Serenity Jewels - Life is Beautiful!!!

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Fleas and pets: Mange

Mange in Dogs (Canine Scabies)

Sarcoptic mange ( Sarcoptes scabei ) is also known as canine scabies, caused by mites and fleas that are oval-shaped, light-colored and microscopic.

In dogs, it is caused by one of three microscopic mites: Cheyletiella, Demodex, or Sarcoptes.

The female mites tunnel into areas a few millimeters under the dog’s skin and lay their eggs there. The eggs usually hatch within 3 to 10 days. The larvae develop into adults and begin to lay eggs of their own.

Each one causes a different type of mange, with each presenting with similar yet varying degrees of symptoms. You can cure mange in your dog by employing a number of different treatments, such as medications, dips and baths.

All dogs and cats raised normally by their mothers possess demodectic mange mites (Demodex canis ), which are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life.
Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences.

TYPES:

♦Localized;

Localized cases occur when these mites proliferate in one or two small, confined areas.
This results in isolated scaly bald patches-usually on the dog's face-creating a polka-dot appearance. Localized demodicosis is considered a common
ailment of puppyhood, and approximately 90% of cases resolve with no treatment of any kind.

♦Generalized demodectic

Generalized demodectic mange, in contrast, affects larger areas of skin or a dog’s entire body. Secondary bacterial infections make this a very itchy and often Generalized demodectic skin disease.
This form of mange could also be a sign of a
compromised immune system, hereditary problem, endocrine problem or other underlying health issue. Treatment depends on the age at which the dog
developed the disease.

♦Pododermatitis (Mange of the Paws)
Mange (demodex) of your pet's feet (paws) can be a localized infection or part
of a generalized infection. Pododermatitis is common in dogs with Bulldog
genetics.

Symptoms of Mange

♠Some pets scratch until they develop bacterial infections along with demodex infections. The hair falls out and bald spots develop.

♠Bald patches, especially around the eyes, mouth, elbows, and front legs are common. The skin may be rough and dry and is referred to as lichenoid.
Itching, bald patches especially around eyes and mouth.

♠Itching, bald lesions on legs and body that progress to cover entire body.

♠Thick ear discharge, especially in cats.

♠Leathery skin.

※※Many pets that develop demodex infections have other serious infections or disease. which can range from cancer and poorly functioning thyroid glands to heartworm infections and intestinal worms .
In pets with high white blood counts, veterinarians look for co-existing fungal infections such as blastomycosis or cryptococcosis.

PREVENTION

A proactive approach is the only way to prevent mange.
For a proactive approach to pest management, treat your pets monthly with flea and tick topical solutions and baths, etc).
Baths with medicated shampoos usually kill the mites and repel them, but the dogs' environment should be fumigated.
While baths with medicated shampoo will kill the fleas, topical solutions such as Frontline, Advantix or Advantage will be absorbed into the skin, kill the fleas, the hatched larvae and the eggs buried in the skin.
These treatments also help in preventing spread of fleas by killing larvae and eggs in the dogs' environment.

♠♠NEVER EVER EVER EVER APPLY TOPICAL FLEA MEDICATIONS LABELED FOR
DOGS ONTO A CAT!!!♥♥

TREATMENT

Using Ivermectin injection for Demodectic Mange
Ivermectin is one of the few medicines that vets regularly prescribe for dogs with demodectic mange.
The drug is easy to administer, and results are usually seen within a short period of time.
For dogs, two of the most popular products are ‘Ivomec’ or ‘Heartgard’, both of which are marketed as parasite control drugs.
They affect skin parasites and several others that inhabit the bloodstream of the dog, such as heartworms. Incidentally, it is also used to prevent heartworm infestations in dogs as well, although that’s not its primary purpose.

Firstly, it disables the nervous systems of the mites, effectively paralysing them. Then, it manipulates the dog’s white blood cells into attacking the mites and killing them.
In this way, the mites will no longer cause further skin damage to the dog’s body. So long as the drug remains in the body, the demodectic mange will be kept away indefinitely.

A minor note about Ivermectin: it doesn’t affect unhatched demodex mites still in their eggs. Therefore, more than one dose of Ivermectin is required to completely eradicate the mites from the body.

Using topical solutions

Topical solutions like Advantix or Frontline help with the localized mange.
They kill the larvae under the skin, the eggs layed are destroyed and the adult fleas are killed and repelled.
Some solutions also help in "fumigation" by repelling fleas in the dogs' environment eg the yard or carpet, and toys; and even adjacent mammals they encounter eg mice.

source:
http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/mange-dogs-canine-scabies
http://m.1800petmeds.com/mt/http://www.1800petmeds.com/education/mange-symptoms-dog-cat-9.htm
http://dogskintreatments.com/articles/demodectic-mange/ivermectin-for-demodectic-mange-explained/

Sunday, 19 October 2014

Lavender oil: Essential and Infused oils

Lavender oil can be used the oil as a moisturizer, mild antibacterial, bath oil, or dry hair treatment.
You'll smell great with a touch of the oil at your pulse points, and it will last longer than many water-based colognes.

♣ Perhaps most importantly, lavender oil should never be ingested, only topically applied or inhaled through means of aromatherapy or similar activities.
Ingestion can cause serious health complications, characterized by blurred vision, difficult breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea.
So, even if you think that lavender oil is a wonderful miracle cure, don’t get excited and start putting it on your food! ♣

Lavender essential oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation.
The flowers of lavender are fragrant in nature and have been used for making potpourri for centuries. Traditionally, lavender essential oil has also been used in making perfumes.

The oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations and combinations are
made using lavender oil.

※Lavender oil blends well with many other essential oils including cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium, and nutmeg. ※

Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

Bug Repellent: The smell of lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths.
Apply some of the lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent bites. Furthermore, if
you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, the lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain
associated with bug bites.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep which has made it a common recommendation for an alternative treatment of insomnia.
Frequent studies on elderly patients have shown an increase in their sleep regularity when their
normal sleep medication is replaced with some lavender essential oil being placed on their pillows.

Nervous system: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety issues.
Therefore, it can also be helpful in treating migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress.
The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity. It has a well-researched impact on the autonomic nervous system , which is why it is frequently use as a treatment for insomnia and also as a way to regulate heart-rate variability.

Acne: According to dermatologists and aromatherapists, lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial oils in the treatment of acne ,
Lavender essential oil inhibits the bacteria that cause the initial infection, helps to regulate some of the over-excretion of sebum by hormonal manipulation, and can reduce the signs of scarring after the acne has begun to heal.
Adding a small amount of lavender essential oil to other skin creams or ointments can greatly increase the potential for relief and healing.

Pain relief: Lavender essential oil is known as an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore and tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago.
A regular massage with lavender oil can also provide relief from pain in the joints.

Urine flow: Lavender essential oil is good for urinary disorders because of its stimulating effect on urine production.
Furthermore, it helps in restoring hormonal balance and reducing cystitis or inflammation of the urinary bladder.
It also reduces any associated cramps with these and other disorders.

Respiratory disorders: Lavender oil is widely used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus
congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
The oil is either used in the form of vapor or is applied on the skin of the neck, chest and back. It is also added to many vaporizers and inhalers that are commonly used for colds and coughs.
The stimulating nature of lavender essential oil can also loosen up the phlegm and relieve the congestion, helping the body naturally eliminate phlegm and other unwanted material.
The vapor of lavender essential oil also has antibacterial qualities which can battle respiratory tract infections.

Hair care: Lavender essential oil is useful for hair care because it has been shown to be very effective on lice, lice eggs, and nits.
Furthermore, lavender essential oil has also been shown to be very helpful in the treatment of hair
loss, particularly for patients who suffer from alopecia, an autoimmune disease where the body rejects its own hair follicles.
Therefore, lavender oil is sometimes recommended as a preventative measure for male pattern baldness!

Blood circulation: Lavender essential oil is also good for improving the circulation of blood in the body. It also lowers blood pressure and is often
used for hypertension.
This means that not only do the organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health, but brain activity can have a noticeable boost, skin remains bright and flushed with blood, and the body is protected from the risks of heart attack and atherosclerosis that is often associated with poor circulation.
Finally, in terms of diabetic patients, the application or inhalation of lavender essential oil can prevent some of their serious risks of low circulation, which can lead to dangerous or even fatal complications.

General Skin care: The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties.
It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory
conditions.
It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues.
Lavender oil is also added to chamomile to treat eczema.

♠♠♠Sometimes, the essential oil can be tricky to find, so you can make your own infused lavender oil. You can use lavender buds and flowers to make an olive oil (or your favourite +carrier oil+) for an infused mixture which you can use for anything from a sleep aid (topically) to a moisturizer
that will help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

You can easily get these oils at your local supermarket or pharmacy at friendly prices or just call/text/whatsapp on +254725733412 or. email mburu.njeri88@gmail.com for more information for more information on oils and more!!!

Stay beautiful;
This is Serenity!!

Related articles:

♦ Herbal oil infusions: part 2: Carrier oils and their benefits
♦ Cinnamon oil: Essential and infused oils
♦ WHAT FAT BURNERS ARE ALL ABOUT
♦ Neem Oil infusion: How to make and its uses
♦ Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Acne treatment
♦ Learn to let go..

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Also, make sure to visit our website where you can get a wide range of items at very reasonable prices, plus minimal hassle (or just browse through if you feel like window shopping!!)

sources:
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html
http://theherbgardener.blogspot.nl/2009/06/make-lavender-oil.html?m=1

Photo courtesy of www.organicfacts.net/

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Oils that penetrate the Hair Shaft....

Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of hair products, including oils, but wondering why nothing seemed to work as promised?
If so, it may be because the ingredients in your hair products aren’t penetrating the shaft of your hair!!!

Oils are good for hair: they enhance sheen, protect against environmental elements plus nourish the scalp.
Oils are made of fatty-acid chains, some of which are too big to penetrate the hair shaft and hence they help in providing the much-needed protective coating they give the hair.

However, some oils actually have chains small enough to penetrate the hair to the core; thus delivering whatever benefits deep into the strand and nourish it inside out. They also help to strengthen hair by preventing damage (especially protein loss during shampoo and relaxing).

COCONUT OIL;

So far my favourite oil...
Coconut oil is one of the few natural oils that has been proven to penetrate deep inside the hair where it can strengthen from within and protect the outside.
Research (although small-scale and preliminary) shows that hair can absorb around 50-75% of applied oil...
Coconut oil (because of its chemical structure) can actually penetrate to the cortex (the inner part of hair) which can help improve its strength and flexibility.

♦This is also because the fatty acids are drawn to the protein stricture of the hair, and bind with them hence minimizing protein loss!!♦

Another benefit: coconut oil has super staying power. Since most oils and hair ingredients sit on top of your hair, they rinse off when you wash your mane. Coconut oil is "inside" your hair, so it's less likely to rinse away.
If you have dry, damaged hair and are susceptible to hair loss and breakage then you should definitely stock up on coconut oil.
※This is why most pre-shampoo oil treatments recommend coconut oil. ※

OLIVE OIL...

Also another favourite...
Olive oil is scientifically proven to penetrate the shaft of your hair. It is difficult to repair the inner most layer of your hair follicle. But putting olive oil in hair is clinically shown to repair the hair cuticle and cortex.
The hair is said to absorb about 75% of the oil applied.

♠You can boost your hot oil treatment by mixing olive and coconut oils, warm them and let them penetrate your hair and scalp. All you have to do is apply the oil to your hair and let it absorb.♠

AVOCADO OIL...

Quite rare and pricey, but it does deliver!!!
The oil is obtained from the pulp, not the pit of the avocado.
Slightly green in color due to the high chlorophyll content, Avocado oil has an avocado flavor with a hint of buttery mushroom aroma.
Avocado oil is rich in Vitamins (A, B1, B2, D and E) and Monounsaturated fats. (The good type of fat.)
Due to its small fatty acid chains it is also penetrative deep into the hair. Like olive oil, it is capable of nourishing the hair inside-out and strengthen it, plus nourish your scalp intensively!!

~If you cannot get avocado oil, simply mush up an avocado piece, add coconut or Olive oil and apply to your scalp and strands.

So far, I can only confirm on these three, but more studies are being done on most other oils.

Better yet, if you can get your hands on oil infusions, you stand to gain a lot more from your oil treatments because of the added minerals and essential elements to your scalp and hair!!!

※ check out more on herbal oil infusions and their benefits※

sources;
http://www.naturalhairrules.com/3-best-oils-for-natural-hair/
http://www.curlynikki.com/2013/05/coconut-oil-penetrates-hair.html
http://www.self.com/flash/beauty-blog/2012/04/why-coconut-oil-is-amazing-for/
http://coldpresshaute.com/category/penetrating-the-hair-shaft/

Cinnamon oil: Essential and infused oils

Typically sourced from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree, cinnamon essential oil is said to offer a variety of health benefits.

These compounds include cinnamaldehyde, which has been found to reduce inflammation and act as an antimicrobial (a substance that destroys or
suppresses the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi).

Although cinnamon oil has numerous health benefits, it often causes irritations and allergic reactions. Therefore people prefer to use cinnamon directly instead of using the oil.

Otherwise, dilute the essential oil with a +carrier oil+ (my favourite being olive oil) or to prepare herbal tea with it .
The other option is to infuse it with your favourite oil (eg olive or coconut oil).

Brain Function: Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and makes it a good brain tonic. It helps to remove nervous tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the United States has proved that the scent of cinnamon has the ability to boost brain activity.

Pain Relief: Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory substance, so it helps in removing stiffness of the muscles and joints.
♦Cinnamon is also recommended for arthritis, and it is known to help in removing headaches that are caused by colds.

Therapeutic properties

♠♠A therapeutic effect is a consequence of a medical treatment of any kind, the results of which are judged to be desirable and beneficial.
This is true whether the result was expected, unexpected, or even an unintended consequence of
the treatment♠♠

The therapeutic properties of cinnamon oil are; analgesic,
antiseptic,
antibiotic,
antispasmodic,
♥aphrodisiac,
astringent,
cardiac,
carminative,
emenagogue,
insecticide,
stimulant,
stomachic,
tonic
vermifuge.

Cinnamon oil blends well with other herbs.
It blends well with;
benzoin,
cloves,
coriander,
cardamom ,
frankincense ,
ginger,
grapefruit,
lavender,
rosemary
thyme

source;
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-cinnamon-oil.html plus photo
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aromatherapy/a/Cinnamon-Essential-Oil.htm

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Also, make sure to visit our website where you can get a wide range of items at very reasonable prices, plus minimal hassle (or just browse through if you feel like window shopping!!)

call/text/whatsapp on +254725733412 for more information on herbs, oils or any other stuff,,,

Monday, 13 October 2014

RISING ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES...

※ cir·cum·stance - noun
1. a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.
2. one's state of financial or material welfare.

A few days ago I was reading about the destruction of Pompeii because of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD

The eruption was so severe, about 16000 people died that day.
It is thought that the pyroclastic flows were so powerful, equal to about a hundred thousand times the energy produced by the Hiroshima nuclear bomb; and was capable of killing hundreds of people in fractions of seconds..

But that is not my focus - not the devastation caused by Mt Vesuvius... Its the ability to rise above your circumstances.

*unless the fight comes from within, it is hard to win the battle*

"Rise above your circumstances...." is a favourite song for many life coaches, friends, counsellors etc, when they genuinely don't have the exact words to comfort you in your current situation.. and its not their fault. Half the time i don't know how to comfort a friend..

But the terrible Mt Vesuvius taught me something.. rising above circumstances is never a "just-like-that" thing; you don't just "get over it"..

As I have learned, rising over your circumstances is a BIG DEAL!!!
You may not believe the stuff you will go through..

As from reading on Mt Vesuvius, sometimes it will take events of great magnitude and force and they may even threaten to kill you. As with the mountain, the environment changed and history was re-written, but the mountain stands till today, almost 2000 years later!!

So in retrospect, to rise above your circumstances, the events may shake you to the core but the end result is a magnificent feature to behold and a story to be told years later!! You will be a new person, bolder, stronger, wiser and everyone will see the end result and victory.

But as I said previously, you need a solid Rock (God!!) to be able to stand AND withstand...these circumstances!!!

Our circumstances will always differ; but to rise above them, we will all go through some sort of "hell".
We will crack open, release hot pent up pressure, but once its done, we will be better, stronger and probably end up with rubies and diamonds in our hearts!!

So, do not hesitate to rise above your circumstances;
It will be rough but totally worth it and the best part is that God will be so proud of you and bless you more for the effort!!!

This is Serenity!!

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Rose Oil: Essential and Infused oil

Rose oil, is the essential oil extracted from the petals of various types of rose.

Rose oil is generally used as a topical acne treatment, although it may also be used in aromatherapy applications.
Essential oils tend to be best suited for the treatment of mild to moderate acne symptoms.
Look for it labeled as Rose Otto, rose oil, or rose essential oil.

The health benefits
The benefits of Rose Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an element with the following qualities:
antidepressant,
antiphlogistic,
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
antiviral,
♥aphrodisiac,
astringent,
bactericidal,
cholagogue,
cicatrisant,
depurative,
emenagogue,
homeostatic,
hepatic,
laxative,
nervine,
stomachic and uterine substance.

Astringent: The astringent property of Rose Oil has many benefits. It strengthens gums and hair roots, while toning and lifting skin, and contracting muscles, intestines and blood vessels.

Nervine: Rose essential oil acts as a tonic for the nerves . It gives them strength to bear shock and protects them from disorders resulting from age
and injuries.

Antiseptic: This is the most fragrant and luxurious way to treat wounds. Topically applying rose oil to wounds helps to protect them from becoming septic and developing infections.

Antiviral: Rose essential oil is one such shied, and
studies have shown that it protects against many different types of viral infections.

Aphrodisiac ♥♥: The very scent of it can arouse you, and it boosts the libido while invoking romantic feelings which are essential for a successful sex life. This can reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, and general disinterest in sexual activity with partners.

source:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_oil
http://thescienceofacne.com/rose/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-rose-essential-oil.html

photo: Rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil

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Also, make sure to visit our website where you can get a wide range of items at very reasonable prices, plus minimal hassle (or just browse through if you feel like window shopping!!)

call/text/whatsapp on +254725733412 for more information or email mburu.njeri88@gmail.com for more information on infused oils, herbs or essential oils.

Friday, 10 October 2014

Essential oils: What are they and their uses?

Essential oils are mixtures of natural compounds
that are extracted from plants.
Essential oils contain molecules that the source
plant uses to defend itself against diseases, parasites and predators.
Essential oils can have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic properties.

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the plant's fragrance--the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived. You can apply them directly onto your skin, inhaling, or use through a diffuser.

So...

Technically, essential oils aren’t oils at all, as they lack fatty acids. Rather, they’re highly concentrated plant components.
It can take a huge amount of a plant to get out even a small portion of essential oil — 4,000 pounds of
Bulgarian roses are needed to get just one pound of oil, for example. This is why some essential oils are particularly expensive.

You can mix drops of these oils with carrier oils or simply use oil infusions made by infusing the herbs/flowers with carrier oils if you cannot find essential oils.

When making your own oil infusions,
When you’re making your own oil, first choose a carrier oil. That is the oil that will carry the scent that you are about to infuse.
This will depend on what you’re planning on using the oil for. If want to use it on the skin, jojoba and
avocado oil are great choices, because they nourish the skin. Most people also prefer coconut and olive oils too. Just avoid mineral oils.
Vegetable oil is a great choice if you want it for aromatherapy as it easily allows the herbal scent to take over.

※check out for herbal oil infusions here※

There are many beneficial essential oils as well as oil infusions such as:

cinnamon oil
neem oil
amla oil
rosemary
rose flower
lavender oil

Here’s how to make your own oil infusion:

Mix 1/4 ounce of bulk herbs of your choice with 1 cup of carrier oil.

Add the mixture to your slow cooker and allow it to cook on very low heat all day (about 8 hours). ♣Or put it in a constantly warm place like behind the fridge, next to an ever-running computer.

Remove the mixture from the crockpot or container and strain.

Place in a jar, storing in a cool, dark place. The oil should last about 6 months without going rancid

Stay updated by signing up for more posts or bookmarking us and visit our Facebook page .

Also, make sure to visit our website where you can get a wide range of items at very reasonable prices, plus minimal hassle (or just browse through if you feel like window shopping!!)

Call/text/whatsapp +254725733412 for more queries and quotations regarding oils, infusions, herbs etc.

Or you can simply contact me to get all these details... email mburu.njeri88@gmail.com for more information

Sources;
photo credit: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil - photo
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil
http://m.huffpost.com/ca/entry/5536808
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-essential-oils-for-all-ailments.html

Serenity Jewels - Life is Beautiful!!!

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Fleas and pets: Mange

Sunday, 19 October 2014

Lavender oil: Essential and Infused oils

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Oils that penetrate the Hair Shaft....

Cinnamon oil: Essential and infused oils

Monday, 13 October 2014

RISING ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES...

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Rose Oil: Essential and Infused oil

Friday, 10 October 2014

Essential oils: What are they and their uses?

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