Botanical Medicine in Oakville Archives - Abaton Integrative Medicine

Botanical Medicine in Oakville

September 7 2018

Remedies On-The-Go

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Life hacks seem to be taking over social media in an attempt to make life just a little smoother, and save a buck when you can. I love a natural hack, but especially ones that help prepare for the unexpected, especially if you’re travelling with kids. I have added these to my first aid kit and don’t travel far without them.

Tea Tree Oil

A natural antiseptic for cuts as well as fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Tea Tree oil is also great for combatting head lice. Use several drops in a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.

Lavender Oil

I love this oil, its a must have in our home and for good reason. It can be used for easing pain, calming burns, and relieving a bruise. It is also known as a headache aid, mosquito repellent, and relieves the itch of bug bites. Lavender oil can also be used as a gentle sleep aid

Peppermint Oil

As a headache sufferer, I do not travel without my roll on bottle of peppermint. Avoid contact with eyes and don’t apply to open wounds, but roll it on your temples or base of your neck when you feel a headache coming. It is strong – you may turn heads as your headache eases!

Arnica

For all things “boo boo”. Bruising, swelling, bites, skin irritations. Arnica can be bought at all health food stores and many health sections of your local grocery store. Look for it in a cream or gel form.

Herbal Teas

I am always stashing individually wrapped teas like ginger and peppermint to ease upset stomach, nausea and vomitting. We are always never without a good chamomile tea for anxiety, and sleep. Come pick from our loose leaf teas at Abaton.

Enjoy! Martina

June 5 2018

Summer Safety With Essential Oils & Homemade Bug Spray

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Essential oil safety is important because each essential oil is pure and very potent. Some oils may increase sensitivity to sunlight and cause irritation (photosensitivity) so caution should be taken during summer months. When UV radiation, a form of radiation which makes up approximately 10% of sunlight, comes in contact with particular substances it can initiate a series of chemical and biological reactions. This immune reaction is known as photosensitization. Some essential oils contain organic compounds that make some people’s skin more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause damage to cellular membranes, organelles, and proteins. This may result in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation, much like a sunburn. More extreme exposure may cause hives or burns. Here are a few safety tips to keep your essential oil experiences positive this summer.

Look at the labels and follow direction closely, especially if you are trying oils for the first time.
Many oils need to be diluted with carrier oils like olive, coconut or jojoba.
Essential Oils to be used with caution during the summer include: cinnamon bark, clove, citronella, cumin, lemongrass, lemon, oregano, bergamot and thyme.
If you have applied phototoxic essential oils to your skin do not expose your skin to UV light for 12-18 hours
Oils that are easily tolerated include; marjoram, frankincence, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme and lavender.

To practice essential oil safety it’s important to use oils in the appropriate way. Essential oils may be applied on the skin, inhaled, diffused or taken internally, but the best application depends on the specific oil. Come see Martina at Abaton Integrative Medicine for more information on how to include oils in your daily routine. Homemade Bug Spray Ingredients:

1/2 cup Witch hazel water
1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
40 drops Essential Oils (Eucayptus, Lemongrass, Citronella, Lavendar or Tea Tree
8 oz glass spray bottle

Directions:

Mix witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils in the 8 ounce glass spray bottle.
Spray over all portions of the body but avoid repellent in eyes and mouth.

Martina Tecic Microscopist