Essential Oils-information and usage tips

08/06/2015

Something I have learned about skin care in the past few days, as I am studying the science and formulation of skin Care. Using essential oils and other natural, (natural is such a big word), how about i use non-synthetic ingredients. Really I had no idea that most products were created with vast amounts of water, distilled water. Not because it is great for the skin, and moisturizing, but because it is cheap. Nourishing oils and plant extracts are much more moisturizing as they pe*****te the top layer of your skin, the epidermis, and have similar composition to the lipids on your skin. Therefore they are metabolized easier, and also can bring beneficial properties to the skin. Cosmetic companies that claim water is moisturizing to the skin and one of the top ingredients, is simply not true. If you think about it, our skin is designed to keep water out, its water proof. Water is hydrating from within. If water hydrated our skin, we would burst every time we had a shower or played in the rain, our skin does not act like a sponge, although plants can permeate the top layer and essential oils can enter our blood stream. Water is one of the best things for us to drink, but not to put on our skin for moisture and beauty. So play in your pools, lakes and bath tubs because you can...you are water proof...kinda cool. You can put water on your face obviously as well, my point is, its not going to do anything for you beauty/moisturizing wise, if your beauty product says it is.

Which brings me to the second thing I have learned this week, that was quite interesting about skin care. It is a myth that 60% of everything you put on your skin, ends up in your bloodstream...really the percentage could be 0-100% or all of it or none of it, an exact measure cannot be put on this. This is because pe*******on of a product depends on the environment, the overall health of your skin and how the cosmetic is delivered. So tonight as you put on your beauty creams and serums, look at the top main ingredients listed. If its water, you may just want to think about how much it is doing for your skin, in comparison to how much the product cost. Write me and let me know, I'm kind of interested now :) Ill be back with more tips and things I have come across, so we can both learn together.

Stay happy, healthy and always glowing,

Kerri

06/11/2015

A very good article if you ever have any type of upset tummy. All of the essential oils will help to calm it down. I think my go to is definitely peppermint. I've also used ginger on the tops of my feet, and behind my ears as well. Please use with the proper dilution as peppermint, and ginger are very strong, and will burn your skin.

  With summer on it's way, I am starting to plan for all my summer vacations. I have two young boys and we are planning on going to Disney Land this summer!! I will also be quite pregnant and ...

05/28/2015

Seeing that I have an auto immune disease, this read was very interesting and I do use oils daily, although carefully.

What is an autoimmune disease? We hear this word so often as part of our current culture. I began to wonder just exactly what an auto immune disease was. So I looked it up, and according to Wikiped...

12/22/2014

Just wanted to share a lovely winter blend I just found out about. Happy winter solstice, and although it isn't my favourite time of year, it was sure nice to see the sun out today!

Winter Shimmer diffusing blend:

4 drops sweet orange
4 drops fir needle
3 drops of spearmint
2 drops of clove bud

Breathe, enjoy and stay happy and healthy.

Kerri

11/13/2014

HOW TO USE
ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are the life-giving resin found in all plant life that delivers the nutrients that produce strong and healthy plants very similar to the function of our blood. Essential oils may enhance oxygen uptake, absorption and utilization. The ancient Egyptians discovered that essential oils possessed valuable substances which produced many benefits for the body, mind and spirit. As you begin to use them, you are certain to discover why these oils were important to this ancient people. Pure therapeutic oils are very concentrated, and a few drops can produce significant effects when beginning to use the oils

So putting a few drops into your accessory vial will go along way

11/12/2014

Just wanted to share some of the cool, yet practical things you can use with essential oils....therapeutic jewellery, definitely my type of bling ;)

11/11/2014

If you have had a week, where you are thinking....its only Tuesday :( this may be a blend you could use. It is perfect for people who feel like they are burning both ends of the rope, and not getting anywhere fast.

The Burnout blend (Aromatherapy and essential oils, handbook for everyday use.)
1tsp lavender essential oil
68 drops of grapefruit
68 drops of lemon
68 drops of sandalwood, or vetiver

In a 1/2 oz glass dropper bottle combine all oils and shake to blend, use as a massage oil.

I would prepare it as above as I have all these oils, and have been collecting in large abundance. If you are interested in blending the burn out synergy, just mix 2-4 drops in a diffuser, or spray bottle and mist the air, or add to 5mls of milk and mix in a bath.

Most of the oils, sandalwood, vetiver and lavender have deep relaxation properties, and the citrus oils are uplifting and energizing to the mind.

Just breathe, and remember whatever may seem significant and over whelming today, will probably be minute, tomorrow. Everything usually works itself out the way it should......now, I'm off to take my own advice!

Stay happy and healthy :)

11/06/2014

Many people don't like the scent of this oil, I use it daily in a homemade body butter, after a hot bath. It balances emotions, reduces inflammation, regenerates cell tissue (so great for aging skin), and also can rekindle desire in a relationship, that has gone into familiarity and routine. The essential oil is Patchouli. I find it so calming, and it has a strong musk smell that mixes well with a lot of other eo's, it is used in perfumery as a sensual base note.

Some other uses for Patchouli are: tightening loose skin, treating acne, fungal infections, insect bites, cystitis and urinary issues, vaginal, oral thrush and herpes infections. If you combine with Pine, it will help with depression

Patchouli can also be used as an alternative to conventional insecticides, to repel ants.

Patchouli reduces appetite, but shouldn't be used for people on any blood thinners, or blood clotting disorders.

A perfect perfume blend, which is sensual and womanly is:

5 drops patchouli
2 drops ylang ylang
4 drops grapefruit, bergamot, or any citrus fruit.

add to 10 mls of a carrier oil of choice, and bring your sexy back ;)

Enjoy playing with the scent of Patchouli, it is best used for relaxation, as it is made up of 50% sesquiterpenes, so lay back, relax and inhale.

Until next time, stay happy and healthy, and if you have any medical conditions, please make sure you are doing the right thing for your body. When using essential oils and holistic therapies, always research what is best for you. There is a lot of information out there, and if at first you don't succeed in helping your body, move on and try different things, until you do. Pharmaceuticals are not a be all end all, usually just a band aid. Try to fix the issue from within, by a healthy diet exercise and lifestyle, and properties that are the most natural you can find.

Please if you have any comments, concerns or questions let me know...I'm learning along with you :)

10/14/2014

Psychological Effects of Essential oils, can be mood altering, and our sense of smell is the most direct way in which our emotions can be triggered. The left nostril affects the left, logical side of the brain, and the right nostril affects the intuitive right side of our brain.

We can use essential oils as therapeutic agents to change our (or anyone's mood) when appropriate, I know this personally as I have changed moods many of times in my house, including mine!

ANGER-chamomile, ylang ylang, melissa, rose
UNEXPRESSED ANGER-black pepper, clove bud, cedarwood, patchouli
ANXIETY-benzoin, clary sage, jasmine, petitgrain, rosewood
APATHY-jasmine, juniper, rosemary, frankincense, lime
DEPRESSION-there are many that are good for depression, like rose, jasmine, neroli are wonderful, but quite expensive and others are a lot of the citrus oils, orange, bergamot. Also, it is better if you like an oil to treat depression, so any you find yourself enjoying the scent, that should be your go to one.
FEAR-ylang ylang, basil, clary sage (sedative) jasmine and juniper
FOR WARMTH-clove bud or cinnamon with orange (also a nice fall blend)
NERVOUSNESS-geranium, lavender, marjoram, melissa, neroli, tangerine, ylang ylang
WINTER BLAHS-benzoin with citrus oils

Here are just some of the essential oils that can help your mood. There are many more, enjoy playing with the scent that makes you feel best, you are probably needing it at that time.

Have a great evening diffusing some of your relaxation essential oils, for me tonight, I think black pepper, vanilla, sandalwood and ylang ylang zzzzzzzz

10/10/2014

Sore throats. Why am I discussing this topic? My son I am pretty sure had just come down with strep throat. He couldn't form his mouth enough to speak as he was in too much pain, he had red spots on the back of his throat, and a very high fever. I'm not saying he had strep as I didn't take him to a doctor (and a strep test takes at least 3 days to a week to come back positive) but it is going around his school, it's very contagious, I've had it, and this was different from a cold and irritated sore throat, so in my opinion it could have been strep. Now not even 2 days later...we've stopped it! No antibiotics, no ER visit, (which was next on my list today, if he was still suffering). I will say is that the natural things I used, I believe clearly helped get rid of his discomfort. So I thought I'd pass it onto you, just in case you wanted to try using natural remedies and essential oils. I do believe in western medicine, when it comes to infections like strep, but I was just stubborn enough and he was very willing to let me try the oils, because he knows they have helped him feel better in the past and plus the antibiotics take at least 24 hours to kick in, the oils can have (sometimes they can take longer) immediate effects. I use them as well as an immune booster for him, so all the better. Was it the right thing to chance, knowing what I know now yes, but I wouldn't have wait more than 24 hrs if I wasn't seeing results!

So as soon as I knew he wasn't well, I diffused a germ fighter, which consists of clove, cinnamon and orange essential oils, and rubbed that same blend on the tops of his feet. The best essential oils for a sore throat (or one that I have studied and others have found that works well) is Sandalwood (I also know that geranium and hyssop work as well so I mixed the 3 in a 3% dilution). I blended it into a roller bottle with FCO or fractionated coconut oil, and rubbed it over his throat covering the entire area. Then I made a spray, that I had read in Plant therapy's aromatherapy blog, and these are the ingredients:

Natural sore throat spray:
1/4 C of warm strongly brewed Chamomile tea
2 tsp of apple cider vinegar (ACV)
1/2 tsp of organic (i used raw...just because I like it better, no other reason) honey
1 drop of tea tree

I mixed it up in a glass spray bottle and used it 2-3 times that day, every time I used it I did the whole routine with him again.

Last night he was still not well, so I took it up a notch. Oil of OREGANO! (Origanum vulgare) This oil is a VERY powerful oil, and I usually do not use it unless it is very diluted, and I know nothing else quickly, and efficiently is going to get the job done. Plus I knew he was so uncomfortable, and I don't have a Dr. nor did he (or I) want to go to ER. So I pulled out essential oil of oregano, diluted it to 1 drop/ 2 tbspns of a carrier oil, and rubbed the tops and bottoms of his feet, and his throat, and although he smelled like a pizza, he was resting.

This morning he woke up and fever and spots were gone, and he can swallow and is now even eating. I think that's pretty amazing! I am sure it had to do with everything I had done, but the oil of oregano works fast, and wipes out a lot in its path. I also should say, he did have a bath in Himalayan bath salts as well, which apparently clear toxins from the body.

I don't advise suffering with an ailment, or trying anything, unless you consult a doctor especially if you are taking medication. I do not recommend using oil of oregano on children under 10. Also, oil of oregano can burn, if you do use it be very careful, do not use on mucus membranes, or neat on skin, or ingest. I believe the above methods helped us, and I am just giving you information that I feel could help your family fight infections/viruses too. Now I am hoping the rest of us don't get it!

Stay happy and healthy, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to write me and I will try my best to research and answer for what is appropriate for you.

10/08/2014

ESSENTIAL OILS NOT TO BE USED ON DOGS-
(This goes with my post below, it is from the Holistic Aromatherapy book for animals, and most of you will have never heard of these oils anyway..but just so you have warning)

anise, birch, bitter almond, bolbo, calamus, camphor, cassia, chenopodium, clove leaf and clove bud, crested lavender, garlic (not just the oil..do not feed your dog garlic), goosefoot, horse radish, hyssop, juniper (juniper berry is fine), mugwart, mustard, oregano, pennyroyal, thyme, rue, santalina, sassafras, savory, tansy, wintergreen, wormwood, yarrow.

10/08/2014

Today, I decided to write about our beloved fur babies, since I have started reading this amazing book about aromatherapy and animals. It has given me so much information and really I have just begun the first chapter.

Did you know that a Labrador Retriever 40 years ago (which really is not that long) had a life span of 17 years. Today that same breed has a life span of 7 years. To me, that is horrible! We could have our four legged friends that much longer, l as anyone who has had a dog and lost one knows how painful it is. It is loosing a member of the family. Cancer in dogs...it was unheard of a century ago, and now the leading cause of death, and why? the food (or chemicals in it) that we have to feed them. The same as our bodies, and all the toxins we hold from not getting the proper nutrients, as today everything is processed and quick. Now, I'm not going to preach about food, what not to eat etc...i was just giving food for thought, as I was shocked when I read about the life expectancy rate and how much it has changed.

CATS and DOGS in AROMATHERAPY:

"Aromatherapy works on multiple levels with animals: physically, emotionally, conditionally, evolutionary, and spiritually."

I chose to speak of cats and dogs foremost, as the majority of us have them as pets, but all kinds of animals interact with essential oils and touch, some, it is more dangerous, and some like fish....seriously...dont touch your fish, perhaps one of the few pets that are NOT impressed with touch and fish dont do eo's!

CATS: Cats do not mix with essential oils, unless you use a hydrosol, which in simple terms is the water based by products off the distilled essential oils, or otherwise known as floral waters. These are much more gentle, and diluted and therefore can be used with cats. Cats cannot use essential oils because the cannot metabolize them, they can have elevated liver enzymes, and get quite ill, and well poisoned. They have a unique system that can build up toxins, because they cannot eliminate different compounds. Although, do not be afraid of diffusing, or using essential oils on yourself if you have cats. They are intelligent animals, and as long as they are able to leave the room where the oil is being diffused they will (same as dogs, never leave an animal confined to a room, when diffusing). The same as if you have an essential oil on your person, they will leave, or if you are using before bed, on your feet, tummy etc. you are covered and it will not harm your feline companion.

Hydrosols for cats include: chamomile, for nerves, or frightened cats, lavender, or lemon verbena to clean litter boxes, or areas around cats. Cats have amazing immune systems, so there is no need to boost your cats immune system. If you want to calm with massage, clean their ears, or help a new kitties nerves, a hydrosol is your best bet. They are gentle, and there is no chemical residue left over for their fragile metabolic system.

Dogs and Aromatherapy:

Dogs on the other hand LOVE essential oils, and they love touch, and both go hand in hand. There are some oils that should NOT be used on dogs, (I will post these in a separate post below) and some that work the best for them, lavender, chamomile, my dog loves a very diluted peppermint, and goes crazy licking if I have a peppermint chap stick on. You will know when a dog loves an oil, or is interested because, he will lick the oil off your hands, or body, smell the blend and act interested. If they do not like the essential oil, they will walk away, pace, pant, drool, show no interest, snort, or sneeze, roll on the carpet and bury their face/ nose, or act frustrated with the scent. Also, the dilution rate should be the same as children when used, 25%, remember a dogs sense of smell is 50-100 times stronger than a humans and, we have 45-50 scent receptors, while dogs have 200 million!

Application topically with dogs is the best way to apply, although diffused and inhaled can work as well. Begin with letting your dog smell the oil (diffused properly) and then gently, massage and apply where the dog needs it.
Some ailments that can be helped with essential oils for dogs are, allergies, anxiety, bad breath, burns, cracked paws, dirty ears, fatigue, grief, hyperactivity...there are so many.

So if you are interested and want to know more about how to helping your dog with essential oils, and taking fewer trips to the vet, message me and I will try to help you and your fur family member out. Some things need to be taken proper care of by a veterinarian, for pets, just as we need our medical Doctors to help us out. Many things can aid holistically as well.

Have a Happy and Healthy day and hug your pet...this also, will boost your immune system and that of your pets!