Aromatherapy Thursday - Diffusers

Over the last year I have discussed many wonderful essential oils used in Aromatherapy.  There are many ways to use essential oils to benefit from their Aromatherapy properties: massage oils, home spa, Potpourri, perfume, and many more.  But one of the easiest and less time consuming ways to fragrance your space and benefit from the properties would be to simply use the essential oils in a Diffuser. 

To use a Diffuser you will simply put your choice of either essential oils or essential oil blend in the reservoir, bottle or whatever area that is designated for that purpose.  Some include things like reeds to whisk the oil up and slowly diffuse the fragrance into the air, while some use mini fans, and others still use rely on heat.  The general goal of Diffuser is to gently "diffuse" the oil into the air thus fragrancing it and providing the benefits of aromatherapy to the user. 

This wonderful shop, ByShana, sells "Products That Makes Scents"  You can find her lovely custom diffusers (shown above) along with many other aromatherapy products  at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ByShana?ref=seller_info

One thing to note is that you should always use high quality essential oils when practicing aromatherapy because while fragrant oils are great smelling they will not provide any of the chemical benefits that the true essential oil provides.  There are special natural chemicals in every essential oil that provides different signals to the brain when they are drawn in through the nasal cavity.  So it only works if you are using the actual oil derived from the plant, flower, peel, etc.  On the other side, some of the chemicals used in making the synthetic oils could give a person negative effects such as headaches.  But also note that even when using high quality essential oils negative effects can occur and allergy test should always be conducted.  Certain oils should be used with more caution than others and it is always good to do your research first before blending your own.

I found this vintage vaporizer on ArtFire in TheOldWorldApocathery (great name!) at http://ow.ly/clzxk    This would make a great diffuser in an old Victorian home or for someone who loves collecting antiques!

Some Diffusers can be very techie and have multiple settings, while some are very basic and are simple to use and understand.  There are also choices for what area you want to use it in such as if you are using it in your car or your home.

Today I will focus on showing some of the wide varieties of Diffusers available.
'Aromatherapy Thursday - Diffusers - Part 2' by ButterflyInTheAttic

Custom 4 oz. Reed Diffuser S... ByShana $21.00	Personal Clay Aromatherapy P... Lizardleigh $12.00	4 sola flower natural diffus... handmadehairma... $12.95	White Love...Sweet Interior ... Hideminy $25.00
Vintage Perfume Lamp Nightli... ThistleandJug $24.00	Organic Room Diffuser ALSWHOME $25.00	Aromatherapy Diffuser -embos... TerraScents $10.00	Aromatherapy Lamp Ring- Esse... ShantiAromathe... $8.00
Oil Diffuser: blue swirl rakuglow $3.00	Off White Textured Oil Diffu... TurnTheKeyPott... $20.00	NAMASTE, a sandalwood and am... evoluxe $18.00	3 Rustic Clay Ornaments Frag... potterybyAnita $10.00
Floral Cascade Reed Diffuser... AScentFromTheH... $18.00	Aromatherapy White Blue Tea ... michellelovesj... $2.75	Small Lamp Star Cutouts Dogw... potterybyAnita $30.00	Beautiful Gardenia Diffuser ... FancifulDesign $48.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

'Aromatherapy Thursday - Diffusers' by ButterflyInTheAttic

Essential Oil & Diffuser Set... BeazersGarden $18.00	PICK YOUR SCENT eco friendly... HickoryGroveAr... $9.99	Painted Glass Bottle Reed Di... RandamArt $16.99	Toast Living - Casa- Ultraso... JSAromaLife $120.00
Reed diffuser bud vase pot b... WillowTreePott... $16.00	Bluebird Aromatherapy Nest a... TuppersPerch $16.00	Beachy Recycled Glass Diffus... Tersjustbeachy $15.00	Pumpkin Seed Flower oil reed... seedflowers $6.00
PERSONAL CLAY DIFFUSER Neckl... doTERRAcotta $20.00	Smoke and Mirrors Reed Diffu... Granddar $45.00	Hand Made Ceramic Pottery Te... ritualunion $12.50	Reed Diffuser with Lavender,... TheBumbleBeeSt... $33.00
ceramic diffuser essential o... LaCasaMonina $8.00	LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY LOCKET... JeanDesigns $200.00	Reed Diffuser, Apple Harvest... CandleAllure $20.00	ESSENTIAL OIL Aromatherapy D... DeBaunFineCera... $34.95

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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 - Citronella Grass

As the summer months approach, Citronella Grass will become the most popular and if not one the most popular aromatherapy treatments in the the US.  There are so many products offered to us that contain Citronella you can go to any Lowe's, Menard's, and Walmart and buy a vast array of oils, lotions, and candles.  Unfortunately most of the things offered on the market right now come in ugly packaging and utilize other cheap ingredients.  My solution is that if I need to have a lot of Citronella (back in a time I camped and lived in the mosquito ridden Midwest) I would buy the cheaper items and use them in places not readily visible.  Then I would buy the pretty things that used Citronella and have those nicely displayed on the tables and out where people were looking.

This absolutely sweet photograph of picnic along with many other beautiful photographs can be purchased at SewGoodPhotography at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewGoodPhotography?ref=seller_info

 Citronella Grass oil is so terribly popular because it is known to repell mosquitoes and other pesky insects.  Burning a candle in strategically places will definitely reduce the number of uninvited biting guests at your picnic or family gathering.  Unfortunately it is not as effective as some of the chemical products available but it is much better for you and much better for the environment.

Citronella Grass oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant Cympopogon Nardus which is part of the Lemon Grass Genus (Cympopogon.)  It does have a very different smell than Lemon Grass oil but you can smell the family resemblance.  The Citronella Grass plant originated in Indonesia but is widely grown in other warmer climates due to the popularity of the oil.

You can purchase dried lemon grass and many other dried botanicals and herbs from ETSY Shop CuriousWiccan at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CuriousWiccan?ref=seller_info

 Not only is Citronella Grass oil good for repelling insects it is a natural disinfectant (why it is found in so many other household cleaners) and has antiseptic properties.  I can be beneficial to "cleanse" a sick room or if many family members were ill at one time you could use it to clean the entire house with the hope of killing any lingering germs.

Physically when used as a message oil Citronella Grass oil can produce a warming effect that will help ease joint and muscle pain.  It can also help treat oily skin and scalps.  It is also a wonderful to use a Citronella soap after working in the garden, nothing smells better than that lemony scent and it will offer protection to your skin from any thing you may have picked up while handling the dirt.

This pretty natural soap can be found in new ETSY shop EmpireSoaps at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/empiresoaps?ref=seller_info

In aromatherapy Citronella Grass is said to have a anti-depressant effect and help clear the mind.  The light lemony scent is pleasant and and it also may remind you of family fun and wonderful summer holidays.  I know that even though I don't camp any more or have to deal with many misquotes that I still want to buy Citronella candles when I walk through the store.  The powerful scent of the many candle jars and oils calls to my nostalgia from their shelves whispering memories of summers gone by.

Here are some wonderful essential oils and handmade products from Etsy:

 

Aromatherapy Thursday - Grapefruit

I know, I write these early in the morning and you are wondering, "Aromatherapy and Grapefruit?" But yes, a great essential oil is from Grapefruit.  The essential oil is cold pressed from the peel.  Have you ever noticed while peeling piece of citrus fruit, like the Grapefruit, that the liquid that get spurts from a fresh peel has a little bit of an oily look to it?  That is exactly what the essential oil is made of.  Originally Grapefruit was grown in Asia but fortunately they are now grown all over in warmer climate such as here in California.  I love driving by people's houses and seeing those large pink and yellow fruit clinging on to the trees, fighting their weight and gravity.  Unfortunately I don't know anyone personally that grows them so I have to buy mine but there is nothing that compares to fresh Grapefruit.

This lovely lip scrub can be found in ETSY shop AubreyEApothecary  at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AubreyEApothecary?ref=seller_info

Grapefruit has many known benefits, when ingested it is useful as a diuretic and for cleansing the body.  I am not sure if all of you have heard about the Grapefruit Diet, it had become a bit of a running joke more than something that people actually thought was seriously helpful.  But, with that mentioned please do not try something like that; while certain foods and plants can be helpful it can also be harmful if you eat too much of a good thing.  For every good property in the food there is a bad property and if you don't eat balanced you are going to notice that your health is negatively impacted.

Using Grapefruit in aromatherapy has a wonderful soothing and invigorating affect.  It is fruit and light and has this beautiful up lifting affect on the mood.  I always think of sunshine when I smell Grapefruit.  Using it in a diffuser would be a great way to clear the air in your home; while the fruity citrus smell will make the house smell light and fresh, the invigorating and uplifting properties will energize you to do your spring cleaning.    It is also a great scent to have when you are studying, doing taxes, or any task where you may become mentally fatigued.

You can purchase your own essential oil at ETSY shop WildHerb at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildHerb?ref=seller_info

My personal preference is the Pink Grapefruit since it is sweeter than Yellow Grapefruit; both when using it in aromatherapy and when eating it.  The Pink Grapefruit does not have a strong over powering scent so it is very versatile and blends well with other oils such as rosemary (another uplifting oil.)

Herer are some wonderful products from ETSY that are made with oils from this fun and sunshiny fruit.



When using it topically, please keep in mind that it has been known to cause photosensitivy. Do not use large quantities and stay out of direct sunlight if you are using it mixed in a massage oil. Although it will depended on your own skin's sensitivity, some may find that just a little will be an issue and some may find it is not. Always do a allergy test prior to using any essential oil, also never use it "neat" meaning directly on to your skin (it could cause many problems including burning the skin) and do not smell essential oils by putting them up to your nose (this could burn the tender membranes inside your nasal cavity.) When trying to smell the oils hold the open bottle a couple inches away from your face and with your other hand waft (wave) the fragrance to your nose. When using the oils on your skin you must always mix them with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, approximately 1 drop essential oil to 2-3 teaspoons of carrier.

Always consult your doctor prior to using any natural products for mental or medical reasons. Do not used if you are pregnant. And no natural product should be used in place of seeking medical treatment from your physician. Safety First!!!!

Aromatherapy Thursday - Eucalyptus

In the 80's Eucalyptus emerged (outside of a vapor rub) and has taken off like wild fires.   Everywhere you looked they added it to lotions, facial tissues, face masks, etc.  There were bunches of the dried branches tied together with jute and placed in a vases, a swag over every door and floral arrangements had at least a few sprigs of it.  Because of this, I get a little wave of nostalgia every time I smell Eucalyptus.  It reminds of my country home as a teen and brings back memories of fresh air wafting over the little bundles of carefully arranged branches next to the open window. 

This beautiful and frangrant wreath can be found in ETSY shop Eligant Holidays at http://www.etsy.com/shop/elegantholidays?ref=seller_info

It also brings back memories of sick days and sniffles as I plunge my hand into a box of Eucalyptus flavored Kleenex.  By that time I am thanking God that I spent the extra $1.00 for the lotion infused tissue instead of going El Cheapo and allowing my nose to drop off.  Eucalyptus wasn't just a fad because it was a good looking abundant plant, it really has some great therapeutic properties.  It is used in Vick's because they discovered long ago that its oils work the best to open up a congested head and chest.

There has been many times that I have placed cotton balls with little drops of Eucalyptus essential oil around my sick rooms.   I have placed drops of it in vaporizers and in pots of simmering water so I could breath it in.  Provided you are not allergic to it, it works great!

Not only does Eucalyptus have the ability to relieve you from your stuffiness but it can also be uplifting, stimulating and invigorating, all things that we desperately need when we are sick.  But don't hide this wonderful oil away until you are under-the-weather because who couldn't use a pick me up every day?  I have also used it to refresh rooms after I have been sick (or had a near miss) as it is a known antiseptic with cleansing properties.

Aside from the properties that work so well to clear the head and mind, Eucalyptus is also found in things like Icy Hot because it helps relax muscles and relieve muscle spasms.  Eucalyptus is known to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties.   What a wonderful diverse little tree. 

As with any essential oil, homeopathic treatment, or aromatherapy, you should consult your physician prior to use and never substitute a home treatment for medical treatment.  Pregnant ladies should always use caution with all essential oils, herbs and home treatments.  Remember that just because it is natural does not automatically make it safe, so treat it with the same respect you would with a prescription and talk to your doctor first.  Also you should always do allergy test prior to using any products with essential oils that you are not familiar with.

Aromatherapy Thursday ~ Thyme

Thyme is often thought of as a seasoning for poultry or other meats but just like most other herbs it has many great properties that are used in aromatherapy, homeopathy and cosmetics.

These wonderful organic seeds were found in ETSY shop Cubits at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/cubits?ref=seller_info

From a gardener's perspective, thyme is a wonderful plant because it is easy to grow and maintain. It is also wonderful to have in the garden because of the wide variety of thyme plants that you can pick from.  They can vary from plants that are bushy and tall to some that are ground cover.  They also come in different shades of greens and have different shaped/size leaves, so you can easily enhance the visual affect of your herb garden by adding a few different thyme plants.  I also love the fact that it comes in so many different scents; lemon thyme is scented like heavenly lemon and traditional English time was what I enjoyed in my garden.  As I would weed my beautiful little ground covers I could feel my mood get better and stress gently waft away on the scent of thyme.

Romans are said to have also used this plant's aroma to chase away melancholy.  Today it is used in the same manner and used by aromatherapists to strengthen one emotionally and mentally.  Whenever I am breathing the scent in while I work with a sachet mix that includes a little thyme I can feel the my brain fog lift.

Cosmetically, thyme is considered a good disinfectant, an antiseptic, and great for toning the skin.  Because of these great cleansing and toning properties thyme is often found in quality natural face creams, baths, lotions, and more.

Thyme is also useful as a natural decongestant, it can aid in digestion and is also thought to be a good muscle relaxant.  But as with any other homeopathic remedy you should always check with your doctor before using and never use this as a substitute for medical treatment.

Whenever using an 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.

Early Aromatherapy - Ornamental Pomander

One of the earliest uses of aromatherapy was as pomanders.  Pomanders were small apple shaped ornaments made up of resins, herbs and perfumes that were carried or worn in midevil times to repell illness or mask foul odors.  It was also used in religious ceramonies throughout history and many pendants and ornaments were used to carry the ball of fragrance. 

Over time many cultures created there own versions of a pomander some very expensive and scientific and others very basic and cheap.  One cheaper trational version was a hollowed out apple or orange filled with herbs and spices.  Slits or decorative holes pierced this ornament allowing the fragrance to excape the fruit.  Another method is one that I enjoyed creating as a kid.  We took oranges and other citrus fruits piercing the flesh with whole cloves making designs or covering it enirely.  At the top we added a ribbon loop fastened with a pin.  We would then dry the fruit in an area away from sunlight and then either hang it from our Christmas tree or would adorn the staircase or mantel with our handmade decorations.

While this method is a great decorative tradition I have really enjoyed using the more recent vintage ornaments available to encase the wonderful sachet mixes I have been creating.  Many room fresheners have chemicals and containers that you throw away, these little treasures are made with natural products and the reusable ornaments are enviromentally friendly. 

Found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/67615179/handmade-sachet-with-vintage-ceramic

Aromatherapy Thursday ~ Scent Memories ~ Apple

I think the reason I love Aromatherapy and creating natural products is due to beautiful scent memories.  It is September 1st and my thoughts wonder back trough scent memories of summer's end...new erasers, new shoes, pencil shavings..  Needless to say these are not exactly a potpourri fragrance, but the wonderful fragrance of a hot apple pie cooling in the kitchen is. 

This wonderful fragrance oil was found at ETSY shop Adamsboro Sundries at http://www.etsy.com/people/AdamsboroSundries?ref=ls_profile

Most of my life I have lived in the same area of the Midwest next door to an apple orchard called Shefelbines.  Every weekend we would go to their wonderful little home based store and pick out the fruits for the week.  They had little samples of their many many different apples along with a variety of beautiful pumpkins, gourds, and squash.  Even if I grew our own pumpkins the festivity of their shop was so enticing that I would have to fight the urge to purchase another.  The scent of crisp fresh apples filled my lungs and would remind me that the crisp autumn months are just around the corner.  Now and forever the scent of apples and the month of September will be partners. 

I have since moved away and the trips to the homey apple orchard are a distant memory.  So the first week of September I switch out all of my summer candles, potpourri, and oils to an apple cinnamon.  A sweet melancholy comes over me.  I enjoy this phase in my life but I miss the days when they were little and all the joyous moments we had.  That chapter has closed but I love to reread those pages about our trips to the Shefelbine's Apple Orchard; the memory of the sweet scent of crisp apples still fills my senses.

This beautiful print was found at ETSY shop Vickie Wade Fine Art at
http://www.etsy.com/people/VickieWadeFineArt?ref=ls_profile