Grapefruit

grapefruit GrapefruitThe grapefruit is a subtropical citrus tree, these evergreen trees are usually found at around 5–6 metres. The leaves are dark green, long (up to 150 mm) and thin. It produces 5 cm white four-petaled flowers.

Grapefruits usually range in diameter from four to six inches and include both seed and seedless and pink and white varieties. The wonderful flavor of a grapefruit is like paradise as is expressed by its Latin name, Citrus paradisii.

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin C helps to improve immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As free radicals can oxidize cholesterol and lead to plaques that may rupture causing heart attacks or stroke, vitamin C is beneficial to promoting cardiovascular health. Owing to the multitude of vitamin C’s health benefits, it is not surprising that research has shown that consumption of vegetables and fruits high in this nutrient is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer.

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Ginger, a warm spice

ginger Ginger, a warm spiceGinger is the underground stem of the ginger plant, some called it “root ginger”. Ginger is used as spice for cooking or tea, it is also widely use as medicine.

The ginger plant has a long history of cultivation, having originated in Asia and is grown in India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean.

Fresh ginger is very effective to heal the loss of appetite, gas, abdominal cramps, painful digestion and laxative.

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinalis

Plant origin: Root

Extraction method: Distillation

Aroma: Warm and woody

Odor Intensity: Mediam

Evaporation rate: Middle note

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Geranium, hormone regulator

geranium1 Geranium, hormone regulatorGeranium has strongly rose-scented leaves, it’s flower are attractive in pinkish white colour, present from late winter to summer (August - January) peaking in spring (September - October).. Geranium is an erect, much-branched shrub, that can reach a height of up to 1.3 m. The hairy stems are herbaceous when young, becoming woody with age. The deeply incised leaves are velvety and soft to the touch due to the presence of numerous glandular hairs.

Geranium is confined to two separate areas in southern Africa, one in Limpopo Province, where it receives summer rain, and the other in the south-eastern part of the Western Cape, where geranium receives rain throughout the year. In both these regions, the summer is hot and the winter is mild, and Pelargonium graveolens is found growing on the mountains, in sheltered positions such as kloofs, usually in relatively moist habitats. Pelargonium graveolens has also been recorded in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Geranium’s botanical name is Pelargonium graveolens. The genus Pelargonium gets is name from the resemblance of the shape of the fruit to the beak of a stork, pelargos in Greek. The species name graveolens refers to the strong fragrance of the leaves, graveolens meaning strong-smelling in Latin.

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Frankincense

frankincense FrankincenseFrankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia.  There are various species of frankincense trees, each producing a slightly different type of resin. Differences in soil and climate create even more diversity of the resin, even within the same species.

Frankincense trees are also considered unusual for their ability to grow in unforgiving environments, some of it can even grow directly out of solid rock. Frankincense is also popular in perfume industry for their fragrant aroma.

Frankincense essential oil also has been clinically researched to combat cancer and for use as an antidepressant, it soothes and calm the mind, slowing down and deepening breathing and is excellent for use when meditating. Frankicense is commonly used in European hospitals. Frankincense is being researched for its ability to simulate human growth hormone production and to assist in hormone balance.

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Eucalyptus, cold and cough remedies

 Eucalyptus, cold and cough remediesEucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae.There are more than 700 species of Eucalyptus, native from Australia.

Eucalyptus leaves are leathery in texture, hang obliquely or vertically, and are studded with glands containing a fragrant volatile oil. The flowers in bud are covered with a cup-like membrane, that’s the why the name of the genus, derived from the Greek eucalyptus means  “well-covered”,  which is thrown off as a lid when the flower expands. The fruit is surrounded by a woody, cupshaped receptacle and contains numerous minute seeds.

Eucalyptus oil is one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy. Eucalyptus oil is known for its anti bacterial properties, it is a perfect oil to make an antibacteria deodorant.

When suffering from common cold or cough, by using Eucalyptus oil as a massage oil to massage on your chest and back, it will help you get rid of the congestion over night.

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