Monday, December 21, 2015

Christmas Blends

Recipes from Christmas Past:

 All of these blends are intended for room fragrancing, however, with proper dilution, they would make wonderful lotion or perfume blends.  Scent your Christmas wrapping paper or cards with them.

Long Winter's Night

10 drops sweet orange
5 drops lemon
8 drops frankincense
4 drops myrrh
2 drops juniperberry
4 drops jasmin absolute

Pine Grove

2 drops pine
7 drops fir needle
4 drops juniperberry
3 drops cedarwood (prefer Himalayan)
4 drops rose absolute
2 drops rosewood
2 drops lavender
1 drop basil
2 drops rosemary
1 drop palmarosa
 

Winter Glow

3 drops Jasmine Grandiflora absolute
5 drops Vanilla CO2
6 drops cedarwood
2 drops frankincense
2 drops myrrh
2 drops rose absolute
2 drops lemon
1 drop bergamot

O Tannenbaum!

10 drops Balsam Rir needle
5 drops juniper berry
4 drops frankincense
4 drops rosemary
4 drops cedarwood (prefer Himalayan)
1 drop West Indian bay
1 drop peppermint
1 drop cinnamon leaf or cassia
1 drop clove bud
 

Angel's Wings

12 drops Bulgarian lavender
6 drops sweet orange
4 drops Roman chamomile
4 drops Ylangylang Complete
3 drops sandalwood

The Magi

4 drops frankincense
4 drops myrrh
4 drops sandalwood
4 drops Bulgarian lavender
2 drops ylang ylang
4 drops rose absolute
4 drops jasmine absolute
3 drops lemon

A Christmas Rose

5 drops rose absolute or rose otto
5 drops sandalwood
3 drops jasmin absolute
2 drops sweet orange
4 drops bergamot
1 drop ylang ylang
2 drops Roman chamomile 
And, from our Dec. 15, 2004 newsletter:
Holiday "clean air" formula - "Your House Smells Terrific" Air purifying mist.In a small spray bottle pour one ounce high proof Vodka or Everclear (tm)
30 drops of cinnamon leaf
 20 drops of clove oil
 20 drops of sweet orange oil (or blood orange)
10 drops of cedarwood oil


Blend oils with alcohol. Add three ounces of distilled water.  Shake well, spritz.  You may also use the essential oil blend in your favorite diffuser.



shared by Lucinda Jenkins of Glenbrook Farms.
(Lucinda is a great source for dried herbs and herbal teas.  If you drop by her website, think about
trying her
Berry Rooibos and Spicey Rooibos Teas.  Both are favorites here.)

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Babies!

Sandy shares about her new grandbabies, and the mother and baby products she makes:



    In our family, this is a season of babies, as we welcomed two grandsons to the family this year. Gabriel, born in April, has been somewhat of Grandma’s guinea pig, but he hasn’t minded too much.  Lincoln arrived Thanksgiving morning, just like his mother did 28 years ago! 
     My daughters used to harass me endlessly about my enthusiasm for herbs and essential oils.  I have to hide my smile every time one asks if I can make this or that.  It would seem that my girls now prefer to see less ingredients listed as well, now that they are experiencing motherhood.  So along with some other holiday ideas, I thought I’d share some of our favorite recipes.
   I love making this baby powder both for the grands and myself, using herbal powders rather than talc or corn starch.  The recipe values are in parts rather than straight out measurements.  That way you can make as much or as little as you want. (Just remember that if you use, for example 1 cup as 1 part, then ¼ of a part would be ¼ of a cup.  But if you use one part as one cup, you will end up with 4 ½ cups of powder!) 
   White Clay, or Kaolin Clay, is a very fine, white, powdery clay.  Because of its suitability to all skin types, it is often found in cosmetics.  The clay has absorbing properties and is said to stimulate circulation.
  Arrow Root comes from the Maranta arundinacea plant.  The root is grated and used as a starch in gluten-free cooking, rather than corn starch.  Like corn starch used in body powders, Arrow Root combats moisture.  Though it has no anti-fungal properties, it does help keep bottoms, feet, and other areas of the body dry.
  Slippery Elm Powder is made from the bark of the slippery elm tree, Ulmus fulva.  The powder coats and sooths irritated skin and membranes.
  Comfrey Root Powder, of course comes from the Comfrey plant, or Symphytum officinale.    It is often used to relieve tender or inflamed skin.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Baby Powder:
2 parts white clay
2 parts Arrow Root Powder
¼ part Slippery Elm Powder
¼ part Comfrey Leaf Powder
  In a large bowl, mix the powders together.  I actually ran them through a food processor to make sure I had them mixed well, but this is not necessary.  Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and/or chamomile, and mix well, assuring there are no clumps in the powder.  Place in clean, dry containers with a tight lid.  (Note:  a great container for this is either a large parmesan cheese container, or simply save the lid from the container to apply to a canning jar (or peanut butter container??) for an attractive gift.
 I love using this powder myself, as it is silky smooth rather than scratchy like cornstarch.  For the pampered adult, exchange the essential oils suggested for sandalwood or patchouli or a favorite blend of your own that is skin-safe.

(Please note,  there are some who have some concerns about the use of comfrey in any form with babies.  If you share these concernes, or if you have difficulty sourcing powdered Comfrey Leaf, just omit it.)

    For the new mom who is breast-feeding, it can be joyous experience that bonds mother and child in a way like no other.  It can also be a challenging time for the new mom, dealing with chafing and cracking of an area already dealing with major changes, especially if the baby doesn’t catch on immediately to the concept of latching on.  We knew Gabriel would be arriving earlier than expected and anticipated that this might be an issue.  Thankfully, even though he was 5 ½ weeks early, he had no issues with latching on.  Non-the-less, we were prepared with a balm to protect and sooth in between feedings.  My daughter loves this balm, and has not had any problems.
    Marshmallow root comes from the perennial herb Althaea officinalis L.  It has been known historically to sooth and coat tender skin and mucous membranes.
Soothing Balm for Moms
In a double boiler, combine the following:
1 oz. extra virgin olive oil
1 oz shea butter
1 oz. calendula flower infused oil
1 tsp. marshmallow root
1 oz. beeswax
   Melt shea butter and combine to other oils.  If you have a small crockpot, transfer oils to crockpot on low setting, otherwise, apply lid to double boiler and lower temperature to maintain warmth.  Add marshmallow root and allow to steep in oils (4-5 hours).
Strain herb from the oil and place oil back on burner on low heat.  Add beeswax and allow to melt.  Add lavender oil at 2% dilution.  Pour into clean, dry 4 ounce container and apply lid.  For best results, provide mom with a package of Popsicle sticks or other method to remove balm from jar in order to prevent contamination, and advise mom that she should wash it off before nursing.
  We have found that on the rare occasion that Gabriel does experience diaper rash, this balm comes in handy.
 

Monday, November 23, 2015

Managing Indigestion

A guest blog by my friend Haly JensenHof, MA, RA.  You may read more of Haly's musings on her website, www.yourhealthscents.com

Giving thanks for all that we have is what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about; however, over the years it seems Thanksgiving is more about stuffing ourselves into heartburn, indigestion, and bloat. There are nearly 50 essential oils that help combat the symptoms of Thanksgiving induced indigestion.

First, I want to count my blessings and tell you what I am thankful for this year. I am truly blessed with a supportive, nurturing, wonderful husband. I have two great, faithful, supportive older brothers. I am blessed to be owned by three loving terriers. I have many positive, encouraging, and loyal friends that I call family. I, and my family, have good health. I have the perfect home with beautiful surroundings. I have just what I need in terms of property and material items and nothing more. I am thankful for my productive herbal, flower, and vegetable gardens. I also have wonderful clients who I enjoy and respect. In all, I have been blessed and I am truly thankful.

As family and friends gather for the Thanksgiving feast they all know they are going to over eat, but how can they not? The food at Thanksgiving is decadent. Most feasts include a big turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes or yams, vegetables, cranberries, and assorted pies. Each family has its own traditional dish too. In our family it is my mother’s recipe for pearl onions in a thick creamy cheese sauce. YUM! For a lot of families the addition of green bean casserole is the dish that makes the feast complete.

Regardless of what we serve on Thanksgiving Day, everyone tends to over eat. Over eating is one sure way of causing heartburn, indigestion, bloat, and flatulence. There are many means of managing these conditions: over-the counter antacids, drinking ginger ale, mixing up some sodium bicarbonate, drinking a lot of water, avoiding certain foods, and not lying down after eating. All of these methods are effective, and I recommend using them. However, using essential oils to help with indigestion is effective, pleasurable, and can be used with all members of the family, young or old.

Indigestion Massage Blend at a 3% dilution:

In a dark glass bottle mix the essential oils and add the carrier oil. Gently massage the blend over your abdomen in a clockwise fashion.
3 drops Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oil
2 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
2 drops Dill seed (Anethum graveolens) essential oil
1 drop Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil
15 ml. Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) carrier oil
I recommend this blend at a 3% dilution for healthy teens and adults: however, for young children, the elderly, or those with sensitivities or weakened physical states a 1% dilution would be where I would begin.

Earlier I mentioned there are over 50 essential oils that help with digestive issues. These oils include:
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Dill seed (Anethum graveolens)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Vetiver (Vetivera zizanoides)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

These oils are listed because they are gentle, have few contraindications (can be used with children, during pregnancy, and with high or low blood pressure), and are effective. The citrus oils do increase the chance of photosensitivity.

If a massage blend is not your style, or if you will be traveling over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, you may want to formulate a blend to use in a personal inhaler. Personal inhalers are easy to carry, as well as being easy and discrete to use. Choose two to three essential oils in the list above and use between 15 to 25 drops of the blend you have formulated. Place the required drops of your chosen essential oils on a sterile glass plate. Then, using sterile tweezers, place the cotton pad from the inhaler on the essential oils. Allow the cotton pad to absorb all of the essential oils. Using the tweezers insert the cotton pad into the inhaler, cap the bottom, screw on the cover, and you are ready to go!
My Thanksgiving wish for you is that you have a day filled with love, family,

friends, and good food. If you happen to eat to the point of digestive issues add essential oils to your arsenal of tools to combat them.
 Information provided is not intended to replace the medical directives of your healthcare provider.  This information is not meant for diagnosis of health issues.  If you are pregnant, have serious or multiple health concerns, consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils.  If you experience any complications or adverse reactions contact your healthcare provider.   
Haly JensenHof, MA, RA

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Diffusers



It’s an exciting moment when a person has made selections and now looks admiringly at the new oils purchased.  Still sealed in shiny bottles and perfect labels – of course a person can’t resist popping them open to take a sniff.  The aromas are so amazing, so joyful, and then the realization dawns...”now what do I do with them?” 
One of the first accessories purchased for essential oils is a diffuser or vaporizer of some sort – something that distributes the aromatics.This only makes sense – after all, it is called AROMAtherapy, right?  But the selection of diffusers can be overwhelming – which is the right one, what’s the difference?  There is a variety to choose from, and it helps to know the attributes and characteristics of each.
Probably the easiest, safest method for small areas is the aroma
stone.   Barely 4" in diameter, they don't take up a lot of space. The base is low and sturdy and a few drops of oil in the well disperses aromatics in the immediate area.  They are perfect for the bedside, on the desk, or anywhere that the goal is for the aromatics to be for the individual. Since the stone does not use high temperatures, there is no danger of overheating.

Along the same concept is the car diffuser, which plugs directly into the cigarette outlet of vehicles, and also has a replaceable wick within to apply oils.  These are especially helpful for long or early morning commutes. 
  Clay diffusers can also be used in the vehicle, or a closet, or other areas where a slow, natural release of the aromatics takes place as the oils are absorbed and diffused through the porous clay material.
  Ultrasonic diffusers operate by diffusing the aromatics with water into the air.  It is similar in concept to using an ultrasonic humidifier, but much smaller and without parts that will be corroded by the oils.  The benefits of these diffusers is that there is no heat being used, they have various time and rate settings, they diffuse into a larger area, and they turn off automatically.  If living in a humid climate, one may not want that added humidity in the atmosphere.  They are perfect in the winter when indoor heated air is dry.  Simple cleaning is required to prevent bacterial growth. 
  Nebulizing diffusers use compressed air to flow through liquid, changing it to a very fine mist.  The aromatic molecules are broken down until they are small enough to pass through in this mist.  This
can be the most preferred way to diffuse essential oils.  These diffusers come in varying sizes to accommodate different areas of space.  It is also recommended that the glass nebulizer be cleansed with alcohol after use to maintain proper operation, and the glass nebulizer is very fragile.
  The most personal of diffusing options would be sniffy sticks, aromatic patches, or aromatic jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet.  The aromatics are applied to the jewelry in a designated, porous area, and worn by the intended individual.
  The aromatic patches are NOT dermal patches.  An oil is applied to the target area of the patch.  The patch is then applied to a clean, dry area of skin where the aromas can be inhaled throughout the day.
  “Sniffy Stick” inhalers are an option for direct personal inhalation.  There are two options for this – one time use, where you apply the oil, snap it together, and use it until it is no longer aromatic.  Or the reusable model, that has a small vial inside that can be washed and refilled.
  Now, those of you who are parents know that the reason you are able to tell your children, “I know what you are thinking before you think it,” is because at some point, YOU already thought it, or DID it. So in full disclosure, I will admit that I do not have a third eye, nor can I read minds.  But I am stubborn and have to learn things the hard way, most of the time.
  So – “why can’t I just use my ultrasonic humidifier then?”  I did that, once.  I had to buy a new humidifier after that.  The one I purchased next was much more expensive, called an evaporating humidifier – and I did it again (told you I was stubborn).  The oils did NOT destroy the evaporating humidifier.  But I did have to spend some time with vinegar scrubbing out what I THINK were calcium or salt deposits that grew overnight.  It wasn’t that big of a deal, but I wouldn’t want to have to clean that daily.
  An easier solution that doesn’t require intensive labor afterwards and works just as well is to apply the oil to a paper towel or filtering medium such as those they sell to put inside of heat registers, and place that on TOP of the humidifier where the intake of air is at.  The aromatics are drawn and dispersed, but you don’t grow a crystal garden in the meantime.
  While we were in Atlanta, someone taught Marge to remove the air filter from the hotel room’s air conditioner and wash it out.  Before replacing the filter, set a tissue on top of it that has had a few drops of essential oil applied to it.   Not only did this work well in the hotel room, when I stood on my balcony next door, I could smell the aromatics out there!
“Why can’t I just put essential oils in my CPAP machine?”  Since most manufacturers’ directions now explicitly say “do not put essential oils in your machine,” doing this pretty much guarantees that your warranty will be null and void.    In addition, there is such a thing as too MUCH of a good thing, and with the cpap set up, there would be no way to get away from the oil except to tear off the mask, which defeats the purpose. 
  I looked into this, and one thing I found being sold for an outrageous price was a piece of cardboard that folds to stand on the table or surface behind the intake filter of the cpap machine.  The oils are applied to this cardboard and then drawn, supposedly, into the cpap machine.   I think a more functional option would be to use an aroma stone, and I don’t think it wise to put it directly behind the air intake.
“What if I don’t have all of these gadgets yet?” – My very first “diffuser” was a pan of water warmed on the stove with a few drops of essential oil in it, allowing the steam to disperse the aromatics.  Obviously, this is not something you would do and leave unattended, and one needs to know which oils are appropriate for any form of diffusion.  But for a quick atmospheric diffusion in a pinch, it works.  For those with wood stoves in their homes, having a pan of water on top of it is always a good idea.
  Applying a bit of aromatics to a tissue for personal inhalation also works.  I’ve applied the oils to an inconspicuous area of a shirt collar or cuff in order for the aromatics to be inhaled while the shirt is being worn.  By applying the proper aromatic to the correct amount of carrier oil to dilute it, it can be applied to the skin and inhaled in that fashion. 

(Marge's note:  in our Aromatic Medicine class, Mark Webb shared a formula for a respiratory chest rub,  fixed oils, thickened with beeswax, with a skinsafe dilution of essential oils. Since the balm does not penetrate the skin, but rather sits on the surface [remember your mom rubbing your chest with that commercial product when you were a sick little one?] the use of an aromatic balm turns the human body into the most basic and oldest diffuser of all.)

  For more information on diffusers, please read about diffuser choices here.