Showing posts with label aromatherapy thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aromatherapy thursday. Show all posts

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Aromatherapy Thursday - Change is on the wind again

It has been well over a year since I posted my first Aromatherapy Thursday and have come to a point where I feel I have exhausted the topic.  In an effort to freshen some of my posting habits I am going to modify the topic to include any natural craft, recipes with herbs, great teas and essential focus on anything natural and interesting. 


I used to receive a magazine called Healthy Living; it was filled with suggestions on how to improve a person’s life in general.  There is so much to be said for focusing on one’s overall balance and not just working towards eating right or exercising.  Often I see people that workout and are trim but they are chugging multiple energy drinks and/or sugary sodas.  Just because one portion of the person is in balance doesn’t mean that it will lead to good health or quality of life.  It is important to look at the big picture and incorporate as many positive habits as possible.


I am a RD by trade but I have a very spiritual and creative side which leads me to be a firm believer of finding a balance in mind/body/spirit as a whole.  I also believe that our Creator provided us with everything that we need to be balanced, happy and healthy through nature.  Although I work in a medical field and I believe in modern medicine and the evolving technology I still incorporate simple holistic treatments into my own life.  It can be as simple as drinking tea in the evening as I sit in my Japanese garden to relieve stress.   


So in a nut shell this is the direction I feel like going with our Aromatherapy Thursday.  As a side note I haven’t thought up of a catchy title yet so I am open for suggestions.


You know how I love ArtFire Eye-Candy so let’s take a look at these wonderful tea blends that I found:
Vintage Fashion

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Aromatherapy Thursday - Orange

During this time of year the lovely orange blossoms have faded away and little oranges are slowly developing.  According to the Sunkist Website some oranges will mature as early as 5 months while some oranges will take an astonishing 18 months fully mature.  This wonderful fruit is used so frequently in our lives that we may not even realize how much oranges, and in general citrus, we consume or use.   Not only do we eat bushels of oranges as fresh fruit but we consume products that use it for flavoring and as a natural preservative.  We also use many household products that utilize the heavenly scent to clean and fragrance our homes.  It can be found as notes in perfume, shampoo, and other personal products.
You can purchase Sweet Orange Essential oil from Etsy shop RJsCloset at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RJsCloset?ref=seller_info
While there are too many types of oranges to mention in this blog, two that are commonly used in aromatherapy are simply called Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange.  Bitter Orange comes from a tree that is named the same.  It is very similar looking to other oranges but the fruit is too sour to eat whole and mostly grown for flavoring and the fragrant peel. The oil comes from cold pressing the peel and has a slight grapefruit scent, these characteristics gives it the name Bitter Orange.
This great print come from Etsy shop EarlyBirdSale at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/earlybirdsale?ref=seller_info
Sweet Orange oil is also produced from the peel of that fruit and a cold press process.  The difference is that Sweet Orange oil comes from an edible fruit which is why it is deemed sweet.   There are some subtle differences other than just the grapefruit like tone in Bitter Orange but overall in aromatherapy they can be used pretty interchangeably and will be based more on personal preferences.

Both Orange oils are very prized and inexpensive additions to your aromatherapy collection.  The fragrance is up lifting and can help relieve some people from symptoms of depression.  The invigorating scent can help you feel refreshed when struggling with emotional and physical fatigue.  It is said to help calm the nerves and raise your spirit, overall a very invigorating aroma.  It is also used in products because of its know antiseptic properties. 

Here are some fun products that use either Bitter Orange or Sweet Orange essential oils in their making:


The essential oil from citrus peels can cause photosensitivity so you should avoid sunlight if you have just recently used a massage oil or product that has the oil in it or at least be aware that you may be more inclined to burn.  It will, of course, depend on your skin type and the strength or the oils that you use.  Some people may fine they are highly sensitive while others may not have any issues at all.
Never use any essential oil (except lavender) neat on your skin; always mix with a carrier oil.

Please note that you should always consult your physician prior to using essential oils if you have any medical conditions.  Also note that aromatherapy should never take the place of medical treatment, physically and mentally.  Always do an allergy check prior to use.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

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

Thursday, May 10, 2012

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

'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...
$2.00
Fennel Lip Balm
$3.50
Absinthe Soy Wax Single...
$3.49
Candle Lemon Fennel Ess...
$12.50
Orange Fennel Chef Soap
$8.00
Fennel Essential Oil
$6.50
Lip Balm- Sweet Fennel
$5.00
NEW Dulce Sweet Fennel ...
$13.00
All Natural Lavender Li...
$9.50
All Natural Lavender Li...
$6.75
1/4 Pound Whole Fennel ...
$3.00
Absinthe Shea Cocoa But...
$8.99
Swallowing Knives: Sore...
$10.00
Absinthe scented 8 oz. ...
$16.00
Spearmint Lime All Natu...
$4.95
The Due Date
$10.00

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.