Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tea's for All Occasions

Jasmine Tea: There is a wide variety of Jasmine Tea's. And we will explore a few of them in this issue!
Jasmine Tea (Also Jasmine scented tea) is honored as the most fragrant and popular Chinese tea in the world. This tea is light, delicate, slightly sweet and every cup comes with a distinctive fresh jasmine fragrance. Jasmine tea is readily available in Chinese markets, and it can often be obtained from big grocery stores or specialty tea shops as well. Many people may be familiar with jasmine tea because it is a frequent offering at Chinese restaurants.
The jasmine flowers are harvested during the day and stored in a cool place until night. During the night, the flowers bloom with full fragrance. The flowers are layered over the tea leaves during the scenting process. The quality of jasmine tea is determined by the quality of green tea used as its base and the effectiveness of the scenting.
Brewing Jasmine tea can depend on the type.
Let's start with Black Jasmine:
Step1: Put your water on to boil.
Step 2: Add 1 tsp. per cup of black jasmine tea to your infuser or to your teapot. You can strain the tea if you don't want to use an infuser.
Step 3: Pour the boiling water into your teapot and then put the lid on your teapot.
Step 4: Allow your black jasmine tea to steep at least 3 minutes, but no longer than 5 minutes, or it may be bitter.
Step 5: Pour the now hot, but not boiling water into your teapot. Put the lid on your teapot.
Step 6: Strain the black tea and jasmine blooms out of your tea, if you didn't use an infuser or remove your infuser.
Step 7: Pour your tea into tea cups and drink!
And then there is White Jasmine:
Step 1: Put your water on to boil.
Step 2: Pour a bit of the boiling water into your teapot then toss it. This is to warm your teapot.
Step 3: Take the pot off after it starts boiling and allow it to sit for 1 minute.
Step 4; Add 1 tsp. of white jasmine tea per cup to your teapot. You can add the tea directly to the pot or use an infuser.
Step 5: Pour the now hot, but not boiling water into your teapot. Put the lid on your teapot.
Step 6: Allow the white jasmine tea to steep for 5 minutes but no longer than 8 minutes.
Step 7: Strain your white jasmine tea if necessary, or remove the infuser.
Step 8: Pour your white jasmine tea into tea cups and drink.
Next up, Green Jasmine Tea:
Step 1: Put your water on to boil.
Step 2: Pour some of the boiling water into your pot then toss it. This is to warm the pot.
Step 3: Take your water off the heat as soon as it begins to boil. Let it sit for 2 minutes off of the heat.
Step 4: Add your green jasmine tea directly to the pot or to an infuser that you put in your teapot. You'll want about 1 1/2 tsp. of green jasmine tea per tea cup.
Step 5: Pour the now cooler but still hot water into your teapot.
Step 6: Allow the tea to steep for at least 1 minute, but not longer than 2 minutes or it can become bitter.
Step 7: Strain your tea, or remove the infuser.
Step 8: Pour your tea into tea cups and drink.

And last, but (as is always the case...) Not Least,
Oolong Jasmine Tea:
Step 1: Put your water on to boil.
Step 2: Add a bit of the boiling water to your teapot then toss it. This is the warm the teapot.
Step 3: Add your oolong jasmine tea to your pot or an infuser. You want 1 tsp. of tea per cup.
Step 4: Take your boiling water from the heat.
Step 5: Pour the boiling water into the teapot.
Step 6: Allow your oolong jasmine tea to steep at least 2 minutes but not longer than 3 minutes.
Step 7: Pour, and Drink!
Yes, There are many similarities in the brewing process of each of these, but to give any of them a short shrift. would just seem an inappropriate way of treating any of them!
Enjoy!!!
To learn more... Contact: info@thecenterofpower.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Buy an Essential Oils Starter Kit!

The Starter kit comes with the 5 Basic Essential Oils; Lavender, The Grande Dame of Oils. Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Orange, and Tea Tree and comes in a convenient travel container.
$25.00 Plus Shipping & Handling $4.95

For more information contact: info@thecenterofpower.com

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Licorice "The Herb, The Tea, and its Benefits"

Licorice: (Glycyrrhiza glabra ) is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. Also known as "sweet root," licorice root contains a compound that is roughly 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to liver disease. This herb has long been valued as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) and expectorant (rids phlegm and mucous from the respiratory tract) and continues to be used by health care professionals today to relieve respiratory ailments (such as allergies, bronchitis, colds, sore throats, and tuberculosis), stomach problems (including heartburn from reflux), inflammatory disorders, skin diseases, stress relief, as a laxative, and liver problems.
Emerging studies are beginning to suggest that licorice may also play a role in the treatment of heart disease. In one recent study, people with high cholesterol experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglyceride levels after taking licorice root extracts for 1 month. The extract also reduced systolic blood pressure by 10%, although licorice may increase blood pressure in some individuals. These measures returned to their previous, elevated levels when the participants stopped taking the licorice supplements. Licorice root extract has also been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis "hardening of the arteries".
Preliminary studies also suggest that licorice may play a role in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One early study of only 3 people with HIV suggested that intravenous glycyrrhizin may prevent replication of HIV, but larger studies have yet to duplicate these findings.
Another recent study found that a preparation of licorice may reduce body fat. Fifteen normal-weight subjects consumed licorice for 2 months (3.5 g a day). Body fat mass was measured before and after treatment. Licorice was able to reduce body fat mass and to suppress the hormone aldosterone. Another study found that a topical preparation of glycyrrhetinic acid (a component of licorice) was able to reduce the thickness of fat on the thigh in human subjects.
Licorice can be taken in the following forms:
·Dried root: 1 - 5 g as an infusion or decoction (boiled), three times daily
·Licorice 1:5 tincture: 2-5 ml, three times daily
·Standardized extract: 250-500 mg, three times daily, standardized to contain 20% glycyrrhizinic acid
·DGL extract: 0.4 - 1.6 g, three times daily, for peptic ulcer
·DGL extract 4:1: chew 300 - 400 mg, three times daily 20 minutes before meals, for peptic ulcer
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and that can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, preferably under the supervision of a health care provider in the field of botanical medicine.

Fragrances vs. Essential Oils


Fragrance:
The question posed is that of the fragrances that we love so dearly. When we speak of fragrances the first thought that comes to most is that of the perfumes/colognes, shampoos, everyday household cleaning products etc... The list is endless.
The desire to use them to do everything from cleaning to help with emotional Well Be-ing is as natural to use as the air we breath.
The problem "lies" in what is considered a fragrance! Or what the FDA allows to be used in the products marketed in this country as a fragrance.
There are potentially over 1,000 "ingredients" used by the commercial perfume industry alone that could cause harmful effects to those that use the products. The European Union has banned at least that many from their marketplaces while our government has banned as few as eight. This is allowed because, all the perfume companies need to do to get around the FDA's standards is to call the ingredients a "trade secret" allowing them to use illegal ingredients without the government doing so much as to even blink an eye.
Among many of the harmful effects of these "secret ingredients" and potentially the most harmful, is that they can reach though the membrane barrier in the mind into t
he "Limbic System" where our memories, our cognitive skills, the regulation of our nervous system, blood pressure and heart rate are controlled among many other other functions important to our Well Be-ing.
Damage to this system can cause adverse effects such as vascular degeneration of the brain, damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, hyperactivity, depression, mood swings, seizures.... the list is long!
The industry has always stated that they would clean up there products. The problem is that they are allowed to self-regulate this "clean up"

Vs.
Essential Oils:
These Oils have been around since the dawning of this beautiful planet we call home! They were here long before the first "Modern Doctors" were given diplomas and told they were ready to go out among the people and "heal" them.
And yes they do have wonderful healing properties! They have been shown to raise our "vibration level" with just the faintest of an inhalation.

But for healing the spirit? They too reach the Limbic System, but as pure Essence's with only the properties that "Spirit" intended! They have been shown to "help" improve the very same symptoms the fragrance industry is harming with all the additives they call "trade secrets"!

Oh and by the way. Did we happen to mention that these oils "AROMA'S heal the Heart, Mind and Soul all the while bringing the true fragrance's of the earth to our daily lives!

Yes, They Smell good too!!!
Lavender, Orange, Wintergreen, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree. Just these basic oils alone can bring about the emotional Well Be-ing we can all use. and with emotional health, can our Physical Health be far behind?

Pure Essential Oils are just that! PURE! No "additives" no "trade secrets"!

To order Our Essentiasl Oils. Go to Our Etsy Site

The Dangers of Coffee and Caffeine

The health problems which caffeine can cause could fill an entire library. Not to mention enough popular journals and medical reports to paper the White House... Inside And Out!
Problems associated with with this "Drug" include accelerated aging, a weakening of the immune system, impairing digestion, and causing blood sugar fluctuations which contribute to weight gain, and mood disorders!
There are more than 208 acids in coffee that contribute to indigestion and acid imbalance. This results in the buildup of toxic waste, cardiovascular disease, auto immune disorders, arthritis, and rheumatism. Uric acid produced by the breakdown of caffeine can cause kidney stones and gout, and can aggravate prostate conditions.
Caffeine and the acids in coffee also inhibit absorption of B vitamins and cause urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and trace minerals - all of which are essential for good health.

Women that drink coffee are more subject to osteoporosis and anemia, that lead to both fatigue and illness. And this is just scratching the surface of associated dangers to coffee!

That's CAFFEINE folks! Whether it be in coffee, cola, or any other beverage for that matter. It's hardly something you would want to be pouring into your body by the multiple cup or bottlefuls each day, is it?

Want an Alternative?
Try Dandy Blend!

Find Dandy Blend at our store!

Natural Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer

Make your own Natural Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
If your concerned about bacteria that are becoming resistant to hand sanitizers that are currently on the market, or about your children ingesting alcohol from drinking the tasty smelling pink drink? Here's a couple of recipes to help you:
Ingredients:
2 parts Aloe gel (NOT juice)
1 part distilled water (NOT tap)
1 part vodka (Not isopropyl)

4-5 drops essential oil of choice (NOT fragrance oils). Hint: Tea Tree is a great antibacterial and one of the best essential oils to add to a hand sanitizer recipe.
Add about 1 tablespoon of Castile soap and add a few drops of Essential Oils, Lavender or a Citrus Oil. Not only are Essential Oils aromatic, but they fight germs as well!

Thicker Hand Sanitizer, appropriate for pumps:
Gather the ingredients: Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera Gel, Witch Hazel, Rosemary oil, Lemon oil, Sweet Orange oil, Lavender oil, Tea Tree oil and Grapefruit seed extract. (citracidal), a bowl for mixing and easy pouring.

2/3 oz Pure Aloe Vera Gel (not juice and no alcohol - get food grade gel)
1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
1 teaspoon Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (i.e. Braggs)
10 drops of Grapeseed Seed Extract (aka GSE)
5 drops Tea Tree Oil
8 to 10 drops of the remaining Essential Oils.

Both of these can be placed in small squeeze bottles for travel or larger soap pumps for the Home
These can be purchased from us also.
For more inormation contact: info@thecenterofpower.com

Essential Oils: Citronella

Citronella: Botanical: Gramineae (grasses)
Properties: Anti-bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Deoderant and Insecticidal.
Uses: Helps with Colds, Fatigue, Headaches, Migraine, Minor Infections, Neuralgia, can be used as an antiseptic to sanitize and deodorize surfaces where food has been prepared. It also has been shown to aid in calming barking dogs.
Body Systems affected: Muscles and Bone, SkinAromatic Influence: May help increase the heart rate.
Blend Classification: Personifier
Odor: Type: Top Note; Scent: Citrusy, slightly fruity, fresh, sweet.
Intensity: 3
To order this oil and others visit our store at:
 http://thecenterofpower.com/store/index.php?cPath=2_19

Essential Oils: Lemongrass

Lemongrass: Botanical: Gramineae (grasses)
Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Insect repellent, Revitalizer, Sedative, Tonic, vasodilator.
Uses: Helps improve circulation, digestion, eyesight, Wake up the Lymphatic system, Get the Oxygen flowing, good for purification respiratory problems, and tissue regeneration.
Historical uses: Lemongrass has been used for infectious illnesses and fever, an insecticide, and as a sedative to the central nervous system.
Body Systems(s) Affected: Immune system, Muscles and Bones.
Aromatic Influence: It promotes psychic awareness and purification
Blend Classification: Enhancer and Equalizer
Odor: Top Note Scent: Grassy, lemony, pungent, earthy, slightly bitter.
Intensity: 4
To purchase this or other oils we offer, visit our store at:
http://thecenterofpower.com/store/index.php?cPath=2_19

Essential Oils: Frankincense

Frankincense:
Botanical Family: Burseraceae (resinous trees and shrubs)
Properties: Anti-catarrhal, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antitumoral, expectorant, immune stimulant, and sedative.
Historical uses: Frankincense is a holy oil in the Middle East. As an ingredient in the holy incense, it was used anciently during sacrificial cermonies to help improve communication with the creator.
Esoteric Uses/Actions: Sun & Saturn; Body Type: Ectomorph; Chakras: Links 1 to 7, also 4, 5, & 6; Character: Yang-Hot 2nd degree; Crystals: Tigers eye (links 1st to 7th chakra), Amber, Topaz; Element: Air, Ether, Light,& Fire; Number: 3
Body System(s) Affected: Emotional balance, Immune, and Nervous Systems, Skin.
Aromatic Influence: It increases spiritual awareness and Meditation.
Blend Classification: Enhancer and Equalizer
Odor: Type: Base note; Scent: Rich,deep,warm, balsamic, sweet, with incense like overtones; Intensity: 3
Frequency: High (Spiritual)
For more information contact: info@thecenterofpower.com To view more products go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5675744

Essential Oils: Bergamot

Bergamot:
Christopher Columbus was credited with bringing Bergamot Essential Oil back to Italy from the Canary Islands. And it has been used in Italian folk medicine ever since.
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia
Parts Used: Peel of the Ripe fruit Aroma: Citrus spice with a high floral note

Esoteric Uses/Actions: Astrological: Sun; Body Type: Endomorph; Chakras: 3,4 & 5; Character: Mildy Yang: Crystals: Watermelon tourmaline; Element: Fire; Number: 2; Oriental: Qi stagnation.
Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Stimulant.
Benefits: Anxiety, Colds, Depression, Infections, Loss of appetite and Nervous tension.
Historical Uses: Bergamot was used by the Italians to cool and relieve fevers, and protect against malaria.
Of Interest: Bergamot is a mutation of the sour orange and not a hybrid. in 1600, French perfumers started using Bergamot to enliven fragrances, particularly eau de cologne.
To purchase this Wondrous Oil, contact: info@thecenterofpower.com $10.00 per 5ml Bottle
Also look for our listings on: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26028932

Essential Oils: Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus
From the Botanical family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle shrubs and Trees)
Properties: Analgesic, Anti-bacterial, anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-viral, diuretic, expectorant, insect repellent and Stimulant.
Esoteric Uses/Actions: Astrological: Saturn & Mercury; Ayurvedic: Kapha; Chakra: 4,5, & 6; Character: Yang; Crystals: Auquamarine; Element: Air & Earth; Oriental: Cold phlegm(pts:ST-40, Sp-6)
Historical Uses: Australian aboriginies used Eucalyptus leaves to bind up serious wounds. This would not only prevent infection but also expidite healing.
Body System(s) Affected: Muscles and Bones, Respiratory System
Aromatic Influence: It promotes health, well being, purification, and healing.
Application: Apply to Vita Flex Points and/or directly on area of concern; Diffuse. Apply under the nose and under each side of the nose for quick sinus relief.
Blend Classification: Enhancer
Odor: Type: Top Note (5-20% of the blend); Scent: Fresh, medicinal, woody, earthy, Intensity:5
For More Information, contact: info@thecenterofpower.com
Also look for our Essential Oil listings at:
http://thecenterofpower.com/store/index.php?cPath=2_19

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Essentially Free Natural Care

Night Night Tea $5
Valerian, Passion Flower, Catnip, Lemon Balm, Stevia, Chamomile
Other teas ~Chamomile, Green, Jasmine, Earl Grey, Mango, Tropical, Chai, Vanilla, Peach, Apricot, Licorice Spice $5
Natural Sweetening Stevia Leaves $5
A natural, non-caloric, whole food sweetener.
LOTIONS:
Choose or request scents from; Lavender, Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot etc...
All Natural Hand and Body Lotion $10
EV Olive Oil, E. Wax, Distilled Water, Pure Essential Oils.
Rich & Thick Body Butter $10
Use for eczema and dry skin on heals, hands, knees and elbows. EV Olive Oil, E. Wax, Distilled Water, Shea Butter, Essential Oils.
Facial/Body Wash $10
EV Olive Oil, E. Wax, Distilled Water, Castille Soap, Essential Oil.
Super Duper Healing Salve $5 or $10
*A natural way to heal cuts, scrapes and burns with the healing power of lavender and tea tree oil.
*Ingredients are all-natural and contain no nut oils or soy.
Oilve Oil, E. Wax, Essential Oils and Herb Infused Oils.

Calm Baby Line-anything from above with this special oil blend
*Ingredients are all-natural and include Rose Geranium, Rosewood, Palmarosa, Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Lemon, Bergamot.

Calm Baby Pure Essential Oil Blend $10 for 5 ml bottle or $20 for 15 ml bottle

Other Special Products

No Pain Teething Tea $5
Catnip, Lemon Balm, Stevia, Chamomile

Angels Watching Over Me Spray $10
Simply spray your child's room, closet, under the bed and anywhere you want to invite angels. You can do this ritual with your child before bedtime or spray their room ahead of time and let them know their angels are ready to help them sleep peacefully. Ingredients are all-natural and include essential oils of French Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Italian Mandarin Orange.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Inspirational Quotes

"Beloved Child, your humor is my own. Let us laugh out loud together and celebrate our Oneness. When you hear your own laugh, you are hearing My Voice"-The Voice for Love

Inspirational Quotes

The present, the present is all thou hast for thy sure possessing; like the patriarch's angel, hold it fast till it gives its blessing.
—John Greenleaf Whittier

Inspirational Quote

Part of Be-ing Free, is a State of Mind. You've Just got to Learn to Leave It All Behind. Go Slow...
Shawn Phillips

Inspirational Quotes

Thoughts are like the ripples on the surface of a lake that must be stilled to reveal your true reflection.