Just the Essentials
Easy Breathing Shower Steamers
As we’re enjoying the cooling weather and changing leaves of fall, the cold and flu season is sneaking up on us. Waking up one morning sniffling and sneezing can really put a damper on our day and keep us from enjoying our favorite fall activities. A hot steamy shower first thing in the morning can do wonders for helping to clear up that uncomfortable congestion. Adding an Easy Breathing Shower Steamer to this morning routine will add a boost of decongesting power to really clear our sinuses. As they melt and fizz in the bottom of the shower, the soothing, cooling, and revitalizing essential oils in Breathe’N Blend are being carried by the steam and filling our shower. The stimulating mix of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Cypress, Litsea Cubeba, Ho Wood, Cardamom, Sage, Elemi, and Rosemary has been found to help clear our blocked airways and give us a burst of energy. We shouldn’t let seasonal congestion keep us stuffy and stuck at home when we could step out of the shower breathing deeply and ready to enjoy a beautiful fall day. Ingredients Witch Hazel Extract in a Misting Spray Bottle Hard Plastic or Metal Molds 1 cup of Citric Acid 2 cups of Baking Soda 20 drops of Breathe’N Essential Oil Blend Instructions Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using your 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 texture similar 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 in a cool, dark location out of reach from children and pets. Directions for Use Take 1 Easy Breathing Shower Steamer into the shower with you and wet it under the stream of water to get it started. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall. Not putting it directly under the water will help it last longer. You may also enjoy... Autumn Winds Hydrating Facial Serum Incorporating Essential Oils into your Family's Routine Peppermint: Product Highlight Clean Air Diffuser Blends for the Home
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Incorporating Essential Oils into your Family's Routine
Once we learn more about essential oils and see how their regular use has affected our lives we want to find a way to add them to every aspect of our routine. Many essential oil lovers may wonder how we can share these benefits with our families without overwhelming them or forcing them to add extra steps to their day-to-day schedules. Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways we can do this without making any major changes. A great way to introduce our families to the amazing aromas and benefits of essential oils is to incorporate them into things that are already part of our daily routine. Simply diffusing certain oils throughout the day or swapping out a self-care product for a natural DIY alternative can help the whole family fall in love with essential oils. From waking up in the morning to getting ready for bed at night and everything in between, there is an opportunity to add our favorite oils to a step in our family's daily routine and watch how they enjoy the positive effects. Diffusing Around the Home Diffusing particular essential oils at different times of day and during certain activities can work to keep everyone's thoughts and emotions in the right place. Adding a mentally stimulating and focusing blend to the diffuser before starting homework can help kids to concentrate on their work and support thought processes. Diffusing a more relaxing and grounding blend before family gatherings or parties is a good way to set the mood for the event and keep everyone feeling calm and comfortable. Thinking Cap Diffuser Blend Ingredients 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 3 drops of Eucalyptus 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. Gather Around Diffuser Blend Ingredients 3 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil 3 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil 2 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil 2 drops of Vetiver 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. Laundry Day Our family's laundry routine is a necessary part of life that can significantly benefit from a few essential oil additions. Swapping commercial fabric softeners for a natural version can help to show our family the odor-eliminating power of some oils. Once they adapt to this change the exact essential oil blend can be tailored to the oils they love most so the entire family can enjoy the aroma on their clothes throughout the day. Oh So Cozy Fabric Softener Ingredients 2 cups of Rock Salt or Coarse Kosher Salt ½ cup of Bentonite Clay 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil Instructions Add all ingredients to an air-tight container and stir thoroughly to combine. Add two tablespoons to each load of laundry. Bath & Shower Routine Whether they need a little boost in the morning or a soothing bath at the end of a long day, bath time is a great place to utilize the beneficial properties of essential oils in our family’s routine. A shower steamer with a refreshing and energizing blend is the perfect way to start the day with a clear mind and pep in their step. A bath bomb packed with calming and soothing oils can help them to relax and ease the pain in achy bodies. Get Up & Go Shower Steamers Ingredients Witch Hazel in a Misting Spray Bottle Small Sized Hard Plastic or Metal Molds 1 Cup of Citric Acid 2 Cups of Baking Soda 10 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil 5 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil 5 drops of Basil Essential Oil Instructions Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using your 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. 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. Take 1 Shower Steamer into the shower with you and wet it under the stream of water to get it started. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall. Not putting it directly under the water will help it last longer. At Ease Bath Bomb Ingredients Witch Hazel in a Misting Spray Bottle Hard Plastic or Metal Molds 2 cups of Citric Acid 4 cups of Baking Soda 2oz of Sweet Almond Oil 15 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil 5 drops of Clary Sage 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. While running water, drop one into the bath and allow it to fully dissolve. Time for Bed How our family sleeps at night can affect how their entire day will go and a solid bedtime routine helps set us up for a night of rest and restoration. Spritzing calming and sleep support essential oils around the bed and bedroom helps to create a cozy environment perfect for catching some z’s. Adding this simple step to the family’s nighttime routine is a great way to prevent the morning slump and have everyone waking up refreshed. Sleep Tight Linen Spray Ingredients 4oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 2oz of High Percentage Alcohol 2oz of Distilled Water 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Chamomile Essential Oil 5 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Instructions Add 2oz of high percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray on linens and around the room before bed. You may also enjoy... Myriad Blend: Meet the Ingredients Lavender Essential Oil for Kids Hair Conditioner Bar Recipe Keep Bugs out of the Home with Essential Oils
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Mens Wellness with Essential Oils
Essential oils can often be misunderstood as something used only for adding amazing scents to perfumes and products, making them generally more popular with women than men. As we essential oils lovers know, the importance of these oils goes far beyond fragrance. When it comes to personal wellness, essential oils have played an important role throughout history as a natural tool to help keep us healthy and thriving. Their amazing benefits and wide array of aromas are something that men can enjoy just as well as women. Essential oils have been found to support the body through all wellness habits, soothe pain and discomfort from exercise, and help to calm or focus the mind during a long day at work. There are a large number of oils that can offer these benefits, meaning there are sure to be some with aromas that men can also appreciate. Here are a few of our favorite essential oils for men's wellness… Lavender Essential Oil can help to relax the body and reduce feelings of tension and anxiety for men who may work in a fast-paced or stressful environment. Lavender has also been found to improve sleep quality and ease muscle pain while soothing inflamed and irritated skin. Frankincense Essential Oil can help to improve concentration and memory retention to help keep the mind sharp for work, home projects, or homework help. Frankincense is also known to focus intention and clear the mind of negative thoughts for men who may use yoga or meditation in their wellness routine. Vetiver Essential Oil is believed to ground us and restore a sense of balance in the mind, body, and spirit, perfect for men who may be going through big changes at work or at home. Vetiver may also help to clear nasal congestion and promote easier breathing while stimulating the immune system to keep illness at bay. Peppermint Essential Oil can help to provide a much-needed mental boost for workaholic men by enhancing focus and increasing mental energy. Peppermint has also been found to ease headaches, soothe muscle pain, and stimulate blood circulation for faster recovery from illness or an especially tough workout. Sandalwood Essential Oil has been found to help balance emotions and impart mental clarity to help men work through big decisions or exciting life events. Sandalwood can also promote a sense of spiritual and mental well-being making it useful in meditation practices while aphrodisiac properties work to improve intimate relationships. Tea Tree Essential Oil is known to be a powerhouse for wellness and is perfect for men who work with their hands or have strenuous outdoor hobbies with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Tea Tree may help to provide relief for sunburn, skin irritation, and minor wounds while also working to combat infection and promote healing. Clary Sage Essential Oil can help to ease stress and enhance the mood of men who may be working through a stressful event or need a pick me up during the work week. Clary Sage has also been found to improve concentration and mental stamina while also helping to ease the pain and tension of headaches and promote restful sleep. Patchouli Essential Oil is believed to reduce negative energy and soothe anxiety while increasing feelings of relaxation for hard-working men who need a little help winding down. Patchouli may also help to improve cognitive function and enhance concentration, making it widely used in meditation and spiritual practices. Try one of these recipes to help support the wellness of men… Grounding Connection Diffuser Blend Ingredients 4 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil 3 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil 2 drops of Vetiver 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. Work Hard Play Hard Muscle Rub Ingredients 1oz of Beeswax Pearls 1oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil 1oz of Unrefined Shea Butter 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil Instructions Heat beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter on a double boiler until everything is fully melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the essential oil blend. Stir very well, ensuring essential oils are thoroughly combined into the mixture. Pour into metal tins and allow to cool and harden for several hours before use. Scrapes Happen Soothing Skin Spray Ingredients 4oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top 3oz of Witch Hazel Extract ½oz of Aloe Vera Oil ½oz of Vegetable Glycerine 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 20 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil Instructions Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Spray on minor cuts and scrapes to ease pain and facilitate quick healing. Jack of All Trades Focusing Roll-On Ingredients 10ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle 1/3oz of Sweet Almond Oil 5 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil 5 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil Instructions 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 and roll across your skin. You may also enjoy... Clary Sage: Product Highlight 10 Essential Oils for Meditation Strong Brew: Exfoliating Coffee Soap Peace & Comfort Blend: Meet the Ingredients
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Strong Brew: Exfoliating Coffee Soap
Many of the hardest-working people we know have to wake up early and spend their day outside, working with their hands. Nothing helps prepare us for the day, especially a long one, quite like a hot shower and a fresh cup of coffee. A bar of coffee soap can help to invigorate the body while nourishing our skin. This soap helps to exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturized to keep skin smooth and hydrated despite the hard work and time spent in the elements. A base of coconut, olive, palm, and castor oils combine to make a hard, long-lasting bar of soap with a great lather. The addition of shea butter and superfatting at 5% helps to add moisture back into the skin and soothe irritation. Replacing the water with brewed coffee lends a beautiful warm brown color to the finished bar and a hint of coffee scent. Coffee grounds add gentle exfoliation to help combat rough and dry skin. Sandalwood Vanilla Fragrance Oil has a sweet, rich, yet earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with a mug of morning pick-me-up. Ingredients 9oz of Coconut Oil 9oz of Olive Oil 8oz of Palm Oil 2oz of Castor Oil 2oz of Unrefined Shea Butter 10oz of Brewed Coffee (cooled) 4.3oz of Sodium Hydroxide Lye 2oz of Sandalwood Vanilla Fragrance Oil 3tbsp of Ground Coffee 1/2 cup of Whole Coffee Beans (optional) Supplies Heat Safe Loaf Soap Mold 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. Brew coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. Measure and combine the fragrance 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 cooled coffee in two separate bowls. Slowly add the lye to the coffee while gently stirring until the lye is fully dissolved. 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. Slowly and gently pour the lye mixture into the oil. 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. Add ground coffee and blend until thoroughly combined. Working quickly, stir (do not blend) in the fragrance oil blend. Once the soap reaches about a medium trace, pour it into the mold, scraping the bowl to ensure no soap is left behind. Tap the mold on the work surface to release any trapped air bubbles. Sprinkle whole coffee beans across the top of the loaf and lightly press them into the soap to ensure adhesion. Allow the soap to sit in the molds for 48-72 hours at room temperature. Unmold the soap, cut it into bars, and allow it to cure for 4-6 weeks. Use and enjoy! You may also enjoy: All Clear: Facial Cleansing Soap Cooling Soap: Cold Process Soap Recipe Sore Muscle Massage Bar Using Essential Oils for Soapmaking
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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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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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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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Distilling Lavender
The first step in the production of Lavender essential oil is to harvest the plants. The ideal time for Lavender harvest is when the flowers are in full bloom. This means that the flowers are fully developed and almost the entire flower head has opened. The highest quality oil is extracted from only the flowers of the plant. While there is a trace amount of essential oil within the stems of the plant, it is typically not enough to justify the amount of space they would occupy in the equipment during distillation. Harvest season for Lavender is through July and August and the plants must be cut during the perfect balance of weather to ensure the quality of the essential oil. Lavender can be harvested both by hand and using mechanized harvesting equipment. Rain during the harvest season can cause the loss of essential oil. The Lavender plants should be dry when harvestingAfter the Lavender flowers have been harvested, they can be distilled in their fresh state or left to dry for several days. The Lavender essential oil that is extracted from the fresh flowers retains a fresh and green note in its scent while dried Lavender possesses a deeper floral aroma. Distillation of fresh Lavender has become the more widely used method. The time between harvest and distillation is often long enough for the flowers to dehydrate slightly, allowing more plant matter to fit into the still without sacrificing yield, this also reduces the cost of energy needed for distillation.Lavender essential oil is extracted from the plant matter through a process called steam distillation. This process is highly important in determining the quality of the resulting essential oil. The temperature and pressure that the flowers experience during distillation can alter the fragrance molecules’ structure, affecting the final scent and chemical constituents of the essential oil. The steam distillation process involves steam passing through the plant material, the steam extracts the essential oil from the flowers. After passing through the plant material, the steam carrying the essential oil goes to the condenser. The condenser cools the steam back to a liquid state. The distillate is a combination of essential oil and water. The distillate is fed into an “Essencier” or Separator where the essential oil and the hydrosols are separated.After harvest, the Lavender flowers are packed tightly into the still. In a separate chamber, water is brought to a boil and the resulting steam is forced into the still containing Lavender flowers. The boiling point of Lavender is 204 degrees Fahrenheit so by the time the water reaches a full boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the Lavender essential oil has already begun vaporizing. The vaporized essential oil and water rise to the top of the still and are forced into the condenser. The condenser is made up of either vertical tubes, or coils. The outside of the tubes or coils is surrounded by cooling water. The steam enters the condenser and is cooled back to a liquid state. The liquid is called the “distillate” which is a mixture of essential oil and hydrosol. The condenser tube feeds the liquid into a separator, where the essential oil will rise to the top of the hydrosol because of the difference in density between the liquids. The specific gravity of Lavender essential oil is lower than that of water. The essential oil is then siphoned off the top, either manually or through a faucet in some systems, and collected for packaging. The Lavender hydrosol which is left contains only water and water-soluble Lavender components, which may also be used for many purposes. Check out the different types of Lavender we offer: You may also enjoy... Lavender Species: 3 Types of Lavender Used for Making Essential Oil Diffusing Lavender Essential Oil Distilling Essential Oils Distilling Eucalyptus Citriodora
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