Beauty Tips

Beauty Tips from around the world!

468 — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:51:32

Eyebrow Threading

Pakistan: Preparing for the wedding

468 — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:59:25

KITCHEN TIPS

468 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:44:45

For soft Dosas, add some boiled rice to white gram and rice, while grinding.
Put some neem and turmeric pieces or garlic flakes in the container where you store rice or grains, in order to keep away insects.

To adjust salt in curries add roasted rice powder.

If the curd is too sour, add 4 cups of water to it. After half an hour, remove the water collected on top.

When you cook dal  add some refined oil or garlic. It will reduce gas trouble.

Keep rice flour and basin in a polythene cover in refrigerator when you want tem stored for a long time.

Add some vinegar in the boiling water before steaming potato.

For crispy dosas, add a teaspoon of tur dal  gram) and some fenugreek seeds while soaking rice

Add a pinch of corn flour to the jar of salt to prevent it from getting damp.

While chopping raw bananas and potatoes, put the pieces in a bowl of water to avoid it from turning black.

A bay leaf added to the flour container will keep the flour free from moisture.

To peel garlic flakes easily, wash and soak them in cold water for about an hour.

Green peas will retain their original colour, if you add a pinch of sugar while boiling.

Leafy vegetables will remain fresh longer, if wrapped in news papers when you are storing.

If you don't have any cream to add in the soup or gravy, add a mixture of butter and milk.

Apply some oil on the sides of the vessel in which you boil milk, in order to avoid it from overflowing.

After extracting butter from milk cream, add a little milk or curd to the residue and boil. You will get soft 'Paneer'.

For thick cream, cover the milk vessel with a thin muslin cloth and refrigerate over night.

Barley powder will increase the taste of meat and vegetable curries.

You can make tasty chappathi by mixing equal proportion of wheat flour and barley.

While boiling eggs, put a hole with a pin on the rounded portion of the egg so that the shell won't break when boiling.

Keep boiled eggs in cold water for 5 minutes, this will make removal of the shell easier.

Cut boiled eggs with a knife dipped in hot water to avoid breaking.

Boiled eggs will last longer, if you store the shelled eggs in a bowl of cold water in a refrigerator.

If the bread is too soft to cut into pieces, hold the knife close to a flame  and then slice the bread with it.

If you need only the egg white, for storing the remaining yolk, cover the yolk with water or milk and keep in a cool dark place. Just drain off the liquid before using  the yolk.

Add a little powdered lemon rind to puddings or deserts to avoid the smell of egg.

If you want to make crispy potatoes or banana chips, sprinkle salt water over them while frying.

Soak almonds in warm water for a minute, if you need to peel them quickly.

If a curry turns out too salty, garnish it with some grated coconut mix with cumin powder.

Add a pinch of sugar while cooking spinach, it will retain its green colour.

Dal will cook well, if you add a little sesame oil while cooking.

To make the 'poori' more tastier, add one tablespoon semoline for each 100g wheat flour.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda while mixing the dough for 'chappathi' to make it soft.

For making soft sauce, add some paneer.

Adding turmeric will help pickles from getting spoilt.

Muka kuru shamikkan-Pimples treatment

Kutten — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:28:28

For Shining Hair

Kutten — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:22:03

Mookinte Bhangi Kootan

Kutten — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:14:52

Kadukinte Gunangal

Kutten — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:49:10

Natural Beauty

Charlotte — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:23:22

Natural Beauty

Visualization

You need to visualize the specific changes if you truly want to change your look. What will any improvements you make look like? See yourself with a streamlined body, healthier hair, clearer skin, majestic posture. These changes are realistic and attainable. Stay away from goals you'll never reach.
Don't compare yourself with someone you've seen on the TV or movie screen or on the cover of a magazine. Accept your uniqueness and capitalize on it.

Mirrors Boost Attitude

The quickest attitude adjustment is through reflection. Women who have low self esteem often avoid mirrors like the plague. However, mirrors can become a big ally.
Mirrors can tell you how you're progressing, in those little ways that may not be noticeable to the casual eye. It is the ultimate objective eye.

Do Everything Better

The way you use your beauty products will make all the difference in results.
For instance, try to duplicate what you see and feel your hair is shampooed at a salon. The product is always handled, never poured directly on hair.
Add a massage to your scalp when washing. While rinsing, lift your hair away from your scalp for about two minutes until it squeaks.

Discover The Virtues of Vanity

Confident women enjoy experimenting as a way of relieving stress and boost morale. Women who care about how they look are fascinating to watch, and teach us about taste and glamour. Vanity is a positive virtue, allowing us to fix our heads as well as our looks.

Look Pretty Amazing

Don't worry about looking pretty. Look pretty amazing show the world you care about yourself. Real beauty celebrates individuality. Rather than running around looking for beauty in pricey external products, discover within yourself. Make the most of what you have. You'll learn to like yourself and that will spark a light within.

Do One Thing For Yourself Everyday

Make yourself do it. It's the ultimate act of self-respect. Soak in the bubble bath or read an inspiring book. These little pleasures allow you to feel special. You can fake it if you, until you actually feel deserving of it. Whatever you choose, follow the action by writing down waht you did and how it made you feel. Make it your own "attitude file". Include stories, quotes from friends and photographs that have made you feel good about yourself.

Project Beauty

Feel good, feel pretty and that's just what the world will see. If you feel ugly, that's what the people will see. Try to look as good as you can. There are ways to live in beauty without being obsessive about it.

Find Supportive Friends

What people say, whether intentional or not, make us feel good or bad about ourselves. Look for people who make you feel good when you're down. This person will give you compliment. If you've done something different or if you're wearing something new, they will notice it. Keep this compliments and they will build your self esteem.

Listen To Your Inner Voice

Each of us has a voice inside our head that will give us advice. This is like a therapist. It will guide us in the right direction. It will calm us down, cheer us up and even help us figure out why we're overeating or not bothering to iron our clothes. The problem is that we often don't take time we need to hear this important information. Schedule some quiet time in a leisurely bath or walk, or even while putting on your makeup. Treat this intuition as an inner cheering section.

Take A Break

At least twice a day, set aside five minutes to recheck your make-up, hair, posture and clothing. No matter how impeccably you started out your day, a touch is both necessary and warranted. Take some deep breaths to renew and restore your appearance.

Beauty Tips for a graceful neck

Our neck is most vulnerable to ageing lines, unwanted olds and double chin. The most brilliant makeup techniques also cannot disguise it. Daily Nourishment and care of neck is a must. A neglected neck can show the real age of a well-groomed and well-maintained face.

Tips for a graceful neck :

Hold your head up. It improves the posture and is good for the neck.

Sleeping without the pillow helps in preventing double chins.

Daily before bath, for a minute or two, massage the neck area with downward strokes one hand following the other using any cream or skin oil.

Apply lemon-turmeric paste on the neck to eliminate the colour difference in face and skin.

When you apply the facial masks don’t forget to apply it on the neck too.

The best teen look

Charlotte — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:04:59

The best teen look is fresh, pretty and clean; never harsh or overdone. Look for your most distinctive feature - your skin, lips, eyes or freckles - and play it up. The most important thing is that you should stand out, not your makeup.

SKIN CARE
Skincare is important at this time in your life. As your body changes, so does your skin and the first step toward beautiful makeup application is clean, well-hydrated skin.

Routine is everything with skincare. Pick your plan and stick with it.

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Cleansers: choose one based on your skin type.

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Toners: this step offers extra insurance that your face is clean.

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Moisturisers: Use one for day with an SPF. At night, a creamy moisturiser and eye cream. For oily skin avoid moisturisers during warm, humid weather. Try an oil-free sunscreen during the day. At night, use a cream on dry spots and under eyes.

Try not to dry out your skin - there's a tendency to want to kill every germ on your face by using a really strong medicated product. That's fine as long as you remember to moisturise afterwards. This also makes skin smoother and easier to cover up.
If your skin is very shiny, Sheer Finish Pressed Powder can be used on the t-zone to absorb excess oil.
Teens do not need much makeup to make eyes sparkle. In fact, too much of the wrong makeup will take away from your eyes. Try experimenting:

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Sheer, light colours and different textures such as shimmers work well. Bobbi recommends Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in fun shades like Opal, Sky, Mint, Peach, or Lilac.

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Softly line eyes with Eye Shadow along the lashline in Mahogany or Smoke using the Eye Liner Brush. Finish off the eyes with 1-2 coats of Everything Mascara.

The perfect blush is the shade of your cheeks when you exercise. If you have light skin, try Pale Pink or Sand Pink. If your skin is medium to dark, Tawny or Soft Pink are good choices.

Smile and use the Blush Brush to apply to the apple of the cheek and blend softly up and back into the hairline. Next, blend down, away from your cheekbone to create a more natural look. Sweep the brush across forehead, nose and chin.

Shimmer Brick Compact is another fun product - "A touch of shimmer instantly makes you feel pretty," says Bobbi. Apply to cheeks (worn alone or dusted lightly over blush) or with Eye Shadow Brush, apply individual shades to eyes.
Lip Color is fun - try experimenting with different shades and textures: Shimmer Lip Gloss or SPF 15 Lip Shine. These sheer, pretty colours can be worn alone or with a matching
Lip Liner.

If you wear braces, this might be the time to play up your eyes and draw attention away from your mouth. Remember to use Lip Balm SPF 15 or Lip Gloss to keep lips from getting dry.

MODEL BEAUTY TIP: Dramatic Eyes

Kutten — Thu, 17 May 2007 06:39:43

MODEL BEAUTY TIP: Dramatic Eyes

MODEL BEAUTY TIP: Ariel's lip exfoliator

Kutten — Thu, 17 May 2007 06:38:26

How to: Create an evening look in minutes

Kutten — Thu, 17 May 2007 06:37:10

Daily skin care

Athul4u — Mon, 7 May 2007 09:23:12

Your skin is not a part of your body that you can forget about (like an appendix or a kidney), assuming that it will look after itself. It is a high-maintenance part of your body, which is sensitive to the slightest changes in your health, emotions and environment. You binge on chocolates and your face becomes a mass of pimples; you don�t get a good night�s sleep and dark circles appear under your eyes; you�re out in the sun a lot and you get burnt or develop freckles. The list is endless. So let�s take a look at skin care regimes for different kinds of skin.


Dry skin

Use a rich cream cleanser instead of soap and water. Avoid astringents, as they will further dry your skin. Instead, use a mild skin toner after cleansing your skin. Apply a good moisturizing lotion in the day, before sleeping, before applying make-up and after removing make-up.

Once a week, wash your face with the juice of a melon. You can give yourself a weekly facial by mixing a yolk of an egg with two tablespoons of milk and half a tablespoon of honey. Apply this on your face and leave it on for about fifteen minutes. Then wash with lukewarm water. If you�re out in the sun a lot, milk mixed with melted butter helps soften the dry skin.

Lanolin, apple juice, peach juice, sour cream and crushed almonds are also helpful for dry skin.


Oily skin

You may not believe it, but oily skin actually has some advantages. As a result of excess lubrication, wrinkles do not form prematurely and skin is not much affected by wind and sunlight. However, oily skin is a magnet for dirt and grime and thus a good and regular cleansing regime is a must. If oily skin is not cleaned thoroughly and regularly, the dirt will clog the pores in the skin and blackheads will appear.

People with oily skin should wash their faces with medicated soap and water. The use of astringents is advised as they have a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Buttermilk or beaten egg whites also have a drying and tightening effect. Parsley juice mixed with honey and a few drops of lemon or ginger is good for an oily skin. This mixture controls the secretion of oil.

Fuller�s earth (Multani mitti), oatmeal, almond paste, or lime juice or vinegar mixed with water are excellent cleansers. Steaming opens up the clogged pores and you can push out blackheads and whiteheads and prevent pimples.

Avoid rich fried foods and load up on green vegetables instead. Take two tablespoons of lecithin granules (a by-product of soyabeans) daily.

After washing your face, soak a towel in hot water and press it to your face. Repeat this process two or three times. Next wet the towel in ice-cold water and repeat the process two or three times to close enlarged pores.

Cucumber, parsley, cabbage, tomato, yoghurt and lemon are natural aids for an oily skin.


Combination skin

If you have an oily nose and forehead, but dry cheeks and chin, you will have to treat each area of your face separately depending on whether it is dry or oily.

Hair care

Athul4u — Mon, 7 May 2007 09:22:13

Prologue

Before stepping into the shower, comb your hair lightly with a wide-toothed comb to untangle knots. This aligns the strands and prevents your getting out of the shower with a lot of knots. Begin at the ends and slowly work your way up. Never try to rip through tangles from top to bottom. You'll end up with a clump of hair on your comb that could have been avoided if only you'd had some patience!�

Water

The temperature of the water you use while washing your hair should ideally not be warmer than room temperature. In fact, the best thing would be to use the lowest temperature you can bear. Too cold for you? Well, hair is not sensitive, so you could at least bend over and give the lower part of your hair a final rinse with cold water.�

Why cold water?

Because cold water helps the hair scales lie down flat, making them stronger. On the other hand warm water opens the hair scales not only causing more frizz but also making the hair shaft weaker and more vulnerable. In addition, the scalp secretes certain oils that are good for the hair. These oils get dissolved in warm water, causing further dryness. Cold water does not dissolve the natural oils. So make the healthy-hair choice and go in for cold water! Brrrrr��

Shampooing your hair�

Start washing your hair at the scalp, because that's where grease accumulates. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair with your fingertips. It is a good idea to dilute the shampoo in a little water in a mug and then massage it on your scalp. This way the shampoo is even gentler on the hair.�
- While applying shampoo to your locks, leave them hanging down instead of piling them on top of your head as though you're posing for a shampoo commercial. Piling up your hair only leads to more tangles. Let it hang naturally so the lather works its way from the root to the ends.�
- Try not to churn your hair too much. Work the shampoo gently so the strands don't get untangled and result in unbearable knots. If you have long hair, apply shampoo to your scalp, divide it into sections, and massage each section gently with the shampoo from roots to ends.�

Go gentle while rinsing

- The best way to wash out shampoo is to keep combing it with your wide toothed comb while rinsing it out under the shower. This helps in the de-tangling process and also helps the shampoo to rinse out better. While you rinse your hair, do not rub it harshly. Hair is at its most fragile state when it's being rinsed. The correct way is to just simply let water run down your hair.�
- Remember, it's best to rinse hair under running water. Dunking it in a tub is not so effective as residue may still remain. You have to make sure you've rinsed out all the shampoo. Once you are fairly certain it's all gone, stay under the flow of water for another half minute or so, to be doubly sure. Wrap your hair in a soft,absorbent towel - and voila! You're done!

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HOW TO WEAR A SAREE?

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:23:30

HOW TO WEAR A SAREE?
Step 1

At least part of the secret of the sari are the "underneath" garments - a waist -to- floor length petticoat, tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring. (No elastic, please!) And a tight fitting blouse that ends just below the bust - short sleeved or sleeveless, with a variety of necklines.

Step 2

Starting at the navel, tuck the plain end of the sari into the petticoat for one complete turn from right to left. Make sure that the lower end of the sari touches the floor.

Step 3 & 4

Beginning from the tucked-in end start making pleats in the sari, about 5 inches deep. Make about 7 to 10 pleats and hold them up together so that they fall straight and even

Step 5

Tuck the pleats into the waist slightly to the left of the navel, and make sure that they are turned towards the left.

Step 6

Drape the remaining fabric around yourself once more left to right, and bring it up under the right arm and over the left shoulder so that it falls to about the level of the knees.

Step 7

The end portion thus draped is the pallav, and can be prevented from slipping off by fixing it at the shoulder to the blouse with a small safety pin.

A-list beauty tips inside and out

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:20:58

Pale, lifeless skin

On the inside: Tuck into all the lovely fresh fruit and veg in season during summer and make sure you get at least five portions a day. Jen loves Mexican food, particularly guacamole, which is made from avocadoes stuffed full of Vitamin E for beautiful skin, as well as cleansing garlic and lemon.

On the outside: Kick-start your circulation by body brushing. Start with a dry brush at your feet and work upwards towards your heart. Regular exfoliation followed by a rich moisturiser will soon leave your skin looking fresh and revitalised.

Hollywood top tip: Fake it. Many of us feel healthier and more confident with a tan. The huge range of spray tans or fake tan lotions available today mean there is a shade to suit everyone's skin tone for an instant pick-me-up, guaranteed to make you look healthier and slimmer!

Flat tummy

A-list aim: Jennifer Lopez has a womanly tum to die for - toned and taut but still with a feminine outline.

On the inside: If you suffer from bloating, try a probiotic drink each day or live yoghurt which contains healthy bacteria. Dried fruit such as prunes or apricots can tackle constipation and fresh grapefruit also helps burn off fat cells. Hot water and lemon first thing in the morning is great for your digestion, or try peppermint tea instead of your usual cuppa.

Acupuncture Therapy

Athul4u — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:22:45

"Acupuncture" may be more appropriately called Traditional Oriental Medicine.

At the heart of it is the concept is that there is Qi (aka: Ki, Chi), a physical "energy force" that exists in every part of the living world. The flow of Qi in the channels of humans is familiar to anyone has seen the lines on the body of an acupuncture chart or model. Most practitioners believe that these Qi meridians exist as a separate system although sometimes in conjunction with the nerve and blood systems. These Channels of energy are named after the body's organs but do so only to describe a system of how one portion of the body works. For example, the liver in oriental medicine is described not as a physical organ as much as its role in moving Qi throughout the body.

Acupuncture, as it is known in the United States, is actually a mixture of herbology, acupuncture and other healing arts. A practitioner may or may not use needles, herbs, magnets, crystals or his or her own Qi. Each of these modalities has its own rich tradition and it is not necessary for a practitioner to use all of them.

Acupuncture itself is the placing of very thin stainless steel needles into appropriate points around the body. The needle may go from 1/5 of an inch to 3 inches into the body depending on the treatment and the part of the body. We cannot say that this is always painless but it is certainly less than the hypodermic syringes we are all afraid of. Any pain usually dissipates within a few seconds. In its place may be a distending or slight heat sensation. The needles may go in the abdomen, arms or legs, head or in the ears. There are two notable recent offshoots of traditional acupuncture. Ear acupuncture says that all the organ functions can be seen in the ear. Even smaller needles are precisely placed in different sections of the ear for treatment. Scalp acupuncture is used extensively in China and elsewhere for the treatment of stroke and other cerebral originating diseases. The needles are inserted horizontally (not into the brain!) and often vibrated to affect the different lobes of the brain.

Aromatherapy

Athul4u — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:20:48

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art using the fragrant, therapeutic powers of essential oils to relax, restore good health and emotional well-being.
The pure essences of aromatic plants are mixed specifically to suit individual needs. These are established by a confidential consultation.

Through gentle massage the minute molecules of the essential oils penetrate via the skin. The oils then enter the blood capilliaries and lymph vessels and are transported around the body. Oils are also inhaled through the olfactory nerves. The effects can be uplifting or relaxing, depending on the oils used.

Before defining aromatherapy, one has to consider the context in which this modality is to be used. Is it to be therapeutic or cosmetic? In this context we will be speaking about it as being Therapeutic.

The Association of Aromatherapists Southern Africa (AOASA) defines aromatherapy as: "The Fragrant art of using especially selected aromatic oils for therapeutic purposes."

The criteria for health are met by therapeutic aromatherapists, who take into axccount all aspects of the person's health, in a holistic, rather than a mechanistic way. That is, we believe that a person is more than the sum of his or her parts.

The therapist and the essential oils used in treatment, addresses the physical, mental and emotional dimensions of every individual person treated.

Therapeutic aromatherpy is a professional health practise and therapists who are registered members of AOASA have made a commitment to the Association's Code of Practice and Ethics.

Aromatherpy is not new, According to historical evidence it has been practised for the last 5,000 years, in many countries around the world. The efficacy of this modality is self-evident. The fact that it has survived for so long, and continues to grow exponentially in the past 20 years, is some indication of its efficacy. Therapeutic Aromatherapy is recognised as being one of the most natural, effective and holistic treatments available today.

Therapeutic Aromatherapy is multi-dimentional. This means that it has a positive effect, either by stimulating or sedating every body system. Whilst essential oils are potent anti-microbial agents, many are safe enough to use during pregnancy.

Therapeutic aromatherpy is non-invasive. This means that the essential oils are transported into the body systems by their own natural pathways, that is through the skin and by inhalation. It must however be remembered that essential oils are the volatile chemical constituents of fragrant plant matter and that the extracted oils are very concentrated and must therefore be used in dilution. Pure cold-pressed vegetable oils such as sweet almond or grapeseed facilitate the absorption of the essential oils via the skin and into the circulatory system.

Important Guidelines

Do not take essential oils internally.
Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
Do not use essential oils in or near the eyes.
Babies, toddlers, pregnant women, the elderly, frail persons, and immuno-compromised persons should use oils in low dilution only.
Consult a qualified and registered therapeutic aromatherapist for guidance.

What to Expect in a Treatment ?

During your treatment, the aromatherapist will use essential oils mixed into a carrier oil. These essential oils have been extracted from odiferous plants and are extremely concentrated so are always diluted. It is recommended that you do not put on make-up or perfume before the treatment so that the full benefits of the essential oils can be enjoyed. Bear in mind too that although oil is not used on the scalp, some will get into your hair. Your aromatherapist will ask you a few questions about your health and life style to discover where you might have problems, e.g. back, allergies, cellulite, varicose veins, tension. If you are already being treated for a medical condition please check with your doctor before having aromatherapy. However, you might have no physical ailments and simply wish to enjoy a unique treatment to smooth away the stresses of everyday life in the warm, tranquil privacy of your aromatherapist's room. In this way, you are embarking on preventative healthcare as health is a profound sense of well-being, and not just the absence of disease.

The Massage

The aromatherapy massage is a method in itself. It was developed from a variety of body treatment techniques, which together form a unique touch therapy enhancing the effectiveness of the fragrant essential oils. Relax and enjoy! To benefit fully from you aromatherapy treatment, plan a tranquil day or evening to follow, drink lots of water and avoid bathing or showering for at least four hours afterwards. It is advisable not to have any intense activity or sunbathing following the treatment. Almost everyone can benefit from aromatherapy. Because essential oils work holistically, they can help us cope with depression and mood-swings, indigestion and constipation, PMS and menopause, rheumatism and muscular aches and pains. A full body massage is usually a minimum of 1hour duration.

Essential Oils which should not be used by the Public
Almond (bitter) Mugwort Tansy
Boldo leaf Mustard Thuja
Camphor Pennyroyal Wintergreen
Calamus Rue Wormseed
Cassia Sassafras Wormwood
Clove bud Clove leaf Savin
Horseradish Southernwood

Essential Oils for Qualified Aromatherapists Only
Basil Lovage Pimento leaf
Camphor Marjoram Sage
Cinammon Bark Mugwort Sassafras
Clove (bud & Leaf) Nutmeg Savory
Cumin Origanum Tarragon
Fennel Parsleyseed Thyme
Hyssop Pennyroyal Valerian

Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy Oils listed in the previous two sections, plus the following: Oils marked with *** to be avoided in the first three months only.
Angelica root Caraway Lavender***
Aniseed Chamomile*** Lemongrass
Arnica Clary Sage Melissa***
Bay leaf Cypress Niaouli
Birch Geranium*** Peppermint
Buchu Jasmine Rose
Cajeput Juniper Rosemary

Essential Oils which are Photosensitising do not sunbathe after using the following oils:
Angelica root Lemon Naartjie
Bergamot Lemon Verbena Orange
Cumin Lime Tangerine
Grapefruit Mandarin

Essential oils which may Cause Skin Irritation
Basil Lemon Verbena Pine
Lemon Melissa Thyme
Lemongrass Peppermint Tea Tree

Essential Oils Not to be Used by Epileptics
Fennel Rosemary (with care)
Hyssop Sage

Essential Oils to be Avoided by those with High Blood Pressure
Hyssop Rosemary
Sage Thyme

Essential Oils to Avoid Using with Homeopathic Remedies
Cajeput Chamomile Peppermint
Camphor Eucalyptus