Aromatic Skincare

Skincare Recommendations:

Please do your research on the specific safe usage guidelines for any essential oils used on delicate facial skin. We recommend at most a 1 to a 1.5% dilution for "leave-on" skincare products, and do not feel that any of the harsher irritating essential oils have any place in a skincare routine. 

Skin Care (General)	Lavender, Rose, Rosemary verbenon, Geranium, Chamomile  and most Hydrosols
Acne	Tea Tree, Manuka, Helichrysum, Lavender, Spike Lavender,  Geranium, Vetiver, German Chamomile, Atlas Cedarwood, Palma Rosa, Thyme Linalol, Cajeput, Niaouli, Yarrow Hydrosol, German Chamomile Hydrosol, Melissa Hydrosol. See also our suite of Clarifying Products to gently soothe and heal problem skin.
Astringent	Grapefruit, Yarrow, Rosemary camphor or cineole, Lime (Distilled)
Black Heads	Coriander, Thymus vulgaris ch linalool, Peppermint, Lemongrass (less than 1% dilution.)
Chapped / Cracked Skin	Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Roman or German Chamomile, Lavender, Calendula Infused Oil
Chilbains	Black Pepper, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Ginger, Lavender (ie, circulatory stimulants to promote warming)
Cleansing	Sweet Basil, Juniper, Lemon, Niaouli, Peppermint
Combination Skin	Geranium, Ylangylang, Rose Geranium Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol
Couperose (Thread veins, congested capillaries)	Helichrysum, Cypress, Rose, Lavender, Roman and German Chamomiles, Geranium, Calendula Infused Oil, Helichrysum Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol
Devitalized Skin	Eucalyptus Globulous, Myrtle, Neroli, Basil, Juniper, Lemon,  Niaouli, Peppermint, Pine, Orange, Oregano, Rosemary,  Geranium, Grapefruit
Dry Acne	Petitgrain, Lavender, Spike Lavender, Clary Sage, Rose Geranium
Dry Skin	Carrot Seed, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Geranium, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Rose, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Petitgrain, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Ylangylang, Carrot Seed, Lavender, Rose Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Calendula Infused Oil. See also our Dry Skin Sampler for suggested carrier oils to nourish dry, fragile skin.
Eczema	German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Carrot Seed,  Roman Chamomile, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Yarrow, Ylangylang. Calendula infused oil, Cranberry Seed Oil. See our Eczema and Psoriasis Carrier Oil Sampler for a selection of carrier oils all recommended for helping deal with eczema. We have also had excellent feedback from clients using our Baby Bottom Balm as a treatment for dry eczema (available seasonally).  We strongly suggest patch testing any aromatic before using on eczema, since the eczema could be triggered by contact dermatitis.
Hydrating	Palma Rosa, Sweet Orange, Mandarine, Rose, most Hydrosols, especially Neroli
Infections	German Chamomile, Manuka, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Spikenard, Tea Tree, Thyme Linalool, Calendula, Palma Rosa, Niaouli, Laurel, Myrtle.  See our Mercy Treatment Gel.
Inflammation	Helichrysum, St. John's Wort Infusion, Carrot Seed, Cistus, Galbanum, German and Roman Chamomiles, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Myrtle, Rosewood, Yarrow Hydrosol, Helichrysum Hydrosol, Witch Hazel Hydrosol, German Chamomile Hydrosol
Itching	Jasmine, Helichrysum, Lavender, Peppermint, Roman Chamomile, Lavender Hydrosol, Witch Hazel Hydrosol, Peppermint Hydrosol
Large Pores	Myrtle, Lemongrass, Rose, Cedarwood
Mature, Aged Skin / Wrinkles	Carrot Seed, Elemi, Cistus, Frankincense, Galbanum, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Neroli, Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract, Rose Hip Extract. Also consider our CO2 Combo or our Mature Skin Elixir. See our Mature Skin Carrier Oil Sampler to gently nurture and rejuvenate mature skin. Best yet, see our Cleopatra's Secret line of skin care products, Creme Cleanser, Serum, Toner, and luxurious bath products, all designed to nurture mature skin and give the user a youthful glow.
Normal Skin	Atlas Cedarwood, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Rosewood, Ylangylang, Angelica, all Hydrosols
Oily Skin	Cedarwood, Geranium, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylangylang, Lemon, Peppermint, Niaouli, Cajeput, Cypress, Calendula Infusion, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Juniper, Melissa, Yarrow, Grapefruit, Thyme Linalool, Lavandin, Spike Lavender, Rose. Melissa Hydrosol. See our recommended moisturizing carrier oils for oily skin in our Oily Skin Carrier Oil Sampler.
Pimples, Blemishes	Tea Tree, Manuka, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Thyme Linalool, Cajeput, Niaouli, Rosemary. See also our Clarifying Soap and Treatment Gel.
Psoriasis (extremely difficult to treat)	Bergamot, Cade (steam distilled!),Helichrysum, Cajeput, Carrot Seed, German or Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Juniper, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Calendula Infused Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil. We have had fantastic results from people applying our Pomegranate Seed CO2 to areas with psoriasis. See also our Eczema and Psoriasis Carrier Oil Sampler designed to help alleviate symptoms.
Puffiness	Cypress, Peppermint, Rosemary, Fennel, Celery, Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Ximenia Seed Oil (fixed oil.)
Regeneration	Frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, Helichrysum, Elemi, Vetiver, Spikenard, Caraway, Palma Rosa, Spanish Sage, Clary Sage, Lavender, Galbanum, Myrrh, Myrtle, Calendula, Carrot Seed, Cistus, CO2 Combo
Revitalizing / Basal Layer	Carrot Seed, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Orange, Calendula
Rosacea	German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Helichrysum Hydrosol, see our Rosacea Synergy and other products designed to soothe inflamed and/or ultra sensitive skin.
Sensitive Skin	Roman and German Chamomile, Rose, Palma Rosa, Helichrysum, Neroli, Carrot Seed, Angelica, Jasmine, Neroli Hydrosol, Chamomile Hydrosol, Yarrow Hydrosol
Scars	Helichrysum (in a base of Rose Hip Seed Oil), Carrot Seed, Lavender, Petitgrain, Galbanum
Skin Toner	Calendula Infused Carrier Oil (for dry skin), Chamomiles, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Frankincense, Petitgrain, Lemon, and all Hydrosols

Note, this started out being based on information from Sylla Shepherd Hanger's Aromatherapy Practioner's Reference Manual.   I have added to and expanded on her framework for 20 years or so.

Transplant - it can't happen to me!

This is a very personal post, and a request for help.

Last week I read this article, about a young mother's wait for a heart transplant.
https://www.upworthy.com/this-woman-s-story-shows-how-one-organ-donor-could-change-the-lives-of-a-whole-family

And my very very private eldest son and his even more private beautiful wife have given me permission to go public with their search for a Kidney Donor.

They don't DO social media. Tom doesn't even have a FB account. Wendy has one, and posts photos of her children. And limits its visibility to family members.

Wendy, in the center, surrounded by JT, Kaitlin, Josh and Jack, last Christmas.

Two years ago, Wendy went in to total and complete kidney failure. Her blood pressure skyrocketed to a level that could and probably would have killed her, had an ophthalmologist not seen the broken blood vessels behind her eyes and sent her straight to the ER. She was diagnosed with extremely high blood pressure, and kidney failure. She was hospitalized for several weeks while the doctors fought to stabilize her blood pressure (and save her life.)  We thought at the time that the blood pressure was what sent her into kidney failure, but the kidney failure could have triggered the HPB. Chicken/Egg???

At any rate, Wendy, her husband (my eldest son) and their four children are blessed. We could have lost her during that time.


And thank the Creator for the blessings of modern medicine. A dialysis machine, four to six hours a day three days a week keeps Wendy alive and able to live her life the rest of the time.


For now that is working. She is not high on the donors list because the dialysis is working. There are those who will die if they don't receive a kidney shortly.  For now Wendy is not on that frightening list.


But every Monday, Wednesday and Friday she spends her day at the hospital, hooked to that machine.  If they need a volunteer at her sons' schools, she can not.  If there is a field trip, she can't go. Not what a stay at home Mom would plan on. And of course they can't take a vacation. No trips to visit family for holidays, because she can't miss dialysis.

My son wanted to donate a kidney. (We each have two, so a person can donate one and live happily every after.) She has antibodies against him and would reject his.  Her grown children are unable to for the same reason.  Family members are not a match.

So we are asking the universe.

The donor has to have type A or type O blood, and pass some other tests. And be between ages 18 and 60. Tom and Wendy's insurance would pay all the expenses, and we would even fly you to Indianapolis for the surgery and recuperation.

If you want to donate, but are not a match for Wendy,  there is a United Network for Organ Sharing, which facilitates almost a daisy chain of donors.

You will be kept in the prayers of some powerful prayer warriors, and have more thanks than I have words for.  If you know of anyone who might be willing to donate a kidney for my daughter in law, Wendy, you all know how to contact me.

So glad we had this time together

Christi wrote this... I needed the tissues when I read it.   

If you are old enough to remember the poignant way Carol Burnett sang out each episode of her Saturday night variety show, this refrain may wax nostalgic:  “I’m so glad we had this time together.  Just to share a laugh or sing a song.  Seems we just get started and before you know it.  Comes the time we have to say...so long.”  After saying goodnight to all she would tug on her ear, smile, bow, and the curtain would close.  As a child this ending always made me choke up a bit and brought tears to my eyes although I really didn’t understand why at the time.  Now I know she stirred a universal emotion that we all feel when it is time to say goodbye, particularly when we’ve enjoyed the experience and we don’t want it to end. 

My arrival at Nature’s Gift fourteen years ago really had nothing to do with me and everything to do with divine intervention.  Long story short, after taking a work hiatus in 2003 to a monastery in New

Mexico, I briefly met a woman who gave me an amulet and samples of Frankincense essential oils that turned out to be from Nature’s Gift aromatherapy with an address in Madison, Tennessee.  Nature’s Gift aromatherapy which I had never heard of and which was only three miles down the road from my home in Tennessee!  Seeking guidance at the time for the next season of life, I filed the experience away and kept it in the back of my mind.  Fast forward to 2005, when a friend in a Yahoo group queried about a job opening at none other than Nature’s Gift aromatherapy!  I freaked out and called immediately.  Marge was skeptical until she heard my story and the rest is history.  Yet even then I never imagined all that would transpire or that it would play such an important part in my life.  I traveled 2400 miles round trip to find a position three miles away from my house.  It still makes me smile to think of it!

In case you haven’t noticed, I work for the creme de la creme “vintage aromatherapist” and one-of-a-kind individual, Marge Clark, founder and creator of Nature’s Gift.  Marge is my boss, mentor, and friend.  She is one of the most generous people I’ve ever encountered.  At the same time, she is tenacious and when she believes in something she will fight for it no matter the price, personally or professionally. But I can tell you, there is one thing Marge loves most, and that is the oils, first and foremost.  She loves the oils and their safe and effective use more than selling the oils she is supposed to be selling.  This baffles and confuses some people.  I have seen her turn away business from large companies and individuals if she knows they are going to be using the oils in an unsafe way.  I admire her for her strong principles.  The bottom line is caring for others, not making money, which is so prevalent in our society today.  She cares about safety, education, quality, and sustainability and of course interaction within the community. 

For my part, she has mentored me on a daily basis and afforded me the opportunity to study with Laraine Pounds for two years.  Priceless learning experiences from two amazing women in this field!  I cherish my time with both of them.  Marge gave me the space to create blends and introduce products now available such as: Relax Synergy, Deep Breath Synergy, O Christmas Tree Synergy, After the Bite, and our Harmony Synergy and skincare line of products.  We’ve tweaked blends, evaluated countless samples, and discussed many conundrums.  We’ve laughed together and cried together and experienced a decade and a half of life together. Thus, it is difficult to come to this point where our paths diverge.  

Our Production Supervisor, Jim, has worked alongside me for fourteen years, less three months.  So up until now, we have journeyed together, and been the mainstays of the crew.  We have a particularly close working relationship and I will miss his humor and integrity.  As of today we have the best staff in the history of Nature’s Gift in my humble opinion and the addition of Rachel at my desk makes it complete.  I love them all: Marge, Jim, Rachel, Cindi, Michelle, Kabrina, and Roberta.  We share life, of course, and it will be strange without our daily check-ins.  The crew we have today is like a family more than co-workers.  That is what makes it so hard to go on this extended medical leave. 

Without going into too many details, I began having strange health issues about five or six years ago but it took four years and many specialists to finally get a diagnosis of an autoimmune-inflammatory-connective tissue disease.  As my health has declined, work became more and more difficult.  This specific chronic condition is not forgiving and not known for spontaneous remission or radical improvement.  As the year progressed it became more and more evident things could not continue as they were and finally Marge and I had a most difficult conversation which neither of us wanted to have.  Now we find ourselves as we are realizing it is extremely unlikely I will be able to return. 

Back to Carol Burnett, her closing song wasn’t just a way to say goodbye.  It was actually a thank you.  Thank you for being here with me.  Thank you for participating.  Thank you for coming along on this amazing journey!  That is SO Nature’s Gift.  Because Nature’s Gift isn’t just Marge, Christi, Jim, Rachel, Cindi, Michelle, Kabrina, and Roberta.  Nature’s Gift is every single one of us. Nature’s Gift is every single one of you.  You participating in our community.  You jumping for joy when we find a new artisan distiller with unusual oils like Alligator Juniper or Southwestern White Fir, or being the first to order the new 2018 Sandalwood Tamil, or donating to MOMS or the United Aromatherapy Effort when there is a need.  Nature’s Gift is and always will be a community of individuals participating together in this beautiful fragrant aromatic journey! 

So thank you for allowing ME to share your journey with Nature’s Gift over the past fourteen years.  I’ve loved every minute of it, but for now I must say, “so long.”  (Tugging ear)

(Curtain closes), (Lady comes out carrying mop and bucket)

Anti-Fungal Essential Oils

As with any information presented on this page, please use all proper precautions in using these powerful aromatic essences, and consult a medical practitioner when in doubt. We are in no way responsible for misuse of the information presented herein.  And, as always, when using topically, dilute to a skinsafe dilution. And of course I do not remember where I learned what.  This is a compilation of 25 years of study and experience.  I thank, especially, all the clients who have shared their experiences with us.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Most frequently recommended for the treatment of athlete's foot, candida, in fact any sort of fungus. Tea Tree Oil is an effective all-round antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal oil. Many authorities recommend using Tea Tree neat (undiluted) but much recent evidence shows that it is actually more effective in a 2 to 5% dilution. I personally consider it much too harsh to use undiluted on the skin.  

Tea Tree is the usually suggested aromatherapy remedy for ringworm. If I were trying to treat this fungal infection I'd go with a weak (ie 12 drops/ounce of carrier) dilution of Tea Tree in Aloe Vera Gel.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Often recommended in a blend to treat "jock strap itch" specifically. I have found it effective blended with Tea Tree and worked into bentonite clay, used as a body powder. Please don't use corn starch in this "do it yourself" dusting powder as it tends to feed the fungus and makes things worse, not better.

Cedarwood, Atlas
Wonderful for clearing out musty closets or basements, perhaps blended with Lemongrass, or Lemon Eucalyptus (see below). For a basement or large area, I would suggest running in a Nebulizing Diffuser to really fill the atmosphere. For a closet, first wipe the closet down with a blend of the oils in water and allow to dry thoroughly (perhaps running a dehumidifier, if available).

Tagetes (Tagetes glandulifera)
Recommended for use with fungi that affect the feet. Tagetes is a strong photosensitizer so really shouldn't be used on other parts of the body. I've found a blend of Tea Tree oil and Tagetes added to a vinegar and water foot bath very effective for athlete's foot and for dealing with toenail fungus.

Carrot Seed Oil/Carrot Seed CO2 The Carotol content is a powerful anti-fungal agent, which makes Carrot Seed a valuable addition to anti-fungal skincare blends.

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
Lemon Eucalyptus, in a Nebulizing Diffuser is what I used when part of the house was flooded, wet carpets etc, last year. It is a wonderful air cleaner and strong antifungal for use in a large area.

Monarda Hydrosol
Suzanne Catty recommends Monarda Hydrosol as a powerful anti-fungal for use in treating fungal infections (Candida) whether as a body wash, a spray, or added to a douche.
Cinnamon Bark EO or CO2
While I would not use this powerful antifungal for skincare, (it is too powerful for topical use in over a 0.5% dilution), it is a very powerful antifungal and could have its place in removing mold or fungi from surfaces, or in a diffuser blend to clear musty air.
Frankicense Rivae
This relatively unknown member of the Boswellia species has been shown effective against Candida albicans.  Its skincare benefits and gentleness make it an appropriate addition to a blend targeting skincare fungus conditions.

In memory

Following that horrific Tuesday in September 2001, I wrote to Gabriel Mojay and asked him to suggest blends people could use to deal with the emotional aftermath of that unimaginable Tuesday. He graciously responded with several suggested blends, and permission to quote them to you:

 Quoted from the newsletter we sent out the following week.

1. Grief that is coupled with emotional shock and stunned disbelief:

True lavender (5)

Jasmine (3)

Spikenard (2)

2. Grief in which an unbearable feeling of loss, overwhelming sadness,

and constant tears are most pronounced:

Rose (4)

Sandalwood (4)

Neroli (2)

3. Grief that results in a sense of being numbed and withdrawn:

Frankincense (5)

Cypress (3)

Clary sage (2)

4. Grief that provokes a terrible feeling of anger and revenge:

Roman chamomile (3)

Rose (2)

Bergamot (5) (or Bergamot petitgrain, if the blend is to be

applied to the skin and exposed to the sun)

5. Grief that involves feelings of anxiety, dread and helplessness

(for spiritual courage):

Thyme linalol (3)

Lavender (3)

Spikenard (2)

Angelica root (2) (or Himalayan cedarwood, if the blend is to be applied to the skin and exposed to the sun)

6. Grief that partly expresses itself as a need to nurture others, but in so doing, forgetting one's own needs:

Sweet Orange (4)

Marjoram (3)

Frankincense (3)

Gabriel, as most of you know by now, is the author of one of my favorite aromatherapy books, "Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit"

Essential oils and Emotions:

To help ease uncomfortable emotions:

(Please note that I have NO idea what the original source of this information was. I have added and updated over the years as I learned more about the emotional uses of the oils.)

My personal recommendations are bolded.  Question marks indicate my personal skepticism.

Aggression: Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Juniper?, Lemon?, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary?, Ylangylang

Anger: German or Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Sweet Marjoram, Palma Rosa?, Rose, Rosemary,Ylangylang

Anxiety: Neroli, Petitgrain Bigarade, Bitter Orange, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium (for balance), Lavender, Orange, Patchouli, Rose (for confidence), Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Vetiver (for grounding)

Disappointment: Bergamot, Cypress, Frankincense, Jasmine, Orange, Rose

Fatigue (Emotional and Mental): Basil, Clary, Cardamon, Cinnamon Leaf or Bark, Clove Bud,
Coriander, Eucalyptus citriodora, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Juniper, Orange, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Vetiver, Ylangylang

Fear: Cedarwood (Atlas or Himalayan), Fennel, Ginger, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Thyme

Grief: Bergamot, Chamomile, Jasmine, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose

Hysteria: Chamomile Roman, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Tea Tree

Impatience: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender

Indecision: Basil, Clary Sage, Cypress, Jasmine, Patchouli, Peppermint

Jealousy: Jasmine, Rose

Loneliness: Benzoin, Marjoram

Nervousness: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Coriander, Frankincense, Neroli, Orange, Vetiver

Panic: Angelica Root, Chamomile, Clary, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Neroli, Vetiver, Ylang-Ylang

Sadness: Benzoin, Jasmine, Rose, Rosewood

Shock: Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Tea Tree

Shyness: Black Pepper, Ginger, Jasmine, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Neroli, Ylangylang

Stress: Bergamot, Atlas Cedarwood, Cape Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, all citrus oils, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose (Absolute and Otto), Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylangylang

Suspicion: Jasmine, Lavender

Tension: Chamomile, Clary, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Marjoram, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Ylangylang

For emotional use, we really prefer inhalation, from a personal inhaler or just a drop on a tissue.  Using a few drops (proper dilution) in a hand and body lotion is also appropriate. Room diffusion is always an option if you want to change the "emotional climate" of a space, or for a group, but personal inhalation is truly more effective on an individual basis.


Copyright Nature's Gift, Inc and Marge Clark

Ch-ch-ch-changes are coming…

Hello, Nature’s Gift family!  This is your newest member of the NG team, Rachel.  I just wanted to introduce myself, since we’ll be spending more time together in the coming months.  As you might know, Christi is going on medical leave, so I’ll be assuming her responsibilities here in the office.  She is working hard to train me on all things office- and order-related, so we can continue to give you all the best service possible.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make this transition.  There is much to learn, but I’ll do my best to make it as smooth as possible. 

Who is this Rachel, you ask?  I’m a native Tennessean, the youngest of three girls, and proud cat mom to Neville (who’s named after a famous book character).  I’m married to an amazing man who happens to be an AEMT/Firefighter.  My educational background is in communication and advertising, and I spent several years working in higher education.  I’ve managed social media for startups, as well as handled publicity for special projects and non-profits.  I call myself a “paper product nerd,” and I thoroughly enjoy wrapping presents (it’s all about the details!), so you can imagine how excited I got about that adorable purple and green tissue paper. :D 

That’s just a glimpse into who will be helping you on the other side of those emails, calls, and posts.  I look forward to working with you all, and with the rest of the team here at Nature’s Gift.  As I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you, everyone here has made me feel very welcome.  So, let’s go on this aromatherapy adventure together! 

-Rachel