting?

Check out online perfume shop today and get your signature perfume like the royalty!

Source -

https://bit.ly/3AFBkmr

[tipsycad147]

All About Cinnamon | The Health Benefits, Uses, & More

Written by Sass Ayres

Cinnamon, as warming and sweet as it is, is a quintessential spice of the fall season. And this common spice that we might take for nothing more than the flavor of fall has a long history of use as both food and medicine. From immune health to cardiovascular health, the health benefits of cinnamon make it so much more than just a spice cabinet staple. Plus, it’s flippin’ delicious! Today, cinnamon can be found in everything from holiday pies to toothpaste.

HERE YOU’LL FIND: Meet Cinnamon Get To Know The Real Cinnamon: Cassia vs. Ceylon Culinary Uses of Cinnamon The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Resources & Further Reading

As a tropical spice that is commercially produced primarily in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, for most of us, cinnamon travels a long way and passes through many hands to get to our kitchens.

Believe it or not, cinnamon actually played a big role in colonial expansion. In the early 1500s, Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, was invaded by the Portuguese in an attempt to monopolize the cinnamon trade. Several hundred years later, the Dutch East India company took over and dominated the cinnamon trade up until the early-mid 1800s, effectively spreading cinnamon all over the globe.

Cinnamon was (and is!) adored by everyone.

But there’s more to this everyday spice than meets the eye. Because of its origin, traditional methods of processing, and the multitude of unique varieties and uses, cinnamon is quite an interesting plant!

Meet Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)

Here’s the skinny:

Cinnamon is an evergreen tree, and when left to its own devices, it can grow 30-50 feet tall. However, commercially grown cinnamon is grown as a bush and typically maxes out around 10 feet tall.

The leaves are long and oval-shaped, typically anywhere from 3-7″ long. Cinnamon flowers are small, whitish-green, and arranged in panicles.

In more commercial operations, a cinnamon tree is typically ready for harvest at 2-3 years old. The shoots are then coppiced (harvested by cutting back to the ground) and left to regrow as many 2-3 times a season. Cinnamon trees can typically be harvested from for 40-50 years!

The bark of the cinnamon tree is harvested right after monsoon season, when all the rain and humidity has made the cinnamon bark softer and easier to harvest.

As the bark dries after harvest, it rolls into quills, what we often refer to as cinnamon sticks.

There are hundreds of types of cinnamon, but only 4 are typically grown commercially. These are Ceylon (true cinnamon), Cassia, Saigon, and Korintje.

Cinnamaldehyde is the primary essential oil found in cinnamon and is responsible for its characteristic taste and smell.

Get To Know The Real Cinnamon

While there are many varieties of cinnamon, the two most common are Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is, by far, the most ubiquitous variety. Because it’s generally less expensive and has a stronger flavor than Ceylon, it’s the most common variety on the market shelves.

However, to most untrained palates, the two are relatively indistinguishable.

Ceylon Cinnamon

often referred to as “true cinnamon”

grown in Sri Lanka and southern India

typically a lighter brown color

more expensive than Cassia cinnamon and is more difficult to find in groceries

has a milder, more delicate flavor (and perhaps even slight floral notes)

the bark is generally in thinner sheets, which are nested into each other, resulting in a flakier appearance

Cassia Cinnamon

grown mostly in China

typically darker in color, often appearing reddish

has a much more intense flavor (and is often preferred for its stronger flavor)

contains a higher concentration of cinnamaldahyde

the bark is typically thick and usually single layered (compared to the thin, multi-layered, and flaky-looking Ceylon)

the most commonly sold and available cinnamon in the United States

Culinary Uses of Cinnamon

Cinnamon’s most prominent use is as a food. It’s been used as a spice to flavor everything from curries, teas, marinades, chewing gum, soups, baked goods and desserts, as well as liqueurs. Chocolate and cinnamon is a popular combination, and cinnamon is a key ingredient in 5-spice powder, a Chinese blend of 5 or more spices representing the traditional Chinese elements of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent.

Cinnamon bark essential oil is also often used in food. Because it generally yields a more consistent flavor, cinnamon bark oil has replaced powdered cinnamon as a flavoring in much of the commercialized food industry.

Try These Recipes With Cinnamon

Simple Cinnamon Tea Cinnamon & Pear Cordial Savory Cinnamon & Spice Herbal Salt Cinnamon & Rose Pear Upside-Down Cake Coffee & Cacao Cocktail Bitters

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

It might be a little surprising, but many of the most commonly used herbs and spices in our kitchens live double lives as incredible plant medicines.

The health benefits of cinnamon go far beyond the alluring aroma of fall desserts and sweet treats. It’s not really hard to believe that this spice is beloved worldwide. After all, what would our apple pie and pumpkin-spiced everything be without cinnamon?!

Cinnamon is antiviral, astringent, anti-fungal, expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and so much more. With such a wide variety of medicinal actions, it has many medicinal uses.

Cinnamon bark oil is used in the pharmaceutical industry in products for asthma and colds/coughs due to its expectorant and fever-reducing properties.

Cinnamon helps to increase warmth and circulation, thereby supporting healthy and efficient digestion.

It can help relax uterine muscles, helping to calm painful menstrual cramps. Cinnamon tea is a popular remedy for menstrual cramps.

It can help to dissolve excess mucus, aiding in resolving coughs and lung congestion. For this reason, cinnamon can also be effective in easing respiratory allergy symptoms.

Studies have demonstrated effectiveness in helping to decrease blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Cinnamon 101

Species  True Cinnamon: Cinnamomum verum (formerly C. zeylanicum) Cassia: C. cassia (or C. aromaticum) Korintje: C. burmannii Saigon: C. loureiroi

Family Lauraceae (the laurel family)

Part(s) Used Dried inner bark of young branches & semi-hard shoots

Origin Tropical forests of Indonesia & other parts of Asia When to Harvest Immediately after rainy season, when the bark is softer & easier to harvest

Energetics Drying, Warming, Energizing

As a Medicine Antiviral, Alterative, Astringent, Anti-fungal, Carminative Antibacterial, Anti-parasitic, Anti-inflammatory, Gastrointestinal tonic Expectorant (helps to remove excess mucus)

As a Food Excellent source of manganese & fiber Very good source of calcium

Caution(s) Caution against using large doses (>1 teaspoon/day) for long periods of time. Contraindicated in persons with a cinnamon allergy. Caution during pregnancy due to slight emmenagogue effect.

**Always consult with your doctor or a licensed clinical herbalist if you have any concern or are taking any prescription medications.**

Other Uses Crafts Aromatherapy, Body care & perfume

Resources & Further Reading

Engels, G. & Brinckmann, J. (2012). Cinnamon. Herbalgram, 95:1-5. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue95/hg95-herbpro-cinnamon.html

Chen, P., Sun, J., & Ford, P. (2014) Differentiation of the Four Major Species of Cinnamons (C. burmannii, C. verum, C. cassia, and C. loureiroi) Using a Flow Injection Mass Spectrometric (FIMS) Fingerprinting Method. J Agric Food Chem, 62(12): 2516–2521. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983393/

Garner-Wizard, M. (2016). Review of health benefits of cinnamon. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/541/081546-541.html

American Botanical Council. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs: Cinnamon bark. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Cinnamonbark.html

McBride, K. (2019) The Herbal Kitchen.

Tilgner, S. M., (2009) Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth.

   https://www.botanyculture.com/meet-the-plants-the-food-medicine-of-cinnamon/

[merrybrides]

Top 10 Essential Oils To Beat Stress & How To Use Them

Essential oils have practically an endless list of applications, including banishing stress and anxiety, depending on the type of oil. And, whether you want to boost your mood, or improve your overall health, the best strategy is to start with stress reduction.

Aromatherapy has become especially popular in recent years for stress relief, though its use dates back thousands of years. It offers a natural, organic alternative to pharmaceuticals, working to enhance lifestyle modifications that can further lessen stress, such as meditation, diet and exercise. Excess stress can cause digestive problems, wreak havoc on the immune system and raise the risk of developing heart disease. It can also affect blood sugar levels leading to increased hunger and insulin insensitivity. When not managed properly, stress can even lead to premature aging, pain and weight gain.

Considering the many negative effects of being over-stressed, taking action to relieve it is an absolute must for good health and well-being, and aromatherapy is an especially effective way to do so.

How To Use Essential Oils To Relieve Stress

Place a few drops onto a cotton pad and tuck it into a pocket, or your bra. The oil’s scent will help support you throughout the day, bringing a sense of calm to whatever challenges you might face. Alternatively, and probably more effectively, invest in an essential oil diffuser necklace. Not only do they look really pretty, but you’ll also be able to inhale the wonderful aromas throughout the day and easily change the pads to mix up the scents.

Add several drops of essential oil onto your shower floor or into a bath. As you bathe, you’ll be immersed in its aromatic steam, helping you to start the morning out right for a better day. When adding to a bath you should first emulsify the oils in milk to avoid undiluted application to skin.

Scent your living or working space by using an essential oil diffuser. Simply add 5 drops of your desired essential oil into a diffuser. My favorite diffuser is the  Bellasentials Dark Bamboo Essential Oil Diffuser.

Most essential oils can also be massaged into your skin to experience their benefits. Simply add a couple of drops of your chosen essential oil to a carrier oil – such as sweet almond or melted coconut oil.

But the biggest question on your mind is likely to be which essential oils are the best at banishing stress?

1. Frankincense

Frankincense is an essential oil that’s often used in aromatherapy for a number of reasons. It’s known to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and fight chronic stress and anxiety. Also known as olibanum, it’s rich in sesquiterpenes, which are molecules that penetrate the blood-brain barrier enabling the oil to carry oxygen into the brain while stimulating its limbic area, including the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands.

A 2008 study found that one of the compounds in Frankincense oil, incensole acetate, has properties that reduce anxiety as well as depressive behavior – the likely reason it’s been used since ancient times as a part of meditation practice. The oil immediately induces the feeling of peace and relaxation, and some believe that it boosts intuition too.

 In aromatherapy, frankincense is typically inhaled or diffused through a diffuser, working as a sedative to relieve anxiety, anger, and stress. When used in this way, it’s been shown to lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure, similar to an anti-anxiety medicine, but without the negative side effects that come from pharmaceuticals, including drowsiness.

Try it: 100% Pure Plant Therapy Frankincense Oil

2. Lavender

Lavender is the ultimate adaptogen essential oil as it’s known to help balance issues for all types of personalities. A study conducted in 2008 that measured the EEG patterns of participants who inhaled lavender oil found that subjects became more relaxed, and their EEG patterns suggested they were in a state of drowsiness. Despite being so relaxed, the individuals still managed to carry out math computations faster and more accurately than they had before inhaling lavender essential oil.

The oil is renowned for its calming, relaxing effect, considered to be a “nervous system restorative” which helps boost inner peace, improve sleep, relieve irritability, anxiety and panic attacks, as well as a nervous stomach and general nervous tension.

There have been a number of other clinical trials involving lavender essential oil that have shown its ability to reduce stress and anxiety as mentioned in the The Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications. One study using oral lavender essential oil via capsules discovered that heart rate variation significantly increased compared to the individuals who took a placebo while watching an anxiety-provoking film. (Caution: We do not suggest using essential oils orally.)

Try It: 100% Pure Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil

 3. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is an essential oil that’s commonly used in cosmetics, perfumery and soothing or healing salves, but it offers many other time-tested properties, including the ability to calm. It’s been used as an aid in yoga and meditation in many cultures, regarded as a sacred oil. It’s not only effective for balancing the emotions, but it helps to strengthen the immune system too. If you’re under stress from studying, this is an especially good oil as it not only aids in relaxation and provides a sense of calm, but it helps to improve memory and concentration to save you from unnecessary worries and anxiety.

Try It: 100% Pure Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil From Plant Therapy

4. Chamomile tea 

Chamomile tea is one of the most commonly prescribed beverages for relaxation and sleep – and, of course, chamomile essential oil can offer much of the same, only more. It not only offers relaxing and calming properties, but it can help lessen anxiety and dispel lingering anger.

A calming scent, the aroma of chamomile encourages inner harmony while reducing anxiety, irritability and the tendency to overthink everything. A study out of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine on the antidepressant activities of chamomile essential oil showed that it “may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity that occurs in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic activity.” Other research, published by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, discovered the chamomile was able to ease anxiety symptoms.

Try It: 100% Pure Roman Chamomile Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

5. Bergamot

Bergamot has a sweet citrus scent and a distinctive floral aroma that makes it popular for use in perfumes – in fact, it was a major ingredient in the original 4711 Eau De Cologne by Johann Maria Farina in early 18th-century Germany. It also boasts of powerful antibacterial, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and soothing properties making it useful for a number of physical and mental health conditions too.

Bergamot oil is considered to be calming, with the ability to aid insomnia, induce relaxation and lessen agitation so that one can get a better night’s rest, while also providing an energy boost that can help improve one’s mood. The oil has been shown in studies to reduce corticosterone response to stress in rats, research conducted in 2011 in particular hypothesized that applying a blended essential oil (lavender and bergamot) that included bergamot may help treat individuals suffering from anxiety or depression. Compared with a placebo, the oil offers multiple ways to lower blood pressure and heart rate, with study participants treated with the oil blend reporting they felt “more calm” and “more relaxed.”

Try it: 100% Pure Roman Chamomile Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

6. Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang is an essential known for its aphrodisiac properties and is unique in that it can be either calming or stimulating. It helps to ease fears and promote optimism as well as relaxing the body. It can also be helpful for those who suffer from fatigue and/or insomnia, and is especially effective for use in managing anger-related stress by inhaling the scent which stimulates circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Research conducted by Korea’s Geochang Provincial College found that study participants using ylang-ylang essential oil combined with lavender and bergamot daily for four weeks experienced reduced “psychological stress responses, serum cortisol level and blood pressure.” If your blood pressure is already on the low side, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider before using ylang-ylang oil to avoid potentially harmful effects.

Try It: 100% Pure Ylang Ylang Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

7. Valerian

Valerian is well-known for its ability to help induce sleep, and while it’s aroma isn’t exactly pleasing (some equate it to dirty socks), it’s outstanding when it comes to the ability to relieve anxiety symptoms, and ultimately, stress. Science has shown that valerian raises the amount of a compound known as GABA (gamma animobutyric acid) in the brain, which regulates nerve cells and calms anxiety. Common pharmaceutical drugs like valium and xanax work by increasing the amount of this chemical in the brain. Valerian contains valerenol and valerenic acids which acts in the same way as these anti-anxiety medications, all without the side effects that commonly come with prescription drugs.

A 2000 study out of Germany that compared the sleep improvements of two groups of patients, one that took a valerian extract and one that took a prescription sedative, found that the group that used valerian experienced far fewer side effects with as much relief.

Try It: 100% Pure Valerian Root Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

8. Rose oil

Rose oil is known to boost confidence and self-esteem, improve mental strength and fight depression as well as anxiety, including panic attacks. It’s widely used in aromatherapy for helping to heal a broken heart, invoke positive thoughts and feelings of joy and happiness.

Research published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal showed that women who received a 10-minute inhalation of rose essential oil or a 10-minute foot bath with the oil, both enjoyed reduced anxiety, as compared to a control group who received neither.

Try It: 100% Pure Rose Absolute Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

9. Vetiver essential oil

Vetiver essential oil, also known as khus oil, has an earthy fragrance similar to patchouli, but with a touch of lemon. It’s been shown to be quite calming, stabilizing and grounding, and has often been used to help in times of trauma. Considered a nervous system tonic, it lessens that jittery feeling and can help treat panic attacks. Researched published in Natural Product Research that examined anxiety-like behaviors in rats found that the oil could be useful for reducing the affects of anxiety.  

A 2015 study conducted by researchers at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Thailand and the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham in the UK, looked into the oils effects as a tool for helping those who suffer with anxiety, and the neurological actions in the central amygdaloid nucleus. The central amygdaloid nucleus connects with areas of the brainstem that control the expression of innate behaviors. It’s what’s responsible for our emotions, as well as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.

The oils ability to calm and soothe are also believed to help dispel irritability and anger, as well as to reduce neurotic behavior, which works to reduce stress and overall tension. Used in traditional medicine in West Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia for thousands of years, many cultures consider it a sacred herb, valued for its uplifting, healing and protective properties. In India and Sri Lanka, it’s actually known as the “oil of tranquility.”

Try It: 100% Pure Vetiver Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

10. Jasmine essential oil

Jasmine is another great oil for banishing stress as a stimulating aroma that uplifts helps to produce optimistic, confident feelings that can help alleviate depression. It’s been used for hundreds of years in parts of Asia as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, emotional stress, low libido and insomnia.

Research has suggested that jasmine oil is effective due to its positive influence on the nervous system. Via aromatherapy or penetrating the skin, the oils from the jasmine flower offer a positive effect on a number of processes, like heart rate, body temperature, stress response, alertness, blood pressure and breathing.

Many studies have found improvements in mood and sleep after using jasmine oil either as an aromatherapy treatment or topically on the skin, as well as it being a way to boost energy levels. Results demonstrate that jasmine oil has a stimulating/activating effect of the brain and also helps improve mood at the same time.

One particular study, published in Natural Product Communications found that when jasmine essential oil was used daily on the skin for eight weeks, participants found that they experienced better moods and a greater level of energy. To try it for yourself, be sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil first.

Thanks to the oil’s relaxing effects, it can also work as an excellent natural sedative for better sleep. In fact, researchers from Kyoto University in Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Japan published a study in 2005 in the European Journal of Applied Physiology that showed the fragrance of jasmine had sedative effects on the state of one’s mood and autonomic nerve activity.

Try It: 100% Pure Jasmine Essential Oil from Plant Therapy

[sarahsocial]

How To Recharge In Chaotic Times

Step away from the chaos. Disengage from the madness. It’s time to stop giving him our most precious resource: our attention.

(the goddess Selena & her hips are the only spin cycle I acknowledge)

I’ve spent the past few weeks watching too much Charmed, so forgive me if this reads like an early 2000s WB drama, but that man is stealing all our energy. It’s hard to know what stage of grief we’re on because with every new Executive Order, tweet, or unorthodox press conference, the grief cycle resets. These first seven days have felt like I was trapped in an aggressive spin cycle and I desperately want out. The bad news is that he’s not going anywhere (yet), but I don’t have to keep feeding into his sick cycle carousel and neither do you.

Protecting ourselves from the chaos of the news cycle doesn’t mean that we don’t care about the issues. In many ways, the speed at which this administration creates headlines has more in common with fast fashion than we’re comfortable admitting. A short life cycle, shoddy construction, and dangerous working conditions are just a few of the similarities between our current political climate and disposable clothing, not to mention an inferior fit. But now that we’ve made our final sale impulse purchase, we’ve got to make the best of a bad outfit.

As someone whose online and offline worlds are seamlessly blended, I understand the temptation to stare at the never-ending stream of tweets from respected reporters out of FOMO. In an effort to help you recharge, refocus, and maintain some semblance of self-care, I’m sharing a few of my coping strategies.

Consume tweets responsibly

Twitter can be the best resource for news, but in times of change, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Twitter Moments were initially heavily criticized and misunderstood, but they have evolved into a dynamic source for the latest trending topics, political and otherwise. If you’ve been away from the platform for a few hours, it’s an easy way to catch up on the highlights.

For something more curated, I highly recommend creating a List of your favorite journalists covering the White House and referencing that List instead of your streaming timeline as a way to temper the flow of information. Following editorial properties, like Politico or The Hill, can get overwhelming due to the sheer volume of daily content, so add these to your List with caution.

Touch books

In only seven days, there have been many references to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and a resurgence of interest in George Orwell’s 1984. Both are dystopian novels that feel all too familiar in this regressive time. Connecting with physical copies of books not only releases us from the temptation of checking our notifications, but it also transports us away from sources of stress into another world entirely. Escapism is a completely valid – and necessary – form of coping.

Try aromatherapy

Until last year, pillow mist was my most frequent type of aromatherapy. After a friend relied on peppermint oil to relieve her nausea and graciously shared her remedy after a medication turned my world upside down, I became converted. I discovered an aromatherapy diffuser at my family’s house in Maine on my last visit and it has regularly helped relieve my stress when life gets a little too intense. I’ve also turned to my friend Nicole at Stone Cold Betch for essential oil uses and blend recommendations. Fragrance can help to recalibrate your space, so whether it’s through aromatherapy or your favorite candle, the slightest infusion can make the biggest difference.

Support journalism

Political news can be like an iceberg, with the headline floating above the surface and complex details hidden below. Stories need time to develop, which is why I advocate for the measured consumption of quality coverage. But don’t get me wrong. We’re all going to get trapped by click bait and breaking news, but I believe that subscribing to institutions like the NYT will contribute to the relentless pursuit of truth we so desperately need.

Work in our own community

While it’s satisfying to know that our #resist tweets are getting under his skin, online activism can only go so far. Protests are an effective form of resistance not only because of their disruptive nature, but through empowerment that comes from uniting with other like-minded people around a central cause. To sustain that momentum, it’s vital that we organize our efforts locally. A great starting point is with the Women’s March On Washington’s plan for 10 actions in the first 100 days.  Thinking more locally (for NYC where I live), there’s a helpful website called We Are New York Values that has categorized local organizations that need volunteers, support, and resources. If you’re not in NYC, I hope that you’re able to connect with local groups through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

If you have a tip or resource to include in this list, please share in the comments below.

The post How To Recharge In Chaotic Times appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

from How To Recharge In Chaotic Times

[jessicakehoe]

My Story: Brand Founder Témi Shobowale on Beauty Standards, Authenticity and the Power of Diversity Behind the Scenes

Meet Témi Shobowale, a Nigerian-born, Toronto-based professional makeup artist and entrepreneur, who is also the founder of skincare line Essentials by Temi and HerDay, a series of local meet-up events geared towards bringing together and uplifting women. Here, she shares, in her own words, her beauty brand’s story, biggest inspirations and what she hopes transpires from the large outpouring of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

On where she grew up:

“I was born in Nigeria and my family immigrated to the United States when I was about eight. I’ve always grown up in and around predominantly Black neighbourhoods. Like, when we first moved to the States, we lived in the hood in Detroit, Michigan. Then we moved to Maryland, which was definitely a step up from Detroit. I eventually came out to Toronto in 2008.”

On what sparked her love for beauty:

“My love for beauty started with my mom, and it’s a double edged sword that goes deep. My mom was really into beauty, and anyone in my family would tell you that, when I was younger, I used to always run around in my mom’s Christian Dior red lipstick. I would sneak into her room and into her makeup kit. She always had fancy stuff that she would get when she travelled, all these different perfumes. Dior’s J’Adore is her favourite scent. She’s just a Dior person. Red lipstick and Dior Beauty is something I just noticed about her my entire life. That was my first step into makeup.

She also bleached her skin, which is a very toxic result of the European standards on African and Afri-Caribbean societies — on the Black community in general. Colourism exists in every culture of colour, for the most part, and there’s always this sick mindset where, if you’re lighter, you’re more prestigious, you’re more bourgeois. It’s a classist thing, in my opinion. When I was younger, I would always see my mom buy ingredients and mix them all up. I’d ask her what she was doing, and she’d say, ‘Making lotion.’

I will always remember how shocked I was when I saw a photo of my mom when she was younger and she had darker skin. She had her red lipstick on, chocolate skin, funky sunglasses, and a high shoulder blazer on. She looked so peaceful. I was like, ‘Who is this?’ Everyone told me it was my mom. I was just like, ‘Wait, but she’s dark-skinned. What’s going on here?’ That was a big twist for me as a child — one thing that has stuck with me forever. It’s weird that I could pick up on it so young, but that really played a big role. I don’t believe in bleaching, I’m against it, but it’s still a big issue to be honest. It’s a big thing in my culture.”

Image courtesy of Témi Shobowale.

On what motivated her to break into the beauty business:

“I used to always get bullied for being dark-skinned. I always thought that people would bully me more for being the chubby kid, but it was always more about my complexion growing up. Eventually, that whole lived experience would push me into stepping into the beauty industry. When I started back in the early 2000s, there weren’t really a lot of Black makeup artists. There weren’t a lot of people like me to look to. I always looked to Pat McGrath, the only person where I was like, ‘Oh my God, I just love what she creates; yet she keeps her own look so simple.’ She was goals! I really respected that.”

On starting her own beauty brand:

“Officially, it was launched in April of last year, but I’d been working on the brand for at least three years. For anyone who knew me before, they knew that I’d been doing my DIY workshops with HerDay, and that’s where it really started – I started making body butters and doing custom orders. My face oils came when I finally launched the line last year.”

On the DNA of her beauty brand:

“I learned so much about beauty products and the industry through working in beauty retail, and I started to catch on to how, a lot of the time, more money is spent on the packaging instead of paying attention to the quality of ingredients. I wanted to create something backwards from that. So when I launched my brand, I wanted simple packaging, nothing fancy, but it still had to still feel luxe. And I wanted to focus on providing clean ingredients, however I could source them. And if I can get everything Fair Trade and organic, amazing, because that’s what our skin deserves.

I also wanted to fill in the gaps that I saw were missing in my part of the industry: Black women makeup artists creating luxury organic skincare lines. This is why when I first launched, I didn’t send product samples to beauty editors, I sent them to makeup artists who would understand what I wanted to create, and could give me the right feedback. And one thing every makeup artist can relate on is how important good skin prep is for a great makeup base. I wanted to create products that were great essentials for everyday, but also amazing skin prep for makeup artists.”

On Essentials by Temi’s signature ingredients:

“I really believe in the power of essential oils and their role in aromatherapy, which is why they play a big part in my brand. I want customers to be able to have an aromatherapy addition to their skincare routine, like you’re creating a ritual, because we all know the power of scents – that’s why we buy fragrances, candles. Essential oils allow me to include that into skincare without using any fragrances. You’ll see oils like lemongrass as a star player, which has great skincare benefits, but it’s also for spiritual reasons for me: it’s a grounding scent both emotionally and mentally. For body products, it’s definitely shea butter, because I wanted something that was very close to home for me, something that I felt connected to. One of the first products that I ever made and sold was my Lemongrass and Thai Tea Buttercream.”

Essentials by Temi Lemongrass + Thai Buttercream, $28. Image courtesy of Témi Shobowale.

On her personal Essentials by Temi hero product:

“My Soothing Oil, because it really saves my skin. I’m someone who does not listen to her body as much as she should when it comes to diet. Like, I know I’m lactose intolerant. I know eating certain foods causes me to break out. The only thing that always comes to the rescue is my Soothing Oil. It keeps my breakouts in check. I use it every day, morning and night.”

Essentials by Temi Soothing Elixir, $28. Image courtesy of Témi Shobowale.

On the meanings behind her brand’s visuals:

“I feel like my whole brand aesthetic is just authenticity. Just wanting to see more people who look like me, and to be able to show off my friends. I want to show people that beauty comes in different ranges of shades, and that there are a lot of different shades of Black skin, first of all. Different shades of people in my community, whether male, female, or whatever pronoun you identify with.”

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Guess what all of these 👑👑👑 have in common in this portrait taken by the lovely @gllnmpp for her 'For Us By Us' portraiture project ??? — (aside from BEAUTY) if you guessed #temiglow . . . You guessed CORRECTLY! • #complexion #melanin #glow #Skinspo #cleanbeauty #clearskin #feedyourskinessentials #essentials

A post shared by T E M I (@essentialsbytemi) on Apr 25, 2019 at 11:36am PDT

On her favourite work gig as a pro makeup artist:

“I’ve been transitioning into the film and TV industry, and the most amazing project I’ve had the opportunity to work on was The 410 on CBC. I was handpicked for the gig, and it was written by my friend Supinder Wraich, who’s a Canadian actress. Supinder played the main character Suri, and she made it her mission to have a diverse set behind the scenes — it was the most diverse set I’ve ever worked on in my life. We had a woman of colour director, and a person of colour as the assistant director. I was a Black woman keying the department for hair and makeup. One of the main hairstylists was also a person of colour. The show really pushed a lot of limits. As big and multicultural as Toronto is, the city’s film industry is not as multicultural as it should be. I felt amazing every day I was on set.”

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TOMORROW #the410 #brampton #cbc #cbcgem #webseries #indian Written and created by Supinder Wraich @supaloops Directed by Renuka Jeyapalan: @rjeyapalan Producer Iva Golubovic: @____iva Director of photography Ian Macmillan: @imacdp Production Manager Gabriel Badejo: @ajuniorgabriel Executive producers: Matt Power @mattfjpower Supinder Wrich @supaloops Rey Mendoza: @1reymendoza Mauricio Ruiz: @Mauroiruiz Adam Rodness: @adamrodness Stu Stone: @stustone Production Designer Noelle Hindi Costume designer Eric Richards: @ericrichards Music Composers Stu Stone: @stusstone Duwayne Wright TRAILER MUSIC: “Blow” by @itsamrit Editors Kat Webber: @katwebber_ Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux:@jeremyschaulinrioux 410 drone: @japi.ca

A post shared by The 410 (@the410_series) on May 1, 2019 at 3:16pm PDT

  On the Black Lives Matter movement:

“I’m getting busier because of what has happened — the last few days have been a rollercoaster — but it’s also weird for me to celebrate right now because I want lasting change. I feel like this is something I’ve been very vocal about for years, especially being in the beauty industry. And it’s tricky because it’s not that I’m sitting back right now and not doing anything. I’m still educating people, sharing knowledge, and speaking up. I just don’t want to have to be loud about what’s happening right now. I’m glad that people are finally doing things that they should have been doing for a long time, that people are finally catching on, that’s there’s finally an outpour for the need to support Black businesses, artists and creatives. But is this all going to last? Are we going to be consistent? If not, that’s when I will have to get loud again. So, I’m trying to conserve my energy — just in case we have to go through this again before 2020 ends.”

The post My Story: Brand Founder Témi Shobowale on Beauty Standards, Authenticity and the Power of Diversity Behind the Scenes appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

My Story: Brand Founder Témi Shobowale on Beauty Standards, Authenticity and the Power of Diversity Behind the Scenes published first on https://borboletabags.tumblr.com/

[catherindonald]

Black Pepper – Herb of the Month

By Maryann Readal

Black pepper, Piper nigrum, is a ubiquitous spice that can be found on tables anywhere in the world where food is served. But what is the story behind this popular spice that is used in kitchens the world over? 

P. nigrum is native to the Malabar Coast of southern India. It is also grown in other parts of the tropical world, including Vietnam, which has taken the lead in production by exporting 287,000 tons of black pepper worth $722 million in 2019. This is about 35% of the world’s black pepper trade. 

Pepppercorn drupes. Photo credit: Missouri Botantical Garden

Black pepper is a perennial vine with heart shaped leaves and pendulous flowers. It is grown for its fruit, which is dried and then used as a seasoning. The black pepper vine grows in my Zone 8b garden; however, it has yet to produce any peppercorns, although it bloomed for the first time this year. Maybe one day I will have peppercorns.

“Pepper” comes from the Sanskrit word pippali, which means energy and spiritedness. When we say “peppy,” we are referring to the taste of black pepper that can “pep” us up.

Black, white, and green peppercorns come from the same plant. Black pepper is the dried, unripe fruit. White pepper is the seed of the dried, fully ripe fruit. Green pepper is the dried unripe fruit that is brined to preserve its flavor and color. Pink peppercorns are not a pepper at all, since they come from the Peruvian pepper tree, Schinus molle, which is in the cashew family.

Archaeological evidence shows that black pepper was used as a seasoning in India as early as 2000 BCE. Exportation brought it to Egypt, where it was used as a spice and as a medicine. Containers of peppercorns have been found in Egyptian tombs, and they were even found in the nostrils of Ramses II who was mummified in 1213 BCE. Egyptians were early users of toothpaste, which they made from rock salt, dried iris flowers, black pepper, and mint. Cleopatra is said to have had skin lotions made with black pepper.

With exploration came the spread of black pepper to the Roman Empire, where it was considered so valuable that large quantities were stored in the Roman treasury. The first century Roman cookbook, Cooking and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius, featured recipes in which 80% of them called for black pepper. Pliny the Elder (25-79 CE) could not understand the reason for pepper’s popularity. He remarked, “Whereas pepper has nothing in it that can plead as a recommendation to either fruit or berry, its only desirable quality being a certain pungency; and yet it is for this that we import it all the way from India!” Romans used black pepper as a treatment for digestive problems and gas relief. They also used it as currency. When Alaric the Visigoth laid siege to Rome around 400 CE, he demanded a ransom of three thousand pounds of black pepper, along with gold and silver. 

After the fall of Rome, the Persians and then the Arabs were in control of the spice trade. They created fantastic, frightening stories about where pepper grew in order to scare other traders away from the source of black pepper. Their trade created a new empire – the city states of Venice and Genoa. The black pepper trade was responsible, in part, for the wealth of these two cities that sold the commodity to the rest of Europe. 

Due to the high cost of trading between Europe and India, black pepper and other spices became a luxury and a symbol of wealth, as the taste for flavored foods and a belief in the medicinal qualities of spices grew.  Again, it was also used as currency: a pound of black pepper could free a serf, and many a young maiden was married with a black pepper dowry.

With the explorations of Vasco Da Gama and others in the 15th century, trade in black pepper fell to the Portuguese, then to the Dutch, and then to the British East India Company. At one time, pepper accounted for 70% of the world spice trade. As it became more available, prices dropped, and more people were able to use black pepper. As a result, many world cuisines developed special spice/herb blends that included black pepper.

Annual Peppercorn Ceremony in Bermuda. Photo credit: nothingtodoinbermuda.com

An amusing story about black pepper plays out in Bermuda, where each year, the 200 year old Annual Peppercorn Ceremony occurs. During this event, Freemasons present the Governor of Bermuda with one peppercorn on a cushioned silver platter in exchange for their rent of the Old State house. The idea of “peppercorn rent” is still practiced today in England and in other countries, where a nominal fee is charged to rent a property. This refers back to the time when peppercorns were used as currency. 

Piperine, a key constituent in black pepper, is being explored for its antioxidant properties and as a treatment for vitiligo, which is the loss of skin pigmentation (Mihăilă et al, 2019). In addition, piperine is found to fight inflammation, improve digestion, and increase absorption of some herbal and conventional drugs (Streit, 2019). A relatively recent study showed that smelling hot pepper oil helps to reduce the craving to smoke (Cordell & Buckle, 2013).

Black pepper is used extensively in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestive tract problems. Traditionally, it was used to treat worms, coughs and colds, sinusitis, dental problems, diarrhea, etc. The oil was used to treat scalp infections and skin diseases. 

Who would have thought that this common culinary spice played such an important role in world history? It was used to pay taxes, ransoms, rent, and dowry. As a medium of exchange, it was called black gold. It was, and still is, an important medicinal ingredient. And, it was the reason sailors set sail on perilous journeys to find a passage to India. Although no longer considered a luxury spice, the world’s demand for black pepper has not abated through the years, and continues to be an important spice in most cuisines. It has a peppery hold in many of our kitchens and still reigns as the “king of spices.”

For more information and recipes using black pepper, go to The Herbs Society of America’s Herb of the Month webpage: https://www.herbsociety.org/hsa-learn/herb-of-the-month.html

Cordell, B. and Buckle, J. (2013). The effects of aromatherapy on nicotine cravings on a U.S. campus: A small comparison study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 19 (8). Accessed May 27, 2020. Available from https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2012.0537

Mihăilă,B., Dinică, R.M., Tatu, A.L., and Buzia, O. D. (2019). New insights in vitilago treatments using bioactive compounds from Piper nigrum. Exp Ther Med, 17 (2): 1039-1044. Accessed May 27, 2020. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327422/

Streit, L. (2019). Is black pepper good for you, or bad? Nutrition, uses, and more. Healthline. Accessed May 27, 2020. Available from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-black-pepper-good-for-you

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Maryann Readal is the Secretary of The Herb Society of America. She is a member of the Texas Thyme Unit in Huntsville, TX and is a Master Gardener. She gardens among the pines in the Piney Woods of East Texas.

Black Pepper – Herb of the Month published first on https://marcuskeever.blogspot.com/

[adamkemp-blog1]

Essential oils have been used since ancient times to cure illnesses, deal with depression, and treat skin ailments among other uses. Many essential oils extracted from plants, herb, and seeds were used throughout history to treat various human diseases successfully.

The earliest known period during which aroma oils were used is around 3000 to 2500 BC. People in Egypt used them for skincare, as well as in India and China. The Romans were known to have good knowledge about the application of essential oils. So did the Greeks and the Egyptians.

After the traditional uses, the first documented use of essential oils in modern medicine came from France. Essential oils were used by Parisian medical practitioner Jean Valnet to treat and heal soldiers and war wounds during the war that erupted from 1948 to 1959.

Surprisingly, when Valnet ran out of his supply of antibiotics, he started using essential oils.

By the 1980s, French biochemists documented the medicinal properties of more than 200 essential oils.

The History of Essential Oils – Where & How Were They Used?

China:

Today, China is known for its traditional herb-based folk medicine. This culture has been practiced since ancient times. In fact, records of ancient medicinal literature dates back to 2700 BC.

India:

The use of medicinal oils is part of the rich cultural and medicinal practice of Ayurveda in the country. The practice is more than 5000 years old and there are records of the use of sandalwood and cinnamon oils, dating as early as 2000 BC. Indian Vedic literature contains details of more than 700 medicinal herbs.

Europe:

The use of aroma oils and herbal medicine found its mention around the 1600s. In the next two decades, its use spread to many parts of France, Germany and England.

While in France, it was noticed that those working in the industry of flower and herb processing were often free of tuberculosis, while others were affected by it.

Taking this into account, many people believed that the oils from flowers and herbs were protecting workers from diseases. This is when lab tests were carried out on essential oils around 1887.

Egypt:

People in this part of the world long discovered the benefits of essential oils and used them for spiritual practices, medicinal healing and also for skin care.

The earliest record of the use of essential oils in Egypt was around 200 BC. It is also believed that queen Cleopatra, known for her beauty, used a wide range of essential oils for cosmetic purposes. They were also used by temple priests and by royal families to produce perfumes.

Africa:

Africa is yet another continent that is still well-known for its rich aromatherapy oils. For instance, baobab oil, coffee bean oil, and Shea Butter are imported in bulk.

Greece:

Sought-after Greek physician Hippocrates, who is known as ‘the father of modern medicine’, often recommended treatments that included the use of essential oils.

Rome:

Heavily influenced by Greek culture, Romans used essential oils to perfume their hair, bedding and also blended oils to make perfumes. A book on herbal medicine was published by a well known Greek physician in the first century AD.

The use of essential oils has a rich cultural and traditional history.

The post History of Essential Oils – How Did this Trend Begin? appeared first on Adam Kemp Fitness.

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