Just the Essentials
Clove Bud: Product Highlight
Plant Details Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a slow-growing evergreen tree in the Myrtaceae family. It is native to the Spice Islands of Indonesia and thrives in humid climates with heavy annual rainfall. Clove trees grow between fifteen and forty feet in height and can live up to one hundred years. The trunks of trees are narrow with many branches and smooth, gray bark. Clove leaves are long and oval and can range from yellow to green in color. The flowers of the clove tree are small and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flower buds emerge with a pale color and gradually turn green before transitioning to a bright reddish pink color when they are ready to harvest. Clove buds are around a half inch to one inch long when ready for harvest. Essential oil can be extracted from the clove tree's leaves, stems, and buds but is far more concentrated in the buds. Clove buds can contain anywhere from fifteen to twenty percent essential oil when they are mature and ready for harvest. Clove trees begin to blossom six to tens years after planting but do not reach full maturity until fifteen to twenty years old when their essential oil quality is highest. History The name Clove Bud is derived from ‘clavus’, a Latin term that means ‘nail’. This moniker refers to the distinctive shape of the dried buds. The Clove tree is highly symbolic in the Spice Islands where it originates. When a child is born, local people will plant a clove tree, connecting the child with the life cycle of the tree. The exact details of when Cloves were first traded out of the Spice Islands are unknown but China was likely among the first places they made their way into. The use of Cloves in China can be traced back to the early second century BCE during the reign of the Han dynasty. During this time they were used in food and traditional medicine as well as being chewed for breath freshening. It is believed that Cloves made their way out of China and into the Greek and Egyptian empires during the first century CE and reached India by the second century CE. In India, cloves were used in food and Ayurvedic medicine. Through the third and fourth centuries CE, Cloves were spread throughout the Mediterranean by way of Phoenician traders. They were later brought into Europe by Jewish traders and were used there as food preservatives and garnish. In regions of Asia, including India and South Korea, eugenol is extracted from Clove Bud Essential Oil and used in the treatment of tooth pain. Clove Bud Essential Oil is a key component of Choji Oil that was used to clean and maintain Japanese swords. The cultivation of Cloves was confined to Indonesia for most of its history but it was able to branch out to spread across the world after the dismantlement of the Dutch production monopoly. Countries such as India, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have become significant producers of Cloves, but Indonesia remains the world's largest producer. Extraction During the dry season, Clove buds are harvested by hand when they begin to transition from green to red. After harvest, Clove buds are dried in the sun before being broken down into minute pieces to increase surface area and ensure maximum essential oil yield. Clove Bud Essential Oil is extracted from the dried flower buds of the tree through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear to pale yellow in color with a warm, spicy, and woodsy aroma. Benefits & Uses Used in aromatherapy, Clove Bud Essential Oil has been found to enhance focus and concentration by stimulating the brain's cognitive processes. It may work to balance the emotions while helping to combat feelings of stress and anxiety. Diffusing and inhaling Clove Bud Essential Oil is known to ease congestion and soothe coughs while helping to open the airways. Clove has been found to have aphrodisiac properties and may help to support feelings of intimacy and passion. Clove Bud Essential Oil can also help to repel pest insects such as mosquitoes and eliminate unpleasant odors. When diluted and used topically, Clove Bud Essential Oil is believed to be cleansing and rejuvenating to the skin. It may help to stimulate blood flow to the skin which can combat dull skin and encourage a radiant complexion. Clove may also work to soothe dryness and irritation in the skin while keeping acne and blemishes at bay. Clove Bud Essential Oil has a long history of use in dental care and it has been found to soothe tooth pain with the added bonus of freshening the breath. It may also help to relieve pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints and help to support quick healing of minor wounds and bruises. In perfumery Clove Bud Essential Oil is a middle note and can help to add warmth and depth to rose and floral blends. Clove is often utilized in ‘Oriental’ type fragrances and can be used very sparingly due to its pungent aroma. Clove Bud Essential Oil can be used in combination with vanilla to produce an aroma similar to carnation. The use of carnation absolute is heavily restricted because of its chemical composition which makes the clove substitute highly useful in commercial perfumery. Clove is a popular spice in the cuisine of many cultures and is widely used in baked goods. Because of this popularity, Clove Bud Essential Oil is used as a flavoring agent for the large-scale production of some desserts and beverages. Here are some recipes using Clove Bud essential oil that we love... Comfort & Concentration Diffuser Blend Ingredients 3 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Sweet Tooth Toothache Roll On Ingredients 10ml Amber Roll-On Bottle ⅓oz Fractionated Coconut Oil 5 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the roll-on bottle and shake well to combine. Roll on to the jaw area to soothe tooth and gum pain. Spice Bouquet Solid Perfume Ingredients 2tbsp of Sweet Almond Oil 2tbsp of Beeswax Pearls 10 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil 10 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil 5 drops of Geranium Essential Oil 5 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil Instructions Heat sweet almond oil and beeswax pearls on a double boiler until the beeswax is fully melted. Remove the bowl from heat and stir, allowing it to cool for a moment. Add essential oils and stir again. Pour the liquid into airtight storage containers. Small metal tins or glass containers are a great choice for easy travel or gifting. Allow the perfume to fully harden before use. Warm Radiance Toner Spray Ingredients 4oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 3 oz of Witch Hazel Extract 1oz of Aloe Vera Oil 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 5 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Spray on the skin after cleansing. Shake well before each use. Pest Away Room Spray Ingredients 8oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 4oz of Distilled Water 4oz of White Vinegar 30 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 20 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil 10 drops of Thyme Essential Oil Instructions Mix all ingredients inside a 4oz glass bottle with a spray top. Shake well to combine thoroughly and again before each use. Spray all around your home and especially near doors and windows to repel insects. You may also enjoy... Pirates Blend: Product Highlight Terpinolene: Terpene Highlight Cooling Soap: Cold Process Soap Recipe 10 Best Antibacterial and Immune Supporting Essential Oils
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Essential Oils for the Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra is the second of the seven chakras and is located in the lower abdomen, in line with the pelvis. This chakra is also referred to as Svadhisthana, a Sanskrit word that roughly translates to mean “one’s own abode” or “where your being is established”. As the translation suggests, the Sacral Chakra is the center of our sense of self and is strongly tied to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It controls how we move through this life and the enjoyment we get from experiences and relationships. The Sacral Chakra connects us to the flow of life through creativity, sensuality, and fun. When the Sacral Chakra is balanced we are dedicating our time and energy to enjoying new things and treating ourselves and the people in our inner circle to all of the pleasures in life. We are able to freely express our wants and needs to those close to us and feel emotionally connected and nurtured in our intimate relationships. An aligned Sacral Chakra fills us with creative energy and the unwavering confidence to trust the vision we have in life and love. A blocked Sacral Chakra can lead to anxiety and overwhelming negative emotions. This can cause unhealthy codependency as we are unable to trust ourselves and can rely on others to guide us. We may have difficulty communicating in relationships and lack the ability to express ourselves authentically and confidently. Imbalance in the Sacral Chakra forms a blockage in our creative processes and leaves us feeling uninspired and apathetic towards things we might usually enjoy. Essential oils are great tools for supporting our physical, mental, and spiritual health and can help to improve the balance of all of our chakras. Here are a few essential oils that can help to unblock the Sacral Chakra. Sweet Orange Essential Oil can help to invigorate the mind when our creativity is suffering at the hands of a blocked Sacral Chakra. It is believed to improve focus and enhance brain function to bring back our creative vision while also encouraging a positive mood. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil can promote positive feelings and increase confidence, helping to uplift the mood when we’re in a slump caused by a blocked Sacral Chakra. It can help to ease tension and combat fatigue while also supporting passion and intimacy. Sandalwood Essential Oil can help to heal the damage done to our confidence when our Sacral Chakra is blocked. It is known to balance the emotions and uplift the mood while also acting as an aphrodisiac for stronger connections and intimacy. Bergamot Essential Oil can calm the mind and relax the body when a blocked Sacral Chakra leaves us overwhelmed and emotionally vulnerable. It may help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress so we can trust ourselves and enjoy life again. Patchouli Essential Oil can help to reduce negative energy and balance emotions when a blockage in the Sacral Chakra makes it difficult to express our feelings. It can be utilized in meditation and spiritual practices to help improve focus and clear the mind for renewed confidence and motivation. Creative Freedom Diffuser Blend The Sacral Chakra controls our creative vision and a blockage can leave us feeling stuck with no inspiration. Sweet Orange, Sandalwood, and Bergamot essential oils come together to help clear out negative emotions while enhancing concentration and confidence to bring our creative vision back into view. Ingredients 4 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil 2 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. Positive Connection Foaming Bath Salts An imbalance in the Sacral Chakra can negatively affect our self-confidence and ability to communicate with our loved ones in a healthy way. Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang essential Oils combine to balance the emotions and encourage feelings of comfort and intimacy to help strengthen our relationships. Ingredients 1 cup of Course Mineral Sea Salt 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt 1oz of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap 1/2oz of Sweet Almond Oil 20 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil 10 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil 5 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Instructions Add coarse sea salt and Epsom salt to a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Combine castile soap, sweet almond oil, and essential oils in a separate bowl and stir until essential oils are fully incorporated. Add liquid mixture to salts and stir thoroughly. Scoop into airtight containers for storage. To use, add about ½ cup to a warm bath and stir to dissolve. You may also enjoy... Essential Oils for the Solar Plexus Chakra Essential Oils for the Heart Chakra Patchouli: Product Highlight 10 Essential Oils for Meditation
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All Clear Facial Cleansing Soap
The sensitive skin of our face can need some extra attention in the summer months. Increased sun exposure, new SPF products, and the sweat and grime from time spent outdoors can leave us with breakouts, skin redness, and a lot of discomfort. A gentle, soothing facial cleanser can help to keep our skin calm and happy through the heatwave. Aloe Vera Oil and Collodial Oatmeal offer relief for the inflammation and irritation that can from seasonal changes. Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils work to calm the skin while also balancing oil production and preventing breakouts. This recipe is formulated to be gentle enough to use on our face and suitable for all skin types. Ingredients 3.3 oz of Aloe Vera Oil 7.7 oz of Olive Oil 4.4 oz of Palm Oil 4.4 oz of Coconut Oil 2.2 oz of Jojoba Oil 2.9 oz of Sodium Hydroxide Lye 6.5 oz of Distilled Water 2 tbsp of Collodial Oatmeal 0.5 oz of Tea Tree Essential Oil 0.5 oz of Lavender Essential Oil Supplies Heat Safe Individual Soap Molds Immersion blender Digital kitchen scale Small bowl for essential oils Medium glass bowl for lye mixture Large glass or stainless steel bowl for oil Pot or double boiler Spoon or rubber spatula Gloves Safety glasses or goggles Instructions ***Make sure to wear safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and long sleeve clothing. Working with lye and high temperatures requires caution and safe practices. Always make soap in a well-ventilated area. Measure and combine the essential oils and set them aside. Weigh each oil and add them to a large bowl. Place the bowl on top of a large pot that is about 1/3 full of water and bring the water to a boil. Heat the oil until fully melted, stirring occasionally. While the oil is melting, weigh out the lye and water in two separate bowls. Slowly add the lye to the water while gently stirring until the lye is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. Let the oils and lye mixture both cool to 130 degrees or below, ensuring that they are within 10 degrees of each other. Place the immersion blender into the oil, tapping it on the bottom of the bowl to release any air bubbles. This is a safety precaution that prevents the bubbles from coming to the surface when you begin mixing in the lye. Add colloidal oatmeal and blend until no clumps are seen. Slowly and gently pour the lye water into the oil mixture. You can pour down the side of the bowl or down the shaft of the immersion blender to reduce the chance of splashing. Pulse the blender a few times, watching as the oils and lye start to combine. Switch between short pulses and stirring with the blender until the mixture comes together to a very light trace. Working quickly, stir (do not blend) in the essential oil blend. Once the soap reaches about a medium trace, pour it into the mold or molds, scraping the bowl to ensure no soap is left behind. Tap the molds on the table or counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Allow the soap to sit in the molds for 48-72 hours at room temperature. Unmold the soap and allow it to cure for 4-6 weeks. Use and enjoy your facial cleansing bar. You may also enjoy: Cooling Soap: Cold Process Soap Recipe Essential Oils for Healthy Skin Using Essential Oils for Soapmaking Soapmaking FAQ
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Essential Oils for the Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third chakra and it is located in the abdomen, centered between the sternum and navel. This chakra is also known as Manipura, a Sanskrit word that means “lustrous gem”. The Solar Plexus Chakra is the center of our inner power and the place where our self-confidence manifests. It controls how we regulate our physical and mental energy and keeps us in a balanced, productive state. This chakra controls how we value ourselves and how we choose to spend our time, in our hobbies, careers, and relationships. When the Solar Plexus Chakra is in balance, we experience a sense of inner peace that allows us to be comfortable in our own skin and fully trust our intuition. This strengthened trust and empowerment give us a boost of patience and motivation to reach all of our goals. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra calms our demeanor while helping to wash away unnecessary worries and emotional blocks. We are able to be flexible and patient with others and trust ourselves to be good leaders and friends. A blocked Solar Plexus Chakra can leave us stressed and overwhelmed by negative emotions. This blockage can cause an extreme shift in our self-image. We can be left feeling self-conscious and desperate for approval or arrogant and believing the world should revolve around us. An imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra can lead directly to an imbalance in our emotions and we may have difficulty understanding and controlling our feelings during this time. Essential oils are great tools for supporting our physical, mental, and spiritual health and can help to improve the balance of all of our chakras. Here are a few essential oils that can help to unblock the Solar Plexus Chakra. Rosemary Essential Oil works to reduce the anxiety and stress that can occur when our Solar Plexus Chakra is out of balance. It helps to uplift our mood and increase mental activity so that we are thinking clearly and trusting our inner insight. Black Pepper Essential Oil helps to soothe the nerves and energize the mind when a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra has us feeling emotionally overwhelmed and stuck. It can work to balance our emotions and increase mental energy. Spearmint Essential Oil can help combat anxious feelings and put our thoughts back in focus when our Solar Plexus Chakra is out of balance. It works to reduce nervousness and self-doubt while also boosting concentration and increasing energy. Ginger Essential Oil works to bring our minds back to the positives in life when our Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked and we are stuck in a negative rut. It helps to alleviate stress and enhance concentration while also helping avoid fatigue. Cedarwood Essential Oil can help to relieve stress and clear our minds when a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra clouds our thoughts. It works to increase cognition while also relaxing the body which helps to enhance focus and reduce tension. Confident Synergy Diffuser Blend A blocked Solar Plexus Chakra can cause us to lose trust in ourselves as we are bombarded with negative thoughts and emotions. Rosemary, cedarwood, and spearmint essential oils may help to combat anxious and tense feelings while uplifting the mood for restored confidence and peace. Ingredients 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 3 drops of Spearmint Essential Oil Instructions Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser. At Peace Bath Bomb Feeling stuck and overwhelmed by the weight of our emotions can be a sign of an imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra. Soaking in a grounding combination of cedarwood, black pepper, and ginger essential oils can help to clear our minds of negativity and increase mental and physical energy levels so we can overcome emotional blocks and realize our full potential. Ingredients Witch Hazel in a Misting Spray Bottle Hard Plastic or Metal Molds 2 cups of Citric Acid 4 cups of Baking Soda 2 oz of Sweet Almond Oil 15 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 10 drops of Black Pepper Essential Oil 5 drops of Ginger Essential Oil Instructions Combine all the citric acid, baking soda, sweet almond oil, and essential oils in a bowl and mix well using gloved hands. Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in. Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily with a similar texture to wet sand. Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. Store them in an airtight container. You may also enjoy... Essential Oils for the Heart Chakra Essential Oils for the Throat Chakra 10 Essential Oils for Meditation Rosemary Product Highlight
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Terpinolene: Terpene Highlight
Terpinolene is a cyclic monoterpene that can be found in many different herbs, spices, flowers, and trees. It is part of a group of isomeric hydrocarbon terpenes referred to as terpinenes. Though Terpinolene can be found in a wide range of plants and is fairly common, it is not often found in large quantities. It has been found to have calming and cleansing properties that make Terpinolene valuable in applications for the body and mind. The aroma of Terpinolene is as unique and multifaceted as the terpene itself. It can be described as herbaceous and woody with floral, citrus, and pine notes. Benefits of Terpinolene Terpinolene helps to ease tension and stress because of its significant sedative properties. It works to calm the mind and reduce the occurrence of panic attacks, restlessness, and insomnia which can be symptoms of anxiety. The relaxing sedative effects of Terpinolene increase when it is found in combination with Linalool. When used topically, it has been found to possess antifungal properties that can help to combat conditions like nail fungus and ringworm. Antimicrobial properties combine with this to make Terpinolene useful for preventing infections on the skin and in minor wounds. Its unique and versatile aroma makes Terpinolene an ideal ingredient for perfumes and other fragranced products like soaps and lotions. Terpinolene has also been found to repel pest insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Essential Oils Containing Terpinolene Tea Tree Essential Oil can contain anywhere from .04% to around 3% Terpinolene. It is known to be calming to the mind, allowing the brain and body to relax while also reducing feelings of stress. Tea Tree Essential Oil can also help to soothe skin inflammation and combat fungal infections including Athlete’s Foot and toenail fungus. Nutmeg Essential Oil has been found to contain 1% to 2% Terpinolene. It can help to relax the body while also encouraging a positive, uplifted mood. Nutmeg Essential Oil has also been found to promote restful sleep, alleviate fatigue, and improve overall energy levels throughout the day. Rosemary Essential Oil contains a small amount of Terpinolene, around 0.1% to 0.5%. It has been found to reduce stress levels and ease nervous tension to help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Rosemary Essential Oil also has antimicrobial and astringent properties that can soothe inflammation and combat skin issues like breakouts and fungal acne. Cajeput Essential Oil contains around 0.4% to 0.5% Terpinolene. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin that can help prevent infection and soothe conditions like psoriasis and acne. Cajeput Essential Oil has also been found to help soothe anxiety and stress while promoting an overall sense of wellbeing. Sage Essential Oil typically contains 1% or less of Terpinolene. It works to balance our emotions and promote an uplifted mood and focused mind. Sage Essential Oil can also help restore moisture to dry and irritated skin and provide relief to sore muscles and joints. Check out some DIY recipes below using essential oils containing Terpinolene... Herbology Roll-On Perfume Nature lovers want to embrace the outside world in every aspect of their life, including their signature personal fragrance. Terpinolene in Rosemary, Sage, and Cajeput essential oils helps to create an intriguing green and earthy aroma that is reminiscent of a warm breeze blowing through the herb garden. Ingredients 10ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle ⅓ oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 5 drops of Sage Essential Oil 5 drops of Cajeput Essential Oil Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap and gently shake to combine. Roll across the skin for a fresh herbal fragrance. Super Soother Healing Salve Little bumps and scrapes are a natural part of an active life but we need to take care of them quickly so we can get on to the next adventure. Terpinolene in Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Cajeput essential oils work to soothe pain and inflammation in minor wounds and burns while also helping to prevent infection for faster healing. Ingredients Small Metal Tins 4 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 2 oz of Unrefined Shea Butter 2 oz of Beeswax Pearls 50 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil 25 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 25 drops of Cajeput Essential Oil Ingredients Heat beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler until fully melted. Add coconut oil and stir to combine. Remove from heat and gently stir in essential oils. Pour into tins and allow to cool and set overnight. Apply a thin layer to the affected area to speed healing and combat germs and infection. Workday Wind Down Bath Salts Winding down at the end of a stressful day can be hard to do when we still have a million thoughts running through our head. Terpinolene in Sage, Tea Tree, and Nutmeg essential oils help to calm the mind and soothe anxiety while encouraging a sense of relaxation and allowing for a better night's sleep. Ingredients 1 cup of Epsom Salt ½ cup of Coarse Mineral Sea Salt ¼ cup of Fractionated Coconut Oil 20 drops of Sage Essential Oil 20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil 10 drops of Nutmeg Essential Oil Instructions Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and store in a tightly closing container. Add a handful to a warm bath to induce a relaxed state of mind. You may also enjoy... Pinene: Terpene Highlight Tea Tree: Product Highlight Rosemary: Product Highlight Distilling Essential Oils
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Last Minute DIY Gifts with Essential Oils
Last minute gift ideas with essential oils for anyone on your holiday list!
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Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep & Insomnia
Aromatherapy using high quality Lavender oil can be a more natural and effective approach to insomnia and other sleep issues.
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A Beginner's Guide to Soap Making
Soap making is easier than you think. Here is a list of essentials for soap making to get you started.
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