Archive for March, 2013

Medicinal Monday – Sandalwood Oil (Aromatherapy)

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Sandalwood Oil


Photo by  Cinnamon Vogue

In India, Tibet and China, Sandalwood is used to protect religious carvings in temples. The best quality and most expensive comes from India. These trees are are endangered and protected by the government in one province. The oils from Australia and West India are less effective. True Sandalwood oil is complicated to make and becoming rare. The tree should be 40 years old before the oil can be extracted, and it requires up to 55 pounds of wood chips for 1 quart of oil, then distilled for six months.

Therapeutic Effect:

Sandalwood oil is excellent for treating respiratory and minor urinary tract infections. It also counteracts restlessness, anxiety and depression, and is believed to heighten eroticism. The essential oil, has a sweet, balsamic aroma that also repels insects.

In a diffuser, combine sandalwood oil with rose oil for a calming effect:

  • 5 drops sandalwood
  • 3 drops rose absolute

For skin irritations:
The oil helps heal cuts, rashes and eczema.

  • As a massage oil, mix 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil with 5 drops of sandalwood oil.

To release sexual energy:
In a diffuser combine:

  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil
  • 2 drops of sandalwood
  • 2 drops of jasmine absolute
  • 2 drops of rosemary oil.

To comfort the the grief stricken:
As a massage oil.

  • 5 drops of sandalwood oil
  • 3 drops of rose-otto oil
  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil

In a relaxing and uplifting bath:

  • Add 3 drops of the oil to your bathwater.
  • Relax in the warm water for at least 30 minutes.

To keep tissues elastic:

  • A massage with sandalwood oil mixed into sweet almond oil can help keep the tissues elastic and prevent stretch marks.
  • Be sure to check with a health care practitioner before using during pregnancy.

External application

  • For bronchitis: Add 3 drops of sandalwood oil to 1 gal. of hot water, place a towel over your head and inhale the vapor deeply through your nose and mouth.
  • For bladder inflammation: Mix 8 drops of Sandalwood oil with 4tbsp. of sweet cream, add to a bathtub half filled with water. Stay in sitz bath for 15 minutes. Be sure to rest for 30 minutes after.
  • For a hair dressing: Mix 2 drops of sandalwood oil with 2 tsp. of sweet almond or jojoba oil, you can also add both jasmine and rosemary oils.

Warning: Most essential oils are made up of alcohols, esters, ketones, hydrocarbons, phenols and acids. Sandalwood oil can be toxic if taken internally and in high doses. It can also cause inflammation of the skin and damage to kidney tissue.

References:

  • The Complete Guide To Natural Healing
Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the oil listed above.

Thanks for Stopping by!

Lisa

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off

Friday’s Food For Thought – DRUNKEN PORK

Friday, March 1st, 2013

DRUNKEN PORK

MflEKPH MEZE
Bekri meze

Ingredients:

  • 1 Ib 2 oz boneless pork loin, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Sour or Sweet trahana

Preparation:

  • Place pork in a bowl with mustard until coated on all sides.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy skillet or frying pan. Add garlic and pork, cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for approximately 10 minutes, and the meat is lightly browned.
  • Stir in the wine, a little at a time, cook over high heat until it has evaporated.
  • Add the tomato juice, cayenne pepper, oregano, allspice and season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer for about 10 minutes, until meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  • Serve with red wine and Sweet or Sour trahana. (See directions below for Trahana)

SWEET  TRAHANA

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 1/4 cups of semolina, or 1/2 semolina and 1/2 bulgar wheat

Preparation:

  • Bring the milk to a boil in a pan, stirring constantly.
  • Add the salt, reduce the heat, and gradually add the semolina and bulgur wheat mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 10-15 minutes, until very thick.
  • Remove from heat, cover with a thick cotton towel, and let cool.
  • Break the dough into small, rough pieces and put them on a thick cotton cloth in a single layer.
  • Let stand in a dark, well-ventilated place for about 2 hours, until dry and crumbly.
  • Rub the pieces through a coarse strainer, then spread out on a thick cotton cloth, and leave in a cool place for 4-5 days, until completely dry.
  • Store in a cotton bag hanging in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

SOUR TRAHANA

  • 3  cups sheep’s milk
  • 1/2 cup Plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 1/2 cups semolina, or 1/2 bulgur wheat and 1/2 semolina

Preparation:

  • Pour milk in a large ceramic bowl, add the yogurt and salt, mix well with a wooden spoon.
  • Place a thick dish towel on top, cover with a thick blanket, let stand in a warm place, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for 18 hours.
  • Gradually stir in the semolina or bulgur wheat mixture to form a thick dough.
  • Break the dough into rough walnut-sized pieces and put them on a thick cotton cloth in a single layer.
  • Let stand in a dark, well-ventilated place for 2-6 hours, or until dry and crumbly.
  • Rub through a coarse strainer, then spread out on a thick cotton cloth, and leave in a cool place for 4-5 days, until completely dry.
  • Store in a cotton bag hanging in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lisa

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Site Updates | Comments Off