Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint

Botanical Name:  Mentha piperita

Where it grows:  USA, Egypt, Hungary

US Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Special Characteristics:Square stem, light purple flowers
How the oil is produced:Steam distillation
Fragrance: Sweet, mint, herbal, green
Blends well with: Geranium, most other mints, rosemary, lavender, rose, citrus, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon

Interested in growing your own peppermint?  You can purchase roots for planting from DragonflyBuz at http://ow.ly/cbDWg

Now that many of us are under a heat wave Peppermint popped into my mind.  It has a crisp scent that congers an image of lush mountain forests and takes you away on a cool breeze.

Peppermint is often noted more for its amazing ability to easy tummy troubles than an aromatherapy oil.  It’s flavoring is used in after-dinner mints, teas, medications for the stomach etc. because it eases heartburn, cramping and other ailments so well. 

These wonderful Peppermint Berlingots can be purchased from Etsy Shop FusionSweets at http://ow.ly/cbEcu

It offers astringent properties along with antibacterial properties making this a great addition to cosmetics and other topical creams for the face and body.  It can be soothing to irritated skin but at the same time refreshing when used in a wash or splash.

This refreshing Face Cleanser can be purchased from Etsy shop, NaturalLogic at http://ow.ly/cbEsr

Not only is Peppermint wonderful for its physical effects on the body but its oil has a great effect on the mind and spirit.   This great aromatherapy oil can help uplift your spirits, awaken and sharpen the mind when used for its fragrance.   While it can stimulate the mind to be more alert it also calms nervousness at the same time; it can relax and sooth stress and anxiety.  The fragrance by itself can help relieve nausea and is great to take with on long trips if you tend to get car sick.  Keeping a cotton ball in the car with a few drops of Peppermint essential oil on it may actually do the trick; I have personally used this when traveling with my children and it really works.

Essential Oils are always best choice for aromatherapy.  This Peppermint Essential Oil can be purchased from Etsy shop, AcientOils at http://ow.ly/cbEDo

I especially love to use Peppermint as one of my standard sachet mixes that I must always have on hand.  Using a pomander or basket filled with the sachet mix can freshen your stuffy closets while also repelling insects and pests.  It is great when a fragrance will not only repel the creepy crawlies but is also pleasing to humans.  

My Peppermint Sachet Mix can be found on ArtFire at http://ow.ly/cbBwl  It is made with natural peppermint, essential oil and other botanical ingredients to give it a long lasting fragrance.  You can purchase sample sizes if you would like to try before you buy a standard sized bag.

 Most of my Pomanders are vintage; what simple but great way to help the environment.  Using refillable pomanders will save on waste, does not rely on airisols and other harsh chemicals to fragrance your rooms or closets.  Plus they are very pretty too!   You can find my Pomanders at Artfire http://ow.ly/cbBQG and each will come with your choice of handmade sachet mix.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint - Pink

Curated By: ButterflyInTh...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint - Green

Curated By: ButterflyInTh...

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

Note: When using any essential oil too much of a good thing can have a negative impact so make sure to practice safety. Aromatherapy should never replace medical treatment and you should consult your physician before using any alternative medicine

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

Whenever using essential oils conduct an allergy test prior to use and never apply directly to your skin or directly stick your nose close to the bottle (dropper, spoon, cover, etc.) Often essential oils are strong enough to burn the thin membranes inside your nose.

Before using any alternative treatments or therapy you should always consult your physician first.  If you have medical  conditions such as Epilepsy or if you are pregnant you should always consult your physician prior to use.  

Keep away from children.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Lemon Balm

Botanical Name:  Mellissa officinalis

Where it grows: North Africa, USA, Mid East, South Europe, Hungary

US Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Special Characteristics: Square stem, Bright red flowers
How the oil is produced: Steam distillation
Fragrance: Lemon with a light mint, herbal, green, citrus
Blends well with: Geranium, most other mints, rosemary, lavender, Rose, Citrus, Lemongrass,

Etsy Shop, Simple Earth Creations, has a wonderful herbal tea made with lemon balm that can be found at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimpleEarthCreations?ref=seller_info

Lemon Balm is another one of my favorite herbs.  When I was young I was very interested in herbology and would suck up any information on natural healing and holistic treatments as I could.  I visited another farm with my family where the mother had been very knowledgeable and had several large herb gardens.  As we walked the fields of green leaves and small flowers she taught me how to identify herbs in the wild. 

This beautiful painting can be found at ArtFire shop Ninthya at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/nithya

One thing that would always stay with me was a simple trick to tell what plants belong into the mint family.  She told me to always check the stems; if they are square there is a strong possibility they are some kind of mint.  Over the years this has remained true, if it had a square stem it would be part of the mint family when I looked them up.  Lemon Balm is part of the mint family and does have the square stem. 

Lemon Balm has a beautiful lemony scent and can easily be grown in your garden.  One thing to be aware of with the mint family is that they are very aggressive.  I you don’t want your entire garden to be taken over you must contain their roots.

Lemon Balm is considered to be a calming fragrance and in aromatherapy it is used to up lift your mood and relieve nervous tension.  It can be used in as a warm bath soak or in a diffuser to help ease the day’s stress.  It is also known to have antibacterial properties and help topically with bug bites, eczema, and other skin issues.  It is also useful during the menstrual cycle to help relieve headaches, cramping and nausea. 



Note:  When using any essential oil too much of a good thing can have a negative impact so make sure to practice safety.  Aromatherapy should never replace medical treatment and you should consult your physician before using any alternative medicine

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

Whenever using essential oils conduct an allergy test prior to use and never apply directly to your skin or directly stick your nose close to the bottle (dropper, spoon, cover, etc.) Often essential oils are strong enough to burn the thin membranes inside your nose.

Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.

Aromatherapy Thursday - It's All About The Oil

Welcome to Aromatherapy Thursday.  Often aromatherapy is paired with massage therapy for an overall mind/body experience.  I have discussed several fragrances in many segments and how they affect a person’s mood, mind set and physically but just touched upon the different carrier oils that are available. 

Create your own home spa with this luxurious massage oil from Etsy Shop TyreHolisticAromatic at http://www.etsy.com/shop/tyreholisticaromatic?ref=seller_info

Have you ever noticed that some oils or even lotions will seem to absorb right away and leave your skin feeling thirsty for more while others will feel like you are going to leave grease stains on anything that you touch or touches you?  It isn’t just a coincidence; there is a definite science to why certain oils are chosen over others in those mixtures.

To keep things very simple there are two types of oils used topically; one type will absorb into your skin providing nutrients and moisture while the other lies on top of your skin creating a barrier and retaining the moisture that is already there.  The difference in how the oils work is based on the size of their molecules, for example; mineral oil is a synthetic oil that has large molecules so instead of going into the skin’s pores it will rest on top giving you a greasy feel while grape seed oil has small molecules and will be absorbed by the skin’s pores leaving none to very little greasy residue.  So the smaller the molecules the more readily it is absorbed into the skin and the less grease is left behind.  But there are other factors to take into consideration such as cost, availability, allergies, shelf life and additional natural properties.

Less expensive commercial massage oils are going to made with less expensive ingredients and because of that you may notice a more oily feel to the product, shorter shelf life (fragrance gets rancid or changes quickly) and you may even find it to be irritating to your skin.    Many of cheap commercial massage oils use the inexpensive synthetics that not only remain greasy but have little additional benefits other than holding in your skin’s moisture.   I personally feel that it is always best to use products that have natural carrier oils, but keep in mind that All natural oils could potentially cause allergic reactions and caution should always be used. 

Kat's Herbs & Knitting offers a variety of Carrier and Essential Oils and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatsHerbsKnitting?ref=seller_info_count

Some less expensive oils that are readily absorbed by the skin and can be used without mixing with other oils:

Sweet Almond Oil (potential Nut Allergy, easily found in most discount and drug stores)

Olive Oil (inexpensive and readily available but has a strong fragrance of its own make sure to get the mild or extra-virgin)

Sunflower Oil (potential allergen but great for your skin)

Apricot Oil (rich in Vitamin E) 

Jojoba Oil (a good antibacterial but very fast absorbing and may need multiple applications)

Peanut Oil (Can Cause Allergic reactions also has its own fragrance)

Corn Oil (readily available but greasier and less absorbent)

Fractional Coconut oil (does not stain clothing or linen but may be harder to find)  

Grapeseed Oil (more expensive and not pressed from the seed instead it is extracted using a solvent but has little to no fragrance of its own.  It also absorbs great)

Kukui Nut Oil (Native to Hawaii and good for all skin types even most sensitive skin and skin that would be considered oily)

The following oils are on the higher end of the price scale and they also tend to be thicker or heavier and so they are often mixed with other carrier oils and not used alone:  

Avocado Oil (heavy and potential Latex Allergy reaction)

Cocoa Butter (has heavy fragrance of its own)

Shea Butter (heavy, has fragrance of its own, and can be a potential allergen for those with Latex Allergies)

Wheat Germ Oil (thick, Rich in Vitamin E)

Oils that are rich in Vitamin E can also be used to increase the shelf life of your products.  You can either add a few drops of straight Vitamin E oil as an additive or mix carrier oils using small amounts of Wheat Germ Oil or Apricot Oil, it will all depend on the end product you are looking for.   

This Carrier Oil mix is Amazing! It has many different oils in it to make it an excellent skin food! You can find in ETSY shop Quintessence Oils at http://www.etsy.com/shop/jamiepsmith?ref=seller_info

A simple recipe to create your own herb/flower infused oils can be found on my recipe page:
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But if you would prefer to purchase your oils already made there are many to choose from the lovely shops at Etsy and ArtFire.  Now that I have less time I find myself purchasing my oils rather than going through the time consuming process.  Although it is very nice to know how things are made and gives you an appreciation for the time that people spend on their handmade mixtures not to mention the expertise it takes to get the mixtures just right.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Balsam Peru

Balsam Peru is an essential oil that is distilled from a plant called, Myroxylon pereira, most commonly found in Central America.  The essential oil is created from the tree's resin by using a distillation method resulting in a thin light amber colored oil.  Balsam Peru is not quite as common as other essential oils and most often is not a primary oil found in the novice collection.  It has a fragrance similar to Vanilla oil and has a medium strength.

Often Balsam Peru essential oil is used in aromatherapy to aide in treating coughs, congestion, colds and flu along with improving circulation and a variety of skin conditions.  Topically it is reported to help with eczema, chapped skin, rashes and sensitive skin.  It has also been reported to help relieve nervousness and stress.

Here are some beautiful items that can be found on ETSY:


As with all essential oils, aromatherapy should never take the place of seeking medical attention from your physician.  Always consult your physician prior to using this or any other natural product for treatments.  Never use Balsam Peru during your pregnancy unless physician had prescribed it for you

Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel

This beautiful plant marker was found on ETSY shop HouseOfWhisperingFir at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HouseofWhisperingFir?ref=seller_info

Today's featured essential oil and plant is Fennel.  While Fennel is great for pizza it has many other very useful properties.  Did you know Fennel will actually freshen your breath better than peppermint?  In fact in the Victorian period people would chew fennel seeds just for that freshy reason.  It has also been noted to treat constipation and relieve flatulence. 

You can purchase Whole Organic Fennel from ETSY shop Kat's Herbs & Knitting at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatsHerbsKnitting?ref=seller_info

Fennel is a common plant that can be grown in most areas of the US and other countries as a perennial.  Fennel has been nicknamed the wild carrot for its carrot shaped root.  It is best know for it culinary uses but does have many great properties if included as seasoning in the diet or as a tea.  Alone (without the pizza) Fennel's flavor is very similar to anise and is very palatable.  The essential oil is made by distillation of the plant's leaves and stems.

You can purchase heirloom seeds to plant your own fennel from Etsy shop NimbleNiteCap at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nimblenitecap?ref=seller_info

Topically, fennel is often included in skin care products for its ability to freshen and brighten skin and it can also help relieve puffy eyes.

The essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to balance moods and has properties that will aid in reducing stress and tension.  It is also used to revitalize the mind and may even help with moods during the menstrual cycle.   Fennel oil and that actual plant smell very similar to licorice and the fragrance will often blend nicely with other earthy scents like basil, lavender, lemon, cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood.

'Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel' by ButterflyInTheAttic

This treasury can also be found in today's blog post Aromatherpay Thursday - Fennel at:

Organic Florence Fennel... cubits $3.50	Mandrake Garden Natural... MidnightGypsyA... $7.95	Fennel Grapefruit Beesw... BeehiveAlchemy $4.00	Aloe and Fennel soap BullesetMolecu... $6.95
Clove & Fennel Nursing... WashTheDayAway $5.25	Fennel (Foeniculum vulg... GabriellesGard... $2.00	Savior Salve- Sweet Fen... OliveNaturalBe... $15.00	Chai Lip Balm Tube -- H... OmShantiNatura... $4.00
Herbal Tea Blend HOOKAH... bombylbee $9.00	Twig Pencils - Natural ... twigpencil $11.95	Organic Fennel Seeds HomegrownHealt... $2.00	Fragrant & Powerful Fen... bodypure $8.00
Dead Sea Mud Complexion... bovinebubbles $5.50	NATURAL SWEET FENNEL Es... doTdo $6.00	Fennel Chamomile Facial... WashTheDayAway $10.00	Fennel Seed Powder, 1 o... SoapNSupply $1.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio

'Aromatherapy Thursday - Fennel - Part 2' by ButterflyInTheAttic

This treasury can also be found in today's blog post Aromatherpay Thursday - Fennel at:

Organic Fennel Florence... nimblenitecap $2.00	Fennel Lip Balm wildroot $3.50	Absinthe Soy Wax Single... somethinspecia... $3.49	Candle Lemon Fennel Ess... ManInTheMoonHe... $12.50
Orange Fennel Chef Soap cynthiassoapki... $8.00	Fennel Essential Oil SaharasSupplie... $6.50	Lip Balm- Sweet Fennel OliveNaturalBe... $5.00	NEW Dulce Sweet Fennel ... gabrielsaunt $13.00
All Natural Lavender Li... naiad $9.50	All Natural Lavender Li... naiad $6.75	1/4 Pound Whole Fennel ... layla $3.00	Absinthe Shea Cocoa But... somethinspecia... $8.99
Swallowing Knives: Sore... starlingbathbo... $10.00	Absinthe scented 8 oz. ... WitchCityWicks $16.00	Spearmint Lime All Natu... CindysSuds $4.95	The Due Date mihow $10.00

Treasury tool supported by threequickquestions

Outside of normal culinary uses, Fennel is a very powerful herb and essential oil that should be used with caution.  It should not be used by pregnant women and small children.  You should always consult your physician prior to using any alternative medicine, homeopathic treatments, or essential oils especially if you have conditions such as epilepsy.  Always conduct an allergy test prior to using products containing essential oils and never use Fennel oil "neat" or directly applied to the skin, this may cause damage to the skin.  When smelling essential oils never directly put the bottle or container to your nose, instead hold it several inches away and using your hand waft the scent to your nose.  Smelling directly from the container could damage the sensitive mucous membranes inside your nose.