FOODS WE EAT - CURE IN NATURE

If you own a dog, you will no doubt be aware that your dog can suffer from health problems just as much as you. Some problems are “doggy related,” whereas other problems are similar to those suffered by humans. A dog’s physical make-up and anatomy is not the same as a human, so it is always important to consult a qualified vet in the event of ill health in your dog. However, there are some natural ways in which you can help protect your dog too; just make sure to take advice before using them, if you are unfamiliar with any of the following suggestions.

Dogs are very open to the use of essential oils in aromatherapy practice. However, there is not much substantial research or evidence in the use of essential oils with animals. In addition, there is little recorded advice on how a dog might react to a particular essential oil, except for those case studies carried out by individuals. If you think essential oils might be a solution to the natural healthcare of your dog, consult a qualified aromatherapist who is experienced in the area of essential oil use with dogs. You can also study an aromatherapy book on the subject such as Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kirsten Leigh Bell.

Essential oils can be used to protect your dog’s natural health for such problems such as flea control, stress, minor cuts and grazes. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is a good essential oil to start with for dogs as it is gentle in its actions and is suitable for a multitude of complaints.

There are some Bach flower remedies that are specifically made for animals, such as Bach rescue remedy. Bach rescue remedy is a natural stress aid for pets. It contains the same ingredients as Bach rescue remedy for humans. It can be used by adding a couple of drops of the mixture onto your dog’s food or by adding a couple of drops into the dog’s drinking water. It is recommended for situations where you dog might undergo stress, such as visits to the vet, after a shock or mistreatment or when the dog is causing excessive barking through stress.

Just as human problems can be treated with homeopathic remedies, so can a dog’s problems. Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like” and helps to stimulate the dog’s natural immune system. Dog problems that can be addressed with homeopathy include allergies, arthritis and skin irritations (source). If you are unfamiliar with homeopathic remedies, consult a qualified homeopathic and ask your vet about the suitability of such a remedy for your dog.

You might think that a dog who lives in the country is safe from less dangers than a dog who lives in the city, where noise, pollution and other dangers exist. However, country living is not without dangers for a dog, depending upon where you live. To use an example, I live in Arizona where spider and snake bites are high risk areas for my dog. In addition, foxtails, spikelets of grass with seed heads that can detach and lodge themselves in a dog’s ear, can cause pain, discomfort and infection and more for a dog.

To protect your dog from dangers such as these, make sure he is supervised when outside or contained in an appropriately fenced in area to protect him from these dangers. Dogs are naturally curious and will poke their nose into something and ask questions later – perhaps at the price of a bite or more.

There are various natural health remedies and solutions to protect your dog from illness and other dangers. Just make sure that you take appropriate advice and know how to use the product on your dog before giving it to him.

Photo by  jpctalbot

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As summer approaches, your feet are suddenly thrown into the limelight! Throughout the winter months, feet usually stay bundled up in comfy socks, shoes and boots (unless you are lucky enough to live in a more tropical climate) and, as a consequence, feet often become thought of “as out of sight, out of mind.” However, your feet are perhaps one of the most important parts of your body, and feet deserve a little bit of love with natural skincare whatever the season. Use this summer as you starting point to better foot health!

Did you know that on average your feet will carry you the equivalent distance of four times the circumference of the world in your lifetime? In addition, women have four times as many foot problems as men. If you think foot health is not a big deal, consider the fact that approximately 75% of Americans will experience some form of foot problem throughout their lives (source).

Taking these few foot facts into account, feet deserve better care than we are usually apt to give them!

There are many foot products on the market to heal and protect cracked, sore feet and associated foot problems. However, you can probably make most of your own foot care products at home using just a few natural ingredients. The rest of this article contains information on what I consider to be some of the best ways to protect your feet with aromatherapy products, based on my experience both as an aromatherapist and as a practising reflexologist.

Depending on the aromatherapy product, associated problems and other factors, essential oils for feet vary. However, the following are, in general, used for foot problems. Consult a qualified aromatherapist for further advice:

peppermint (Mentha piperita)rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)lemon (Citrus limon)fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).

Whether you have hot, tired, aching feet or cracked and dry skin, a foot soak is a great way to start your foot skincare regime. When giving reflexology treatments, I start all of my treatments with an aromatic foot soak, to clean, soften and relax the skin before the actual treatment.

Preparing your own aromatherapy foot soak is simple; the most simplistic way to do this is to fill an appropriately sized bowl or container with warm water. If you have some fragrant roses growing in your garden, add a few rose petals for a bit of luxury! Otherwise, add a few drops of an essential oil or an aromatherapy hydrosol.

Once you have soaked your feet, using an aromatherapy foot scrub will help to get rid of some of the dead skin cells and rough skin patches on your feet. You can use either a sugar or salt scrub for your feet but a salt scrub will be more abrasive and perhaps more effective in removing stubborn dead skin patches. Make your own foot scrub by mixing the appropriate amount of salt/sugar with your chosen essential oils. Apply the scrub to the skin in small circular motions and leave on for about 15 minutes. Wash off and pat dry.

After your feet have been soaked and scrubbed, it is now time to pamper them with either an aromatherapy massage oil or foot cream. The choice of an oil or a cream is a matter of personal preference but here are a few facts to consider in making your choice:

a massage oil is slippy so don’t apply an oil if you intend to be walking around shortly after applicationa cream is usually heavier in consistency than a body lotion and is more suitable for the tougher skin of the feetapply a moderate amount to your feet once a day to moisturize and protect your feet.

Looking after your feet with skincare products should be a year round routine, not just for the summer months when your feet are on display in sandals and flip flops. Make a point of scheduling a time once a week to carry out your full foot care routine (such as foot soaks and foot scrubs) and apply foot cream daily. Your feet will thank you!

Photo by joshme17

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