O Sacred Head - Music & Poetry

I love the old, old hymns of the Church. True, old is not necessarily better than new - just as new is not automatically better than old. But there's something to be said for old hymns that linger after decades and centuries. These are the 1% of the 1%, the cream of the crop, the tried and true.

When I sing old hymns, I sing with the profound realization that hundreds, thousands, and millions, both living and long gone, have sung them with me through the ages. They are proof that some things never change, least of all the nature of man and the faithfulness of God.

Public domain image c/o Bing search

Here's one old song that I really like, both musically and lyrically. Probably the most popular stanza in this hymn is this:

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for Thee. (my favorite line)

But you really should let the preceding verses take you into this state. 

Like many others, the modern version of this hymn has been shortened. The entire work (11 stanzas!) is worth a look or two though, and is happily still published here.

Elemi for Rheumatism and more

According to this WiseGEEK article, these are the common uses of elemi essential oil (verbatim excerpts):

• expectorant to treat coughing, bronchitis, and to relieve excessive mucus in the respiratory passages, for respiratory conditions

• antiseptic to treat scars, skin infections, and open wounds 

• rejuvenate aging, sagging skin

•  for a calming influence, in a vaporizer or an aromatic diffuser

• stimulant

• prevent legs from swelling

• treatment of rheumatism

• in  salves to treat ulcers

If you want to try Manila Elemi essential oil, please contact me at fb.com/everythingpili, fb.com/paleoishop, or SMS +639226246655.

One simple way to use elemi? "Some people choose to put a few drops of the oil in their bath, specifically if they are treating a skin infection; however, that method can be used for respiratory ailments as well. Many people choose to combine the oil with other stress relieving scents, such as rosemary, sage, or lavender."

Warning: "Most people do not have any issues with elemi. However, there have been cases of skin irritation, specifically for people with sensitive skin. As with any new product, test it out on a small area of skin before using on a large area of the body. Any concerns should be addressed by an alternative medicine practitioner or a medical doctor."

Pili Oil

Here is a summary of the different oils we get from the pili tree (canarium ovatum):

Manila elemi is an essential oil & is typically diluted in a carrier oil or mixed in small quantities with liquid soaps, basic creams, unscented lotions. You can also use it with an essential oil diffuser.

Pili pulp oil and pili nut (kernel) oil are carrier oils and can be applied to skin as is. 

My favorite day/night treatment? Pure pili pulp oil with a few drops of elemi. Apply 1-2 drops after washing your face to seal in moisture and keep skin soft. 

For inquiries about pili oils, please contact me at fb.com/paleoishop or fb.com/everythingpili. SMS +639226246655. Pilipinas, pili na!

Pili artwork courtesy of my niece, KM. :)

Manila Elemi & Me

I first encountered 'Elemi Essential Oil' in an aromatherapy store abroad. Beside the name was the country of origin, the Philippines.

"Wait a minute, I'm from the Philippines. How come I've never heard of elemi before?"

I started reading up on elemi, and after more in-depth encounters, found myself in love.

Manila Elemi, often called "poor man's frankincense" comes from the sap of pili trees (canarium ovatum) & their relative, the piling liitan (canarium luzonicum) of Quezon. The sticky, resinous sap is steam-distilled for its fragrant essential oil, a popular ingredient in luxury perfumes and personal care products.

Fresh Elemi resin and Essential Oil

Sometimes I feel like Manila Elemi was made just for me:

• it is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) & great in pain formulations and massage oils - perfect for my fibromyalgia, as it relieves a slew of aches and pains.
• it is a decongestant - I use this with peppermint in a carrier oil and it works wonders for a clogged nose. Also soothes my coughs and allergic rhinitis when rubbed on chest. 
• it stimulates and centers tired, stressed, and sluggish minds - a welcome pick-me-up when my brain feels foggy.

Most people who have heard of elemi, however, know and love it as skin food: a beautifying and anti-aging ingredient. Elemi is said to bring life back to dull skin and reduce wrinkles. Simply adding a few drops of elemi can turn your bland moisturizer into a special, nourishing skin treatment. 

For the more adventurous (or industrious), Quinessence Aromatherapy made these recipes: 

Elemi excels as a skincare oil due to its rejuvenative properties.

You can add it to a carrier oil, lotion or cream - the carriers mentioned below are suggestions only.

Anti-wrinkle Blend

• 1 drop Elemi
• 1 drop Lavender
• 1 drop Neroli/Rose
• 15mls Rosehip Oil

Dull Skin Blend

• 1 drop Elemi
• 1 drop Palmarosa
• 1 drop Cedar Atlas
• 15mls Jojoba Oil 

Dry Hands
• 1 drop Elemi
• 1 drop Myrrh
• 1 drop Benzoin
• 15mls Base Cream

For those who want to try Manila Elemi essential oil, please send inquiries to fb.com/everythingpili, fb.com/paleoishop, or SMS +639226246655, 

Full Disclosure: I, "the pili nut", sell Manila Elemi. I fell in love in 2015 and decided I wanted to help spread the word about this little-known Filipino wonder. I also sell pili nuts, pili pulp oil, and pili kernel oil - everything pili! 

Sleep

"(Lack of sleep) may be the single greatest contributor to chronic illness in general. That’s right, sleep, and not diet. Not activity level. Not stress. Sleep."

Read more: http://www.thepaleomom.com/sleep-requirements-and-debt/

One key learning: sleeping in on weekends is not going to make up for sleep debt during the rest of the week. You will pay for those late nights. (so consider carefully if catching up on episodes of The Walking Dead is really worth the high price you will pay.)

Respect your body. Respect nature. Trust God.

Getting adequate sleep is both a discipline and a trust exercise for me.

Discipline - because sometimes, I sacrifice sleep for unimportant things (TV, surfing, social media), and sleep late out of sheer aimlessness

Trust - because when I can't accomplish everything I think I need to accomplish, I need to know when to stop and simply trust that my best efforts are enough - and that it's okay to sleep. Lack of faith means I won't sleep well even if I try to sleep early. Peace of mind is a prerequisite to sound sleep, and sleep is a gift of God.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

Grateful today for sound sleep and the security that faith in a sovereign God affords.