by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Essential Oils
Do you have dry skin? Do you like massages? Do you use essential oils? Then you should familiarize yourself with the many carrier oils at your disposal. Carrier oils are fixed oils. They are pressed from the fatty portions of a plant (seeds, nuts, kernels) and unlike essential oils can go rancid over time. They nourish the skin as they have many nutrients and fatty acids, and they are essential to use when using essential oils for topical application.
Some carrier oils are odorless, light and penetrate the skin quickly while others can be overwhelming in an aromatherapy blend and leave an oily residue on the skin.
It is important to know the shelf life of your carrier oil and remember to always store in a dark cool spot.
Part II
Most everyone has a favorite carrier oil. Which one to use will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. I could not possibly pick just one, or even three favorites. I have at least 50% of these carrier oils at my disposal, and the more you use them the easier it will be to instinctively know which one to grab when making a product.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me. I am happy to help!
If you are interested in purchasing a carrier oil to try, Mountain Rose Herbs has a large variety of carrier oils, as well as essential oils, herbs and more. (Carrier oils are under ingredients) Click here to be redirected.
**Please note this is a affiliate link. I have chosen only Mountain Rose Herbs to be an affiliate as I stand behind their phenomenal products. For those unfamiliar…rest assured you will not pay any more for your product by using this link.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Additional Resources/Recommendations
The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide by: Danielle Sade
Power of the Seed by: Susan Parker
Liquid Sunshine by: Jan Kusmirek
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Food
Are you walking around on a low simmer? The good news is, once we understand what causes inflammation and see how quickly our actions can either fan or cool the flames, we can begin to make better choices every day that bring us back into balance.
Inflammation found in the body is typically a normal and healthy response to injury or to defend against foreign invaders. When the inflammation is due to an injury, sometimes we can visually see it, and sometimes we can feel it when the skin is hot to the touch as well as experience the pain that comes along with it. This heat is the body’s way of getting more nourishment and more immune activity (WBC) into an area that needs to fend off infection or heal (1). But inflammation isn’t always helpful. In great amounts over a long period of time, it can be a real problem. Whole-body inflammation is a chronic, low-level inflammation. Evidence shows that over time this kind of systemic inflammation sets the stage for many serious diseases including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, stroke, several cancers, lupus, migraines, dementia, Chron’s disease, and heart disease (2).
Would you be surprised if I told you that most of this systemic inflammation starts in your gut? Intestinal bloating, frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation, gas and pain, heartburn and acid reflux are early signs of an inflamed digestive tract. Keep in mind these are the early signs and they should not be ignored.
See, your gut is where more than 2/3rds of your immune system is; it was designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria in your food before they infect your body. If your gut is inflamed it can’t properly fight off virus and bacteria; leading to inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, and what is coined leaky gut syndrome, or intestinal permeability. Rease more about this here (Source)
Why do so many of us have this type of inflammation? The modern diet has the majority of us eating an upside-down ratio of fatty acids (omega-3, -6, and -9), too much sugar and carbs, and high levels of wheat, dairy, and other common allergens.
Let’s pull this apart a little bit.
- Sugar-Sugar can seem almost impossible to avoid since it is in just about everything. Many products would surprise you. I recommend watching the documentary That Sugar Film (Free live streaming with Amazon Prime)..it is eye opening. High sugar products like sodas, fruit drinks, candies, pastries, etc. should be avoided. Even grains should be monitored as they turn to sugar and raise blood sugar levels in the body rather quickly. Some healthy substitutes for sugar include stevia (pure), honey, and blackstrap molasses. Keep in mind even these healthy alternative raise blood sugar levels, so moderation is key.
- Oils-Most polyunsaturated vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, peanut and soy, are high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is actually PRO-inflammation. I recommend healthier fats such as coconut or ghee when cooking.
- Gluten/Refined Grains– For many of us, if not all of us, gluten is the wicking that lights a fire of inflammation in our body. Anyone suffering from celiac disease knows how inflammatory wheat can be. The kicker is that many more people likely suffer from an intolerance than true celiac disease. Many do not have the more common symptoms, which are gut symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Systemic simmering of inflammation can show itself in many other ways….or it can be somewhat silent. Have you ever heard the phrase: “Inflammation-The Silent Killer?” We know there is much controversy as to why wheat is such an issue. It is not my intention to try to convince you what I believe, but I will say I know a number of people who can eat bread and pasta in Italy with no issue, but come home to very different reactions to “America’s wheat”. Food for thought.
- Dairy– One of the most inflammatory foods, second only to gluten. It causes inflammation in a large percentage of the population, resulting in digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. You do not need to be lactose intolerant for dairy to cause inflammation in your body. Dairy that is raw or not heat pasteurized can be very different then conventional dairy in regards to is health benefits as well as reactions in the body. For these reasons, my family tries to stay away from conventional dairy as much as possible.
- Meat-Not all meats are created equal. Organic antibiotic free grass-fed meat is the only meat I recommend. Conventionally raised animals are fed GMO grains, pumped full of antibiotics and as a result, the meat is extremely high in the inflammation-promoting Omega 6, rather than the Omega 3 rich pasture raised counterpart. Do not be tricked by food labeling, look for 100% grass-fed and organic.
Another big cause of chronic inflammation in the body is…..CHRONIC UNRELENTING STRESS! When you are under chronic stress and cortisol is constantly flowing at high levels, your immune system lowers and you are more susceptible to illness and you guessed it—chronic inflammation. We all need to work to naturally decrease inflammation in the body and minimize stress.
I will not cover these in this particular article, but there are other causes of inflammation in the body such as: overuse of antibiotics, infection, and hormonal imbalances. Here is an article that goes into more detail about these areas.
So how do we decrease inflammation in the body?
1.Consume more olive oil, fish, and nuts. The Mediterranean-style diet based on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil (organic) can lower inflammation. The reason being is the high amount of omega-3 fats in these foods. Omega-3 fats bring the inflammation down- omega-6 raises it, fuels it. Read more here on the anti-inflammatory benefits of Omega 3’s (3).
Photo Credit: Everynutrient.com
2.Get active. Exercise a great way to lower inflammation without any side effects. Our bodies were meant to be active!
3.Get enough sleep. Some reports state to get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night. That is a good goal.
4.Reduce stress. High levels of stress hormones can lead to the release of excess inflammatory chemicals. Stress reduction is perhaps more important than any other thing I have mentioned, even above your diet. Essential oils can go a long way to assist in calmer moods, but working hard on handling what is important and leaving the rest behind is something to work towards every day.
Here is one of my favorite blends to help calm me. This amount of drops is suitable for a 400ml water reservoir diffuser, adjust accordingly:
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 4 drops
Ylang ylang Cananga odorata 3 drops
Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana 2 drops
Neroli Citrus aurantium 1 drop
Herbs to focus on. Incorporating turmeric, ginger, holy basil, cinnamon, cayenne, and garlic into your daily diet is important to combat inflammation. (As I do not know your medical history, make sure you do not have any contradictions to these herbs before consuming)
Remember, sometimes you may not have what is considered typical ‘symptoms’ of chronic inflammation. If you are a pain sufferer or are suffering any disease’ ending in ‘itis’, you need to address the inflammation in your body.
If you think you might have a food sensitivity, I recommend going on an elimination diet for two weeks to see how you feel. You may find that avoiding certain foods restores more than just your digestive health. Countering chronic inflammation takes a combination approach because it arises from a combination of causes. The great news is we have so much more control than we realize — if we understand how our choices affect our health, we can do something about it. Knowledge is power-to your health!
References
(1) Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms & Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/52344-inflammation.html
(2) Chronic, Subtle, Systemic Inflammation. Retrieved from https://www.painscience.com/articles/inflammation-chronic-subtle-systemic.php
(3) Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Body, Essential Oils
Peppermint Whipped Body Butter Recipe. You will be amazed how easy this recipe is to make, and it smells good enough to eat. Here is what you will need:
-1c cocoa butter (Use refined if allergies are common in the home/for who will be using the body butter)
-1/2c coconut oil (unrefined)
-1/2c almond, olive, or jojoba oil
-10-30 drops of either peppermint, lavender, or sweet orange essential oil (or another favorite)
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan under very low heat until cocoa butter and coconut oil are melted.
Remove from heat, let cool slightly and place in refrigerator for a minimum of an hour, until it starts to become solid. (If you do not let cool enough, it will take MUCH LONGER for your fluffy peaks)….and you will tire of mixing, I assure you….been there…done that.
Use a hand mixer and whip for a good 10 minutes or until fluffy peaks form. Add essential oils during this mixing process.
Place into glass jars. Return to fridge to set.
That is it, super simple. You will LOVE it. This is divine, better than anything you will find in the store. This recipe will make about 2 cups of butter. If you want to make a larger batch for your friends (they make great gifts) add a capsule or two of pure vitamin E oil as a preservative. Avoid dl-alpha-tocopherol, the synthetic form which has been genetically modified and is not safe.
Make note that just as coconut oil liquefies when in warmer temperatures, typically above 76 degrees, your butter will soften as it gets warmer. Store in a cool location and if it becomes too soft, place back into fridge…or mix again with a mixer if necessary. Enjoy your creation!! <3
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Homeopathics
The dreaded allergy season is almost upon us, although for some allergies are not just one season. Are you a sufferer or know someone who is? For people with common hay fever and allergies, these pollutants can bring on symptoms ranging from a minor annoyance, to continuous, annoying postnasal drip to a full-scale, coughing sneezing-itchy-eyed allergy attack. I would consider my allergies to be moderate, but I have a friend who has to take not just one, but multiple OTC remedies just to do yard work, and he still suffers greatly. Researchers think nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States and is quickly growing [1]. These numbers are daunting, what can we do about it?
I recommend trying some of the things below before dosing yourself OTC remedies that tend to cause a lot of drowsiness. Not everything will work for everyone, but my family has had much success in avoiding taking anything OTC by doing the following (I included links to the products for your convenience):
Homeopathic remedies– Like desensitization therapies, homeopathy users consume low doses of a natural substance. The difference is that the substance in homeopathy is related to the symptoms as opposed to the allergen source. I have one for myself and one for my children. The one I take is called Allergy Relief by Homeostasis Labs. At the first sign of itchy eyes or nose, I chew 2 tablets and I am good for four hours. My allergies are considered moderate. (I combine this with other things which I will discuss below) I have two different go-to’s for my kids. The first is Kid’s Relief Allergy. It works quickly for them with their sneezing and runny nose. The second is D-Hist Jr. by Ortho Molecular products, a very reputable supplement company. This supplement contains (Vitamin C, quercetin dihydrate, stinging nettles, bromelain and N-acetyl-cysteine). THis tackles my boys stronger allergen responses, I have taken it before as well with great success
Quercetin– Quercetin is a naturally-derived bioflavonoid that helps stabilize cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. Quercetin also is a natural antioxidant that helps clean up molecules called free radicals that cause cell damage, which can lead to health woes and premature aging [2]. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, and wine are naturally high in quercetin, but allergy sufferers will most likely need to use supplements to build up enough of this compound to prevent attacks. The recommended dosage is about 1,000 milligrams a day, taken between meals. It’s best to start treatment six weeks before allergy season. Those with liver disease shouldn’t use quercetin, so please consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement — especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Read more about this bioflavonoid and its contraindications here. (Very important to know before consuming this day-to-day, be sure it is safe for you)
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica– This powerful herb is highly anti-inflammatory. If you are handling this plant fresh do be sure to use gloves and long shirt as protection as there is a reason for its name, avoid the sting. Research has shown that consuming nettles in freeze-dried capsules effectively reduces histamine levels in the body, thus reducing inflammation of affected tissues [3]. Even drinking this in a tea can be very effective.
I keep a box of these lozenges in my purse when pollen season begins to help with the scratchy itchy throat and post nasal drip. FInd them here. They are gluten-free and contain (Stinging nettle leaf, European elderflower, plantain leaf, eyebright, honey, and a bit of menthol.
Saline Nasal Rinses– A mainstay in our home, I use the neti pot every day as part of a routine, not just during allergy season. My kids have a version they use too. It is critical to remove the pollen from your sinus cavity. (It is great during cold and flu season too) Regular rinses (2-3 times a day during peak times) can flush away allergens, reduce nasal symptoms and help prevent infection. If this is too drying for you, stick to once a day. You also can use a neti pot before bed to ‘help’ prevent snoring caused by allergies and promote optimal overnight breathing (Not guaranteed to nix the snore). Neti Pot /Rinse and Sinu Cleanse Kid’s Mist kit.
You can utilize hydrosols in the neti pot, rosemary is by far the most popular recommendation, but unless I am truly fighting an impending infection, I stick to pink Himalayan sea salt. Please NO essential oils in your neti pot.
Essential OIls-You didn’t think I would end this article without talking about essential oils! I have a number of favorites here, like the formulation below. Make sure your blend contains an oil that has strong anti-inflammatory properties to help open the nasal passageways, one that provides anti-histamine properties, and possibly one to provide you with a decongestant, expectorant or mucolytic properties, depending on what your symptoms are. Here is one of my favorites:
As the meme states, aromatherapy is rarely a one size fits all modality. Make sure that you have no contraindications for this blend, and if you don’t, give it a try in an inhaler when needed.
Always keep in mind that when outdoors the pollen will stick to you, your hair and your clothes. Be sure to wash your hair and clothes before sitting on a chair/couch or before lying in your bed.
Hopefully, some of these things will help you enjoy the springtime….step out and enjoy the warmer weather my friends!
References
[1] Allergy Facts and Figures. Retrieved from http://www.aafa.org/page/allergy-facts.aspx
[2] What are Free Radicals? Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/54901-free-radicals.html
[3] Colley, L. (2016) Healing Allergy Inflammation with Stinging Nettle. Retrieved from http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/healing-allergy-inflammation-with-stinging-nettle
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
