Dutch Delft Bottle

A Dutch Delft 19th century silver-topped bottle. Dutch hall mark and Delft backstamp with maker's initials.

http://www.perfumebottles.org/

Gold Aurene Steuben Scent Bottle

Rare Gold Aurene Steuben scent bottle--rare shape and extremely scarce. This is a rich gold bottle with beautiful hues of blue, green, platinum and even a touch of scarlet. It is correctly marked "aurene" and "3294" on the base of the bottle adjacent to the finely polished pontil. AND...it even has a sizeable portion of the original gold banner STEUBEN LABEL still present. Ht: 8". This bottle came in 2 sizes, this being the larger size. It is in perfect condition except for the end portion of the frosted dauber has been broken off and refinished. Not uncommon, the bottle is still considered in very excellent condition.

http://www.passionforperfume.com/

Aromatherapy – More Than Just Good Smell

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative healing that makes use of volatile plant oils, referred to as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds obtained from plants for the overall physical and psychological well-being of a person.

The history of aromatherapy dates back to more than 3500 years before Christ’s birth, to a time when the use of aromatics was recorded for the first ever instance in human history. The truth is that the history of aromatherapy is deeply linked with the progress of aromatic medicine, which in its initial stages was typically combined with religion, mysticism and magic.

In India, around 2000 BC, various writings mention the role of ‘perfumers’ and ‘incense sellers’. The word ‘aromatherapy’ was used for the first time in the 1920s by French chemist Rene-Maurice-Gattefosse, who dedicated his life to researching on the discipline of aromatherapy.

The theory to explain the healing effects of aromatherapy offers two mechanisms- the influence of aroma on the brain, on the limbic system through the olfactory system in particular, and the direct pharmacological effects these essential oils have on the body.

Though the efficacy of aromatherapy as a form of healing has not yet been proven, but some clinical studies have shown encouraging results.

An overview of the materials frequently employed in aromatherapy is given below:

•Essential oils: These are fragrant oils extracted from plants mainly through steam distillation (e.g. eucalyptus oil).

•Absolutes: These are also fragrant oils, but extracted from flowers or delicate plant tissues through solvent extraction (e.g. rose absolute).

•Phytoncides: These are volatile organic compounds obtained from plants that destroy microbes.

•Hydrosols: These are aqueous by-products of distillation (e.g. rosewater). Many herbs are used to make herbal distillates. They have culinary, medicinal as well as skin care uses.

•Infusions: They are aqueous extracts of various plant materials (e.g. infusion of chamomile)

•Carrier oils: These are oily plant based triacylglycerides used to dilute essential oils for use on the skin (e.g. sweet almond oil) so as to avoid irritation.

Like any other form of healing, aromatherapy too has its uses and benefits. It doesn’t just smell good but provides immense relaxation and stress relief. It boosts the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems which help in mood enhancement and overall well being.

Essential oils, which form the heart of aromatherapy, pose some potential concerns as well. Because they are highly concentrated, they can cause skin irritation if used directly. They could also raise some health issues for pregnant and lactating women.

But on the whole, one can say that the positive effects of aromatherapy far outnumber the negative ones. It is an alternative to medicine that entails systematic use of organic essences in holistic treatments for enhancing general vitality and ensuring prevention of disease.

http://www.themedguru.com/

Antique Silver Top Crystal Perfume Scent Bottle

This is a beautiful Victorian silver metal and crystal glass perfume bottle. It is 6" tall, 2 1/2" wide.

The actual bottle is silver metal covered with an ornate raised design of flowers, shells, and decorative foliate elements. The cap is similar and, attached with chain to the cap, is a simple metal top where, uncovered, the wick comes through.

This is a true scent bottle! You open the top for the perfume to slowly permeate the room and simply cover the wick with the metal top if you've had enough scent! The bottom has a hand-etched crystal stem on a crystal pedestal base, covered with a band of ornate silver metal. Gosh, the fine details all over this bottle are amazing! The bottom of this silver band is stamped but I can't read it.

The metal is probably silver plated. I didn't polish it as some people like that old tarnished look.

This bottle and the glass pedestal are in excellent condition. It has no chips or cracks and all hardware is complete! ID=ot1

http://www.auntjudysattic.com/

Natural remedies for anxiety

Overcome by feelings of anxiety and tension? Try the natural route to regain control and bring back a balanced outlook.

Do you feel apprehensive, panicky or experience feelings of dread and impending doom? If so, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder - and you are not alone. Around 19 million people have an anxiety disorder in the UK. Check out the most popular natural ways of combating anxiety.

Aromatherapy
A number of aromatherapy essential oils are used to help treat anxiety, most of which have a sedative effect. These include: benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli and sandalwood (NB, seek advice before using any oils if you are pregnant).

Try adding five drops of an essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil (eg almond or avocado) and add to a comfortably hot bath once the taps are turned off. Close the bathroom door to keep in the vapours and soak for 15–20 minutes by candlelight. Afterwards add two or three drops of lavender oil to a tissue and tuck near your pillow to help you sleep.

Homeopathy
This natural therapy can help many emotional problems, including anxiety. It's best to consult a qualified homeopath to obtain the right remedy for your constitutional type. Some of the homeopathic remedies you could use include:

Lycopodium - for anxiety with a lack of confidence

Arsenicum album – for anxiety with restlessness

Phosphorus – for anxiety relieved by reassurance

Calcaria carbonica – for anxiety with fear of insanity

A typical dose is to take the 6c strength every two hours for up to 10 doses.

Flower remedies

Flower remedies are flower essences preserved in brandy. Place a few drops in a glass of water and sip slowly until feelings of anxiety pass. Several of the 38 Bach Flower Remedies are helpful for anxiety, including:

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) for fear of losing control, uncontrollable rages, tempers, impulses, fear of causing harm to oneself or others

Aspen (Populus tremula) for vague fears and anxieties of unknown origin, sense of foreboding, apprehension or impending doom

White chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) for persistent, unwanted thoughts, mental arguments, preoccupation with worry

Some remedies are made by combining different flower essences to help more complex emotional states, such as Bach Rescue Remedy (containing Rock rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem and Cherry plum) for use in times of crisis such as when anxiety leads to a panic attack.

Herbal supplements

Valerian is one of the most calming herbs available and can help to relieve anxiety and muscle tension, and promote calmness. It is often used together with other calming herbs such as lemon balm and hops to ease nervous anxiety, insomnia and to help avoid a panic attack. If anxiety is associated with depression, St John's Wort will help to lift a low mood, but seek advice if you are taking any prescribed medications to check there are no interactions. Chamomile tea also has a useful calming action.

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy helps overcome anxiety by promoting relaxation and improved self-esteem. It also helps you change your thoughts and behaviour from negative patterns to those that are more positive. You can also learn self hypnosis to continue working on your improvements on your own.

http://www.handbag.com/

Finest Egyptian Perfume Bottles

Large Beautiful Egyptian Perfume Bottles Handmade Mouth Blown Glass.

Not only they are the largest but also the most beautiful and the finest quality.

Others focus on the low price of their bottles, but never mention Craftsmanship Beauty & Colors quality Please inspect the quality, colors, and sizes of our bottles Size approx 5 to 10 inches. Hand crafted with natural and metallic colors made from plants and gold applied and plated to the melting glass.

Every piece of this fine quality collection is a Mouth Blown masterpiece: Hand-Etched, Hand-Painted, made of pure Pyrex Glass, and created by professional artisans.

As with all handmade goods no 2 pieces are similar, the shapes and colors may differ slightly at the time of shipping.

http://www.asia.ru/

Aromatherapy for relaxation

Make a little space in your day to relax with soothing essential oils away from the stresses and strains of your hectic schedule.

Aromatherapy essential oils have powerful effects on your moods, as the part of the brain that detects smell messages from the nose (olfactory bulbs) is closely linked with your emotional centre in a part of the brain called the limbic system. Oils are also absorbed from the skin into the circulation and can have powerful effects on the body. Even Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine, recommended the use of aromatic essential oils for their relaxing properties.

Some essential oils are so relaxing that they help to promote sleep, especially geranium, juniper, lavender, neroli, lemongrass, sandalwood and ylang ylang. Try sprinkling a few drops of your chosen oil(s) on a cotton-wool pad or hanky and tucking it under your pillow. Alternatively, scent your bedroom with an oil using a burner. However, the oils need to be varied every four or five days to maintain their beneficial effect, as your body and brain start to adapt to them.

Ways to use them effectively
Aromatherapy essential oils may be inhaled, massaged into the skin, added to bath water, or heated in a variety of ways to perfume the atmosphere. Oils that come into contact with skin should always be diluted with a carrier oil (eg, almond, avocado, jojoba, sunflower, wheatgerm oils). Dilution is important, as oils that are too concentrated may have an adverse effect or cause skin irritation.
Where possible, use natural rather than synthetic essential oils, as these have a greater therapeutic benefit. Similarly, 100% pure essential oils are preferable, as they are not mixed with alcohol or other additives.

Essential oils that help to relax the body and mind to relieve stress include:
Cedarwood
Chamomile roman
Clary sage
Geranium
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Lavender
Lemongrass
Neroli
Orange
Rose
Rosewood
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Vetiver
Ylang ylang

When making up a blend, choose oils whose aromas you like and experiment with different quantities of each. If a blend isn't quite to your liking, add more drops of one or more of the oils – or introduce another that you feel is missing. Keep a note of the total number of drops used so that you can ensure it is correctly diluted by adding extra carrier oil. Altogether, every five drops of essential oil should be balanced with 10ml of carrier oil.

Enjoy an aromatic bath
Aromatherapy is wonderfully relaxing when used in the bath. Choose a single favourite sensual oil, or a blend of up to three. Add five drops of essential oil to a tablespoon (30ml) carrier oil (eg almond, avocado) and mix. Draw your bath so that it is comfortably hot, but don't add the aromatic oil mix until the taps are turned off. Close the bathroom door to keep in the vapours and soak for 15–20 minutes, preferably in candlelight.

After cleansing your body, you can also dip a wet sponge in the oil mix and use it to gently massage your whole body before rinsing. Lie back comfortably, and close your eyes. Allow the scent to fill your entire body and imagine it coursing through your veins, bringing relaxation and a renewed sense of energy.

http://www.handbag.com/

Essential solutions: Oils get rid of pests and ills

By KAYDA NORMAN

For the Pocono Record

August 05, 2008

Essential oils can help reduce stress, get rid of pests, help cure colds and maybe even improve your love life.

Use of these oils is becoming popular in places such as spas or via massage therapists and among consumers who use them at home.

Essential oils are extracted from plants, and each fragrance has its own unique use.

Susan Spannagel, massage therapist of Harp Strings-Wellness Studio of Saylorsburg, said, "I incorporate a little aromatherapy in my practice, especially popular ones like lavender and eucalyptus.

"Each fragrance has a property all its own. They promote different things in the body both physically and psychologically."

Michele VanSise, Earthlight Natural Foods sales associate in Stroudsburg, said, "For anxiety relief, use patchouli, lavender or chamomile."

She added, "We also have love potions that stimulate love with ylang ylang, patchouli, lemon and cardamom."

Spannagel recommends lavender to relax you, eucalyptus to open up the respiratory system and help sinuses, and lemon grass to help with infectious illness. To battle depression, a more pungent fragrance, such as rosemary, is used to stimulate the mind.

"I know that they are helpful from personal experience," Spannagel said. "When I worked in New York, I went in an herb store in Chinatown ... (the owner) put his finger in eucalyptus and just touched my forehead. I was all stuffed up before, but as soon as I took my first breath everything just opened right up. I remembered that as I got older and studied massage."

Other essential oils such as peppermint and citronella can get rid of insects and rats, said VanSise.

Oils can be used in lotions, sprays, candles, potpourri bags or as an oil after being diluted. Both VanSise and Spannagel advise never using essential oils directly on the skin.

"Usually you never put an essential oil as it is very concentrated directly on the skin. It needs to be added to either a cream or lotion before you apply it," Spannagel said.

And it is best to avoid ingesting essential oils unless you want to pay a visit to the emergency room.

"Some you don't want to ingest like citronella. You can also have an allergic reaction to anything," VanSise said.

The smell from these oils may also bring up various memories. According to Spannagel, the part of the brain that controls smell, the olfactory nerves, is directly connected to the area of the brain that brings back memories, the limbic system.

"They are very interconnected. That's why many times an aroma will bring up a memory in the past," Spannagel said. "If you smell something cooking you might remember your grandma in the kitchen."

Essential oils range in price depending on what kind you buy. For instance, some may cost as little as $4, while others may be $40.

"They're multi-purpose. They're amazing, I'd recommend them to anybody," VanSise said.

Source: http://www.poconorecord.com