New Dawn Aromatics

03/16/2026

This scrub will wake you up better than coffee..

"Sluggish mornings? This energizing salt scrub combines the power of mental clarity oils with an instant energy boost."

"WAKE UP" SALT SCRUB
1 cup sea salt
1/4 cup sesame oil or jojoba
8 drops rosemary ct 1,8 cineole
4 drops lemon (Citrus limon)
7 drops Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
I ended up adding that in at the end

HOW TO USE:
"Massage onto damp skin in the shower, breathe deeply, and feel your brain fog lift naturally."

"Want to know the SCIENCE behind why rosemary, peppermint and lemon are so powerful for mental clarity? I break it all down in my 'Clear the Fog' class."

"Save this recipe, then DM "Clear" for free access to the class replay.

Link in bio!

03/15/2026

Here's a simple truth: your brain needs a break. We push ourselves so hard, yet the answer to feeling better can be surprisingly simple: a quick trip outside.

Even a short 20-minute connection with nature can do wonders for your focus and calm.

Your brain thanks you for it.

Ready to give your amazing brain a well-deserved reset?

Here's your step-by-step guide to making those 20 minutes count:

1.Find Your Green (or Blue) Spot.

This doesn't mean you need a forest nearby. A local park, a community garden, even a quiet patch with a few trees will work. If you're near water-a lake, river, or ocean-that's fantastic too.

What matters most is that you're outside.

2. Leave Your Tech Behind.

This is big.

Phones, tablets, even smartwatches can pull your attention away.

The idea is to disconnect from digital noise and connect with the natural world around you.

You want your brain to relax, not scroll.

3. Engage Your Senses.

Pay attention.

What do you hear?

Birds singing, leaves rustling, water flowing?

What do you see?

The way light filters through leaves, the colors of flowers, the movement of a branch?

Notice the smells-fresh earth, blooming flowers, pine needles.

This focused awareness brings you into the moment.

4. Breathe Deeply.

Take slow, deep breaths.

This helps signal to your body that it's safe to relax. A minute or two of controlled breathing can make a big difference in slowing down your thoughts.

This focused breathing helps calm your nervous system.

5. Be.

Let your mind wander if it needs to, but gently bring your attention back to your surroundings.

Don't force anything.

The goal here isn't to solve problems or plan your day. It's to give your brain a chance to simply exist without demands.

This allows for a kind of "rhythmic brain activity" that helps with creativity.

Pro Tip: If you can't get outside, try bringing nature in.

Potted plants in your space, especially near a window, can give you a similar oxygen increase for your brain.

Diffusing scents like pine or cypress oil can also help create a calming atmosphere, mimicking the "phytoncides" trees release that are so good for you.

Common Mistake to Watch Out For: Thinking "it's not worth it" if you can only spare a short time.

That's not true!

Even 20 minutes helps your brain quiet "mental clutter" and restore attention.

You don't need a deep wilderness trip to feel the benefits.
What You'll Gain: After these 20 minutes, you'll likely feel a sense of calm and clarity.

Your mind will feel less busy, and you might notice your focus improving. It helps quiet the part of your brain that worries a lot.

Consistent short doses of nature can even build better attention and memory over time, like the way early outdoor exposure shapes a child's brain structure.

Message "Calm" if you would like to know how to work with forest essential oils to bring nature indoors

03/13/2026

Want to bring that instant forest calm into your morning routine? This blend will transform how you start your day."

🌲 MORNING FOREST BLEND
4 drops Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) - "For that grounding forest floor energy"
6 drops Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) - "Mental clarity that cuts through morning fog"
5 drops Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) - "uplifting a clarifying"

THE SCIENCE:
"These aren't just pretty scents - they're packed with phytoncides, the same compounds that make forest bathing so healing for your nervous system."

"I dive deep into the research behind forest therapy in my Spring Awakening blog post - it's fascinating stuff!"

Comment "Forest" if you are trying this blend!

Then head to my blog to discover why nature is literally medicine. Link in bio

03/12/2026

Let's bust some nature myths! you think you need a whole weekend in the wilderness to get any real benefit from green spaces. Or perhaps you're one of those people who says, "I hate bugs, the outdoors isn't for me." Well, I've got some news for you.

Here are a few common ideas about nature that aren't true:

Myth 1: You need to spend hours deep in the woods to feel better. Nope!

While a long hike can be wonderful, you don't need a full day off to connect with nature.

Even a short 20-minute walk where you pay attention to the sounds and sights around you can make a big difference in your brain.

Studies show that this short amount of time can quiet an overactive mind and help you think more clearly.

Myth 2: "I'm not a nature person; it won't work for me." You might be surprised!

Even if you don't feel a strong connection to nature or prefer city life, your brain still gets a lift from green spaces.

Research shows that everyone experiences benefits like better attention after some time outdoors, no matter how much they think they like nature. So, next time you're feeling stressed, give a local park a try.

Your brain will thank you.

Myth 3: Looking at pictures or videos of nature is the same as being there. It's not quite the same.

While pretty nature scenes can make you feel better, real plants do something special for your brain.

They give a stronger increase to the oxygen levels in your prefrontal cortex-that's the part of your brain that handles thinking and planning. So, if you can, choose real plants and fresh air over screen time.

Myth 4: Only forests and green spaces count as "nature." Good news for those near water!

Blue spaces-like rivers, lakes, or the ocean-are as effective for calming stress and improving your mood. So, if a forest isn't nearby, a walk by the water can give you many of the same peace-promoting benefits.

What's one nature myth you're ready to let go of? -

Sources:
https://www.natureandhealthutah.org/blog/udmqa4ygy1sd21r0iat755f0kryeky
https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/atp-nature-and-the-brain
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 30;18(9):4790. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094790. PMID: 33946197; PMCID: PMC8125471.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260226/Study-reveals-natures-profound-impact-on-brain-health-and-well-being.aspx

Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.

03/11/2026

Did you know 20 minutes outside can totally change your brain? It's true!

Our modern lives often leave us feeling frazzled, but nature offers a simple reset button.

Even a short walk can dial down the noise in your head.

When an EEG measures what's happening inside, even brief moments in nature improve brain activity patterns.

You get better focus, more mental flexibility, and a creativity increase.

You don't need to be a nature lover for this to work, either. If you live in the city or aren't big on bugs, it still helps.

Your attention gets restored, even if you never thought nature was for you.

Spending time outside can also calm parts of your brain linked with fear.

Think of it like taking the volume down on anxious thoughts.

Walks near green spaces can lower activity in the area of your brain that worries and dwells on problems.

This happens even more than reducing stress hormones in your body.

You might wonder if looking at pictures of nature works too.

While pretty, they don't quite hit the mark.

For your brain to get the full effect, especially improving prefrontal blood flow which helps with clear thinking, you need actual plants around you.

The real deal brings tactile and sensory feelings that pictures can't replicate.
It's a simple idea: step outside, take a breath, and let nature do its magic for your mind.
Sources:
https://www.natureandhealthutah.org/blog/udmqa4ygy1sd21r0iat755f0kryeky
https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/atp-nature-and-the-brain
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1510459112
Jimenez MP, DeVille NV, Elliott EG, Schiff JE, Wilt GE, Hart JE, James P. Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 30;18(9):4790. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094790. PMID: 33946197; PMCID: PMC8125471.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260226/Study-reveals-natures-profound-impact-on-brain-health-and-well-being.aspx

03/10/2026

There's something magical happening right outside your window. 🌱

As I write this, I can hear the first birds returning from their winter journey, and there's a softness in the air that whispers of longer days ahead. Spring isn't just a season - it's an invitation to heal, to reconnect, and to remember something profound about our relationship with the natural world.

I've just published a piece that's been close to my heart for months: "Spring Awakening: How Nature's Return Can Transform Your Health and Well-being." What started as curiosity about why a simple walk in the woods feels so restorative turned into a deep dive into fascinating research that honestly blew my mind.

Did you know that just 90 minutes in nature can literally rewire your brain for calm? Or that the compounds trees release - the same ones concentrated in pine, fir, and cypress essential oils - actually boost your immune system and reduce stress hormones?

The Japanese have a beautiful practice called "Shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, and the science behind it is absolutely compelling. We're talking about measurable changes in your nervous system, your heart rate, even your ability to fight off illness.

But here's what I love most about this research: it validates what many of us already know deep down. That feeling of peace when you step into a forest? That instant calm when you breathe in the scent of pine? It's not just in your head - it's your body recognizing its natural medicine.

In the blog, I share practical ways to bring these benefits into your daily life, whether you live in the city or have acres of wilderness at your doorstep. I've included some of my favorite "forest in a bottle" essential oil blends that harness these same healing compounds.

As we move into spring, I can't think of a better time to reset our relationship with nature. Your nervous system is literally waiting for this connection.

Ready to discover why nature isn't just nice to have - but necessary for optimal health?

Link in comments below. 💚

https://newdawnaromatics.podia.com/blog/spring-awakening-how-natures-return-can-transform-your-health-and-well-being

What's your favorite way to connect with nature as spring unfolds? I'd love to hear about the places that restore your soul.

Discover how nature boosts immunity & reduces stress. Learn to bring forest healing indoors with pine, fir & cypress essential oils this spring.

03/07/2026

What a month exploring the incredible world of olfactory training!

You've learned so much about how your nose connects to your entire brain.

Let's recap some of the biggest takeaways.

We kicked things off by seeing that smell training isn't just for regaining lost senses; it's a "brain gym" for everyone.

Even if your sense of smell is fine, this practice can increase the volume of your olfactory bulb and improve brain connections.

That's an excellent brain increase for anyone!

Then, we dove into how this training helps people recover from distorted smells, like parosmia, especially after a viral infection.

Placebo-controlled studies showed a significant reduction in these unpleasant smell experiences for those who trained regularly. It's like physical therapy for your nose.

We also discussed the power of sticking with it.
While you might see some gains at 12 weeks, extending your training to 16, 24, or even 56 weeks can significantly increase success rates from 58% to 71%.

Your brain builds lasting change, much like building muscle memory.

You saw how enriching your sense of smell can go beyond initial recovery. It's connected to your overall health and can even counter links to conditions like Parkinson's, since smell decline often predicts other health issues. It protects vulnerable brain connections.

And finally, we looked at brain imaging, which shows that training rewires your brain.

This means stronger connections between your nose and other important brain areas, like a "nose-to-hippocampus highway" upgrade.

The evidence for olfactory training is strong enough that leading clinics, like Stanford, consider it a standard, first-line therapy.

This isn't a hopeful idea; it's a proven method for recovery and cognitive health. It's clear that incorporating smell training into your routine, whether you're recovering from smell loss or looking for a cognitive edge, is a practice with deep impact.

Sources:
Pubmed - PMC11416427, PMC9891899
https://www.uab.edu/reporter/research-innovation/smell-training-is-brain-training-parosmia-success-and-five-other-insights-from-a-new-uab-clinic
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1457527/full
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241101/Can-olfactory-loss-predict-disease-Study-ties-loss-of-smell-to-139-health-conditions.aspx
https://med.stanford.edu/smell/treatment.html

03/02/2026

Smell training success isn't just about the first 12 weeks! 👃✨

If you're doing olfactory training, here's how to maximize your results:

🕐 Train for 16+ weeks (some see best results at 56 weeks!)
🌹 Use the classic 4 scents - rose, lemon, eucalyptus, clove
⏰ 20 seconds per scent, twice daily
🧠 Focus mindfully - try to remember what each should smell like
👃 One nostril technique - can help grow your olfactory bulb
📝 Keep a smell diary - track your progress

Research shows longer training periods significantly improve success rates. Your brain needs consistent practice to rebuild those neural pathways!

Don't stop at 12 weeks - your nose is still healing and adapting. Consistency is everything! 💪

Have you been doing smell training? Drop a 👃 if you're committed to the long game!

03/02/2026

Forget what you thought you knew about smell training! It's not just for when your nose feels off.

New research shows this simple practice does amazing things for your brain, even if your sense of smell is fine.

Think of it as a workout for your brain, not your nose.

Here are 7 surprising ways smell training can give your brain a serious upgrade:
1. Your Brain Grows New Connections - Animal studies show that consistent smell training strengthens the links between your smell bulb and other key parts of your brain.

This is like building a superhighway for information flow.

2. Smell Bulbs Get Bigger - Yes, your olfactory bulbs - the parts of your brain responsible for processing smells - can get larger with training. It's direct evidence of your brain adapting and improving!

3. Increase Your Brain's Operating System - Even if you don't have smell loss, doing regular smell training can improve your cognition. It's like upgrading your brain's software for better performance.

4. Rewire Your Inner Networks - Brain imaging shows that smell training can change how different brain networks connect and function. It’s a complete reorganization for the better.

5. Help Fight Cognitive Decline - Smell training offers a fresh approach to combat associated cognitive challenges. It’s a proactive step for brain health.

6. Sharpen Your Memory & Language Beyond smells - this training can improve your verbal fluency - how easily and quickly you can use words.

Pair it with naming odors, and you amplify those gains.

7. It's a First-Line Standard - Leading institutions now consider smell training essential, not optional, for many cases of smell loss.

This isn't some fringe idea; it's a recognized, effective therapy backed by abundant evidence. So, ready to give your brain a new kind of workout?

Grab some essential oils and start sniffing!

Check out my latest blog sharing the Olfactory Training Steps.
https://newdawnaromatics.podia.com/blog/how-to-recover-sense-of-smell-olfactory-training

Discover how olfactory training helps recover lost sense of smell with 47% success rates in post-infectious cases. Learn evidence-based protocols using essential oils, familiar scents, and the classic 4-scent method. Includes cognitive benefits, brain plasticity research, and personalized training t...

02/25/2026

Have you ever considered your nose as a secret weapon for your brain? We often think about smell training only when we've lost our sense of smell, but that's missing a huge opportunity!

Many people view smell training as a reactive therapy, something you do after a problem hits.

But what if it's one of the easiest, most accessible ways to proactively enhance your brain's health?

Research shows that even people with a normal sense of smell can grow their olfactory bulb volume and strengthen vital neural connections through this practice.

That's a significant upgrade for your brain, no matter your age or health status!

Think of it this way: You don't wait for your muscles to atrophy before hitting the gym.

Our brains, including our sense of smell, need regular exercise, too.

The evidence is solid: consistent smell training can lead to enduring improvements in smell and overall brain function. It's a non-invasive, cost-effective way to support neurological resilience and cognitive sharpness. So, here's my contrarian take: If you're not doing smell training, you're leaving an effective tool for brain health on the table. It's not for recovery; it's for prevention and optimization.

You could be missing out on a simple daily habit that pays big dividends for your cognitive future, even potentially aiding vulnerable populations like those facing HIV-related cognitive decline.

Why wait for an issue when you can fortify your brain today?



Sources: Pubmed PMC11416427, PMC9891899

02/25/2026

Forget everything you thought about smell training. It's not only for those who've lost their sense of smell.

That's a limited view, and it's holding people back from significant brain advantages.

Here's my stance: if you have a functioning nose, you should be training your sense of smell.

Period.

We've framed this as a "recovery" tool, but it's far more effective as a proactive "enhancement" tool. We're missing a massive opportunity for cognitive health before problems even start.

Think about it: this training doesn't bring back lost perception; it actively builds your brain.

Studies show it increases the size of your olfactory bulb and strengthens brain connections, even if your smell is already fine. It’s like a gym for your brain, making it stronger and more adaptable.

Why wait for decline when you can fortify your mind now?

This isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about building a better, more resilient cognitive system. It's time we stop seeing smell training as a niche therapy and start recognizing it as fundamental mental fitness for everyone.

Sources:
Pubmed - PMC11416427, PMC9891899
https://www.uab.edu/reporter/research-innovation/smell-training-is-brain-training-parosmia-success-and-five-other-insights-from-a-new-uab-clinic

02/20/2026

You've heard about smell training, but what if you're not seeing the progress you hoped for? Or what if you want to make sure your gains stick around?

The secret often lies in playing the long game.

Many people stop too soon, missing out on the biggest rewards.

Think of it like building physical strength.

You wouldn't stop after a few weeks at the gym and expect to keep your muscles forever.

Your sense of smell works similarly.

Here's how to extend your olfactory training for lasting change and maximal results:

1. Commit Beyond 12 Weeks. Many training programs suggest 12 weeks, but research shows that going longer makes a big difference.
Training for 16 to 56 weeks can increase your success rate from 58% to 71%
This extended effort helps cement the changes in your brain.

Pro Tip:

• Mark your calendar for longer than 3 months. Aim for 4-6 months to give your brain enough time to adapt.

2. Stick to Your Scents, Twice Daily. Consistency is essential.
Sniff each of your chosen scents for 20 seconds, twice a day, every day. A good starting set includes rose, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove.
Focus on what you smell, trying to recall memories or descriptions linked to that scent.

Common Mistake:

• Skipping days or rushing through the process.
Your brain needs regular stimulation to rebuild these pathways.

3. Keep a Smell Diary. Grab a notebook or use an app to track your daily sessions.
Note down the strength of each scent and how pleasant you find it. If you're experiencing distorted smells (parosmia) keep a special watch for shifts in those perceptions.

Outcome:

• Watching your ratings change over time can be incredibly motivating. It also helps you see progress you might otherwise miss.

4. Consider Rotating Scents. If you're dealing with a chronic smell issue, change up your scents every two weeks.
Instead of four, expand to a set of eight different essential oils.
This varied input keeps your brain stimulated and can encourage broader recovery.

Pro Tip:

• Use small jars with cotton pads soaked in essential oils.

This keeps the scents fresh and easy to use.

5. Engage Your Brain More. You can increase the benefits by adding a cognitive element to your training.
While sniffing, try to name words associated with the odor or describe the scent in detail.
This extra brain work can enhance verbal fluency, even for people without smell loss.

Outcome:

• You're training your smell and giving your brain a workout, potentially improving memory and language connections. By committing to a longer training period and applying these strategies, you're not only restoring your sense of smell; you're helping your brain create lasting, positive changes that can stay stable for many months after you stop.

Sources:
Pubmed PMC11416427, PMC9891899, NBK567741
https://www.uab.edu/reporter/research-innovation/smell-training-is-brain-training-parosmia-success-and-five-other-insights-from-a-new-uab-clinic
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1457527/full