Patchouli: Those hippies were onto something.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)


                                


I didn’t used to be a very big fan of Patchouli. I think some of my free spirited friends in college wore way too much of it. While I liked the idea of the lifestyle patchouli invoked, I couldn’t abide the way that lifestyle seemed to smell. Until recently, whenever I smelled Patchouli it would bring up memories of late night coffeehouse conversations and hula hooping at outdoor music festivals.


Today though I have a very different relationship with Patchouli, a more mature one you might say. It started a few years ago when I was doing massage at a spa where we used an aromatherapy blend that was for relaxation, and I loved the smell of it. I looked into what oils were in the blend and was surprised that Patchouli was one of them. Since them I have noticed that I’m often drawn to aromatherapy blends and perfumes that contain Patchouli. It seems to lend a sort of deep, soft, grounding glue to these blends. It’s the subtle but powerful boss babe running the show from backstage. In control, but not needing the spotlight because she knows she’s got this.


The scent of Patchouli is sultry and dark. It has herbal, woody, narcotic notes, and an almost antiseptic or insecticide finish. This is a bit ironic because Patchouli is actually a great oil to use as a bug repellant.


Energetically, Patchouli helps us feel connected to our bodies. For obsessive personality types this oil can be especially grounding. It calms fear and nervous energy and fosters better synergy between the body and mind. It can be helpful for easing mild depression. Use Patchouli for yoga, tai chi, or my favorite, when you go out dancing!


Patchouli is very helpful for the skin. Historically it’s been used for toning the skin and may be helpful in anti aging skincare blends. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.


                                

I was surprised to learn that Patchouli is actually part of the mint family. The essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the plant. The flowers when in bloom are a beautiful lavender color that somewhat remind me of lilacs (as far as their look, not smell!) It is high in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, which give it it’s skin healing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.


For centuries Patchouli has been used in perfumes. It is a base note, and blends well with florals like Lavender, Rose, and Jasmine, and with other woody base notes like Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Vetiver. 

Sources:

- doTerra.com

- Aromahead Institute

- Modern Essentials, Sixth Edition

- Emotions and Essential Oils, A Reference Guide to Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition

Grapefruit: The essential oil equivalent of glitter.

Grapefruit: Citrus paradisi 

Opening up a bottle of grapefruit essential oil is like opening one of those party poppers that shoots glitter everywhere, (without the annoying clean up afterwards). Grapefruit is glittery, sparkly, positive sunshine in a bottle. It also smells just like a fresh, ripe, juicy grapefruit.

This is an oil to reach for when you're wanting to uplift your mood. It's a great pick-me-up when feeling fatigued. It's energetic and has an outwardly happy energy. It's a wonderful source of support when dealing with depression or anxiety and can reduce mental tension. It can also assist with the physical pain and tension that often comes with depression and stress. The d-limonene componant of grapefruit has stress reducing actions. 

 Grapefruit is the oil of Honoring the Body. It's a helpful friend for those who have deep dissatisfaction with their bodies and are not comfortable in their own skin. Those who mistreat their bodies with extrememe dieting, overeating, or eating disorders, might find some comfort in grapefruit essential oil's assistance. Don't confuse the use of the essential oil with the use of grapefruit, the fruit, in diets. Grapefruit essential oil can encourage a positive relationship with one's body.* 

 As you've probably already guessed, grapefruit essential oil comes from grapefruits. It is cold pressed from the rind, or peel, of the fruit. When grapefruit was first "discovered" by Europeans in the late 1700's, it was referred to as a "forbidden fruit", and one of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados". **

 

Grapefruit is wonderful in an uplifting, energizing diffuser blend. You can also put a drop or two in a glass of drinking water to help stabilize your metabolism and add to that healthy body image. Grapefruit is great for skin care as it has astringent properties and can help with blemishes. It is less phototoxic than other citrus oils, but still use caution when using it topically and use sunscreen when you're going to be exposed to sunlight. Grapefruit is prone to oxidization, so pay attention to how old your grapefruit oil may be and don't use it topically or internally if oxidized. Never use oils internally if they are not CPTG oils. 

 Here is a sparkly, energizing diffuser blend from the Aromahead Institute: 

Sunny Diffuser Blend 

5 drops Grapefruit 

5 drops Orange 

2 drops distilled Lime 

Add to your diffuser and enjoy some liquid sunshine! 

 *Emotions and Essential Oils: A Reference Guide for Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition 

** doTerra.com

Bergamot: The love child of Lemon and Lavender

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia):

A lot of people associate the aroma of Bergamot with Earl Grey tea. To me, Bergamot smells like the love child of Lemon and Lavender. It is both citrusy and herbal, with a hint of pepper. Imagine slicing a fresh lemon in half and then sprinkling dried lavender and fresh ground pepper on it, and that’s what it makes me think of. There is a bit of woodiness in there too, which comes from that Lavender-like note.

The light citrus notes uplift the spirit, while the herbal, green notes are calming and grounding. Bergamot is helpful for anxiety and insomnia. It is the oil of Self-Acceptance. Bergamot cleans out stagnant energy that causes low self-esteem and limiting beliefs. It helps encourage feelings of optimism and confidence in the self. 

                                        

Bergamot is a powerful anti-spasmodic, and can be very helpful for reducing coughing and stomach cramps. It is helpful in supporting digestion in general (which could be why Earl Grey tea is so popular). You never want to apply Bergamot neat to the skin, as it can be phototoxic. Always dilute it when using topically, and wear sunscreen or avoid being in the sun outdoors. It can be helpful for drying up pimples and balancing oily skin.

Bergamot is cold pressed from the rind of the fruit. (I like how the rind is bumpy, and when you cut it in half, it forms waves around the flesh inside.) In Italy it has been historically used to cool fevers and expel intestinal worms.


                                    


Bergamot is often used in perfumery for “eau de cologne” type fragrances. It is a top note, and blends well with other citrus oils as well as the herbal aromas like Lavender, Rosemary, and Clary Sage.

Pink Pepper: It's not just for fajitas

Pink Pepper (Shinus molle):

As we enter the season of grilling here in the U.S., it seems appropriate that I introduce you to an essential oil that might be more associated with seasoning BBQ. This is an oil that I’ve just recently been introduced to, and I wasn’t sure if I was a fan of it at first. After spending a little bit of time with it, it’s started to grow on me.

My initial impression of Pink Pepper was of melons that have been sprinkled with spices and pepper. The first notes I pick up are fruity, floral, and somewhat green, and then they’re followed up with a kick of whole, fresh, peppercorns. Light and relaxed at first, Pink Pepper reminds you she has a strong backbone and isn’t to be taken for granted. I think this oil would work well in a blend as either a top or middle note.

Pink Pepper essential oil comes from the pink peppercorn tree. The oil is steam distilled from the fruit of the tree. Historically Pink Pepper was used by the Incas for medicinal purposes.

                         


When used internally, Pink Pepper could be helpful for the digestive, respiratory, and immune systems.* Energetically and emotionally, it is both relaxing and uplifting. Two of it’s main chemical components, Limonene and a-Phellandrene, could be calming for the nervous system.

Of course when most of us think of pepper, we think of cooking, and Pink Pepper is an oil that can be very handy in the kitchen or on the grill. It’s especially good on grilled veggies. Here’s a recipe I shared a little while back on Instagram.

                          

Some other ways to use Pink Pepper are to add a few drops to a diffuser, or add one to two drops to a lotion or massage oil.**

I think Pink Pepper would blend well with Lavender, Rosemary, and Cedarwood.

*Use caution when taking essential oils internally. Always consult with a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils internally.

**May cause skin sensitivity. Test a small amount on a small area of skin before using. Do not use topically on children under the age of five, and if you are pregnant or nursing.

Sources: doTerra.com

Frankincense - When in doubt, get your frankincense out.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): When in doubt, get your frankincense out.



Frankincense is one of those oils that, if you’re going to have any oil on hand, it’s the one you want (and probably Lavender, but we’ll leave that for another discussion.) doTerra’s Dr. Hill has a saying, “When in doubt, get your Frankincense out.” It’s definitely one I often reach for. Frankincense has a wonderful grounding and calming effect on our emotions. It’s great to use for meditation or yoga, or anytime you want to soothe an overactive mind. It’s scent is woodsy, earthy, a bit spicy, with a touch of citrus and herb.


Frankincense is often known as the “king of oils”, both for its wide range of uses and it’s association as a gift for the baby Jesus. Emotions & Essential Oils, 2017 Sixth Edition, refers to Frankincense as “The Oil of Truth”. It helps the individual let go of lower vibrations and deceptions, as well as feelings of abandonment, spiritual darkness, and feeling unprotected or disconnected. It can help with focus, and to shut out distractions.



                           




                                      


Historically Frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies. The Egyptians used it in perfume and skin healing salves. Besides being excellent at soothing the nervous system, Frankincense is a wonderful skin healer. It helps to protect the skin and reduce inflammation and is a great anti-ageing helper. I add it to my facial oil and use it daily!


Frankincense essential oil is steam distilled from the resin or gum. The tree is from the Burseraceae family. These trees/shrubs grow in the middle east, mostly Somalia, and Frankincense can be difficult and costly to make. A bottle of therapeutic grade Frankincense essential oil may be pricey, but it is worth every bit.


Sources:
Emotions & Essential Oils: 2017 Sixth Edition
Modern Essentials: Sixth Edition
doTerra.com
Aromahead Institute

Banish Brain Fog and Get Focused in the New Year

Brain Fog. Is this a familiar term to you? When you read those words, do they resonate with you? Maybe you’re more familiar with Brain Fog’s brother, Mental Fatigue. Yeah that’s one that I can relate to!

There are many things that can contribute to us having a feeling of brain fog, mental fatigue, lack of concentration, poor memory, etc. Stress, being physically tired, having a lot on our mind, sickness, grief, and more. If this feeling persists for a long period of time, we definitely want to consult our healthcare practitioner. For support with treatment and for more temporary situations, aromatherapy can help.

Here are some essential oils that can help with brain fog, and support better mental focus:

Ravintsara: Brings circulation to the head and can clear up “stagnant energy”, helping you to better focus. Ravintsara has a fresh, clean, eucalyptus-like scent.

Rosemary: Stimulates the memory and opens consciousness. Has an herbal, woodsy, and camphorous aroma.

Peppermint: Fresh, sweet, and minty, peppermint is purifying and stimulating to the mind. It can aid with memory and mental performance.

Frankincense: Can help minimize distractions and improve concentration. It can help ease impatience, irritability, hyperactivity, and restlessness. Overall it is a very grounding, calming oil. I find it’s very helpful for meditation. It’s scent is very rich and deep, and incense-like.

Lavender: The one oil everyone should always have on hand. Lavender helps our mental capacity by promoting consciousness and creativity. It’s scent is herbaceous, woody, and floral.

Sandalwood: This oil can help us mentally by calming and harmonizing our emotions, and balancing our “monkey mind”. It is also a good oil to use for meditation. It has a soft, earthy, balsamic, woodsy aroma.

Laurel Leaf: Uplifts the mind and increases concentration. Removes stuck emotional energy and boosts confidence. It’s scent is fresh, sweet, and spicy-herbal.

So, now that you have a great list of oils to help you dispel brain fatigue and increase focus, how can you best use them? A quick whiff from the bottle could do the trick, but here is a blend recipe from the Aromahead Institute, which you could use in a diffuser or an inhaler. An inhaler is a great option if you are at work or another public place and can’t use a diffuser.*


                                    


Brain Fog Relief Blend
2 drops Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora 1,8 cineole)
2 drops Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
1 drop Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

You can also ask for a brain fog banishing blend during your Essential Wellness Aromatherapy Massage, or, in an Aromatherapy Consultation I can custom make a blend for you that meets your unique needs.

*When purchasing oils, make sure to always buy Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils. Non-CPTG oils may be synthetic or diluted with “filler oils”. These oils don’t have the same wellness benefits and may even be harmful to your health.

A Magic Elixir that can help reduce stress and calm an upset stomach.

A Magic Elixir that can help reduce stress and calm an upset stomach

Do I have your attention with that headline? Wondering what this amazing concoction could be? Well, I have recently become enamored with chamomile tea. If you don't already know about the wonderful benefits of chamomile, then here are some examples:
1. Reduces stress: chamomile tea increases serotonin and melatonin in the body, two hormones that work to alleviate feelings of stress. 
2. Can help with better sleep: Makes sense that if chamomile tea helps reduce stress, it's going to help with more restful sleep as well. 
3. Helps you have more beautiful, healthy skin: Now that really is a magic elixir! Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin. You can actually use it in a bath to help relieve itchiness and dryness or apply directly to skin.
4. Can help with digestive issues: this is most likely related to its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile can help soothe diarrhea, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and abdominal cramps.
5. Helps immune system: anti-bacterial chamomile can help you fight colds and its soothing properties are good for sore throats.
Here are two types of chamomile tea I really like:


You could add a drop of ginger*, lavender*, or lemon* essential oil to this tea. Ginger will give you even more digestive assistance, lavender is calming for the mind, and lemon is a great help if you're fighting a sore throat. Or, I'm also a fan of this one: 



A few safety precautions - if you're allergic to plants in the daisy family, you'll want to pass chamomile up as you'll be allergic to it too. Also, chamomile can sometimes be a blood thinner, so consult your doctor if it's safe for you to use, especially before a surgery. 

*Make sure when using essential oils, especially internally, that you always use Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils (CTPG). Non-CTPG oils may not be safe to take internally.