Don’t be a Victim to a Toothache this Holiday Season

One of the most awful feelings is that of a toothache. To make matters worse is a toothache during the holiday season. Not only does it inhibit your consumption of the delicious food that is the holidays but it can be difficult to get an appointment with a dentist. So today I'd like to provide some all natural ways to help you deal with a toothache.

Why do I have a toothache?

The likely source of a toothache is due to an infection or abscess. This happens when decay penetrate the hard exterior of the tooth and extends into the soft tissue, known as the pulp, in the center of the tooth. Bacteria then infiltrated the tooth causing inflammation and ultimately an infection. The pain that results can be deep, sharp and throbbing. Other common symptoms associated with a toothache include:

• Pain with chewing.
• Hot and cold Sensitivity that may persist after the stimuli is removed.
• Slight bleeding around the tooth or gums.
• Swelling around the tooth or jaw.

Other Reasons for a Toothache

Infection is the most common explanation as to why you have a toothache; however, there are other reasons for the pain. Other dental related issues including:

• Gum disease
• Tooth fractures
• Tooth extraction

For any of these issues a dentist appointment should clear things up. There are also more serious issues that can cause a toothache. If you experience any of the following issues, seek professional medical attention immediately:

• Issues of the ears, sinuses or throat.
• Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ: jaw pain that radiates giving the perception of a toothache.
• High fever or chills: may be an indication that the infection has spread.
• Recent head Injury: the tooth pain may be an indication of more serious issues.
• Facial rash.
• Jaw pain coupled with chest pain: the jaw pain may be referred pain from other areas and can be an indication of a heart attack.
• Trouble swallowing, extreme pain and bleeding from the gums: in individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes or have taken a regimen of steroids recently these symptoms may indicate the need for a more aggressive treatment.

Natural Remedies for a Toothache

The first thing to do when you have a toothache is to go to the dentist. Infection can spread quickly and it is important to get it under control. When you can't make it to the dentist because it is a night, weekend or holiday here are some suggestions.

• Address the infection: A Fever is an important sign that an infection is present. The western approach is to take antibiotics. If you choose this approach, be sure to take Probiotics to counteract the effects that the antibiotics have on your gut flora. If you choose an herbal approach to fighting the infection, antimicrobial herbs are invaluable. Blasting your system with a tincture of Echinacea and goldenseal can help get the infection under control, but this means taking several milliliters every couple of hours.
• Garlic: Garlic is another great antimicrobial herb that can be valuable for a toothache. You can take it internally (remember that the antimicrobial properties are destroyed by cooking) as food or place a slice of garlic on the tooth for 20 minutes to increase circulation and fight infection.
• Clove Essential Oil: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil is one of my go-to remedies for toothaches. Eugenol, one of the constituents in cloves, helps to anesthetize the pain and fight infection. I find the best way to apply clove essential oil is to put several drops on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected tooth. It doesn’t taste good and the salivary glands really kick into high gear when you use it but it helps with the pain tremendously! If you are using this for a child only use one drop of clove and soak the rest of the cotton ball with olive oil. If you are unable to obtain the oil you can crush or chew a whole clove and apply it to the site of the pain. Overuse of clove essential oil can cause gum damage so be sure to only use this in acute emergency situations.
• Salt Water Rinse: In a glass of warm water add 2-3 teaspoons of salt. Swish the salt water in your mouth several times before spiting it out. Do this with the entire glass. It will help to clean and disinfect the infected tooth and help to draw out fluid that may be causing swelling. For added antiseptic power, add 1-2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.
• Fresh Ginger: Cut a slice of fresh ginger and remove the skin. Place the chunk of ginger directly over the sore tooth and bite into it. It should take away the pain almost instantly. Replace with a fresh piece of ginger periodically.
• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help to increase circulation to the infected tooth. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric to make a paste and dab it on the sore tooth. To amplify this remedy, add a drop of clove and tea tree essential oil.  
• Green tea and Chamomile tea: Green tea contains constituents that can treat infection and reduce inflammation. It is also very easy to obtain from any grocery store, convenience store or restaurant. Drink 2 cups a day to help with a toothache. Chamomile tea will help to relax you and your nerves by gently sedating the nervous system. It can also help to fight the infection, and is safe for children to take. For an adult take up to 3 cups of tea daily (1/2 to 1 tsp of dried flower in 1 cup of hot water steeped for 10 minutes). For children follow the guidelines for using Herbal Remedies for Kids.
• Spilanthes: The leaves and flower heads of Spilanthes acmella, known as the toothache plant, are an amazing asset when you have a toothache. It’ analgesic property can numb the gums and relieve toothaches when the leaves or flowers are chewed. It is also a relative to echinacea, which is evident in its ability to stimulate wound healing, reduce swelling and treat bacterial, viral and fugal infections.  

Followup to the toothache

When using these herbal remedies, is not uncommon for the toothache to go away; however, it is still important to go to the dentist. If the infection persists, it can penetrate the root and then you run the risk of losing the tooth. Also, chronic dental infections are correlated to an increased risk in stroke. Plaque and bacteria can enter the blood stream through the mouth causing blood clots. So take care of your teeth.

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Mars, B., & Fiedler, C. (2011). The country almanac of home remedies: time-tested & almost-forgotten wisdom for treating hundreds of common ailments, aches & pains quickly and naturally. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press.

White, L & Foster, S. (2000). The herbal Drugstore: the best natural alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Wildwood, C. (1996). The encyclopedia of aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

http://www.tbyil.com/Toothache.htm

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/toothache-home-remedy.php

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/toothache/article_em.htm

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/spilanthes.php

5 Must Haves For the Cold and Flu Season

It has been quiet some time since I last posted. I would like to formally apologize to my readers for the lack of commitment that I have displayed these last few weeks. I couldn't find the drive or motivation to speak my truth due to some personal hardships. Sometimes, it’s hard to help others when inside you feel as though you can't help yourself. But I now realize that for me, helping others means helping myself.

Today I would like to help everyone survive the winter with 5 must haves for the cold and flu season.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are the first must have for the winter season. With the majority of our immune system in our gut, by keeping our gut healthy we are also able to keep our whole system healthy and prevent illness before it happens. There are many ways to take probiotics. My favorite is through fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso soup, yogurt, temphe and kefir to name a few. I feel that it is an evolutionary treatment to utilize food as medicine. If you are unable to incorporate these foods into your diet, then a supplement will do. There are so many different kinds of probiotics supplement that I am sure you can find one that fits your needs, as well as your wallet. I suggest switching between a few different kinds of probiotics supplements. This way you can get several different strands of probiotics into your system, making a sure your variety of gut flora is strong and healthy. Check out a previous blog post on Probiotics for more information on the topic.

2. Homemade Veggie Stock

This is my favorite thing to have on hand for the winter season. It is so easy to make and store and it’s jam packed with vitamins and nutrients to help heal the body. Click here for instructions on how to make it. Be sure to add lots of kitchen herbs like parsley, rosemary, basil and thyme to help increase the effectiveness of its healing properties. Once it is strained, you can use it to make chicken or vegetable soup or can drink it as a tea to nourish and re-hydrate.

3. Echinacea

Echinacea is amazing at helping the body fight off invaders. It helps in several ways. First it increase our body’s own defenses by increasing macrophage, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil and B-lymphocyte activity and initiating destruction of the pathogens. It also provides a physical enzymatic barrier by impairing the pathogen’s ability to penetrate and destroy healthy cells. It is effective against both bacteria and viral infections anywhere in the body and is safe for all ages.

Some people use echinacea preventatively for daily immune support; however, this is not an appropriate use of this herb. Continued use, decreases the effectiveness of this important herb. My suggestion would be to only use echinacea when you feel an illness coming on and to cycle use: 5 days on and two days off.

At the first sign of illness take frequent small doses. Hoffmann suggests 1 to 4 ml of tincture (1:5 in 40% etoh) 3 times a day or a decoction of 1 to 2 tsp of root in one cup of water taken several times a day. I will also note that echinacea is a sacred plant of the Native Americans and because it has been exploited in the wild, many species of echinacea are now at risk. I suggest only using the cultivated Echinacea pupurea to preserve echinacea in the wild.  

4. Elder berries and flower
Elder is another herb that is a must have for the cold and flu season. The flower is an excellent diaphoretic, inducing sweating and helping to reduce fevers. The berry has amazing immune enhancing properties. It helps to increase cytokine production which strengthens the cell membrane to prevent viral penetration. In vitro it is effective against 10 strains of the influenza virus and helps to decrease the duration of flu symptoms by 3 to 4 days. It is a sacred plant to the Gypsies, claming it has abilities to help all ailments of man kind.

Both the flower and the berry can be made in to an infusion. 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp of herb, infused for 10 minutes and taken 3 times a day.

One great way to utilize the healing properties of both echinacea and elder berries is to make a syrup. It is great to make a large batch in the early fall and then have it throughout the winter season. I made a large batch in July and I just ran out. When I feel a cold coming on I take a tablespoon every couple of hours for several days. Usually I feel better after the first day but it is important to continue to take it for the extra day to ensure that I have kicked the bug. Click here for direction on how to make this winter must have.

5. Garlic

Garlic is an herb that most people have in their kitchens year round and don’t even realize its healing properties. Its sulfur and volatile oils are powerful antiseptics against bacteria, viruses and parasites. The volatile oils are excreted through the lungs, which is why you get garlic breath if you eat a lot, making it especially useful for infections in this area, including bronchitis, catarrh, colds and flus. It also supports the growth of gut flora while killing off the bad bacteria. During acute infection, I suggest 1 clove 3 times a day. It is best to ingest garlic as food, but the active ingredient in garlic is destroyed with cooking. My favorite way to get a lot of garlic into my system is to add chopped garlic to soup right before it is served or to add a lot of garlic to some salsa and chew it as quickly as possible. If you can stand it go ahead and chew on a clove.

Thank you to all my readers for your continued support. I hope you find this blog helpful in keeping you healthy for the winter season.

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

Levy, J. d. (1997). Common herbs for natural health (Rev., expanded ed.). Woodstock, N.Y.: Ash Tree Pub..

How to make Elder berry and Echinacea Syrup: a remedy kids will enjoy

Today I wanted to show you how easy it is to make homemade herbal syrup. Syrups are a wonderful remedy to make several times a year because one batch can last for several months. This week I've talked about some childhood issues and elder berry and echinacea syrup is very kid friendly, helping with colds, flus and upper respiratory infections.

Elder berries (Sambucus Nigra) are something that everyone should have on hand, especially throughout the winter. This herb's antiviral and immune enhancing properties are something to be marveled. In vitro it has been shown to protect against 10 different types of the flu virus by strengthening our cell membranes and preventing the virus from penetrating the cell. It can also help to alleviate symptoms of the flu 3 to 4 days faster. The berries can be helpful in cases of colds, flus and catarrh and infection in the upper respiratory system. Elder berries are almost always included in most of my blends for colds and flus. Plus, they are safe for kids and have no side effects or drug interactions. One warning is to make sure you are using the black elder berries because the red ones are toxic.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E purpuria and E. pallida) is another cold and flu must have. It helps to boost the immune system and fight of pathogens by activating macrophages that destroy pathogens and increasing phagocytosis by increasing the number of white blood cells. By activating the immune system, echinacea can reduce the duration of infection and also the severity of symptoms. Effective against both viruses and bacteria, this herb is helpful in the treatment and prevention of infection especially in the upper respiratory system; however, its effectiveness decreases if it is used all the time. The body becomes used to it and it is no longer useful. So only use echinacea when you feel your immune system is compromised or when you know you are getting sick. Echinacea is such a valuable plant that it is at risk in the wild. I, therefore, suggest only purchasing E. purpurea that is organically cultivated. Echinacea is safe for kids but it may interfere with immunosuppressant drugs.

Now that I have provided a little information as to why elder berries and echinacea are valuable herbal friends, let me show you how to make the syrup.



Measure out 30 g (1oz) of elder berries and 30 g of echinacea.

Place the herbs in a pot and cover them with 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half.

Strain the herbs off and reserve the liquid. Measure the amount to liquid you have remaining.

Rinse the pot and put the liquid back into the pot at a warm temperature. Add raw honey at a ratio of 2 cups of liquid to 1 cup of honey. Mix until the honey has dissolved.

Place the syrup in a glass jar and label. Make sure to include the date on your label. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for 2-3 months. 

A typical dose would be up to 1/2 tsp 4 times a day for kids under 7 and up to 1 tsp 6 times a day for kids over 7. Because this contains honey, do not give to kids under 1. For adults, 1 tablespoon can be taken every 30 minutes at the onset of symptoms. And that's how easy it is to make a safe and effective home remedy against colds and flus that kid and adults will enjoy.

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family herbal: a guide to living with energy, health and vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey Books.

Romm, A. (2003). Naturally healthy babies and children: a commonsense guide to herbal remedies, nutrition and health. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.

Green, J. (2000). The herbal medicine-makers' handbook: a home manual. Freedom, Calif.: The Crossing Press.

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: the science and practice of herbal medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

Herbal remedies for children's Ear Infections

Ear infections are an issue that many children encounter. The Eustachian tube, the tube that links the middle ear to the throat, does not fully develop till about 4 years of age. Until then its position and size doesn't allow for proper drainage and it easily becomes clogged. When the Eustachian tube becomes plugged up with excess mucus, moisture and bacteria build up leading to an ear infection. I'd like to talk a little bit about what we can do naturally and herbally to prevent and treat ear infections.

Antibiotics are the main treatment used by western medicine for ear infections. Although their intention is to rid the body of bacteria that is causing infection, they are often over used in the treatment of childhood illnesses. This causes strains of bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics leading to the need for stronger and more frequent antibiotics. Antibiotics are strong and disrupt the delicate balance of kids bodies.


Prevention is the key when it comes to ear infections. If there is a case of reoccurring ear infections, you may wish to avoid mucus forming foods. These foods include dairy, wheat, sugar, eggs and processed foods. Not surprisingly, these are the foods that people most often have allergies to. An elimination diet should be done with your child to see if the chronic ear infections are the result of food allergies. In any case these foods should be avoided during the duration of the ear infection. Cold foods and eating fruit out of season can also contribute to cold and mucus in the body. Try to avoid cold fruit and fruit juice straight from the refrigerator in cases of infection.


A simple wool hat can be an amazing tool in the prevention of ear infections. A hat can block cold and wind from getting into the ear and causing an infection. Probiotics are especially important in the treatment and the prevention of ear infections. They help contribute to the body's natural defense system. They are especially important to give your child if they are taking antibiotics. Probiotics help replenish the natural healthy flora that antibiotics destroy.


In order to effectively treat ear infections naturally, it is important to start treatment at the first sign of infection. Colds, congestion and runny noses can easily lead to ear infections. Kids will often pull at their ear or rub their ears when an infection is present.


The most effective remedy for ear infections, that I've found, is garlic mullen ear oil. It helps to relieve the pain and treat the infection. This is something that can be purchased from the health food store or you can easily make it. In a jar add several tablespoons of chopped garlic and several tablespoons of mullen flowers. Cover the herbs with extra virgin olive oil and put the lid on. Let it set for a week, strain and place in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use it, let it warm to room temperature before placing several drops in the ear. Make sure that you use the oil in both ears, even if the infection is currently present in only one ear because the infection can spread to the other ear.


Echinacea tincture should be utilized during times of infection to help boost the immune system. Aviva Romm suggests 1 drop of tincture per 2 lbs of body weight taken 4 times a day. Chamomile tea can also be an asset helping to calm and soothe an upset and distressed child.


In Chinese Medicine the ear is the outlet of the kidneys. Chronic issues of the ears represent the distress of the kidneys. Nettle tea is very nourishing and helpful to issues of the kidneys. Also warm packs placed on the lower back (the kidney area) can help to increase circulation to the area. Warm packs on the ears can also help to bring circulation to the ears.


Rest is, perhaps, the most important part to the healing of illness in children and never underestimate the power of a little TLC. When the ear infection does not respond to home care or if it gets worse it is important to seek medical care.


Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family herbal: a guide to living with energy, health and vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey Books.

Romm, A. (2003). Naturally healthy babies and children: a commonsense guide to herbal remedies, nutrition and health. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.

Using Herbal Remedies for Kids

So often kids and babies are overlooked in the application of herbal remedies, which is unfortunate.  I think that herbs are often not an option for parents because there is a lack of knowledge about plant medicine and a lack of preparation. Today I would like to provide a little information to parents about the use of herbal remedies with their children and suggest a few herbs to have on hand for when your child gets sick.


There are many reasons why herbs should be used in children. First, their sensitive little bodies respond so well to the mellow and soft effects of herbs. This healing response to herbs is almost inborn, stemming from thousands of years of use. Second, where herbs have historically been proven safe, the long term effects of most pharmaceuticals are unknown. There is such a wide use of drugs without adequate knowledge of their effects. New drugs should only be considered safe once enough time has passed to see the true long term effects. Is this risk of using possibly unsafe pharmaceuticals a chance you are willing to take with your children? Herbs may be slower acting and less potent than pharmaceuticals, but herbs don't upset the natural balance of these tiny bodies.


So often people think of herb and western allopathic medicine as ether one or the other. But herbal medicine can work as an alternative or complementary to western medicine. If you plan on mixing western pharmaceuticals with herbs I suggest consulting you doctor or herbalist first to make sure there are no interactions. Using herbs as an alternative doesn't mean ignoring what your physician has to say. We can take the information they provide us with, for instance their diagnostic skills, and then apply a more natural means of treatment. It's also important to know when it's time to seek professional medical treatment. When there is severe trauma or severe or worsening infection, please seek professional medical help. It is better to be safe than sorry.


There is often a concern regarding the safety of herbal remedies. The recommended herbs for children are ones that are mild and gentle and have been used on children for thousands of years; however, it is important to be clear that even the safest and most researched herbs can cause a reaction in some people. I recommend doing a dose test to be sure your child or even you for that matter won't have an allergic reaction to an herbal remedy. To do so, make a tea from the herb. Then apply a small amount to the inner arm. I usually do it to a small patch of skin in between the wrist and elbow. Wait 24 hours. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and you now know that this is not an herbal remedy to be used. If there are no signs of an allergic reaction, try a small amount internally. Again, if there are signs of allergic reaction, discontinue use; otherwise it should be ok to receive the herb at a regular dose.


The next question becomes, what is the appropriate dose for a child. I prefer to use Clark's Rule to determine dosage for children. Clark's Rule is as stated:


                      Child's weight in pounds ÷ 150 (average adult weight) = % of adult dose


So if a child weighs 35 pounds and the adult dose of a tincture is 5ml, the equation would be solved as follows:
  
                     35 ÷ 150 = .23 which would be 23% of the adult dose
                     .23 x 5ml = 1.15 ml would be the child's dose


This equation can be used for any preparation of herbs. If the child is still breast feeding, the best way for them to get the healing properties of herbs is through the mother's milk. The mother should drink several cups of herbal tea a day.

Now that you know the how to calculate dosage for children, it is important to know what herbs to have on hand. Making sure that you are prepared, is the one thing that makes herbal medicine successful with kids. As soon as you recognize the warning signs to sickness, start treatment immediately. Fatigue and dehydration are two issues that often lead to illness. Some herbs to have on hand include:

• Astragalus
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Echinacea
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lemon balm
• Licorice root
• Marshmallow root
• Mullen
• Nettles
• Oats
• Peppermint
• Thyme

These herbs have been used safely for thousands of years and are invaluable when it comes to treatment of health issues in children. There are also many methods of application that can be useful and easy to get children to take. An herbal tea is very healing and can also be made into popsicles or herbal jello as other ways to get kids to take herbs. Adding small amounts of fruit juice or fruit juice concentrate to the tea can make them more palatable to children. You can also take the tea and add it to a bath. We absorb more through the skin then we realize. There are also herbal candies, and tasty syrups that are kid friendly. Alcohol based tinctures can also be used for children. If you are worried about the alcohol content in the tincture you can evaporate the alcohol by adding the tincture dose to 1/4 cup of hot water and letting it sit on the counter uncovered for several minutes. You can also purchase glycerin extracts of the herbs that are more kid friendly.


Overall, herbs are an excellent contribution to the health of children. They can be used as an alternative or in conjunction to western medicine. Treating your children via natural means is a great way, as parents, to get more involved in the health of your children and focus more on prevention. Be sure not to underestimate the healing power of a little TLC and some rest. That alone can be enough to heal the worst sickness. If you would like to know more about natural healing for children, any of the books listed below are wonderful tools for parents. 

Sources

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family herbal: a guide to living with energy, health and vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey Books.

Romm, A. (1996). Natural healing for babies and children. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press.

 Romm, A. (2003). Naturally healthy babies and children: a commonsense guide to herbal remedies, nutrition and health. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.

Stop the Itch with Natural Remedies for Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungus that can be itchy and bothersome. It can cause cracking and peeling between the toes and on the sides of the feet with red, itchy patches. It is contagious and can be spread on pool decks and public showers. So this summer let's try and keep our feet free of athlete's foot with ways to prevent and ways to get rid of this nasty fungus.

For preventing athlete's foot, first and foremost wear flip flops on pool decks and in public showers. I'm not a germaphobe but there is something about my feet touching the floor of public showers that makes me cringe every time. Tinea pedis thrives in moist, warm conditions so be sure to thoroughly dry your feet after you get out of the shower. Be meticulous and dry in between your toes. Some suggest getting the hair dryer out so that you can make sure those feet are dry. Expose your feet to as much sunlight and fresh air as possible by wearing flip flops and sandals. Also take a pass on wearing socks made from synthetic fibers or pantyhose.


Topically, there are many things you can do to get rid of Athlete's foot. My favorite is to do a foot soak in half vinegar and half warm water for about 15 minutes. It may sting at first but keep with it because after several consecutive days of soaks the fungus will go away. Make sure you thoroughly dry your feet after they are done soaking. I also suggest rubbing several drops of lavender essential oil and several drops of tea tree essential oil directly on the affected area. This blend of oils can also be put on a cotton ball and then rubbed on the inside of your shoes, helping to get rid of any lingering fungus and bad smells. Garlic is another ally against foot fungus. Garlic powder can be sprinkled on you feet and in your shoes or fresh garlic can be dipped in a little olive oil and applied directly to the foot. Be careful when you are using fresh garlic because it may burn the skin.

If athlete's foot continues to be a reoccurring problem it may be time to address any internal fungal overgrowths that might be present. Take probiotics to help replenish your good bacteria. Pau d'arco and black walnut are two stand out herbs that can be taken both internally and externally to help with fungal infections of all sorts. Echinacea may also be helpful to boost the immune system.

Don't let the itchy redness of athlete's foot continue. With these tried and tested tips, you are bound to have happy feet.


Sources

Duke, J. A. (2000). The green pharmacy herbal handbook: your comprehensive reference

to the best herbs for healing. Emmaus, Pa: Rodale Reach.

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with

energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Brisbane:

International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Fontaine, K. L. (2005). Complementary & alternative therapies for nursing practice (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001878/