Essential oil safety is a hot topic, understandably so with its popularity. I have hit on many topics over the years and decided to share my top essential oil blogs of all time with you. Twenty topics that have been seen and shared thousands of times, in the ease of one place.
Essential Oil Safety…..There is often much debate about whether we can utilize aromatherapy in the birthing room, or during pregnancy at all. Is it safe? How do we do it? Let’s talk about what we need to consider- Utilizing Essential Oils During Labor and Delivery
The essential oils that we know, and love are derived from plants, but this does not necessarily mean that the therapeutic benefits or uses from the plant to essential oil are the same. In many cases, this does not hold true. There are many recipes online utilizing essential oils that do not honor chemistry and do not focus on safe use. Sustainability is also a massive concern as more and more people are stepping into the essential oil community every day. It is not necessary to use oils every day, or in everything. When we see a recipe shared online, we must ask ourselves if it is necessary, shifting the way we currently see these beautiful resources.
As women, “most” of us are not prepared for motherhood in the way I am about to discuss. Other than books and articles preparing us for Baby, such as the best-seller, “What To Expect When Expecting,” there is not much at all by way of truly preparing us moms for this huge life shift. I am speaking emotionally, mentally and physically. We can find information in books regarding cracked nipples, perineum tears, how long to wait before sex, stretch marks and hemorrhoids, but ladies; we need so much more than that!
Why Is It That Essential Oils Don’t Always Work? Does this topic surprise you? It is true, there are times that essential oils do not work as we think they should, and many instances where what works amazingly well for one individual does not for another. There are a few points that I want to make today on this topic, so let’s get started!
It becomes very challenging to know whom to believe when there are individuals and ‘health gurus’ claiming this to be factual, so I think it is important that I pull this myth apart. I have spent a great deal of time researching this topic. I will be simplifying and summarizing it for you today. It is time to put this idea to rest.
Drawing down a fever is not something that is recommended, as a fever is a sign that our immune system is working as it should be to help us get well. Rather than make my case for why you would or would not want to lower a fever, I want to cover the various ways in which we can work to make our kids a bit more comfortable while supporting their immune system to fight whatever germs are trying to take hold.
As someone that focuses on essential oil safety above all else, I tend to talk about why specific oils or methods of use are not safe. Today I want to shift focus to what essential oils are safe and look at them in a bit of detail. Empowering and helping are two words that are very important to me and my business…because if I do not support you to feel empowered to help your family, your children, and yourself..then what have I done? Fear is not where it’s at, so let us begin!
Confirmation bias is a propensity to search for or interpret information that we find in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions. In other words, when performing research online or at the library or other learning institutions, the individual doing the research has already made their decision about the topic before they have begun their search. Rather than looking to find “the truth” so to speak, they are looking for information that agrees with what they already think!
Aromatherapists have written articles about the safety of the constituent 1,8 cineole, specifically Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus smithii. You’ll read plenty of articles as to why this constituent is not safe for children and not to use it at all under the age of 10. This is not, however, an accurate statement.
There are times where we all fall suspect to confirmation bias when it comes to what we are told in regard to natural remedies. We may know that there are indeed specific benefits to a remedy, we may have even experienced a few of them firsthand, but those benefits can oftentimes be extrapolated beyond what is scientifically shown. Do Epsom salts really work?
The variety of choices for a holistic first aid kit is quite exciting for the DIY’er in you and goes well beyond essential oils. Just about anything can be handled well with holistic remedies, and there are a plethora of options. I will be going over a few of those options today. If we have the choice of handling things at home and not have to travel to a doctor’s office where there is oftentimes a myriad of germs, let’s give it a go, right? I think it is important to understand when getting medical care is needed, but it is not always needed.
There have been many blogs stating that essential oils are great for our gut health and that they provide us with a healthy microbiome. The issue with statements like these is that people walk away from reading these articles thinking that essential oils work much like a prebiotic or probiotic….when that has yet to be proven. With an education in Aromatic Medicine, I can see how these statements or claims are somewhat like a telephone game. My goal is to help you see what I mean by that. Let’s take a look at our gut health…one of my favorite topics, and how essential oils can play a role. It’s not what you think!
This article will be speaking to aromatherapy use during pregnancy and beyond into the nursing years. I decided to write about this because there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Pregnancy is a delicate time, especially during the first trimester, and as we know that chemical constituents in essential oils pass the placenta, even though only in minute amounts, so safety needs to be addressed.
Children are much more sensitive to essential oils and aromas in general, but they can also benefit greatly from their therapeutic uses. There are a number of things that parents need to know before using them to ensure the safety of their children. Looking up a blend or recipe online is not the best way to use your oils. Let’s cover a few things that you may or may not already know in order to keep your little ones safe.
I felt that it was important to address this topic in more detail as it is shared so easily without much understanding of the safety issues involved. It is recommended to avoid fennel essential oil during pregnancy and lactation, and utilize caution with the herb in levels more than what would typically be consumed in food. Congratulations to all mom’s out there embarking on a beautiful time with your new little bundle of joy.
What is an adverse reaction to an essential oil? Would you know what to do if you or your child had an adverse reaction to an essential oil or oil blend? Do you know what an adverse reaction looks like? I will be covering a few of those here in hopes to make you more aware of what that might look like, and what to do if it happens. When we use essential oils, safety has to be the first thing we keep in mind.
Just as you would (or should) exercise caution and research when using pharmaceuticals, you should practice the same careful research when using essential oils. Essential oils are profoundly powerful, which makes them capable of powerful healing, but also injury when used improperly. Overuse and misuse can and do lead to injury.
Proper use of essential oils in the bath. Not only are the specific oils used in the bath of great importance, but safety also needs to be considered in how you add them as well. For example, use peppermint with great caution as it can be a very “eye-opening” experience, and bergamot is a very strong photosensitizing oil, the bath is simply not the “best” place for its use.
The risks of diffusing essential oils in the classroom. If we take into consideration the number of germs that are passed back and forth at school, it is not a surprise that some teachers have considered diffusing essential oils in the classroom. For those with minimal education, this may seem like a great solution to keeping sickness at bay and to keep attendance up, but it comes with a significant amount of risk. Many are told that essential oils are completely natural and safe for everyone, but this is not always the case. There are many things that need to be considered when diffusing in a classroom full of children with a variety of different health constitutions. The liability in this type of situation needs to be looked at closely.
I hope you enjoy my top essential oil blogs of all time. Stay tuned as I share the latest findings and most recent research with you!
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Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
Would you be surprised if I told you that the most common issue among young mothers is burnout? What I mean by burnout is adrenal fatigue and likely low thyroid function as these typically go together. Are you taking time to truly rest? You heard my story, and I have heard the stories of countless other moms who are living it now, hardcore, bone-aching fatigue. Speaking from experience, more experience than I ever thought I would have, here are some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Do they sound familiar?
Exhaustion, not just your average “tired”
Craving salty foods
Fuzzy thinking/difficulty concentrating
Recurrent colds
Waking tired, even though you got plenty of sleep
Feeling revved up and most energetic later in the evening
Difficulty recovering from exercise (Cardio leaves you completely spent)
Possible sleep disturbances
Strong PMS symptoms
Low blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Increasing food sensitivities
If this list sounds like you, don’t panic. Your gut instinct is powerful and was likely telling you that something in your life and your health was off, simply because, like I mentioned above, this tired goes well beyond just being ready for bed.
If you are an avid exerciser it is going to be really important for you to slow down. Reconnection to self and lots of self-love is what is in order. Movement is important though; the type of movement that needs a shift for a bit. Yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and daily walking are on the docket. Weights are even ok. The key is not to get your heart rate too high for too long. You have gotten to this point because of a certain level of disconnect to self, and to start to pull yourself back and find homeostasis, you need to reconnect once again.
Sleep is critical here. I know you feel amazing late at night, but you have to try to shift your sleep pattern to get into bed earlier. At first, the shift can be slow, and you start to get into bed 15 minutes earlier, then 30 minutes earlier, etc. I know that is hard as your sweet spot is after the children are in bed and you finally have the house to yourself. Even now that I have recovered from adrenal exhaustion there are nights that I still falter and burn the midnight oil, but it is really doing more harm than good. Please try and get your goddess self in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest!
Having trouble meeting Mr. Sandman? Herbs and aromatherapy can be very helpful for you.
Time for Tea
Just like with your own children a nighttime ritual before bed is often very helpful to settle. If you are running around the home picking things up, making lunches, folding laundry, paying bills and the million other things we moms do, it is going to be hard to shut the switch off right when you lay down and go to sleep. Try teatime. Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes before lying down. You could sit in silence, read a small passage of a feel-good book, or journal a gratitude list for the day. To-do lists are not welcome here.
Here are some herbs I recommend trying:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate)is an absolutely gorgeous flower, and in the dried herbal form, it is beneficial to calming the mind. As a matter of fact, “Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed” [1].
Passionflower is also a beautiful herb for anxiety, but there are a few contraindications to be aware of. This herb is not for anyone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are already taking sedating medications, avoid passionflower in your cup, or you could greatly intensify the effects of your medication. Be safe momma.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)in your tea is a must! Touted for relaxation of body and mind. Fun fact! In Germany, lemon balm is licensed as a standard medicinal tea for sleep disorders [2].
The essential oil, typically sold as Melissa, is amazing too, but rather costly. Many do not know that it takes quite a lot of plant material to fill that bottle, so I recommend using the herb to help calm before bed rather than the costly oil. Think sustainably!
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is another favorite for calming the body, mind…and bonus, the belly! Use caution if you have an existing ragweed allergy or hay fever, chamomile may affect you as well.
Some recommend valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oil …but I think the herb tastes awful, and the essential oil smells even worse.
Use catnip (Nepeta cataria) instead!
Catnip is rich in nepetalactone, which has mild but effective sedative qualities, and acts much like valerian! [3]
If you mix equal parts of a couple, a few, or all of these herbs and enjoy teatime before bed, you might find yourself much more inclined to sleep peacefully.
Aromatherapy
Are you a bath person? A luxurious soak without the demands of your kids may be just what you need. Here is one of my favorite blends:
Bliss Bath
Rose Absolute (Rosa x damascene) 6 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 4 drops
Epsom salt 1 cup
Unscented fragrance-free shampoo 1 Tbsp
Full fat crème ½ cup (optional)
Mix and add to bath after the water has run. Light a candle, grab a glass of wine and relax.
Diffuser Blend
Turn the timer on your diffuser before you slip under the covers with your favorite nighttime blend. Here is one of mine:
The number of drops given above is suitable for a 400 ml. water reservoir diffuser. If you wind up loving this blend as much as I do to completely melt away your worries, lower stress hormones and help you sleep, make yourself a master blend and store for easy access.
Said gently, much of the daily stress a mom tends to be in is from not accepting things as they are. Practice letting go. Start with little things in the home. It can wait. Let others be responsible for themselves whenever possible. We all know moms wear capes, and we are damn good at it…but that cape needs breaks, you need breaks.
Do not “should” all over yourself! I “should” have gotten the ______ done today. I “should” have been able to keep my cool when my children were fighting. I “should” have… I “should” have… I “should” have. Holy stress! No more “shoulding” on yourself.
Laugh more! Laughing is the single best thing you can do for your stress levels. Have Netflix? There are some amazing, and wicked, stand-up comedians on Netflix. Once the ears are in bed, sit down and enjoy!
Make a point to have girls’ night more often and enjoy each other’s company. No “kid talk” allowed. I have gone out with my girlfriends before when kid talk dominated the entire evening. If this begins to happen to you, speak up! Say gently to your friends, “Life has been hard lately, and I would really love it if I could get a couple of hours truly kid free. Can we talk about ourselves? Life? Hopes and dreams? Anything but our children?” Healthy boundaries, like these, are important. We all wear many hats, but boy does it ever feel good to just take them off and put them down once in a while.
Lastly, if you find yourself truly bone aching exhausted and are sleeping well, truly taking care of self with food, water, vitamins, all of it, with no improvement, please see your doctor. You deserve the best care possible.
If you like this blog, be sure to grab my latest book, “Mom’s Essential Oil Evolution‘ for yourself or a fellow loved Mom.
References
[1] Passionflower. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/passionflower
[2] Blumenthal, M. (2000). Herbal medicine: expanded commission e monographs. Austin: American botanical council. (pp. 230-232)
[3] Catnip. Retrieved from https://www.anniesremedy.com/nepeta-cataria-catnip.php
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
The essential oils that we know and love are derived from plants, but this does not necessarily mean that the therapeutic benefits or uses from the plant to essential oil are the same. In many cases, this does not hold true. There are many recipes online utilizing essential oils that do not honor chemistry and do not focus on safe use. Sustainability is also a massive concern as more and more people are stepping into the essential oil community every day. It is not necessary to use oils every day, or in everything. When we see a recipe shared online, we must ask ourselves if it is necessary, shifting the way we currently see these beautiful resources. From Farm to Oil: Evolution of Plant Medicine-A Spotlight on Lavender
My goal in this new series of blogs is to celebrate plants in all of their glory. I will walk you through from farm to oil. Uses, limitations, and fun recipes of each botanical will be covered. Within each article, I will discuss the herb, flower, fruit, seed, root, or bark, and finally the oil. This will be informative and most importantly, FUN!
Ode to Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
We can close our eyes and imagine fields of purple flowers in France, swaying in the breeze, intoxicating scent, therapeutically abundant. There are dozens of varieties of Lavender; this article will speak to the more common varieties, high in linalool and linalyl acetate, low in camphor.
Considered a common herb, Lavender is relatively easy to grow in the home garden. It is a perennial that does not require a whole lot of care, or too much water once established, and is used for dozens of things. Therefore, it seems like our responsibility to grow it organically and use it in the home, as it is a plant with growing sustainability concerns.
The following is the definition of sustainable according to Merriam-Webster.com:
sustainable
sus·tain·able
adjective
Able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed
Using methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources
Able to last or continue for a long time
Does it surprise you to know that lavender is a concern? Perhaps this will also shock you; the essential oil market is estimated to exceed $17 billion, rising to $27 billion by 2022 [1]. This is only a rough estimate; I expect it will rise much higher than this. This poses many problems in regards to essential oil production, rising prices, and adulteration.
Dr. Pappas, a well-respected essential oil chemist, stated that Lavender essential oil is in crisis mode, read about it here. Prices will be going up due to supply and demand, and as a result, we will be finding more adulterated oils on the market than ever before.
With all of this in mind, there are a couple things that we can do. Consider growing Lavender at home in pots or in your garden, then you can dry it and use it in a large myriad of ways. Trust me when I say the essential oil is not always necessary.
Try saving the seeds from the plants you grow, so that you can have Lavender year after year, and you can share with your friends! The seeds germinate slowly, so be sure to be patient and start them inside 6-8 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors.
I ask that all of you begin to think about where you can use the herb before reaching for the essential oil. Here are a few ideas for you.
Cooking with Lavender
Lavender flowers contain vitamin A, calcium, and iron. When cooked properly, it is simply amazing in baked goods and treats. Here is a healthful recipe for Lavender banana bread.
Ingredients
-Dried Lavender 2 tablespoons
-Melted coconut oil or organic extra virgin olive oil 6 tablespoons
-All-purpose flour (can substitute for a gluten-free flour if needed) 2 cups
-Baking soda 1 teaspoon
-Himalayan or Celtic sea salt 1/2 teaspoon
-Organic, pasture-raised eggs, room temperature 2
-Plain, organic whole-milk yogurt 6 ounces
-Sugar 1 cup
-Raw honey (be sure it is raw honey, not fake honey) ½ cup
-Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
-Large ripe bananas, mashed 2
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a bread pan with parchment paper.
2. Ahead of time, cook the dried Lavender on med-high heat for about a minute until it begins to release it’s heavenly aroma. Then, turn the heat down to med-low and add the butter to the pan. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly (I have burned this quickly by leaving unattended). Your butter should begin to slowly brown. Once the butter is a medium caramel color, remove from heat. Strain out the lavender through a sieve (unbleached cheesecloth works great); preserve the butter in a small bowl. Reserve only 1 teaspoon of the strained lavender in a separate dish. DIscard the rest.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, yogurt, sugar, honey, infused brown butter, and vanilla. Fold in the mashed banana.
4. Pour the batter into the bread pan and sprinkle the reserved lavender on top but do not mix in, bake for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean.
Save a little for yourself before you share with friends and family….it will go quick!
Source: Reinvented from this recipe from Broma Bakery
Herbal Lavender uses and recipes
Lavender in its dried herbal form is very useful around the home. If you have yet to try a cup of Lavender/Chamomile tea, you are in for a treat. Add a small bit of raw honey and enjoy teatime. Lavender helps to support healthy cortisol levels when under stress, and its sedative properties will also help promote a good nights sleep. Try a cuppa if you have a headache or feel particularly wound up for soothing relief.
Lavender simple syrup
-Purified or distilled water 2 cups
-Fresh or dried Lavender flowers 3 tbsp
-Sugar 2 cups
1. Bring the water and Lavender flowers to a boil.
2. Stir in sugar and mix until fully dissolved.
3. Reduce heat to low, simmer for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool and steep for 1 hour or more.
5. Strain out the flowers.
Pour into a glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. It will store well for about a week or two.
The recipe makes a very sweet syrup and will yield just about 2 cups.
Why make simple syrup? There are many recipes online for Lavender lemonade. The issue is that the common recommendation is to use Lavender essential oil. Chemistry is not considered here, unfortunately. Remember the basic chemistry 101 lessons in school, oil and water do not mix. The Lavender essential oil (or any oil) will sit on top of the water, which could cause mouth irritation, a stomachache, possible undue stress on our liver, and oil overload when we drink it. *Remember sustainability too! With your easy to make simple syrup, you can now sweeten cocktails, iced tea, and lemonade, easily and safely.
Smashing good Lavender lemonade
In a large pitcher combine:
-Fresh lemon juice, about 8 large lemons or 12 small (3 cups)
-Simple syrup 2 cups
-Purified water 6 cups
-1-2 cups of ice
Blend well. Your friends will rave about this Lavender lemonade, tasty, healthy, and safe.
Infused Lavender Honey
Ingredients
-Dried Lavender 2 tbsp (do not use fresh here)
-Honey 1 cup or 8 ounces (I highly recommend local honey)
Equipment
-Sanitized mason jar
-Wooden spoon
-Strainer
Instructions
1. Place herbs in the bottom of the mason jar and fill the jar almost to the top with honey. Using the wooden spoon, stir to coat the herbs with honey. Top off with more honey to fill the jar. Wipe the jar rim with a clean cloth and cover tightly.
2. Let the herbs infuse for at least five days. If the herbs float to the top, turn the jar over a few times to keep them well coated (wipe lid again). For a more intense flavor, infuse for another week or longer.
3. Strain the honey into a thoroughly sanitized jar.
4. Store the honey in a tightly covered jar in a cool, dry place. As long as you use fully dried flowers, this honey will last a very long time, essentially eternally.
This infused honey is soothing in chamomile tea, over yogurt or oatmeal. It will also ease a sore throat, and if you have used local honey…it is amazing to help combat seasonal threats as well!
Soothing Lavender Face Mask
Essential oils are great for the face, but when keeping sustainability in mind, it is reassuring to know that the herbs are just as effective, and much more gentle.
Give this a try:
-French green clay 2 tablespoons (deep pore cleansing)
-Lavender flowers 1 tablespoon
-Himalayan Sea salt 1 tablespoon
Grind up in a coffee grinder, and then slowly add purified water (or hydrosol of your choice) until your desired consistency. It should resemble a slightly watered down creamy peanut butter. Apply over face and neck. Allow mixture to begin to harden, but not fully as it will begin to absorb the natural oils on the face (aim for 8-10 minutes). Rinse with cool water, and pat dry. Be sure to moisturize as usual.
When the essential oil is helpful
In applications such as a blissful bath, for example, herbs are wonderful in a muslin bag but may not be aromatic enough. Enter fresh lavender salts. Safety is really important in the bath. There are two reasons why neat oil or just oil and Epsom salts are not recommended.
1. Occluding the skin (covering it) as well as warming via warm/hot water increases absorption [2], therefore, also increases risks for skin irritation with neat or improperly emulsified essential oils.
2. Epsom salts are not an emulsifier, so just utilizing Epsom salts and oils are not the ideal way, and also risks skin irritation. Read more hereand here.
Knock you out bath salts
-Epsom salts 2 cups (one for a child)
-Fragrance-free shampoo 1 tbsp
-Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 6 drops
-Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) 2 drops (1/2 the amount of essential oils for a child)
*You can utilize carrier oil in place of shampoo, but the oils will remain on the top of the water. I prefer the shampoo to fully disperse the oils throughout the water.
Smell the Lavender
Anyone that has been lucky enough to stand amidst a Lavender field in bloom knows that it is purely intoxicating. We can add a dried Lavender wreath to the home or a muslin bag filled with dried Lavender to freshen up a drawer or closet, but if we ourselves need to really be calmed and soothed more therapeutically, Lavender essential oil is beneficial.
Aromatherapy inhalers are a great way to use essential oils on the go. You can easily add a few drops to a cotton round and place in your car’s air vent to freshen the car and soothe you if driving makes you anxious or a bit angry at times (I feel you). Here is a great diffuser blend to try when at home:
This amount of drops is suitable for a 400ml water reservoir diffuser. Adjust accordingly for your diffuser.
To this day, Lavender essential oil is the one essential oil that can calm and center me like no other can. I inhale directly from the bottle when needed.
Lastly, over the years, my children have come to me many a night, unable to fall asleep. One drop is all that is needed on a teddy bear, tissue or blanket and they are off to dreamland. Less is more. One drop works great for us all.
Closing
When we take from the earth for nutrition, sustenance, and healing, it is important that we always consider not only the impact of our use but on giving back. In an ideal world, if we all gave back a little bit more than we take, the impact would be massive. If you are looking to purchase an essential oil for a particular use, please do your research to be sure you are not purchasing a dwindling resource. Often times, many essential oils can be used for a common goal. We need to begin to shift the way we currently see these beautiful resources, for the continued future success of natural healing.
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
References
[1] Global Essential Oil Market: Snapshot. Retrieved from https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/essential-oil-market.html
[2] Skin Barrier and Transdermal Drug Delivery. Retrieved from http://drugdelivery.chbe.gatech.edu/Papers/2012/Prausnitz%20Derm%20Book%20Chapter%202012.pdf
The Environmental Impact of Essential Oils http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/the_environmental_impact_of_essential_oils/
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
What does self-care look like for you? No matter which way you slice it, more often than not we as adults struggle with self-care. Ironically enough, many of us in the healing field commonly have issues in this area. I think the reason for this is we are constantly looking to help everyone else, and women, specifically mom’s, give a whole new meaning to “martyr”.….BUT you know what they say on an airplane about putting on your own mask first, right? It is time to fill our cups first!
We may have weeks where we do really well with showing ourselves the extra love and attention we deserve, and others where it seems we can sometimes be nicer to a stranger than we our to ourselves…exaggerating, of course…or am I? I fell into a non-existent self-care routine recently. There were many reasons for this, but were they actually excuses? (And maybe this sounds familiar to you) Banish those excuses!
Self-care can mean many things to many people, but my definition would definitely be doing things for me and only me, and nothing to do with technology. So watching a movie does not count in my rulebook, nor does spending quality time with my boys. Now, quality time is equally important to me but does not qualify as self-care…hence the “self”.
So, today I just want to give you three ideas, in case you are feeling a bit lost in this area. (More blogs to follow)
“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside”. –Wayne Dyer
Take a Breath on the Go
Sometimes, the car is the ideal place for me to bring myself back to center as I am somewhat held hostage away from all the should’s at home: laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc etc. Practicing mindful breathing can be done with your eyes open, very successfully at that.
Before you run out of the house, grab a cotton ball or cotton round and place 2 drops of the essential oil that brings you to a calmer place. Get in your car and push it inside your air vent. Here are a few ideas, but you very likely may already know exactly what you will use:
The basis of this 4-7-8 breath is truly to create awareness of conscious breathing. It works wonders, and the car is a great place to practice it. If you embrace it, the 4-7-8 breath will become a habit in no time! For those of you saying, I breathe every second of every day…so not the same. Practice it and you will be sure to notice the difference immediately.
According to Dr. Maxwell Maltz, “It takes 21 days to form a new habit”, but other research states it takes a bit longer, on average two months (2). We can all do something for two months to make a fresh new habit that fosters wellness, right!?!
“Breath is the link between mind and body”. –Dan Brule
The Lovely Bath Time Routine
Do you love to take a bath as much as I do? First things first, even though my boys are now 9 and 11, the second I hit the bathroom is still the second that they need to tell me something, are looking for something, or need something. So I work to get them involved in something first, then I head to my sanctuary.
Essential oils are a treat for me. I do not use them every day, but bath time is a must! I typically add crème as a luxury item too. Heck if throwing in some rose petals makes you feel like the goddess that you are, then definitely do that!
Here is one of my favorites:
Vanilla Rose Goddess Bath Time Blend
Rose Absolute Rosa x Damascena 3 drops
Vanilla Vanilla Planifolia Oleoresin 2 drops
Epsom salt 1 cup
Unscented fragrance free shampoo 1 tbsp
Full fat crème ½-1 cup
Mix and add to bath after water has run.
I like to light candles, and have a glass of red wine. It is up to us to totally pamper ourselves, no one else. So go all out!
Transport Yourself to a Happy Place
Are you familiar with guided imagery? This is my go to when meditation fails me. I have been meditating for over 10 years, and sometimes I still fail….we all do. Dust yourself off and move on to something else that might work. Over the years my self-care routine evolves. What used to work like a charm may not so much anymore. So when I try to sit in meditation and the monkey mind does not stop knocking, guided imagery it is.
I typically do not recommend making purchases in my blogs, but this time I am making an exception because I feel it is THAT GOOD. I am not an affiliate or getting paid to make this recommendation, I just feel it is a tool that I use, my kids use, and many of my clients use….and I have yet to hear anyone say they do not LOVE it.
The website is called Meditainment. (see link below) There are 20 audio recordings in all, complete with a beautiful voice, sounds effects, and stories with a purpose. You will be able to transport yourself to a beach, an ocean, a garden, even the moon. Well worth the investment in your health.
This is typically a time that I diffuse essential oils. For example, if I listen to the recording marked “Island Paradise”, for rapid relaxation, I will diffuse what to me says beach, tropical, and relaxation. What that is for me, may be different for you, but here is a diffuser blend to try:
Diffuser Blend (Drops appropriate for a 400ml water reservoir)
Orange Sweet Citrus sinensis 5 drops
Sandalwood Santalum spicatum 3 drops
Vanilla Vanilla Planifolia Oleoresin OR CO2 1 drop
Jasmine Absolute Jasminum sambac 1 drop
Be sure to practice safe diffusion times.
Want to know more about what the health benefits of guided imagery are? Cleveland Clinic touches on it here. (3)
“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere”. –Carl Sagan
With the high levels of stress that most of us are under, and the turmoil in the world, self-care is crucial. What are you doing for yourself today?
References
(1) Weil, A. Video: Breathing Exercises: 4-7-8 Breath Retrieved from https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/
(2) Clear, J. How Long Does it Actually Take to Form a New Habit? (Backed by Science) Retrieved from http://jamesclear.com/new-habit
(3) Guided Imagery Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/wellness/integrative/treatments-services/guided-imagery
Resources
https://www.meditainment.com/
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
I decided to place my current essential oil videos here in one neatly packaged blog for you! If you have any questions for requests for future ones, feel free to shout!
This is my most recent video, regarding putting essential oils on ticks to get them to release their hold on you. The short version is DON’T DO IT. Click below for the longer version…
Next up is the use of anti-germ blends. You can use them safely and effectively…but it is not like you think! Watch to learn more!
What aromatherapy is…and what it’s not. Whaaaaa? Watch below to see what I mean!
This one is a biggie……essential oils in the bath..what is the proper way????
Lastly (for now)…when it comes to essential oil safety, at times people can try to barrel roll over you to get their point across….that does not help anyone..because no one can hear you when you are mean!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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.
