Apricot Kernel Oil

Botanical Name:	Prunus armeniaca
Properties:	Easily absorbable, colorless, fine texture
Health Benefits:	Dehydration, Inflammation, Boils & Burns

Apricot kernel carrier oil is of great value for giving a face massage. The oil is extracted from Apricot, the botanical name of which is Prunus armeniaca. It is easily absorbed by the skin and the best part is that it doesn't lend any kind of oily feel to the skin. Rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids, its application works wonders in nourishing the skin. It is usually colorless, but, at times, has a tinge of yellow. To know about the uses and health benefits of Apricot Kernel oil, read on…

Apricot Kernel oil provides numerous health benefits for which it is preferred. It prevents the body from being dehydrated. It is especially useful for sensitive skin. It is also quite beneficial in soothing the body parts victimized by boils and burns. Texture wise, the oil is very fine and contains high content of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Apricot Kernel oil is known for its moisturizing and revitalizing properties. It is owing to this reason that it is increasingly finding its way in facial massages.

Apricot Kernel oil is a popular choice amongst massage oils. In Aromatherapy, it is used in the form of carrier oil in combination with one of the essential oils. It is also extensively used in the making of varied kinds of cosmetic products. It is suitable for all types of skin. It also aids in slowing down the aging process. It is of great use in treating inflamed skin. Being an emollient, it provides complete relaxation to the body and mind.

Aloe Vera Oil

Botanical Name:	Aloe barbadensis
Properties:	Anti inflammatory
Uses:	Aromatherapy, Medicinal Use

The use of Aloe Vera oil is not a recent trend, but it has been brought to extensive use since ages and this can be completely attributed to the manifold benefits it provides. There are near about 500 species of Aloe Vera, the botanical name of which is Aloe barbadensis. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is known by different names such as Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe etc. This herbal plant is often called the 'lily of the desert'. To know about the uses and benefits of Aloe Vera oil, read on…

The name Aloe has been derived from the Arabic word "alloeh" meaning bitter. It is due to the bitter liquid or juice that is found in the leaves. The origin of this plant can be traced back to the times of many ancient civilizations. Aloe Vera plant was originally grown in areas native to South and East Africa, however, in the present era, it is cultivated in almost all the tropical and subtropical regions, including Caribbean and the Latin America.

In 1500 B.C. the Egyptians used Aloe Vera plant for treating several diseases such as infections, burns and so on. Cleopatra made an extensive use of Aloe Vera gel to make her skin soft and glowing. Aloe has been widely used by the ancient Arabs, Greeks, and Spaniards at the time of their hunting expedition, as it helps to reduce the perspiration of the body and also serves as a great body scent. Infact, Spanish missionaries used to always take Aloe along to help the sick people.

The American herbalists realized the immense value of Aloe Vera for medicinal uses during the 18th and 19th centuries. According to some old legends, people were of the belief that Aloe Vera helps to protect the house from the evil eye. It was kept inside the kitchen with the thinking that it would help prevent any kind of mishap during cooking. The parts of the plant that have been finding their way in the making of medicines include leaves, fresh leaf gel and latex.

The oil extracted from Aloe Vera plant is believed to be a great skin rejuvenator. It ensures speedy recovery of wounds and is also quite effective in treating sunburns. In addition, it is very beneficial in curing Arthritis. Aloe Vera is known to possess anti inflammatory properties. It also serves as a wonderful moisturizer. It is able to penetrate quickly and deeply into the skin and therefore is a popular choice amongst the base oils for use in Aromatherapy. For body scars and stretch marks, Aloe Vera oil truly works wonders. Aloe Vera oil provides innumerable health benefits for which it is preferred the most.

Almond Oil

Botanical Name:	Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma:	Sweet and nutty
Properties:	Colorless, odorless, lubricating
Health Benefits:	Dull complexion, itching, inflammation, muscle pain

Sweet Almond oil is one of the most popular vegetable oils, which is also used in the form of carrier oil or base oil in Aromatherapy. Texture wise, the oil extracted from the seeds of Almond, is a bit oily. The botanical name of Almond is Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus. Sweet Almond has a very light, sweet and nutty aroma. It is absolutely clear in color with a tinge of yellow. Almond oil is an all purpose base oil, which is easily accessible from any retail store specialized in cosmetics. Read further to know about the uses and health benefits of odorless sweet Almond oil…

Almond oil is widely used in Aromatherapy for giving body massage. The oil is easily absorbable and serves as a great emollient, by lending a soft glowing beautiful touch to the skin. It balances the moisture in the body. In case of loss of moisture, it helps to restore it. It makes a great lubricant, thus aids in combating itching and inflammation. It is an excellent natural moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types. Owing to the multitude of benefits that Almond oil offers, it is increasingly finding its way in the making of soaps, creams and moisturizers.

Almond oil application is the best therapy for conditioning the skin and reviving its natural glow. It is also known to improve the complexion and give a younger look to the person to whom this oil is applied. It helps a great deal in nourishing the skin. Sweet Almond oil application provides an instant relief, in case of muscle pain. It has a high concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids. Though, it is mostly used for giving a body massage, but, at times, it is used as base oil and mixed with Wheatgerm oil to give it a longer shelf life.

Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoos have always been in vogue. They take you back to the primitive times. However, the tribal tattoo designs have now undergone a major transformation. Infact, they have been constantly evolving and morphing into what has come to be known as the neo tribal tattoo designing. Read further to know more about the tribal tattoo art...

There are basically two kinds of body art tribal tattoos; one is the black work on the arms and legs, while the other style lends a modern primitive look to the whole body. Various colors are used in its making. Tribal tattoo designs have taken ideas from the tribal art that was pursued by the native and indigenous tribes. Its origin can be traced back to the times of the older tribes like Maori Tribe (indigenous people of New Zealand), African Tribal, the Celtics etc.

Tribal tattoo designs were initially used to identify specific tribes. Certain communities used it as a social status symbol. However, today, it has emerged as a popular fashion. In the contemporary times, more and more people are going in for tribal tattoo designs for its high aesthetic value. It has a great visual appeal. Popular tribal tattoo designs include butterfly, dragon, and sun. Back and neck are the two most common areas for tattooing. To become a style icon, guys are also getting their chest tattooed.

Tattoo Design

Tattooing is not a new trend. Infact, the tradition of making tattoos on the body is being practiced since ages. This art work has made a niche for itself in the fashion arena. It is driving the entire world crazy. As more and more people are getting their bodies tattooed, either temporary or permanent, the tattoo artists are coming up with wide variety of designs. There is a multitude of design options to choose from, ranging from tribal and urban tattoos to sacred and celtic ones. If uniqueness is your style statement, then you can go in for custom tatoo design.

In this article, we will provide you with information on various tattoo styles. So, check out some tattoo design ideas:

Tribal Tattoos
Tribal tattoos have always been in vogue. They take you back to the primitive times. However, the tribal designs have now undergone a major transformation. Infact, they have been constantly evolving and morphing into what has come to be known as the neo tribal tattoo designing.

Lower Back Tattoos
Tattoos on the lower back have always fascinated the youngsters, especially females. Tribal designs have been increasingly finding their way in the making of lower back tattoos. Popular designs include dragons, lotus flowers, angel, butterfly, cross, stars and symbols of Easter etc.

Celtic Tattoos
Celtic tattoos are mainly popular amongst the people of Celtic origin. Being universal in nature, the Celtic symbols have always been a popular choice to be considered by the tattoo artists. Nowadays, most of the tattoo artists prefer mixing the tribal and Celtic design, thus creating a new blended tattoo style, known as tribal Celtic tattoos.

Lower Back Tattoos

Tattoos on the lower back have always fascinated the youngsters, especially females. Tribal designs have been increasingly finding their way in the making of lower back tattoos. Having tattoo designs on the lower back has become a very popular fashion. Tattoos on the lower back are mainly worn by young girls. Popular tattoo designs include dragons, lotus flowers and symbols of Easter etc. Read further to know about the lower back tattoo styles.

Many people go in for lower back tattoos for sensual purposes.If done in a proper manner, the lower back tattoos look simply fantastic. Celtic designs are also very popular. Well, when it comes to tattoo design, there is no hard and fast rule. Many tattoo artists use a combination of tribal and urban designs to make it appear visually more appealing. V-shaped tattoo designs look real trendy.

Tattoo on the lower back helps a great deal in accentuating your voluptuous body. Lower back tattoos are very eye catching and easily draw the attention of the people around you. A person who desires to have a tattoo on his lower back must have the patience to lie down on his stomach for at least an hour. The area to be tattooed must be absolutely clean. It is of utmost importance to wear the right clothing that allows your tattoo artist to show his creativity on your lower back.

History of Tattoo

The word Tattoo has been derived from the Polynesian word 'tatao', which means tapping or marking something. This term was first coined by Captain James Cook in the year 1769, when he met the Tahitians during his voyage, who had decorated their bodies with tattoos. At that time, tattooing was a very painful procedure. The technique of tattooing has now undergone a major modification. Read on to know more about the origin & history of tattoo.

Initially this body art involved piercing into the body, which was done by dropping a sharp-pointed comb into lampblack and then inserting it into the skin. Despite the trouble involved, many people got their bodies tattooed, especially arms. The tradition of tattooing, which was originally practiced in Tahiti and other Polynesian islands spread its influence in Europe too. In those days, it was mainly worn by the sailors, drunkards and criminals.

The archeological excavations have revealed that this tradition of tattooing has been an integral part of many ancient cultures. In the year 1992, in the Alp region that lies between the border of Austria and Italy, a properly preserved body of a man was found. According to the estimations of the archeological department, it is expected that this man died near about 5000 years ago. He had 58 tattoos all over his body. Most of the ancient Egyptian mummies had tattoos. The Greeks and Romans of the bygone times used tattoo for identifying the slaves and criminals.

Henna Tattoos

There are many adverse effects of getting your body tattooed. It is here that Henna comes to play a vital role. It allows you to beautify your body and that too in a natural manner. It is a temporary beautification that is totally safe for the skin. There are no risk factors associated with the Henna Mehndi tattoo. Read further to know about the Henna tattoo design…

Made from the leaves of the henna plant, it is absolutely herbal in nature. As more and more people are becoming conscious about the unfavorable aspects associated with the chemicals used for tattooing, they are resorting to Henna for getting the tattoos painted on their bodies. The tradition of drawing Mehndi is being practiced since many past decades. Due to the multitude of benefits it offers, Henna tattoo art is still a popular fashion.

Before applying Henna ink into the skin, it is always better to check if it causes any sort of allergic reaction. Though, it rarely happens that Mehndi causes allergy, but it becomes of paramount importance to know whether your skin is sensitive or not. Once you are sure that there are no rashes or any other form of allergic reaction on your body, your tattoo artist can begin with his task and exhibit his creativity.

When it comes to designing, sky is the limit. Tattoo artist can select a single style or else incorporate a number of styles to give a distinctive look. Traditional and urban patterns can be combined to create new designs. Henna body tattoos provide ample room to the tattoo artists to widen the horizon of their creativity and come up with something original.

There can be various Henna tatoo designs like the tattoo artist can depict the diversity of our Indian culture. As far as the colors are concerned, there is a limitation. The choice of colors is restricted to dark shades of red, maroon and black. The color of Henna Mehndi also depends on your skin tone. Every skin tone acquires a different shade.