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June 2004
Underneath is the main part of the newsletter that was sent out, excluding special offers or items that were being promoted during that month. To access any previous newsletters, please click here, or if you want to sign up for our free newsletter, please click here.
In this issue:
Antioxidant is a term used to describe all the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that prevent free radical damage in the human body.
To understand the indispensable use and function of antioxidants, we need to understand what "free radicals" are and why they have a negative effect on our bodies.
Free radicals are an atom or group of atoms containing at least one unpaired electron. An electron is a particle that is normally paired with another electron. When electrons are paired, a negative charge is created, and this is considered a stable arrangement.
But when an electron becomes unpaired, it becomes unstable, and immediately bonds with another molecule to try to rectify the balance. This action sets of a chain reaction which creates "free radicals".
It is normal to have free radicals in the body; normal breathing and exercise, and other natural biochemical processes create free radicals, but excessive free radicals cause damage to our cells and can even damage the "blue-print" of our cells - the DNA contained in every cell. When the DNA is damaged, new cells may contain genetically incorrect details, and this can ultimately result in cancer.
Research proves that free radicals damage the cell membrane, and a link exists between the presence of excessive free radicals and cell dehydration and damage to the DNA.
The body produces antioxidants to combat free radicals, but since modern-day living causes far more free radicals than fifty years ago, and because our diets lack enough raw fruit and vegetables - high in antioxidants - most of us need to take supplemental antioxidants.
The build-up of free radicals leads to ill health, saps our vitality and makes us age faster. Free radicals can also contribute to degenerative diseases, such as senile dementia and osteoporosis.
As we have pointed out, free radicals are normally created by breathing and exercise, but our modern lifestyle has introduced many other sources, exposure to which should be eradicated or drastically reduced: fried foods, commercial food additives, abnormal ozone levels, pesticides, polluted air, sunlight (ultra violet radiation), tobacco smoke and x-rays.
Good sources of antioxidants would include the following: dark green vegetables, root vegetables, fruits (particularly berries and citrus - blackberries and bilberries are very high in antioxidants), nuts, tofu, chickpeas, seafood, meat, chicken and fish.
Most fruits, nuts and vegetables, should be eaten raw, as cooking destroys or decreases the beneficial effect. Meat, seafood, chicken and fish should not be fried, for the same reason.
Antioxidants have a positive effect on acne, ageing skin, heart problems, bowel problems, circulatory problems, colds, flu, fatigue, mouth ulcers, gingivitis, injuries, male infertility, memory loss, piles, smoking related problems, varicose veins, and stress related problems.
When suffering from any of these problems it is a good idea to supplement or increase your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants boost the immune system. People who are HIV positive, or suffer from any chronic disease or immune system deficiency, must ensure that enough antioxidants are taken, either through eating enough of the correct foods, or by taking a supplement.
Zest for Life Antioxidant formula contains a host of antioxidant vitamins, plant extracts, minerals and enzymes to supplement your body's antioxidant levels.
The smell of patchouli oil brings the mind back to the hippy era. It was in the 60s and 70s that the free thinkers of the Aquarius age broke the mold, and started experimenting with different aromas. Patchouli, along with sandalwood and jasmine, turned out to be a favorite choice, particularly in Britain, and was used to odorize, as incense and perfume.
Women used sachets of patchouli scented potpourri in their cupboards to scent their clothes, and patchouli was a main ingredient in incense sticks and the fumes were found wafting through many "groovy" homes.
Come to think of it, the indications for patchouli oil really seem to suit the hippy era. This is confirmed by Patricia Davis, author of a well known book called "Subtle Aromatherapy," who suggests that patchouli is good for- "dreamers and people who tend to neglect or feel detached from their bodies." She continues by saying that people who are on a spiritual path and are placing an undue share of importance on their mental/psychic experiences to the detriment of their physical wellbeing should use patchouli essential oil.
The name "patchouli" ("patch" meaning leaf and "ilia" meaning green) originates from Hindustan (India) and the patchouli plant, known as "puchaput" in India, has been used for ages in Malaysia, China, India and Japan as an antidote to snakebite.
In the East, patchouli leaves or oil are placed between bed sheets to keep bedbugs away, and it is a combination of camphor and patchouli that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.
The British discovered patchouli oil in the 1820s when imported Indian cashmere shawls were in popular demand. The shawls were shipped from India after dried patchouli leaves had been placed in-between the folds of the shawls (this was done to protect the shawls from moths).
The scent of patchouli became so synonymous with the shawls, that when British manufacturers tried to cash in on the craze, they were unable to sell their locally made shawls because they didn't smell like the patchouli scented Indian shawls. They were forced to scent the shawls with patchouli before they would sell.
Patchouli oil is made from the young dried leaves of the patchouli plant, which are fermented and then dried prior to steam distillation.
Patchouli has a strong, earthy, musty and spicy smell, and is used for its base note in many perfumes with an Oriental or exotic smell. The smell or aroma is reported to improve with age, and this attribute has been compared to that of a good wine improving as it matures.
Patchouli has a deep reddish-brown color and is very similar to myrrh and benzoin oil in color and consistency, and is a thick oil.
Besides having properties that are reported to be useful for "grounding our spirits" and helping us to achieve balance between reality and the psychic realm, as mentioned above, patchouli also has many down to earth practical uses which are listed below:
- Vaporizers and burners
- Patchouli oil can be used in burners and vaporizers for obesity, anxiety and as an insect repellent. The aroma of patchouli is said to make the mind sharper and to help with clarity of thought.
- Blended oil or in a bath
- Patchouli oil can be blended as massage oil or diluted in a bath for constipation, dermatitis, overweight, anxiety and dandruff.
- Neat application
- A very small amount of patchouli oil can be used neat on insect bites.
- Lotions and creams
- In a lotion or cream, patchouli oil is excellent for general skin care, dermatitis, athletes' foot, eczema, acne and sores.
Patchouli oil is generally held as being non-irritant, non-toxic and non-sensitizing, but general safety precautions should be maintained when you use this oil.
Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Essential oil should be diluted in carrier oil or other suitable base before being applied to the skin. A skin patch test should be performed before using an essential oil for the first few times.
Not to be taken internally unless under advice from a trusted practitioner. All essential oils are potentially toxic if ingested, and should be kept in a safe place, out of the reach of children and irresponsible people.
- For more information on patchouli oil, many other essential oils and interesting information on how to make your own blends, creams etc please visit www.essentialoils.co.za
Other articles of interest 
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You are as young as your faith, as old as your fear and as long as your heart receives messages of beauty, cheer,
courage, grandeur, and power - from the earth, from man and from the Infinite - so long will you stay
Ageless. |
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