Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Blog - AromaTalk

Aromatherapy Insect Repellent Recipe

The essential oils distilled from natural botanicals like citronella, lavender and eucalyptus act as natural insect repellents.

I love spending time outdoors, especially in the warmer months, but mosquitoes and other flying/biting insects can ruin the best of outdoor occasions. Synthetic insect repellents are known to cause irritation and sensitivity in some people, are toxic and can be harmful to the environment.

AromaWeb features a more gentle insect repellent recipe that only requires a few reasonably priced essential oils and other ingredients. It has a pleasant aroma, and can be quite effective in keeping the little itchy critters away.

Click here to read the rest of this article and to view the Insect Repellent Recipe on AromaWeb....

Father's Day and Aromatherapy for Men

Aromatherapy for Men

Aromatherapy is sometimes mistaken to be a women's only modality. The reality is that men are actively and prominently involved in all aspects of the field of aromatherapy. June is Men's Health Month, and Father's Day marks Father's Day. Visit the Aromatherapy for Men section of AromaWeb's Article Archive for an introduction and suggestions on how men can enjoy aromatherapy within their daily lives:

Aromatherapy for Men:
Men have played a huge role in aromatherapy since its onset. Read this overview to learn how men can enjoy aromatherapy as a part of their daily lives.

Aromatherapy Practices for Men:
Read about the aromatherapy practices that men use and enjoy most.

Essential Oils Favored By Men:
This link will lead you to this Essential Oil Profile section that showcases the earthy, spicy, woody and citrus essential oils that men love most.

Aromatherapy Tips for Formulating Masculine/Earthy Blends:
Borrowed from AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Blending Guide, this article teaches you how to customize and adapt recipes so they emphasize more masculine notes.

If Father's Day Is a Day of Sadness for You

Through AromaWeb, I strive to focus upon the positives in life, but the reality is that Father's Day is not a day of celebration for everyone. Not all fathers, grandfathers or children are living. And for some, their relationships are so dynsfuctional or abusive that they count down the hours until the day is over. Most media attention for Father's Day focuses upon on the positives, so as with my Mother's Day post, I am going to dedicate the remainder of this post to those who struggle, often alone, with their mixed feelings of Father's Day.

If Father's Day is a difficult day for you or if it is filled with mixed emotions, look to aromatherapy to help improve your outlook and focus upon the positives of the day. AromaWeb's Recipe Box features an array of blends and recipes that can help with the emotions that you personally experience:

Grief:
If you are saddened by the loss of your father, grandfather, child or other significant paternal/child figure in your life, look to AromaWeb's Blends to Help Cope with Grief page. Rose Essential Oil/Otto is the oil of choice for me when dealing with grief.

Anxiety/Nervousness:
If dealing with difficult loved ones today reminds you of past difficulties or leaves you feeling anxious or nervous, look to AromaWeb's Calming/Relaxing Aromatherapy Blend and Blends to Combat Anxiety.

These blends can also be especially helpful today:

• Anger Reducing Blends

• Confidence Enhancing Blends

• Depression Reducing Blends

• Energizing Blends

• Fear Fighting Blends

• Happiness and Peace Enhancing Blends

• Insomnia/Sleeplessness Blend

• Irritability Reducing Blends

• Loneliness Easing Blends

• Panic and Panic Attack Blends

• Self Confidence/Insecurity Blends

• Stress Reducing Blends

Growing and Enjoying Peppermint, Spearmint and Other Mint Plants

Peppermint growing against my garage.

The middle of June is finally here, and with that, the 25 herb varities that I'm growing this year are beginning to thrive. As an aside, I'm even trying my hand at growing patchouli this year here in Michigan... we'll see how I do. The patchouli plant that I special ordered arrived in weak condition and I'm hoping I can nurture it back to abundant health.

Amongst the herbs I grow each year are mint varieties including traditional peppermint and spearmint. Mint grows abundantly, and one small plant can provide plenty of mint leaves that can be enjoyed fresh throughout the warmer months and dehydrated for wintertime use. Mint plants should be planted where it will not become a nuisance or infringe upon other plants. The mints grow well in containers, and container planting is a practical way to keep their growth under control. I used to do that, but now plant my mint varieties alongside my garage so that I have enough for the mint tea that I enjoy throughout the summer and fall (see below).

Uses for Mint Leaves

There are countless ways that you can enjoy using mint for herbal, aromatherapy and culinary use. Below are a few of my favorites:

Tea:
I love brewing fresh mint tea on early summer mornings. It's light, energizing, uplifting and is great for the digestion. To make tea using fresh mint or other herbs, select and wash about 3x as much fresh herb as you would dried herb (the flavor of dried herbs/teas is much more concentrated and hence, less dried is needed than fresh). Tear fresh mint leaves into small pieces. Tearing the mint leaves allows the mint's natural essential oils to be released. It's the mint's essential oil that is responsible for the plants' distinctive cool, fresh flavor and aroma. Place the torn leaves into empty tea bags or into tea strainers intended for use with loose teas, and place the teabag or strainer into your mug. Then, pour your water over the leaves and allow the leaves to infuse the water for several minutes.

Smoothies or Juice:
If you make fresh vegetable or fruit juices or smoothies, experiment by adding a mint leaf or two.

Garnish:
Garnish ice cream, deserts and your other creations with the striking green leaves.

Mint Herbal Tincture:
Make refreshing room mists, linen and body sprays using your own handmade mint herbal tincture. For more information on making your own herbal tinctures, read AromaTalk's Herbal Tinctures post.

Dehydration:
I grow a lot of herbs for their culinary, medicinal/therapeutic and for the pleasure of seeing them thrive. Dehydrating your herbs is a great way to be able to enjoy abundant herbs during the winter months. There is no comparison between the dried herbs that you buy in tiny (or bulk!) bottles at the store vs. the more intense flavor and aroma of the herbs that you properly dry yourself. I use an Excalibur brand dehydrator that I've had for years because of its design, durability and its adjustable temperature setting that allows slow, even drying of delicate herbs.

Once dried, your mint leaves can be used in your own skin care creations including soaps, exfoliants, and facial masks.

Did You Know?

Catnip is in the mint family. In the UK, my understanding is that it is referred to as Catmint. Cat lovers can grow fresh catnip for their feline friends. My daughter's cat loves it. But be wary, newly planted catnip can be attacked by roaming neighborhood cats, so do try to keep them out of their reach until the plant(s) begin to thrive. How? I'm still trying to figure that one out. ;)

Nutrition Action Healthletter

One of my favorite monthly print publications is the Nutrition Action Healthletter published 10 times a year by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Through its pages, I've learned a great deal about general nutrition, read the finding of recent testing, discovered false nutritional claims promoted by commercial manufacturers, reviewed comparisons between a variety of different prepared foods, drooled over the included recipes and digested all sorts of other helpful information. Resembling a thin, color magazine, it's only about 16-20 pages per issue. Like Consumer Reports, it accepts no advertising.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest describes themselves this way: "The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), founded in 1971, is an independent nonprofit consumer health group. CSPI advocates honest food labeling and advertising, safer and more nutritious foods, and pro-health alcohol policies. CSPI's work is supported by Nutrition Action Healthletter subscribers and foundation grants. CSPI accepts no government or industry funding. Nutrition Action Healthletter, first published in 1974, accepts no advertising.

Subscriptions vary in price depending on current special offers going on, but the typical subscription rate is $10-15 per year. For the best rates, subscribe directly through them. I peaked at Amazon.com's subscription rate for this newsletter and it's nearly double the price. I receive no compensation for sharing my feedback about the newsletter. I just want you healthy! ;)

Learn More About the Nutrition Action Healthletter
View Their Online Archives for Free

Review Nutrition Action Healthletter's Article Indexes:

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Aromatherapy Celebration Blend

Ashley getting ready prior to her school's Mass of Thanksgiving held last Thursday.

Tomorrow, my daughter graduates high school. As all parents should be of their children, I am beyond proud of my daughter for her accomplishments and the amazing young woman that she has become.

This time of year is often filled with many events of celebration: graduations, confirmations, baptisms and weddings. I created a quick aromatherapy blend to diffuse during meditation before the ceremony and would like to share it with you. At some point later, I may revisit this blend and adjust the ratios:

Bergamot: A light, sweet, uplifting aroma that is typically loved by those of all ages. It makes for a beautiful primary oil in any blend intended for celebration or enhance joy.

Grapefruit: A beautifully uplifting aroma that is amongst my favorites.

Ylang Ylang: A beautiful, exotic floral essential oil. It can become quite overpowering, so use it sparingly. Ylang Ylang is what called to me for this celebratory blend, but jasmine would also be well suited.

Cypress: With its fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody aroma, Cypress is an energizing oil and a great oil to use during times of change.

Frankincese: To celebrate my faith and gratitude, frankincense is my oil of choice for this particular blend. It's earthy and spicy base notes will help to round out the aroma.

Ginger: Ginger is a spicy oil that is warming, heartlifting and helps to cut through the sweetness of the citrus and ylang ylang essential oils.

Ratios:

• 20 drops Bergamot
• 10 drops Grapefruit
• 10 drops Cypress
• 10 Drops Frankincese
• 5 drops Ylang Ylang
• 2 drops Ginger

Combine all oils in a clean glass bottle and diffuse as you would other essential oil blends.

Experiment with this blend or create your own celebration blend. There are certainly quite a few other oils that would be quite appropriate. What are some of your favorite oils and blends to to celebrate the triumphs in your life? I'd love to hear about your favorites.

Fighting Colds and the Flu With Aromatherapy

Ever since I began my journey into aromatherapy over 12 years ago, I have experienced far less colds and flus than I previously had. And when I get ill, I seem to recover faster. Use of essential oils helps to make recovery a little more pleasant (or should I say a little less unpleasant).

In simplistic terms, the regular but safe use of essential oils has kept my immune system healthy and has helped to ward off the bacteria, viruses and microbes that can lead to illnesses.

Click here to read the rest of this article on AromaWeb... It contains a quicklist of ways that you can use aromatherapy to help stay as cold and flu-free as possible. Look to the end of the article for a list of antibacterial, anti-viral, expectorant and decongestant essential oils.

Mother's Day

Wendy and her daughter, Ashley

Today is intended to celebrate the efforts of our mothers and all of the mother figures in our lives, and I'm wishing all mothers and children a joyous day.

Through AromaWeb, I strive to focus upon the positives in life, but the reality is that Mother's Day is not a day of celebration for everyone. Not all mothers, grandmothers or children are living. And for some, their relationships are so dysfuctional or abusive that they count down the hours until the day is over. There is a lot of focus in other media today on the positives, so I am going to dedicate this post to those who struggle, often alone, with their mixed feelings of today.

I am so blessed as I have a close relationship with my 18 year old daughter... she told me yesterday that I've been working too hard lately and she insisted that I don't work at all today. I negotiated with my little mini-me, and I am "allowed" to squeeze in some work this morning before she wakes up. ;)

But as happy as my daughter and our relationship makes me, today reminds me of other family relationships that are far from ideal.

If today is a difficult day for you or if it is filled with mixed emotions, look to aromatherapy to help improve your outlook and focus upon the positives of today. Right now, I am diffusing a soft citrus/floral blend that highlights Rose Essential Oil/Otto, an essential oil I particular love for its ability to help diminish feelings of grief. AromaWeb's Recipe Box features an array of blends and recipes that can help with the emotions that you personally are experiencing today:

Grief:
If you are saddened by the loss of your mother, grandmother, child or other significant mother/child figure in your life, look to AromaWeb's Blends to Help Cope with Grief page. Grief can also occur when your relationship with your mother or child is far from ideal. Rose Essential Oil/Otto is the oil of choice for me when dealing with grief, and it has special significance for me today.

Anxiety/Nervousness:
If dealing with difficult loved ones today reminds you of past difficulties or leaves you feeling anxious or nervous, look to AromaWeb's Calming/Relaxing Aromatherapy Blend and Blends to Combat Anxiety.

These blends can also be especially helpful today:

• Anger Reducing Blends

• Confidence Enhancing Blends

• Depression Reducing Blends

• Energizing Blends

• Fear Fighting Blends

• Happiness and Peace Enhancing Blends

• Insomnia/Sleeplessness Blend

• Irritability Reducing Blends

• Loneliness Easing Blends

• Panic and Panic Attack Blends

• Self Confidence/Insecurity Blends

• Stress Reducing Blends

Wishing all mothers and children a beautiful day. My daughter awoke a few minutes ago. I better scram before she yanks me out of here. :) It's time to remind her of how blessed I am that I have been given the precious gift of having her as my daughter.

Aromatherapy for Arthritis

I have the sweetest elderly neighbor living near me. Each summer, we chat it up every time we see each other working outside, and as each new season begins, I progressively see his sadness as he cannot do as much as the year before. A strong man with a fun-loving and active spirit, it saddens me beyond words to see him discretly try to hide the tears that well up in his eyes when he talks about the pain he experiences from his arthritis. Arthritis has robbed him of his ability to golf, bowl, cater to his garden like he used to and most all of his other passions. And arthritis doesn't just afflict the aging. It can be instigated by other illnesses, diseases or injuries at any age. A foot injury has lead to arthritis in my foot. And from my personal experience, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle had directly contributed to arthritis in my knees.

Aromatherapy can't cure arthritis, but it can help significantly, depending on the form of arthritis. I am not a medical professional and my knowledge of the various forms of arthritis is quite limited. But.. my successful experience in using an anti-inflammatory blend of essential and carrier oils for my own personal situation is one of the largest reasons that I became passionately involved in aromatherapy.

Click here to read the rest of this article on AromaWeb....

Hydrosols

Hydrosols in 4 ounce and 8 ounce bottles. The hydrosols are surrounded by varieties of fresh cut herbs and flowers that are frequently distilled for their essential oil and hydrosol.

I adore Hydrosols. A hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. As clear and as fluid as water, hydrosols are light, aromatic, refreshing and retain many of the therapeutic properties of their essential oil counterparts.

Hydrosols are incredibly easy to use and can be enjoyed on their own or combined in aromatherapy and body care recipes that require water (substitute them for the water). They are perfect for use in applications where use of the essential oil might be a bit too much.

Hydrosols have a limited shelf life. Even though they are far less concentrated then essential oils, I recommend storing them in dark (i.e. amber) glass bottles and kept in a cool, dry place. Some individuals keep them in the fridge. In the summer, try keeping a spray bottle of lavender or neroli hydrosol in the fridge for a quick, and chilled body mist that is sure to cool you down throughout the day.

Quicklist of Hydrosol Uses:

Facial Toner/Refresher: Lavender and neroli are amongst the most commonly available hydrosols. I love including these in my personal facial toner recipes or even using them on their own to refresh my face during the day. I love variety, so I tend to keep small bottles of each on hand in my vanity so I can choose the hydrosol that best suits my mood. I have oily skin that I keep on top of and I also particularly love helichrysum hydrosol for facial use.

Body Mist: Hydrosols can be used at full strength, combined or diluted with water for use as a body mist. Add a few drops of your favorite gentle essential oils to enjoy the combined therapeutic benefits of your chosen hydrosol and the essential oil. (Be sure that you are familiar with essential oil safety and remember to add essential oils sparingly for topical use.)

Room Mist: Use at full strength for a quick room mist. The aroma, however, will disappear fast. For a much longer-lasting room fragrance, substitute the water called for in AromaWeb's Room Mist Recipe with your favorite hydrosol.

Calming Mist for Baby's Area: Lavender hydrosol is especially calming for use in baby's room and it can gently help to eliminate harsh odors. I do not recommend misting it right near babies because of the risk of the mist getting into their eyes.

Therapeutic and Aromatic Substitute for Water in Body Care Recipes: Use hydrosols instead of water in your handmade lotions, creams, body mists and body sprays.

For more information about Hydrosols, visit AromaWeb's What Are Hydrosols? article. And for a highly detailed look into hydrosols, read Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty.

I have future plans to expand my coverage of hydrosols on AromaWeb and am looking forward to profiling several hydrosols.

Vanilla Extract Recipe

The aroma of vanilla is beautiful on its own, and it blends so wonderfully with other natural botanicals including citrus, mint and spice essential oils. When used sparingly, it helps to balance out blends.

Steam distillation of vanilla beans does not result in a useful oil. CO2 and solvent extraction is usually necessary to obtain the precious aromatic and flavorful components. Vanilla Bean CO2 and Vanilla Bean Absolutes are generally costly. An alternative is to create an alcohol based extract that can be used for your water based formulations like room mists and body sprays. If you've ever used "genuine vanilla extract" in your culinary recipes, you are already familiar with the aroma and flavor of the concentrated extract.

The process for creating homemade vanilla extract is similar to the process that I introduced in last week's Herbal Tincture blog post and in the new Herbal Tincture Recipe for Aromatherapy/Skin Care that I added to AromaWeb.

Click here to read the rest of this article and to view the Vanilla Extract Recipe on AromaWeb....