Antioxidants.....

Antioxidants, oxidative stress... etc

Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage; the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases.

WHAT ARE ANTI-OXIDANTS?

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent . 

Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions . When the chain reaction occurs in a cell , it can cause damage or death to the cell.

Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. They do this by being oxidized themselves, so antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols , ascorbic acid, or polyphenols.

Why we need anti-oxidants...

Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging; plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as glutathione , vitamin C , vitamin A, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase , superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases.

Insufficient levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, cause oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.

OXIDATIVE STRESS;
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules.
While our bodies use up about 98% of oxygen, the unused oxygen remains active and thus starts the chain reactions that lead to oxidative stress.

In humans, oxidative stress is thought to be involved in the development of;
※cancer
※Parkinson's disease,
※Alzheimer's disease
※atherosclerosis ,
※heart failure
※myocardial infarction
※fragile X syndrome
※Sickle Cell Disease
※lichen planus
※vitiligo
※autism
※infection
※chronic
※fatigue syndrome.

Sources of anti-oxidants;

Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta- carotene, and vitamin C.
Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required
for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category.
The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.

Vitamin E : d-alpha tocopherol. A fat soluble vitamin present in nuts, seeds, vegetable and fish oils, whole grains (esp. wheat germ), fortified cereals, and apricots.
Current recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 15 IU per day for men and 12 IU per day for women.

Vitamin C : Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.
The RDA is 60 mg per day. Intake above 2000 mg may be associated with adverse side effects in some individuals.

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) and is present in liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomato,
cantaloupe, peaches, and grains.
Because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body there is no set requirement.
Instead the RDA is expressed as retinol equivalents (RE), to clarify the relationship.

(NOTE: Vitamin A has no antioxidant properties and can be quite toxic when taken in excess.)

You can get multivitamin supplements that help in adding antioxidants at your local pharmacy at very reasonable prices;

This is Serenity!!!

Related articles:

※ SUPPLEMENTS AND YOU; how they work and what to expect
※ Enzyme depletion and food storage; what we miss from seed to plate
※ Anabolic state, Catabolic state and your Weight
※ HEADACHES: migraines, cluster headaches and what they are about.
※ Oils that penetrate the Hair Shaft....
※ Mange in Dogs (Canine Scabies)

Image credit: simplyjas.com

call/text/whatsapp on +254725733412 for more information or email me at mburu.njeri88@gmail.com

source;
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant
http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/antiox.html
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antioxidants_in_food

25 Most Popular Dog Breeds and Their Health Issues

25 Most Popular Dog Breeds and Their Health Issues

Siberian Husky: Autoimmune Disorders

Siberian Huskies seem to be predisposed to a variety of autoimmune disorders, many of which affect the skin. These conditions cause sores and hair loss, often on the face. One immune condition affects both the skin and the eyes and can lead to eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts. Treatment for these disorders is corticosteroids to inhibit the immune system.

Bulldog: Respiratory Problems'

Like all dogs with those adorable smashed-in faces, bulldogs can suffer from breathing problems. Your bulldog's small nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea are the reasons why he probably snores, and they can lead to a life-threatening emergency if he gets overheated or overtired. That's why it's important to keep bulldogs cool in the summer and never overdo it with exercise.







Pug: Eye Problems

With their squashed faces and bulgy eyes, pugs are at risk for eye problems. The most serious is an eye popping out of its socket. This can happen if a pug gets into an accident or a fight with another dog. If this happens, cover the eye with a damp cloth and rush your dog to the vet. The vet can put the eye back in place, although whether the dog will retain vision in the eye depends on the severity of the damage.




German Shepherd: Hip Dysplasia

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, the joint's ball and socket don't fit together properly, which causes pain, arthritis, and problems walking. When looking for a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder whether the parents have been screened for hip dysplasia. Parents with healthy hips are more likely to produce puppies with healthy hips.

Labrador Retriever: Obesity

Any dog can become overweight, but labs are especially prone to it. And just like with people, obesity is linked to health problems in dogs. Labs need vigorous daily exercise. If your lab is constantly begging for more food, try giving her raw carrots, green beans, or apples to snack on. Since prevention is easier than weight loss, it's best to consult with your vet on a diet plan that's right for your pet.




Beagle: Epilepsy

Epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes seizures, seems to be more common in beagles than in other dog breeds. Epileptic dogs will usually have their first seizure between 6 months and 3 years old. Though epilepsy can't be cured, frequent seizures (more than one a month) can usually be managed with antiseizure medication.





Shih Tzu: Wobbly Kneecaps

Wobbly kneecaps, or patellar luxation, are extremely common in toy breeds like shih tzus. In patellar luxation, the kneecap occasionally pops out of place, causing the dog to hobble, skip a step, or limp. The kneecap will usually pop back into position on its own, but in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem and prevent arthritis.





Boxer: Cancer

Boxers are at higher risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes, and mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer. In both cases, the cancer is often felt as an unusual lump or bump on your dog's body. Both of these cancers might be treatable, but it's important to catch them early. So if you have a boxer, be sure to check him regularly for lumps.






Dachshund: Back Problems

Because of their long bodies, dachshunds are at higher risk for back injuries and spinal disk problems. The best way to keep your dachshund feeling her best is to keep her at a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on the back. Also try to limit stair-climbing and jumping down from furniture, as it can also put stress on the back.



Doberman Pinscher: Heart Condition

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition in which the heart's chambers are stretched out and don't pump blood effectively. Often, owners of dogs with DCM don’t even realize something is wrong until their dog collapses. Because DCM is so common in Dobermans, many vets suggest annual screenings. Medications can regulate heart rhythm and improve the heart's ability to pump, but there is no cure for DCM.





Cocker Spaniel: Ear Infections

Dogs like cocker spaniels with floppy, furry ears are prone to frequent ear infections. The best way to prevent ear infections is to clean your dog's ears every couple of weeks and occasionally flip her ears back to let them "breathe." Also trim any hair growing on the underside of the ears with clippers to help keep the ear canals dry. Minimizing the frequency of ear infections may also prevent major problems down the road.




Yorkshire Terrier: Portosystemic Shunt

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a blood vessel birth defect that's common in small breeds like the Yorkie. The portal vein carries toxins from the intestines to the liver, which cleans the blood. With PSS, the vein bypasses the liver, and toxins aren't removed. PSS may cause poor growth, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. Most of the time, PSS can be corrected with surgery, and the dog will go on to live a normal, healthy life.






Golden Retriever: Skin Allergies

Does it seem like your golden is constantly licking? Unlike people, dogs don't sneeze when they're allergic to something. Instead, they tend to get itchy skin. And frequent licking, scratching, and chewing can lead to hot spots (red, oozing sores). To soothe itchy skin, give your dog baths with oatmeal shampoo, add an omega-3 supplement to his diet, and make sure he has regular flea treatment.

Poodle: Glaucoma

Poodles are one of a handful of breeds that are at increased risk for this serious eye disease. Glaucoma is a buildup of fluid in the eye, which causes pressure, pain, and eventually blindness. Early on, glaucoma can be treated with medications. But surgery and even removal of the affected eye may be necessary.







Rottweiler: Joint Problems

Large breeds like the Rottweiler are at risk for a variety of joint problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). OCD is a condition that develops in large, fast-growing puppies in which the cartilage in a joint doesn't form properly. Feeding the right amount of a balanced diet may help keep your Rottweiler's joints healthy. However, many dogs require surgery to remove the abnormal cartilage.



Miniature Schnauzer: Diabetes

Has your miniature schnauzer been drinking water like he's just run a marathon? Is he suddenly having accidents in the house? He could have diabetes. Any dog can develop diabetes, but miniature schnauzers seem to be at higher risk. Diabetes is a serious condition, but with the insulin and diet changes your dog can live a normal, healthy life.





German Shorthaired Pointer: Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Aortic stenosis puts strain on the heart and over time might cause an irregular heart rhythm. When aortic stenosis is mild, there may be no symptoms. In more severe cases, the dog may be weak and tire easily. Unfortunately, aortic stenosis usually shortens a dog's lifespan, but it can be managed with medications.

Great Dane: Bloat

Giant breeds like Great Danes are at higher risk for gastric dilation and volvulus, or bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that develops when the stomach fills up with gas and then twists, trapping food and gas in the stomach. If you notice your dog pacing, panting, and drooling excessively right after eating, call the vet right away. Bloat can be corrected with surgery, but it can be fatal if not treated quickly.




Shetland Sheepdog: Collie Eye

Shelties can be affected by a group of related eye problems known as "collie eye anomaly." Collie eye affects the retina and the optic nerve. Mild cases may not affect the dog's vision at all, but moderate to severe cases can lead to blindness. There is no treatment for collie eye, and it's fairly widespread among the breeds that are affected by it. So before you bring a Sheltie puppy home, ask if he’s been tested.



Maltese: Little White Shaker Syndrome

This funny-named condition is just what it sounds like: tremors in small dogs that are white (although dogs with other coat colors can get it, too). It's caused by inflammation in the cerebellum, which causes shaking that can be so bad the dog can barely walk. But the good news is that it's treatable with corticosteroids, it's not painful for the dog, and it usually subsides after a few weeks.



Boston Terrier: Cherry Eye

Because of their protruding eyes, Boston Terriers are susceptible to a number of eye problems, including cherry eye. In cherry eye, a tear-producing gland "pops out" from behind the dog's third eyelid. It's called cherry eye because the gland is round and bright red. Cherry eye can be repaired with surgery. Besides cherry eye, Boston Terriers are also at risk for dry eye, cataracts, and entropion (turned-in eyelids).





French Bulldog: Breathing Problems

Like his English cousin, the French bulldog is susceptible to breathing problems. Also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome, this set of breathing problems is a result of the breed's pushed-in nose, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea. Extreme heat or too much exercise can cause a French bulldog to struggle to breathe, so it's best to keep him indoors on hot days.







Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Mitral Valve Disease

This heart problem is common in elderly small dogs, but cavaliers often develop it early on. In mitral valve disease, the valve between the left atrium and ventricle doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward when the heart pumps. This puts strain on the heart. Symptoms include lethargy and coughing. With monitoring and the right medication, a dog with mitral valve disease can live for years with very few symptoms.




How to Pick a Healthy Purebred Pup

Do your research. Find out what health problems are common in the breed you’re interested in. Then, find a reputable breeder by asking for recommendations from friends or through a local breed club or rescue group. 
Once you've decided on a puppy, find out about the health of the parents, and make sure the puppy has been screened for breed-related health problems.

Related articles:

Fleas and pets: Mange

Puppy health: Rabies!!

Puppy Health: Canine Distemper

Know your dog: German Shepherd Dog

For my family and friends; From a crazy animal lover!!!

***
source: petmd.com

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/

Related articles:
※ Puppy Health: Canine Parvovirus
※ Puppy Health: Canine Distemper
※ The German Shepherd Dog
※ GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOG
※ Of relationship articles: Sow to reap...
※ GRIEF: Exploring, Dealing and Coping

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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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/

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※

Related articles:
※ Healthy hair and scalp: Herbal tea rinses
※ Essential oils: What are they and their uses?
※ Herbal oil infusions: part 2: Carrier oils and their benefits
※ Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Acne treatment
※ Oily skin/Acne treatment

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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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!!

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