08:
Breathe in the benefits of essential oils
Aromatherapy is the Science and art of using 100% genuine and authentic plant essences for healing the body, mind and spirit. As many of us already know Aromatherapy has been around for centuries, was even used in prehistoric times. I’ve found some great information on how Aromatherapy works and the proven Science behind it for those skeptical individuals out there, believe me, I was once part of that group until I started working at Escents Aromatherapy.
When inhaling a scent it triggers an emotional reaction when it passes through the nasal cavity and goes through thousands of receptor neurons found in the upper part of the nose. These receptors react differently to each scent that they smell triggering different emotions or reactions and send a message to the Olfactory Bulb where it transmits smell information from the nose to the brain, and is thus necessary for a proper sense of smell. A healthy olfactory center can pick up over 10,000 different odors.
Aromatherapy impacts our bodies in more than a hundred positive ways; mostly everyone has either the same reaction, or different. If your body needs the nutrition that the essential oil is providing, it will be absorbed a lot quicker through your blood stream than if you did not need it, basically you will be drawn to what your body needs the most.
I believe my body is attracted to our Oasis collection, due to the Grapefruit essential oil in it. My body requires a lot of citrus because I regularly attend the gym and citrus helps fight germs and reduces cravings. It is a regular part of my life to have Grapefruit every morning! So having it in Oasis is an extra kick for my immune system and it keeps me alert so that I can work out every morning before I go to work at my store!
by Vida
04:
Asthma Relief Recipe
You may have noticed that spring seems to have started early….very early and a lot of people are subsequently experiencing allergies and breathing difficulties. I have had many people ask about which oils are good for asthma specifically and so this week I wanted to show our Asthma Blend. I have heard very positive feedback about it, and find it is a great clearing blend for general respiration as well.
ASTHMA BLEND - DIFFUSER
16 drops – Hyssop
10 drops – Chamomile Blue (wild)
22 drops – Frankincense
22 drops – Niaouli
10 drops – Cypress
How it works: Using oils that are highly beneficial to the respiratory system as well as calming, this blend deepens breath and can ward -off, reduce and lessen the severity of an attack
About the oils:
- Hyssop is known to treat asthma, coughs and bronchitis it also reduces anxiety
- Chamomile Blue reduces nervous tension and stress and it is anti-inflammatory
- Frankincense deepens breathing and regulates mucous secretion
- Niaouli is recommended for asthma and respiratory infections and clears the head
- Cypress is an excellent remedy for asthma; it purifies and cleanses the system
Usage:
N.B. For Asthmatics : It is beneficial to inhale this blend immediately before using your puffer at the onset of an attack. This will create “muscle memory” to the extent that when you smell this scent your lungs are opened to receive breath. This can reduce the need and frequency for your inhaler.
-Blend this into a 5ml amber bottle and use in a diffuser
-Blend allotted drops into an unscented roll-on to have on hand and use as needed
-Place 3 drops of this pure oil blend on a tissue and inhale as required
Hope that you enjoy this recipe.
Michelle at Commercial Drive Store & Spa
01:
Headache Relief Roll-On
My mom, being a very hard worker, has a very stressful job, which causes her to suffer from incredibly painful migraine headaches as well as shoulder muscle tension. Being 2010 now, society tells us to take pain killers and pharmaceutical drugs to solve the pain; however, we all know that taking pain killers regularly isn’t healthy as they are rough on our liver and kidneys.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are generally difficult for the liver to break down and then dispose through the digestive system. An overdose of acetaminophen will cause liver damage, because the liver primly metabolizes acetaminophen by binding glutathione (very small molecule that’s produced by the body and found in every cell) to potentially intermediate metabolite and saturated acetaminophen can interrupt liver’s normal function. Also, acute kidney failure and analgesic nephropathy (damage induced by excessive use of combinations of different medications) are two typical types of kidney damage caused by exceeding recommended dosages of painkillers.
Painful headaches can be caused by environmental factors leading to irritation to the occipital nervous system, a chronic pain in the neck, skull and behind the eyes. Headache pain arises when serotonin levels drop to an imbalanced level causing the nervous system to release chemicals that travel to the brain.
My mom no longer depends on painkillers because I discovered a new and improved way of relieving such pain. She now uses Headache Relief Roll-On from Escents were I have worked for almost 4 Years now. She feels instant relief as well as refreshed after applying it on her temples, the back of her neck and her shoulder line.
Headache Relief Roll-on contains Lavender and Peppermint
- Lavender: calming, relaxing, balancing and soothing the frustration and tension.
- Peppermint: Its uplifting scent brings up energy, and eases the muscle aches and pain. Its coolness effect can stimulate blood flow and boost the circulation.
By Sharyl
26:
Relaxing Lavender
I went downtown to visit some of the Olympic attractions last night, WOW! I walked around and acted like a tourist in my own city and tried to take it all in. I grew up in Vancouver and never would have dreamed that we would be hosting the Olympics or that the city could get so busy, and be transformed so quickly.
The crowds and lineups were large and after walking for hours, getting home was like an oasis - a little piece of heaven away from the chaos. At home I didn’t know whether to sleep or eat, or work. So, I tried out a new lavender heat pack that I had been given from a lavender farm in the Olympic peninsula in Washington State. I heated it up and put the pink terry, lavender filled pack around my neck.
The intoxicating scent of pure lavender and the heat extracted all the tension from my head and body. Totally dizzy with serenity, I was ready for bed and the craziness of the day was gone. The cliché is true, use lavender oil and your stress will literally ‘melt away’.
I often find it hard to slow down enough to put a diffuser on, take a lavender bath, or spray my sheets with lavender or chamomile. When I do though, I am immediately reminded that instead of reaching for that chocolate, or the remote, it is much better to relieve stress using aromatherapy, and I want to share the benefits of the wonders of essential oils with everyone.
Just try it, go on, reach for nature!
-Jacqui
24:
aromatherapy for pregnancy
I am a mother of two toddlers that keep me pretty busy! During my first pregnancy I was very ill, morning sickness for months on end, leg cramps that would last 10 minutes, headaches and feeling exhausted, as this was before I discovered the power of essential oils to heal and cure ailments. I was lucky enough to be working at Escents during my second pregnancy. Every time I had a pregnancy related issue I would look up cures in our on site recipe binder or I would use the great recipes in the Fragrant Pharmacy by Valeri Ann Worwood. These recipes helped me and I thought I would share the three top recipes’ that saved me from discomfort and pain.
MORNING SICKNESS
Spearmint saves the day! Drop two drop onto your pillow and/or into your diffuser when you go to bed. After 3 days your morning sickness will be cured. During the day I would put two drops onto a tissue and inhale to ease off nausea! I had morning sickness for less than a week.
Spearmint eases the digestive system, relieving vomiting, constipation and nausea.
LEG CRAMPS
I used lotion and rubbed on my legs every night when I got home from work after working 8hours on my feet. I only had one night with leg cramps because the next day I found this recipe and used it diligently.
5 drops of geranium
10 drops of lavender
2 drops of cypress
Blend into 50 ml of any unscented carrier oil
-Geranium eases tension, stress and is very healing.
-Lavender has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress.
-Cypress is helpful in relieving muscular spasms in limbs. It also induces a calming, relaxing and sedating effect on the mind and the body.
EXHAUSTION
I put this into an unscented roll-on base so I have it with me at all times. During the last trimester I felt tired and fatigued. This recipe gave me the energy I needed to get through my day at work or to play with my toddler who was running around the house while I wanted to sleep.
10 drops of Lavender
10 drops of Grapefruit
10 drops of Coriander
-Lavender is a refreshing aroma which removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
-Grapefruit uplifting effect on the mood and helps with stress and depression. It is used with great success to combat muscle fatigue and stiffness while stimulating the lymphatic system and thereby clearing the body of toxins.
-Coriander is beneficial for relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia.
My second pregnancy was so much easier than my first due to all the aromatherapy I did. This when the power of essentials oils really hit me! Now every time I feel ill I look to essentials for relief!
By Jessica Leavitt
23:
Natural Arthritis Relief
Escents’ Arthritis Treatment has been a CUSTOMER FAVORITE for years. This potent, cooling gel will aid in the elimination of the most stubborn muscle or arthritic related pain. We have had customers with severe rheumatoid arthritis tell us that this natural treatment gel with cypress and eucalyptus essential oils is the only one on the market that touches their aches and pains.
Sue processes all the phone orders that are placed with Escents Aromatherapy Head Office. She needed to share with the world the amazing response that we have with our Arthritis Treatment Gel. Our team ships this product weekly to customers ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! The feedback continues to amaze me! There was a sweet gentleman in his 80’s that called last week to stock up for his wife. He said that when there’s a barometric pressure change she feels it in her joints and can hardly move. After asking more about his wife’s symptoms, he says they’ve tried every possible ointment or gel to relive her pain and Escents Aromatherapy is the only company that has a natural arthritis relief treatment that actually works!Here are some customer testimonials:
Long Term Satisfaction
I’ve been using this cream for a decade — a veteran of Rheumatoid Arthritis, no other treatment, prescription or otherwise, has been even close in effectiveness for muscle aches and pains caused by joint probs, etc. I’ve recom’d this cream to many friends over the yrs, who have been amazed as it soothes their back pains, pulled muscles, cancer aches, etc. A discovery ‘by accident’, I am very grateful for this product — it’s saved me from many sleepless nights.
Reviewed by: Kirstin & Greg Johnson from Ottawa on 11/24/2009
Bad Arthritis Problem
I was able to convince my mother in law to use or Arthritis treatment on her hands. She has a severe arthritis condition, and she has been taking strong pain killers and anti inflammatory products for years, so she couldn’t believe the results just using a little amount of product every night. Now she does need taking any chemicals for the last 2 years. Share with a friend or just try it for any muscle related problem. Thanks for reading!
Reviewed by: Mariana Picton from Richmond on 7/29/2009
19:
After Shave Balm Recipe
Here is a recipe to add to your DIY bath and body product book! Commercial after shave products are typically very high in chemical additives and alcohol so we find this recipe is commonly asked for at the Escents Commercial Drive Location. Escents used to pre-blend an After Shave Balm but it has since been discontinued due to small production runs. However, fret not! This recipe is easy to blend and works beautifully to freshen skin, prevent in-grown hairs and moisturize skin. Thanks again to Michelle for submitting this must-try recipe.
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Spearmint Essential Oil
2 drops Lemon Essential Oil
About the oils:
Lavender is used here for its ability to quickly heal skin, prevent scarring and soothe chapped, dry or itchy patches. Spearmint adds a refreshing and cooling sensation and tones the skin. Lemon is a strong astringent that will reduce inflammation and help prevent in-grown hairs
How to use:
This recipe can be blended into the 60ml Unscented Face Cream and applied after the skin is shaved and washed/rinsed free from shaving cream. For an extra light and ultra cooling effect multiply the reciepe by 2.5 and blend into a 100ml Comfrey Gel base.
19:
Natural Remedy for Chronic Eczema
Thanks to Michelle from Escents Commercial Drive for submitting this inspiring story. A close friend suffers from chronic eczema. I have tried many a remedy for him. But, for years now, to no avail. Our Eczema Treatment cream offered some relief but not enough for his severe case. Our Eczema Treatment Cream is great for those with spots of eczema, however, those with chronic eczema often fair better with our Skin Repair Butter. Again, this worked better for him but, did not entirely clear it up.
Like most people that suffer from eczema, doctors say to avoid scented topical treatments. However, it is important to note that they are most likely referring to perfumes and synthetic fragrances and not to 100% therapeutic grade essential oils. That being said, my friend began to refuse any offerings of any treatment that had any scent whatsoever. That was too bad, because I was convinced that the right recipe using essential oils could and would make a difference. After a new and terrible rash flared up on his face, I offered up a sample of an “unscented” product for him to try, our Rosa Mosqueta Oil. “It is totally unscented?”, he asked with suspicion. I offered it to him to smell and he agreed to try it. With only the very best of intentions I withheld one little piece of information from him…. there is a small amount of rosewood essential oil in the ingredient listing. This oil is recommended for those with weeping eczema (so dry the skin can crack open) while he does not often experience this, he does at times and it led me to consider oils I had not before such as Rosewood and Juniper Berry. Within 1 day the rash had vastly diminished and within 2 his skin was completely cleared without any redness whatsoever! He was so surprised and thrilled that he has now agreed to try full-out scented blends. The moral of the story is that scent and essential oils are not one in the same. The healing power of essential oils is a biological fact and they should never be dismissed as simply a perfume.
Hope this helps someone else out there, and oh yeah…
GO CANADA GO!!!
15:
Chelsea from Escents Coquitlam submits her fav Escents product:
Tea Tree Handmade Soap
My favourite face and body product is the Tea Tree Handmade Soap! It’s absolutely amazing to use on my face and entire body! It provides a rich lather and lasts a long time. It keeps my face free of blemishes and it does not make my skin dry or oily. Not only does it work amazingly well, but it’s priced very competitively as compared with other brands.
Escents’ long lasting soaps are a combination of natural vegetable oils, botanicals and natural exfoliants. Formulated to soften and soothe skin. Created for those who are highly sensitive to synthetic detergents. Product benefits of Escents’ collection of Handmade Soaps includes:
- All Handmade Soaps contain 100% pure essential oils
- Biodegradable
- No animal testing
- No parabens
- No mineral oil
- No SLS (Sodium Laurel & Laureth Sulphates)
- No phosphates
- Non-comedogenic
- No synthetic coloring
- Safe for adults and children
11:
Aromatherapy for Bronchitis
There is something inherently wrong with seeing the first signs of spring (a la cherry blossom trees) and simultaneously suffering from a terrible bought of bronchitis! The two just don’t seem to go together. I thought the worst of the cold and flu season was over… Not in my house. My husband had it first just after the holidays and I now I’ve been suffering with it for the past two weeks. For those who don’t know, bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes lining in the lungs. This inflammation can be caused by a number of environmental factors such as bacteria, mold, chemical particles and other equally savoring aggressors. This inflammation can quickly turn into an infection if not taken care of immediately so don’t let your symptoms slide.
Low grade bronchitis, if left untreated can turn into chronic bronchitis, so of course I turned to essential oils to try and curb this inflammation before it gets serious. Eucalyptus and rosemary are at the top of my list as the best home remedy oils for bronchitis and other chest related viruses. The following are the best ways to use essential oils at home to try and naturally fight a nasty cough:
1. Take 2-3 drops each of rosemary and eucalyptus and apply them one after the other on the chest giving each a few minutes to work into skin before layering the next oil. Then apply a hot compress over the chest and cover with blankets, letting the compress cool. This layering technique should allow for hours of restful sleep and open lungs. Rest and sleep are the most important remedy. Your body needs this time to recover and heal itself minus the dry coughing fits, which just further irritate the inflammation.
2. Run any aromatherapy diffuser constantly in your room and throughout the house, adding oils like peppermint, lemon, tea tree and / or lavender to relieve swelling and minimize bacterial infection. Diffusers effectively clean the air of irritating particles that may be the underlying cause of asthma, congestion or allergies.
I always turn to my collection of essential oils to try and remedy common ailments before turning to traditional medicine or antibiotics. The oils mentioned above are an amazing start to any ‘natural medicine cabinet’ and are great to have close at hand. Tap into them as soon as symptoms arise.
Note: This advice is based on traditional uses of essential oils and is for reference purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prescribe or diagnose. The information contained herein is in no way considered a substitute for consultation with a duly license health care professional.
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