When I begin a conversation about the benefits of herbs and herb oils for the body, people unfamiliar with my work assume I am talking about a culinary approach.

They are partly correct. Herbs do offer texture to dishes and add flavor, but they also have a myriad of benefits for the human body.

Herb Oil Uses and Benefits for Older Adults

Herbs come in a variety of forms, including teas and dried leaves. Each oil, whether it comes from a single herb or a combination of herbs, has a specialized benefit or benefits, such as skin therapy, pain relief, anxiety relief, weight loss and management and a variety of other purposes.

Effective and safe ways to administer and use herbal oils include direct application, aromatherapy, household care and natural disinfection. Because herb oils offer hundreds of benefits, and many help with some of the same ailments, I decided to list six different examples that focus heavily on certain health aspects.

The Benefits of Aloe Oil

Aloe oil is popular in the food industry and cosmetics. It is used in a variety of personal care products like lotions, gels, lip balms and other skincare treatments. Another use is as a massage oil because of its pain relieving properties.

Aromatherapists frequently mix aloe oil with other oils in order to enhance its healing properties. It is also found in hair conditioners because aloe oil is used to treat dandruff and dry scalp.

Treatment for insect bites is another use because the oil can help treat swelling and inflammation from stings and insect bites.

In dental care products, the nutrients from the plant assist in the treatment of periodontal disease and it is used as massage oil for gums and teeth because aloe oil reduces plaque, risk of caries (cavities) and the risk of gingivitis.

The Benefits of Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil has a ton of different uses. It is frequently added to creams, lotions, perfumes, detergents and soaps. It is also used to help treat a variety of ailments for eye-related problems. In addition to treating the eyes, it is used to fight anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia.

I recommend trying it if you are new to aromatherapy and are having anxiety issues. It is also beneficial to women having menstrual issues and promotes calmness when delivering a baby. In addition, is has these surprising uses: pain relief, sexual stimulation and blood pressure regulation.

The Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

According to Dr. Mercola’s website, diluted eucalyptus oil administered orally helps with inflammation and pain in the respiratory tract and for a number of ailments, such as coughs, sinus inflammation, asthma, respiratory infections and bronchitis.

Eucalyptus oil soothes mucous membranes in cases like asthma and allergies. I always recommend putting it on a cotton ball to inhale several times a day if you suffer from one or the other. Also, I like to suggest adding it to a nebulizer or water to boost steam therapy. Several drops to hot bath water would do the same.

In addition to respiratory relief, it also helps with the following, as described in Medical News Today: pain relief, stimulation of immune system response and dental health.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil usage has been prevalent since the 1900s. Before the decline of hemp farming in 1937 due to the Marihuana Tax Act, hemp oil was used in drying oils for paints, lamps, wood varnish and printer ink.

Now, hemp oil is known for its health benefits as a medicine, as a food additive and in cosmetics.

The Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of my favorites because of the great medical benefits it has to offer. It is a suitable alternative to Buscopan for relieving colonic spasms, and it also improves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome according to a study outlined in the New York Times.

In addition to those major contributions to medicine, peppermint oil has also been known to aid with other stomach problems, assist with respiratory problems and ease herpes infections.

The Benefits of Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen oil is wonderful oil for people growing older and dealing with arthritic pain. It is both an analgesic and antirheumatic. Wintergreen oil primarily focuses on pain and joint pain. In addition to those healing properties, I have found it also helps to prevent infection and promote skin and hair health.

These six oils are only a handful of a buffet of natural, healing herbal oils available for sale. Many oils can also be made with dependable recipes online. I hope you find the benefits for each oil as enlightening and helpful as I have on my journey to heal my body naturally.

Are there any herbal oils that you use on a regular basis? What have been your experiences with these or other herbal oils? Where do you find these for purchase, locally or online? Please join the conversation.

Editor’s note: None of the information in this article is intended to be medical advice, but we hope that it gives you something to discuss with your doctor on your next visit.

I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve all been there at some point in our lives. The clock strikes midnight on January 1, and we magically decide that we are now going to do “the thing.” Or we’re going to stop doing “the thing.” We jump out of bed ready to start. And, for most of us, by February 1 we have abandoned the effort.

Why?

One of the reasons is that New Year’s is really just a day on the calendar for most of us. It’s not a time of year where changes happen naturally. Making a resolution when our kids go back to school, or we are back from summer vacation and are rested and relaxed are examples of more natural seasonal times to make a change. There isn’t much difference between December 31 and January 1 if we really think about it.

So How Can I Make a Resolution That Will Stick?

As a behavior analyst, I have spent most of my adult life working with adults and children on behavior change.  It’s never an easy process, and it takes patience and diligence. Knowing that and following these three simple steps, and in this order, will ensure your success as you move forward with your resolution for this year.

Your Resolution Must Be Specific and Phrased Correctly

Vague resolutions are doomed to failure as are those that are phrased by stating the thing we want to STOP doing versus the thing we want to BE doing.

Take a look at the area that you want to change and come up with one specific goal in that area that you’d like to start with. Here are a few examples to get your wheels turning:

1. “I want to be healthier” is too vague, but you might say, “I’m going to walk every day” or “I’m going to bring my lunch to work every day.” You don’t want to say, “I’m going to stop eating junk food” or “I’m going to stop watching TV every night.” Those need to be phrased in the positive. What are you going to eat instead of junk food each day? What are you going to do in place of watching TV each night?
2. “I’m going to be a better friend” is also vague. You might change this to “I’m going to call my best friend once a week” or “I’m going to keep the dates I set with my friends.”
3. “I’m going to get organized” can be changed to, “I’m going to clean off one shelf each day – just one each day until the house is organized.”

Reward Yourself for Each Small Success

This is imperative to your overall success. As a behaviorist, I cannot stress this enough. Particularly for the goals that require more time to see results – which are most.

As you set your goal or make your resolution, identify exactly how you are going to reward yourself at the same time. Doing this will help you to look forward to the task, which might not always be something enjoyable.

I have been working on creating the habit for myself of walking every day. Each morning after I walk, I stop in the new little convenience store that just opened up near us and treat myself to a flavored sparkling water. It’s a small treat but I feel rewarded, and it gives me something to look forward to after my walk.

Your reward needs to be something that will motivate you on the days you don’t feel like following through. Don’t minimize the importance of this step.

Make Your Resolution a Priority

Treat it like you would any other appointment. Set aside time each day to work on it and put it on your calendar. Don’t put it on the back burner. It was important enough for you to think about it and want to do it.

We need to make ourselves as much of a priority as we make everyone else.

Keep in mind as you move forward with any sort of change or growth that there might come some anxiety or pushback internally.  This is very normal. Our brains are wired to see any change as dangerous, and we often begin to feel uncomfortable or have a desire to go back to the status quo.

If this happens, feel the feelings, but keep on moving forward with your resolution. The discomfort that you’re feeling is a sign that you’re growing.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Have you made New Year’s resolutions before? Kept them? Not kept them? Are you planning to make any this year?

Jennifer Armstrong’s Floral Print Strapless Dress at Heather Dubrow’s Party

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 16 Episode 1 Fashion

Jennifer Armstrong is making her RHOC debut for Season 16! I’m intrigued to see how she’ll fit in with the rest of the cast and fellow newbies. I’m sure she’ll fit in like a glove. Or shall I say like a gorgeous floral print strapless dress?

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Dolce & Gabbana Dress

Use Code BLONDE10 for 10% off your first full-priced order over $145 at Farfetch
*Terms + Conditions apply

Originally posted at: Jennifer Armstrong’s Floral Print Strapless Dress

Shannon Beador’s Black Button Detail Dress at Heather Dubrow’s Party

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 16 Episode 1 Fashion

Shannon Beador looks amazing in her black button detail dress at Heather Dubrow’s party. I love the high pony tail look she wore with it too. It gives it a little bit of a fun vibe. What isn’t much of a fun vibe is the fact that this dress is sold out. No biggie though because we have some Style Stealers below that are unforgettable (no matter how much tequila you may have).

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Versace Dress

Use Code BLONDE10 for 10% off your first full-priced order over $145 at Farfetch
*Terms + Conditions apply

Originally posted at: Shannon Beador’s Black Button Detail Dress