The Creative Use of Cinnamon Oil in Chocolate Bar Crafting

Ah, the world of culinary creativity! From cupcakes to breakfast bowls, essential oils have sauntered into every imaginable recipe. But hold on to your spatulas, folks, because the latest sensation has struck the chocolate realm: cinnamon oil. Yep, you heard it right. This aromatic treasure from the spice shelf has made its sizzling debut in the land of chocolate bars. But guess what? It's not all sweetness and spice – a twist of hurdles has joined the mix.
Now, let's talk chocolate bars. Those delectable treats unite kids and adults under a cocoa-infused spell. Chocolate – a universal love language that knows no age boundaries. And let's not forget the flair it can achieve with the sugary companionship of milk or the fruity crunch of nuts. Enter cocoa, the cocoa that's been through its fair share of transformations to become the luscious bars we know and crave. This cocoa carries the legacy of flavonoids, those magical compounds that flaunt their antioxidant prowess. Think of it as chocolate's secret superhero cape – saving taste buds, one bite at a time.
But hold onto your sweet tooth because now we're adding a twist – cinnamon oil! It's like inviting a rockstar to join the chocolate band. However, moderation is key, folks. Too much of a good thing can transform the scene into a "scent-sational" disaster. The trick is to embrace the essence without knocking out your senses. Picture this: a chocolate bar kissed by the sweet aroma of cinnamon. A flavor symphony that could make taste buds tango. But, hey, here's the plot twist – cultural nuances and palates play referee in this game. Remember our chat about cinnamon's PR problem in certain parts of the world? Well, some folks associate its scent with grandpa's herbal remedies. We're all for nostalgia, but nobody wants their chocolate to double as medicine, right?
And then there's the "slick" challenge – fat blooming and the not-so-subtle greasy touch on the bar's surface. A case of "too cool for school" adds to the adventure. It's like trying to blend oil and water, only the oil is cinnamon, and the water is chocolate. Nature sure knows how to throw a curveball! This oil has a liquid nature at room temperature, and things get interesting when mixed with the choco-batter. Imagine biting into a bar that's a softie one moment and a jawbreaker the next. Who needs a gym membership when you've got uneven chocolate bars to tackle?
So, here's the scoop, culinary daredevils. The journey of cinnamon oil in chocolate bars is a tale of tantalizing aromas, cultural dances, and the science of stubborn liquids. It's a clash of tradition and trend, a battle between age-old scents and contemporary cravings. Remember the unsung hero behind the scenes as you nibble on your favorite chocolate treat. This cinnamon oil dared to make its mark in the world of cocoa confections. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of flavors because when cinnamon and chocolate tango, it's anything but bland!

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Why Indonesians Have a Love-Hate Relationship with Cinnamon Flavor

With its delightful blend of woody, sweet, and spicy notes, cinnamon is a flavor many worldwide love. It has gained immense popularity in countries like the United States, finding its way into various food products, from bakery items to breakfast cereals. However, when it comes to Indonesia, the relationship with cinnamon flavor is complicated. While cinnamon bark is used as an essential ingredient in one of their favorite dishes during Ramadan (the month of fasting for Moslem), called "kolak," the widespread assumption that all Indonesians adore the aroma of cinnamon may not be entirely accurate.
The mysterious Indonesian cinnamon flavor
In the United States, cinnamon-flavored products are prevalent, and it is a favorite among consumers, often competing with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. But in Indonesia, the scenario is quite different. The cinnamon flavor is less familiar, and limited food products have natural or artificial cinnamon tastes. This indicates that the cinnamon flavor might not be as favored as its counterparts.
Reasons behind the disinclination
Several factors could be contributing to this phenomenon. Firstly, the spicy character of the cinnamon bark aroma might play a role. Spicy or herbal flavors in food and beverages are often associated with traditional herbal remedies known as "jamu." The perception of such flavors as medicinal could lead to a subconscious aversion to cinnamon-flavored products, as people might feel like they are consuming medicine instead of enjoying a treat. Additionally, jamu is often associated with older generations, and young Indonesians may prefer distancing themselves from such associations. Secondly, the intensity of the distinct cinnamon aroma might be overwhelming for some individuals, evoking memories of an unpleasant local insect's smell called "walang sangit." This could create a negative connotation in their minds, leading to a reluctance towards cinnamon-flavored products.
Shifting tides: Embracing cinnamon flavor
As Indonesian society opens up to new ideas and influences, there has been a noticeable shift in accepting cinnamon-flavored products. With an increasing food items incorporating the unique cinnamon taste, the younger generation, in particular, has developed an affinity for it. The appeal of cinnamon is evident in the popularity of products like cinnamon bread and chocolate bars, especially among young consumers.
The future of cinnamon
The relationship between Indonesia and cinnamon flavor is more complex. While some factors, such as the association with traditional remedies and an overwhelming aroma, might have contributed to the initial hesitance, the evolving tastes and preferences of the Indonesian population are gradually embracing cinnamon flavor. As more diverse and innovative food products continue to emerge, the future of cinnamon flavor in Indonesia looks promising, appealing to the taste buds of both the young and old alike.

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Preventing the Formation of Cinnamon Bark Gel: a Promising Research Opportunity

Cinnamon, known for its aromatic flavor, possesses unique properties that sometimes pose challenges in extracting its active compounds. One intriguing characteristic of cinnamon is its hygroscopic nature, which causes it to form a gel-like substance when heated with water. Unfortunately, this cinnamon bark gel formation can hinder the release of active compounds from cinnamon and impede their diffusion into other substances.
The gel that forms acts as a barrier, enveloping the active compounds of cinnamon and interfering with their extraction. This issue is particularly evident during the extraction of oleoresins from cinnamon bark, where the gel tends to coat the surface of the bark. It is recommended not to pulverize the cinnamon bark into the smallest particles to overcome this challenge. Instead, a coarse size is preferred, as it minimizes cinnamon bark gel formation.
Interestingly, despite its impact on extraction processes, there is limited research on the nature and composition of this gel. The exact components and potential benefits of the gel remain largely unexplored. This presents an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in delving into this intriguing phenomenon.
Investigating the gel formation in cinnamon bark could provide valuable insights into its composition, structure, and potential applications. Understanding the gel's properties and how it interacts with the active compounds of cinnamon could lead to innovative extraction techniques and the development of novel products.
For those intrigued by this enigmatic gel, embarking on research in this field offers a promising opportunity to uncover the mysteries surrounding cinnamon bark gel formation. By shedding light on its composition and potential benefits, researchers can contribute to expanding our knowledge and unlocking the full potential of this widely loved spice


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Get rid of oily skin by essential oils

In order to get rid of oily skin by essential oils, you can use them through massage or by consuming herbal infusion. Having skin that tends to secrete certain fluids is going to make us a little miffed, especially if it will make us less interesting, with shiny face, dust or dirt that is often attached to its pores and can cause acne. Although there have been many types or brands of cosmetics that can reduce this, such as facial foam and sunblock cream, of course you should try natural solution.
There are many causes of oily skin. Poor diet that is too much fat in the body that come from eating food which is high in fat and sweetness. Hormonal factors could be the one, such as a hormonal imbalance during puberty could be a trigger. The application of the wrong type of cosmetics can increase these problems. Heredity can also be said to be a factor, usually the parents who have such problems, would be passed on to their children as well. The influence of certain drugs can also affect this disorder.
So how to get rid of oily skin by essential oils ? You can use a mixture consisting of oil of ylang (20 drops) and basal (50 ml), or with lemon (10 drops), ylang 10 (10), and basal (50 milliliters). Recipes can be used through massage therapy. To overcome the problem of the pores widening, make the recipe with oil of lemongrass (5 drops), patchouli (5), ylang (10), and basal (50 ml).
The natural ways mentioned above need to know because most people will choose to fight these conditions directly by attempting to remove the liquid on the face at all, for example, using harsh soaps with high concentrations of alkali. Unfortunately, this way often show effect on skin health disorder and even worsen the situation. The oil produced by the sebaceous glands useful to help lubricate our skin and helps maintain moisture. If someone washes his or her oily face to often, it turned into dry, scaly, and even cause itching. It will also stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil and lead into a condition called reactive seborrhea. This will make your glands work excessively and a malfunction rise in the future. If you want to find a facial soap, better avoid soaps that contain alcohol. You should choose a soap that contains natural ingredients, such as essential oils, olive, almond or avocado oil. They all have a deep absorption function which will help the cells or tissue regeneration and retain moisture. Rinse your oily face with warm water, not hot water. It is important to stop the excess oil, but not eliminate them all. Hot water makes soap removes oil and dirt and also speed up the whole process, but it also turn the oily skin to be dry and scaly. It is also important not to scrub face excessively, it also causes moisturizing oil disappear. Soft and slow movements is important when washing it. Washing it with a gentle foaming just once a day is enough to remove the dirt. Notice the material contained in the moisturizer, whether they fit with your skin or not. If they contain chemicals or synthetic, they may stimulate allergic reactions, dehydration, and even acne. In fact, if this does not fit with yours, it will lead to excessive oil secretion that you want to avoid.
In addition to essential oils, there are traditional herbs that have the similar benefit. This is more efficient and natural. In this case, the celery is quite powerful. It treat high blood pressure, and also overcome oily skin. This is known as Apium graveolens that you can find in the market or in your home garden. It is well known to our ears because its leaves are often used in a variety of cuisines, and is also useful as a health remedy. Take celery leaves then cut into small pieces. The pieces are put into a pot that has been filled with boiling water, and let stand for 15-20 minutes in length, and then leave it to cool down (20-30 minutes). Apply the cold steeping water to the entire face, let it penetrate into your body surface till dry. Then it can be cleaned with fresh water. Use it every 2 days to get maximum results. However, if you want a more practical solution, you can get rid of oily skin by essential oils that have been mixed with moisturizing gel (gel-based moisturizer).

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Essential oils for dry skin

You should try to use essential oils for dry skin, especially if you're in the hot weather, due to its nutraceutical compounds. This types are commonly very sensitive to weather conditions. If it is not addressed well, it will be chapped and flaky. It can happen due to dehydration. This problem, of course, kick you away from your dream to become as beautiful as Anne Hathaway.
To solve it, you should use moisturizers that is made from sunflower seed, almond, jojoba, avocado or rice bran oil. These are easily absorbed either partially or completely by human body surface. This can usually be found in soap, body lotions, and scrubs. Sometimes they are also in the form of creams and foams. In addition to using commercial moisturizers, you should also use a variety of natural ways such as using essential oils for dry skin or following these tips. First, drink water. You must know about the fact that we should drink at least eight (8) glasses a day. And this is really effective to help to overcome this problem. It is not only good for your health, but also help your surface to be wet enough. Second, stop your habit to smoke. This is an effect as a cause of decreased moisture on the surface of our bodies. The nicotine content in cigarettes can narrow the blood vessels that make the cells become increasingly difficult to obtain the necessary nutrients. Third, avoid treatments that use alcoholic materials. It makes the skin become dry and scaly. It is also lift oils that serves as a natural moisturizer. Fourth, take a bath with cold water. Shower at night after activity can certainly help relax the mind and body. However, warm water break the fat as the barriers for humidity. That cause skin prone to be dry. Therefore, avoid it too often.
Lavender, iris, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang", and chamomile can be used for the treatment using essential oils to avoid dry skin. The latter material is known to contain compounds that help to cleanse the pores from dirt as well as for tissue regeneration. To make a simple natural moisturizer, mix or add the olive oil into one of the above essential extract. Next, mix with warm water and use it to compress your face for 5-10 minutes. Olive extracts contain polyphenols and vitamin E which acts to protect our body from damage by free radicals and ultraviolet light exposure.

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Chamomile essential oil benefits

Flowers of this plant provides us chamomile essential oil benefits. It contains a compound classified as proazulene. After steam distillation, it produce chamazulene. It has anti-allergenic properties and is useful in the treatment of asthma and fever. There are two types: Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) and the German / Blue (Matricaria recutica). Extracts of the two varieties have different composition and properties. Roman chamomile essential oil is more calm, so that is widely used aromatherapy. German chamomile essential oil is a very powerful anti-inflammatory because of compounds called azulene (nitrogen compounds that give the typical blue color). This compound helps to reduce the swelling and cleanse pores of impurities. In addition, the later one also contains alpha-bisabolol that enhance tissue regeneration so that is widely used for skin problems like rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin and allergic conditions.
Chamomile essential oil benefits is powerful, so only a small amount is needed to get its potent. It is very concentrated and stronger than its tea product, and should be used with caution. According to experts, this should not be used by women who are pregnant. Always check with your health care advisor before taking this. It is also very important to show that it is part of the ragweed family, so that individuals with ragweed allergies might experience problems using this.
Matricaria Chamomilla is a seasonal plant from the sunflower family Asteraceae. It has been known since ancient Egyptian times. It grows in all regions of Europe and Asia that has four seasons. It is also widespread in North America and Australia. This requires open land to grow, for example, grows wild in the street, shelters and litter fields.
The volatile extract of the chamomile flowers have benefits as a blend of cosmetic, such as shampoo, or made into an ointment for use on hemorrhoids and wounds, while the whole plant are also widely used as a deodorizer in the manufacture of perfume, for external use as a wash or compress for skin inflammation, sunburn, burns, and added in a water bath for relaxing tired leg muscles as well as to soften the skin.
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Essential oils for muscle sprains

You can use many kind of essential oils if you experience muscle sprains caused by a sudden movement, fall, or slip, or if you are Bruce Wayne aka the Dark Knight Rises whom might experienced pain after an all-out fight with Bane. You can use the type of lavender, bergamot, rosemary, camomile, jurenium, and garlic. However, first thing to do is to make sure first the type of injury. If you have a muscle disorder, the first aid that can be given is to use a patch or hot compresses well. Essential oils distilled from medicinal plants such as Kaempferia galanga L. can be used to cure swelling caused by sprains.
But you have to check there is an open wound or not. But if your problem is the joints, then you should treat them with a cold compress such as using ice cubes instead of hot compresses. This is because ice can help minimize swelling around the area that feels sore and lessen pain. Ice will also restrict blood flow, causing numbness which reduce strees in our feeling.
Essential oils from spices (such as citronella, clove, nutmeg, ginger, gandapura, etc.) is quite good as an external therapeutic ingredients for muscle sprains. However, species such as cloves, nutmeg, and ginger require lower doses, because if it is used excessively, then this will feel very hot and cause skin irritation. In addition, you should make sure your hands are washed thoroughly, eg with soap after using it so it will not spread to the other parts of body, such as face or eyes.
We recommend that the sick one are not massaged, if you are not an expert. The improper techniques will result in increased pain. Muscles are the first body's defense against sprains, before it entered the joint in which there are a lot of nerve. If it is treated without looking at the first of its kind, then what happens next is swollen part of our body.
We recommend that before you decide to massage the part of body which suffered an injury, it is compressed first with a cold pack (ice cubes). After 6 hours from the compressing, then the pain should be reduced. But if not, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Some of these essential oils can also be used in the form of massage therapy (massage) as well as water therapy (hydrotherapi) for muscle sprains.
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How to store essential oils

Some tips related to how to store essential oils (EOs)in order to maintain its quality and durability, among others are:
1. Make sure whether the product is pure or mixed.
2. Use a clean or nodes glass bottle to save it. When using a package from metal, look for metal that do not affect the quality of its content, because there are certain metals that can react with chemicals in EO, so it will obscure the scent and damage its components. The brown color glass will be very suitable for the types which is easily oxidized.
3. EO can also be stored in a sealed bottle or airtight. This is intended to avoid evaporation and losses.
4. Avoid direct sunlight, because there are certain EOs which is volatile and easily oxidized when exposed to sunlight.
5. Choose a cool and dry environment, and not to keep it in a moist place are the important parts of our tips on how to store essential oils.
6. Each package of EO should be labeled, which comes with the name or materials type, properties, efficacy and usefulness.
7. Bottles should be placed in a special box or cupboard which is safe from the reach of infants or children.
8. Each pure EO should not be mixed with others, except during use. This is to maintain the purity and avoid loss of its efficacy.
9. For the products that have undergone mixing, specify the composition of the materials, so that you don’t need adding new materials that will be able to affect its usability and usefulness.
Another thing you need to consider besides how to store the essential oils is the expired date, because each has a different shelf life associated with its properties and the content of their chemical compounds.

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Carrier oil for essential oils

In fact, pure essential oils (EO) should be diluted first with a carrier oil or basal oil in order to obtain an adequate concentration and chemical effects are not too hard on the body, so they should not directly be used for aromatherapy purposes. This is because the active ingredients in EO have the strong enough power of reaction. If it is not be diluted first, then it can lead to excessive sensitivity of the users organs.
Carrier oil is the oil obtained from the extraction of vegetable material. The content can usually be found in the seeds and the fruit of a plant. Its function is as a source of food reserves as these plants grow. In addition, it is also a backup energy source for plants, especially in helping the chemical-biological processes during his lifetime.
Chemical properties
The compounds that make up carrier oil for essential oils may consist of: lauric, palmitic, capric, stearic, kaproat, decanoate, and linoleic acid and other compounds which are derivatives. They have different chemical properties with EO properties. They are less stable, easily soluble in ether, but not easily soluble in water and do not easily evaporate.
Basically it is is a type of vegetable oil in the form of straight-chain fatty acids containing ester groups, which are hydrophilic. These can cross the hair follicle, reaching the top layer of skin and can be absorbed by the skin as well. Aside from being a base component in the aroma therapy, they also can act as emoliensa, cosmetics, nutrition, sunscreen, and water repellent. In aroma therapy, they are used in a ratio of more than EO.
They can be produced from grains and fruits through the process of extraction so that it is commonly referred as vegetable oil. The type of carrier oil for essential oils are the oil of coconut, wheat, sunflower, olive, peanut, corn, soy, sesame, avocado, and etc. Choosing the right type of material mentioned above will determine the characteristics of the resulting mixture for each of these vegetable oil have a distinctive aroma, especially if they have not been properly purified. However, sometimes it purification process eliminates the efficacious component in it, such as antioxidants or vitamin E that actually has a benefit if the mixture is intended for the skin.

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Essential oil chemical changes

Essential oil chemical changes is usually attributed to such general reactions as oxidation, resinification, polymerization, hydrolysis of esters, and to interreaction of functional groups. These processes seem to be activated by heat, the presence of air, of moisture, and catalyzed by exposure to light and in some cases, possibly by metals.
There is no doubt that oils with a high content of terpenes (all citrus oils, pine needle oils, oil of turpentine, juniper berry, etc.) are particularly prone to spoilage, due probably to oxidation, and especially resinification. Light seems to be of lesser importance as a factor causing deterioration, than is moisture.
Essential oils containing a high percentage of esters (bergamot, lavender, etc.) turn acid after improper storage, due to partial hydrolysis of esters. The aldehyde content of certain oils (for example, lemongrass) gradually diminishes as the essential oil chemical changes take place. Fatty oils, with a few exceptions, are very prone to oxidation, but such spoilage can be retarded or prevented altogether by antioxidants. Certain types, especially those containg alcohols (for example, geranium), are quite stable and stand prolonged storage. Still others, patchouli and vetiver, for instance, improve considerably on ageing; in fact, they should be aged for a few years before being used in perfume compounds.
As a general rule, any essential oil should first be treated to remove metallic impurities, freed from moisture and clarified, and then be stored in well-filled, tightly closed containers, at low temperature and protected from light. A layer of carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas blown into the container before it is sealed will replace the layer of air above the oil and thereby assure added protection against oxidation. Nevertheless, moisture seems to be one of the worst factors in itsspoilage and, therefore, any moisture must be removed prior to storing.
The effect of essential oil chemical changes is on their physical properties such as increase or decrease in their viscocity, color change, and loss of scent.

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Essential oil for skin softening

Essential oil for skin softening are suitable by using the essential oil of camomile, patchouli, sandalwood and a mixture of all three materials. Those types can be used as a perfume or aroma therapy inhalation. They can also be used in a variety of body care products like hand body, body lotion, body scrub, body mask, and the powder component. The others types are excellent for use in the bath, or afterwards in the form of herbal bath and body wash.
Combine with a healthy lifestyle
All women off course dream about a beautiful skin. Further more if they have already got married, the husband's praise will surely make their effort to treat theirs so meaningful. Caring your beauty is not expensive. If you like to eat vegetables, then get the dream by eating certain herbs. There are a few tips that can make you have the dream. It certainly will make you more and more confident.
For those who live near the tea garden, make it a habit to drink green tea. Green tea has many benefits, among others, stop inflammation, slow the DNA damage, and prevent sunburn skin. For them lived in town, it would be obtained by purchase.
Next, look for plants producing omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 prevent yours from dryness and excess oil.
Using essential oil for skin softening will give us a better impact if it is followed with good nutrition. Essential fatty acids are the fats that make yours smoother and looking younger. Its sources include olive oil, canola oil, walnuts and salmon, sardines and mackerel.
Next, seek out plants producing vitamin E. It is an antioxidant that becomes a shield from damage caused by sun exposure. They also acts as an anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancer. Sources of foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus and leafy greens.
The easier way is eating the herb producing vitamin C. They protect yours from the sun. They also repair damage caused by free radicals, which damage the skin reinforcing fibers such as collagen and elastin. Source of vitamin C among other are peppers, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, broccoli, green leafy vegetables.
You should also eat a lot of herbs that contain vitamin A. Eat fruits and vegetables such as carrots. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin A, which moisturize the skin inside. The other sources are green vegetables, eggs and low fat milk such as cheese.
This one is special, indeed somewhat strange name that is selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral that protect skin cells from free radical damage. Selenium might also plays an important role in preventing cancer. Foods that are rich sources of selenium include brazil nuts, mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, tuna, salmon. Selenium is also found in cooked beef, sardines, crab and pasta wheat.
Facial tips using essential oil
To make facial smoothing concoction in the form of 'liniment' (solution in oil), use olive oil as a basal oil or emollient cream base. Pure olive oil is believed to create a soft glowing skin, compared to other types. It helps you to lubricate yours and make it look healthy glow. Add a drop of essential oil into the basal oil with the proper dose. This herb can also be applied evenly on yours or can be mixed with warm water and used as a facial compress.
So, the use of essential oil for skin softening becomes one of the alternative methods that need to be supported with a natural healthy lifestyle.

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How to use essential oil for aromatherapy

Before starting the treatment, your way of how to use essential oil for aromatherapy need to be considered in order to obtain optimal benefits. This is useful for selecting the appropriate types. Currently, the most common type, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus is obtained through the distillation process.
In general, when you use it, use the smallest amount of them that will be done. It should only be used in the body after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a practitioner who trained and qualified aromatherapist. The smoke from its burning may contain potentially carcinogenic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They naturally have the high content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of them should be avoided during pregnancy or by people with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
Tou can try some tips on how to use essential oil for aromatherapy:
1. Using them means using ingredients that contain chemicals with specific effects. Therefore, be aware of the procedures whether inhaled or just applied to our skin.
2. In choosing its products, should be adjusted with its use. This can be achieved if you select the right type.
3. It would be better if you select the product derived from plants, rather than synthetic materials.
4. In order not to cause side effects, it is worth if you first tested on the skin before you use it for aromatherapy,. Dilute a small amount of them and apply it on the inside of your arm. Do not use the pure one on your skin. Keep it out from the eyes and mucous membranes.
5. Add 7-10 drops of them in bath water directly or mixed with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Stir in water to form the number of 8. Soak in it for at least 15 minutes.
6. Massage helps the skin absorb it.
7. Use lavender essential oil for sheets and blankets at bedtime to sleep more relaxed.
8. Avoid using it after sweating or after come from the sauna.
9. Avoid the hot sun or bask in bed after using it.
Thus, this tips for aromatherapy will affect your success to gain the purposes or benefits you had planned.

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Organic insecticide from pepper spices

Did you know that the spices in your kitchen, hiding incredible potential as an organic insecticide? One is Pepper (Piper nigrum L.), the spices which never missed its presence in a mixture of Indonesian cuisine proved capable of controlling warehouse pests/ insect of Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), which can cause damage to 70% on green beans in the warehouse. Control of C. maculatus in storage is commonly done is by fumigation. However, excessive fumigation and continuously can have negative impacts, including resistance, resurgence, as well as the effect on human health and the environment.
Green beans or mung bean are one source of vegetable protein from beans class that cultivated by many farmers in Indonesia. But in the cultivation of green beans, farmers frequently encounter problems in the field or in storage (postharvest). The problem that often arises in the storage warehouse is pest Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The use of spice plants as botanical insecticides is a method that is economical and easy control of the bugs attacks.
Utilization of pepper as an organic insecticide or plant-based insecticides is an environmentally friendly alternative and in accordance with the principles of Integrated Management of Warehouse Pest. Based on the research, pepper gets its spicy heat mostly from the piperine compound, which is found both in the outer fruit and in the seed. Black pepper contains between 4.6% and 9.7% piperine by mass, and white pepper slightly more than that. Refined piperine, by weight, is about one percent as hot as the capsaicin. While the pepper essential oil contains Limonene, pinene, myrcene, Phellandrene, beta-caryophyllene, Beta-bisabolene, Sabinene, Linalol, Pinocarveol, Alpha, terpineol, Camphene, Alpha, Terpenene. Piperine and its essential oil work together as a nerve poison and stomach poison . Its fruit is euthanizing or anesthetizing because of its piperine substances which have similarities to morphine (an alkaloid).
How to get rid of bugs using pepper and other spices
Its seeds finely ground and then sieved with a sieve mesh size of 0.05 to get the powder. Then, the powder is mixed evenly on the surface of mung bean seed with a minimum concentration of 0.5% (w / w). The powder will coat the entire surface of the mungbeen seeds, resulting in pest C. maculatus reluctant to lay their eggs on the surface of the green beans (kacang hijau). The powder also penetrate into the pores of the surface of mungbeans, causing C. maculatus larval would not grow well, and eventually die. This experiment has been tested in insect physiology and toxicology laboratory, Department of Plant Protection., Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) of Indonesia.
The experimental result showed that the spice powder and drying treatment proved effective in inhibiting the development of C. maculates and does not reduce germination of green beans. It showed high effectiveness in the treatment of Java chili and pepper powder combined with drying for one week, which can inhibit up to more than 90%. Turmeric powder treatment also effectively inhibited the development of C. maculates up to 50%.
Now, you can try by yourself to use spices such as pepper as an organic insecticide to repel insects from food stock in the kitchen.

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Rid of fruit flies using essential oil

Get rid of fruit flies using essential oil now can be done with citronella oil or lemongrass oil. The research performed at the Laboratory of Plant Pest and Disease, Hasanuddin University of Makassar, Indonesia, showed that citronella oil is a fruit flies attractant of both males and females.
Fruit flies is one of the insect pests that attack crops in the field. The species of the family Tephritidae reach 4500 species, and there are 20 species of the Bactrocera genus is an important pest on crops and vegetables in Asia. Bactrocera spp. has a pretty much host like: orange, mango, papaya, avocados, bananas, tomatoes, apples, pineapples, pears, apricots, eggplant, guava and melon.
Yield loss due to their attack in Indonesia is quite large. This is because the stadia that causing damage on plant is their larvae which attack directly on the the crops. At the chili crop, the yield losses can reach 80%. Widespread attacks estimated 4700 ha with a loss of 21.99 billion rupiahs in 2002. In tackling these pests, farmers have been controlling in nature, such as by wrapping the fruit, containment plants with plastic nets, fogging around the tree and others. This effort allows for a relatively small land area, but it is inefficient to the land of many hectares. Another control that has been done is sterilization, chemical and wear traps using attractants.
Lemongrass essential oil
Get rid of fruit flies using essential oil is based on the ability of attractant substances such as methyl eugenol in the essential oil which is dripped on cotton inside the trap. Based on the testing, some essential oil give good results as an attractant for those insects. This method is effective in reducing the population as well as restrictions on entry and development of those insects in an area. However, synthetic attractants is only able to get the attention of the male, because it is parapheromone (sex pheromone) are compounds that smell similar to a pheromone produced by female insects to get the males to come. While the main suspect actually is the female which piercing or harming the surface in order to lay eggs inside.
One of the vegetable materials that are attractants of the insects is lemongrass oil. About 20-50% concentration of lemongrass oil effectively attracts both kind of fruit flies in the laboratory and in the field. In field testing, lemongrass oil which is applied in liquid form, which is dripped on cotton that is attached to the trap is quite effective in get them. However, application of this fluid did not kill it so that the trap still needs to be added to a solution of detergent and the application is only effective up to day-to-4. Lemongrass essential oil has a distinctive aroma of lemon. The source of the scent is an aldehyde compound, namely sitral oil as the main compound.
Adding Materials Adhesives
To kill fruit flies which is going into lemongrass oil dripped on cotton, it is required other materials, such as detergent or adhesive. Addition of adhesive on lemongrass oil droplets on cotton was found to increase the effectiveness in controlling their population. Thus, get rid of fruit flies using essential oil is one of the natural and environmental friendly solution.

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Get rid of dandruff by essential oil

Get rid of dandruff by essential oil is one natural way that can be done at home. The material is promising is the kaffir lime oil. It is popular in culinary use to reduce the fishy smell and flavor. They have rough skin which in is used for seasoning “pecel” sauce in East Java and is used as a medicinal in the community of North Sumatra. Beyond that, it is also efficacious to remove dandruff.
Kaffir lime (Citrus Hystrix) or so-called sauce orange or “pecel” citrus is generally used for flavoring food and fragrances. It is included in subgenus Papeda and its appearance is easily recognizable. Compared with other citrus, it has round shape with the bulges, or the rough and thick surface of skin. Its plants originated from East Asia and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, they can be found in Java, Sulawesi (Makassar) and the Moluccas.
It is also be used for beauty and health. For health, it is used to prevent and cure influenza. As for beauty, it can brighten dull skin.
Meanwhile, they could serve as anti-dandruff, to overcome dull and stinky odor on the hair and scalp. It contains essential oil which can strengthen the follicles, so it is very useful for treating hair and its roots.
Its essential oil containing 2 to 2.5 percent of citrate. They also contain triperponoid steroids and tannins. No wonder, if many variety of skin and beauty products using ingredients from this as basic materials. Essential oil for fragrance can be obtained from its leaves or its peel.
Explained by Dr. Sri Murniati Moerdowo, LSKI chairman, its leaves have always been used to prevent hair problems. Currently, many hair care products use it as basic materials. Now, their processing is not mashed like in the earlier times, but it is taken to be extract which is used to make the hair look healthy and shiny.
From the results of research in the Journal of Kasetsart, it is found that essential oil of kaffir lime peel in the form of crude extract, could inhibit the growth of Candida alcicans which is a micro-organism associated with the dandruff of the scalp. So, if you want to get rid of dandruff by essential oil, you can take this optimum formula: kaffir lime juice, kaffir lime peel oil, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, coconut diethanolamide, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1, 3-dioxane (Bronidox) and water at 15.0, 1.0, 50.0, 30.0, 0.1 and 30.0 percent (w/w), respectively.
But if you want to use its fruit for hair care, you must clean the fruit first, then cut it into two parts for easy shredded. Grated result, applied to the scalp to stimulate the follicles. Then allow it to stand for one hour until the smear of the grated, really soak into the scalp. After that, you can cleanse it with clean water or with added shampoo. Although this treatment is safe, but you must keep in mind that it is sour substance, so that if irritated scalp is exposed to such material, it.can cause painful irritation. Therefore, you should not take this treatment.
However, get rid of dandruff by essential oil can be performed in natural way using the others, such as rosemary and ylang-ylang or cananga to help stimulate hair growth. Lavender also help us to fight dandruff. Always consult with your doctor to avoid further problem since everybody has different physical condition.

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Choosing essential oil bottle

During storage, degradation can occur in essential oils. The deterioration is usually caused by oxidation, resinification (condensed form compounds such as resin), polymerization (forming a viscous compound), and hydrolysis. Because of changes in these compounds, so the its color will change and become more viscous. The changes are activated by heat, oxygen from air, moisture, sunlight, and heavy metal molecules. They should be stored properly so that the deterioration will not happen or at least be slowed.
Here are the best tips on how to store essential oil properly:
Tips # 1: Choose a dark bottle
They should be stored in containers made from glass, dark (eg, brown or dark blue) to reduce the incoming rays.
Tips # 2: Consider the headspace
It is an empty space between the products with a lid. Generally, its function was to provide room for expansion of its content/volume when it was get sterilized. However, if it is too large then the contained material is very likely to get oxidized and discoloration of the packaged material will happen, whereas if it is too small then the packing tip could be broken during sterilization. Typically, its volume is approximately 10% of container capacity. So you have to consider the size of the bottle in this case.
Therefore, it should be fully loaded so that oxygen from the air in the headspace is small. If the content in the bottle is very low then it needs to be poured into another one of smaller size to avoid too large air volume in the previous bottle.
Before closing, preferably CO2 or Nitrogen gas sprayed into the headspace. CO2 and Nitrogen is an inert gas (not easily react with the material). Thus, it can be relatively free of oxygen and was replaced by carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
Tips # 3: Choose the right material for packaging
They should be stored in the place that are completely dry and must be free of heavy metals. Therefore, the essential oil bottle should be made of glass or coated with an inert material.

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Essential oils properties

Although their composition differ one from another, they have some similar physical essential oil properties. They are composed not only of one compound, but a mixture with different composition for each type of plant. They have a distinctive odor, a high refractive index, and most have optical activity and a specific rotation. Therefore, these parameters are used as the qualification of those products.
They are soluble in ether, alcohol, and several other organic solvents. Its solubility in water is very small, but large enough to provide the smell to the water. Water that contains very little of them also has a fragrance, usually called aromatic water.
The other essential oil properties as follows:
-It has a distinctive odor, the smell is generally represented his native plant odor
-Having a sense of bitter, sharp taste, bite, giving a sense of hot or even warm to cold when the skin, depending on the type of its components. For example: the volatile compounds from clove bud give us extra hot, even irritating sensation to our skin, so you should be careful when use it.
How to distinguish between them with the fat or oil?
Plant substances that have a solubility and physical appearance similar to the volatile oil is "oil or fat". They were both somewhat viscous liquid form and can not dissolved in water. To distinguish them, you may notice the following essential oil properties:
Tips #1
They can be distilled from the source of natural materials, while fat or oil can not because essential oils contain volatile compounds which give distinct pleasant aroma. The fat and oil sometime contain short chain fatty acid. That compounds are also volatile but give unpleasant aroma signing the rancidity of fat or oil had happened.
Tips #2
When both substances are hatched on a piece of paper it will leave a transparent stain. After a while, volatile oil stains will disappear, while the oil or fat stains still there.
Tips #3
On the addition of alkali, they do not produce soap, while the fat or oil produce soap.
Tips #4
Fat or oil when stored longer would be rancid (rancid), but volatile oils are not. However, when volatile compounds exposed to sunlight or moisture, air or oxygen will cause resinification, thus becoming similar viscous resin.
Understanding essential oil properties can help us to design each application and to formulate the right recipe of the various kinds.

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Get rid body odor with essential oils

Body odor is not pleasant. This could undermine the comfort and confidence, if you do not get rid it. Many ways can be done to disguise it and repel it. However, many people do not know that natural deodorants available in the kitchen. Their natural ability to help us remove body odor comes from their essential oil content. What are they?
Marsh fleabane leaves (Pluchea indica)
This plant has an unpleasant smell and taste bitter. To eliminate body odor, eat raw Marsh fleabane leaves or steamit first. Boiled Marsh fleabane leaves are also delicious eaten as an ointment (vegetables with spiced grated coconut). If you eat it regularly, surely this stinky problem will disappear. In addition, the lack of bad or stinky breath odor will disappear. For people who do not like it, you can drink boiled water of Marsh fleabane leaves every morning and evening. It has also benefit to lower body temperature to trigger sweating.
Basil (Ocimun bassilicum)
Basil leaves contain essential oils that are believed to eliminate our stinky aroma. In addition, its essential oils also serves as an antiseptic. You can use it as a salad of raw vegetables or an ointment. Alternatively, crush or grind the leaves, seeds, and roots of basil, then pour it with boiling hot water, filter it, and add the sugar. Drink it two times a day, morning and night.
For women who are menstruating, eating approximately a handful of basil leaves in the morning and afternoon during menstruation, to avoid the odor that often befall to menstruating women.
Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza)
Saponin, flavoinoid, and essential oils, are the substances in Javanese turmeric which can eliminate this problem. The tips is drinking decoction of the finely chopped Javanese turmeric. Its juice with the little addition of honey can also be taken to overcome body odor. In addition, grated Javanese turmeric can also be massaged into the entire body, and then allowed to stand until dry before cleaning to get maximum results.
Torch ginger flowers (Nicolaia speciosa)
Active substance of this plant that can get rid body odor is saponin, flavoinoid, and polyphenols. Besides saponin and flavoinoid, it also contains polyphenols. It can be used by cooking its young leaves and flowers as vegetables to be eaten with rice. Its flowers can be cooked as a vegetable mixture of lodeh (one of Indonesian traditional cuisine) or goulash.
Kaffir lime (Citrus bystrix)
Kaffir lime peel contains essential oils that smell nice so it can be used to get rid body odor. The tips is drinking its juice mixed with mashed kencur together with enough boiled water.
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
Lime juice also contains essential oils. You can take one lime, squeeze it, take its juice and mix with 1/2 teaspoon of limestone, then stir it well. Rub into specific sections such as the armpits after a shower. Let stand for a moment to dry, then you can change with new clothes.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Many Indians believe that taking ginger can make them smell "sweet". According to Pen Chao Ching, the Shen Nong Emperor in China mainland (3000 BC), fresh ginger can get rid body odor and brought it to the spiritual aura. Ginger beverage consumed regularly may help to overcome this problem.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumber is rich in water and contains calcium, iron, magnesium. Eating cucumber is very refreshing. In addition to reduce fever, cucumber is also beneficial for skin health. The tips is wash one young cucumber, slice it thinly, then apply or rub on the body that smells. Or, grate cucumber, then compress your armpits with the grater. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes, then remove it. Do this after a shower.
Cloves (Eugenia aromatica)
Soak some cloves flowers in hot water so fluffy, then cool it, and drink the water. Perform it regularly in the morning and evening, surely your body odor will soon disappear. In addition, the decoction of a few cloves florets with palm sugar, can also be a refreshments and warming in times of rain or cold weather.

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Choose the best essential oils brand

Here are tips that can help you, how to choose the best brand of essential oils with high quality and pure. Because when you walk in the aromatherapy store to buy it, then you will be greeted by variety of pleasant scents. However, not all of it and scented candles has a healing power. Consider the following tips of choosing the best essential oils brand
1. Check the bottle.
Avoid buying the essential oils sold in clear glass bottles because of clear glass allows the light causing the damage to its content. Instead, choose the products stored in amber-colored bottles (brown) or dark. Most of the best essential oils brand is packed in the dark or amber bottles. Some vendors sell it in aluminum bottles. Aluminum is acceptable if the inside of the bottle is coated.
You should also avoid buying it in plastic bottles because the oil may dissolve plastic. Furthermore, the dissolved plastic will contaminate it.
Also avoid buying the products that have a rubber pipette bulb on it because the rubber pipette bulb can be dissolved in the essential oils and then it is contaminated.
2. Observe the properties of each
Each type of aromatherapy oil has different therapeutic qualities, i.e. pine is good for treating coughs and asthma. Currently, the scent of patchouli is used to relieve anxiety, depression, and skin problems. Before you buy aromatherapy products, make sure you know the benefits of each kind.
3. Check the label.
Be careful with words like "perfume," "natural," or "perfume oil" These words indicate that you saw was not a single pure essential oil. Many labeled brand perfume (which can be a combination of essential oils and chemicals, or chemicals only) and perfume as "aromatherapy". It is important to buy pure aromatherapy oil to obtain optimal health benefits.
4. Check the presence of dust.
If you see an aromatherapy product has a dusty, then avoid buying it. The existence of dust indicates its long life even aromatherapy products expired. Products that have expired are no longer giving healing properties as the product is still new.
5. Check the prices.
Different types of aromatherapy products have different prices. Some rare and exotic oil have higher prices than other types. The extraction difficulties also affect its value. The more complex extraction, then the more expensive price. If every bottle of aromatherapy product has the same price, you have to think twice before you buy it.
Finally, you should remember that only the best essential oils provides the best benefit and healing properties for you. So, choose the best essential oils for you wisely!

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Essential oils aromatherapy tips

Essential oils aromatherapy can be used for therapeutic purposes. They are natural plant extracts obtained through steam distillation or chemical extraction. They are usually presented in the form of pure and natural so it is generally safe to use it for aromatherapy. However, there are some cases when the natural ingredients can cause adverse effects or allergic reactions. Always remember that you only need to use a small amount of them. You have to dilute it with carrier oil before use.
Here are some useful tips for essential oils aromatherapy:
First tips, before using them for therapeutic purposes, be sure to consult with an experienced experts. This is important especially for people with certain medical conditions experienced by either current or past. There are certain medical conditions which the use of essential oils aromatherapy can actually aggravate a particular disease or health condition.
Second tips, do some research before using it. Research can be done by reading books or searching for information on the internet.
Third tips, there are several of them that can enhance or counteract the effects of certain drugs. So, when using essential oils aromatherapy, be sure to choose the kind that can help medical treatment, rather than vice versa.
Fourth tips, volatile compounds are usually sold in high concentrations or concentrated, therefore they are very powerful. In most cases, you need to dilute it with carrier or vegetable oil before use. Some of the recommended carrier oil include almond, olive, apricot kernel, hazelnut, jojoba, coconut, palm, and avocado oil. Each kind of volatile compounds has different suitability with the certain carrier oil.
Fifth, avoid contact with eyes, because it can irritate the eyes. Avoid touching eyes with hands that may have used it. Most of the volatile compounds provide a sense of hot or warm to the skin even spicy in the mouth. You can imagine what will happen if the compounds are touching your eyes.
Sixth, keep it out of reach of children. Children have a great curiosity and therefore they do not know the dangers. They want to know the taste of the objects around them by touching it by hand, smell, even taste it.
Seventh, if you are pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before using essential oils aromatherapy. It can cause negative effects to the unborn fetus. However, midwives are known to give oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) to women during and after childbirth to reduce pain.
Some of them are not recommended during pregnancy is jasmine, myrrh, and ylang-ylang.
Eighth, many volatile compounds are not suitable for infants and children under the age of 12. Before use in infants and young children dilute it 2 to 4 times more dilute than those used for adults.
Ninth, it can cause dermatitis and sensitization, especially when used repeatedly. Use only a small amount of them at a time.
Tenth, when choosing it, always check the names of the Latin or botanical to make sure you use the proper one. They may have the same common name but can have different functions. Some of them that have more than one common name.
Knowing these precautions as essential oils aromatherapy tips can help you avoid a mistake.

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