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
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
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.
11:
Aromatherapy Quit Smoking Recipe
Many customers come into the store this time of year intent on successfully tackling those new year’s resolutions. Now that government regulatory agencies are finally behind communicating the extensive harms involved with smoking, there is no excuse not to make this year the year you quit! This stop-smoking blend is used to ease the discomfort of quitting smoking. It is effective for those fully committed and truly ready to quit smoking. This blend of oils benefits the nervous system, eases respiratory discomfort and offers grounding.
10 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
4 drops Rosewood Essential Oil
About the oils:
Clary Sage is beneficial here as it is an anti-depressant and also has aphrodisiac qualities. It calms nerves as and has sedative properties; relieving nervous tension, migraines and stress. It also benefits circulation, muscles and joints and reduces high blood pressure and muscular aches and pains. Clay Sage is also a respiratory aid and recommended to treat asthma and throat infections.
Rosemary is a highly beneficial oil for the respiratory system and is commonly used to treat asthma, colds, and bronchitis. Rosemary is an aide to the nervous system and treats headaches, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, hypertension and stress. Thereby offering support towards the ill effects of a system withdrawing from nicotine.
Rosewood, a beautiful and grounding oil which bolsters the immune system and treats the nervous system helping with nausea, nervous tension and stress related conditions. Rosewood is also noted as an anti-depressant , cellular stimulant and aphrodisiac.
How to Use:
This recipe can be doubled and added into an unscented roll-on or tripled and added into an unscented aroma mist. The roll on should be applied to the pulse points as well as along the hairline. The aroma mist can be sprayed in your living space and body throughout the day as needed. The recipe may also be used as is, diluted in filtered water, and used in any aromatherapy diffuser.
22:
This microscopic bacterium MRSA was responsible for more deaths in 2006 than AIDS
I recently came across a powerful article posted on BBC News about a study conducted at the University of Manchester on the affects aromatherapy can have on ’superbugs’ like E. coli and MRSA commonly contracted in hospital settings. They found that three unnamed essential oils destroyed the deadly bacteria in two minutes! Dr Peter Warn, who carried out the research, said: “When I tested the oils in the lab, absolutely nothing grew. Rather than stimulating bacteria and fungi, the oils killed them off.” Hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, kill an estimated 5,000 a year.
Traditional anti-bacterial practices may not work on patients with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatments or autoimmune disease, and further, they may be apt to cause more harm than good. It’s no wonder that this research team wanted to look into a more natural solution. Essential oils are extracted directly from plants and flowers found in nature. The word ‘aromatherapy’ wasn’t coined until the 1920’s but the healing properties of these extracts have been used for centuries for healing and wellness by cultures all over the globe. If I had to waiver a guess, I would say these ‘unnamed oils’ could be Tea Tree, Geranium and Oregano. They all have notoriously anti-bacterial properties and each have been tested in other MRSA studies. Any other guesses?
18:
Aloe Vera (aloe barbadensis) is one of the only known natural vegetation sources of Vitamin B12 making it incredibly useful for topical skin care applications. The soothing, cooling gel found in the core of the aloe plant has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. This natural healer has been used for centuries on burns, minor scrapes and to retain moisture. The vitamins and minerals it contains are known to promote healthy skin, explaining why it is such a popular ingredient in skin care products today. The extract is very mild making it a great choice for care in sensitive areas such as the skin under the eyes.
I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to live in Grand Cayman for a number of years and Aloe Vera grew rampantly there. I was diving one day and received a nasty cut from some sharp coral reef. Once on shore, I went directly to the galley of plants we had growing outside of our apartment for my ‘natural healing tonic’. I just cut off a single leaf and broke off a small piece. I rubbed the gel from the inside of the leaf directly on my cut and I felt immediate relief. I wrapped the rest of the leaf in plastic wrap and it kept beautifully in the fridge. I repeated this process twice a day and my cut was practically healed within 3-4 days. Cuts from coral reef are notorious for scarring and infection but I didn’t suffer from either!
Escents Aromatherapy products that contain Aloe Vera include:
Organic Intensive Hand Care
Antibacterial Gel
Matcha Tea Body Scrub
Wash & Bubble
13:
The famous lavender fields of France
Lavender is well knows as one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy today. Not only is the sweet, floral aroma a staple in most perfumeries because of its ability to compliment and enhance other floral notes, but it is also widely used for its therapeutic health benefits. Lavender is most commonly harvested from the fields of Provence in the South of France. The oil is extracted directly from the flower buds by means of steam distillation. Although lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be applied pure to the skin, it’s always recommended to dilute The physical health benefits of lavender essential oil are far reaching but the most common uses include first aid applications for minor cuts and scrapes and insect bites and treatment for mild pain relief. This cure-all has also been known to relieve minor sunburns and muscle / joint aches. In terms of the physiological benefits of lavender, the aroma can have an immediate calming effect and aid with relaxation and reducing mild anxiety.
Many people are intimidated by aromatherapy and may not be comfortable ‘diving in’ as there are so many levels of information available. Everyone has to start their journey somewhere and if I were to only have one essential oil in my medicine cabinet, it would most certainly be organic lavender essential oil. There is no need to jump head first into the world of aromatherapy, rather, start by dipping your toe in one oil at a time! Here are three common therapeutic uses for organic lavender essential oil that you can try at home:
1. Relieve Muscle Aches & Pains
This is certainly not a new therapeutic remedy! Lavender was used in the battlefields of both World Wars directly on soldiers wounds to help relieve pain on the fly. Today, lavender essential oil can be used very effectively on joint and muscle pain as it’s known to improve circulation. Simply blend 5 drops of the pure essential oil with a tablespoon of any carrier oil such as almond or olive, then massage directly into the affected area. Apply as often as needed.
2. Treat Insect Bites
Insect bites can be incredibly itchy and if scratched often enough, they can get infected opening up a host of other problems. Nip those little bites in the bud by applying a little lavender essential oil to the area to relieve itching. Lavender is comprised of over 200 antiseptic compounds making it the perfect choice for minor bites, burns and abrasions. It is one of nature’s best multitasking oils! Lavender will both help prevent microbial growth and infection while soothing skin. Amazing.
3. Trouble Sleeping?
Lavender essential oil helps induce sleep which is why it is commonly recommended as a natural alternative to treat mild insomnia. There are many ways to add lavender to your bedtime routine. Try adding a few drops to a warm bath. The soothing aroma will trigger your mind to start calming and relaxing, preparing you for good night’s rest. If you don’t have time for a bath every night, try a cup of warm lavender tea (use dried lavender leaves - most specialty tea houses carry this). Lastly, add 2 drops of lavender to your pillow. The sweet aroma will soothe you to a restful slumber and the more you can make this a ‘routine’, the more lavender will trigger this same emotional and physical response.
06:
We have a new antibacterial recipe to share with you, designed to help ward off germs naturally during the cold and flu season. Using a combination of 100% pure tea tree, lime essential oils, and a choice of unscented lotion, gel or mist, this natural immunity booster is the perfect accessory for back to school. It is a great alternative to alcohol-based antibacterial gels which can be drying.
Escents’ Antibacterial Recipe can be custom blended in-store at the Escents Blending Bar, or the components can be purchased on-line and blended at home using the following ingredients:
1. 80 drops tea tree essential oil
2. 20 drops lime essential oil (substitute any citrus)
3. 250 ml / 8 oz unscented lotion
The recipe can be blended using a lotion as described, an unscented comfrey gel or a mist base depending on the users preference. *Adjust recipe according to the volume of unscented product used. 12 drops of essential oil should be used per 1 oz unscented product.
To read more download the press release here or visit our press and media page here.
22:
It looks like one of my favourite essential oils is getting some press for its antimicrobial properties: according to foodnavigator.com, orange essential oil is useful in fighting salmonella:
“Essential oils from citrus offer the potential for all natural antimicrobials for use in improving the safety of organic or all natural foods,” said the researchers.
This is timely, considering my recent post about the properties of lavender: Escents’ new line of organic baby products, Baby Soothe, features both organic lavender and orange essential oils. Orange you glad when science meets scent? (Sorry, couldnt resist!)
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