Understanding Essential Oils: A Complete Guide For Beginners

Have you relied on a plant for healing today? You probably did without even realizing it. It’s easy to take these anchored down organisms for granted, but the truth is that many plants are filled with an arsenal of chemicals that can help or hurt us, depending on how we decide to put them to work. Humans have been using plants for their medicinal properties for thousands of years, but no part of a plant has ever been more valued than its essential oil.

Used medicinally, recreationally, and even religiously, essential oils have been an important part of cultural rituals since the beginning of human history. You too can benefit from the potent powers of healing plants, so long as you take the time to learn the facts about essential oils. From this guide, you’ll learn what essential oils can do (and what they can’t) for your health, how to use them and the kinds you should buy. No matter what your long term goals are for using essential oils, this guide will get you started.

What Makes an Oil Essential?

Put simply, an essential oil is the part of a plant that smells strongly. The aroma comes from the chemical content of volatile oils, which means that they are made from terpenes, or hundreds of carbon and hydrogen-based compounds intermixed. Unlike “true” oils (like olive oil), essential oils are far lighter and tend to vaporize when exposed to air.

A good way to understand essential oils is to think of them as the blood of plants. Like blood, essential oils seal cuts and trigger hormonal responses in plants when they are threatened. These oils are so essential for plant vitality that without them, plants would die.

Unlike human blood, essential oils only come from specific parts of plants. Some, like cardamon, can be found in seed pods, while others, like ginger, come from the root. Tree resin (myrrh), fruit peels (citrus oils), petals (rose), tree bark (cinnamon), and leaves (eucalyptus) also contains essential oils for some species.

On average, every essential oil contains over 100 components, many of which can change between plants themselves. Once distilled, essential oils become highly concentrated, meaning you need an incredible amount of plant material to make them. For example, one ounce of rose essential oil requires over 60,000 roses, and an ounce of peppermint oil requires more than 16 pounds of fresh leaves.

Looking Closer at the Essential Oil Extraction Process

It’s no simple task to pull essential oils out of plants, but there are several methods that tend to work best. The most popular method is steam distillation, which involves suspending fresh plants over boiling water so that steam can pull out their essential oils. These oils are captured in a vessel that pushes it through a tube, where it cools down and condenses back into a water-oil mixture. Because water and oil don’t mix, the oil can be carefully harvested, leaving 100% pure essential oil.

Another extraction method is expression, which is how citrus essential oils are made. Just like the process of cold pressing olive oils, citrus peels are mechanically squeezed until every last drop of essential oil comes out.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Your Body

Plants use their essential oils to keep themselves safe, but humans have long put them towards a different use: aromatherapy. In 1928, the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse found that his burnt hand felt better when he put some lavender oil on it. He decided to test these benefits out farther and soon stumbled upon the science of aromatherapy, which is the use of essential oils to promote healing and wellness.

Aromatherapy didn’t take off in the United States until the 1980s, but these valuable plant extracts were soon added to lotions, candles, and makeup for their aromatic benefits. Today, there are trained professionals (aromatherapists, physical therapists, and natural medicine doctors) who use aromatherapy to promote healing for a range of ailments.

More than 100,000 aromas exist in nature, but the human nose only recognizes a few hundred. Even so, certain smells can dramatically influence your emotions, feelings, and overall well-being. Many are capable of stimulating immune responses to help you fight off a cold and can dry out mucous to clear your air passageways. Others have nervine properties that calm anxiety, promote relaxation, and soothe tension headaches before they get out of control. Some have stimulating effects that work to wake you up, sharpen your focus, and eliminate mental fatigue.

The Three “Notes” of Essential Oils

Most essential oils are categorized as being a top, middle, or base note. The best blends of essential oils involve mixtures of all three notes to get a well-balanced scent.

Top Notes: Because they are made from young leaves, fresh herbs, and delicate flowers, top notes are the most volatile and fragile. These oils evaporate quickly, but they can quickly stimulate your senses in order to wake you up or snap you out of a bad mood. Some examples include peppermint, cinnamon, and sweet orange.

Middle Note: These well-balanced oils are good for the entire body. They are normally made through distilling the entire plant and tend to create a strong connection between the mind and the body, making them ideal for treating physical problems like stiffness and arthritis. Common examples are nutmeg, juniper, and lavender.

Base Notes: Robust and earthy, base notes are the richest form of essential oil and often come from tree resin. Their heavy, distinctive scents are great for calming anxiety and nerves. Some well-known varieties are vanilla, myrrh, and patchouli.

Benefits of Different Essential Oils

Because there are hundreds of essential oils, this article can’t delve into the benefits of each one. However, below are some of the most common essential oils and their benefits.

  • Rose: As one of the most valuable essential oils in the world, rose oil is great for reducing skin inflammation and as a facial moisturizer.
  • Cypress: Reduces the visibility of varicose veins, helps heal broken bones, and improves blood circulation.
  • Grapefruit: Helps to reduce cellulite when blended with coconut oil, and can work to rev up your metabolism.
  • Frankincense: Works to build up the immune system and reduce inflammation while supporting the brain and possibly helping you fight off cancer.
  • Clove: Protects your body against bacteria and parasites and provides you with antioxidants.
  • Lemon: A powerful ingredient to add to homemade cleaning products, lemon oil can also cleanse your body.
  • Tea Tree: Works to stimulate the immune system and can eliminate bad smells. Also renowned as an anti-bacteria, anti-fungal oil.
  • Myrrh: Can help prevent infections and promotes beautiful skin while minimizing stretch marks. Myrrh is also a natural antiseptic.
  • Ginger: Relieves nausea (especially from traveling) and improves digestion while supporting the health of your joints.
  • Eucalyptus: Improves respiratory issues, especially sinus infections and colds. Also used as a natural way to wake up your mind when you’re tired.
  • Oregano: Helps you recover faster from a cold and is an anti fungal and antimicrobial as well.
  • Sandalwood: Known for boosting energy and renowned as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido.
  • Lavender: Great for healing wounds, calming nerves, and improving moods. A natural choice for adding to personal care products.
  • Peppermint: An instant way to boost your energy, peppermint also reduces fevers and headaches, supports digestion, and helps you focus on tasks in front of you.
  • Rosemary: Improves brain function and memory and helps thicken hair when added to natural shampoos.

Buying Essential Oils: What You Need to Know

Because essential oils are natural products, their overall quality will change depending on where and how the plant was grown, the age of the plant when it was extracted, and the extraction method used. This means that not every oil is created equal. The best way to ensure you are avoiding inferior, low-grade products is to search for pure, uncut oils that were grown as close to nature intended as possible. Because essential oils are the most concentrated part of a plant, it can be disastrous to invest in some that were exposed to pesticides and other chemicals when alive. For this reason, it’s always smart to buy organic essential oils whenever possible.

Make sure to pay attention to the purity grade of the oil you intend to buy, choosing pure essential oils over synthetic whenever you get the chance. Sometimes cheap oils are diluted with true oils like olive oil, which you can test by dabbing a little on a tissue. If the oil doesn’t evaporate, it’s not truly essential. Price point often isn’t a good indicator of quality because low-grade oils can be sold for more than their value. Another red flag is when every oil from a company costs the same because true essential oils considerably vary  in cost. The best thing to do is to read reviews from previous buyers and learn where a company sources its oils in order to ensure quality.

Oils should be stored in tight closing, dark glass containers (some oils can dissolve plastic) and kept in a cool place. It’s also a smart idea to write the date on the bottles after opening them so that you can gauge their potency over time. When you use them, be sure to use a separate glass dropper for each bottle to prevent contamination, and tightly seal every bottle immediately after use. When stored correctly, most essential oils will last between one and three years.

Tips for Getting Started with Essential Oils

Knowing where to get started in the world of essential oils can be tricky. The best advice is to start small; invest in ten or fewer oils and see how you can incorporate them into your daily life. As you learn about the benefits they provide, you can slowly start expanding your collection to fit your needs.

Because essential oils evaporate so quickly, they usually need to be mixed with a carrier oil before use and many practitioners recommend mixing essential oils with carrier oils to dilute them. Carrier oils are true oils that come from the fatty parts of plants, meaning that they last longer on your skin and prolong the benefits of aromatherapy. Some common carrier oils include olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.

The most common methods for using essential oils are described below.

Inhalation

The simplest way to experience the benefits of many essential oils is to simply breathe them in. It’s possible to open a bottle and breathe deeply, but you can also use an electronic diffuser to spread the scent around a room. Another option is to create a potent steam by pouring 2-3 cups of boiling water into a bowl and adding several drops of oil. Keep your nose within a foot of the water and cover your head with a towel, breathing deeply to fully inhale the steam.

Topical Application

Many (but not all!) essential oils are also useful and safe to apply directly to the skin. The ears, temples, feet, and upper back are all popular places to try. Just put a few drops in your calm and carefully massage them into your preferred spot with gentle, circular motions. It’s usually best to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, so make sure to do your research first.

Internal Consumption

Some essential oils actually have nutritional benefits that make them safe to use as a food flavoring or dietary supplement. However, this is not an area where you should be experimenting. Before tasting an essential oil, be sure to read the instructions carefully and seek the advice of a medical professional. When in doubt, find another way to enjoy the benefits of your oil.

Therapeutic Bath

If you want to ease the stress of your day away, a bath infused with essential oils can’t be beat. Simply blend several drops of essential oil into a few scoops of Epsom salts (to help the oil spread through the water) and dissolve the mixture into your bathwater for a relaxing experience.

Aromatherapy Massage

Ease tension from your body and clear out your mind by experiencing an essential oil based massage. Just make sure to mix the oil with a carrier oil so that you can actually feel the benefits. Stronger blends are best, so plan on using up to 20 drops of oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Remember: More is Not Always Better

It’s easy to overdo it when it comes to essential oils, so keep in mind that these compounds are extremely concentrated plant chemicals. A little goes a long way because there’s a lot contained within each drop of oil. In fact, just one drop of peppermint oil has the same strength has 28 cups of peppermint tea. So use your drops sparingly and you’ll have plenty of oil left to enjoy for months to come.

In Summary

Essential oils are a world of aromatic goodness. Once you start experimenting with blends and scents, you’ll realize how addicting they can be and keep expanding your collection. No matter if you’re trying to ease some health problems or you’re simply trying to relax, there’s bound to be an essential oil out there that can help you out.

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Lavender: A Portrait of an Overlooked Panacea

For most people, lavender conjures memories of powdery-scented sachets in lingerie drawers, spray colognes, or dainty English soaps. Because of this nostalgic cosmetic association, this age-old garden plant has been mostly forgotten as a medicinal, even by seasoned herbalists. Lavandula angustifolia or true lavender is a gentle but highly effective multitasking plant ally for children and adults alike. This fragrant shrub in the mint family has tiny, purple flowers, but don’t let the lovely fragrance or size only connote cosmetic pleasantry. Lavender is highly therapeutic. It is capable of combating influenza and strep throat yet mild enough to calm the stormiest of tummy troubles in youngsters.

When infused gently in hot water, this lovely herb displays aqua hues that mellow to mauve as it fills the room with its fragrance. With such fairy glamor charms, this tea makes an easy internal medicine for nervous exhaustion, digestive spasms, tension headache and migraine, anxiety, panic attacks, chest infections, tonsillitis, bowel infections, excessive Candida, cold and flu, insomnia, and fevers including typhoid. Lavender can easily be combined with synergistic herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, and rose petals to tailor its valuable properties for specific maladies.

On the other hand, lavender essential oils—true lavender and spike lavender–—are some of the most important oils in clinical aromatherapy that are capable of fighting drug-resistant infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) when used topically.

When looking at the body of modern clinical studies, old herbal manuals, and scribbled notes of aromatherapists, it is easy to see why this humble plant should be one of the most important items to keep on hand at all times—in the medicine chest, the kitchen cabinet, and the travel case.

Uses for Lavender Tea

Allergies and Adrenal Support

Lavender is a natural immune booster, but it can also calm an overactive immune system that is responsible for multiple allergies or sensitivities. The adrenals, the body’s stress glands, can play a significant role in promoting equilibrium between both extremes, and lavender can help. When the adrenals are nourished and the more the parasympathetic nervous system kicks into temper chronic fight or flight response, there will be fewer allergies and less severe allergies.

Tip: To prevent the body from neutralizing the effects of long-term use, alternate weeks that you drink lavender tea. For example, after a week of consistent use, skip a week and then resume.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups a day.

Anxiety, Depression, and Neurotransmitter Balance

Lavender—both its scent and chemical properties within the flowers themselves when ingested—affect the production of serotonin, a vital neurotransmitter found within the gut and the brain. When this neurotransmitter is imbalanced or deficient, a multitude of “mental health” conditions can manifest. An inhibitory neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a major role in taming excessive production of excitatory chemicals that are responsible for low immunity, disrupted sleep cycles, sugar cravings, and heightened pain. Regular consumption of coffee and other stimulants, prolonged stress, hormonal changes, and poor diet compromise and deplete our serotonin levels. In the simplest terms, serotonin imbalance directly affects many functions in the body including digestion as well as emotional wellbeing. When it is disrupted, it can be evident in many ways ranging from hormonal moodiness to eating disorders such as bulimia and certain types of depression to chronic anxiety. Lavender tea can offer wonderful and near-immediate calming effects by lowering the stress hormone cortisol and regulating adrenaline.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups a day.

Blood Sugar Balance

 Lavender tea has balancing effects on the pancreas and insulation production, therefore it can be beneficial for blood sugar stability, especially for non-diabetic/reactive hypoglycemia.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Because of its effects on neurochemicals and the adrenals, lavender tea is helpful for some individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Digestive Balance

Chamomile has long been hailed as the quintessential herb for stomach upset, but lavender is also a heavy hitter when it comes to calming nervous bellies, nausea, gas, bloating, and griping pains. A warm infusion of lavender can also increase good intestinal flora while combatting yeast overgrowth. Lavender tea is also an excellent children’s remedy for tummy troubles, school jitters, nightmares, and stomach aches from nervous origins.

Recommended amount for adults: 1-3 cups a day. Recommended amount for little ones: ½ cup twice a day taken by the tablespoon if need be. A little local honey makes it a pleasant drink.

Energetic Properties and Emotional Influence

On the energetic level, lavender can soothe stormy emotions, stimulate peace where there is resentment or jealousy, and lift the mood.

Immunity

 An infusion of lavender flowers drunk a few times a week is a pleasant immune booster that can prevent illness during the flu season, guard against infections, and balance neurochemicals such as serotonin that play an important role in strong immunity. Lavender tea is also wonderful for sore throats, and an added touch of local honey enhances its healing and soothing properties. The tea can be drunk cold, at room temperature, or hot. The latter is useful in bringing down high fevers.

Recommended amount: 3-5 cups a week, skip a week and then resume.

Insomnia  

The scent of lavender and its effects on calming the body and inducing sleep are well known, but the herb prepared as tea gets little attention. A warm lavender infusion taken half an hour before bed can help the body wind down and calm racing thoughts.

Recommended amount: 1 cup of strong unsweetened tea before bedtime.

Muscle Tension and Headaches

Warm or hot lavender tea  can relieve tension headaches and muscle tightness (anywhere in the body, including the neck), and it may help migraines.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea.

Caution: Because of lavender’s effects on neurotransmitters and insulin, those on antidepressants, diabetic pharmaceuticals, or sleep medications might need less of these drugs and should be monitored. Always ask your physician about contraindications regarding any medication. Also, despite lavender’s gentle effects, some individuals can be allergic to it. If any signs of allergic reaction occur, discontinue use.

How To Make Lavender Tea

Quick Method

Use 1-1 ½ teaspoons of dried organic lavender flowers per cup of water. Place the dried herb in a heat proof Pyrex measuring cup or a tea pot, pour boiling water over the lavender and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. If preferred, add honey to taste.

Overnight Method for a Larger Quantity

Fill a 1-quart Mason jar with ½-3/4 cup of dried organic lavender flowers. Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar halfway. Stir the herb mixture and then fill the rest of the jar with water until full. Put a lid on and cover with a towel overnight. Strain and drink. If preferred, add honey to taste. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be reheated.

Topical Use of Lavender Essential Oil

How to Use Lavender Oil Topically

Due to individual skin sensitivity, neat, or undiluted, application of lavender essential oil is recommended via the soles of the feet. Pores of the foot sole are the largest in the body and are therefore ideal for fast delivery of essential oils into the bloodstream. Inhalation of lavender essential oil can also have profound benefits.

Adults: For undiluted application to the soles of the feet, use 3-4 drops of essential oil maximum per foot. Apply to the soft part of the sole between the heel and the ball of the foot.

Children: Use 1 drop essential oil per sole of the foot or 1 drop of essential oil mixed into 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and massage on chest, belly, or any other part of the body. Avoid mucus membranes.

Tip: The easiest way to apply essential oils neat to the soles of the feet is to simply place an index finger over an essential oil bottle, invert the bottle, and then turn right-side up. The amount of essential oil dispensed on your finger should equal 1 drop. Be sure to allow oils to be absorbed before putting on shoes and socks.

Uses for Lavender Oil

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, and Chronic Worry

Lavender essential oil is the premiere essential oil for afflictions of the nervous system that manifest as emotional or psychological conditions ranging from certain types of depression to PTSD. Dermal (skin) application and inhalation are both recommended for any of the above. Lavender essential oil is best used consistently, even when symptoms are not apparent. For example, a person who suffers from panic attacks will benefit from lavender by using it between attacks as a preventative measure as well as when symptoms are present. When inhaled, lavender essential oil immediately affects the limbic portion of the brain and works with the adrenals to regulate stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. For inhalation, put a drop on a tissue and inhale as needed.

Cardiovascular Health

Dermal application of lavender essential oil has been shown to increase oxygen and decrease inflammation, thus making it beneficial for heart disease or the prevention of this condition.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Steam inhalation is also beneficial and can be used by dropping 3 drops of lavender essential oil into hot water and inhaling for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

Chronic Pain Syndromes and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes respond positively to a topical application of lavender. Lavender is a gentle analgesic that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation. Steam inhalation of lavender can also benefit the body by reducing physiological stress responses and reducing inflammation.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed.

Steam inhalation: add 3 drops of lavender essential oil to hot water and inhale for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

First-Aid and Skin Health 

A drop or two of lavender essential oil applied to cuts, burns, wounds, and other injuries can instantly promote healing and stop bleeding. Immediate application followed up with daily re-application is recommended for best results. A few drops of lavender essential oil added to water in a spray bottle makes a wonderful sunburn soother that can also be used for inflamed skin condition such as acne, rosacea, and allergies. Lavender applied to the skin after radiation treatment can speed healing and ease pain. Lavender has been shown to decrease certain types of skin cancers, especially when combined with high quality frankincense essential oil.

Headaches

A few drops applied to the back of the neck, the temples, and the forehead can relieve headaches stemming from tension, stress, and allergies. Use as needed.

Immunity

Lavender essential oil is a powerful oil to use during the cold and flu season and is best used as a preventative.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Lavender essential oil can be combined with other immune-boosting essential oils such as clove or organic lemon. If combining, use 2 drops of lavender to 1 drop of lemon or clove.

Conclusion

In the world of alternative health, lavender is an all-around remedy with many more uses than those discussed here. It is also a gift for the frazzled spirit in challenging times. Here’s wishing you lavender’s beautiful benefits!

Recommended Reading:
Where to Find Dried Organic Lavender Flowers:
Author’s Recommended Brands of Essential Oil of Lavender, Spike Lavender, and Other Lavender Species:
  • Birch Hill Happenings
  • doTERRA
  • NOW
  • Young Living
Sources:
Books
  • Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss
  • Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
  • Flower Power by Anne McIntyre
  • Goddess Consciousness by Marlaina Donato
  • Healing Oils, Healing Hands by Linda Smith
  • Multidimensional Aromatherapy by Marlaina Donato, CA
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What Can Epsom Salts Do For you?

Epsom salt is not actually salt; it is a mineral compound, magnesium sulfate. It looks like large salt crystals, dissolves easily in water, and has many uses for health, beauty, and the garden.

There are different grades of Epsom salt, one for agricultural and one for personal use. For personal use, look for USP or the “drug facts” list on the label.

Why Take an Epsom Salt Bath?

Epsom salt baths are relaxing and therapeutic. They are a long known treatment for skin issues like eczema and acne, muscle soreness (well known within the bodybuilding community!), inflammation, bruising, swelling, and strained or torn muscles and ligaments. Epsom salt baths are also a wonderful aid for detoxing and an easy means to up your intake of both magnesium and sulfate.

Why We Need Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial to our health. It is a key mineral for metabolic processes that play a role in more than 300 chemical reactions in the body. It helps the body regulate enzymes and aids in electrical impulses, toxin elimination, muscle control, and more. The University of Maryland Medical Center site states, “Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs magnesium. This mineral also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate levels of calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body.”

It is believed that most of us do not get as much magnesium as we need from our diet due to depleted soil and municipal water, which is stripped of minerals during the purification process.

How to Properly Take an Epsom Salt Bath or Soak

You will commonly see directions suggesting 2 cups to a normal size bath, more for an oversized bath, with a 12-15 minute soak. David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS, suggests a much more individualized measurement and a much longer soak. He recommends the amount be determined by the individual’s weight. The following is for a standard size bathtub:

  • Children under 60 lbs: ½ cup
  • Individuals between 60-100 lbs: 1 cup
  • Individuals between 100-150 lbs: 1½ cups
  • Individuals between 150-200 lbs: 2 cups
  • For every 50lbs more – add an additional ½ cup of salts.

As for soaking time, he says the first 20 minutes pulls out toxins while the second 20 minutes allows the body to soak up the magnesium and sulfate.

He also cites the following contraindications: pregnancy, open wounds or burns, or cardiovascular disease (without your healthcare practitioners knowledge).

For muscle soreness an Epsom salt bath is one of the best things you can do, but if your goal is detoxification, first do a dry brush rub to remove dead skin and open up your pores. This takes about five minutes. Take your time. When you finish soaking, consider hot and cold hydrotherapy.

Combine Epsom Salt With Other Ingredients

You can add additional ingredients to your Epsom salt bath such as essential oils, baking soda, olive oil, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and more.

Essential oils are a natural compliment. The usual suggestion is 3-10 drops. Remember essential oils are medicinal. For recipes google “essential oils plus Epsom salts.” You will generate more than 400,000 hits.

Dr. Jockers suggests adding from 1 teaspoon to ½ cup of ginger or cayenne to “increase heat levels, which help you to sweat out toxins.” These herbs not only enhance the detoxification process, they are full of antioxidants as well.

Use Epsom Salt to Make a Compress or a Foot Bath

You can make a compress to relieve muscle pain. Start by dissolving Epsom salt in cold water with a ratio of 2 tablespoons for each cup of water. Use a cotton washcloth to soak up the solution and apply to affected area.

To create a footbath, use one cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet to alleviate tired aching feet, sprains, and fungal infections of the feet or toenails. Footbaths also allow the body to soak up magnesium and release toxins (though perhaps not as much as a full body soak).

Use Epsom Salt as a Laxative

Epsom salt can be used as a laxative, though care must be taken. It is possible to overdose on magnesium that is ingested and there are several contraindications for this use. Check out this article on Drugs.com for more information and pertinent warnings.

Use Epsom Salt in the Garden

Epsom salt is used as a fertilizer and an insect deterrent in the garden and for houseplants. Roses, peppers, and tomatoes, in particular, tend to benefit from its use. A trail of Epsom salt sprinkled around an area deters slugs and raccoons.

Additional Uses of Epsom Salt

There are many ways to use Epsom salt. Here are a few:

  • Remove a stubborn splinter. (Soak area for a few minutes prior to removal to decrease inflammation and swelling and to soften the splinter.)
  • Clean out washing machine. (Pour 1 cup into machine and run through normal cycle.)
  • Clean bathroom grout. (Use equal amounts of Epsom salt and dishwashing detergent.)
  • Use as an abrasive to clean pots and pans.

But there’s nothing better than an Epsom salt soak when your sore. If you experience muscle soreness due to an autoimmune disease, check out Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid and Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases.

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Sunburst Diffuser by Drops of Joy Jewelry – Product Review

I admit it; I love jewelry. My collection is pretty impressive. When Drops of Joy Jewelry asked me to do a product review, I didn’t warn them. They had no idea I was a hard- to-please, discerning collector who would tell it like it is with no hesitation. But there was no need. I loved the locket they sent to me.

The company is aptly named. Drops of Joy is a reference to their jewelry’s functionality. That’s right, this is jewelry with a purpose – aromatherapy diffusion. They brag by stating, “Our jewelry smells better than yours!” There is another way this company spreads joy. They donate $2.00 for every item sold to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is the charity hospital that never charges families for travel, housing, food, or their child’s treatment.

The locket I received is called the Sunburst Diffuser. It is both beautiful and surprisingly sturdy. This is not the typical, delicate, silver-plated jewelry we’ve come to know with a finish that will flake off or hinges that will bend and break. This is a locket made of hefty, solid, stainless steel with a strong magnetic closure. I found myself playing with it – opening and closing it a dozen times because I liked the feel and weight of it.

The locket comes with three responsibly sourced leather dots. To use the locket as a diffuser, simply saturate the dot with your choice of oil or a combination of oils and insert it into the locket. If you are a vegan or for any reason you do not wish to use leather inserts, a substitution of felt inserts can be made upon request. You can also choose your length of chain (16, 18, 20, or 22 inches) for no extra charge. And shipping is free throughout the Unites States!

If you use essential oils, or even if you don’t, check out this lovely collection at Drops of Joy Jewelry. Stock up for gift giving, but don’t neglect yourself.



Nourishing Scents for Dismal Winter Months

From hot cocoa to cheery clementines, the winter months are associated with delightful smells. Whether you revel in the pungent aroma of a holiday tree or a sprinkle of cinnamon on a festive dessert, aromatics have a positive effect on wellbeing.

The days are short during the cold months, and that means most of us don’t wrap up the work day in time to have a chance to soak up some sunlight. Less sunlight affects our mood, and the reason goes way beyond the dismal tone of gray days. Serotonin and other feel-good neurochemicals in our bodies are stimulated by natural, full-spectrum light, and without it, sadness, depression, and lassitude can become a problem.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a form of depression that accompanies the change of seasons and can be debilitating. Seasonal Affective Disorder is often dismissed as the “winter blues”, but for many individuals, it is an annual descent into deep melancholy and moodiness. SAD can be treated with light therapy, medication, herbal supplements, and clinical aromatherapy. The latter is a delightful and nourishing tool for self-care during the winter months.

Aromatic medicine is not only ideal for improving mood but also for boosting immunity. Lung-supporting steams, fragrant baths, invigorating showers, cold-soothing chest rubs, and delicious-smelling potpourri take only minutes to create and can make winter an easier passage.

Looking at the scents we most commonly gravitate toward this time of year validates the deeper wisdom of our sense of smell. Here are a few:

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Balsam fir, the quintessential scent of the Christmas tree, is an uplifting scent that has a wonderful effect on frazzled nerves. Its superpower is the ability to lower excess cortisol in the body and support the adrenals, the body’s stress glands. Balsam fir is the ideal aroma to reach for when exhausted, emotionally spent, fighting a cold or battling the flu, or feeling off kilter from stress. It can be applied to a tissue and inhaled, diluted in unscented lotion or vegetable oil and rubbed on the chest, or added to distilled water in a spray bottle for disinfecting surfaces or clearing the air of unwanted odors. Balsam fir is an uplifting oil that can be inhaled to soften the edge of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and other forms of depression.

Cacao (Theobroma cacao)

Cacao, the euphoric aroma of chocolate, stimulates serotonin and dopamine within seconds, therefore, flooding the brain with feel-good chemicals and inducing a better mood. Cacao is a good scent to reach for when irritability and holiday stress take the joy out of winter festivities. It is also invaluable in helping to ease cravings for chocolate, white-flour carbs, and sugary treats. Inhaling cacao when a craving comes on can reduce the need to grab the nearest cupcake or candy bar.

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

The scent of artificial cinnamon is often sprayed on pine cones and potpourris during holiday time. These chemical imposters greet shoppers at the market and florist, but the real thing is not only better for your health but a great way to increase energy and fight viruses. Cinnamon bark essential oil is a powerful substance and must be used with caution, but its benefits are worth investing in a little know-how. 1 drop or 2 applied to the soles of the feet can ward off influenza and other nasty illnesses. It can be sprinkled onto dry leaves and pine cones for a spicy potpourri that not only delights the nose but uplifts the mood, increases vitality, and wakes up sluggish minds. When diffused into the air via a nebulizer, cinnamon will kill bacteria, molds, and viruses upon contact. *Caution: Cinnamon can irritate the mucus membranes, so please do not inhale directly or allow it to come in contact with the eyes. Do not apply to any other part of the body, only the soles of the feet. **Tip: cassia is a great substitute for more expensive cinnamon for scenting the home or office.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Menthol, the major component of eucalyptus, is most commonly used in chest rubs and cough drops. Its slap-you-in-the-face coolness is excellent for bronchial and sinus congestion, aches and pains, and boosting immunity. Add a few drops in Epsom salts or evaporated sea salt for an invigorating, nourishing bath. For a healing steam that can unblock sinuses, ease colds and flu, and improve the effects of winter depression, add 1-3 drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale with a towel over the head. A drop or two is a wonderful addition to natural potpourri: sprinkle 3 drops of eucalyptus, 5 drops balsam fir or pine needle, and 4 drops of sweet orange oil on dried leaves or pine cones. *Caution: do not use near the face or on the chest in cases of asthma, for menthol can trigger asthmatic attacks in some individuals. Avoid the eyes.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)

Frankincense, most commonly associated with biblical times, is derived from a resilient desert tree that exudes a fragrant resin when the bark is wounded or slashed. The essential oil is supportive to the lungs, endocrine system, and nerves. It is also a wonderful scent to inhale to increase oxygen in the brain and other tissues. Frankincense is a fine oil to use during meditative times to deepen relaxation and spiritual connection. This oil may be blended with lavender, ylang ylang, and myrrh to enhance its nerve-calming abilities. *Tip: Frankincense is one of the most important essential oils in modern clinical aromatherapy and is used for everything from panic disorders to cancer prevention and treatment.

Peppermint (Mentha piperata)

Peppermint is such a part of everyday life, it is easy to forget its deeply medicinal properties. Found in everything from toothpaste to candy canes, this essential oil is useful for every facet of life and health. It is invaluable for digestive woes, especially after eating too rich foods during holiday time. A few drops can be added to a little vegetable oil or unscented lotion and rubbed on the belly for fast relief of gas, bloating, cramping, intestinal distress, and general indigestion. A speck under the tongue can relieve nausea. Add a few drops in Epsom salts or evaporated sea salt for an invigorating, nourishing bath. For a healing steam that can unblock sinuses, ease colds and flu, and improve the effects of winter depression, add 1-3 drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale with a towel over the head. *Caution: do not use near the face or on the chest in cases of asthma, for menthol can trigger asthmatic attacks in some individuals. Avoid the eyes.

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

Tangerine, similar to sweet orange essential oil in scent, is a delightful citrus aroma that induces happiness, calm, and hope when inhaled. It is a gentle oil, especially beneficial for irritable children and a lovely addition to bedtime. It is a great pick-me-up when added to household cleaners, room sprays, potpourri, and air fresheners.

Essential oils are the ideal choice for aromatherapeutic inhalation, but if you don’t have any on hand, simply crush an orange peel or pine needles and inhale deeply; brew a pot of tea with a couple of cinnamon sticks and inhale the steam. With a little fragrance, winter and its challenges can be tamed, and life, just a little bit sweeter.

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  • Multidimensional Aromatherapy: Clinical, Practical, and Vibrational Applications by Marlaina Donato


How are Ayurvedic Oils Healthy for Your Skin?

Ayurveda is the oldest science for healing and improving health using plant fats and essential oils that provide nourishment and rejuvenation to the body, mind, and spirit.

The following benefits of Ayurvedic oils make them an effective skin care regimen.

Ayurvedic Oils Create Good Vibrations in the Body

As per the wisdom of classical Ayurveda, natural plant-based oils have high vibrational frequencies, which are much needed for the skin to thrive. Ayurveda says that the human body is electrical and requires natural fats and oils to work at its optimal vibrational levels.

Everything in the universe works at a specific frequency and even the essential oils vibrate at a high frequency.

For example, therapeutic-grade rose essential oil has an average frequency of 320 MHz, and lavender has an average frequency of 118 MHz, whereas fresh produce vibrates at 15 MHz and fresh herbs between 20-27 MHz.

Human beings also have their own electromagnetic frequencies. If you consider the frequency of a healthy person then you will find it to be between 62 and 78 MHz. Using high-frequency ingredients like essential oils for our skin care helps the body achieve its optimal vibration.

Skin and plants contain high levels of prana and using them together can help to increase the skin’s frequency.

According to Ayurveda, dead or tamasic food such as canned or processed items have zero prana levels, which means they possess no measurable vibrational frequency. Therefore, they aren’t beneficial to our body in any way.

If one understands the way frequency works in the universe, one can easily heal and prevent diseases and using these high energy oils from plant extracts that raise the vibrational frequency of the body and improve our overall health.

Perfect Superfoods for Skin

Our digestive system is capable of preventing chemicals or synthetic additives from mixing with our bloodstream and cells. But when we apply chemicals directly on our skin, they are absorbed into our blood, organs, tissues, and cells without any filtrations. This excess dead waste can get accumulated in the liver and lead to health problems in the future.

If we understand the need of our skin and importance of fatty acids for it, we would never apply chemical-laden products on our skin and use only plant-based oils containing antioxidants, omega-3 fats, vitamins, minerals, and living enzymes.

Feeding your skin with a good amount of fatty acids helps to improve the health of skin cells and makes the skin look radiant, supple, and rejuvenated.

Immunity Booster

Essential oils are laden with natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which guard the skin against invading organisms and infections. Essential oils have the power to remove toxins from the body and their aromatic therapeutic properties help to calm the nervous system and help the body to cope up with stress and rejuvenate. Moreover, a relaxed nervous system can help the cells to repair themselves.

Your skin has the capacity to heal itself regardless of whatever it has been exposed to in the past because skin cells regenerate every 40 days. This allows exposed cells to heal.

Nourishing your skin with Ayurvedic oils improves health and helps your body and mind to heal quickly. Plants are full of life and possess natural properties that can help your skin to thrive, glow, and vibrate with health. So, start using them today.

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The Rocky Road to Menopause and How Essential Oils Can Help

Most women can agree that there was little information regarding women’s hormonal changes when our mothers transitioned through menopause. Hot flashes were commonly the only thing addressed, which gave most of us the impression that menopause is a brief hot mess and then the menstrual cycle stops for good. Though this is the case for a small percentage of women, perimenopause—the period of time before the cessation of menstruation—is a challenging reality that can last 3-15 years before actual menopause.

Today, we have access to knowledge about our bodies that our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers were without. Now we know that gastro-intestinal distress, mild to severe anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, itchy skin, depression, loss of libido, muscle pain, cold and hot flashes, fibroids, heavy monthly bleeding, tension and migraine headaches, heart palpitations, mood swings, irritable bladder and a host of other sometimes-frightening physical challenges are common symptoms of hormonal changes at midlife. Women who are unaware of the hormonal havoc their bodies are experiencing often rush to the doctor for cardiac tests when their hearts won’t stop racing or get extensive gastrointestinal tests when heartburn, indigestion, or constipation become chronic. These tests show nothing abnormal most of the time, which only adds to the frustration factor.

Perimenopausal hormonal shifts can put the female body and psyche on a roller coaster, pumping too much estrogen one moment and too little the next. Progesterone can also drop dramatically or surge, and testosterone is often low enough to give many women a profound disinterest in sex despite healthy, passionate relationships. The adrenals—the body’s stress glands—work harder during perimenopause and take over for aging ovaries. This means that even individuals with healthy adrenal function will most likely be affected, and those with genetic or acquired adrenal fatigue will feel the changes of midlife even more strongly.

Hormone tests for perimenopause are often unreliable because of erratic hormonal surges; the results usually reflect hormonal status of the time they are taken and cannot accurately portray what is happening inside the body on a daily basis. Only during the later stages of perimenopause are these tests reliable, so many conventional doctors choose not to test hormones or fail to take their female patients seriously. Perimenopause can be the most challenging time of a woman’s life, and the last thing she needs is a doctor who will not take hormonal changes into account.

Many women opt for hormonal replacement therapy (H.R.T.), but much relief can come from diet, herbal, and vitamin supplementation, and clinical aromatherapy. The latter can have profound effects on the nervous system, which in turn affects the endocrine system. Essential oils can be a great solace both physically and emotionally. Let’s look at a few essential oils that could make the difference between barely functioning and feeling a whole lot better:

Geranium: Geranium is a gentle but effective essential oil that can be a woman’s best friend during any time of life, especially perimenopause. It helps to tame wild surges of estrogen or progesterone and promotes harmony between not only these hormones but other hormones such as testosterone and stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. It fortifies the adrenals, reproductive organs, and nervous system in a way that can be felt almost immediately. It can be used for most symptoms including perimenopausal digestive distress, erratic mood swings, sore breasts, and weepiness. Geranium can be applied to the soles of the feet using 2 drops per sole 1-2 times a day. It can be mixed with evaporated sea salt or Epsom salts and added to a bath using up to 10 drops per bath. It is the essential oil to use daily, through ovulation right up to the onset of menstruation. Most women see less severity of symptoms, easier periods, and more stable emotions. Geranium’s pleasant green, floral scent is usually enjoyed singularly or mixed with other oils such as lavender or ylang ylang. Lavender is a good choice, for its balancing effects work synergistically with geranium.

Vetiver: Vetiver is a deep, earth-scented essential oil that promotes balance between estrogen and progesterone. It is best used 2-7 days before the menstrual period begins and can have calming, harmonizing effects on the body and psyche. It soothes the nervous system, calms panic, eases worry, and encourages feelings of safety. It is best applied daily to the soles of the feet using 2 drops per sole. A drop on the hand can be inhaled to calm the nerves or prepare the body for sleep.

Clary Sage: Clary sage is a grassy, pleasant essential oil most valuable for hot flashes and other symptoms of waning estrogen. It also lifts depressive states, melancholy, and instills confidence when the spirits are low. Clary sage can boost libido in some women. It is best applied daily to the soles of the feet using 2 drops per sole. This essential oil is a lovely addition to a hot bath and can be combined with geranium or black spruce for added adrenal support. It can also be inhaled to bring harmony and positivity to the nervous system. *Caution: women with estrogen dominance, breast cancer, or history of estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid dermal use (through the skin). Inhalation is okay.

Black Spruce: Black spruce is a wonderful evergreen oil that supports adrenal and kidney function. It is excellent to lower excessive cortisol and other stress hormones as well as restore a frazzled nervous system. It is best applied daily to the soles of the feet using 2-3 drops per sole, preferably in the morning or at bedtime. It can be mixed with evaporated sea salt or Epsom salts and added to a bath using up to 10 drops per bath.

Rose Absolute: Rose absolute, even in diluted form, is a lovely oil that brings harmony and stability to the female body. It lifts the libido, balances hormones, and soothes the emotions. It can be added to unscented lotion and applied all over the body for a balancing moisturizer. Rose may also be helpful for premenstrual food cravings.

Neroli: Neroli, even in diluted form, is a powerful but gentle oil with sedative qualities. It is invaluable for heart palpitations, trembling, panic attacks, general anxiety, excessive worry, and insomnia related to hormonal shifts. A few drops on the palm of the hand help the body to find equilibrium almost immediately. Neroli works incredibly well with ylang ylang, especially for women who are awakened by adrenalin rushes in the middle of the night.

Ylang Ylang: A heady, floral essential oil, ylang ylang helps the body to balance its output of adrenalin. It is most valuable for heart flutters, intense outbursts and changes of mood, and the effects of stress. A few drops applied to the soles of the feet will help the body through stressful times and hormonal fluctuation. It can be mixed with evaporated sea salt or Epsom salts and added to a bath using up to 5 drops per bath. 1 drop of ylang ylang and 1 drop of neroli applied to the palm of the hand can bring immediate calm when inhaled.

Spearmint: Bright and sweet, spearmint is a wonderful essential oil for overall hormonal balance for women. It can be used for PMS to ease headaches, indigestion, discomfort from water gain, low energy and achy muscles. It can be applied daily to the soles of the feet using 2-3 drops per sole once, preferably in the morning. It can also be inhaled for a quick pick-me-up.

Perimenopause is a time of transition, and like all transitions, temporary. It is easy to forget this when we are in its grip, but essential oils can help ease the passage and bring many unexpected gifts of healing. Essential oils work with our physiological processes as well as the emotional and spiritual selves. They can be our greatest allies, reminding us to be gentle with ourselves and that the best years of our lives are truly ahead of us.

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