Natural Health Tips: Buying Quality Essential Oils

Buying quality essential oils is the most important step of aromatherapy. If your oils are not pure, they can’t perform as well as they should; or can even be irritating to you. Remember aromatherapy works because of the properties of the oils, not the scent.

With the popularity of essential oils increasing daily, it has become somewhat of a challenge to find good quality essential oils. Many marketers are diluting quality oils down to get more money from them or even worse; they’re passing off fakes as the real thing!

Caution and discernment must be used when purchasing essential oils. The most common thinning procedure combines our beautiful oils with kerosene to water them down, and fill more bottles. This can be dangerous if you are using some of the aromatherapy methods involving heat, not to mention who wants to inhale kerosene or rub it on their skin?

Here are some tips for ensuring you are purchasing quality essential oils.

1. 1.       Know the fragrance of a true essential oil. There will be links at the end of this article where you can purchase quality essential oils, and I recommend buying from these retailers. If you have access to essential oils locally however, at least purchase one bottle from these sites to have a knowledge of what the oil should smell like for future shopping.
2. 2.       Know the proper price range. A good way to tell if an essential oil is a fake is to simply examine the price tag. The oil I use as a standard for measuring others is Lavender. If their Lavender oil is in the correct price range, then you should be in the clear. Give everything a sniff as well to ensure that they aren’t trying to pass off a watered down oil for a real one.
3. 3.       If you’ve already purchased an oil, test its flammability. Essential oils and non-flammable, so if one you’ve purchased catches flame it is either full of kerosene or other awful chemicals.

If you follow these simple tips you will have a much more pleasant shopping experience, and will be able to use the oils you’ve purchased for aromatherapy (as opposed to just perfumery.) I also can’t stress tip number one enough. There is only one way to tell for sure if an oil is true, and that is smelling it. The other tips give you hints, but the nose knows. Remember to always smell oils before you buy them, and if the store won’t allow you to do so; they probably have fakes.

Links for Quality Essential Oils

Mountain Rose Herbs: My absolute favorite place to buy herbs, oils, and even baking soda. I would recommend this company to anyone.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/aroma/ess.html

Snow Lotus: This company is a little more pricey, but it is better to get the precious oils from this company because they make 10% dilutions to make them readily available.

http://www.snowlotus.org/snowlotus-organic-essential-oils.aspx

Natural Beauty Tips: Aromatherapy Facial Cleansers

One of the most important things we can do to keep our face looking young and healthy, is cleaning it properly. It is also a snap to create natural cleansers that not only lack the harsh and destructive chemicals that conventional cleansers use, but can also be customized to fit our skin type, and can even be adapted to different needs for each season. In addition to those wonderful benefits, it often costs much less to make our own products, as we aren’t paying for mass production and advertising.

The recipes below are all wonderful; simply give one that seems like a good fit a try. Just remember no two faces are the same; and what may work for someone else, might not work for you.

Oil-Based Cleansing Paste for All Skin Types

3 ounces Almond Oil
4 ounces Ground Almonds
2 ounces Cider Vinegar
2 ounces Spring Water (or Distilled)
6 drops of your choice of Essential Oil(s)

Place all ingredients in a blender and mix for a good two minutes until a smooth paste is obtained. Store in a jar, and use as a regular cleanser.

The Essential Oils of Clary Sage, Lemon, Lime, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Chamomile, Geranium, and Lavender are all good choices for this recipe and the one following it, because of their wonderful cleansing properties.

Multipurpose Cleansing Oil

2 ounces Grapeseed Oil
4 teaspoons Sunflower Oil
4 teaspoons Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon Wheatgerm Oil
5 drops of your choice of Essential Oil(s)

Blend all the oils together then add essential oils and blend again. This can be used as a cleanser and make-up remover.

Rich Cleansing Cream

This recipe is best for dehydrated skin
½ ounce Beeswax
1 ounce Lanolin Hydrous
2 ounces Almond Oil
1 ounce Avocado Oil
1 ounce Grapeseed Oil
3 ounces Pure Spring Water (or Distilled)
2 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Lemon

Using a double boiler, melt the beeswax, lanolin, vegetable oils and stir well. Then add the essential oils and take the pot off the heat and slowly add in the water. Mix in a blender or whisk until the mixture is cold. Use as a regular cleanser, and store in a jar.

Cocoa Butter Cleanser

3 ounces Cocoa Butter
1 ½ ounce warm Grapeseed Oil
1 ½ ounce warm Spring Water (or Distilled)
1 drop Rose Maroc
1 drop Sandalwood

Using a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter then add the spring water and the grapeseed oil. Mix in a blender or whisk until cold. When the mixture has cooled add the essential oils. Store in a jar, and use as a regular cleanser.

Almond Face Rinse

This recipe is suitable for all skin types
3 ounces Ground Almonds
3 ounces Cornflour
3 ounces grated Pure Vegetable Soap
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Lemon
1 drop Hyssop

Mix the almonds, cornflour, and soap in a blender. When well mixed add the essential oils and blend again. Store dry and use a small amount mixed with water in your palm to wash your face. Rinse well.

I know what you’re saying, “These recipes contain oil! They’ll clog my pores!” But when it comes to skin, not all oils are created equally. Vegetable oils do not clog your pores, and help moisturize your skin so well that your own sebaceous glands can cut back on producing your natural body oils. These oils can build up and clog your pores; therefore vegetable oils help to regulate acne, and other facial breakouts.

Trust me on this one. I have been using vegetable oils in skin care for three years now, and I am still a young adult with facial blemishes. My acne problems have significantly decreased since I’ve started using aromatherapy and vegetable oils to cleanse and hydrate my skin. Give them a try.

Recipes pulled from:

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

Essential Oil Profile: Geranium

For many people such as myself, geraniums are a childhood friend. Many mothers and grandmothers have grown them for generations, and many children have delighted in their beauty. These motherly plants are not true geraniums however, they are crane’s bills. True geraniums belong to a different family, and it is from the Rose Geranium that we extract this beautiful oil.

The Properties of Geranium: (See Herbal Terminology Page for definitions of words.)

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anticoagulant, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Deodorant, Insecticide, Tonic, Vasoconstrictor, Immune Stimulant, Antibacterial

Uses of Geranium Include:

Physical: Helps depression, menstrual problems, diarrhea, diabetes, sores, neuralgia, bleeding, circulatory conditions, eczema, sore throats, nervous tension, and kidney stones.

Emotional and Mental: Counteracts anxiety, depression, acute fear, extreme moods, confusion, rigidity, instability, abuse, moodiness, lack of self-esteem, insecurity, sensitivity, tension, stress, hurt, being overly emotional, crisis, apprehension, aggression, irrationality, discontent, worry and heartache.

Nourishes consoling, cushioning, solace, adjustment, elevation, regeneration, humor, friendliness, balance, security, assurance, stability, tranquility, steadiness, and can act as a stimulant and shield.

Spiritual and Energetic: Geranium belongs to the element of water and is under the rule of the planet Venus. It is used in protective rituals, and love spells. A sachet containing Geranium is said to attract love, and the plants help protect the home and its inhabitants.

Applications of Geranium Oil: (Never use essential oils internally unless instructed by a qualified health care professional)

Handkerchief/Tissue: Add 1-2 drops of the oil onto a handkerchief or tissue and sniff often. This method is helpful for circulatory conditions, sore throats, nervous tension and all mental and emotional problems listed above.

Vapor: Add 3-4 drops in a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors deeply through the nose for one minute (be sure to close the eyes to avoid irritation.) This method is helpful for circulatory conditions, sore throats, nervous tension and all mental and emotional problems listed above.

Massage Oil: Add a maximum of 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil and massage over the affected area. This method is helpful for menstrual problems, diarrhea, diabetes, neuralgia, circulatory conditions, eczema, sore throats, nervous tension, kidney stones, and all mental and emotional problems listed above.

Baths: Add a maximum of 5 drops to a warm bath and soak for at least ten minutes breathing deeply and relaxing. This method is good for all physical, mental, and emotional problems listed above.

Diffusers: Add 3-6 drops to a diffuser and light the candle or turn the diffuser on. Sit, relax, and breathe deeply for one minute. This method is helpful for circulatory conditions, sore throats, nervous tension and all mental and emotional problems listed above.

Humidifiers: Add 4 drops to the water added to the humidifier. This method is useful for circulatory conditions, sore throats, nervous tension and all mental and emotional problems listed above.

Contraindications: Avoid in early pregnancy. Possible irritant to sensitive skin. Can cause insomnia and restlessness if over used. Avoid long term use with history of estrogen-dependent cancer.

Information pulled from:

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
The Fragrant Mind by Valerie Ann Worwood
Aromatherapy a Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils by Valerie Gennari Cooksley
The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Smart Crafting: Room Freshener Jelly

Room freshener jelly is not only powerful stuff, but it is pretty enough to display anywhere in your home. It also eradicates the use of chemical air fresheners, and can be a fun craft to make with children.

Creating a jar for each room in the house is an inexpensive and fun way to get the kids involved, and best of all each jar can last up to six months!

Ingredients and Supplies

½ cup bruised fragrant fresh herbs of your choice
10 drops or essential oil(s)
1 package unflavored gelatin
1 jelly jar
¼ cup boiling water
food coloring (optional)
¼ cup ice water
ribbon (optional)

 

Place herbs and gelatin powder in the jar, then pour in the boiling water. Stir until the powder dissolves. Add the food coloring now if you’d like, then add the ice water. As soon as the ice water is added add the essential oil and stir to combine. The mixture will set up in minutes once the ice water is added so time is of the essence.

To make the jar more attractive, tie a bow around the top, and if you’re magically inclined these jars can be a perfect vehicle for spells. They can release energy over a slow period of time, and the colors, herbs, and oils you use can lend their energy to the working as well. Below are some recipes I’ve thought up using this method.

Relaxation Jelly

Lavender flowers and leaves
Lemon balm flowers and leaves
Chamomile flowers
Rose Geranium oil
Purple Coloring and ribbon

Money Drawing Jelly

Cloves
A Cinnamon stick
Grated Nutmeg
Patchouli oil
Green Coloring and ribbon

Invigorating Jelly

An Orange peel
A Lemon peel
A Mandarin peel
Grapefruit oil
Yellow Coloring and ribbon

 

This recipe was adapted from:
Bud, Blossom, & Leaf: The Magical Herb Gardener’s Handbook by Dorothy Morrison

Healthy Home Tips: Using Essential Oils in the Laundry

There’s nothing new about giving the laundry the aromatic treatment. Our Elizabethan ancestors dried their clothes and bed linen on rosemary or lavender bushes to infuse them with the smell, and scented the water with orris root.

We have many more possibilities, because although most of us haven’t seen a rosemary bush big enough to hang our double sheets over, we do have a multitude of essential oils which can be used in the washer, the dryer, or drawers and wardrobes where we keep our clothes. And it’s not just about making our clothes smell sweet, as we shall discover.

If you have a washing machine put 3-5 drops of your chosen essential oil into the softener compartment. If hand-washing, put 2 drops in the final rinse water and swish it around. Avoid the resinous oils, and some of the heavier oils such as Rose which tend to cling to the clothes in the wash but are fine when drying or storing clothes.

To add a delicious fragrance to your wash try Lemongrass or Lavender. If you prefer a more exotic perfume, try Ylang-Ylang or Neroli. If winter colds have struck the household, put Eucalyptus Rosemary, or Pine in the wash. These oils are especially beneficial on bed linen to relieve coughs and catarrh throughout the night. If whooping cough is in the house, use Hyssop and Peppermint. If insomnia is the problem, Marjoram, Chamomile, and Orange Blossom will help to aid sleep if used when rinsing the bed linen or nightware.

To infuse clothes with an essential oil when putting them through the tumble dryer, simply add 2 drops onto a piece of fabric no larger than 4 inches square and pop it in with the clothes. Here are some oils you might try.

Fresh

Lavender Bergamot
Rosemary Pettigraine

Floral

Geranium Neroli
Palma Rosa Bois de Rose

Romantic

Ylang-Ylang Jasmine
Rose Vervaine

You may also like to utilize the essential oils when ironing. You can either put 1 drop of essential oil in a plant mister and spray the clothes before ironing, or put a drop on a damp linen cloth and place between the iron and the material. You could also put the essential oils directly into the water compartment of your steam iron, but essential oils are not water soluble and could leave a residue in your iron.

Essential oils can be left to infuse the clothes while they are in the drawer or the closet. Put a drop on little pieces of natural material or cotton-wool balls and place them between the clothes. Here is a lovely synergistic blend:

Clothes Sweetener

4 drops Bois de Rose
2 drops Geranium
3 drops Lemon

Mix in these proportions.

To keep moths away from your clothes use 2-3 drops of one of the following oils. These are particularly useful when coats and woolens are stored away during the summer months.

Moth Repellants

Lavender Rosemary
Lemongrass Citronella
Camphor

Small cotton balls with essential oils on them can also be put between the clothes in drawers. Drawer liners made with the essential oils are much nicer than their chemical aroma counterparts and are very simple to make. Cut paper to the size of the drawer –blotting paper or other types of absorbent paper are best- and dot with the essential oils. Then brush over orris root powder, which acts like a fixative, shake off and place in the bottom of the drawer.

Rose in the ladies’ underwear drawer would be appropriate, for example, and a relaxing, calming oil like Chamomile in the children’s nightwear drawer, and a stimulating one such as Grapefruit or Basil for the school clothes drawer. When colds are around, get your family to use handkerchiefs that have been left in a drawer with an antibacterial or disinfectant oil.

Shoes should not be neglected. To freshen them up inside, put 2 teaspoons of baking soda into an egg cup and add 2 drops of Lemon, Lavender, or Rosemary. Mix this as well as you can, sprinkle into the shoes and leave overnight. Tap it out in the morning and your shoes will be fresh as new.

Sneakers and athletic shoes can get pretty pungent even if you don’t have a foot odor problem. Follow the method above, but use 2 drops of the following synergistic blends of oils to each teaspoonful of baking soda. By morning they won’t be the same wild things you left there.

Sneaker Tamer Synergistic Blend

2 drops Sage
5 drops Rosemary
3 drops Lavender

Mix in these proportions.

This Article was Adapted from:

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood