Lemon Balm Herbal Medicine Tincture & Essential Oil

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

This herb is great for Anxiety, Depression, Melancholia Insomnia, Irritable bowel syndrome, Neuralgia, Migraine, Dyspepsia with Flatulence, Nervous flatulent, Flatulent colic & Herpes.

Actions are known be Sedative, calmative, stomachic, antispasmodic (muscles) antiviral (systematically & topically) Anti-microbial, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, cholinergic.

Possesses Anti Inflammatory Activity. Reduces inflammation and soothes the central nervous system. Replenishes the nervous system. Boosts mood & aids in fighting depression, serves as a hypnotic and sedative creating a feeling of warm peace.

Relieves PMS & Menstrual Symptoms.

Helps reduce agitation scores associated with Dementia & Alzheimers.

Anti- diabetic effects, helps to regulate the production of insulin an efficient hypoglycaemic due to enhanced glucose uptake & metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue and the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Also prevents and treats infections, viruses, bacteria and funguses that maybe inflaming the intestinal tract and causing food allergies. Citral citronella & trans-cargophyllene in the oil are know for antimicrobial effects.

Aids killing viruses that maybe inflaming nerves. Known to kill EBV cells and strengthens the immune system. Kills cofactors of the viruses behine Lyme symptoms including the bacteria streptococcus E coli bartonella babesia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamoydophila pneumononiae and fungus Candida reduces the strain on the immune system.

May aid in reduction of high blood pressure hypotensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiarrhythmic, neuroprotective & hepatoprotective properties.

Known to have potential to serve as an anti tumour agent as evidenced by a reduction of human cancer cell lines when evaluated in an vitro study.

Promotes skin health anti- fungal, anti- bacterial properties. Aids in skins conditions such as Eczema, Acne &minor wounds. Great topically for herpes.

Lemon Balm Essential Oil- This is an excellent oil to strenghten the immune system- by mixing a few drops of essential oil into a carrier oil (coconut, almond, olive, apricot, oil) in the palm of your hand then rub the oil into the bottoms of your feet daily and for maximum benefits of the essential oil properties to enter into your body. You can also use the method of inhale of the essential oil by placing a few drops into a steam producing vaporiser and gently inhale the aroma. Always use caution of the hot steam when using this method. An oil burner or diffuser is excellent use for this oil but the oil is very expensive so we recommend the foot method for the most beneficial method.

Rosehip Iced Tea Benifits

Rosehip Iced tea

Rosehip is loaded with goodness and one of my favourite Teas if you are looking to boost yourself and glow Rosehip is known to to be loaded with 18 minerals and 14 vitamins Vit C,A,D,E, Essential fatty acids 3/6 Antioxidants, flavonoids, iron, copper and cobalt. Its a great sweet tasting tea.

Summer Time Rose Hip Iced Tea

A great tasting refreshing that the whole family will love its bright red colour will delight the children it is refreshing and full of healthy benefits.

Health drink option-Boil the kettle add hot water to a large tea pot with 1-2 tablespoons of Rosehip Tea.Refrigerate until cold add mint ,lemon, or a little honey for the children if required. Rosehip is a sweet tasting flavour and a great way for children to get minerals and vitamins.

Why Is Lymphatic Tea Important ?

The Lymphatic System and Immune System assists in circulating body fluids and helps defend the body against disease causing agents. The Lymphatic Systems primary functions are, draining excess interstitial fluid transporting dietary lipids,carry out immune responses, and remove toxins from the body.

It is most important to help stimulate, cleanse,clear and support the lymphatic system for the benefit of your everyday health.

More Ways To Treat The Lymphatic system

Massage is an excellent way to stimulate and cleanse the lymphatic system. The philosophy of lymphatic massage is to promote healthy functioning of our immune system through stimulation of the lymph nodes to remove fluid and waste.When our bodies become toxic from environmental or dietary factors that slow down our lymphatic system, fluids build up causing the body to become fatigued and heavy making us susceptible to viruses.

Lymph Drainage massage is mostly for treating Lymphedema, a blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs.It is a gentle type of massage therapy that is used to drain fluid excess fluid out of the body to encourage the flow of toxins through the lymphatic system to be eliminated.

Lymphatic massage will benefit people who are susceptible to illnesses (especially in winter) a depressed immune system, injuries, emotional stress, low energy and depression.It has a positive effect on skin, promotes vitality and helps with respiratory disorders.Because this type of massage activates the body’s innate healing mechanism,the (parasympathetic nervous system) it also has application for people who are managing pain.Helps reduce cellulite clear away accumulated fatty deposits blocked in the body systems and skin surface.This type of massage also helps to alleviate fluid retention and improve mood for women suffering with Pre Menstrual Syndrome.

Lesa the founder of shine herbs is a fully Qualified and Accredited- Herbalist & Massage practitioner.

Herbs For Natural Health

KAVA (piper methysticum)

Trouble sleeping at night?

Did you know that Kava (piper methysticum) liquid herb is excellent for taking at night time for reducing insomnia, anxiety, stress, nervous tension, muscular tension and spasm, menopausal symptoms/syndrome including depression, great for urinary tract infection, I find this a great herb great for those who have broken sleep due to frequent night time toilet visits. This herb should be prescribed by a qualified herbalist/naturopath as this herb does have some contraindicated for some conditions so seek professional advise and always get reputable herbal products.

Contraindications and caution- care should be taken when driving or operating machinery. Avoid in persons with history of tremor or parkinsonism. Avoid if persons has liver disease. Not recombined for pregnancy. Contra indicated in endogenous depression. Interactions with drugs Alprazolam (benzodiazepines) such as zanax, kava may increase sedation. Kava may decrease the effectiveness of levodopa (Madopa,snippet) because of dopamine antagonism. Kava may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa in treatment of parkinsons disease.Use with caution especially with drugs with a narrow therapeutic dosage range.

Essential Oils For Spiritual Alignment

Essential Oils for Spiritual Alignment

Root Chakra– Patchouli is known as a potent aphrodisiac, to enhance sensuality, awaken kundalini energy ground and connect you with the earth and within your body it will also assist in your manifestation of connection of spirit and earth.

Sacral Chakra– Ylang Ylang will aid you spiritually dispel fear and apprehension help clear and identify negative projections aid you to let go of guilt or other negative emotions such as anger and jealousy within the self to assist one to gain a sense of self-worth, confidence and help to centre one-self in moving forward in life.

Solar Plexus– Cinnamon to heat the power centre or peppermint to cool excess fire.

Cinnamon was used to stimulate mental powers,aids one to hold focus and concentration when creating intention to open channels of communication of the soul or soul journey or healing on the spiritual plan as well as physical.This is a powerful vibrational shift for those looking to go very deeply inward of their souls pourpose.

Peppermint- can also be used to purify ones energy and bring mental clarity, dispel negative thought forms and energies, cleanse a sacred space when confusion or an inability to see or connect to oneself when delving deeply into one life journey or purpose. Peppermint is also known to and increase psychic sensitivity and bring clarity.

Caution: Cinnamon Not recommended during first 4 months of pregnancy.

Heart Chakra– Rose or rose geranium, rosewood.

Anything with a rose sent will take one self straight into the heart space it brings the essence of love into our vibration and memory, it will bring forth inner peace to the mind, allow compassion of the self and of others and stimulate the opening of the heart chakra, activating feelings of happiness vibration which will help overcome dependency and attachment, letting go of the past, dispel fear, sadness, grief and regrets it may also bring forth prophetic dreams,visions during meditation.

Caution: Rose essential oil is Not recommended during first 4 months of pregnancy.

Throat Chakra– Sandalwood known to be extremely sacred in Eastern religions,it is know to enhance spiritual awareness, bring inner peace,divination,heighten levels of meditation, bring understanding of manifestation and prosperity consciousness,is used widely in healing rituals for passage into the spirit realm, transcendence, and relaxing one in connection with the divine energy.This powerful essence is for receiving greater communication with alignment to ones higher purpose from the vibration of wisdom.It helps dispel fears and negative energies, in a higher communication of the higher self to the divine energy.

3rd Eye Chakra–Lavender known to bring inner peace and purification in meditation it aids in spiritual protection against emotional/physical issues of violence, health, spiritual love, understanding, mental clarity it is known to lift the spirit,centring and grounding you within your spiritual vibration.The beautiful purple of the lavender flower resonates with the 3rd eye beautifully.

Crown Chakra– Frankincense is known as the most spiritually charged of oils bringing peace and clarity to the connection of the spiritual realm.Known and used as the oil for the gods purification, consecration, meditation, spiritual understanding, focus of intent, courage and protection this oil will aid you vibrationally to overcome fear, negative feelings, loss, grief, when raising your spiritual connection and centre you in compassion of being one with all that is the divine connection of spirit and the physical being as one.

Lovers Blend The Power To Attract

Lovers Blend Essential Oils

Would you like to know a little secret on how to create attraction in a room by exciting and tantalising the smell receptors of others? I attended my usual hot yoga class but on this morning I happened to use an old essential oil blend that I had not used for years so I applied it knowing that it was a great deodorant. When I arrived at the studio I had everyone looking at me and they all started to ask who has that fragrance its amazing, I slowly raised my hand and said its my essential oil blend as they all gathered closer to smell they started asking me, can I get one of those blends, I giggled as I remembered that it was actually not only a great deodorant but its called the Lovers Blend as it also works as an aphrodisiac which I had forgotten as I sprinkled a few drops on myself before I ran out the door.I would also like to note as the room heated up the beautiful smell when through out the entire room and everyone commented on the amazing smell and everyone wanted a blend.Why I know it works because every yoga class I sprinkle a little rosemary and peppermint to wake me up and create circulation I would get a comment or two like whats that nice smell you have on but with the Lover blend the smell excited and stimulated an attraction that was above and beyond other comments and defiantly created attraction.

Refreshing Iced Tea

Iced Tea

White Tea-

Make a pot of white tea by adding 2 tablespoons to a teapot of boiling water cool off in the refrigerator when cool add to bigger jug of cold water and add orange or lemon slices and mint.

Green Tea-

Make a pot of Green tea by adding 2 tablespoons to a teapot of boiling water cool off in the refrigerator when cool add to bigger jug of cold water with slices of green apple and strawberries (fresh or frozen).

Lymphatic Detox Tea-

Make a pot of Lymphatic tea by adding 2 tablespoons to a teapot of boiling water cool off in the refrigerator when cool add to bigger jug of cold water and add slices of lemon/ lime mint and if you would like to sweeten a tea add quarter of a tea spoon of natural honey.

Pregnancy and Labour

Essential Oils For Pregnancy

This weeks Question from a client -I was wondering if you did massage oils to help during labour and to possibly help bring on labour (like clary sage etc). I’ve been induced 6 times and not wanting to be induced again with this bub.

Answer-Yes we have clary sage and there is also a great blend that you can use which is, Lavender,Geranium and Clary Sage blend together essential oils equal parts and then add 10drops to a 50 -100 ml carrier oil.Hope this was a helpful tip blessings from Shine Herbs.

Essential Oils Heavenly Home Aromas

Why Use Essential Oil ?

Does your home smell of heavenly Aromas all day long? Well if you would like your home to have a secret of always smelling fresh clean and sustaining a great atmosphere to enrich your family then Essential Oils are the answer.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is one of the most popular and widely used complementary therapies. Essential Oils are highly concentrated plant components and have been used for more than 6000 year by the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks and by Chinese and Indian healers as a part of Ayurveda medicine.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Science has found that the smell receptors in our nose communicate with parts of the brain the hippocampus & amygdala that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules parts of the brain are stimulated and influence physical emotional and mental health. Some researches suggest that molecules from essential oils may interact in the blood with hormone or enzymes.

How Do I Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils can be used topically or added to diffusers, or the bath most recipes only requiring a few drops for maximum effect. Essential oils are not to be applied directly to your skin for best results a good high quality therapeutic graded oil can be added to face and body creams and or any carrier oils like jojoba, coconut, almond, avocado, olive or macadamia any natural product blends well with essential oils.You can also add essential oils to you existing shampoo or conditioner bottles or mix up spray bottles containing water and suitable oils to use on home furnishings like carpet,rugs wardrobes,bedding,car to freshen the air.few drops of lavender on a pillow is a wonderful way to help restful sleep.There are many uses for essential oils in the home to sanitise,soothe the soul and heal the family.

The Lymphatic System

Shine herbs Lymphatic Herbal Tea.

Did you know?
The Lymphatic System and Immune System assists in circulating body fluids and helps defend the body against disease causing agents. The Lymphatic Systems primary functions are, draining excess interstitial fluid
Transporting dietary lipids
Carry out immune responses.
It is most important to help cleanse,clear and support the lymphatic system for the benefit of your everyday health.
Below is a picture of the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic Herbal Tea aids the body in cleansing and elimination of fluid retention and toxic elimination.

Cleavers (Galium Aparine) Known to aid as a cleansing tonic for lymphatic system, urinary tract, blood and intestines, and is ideal for relieving stress. An excellent cleansing tonic that purifies the lymphatic system and urinary tract, cleavers removes toxins form the blood and intestines. Cleavers also makes a refreshing drink, cooling when feverish and cleansing of the scalp for itching and dandruff and other skin problems. This herb is also a good stress reliever and anti inflammatory in prostate conditions.

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) China This plant is known as a powerful antioxidant properties aids in fat loss stimulates brain function and is more powerful than Vitamin C & E in halting oxidative damage to cells and has other disease fighting properties and lowers the risk of cancer. Studies have found consuming green tea reduced the risk for several cancers including skin, lung, colon oesophageal and bladder, lowers LDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease.

Nettle Tea (Urtica Dioica) Known to aid as a diuretic blood purification, allergies, diabetes, endocrine disorders and poor circulation. The stinging nettle has also been known and called the irrigation therapy herb for urinary tract infections, inflammation kidney stones enlarged spleens, prostate and night time urination especially aiding when too frequent or to painful, inability to urinate or the irritable bladder.

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) Known to aid liver disorders, toxic elimination and as a duretic. This herbs being rich in calcium protects the bones promotes urination of water weight, stimulates liver function promoting digestion bile flow. Stimulates production of insulin from the pancreas keeping blood sugar low increases urination in diabetic patients helping to remove sugar deposition in the kidneys and urinary system. It is also a detoxifier diuretic stimulant antioxidant for the treatment of acne.

Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) This herb is well known for its ability to aid detoxifying and aids in cleansing the lymphatic system, reduces lymphatic congestion and swollen lump glanda. Aids in the stimulation of the immune system and is a wonderful herb for the digestive system, aiding in the soothing of gastritis and ulcers and reduces inflammation of the stomach and bowls.

Heather (calluna valgaris) Is known to aid in reducing of fluid retention in the bladder and is excellent to aid in the process of gastrointestinal cleansing, detoxifying of uric acid from the body. This herb is known to have also been used to aid in the treatment of menopause, enlarged prostate, kidney, bladder, and liver infections.

Directions-For first time users or individuals with sensitive stomachs,begin with half a teaspoon and gradually increase.Steeping time and desired strength of taste can gradually increase with use up to 1-2 teaspoons, 1-2 x cups per day.

Disclaimer please talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medication before use of products.