08:
The Olympic Blending Contest
The Escents Aromatherapy ‘Olympic’ Blending Contest is officially underway! Every Escents retail store will be competing to submit 7 NEW aromatherapy blends. Each store must select the best blend from each of the following categories:
1. Fresh (crisp & clean)
2. Unwind (herbal)
3. Indulgence (rich & sweet)
4. Energize (citrus)
5. Passionate (floral)
6 Balance (earthy & woody)
7. Wellness (healing)
So get together, work together and work competitively! Submit to a un-biast judge who will then help select what blends will be submitted from each store. Again, seven from each store must be submitted. Each employee should participate at each store. The winning blends will then be selected and developed as new products for 2010. We will work with the “master blender” to decide the names of each blend. We will also decide if the blend will be launched in any other product formats.
The deadline is February 27th, 2010. Winning blends from each category will be chosen and announced by March 12th, 2010. This is a great opportunity to get store customers involved in selecting the best blends to submit. Wow, I am so excited to see what comes my way - Get blending and have fun! I can’t wait to see who takes gold in this one…
08:
Natural Cure for Smelly Feet
Just like a million other people, I too experience some unpleasant odor coming from my shoes now and then. There is a great recipe that I use to get rid any unsavory aromas coming from my shoes, but want also to share a story on what not to do. About a week ago, I deodorized my shoes with an amazing blend we have made up in the store. And it works great for me and my smelly shoes.
Use 100ml Unscented Aroma Mist
To the above base, add the following:
20 drops of tea tree
10 drops of lemongrass
10 peppermint
10 drops of lavender
That was the right thing to do. Here is my story on what not to do… The other day we where trying to prepare for our annual inventory. Due to being so busy I forgot that week to add my “makes shoes not smell” spray into my shoes. I was sitting down at the computer entering data for the inventory when all of a sudden I got a wiff of some unpleasant odor coming from my shoes. I tried to ignore it, but the smell was over powering and also distracting. Embarrassing as that was of course, I really did not want to take my shoes off for obvious reasons. Instead, I grabbed a vile of 100% pure lemongrass and put a couple of drops on the side of my shoes. Wow instant gratification. The smell was gone and I could focus on my inventory count once again.
Until that night…
When I got home that night I took my shoes off and was amazed on how much I could still smell the lemongrass. Sat on the sofa and my fiancée commented on it as well. “Wow you smell lemony”, he commented. Later on that night when we where getting ready to go to bed, I noticed something on my foot when I took my socks off. Where I dropped the lemongrass in the shoes, the skin that was exposed to that bore now 2 large brown/yellowish spots. I went into the bathroom to scrub my feet but to no avail. I managed to stain my feet. I had to go wedding dress shopping the next day with 2 large brown spots on my feet!! Lemongrass is a 100% pure essential oil and should not be used directly on the skin. This just served as a reminder and I sure learned my lesson the hard way. I would definitely recommend Nina’s Wonder Spray rather than the pure lemongrass. Thanks Nina from Escents Park Royal for this great recipe!
05:
We recently launched 4 new products just in time for Valentine’s Day. These new releases have been carefully designed with aromas that bring out our sensual side and will help to set the stage for romance! Essential oils like ylang ylang and patchouli are known to help the libido, while rose and jasmine are commonly worn to warm the heart and release tension and stress. Without further ado, let me introduce the new arrivals:
Love Fabric Softener
Add a hint of Rose and Jasmine to your laundry or linens naturally with pure essential oils. Antistatic action provides comfort while natural essential oils freshen clothes and help eliminate bacteria. Smell fresh and clean all day.
$12.95 each / 125 ml
SPECIAL OFFER: FREE with any $45 purchase for a limited time. Use promo code LOVE to redeem online.
Love Linen Water
Add a hint or Rose and Jasmine to your laundry or linens naturally with essential oils. Add delicate aroma to clothing, eliminate bacteria, smell fresh and clean all day. Pour directly into a steam iron or mist directly onto your household linens, pillows, towels and clothes. Also can be added to a rinse cycle.
$12.95 each / 125 ml
Love Solid Perfume
This is a new product for us and we’re happy to be sharing a portable moisturizing solid perfume you can take with you anywhere - no alcohol! Enchant with beautiful and inspirational Rose and Jasmine. Use fingers to rub on skin and pulse points. Keep out of direct sun, may melt if gets too warm.
$12.95 each / 12 ml
Muse Aromatherapy Blend
The newest addition to our Passionate collection, a floral blend that is sure to please. Experience the inspiring and alluring charm of Rosewood and sweet smelling Bergamot. Aromatherapy Blends can be worn‹as‹a perfume (1-2 drops), used to custom blend any of Escents unscented products (add 6-8 drops per 30ml or 1oz of product), added to a diffuser to scent your space or added into a bath ( 4-6 drops).
$12.95 each / 5 ml
SALE $6.50 each for a limited time only!
05:
DIY Facial Mask
Why not invite some friends over and whip up your own spa experience at home? Great company, chick-flicks, popcorn & a rejuvenating facial mask… what better way to spend a cold Friday night in the middle of winter? Chelsea from Escents Coquitlam submitted this easy DIY recipe for a refreshing, uplifting facial mask that anyone can easily make at home.
1 large strawberry
1 tablespoon of yogurt
1 drop rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon of cosmetic clay
Mash the strawberry with the yogurt. Add the essential oils and clay to the mixture. If you have dry skin, add ½ teaspoon of almond or jojoba oil to the mix. Clean face and apply. Wait for 20 minutes then wash off with warm water. The strawberries and yogurt with help soften the skin and Lavender and Rosemary will stimulate cell renewal. Enjoy!
02:
Aromatherapy for Valentine's Day
THREE SIMPLE TIPS SURE TO MAKE YOUR SWEETIE SWOON!
Valentine’s Day can be a complex beast. While I don’t want to feel forced into celebrating my loved one on a pre-determined commercial holiday, I also wouldn’t want to pass up the chance for a little extra romance. Life can be so hectic sometimes that I can easily forget to remind my number one that he is in fact my number one. Let’s face it, the post-holiday blues can hit hard and spring seems miles away. The annual blast of warm fuzzy feelings in mid-February might be just what the doctor ordered!
Aromatherapy can be used very effectively to initiate a mood for intimacy and romance. Essential oils like ylang ylang and patchouli are known to help the libido, while rose and jasmine are commonly worn to warm the heart and release tension and stress. Sometimes, all it takes to set the mood is to light a few candles and dim the lights. Choose wisely as the alluring aromas from the candles are absorbed into the body through our olfactory system and can help to relax the mind and melt tension away effortlessly. Use heady aromas like cedarwood and geranium and avoid energy-inducing citrusy essential oils.
Nothing relaxes the body and releases inhibitions like a steaming hot bubble bath. Try adding a few drops of pure rose essential oil to the mix, or use your favorite blend in an unscented bubble bath base. Even better, what could be more romantic than creating a custom ‘romance blend’ for your partner? Your signature aroma could be used in the bath, in a massage oil base or enjoyed in an aromatherapy diffuser for many months to come. The Escents Aromatherapy Blending Bar is the perfect venue to test different oils and concoct your own special romance blend this Valentine’s Day. The Escents retail staffers are expert-blenders and can help guide you through which oils are best suited for your needs.
And finally, the ultimate aphrodisiac, a sensual aromatherapy massage. Warm the oils gently in the palm of your hands before massaging your partner. The warmth from your touch, paired with the oils helping to increase blood flow and circulation will certainly be the cherry on this romance sundae!
Even though Valentine’s Day elicits a little cynicism from most, myself included, in the end, do we really want to rebel against a great opportunity to show our loved ones a little extra appreciation?
29:
Immunity Booster
This week, Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive submitted this recipe for a natural immunity booster. She had a lingering cold from the holidays and this blend finally shook of her pesky cough. Since then, she has been using this spray around her home and keeps it with her for a little ‘boost’ mid-day. Here is the recipe and how it works:
120 ml Unscented Aroma Mist
8 drops – Lavender essential oil
10 drops – Frankincense essential oil
10 drops – Lemon essential oil
12 drops – Myrtle essential oil
This blend works wonders for a weakened immune system. If you are trying to shake a lingering cold or infection or if you suffer from chronic allergies this is a great mist to have on hand.
About the Oils:
The oils for this blend are combined to balance and boost your immune system.
- Lavender is used here for its’ anti-septic qualities and its ability to treat bronchitis, sore throats, coughs as well as balance the immune system thus bolstering a weak one or calming an over-reactive system.
- Frankincense commonly used for meditative benefits this popular oil is chosen here for its’ ability to regulate mucus secretion, treat bronchitis and laryngitis and thus ease respiratory difficulty.
- Lemon, like most citrus oils, Lemon is anti-septic and astringent and it is also soothing to the throat.
- Myrtle can be used to treat lung infections and is also beneficial for treating: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs and even tuberculosis. Additionally, it works on the immune system to protect against colds, flus and infectious disease. This oil is antiseptic and astringent, it is also and expectorant and regulator with slightly sedative qualities.
How to Use:
- In a mist this works well blended into our unscented Aroma Mist, to be sprayed on body, linens and clothes as well as in the your living space throughout the day.
- In an unscented roll-on to be applied topically (hairline, temples etc).
- Recipe can be doubled or tripled to work as a pure oil in a 5 ml amber bottle for use in a diffuser or inhalations.
29:
Natural Anxiety Relief Recipe
This week I have been flipping through our aromatherapy recipe bible and I’ve noticed that we’ve been blending a lot of anti-anxiety recipes lately as many people seem to be suffering from post-holiday stress. Many people find January the most arduous month to get through, not only because of the post-holiday blues, but because the hours of sunlight can be few and spring seems like eons away! We are most commonly blending this recipe into a roll-on format as most people want to have this remedy to use on the move.
100 ml Carrier Oil
15 drops – Bergamot Essential Oil
5 drops – Lavender (France) Essential Oil
7 drops – Geranium Essential Oil
2 drops – Frankincense Essential Oil
5 drops – Neroli (pure) Essential Oil
5 drops – Rose (pure) Essential Oil
Note: This blend is excellent in an oil, apply onto body regularly; Also good as a roll-on for relief on the move. If the geranium is too strong, add rosewood to round out the blend. If you don’t have all of these oils on hand (understandable), just come into any Escents Retail Location and have us blend it for you at the Blending Bar.
About the oils:
The essences used in this oil work expertly to aide in the treatment of anxiety.
- Bergamot is a popular citrus and known to relieve depression, anxiety and stress related conditions and is beloved for its’ refreshing and uplifting aroma.
- A familiar scent to most everyone, Lavender is an aid to the nervous system treating depression, hypertension, insomnia, nervous tension and stress related conditions such as vertigo and shock.
- Geranium stabilizes ones mood and helps treat nervous tension and relieve stress.
- Frankincense is often used in meditation and has the power to slow down and deepen the breath.
- Neroli, the essence of a sweet type of Orange Blossom, was used historically in the arrangements of bridal bouquets and was thought to calm the nervous apprehension. It treats anxiety and depression as well as nervous tensions, shock and stress and is especially helpful with treating emotional problems.
- Rose is healing to the heart chakra alleviates grief, depression , insomnia, nervous tension and stress. Above all things Rose creates a sense of well-being , even happiness.
Usage:
- As recommended this blends nicely into a massage oil and 2 tablespoons can be added to a bath or massages over hands body.
- For daily use and for unexpected bouts of anxiety it is highly beneficial to add this blend to a an unscented roll-on which is applied along the hairline to temples, neck and behind ears. This should be carried on ones person for immediate access and relief.
- This blend of oils can be added straight into a 5ml essential oil bottle and used in a diffuser, or as a special remedy, add 2-3 drops of this pure blend to a large bowl of boiled and still hot water (ensure your face is cleansed) put a towel over your head and around the hot water and oil. Take slow deep breathes in through both the mouth and nose, keep your eyes gently closed.
Thank you to Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive for this fantastic recipe!
29:
Natural Carpet Deodorizer
If you’re a ‘dog-person’, or even if you’re not, accidents are always bound to happen… We have a Bernese Mountain Dog and an 18 month old baby girl so we’re always looking for natural sanitizing solutions rather than harsh chemical cleaners. Escents used to make an amazing natural carpet deodorizer but it was discontinued years ago because the quantities just didn’t warrant keeping it on the shelves. Since then, we’ve had so many customers coming in to ask about this product (Murphy’s Law) so we’ve come up with a great ‘compromise’. Chelsea from Escents Coquitlam submitted this fantastic, easy recipe for a do-it-yourself Natural Carpet Deodorizer. Just sprinkle over the carpet before you vacuum and this blend will work to both freshen and sanitize!
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
1 - 16 ounce box of baking soda
Mix the essential oils really well in the baking soda, especially the lemon (Lemon essential oil has a yellowish colour that may stain carpet if not blended completely). To use, sprinkle on carpet and let sit for 10-20 minutes, then vacuum up. Store in a sealed container. If you don’t have these particular essential oils on hand, just come into any Escents Retail Location to use the Blending Bar. You can purchase the oils by the drop rather than having to commit to a larger size.
29:
Yoga Mat Sanitizer
January marks the busiest time at yoga studios and gyms alike. Most of us put on the standard ‘December Fiver’ as I like to call it over the holidays and are now looking for ways to get back into shape. Yoga is incredible for both mind and body making it a hugely popular exercise choice to help shed those pounds. Yoga mats can start to give off an unsavory smell after a few classes, especially if you enjoy Bikram’s Hot Yoga. The sweat from the pads of our feet and palms of our hands accumulates on the mat and bacteria can start to build up. It’s important to clean your yoga mat after each use and this great aromatherapy recipe submitted by Alina from Escents Coquitlam will do the trick! Not only will this recipe leave your mat smelling fab, it will also disinfect and sanitize it. This mist is also great for cleaning other gym equipment.
12 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
15 drops Lemon Essential Oil
9 drops Renewal Aromatherapy Blend (optional)
Mix the essential oils into an unscented aroma mist base. If you have a mister at home, just blend the oils into 125 mls filtered water. Shake and it’s ready for use!
22:
Essential Oils
Sourcing good quality essential oils can be a daunting task. If you don’t know how to decipher between quality oils and diluted imitators, it can be hard to garner the most out of the therapeutic benefits unique to each pure essential oil. Here are a few tips to consider when shopping around for essential oils:
1. Look for pure, undiluted essential oils. Most often, essential oils are sourced for therapeutic use and topical application is common. The oils are diluted by the user right before use in a carrier oil or gel base so it’s not necessary to look for diluted oils. Further, if using the oils in an aromatherapy diffuser, it’s paramount to use pure essential oils. Diluted oils may clog the diffuser and cause it to break down eventually.
2. Make sure the essential oils are therapeutic grade which means they have not been adulterated, changed and are not a cheaper chemical constituent of a pure essential oil. There are no additives or other ingredients other than the essence that comes straight from the distillery by various extraction methods.
3. Do not use the essential oils if you are not familiar with the company. A reputable aromatherapy company takes careful measures to ensure they are sourcing the oils from only the best distilleries and most often, these relationships take years to establish. Further, look for companies that list the botanical name (latin name), the extraction method and the country of origin. There are many varieties of eucalyptus for example and all have varying therapeutic benefits. It’s also important to note the country of origin as the climate and soil properties can also greatly affect the beneficial properties of the essential oil. Companies that are not disclosing this information could be sourcing from lesser quality sources and / or it may indicate that their level of knowledge is not up to par.
4. Choose a vendor that protects the integrity of their essential oils by keeping them at room temperature and protects them from sunlight by storing them in amber bottles rather than plastic or clear glass. These precautions keep the “power” of the essence intact. Given these essential oils are extracted directly from plants, they are delicate just as any botanical is and must be stored appropriately.
Using pure, therapeutic grade essential oils will have the most beneficial impact on our bodies and emotional states and are more effective in helping us achieve our goals of total health. Essential oils are an investment in yourself - Do your homework before you buy! At Escents Aromatherapy, we are always willing and enthusiastically prepared to answer any questions about the efficacy of our essential oils. Please feel free to comment with other tips when buying oils, or e-mail us directly with any questions at sales@escentsaromatherapy.com.
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