Nothing is more annoying than mosquitos. Either it’s that incessant buzzy whine that drives you nuts - or one of the silent types that you only feel when they’ve already feasted off your leg. And what about the ants invading your pantry and those irritating house flies that insist on dive-bombing you in the kitchen? Or the moths that have set up home in your closet? And those gnats hovering around the fruit bowl?
Mosquitos and other pests are unfortunately one of the unwelcome realities of summer. Many of us turn to DEET and other chemical insect repellents for relief. But you don’t have to...
It turns out that certain essential oils are not only effective (and natural) mosquito and bug repellents - in some instances even better than DEET - but others can also help soothe painful or itchy bug bites…
So just how does the scent of essential oils work to fend off mosquitos, flies, ants, moths, gnats and many other bugs?
Chemical pesticides basically help repel insects by confusing their sense of smell. For instance, a mosquito is first attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out, and then zeroes into her target (yes - the biters are all female) by sensing the lactic acid on your skin. If those smells are masked by another scent, she misses her mark and moves on.
But did you know that certain scents and compounds in essential oils can do the same thing? Citronella masks both carbon dioxide and lactic acid in humans, the two scents that are attractive to mosquitoes. Other essential oil active compounds, like linalool in lavender, give off a scent that mosquitoes hate.
Studies have actually shown that linalool has the same effect on a mosquito’s sense of smell as DEET. In fact, linalool is often used as an active ingredient in conventional insect repellents. It also turns out geraniol, the active compound in geranium oil, is in fact more effective at repelling mosquitoes than linalool - and even citronella - as found in another study.
So if you’re looking for a natural alternative to conventional bug repellents, essential oils are the perfect choice. Be aware that every oil is comprised of different actives so they can’t all be used to repel the same pests. And because there are many different compounds in essential oils that can repel mosquitos and other bugs, it often pays to use a mix of two or three oils to do the job most effectively. Just experiment with a few different oils you like to find out which recipe works best for you.
As essential oils are volatile and so evaporate quite quickly, it’s often better to either diffuse them or mix with a carrier oil to apply directly to the skin, rather than using a DIY bug repellent spray, which requires regular reapplication. A perfect carrier to use is coconut oil as its fatty acids also effectively repel many blood-sucking pests, including mosquitos, biting flies, ticks and bed bugs.
Use any combination of the following essential oils as a powerful and effective natural insect repellent for mosquitos, flies, gnats and a whole bunch of other bugs you may encounter…
Citronella Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitos, gnats, lice, moths, ticks and fleas
Probably the most widely recognized bug repellent oil, citronella, which is derived from lemongrass, contains well-known insect deterrents citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, and limonene. Many years ago, it was shown to be as effective dose-for-dose as DEET and has been registered as a natural plant-based insect repellent in the U.S. since 1948. Unlike many other essential oils which repel bugs by their scent, citronella works by masking those odors most attractive to insects.
A review of 11 studies found that using citronella oil together with vanillin (found in vanilla beans) repelled mosquitos for up to three hours. Another study established that diffusing citronella was by far the most effective method against mosquitos, bringing the repellence rate up to 68% compared to only 14% when just burning candles.
Catnip Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitos, gnats, ants and roaches
A member of the mint family, catnip frequently grows as a weed in many parts of the United States, and is considered to be a highly efficient means of naturally staving off mosquitoes, roaches, and other pests.
In a study comparing catnip to DEET, it was found that catnip was significantly more effective at keeping mosquitos away when sprayed into the air. When used as a repellent on the skin, it did not prove to be nearly as efficient as DEET, suggesting this oil would be best used in a diffuser. Another study found that catnip was highly successful in repelling mosquitos for at least 2 hours.
Neem Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitos, gnats, mites, sand flies and ticks
Well known as natural pesticide for plants, neem oil is a highly effective natural bug repellent for people too. Neem derivatives can neutralize nearly 300 pests, including insects, mites, and ticks. It successfully repels them and affects their growth rather than killing the pests right away.
Best used topically when combined with a carrier oil, it can protect against mosquitos and other biting insects. One study found that a mere 2% neem dilution in coconut oil provided up to 96% protection for up to 12 hours depending upon the type of mosquito. Another confirmed that it is effective for up to 10 hours against sand flies too.
Thyme Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitos, gnats, house flies, ticks and beetles
If your summer is being ruined because your home has been overrun by flies, thyme essential oil can be your savior. A highly effective natural insecticide against house flies, thyme is also very efficient in repelling mosquitos.
Thyme contains five powerful insect fighting substances (carvacrol, p-cymene, linalool, alpha-terpinene, and thymol), which have been found to be effective mosquito repellents. Two of these substances have even showed themselves to be more effective than DEET. Thyme has also been shown to repel beetles.
Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitos, gnats, ticks, flies and sandflies
Lemon eucalyptus oil not only contains large amounts of citronellal but also eucalyptol and limonene, and so includes three well-known natural bug repellents. For instance, eucalyptol has been shown to act both as a mosquito deterrent as well as a tick repellent. In addition, a study has found that eucalyptus essential oil, which also contains eucalyptol, is effective against flies. Another study found that three species of eucalyptus can also repel blood sucking sandflies.
Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be confused with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). They are not only processed in different ways but oil of lemon eucalyptus has far more of an ingredient called PMD that repels mosquitoes, and which has been found to be as effective as DEET. However, lemon eucalyptus, and even eucalyptus oil benefits, are still effective options to use as bug repellents.
29 Powerful Eucalyptus Oil Uses You Need To Guarantee A Healthy Home And Family – Read More
There are a whole bunch of essential oils that actually do double-duty on the bug front - they not only naturally repel mosquitos and other pests but can also help relieve the soreness and irritation associated with painful or itchy bug bites.
It’s not surprising that many essential oils are multitaskers. They are made up of a wide variety of active ingredients, many of which are common across a number of different oils. For instance, linalool makes up a large part of lavender essential oil, but is also available at lower concentrations in other oils like, for example, thyme. And linalool itself also has many wide-ranging benefits, ranging from its well-known sleep-enhancement and stress reduction properties to both repelling pests and reducing pain and inflammation.
That’s why some essential oils are not only effective and natural insect repellents but can also help reduce the pain, itchiness and irritation of bug bites. And it’s also why it’s often best to use a mix of essential oils either when you’re diffusing or making a bug bite balm for your skin so you can draw on the best of the many different benefits of lavender oil.
As most essential oils are very powerful and potent, they need to be diluted in a carrier oil, like coconut, jojoba or avocado, before applying to the skin. And FYI, it’s also far better to treat an itchy bug bite immediately than to just ignore it. That’s because when a mosquito bites your skin, histamine is released which causes it to itch. Scratching just irritates the skin further - which only makes it itch more - leading to the dreaded ‘itch-scratch-itch’ cycle.
Any combination of these essential oils will do double-duty as a natural mosquito and insect repellent and an essential oil treatments for any bug bite. And if you want to mix and match them with the other primarily bug repellent oils, that’s good too. Just experiment and find a combo you like – and your bugs hate…
Clove Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitoes, insects, spiders, ants, bees
For bug bites: Relieves itching, reduces pain and swelling, especially for bee or wasp stings, and ant bites. Not to be used on broken skin.
If you’ve ever heard of how efficient clove essential oil is in soothing the agony of a sore tooth, you will already know how valuable this natural anesthetic and antiseptic is to have around when you’re experiencing any form of pain or discomfort, especially something a lot less painful than a toothache like an itchy mosquito or bug bite.
A study has shown that clove oil is also an effective bug repellent for up to 1½ hours, better than both citronella and lemongrass oils. Another study noted that clove oil repelled mosquitoes for between 2-4 hours, beating 37 other oils tested.
Lavender Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitoes, gnats, fruit flies, lice, spiders, ants, bed bugs, ticks and moths
For bug bites: Natural analgesic to relieve pain, reduces swelling, redness and irritation especially with bee stings or spider and ant bites, promotes healing, best and safest essential oil for babies and toddlers.
Lavender most well-known to reduce and soothe painful and itchy bug bites. It can be used for fire ants and bees as well, due to its anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the redness of the bite, cool the hurt area, and calm it at the same time.
A must-have multipurpose oil for your first aid kit, lavender is the go-to kid safe essential oil - as an insect repellent and for bug bites - for your baby or toddler. Recognized as one of the gentlest oils, lavender can be applied direct to any insect bite, unlike most essential oils. Lavender can help reduce the redness, itching, and irritation, and may speed up healing and recovery. While it can soothe pretty much any itchy bug bite (mosquitoes included), it can be especially helpful for spider bites, fire ant bites, and bee stings.
Lavender essential oil is also a highly effective natural insect repellent that keeps you and your family safely protected from mosquitos and other bugs (they hate the scent), particularly important if you have little ones. Lavender oil contains up to 25% linalool, a powerful active that has a similar effect on mosquitos as DEET.
Try creating a permanent bug-free lavender oasis in your home. Diffuse a mix of lavender and geranium oils to chase all the mosquitos and midges away. Display a dried lavender bouquet in a pretty vase and burn decorative lavender candles. To repel moths and other pests, simply slip a few lavender sachets into your drawer or closet. A lavender spray can also effectively keep ants, bed bugs and other insects at bay.
There Are Many Uses Of Lavender Oil You Probably Want To Know About – Read More
Peppermint Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: It is an essential oil to repel mosquitos, gnats, spiders, ants, bed bugs, fruit flies, roaches, lice, wasps and ticks
For bug bites: Tingling, cooling sensation to soothe and numb, reduces itchiness, redness and pain, speeds healing
Does peppermint oil repel bugs? With its strong scent and cooling effect, peppermint is another great multipurpose essential oil for not only repelling many different types of bugs, but also soothing itchiness, reducing selling and treating the most painful of bites, such as those from fire ants.
If you’re looking for essential oils for bug bites, peppermint oils are definitely the best choice. An active ingredient in peppermint (p- Menthane-3, 8-diol) has been registered as a mosquito repellent since 2000. Undiluted peppermint oil was also shown to provide 100% mosquito protection for 150 min in a study where it was applied on the skin.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fire ants, spiders, bees, bed bugs, head lice, dust mites and fleas
For bug bites: Effectively stops itching, reduces pain and swelling, kills bacteria
Tea tree is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. It can eliminate pain, reduce swelling, and it can be used to fight spiders, fire ants, mosquitoes, ticks, and even fleas!
Tea tree essential oil is well known as an antibacterial, anti-pain, anti-swelling, and anti-itching powerhouse, making it one of the most popular oils to use in bug bite soother recipes (often combined with lavender). Tea tree oil’s proven ability to stop itching may be one of its best qualities. A study showed that tea tree oil can be effectively used as an itchy skin treatment for dogs, too.
But its benefits don’t stop there. One test-tube study showed that along with 7 other essential oils, tea tree had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET. And another revealed that it’s also highly effective in fending off flies.
Geranium Essential Oil
Insect repellent best for: Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, fleas, gnats, and ticks
For bug bites: Reduces pain and redness, soothes itchiness, antiseptic
Proven to be highly effective at repelling a wide variety of bugs, a study revealed that diffusing geranium essential oil was more effective at fending off mosquitos than citronella, long believed to be the gold standard of natural bug repellents. The results of the study suggest that diffusing geranium together with lavender oil uses may be the ideal solution to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay. Rose geranium has been shown to be effective against ticks.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, geranium oil is also wonderful for soothing itchy and irritated skin when combined with lavender and chamomile.
Apart from diffusing or diluting a mix of essential oils that repel bugs in a carrier oil to apply to your skin, you can also DIY your own homemade essential oil recipe blends to make an effective bug repellent spray as well as a convenient rollerball salve, balm or spray for immediate pain or itch relief.
Homemade Bug Repellent Spray (Courtesy of Wellness Mama)
Make a homemade bug spray with essential oils by adding 30 drops citronella oil, 20 drops lemon eucalyptus oil, 20 drops lavender oil and 10 drops rosemary oil into a dark blue or amber glass spray bottle. Add I tablespoon of vodka or rubbing alcohol to the mix and shake well to combine. Pour in ½ cup of natural witch hazel and shake well.
This part is optional but if you add 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin at this stage, it helps the ingredients bind. Finally, add ½ cup of water and shake again. Shake before each use as the oils and water will naturally separate over time.
Diffuser Blend to Repel Mosquitos and Other Bugs
For a large open room, add a mix of 6 drops each of citronella, tea tree and lavender essential oils to one cup of water in your diffuser (or follow dosage instructions). Limit diffusing to 30-60 minutes max, then take a break for an hour.
Essential Oil Blends for Bug Bites and Itchy Skin
DIY Essential Oil Rollerball Salve: For a quick and easy DIY soothing bug bite roll-on, combine 5 drops peppermint oil, 3 drops lavender oil, 1 drop tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil (or other carrier oil) in a glass rollerball bottle. Shake well before use.
Essential Oil Bug Bite Relief Balm: Mix together 10 drops each of peppermint and lavender with 1 tablespoon of 100% aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin and store in a tightly sealed small container.
Essential Oil Bug Bite Relief Spray: Add 10 drops each of peppermint and tea tree to a small spray bottle and fill up with fractionated coconut oil. Shake well, spray onto the bite and gently rub into skin for your very own essential oil bug spray.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Best Use Essential Oils – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use essential oils for bug repellent. Before using an essential oil on your skin, always do a patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours to check for any reactions.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
If you’re looking for natural ways to repel bugs, discover pure essential oils by shopping our collection of luxury lavender products.
]]>
Did you know that a good night’s sleep is the third pillar of health, joining a balanced diet and exercising as one of the three things that pretty much guarantee a long and healthy life? That’s how important sleep is. Despite this, as many as 40% of us are not getting enough sleep …
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who wonder what to do to when you can’t sleep, following a consistent nighttime routine to help you fall asleep easily and quickly - even if you struggle - is possibly one the smartest things you can do. It allows you let go of the day’s worries and totally relax and unwind.
Adding the calming effects of lavender essential oil to your sleep hygiene routine is even smarter. Known as the Queen of Sleep, there are many studies that prove this natural home remedy can make an enormous difference to how much better and more deeply you sleep – and say goodbye to insomnia forever.
Here are 20 simple, science-backed sleep hygiene and nighttime routine tips to help you naturally fall asleep when you can’t - easily and fast - and finally get a good night’s sleep…
START BY RELAXING BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
Ever got into bed totally exhausted and sure that you’ll quickly nod off – only to find yourself still wide awake at midnight with your mind racing at a hundred miles an hour? That’s because we all need some quiet time before going to bed.
At the end of a hectic day, we often find our evenings a mad flurry of organizing the kids, the dog and dinner when in reality we should all be slowing down. And then we wonder why we can’t sleep. Being over-active before bedtime is actually a major cause of insomnia and other sleep problems.
Taking just 30-60 minutes to quieten your mind and relax your body is arguably the most helpful sleep hygiene habits you could adopt.
To avoid all those to-do lists constantly buzzing around in your head, write them down instead. No more anxiety about tomorrow’s tasks, and a super-organized way to start your new day.
Turn off all electronic devices, and spend some time talking instead. If you have a pet, indulge in a little bit of quiet play or cuddle time. Not only good for sleep – but good for the soul too.
Shown in a number of studies to reduce stress, listening to music not only helps you fall sleep but also improves sleep quality. Classical music is best but some soothing R&B or jazz can work just as well as the best natural sleep aid.
If your neck and shoulders are all tied up in knots after a stressful day, warm up a soothing lavender neck pillow to quickly ease away any unwanted tension that can prevent you from falling asleep. A heated lavender spa wrap can help relieve any achy muscles left over from a workout.
Keeping a daily journal is good for your mental health as it reduces stress and helps organize your ideas. Let go of all the thoughts and emotions you’ve been feeling all day.
This can be anything from yoga to deep breathing or stretching - and even extend to some quiet time meditation or other spiritual exercise. Burn a calming lavender candle to help relax your body and clear your mind of all the daily baggage that weighs you down.
A heavy meal eaten too close to bedtime will not only sit uncomfortably in your stomach, but can also disrupt sleep. Aim to have your dinner roughly 3-4 hours before you go to bed. Keep your meals light and avoid stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and sugary sodas. And try not to exercise too close to bedtime.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven To Naturally Get Rid Of Anxiety And Stress - Quickly And Safely – Read More
Sleeping well is the most crucial thing you can do for good health and longevity. That makes your bedroom the most important room in your home. A sacred sanctuary for sleep. Yet many people treat their bedrooms as their go-to place to watch TV or as chill-out havens to play games. And then wonder why they struggle to fall asleep…
By far the best tip to help you sleep better is to create a sleep environment that is entirely focused on comfort, with absolutely zero distractions – and is only used for sleep.
The main aim in creating a calming and comfortable sleep sanctuary is to ensure that nothing will jar with any of your senses and so disturb precious shut-eye time – or rudely wake you in the middle of the night…
You don’t want your bedroom temperature to be too hot or cold. As nighttime temperatures drop, melatonin levels in the body naturally adapt to the lower temperature and this is what makes you feel sleepy. Most research therefore supports sleeping in a cooler room that is around 65 degrees.
In winter months, this may happen at night anyhow. However, in the heat of summer, you may have to either lower the thermostat or have a cold shower to reduce your body’s temperature to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. A cooling fan can also help.
Too much light can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep. Aside from turning off bright lights, also consider black out curtains for your windows. Otherwise try a lavender sleep mask to knock back the light as well as fill your mind with calm. Creating a cozy and dark sleep space helps set your body into sleep mode.
Having a quiet and peaceful bedroom is also critical to ensure good quality sleep. While you can resort to earplugs if the noise is unavoidable, it may be worth considering color noise to help you sleep.
White noise drowns out any disruptive background sounds, while other color noises interact with the brain to help slow thoughts, relax muscles and dissolve anxiety. Pink noise promotes deep sleep and brown noise is great for stress relief and relaxation. Download a color noise app or explore options on YouTube.
If your mattress is older than 10 years, it may be time to invest in a new one. Time-worn dents, lumps and bumps just disrupt a good night’s sleep. Similarly, pillows, sheets, duvets and blankets that are of good quality will help you keep comfortable and snug during the night.
If you struggle to fall asleep, consider using a lavender weighted blanket which has been shown to reduce anxiety, calm a restless body and help with insomnia.
Whether it’s a TV, laptop or smartphone, they all stimulate your brain, which is that last thing you need when trying to fall asleep. Studies have shown that the blue light from these devices negatively affects your body clock, resulting in sleeplessness.
Technology can also be invasive - checking the news, mails and even social media can quickly reset your brain into alert mode and eat into precious sleep time. Aim to disconnect about an hour before you go to bed.
Studies have shown time and again that lavender essential oil is one of the most powerful soothing scents an all natural sleep aid, and the best home remedy to ensure high quality sleep.
Create a calming lavender aromatherapy oasis with a few simple touches – burn a lavender candle, display a pretty lavender reed diffuser on your dresser, or fill your room with the scent of lavender sleep spray mist. Be sure to use 100% pure lavender essential oil products to reap the calming benefits.
Proof: Lavender Essential Oil Can Absolutely Help You Sleep Better – Read More
The last few things you do just before going to sleep can have a substantial impact on your mood and energy the next morning.
Creating a regular nightly bedtime routine leading up to when your head finally hits the pillow can be a powerful sleep aid as it tricks the brain - and body - into automatically relaxing and winding down. The result is you not only fall asleep easily and sleep better – but wake up feeling wonderfully refreshed and ready to take on a new day.
A bedtime ritual is quite personal and really depends on what you think will work best to relax your body and mind. Here are some ways to help you quickly and easily fall asleep in 5 minutes or less…
Nothing is more relaxing than finishing off your day with a warm bath. One study reports that bathing 1–2 hours before bed helped people fall asleep an average of 10 minutes faster than usual. Although well-known for supporting deep sleep, bathing has a surprising number of other benefits, like soothing sore muscles and joints, helping heart health, clearing up the sniffles, balancing hormones, calming irritated skin – and even burning calories.
Lavender has healing properties that boost all of these benefits. Toss in some lavender bath salts, as a natural aid for sleep, sponge off with lavender bath/shower gel, then lie back and soak in all the goodness while donning a weighted spa mask to soothe sore tired eyes. Aim to bathe about half an hour before bedtime to allow the body time to cool a little before sleep.
How Essential Oils Can Actually Boost These Remarkable Benefits Of Hot Baths – Read More
A little indulgent self-pampering is the ultimate pre-bedtime relaxing treat. And if it helps you sleep well, even better. Treat sore tired hands and feet with a pure lavender-infused luxury hand crème or foot balm. Or slather on a generous dollop of lavender body lotion for all over self-care.
Try a little bit of reflexology that is known to help relax the body and alleviate stress. Give your body some extra TLC by massaging lavender essential oil into areas like the soles of the feet, hands, and ears. Your skin will quickly absorb its calming and soothing benefits.
One of the best ways to fall asleep naturally? Adding in a little extra lavender magic will help you slip into dreamland quickly and easily. Spritz your pillowcases with a lavender linen spray, tuck a lavender sachet in your pillowcase or fill a pretty bowl with pure lavender buds to leave on your bedside table. And don’t forget your sleep mask to block out all light.
If at any stage you still find yourself wide-eyed and staring at the ceiling, then just take a couple of deep sniffs of lavender essential oil straight out of the bottle. You’ll be surprised as just how much it helps…
The very simple three-step 4-7-8 deep breathing technique can be amazingly effective in helping to quieten the mind and clear out all the mental garbage of the day. Aside from improving sleep quality, it’s also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Sitting on your bed with your mouth closed, breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds (mentally count from 1000 to 4000). Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Open your mouth and exhale completely for 8 seconds while making a whoosh sound. Repeat this at least three more times.
Many people find that relaxing with a good book in bed helps them fall asleep (as long as it’s not a nail-biting thriller!). Ideally however, it’s best to read in another room so that your brain only associates your bed with sleep, and then continue in bed once you find yourself nodding off. But do whichever works best for you.
Top off your bedtime ritual by drinking a warm cup of tea or your favorite beverage to help calm the mind and get you in the mood for sleep. Chamomile tea is a sleep time favorite for adults, while a cup of warm milk is a great go-to bedtime drink - especially for kids.
If you’re constantly going to sleep and waking up at different times, your body is going to get confused, and the quality of your sleep will suffer. Build the time you need to sleep into your routine and stick to it throughout the week and weekends. Your body will quickly adjust to the schedule, and reward you with a good night’s sleep – every night.
Finally, if you find yourself still struggling to nod off after 30 minutes or so, get up and go to another darkly lit room and repeat some of your routine. Once you start feeling sleepy, go back to bed and try again. Sweet dreams!
The Astonishing Ways Breathing Deeply With Lavender Benefits Your Brain, Body - And Health – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There's a difference between lavender essential oil and lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it contains '100% lavender essential oil', then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>Feeling out of sorts? Try this little trick to quickly lift your mood. Grate a little lemon rind, take a few deep breaths, and you’ll instantly feel refreshed, energetic and happy. You’ve just experienced the power of a ‘feel good’ scent of an uplifting and energizing essential oil – to boost your mood quickly and naturally.
Much as we would like to be happy all the time, a bad mood can often strike without warning. A mix of emotions that can be triggered by anger, frustration, irritation or sadness that we struggle to shrug off. You could even be grumpy because you didn’t sleep well.
Essential oils can change all that. These powerful, potent elixirs have natural mood enhancing scents that can shift emotions, ease anxiety, refresh the mind, make you feel happy, and totally boost your mood in a matter of minutes – no matter how bad you feel…
According to Dr. Alan R. Hirsch of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, ‘The quickest way to change a mood state - quicker than with any other sensual modality - is with smell.’
Who knew it could be so easy? And why is that?
It’s pretty simple really. Your sense of smell is actually 10 000 times more sensitive than your other senses. As soon as you smell something, a rush of emotions and feelings are immediately released from the brain and sent out into your body. They can be good or bad – depending upon what memories are linked with that scent.
That’s why many of us associate the smell of freshly baked bread with the warm fuzzy feelings of a happy home. And why your mood can change in a heartbeat as soon as you smell something you don’t like – even if you don’t remember why.
This is where the miracle-working magic of essential oils comes in. Each has a scent which is associated with an emotion, feeling and mind state that you can now imprint on your brain to enhance your whole mood – and outlook on life.
Need a quick pick me up? There are uplifting, energizing oils for that. Stressed out of your mind? Try a calming or grounding oil – or use both together. And if your brain is feeling a little foggy, there are clarifying and stimulating oils for that too. There are even happy essential oils that can immediately bring joy into your life and lift your mood – just because you want to feel happy…
What’s even more incredible is that essential oils get to work immediately. A few quick sniffs and within a matter of seconds, the benefits of lavender essential oil pass into your brain and body – and your mood lifts. Even if you apply to skin, they’ll take roughly 2-3 minutes to hit your bloodstream and about 20 minutes to reach every cell in your body. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Here are 11 of the best essential oils you can use to boost any mood – no matter how you feel…
LAVENDER
Calming, balancing, promotes well-being
Best for: Anxiety, stress, depression, sadness, sleep
Stressed or anxious about something? A few quick sniffs of lavender essential oil will soon have you sorted. Widely recognized for its calming and soothing effects on your body and mind, lavender is most well-known for promoting better quality sleep. It ensures you wake up feeling refreshed, in a good mood and ready for a new day.
It also helps you get rid of all that unwanted stress and tension, balance mood swings, reduce sad or anxious feelings - and gives you a wonderful feeling of serenity.
TRY: A handful of lavender bath salts into a warm soothing bath to soak away stress. Or liberally spritz a lavender spray mist in your bedroom to guarantee a refreshing night’s sleep. For a quick pick-me-up on the go, inhale lavender essential oil straight out of the bottle.
Feeling Depressed? Lavender Essential Oil Can Improve Your Mood In Minutes – Read More
SWEET ORANGE
Uplifting, calming, mental clarity
Best for: Depression, anxiety, physical and mental fatigue, sleep
Citrus oils are known to be great mood boosters, and sweet orange essential oil is no exception. Interestingly, it’s refreshing scent not only inspires feelings of energy and good cheer, but at the same time also relaxes and calms the mind.
It’s been found to have antidepressant effects, with an energizing and uplifting aroma that acts as a refreshing pick-me-up enough to brighten anyone’s day. It also boosts motivation and clarity while fostering creativity. One study found it enhances cognitive abilities; and, together with lavender, lemon and rosemary oils, also improved mental clarity in dementia patients.
TRY: Place one drop each of sweet orange, peppermint, and frankincense into your hand. Rub hands together and inhale deeply for an uplifting aroma.
ROSEMARY
Energizing, refreshing, mental stimulant
Best for: Exhaustion, depression, stress, brain fog, focus and memory
Is your brain a little foggy? If you’re feeling mentally or even physically exhausted, rosemary is known as a wonderful stimulant to boost your brain, body - and mood.
A refreshing, energizing and invigorating oil, rosemary has been shown to increase activity, heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. It’s anti-depressant properties also help to boost focus and memory so improving overall brain performance.
TRY: Make an energizing roll-on by blending 6 drops rosemary, 3 drops sweet basil, and 2 drops peppermint into an ounce of jojoba oil. Or diffuse rosemary with frankincense and peppermint for a little brain boosting power.
CLARY SAGE
Soothing, contentment, self-confidence
Best for: Depression, stress buster, mood swings, anxiety, memory
All stressed out and don’t know which way to turn? A recent small study amongst women in their 50’s has shown that Clary sage has been found to very effective in reducing cortisol - the hormone your body releases when you’re stressed.
Even better, Clary sage simultaneously increases both dopamine and serotonin levels (the ‘happy’ and mood-enhancing hormones) which cuts down mood swings and calms the mind. Another study showed that Clary sage also reduces blood pressure and slows breathing.
TRY: Add ¼ cup of Epsom salts to a warm bath, then add 3 drops of Clary sage and 2 drops of lavender, and soak away your worries.
LEMON
Uplifting, invigorating, happiness, promotes energy
Best for: Sadness, depression, lethargy, lack of focus
Lemon is one citrus oil that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and quickly perk up your mood – and day. This bright, fresh and joyful essential oil actually increases your serotonin levels that make you feel happy, putting you in a positive and uplifting mood. A study has found it can even boost your self-confidence and body image.
It may also work to enhance your brain power. School learners who were exposed to lemon in their classrooms were found to perform much better at their exams. It also improves concentration and promotes energy and alertness.
TRY: Diffuse lemon with rosemary to lift your mood and increase energy. A happy essential oil blend of 4 drops of bergamot, and 2 drops each of lemon, grapefruit and ylang ylang will lift your spirits and bring joy into your life.
Always Feeling Tired? Time To Use Essential Oils For A Seriously Quick Energy Boost – Read More
FRANKINCENSE
Grounding, balancing, promotes inner peace
Best for: Emotions, lack of concentration, depression, worry, stress, sleep
While studies on Frankincense are limited, many people love the warm, sweet and woody aroma, and find that the scent eases irritability and balances their emotions. Well known for its comforting and grounding properties, it promotes feelings of relaxation, improves concentration and lifts the mood.
It can also help calm a busy mind, especially when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, creating a sense of inner peace. In fact, one small study suggests that frankincense has anti-depressant effects.
TRY: To banish worried, anxious thoughts, diffuse a blend of vetiver, lavender, frankincense, ylang ylang and Clary sage.
BERGAMOT
Refreshing, uplifting, energizing, reduces anxiety & stress
Best for: Sadness, depression, negative thoughts, tiredness, emotional health
While bergamot is another refreshing and mood boosting citrus oil, it works in a slightly different way from the rest of the family. It’s been found to be particularly helpful when you’re feeling down due to stress, negativity, anxious thoughts or sad, depressed feelings – and can quickly perk up your mood after a rough day at work.
One study found that bergamot oil reduced stress and cultivated positive feelings, and in doing so, improved overall mental health and well-being almost immediately. Furthermore, this study found that bergamot not only significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate, but also promoted a more balanced mental state amongst highly stressed teachers.
TRY: Dot bergamot essential oil onto the temples and back of the neck to calm runaway stress and emotions. Blend bergamot with lavender and apply it to the abdomen to promote a relaxed mood.
YLANG YLANG
Best for: Stress, anxiety, anger, negativity, depression
One of the well-known relaxing oils, ylang ylang has mild sedative properties that instill a wonderful sense of calm. This study found that it actually reduces blood pressure and heart rate, so if you’re feeling stressed and all wound up, it will relax and soothe both the body and mind. It can even help alleviate anger.
Another study found clear evidence that ylang ylang can also significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem, guaranteeing a more positive outlook and lift in mood.
TRY: Blend several drops of ylang ylang with a carrier oil and massage onto the back and shoulders to help reduce the effects of daily stress and enhance your mood.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Best Use Essential Oils – Read More
PEPPERMINT
Invigorating, motivating, mentally clarifying
Best for: Mental and physical fatigue, distracted mind, tiredness, tension, anxiety, stress
If you’re feeling sluggish and mentally exhausted, one whiff of peppermint’s fresh, crisp scent will quickly turn your mood - and day - around when you need it most. Widely used to boost mental alertness and improve concentration, it’s invigorating aroma can immediately make you feel refreshed and energized.
This study found that participants inhaling peppermint oil not only reported increased alertness but also enhanced memory. Its natural energy boosting properties have also been shown to prevent the onset of fatigue.
TRY: Diffuse an energizing blend of peppermint, lemon and sweet orange to immediately boost your mood.
VETIVER
Calming, grounding, reduces anxiety
Best for: Nervous tension, anger, exhaustion, stress, irritability, lack of focus
The smoky, earthy scent of vetiver can help you feel more grounded if you’re feeling out of balance. Often used to quieten the nerves and lift a bad mood, vetiver can help soothe and calm anxiousness, as shown in this study. So, whether you’re having trouble sleeping or just need to chill out, vetiver will help balance out your mood.
And when your mind is feeling a little scattered and unfocussed, vetiver will also stimulate a tired brain to help you stay alert and on task.
TRY: Combine vetiver with lavender and apply topically to the feet, spine or back of the neck to soothe a tired, troubled mind and lift your mood.
EUCALYPTUS
Invigorating, uplifting, mental clarity
Best for: Stress, anxiety, mental lethargy, physical exhaustion, brain fog
If you’re feeling a little down, an uplifting boost from eucalyptus oil could be just what you need. Best known for its refreshing, invigorating scent, it stimulates the brain, clears your mind, energizes the body, and puts a positive spin on your mood.
Widely known to ease symptoms of stress, it has also been found to effectively reduce anxiety. It also has the ability to enhance concentration by boosting circulation to the brain, waking up a sluggish mind. On the flip side, it even increases feelings of calm and relaxation, so rejuvenating body and soul.
TRY: Recharge your mind and body by diffusing an uplifting blend of eucalyptus and lemon.
20 Incredible Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil That Seem Too Good to Be True - Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Essential oils should be used as part of a holistic approach to healing. Sometimes it may be just enough to inhale and essential oil to lift your mood; while at other times you may need the more comprehensive support offered by clinical treatment.
There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>Let’s face it. Life is exhausting. What with the demands of our families, pressures at work and a better half who snores, it’s not surprising that we struggle to get out of bed some mornings, or regularly hit a mid-afternoon energy slump. And then wonder why we’re are always feeling so tired…
There’s no one quick fix for increasing your overall energy levels - diet, exercise, stress, sleeping patterns, emotional state, and even medications - can all play a part. But when you desperately need to gain energy fast, there is one thing that can give you that quick energy boost when you need it most – essential oils.
Different essential oils will give you different results. You can use them for a fast and much-needed burst of energy to kickstart your day or keep you awake; reduce stress-related fatigue and lift your mood when the pressure becomes too much; or as a quick pick-me-up when you need to be more alert and focused. And by helping you sleep better, essential oils also make you feel more energized at the start of each new day.
A big plus is that essential oils get to work instantly. One whiff, and within seconds you will feel the difference. These little powerhouses of energy can quickly calm you down and soothe your ragged nerves, and then lift you up and refocus your mind.
So, when tiredness and fatigue become overwhelming and you’re in desperate need of a quick energy boost, here’s how energizing essential oils (and a few other tips) can improve your day…
Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon:
Your alarm went off way ‘too early’ this morning. You could have easily had just one more hour of sleep. So you hit the snooze button to grab a few more minutes of shut-eye. Only to be rudely awakened 10 minutes later feeling worse than when you first woke up.
Little did you know that the snooze button is a big energy-zapper. Those extra few minutes are not enough time to get any restorative sleep, so it’s best to get up right away when the alarm clock rings (note for tomorrow morning).
In the meantime, you’re feeling like a zombie, with zero motivation to get going. Step one: drag yourself out of bed. Step two: blast yourself with a cold shower. Step three: inhale an invigorating essential oil to lift your mood and give you the energy boosting oomph you need to get-up-and-go in the mornings. And even when you need a little lift to keep you awake and refreshed during the day…
Wild Orange Essential Oil:
Uplifting to mind and body, refreshing, invigorating, encourages creativity, promotes a positive mood.
Grapefruit Essential Oil:
Uplifting, refreshes your mind, relief from mental fatigue, boosts mood, invigorating.
Lemon Essential Oil:
Invigorating, clears your head, enhances mood, warming, promotes energy and alertness.
Inhaling an essential oil is by far the most effective way to get it working quickly – either a quick sniff out of the bottle, or sprinkle a few drops on a cotton ball for a quick whiff and go. If you’re not partial to cold showers and opt for warmer water, you can also sprinkle a few drops on the sides of the floor (or wall) to envelope yourself in the stimulating aroma.
11 Mood Boosting Essential Oils: ‘Cos You Don’t Want to Feel Down Any Longer - Read More
Rosemary, Peppermint, Sweet Basil, Eucalyptus:
You’ve reached 7pm and are feeling physically exhausted. You are snappish and irritable, and your mind is all over the place. And you’ve forgotten where you left the car keys. You haven’t run a marathon. Your day hasn’t even been that stressful. You’ve just had a very full and busy schedule. And all you want to do is curl up in front of the TV with a glass of wine...
The physical tiredness you feel at the end of the day has more to do with mental exhaustion than anything else - when you find you’re totally unable to focus and concentrate. Mental fatigue hits us when the sheer volume of tasks and activities we’ve taken on exceeds our ability to handle it all. Too much to do in not enough time. Too many decisions, distractions, and demands. With no time to stop and take a breather.
Fortunately, it only takes a moment in the midst of your busy day to sniff a stimulating, uplifting and energizing essential oil and quickly focus your thoughts to bring back that much needed alertness, mental clarity, concentration and motivation.
Rosemary Essential Oil:
Ultimate brain booster, mental clarity, alertness, rejuvenating, stimulates memory and attention, relieves stress, instant mood uplifter.
Peppermint Essential Oil:
Invigorating to mind, body and soul, stimulating, motivating, improves alertness and concentration, energy booster.
Sweet Basil Essential Oil:
Expansive, energizing, uplifting, mood changer, sharpens the senses, relieves nervous exhaustion.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Rejuvenating, invigorating, mind stimulator, improves focus, stress reliever, increases mental clarity, boosts energy.
Taking a huge whiff out of the bottle would be enough to help you sharpen your focus and see things more clearly. Or rub 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil into your palms and then take a deep breath. You can also try dabbing a few drops on your wrists when you find your energy lagging. Otherwise add a few drops to a steam diffuser whenever you feel things are getting out of control.
Essential Oils to Beat Brain Fog: ‘Cos You're Tired of Feeling Like You're Losing Your Mind - Read More
Do you have kids? And what about a job? Or both? Then it’s a sure-fire thing that at some stage you’ve had a whole bunch of worries - and the stress and anxiety that goes with it. There’s always something going on, coming up, or that constant chatter in your head about what you should be doing - but never seem to get to. We live our lives at such a dizzying pace, it’s no wonder that we collapse in desperation and despair at the end of each day.
Stress is inevitable. But how we react to it is not. The next time you feel a mini panic attack coming on, just take a few deep breaths. While this may sound like one of those boring clichés, it turns out that there’s a whole lot of science behind it. Most of us feel overwhelmed and drained of energy because we’re not breathing deeply enough. And this means that not enough oxygen is flowing through the body and the brain. So taking those deep breaths is directly connected to feeling more vital, grounded and in control.
And when deep breathing is combined with relaxing and restoring essential oils known to quieten your mind and slow down that rush you are feeling, you can quickly de-stress and cast aside all your worries and despair. In no time you’ll feel your mood lift to restore a wonderful sense of calm and a happy frame of mind - and be fully energized and raring to get-up-and-go.
Rose Essential Oil:
Sense of peace, tranquillity, well-being, boosts self-esteem, promotes feelings of joy and hope.
Bergamot Essential Oil:
Refreshing, uplifting, eases fatigue, stress relief, reduces worries and despair, boosts energy and mood.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil:
Promotes relaxation, soothes fearfulness, sense of calm, sedative, encourages cheerfulness, courage, optimism.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Calming and relaxing, promotes inner peace, reduces stress, soothes restlessness, irritability and panic attacks.
Inhaling is especially good if you are freaking out as it’s the fastest way to get into your system. For full body relaxation, rub a couple of drops of oil into your feet as well as your wrists when you find your stress levels rising. Or if a tension headache has hit, rub 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil into your temples. And for the ultimate in stress release, grab a lavender infused massage oil and opt for a restoring body rub and feel your energy surge.
How Lavender Lifts Your Mood To Make You Feel Happier - Read More
Lavender, Chamomile, Frankincense:
If you constantly feel tired and drained of all energy, chances are that you’re probably not sleeping well - or enough. Forget trying to fix your fatigue during the day when a good night’s sleep is arguably the most vital and enormous part of feeling refreshed and energized in the mornings. Your body and mind use all that valuable snooze-time to revitalize and rejuvenate so you can bounce back with renewed energy and alertness the next morning. But what happens if you struggle to fall asleep? Or toss and turn all night?
The first stop is to check those all-important sleep hygiene habits. Create a sleep sanctuary - darken the room, keep the temperature between 60-67 degrees, ban all electronics (blue light stimulates the brain), and kick out the cat. And aim for a solid 7-8 hours snooze. Just know that if your partner is a restless sleeper or sets the alarm before you, you may not be completing the sleep cycle you need. So, if it’s realistic, they may need to go the same way as the cat (even if only for a while). Otherwise preserve your sleep (and sanity) by using separate blankets and renegotiating your wake-up time.
The last stop on your way to dreamland is to use calming and tranquilizing essential oils to help you relax and unwind as you drift off to sleep, knowing you’ll feel fresh, alert and full of positive energy the next morning.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Sleep-inducing queen of essential oils, calming, balancing, sedative, promotes a sense of well-being.
Chamomile Essential Oil:
Calms nerves and restlessness, relaxing, tranquilizing, soothes emotions, eases frustrations, improves inner harmony.
Frankincense Essential Oil:
Relieves irritability, eases stress, balances emotions, grounding, creates inner peace.
Make a warm bath infused with 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil or lavender bath salts part of your go-to-sleep routine. Or diffuse one, two or a mix of all three of these essential oils for an hour before you go to bed. Otherwise, simply spray your pillows with a lavender linen spray to help you nod off quickly.
Proof: Lavender Essential Oil Can Absolutely Help You Sleep Better - Read More
Mental and physical exhaustion are the ultimate energy-zappers. But tapping into the incredible power of essential oils all day long can have an enormous impact on your mind and body when you are feeling dog-tired and drained.
A quick whiff and you can have an energetic start to your day, banish overwhelm and refocus your mind, bust that debilitating stress, and re-energize your body and brain after a good night’s sleep. Essential oils can make all the difference between being exhausted and disorientated and a productive, energy-filled day.
Find it difficult to believe? Just try sniffing some peppermint oil - it’ll instantly perk you up!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If your fatigue is serious and persists you should get it checked out by your doctor. It could be a sign of an underlying, but treatable, heath condition like anemia, thyroid hormone dysfunction or a gastrointestinal disorder.
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>Ever had those weekends that were so hectic you landed up being more exhausted on Monday morning than when you left work on Friday? You know the ones. By the time you’ve got through shopping with friends, dinner at that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try, and family outings, you collapse into a worn-out heap - shattered and drained. Aren’t weekends meant to be an escape from those everyday stresses?
You’re clearly overdue for a little weekend me-time. Yes - we’re talking about a full-on pampering spa day. But there’s no need to pay big bucks at a fancy place when you can create a little piece of tranquility yourself. Just host a relaxing DIY spa day party at home for your close girlfriends - they’ll most likely need it as much as you do…
From some simple decorations to create a calming atmosphere and mood, to a schedule of spa treatments (plus all the essentials you need), and yes, even a refresher bar, spa party food and lavender gift, we’ve got a bunch of brilliant ideas you’ll need to throw the best-ever at home spa day pamper party to spoil all those wonderful women in your life (and yourself). And if you haven’t the energy to fully DIY, you can even bring in the professionals to take your spa day party into full-on splurge mode….
You’ll be pretty much providing all the home spa treatments essentials, but just need to work out how far your budget will stretch for any extra pampering. For instance, you can make your home spa day party really special by throwing in luxury robes, slippers, headbands and eye masks. But it won’t hurt to ask your friends to bring a few of these things.
Make leggings or sweatpants compulsory, and ask your guests to pack their fluffy slippers, a robe or comfy hoodie, plus sandals for pedicures. And if you’re planning a nail painting session, they may want to bring their own nail color.
Time to usher in the atmosphere and set the mood. When it comes to your spa party’s ambience and décor, choose a central theme to pull everything together into a special space for calming and rejuvenation. You could opt for one or more pastel colors; go green and natural, or create a Zen-like environment.
• Pastel shades could carry through from the color of the towels, headbands, robes and bowls to floral décor and colored tumblers for drinks.
• A natural theme could be centered on lush plants or succulents, organic fabrics, wooden platters and bowls, and scattered eucalyptus leaves in your foot soak.
• A Zen theme would include shades of white, grey and pink beige with minimalistic décor like white ceramics, smooth pebbles and a square glass container of wheatgrass as a table centerpiece.
Whatever your theme, there are some simple spa-inspired decorating ideas you can use for your party. Create a clean white spa feel by covering all your furniture with white sheets, spritzed with a linen spray for freshness, and scatter around some fresh flower petals tossed in essential oil. And as your bathroom will experience some heavy traffic, extend the décor into here as well, and make sure it has plenty of towels, facial tissues, and cotton balls and rounds.
Fortunately, your spa party décor doesn’t need to break the bank - you just need a few special touches to transform an ordinary home into a 5-star spa experience.
Calming candles everywhere. Nothing is more calming than candles, especially the aromatherapy ones. They smell good, give off gentle light, and relax the body and soul. That’s why spas put them, well, everywhere - and why you should, too.
You can even create floating candle centerpieces. Simply fill a glass bowl with an inch of clear glass marbles or smooth stones, top up with water, and float a few orchid flowers and tealight candles on top. Instant spa resort feels…
Scatter plants, leaves and flowers. Unless you are going truly Zen, get lots of plants or flowers to freshen up your home spa. Pair with smooth pebbles or colored glass vessels and interesting spa-type décor pieces. Keep your table centerpiece calming and minimalistic. It can be as simple as arranging some lavender sprigs, eucalyptus leaves or large calla lilies into a tall vase.
Pick up an oil diffuser. Smell is one of the most powerful senses. Turn your house into a soothing spa oasis by pairing an aromatherapy oil diffuser with lavender essential oil. Studies have shown that lavender calms you down in the same way as anti-anxiety medications do. Just what you need to relax your friends (and the hectic hostess).
Find a calming playlist. Finally, complete the mood with some quiet and relaxing background music. Scour Spotify for playlists like “Chill out Music” “Ocean Escapes”, “Atmospheric Calm”, or “Lucid Dreaming”. Or ask Alexa to find you one.
No at-home spa party would be complete without a stylish refresher bar…
Detox water. Pick some delicious fruit and herb mixes to not only tantalize the taste buds but which are also refreshing and healthy. Try a mix of grapefruit slices and sprigs of rosemary; sliced pear, limes and raspberries; or blackberry and mint.
A stocked tea station. If your friends are into teas, a must-have is a variety of caffeine-free spa-like options. Peppermint relaxes the muscles, and chamomile reduces all that stress and anxiety. Complete your selection with the queen of calm, lavender tea benefits for weight loss.
Lay out the good stuff too. Champagne is an obvious spa alcoholic drink - a glass (or three) of bubbly and a pamper party are natural soul mates. But also consider a spa cocktail twist. Lay out vodka, gin, bitters and club soda together with cucumber slices and lime wedges. Add in cucumber simple syrup for a nectarlike freshness to round off your spa theme.
First impressions always set the tone of any spa day party. Start pampering your friends from the moment they arrive with freshly steamed hand towels on top of a large tropical leaf on an elegant platter. This will add a ‘wow’ factor and give them something fun and interactive to do as they walk in the door.
To give your towels a soothing scent, add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to a large bowl of water, soak the towels, wring and roll them up. Microwave for a few seconds to warm them up just before your friends arrive.
Handing out spa goodie bag gifts with luxury robes, eye masks, headbands, and a pair of comfy spa footies would be the ultimate pampering treat for your friends, and make your spa party really special. But if your budget is a little stretched to cover the full kit, pick one or two items and ask your guests to bring the rest.
How Lavender Lifts Your Mood To Make You Feel Happier – Read More
Time for the fun part - the spa pampering points and a checklist of the essential spa day party supplies you’ll need to get the party going...
First off, decide which spa treatments you and your girlfriends would appreciate (or need) the most. It’s best to allow about 20-30 minutes per treatment, so the most you will probably be able to handle is 3 or 4 in one party. It really does depend upon whether you have a bunch of party animals who are more likely to settle in for the long haul, or energy-depleted friends just looking to chill out for a couple of hours.
The basic spa day essentials you will need are lots of fluffy hand towels and washcloths plus large bowls for soaking hands and feet. Thermoses are great for keeping water nice and warm, but large water pitchers will work just as well. You will also need somewhere to empty out foot baths and a basket to dump soiled towels.
Just like a real spa, every treatment should have its own station. The easiest three stations to set up are manis and pedis, plus one for facials. But you can choose to add a soothing massage to the mix, a relaxing yoga session – it helps if one of your friends is into yoga - or even a meditation lounge (may be too zen for the party animals!).
It’s always more fun to have everyone doing one treatment at a time, but if space doesn’t allow, you can also rotate everyone through each station. A nice touch is to draw up instruction cards for each station so everyone knows what to do without you having to go through all the in-and-outs at the start.
And try limit the number of scents in the products you use - some aromas really do not mix well. Lavender is well-known to calm and soothe - ideal for a perfect chill out spa day.
You'll need lots of the essential spa supplies at each station based on the number of your guests. You can also choose to DIY or splurge, and even extend the time at every pamper point.
Here’s how to set everything up so your friends can move seamlessly from one station to another…
It’s not a bad idea to start by winding everyone down. And nothing is more relaxing than some indulgent foot pampering. If you have a lovely summer day you can set this up on your porch, otherwise your living room is perfect. Aside from towels you will need pumice stones, lots of nail files, clippers, orange sticks and some luxury foot balm.
DIY: Start off with a soothing foot soak. All you need is some large bowls filled with the Pinterest famous Listerine foot soak. Yes - we’re talking the mouthwash. And it’s so easy to make. For every 2 cups of warm water, add 1 cup Listerine and 1 cup vinegar.
For a mini reflexology treat, add in some smooth river pebbles (or use your kid’s marbles) to gently massage the soles of the feet. And sprinkle a few edible flowers, petals or leaves on top for the finishing touch. Soaking for 10-15 minutes guarantees the most divine baby soft feet.
Smooth off any stubborn hard bits with a pumice stone. Or DIY a coconut salt scrub: mix 1 cup salt with 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup vitamin E oil. Then add 3-4 drops of essential oil for fragrance and stir it up.
Splurge: Mix in some luxury bath salts with warm water for an indulgent foot soak. After 15 minutes is up, smooth and detoxify footsies with a fragranced salt scrub. Finish off by nourishing the feet with a pampering foot balm.
For the ultimate in splurge, warm up a spa neck pillow to gently ease away all that shoulder tension while the feet are soaking up all that good stuff…
If you have time: Have a clipping, filing and polish session for the toenails. Supply some fun toe separators and ask your guests to bring their own nail polish. Or if you’re following a color theme, lay out some fun shades and pics of easy nail art examples to brighten up everyone’s day (and have a good laugh when things go a bit wonky).
No spa day party would be complete without a face mask to purge and pamper the skin. You can do this in the living room where everyone has easy access to a coffee table for all the goodies they need.
Supply some pretty headbands to keep the goop away from your hair, micellar water to remove makeup, stiff makeup brushes to paint the face and some mirrors so everyone can see what they’re doing. And make sure you have lots of clean washcloths. Otherwise invest in some good quality paper towels which you can tear up and leave in piles in pretty baskets.
DIY: As everyone’s skin is different, you’ll need multiple masks. Set up a few bowls with cards detailing the skin type and ingredients for each mask. There are tons of DIY masks to choose from online but here are two of our favorites…
• For dry skin try a hydrating yogurt, honey and avocado mask. Yoghurt has both anti-aging and exfoliating benefits (dead cells begone). Avocados are like superfood for your face with their powerful anti-oxidant, deep cleansing and moisturizing properties. And honey works miracles on dull dry skin. Blend all together and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes to reap the full benefits.
• For oily and/or acne prone skin pair one serving of cooked (and cooled) ground oatmeal with a teaspoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a beaten egg white. Oatmeal is a natural exfoliating cleanser which includes anti-oxidants. Lemon will help to reduce excess oil, honey will kill off the bacteria that cause pimples, and egg whites tighten pores.
After all the gunk is washed off, a refreshing face mist promises a beautiful glowy end to your face time. Fill two thirds of a small spray bottle with purified water, add 1 tablespoon of lavender essential oil (or a mix of lavender and rose hip oils), fill up with aloe vera, and shake well. Both these oils are multi-purpose so are good for both dry and oily skin, but just check for sensitivity on the inside of your upper arm before spraying onto your face.
Splurge: This one is totally up to you depending upon how far your wallet can stretch for ready-made masks. Just remember that most drugstore masks will deliver pretty much the same results as more expensive ones. If you’re not into all the messy mask bit, try a variety of sheet masks for different skin types and conditions (they’re just not as Instagram worthy as the gooey ones).
If you have time: DIY a natural face moisturizer to apply after masking. Here’s one that ticks all the boxes as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial with great nourishing benefits. Pour 3 ounces argan oil and 1-ounce shea butter into a double boiler. Allow the shea butter to melt and blend the two ingredients. Remove from heat and add one-ounce carrot seed oil. Blend well. Then add essential oils - 10 drops lavender, 5 drops lemongrass and 6 drops chamomile - and blend again.
These Powerful Benefits Are Why You Need Lavender Essential Oil For Skin – Read More
Time to chill out again. Not everyone likes the touchy-feely part of a massage so focus on places that are less personal - like the hands and shoulders. All you need for this is a natural massage oil and some willing friends who are up to giving a simple massage in exchange for a tension easing rub in return.
DIY: Pair up your friends to massage each other in turns. Start with the hands which have several pressure points to reduce tension and stress. Gently apply pressure between the thumb and index finger, then on the palm below the pinky where the hand meets the wrists, and finally where the thumb meets the hand (also palm side).
For shoulders, concentrate on making circular motions with your thumbs, followed by shoulder kneading (squeezing each shoulder with alternating hands). Then move your fingers along the shoulders while pressing down firmly, and end with finger presses along the neck.
Splurge: Bring in a professional. While you can definitely splurge on a pro therapist, a less expensive option is to scout around beauty schools for a willing student who wants to practice their newly learned skills. With a professional to do all the hard work, you can weave individual massages in amongst your foot soaks and facials during the 15 minutes or so downtime planned during each of these treatments.
If you have time: Get the professional massage therapist to bring along their kit (or provide a comfy chair) to set up in a bedroom so each friend can enjoy their pampering spa treat in private. Don’t forget to dim the lights and add calming aromatherapy candles and soothing music. Then, for the ultimate in indulgence, throw in a luxury eye mask, spa booties and blankie to fully re-create the ambience and atmosphere of a real-life spa.
The Astonishing Benefits Of Aromatherapy Massage For Your Body (And Mind) – Read More
Schedule the manis for last so everyone’s painstaking artwork doesn’t get ruined going through all the other pamper points. Your manicure station is best set up in the dining room so everyone can easily do their nails and socialize at the same time.
Encourage your friends to help others with their non-dominant hand to avoid polish oopsies landing up all over the cuticles (and fingers). And if you have a nail art aficionada in your midst, ask if she can help with a quick signature nail for everyone at the party.
DIY: Clear off the table, add a waterproof cover in case you have some spills, and cover with a tablecloth. Then lay out the basics: some bowls of warm water, hand towels, polish remover, cotton balls, nail files, orange sticks, a lotion or cream, cuticle cutter, a buffer, base and top coats, plus tons of polish colors (or stick with your color theme).
Before you start, use the same coconut salt scrub you prepped for your pedis to treat your hands. Then repeat the essential oil infused warm towel welcome that greeted your friends upon arrival. Just zap them in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to give everyone’s hands a soothing steam bath.
Splurge: Call in a manicurist or two - or three. Encourage everyone to do their own nail prep and let the pros paint the nails (they are so much better than most of us). Again, check for students who are looking to polish their skills (excuse the pun) in exchange for a good deal.
If you have time: Consider a pampering paraffin wax treatment to soften your hands, rejuvenate the skin and moisturize your cuticles. Either make your own or get a ready-made paraffin bath and wax kit. Just know that you’ll need about 45 minutes to go through the whole process. But the end result of baby soft and smooth hands is oh so worth it (note for own pamper session).
Since the end goal is for everyone to feel refreshed and healthy, look for a variety of spa party food ideas – preferably snacks – that will fill you up without bogging you down. And keep it simple (we can’t all be Martha Stewart) as a lot of your energy will be taken up prepping for the rest of the day. You don’t want to totally exhaust yourself before the party starts…
Hummus crudité cups. Place a generous scoop of hummus in plastic cups and fill up with a selection of baby carrots, celery sticks and sliced cucumber.
DIY yogurt bowls. Set up your kitchen counter with bowls and spoons, tubs of plain Greek Yogurt, a selection of fruits (like blueberries, pineapple, kiwi fruit), pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, granola, honey and anything else that you or your guests may love.
Sushi snacks. Grab a selection at your local deli for sushi-mad friends.
Fruity flavors. Melon caprese skewers with herb oil are quick and simple to make and would be an attractive statement piece for your table. Or go for an out of the ordinary twist on a basic fruit salad with a Mexican style fruit plate with chilli lime salt.
Deviled eggs. A little bit of effort for everyone’s yummy favorite. Keep them classic or add a twist with bits of bacon, chives, jalapenos, goat cheese and more.
Avocado on oat cakes. Your healthy snack line-up would not be complete without including this amazing superfood. Simply mash the avocado with some lemon juice, salt and pepper, and layer it on. Top with a sliver of smoked salmon for a twist of flavor.
Sweet delights. Ok - so we said keep it healthy but it can also be a little decadent. Dip some strawberries into melted dark chocolate for some wonderful anti-aging benefits. Or scout around your local health store for good-for-you options like matcha green tea cake.
So it may not be a bridal shower or special birthday party, but it’s still nice to give all your friends a little spa goodie bag to take home.
You can make a bigger batch of the coconut salt scrub and pack it into heavy glass jars wrapped with a bow. Same with the lavender facial misting spray. Toss into a small paper bag together with some mini soaps and a stunning hanging sachet so your friends take home some lasting memories of their pamper party.
And if you’re up to giving them a super spoil, splurge on some cute take-out boxes of lavender treats - each with a candle, soap, sachet and some bath salts.
When your friends finally leave all chilled out and relaxed, we’re sure they will soon be begging you to throw another home spa day. After all, in this fast-paced life of ours, who can resist the ultimate pamper party?
10 At Home Spa Ideas to Pamper Yourself When You Desperately Need A Self-Care Day – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>Most of us will admit to a favorite natural remedy that we use as a cure-all for any number of health and beauty problems. Usually, it has been passed down through the generations before us, having originated hundreds of years ago - long before we were born.
Lavender essential oil is one of those time-tested home remedies. Its health benefits read like a shopping list - it’s used as a sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anesthetic, immune boosting and antiviral, amongst others.
But here’s the interesting bit. Lavender oil's many uses and health benefits are not just part of any old wives’ tale passed on by your mother - they are actually supported by thousands of published studies and hundreds of clinical trials.
And the ways you can use lavender oil are so wide-ranging, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular, versatile, effective – and the best – essential oil there…
While it’s a highly efficient multi-tasker, here’s primarily what lavender essential oil is good for…
The most well-known benefit of lavender essential oil is its calming and soothing effect on the central nervous system, so is widely used to help improve the quality of sleep and relieve emotional stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Free radicals like toxins, pollution and chemicals, are perhaps one of the most widespread and dangerous health risks in our modern society. While your body produces antioxidants to neutralize this threat, the free radical burden can become too high for it to cope, and so it often becomes necessary to use supplements to help the process along.
As a natural antioxidant, lavender essential oil helps to prevent or reverse disease-causing oxidative stress by detoxifying the body. It also slows aging by revitalizing and nourishing the skin and promotes hair and scalp health.
Lavender essential oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a proven pain-reliever especially when it comes to easing joint and muscular pain, alleviating headaches and menstrual cramps. It's also used to soothe and calm itchy skin, eczema, allergies, sunburn and bug bites.
With its recognized antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial abilities, lavender essential oil can effectively kill acne-causing bacteria, help treat and heal cuts, burns, wounds and cold sores, and also reduce and prevent dandruff.
So, if you thought lavender essential oil could only help you get a good night’s rest, here’s how you can use this multi-purpose powerhouse remedy not only for better sleep but also its many other benefits…
For many years, lavender has been considered one of the best essential oils for people suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders. And for good reason - disruptive and poor-quality sleep patterns have been proven to have a devastating effect on your overall mind and body health.
However, because of its renowned calming aroma and medicinal properties, inhaling lavender essential oil has also been shown to positively affect the nervous system, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce depression and fatigue, and increase general mental well-being. In doing so, it can be used to help lower blood pressure and is great for people who suffer from hypertension.
Recent research has shown that lavender oil does more than just improve the mood and beat stress and anxiety - it can actually help to promote brain function, and is a promising natural alternative for those suffering from dementia.
Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser for an hour or so before you go to bed at night can help relax the mind and the body and improve your overall sleep. Or mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil and rub onto your temples, back of the neck, and behind the ears. You can also use the same mixture for a body or foot massage before bedtime so helping to calm and relax the whole body.
If you’re not comfortable with putting the oil directly onto your skin, use a soothing lavender linen water to spray onto your pillow an hour or so before you go to sleep. Or even easier, tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow.
A warm bath with lavender could just be what you need to completely and fully unwind. Adding a cup of Epsom salts and about 10 drops of lavender oil in a warm bath can help the body detoxify, improve circulation and set the mood for a full night of snooze.
Bedtime Routine Tips and Lavender to Help You Sleep Better Than You Thought Possible – Read More
Relax and unwind with a lavender infused heated spa neck pillow and eye mask. Or put 3 drops of lavender oil in your palm and rub it into your temples and behind your ears. You can also diffuse lavender oil at home or at work, inhale it directly from the bottle for immediate relief, or add lavender bath salts to warm bath water to ease anxiety and depression naturally.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven to Naturally Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely – Read More
To support overall brain health, diffuse it in your surroundings, burn a lavender infused candle, inhale it directly from the bottle or rub a few drops of lavender oil onto the temples and back of neck.
Due to its potent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender is also good for treating many skin conditions.
Lavender essential oil is a proven source of antioxidants and other valuable phytochemicals that fight free radical damage that means it can help protect against unwanted signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation and sun spots.
As a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, research shows that lavender oil can help prevent acne as well as reduce inflammation caused by acne flare-ups and other skin conditions such as eczema.
Combine 3–4 drops of lavender oil with ½ teaspoon of a nourishing carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and massage gently into the skin. If you’re looking for a full body treatment, try a lavender infused body lotion or an antioxidant lavender cream to pamper your hands.
Mix 5 drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil with 2 tbsp. of sweet almond oil or other carrier oil to apply on the affected skin. Or blend 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of argan oil and apply to the pimple directly twice a day.
Mix 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of frankincense oil to ½ tsp of jojoba oil or grapeseed oil and massage gently into affected areas right before bedtime.
Mix 2 drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil with 1 tbsp. virgin coconut oil or aloe vera. Apply the mixture 2-3 times a day to speed up the healing process and get rid of the rash. You can also massage some luxurious lavender hand cream into those dry spots to promote, smoother itch free skin.
Add 1 cup of Epsom salts to your tub as the water runs. Add in 10 drops of lavender oil and then swirl the water to mix well. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes. Or use lavender infused bath salts to cleanse and purify the skin.
Mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 2-3 drops of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, avocado oil or argan oil. Rub onto your lips, especially when going out in the sun.
Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil into 10-15 drops of coconut oil. Apply directly to the cold sore to help soothe and treat.
These Powerful Benefits Are Why You Need Lavender Essential Oil For Skin - Read More
Lavender essential oil has shown to be not only effective in treating hair loss and but also helps to promote healthy hair growth. As a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, lavender oil also helps in reducing dandruff and supporting scalp health.
Add 2 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil to a mild shampoo when you wash your hair. Leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.
For a weekly hot oil treatment, combine 10-15 drops of lavender oil with 1-2 tbsp. of warm coconut oil. A few drops of peppermint essential oil will also help soothe an itchy scalp. Massage the mixture into your scalp, wrap a towel around your head and leave on for an hour. Finally wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Why You Want To Start Using Lavender Essential Oil For Your Skin Hair - And Body – Read More
Owing to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, research has shown that lavender essential oil is a proven pain-reliever especially when it comes to headaches and migraines as well as muscular and joint pain relief. A recent study has also shown it helps ease menstrual cramps.
Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil. Rub the blend into your temples, behind the neck and behind the ears for soothing pain relief. Or use a warming lavender infused neck pillow and a spa mask on your eyes or forehead to help ease the pain. Diffusing lavender essential oil or inhaling it directly from the bottle can also help to relieve headaches.
5 Powerful Essential Oils For Natural Relief From Headaches And Migraines (And How To Use Them) - Read More
Mix 3-4 drops of lavender oil with 1 tsp. of a carrier oil such as olive oil or moringa oil (a proven anti-inflammatory excellent to relieve arthritic pain). Rub into painful joints twice daily.
For pain relief from muscular injuries and minor sprains, mix a few drops of lavender oil with some hot water. Soak a towel and use it as a hot compress on the affected area. A heated lavender spa mask can also be used as a compress to help provide pain relief.
Use a lavender infused massage oil or mix 6 drops of lavender oil with 3 tsps of sweet almond oil to massage the stomach with both hands in light rotating movements for 15 minutes. Otherwise, warm up a lavender heat wrap in the microwave and use as a hot compress to help ease the pain.
Known for its antibacterial properties, there are numerous studies proving lavender essential oil's ability to accelerate wound healing. By helping the wound to heal quickly and the body to regenerate healthy cells, it’s also been proven effective in treating scars.
As a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it heals, soothes and calms burns (including sunburn), allergic reactions and even mosquito and bug bites.
Add ¼ cup aloe juice, 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, 2 tbsp. of distilled water and 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil into a clean spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto the area of the sunburn. Repeat 2-3 times a day for instant cooling relief.
Add 5 drops each of lavender essential oil and tea tree oil to 2 tbsp. of witch hazel and mix well. Using a cotton ball, gently apply to the wound 2 to 3 times a day.
For burn relief, add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to a tablespoon of soothing aloe vera and mix well. Apply liberally to your inflamed skin 3 times a day to help soothe pain and heal quicker.
Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply directly on the affected areas at least twice a day. For stinging pain, add a drop of peppermint oil to numb the pain.
10 Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Bites Too!) – Read More
Mix 2 drops of lavender oil with 2 drops of black seed oil. Research suggests that black seed oil prevents scar formation and can help clear up the marks. Apply twice daily.
As a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, you can now see that lavender essential oil has many more health and beauty benefits than you would expect –many of which are supported by research.
Well known to enhance sleep, lavender is a true multi-tasker that can also be used to ease anxiety and stress, treat and nourish skin, help heal wounds and burns, relieve pain and promote overall mental health.
Maybe it’s time to think about adding it to your medicine cabinet…
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat any medical concerns.
For more information on how to use essential oils safely and effectively, please consult our handy guide.
There's a difference between lavender essential oil or lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Although lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils, please use caution when applying directly on the skin because this can cause irritation. Be sure to patch test on the inside of your arm beforehand.
Lavender essential oil, in contrast to the plant form, can be a gastrointestinal irritant when swallowed in quantities higher than 180 milligrams.
]]>Looking for Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her? Valentine’s day should be fun. All those red hearts, cute cards and romantic dinners are about making each other happy - and of course - showing just how crazy you are about her. But when you’re all out of ideas on what to get someone for Valentine’s Day and still haven’t found that perfect gift for your wife, girlfriend or significant other, it can get pretty stressful…
We’ve got you. This is the year you’re going to get her something she really - yes, really - wants. Finding the best Valentine’s gift for her is as simple as knowing what makes her happy. Does she love her sleep? Or beautiful things for her home? Maybe she’s a bathing beauty? Or a diehard romantic? Does she enjoy small comforts - or luxury? Or is she totally obsessed with all things cute? And what about a special pampering treat or Valentine’s Day spa gifts?
Scroll down to see what she most loves doing or would make her feel the happiest, and simply choose the spa-inspired Valentine’s gift idea you know best matches what she is truly passionate about. Add in one of the special love messages on your card, and you’ll have a romantic and meaningful Valentine’s Day gift that feels extra special because it can only come from you…
She just loves a touch of luxury…
She’ll love cuddling up in this ultra-soft plush robe inspired by the luxury of a spa experience. It’s super comfy. Like really, really comfortable. So soft and cozy, she’ll want to lounge around in luxurious indulgence all day. And if you’re looking for something other than a classic ivory, check out other colors here.
While it’s still cold outside, what would make a better gift than an ultra-soft luxe faux angora fur cuddle throw? Doubling as an opulent décor piece and a luxuriously rich and exceptionally comfy throw to keep her warm, she’ll love snuggling up in its plush softness.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Ultra-Luxe Soft & Cozy Plush Shawl Robe $129.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Cuddle Throw In Luxurious Platinum Angora Fur $159.95
Irresistible snuggle buddies…
What about an adorable gift that’ll remind her of you every time she gives it a hug? She won’t be able to resist the undeniable charm of Kaylee the Koala - the perfect Valentine’s Day spa gift, an ultra-soft and furry lavender scented stuffed bear with a sweet, friendly face that anyone would adore. A heatable, huggable fluffy animal that comes with a hefty dose of pure cuteness…
Made from ultra-soft, ultra-luxurious fur with a gentle, adorable face, Lovey The Lamb will instantly become her favourite snuggle buddy. This soft and cozy, heatable stuffed lamb is an oh-so huggable cute gift that will keep her warm for hours.
When it comes to cute, you can never go wrong with fluffy animals. Ever.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Kaylee The Koala $42.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lovey The Lamb $42.95
Gorgeous bathing beauties…
Want to spoil your sister or daughter? There are many cute Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her. Does she love a bath? You can’t go wrong with a thoughtful care bundle made up of a little powerhouse of small lavender bath time gift goodies guaranteed to calm and soothe her mind, body and soul…
Help her totally relax and slip into the ultimate in bathing indulgence with these deluxe lavender infused bath salts in a cute honey jar. Pairing this with a few soothing lavender candles will have her reaching for a favorite magazine as she enjoys some much-needed down time. Add in a glass (or two) of bubbly and she’ll be over the moon.
Want to spoil you partner? Add more romantic Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her and round her self-indulgent treat off with a luxurious lavender body lotion to smooth and pamper her skin after she’s toweled herself down. A winning combo any woman will love…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Bath Salts In Honey Jar $24.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Fragrant Lavender Candle In Round Diamond Glass - Ivory Wax $23.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Fragrant Lavender Body Lotion $25.95
A full-on romantic pampering treat…
Sometimes being romantic means just having some quiet time together while getting totally spoilt and pampered - right? Then why not spend Valentines on a special spa date night spoiling her with a luxurious massage?
The best part is that you can do romantic gift ideas for her Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your own home without spending a fortune. And it’s so easy to pull together a few small touches to make it extra special for your loved one…
Start by creating the right ambience. Scatter a few candles around for soft lighting. Select a calming playlist for the optimal spa-like atmosphere. Choose a generously rich massage oil infused with lavender to help soothe her body and calm her mind.
Finish off by enhancing the whole experience with a luxurious faux fur spa heat wrap to drape around her shoulders and soothing eye mask for the absolutely perfect pampering treat.
Romantic and relaxing. She’ll remember this thoughtful Valentines date night forever…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Generously Rich Lavender Massage Oil $25.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Heat Wrap in Arctic Circle Faux Fur $59.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Mask in Arctic Circle Faux Fur $34.95
’Cos you absolutely adore her…
Give her the gift of a warm, affectionate hug straight from your heart. A delightfully soft and luxurious heatable faux fur heart pillow in the prettiest of pinks and infused with the calming and soothing scent of lavender. Also comes in super-soft, rich cardinal red faux fur. If you are looking for gift ideas for her Valentines Day, she’ll love you for this memorable romantic gesture forever…
The only thing better than a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one that lasts for 1 year. Yes, for real. One whole year to remind her every day of your love for her. A bunch of dried French lavender for her desk at work, next to her bed or pretty much anywhere, is a romantic gift that keeps on giving (and giving).
Give her both for an extra-special double dose of romance this Valentines…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Comforting 12" Cardinal Red Heart Pillow $42.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Comforting 12" Rosewater Pink Heart Pillow $42.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Dried Bouquet of French Lavender $24.95
Self-care Sunday indulgences…
Make her self-care Sunday even better with a little TLC. Warm up this deluxe faux fur neck pillow in the microwave. Gently drape its luxurious warmth around her shoulders and let calming lavender ease all her worries and cares away. The ultimate in chill-out heaven…
And if you feel she deserves an extra spoil, throw in some matching cuddly faux fur spa booties which she can pop into the microwave to keep her feet ultra-warm. And if she rubs in some soothing lavender foot balm before slipping them on, her feet will love you for life…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Neck Pillow in Platinum Angora Faux Fur $59.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Booties in Platinum Angora Faux Fur $59.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Luxurious Lavender Foot Balm $25.95
She totally loves her sleep…
Give your significant other the gift of an amazing night’s sleep - in style.
She’ll absolutely love unwinding and relaxing with this beautiful Valentines must-have lavender lover’s gift set. It comes with some soothing lavender bath salts and a cute lavender butterfly soap for her pre-sleep bath-time ritual. Add in a calming lavender candle together with the deluxe silk embroidered lavender heart sachet to tuck under her pillow, and she’ll slip off into dreamland in no time.
And by misting her pillow case and sheets with a soothing lavender linen water before she retires - then spoiling her with a steaming mug of yummy cocoa – you’ll make her feel like she lives in a luxurious hotel. Beauty sleep has never felt this good…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Lover’s Gift Set $42.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Soothing Lavender Linen Water $20.95
Little luxuries she’ll adore…
Everyone can use a little pampering, especially on Valentine’s Day. So why not give her the gift of some simple but super-indulgent beauty products that she may feel guilty about splurging on herself? She’ll thank you over and over again…
Start with the best-ever spa glow treatment to add to her skin care routine. Scrubs are the ultimate in invigorating, uplifting experiences. This fragrant lavender detox salt scrub softens, exfoliates, moisturizes and detoxes in one exhilarating treatment. And don’t forget the body lotion to replenish her skin’s moisture afterwards.
Then give a little love back to her hands and feet. This luxury anti-oxidant hand crème melts into the skin from the moment it’s applied without leaving them greasy. And this ultra-rich foot balm will make even the toughest feet soft and refreshed.
She’ll soon find these will become her “can't live without products” - and maybe even yours…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Detox Salt Scrub Rich in Essential Oil $32.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Luxuriously Moisturizing Lavender Hand Crème $25.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Luxurious Lavender Foot Balm $25.95
Objets d’art for her home…
Does she love the sanctuary of her home? Then she’ll love you even more if you help her fill it with an abundance of heavenly scents…
Even if she already has masses of scented candles, never underestimate the power of another aromatic addition to her space. She’ll love the serenity this beautiful lavender room diffuser will spread throughout her home. It helps that the real-life dried lavender sprigs make it look oh-so-pretty too.
If you want to ring the changes, gift her a selection of gorgeous lavender hanging sachets to display above an open window or beautify a lamp. These super stylish gifts will transform her space into all kinds of heavenly and quickly become much admired conversation pieces in her home.
Whatever you pick, don’t forget to include this luxurious spray mist in your gift ideas for Valentine’s Day for her, made with the highest quality lavender for the most romantic scent. One whiff of this and she’ll remember your thoughtfulness forever…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Room Diffuser $47.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Hanging Sachet In Embroidered Organza $27.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spray Mist $25.95
The Cutest, Super-Soft And Cuddly Microwavable Stuffed Animals You Won’t Be Able To Resist - Read More
]]>Lavender essential oil has long been used by aromatherapists to reduce stress. Renowned as the Queen of Calm, it relieves anxiety, helps you sleep and lifts your mood. You know it gives you relief, but did you know lavender oil has also been proven to help de-stress and calm your anxious dog - and do so safely?
One of the gentlest pet-safe essential oils, lavender oil could quickly become your dog’s new BFF (and yours). It can not only calm a nervous and agitated dog, but also help them sleep better - and can even cheer up a depressed pet.
Add to this several other benefits like soothing itchy skin allergies, easing pain, as well as getting rid of ticks and fleas, and you can see how lavender can quickly become a must-have dog-safe essential oil in your fur baby’s first aid kit…
You’re probably already using a whole bunch of grooming, deodorizing, tick and flea repellents - and more - on your dog. And if your furry friend suffers from other issues such as anxiety, motion sickness, insomnia, or even allergies, it’s sure bet that, at some stage, you’ve also been off to your veterinarian for some medication to help.
What if you knew that lavender essential oil is a true little multitasker that can do all of these things? Lavender essential oil has been used in aromatherapy for hundreds of years to successfully help with a wide variety of ailments – which has been proven in numerous scientific studies.
One of the gentlest and safest oils around, lavender is well-known as natural sedative, calming and soothing the nerves, easing anxiety and depression and promoting deeper and more restful sleep. But less well known is that it can also soothe pain from small wounds, burns and bites, treat dry, itchy skin, and is a natural bug repellent (insects hate its smell). The fact that it also has a wonderful scent is just the cherry on the top…
So, what’s good for humans should be good for dogs too, right? Well yes - in principle. While lavender oil is totally dog-safe – there is a ’but’…
First off, be reassured that lavender essential oil is absolutely safe and gentle enough to help treat dogs for a number of conditions and ailments. But with your furry friend, you just need to take a little more care.
Essential oils are extremely potent - about 3 pounds of lavender flowers are needed to produce just 15ml of lavender essential oil – and this, together with a whole host of biologically active and powerful compounds, can present some potential challenges when it comes to our four-legged companions…
For instance, dogs have a significantly higher sense of smell than you. It’s been estimated that dogs can smell anywhere from 1 000 to 10 000 times better than people. It’s their primary sense (yours is sight) so no wonder they permanently have their noses to the ground. What is a delicate scent for you can become an aggressive assault to their senses. Diluting the essential oil is therefore super important when using lavender with dogs.
Dogs are also a lot smaller and weigh quite a bit less than their humans. While they can safely inhale lavender essential oil and also absorb it through their skin when applied topically, their little bodies are way less able to deal with human sized doses. This is where it can become tricky as the breed, size, age and health of your dog would all guide you as to the right dosage and dilution levels for your pet. Consult a holistic vet if you’re unsure.
Aside from their smaller size, a dog’s metabolism also differs dramatically from people. So, you definitely do not want your dog to ingest essential oil in any form – in food, water or even licking it off their skin. And you certainly don’t want to leave any essential oil lying around where your dog could accidentally lap it up. It could make them very sick.
Choosing only a 100% pure high-quality lavender essential oil for use on your dog is also important to ensure you are using a pet-safe oil. Many products masquerade as essential oils but in reality, are just perfumes that smell nice but will not work as an essential oil does – and could be toxic and cause harm. Look out for the Latin name, Lavandula Angustifolia, on the bottle, and make sure you buy from a reputable company.
When used safely and correctly, lavender essential oil has a number of health-giving benefits as a natural sedative, itch-soother and antibacterial that will make both you and your dog’s life easier…
Nothing is more heart breaking than seeing your beloved pet fearful or anxious. Fireworks, thunder, car rides, separation from their favorite person and being left alone are the most common triggers. This often grows worse as they get older when their physical and mental health starts to deteriorate. You may also have a hyperactive dog who has more energy than you can cope with and can be difficult to calm down. With this in mind, does lavender calm dogs?
Well known for its incredible calming properties for humans, lavender oil is one of the best natural, dog-safe anxiety treatments to use with a nervous, depressed or hyperactive pup - and is also an excellent sleep aid if your dog has insomnia. It can be used to condition dogs to a safe space too.
Lavender's calming sedative-like effects were proven in a 2006 study with dogs who had a history of car ride anxiety which found that they spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing when exposed to the scent.
Another study in a dog shelter where dog collars were impregnated with lavender showed similar calming results. A more recent dog shelter study also confirmed lavenders ability to calm and quieten dogs, who spent more time resting and less time walking around and barking.
Is your dog always scratching? It’s possible they may have allergic dermatitis. A powerful natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil can help soothe your pet's red, irritated and itchy skin. Together with its anti-bacterial properties, lavender can also be useful for sun or skin burns, small cuts and wounds and bug bites. It even helps soothe and restore dry skin.
If your dog is experiencing any pain, whether it be stiff, arthritic joints or from an injury, lavender essential oil can help here too. Many human studies such as this one have shown it to be effective at helping to relieve pain.
While lavender essential oil won’t kill bugs, they absolutely hate the smell – on both humans and dogs. So, if your dog has an issue with fleas and ticks, or is attacked by mosquitos or gnats whenever you head outside, spraying on some diluted lavender oil will help chase pests away.
Lavender’s benefits don’t stop at its medicinal properties. Its gentle floral aroma is also a very effective way to stop pet odor in its tracks. Lavender has a great scent that you will love too.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven To Naturally Get Rid Of Anxiety And Stress - Quickly And Safely - Read More
It takes just one or two sniffs of lavender oil to quickly get absorbed into the bloodstream and start working within seconds. But remember that lavender essential oil is very potent. While you can safely take a few sniffs direct out of the bottle and it’s even gentle enough to be applied directly onto your skin, you have to be a lot more cautious with your pet.
There are however many dog-safe ways you can use lavender essential oil for your furry friend…
Diffusing is one of the simplest ways to create a calming and comforting environment for your anxious, depressed or overactive pet, but it’s important that you don’t overdo it.
For humans, it’s recommended that you don’t diffuse for longer than an hour at a time. For your much smaller companion, you should reduce this to 10 minutes a session followed by a 30-minute break. Start off with just one or two drops of lavender essential oil in a water-based diffuser, then check with your vet if the size, age and health of your pet can handle more.
If you’re already regularly diffusing essential oils in your home, you need to be aware that your normal ‘human’ dilution levels are probably way too strong for your dog, and you could be using oils which are not recommended for pets – both of which can cause long term harm to your furry friend. Use pet-safe oils like lavender, keep doors open so that rooms are well aerated, and dilution levels low.
If you’re at all unsure, a safer option is to use a reed diffuser or light a lavender essential oil candle both of which just circulate the healing aroma of lavender essential oil without dispersing any water droplets in the air.
Before you apply lavender oil to your dog’s fur or skin, be sure to properly dilute it first.
A safe bet is starting with a single drop of lavender essential oil in 50 drops of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut, almond or jojoba oil. Another rough guideline is to add about 3-6 drops of essential oil to 1 fluid oz. (6 teaspoons) of carrier oil – varying the amount of oil depending upon the breed, size, age and health of your dog. If you’re unsure about dilution levels for your pet, it’s best to consult your vet to be safe rather than sorry.
A gentle massage with diluted lavender oil can help ease any joint pain as well as soothe irritated and itchy skin. You can also place a drop on the back of the neck and the base of the tail to effectively repel ticks and fleas, and other pests. Otherwise apply a little of the dilution to your hands and lightly massage it onto your dog’s neck and back.
Holistic vets also use anti-bacterial lavender infusions to wash out wounds, treat burns and reduce itchiness and scratching. Simply make a lavender tea rinse using 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in 8 fluid oz. of boiling water, allow to steep for a few minutes, and apply.
While lavender oil may be safe to bring into contact with dogs, people often ask, is lavender oil safe for dogs to breath? Again, the answer is yes - and exposing your dog to the oil through direct inhalation brings many health benefits. It’s pretty easy to introduce lavender into your dog’s environment so they can safely inhale it without the scent being too strong or invasive for their little bodies or sensitive noses.
To help soothe anxious dogs just before they go on a car ride or trip to the vet, and those who struggle to sleep, are depressed or need calming down, simply add a couple drops of your diluted lavender oil to your dog’s collar, or on a neck bandana; on a cotton ball placed next to their bed or carrier - or directly onto their bedding.
If your pet is into cuddly toys, you can even add the adorable heatable Lavender Lucky The Dog to their love objects – while giving them the benefits of lavender too.
Otherwise, try this calming pet bed filled with high quality lavender buds which, when warmed in the microwave, not only help your dog to calm down and sleep better, but the moist warmth together with healing lavender aromatherapy can also help a pooch in pain. And because you’re using the safer and gentler option of lavender flower aromatherapy as opposed to the highly concentrated oil, you’re far less likely to accidentally OD your dog. It helps that it looks super-cute too.
Instead of applying lavender essential oil direct to your dog’s collar or bedding, a far more convenient option is to make your own mist spray. Start slowly with one or two drops of lavender essential oil in 4 fluid oz. of distilled water in a glass spray bottle, and then gradually increase the dosage over time.
A mist spray can multitask as a bedding spray, be applied to the dog’s neck and back as a tick and flea repellent, used on small wounds or skin irritations, or as a room deodorizer (it will also smell nice on you too!).
When treating your dog with lavender essential oil, carefully and gently is the name of the game. Here’s some simple dog-safe precautions to take before and when you use lavender oil on your pet…
Always Speak to Your Holistic Vet First: Before you use lavender essential oil on your dog, check in with your vet to make sure there won’t be any interactions with any other products or treatments. They’ll also be able to advise on the correct dilution levels and usage instructions specifically for your pet – this is especially important if you have a pregnant, sick or aged dog, or a puppy under 10 weeks.
Check If They Like It: You don’t like every scent you smell, so it’s also possible your dog won’t either. Give your furry friend a chance to sniff a little diffused or diluted lavender oil (pure is too potent) and see how they react. If he turns away, runs out of the room or rubs his nose in the carpet, chances are that it’s either not diluted enough or a non-starter.
Only Use a Diluted Pure High-Grade Essential Oil: A high-quality brand of lavender essential oil is an absolute non-negotiable to avoid any unintentional poisoning. And always dilute to take the size, age and health of your pet into account. Again, consult your vet if you have any questions.
Start Slowly: When using lavender essential oil on your dog, always start with diluting at the lowest possible dose and gradually work your way up. Always check carefully for any side effects, signs of discomfort or allergic reactions - excessive scratching, sniffing, nervousness or whining are all signs to watch for - so you can either adjust the dosage or stop using the oil.
Spot Check on Skin: If using topically, it’s always better to apply a little diluted lavender oil on your dogs’ neck and leave for 24 hours to check for any reactions before use, particularly if your pet has sensitive skin.
Never use oils near your dog’s eyes, mouth, nose, or genital area.
Never use undiluted essential oil on your pet.
Never allow your dog to ingest essential oil by licking or accidentally - always store essential oils and dilutions in a safe space where your dog won’t be able to reach them. Do not add to your pet’s food or water.
Never combine lavender with other essential oils unless you have checked with your vet that they are also pet-safe.
Lavender is one of the gentlest oils and so could also be safe to use with your cat. However, to be absolutely sure, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified practitioner on safe dosage levels beforehand.
The Many Uses Of Lavender Oil You Probably Want To Know About – Read More
While the process may all sound a little overwhelming at first, if you’re looking for the best pet-safe essential oil for your fur baby, you can rest assured that lavender is arguably one of the safest and gentlest oils to use for your dog…
]]>It’s happened. You’ve taken every precaution possible. But your nose is all blocked up, you have a sore, scratchy throat and can’t stop coughing. You’ve got a cold. Maybe a sinus infection. Or even worse – the flu…
Most of us immediately rush off to stock up with a basket full of goodies – cold and flu meds, cough drops, Vicks Vapor Rub, nasal sprays, among many other drugstore medications promising to help.
But what if you only need one powerful natural remedy in your medicine cabinet?
Eucalyptus essential oil is a little miracle multi-tasker that can help relieve not only one or two, but can treat all of your cold, flu and sinus symptoms. Even better, it can actually help stop them before they even catch hold. And as an added bonus, it also boosts your immunity to help prevent you catching them again.
Perhaps it’s time to turn to eucalyptus essential oil – a simple yet proven all-natural home remedy – to help get rid of (and even prevent) a cold, the flu or sinus congestion this winter…
The symptoms of both a cold and the flu are similar in many respects but there are distinct signs you have either one or the other.
The main difference is that cold symptoms are generally milder than flu – sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, a wet cough, sore throat, possibly a headache, minor body aches plus a general rundown feeling. It normally lasts for 3-7 days. A severe cold can sometimes morph into a nasty secondary case of bronchitis or a sinus infection, and symptoms will then linger for much longer.
Unlike a cold which starts off slowly and can worsen over time, flu strikes very quickly and more severely. You feel feverish, have the chills and sweats, your body aches all over and you experience severe fatigue. Other signs are a dry cough, sore throat, headaches, blocked sinuses and a stuffy nose.
Like most respiratory tract infections, a common cold and flu are caused by viruses. A virus cannot survive without a living host which is why they invade your body – basically they need you to stay alive. Once they’re there, they multiply and result in an infection.
Unfortunately, locking ourselves up in the cold winter months with little to no fresh air creates the perfect environment for cold and flu viruses to take hold. The most important thing to know about viruses is that they can only be treated by immunization or antiviral drugs.
On the other hand, if you have an infection caused by bacteria, as in the case of a sinus infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. But unfortunately, these don’t work for colds or flu as they are caused by viruses, not bacteria. The only time antibiotics are sometimes prescribed is to treat secondary infections such as sinus congestion or an ear infection, and bacterial pneumonia.
So, if you’ve missed the flu shot this winter and are not protected, what are you supposed to do if you suddenly get struck down with the dreaded bug?
The bottom line is that you pretty much have to wait out both a cold and flu until the virus has run its course. This can range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending upon the person and severity of the infection. Not something you want to hear…
And yes - the many cold and flu non-prescription medications can help reduce and ease the symptoms. But that’s all they do - ease the symptoms. They can however be useful to minimize the risks and ease the severity of all sorts of other secondry ailments such as a sinusitis infections, a sore throat or cough and bronchitis which can arise when cold and flu viruses have gone a bit rampant.
There are also flu antiviral drugs which can be prescribed by a medical practitioner, but these are generally used for high-risk cases where serious health complications could arise. In fact, one of the best things you can do is to not infect anyone else. Coughing and sneezing, direct physical contact with infected individuals and contaminated surfaces, food, and water all play a role in passing on the virus.
The frustrations we all have with these ailments are real. After all, we just want some way to get rid of our colds, flu or blocked sinuses, and aside from some temporary relief from non-prescription meds, it seems that this is not possible.
But there is hope. Eucalyptus essential oil is home remedy that can help more than you think…
Eucalyptus essential oil – and in particular, its major component 1,8-cineole –has highly effective powerful and proven antimicrobial properties. That means it has triple-action bug fighting powers – it can not only attack certain viruses like cold and flu, but also kills off bacteria that can cause secondary infections like congested sinuses.
Plus, the antispasmodic, mucolytic and expectorant properties of eucalyptus oil for colds help calm a cough, clear blocked sinuses and loosen mucus to allow you breathe more easily. By clearing up lung and nasal congestion, eucalyptus oil can also help relieve fever symptoms. It has even been found to help respiratory tract complications such as bronchitis.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, this study found it also acts as a painkiller by reducing swelling and increasing blood flow to relieve headaches, sore throats, muscle pain, fever and an aching body. And it does all of this while boosting the immune system to help you recover quicker. Which is exactly what you need when you’re struggling with those terrible cold, flu and sinus symptoms…
Eucalyptus is not only effective, but it works fast as well. This study found that an oil and water mix totally halted the flu virus in its tracks. Another study found that eucalyptus and tea tree oils rendered an airborne flu virus completely inactive within 5–10 minutes of contact.
And this study showed that eucalyptus not only deactivated the cold sore virus, but more importantly, it found that, if caught early enough, exposure to eucalyptus killed most of virus spores before they even had a chance to enter the host body (that’s you).
This suggests that you should start with eucalyptus oil as early as possible - preferably within the first 2 days when you feel any twinges or sniffles coming on. Even better, if someone around you is already ill, start diffusing eucalyptus to kill off the airborne virus before it even gets to you.
Imagine being able to get through winter with no sign of a cold or flu at all…
20 Incredible Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil That Seem Too Good to Be True – Read More
By far the best thing for you and your family is to avoid catching cold and flu in the first place. Start with regularly diffusing eucalyptus oil as well as disinfecting surfaces to stop the spread of the virus before it even catches hold. But if you’ve already succumbed to a bug, how you use eucalyptus oil depends on what you are trying to treat.
Diffusing or steam inhalation is best if you want to dislodge mucus, clear your airways and sinuses - and get rid of a nasty cough. Eucalyptus oil can also be used as a rub to treat muscle pain and headaches as well as clear a congested chest. It has a soothing, cooling sensation that helps relieve soreness and discomfort. You can use either or both methods depending upon your symptoms.
Good for: Prevention of colds and flu, dry cough, congested sinuses, sore or irritated throat, mucus, stuffy or blocked nose.
Diffuser:
One of the best ways to use diffusing is as a preventative measure. Simply add 5-8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your diffuser. Try and do this within the first two days of being exposed to a family member, friend or work colleague with any cold, flu or sinus symptoms.
Alternatively, you can regularly diffuse eucalyptus oil in your home or office for about 30 minutes to an hour each day to help prevent the spread of these airborne viruses during the winter cold and flu season.
Diffusing eucalyptus essential oil does however also help once you’ve already caught the bug and want to ease the symptoms, especially right before you go to bed and need a good night’s sleep.
And if you don’t have a diffuser, you can also use an essential oil burner with 3-6 drops of eucalyptus oil to do the same job.
Humidifier:
A humidifier is a good option if you want to inhale for a long period of time to provide ongoing relief during the day or overnight. All it need is 25 drops of eucalyptus essential oil added to the water.
Steam Inhalation:
Perfect for the treatment of blocked sinuses, congested lungs, a dry cough or a sore, irritated throat, add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Place your face over the bowl and throw a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe in the healing vapors for about 5-10 minutes and repeat every three hours for up to three days.
The oil reacts with mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough it up. Just be cautious about using too many drops as this can actually cause mucous production to go into overdrive, and also be irritating to the eyes, throat and lungs.
Bath/Shower:
A bath or shower can provide the same benefits of steam inhalation but without any of the hassle.
Simply add a few drops or eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath and inhale the steam while relaxing. Because oil and water don’t mix, you first need to dilute the oil. The easiest way to do this is by mixing 5 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 tablespoon of a foaming product such as bubble bath or unscented/baby shampoo, or liquid castile soap (1% dilution), and adding it after the bath has been run. Luxury bath salts infused with pure eucalyptus oil are a simpler option and will achieve the same result but with a little bit of much-needed added indulgence.
A long, hot shower can also be your own built-in steam room. To avoid water draining away the benefits of the oil, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the shower walls away from the spray.
Handkerchief/Kleenex:
This method is great if you’re at the office or otherwise away from home. Simply apply 1-2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil on a handkerchief or kleenex to sniff at regular intervals.
You can also tuck it inside your pillow case for ongoing all-night relief. Or spoil your pillow case (and yourself) with a eucalyptus sachet blended with soothing lavender to not only clear up your stuffy nose but also help you sleep like a baby.
29 Powerful Eucalyptus Oil Uses You Need To Guarantee A Healthy Home And Family – Read More
Good for: Blocked nose and sinuses, mucus, coughs, fever, headaches, aches and pains.
Vapor Rub Balm:
Because eucalyptus essential oil is highly concentrated, it needs to be diluted before applying it to your skin. Blend eucalyptus with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba or sweet almond oil - usually 2-5 drops for every 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. But you can also mix and bottle your own homemade vapor rub with five simple ingredients.
Applying the essential oil rub onto the chest, neck or under the nose is ideal for helping to clear the airways, reducing the severity of a cough and loosening mucus so that when you do cough, it’s expelled. And to ease a persistent headache, simply apply to the temples or back of the neck.
A eucalyptus essential oil balm can also be used for an all-over massage to help ease a fever and all those muscular aches and pains commonly associated with flu. Or you could try a spa favorite - a rich, luxurious eucalyptus massage oil.
If you need to clear out your sinuses, another reflexology technique is to massage eucalyptus oil into the balls of your feet, focusing on the base of your three middle toes.
Hot or Cold Compress:
If surrounding yourself with steam doesn’t appeal, then try a hot compress. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of warm water. Thoroughly soak a washcloth and wring out excess water. Apply to chest and repeat as required.
A cold compress can also provide relief for painful sinuses. Follow the same steps as above using lukewarm to cold water. Apply the compress to the face especially over the forehead, cheeks and around the jaw line. A cold compress can also be used to reduce a fever.
A simple and convenient solution that offers both hot and cold compress options is a ready-made eucalyptus spa pillow mask to use on the face, or a eucalyptus spa wrap or cuddle blankie for use anywhere on the body. All can either be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer.
8 Essential Oils To Help Reduce A Fever: Powerful Natural Remedies With Surprising Results – Read More
Good for: Prevention of and killing active cold and flu viruses
One of the best things you can do for colds and flu is to stop the spread of the virus before it has time to catch up with you or any of your family. The powerful bug busting properties of eucalyptus, particularly on these airborne viruses, can make this a breeze.
For a simple disinfectant spray, add 10 to 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to 500ml of water in a spray bottle. Shake before use, and start spraying to get rid of the cold or flu viruses floating around your home.
Clean all kitchen surfaces, tables, floors and even your children’s toys. Then use a eucalyptus essential oil spray in the heat pump or air conditioner vents, or to just purify and freshen a room. Opt for burning a decorative eucalyptus candle to chase all those nasties away. And use eucalyptus body lotion on your arms and hands to reduce the chance of a virus transferring onto your skin by touch. You get the picture. Prevention is easier than cure.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Best Use Essential Oils – Read More
While eucalyptus essential oil is able to treat most, if not all, of the symptoms of a cold or the flu, its most powerful ability is to help stop these common winter ailments before they even start. This simple all-natural home remedy is everything you need to get through winter with no sign of colds, coughs, flu or sinus congestion at all…
CAUTIONARY NOTES & SIDE EFFECTS
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use eucalyptus essential oil. There are certain people who should avoid it altogether, including babies, young children, pregnant women, those with epilepsy or high blood pressure, and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
When using with older children, always dilute and reduce dosages to one drop of eucalyptus per teaspoon of carrier oil, and avoid using it on their faces, as it is potent and can be irritating. For the same reason, sensitive skin users should proceed with caution. If in doubt, patch test a couple of drops on the upper inside arm for 24 hours. Otherwise stick to diffusing or compresses which are the safest routes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>The world of essential oils is vast, intriguing, and honestly, a touch overwhelming. You’ve scoured the net for hours searching for practical ways to use them in your everyday life. Yet you still have very little idea about what oils to use or how to use them…
If you only have room for one essential oil in your life, then use lavender oil. Arguably the most versatile oil you can find, lavender essential oil is truly an astonishing multi-tasker with amazing healing properties. Most well-known for helping you sleep and calming the body and mind, lavender oil has so many other uses - from caring for your skin and hair to home cleaning - and even as part of your go-to essential oil first-aid kit.
Ready to explore how to use lavender oil for you, your family and your home? Find out why you need this little miracle in a bottle to make your day - and life - so much easier…
It’s not often that you can find one solution to sort out a whole bunch of your personal health and beauty issues. That’s what makes lavender one of the most powerful essential oils.
Renowned for its ability to help you dramatically sleep better and calm anxious thoughts, lavender oil also contains many healing properties that not only help clear up acne and eczema but also reverse signs of aging skin. The benefits of this pretty purple flower also extend to promoting a healthy head of hair.
Here’s how to use lavender oil’s multipurpose magic to make your life better. The fact that it smells nice enough to use as a scent is an unexpected bonus…
1. Reduce Anxiety and Stress
You’re a tightly wound-up stress ball - anxious about not having enough time/conflict at work/ taking on too much/family problems/an unhealthy lifestyle or any other major life changes (delete whichever is not applicable). No wonder you’re stressed, irritable and grumpy…
Time to use lavender. Within a few minutes of diffusing a few drops of lavender essential oil you’ll begin to feel the calm. Or add a few drops of lavender oil to a warm foot soak to clear the mind. And ease away those worries by relaxing with a warming lavender neck pillow to improve your mood and soothe the soul.
2. Fix Acne, Scars, Eczema And Dry, Aging Skin
Problems with those not-so-nice acne breakouts, ageing or dry skin, or even eczema? Or maybe you’ve got an allergic rash, a scar you’d like to disappear, or chapped lips or hands? Try using that brilliant little multi-tasker - lavender oil - to help fix a whole bunch of skin problems.
Use a few drops of lavender essential oil added to an all-natural, unscented moisturizer or a ready-made lavender body lotion is all it takes to help dry or ageing skin. Dip a Q-tip into 5 drops of lavender oil in 1 teaspoon of warm water and hold onto a pimple for a few minutes. Regularly repeat until you zap that zit.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil and regularly massage onto your scars and eczema prone areas. Use the same mixture to also help heal a rash and get rid of chapped lips.
Lavender Essential Oil: A Potent Skin Care Product Your Skin Probably Needs – Read More
3. Double Duty Lavender Deodorant & Scent
Are you looking for a more natural alternative to your normal underarm deodorant? That’s easy. Just apply a couple of drops of lavender oil mixed with coconut oil to keep you smelling fresh - and relaxed - the whole day.
And if you like a fresh floral scent, swap out your normal scent for lavender. Dab a drop of oil behind your ears and onto your wrists. How to keep calm and smell great in one simple step…
4. For Hair Health And Growth
You’re not having much luck treating your dry and itchy scalp. Maybe you are starting to lose more hair than normal and can’t figure out what to do. Or the kids have picked up lice at school and you don’t want it to spread? No problem…
Lavender oil benefits as part of a stimulating head massage can help to kill lice, their eggs and nits as well as banish dry scalp problems. Even better, there are some small studies showing that using lavender can also stimulate healthy hair growth. So, even though the jury is out on this one, you can still enjoy a blissful head massage in the meantime (who doesn’t?).
Either add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to your normal shampoo or some coconut oil to create a quick and easy hair mask, or massage a few drops of lavender oil directly onto your scalp.
5. Sleep Better Naturally
If you find yourself tossing and turning at night or feeling distinctly lackluster during the day, you’re more than likely suffering from the greatest health problem of the modern world - lack of sleep - specifically deep sleep (that’s the good one).
Lavender essential oil is touted as the reigning queen of sleep and with good reason – there are tons of studies proving that using lavender oil helps you sleep better. Start your night-time ritual by diffusing lavender oil for about an hour in your bedroom to create a sleep oasis. Then lie back, soak, relax and feel oh-so good in a tub of warm water generously sprinkled with lavender bath salts. To seal the deal, mist your pillows with a lavender linen spray and rub a few drops of lavender oil onto the soles of your feet to guarantee those high quality zzz’s.
Proven: Lavender Essential Oil Can Absolutely Help You Sleep Better – Read More
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must for every home, especially when you have kids. An antiseptic cream and headache tablets - check. An antihistamine and some mentholated deep heat pain and cramp relieving rub - check. Cold and flu medication in winter and a sunburn relief spray for summer - check. And so the list goes on…
But what if you found out that one natural alternative can replace all these - and more? Lavender essential oil with its powerful healing properties is about to come your new family favorite first aid cure-all…
6. Bug Bites, Burns, Cuts & Scars
A quick dab of lavender essential oil soothes bug bites and stings, relieves itching and reduces any swelling. Use a few drops of lavender oil on minor burns and scalds to avoid the formation of blisters and lessen the pain. Lavender also stops bleeding whilst soothing small wounds, cuts and scrapes – plus it reduces scarring. It can even help treat cold sores.
And while prevention is better, sunburn can happen to anyone. Lavender oil cools the skin and soothes away any puffiness, soreness, and redness. Mix a few drops with aloe vera gel for a double dose of relief.
7. Headaches, Arthritis, Cramps, Muscle & Joint Pain
Apply a few drops uses for lavender oil onto the temples, below the jawline and onto the forehead to ease a headache. And if it’s brought on by stress, try a lavender neck pillow to reduce neck tension and pain. A therapeutic rub down with lavender massage oil followed by a hot lavender bubble bath also effectively relieves sore muscles, sprains, aching joints and backaches.
Fast-track your pain relief by using a lavender infused spa mask or body wrap as a hot or cold compress. Heat helps soothe arthritis and stiff joints, relax your muscles, and ease spasms and cramps. Cold helps numb sharp pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. All your aches and pains done and dusted.
5 Powerful Essential Oils to Help Ease Headaches and Migraines Naturally (And When to Use Them) – Read More
8. Allergies, Colds, Flu & Fever
A stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing or a scratchy throat? Add 4-6 drops of lavender oil to boiling water, throw a towel over your head, and breathe in the healing effects of the purple flower.
For lasting relief from sinus pressure and pain, use steam inhalation together with a few lavender oil drops rubbed onto your top lip, the forehead, temples and the back of your neck. And if your allergies are driving you mad, one of the best remedies is to simply sniff lavender essential oil straight out of the bottle to stop that incessant sneezing.
When a fever hits, lavender can also work wonders. Soak a washcloth in a few drops of lavender oil diluted in lukewarm water, and gently wash the forehead, neck and trunk to cool down the body. Or chill a lavender infused spa blankie in the freezer for an hour or so, and cover the entire body. Sweet cooling relief.
7 Powerful Essential Oils To Offer You Quick Relief From Irritating Allergies – Read More
9. Fungal Infections
If you’ve ever had athlete’s foot, ringworm or thrush, then you know all about fungal infections. Commonly making an appearance after you’ve been exposed to a warm moist environment, they can be a nuisance but most are harmless.
Daily doses of lavender essential oil - a natural antifungal - rubbed into the infected skin or onto the nails can help clear them up. Or soak your feet in lavender-infused water to ease the irritation, moisturize and heal.
Scent is one of the first things that people notice about your home. And for most of us, our house smells best right after we clean. Except between the kids, cooking, pets and your family just living their everyday lives, it can quickly revert to smelling like a mix of garbage disposal, gym socks and wet dog.
Enter sweet-smelling lavender. Using the essential oil is the simplest and smartest way to freshen up your laundry, your home and your life without constantly having to use artificial room freshening sprays. And it even chases away bugs…
10. Natural Fabric Refresher And Deodorizer
One of the most wonderful smells in the world is freshly laundered clothes. Add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil to your washing machine to not only kill odor-causing bacteria during the wash cycle, but for its great fresh scent. Or add a few drops to a clean cloth and use it like a dyer sheet to naturally deodorize your laundry. Also use lavender oil to freshen up your fabrics while ironing by adding a couple of drops to the water in your iron.
If your sheets, linens or towels have taken on a slightly musty smell after they’ve been in the closet for a while, simply refresh them with a spritz of lavender linen water. You can also restore a fresh clean smell to your sofa fabric, curtains and bedding by lightly misting them with a lavender spray mist.
11. Natural Bug Repellent
Flying insects (especially mosquitos) hate the smell of lavender, making it a much safer option than chemically based insect repellents. Plant lavender close to windows and doors, or scatter dried lavender floral arrangements around the house.
Hang pretty lavender sachets above open windows to repel bugs and catch a waft of lavender every time you enter a room. Spritz your mattress and bedding with lavender linen spray to keep bed bugs away. Slip lavender sachets between your sweaters, hang them in closets and use a handy lavender sachet liner in your drawers to chase away moths and other bugs.
You can even use lavender essential oil diluted in a carrier oil to rub onto your arms and legs as a natural bug repellent.
Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Bites Too!) – Read More
12. Natural Home And Room Deodorizer
Lavender doesn’t just have a pretty face - its pleasing smell can help freshen up your entire house. Arrange some dried lavender flowers in a vase or display a few lavender sachets in the bathroom for effective deodorizing where you need it most.
Or add 5 or 6 drops of lavender oil to some baking soda in a pretty jar and place anywhere where smells lurk (like the garbage can or laundry hamper). Just shake the jar to refresh. Using a mix of baking soda and lavender oil is also a very effective pet stain and odor remover. Just sprinkle a little onto the offending spot, let sit for half an hour, then vacuum.
Using cotton ball perfume bombs is an old hack, but it really works. Add a few drops of lavender oil to cotton balls and tuck them out of sight wherever you need them - between sofa cushions, in the A/C panel, behind furniture - wherever you want a little whiff of pleasure. You can even place them inside your vacuum bag to spread the scent throughout your house.
Lavender sachets are also pretty air fresheners. Slip them into flower arrangements, hang them onto lamps - the heat helps diffuse the scent - or tie them onto your air vent so the scent wafts through the room as the air blows.
And no home décor would be complete without some gorgeous candles and eye-catching diffusers which gently disperse the wonderful scent of lavender throughout your house…
The Many Uses For Dried Lavender You May Not Know – Read More
Can you now see why using lavender should be your first-choice essential oil – and how it can quickly become an indispensable item in your life?
It’s not often we find something so versatile that we can pretty much use it anywhere and everywhere - for ourselves, our family and our homes…
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Use Essential Oils – Read More
]]>The list of Christmas gifts you need to buy seems to get longer every year. Apart from the stress of figuring out ‘what gift to choose for who’, your credit card balance is looking a little sad and you’ve already got moths flying out of your wallet (eek!).
It’s time to get creative with some small, cheap affordable Christmas gift ideas that look expensive – and stunning – but won’t break the budget.
Whether you need a few cheap Xmas gifts for co-workers, Secret Santa ideas, stocking stuffers, a hostess or friend gift, inexpensive gifts for the woman who has everything or just ‘little last-minute presents’ for that special someone, we’ve got you covered with some truly irresistible (but totally affordable) luxurious spa gift spoils for all those special women in your life.
And if you’re already cross-eyed from trawling through holiday gift guides for tons of little things to get for Christmas that just confused you even more, we’ve made it super easy to find the best cheap and thoughtful gift for her. Just match her personality to a scent and you’re good to go…
Is she playful, a romantic and loves all things feminine? Then a lavender gift is for her. Or opt for eucalyptus if she’s active and sporty with a laid-back view on life. For the chilled-out, fun loving, breath-of-fresh-air woman in your life, choose Ocean Aire. And Timber Lake is perfectly suited to that special someone who is warm, bold and sophisticated.
With these awesome spa gift ideas that are cheap but still look gorgeous, you're about to pull the perfect Christmas present out of thin air. Best of all, they’re all under $50, with many under $30…
The luxurious spoil of a lavender-infused oh-so-soft faux fur spa mask calms the eyes, ease away pain, lightens those worries and helps her slip into a deep, relaxing sleep.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
To lift the spirit or soothe the mind, this lavender-infused soy candle beautifully presented in a glass jar with a wooden lid will add an air of understated luxury to any home.
🎁 Buy It Here: $17.95
Simply too gorgeous to hide away, this stunning heart sachet can also be used as a décor piece in a bedroom or guest bathroom to instantly freshen up the space.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
A gorgeous but inexpensive gift set with a trio of pure lavender oil infused goodies. An indulgent treat of creamy, hand-poured soap, a soy-blend candle, and a fragrant sachet.
🎁 Buy It Here: $27.45
The ultimate in relaxing indulgence. Deluxe hand-poured lavender-infused bath salts will not only calm her mind but also soften and soothe her skin.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
The cutest-of-cute heart shaped box with 6 irresistible mini heart-shaped lavender guest soaps enriched with the natural, luxurious goodness of coconut oil and 100% pure lavender essential oil.
🎁 Buy It Here: $15.00
Refreshes revive and invigorates the body & mind…
Exquisitely hand-poured and hand-cut, these eucalyptus-infused soaps are rich in antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin. A creamy velvety treat for both the hands and body.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
An all-in-one exfoliator, moisturizer and detoxifier with sea salts and a fresh and invigorating eucalyptus aroma that will help pep her up and feel newly energized.
🎁 Buy It Here: $23.95
This stylish bliss-inducing eucalyptus spa mask in soft cuddle fabric is perfect for when it's time to slow down for a restful, refreshing break from the daily routine.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
Adorable, cuddly and all-around cute, Freddy the eucalyptus frog can be warmed up for a loving huggable fragrant treat for both the young and not-so-young.
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.95
Spoil her with a refreshing and energizing at-home spa experience. Eucalyptus-infused bath salts help relieve achy muscles, restore energy and clear the mind.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
The clean, crisp scent of eucalyptus is embodied in a skin-loving soap. A fun and striking signature piece for a bathroom, beautifully gift-wrapped in organza and bow. Also comes in a fun frog shape. Great stocking stuffer gifts any woman would love.
🎁 Buy It Here: $6.95
Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Her 2023: Pampering Spa Gifts Any Woman Will Absolutely Adore - Read More
A brisk, clean bracing memory of the sea and sandy shores…
Chic and stylish spa mask that can be heated or chilled to refresh and revive tired eyes after a long hard day. A luxurious spa treatment at home that she’ll adore.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
Give her the gift of choice. A fun-filled treat filled with 4 ways to experience the clean fresh Ocean Aire scent - a soy wax candle, bath salts with mini seashells, scented soap and a mini bag of infused bath salts.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
Freshen up any room with a classy and stylish diamond-etched glass candle infused with the clean, brisk and breezy Ocean Aire scent.
🎁 Buy It Here: $23.95
A spritz or two of the brisk, fresh Ocean Aire scent is just the thing to freshen up her bathroom with the whiff of crisp, clean and breezy seaside memories.
🎁 Buy It Here: $27.95
A full three feet of stunning eye candy. A variety of refreshingly brisk scented seashell and starfish sachets to hang on the wall, in the closet or cut for individual use.
🎁 Buy It Here: $32.95
One of the best stocking stuffer ideas for her. Liven up any bathroom with a gorgeous seashell soap infused with the clean, fresh Ocean Aire scent that will delight both her and her guests.
🎁 Buy It Here: $6.95
The warm heady essence of sugar pine, frankincense and myrrh…
A refined aromatic experience perfect for filling a home with a woodsy holiday warmth. Release the scent of sugar pine with notes of frankincense and myrrh.
🎁 Buy It Here: $27.95
Never has getting a little shut-eye been so luxurious. Soothe her to sleep with a faux fur spa mask infused with the warm woodsy scent of Timber Lake.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
An enticing potpourri of four Timber Lake goodies - a soy votive candle, a fragrant sugar pine & cinnamon sachet, a bath salts sachet and mini soap.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
]]>Whether it’s a stress-relieving massage, an uplifting facial or a little foot pampering bliss, a relaxing spa treatment has to be the ultimate in self-care. For many of us, a spa-day spoil the ultimate way to pamper ourselves so much so that it has now become part of our regular wellness routines – which in today’s world is something we could all use...
The best bit? You can create your very own DIY self-care at home spa day without needing a whole bunch of stuff. Apart from some wonderfully indulgent spa product essentials and kits, all you need is your bath (or shower), a few ideas on the spa treatments you need, and before you know it, your face, feet, hair, body - and stressed-out mind - will be thanking you…
Here's a checklist of 10 easy spa treatments to help you create a blissful pampering DIY spa day retreat at home - whether you choose to indulge in them all in one day, or just add a few to your self-care Sunday routine…
1. Scrub From Head To Toe
For starters, a stimulating and rejuvenating all-over scrub is one at home spa treat all our bodies can do with. Body scrubs don’t just make your skin look and feel fantastic, but have other benefits too.
Besides removing the buildup of old dead cells which dull and clog up your skin, the rubbing action itself helps drain and detox your lymph nodes and boosts the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the skin to give you a healthier glow. Exfoliation also speeds up skin cell renewal and helps other skin products penetrate deeper, so makes everything work better all round.
Grab some salt scrub infused with skin-loving lavender, mix with a little coconut oil, and then gently rub in circular motions from head to toe, paying special attention to any rough spots. Finish off with a luxurious lavender body lotion for a deep drink of moisture for your skin.
2. Have An Invigorating Aromatherapy Shower
If you aren’t much of a bath person, you can actually create a wonderful at home spa-like experience in your shower. Adding the brisk, refreshing scent of eucalyptus is guaranteed to give you an instant boost of energy, clear your mind, and ease away all that stress…
Hanging a fresh sprig of eucalyptus leaves in your shower is an Insta-popular trend that not only creates a brilliant spa vibe in your bathroom, but the heat also releases the fresh healing scent that’s perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Otherwise, just scatter a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your shower wall (away from the water spray) and let it do its magic. End your shower by turning the water onto cold for 30 seconds to kick your circulation into gear and for a big burst of endorphins (the happy hormones).
Finish off with a luxuriously rich and reviving body lotion, and you’ll quickly find that any anxiety will soon be a thing of the past. Literally like smelling a breath of fresh air…
3. Flood Your Face With Steam
What with the daily assault of dust, pollution and makeup, steaming your face is a great way to get rid of all that grime and clean the gunk out of your pores.
For a spa-like steam treatment at home, simply fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils. Choose mix of lavender and tea tee oil for oily, acne prone skin, or lavender and rosehip essential oils for a dry skin. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl for a few minutes to allow the steam to softly penetrate and decongest your skin, leaving it nicely plump and hydrated.
Seal in all the goodness with a DIY face moisturizing cream that’s worthy of any spa - and so easy to make. Combine ¾ cup of unrefined virgin coconut oil, 20 - 30 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (extract from Vitamin E oil or cod liver oil capsules). Mix well until texture becomes creamy and store in a glass jar. A serious burst of pampering healthy goodness for your skin…
These Powerful Benefits Are Why You Need Lavender Essential Oil For Skin – Read More
4. Refresh Tired And Tattered Feet
Often the most sadly neglected part of our bodies, your feet deserve a much-needed pampering spa day treat from time to time - especially if they are prone to drying and cracking - and even more so after a strenuous bout of exercise.
Start off with a soothing foot soak. Toss a handful of lavender bath salts into a bowl of warm water and let your feet bliss out while you catch up on some Netflix. Once the water chills, move onto a soothing foot mask for a little bit of heat and healing at the same time. Slather your feet with a generous amount of luxurious lavender foot balm, cover with some cozy faux fur spa booties warmed in the microwave for a treat both you and your feet will love.
5. Soothe Sore And Achy Muscles
Whether you are suffering from sore muscles post workout or even in need of some pain relief from stiff joints or back pain, the healing power of eucalyptus essential oil can help make everything better. Consider this a shortcut to a mini spa aromatherapy massage plus a little bit of heat therapy to help ease away all tose aches and pains.
Grab some eucalyptus infused massage oil and using circular motions, gently work it into your muscles and joints. Follow this with the moist heat of a eucalyptus heat wrap for about 10-15 minutes and you’ll feel the discomfort and tension simply melt away. Best of all? It will not only re-energize your body but also soothe your mind.
The Astonishing Benefits Of Aromatherapy Massage For Your Body (And Mind) – Read More
6. Give Your Hands Some Extra TLC
When your hands are as dry as the Mojave Desert and your cuticles are looking a touch shabby, it’s time for some intensive at home spa therapy to bring them back to life.
Hands also love the soothing moisturizing heat treatment you did for your feet. Scoop up a generous dollop of luxurious lavender hand cream, using circular motions to apply it your hands and nails to soothe and repair. You can also squeeze in a quick bonus massage as you work the cream into your hands.
Then slip them into the lavender infused warmth of a pair of spa mittens, locking in the heat to allow the lavender and other oils to really penetrate your skin, leaving your hands as soft as a baby’s butt. Get both the hand cream and mittens together in a convenient at home spa kit. An easy way to add some pampering self-care to your day…
7. Soothe Sore, Tired, Dry Or Puffy Eyes
You’ve heard of the chilled cucumber slice remedy to help refresh and soothe your eyes, right? But did you know that using essential oils together with a hot or cold compress can give you the same – and often better – result?
Many essential oils are natural anti-inflammatories and so can act a bit like headache pills for your eyes. Just toss a lavender spa mask into the freezer, light some candles, put on some relaxing music and lie back with the mask covering your eyes for about 10 minutes. It will not only soothe and cool tired, sore eyes, but also help knock back any puffiness you have, shrink under eye bags and reduce dark circles.
Warming up a lavender spa mask in the microwave can also help minimize swollen, puffy eyes, and even provide some relief for dry eyes. The heat from the compress helps the tear glands to work better.
By adding a little diluted lavender essential oil around the eye area, you can then layer in a whole bunch of anti-ageing and wrinkle busting benefits as well. True multipurpose spa magic…
Brilliant At Home Spa Day Party Ideas That'll Really Wow Your Friends – Read More
8. Deep Condition Your Hair
You don’t need to splash out to get a perfect head of hair. Just borrow a popular deep conditioning spa hair treatment to get those lustrous shiny locks you’ve always wanted.
Heat up some nourishing coconut or argan oil, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil and mix well. Gently massage into the scalp, working the blend through the hair to the ends, wrap it in a shower cap for about 30 minutes, and rinse off.
Eucalyptus is known to stimulate the hair follicles and encourage the growth of a full and healthy head of hair. Top that off with the deep conditioning benefits of the oil and, in practically no time, you’ll have beautifully hydrated, soft and gorgeous glossy looking locks. Maybe it’s time to include this all-natural scalp treatment and conditioner in your weekly routine…
9. Take Time For A Relaxing Bath
Instead of rushing through a two-minute shower, find a little me-time to soak in the bath uninterrupted. Step up the ambience with lots of candles, calming music and some bubbly for the ultimate end-of-home-spa-day escape.
Copy Cleopatra’s famous beauty trick by indulging in a nourishing milk bath. The lactic acid in milk softens your skin, and can also help soothe eczema and psoriasis. Add a few cups of whole milk to warm bath water, mix in some drops of lavender oil, and float a few rose petals on top for a pretty spa finishing touch.
Not into milk? Then try lavender bubbles instead. Or a scoop of lavender bath salts. Every which way you’ll be able to lie back, relax, and feel the calming scent of lavender slowly ease away the stress and tensions of your week. Finish off your bath time ritual with a generous layer of lavender body lotion for the softest, smoothest skin.
Otherwise, get all your lavender bath time essentials in one convenient home spa kit. The perfect spa pampering experience with a little touch of lavender heaven…
How Essential Oils Can Actually Boost These Remarkable Benefits of Hot Baths – Read More
10. Prioritize Healthy Sleep
Now that you’re feeling all pampered and relaxed, don’t spoil all your good work by landing up tossing and turning all night. Sleep is arguably the best ever thing you can do for good health, and to make it as high-quality as possible, it’s best to take a little time to unwind before you go to bed.
The value of a regular bedtime ritual should never be underestimated. Set aside a couple of chill-out hours for a relaxing bath, burn a few calming candles, spritz your bed linen with lavender spray and then slip into bed with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. This also means powering off your mobile to give your brain a chance to unwind.
A home spa sweet dreams sleep kit will give you all the goodies you need for some high quality shut-eye. Also consider a weighted spa blankie to help you sleep better. Often compared to a big warm hug – that’s known to calm the nerves - it helps increase your serotonin that makes you feel happy and calm, so you will sleep better. Add in a silk sleep mask to knock out the light and you’ll fall asleep like a baby.
And finally don’t forget the absolute must-have of any spa experience – a super-soft spa robe to wrap yourself in a little bit of pampering ultra-luxe indulgence that’ll make you feel like you’re on cloud nine…
Can’t Sleep? 20 Proven Ways To Help You Naturally Fall Asleep Easily - And Fast – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Although lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils, please use caution when applying any essential oil directly on the skin because this can cause irritation. Be sure to patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours beforehand.
There's a difference between lavender essential oil and lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested. Only use 100% pure essential oils for your skin and face.
]]>At Sonoma Lavender, we all know lavender essential oil for its power to soothe our shattered nerves, and gently lull us into a calming sleep. But did you know that part of its multi-benefit magic is how much it can help repair and restore your skin?
Lavender oil is already widely acknowledged as one of the best essential oils to help heal and mend cuts, wounds and burns. But it also has many other powerful benefits for your skin. No matter if your face is too oily or dry, has acne or wrinkles, dark spots, marks or hyperpigmentation – and even eczema, psoriasis or rosacea – lavender oil is the next best thing to add to your skin care routine. And if all you want is lighter and brighter, gorgeous healthy glowing skin, it can do that too…
Here’s how you can make the most of lavender essential oil’s soothing, smoothing and healing benefits for your skin…
So just how can lavender oil benefit your skin? It turns out this little natural miracle worker can actually help quite a lot…
Lavender essential oil boasts powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that, when working together, offer substantially more benefits for your skin than you probably ever realized.
Got oily skin and acne? Or are you suffering from scars, dark spots or hyperpigmentation problems? And what about dry, rough or itchy skin? Or unwanted wrinkles and sagging, aging skin that needs a little tightening? Lavender essential oil can help.
Its potent natural healing properties even extend to successfully treating troubling skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. It also soothes and heals the worse sunburn and helps treat minor cuts, wounds, burns, rashes and insect bites. And if that’s not enough, lavender oil is also a natural skin lightener and brightener – guaranteeing you that wonderful glowing skin you’ve always wanted.
One of the best and most versatile of all essential oils for your face and skin, lavender calms, soothes, nourishes, repairs, treats, detoxifies, and rebuilds collagen while promoting healing and overall skin health. Its small molecular structure helps it penetrate deep into the skin so supporting healing from the inside out.
Here are the many benefits of lavender oil for skin. Use it to make the best of yours…
1. LAVENDER OIL FOR ACNE AND OILY SKIN
Even though it sounds counter intuitive, using lavender oil to treat oily and blemish-prone skin can be a real face savior. In doing so, it helps clear up pimples and prevents future acne flare ups.
Many people with problem skin try and get rid of all their excess oil by using harsh stripping products. The skin becomes too dry and over compensates by producing even more oil, leading to clogged pores. Together with the acne p. bacteria, this creates the perfect conditions for a breakout.
One of the big benefits of lavender essential oil is that it can actually help by regulating the skin’s oil production and in doing so, keeps the moisture barrier well balanced so that the skin stays perfectly moisturized and doesn’t dry out.
And just like traditional anti-acne products, lavender oil is able to kill off the bacteria that penetrate your pores as well as soothe inflammation, so is an ideal natural solution to not only treating pimples but also help keep them at bay. In fact, a study found that a concentration of 0,25% lavender oil killed off the acne p. bacteria in about 5 minutes.
Another of lavender’s benefits is that it’s non-comedogenic so won’t clog pores, making it a great choice for an oily, acne-prone skin.
Studies also suggest that in times of increased stress and anxiety, people often experience breakouts. It is believed that the increase in acne may be due to higher levels of sebum that are produced in times of stress. Because lavender oil is a powerful stress reliever and helps you relax, it can also reduce stress induced acne.
2. LAVENDER OIL FOR DRY SKIN AND ECZEMA
If you suffer either from dry, flaky skin or itchiness caused by eczema, it’s time to add lavender essential oil to your routine for some much-needed relief. It can even help soothe any pain and itchiness from a mosquito or insect bite.
As lavender essential oil does an excellent job of regulating and balancing your skin’s moisture barrier, it actually prevents it from turning too dry. The skin needs oil to stay well moisturized and keep healthy, soft and smooth. Because it’s one of the gentlest oils, it can be safely used to tackle both face or body skin dryness, either mixed in with a carrier oil or your normal moisturizing cream or lotion.
Just massage some lavender body lotion into those dry spots to promote, smoother itch-free skin. And keep some luxurious lavender hand cream around to regularly moisturize and nourish your hands throughout the day. Just make sure you are using products made with 100% pure essential oil, and not just a lavender scent.
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, lavender oil also calms and soothes the skin, especially chapped and dry skin on the hands and arms, and when you have been bitten by a mosquito or insect. And together with its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it can be a very effective natural treatment to help speed up skin healing and to relieve and ease the itching that comes with eczema and bug bites.
Lavender can be especially beneficial for those people who are sensitive to prescription creams, as it is one of the gentlest essential oils around. However, you should always check with your doctor before starting a new treatment, especially if you’re already using medication for eczema.
10 Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Bites Too!) – Read More
3. LAVENDER OIL FOR DARK SPOTS AND ACNE SCARS
Lavender essential oil has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. This helps treat acne scars and dark age spots by calming and soothing the skin, plus it promotes the lightening and brightening of skin. It’s potent antioxidant powers also help repair skin damaged by scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Pigmentation occurs when the melanin in the skin clusters into spots or patches. This could be due to genes (freckles), trauma or inflammation of the skin (acne scars), hormones (melasma AKA the pregnancy mask) or age (with hormonal changes, excess UV exposure, pollution, etc.) - or a combination of these.
Acne scars are different from those caused by cuts and wounds. Caused by inflammation which runs deep into the skin, the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation leaves angry red or dark spots on the face. Lavender is one of the best essential oils to treat acne - and any other - scars as it inhibits inflammation and also speeds up the skin’s regenerative process by helping to rebuild collagen and elastin. It’s best used early on in the treatment of scars, and results can be seen in as little as a week.
Lavender oil's powerful calming and healing benefits also help even skin tone by minimizing and lightening the appearance of dark age spots, sun spots and other pigmentation marks when used consistently over a period of time. Try mixing lavender and frankincense essential oils and apply just before you go to sleep. You can also help keep those aging sun spots on your hands at bay by regularly using a lavender hand cream.
Plus, when used on a regular basis, lavender oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits can help lighten and brighten face and body skin to guarantee you always have beautifully healthy and glowing skin.
4. LAVENDER OIL FOR WRINKLES AND AGING SKIN
Lavender essential oil is not only a potent antioxidant but also helps increase collagen production. These anti-aging lavender benefits for the skin make it ideal for tightening up aging, sagging skin and helping to reduce those fine lines and wrinkles.
The skin is constantly bombarded with free radicals caused by things like the sun, pollution, lack of sleep, stress and illness. Through the process of oxidation, free radicals cause damage to skin cells, which ultimately leads to a breakdown in collagen and elastin. This results in wrinkles, lines, dehydration, premature sagging and loss of youthful volume.
Lavender essential oil’s antioxidant power helps fight off those free radicals that cause oxidative damage and so protects and repairs your skin. One study also showed that lavender oil significantly stimulated collagen production, so improving the skin’s firmness, strength and plumpness.
Lavender oil’s powerful antioxidative benefits can help detoxify the whole body. Well known to calm the mind and guarantee a good night’s sleep, a hot bath with about 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil can also provide an ultra-detoxifying all-over body treatment for your skin.
Or treat yourself to a lavender bubble bath for glowing skin and a luxe pamper session. Finish off by moisturizing with a lavender infused body lotion for all over firmer, smoother skin. Check out more luxury pure lavender oil skin care goodies that will help detoxify and indulge your skin.
Why You Want To Start Using Lavender Essential Oil For Your Skin Hair - And Body - Read More
5. LAVENDER OIL FOR REDNESS, PSORIASIS, ROSACEA, WOUNDS AND BURNS
Lavender is arguably the best essential oil when it comes to healing skin conditions, burns and cuts. With its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and detoxifying benefits, lavender essential oil can help reduce redness, soothe and calm the skin and rapidly heal minor cuts and scrapes, as well as any rashes.
With its calming and inflammation fighting perks, lavender essential oil can be particularly beneficial for both psoriasis and rosacea. Lavender also helps reduce the stress which can trigger psoriasis outbreaks and promotes new skin growth in affected areas, so is one of the best oils to use as part of the full treatment of the condition. You can also regularly use a lavender body lotion or hand cream to help keep your skin calm.
For centuries, people have been using lavender essential oil to clean wounds, treat burns and other skin injuries. Its antiseptic properties help skin to heal faster, while fighting and preventing further infection. When combined with benefit rich aloe vera, it is able to soothe even the most severe sunburn and quickly heal minor wounds by repairing damaged skin tissue - and with less scarring.
The best way to use lavender essential oil on your skin is to apply 2-3 drops directly onto a specific problem area, whether it be on your face or body. Or you can combine it with a carrier oil to make your own everyday lavender face and body serum to use before your normal moisturizer or body lotion.
Pick a carrier oil for your skin type or concern and add about 10 drops of lavender essential oil for each tablespoon of carrier oil. For a 2-ounce dropper bottle, that means about 40 drops of lavender oil.
Fortunately, lavender is one of the gentlest and safest essential oils, and is the best choice if you have sensitive skin. However, it would be advisable to avoid direct application and move straight on to diluting your essential oil in a soothing carrier oil.
Best Carrier Oils for Your Skin and Face
Oily, acne prone skin - try jojoba oil or grapeseed oil which penetrate the skin quickly, are easily absorbed, won’t clog pores and don’t leave an oily residue.
Combination skin - jojoba oil which is nourishing enough for dry skin but also kind to oily skin. It mimics the skin’s natural sebum and so helps balance oil production.
Dry and mature skin – try argan, rosehip or pomegranate oils all of which provide deep moisture and anti-aging benefits.
Sensitive skin and skin conditions - the best carrier oil needs to be mild. Try sweet almond oil, apricot oil, rosehip oil or jojoba oil. Always patch test the oil on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours before using.
Burns, cuts and wounds - Mix 3 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil with half a teaspoon of coconut oil to calm and help speed up healing.
You can also combine lavender essential oil with un-fragranced creams and lotions for everyday use. For every ounce of lotion or cream, add between 6 and 12 drops of essential oil.
Otherwise, just mix in a drop of lavender oil with your usual moisturizing face cream or body lotion before applying.
For the ultimate in convenience, you can also use high quality body care products infused with genuine 100% pure lavender essential oil.
What's Lavender Oil Good For? 12 Reasons Why You Absolutely Need To Use It - Read More
Lavender oil smells good – it helps you relax by reducing stress and anxiety almost immediately. It’s not only great for your mental well-being, but also has amazing benefits for your face and skin.
This wonder oil is one of the best to helps keep your skin clear and acne free, fight the signs of aging, improve the skin’s moisture balance and elasticity, deeply nourish dry skin and heal, calm and soothe a number of skin problems.
In this era of self-care, it turns out that lavender essential oil is a smart choice to add to your skin care routine and indulge in some comforting pamper time as well…
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat any medical concerns.
Although lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils, please use caution when applying directly on the skin because this can cause irritation. Be sure to patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours beforehand.
There's a difference between lavender essential oil and lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested. Only use 100% pure essential lavender oil for your skin and face.
Let’s face it. It gets really busy around the holidays. What with all the to-do lists, juggling the family’s plans, sorting out Christmas décor, and gift shopping for all your favorite people, it can be just a little stressful…
In the midst of all this pressure, we could all use some Christmas gift-giving inspiration and ideas. Look no further. Every woman loves getting spoilt and pampered. A luxurious spa inspired robe, heat wrap, neck pillow, pamper box or gift set is that little bit of self-care indulgence she’ll love you for. And while you can choose to splurge on a more extravagant spa gift, it doesn’t have to bust your budget – you can also spoil her with a more affordable but just as stunning pamper present...
It doesn’t matter who you’re looking for. Maybe something special for your mom, wife, girlfriend, sister or grandma. Or some great Christmas gift ideas for a special teacher, your best friend or a darling teenage girl you love to bits. And maybe some tips on what to get the fitness fanatic or beauty obsessed woman in your life. We’ve suggested pampering spa gift ideas for everyone – even party favors…
So if you’re struggling to come up with the best holiday gift ideas for all those special women you know and love, our Christmas gift guide has you covered. These pampering spa gifts and sets are so gorgeous, you may even want one for yourself…
Because she more than deserves that special relaxation treat…
Give her the gift of the serenity of a spa with a gentle waft of pure calming lavender every time she opens her drawers. Not only will these gorgeous drawer liner sachets freshen her clothing but also repel insects for years to come. A memory of you forever…
🎁 Buy It Here: $29.95
For all those moms who are permanently on the go and need a little time to relax and ease the exhaustion of the day. A luxurious faux fur spa neck wrap warmed in the microwave will gently soothe away all that tiredness and unwelcome aches or pains.
🎁 Buy It Here: $59.95
Show her just how much you love her…
Give her the gift of a warm, comforting hug from your heart. A delightfully soft and luxurious heatable faux fur pillow in the prettiest of pinks and infused with the calming and soothing scent of lavender. She’ll remember your love forever…
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.95
A stunning plush, lavender-infused throw for a bedroom or living room which doubles as a body comforter to be used on the shoulders, back, legs or stomach. Warmed or chilled, this lavender weighted spa blankie can refresh and revive as well as relax the entire body and mind. A winning combination.
🎁 Buy It Here: $94.95
To show how much you appreciate her…
The perfect skin loving pamper duo with a pretty floral scent. A luxuriously rich shower gel and body lotion infused with the natural goodness of pure lavender essential oil to smooth and nourish her body.
🎁 Buy It Here: $49.95
Super soft, fluffy and luxurious faux fur footies to warm the feet on cold winter nights. What’s more, when combined with lavender foot balm, they help ease sore feet after a hectic day on the run. A relaxing spa treat at home.
🎁 Buy It Here: $54.95
Because you don’t know what you’d do without her…
Soothing and uplifting, this beautifully presented hand-poured lavender infused soy candle will help her to breathe easy and truly relax. To lift the spirit, to wind down, or simply to add an air of luxury.
🎁 Buy It Here: $23.95
Lovey is the softest, most cuddly and lovable stuffed animal that is all kinds of cute. A unique and adorable memento of your friendship that can be warmed in the microwave for a huggable fragrant lavender treat.
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.95
Warming comforting hugs straight from your heart….
Give her the gift of sleep. A chic, stylish and oh-so-soft. silk backed sleep mask in the color of love blocks out the light while lavender aromatherapy calms and soothes the soul. Guaranteed she’ll be thinking of you as she gently slips into dreamland.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
A comforting warm hug from your heart for when you’re not around. Surround her with your love as she cuddles up with this heated red heart pillow in the silkiest, smoothest, velvety soft faux fur.
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.95
Even if she’s hard to please, she’ll love these super cool treats…
Give her the gift of a good night’s sleep to recover after all those over-active days. This lavender scented funky faux fur spa mask knocks out the light so she can drift off into a deep replenishing sleep and wake up glowing and refreshed. It also looks super cool…
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
She’ll adore the super spoil of these matching plush comfy faux fur slipper booties that just need to be popped into the microwave to warm up her feet on chilly wintry nights. She’ll love them even more when she finds they can also relieve sore feet.
🎁 Buy It Here: $59.95
A wonderful woman deserves wonderful gifts…
A unique quadrangle glass room diffuser with an air of luxury and opulence will transform her home. Beautifully packaged in a stunning gold gift bag embellished with a silk bouquet, with a sprig of lavender & diffuser reeds.
🎁 Buy It Here: $47.95
A luxurious spa therapy gift set for the ultimate in hand pampering. The deeply moisturizing lavender hand crème combined with the heated spa mittens will beautifully restore dry, over used hands.
🎁 Buy It Here: $79.95
She’ll adore these little good-for-her luxuries…
These gorgeous hand-poured and hand-cut dreamy creamy soap bars are luxury defined. Loaded with antioxidants, a blend of lavender, olive and other skin-loving oils help boost collagen and protect against environmental damage. Purifying, nourishing and softening.
🎁 Buy It Here: $27.45
A hot bath before bed is the ultimate relaxing treat. Melt away all her stress with a whole bunch of soothing luxurious lavender treats – skin-loving bath salts and a cute butterfly soap, a lavender soy votive candle to calm her mind, plus a pretty heart sachet to tuck under her pillow before she slips into dreamland.
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.45
If she’s into me-time or self-care Sunday, she’ll love these spa treats…
Transport her back to her last spa chill-out session with a luxurious faux fur spa mask specially weighted to relieve and relax tired eyes. Infused with lavender essential oil to calm the mind and soothe the soul.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95
Treat her with the sumptuous moist warmth of a luxury spa neck pillow infused with the calming, healing scent of lavender. Help her unwind, relax and soothe achy tired muscles in opulent, lavish style. The perfect pampering spa treat at home.
🎁 Buy It Here: $59.95
Exceptional lavender luxuries for those who love their sleep…
A gorgeous pampering gift set to help her easily slip into dreamland with lavender, the Queen of Sleep. Includes a lavender eye pillow, lavender sachet, lavender bath salts and a lavender butterfly soap that will calm and soothe her all the way through her bathing and bedtime rituals to help her drift off to sleep. Her dreams will never be sweeter.
🎁 Buy It Here: $42.25
Nothing feels more decadent than wearing a luxuriously soft and opulent robe as part of a bedtime ritual. Treat her with the best-in-class ultra-luxe plush robe for the ultimate in self-indulgence. She’ll love you for it. Also available in ivory and rich plum.
🎁 Buy It Here: $129.95
Rest assured your child will become her favorite pet…
A special gift set for a special teacher. A wonder pamper box full of luxury lavender goodies including a lavender scented votive 20-hour candle, a lavender sachet, lavender bath salts and a lavender soap. She’ll love her little treasure trove.
🎁 Buy It Here: $24.95
A stunning three-piece gift including an elegant glass diffuser with dried lavender sprigs plus two attractive lilac and white lavender soy-blend candles with the relaxing scent of 100% pure lavender oil. For a stylish and fragrant decor statement in her home.
🎁 Buy It Here: $69.95
Her new favorite workout buddies…
A firm favorite of luxury spas as a skin treatment, eucalyptus massage oil also helps gently ease away any aches and pains after a strenuous workout. A true multi-tasker for an exercise enthusiast, it can even be used to warm up the muscles beforehand.
🎁 Buy It Here: $25.95
Give her the gift of pain relief with a eucalyptus heat wrap and temperature therapy. Warming the wrap soothes stiff joints and relaxes the muscles. Or chilling it in the freezer numbs sharp pain and lessens inflammation, including bruising.
🎁 Buy It Here: $59.95
A memorable way to spread festive warmth and cheer…
A gorgeous looking party favor any woman will love. Individual heart-shaped, hand poured soaps with skin-loving glycerin, coconut oil and lavender essential oil for beautifully nourished, soft and scented hands.
🎁 Buy It Here: $15.00 for 6 ($2.50 each)
A gorgeous scented party favor anyone will love. Surprise and delight your guests with individually cut sachets filled with all-natural French lavender buds, that will permeate drawers, closets and any room of the home with the calming scent of lavender.
🎁 Buy It Here: $34.95 for 8 ($4.37 each)
Can’t make up your mind which of these gorgeous gifts she will love? Give her the gift of choice with a Sonoma Lavender gift card. Choose from $25.00 to $125.00 and give her a spa pampering and relaxation experience she’ll adore…
The Cutest, Super-Soft And Cuddly Microwavable Stuffed Animals You Won’t Be Able To Resist – Read More
]]>Lavender, with its vibrant purple blooms and soothing fragrance, is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in various culinary creations. While lavender is often associated with its aromatic and therapeutic properties, it also lends a unique flavor and aroma to dishes when used in cooking. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of cooking with lavender, from selecting the right variety to incorporating it into delightful recipes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Before you embark on your lavender culinary journey, it's essential to choose the right type of lavender. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are the most commonly used varieties for cooking. These varieties have a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile compared to others.
Culinary Lavender: Ensure that the lavender you use is specifically labeled as "culinary lavender" or "food-grade." This ensures it's free from pesticides and chemicals commonly found in ornamental lavender.
Fresh vs. Dried: Both fresh and dried lavender can be used in cooking. However, dried lavender is more potent, so you'll need less of it compared to fresh lavender. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried lavender if a recipe calls for fresh.
Lavender adds a subtle floral and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. Its unique taste pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from sweet to savory. Here are some culinary uses for lavender:
Baking: Lavender can enhance your baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and muffins. Simply add a pinch of dried lavender flowers to the dough or batter for a delicate flavor. Lavender pairs beautifully with lemon, blueberries, and white chocolate.
Herb Blends: Create your own herb blends by combining dried lavender with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. This aromatic mixture can elevate roasted meats or vegetables.
Infusions: Make lavender-infused syrups, honey, or oils to use as a flavor enhancer in cocktails, salad dressings, or drizzled over desserts.
Tea: Lavender tea is soothing and aromatic. Steep a few dried lavender buds in hot water for a fragrant and calming beverage.
Savory Dishes: Lavender can be used sparingly in savory dishes like lamb or poultry marinades, but use it cautiously as it can easily overpower the other flavors.
Lavender Honey Glazed Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of lavender-infused honey, olive oil, and a hint of lemon zest before grilling or roasting.
Lavender Blueberry Muffins: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers to your favorite blueberry muffin recipe for an extra layer of flavor.
Lavender Lemonade: Combine lavender syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water for a refreshing lavender lemonade.
Lavender Herbed Quinoa: Mix cooked quinoa with lavender, thyme, and a drizzle of lavender-infused olive oil for a unique side dish.
Cooking with lavender adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your culinary creations. Its subtle, floral flavor can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones. Whether you're baking, infusing, or experimenting with savory recipes, lavender is a versatile herb that deserves a place in your kitchen. Just remember to use it sparingly to let its distinct flavor shine while adding a fragrant twist to your meals. So, don your chef's hat and explore the delightful world of lavender-infused cuisine. Happy cooking!
]]>Lavender is a versatile and aromatic herb that can add a delightful touch to various holiday DIY projects. Whether you're preparing for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday, here are some creative lavender-themed DIY ideas:
1. Lavender Sachets: Create lavender sachets by filling small fabric bags or sachet pouches with dried lavender buds. These make great holiday gifts, and they can be placed in drawers, closets, or under pillows to add a soothing aroma.
2. Lavender Wreath: Craft a lavender wreath by attaching dried lavender stems to a grapevine or foam wreath base. It's a beautiful decoration for your front door or inside your home, providing a lovely scent as you enter.
3. Lavender Candles: Make your own lavender-scented candles by adding dried lavender buds and lavender essential oil to melted candle wax. You can personalize the color and size of the candles to suit your holiday theme.
4. Lavender Bath Salts: Create luxurious lavender bath salts by mixing Epsom salt, sea salt, dried lavender buds, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Package them in decorative jars for gift-giving.
5. Lavender-Infused Olive Oil: Infuse olive oil with dried lavender buds to create a fragrant and flavorful culinary gift. This lavender-infused oil can be used for salad dressings or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
6. Lavender Potpourri: Make your own lavender potpourri by combining dried lavender buds with other aromatic ingredients like dried rose petals, citrus peel, and cinnamon sticks. Display it in bowls or decorative containers.
7. Lavender Scented Ornaments: Craft lavender-scented ornaments by embedding dried lavender buds into clear resin shapes or clay ornaments. Hang them on your holiday tree or use them as gift tags.
8. Lavender-Infused Syrup: Create lavender-infused syrup by simmering water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. This syrup can be used to add a unique flavor to cocktails or drizzled over desserts.
9. Lavender Bath Bombs: Make lavender-scented bath bombs using a mixture of baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, lavender essential oil, and dried lavender buds. These make wonderful self-care gifts.
10. Lavender Centerpieces: Create elegant lavender centerpieces for your holiday table by placing fresh or dried lavender sprigs in vases or decorative containers. Add candles and other seasonal decorations for a festive touch.
11. Lavender-Infused Honey: Infuse honey with dried lavender buds for a unique and flavorful sweetener. It can be used in tea, drizzled over desserts, or given as a gift in decorative jars.
12. Lavender Room Spray: Make your own lavender room spray by mixing water, lavender essential oil, and a touch of alcohol (like vodka) in a spray bottle. Use it to freshen up your home and linens.
Remember to harvest or purchase your lavender in advance and ensure it's properly dried before using it in your DIY projects. Lavender not only adds a pleasant aroma but also brings a touch of natural beauty to your holiday decorations and gifts.
]]>
If you’re one of nearly half of the world’s population who suffers from some form of headache, you know how draining they can sometimes be. It doesn’t matter if these are tension headaches (the most common), migraines, sinus headaches, hormonal headaches or even a hangover headache, there are often very few things which can help…
You can lie down for a while and hope it passes, or drink lots of water (maybe you’re dehydrated?). However, most of us just pop a pill and hope the pain will go away – and fast.
But what if you could get rid of a headache naturally – without taking any medication?
It turns out you can. Essential oils are great natural home remedies that have been shown to be highly effective for relief from both headaches and migraine attacks.
But why would you use aromatherapy instead of popping a pill? And why are essential oils so good for headaches?
Unlike regular medicines which only target pain reduction, essential oils also tackle the underlying causes of headaches – and do this naturally. This makes them not only a much safer but more efficient alternative to getting rid of pain.
Among other benefits, these little miracle workers are renowned for reducing stress - one of the main causes of headaches and migraines, helping to decongest blocked sinuses, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. And they do all this without any of the scary side effects of many conventional medicines.
It’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to the natural healing powers of essential oils as the best home remedy for a headache or migraine…
The beauty of essential oils is that they not only help to naturally get rid of headache symptoms and pain but also get to the root of the problems causing that pain.
Just like conventional medications, essential oils that help relieve headaches and migraines are effective in reducing inflammation and pain - but without any of the negative side effects to your health. Many oils also have a calming effect on your body and can even improve blood circulation to your brain, which are vital when dealing with headaches.
Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and chamomile are 5 of the best essential oils to help get rid of your pain fast and effectively – no matter what type of headache you have…
Best for: Stress or tension headaches, migraines, hormonal and hangover headaches. Daytime use only.
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils to treat tension headaches and migraines. Peppermint contains menthol which help the muscles relax and ease pain. It also lessens the intensity of acute migraines by stimulating blood flow and eliminating inflammation. As menthol is a stimulant, peppermint oil should not be used before bedtime.
A 2016 study found that diluted peppermint oil was as effective as aspirin and paracetamol in reducing tension headaches. Another study found that a menthol gel (44% of peppermint is menthol) applied to the back of the neck decreased pain intensity after 2 hours and may help in treating an acute migraine attack.
Best for: Migraines due to stress and lack of sleep, tension headaches, hormonal, period and hangover headaches. Perfect for night time use.
As a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, lavender oil and most well-known for its sedative and calming properties, so if your headaches are caused by stress and anxiety, this may be your answer for some quick relief, especially before you go to sleep.
There is strong evidence that lavender is one of the best essential oils for both headaches and migraines. One study found that inhaling lavender provided relief in the early stages of acute attacks by helping with a significant reduction in pain after only 15 minutes. It also showed that 71% of patients’ migraine attacks were resolved or partially resolved by inhaling lavender.
What's Lavender Oil Good For? 12 Reasons Why You Absolutely Need To Use It - Read More
Best for: Sinus headaches, tension headaches and neck pain. Best for day use.
If you are prone to sinus headaches, eucalyptus essential oil can become your new best friend. This oil will quickly open up the nasal passages, clear the sinuses and help relieve the sinus tension that often causes the headaches.
A 2011 study shows that the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus oil help to ease sinus pressure and improve respiratory conditions that lead to headache pain and tension.
One study also found that a combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol provided relaxing effects to both the muscles and the mind, which could help soothe headaches. Another study found that eucalyptus oil was effective for relieving pain and lowering blood pressure when it was inhaled.
As eucalyptus is a strong oil, please ensure that you follow the correct safety guidelines for use with children.
20 Incredible Health Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil That Seem Too Good to Be True – Read More
Best for: Stress and tension headaches, migraine, hangover, hormonal and period headaches.
Rosemary oil has stimulating properties, and has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years to boost circulation and improve alertness.
However, it’s powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain killing) properties can also reduce stress, provide relief for pain, and improve circulation, all of which can help headaches. It also helps reduce insomnia and relax tense muscles - two of the main causes of headaches.
A 2008 study examined the effects of rosemary essential oil and found that it successfully inhibited both inflammation and pain. One study even found that rosemary oil helped with withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea and mood changes.
Best for: Tension or stress headaches, migraine. Ideal for night time use.
Usually, chamomile tea is sipped before bed to signal your body that it’s time to relax and get ready for a good night’s rest. But smelling it in essential oil form can also help calm your body and your mind.
Chamomile oil is a sedative that relaxes the body and soothes muscles, so is perfect for headaches caused by stress, better known as tension headaches. It can also help with anxiety and insomnia, which are common causes of headaches.
Although often used to treat migraines, there is little clinical evidence to prove its effectiveness. However, in a 2014 study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, researchers hypothesized that the known actions of chamomile would certainly make it a beneficial option for migraine pain relief.
Here's How To Treat (Almost Anything) Using Hot Or Cold Therapy With Essential Oils For Pain – Read More
The most popular way to use essential oils for headaches and migraines is to apply a few drops to your temples and forehead - or wherever you are experiencing pain.
Because they are so concentrated and can cause skin sensitivity, it’s best to dilute them in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut, jojoba or almond oil. Just one to three drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil is all that’s needed.
Inhaling the oil directly from the bottle or on a cotton ball will also provide quick relief. Otherwise, you can use a diffuser (keep it to one hour at a time), or burn 100% essential oil infused candles.
For immediate headache relief, add a few drops of essential oil to a wet wash cloth to use as a warm or cold compress on your forehead or neck. Or for the ultimate in convenience, use an essential oil infused neck pillow or spa mask which can be either heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer depending on whether you need hot or cold therapy for your pain. Most headaches and migraines respond best to a hot compress, while cold therapy is good for sinus headaches, and can also be alternated with heat therapy for migraines.
Finally, you can add 10-15 drops of a calming essential oil like lavender to a hot bath and indulge in a soothing 15-minute soak before you go to sleep.
While you can use an essential oil on its own, you can also or blend two or three together. For example, 3 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of lavender essential oils can be combined as a diffuser blend to treat migraines. A blend of 3 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile and 2 drops Frankincense will in turn help relieve stress and a tension headache.
For an on-the-go, pain relief roll-on recipe, add 4 drops each of lavender and peppermint oil plus 2 drops rosemary oil in a 10ml roller ball bottle and fill with jojoba oil. Dot on the temples and forehead, and massage into your skin.
Experiment with different blend options to find out which works the best for you.
16 Remarkable Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil For Healthy Skin, Hair, Body and Mind – Read More
When faced with the choice of using a common painkiller which will only temporarily minimize pain and comes with a host of unwanted side effects, there’s no question that essential oils are a natural, safer and more beneficial way to treat the root causes behind your headache.
And even better, aromatherapy also offers a ton of other benefits for your health and immune system…
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you’re experiencing headaches that are frequent or severe, you should get them checked out by a doctor before exploring alternative remedies.
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Looking for the best essential oils for migraines? Explore our range of essential oils for headaches and other lavender and eucalyptus products on the Sonoma Lavender website.
]]>Lavender is so much more than just a pretty flower with a sweet scent. Incredibly versatile, the health benefits of this amazing natural remedy seem to know no bounds. And when distilled into concentrated lavender oil, these benefits are so much more powerful…
So just what is lavender oil good for? And what does it do? It turns out that lavender oil’s benefits are surprisingly far-reaching…
Lavender's highly effective healing properties have been used in aromatherapy for thousands of years for a wide variety of ailments ranging from being unable to sleep, getting rid of headaches and pain, to working wonders for skin and hair health. Lavender is also renowned as being one of the best natural remedies to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental well-being and mood. And it does so quickly too...
Before you add yet another over-the-counter medicine to your first aid kit, first have a look at all the different – and natural – health and healing benefits you can get from just this one. Here’s how the multi-purpose magic of lavender essential oil can be used to help with a whole bunch of health issues to benefit both you and your family…
1. It helps treat acne and soothes irritated skin
Healing skin is probably the biggest benefit of lavender essential oil. Lavender is a potent antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory so it can be used to treat a number of skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and other allergies. It’s also a highly effective and proven treatment when you have an acne flare-up and to help keep blemishes at bay.
2. It minimizes wrinkles and age spots
One of the essential oils lavender benefits is anti-aging. Due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender not only nourishes the skin back to a healthy glow, but also helps prevent wrinkles and lightens the appearance of age spots and dark marks. Antioxidants fight off the free radicals that bombard your skin on a daily basis and speed up the aging process.
3. It has wound healing properties
Because it’s an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil helps speed up the healing of small burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds. Its soothing compounds also provide welcome relief from sunburn.
4. It relieves itchy bug bites and keeps insects at bay
Lavender not only helps calm inflamed and irritating bites and stings but also acts as an effective insect repellant. A lavender sachet in your closet is well known to ward off moths, and a lavender spray also successfully repels mosquitoes, flies, ants, fleas and bed bugs.
5. It helps combat fungal and viral infections
As an antimicrobial, lavender not only helps eliminate bacteria but also acts against certain types of fungi. It’s been found to be a highly potent remedy for athlete’s foot and ringworm. It can also help reduce inflammation and clear up viral infections such as cold sores and warts.
How to use lavender for a healthy skin:
• Essential oil lavender benefits: How to use lavender for skin health:• You can also add lavender essential oil to an unscented face cream using the same dilution ratio.
• Use skin care products infused with 100% pure lavender oil like a body lotion, hand cream or foot balm.
Lavender Oil For Skin Offers Powerful Care Benefits You Probably Need – Read More
6. It may stimulate hair growth
Preliminary research suggests lavender oil not only stimulates new hair growth but can also increase scalp and hair health and thickness when massaged in daily. Another study showed that massaging in a mix of lavender, thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood essential oils can significantly improve hair loss caused by alopecia areata.
7. It’s a natural treatment for head lice
Proven to be more effective than common over the counter treatments, a combination of lavender and tea tree oils diluted in olive or coconut oil has been found to clear up head lice after 3 weeks.
8. It can help improve hair health
Because lavender oil is an antimicrobial, it may prevent the formation of dandruff. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce scalp inflammation and dry scalp.
How to use lavender oil for healthy hair:
• Mix equal parts of lavender essential oil and a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, massage into the scalp and wait 10 minutes. Leave on overnight for the best results.
• Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to one ounce of unscented shampoo or conditioner.
There Are Many Uses Of Lavender Oil You Probably Want To Know About – Read More
9. It improves stress, anxiety and mood
There’s plenty of research that shows that lavender has a soothing, calming effect on mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. One study found that lavender oil performed exactly the same as a prescription medication in reducing anxiety. Another observed that lavender lessens anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression. It has also been shown to help with postpartum depression and PTSD symptoms. Lavender has even been found to improve emotional health and mood.
10. It supports better brain health
Interestingly, lavender oil has been shown to improve memory loss and dementia symptoms due to its potent antioxidant properties. A study also found that lavender is an effective natural treatment option for other nervous system disorders affecting the brain such as a stroke.
11. It clears up a headache or migraine
When a tension or migraine headache strikes, lavender has been proven to be one of the best essential oils to help. As a natural sedative, it works quickly to relieve tension, ease anxiety, relax the body and calm the mind.
How to use lavender essential oil for healthy mind:
• One of the best ways is to diffuse lavender essential oil at a rate of 3 to 5 drops per cup of water for 15-20 minutes at a time.
• Otherwise simply take a couple of deep sniffs into each nostril straight out of the bottle for immediate relief.
• Regularly adding lavender to a warm bath or shower can help keep anxiety at bay and improve your mood. Simply use some lavender oil infused bath salts, bubble bath or shower gel.
• A hot compress infused with the healing benefits of lavender can be particularly helpful for a headache or migraine, and even to relieve stress. Warm up a lavender spa mask or neck pillow in the microwave and place on the forehead, temples, or back of the neck.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven To Naturally Get Rid Of Anxiety And Stress - Quickly And Safely – Read More
12. It improves sleep and insomnia
Good quality sleep is widely recognized to be the most important thing for optimal health. Many studies have shown that lavender is a natural choice to improve the length of sleep, the time it takes to fall asleep, and reduce insomnia – all due to its calming and sedative properties. It’s been found to increase the percentage of deep sleep amongst both men and women, improve sleep quality scores for midlife insomniacs, and also enhance the quality of sleep amongst young mothers.
13. It reduces blood pressure and heart rate
Hypertension puts added stress on the heart, increasing the risk of a stroke or heart attack. A few studies have shown lavender to lower blood pressure and heart palpitations, including amongst postoperative open heart surgery patients.
14. It lessens menopausal and PMS symptoms
A small study has shown that lavender aromatherapy for 20 minutes twice a day can help reduce hot flashes. Regular aromatherapy massages using lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine oils also improved hot flashes, depression and pain. Lavender aromatherapy has also been found to alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms.
15. It eases most types of pain
Whether it’s a muscle or joint pain, sprain or back ache, lavender oil is a safe and effective natural painkiller. Many studies support its use for a wide array of pain conditions, including post-operative pain, menstrual cramps, neck pain, arthritis and rheumatism, and labor pain.
16. It helps relieve respiratory symptoms
As a potent anti-inflammatory, lavender has been found to help with bronchial asthma to reduce inflammation of the airways and mucus. This could also apply to other respiratory conditions like colds, flu, coughs and sinus congestion, especially when lavender is used together with other essential oils.
How to use lavender essential oil for a healthy body:
• Aside from diffusing lavender oil, you can also toss a lavender sachet under your pillow and spritz your linen with lavender spray for a better night’s sleep. A warm bath before bed has also been shown to improve sleep.
• A lavender heat wrap warmed in the microwave is the ideal solution for any chronic pain. Massaging with lavender massage oil can also help with muscle, joint and other types of pain.
• To help clear up colds and flu or other respiratory conditions, add 3-7 drops of lavender essential oil into a bowl with 2-3 cups of hot water, place a towel over your head, and breathe in for 5-10 minutes.
Proof: Lavender Essential Oil Can Absolutely Help You Sleep Better – Read More
All essential oils are extracted from plant material through steam distillation. With lavender, it takes about 3 pounds of flowers to pack all the powerful healing properties of the plant into just half an ounce of essential oil.
So lavender essential oil doesn’t just smell nice. It’s made up of hundreds of soothing natural compounds, and when you inhale it or apply to your skin, it can have a profound effect on both your mind and your body.
So just how does lavender oil work? When the scent of lavender essential oil is inhaled, the aromatic molecules travel up your nose to your olfactory bulb, which immediately sends a message to the limbic system, often referred to as the ‘emotional brain’. The limbic system influences many basic things like breathing, blood pressure, stress levels and hormone balance. But it’s also where your memories, emotions and feelings are stored. That’s why the scent of cookies baking can quickly trigger a memory from childhood.
This whole process happens within milliseconds. It’s why we often have an immediate response when we smell something - instantly triggering a mood, emotion or physical reaction. And it’s why just one whiff of lavender can often make you immediately feel calmer and more relaxed.
Lavender essential oil also works effectively when applied to the skin. It has a low molecular weight and is fat soluble, which means its healing components easily penetrate skin and provide benefits to the body. When applied topically, it is rapidly absorbed - it takes a mere 20 minutes for the oil to affect every cell in the body. And in many instances, you actually get a twofold benefit as you also inhale the essential oil at the same time as you apply it topically.
Because it’s highly concentrated and potent, it’s important to note that lavender essential oil always needs to be diluted before applied topically. It’s also a good idea to safety test for sensitivity on the inside of your upper arm before use.
What's Lavender Oil Good For? 12 Reasons Why You Absolutely Need To Use It – Read More
As essential oils aren’t regulated, it can be very easy to purchase the wrong product instead of a pure lavender essential oil. Here’re some things to look out for to make sure you’re getting a 100% pure lavender essential oil:
Avoid ‘fragranced’ or ‘perfume oils’: Fragranced oils are just that – a synthetic fragrance or perfume added to an oil without all the health and healing benefits of a pure lavender essential oil extracted from the plant.
Check the label: It should include the Latin name of the plant, which in the case of lavender is Lavandula angustifolia, if other ingredients have been added to it (should be the just pure lavender essential oil without fillers), and country of origin.
Dark colored glass bottles: Reputable companies package essential oils in either brown or blue glass bottles to protect the quality. Pure lavender essential oils are highly concentrated and degrade plastic bottles over time.
Evaluate the company: Look for a trustworthy company or brand that has been around for a number of years.
Compare prices: Prices between different brands can cover a broad range depending upon their production and sourcing methods. Pure essential oil prices can also vary widely within a brand due to the scarcity/availability of each base ingredient. However, if you find a lavender essential oil at a rock bottom price, it’s probably not genuine.
Experience lavender essential oil benefits by browsing through our essential oil collection and luxury lavender spa products.
The Ultimate Guide On How To Best Use Essential Oils – Read More
]]>Microwavable stuffed animals from Sonoma Lavender are an ideal gift for a special person in your life - or even for yourself.
No doubt you’ve got some very fond memories of your favorite snuggle-buddy as a child. A cherished teddy bear, floppy-eared bunny or lovable lamb that went absolutely everywhere with you…
Heated stuffed animals are the perfect cuddle companion for your baby or child - part toy, part friend and part blankie. A playmate by day and a soft, comforting furry friend to keep them warm and safe at night.
But they are also so much more. Scented stuffed animals can be an anniversary or birthday gift for that special person in your life, a precious graduation memento, the cutest get-well gift for a friend – heated plush animals are adored by adults and kids alike. And likely to be cherished for many years to come…
No matter who or why you are planning to surprise, these cute, snuggly, super-soft and oh-so-adorable scented stuffed plush animals will capture anyone’s heart. Expertly crafted with high end, luxuriously plush fabrics, they’re lightly weighted with lavender buds to help reduce stress and comfort an anxious child. They are the perfect lavender scented stuffed animals.
Heating the cuddly stuffed animals in the microwave releases the healing scents of aromatherapy - either lavender to calm, ease anxiety and sleep better, or eucalyptus to refresh and revive or help clear a stuffy nose. A unique warm and totally irresistible plush animal toy that both adults and children will love…
They’re super-soft. They’re incredibly cute. They're lightly weighted. They’re microwavable. They’re aromatherapy scented. They’re top quality. And they’re as cuddly and huggable as a heated stuffed animal plush can get…
Made from ultra-soft, ultra-luxurious fur, Lovey the Lamb is the closest thing you’ll ever come to cuddling a cloud. A super soft French lavender scented plush animal toy with an oh-so-sweet and gentle face, Lovey the Lamb is too cute to resist. Snuggle up with for hours with this adorable, heated stuffed animal lamb.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lovey the Lamb $42.95
With her immaculately groomed plush coat, super-soft squishy ears, and cute bows, Lulu the French Lavender Poodle will instantly become your - or your little ones’ - favourite snuggly buddy. This soft and cozy, microwavable stuffed poodle is an oh-so huggable cute plush gift that keeps you warm for hours.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lulu the French Poodle $42.95
Made from cuddly soft plush, Ellie the Elephant has cute floppy ears and a trunk that can sniff out a hug from a mile away. A perfect companion for endless amounts of warm snuggly fun, this lavender aromatherapy scented, stuffed animal elephant is a super-soft, squishy, huggable and lovable cuddle buddy.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Ellie The Elephant $42.95
Meet Kaylee the Koala - an ultra-soft and furry French lavender scented stuffed animal bear with a cute, friendly face and a distinctive button nose that anyone would adore. Add in soft, fuzzy ears just made for nuzzling and a plush, super-cuddly microwavable body that’s so easy to hug, and you have a sweet, furry friend for life.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Kaylee The Koala $42.95
Made from ultra-soft plush fur, the soft, cuddly and totally adorable Lavender Lou the Teddy Bear will be your kid’s go-to stuffed plush toy from the word go. Warm him up in the microwave and this must-have lavender aromatherapy scented stuffed teddy bear becomes the perfect snuggle buddy. The ultimate in heatable huggable happiness.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lou The Teddy Bear $42.95
Loveable and cute, lop-eared Lavender ‘Lil’ The Bunny will happily hop into any child’s life. Super soft and furry plush make this warm and cozy heatable stuffed animal rabbit the perfect snuggling and hugging gift. With her soft and floppy ears and squishy feel, she’s especially cuddle-worthy.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender "Lil" The Bunny $42.95
The cutest of cuddle buddies meets stuffy toy with Spunky the Monkey. Crafted in luxurious super-soft plush, this sweet faced two-toned brown monkey with his squashy, snuggly body and cheeky lavender tie makes him the perfect microwavable, lavender scented stuffed animal pal for everything from cuddle to play time.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Spunky The Monkey $42.95
Squeezable and huggable with a soft snuggly body, Lavender Lucky the Dog’s sweet endearing face and silky-smooth fur will make him a firm favorite cuddly toy. Heated in the microwave to release healing lavender aromatherapy, this super-soft plush animal puppy is as warm and comfy as a hot water bottle, beyond adorable and so lovably cute!
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lucky The Dog $42.95
Kaylee the Eucalyptus Koala is an ultra-soft and furry stuffed animal with a cute, friendly face and a distinctive button nose that anyone would adore. With soft, fuzzy ears just made for nuzzling and a plush, super-cuddly microwavable body that’s so easy to hug, and you will have a sweet, furry friend for life.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Kaylee The Koala with Eucalyptus Scent $42.95
This oh-so-cute frog plush friend is just waiting to hop into your life. Meet Freddy the Frog, made from a luxury dot plush fabric that is a pure delight to hug. He’s floppy, huggably soft and just perfect for little hands to tote around or a super-comfy snuggle session. An adorable, heatable stuffed frog gift anybody will love.
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Freddy The Frog with Eucalyptus Scent $42.95
Searching for a snuggle-buddy you can heat and hug? There are lots in Sonoma Lavender’s microwavable stuffed animals range! Contact us today and order. ]]>Let’s face it – life can be stressful. We all worry about things like money problems, our workload, family troubles and our health. A little apprehension is quite common in the whirlwind of our daily lives.
But what happens when that knot in your stomach turns more serious? When your anxiety becomes so severe that it takes over your life? So much so that simple everyday tasks become difficult? When this happens, it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder. And you’ll be surprised at just how often this happens…
In desperation, many of us turn to our doctor and land up with a prescription for Xanax or Valium to calm our nerves.
But as awareness grows of just how dangerous many of these medicines can be, many people are now turning to safer natural home remedies to get rid of their anxiety and stress without any medication. And one of the most effective is lavender essential oil…
It may seem incredible that essential oils can be so powerful – or how the simple lavender flower can help quickly chase away all your worries. But it turns out that there’s a lot of scientific studies to support using lavender oil to quickly - and safely - get rid of anxiety, ease all that unwanted stress and help you get some much-needed sleep.
In fact, a recent study suggests lavender might calm anxiety just as well as Xanax…
Every one of us get a little stressed or anxious at times. Trips to the dentist, having a baby, heavy workloads, unexpected surgery, family problems - so many things in our daily lives can cause anything from simple butterflies in our stomach to a surge of unease and worry. This is a normal human response to uncertainty, and no cause for concern.
Anxiety only becomes a problem when it extends beyond logical worry in an irrational and uncontrollable way. So just what does anxiety feel like? Situations that should pose little or no danger at all suddenly seem life-threatening or extremely distressing. Panic attacks, feeling like you're losing control and a constant sense of dread about minor concerns are common and start to affect your everyday activities and life.
Needless to say, with your mind always running at a hundred miles per hour, you feel constantly stressed out, frazzled and on edge - and struggle to get a good night's sleep. When symptoms are this severe and feelings of anxiety last for weeks or months, you may have an anxiety disorder.
You are not alone. Anxiety disorders are now the most common mental health issue in the U.S. Every year, anxiety affects around 40 million adults, nearly 1 in 5 of the population, with women being 60% more likely than men to experience an anxiety disorder over their lifetime. And it continues to rise. A study found that anxiety spiked by 25.6% in the pandemic’s first year, with no signs of abating.
Increasingly, many sufferers have been turning to prescription drugs for help. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of adults who filled a prescription for benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Valium and Ativan) increased from 8.1 million to 13.5 million over a 17 year period. In that time, the number of benzodiazepine prescriptions more than tripled.
But, like many others, this medication comes with a host of serious side effects, some of which, like its highly addictive properties, can be dangerous.
It’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to natural at-home treatments like lavender essential oil for help…
As a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, lavender essential oil is one of nature's wonderful little multi-taskers. Aside from its well-known calming and sleep-inducing benefits, it is used for everything from pain relief, killing bacteria and germs, to revitalizing the skin.
And when it comes to treating anxiety and stress, lavender is one of the most powerful and effective essential oils you can use – all backed up and proven by multiple research studies. In fact, it’s even been put into capsule form and sold as an oral anti-anxiety supplement.
In one study in Germany it was found that a specially formulated lavender oil capsule, Silexan, was just as effective as a benzodiazepine (Xanax, Valium, Ativan) - without the side effects of these medicines. What’s even better is that there’s absolutely no risk of drug dependence.
It doesn’t only work when taken orally, though. Many other studies have confirmed meaningful reductions in anxiety (and its many related symptoms) when lavender oil is either inhaled or used topically.
One study showed that the medicinal properties of lavender essential oil become apparent in the blood stream in as little as five minutes after rubbing it onto the skin.
However, inhaling lavender essential oil has been found to be the one of the most powerful and successful ways to treat stress and anxiety. The nerves that detect aromas are actually in your sinuses - they're extensions of the olfactory system which is the part of the brain connected to smell.
When you breathe in an essential oil, the evaporating micro particles reach the part of your brain that controls stress, anxiety and your emotions within a matter of milliseconds.
That’s why one of the biggest benefits of inhaling lavender oil to calm any signs of anxiety is that it works almost instantly, unlike many prescribed drugs that take a while to get absorbed into your blood stream.
A quick and safe anxiety treatment without any potentially dangerous medication - and with zero side effects...
The Astonishing Ways Deep Breathing with Lavender Boosts Your Brain, Body - And Health - Read More
Whether you’re feeling a touch worried and anxious and just need to take the edge off, or are in the middle of a terrible panic attack, lavender essential oil can help – and fast.
A big added benefit is that lavender not only eases all the stress you’re feeling but also promotes deeper and more restful sleep – something which is often elusive when anxiety has gotten out of hand. And being one of the gentlest and safest essential oils, lavender is also ideal for calming an anxious child.
Breathing in lavender oil is by far the fastest way to reduce anxious thoughts, but you can also apply it to specific touch points on the skin - or take it orally.
Breath in directly: Place a few drops in your palms and rub them together. Cup your hands over your nose and take 5 slow deep breaths. Or simply put a couple of drops of oil on a cotton ball or pad and breathe in.
Add to your bath or shower: Add about 5-10 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath to breathe in the calming effects while you soak. Or turn your shower into a mini aromatherapy spa by placing a couple drops of oil onto the bottom of the shower wall away from the spray. The hot water turns the oil into a relaxing fragrant steam.
Put it under your pillow: You can also tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow while you sleep. Or lightly spritz your pillows with a lavender linen water to get the same effect.
Diffuse day or night: Fill your room with the soothing scent of lavender by adding a few drops of oil in a diffuser and run for about an hour at a time.
In the evening, diffuse a blend of 3 drops lavender, 3 drops geranium, 2 drops lemon and 2 drops sandalwood for deeper sleep. Or burn a few lavender essential oil candles before you slip into dreamland. Also add in some relaxing deep breathing exercises as part of your calming lavender-filled pre-bedtime ritual.
Apply direct to skin: While lavender oil is the gentlest of them all and one of the few that can be applied directly to the skin, if you are feeling unsure, it’s best to dilute 5-10 drops in 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil like almond, jojoba or sweet apricot.
Rub the lavender and carrier oil blend directly onto your skin - under your nose, onto the temples, or on the ‘hot points’ of your body like behind the ears, on the chest, collarbones or the back of the neck. You can also decant a little of the blend into a small roll-on glass bottle for quick and easy anxiety relief on-the-go.
Incorporate into a massage: A blend of 10 to 12 drops of lavender essential oil with 4 tablespoons of carrier oil can also be used as a restorative massage oil. Or opt for a convenient, ready-made pure lavender massage oil blend.
Use on the move: If you’re travelling, either use the convenient rollerball or add 2 to 6 drops of lavender oil to 2 tbsp. of an unscented lotion to use all over your body as desired. Or enjoy the convenience of a lavender essential oil body lotion (be aware that some products only include a lavender fragrance, and not the beneficial essential oil).
A quick liquid Xanax rollerball recipe: Add 15 drops of lavender oil, and 10 drops each of frankincense, ylang ylang and grapefruit to a roller bottle. Fill up with a sweet almond or another carrier oil of your choice. Apply to pulse points.
Lavender capsules which can be taken by mouth by adults are widely available online. The preparation used in the study referred to earlier is called Lavela WS 1265. Before purchasing, you should consult with a health care professional on the dosage that is best suited to your needs. These capsules are not suitable for children.
Why Aromatherapy Massage Is So Astonishingly Good for Your Body (And Mind) – Read More
While lavender essential oil can very effectively be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, it is not intended to replace traditional treatment options such as therapy or medical management.
Instead, it should be used as part of a holistic approach to healing. Sometimes it may be just enough to inhale lavender to calm your stress or relieve a panic attack; while at other times you may also need the more comprehensive support offered by clinical treatment.
As more and more people turn away from harmful drugs and look to natural home remedies to help with their anxiety, lavender is clearly one of the safer and more successful options.
Hundreds of studies show that lavender essential oil can be just as effective as traditional medicines to ease signs of anxiety - without the negative side effects. It not only noticeably improves your well-being - but it does so fast…
Bedtime Routine Tips and Lavender to Help You Sleep Better Than You Thought Possible – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please talk to your health care practitioner before changing your dosage or discontinuing any medications you currently take.
Lavender used as aromatherapy or by mouth may increase the amount of drowsiness when taken in combination with medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium), narcotics such as codeine, or certain antidepressants. If you’re taking prescription medications, consult with your doctor.
There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>It's 3pm and you’ve hit a mid-afternoon slump – right in the middle of studying. Your mind is all over the place and your concentration is shot. What’s more, your ability to focus has decided to go on vacation, and energy levels have hit an all-time low. In short, you’re a mess. And your exam is tomorrow…
We’ve all been there. Student life can be fun – but it’s also hard to keep up with all the studies, assignments and extracurricular activities. But what if a simple but remarkably powerful natural remedy can help you study better and more effectively? Enter the world of aromatherapy, essential oils and Sonoma Lavender!
Need more focus and energy? Try crisp, zesty peppermint. And improved concentration? The fresh juicy scent of lemon is your new BFF. What about easier learning and a better memory? The bracing woodsy-green aroma of rosemary can help.
Here’s how you can use 9 different essential oils, either alone or as a blend, to boost your focus, concentration and energy - and chase away those studying blues…
Peppermint Essential Oil
Best for: Mental Clarity, Focus, Concentration, Improved Memory, Easier Learning, Energizing, Fighting Exhaustion
By far one of the most popular oils for increasing focus and concentration is peppermint. Its brisk, fresh aroma that not only stimulates the brain - and gives you a quick burst of energy - but also substantially improves mental clarity and the ability to retain information. It works by stimulating the hippocampus, part of the limbic system, which helps form new memories and promote learning.
Scientific studies have also shown the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil to fight burnout and exhaustion. A study with athletes has even shown that those who had a sniff of peppermint performed better overall than those who didn’t. Research has also found that a whiff of peppermint helped people concentrate and do better on tasks that required continuous attention. This makes a quick sniff of peppermint oil a must-have during exams.
Try adding 6 drops each of peppermint and lemon together for the best diffuser blend while studying and when you need to get things done.
Lemon Essential Oil
Best for: Energy, Motivation, Concentration, Focus, Brain Fog, Energizing, Productivity
Having trouble concentrating? All the citrus oils like lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange and bergamot are known to be energizing, invigorating, and potent mood boosters.
Recent research at Ohio State University has shown the bright fresh smell of lemon oil raises levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical linked to more stamina, easier decision-making and increased motivation. This helps you to clear any fog, focus better and improve productivity.
It has also been found to dramatically improve concentration and mental accuracy. A Japanese study found that workers made 54% fewer errors when they inhaled lemon oil. This makes it the perfect scent for the morning to kick start your day in an energizing way.
Try combining 3 drops each of lemon and rosemary essential oils in a diffuser to boost clarity of thought.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Best for: Memory, Mental Alertness, Focus, Stimulation, Speed, Easier Learning.
Rosemary oil is known to stimulate the mind and the memory. A recent study showed that 1,8-cineole (AKA eucalyptol), one of the main active chemicals in rosemary oil, helps improve cognitive ability. It has an earthy aroma and contains active compounds that improve the pathways of the brain responsible for focus, memory, and retaining new information.
Another study has shown that inhaling rosemary essential oil improves both speed and accuracy on demanding mental tasks, and raised memory test scores by 60-75 percent. Another recent study in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that rosemary significantly improved the quality of memory and increased participant’s mental alertness.
Try applying 1-2 drops of rosemary mixed with a teaspoon of a carrier oil on the back of the neck and hairline, or add a few drops to your bath.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Best For: Improves Memory Retention, Concentration, Mental Clarity, Stimulating, Lifts Mood
Frankincense includes high levels of a compound which stimulates and oxygenates the limbic system of the brain to help you better process and remember information. This makes it one of those go-to essential oils to promote mental clarity, stimulate the mind and improve memory retention.
A 2019 study found that using frankincense helped with the acquisition and retention of memory after four weeks. And as an added bonus, it also lifts your mood.
Try applying 1-2 drops of frankincense essential oil to the back of your neck and your temples to enhance your concentration.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Best For: Refresh and Re-Energize, Stimulation, Focus, Concentration, Mental Clarity, Lifts Brain Fog, Anxiety
The invigorating scent of eucalyptus oil, which also contains 1,8 cineole (AKA eucalyptol), stimulates the senses. This helps refresh and re-energize the body and also has a calming and soothing effect on the mind. In doing so, it helps reduce anxiety, enhance focus, concentration and memory, effectively clearing brain fog and promoting mental clarity. Consider adding eucalyptus essential oil from Sonoma Lavender to your focus essential oil blend.
It’s also been found to improve brain function and has been proven to be effective for treating dementia.
Try spritzing your study area with a eucalyptus room spray to invigorate your body and clear your mind. Or use this stunning eucalyptus room reed diffuser which doubles as a décor piece.
20 Incredible Health Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil That Seem Too Good To Be True – Read More
Holy Basil Essential Oil
Best For: Alertness, Concentration, Memory, Boosts Focus, Creativity, Stress
Holy basil is arguably one of the best multipurpose oils when it comes to mental alertness, concentration and clarity. It lifts mental blocks and brain fog, strengthens memory, boosts focus and attentiveness, and enhances creativity. It has also been shown to be a great stress reliever and so promotes calm and clear thinking.
Try using 20-25 drops in a diffuser and inhaling basil essential oil deeply to get yourself ready to go when heading into a late-night study session.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Best For: Stress, Anxiety, Calm, Clears Mental Clutter, Focus, Concentration
Cedarwood is a lesser-known oil which has remarkable stress reducing, calming and meditative benefits. Its oil contains more than 50% of sesquiterpenes, a chemical that delivers much-needed fresh oxygen to your brain cells – especially important when you’re studying. It’s known to help clear mental clutter allowing you to focus and concentrate on what is important. You need cedarwood essential oil in your calming essential oil blend!
Try 1-2 drops cedarwood oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil on the feet at morning and bedtime, or add to a diffuser in combination with vetiver and lavender oils.
Sage Essential Oil
Best For: Memory, Immediate Recall, Reasoning, Concentration, Understanding, Alertness, Boosts Mood
Another essential oil containing 1,8-cineole, sage helps improve cognitive ability. Studies have shown that it appears to enhance memory and brain function. Long used to help with declining mental functions like Alzheimer’s, it has been shown to boost and stimulate the senses and improve memory, immediate word recall, reasoning and understanding.
In larger doses, it also elevates mood, and increases alertness, calmness and contentedness.
Try rubbing 1-2 drops of sage oil in your hands and inhaling to open your mind and memory.
Lavender Essential Oil
Best For: Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Memory Retention, Regenerative Sleep, Stamina, Energy
Lavender is one of the most popular and best-smelling essential oils that can also provide benefits in improving memory and concentration. It has been used to alleviate stress in school, allowing students to concentrate on questions and have better memory recall.
Lavender is known as an adaptogen, and so can assist in many different ways when adapting to stress, anxiety or imbalances. It can not only help you relax and unwind but also turns out it’s a great booster for when stamina and energy run low - and helps prevent work burnout, too. A study on work performance found that using lavender during work breaks seemed to prevent deterioration of performance in later work sessions.
And of course, lavender oil is known as the “Queen of Sleep”, and is a non-negotiable for refreshing and regenerating both the body and brain overnight to make sure you retain all you’ve learned for the best exam results. Better sleep guarantees better memory and concentration!
Try rubbing 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, then inhale the scent all the way into your brain to calm and focus the mind. For better sleep, cuddle up with a comfy pink heatable lavender heart pillow or spritz your pillowcases with a 100% pure lavender linen spray. A heatable lavender neck pillow will also work wonders if you’re feeling a bit tense and stressed, and want to ease those knots in your neck and shoulders.
Essential Oils To Beat Brain Fog: ‘Cos You're Tired Of Feeling Like You're Losing Your Mind – Read More
There are a couple of different ways to use essential oils for concentration and study. Aromatherapy using a diffuser is the most common - either using one or a mix of essential oils diluted in water - to disperse their healing properties into the air.
Topical application on skin is also popular. Always blend a few drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil as undiluted oils are very potent. Apply to pulse points on your wrist, the side of your lower jaw, on the temples, or the side of the neck.
Essential Oil Rollerball Blend For Energy, Focus and Concentration:
Add the essential oils to a dark glass or non-BPA rollerball, and fill up with the fractionated coconut oil. Shake well. Use it whenever you need to boost focus by applying to your wrists, temples, and neck.
Essential Oil Rollerball Blend For Memory:
Add the essential oils to a 10ml amber roller bottle and fill with the sweet almond oil. Shake well until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Store in a dark, cool location.
Always Feeling Tired? Time To Use Essential Oils For A Serious Energy Boost – Read More
So, if you’ve already tried every trick in the book to help you study better – but had no luck – maybe it’s time to try the best-smelling essential oils for a diffuser to naturally boost your energy and brain power….
Important Notes:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils. There are certain people who should avoid them altogether, including babies, young children under 5 years old, pregnant women and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics, as they may not respond well to these oils.
Before using an essential oil on your skin, always do a patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours to check for any reactions.
As essential oils are potent, please do not apply anywhere too close to your eyes. Apply to the temples or on the neck, or sniff directly out of the bottle. They quickly permeate your skin and body and get to work within minutes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
At Sonoma Lavender, we excel at what we do, and you definitely need our essential oils for concentration and study. Contact us today and order!
]]>You need these eucalyptus oil uses. It is a potent all-in-one natural home remedy you'll wish you knew before…
Odds are that you’ve tripped over eucalyptus sometime in your life. Maybe something from Sonoma Lavender since we know how to make eucalyptus oil! Found in many everyday products like mouthwash, chest rub and chewing gum, its signature scent would have been difficult to miss…Studies have found that eucalyptus essential oil and its primary compound, 1,8-cineole, is a potent antimicrobial. That means it’s an all-rounder - it not only kills bacteria and protozoans, but also viruses and fungi, such as mold and mildew. Which makes it pretty much one of the best essential oils to use for cleaning and disinfecting your home…
Natural antibacterial cleaner: Blend together a homemade disinfectant spray to clean surfaces, the bath, sink, cupboards and wherever else germs may lurk. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 cups hot water; add ¼ teaspoon of liquid dish detergent and 12 drops of eucalyptus oil and pour into a glass spray bottle. Shake well before use. The perfect multipurpose 100% natural surface cleaner.
DIY disinfectant floor cleaner: Eucalyptus can be used on most floor surfaces – wooden, vinyl or tiles – to not only keep them germ-free but also permeate your home with a fresh clean scent. For wood floors, fill a spray bottle with hot water and add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. For all other floors, add 2 capfuls of eucalyptus essential oil plus a generous dash of both white vinegar and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of hot water. Scuff marks can also easily be removed with a little undiluted eucalyptus oil on a cloth.
Mold remover spray: Not only can eucalyptus oil remove mold on existing surfaces, but can also stop it from coming back. Add 5 drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree oils to a 16 oz. spray bottle full of water. Use to wipe down all surfaces in your bathroom, fridge or wherever else is prone to mold. The strong scent will also remove the musty odours as well.
Non-toxic bathroom cleaner: As a potent germ killer, eucalyptus essential oil is a great natural alternative for cleaning your bathroom. Aside from using your disinfectant spray to clean all surfaces, you can also sanitize your toilet at the same time. Simply add a few drops of eucalyptus oil plus a dash of baking soda and white vinegar into the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush.
Natural grease remover: Eucalyptus oil is also a hard-working grease buster for pretty much any surface in your home. Think stoves, sinks, your microwave oven, kitchen cabinets, bench tops – everywhere in the kitchen where grease and grime build up. Simply use your all-purpose surface cleaner to cut through all the nasty stuff. And if your stainless-steel appliances are looking a little lackluster, just add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a clean cloth and wipe. No more fingerprints or streaks; just sparkling clean.
DIY hand grease remover: Eucalyptus oil can also be surprisingly effective in getting rid of grease and grime from your hands. Mix a little salt, Epsom salts and a few drops of eucalyptus oil and thoroughly scrub your hands to successfully remove all the dirt.
Spot remover: Had a little oopsie with a ballpoint pen, grass marks, chewing gum or grease on your leather lounger, carpet or clothes? No problem. Rub it off with a damp cloth moistened with a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Just patch test first.
Sticky stuff remover: Removing a sticky label/decal from glass can be tricky and annoying. Simply rub a few drops of eucalyptus oil directly onto the area, and then rinse off with water.
Homemade hand sanitizer gel: For a quick and easy DIY option, in a 2-ounce bottle, add a ratio of two thirds rubbing alcohol and one third aloe vera gel, plus 3 drops each of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Add a little distilled or boiled water if you need to fill it up.
Time to ditch all those normal, unhealthy air fresheners and choose a eucalyptus diffuser oil. With its brisk and refreshing aroma, eucalyptus essential oil is a perfect natural deodorizer to not only make your house (and car) smell good but is also free of the harmful chemicals found in most store-bought products. With its powerful antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral properties, it also kills any bacteria and viruses in the air, keeping everything clean and germ-free.
All-natural air freshener spray: For an effective natural room freshener that not only smells great but also kills bacteria and viruses that make us sick, mix 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with half a teaspoon of vodka and 2 cups of water in a large spray bottle, and regularly mist for an odor and germ-free home.
Otherwise take the easy route. Spoil yourself with a striking eucalyptus reed diffuser (with real eucalyptus sprigs) or regular spritzes of 100% eucalyptus oil spray to allow the scent to continuously permeate your home. Or burn a few eucalyptus candles to get the same effect.
Natural laundry scent booster: If some of your clothes, sheets, towels or blankets have got a bit of a musty smell, the pure, brisk scent of eucalyptus will naturally freshen them up. Simply add about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to your washing cycle along with your detergent for clean, germ-free and great-smelling results.
Homemade carpet cleaner/deodorizer: To give your carpet or rug a refreshing “brand new” smell, simply mix 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil with a cup of baking soda, sprinkle on the surface, and vacuum away all the offending odors, dirt and germs. And enjoy the clean bracing scent of eucalyptus.
Remove bad odors: Whether it be your garbage can, stinky gym shoes or a stale car smell, just drop in a cotton ball moistened with 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil to immediately freshen the air.
Get rid of musty smells: Wipe the interior of your wardrobe or drawers with a mix of a few drops of eucalyptus oil and hot soapy water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Tuck a few eucalyptus and lavender sachets in between your clothes to keep the refreshing airy scent around for longer.
The Many (Some Unexpected) Uses Eucalyptus Essential Oil Is Good For – Read More
You might not have realized this is one of the eucalyptus oil uses. The high eucalyptol content in eucalyptus essential oil makes it a natural and potent insect and pest repellent. And it’s obviously way safer than any chemical product. Studies have shown that it’s effective at repelling mosquitos and other biting insects for up to 8 hours. In fact, the higher the eucalyptol content, the longer and more effectively it works in getting rid of not only bugs but also other unwanted pests that may lurk in your home.
Natural bug spray / insect repellent: When relaxing on your patio during summer, an essential oil spray is the perfect choice to naturally repel mosquitos and other flying pests. It can also be used in all those hidden nooks and crannies where crawlers like cockroaches, ants or spiders may lurk.
The recipe is simple. In a clean 8-ounce glass spray bottle, add 7 ounces of distilled water, a little rubbing alcohol, plus 20 drops of essential oils. Choose between a mix of 3 or 4 of these bug-repelling oils – eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, lavender and manuka. Shake well and spray around your ankles, arms and neck. And if you want to skip the alcohol, then swop out the water for a 50:50 mix of water and witch hazel.
Otherwise just use a eucalyptus essential oil spray or diffuse a mix of eucalyptus and lavender to keep the mosquitos, ants and other pests at bay. It’s easy to do, and smells nice and fresh.
Get rid of moths & silverfish: Use neat eucalyptus oil to wipe down cupboard walls or drawer liners to repel moths and silverfish. You can also add 3 or 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a cotton ball to tuck safely away in all the corners. You can also slip a few eucalyptus and lavender sachets into your cupboards and drawers to keep these pests at bay. Keep refreshing the sachets with a couple drops of eucalyptus oil every few months.
Rat repellent: Another pest that is not a fan of the potent scent of eucalyptus, as shown in a 2014 study. Grab your bug repellent spray and liberally squirt in all areas that are prone to rats, such as in hidden crevices, behind the stove, and in the pantry and basement.
Get rid of fleas & ticks: Fleas don’t like eucalyptus either. If you own a pet, it is an obvious natural solution to a flea or tick problem. But please don’t use undiluted oils on your pets. However, you can mix 3-4 drops into their shampoo – just avoid it getting near their eyes and mouth. Wash their bedding as you would yours - by adding 20 drops of eucalyptus oil into your machine’s washing cycle - to keep fleas at bay.
Ditch dust mites & bed bugs: Dust mites are the bane of any allergy sufferer’s life, but can easily be sorted. All you have to do is to spray a fine eucalyptus oil mist onto your mattress and pillows every time you change your sheets to keep them at bay. Eucalyptus essential oil is also good for killing off both bed bugs and their eggs. Simply add 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to your washer when you’re laundering your sheets.
Essential Oils To Repel Mosquitos And Bugs (And Soothe Bites Too!) – Read More
As a powerful expectorant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, eucalyptus is a multi-purpose must-have essential oil for both you and your family’s health and well-being. From helping out a whole range of respiratory problems, to treating pain or a fever, and even boosting your immune system and mood, it’s no wonder it’s one of those natural home remedy favorites. Maybe it’s time to add a bottle of eucalyptus oil to your first-aid kit...
Think of anything to do with the lungs, nose and throat - colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis, sinus, seasonal allergies and even asthma - and it’s highly likely the powerful benefits of cineole 1,8 in eucalyptus oil will be able to offer relief. It’s widely accepted as one of the best essential oils to help clear congestion and you can even use eucalyptus oil in the shower. Eucalyptus effectively breaks down mucus, opens up your airways and decongests your sinuses so you stop feeling all blocked and stuffy - and are finally able to breathe easy again.
Clear a blocked, stuffy nose: To help clear the airways, diffuse 5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil or simply take a couple sniffs out of the bottle. There’s also nothing quite as effective as a eucalyptus steam session to ease all that congestion when you’re feeling blocked up. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or eucalyptus bath salts to a hot bath to clear out your sinuses and relax at the same time.
Or if you prefer a shower, just splash a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil onto the shower walls and in no time, you’ll be able to breathe easier. You can even hang a few eucalyptus leaf sprigs in the shower to create the same effect - and up your décor game at the same time.
For sinus and bronchitis relief: If you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms or a bad case of bronchitis, an intense steam inhalation healing session will help clear the airways and help you breathe easier. Simply pour a cup of hot water into a bowl, add in 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and then throw a towel over your head and inhale the scent for 5-10 minutes.
Treating coughs, asthma and allergies: When it comes to relieving a nagging cough, treating asthma, or banishing seasonal allergies, just massage 1-3 drops of eucalyptus oil on the chest and neck area.
An easier alternative is to simply pop a eucalyptus infused heat wrap into the microwave, and place it on the chest and neck area to release the healing scent. A heat wrap is truly versatile and multipurpose – it can be used for pretty much any injury or ailment anywhere on your body – and so is very useful to keep around at home for all those little medical emergencies.
Note: Eucalyptus oil should not be used as suggested in children under 2 years without consulting a doctor.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: A Powerful Home Remedy You Need To Treat Colds, Coughs and Flu – Read More
Get rid of headaches/migraines: Inhaling eucalyptus is probably the most effective way to make a migraine or headache go away - even more so if it’s a sinus headache. Diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil at home or work or take a few sniffs directly out of the bottle. Applying a few drops directly onto your temples or the back of your neck can also help. Otherwise, keep a heated eucalyptus neck pillow and eucalyptus spa mask handy for the ultimate soothing solution when pain strikes.
Treating cuts, bug bites, stings, burns and cold sores: Use the powerful antiseptic qualities of eucalyptus to help clean wounds and ease pain. Mix 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond oil), apply to a cotton ball and lightly dab onto the affected area two to three times daily.
Soothe sore throats and earaches: To soothe a sore throat, rub 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil onto your chest and throat. For an ear infection or ache, apply to your chest and back of neck, or gently rub one drop onto the outer part of your ear.
Treat muscle and joint pain: Eucalyptus is great for sprained muscles, aching joints, rheumatism, easing those all-over body aches brought on by the flu, and more. Use a little eucalyptus massage oil to massage all the aches and pains away. A eucalyptus spa blankie or heat wrap warmed in your microwave uses both the powers of eucalyptus and heat to double-up on pain relief benefits.
In Pain? Here's How to Treat (Almost Anything) Using Hot or Cold Therapy With Essential Oils - Read More
A fever is your body’s natural defence mechanism to raise its core temperature and in doing so, kill off infections from viruses such as the cold and flu, and other bacteria. Apart from treating the infection, the most pressing health issue is to reduce the high body temperatures associated with a fever.
Often referred to as “fever oil”, it’s not surprising that many people turn to eucalyptus to help treat a fever. A cold compress is the best way to help bring down a fever, and should be applied three times a day. Soak a wash cloth in a small bowl of cold water with 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops of lavender, squeeze and place on the forehead for welcome relief.
Otherwise, grab a eucalyptus heat wrap and cool it down in the freezer before draping it around your neck. And if you need a full body cooling solution, follow the same process with a eucalyptus spa blankie.
8 Essential Oils To Help Treat A Fever: Powerful Home Remedies With Surprising Results – Read More
We all need a healthy immune system to keep us vigorous, well and strong. And when things are getting a bit too much, and we feel a little down in the dumps, we could also do with something to boost our mood. Eucalyptus oil has amazing health benefits that can help with both.
Boost your immune system: First used many centuries ago during the bubonic plague, thieves oil is a proven, time-honored way to protect you against rogue bacteria and viruses – and is still recognized as one of the best immune booster essential oil recipes.
Make your own thieves oil by combining 40 drops clove bud oil, 35 drops lemon oil, 20 drops cinnamon bark oil, 15 drops eucalyptus oil and 10 drops rosemary essential oil, and then adding 5-6 drops of the mix into a diffuser. If you want to keep it simple, you can also regularly diffuse 5 drops of eucalyptus oil at home or work to keep your immunity in a good place.
Reduce stress and energize mood: Feeling tired and want a quick pick-me-up? When you need to ease off the stresses of the day or just a little mood booster, eucalyptus oil is an excellent go-to. One of the eucalyptus oil uses beneficial to your mental health.
This energizing essential oil room spray is like a breath of fresh air for either your home or office. Mix together 1,5 ounces each of distilled water and witch hazel, 20 drops lemon oil, 8 drops eucalyptus oil, 2 drops cinnamon oil and 2 drops peppermint oil in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Shake vigorously to mix well. Otherwise fill your space with the uplifting scent of eucalyptus with a reed diffuser, burn some eucalyptus candles or lightly refresh the air with a eucalyptus oil spray.
11 Mood Boosting Essential Oils: ‘Cos You Don’t Want to Feel Down Any Longer - Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use eucalyptus essential oil. There are certain people who should avoid it altogether, including babies, young children under 5 years old, pregnant women and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics, as they may not respond well to these oils.
Do not use directly on animals and be aware that cats are particularly sensitive to eucalyptus oil.
As eucalyptus essential oil is highly concentrated and potentially flammable, keep out of reach of children and steer away from flames and sparks when using for cleaning purposes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Start testing the eucalyptus oil uses today by contacting Sonoma Lavender with your order!
]]>If you’re one of the 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, there’s no doubt you absolutely dread certain times of the year. Everyone at Sonoma Lavender understands your frustration.
Whether you have seasonal or skin allergies, left untreated, they can make you feel fed-up and miserable - a runny nose, blocked sinuses, watery eyes, sneezing, a scratchy throat, coughing fits, inflamed itchy skin, and even asthma attacks - are amongst the many symptoms.
And while you may have tried your share of meds like antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants, these often have side effects and might just be making it worse…
It’s no wonder many are turning to natural home remedies like essential oils for quick and (almost) immediate allergy relief…
An allergic reaction is actually the overreaction of your immune system to an allergen.
We normally think of our immune system as our body’s protector against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. It turns out that it can also declare war on allergens – like pollen, plants, grasses, dust mites, mold and animal dander – and leap into action to defend itself against these foreign invaders, even though it shouldn’t. This leads to an allergic reaction…
This reaction instantly triggers the release of antibodies. They send out a message to your cells to stop these unwanted invaders in their tracks. They immediately release histamine - that causes your blood vessels to expand - to hustle off the allergen. And before you know it, your sinuses are clogged (or your nose is runny), you’re sneezing and coughing, have watery eyes - or itchy and inflamed red blotches all over your skin.
So what can set this whole process off - and when? Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, start in the spring with tree and flower pollen, carry on throughout summer if you’re allergic to grass, and finally end with ragweed and mold in the fall.
If allergies to dogs, cats, or dust mites are triggers, you may react more strongly in winter when indoor ventilation is poor, although these do occur year-round. And in some cases, itchy skin allergies like hives, rashes and eczema are also linked to the season - it all depends upon what’s setting them off.
Other skin allergies can be triggered by a wide variety of allergens ranging from chemicals, certain plants, cosmetics, nickel, bug bites – and even some foods.
So just what causes our immune system to go into overdrive? Studies suggest that the root cause may be inflammation caused by our modern lifestyle. A stressed and unhealthy body already dealing with high levels of inflammation results in an overworked immune system. It’s no wonder it overreacts when facing a perceived threat…
Luckily, certain essential oils are safe natural home remedies that are not only highly effective and powerful enough to relieve your allergy symptoms almost immediately, but also boost your immunity too…
It is difficult to state which is the best essential oil for allergies. Depending upon the time of the year or the symptoms you are experiencing, blending two or three oils will strengthen the benefits in the fight against your allergies. For instance, while the best essential oils for seasonal allergies are eucalyptus, peppermint, frankincense and lemon, you might want to add lavender to the mix if you’re struggling to sleep. And if you’re treating a rash or skin allergy, then lavender, tea tree and chamomile are your best bets.
Stay Healthy. Essential Oils To Naturally Boost Your Immunity When It Needs It the Most – Read More
How it helps: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sedative
Best for: Hay fever, mucus, asthma, headache, skin allergies, rash, hives, itchy eyes, eczema, psoriasis, dog and cat dander, sleep
One of the most popular multi-purpose essential oils, lavender contains some powerful medicinal compounds that halt the production of histamine and effectively quash allergies like a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives and other related symptoms. It is one of the great essential oils for allergies causing itchy eyes.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, it also reduces any swelling, redness and pain associated with conditions such as hay fever and asthma. In doing so, it helps decrease the build-up of mucus - magic words to any allergy sufferer. And best of all, it even helps you sleep better when you’re sneezing, wheezing and feeling all-round miserable.
But lavender’s benefits don’t stop there. It’s one of the best essential oils for itchy skin allergies like eczema, psoriasis and hives - and other rashes and bug bites too - as it soothes away itchiness and pain and helps speed up the healing process. And as one of the gentlest essential oils, it’s an ideal natural home remedy to use for allergies in your baby or toddler – just ensure you use it safely and correctly.
How to use lavender oil for allergies
Sleep easy: Spritz your sheets with a linen spray and tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow for a peaceful and restful sleep all night.
Inhalation: Rub 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil into the palms of your hands. Cup them over your nose and take 4-6 deep and slow breaths to help hay fever and asthma. Or simply diffuse for about 15 minutes every hour to allow lavender’s powerful medicinal compounds circulate through your system and naturally relieve your allergic symptoms.
Skin allergies: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with jojoba oil and apply it directly to the skin area that has developed a rash, eczema or hives. For ongoing relief, use a skin-calming body lotion infused with pure lavender essential oil.
Cold compress: The perfect solution to reduce the swelling and redness of a rash or hives. Chill a lavender spa wrap in the freezer, apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes and feel the cooling relief.
Bath: Add some genuine lavender bath salts to the tub for an all-over soothing anti-itch solution.
Why Lavender Can Truly Make A Huge Difference to Your Skin, Hair - And Body – Read More
How it helps: Anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, analgesic
Best For: Hay fever, sinusitis, sinus headaches, stuffy nose, coughs, itchy skin, red bumps
With its high menthol content and strong, fresh, minty scent, peppermint oil is one of the best in class when it comes to clearing up your sinuses almost immediately. Although not an antihistamine like other oils, it’s incredibly effective at opening up your airways and relieving a scratchy throat that can cause coughing. That being said, anything that can helps you breathe and feel better is more than welcome.
As an anti-inflammatory, it also works wonders for headaches caused by a build-up of sinus pressure. As an added bonus, it also provides much-needed relief for itching caused by allergies and insect bites because it’s so cooling, reduces swelling and soothes away any pain.
How to use peppermint oil for allergies
Chest rub: To relieve congested sinuses and a cough, mix 2 to 3 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oils with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond) and massage into the chest for a few minutes. Also apply to the temples and the back of the neck to ease a headache.
Diffuse: Use a mix of peppermint with lavender and lemon oils for relief from both allergy symptoms and sinus headaches.
Itching Relief: For immediate cooling relief, apply a mixture of 2 drops peppermint oil and 1 teaspoon carrier oil directly onto the itchy skin, allergy bumps or bites.
How it helps: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antibacterial
Best for: Hay fever, asthma, sinusitis, post nasal drip, cough, home disinfectant, mold, dust mites, pet dander
Another natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, this bright fresh oil has been shown to offer relief for not only seasonal allergies like hay fever, but also asthma attacks and post nasal drip. It eases the inflammation and reduces mucus build-up which can cause coughing and sinus infections.
But lemon essential oil is probably best known as a powerful anti-bacterial and disinfectant to use around the home - especially useful if you are allergic to dust mites and pet dander. Lemon oil can kill off bacteria and eliminate any allergy triggers on surfaces and in the air. Perk up - relief is in sight…
How to use lemon essential oil for allergies
Disinfectant: Eliminate any allergy triggers like dust, pollen, mold, mites and dog or cat dander. Add 40 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil to a 16-ounce bottle filled with distilled water and a little white vinegar. Spray everywhere where allergens may lurk - the air, any soft surfaces like furniture, beds or drapes, and hard surfaces like counter tops and tables.
Diffuse: Combine 3 drops each of peppermint, lavender and lemon essential oils to disperse the fresh, cleansing scent throughout your home.
How it helps: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, analgesic, decongestant
Best For: Hay fever, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, stuffy nose, cough, mold, dust mites, itch bug bites
Ever used Vicks VapoRub to help clear up a nasty cold or cough? Then you’ve already experienced the potent power of eucalyptus essential oil. Well known as a natural home remedy for all sorts of respiratory problems, eucalyptus can help with a blocked stuffy nose, breaking up mucus and phlegm and clearing out your sinuses - so once again you can breathe easier.
As a natural antihistamine, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it’s one of the best essential oils not only for seasonal allergies but has also been proven to help with bronchitis, coughing and asthma attacks triggered by allergens like pollen and dust. Goodbye sneezing and wheezing…
How to use eucalyptus oil for allergies
Topically: To quickly clear sinuses and ease breathing, coughs and sneezes, warm a eucalyptus heat wrap or neck pillow in the microwave and apply to your chest and neck. Or mix a few drops of eucalyptus with a carrier oil and apply directly to the skin to relieve any itchiness.
Inhalation: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a steaming bowl of water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Or just add eucalyptus bath salts to a tub of hot water. You can also toss 25 drops of eucalyptus oil in with your laundry to infuse clothes with its natural healing scent during allergy season.
Warm compress: To relieve sinus swelling and discomfort, apply a warm compress across the nose and forehead. Simply heat up a eucalyptus eye pillow in the microwave, and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Vapor Rub: To open up the airways and make it easier to breathe, try Dr Axe’s Homemade Vapor Rub that draws on the healing properties of eucalyptus and peppermint oils.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: A Potent Natural Remedy You Need for A Healthy Home and Family – Read More
How it helps: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, decongestant, antiseptic
Best for: Home allergens, skin allergies, runny nose, hives, bug bites, itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis, mold
Because it helps destroy all those airborne allergy triggers in the home - like bacteria, viruses and fungi like mold - tea tree oil is one of the most powerful essential oils for natural allergy relief. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil also help bring down sinus swelling to provide you with a welcome reprieve from a stuffed or runny nose.
Studies have also found that tea tree oil significantly reduces swelling from histamine-induced skin inflammation - in some cases it’s been found to be more effective than prescription creams. Tea tree is a very effective essential oil for itching. It can be applied directly to bug bites, rashes, hives and eczema to help reduce itching, lessen the redness and calm the skin. No more discomfort or irritation…
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Allergies
Diffuse: Diffusing tea tree oil throughout your home will eliminate airborne bacteria and kill mold, and also help clear blocked sinuses.
Topically: Use tea tree oil topically to treat skin rashes, itchiness, allergic eczema and hives. Add 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Do a patch test beforehand.
Cold compress: Soak a clean wash cloth in a bowl of cold water with a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and redness. Repeat every few hours.
Bath: Add anti-itch natural solutions like colloidal oatmeal plus a few drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil to your bath.
How it helps: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, disinfectant, sedative
Best for: Hay fever, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, runny nose, sleep, pet dander, dust mites, home disinfectant
Another potent anti-inflammatory, frankincense oil is one of those wonderful multipurpose essential oils when it comes to treating allergies. It has been shown to help ease the symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, and even asthma. It even stimulates the immune system to help keep you healthy and well.
And if you thought a good night’s sleep was distant dream during allergy season, think again. A landmark study found an anti-allergy blend of frankincense, sandalwood and Ravensara oils not only reduced annoying hay fever symptoms - itchy and runny noses, blocked nasal passages and sneezing - but people slept better, had more energy and felt happier.
As an air or surface disinfectant, frankincense oil can also help beat allergens like animal dander and dust mites.
How to Use Frankincense Oil for Allergies
Diffuse: Blend a mix of 3 drops frankincense, 2 drops sandalwood and 1 drop Ravensara oils and diffuse for 30 minutes before you go to bed.
Disinfectant: Simply mix a few drops of frankincense oil in spray bottle with water for an all-purpose anti-allergy relief cleaner that smells amazing.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Use Essential Oils - Read More
How it helps: Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antimicrobial, decongestant, sedative
Best for: Hay fever, sinusitis, blocked nose, skin allergies, hives, itchy skin, red bumps, eczema
When it comes to sorting out hay fever, Roman chamomile essential oil - another potent anti-inflammatory and antihistamine - can be used to soothe irritated sinuses and so help clear up all that excess mucus, a blocked nose and sneezing. A study suggests that a combination of chamomile, lemongrass and sandalwood oils can actually reduce the histamine response by almost half.
Looking for more essential oils for a rash? Chamomile has also been shown to provide quick relief for many skin allergies – whether they be easing the itchiness from eczema, hives, itchiness or other allergic rashes. It’s great for calming the nervous system too…
How to Use Roman Chamomile Oil for Allergies
Diffuse: Diffuse a few drops each of Roman chamomile, eucalyptus, lemon or lavender essential oils for instant and effective relief from the sniffles and sneezing.
Hay fever: Add one drop of Roman chamomile oil to one teaspoon of jojoba oil and dot around the eyes (not too close), across the nose and cheeks.
Eczema, Rash & Skin Allergies: Blend a couple drops of Roman chamomile essential oil and one teaspoon of carrier oil, and apply direct to the skin with a cotton ball.
So if you’ve already tried your share of remedies to help relieve your seasonal and skin allergies, and are looking for a natural alternative, maybe it’s time to addthe best essential oil for allergies to your first-aid kit.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils. There are certain people who should avoid them altogether, including babies, young children under 5 years old, pregnant women and the convalescing or elderly, unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics, as they may not respond well to these oils.
For children under 12 years, opt for the safer decongesting essential oils such as frankincense used along with oils such as lavender, chamomile, or tea tree in lower doses than used with adults.
Before using an essential oil on your skin, always do a patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours to check for any reactions.
As essential oils are potent, please do not apply anywhere too close to your eyes. Apply to the temples or cheeks, or sniff directly out of the bottle. They quickly permeate your skin and body and get to work within minutes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils such as Sonoma Lavender’s eucalyptus for allergies. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
You deserve only the best essential oil for allergies. Contact Sonoma Lavender today to place your order.
]]>
You want the absolute best for your little one. You want to help them sleep well; feel better quickly if they get sick; and stop any pain or discomfort. Most of all, you want them to be happy and content. And you want to do it using a safe natural home remedy…
Enter lavender – widely recommended as one of the best, gentlest and safest essential oils for babies and children. Just one whiff of lavender can immediately make your kid (and you) feel calm and more relaxed. Is lavender oil safe for babies? Absolutely! It’s the most widely used baby-safe essential oil to ensure a good night’s sleep for your baby or child. But lavender’s aromatherapy benefits don’t stop there. It’s also a great pain reliever, can help with colic, eczema, teething, heat and diaper rashes, ease a fever, cold, coughs and congestion, and naturally boost your child’s mood and emotions. Most importantly, it’s totally kid safe…
Here’s how lavender essential oil can help your baby, toddler or child sleep better, as well as many other ways you can use this exceptionally versatile natural home remedy…and do so safely…
Proven to be one of the gentlest and safest of all essential oils for children, it’s not surprising that more and more moms are turning to lavender as the best essential oil for children. It can not only help ease a baby’s tummy and teething troubles and relieve any pains or sprains, but may very well be the ‘magic potion’ home remedy you’re looking for to calm a fussy, restless child or finally soothe your kid to sleep.
One study found that mothers that bathed their infants in lavender-scented water experienced multiple benefits for both mom and baby. Mothers became more relaxed, and touched and smiled at their babies more often. Their babies, in turn, looked at their mothers more, cried less often and spent more time in deep sleep after bath-time.
It’s also been found that a lavender oil massage can also help relax a fussy baby and encourage longer and deeper sleep. After introducing a bedtime massage routine with mothers and their babies, a study found that bedtime become easier, and the babies experienced less night-time waking.
As lavender essential oil quickly and safely relaxes the body and calms the mind, it can also be a life savior if your little one is anxious, insecure, or in any form of emotional distress - helping to soothe that incessant crying that can be so stressful for any mother.
But lavender oil offers so much more. A natural pain reliever, it helps ease the discomfort of colic as well as relieve the everyday headaches, teething problems, earaches and other pains and sprains that can inflict your baby and child.
A study found that a lavender oil aromatherapy massage can help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of colic. Another study confirmed lavender as effective for treating babies in pain. It was found that newborns who smelled lavender while having a heel prick test felt less pain and were not as distressed as those in a control group.
And when it comes to diaper rash - or any other skin condition like eczema - lavender helps calm and relieve that as well. It even tames the itchiness and redness of mosquito and other bug bites, and helps soothe and heal small wounds, cuts and burns. Lavender can also help with a stuffy, congested nose from a cold, and ease a fever.
Here’s how to use the multipurpose aromatherapy benefits of lavender essential oil as a safe, natural home remedy to help your restless, distressed or injured child – and make your life so much easier…
Sleep: If you’re struggling to get your baby or toddler to sleep, lavender essential oil can be a big help. Try a calming oil massage with lavender and Roman chamomile, or a warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil before bedtime.
Otherwise diffuse a blend of lavender and Roman chamomile for 15 minutes before your kid goes to bed. Or try a quick spritz of a lavender spray in the child’s bedroom to soothe and calm them to sleep. A lavender-infused soft and cuddly stuffed animal warmed up in the microwave can also be the perfect night-time calming comforter for your little one.
Calm anxiety, crying and irritability: An essential oil whiz at easing any emotional distress, lavender oil can either be diffused as a calming scent, or used as part of a gentle, soothing massage.
Burns: Add 5 drops of lavender oil to a tablespoon of soothing aloe vera and mix well. Apply liberally to inflamed skin 3 times a day to help soothe pain and heal quicker.
Colic: A comforting tummy massage with lavender oil diluted in warmed olive or coconut oil can help relieve the pain. Warm lavender baths can also help relax and soothe colicky infants.
Cough, Cold or Congestion: Blocked stuffy nose or an irritation cough? Try a diffuser blend of lavender, frankincense and lemon oils in a well-ventilated room.
Cuts and wounds: Add 3 drops each of lavender and tea tree oil to 2 tablespoons of witch hazel and mix well. Using a cotton ball, gently apply to the wound 2 to 3 times a day.
Diaper rash: Also helps with heat and many other rashes; lavender essential oil can even soothe eczema. To relieve irritation and redness, blend 1 drop lavender and 1 drop Roman chamomile with 2 tablespoons of warmed coconut oil and apply.
Earache: Combine 2 tablespoons of carrier oil with 2 drops lavender, I drop Roman chamomile, and 1 drop tea tree oil. Put a drop on a cotton ball and place on the surface the ear, and also rub a small amount on the neck and behind the ear.
Fever: Dilute 1 to 2 drops of lavender in two tablespoons carrier oil, and massage a small amount on the neck, feet, back and behind the ears. Chill a lavender weighted blankie in the freezer to help reduce a high temperature.
Mosquito bites, bug bites, itchy skin: Mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply directly on the affected areas at least twice a day. Good for Mom and Dad too!
Pain Relief: For pain relief from minor headaches or sprains, mix a few drops of lavender oil in a bowl of hot water. Soak a small towel and use it as a hot compress to help it heal quicker. Another simple way is to use a lavender spa mask as a hot or cold compress to relieve the pain. Just cool it in the freezer for acute pain like a sprain, or warm it in the microwave for chronic aches and pains.
Teething: Try one of these simple home remedies - a gentle jawline massage with diluted lavender oil, a lavender-infused warm compress along the jawline, or a diffuser blend of 2 drops each of lavender and Roman chamomile, to help ease the pain.
There Are Many Uses Of Lavender Oil You Probably Want To Know About – Read More
Are essential oils even really that safe for your baby, toddler or child? They definitely can be - provided you stick with kid safe essential oils and follow specific usage guidelines. Lavender is well known as one of the best, mildest, gentlest - and safe - essential oils for babies and kids. But like all pure essential oils, lavender is highly concentrated and potent, so extreme care is needed before use.
When using lavender essential oil on your child, it’s important to properly dilute the pure essential oil with carrier oil as their skin is so much more sensitive. It’s also best to do a patch test safety-check to assess skin sensitivity before use. Apply a small dime sized amount of the diluted essential oil to an arm or a leg, and leave for 24 hours. If there is any reaction - like redness or pain to the touch - discontinue use, and try again when the child is older.
An important cautionary note. No essential oil should ever be used for newborns under 3 months. Similarly, they should never be ingested by a child. It’s also advisable to avoid using with infants or kids who have asthma.
There are many different ways you can use lavender essential oil for babies, toddlers and kids. Just choose which would be the best for both you and your child…Diffusing: A diffuser is recommended as one of the safest ways to use essential oils for all children above 3 months of age – from infants and babies to toddlers and older kids. It’s best to avoid using humidifiers and nebulizers for your little ones.
It’s also important to never use adult doses for children – always check the diffuser instructions on how much oil to use for your baby or child. If in doubt, a broad rule of thumb is to use 1-3 drops of lavender oil starting off with the lesser amount for young babies and toddlers. Diffusers should also only be run intermittently - turn on for 15 minutes, then off for 30 minutes – in a well-ventilated room – and never run continuously or overnight.
Apply To Skin: Lavender essential oil should always be well diluted in a carrier oil before using on the more sensitive skin of a child. Common carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. For children older than 3 months, safe dilution ratios of between 0.5% to 1.5% are recommended:
0.5% dilution for babies 4 months-1 year (1 drop of essential oil in two teaspoons carrier oil)
1% dilution for ages 2-5 (1 drop of essential oil in one teaspoon carrier oil)
1.5% dilution for ages 6-15 (3 drops of essential oil in two teaspoons carrier oil)
Apply a few drops on the back of the neck, chest and tummy - in fact, anywhere on the body where your child is unlikely to put the treated area (like their foot) in their mouth.
You can also make your own roller ball for easier on-the-go application for young kids. Fill a 0.25-ounce glass roller ball bottle with a carrier oil, and add 1 drop of lavender essential oil (a little over 1% dilution).
Massage: A wonderful relaxing option for babies and toddlers which not only calms and soothes before bedtime, but also makes for a closer bond with your child. Mix one tablespoon almond oil, ½ tablespoon olive oil and ½ tablespoon coconut oil (melt over low heat if solid) together with 5-10 drops lavender essential oil.
Sleep Spray: Mix 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 tablespoons of witch hazel and stir. Add 3 tablespoons water and pour into a 4-ounce spray bottle. For babies and toddlers, use as an air freshener or a sleeping spray in an open well-ventilated room as part of their pre-bedtime routine. Once your toddler has got past the stage of putting everything in their mouth, a ready-made lavender linen spray can be used to mist their pillows and other bedding items before they go to sleep.
Bath: Dilute lavender essential oil in a carrier oil as above. Simply add a few drops of the diluted oil to a warm bath. If your little one loves to splash about as part of their bath-time routine, bathing with essential oils is not advisable as they may get some oil in their eyes or mouth. Once they are older, you can switch to pure lavender bath salts as a simpler bath-time option.
Weighted Blanket: It’s well-known that many kids sleep better under a weighted blanket, particularly if they are hyperactive. If that blanket is infused with the calming scent of lavender, even better. Choose a soft, plush, weighty lavender blankie that can also be warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer.
Stuffed Plush Animal: One of the easiest ways to introduce your toddler or child's life and sleep routine is with an adorable heatable lavender stuffed animal that will quickly become a favorite cuddle buddy.
Super-Soft, Cute and Cuddly Stuffed Plush Animals You and Your Child Won't Be Able to Resist – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
It’s important to consult with a medical practitioner before using essential oils near babies and children. It is also highly recommended you seek additional advice from a certified aromatherapist. Essential oils should never be used on newborn babies under 3 months and kids who have asthma, or ingested by children.
Always ensure you use a 100% pure lavender essential oil (lavandula angustifolia) from a reputable brand, and not a ‘fragranced’ oil, which will not only won’t work as suggested, but in the case of babies and kids, may even cause harm.
Keep essential oils out of children's reach. If an oil is ever ingested, give the child an oil-soluble liquid such as milk or cream. Immediately seek emergency medical attention. A few drops of pure, baby-safe essential oil shouldn't be life-threatening, but for your protection, it is best to take these precautions.
Now that you know the many benefits of lavender essential oil for babies, browse our online store for a wide range of lavender essential oil products.
]]>So…you’ve been dieting for what seems to be forever, have upped your exercise regimen, and yet you’re still trying to figure out why you can’t lose weight…
You’ve hit the dreaded weight loss plateau – and nothing you do seems to help. Yes - you’ve heard that as you lose weight, your metabolism declines which slows your weight loss. Yet despite switching things up, you’re still well and truly stuck. And desperate…
You don’t need to be. It’s all about understanding that losing weight - and keeping it off - is so much more than diet and exercise. Anything from your hormones to emotional state - and even lack of sleep - can make an enormous difference as to whether or not you can break through that weight loss plateau, and maintain a stable weight forever.
The good news? There are a whole bunch of essential oils all of which have unique properties to help you lose weight naturally. Some actually help you burn fat while others can improve gut health and digestion. Still others help balance the hormones that can jeopardize your weight loss efforts. And if you want to curb hunger cravings or boost your metabolism, they can do that too – and so much more.
While they aren’t going to ‘magically’ melt away those pounds, many essential oils have powerful medicinal properties that can actually fix a whole lot of unusual reasons why you can’t lose weight - and finally help you shift those stubborn pounds…
We all know that healthy eating and exercise are the foundations of any successful weight loss plan. You’ve eliminated sugar and processed foods, reduced bad carbs and upped your protein intake, cut your portion sizes, ditched sodas and fruit juices in favor of water, stopped snacking, and have added HIIT to your exercise routine. So just what is the deal when no matter how well you eat or how hard you exercise, you’re still not able to shift those excess pounds?
It could be that you’re the victim of one of the unexpected saboteurs of weight loss. Our bodies are very complex machines and are often thrown out of whack when they don’t get all the TLC they need. And in many instances, this can totally jeopardize your weight loss efforts – and help you figure out why you can’t lose that unwanted weight…
You’ve probably heard of the circadian rhythm - the way your body and brain respond to the daily cues of daylight and darkness - that affects everything from your metabolism and hormone levels to body temperature. But did you know how it much it can affect your weight loss efforts?
It turns out that your body uses less energy to digest and metabolize your food the closer it gets to night time. So, while your body may be able to burn off that healthy salmon and avocado salad you have at lunch time, by the time you get closer to when the sleep hormone, melatonin, is produced, your body’s ability to efficiently metabolize even a healthy meal is substantially reduced. A study confirmed that college students who ate food closer to their bedtime had higher percentages of body fat and a higher body-mass index.
So even if you’re not eating more, this factor alone might find you struggling to shift those extra pounds. Experts also suggest you eat during a window of 8 to 12 hours a day, and then don’t eat for the rest of the time, especially as you get older and your metabolism slows.
Best Essential Oils to Reduce Appetite And Sugar Cravings
Aside from adjusting your meal times to optimize your metabolism, sugar cravings and hunger pangs can still throw you off track. The citrus essential oils – grapefruit, lemon and bergamot - as well as fennel, cinnamon, peppermint and ginger, are all known to be effective appetite suppressants to help you naturally lose weight.
If you feel you’re fighting a losing battle with weight loss, a 2021 study shows you can also blame your gut. Made up of a diverse community of trillions of bacteria and yeast, your gut is not only home to about 80% of your immune system, but also helps control your metabolism, hunger - and weight.
A healthy gut has a healthy balance of bugs. But this can be quickly thrown into disarray by issues such as a poor diet, obesity and lack of sleep. This causes an overgrowth of bad bugs that in turn trigger inflammation, insulin resistance and promote weight gain.
Aside from not being able to lose weight, some signs that your gut health is not in a good place include gas and bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and sugar cravings.
Best Essential Oils for Digestion and Gut Health
While you should firstly deal with issues such as diet and lack of sleep, essential oils like peppermint, clove, lemon, fennel, ginger and cinnamon all work in a variety of ways to help fix poor digestive health that will help you lose excess weight.
One of the main reasons why so many people struggle to lose weight is because their bodies have become resistant to insulin. It controls your blood sugar levels, but it does far more than that. It also controls fat storage.
As insulin is responsible for lowering your blood sugar levels, being insulin resistant typically means that your blood sugar levels are always too high, and the only way the body can deal with this is to convert those sugars into fat stores. A study found that high levels of both insulin and the appetite control hormone, leptin, then also prevent those fat stores from ever being burned off. So, insulin resistance not only means that you may continue to gain weight, but will also struggle to lose it.
Best Essential Oils To Lower Blood Sugar
Although essential oils can never claim to reduce high blood sugar levels or cure insulin resistance, some like cinnamon, coriander, ginger, lavender, rosemary as well as the citrus oils - lemon, grapefruit and bergamot - have been shown to help ease the severity of these conditions and so boost your weight loss efforts.
Stay Healthy. Essential Oils To Naturally Boost Your Immunity When It Needs It the Most - Read More
If you do nothing else, make sure you’re getting enough good quality sleep. Sleep specialist neuroscientist, Matthew Walker, argues that good sleeping habits are the single most important thing you can do for weight loss (and overall health) – even more so than diet and exercise.
Studies confirm that poor sleep is one of the single biggest risk factors for obesity. Lack of good quality sleep shows that adults are at a 55% greater risk of becoming overweight, and children a massive 89% more. And if you’re struggling to lose weight or hitting a weight loss plateau, it could easily be due to poor sleeping habits.
That’s because lack of sleep triggers no less than five different hormones that have a direct impact on your weight. First off, you become less sensitive to insulin, which increases blood sugar levels that cause weight gain. Then your hunger hormone, ghrelin, goes into overdrive, while leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, plunges - resulting in permanent hunger pangs. Add in the stress hormone, cortisol, which surges with lack of sleep, making your body store more fat, especially in the belly. Finally, less deep sleep deprives your body of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) so decreasing the rate at which it burns fat.
Best Essential Oils For Sleep
Well-known as the Queen of Sleep, lavender is your go-to essential oil to help you quickly slip into dreamland and have a good night’s rest. Other sleep-inducing oils that naturally promote weight loss include Roman Chamomile, cedarwood, vetiver and bergamot.
We all live stressful, fast paced lives. However, persistent chronic stress can cause absolute havoc in the body and become a major factor in stubborn weight loss.
A stressful job or relationship - or even when day to day demands just get too much - can result in the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, becoming permanently elevated which just stimulates your desire to eat more. To make it worse, your body then stores any excess sugar as fat, particularly belly fat. Stress also steps up the production of a brain chemical, neuropeptide Y, which intensifies your craving for carbs. In fact, a study has shown that constant work-related stress can actually cause women to gain weight.
Elevated cortisol levels also come into play when you’re feeling depressed. And it’s also quite common to mindlessly munch on high-calorie comfort foods when you’re feeling down. It’s no wonder stress, anxiety and depression are practically guaranteed to sabotage any weight loss efforts.
Best Essential Oils for Stress, Anxiety and Depression
A whole bunch of essential oils have been shown to ease symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression that will help boost your weight loss efforts. Use lavender, bergamot, peppermint, rose and ylang ylang to calm anxious or depressed thoughts and lemon, grapefruit and rosemary to lift your mood.
Did You Know Lavender Is Proven to Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely? – Read More
While there’ll never be a replacement for a healthy diet and daily exercise to help shift those extra pounds, essential oils can play an important supporting role in helping you lose weight naturally.
Every essential oil possesses its own unique set of healing properties, each of which can contribute to your weight loss efforts. For instance, some oils have fat burning compounds, while others can help regulate blood sugar levels. They can also can help curb constant food cravings and reduce snacking, and improve digestive health.
Some essential oils promote good sleep, and can also do wonders if you’re stressed and anxious. Many are powerful anti-inflammatories as well.
So whether you’re struggling with sugar cravings, a sluggish metabolism or poor digestion, or striving to reduce emotional eating binges, constant fatigue, or high stress, essential oils could be the missing link you need to help you quickly and effectively lose weight.
Some of the best essential oils for weight loss include grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, lavender, fennel and rosemary oils – all proven to help you lose those unwanted pounds…
Best for: Boosting metabolism, fat burning, belly fat, blood sugar levels, appetite suppressant, food cravings, bloating, water retention.
Well known to help people lose weight, grapefruit essential oil contains a unique phytochemical called nootkatone that stimulates the enzymes involved with metabolism, encouraging the body to use up more glucose and burn off fat. One animal study showed that when given grapefruit juice on a high fat diet, subjects gained 18% less weight over a period of 3 months.
Another study found that a key component of grapefruit oil, D-limonene, stimulates lipolysis, a process whereby fat and protein are dissolved by the body, directly supporting metabolism and a reduction in cravings, appetite and body weight. Aside from being an excellent appetite suppressant and fat burner, it also helps prevent bloating and water retention in the body.
Best for: Boosting metabolism, fat burning, stress, reducing blood sugar levels, appetite suppressant, sugar cravings, digestion, gut health, detoxifier.
Another powerful weight loss supporter that contains D-limonene, lemon essential oil is acclaimed for its ability to melt away fat and cholesterol. One study suggested that when combined with grapefruit oil, lemon oil promoted lipolysis, so breaking down body fats and suppressing weight gain.
Another study reported that obese mice fed a high-fat diet together with D-limonene resulted in reduced blood glucose levels and positive cholesterol adjustments, suggesting it can both help prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.
One of the best things about lemon oil is that it is a mood booster, lifting the spirits and dispelling anxiety and stress. It helps balance the hormones, increases oxygen supply, and improves blood flow. It’s also a great appetite suppressant and helps eliminate toxins in the body, prevent parasites in the gut, and improve overall digestion.
Best for: Stress and anxiety, lowering cortisol, fat burning, belly fat, blood sugar levels, hunger pangs, appetite suppressant.
If you find that emotional eating when you’re feeling anxious or depressed is undermining your diet, bergamot essential oil helps you avoid snacking during stressful times. A study found that inhaling bergamot oil for 15 minutes boosts your mood and also significantly reduces cortisol, the ‘stress’ hormone. Consistently high levels of cortisol produce excess glucose, leading to increased blood sugar levels that make it difficult to shift stubborn belly fat.
Another citrus oil with high levels of D-limonene, bergamot oil acts as an appetite suppressant, reduces insulin resistance and prevents weight gain. A study found that patients with hyperlipemia (high fat levels in the blood) who were given bergamot were not only able to significantly reduce blood glucose but also cholesterol levels.
Bergamot also naturally contains polyphenols - the same compound found in green tea - which reduces inflammation, and helps stem cravings and hunger pangs.
Best for: Boosting metabolism, fat burning, blood sugar levels, appetite suppressant, food cravings, gut health.
Numerous studies suggest cinnamon essential oil is somewhat of an all-round multi-tasker that can play a large part in supporting weight loss efforts. It helps balance blood sugar levels which can lead to over-eating, reduce food cravings, speed up digestion and boost the metabolism.
One study found that it’s particularly effective in regulating blood glucose levels and the glucose tolerance factor (GFT) to help reduce appetite and cravings. Another found that it mimics the effect of insulin that helps move sugar, or glucose, into your body's tissues to use as fuel.
In addition, a study found that cinnamon helps speed up the metabolic process by acting directly on fat cells, prompting them to start burning energy through a process called thermogenesis. And by reducing certain digestive enzymes that slow carbohydrate breakdown, cinnamon can also help improve your gut health.
Best for: Inflammation, boosting metabolism, fat burning, belly fat, blood sugar levels, appetite suppressant, digestion, gut health.
Ginger essential oil is another excellent multi-tasker that works in many different ways to help you lose weight. A review of 27 studies showed that it not only boosts your body’s metabolism and fat burning abilities, but also minimizes the amount of fat it absorbs - while at the same time reducing unwanted food cravings.
Another review found that ginger significantly decreased body weight and belly fat. It also drastically lowers blood sugars to help curb your appetite. Keeping blood sugars stable is a key to both losing and maintaining weight.
A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger essential oil contains antioxidants called gingerols that significantly decreases inflammation in the gut, helping food digest faster and stimulate the body to speed up the digestive process so supporting weight loss goals.
Best for: Gut health, digestion, appetite suppressant, sugar cravings, stress and anxiety.
Peppermint is the ideal essential oil for those looking to improve their digestive health. Poor digestion is one of the main causes of weight gain. Studies have shown that the cooling compound in peppermint, menthol, is excellent for calming an upset stomach, improving digestion, reducing bloating and gas, and can even help combat irritable bowel syndrome.
Peppermint oil is also a very effective appetite suppressant, controlling cravings for sugar and other foods, and so helps curb overeating. A clinical study showed that inhaling peppermint oil every 2 hours is highly effective in reducing appetite and decreasing food cravings. As a result, participants were able to significantly reduce their calorie intake and support their weight loss goals.
Menthol is also known to be muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, so helping you relax amidst feelings of anxiety. Since stress is a known factor in weight gain, peppermint can help calm you down.
Best for: Improving sleep, reducing stress, anxiety and depression, inflammation, controlling blood sugar levels, belly fat, hunger and overeating.
It’s a known fact that losing weight is not only about controlling what you eat and how you exercise. Two exceptionally important contributors to being overweight are lack of good quality sleep and a high incidence of stress, anxiety or depression.
These all disrupt a number of hormones, like insulin and cortisol, which control blood sugar, hunger and appetite. This not only trigger episodes of overeating but also makes it so much harder for your body to shed those unwanted pounds.
Known as the Queen of Calm, lavender is the go-to essential oil if you want reduce feelings of anger, sadness and anxiety as well as enjoy a good night’s sleep. Many studies support lavender as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
It helps uplift mood, improve sleep quality, and facilitates the secretion “feel good” hormones. This reduces inflammation in the body and also helps prevent weight gain brought on by lack of sleep and stress – which are recognized as two of the causes of excess belly fat.
Proof: Lavender Can Help You Sleep Better (Without Any Pills) – Read More
Best for: Metabolism, digestion, gut health, fat burning, appetite suppression, hunger pangs, circadian rhythm, sleep.
Well known for supporting digestion, improving metabolism, and its ability to suppress the appetite, fennel essential oil also helps regulate sleep/wake cycles (circadian rhythms).
Fennel seeds have been used for centuries to improve digestive health and help curb hunger pangs. A study confirmed that using fennel oil can not only significantly reduce the number of calories consumed but also improve digestion. Fennel oil is also a diuretic and helps remove toxins from the body which can contribute to weight loss.
Fennel also contains melatonin that regulates circadian rhythms and so is often used as a sleep aid. However, a study has shown how melatonin can also positively affect weight loss by creating more good energy burning brown fat, rather than ‘bad’ white fat that is stored.
Best for: Metabolism, stress and anxiety, reducing cortisol, blood sugar levels.
Rich in antioxidants and a natural anti-inflammatory, rosemary essential oil help promote weight loss by significantly reducing cortisol, which increases during times of high stress and anxiety. Consistently high levels of cortisol produce excess glucose, and these elevated blood sugar levels make it difficult to shift stubborn belly fat. High stress levels can also lead to emotional eating and unwanted weight gain.
Sniffing rosemary essential oil for 5 minutes has been found to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 23%. Another Japanese study also confirmed that rosemary oil is able to decrease cortisol levels.
Rosemary is also naturally rich in carnosic acid, a substance that keeps the pounds off by inhibiting the formation of fat cells. One animal study found that whilst on a high fat diet, rosemary oil reduced weight gain by 64% and fat gain by 57% compared to controls. This was confirmed by another study which found 79% improvement in fat loss.
By far the most common way people use an essential oil is just by breathing it in. When you breathe in an essential oil, the evaporating microparticles reach the part of your brain that controls your emotions and behaviour within a matter of seconds.
However, you can also use a blend of two to four different oils in a diffuser, add them to your bath or shower, or mix 12 drops with an ounce of carrier oil (like sweet almond or jojoba) and apply directly onto your skin pretty much anywhere on your body – just avoid getting too close to your eyes, ears or broken skin. Essential oils applied to the skin are also rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream.
It’s best that you keep switching the essential oils inhaled daily so that your body doesn’t not get too used to them, and you keep reaping their benefits on an ongoing basis.
As essential oils are very potent, if you’re unsure about how to use them, it’s best familiarize yourself with all the best practices before you start.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Use Essential Oils - Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you have any medical condition, please consult with your health care professional before you use essential oils. Before using an essential oil on your skin, always do a patch test on the inside of your upper arm for 24 hours to check for any reactions.
As essential oils are potent, please do not apply anywhere too close to your eyes. Apply to the temples or cheeks, or sniff directly out of the bottle. They quickly permeate your skin and body and get to work within minutes.
Ensure that you always use top quality essential oils. There's a difference between an essential oil and simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>If you’ve ever reached for a bag of frozen peas when you’ve twisted an ankle or a hot water bottle to soothe your child’s stomach ache, you already know that pain relief comes in more than one temperature.
But what about when you’ve pulled a muscle lifting that heavy box that you shouldn’t have, or those painful arthritic twinges in your knees or fingers? Should you use the hot water bottle or ice-cold peas when your back or shoulder pain starts playing up? And what will help when that blinding headache refuses to go away?
It turns out that different types of pain respond better to different temperatures – either ice or heat – and sometimes, alternating between the two. But what if you could actually double-up on their pain relief benefits by using essential oils that are highly effective pain killers at the same time? The best news of all? You can naturally relieve your pain without the need for any medication – and almost immediately...
Here’s how to use both cold and heat therapy boosted by the potent natural healing power of essential oils for pain - including some you may never have even thought of…
One of the quickest and easiest ways to treat pain and inflammation, the therapeutic power and benefits of ice or heat to soothe and treat those aches and pains is unquestionable.
However, you’re not alone in being unsure about when it's better to use a hot or cold compress for your back or shoulder pain, arthritis, pulled muscles, headaches – or whatever pain you’re experiencing. The two are very different in what they can help and how they should be used. Some aches and pains improve with heat, while others benefit from ice. Some need both.
Cold therapy and compresses provide quick pain relief for injuries - a bit like ibuprofen. It helps narrow your blood vessels so stopping blood from accumulating in the area, and in doing so, relieves the swelling and acute inflammation. It basically eases the pain by numbing the area - and can also help minimize bruising.
That’s why it’s so good for fresh injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and severe bruises. The general rule of thumb is that a cold compress or ice should only be used within 72 hours of a sudden injury. Cold therapy can also help with sinus headaches, gout, sciatica and relieve a fever.
On the other hand, heat therapy or hot compress helps increase blood flow into the area, bringing in a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to help heal and soothe pain. Unlike cold therapy which doesn’t ‘repair’ anything, heat actually promotes healing so is best for the more chronic or longer-lasting conditions like arthritis, neck pain, backaches, tense shoulders, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps - and even migraines.
Heat therapy should not be used within 48 hours of a fresh injury or applied to an open wound. And if the area is either bruised or swollen (or both), it’s better to use cold therapy.
Adding the natural therapeutic powers of aromatherapy to your hot and cold treatment can pretty much double up on the benefits you get. Well known to work fast as they move into the bloodstream almost immediately, essential oils penetrate cells quickly, not only reducing inflammation and pain, but also providing those much-needed oxygen and nutrients to promote healing.
Many essential oils have both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving (analgesic) properties. However, certain oils are more effective anti-inflammatories than others, and are therefore ideally suited to treating immediate acute injuries to reduce inflammation, just like cold therapy. Similarly, like heat therapy, other oils are more effective in promoting longer term healing for chronic pain conditions.
According to a 2010 study, these essential oils were found to have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits - eucalyptus, thyme, clove, rose, fennel and bergamot - and so would be best paired with cold therapy to address acute - or sudden - pain. Here’s where they’ve been found to be the most effective…
Eucalyptus oil – sharp pain, headaches, sprains and strains, joint and muscle injuries, shingles, arthritis, sciatica and other nerve pain
Rose oil – menstrual pain and cramps, joint pain
Thyme oil – spasms, cramps and other muscular and abdominal (including menstrual) aches, joint pain, arthritis
Bergamot oil – neuropathic (shooting or burning) pain like sciatica, respiratory issues, sore throat
Clove oil – muscle and joint aches and pains, toothaches, tension headaches
Fennel oil – menstrual cramping and pain, sinuses
On the other hand, chronic pain that persists or continues to progress over a long period of time responds best to heat therapy teamed up with essential oils such as lavender, marjoram, geranium, rosemary, juniper, black pepper and chamomile, amongst others. Either use one, or a blend of two or three, of these essential oils to treat whichever type of chronic pain you are experiencing…
Lavender oil – tension headaches, migraines, muscle pain, back pain, neck pain, arthritis, safe pain relief for children
Marjoram oil – pain in the muscles and joints, toothaches and headaches, pulled muscles and cramps, arthritis, rheumatism
Geranium oil – relief from muscle aches and cramps, arthritis
Juniper oil – rheumatism and arthritis
Black pepper oil – neck pain, arthritis and rheumatism
Peppermint oil – chronic headaches, muscular aches and spasms, lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, menstrual cramps and stomach pain, osteoarthritis
Rosemary oil – effective overall analgesic for headaches, joint and muscle aches, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain
Roman chamomile oil – menstrual and stomach cramps, rheumatic joint pain, headaches, ulcers, muscle aches and spasms.
Ginger oil – rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lower back pain
Frankincense oil – arthritic joint pain, tension aches
Clary sage oil – menstrual cramps, period pain, muscle pain and spasms, stress headaches
Rosemary oil – headaches, muscle and joint pain, osteoarthritis
Why Aromatherapy Massage Is So Astonishingly Good for Your Body (And Mind) – Read More
Cold therapy is best used on recent injuries, especially where heat is being generated. It lowers your skin temperature. It reduces nerve activity. It eases pain and swelling. It makes it hurt less.
One of the key differences between cold and hot therapy is time related. Cold therapy is used immediately after an injury, and for a much shorter time period. To reap the most benefits, cold therapy should include several daily treatments of up to 20 minutes each time. And if the pain persists after 72 hours, then you should switch to heat therapy.
The R.I.C.E. method (rest; ice; compression; elevation) is one the most useful protocols to follow with a sprain or strain, and also to reduce swelling or sharp pain after any grueling sports activity or exercise.
Cold therapy has also been linked to increased focus, better-quality sleep, enhanced metabolism and even improved immunity.
Using cold to treat an acute injury with swelling - sprains, strains, bumps, bruises or tendonitis - is a time-honored technique.
To treat any of these conditions, thoroughly chill a eucalyptus infused wrap in the freezer, and then tightly wrap it around the injury to quickly reduce swelling and soothe away your aches and pains.
You can also use a chilled eucalyptus spa mask for smaller areas or bruises in the same way you would an ice pack. If only your hands or ankles are affected then eucalyptus mittens or eucalyptus booties are convenient options for pain relief.
Cold therapy can also be helpful for other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and shin splints, and even help reduce pain and swelling after a hip or knee replacement.
A popular technique used by athletes is submerging themselves in cold water baths after resistance training, cycling or running to help reduce muscle inflammation and pain after exercise. Known as cold water immersions or cryotherapy, a study has confirmed that this is an effective remedy to not only relieve, but also prevent sore and achy muscles after exercise.
To enhance its effectiveness, add 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil for muscle pain or a handful of eucalyptus bath salts to a cold-water soak to ease away those aches and pains. If your muscles are particularly painful, help reduce inflammation by massaging away the soreness with eucalyptus massage oil beforehand.
If you have injured or pulled a muscle, the immediate application of an ice pack can quickly help ease inflammation. Alternatively, just chill a eucalyptus infused spa wrap in the freezer and apply to the affected area.
Commonly associated with flare-ups in the big toe, gout can occur in any joint - the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists or fingers.
Depending on the area you’re treating, soothe away your agony with either eucalyptus infused spa booties, mittens or a wrap after chilling them in the freezer. Experience sweet relief as the cold calms and soothes while the powerful pain-relieving properties of eucalyptus oil ease away the aches.
Caused by an underlying lower back pain condition, sciatica radiates into the buttock and thigh, and occasionally even further down the leg. The pain can sometimes be excruciating, in which case you should see your doctor. For milder attacks, cold therapy and ice packs - plus the healing power of essential oils - can help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms, numb the area and lessen the pain.
Chill a folded eucalyptus infused spa wrap or a eucalyptus bolster roll in the freezer and apply directly to the source of the pain - the lower back/pelvis area - for 10-15 minutes a time, allowing for about 2 hours between applications.
A well-known home remedy for a fever, cooling sponge baths and cold compresses have long been used to help reduce a raging temperature.
To help reduce inflammation even further, add 10-15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a tepid bath. Water that is too cold and ice cube baths can be dangerous and should be avoided if you have a fever.
Or cover your body with a chilled eucalyptus spa blanket to help you stay cool and make you more comfortable. Applying a cold eucalyptus spa mask directly over the forehead or on the nape of the neck can also be effective in helping to reduce a fever.
The Many (Some Unexpected) Uses Eucalyptus Essential Oil Is Good For – Read More
While cold is an immediate first-aid solution for a short period of time, heat therapy can be used as an ongoing treatment to treat and manage chronic pain that does not involve swelling, or injuries older than three days.
You use “heat to treat”. It increases blood flow. It loosens muscles. It dulls pain. It eliminates toxins. It relaxes stiffness. It stops cramps. It heals damaged tissue.
You can either use dry heat - like heated wraps, neck pillows or heat lamps; or moist heat - like warm baths or heated wash cloths. Moist heat is generally considered more effective than dry heat as it penetrates deeper into the tissues.
An average heat therapy session using dry heat would be about 20 minutes up to three times a day, which is ideal for minor stiffness or tension. However more severe pain would benefit from longer sessions like a warm bath lasting from 30 minutes upwards to 2 hours.
Remember that heat therapy can also provide ongoing relief for many of the ailments initially treated with cold therapy if they have not cleared up after 72 hours - like sprains and strains, tendonitis, and stiff and sore muscles.
For persistent lower back or neck pain (or any other stubborn pain), nothing soothes away the tension more than a heat pack or neck pillow.
Depending upon the area being treated, heat up either a lavender spa wrap or lavender neck pillow into the microwave and apply to your lower back or neck to ease the pain and tension. If you suffer from repeated neck pain, use a heated lavender neck roll to provide just the right amount of support for your neck while you are asleep.
A warm, relaxing bath can also be helpful – just add 10-15 drops of lavender oil to warm water, or drop in a handful of lavender bath salts for the ultimate pain relief session.
Tired and achy feet because of excess activity or just being on the go all day long results in overstressed muscles and connective tissue.
Nothing is more soothing and relaxing for sore foot muscles than a foot spa bath. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and some Epsom salts to a basin full of warm water, and feel your aches and pains ease away. Finish off with a relaxing rub down with healing lavender foot balm.
After a long hard day, you can also take it easy, sit back and slip your sore feet into some snug lavender infused booties that have been warmed in the microwave for the ultimate in pain relief comfort.
Heat therapy can provide welcome relief for many kinds of cramping or spasms – for example – menstrual cramps, neuropathic pain, muscular spasms or restless leg syndrome. Applied to the neck, heat may also reduce the spasms that lead to headaches.
Choose between a lavender spa blanket for larger areas or a heated spa wrap for more localized pain. Pop into the microwave for a few minutes before applying to the affected area for about 20 minutes. Repeat up to three times a day for ongoing pain relief.
This could be the result of simple over-exertion of muscles after exercise or heavy lifting, or related to a condition like fibromyalgia, rheumatic disease, and even sleep deprivation.
The soothing effect of a heated lavender spa blanket can help ease a lot of these ills. Other full body treatments would include options like saunas or a hot bath. Adding in the beneficial effects of lavender oil for pain to a bath or sauna will help soothe not only the body, but also relax the mind.
Heat also works well as a pre-workout warm-up for stiff muscles or tissue before any exercise.
The Many Uses Of Lavender Oil You Probably Want To Know About – Read More
Using both heat and cold therapy in tandem actually stimulates your body's natural healing force. Alternating between the two makes the most of complimentary outcomes that can help to both reduce acute pain and inflammation, as well heal an injury.
A general rule of thumb is to apply heat for 20 minutes then follow immediately with 20 minutes of cold. You can also use contrast therapy by applying a ratio of 1 minute of cold followed by 3-4 minutes of heat, repeated three times, but remember to always end with cold to keep inflammation at bay.
Headaches can be treated by both cold and hot therapy - it all depends upon the type of headache. Cold helps numb and dull the pain, and also eases a fever. Heat relaxes tense muscles and increases blood flow so bringing in fresh oxygen and nutrients to help relieve the pain.
Similarly, different essential oils also deliver different results. Eucalyptus oil is renowned to effectively clear up a stuffy nose, plus reduce pain and lower blood pressure. Combining cold therapy with eucalyptus is therefore ideal for a sinus headache. Simply chill a couple of eucalyptus infused spa masks in the freezer, place one over the bridge of the nose, and the other on your forehead.
A dual therapy approach using essential oils can also help with migraines and tension headaches. Breathing in lavender has been found to ease migraine symptoms. Its well-known sedative properties also relieve the tension often associated with headaches.
Migraines can respond positively to either cold or heat therapy. Heat can be of particular benefit those who suffer from tension headaches in addition to their migraine attack. Warm up a lavender infused neck pillow in the microwave for a few minutes to help ease away the tension and pain. Repeat as often as necessary.
On the other hand, one study found that applying a chilled neck pillow significantly reduced migraine pain by cooling and numbing nerves in the neck area. Just pop the same lavender neck pillow into the freezer and then experiment with alternating both hot and cold to see which works best for you.
5 Powerful Essential Oils to Help Ease Headaches and Migraines Naturally (And When to Use Them) – Read More
Simple hot and cold treatments can make a huge difference when it comes to arthritis pain.
Applying heat helps to relieve some of the persistent stiffness and joint pain as well as relax the muscles, so improving mobility. Long warm baths or showers in the morning will help you get up and get moving. Using lavender bath salts or shower gel will provide extra support in gently easing away pain and relieving stiffness in the joints.
Heating up a lavender infused spa blanket in the microwave can help keep the joints loose at night (or anytime during the day). You could also use a heat wrap for your shoulders, or lavender booties or mittens for more localized pain. A study also showed that regularly massaging a 5% dilution of lavender oil in sweet almond oil onto swollen joints helps reduce the pain (or use a high quality lavender massage oil).
Cold therapy helps osteoarthritis by reducing any swelling and soreness, as well as temporarily relieving any joint pain caused by an arthritis flare. Chill a eucalyptus spa wrap in the freezer and apply to painful joints in a ’10-minutes on:10-minutes off’ cycle for quick relief.
Whole body cold therapy has also been found to significantly reduce pain in people with arthritis. Toss 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil into a tepid bath (not too cold) and lie back and relax for about 25 minutes.
A combination of hot and cold therapy can also help with sciatica.
The Ultimate Guide on How Best to Use Essential Oils – Read More
When it comes to pain relief for practically anything, cold and heat therapy is one of the easiest ways to quickly soothe away the agony, aching and discomfort. Combining them with the potent healing powers of essential oils is truly a match made in heaven…
Before treating with heat, consult a health professional if you have a skin condition, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a vascular disease.
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Sonoma Lavender stocks a wide range of essential oil products to help you treat pain and inflammation. Browse through our online store to find essential oils for pain, or contact us for more information.
]]>Moms are incredible. And every Mother’s Day, we have a unique chance to show our mothers (wives and grandmas included!) just how much we appreciate all their love, hugs, hard work and help. A time when they deserve a special and unique gift – to show just how much they mean to us…
But even though you know your mom so well, why is it that you often draw a blank when it comes to choosing the perfect Mother’s Day gift?
The best gifts are always the ones that show you’re thinking about her. And for busy, overworked moms everywhere nothing could be more thoughtful than a luxury, pampering Mother’s Day spa gift to help her relax, de-stress and enjoy some precious self-care moments to herself.
The secret to choosing a great gift is finding something unique that is perfectly matched to her personality and interests - whether she’s working, trendy, sporty, practical, stylish or just straight-up cool. And if you pair it with a special Mother’s Day message that melts her heart and makes her smile, she’ll appreciate it (and you) so much more…
“Of all the gifts life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest gift of all”
Beautiful both inside and out, your mom is thoughtful, gracious and lovable, always taking time out to show kindness and care to everyone she meets. Little luxuries make her day. It could be a sunset, a song, a moment of peace, or a perfect cup of tea. For her, luxury means enjoying those little best-in-life pampering moments.
She’ll absolutely adore our Mother’s Day pamper gifts such as cuddling up in this ultra-soft plush lilac lavender robe inspired by the luxury of a spa experience. It’s super comfy. Like really, really comfortable. So soft and cozy, she’ll want to lounge around in luxurious indulgence all day.
And for an extra special spoil, gift her a memorable spa Mother’s Day gift with luxuriously soft faux fur spa booties these luxuriously soft faux fur spa booties that she can quickly warm in the microwave and her feet will love you for life…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Ultra-Luxe Plush Shawl Robe in Lilac $129.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Booties In Arctic Circle Faux Fur $57.45
“Out of all the moms in the world, I’m glad you are mine”
With her logical, no-nonsense approach, she is a super-organiser who is always calm in the face of chaos. She keeps you grounded by lovingly guiding you through all the obstacles in your life. Generous with her time and support, she’s always been willing to go that extra mile for you.
Show how much you are grateful for her love and support with a gift of relaxation and calm. She’ll adore this plush, comfy microwavable neck pillow infused with the calming scent of lavender to gently ease away all the tensions of her day.
Or allow her indulge in the ultimate bathing treat with these deluxe lavender bath salts in a cute honey jar to calm and soothe her mind, body - and soul. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness forever…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Neck Pillow in Classic Lilac Dot Fabric $57.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Bath Salts In Honey Jar $22.45
“When I count my blessings, I count you twice”
A unique, ‘one-of-a-kind’ mom who is keen to try out new ideas, experiences or things. She’s special and irreplaceable and no one could ever take her place. Always the first to try out the latest and greatest stuff, she’ll openly embrace these on-trend natural beauty products that are perfect spa gifts for Mother’s Day.
Treat her to a set of creamy, dreamy hand-poured and hand-cut lavender and olive oil soaps, for the ultimate in luxurious softness for both her hands and body.
She’ll also adore these exfoliating sea salts infused with beneficial minerals and nutrients and skin-loving lavender essential oil, for the best all-over detoxing and moisturising pamper session…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Trio of Lavender & Olive Oil Soap Bars $27.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Bath Sea Salts $19.95
“Because of you, I am who I am today. Thank you. I love you.”
Always on the go and physically very active, she’s a bit like an Energizer bunny on steroids. Full of joy and exuberance, she’s upbeat and positive, radiating enthusiastic sparks of energy and invigorating everyone around her. Your mom is always the brightest spot in your day.
She’ll love anything that makes her exercising life easier. Give her the gift of the healing power of eucalyptus essential oil to help ease away any aches or sprains.
With the option to use as either hot or cold therapy, it’s a toss-up between a eucalyptus scented heat wrap for all over body use, or some comfy, cuddly footies to soothe her achy feet. She simply has to pop them into the microwave or freezer for some comforting relief…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Eucalyptus Silver Fox Faux Fur Heat Wrap $57.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Eucalyptus Silver Fox Faux Fur Spa Footies $52.45
“You are every lovely word I could possible think of”
Elegance is a style; a mannerism. It is refinement, it is tasteful and it creates a lasting impression. Cultivated and distinguished, your mom oozes inner strength and earns respect from everyone she meets. She is the essence of charm, poise and class.
Spoil her with some little luxuries that appeal to her taste. Elegant and refined, this exquisite lavender candle in beautifully decorated glass will add a serious touch of style to her home.
Or indulge her with this opulent faux fur bolster roll to use on the neck, lower back or behind the knees to ease away the aches of the day in wonderful warming luxury. An extra-special spa treat for her at home…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Fragrant Lavender Candle In Round Diamond Glass - Lilac Wax $22.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Bolster Neck Roll in Platinum Angora $57.45
“If I didn’t have you as a mom, I’d choose you as a friend”
She not only has a timeless style but is a beautiful person - both inside and out. She’s gentle, good-natured and caring. A compassionate friend to turn to when you need help, she’ll sympathize and show concern for your well-being. Your mom is genuine and kind, and always thinks of others before herself.
Give her the gift of sleep. A Take-Out Box of 4 Lavender Treats with an embroidered lavender sachet to tuck under her pillow, a lavender soy candle, some luxury bath salts and a cute soap will provide her with the path to restful sleep. She totally deserves it.
She’ll absolutely love this adorably cute and oh-so-cuddly Lavender Comforting Heart Pillow in the prettiest of pinks. Just heat it up to release the calming scent of lavender to soothe her soul. Nothing can beat a big warm hug for both her body and mind…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Take-Out Gift Box Of 4 Lavender Treats $24.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Comforting 12" Rosewater Pink Heart Pillow – Heatable $37.45
“You are the mom that everyone wishes they had”
If all your friends say they would love to have your mom, its highly likely that she’s cool. She’s up-to-date with the latest trends and understands all the issues people your age face. She’s fun, entertaining and light-hearted, and always enjoys having a good time.
Give her the gift of a good night’s sleep after her action-packed days. She’ll love this luxurious lavender silk-like satin sleep mask with its stylish and pretty embroidered design. A fail-safe way to help her gently drift off into a deep replenishing sleep.
And what about an adorable plush animal to appeal to her sense of fun? She won’t be able to resist the undeniable charm of Lulu The French Poodle, a heatable, huggable softer-than-soft fragrant treat that comes with a hefty dose of pure cuteness…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Sleep Mask In Embroidered Satin $24.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Heatable Huggable Lavender Lulu The French Poodle $42.45
“Your presence gives me wings to fly when my own wings are broken”
Your mom has effortless grace and style. But it’s not about what she wears: it’s about how she holds herself and how she behaves. It’s about radiating charm and admiration in everything she says and does. She’s truly inspirational - always encouraging you to do better and giving you hope when all seems lost.
Help her relax and unwind in lavish style with the luxurious warmth of a lavender spa blankie made with the softest-of-soft faux fur. A comfy, stylish throw for either her bed or a couch.
Otherwise spoil her with a perfect pamper treat. The healing warmth of a luxurious lavender faux fur bolster roll on her neck, lower back or behind her knees will quickly turn any unwanted twinges into a thing of the past…
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Blankie In Arctic Circle Faux Fur $89.95
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Spa Bolster Roll In Arctic Circle Faux Fur $57.45
“I’m a strong woman because a strong woman raised me”
A spa for Mother’s Day is the ultimate gift for working moms. Committed to her career or a worthy cause, your mom is a smart, independent woman. She doesn’t depend on anyone or anything to make things happen for her. Intelligent, free-thinking and individualistic, she makes good, logical decisions, often teaching you a thing or two.
Spruce up her decor with a stylish glass diffuser embellished with eucalyptus sprigs, and fill her home (or office) with a fresh, invigorating scent that will continuously remind her of you.
Or give her the gift of relaxation after a hectic day. A thoughtful Mother’s Day gift this elegant gift set includes a stylish heatable spa mask and a gorgeous lavender candle guaranteed to help her relax. Simply heat up the mask in the microwave, light the candle and let the calming magic of lavender gently soothe away all the tensions of her day...
💜 BUY IT HERE: Lavender Oil Room Diffuser $47.45
💜 BUY IT HERE: Gift Set - Take Me Away $54.95
Love the idea of spoiling your mom with a luxury pampering spa gift? But can’t make up your mind which one of these gorgeous goodies to choose?
Give her the gift of choice. With an online relaxation gift card, she can pick from an appealing selection of luxurious spa-inspired gifts infused with the healing powers of essential oils. A special spoil for both her body and mind…
Looking for more gifts to pamper mom? Browse our online store for luxury spa gifts for your mom today!
]]>Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? You are not alone. Find out how to use lavender oil for sleep in this article.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30% of us manage fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night (it should be between 7 and 9 hours). And with a staggering 50-70 million Americans struggling with insomnia or sleep disorders, it’s not surprising that it’s being hyped as a major epidemic…
And not without consequences. Lack of sleep can have a big-time effect on your health. Aside from gaining weight, getting sick easily, aging before your time and memory loss, the longer-term effects to your health are way more serious - high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, to name but a few.
In keeping with our pill popping culture, many of us turn to Ambien or some other pharmaceutical to help. But this can just make matters worse. Not only do they make you feel groggy and lightheaded, but can become less effective over time - which leads to more health problems…
It’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to natural remedies for help, amongst them those little miracle workers, essential oils. And when it comes to aromatherapy options to help you sleep better, lavender is considered to be the best and most effective essential oil of them all.
Here’s all the inside info on how to use lavender oil to get a good night’s sleep so you can toss those pills for ever…
So, does lavender oil help you sleep and how to use lavender oil to sleep? There's a reason why people have been using lavender aromatherapy for centuries as a cure-all for their sleep problems. But it’s only recently that science has proven why…
There are a number of scientific studies that suggest luxurious lavender essential oil has powerful snooze inducing properties. Not only can it improve the quality of your sleep (including those with insomnia), but also how long you sleep, so making you fresher and more alert during the day. Basically lavender oil for sleep works by calming the central nervous system and promoting slow-wave sleep, so helping you sleep longer and better.
So while lavender oil might seem like something that just smells nice, it can pack a pretty powerful (and well researched) punch when it comes to helping you sleep better. The results are compelling – using lavender as a sleep aid works…
There are many people who use lavender essential oil for sleep purposes. Some of us may think that just lying awake staring at the ceiling qualifies as a sleep problem. But maybe you’re sleeping through the night but still waking up tired? That’s because there are many different stages of sleep - and your body needs all of them.
As we drift off, we spend some time in light sleep - where we’re most likely to be disturbed or woken. Next, our bodies need deep sleep (AKA slow-wave sleep) because that’s when we repair, recharge, heal and detox (we want more of this). Finally, we have REM sleep where we dream, and which plays a role in learning, memories and mood (this is when the brain is very active).
In an in-depth sleep cycle study of young men and women, it was found that inhaling lavender before bed increased deep sleep and reduced REM sleep. Most importantly, everyone slept more soundly and woke up feeling more energetic and refreshed, all because they had more deep sleep.
After sleeping in a room diffused with lavender, participants on another study ranked the quality of their sleep 20% higher than when sleeping in a neutral environment without essential lavender oil for sleep. 20% better is quite impressive. Makes you think - doesn’t it?
Can’t Sleep? 20 Proven Ways To Help You Naturally Fall Asleep Easily - And Fast - Read More
Sure - the sceptics amongst us may scoff. What about when we get older, when we naturally tend to sleep less?
Lavender essential oils for sleep helps here too. One study into the sleep quality of elderly patients showed that lavender help improve the quality of their sleep - less delays in falling sleep, longer sleep duration, fewer sleep disorders, less need for sleep medications, and better daily functioning. The quality of their daily lives greatly improved…
And Lavender even helps babies sleep better. A study found that when infants were bathed in lavender bath oil, their (and their mothers) whole night time routine was more relaxed. They looked at their moms more, spent less time crying post-bath and before bedtime - and more time in deep sleep. Their moms were also more relaxed and smiled more - proving that you can indeed use lavender essential oil to help baby sleep.
Another study found that after inhaling lavender nightly, 100% of the women who had recently given birth found a significant improvement in their sleep quality. A total life saviour for new moms - who need it so much more than anyone else.
And lavender has even been found to help with mild insomnia amongst college students…
We’ve all been there. When you’re desperately trying to fall asleep but your mind is running amok at a hundred miles an hour. From total work overload, the kid’s hectic schedules, to everyday family crises, stress and anxiety can wreak havoc with your sleep. And even worse, lack of sleep can increase your stress, too.
Enter the queen of sleep, lavender essential oil. A Thai study showed that lavender essential oil for anxiety can decrease heart rate, reduce blood pressure and regulate breathing. The research revealed that lavender may be able to alter brain waves and reduce stress, putting you into a calm and more relaxed state - and able to fall asleep.
Another study even found that taking lavender orally can be just as effective as a prescribed anti-anxiety medication. When you find out that a natural remedy can work just as well as modern medicine, but without the side effects, it’s quite difficult to ignore - isn’t it?
Did You Know Lavender Is Proven to Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely? - Read More
If you are looking for the best lavender essential oil for anxiety or sleep, it’s important you choose the right type of oil. Have you ever heard someone say they’ve tried lavender but it didn’t do a thing for them? It was probably the lavender oil that they were using.
The fact is that there are several types of lavender. And some lavenders, like ‘Lavandula Latifolia’, can actually make you feel more energized. So, if you want to calm your mind and grab some decent shut-eye, check the bottle for ‘Lavandula Angustifolia’ which is the best one for sleep best essential lavender oil for sleep (amongst many other things).
And always opt for essential oils and products from reputable brands to make sure they’re 100% pure, natural and undiluted. It goes without saying that it must also be labelled an ‘essential oil’, and not just an ‘oil’, which usually just includes a lavender scent and not the natural aromatherapy benefits of the pure oil you need.
Using lavender essential oil for sleep is pretty simple. You have two choices – either apply lavender essential oil topically on your skin, or inhale it to experience the full aromatherapy benefits. Pick two or three ways to help create your perfect sleep sanctuary…
Apply Lavender Oil Topically On Your Skin:
Essential oils can be very effective when applied to the skin. In fact, they start entering the bloodstream within seconds and take just 20 minutes to permeate the whole body.
One cautionary note. Lavender is one of the gentlest essential oils so is one of the few that can be used directly on the skin (except for babies under 6 months). However, if you’re prone to sensitivity, do a quick 24-hour check on the inside of your upper arm beforehand. If there is a reaction, just dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba or grape seed oil.
Here’s some ideas as to how and where to you can apply lavender essential oil for sleep – plus some genuine 100% pure lavender products you can use instead…
Dab a drop or two of lavender essential oil on your temples, behind your ears, on pulse points like the wrists and at the base of the throat, or on the back of your neck before bedtime.
Rub a few drops of lavender oil onto the soles of your feet, or even the tops of your toes if the feet are difficult to reach. Or pamper your feet with some luxuriously rich lavender foot balm.
Add 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil plus some Epsom salts to a warm relaxing bath. Or just scatter in some lavender bath salts for a simple and quick solution.
And if showers are your thing, you can also get the same results with a lavender shower gel.
Coax your partner into giving you a relaxing rub down with some lavender massage oil. Or DIY your arms, legs, hands and feet.
Make your own lotion or cream by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to an unscented base. Or smooth on a luxury lavender body lotion or hand cream before you hit the sheets.
Create a handy spray by adding a few drops to a small spray bottle, with a little water, and spritzing your skin. Or opt for a convenient lavender essential oil spray.
Inhaling Lavender Essential Oil:
Inhaling is by far the easiest way to get the full benefits immediately. And in the case of essential oils, immediate truly means within seconds. When you sniff lavender, millions of smell receptors ping your olfactory bulbs, instantly setting off a chain reaction in the brain, reducing blood pressure and calming your nerves.
You can go for easy and simply take a few deep sniffs of lavender essential oil direct out of the bottle. Or dab a little on the top lip right under your nose.
Place a few drops on your hands, rub them together, cup your palms over your nose and take nice long deep breaths of the scent.
Use an ultrasonic or cold-air diffuser (heat can reduce the efficacy of the oil). Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and diffuse the aroma for an hour before going to bed.
Spritz your bed linen with a lavender spray mist to gently lull you to sleep. Or sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or Kleenex and tuck inside your pillowcase.
Build a pre-sleep calming routine into your evening. Relax your body and mind by draping a heated lavender neck pillow on your shoulders for about an hour before you retire.
Up the chilled-out ambience of your bedroom by burning a few lavender candles and tucking a lavender sachet under your pillow.
Mix in a few drops of lavender oil into a basin of hot water, drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. This can help relieve sleep apnea and nasal congestion that may be affecting the quality of your shut-eye.
Before you slip into dreamland, slip on a lavender sleep mask to block out all light while reaping the benefits of the aroma.
And for the final touch to your lavender sanctuary, fill a pretty bowl with dried lavender flower buds and place next to your bed.
Bedtime Routine Tips and Lavender to Help You Sleep Better Than You Thought Possible – Read More
Being a new mom can be hard. And even more so if your child sleeps fitfully and wakes up three or four times a night. Enter one sleep deprived mom and one crying, fussing child the next morning.
The good news is that lavender essential oil can help not only mom, but also your baby, toddler or child, to sleep better. And as it is one the of the gentlest oils around, lavender is a perfect starting point for young skin. You can even put your child to sleep with a fluffy, heatable and very huggable lavender infused lamb to keep them comforted and calm at night.
But there are a few rules. First off, essential oils should not be used before 6 months old. And as children’s skin is a lot more sensitive, any essential oil has to be diluted in a carrier oil before use.
Regrettably, not much research has been done on the best carrier oils for children’s skin, so either spot check a dime size (or smaller) quantity on the inside of the inner arm - and wait 24 hours. Sweet almond oil is a good choice. Or use an unscented baby oil specially formulated for sensitive skin.
Some guidelines on lavender essential oil dilution ratios for babies, toddlers and older children:
Children 6 months to 2 years: 1 drop of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil
Children 2 years to 6 years: 1 drop of essential oil per 2 teaspoons of carrier oil
Children 6 years to 12 years: 1 drop of essential oil per 1½ teaspoons of carrier oil
Children 12 years+: 1 drop of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil
It goes without saying that you need to ensure you are using the best quality lavender essential oil that is 100% pure, natural and undiluted for your child’s skin.
You may also prefer to diffuse the oil in the bedroom before they go to sleep – here’s how to ensure you safely use lavender oil for your child. And check in with your paediatrician before you start. No need to risk an unwanted outcome…
Lavender Essential Oil: Its Many Safe Uses for Babies and Kids You Probably Want to Know – Read More
So, when sleep is being elusive, and you don’t want to pop a pill, give lavender essential oil a try. The research supporting lavender aromatherapy for better sleep for both you and your family is powerful and persuasive…
Create a little lavender sanctuary in your bedroom to surround yourself with the scent of calm. And once you are lying in bed, take long deep breaths as you drift off to sleep. Hello dreamland…
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven to Naturally Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely – Read More
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat any medical concerns, particularly if you are treating a baby or a child.
There's a difference between lavender essential oil or lavender oil, which is simply a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
Now that you know how to use lavender oil for sleep, browse our Lavender collection to shop for the right essential oils.
]]>Nothing is more comforting than slipping into a luxurious hot bath and feel the stress and tension of the day melt away - right? Essential oils for bath spa days can make the day even better. The mental health benefits of a relaxing hot bath are appreciated by tired and exhausted women everywhere. They can even make you feel happier…
But the perks of bathing extend way beyond just calming the mind. There are some real physical benefits too. In fact, science shows that warm baths can benefit everything from sore muscles, colds, flu and sleep, to blood pressure, hormones and the immune system.
But did you know that tossing some essential oils into the tub can take these benefits to the next level and improve your health and well-being even further? Essential oils are Mother Nature’s wonderful little helpers that can pretty much double-up on the powerful benefits of a hot bath. We explore the types of essential oils for bath water you can use and the benefits of essential oils in bath below.
While bathing is a great way to indulge in a little self-care solitude, it can do so much more.
A relaxing soak in the tub is well known to reduce stress, but can also help you sleep better, ease painful muscles and joints, banish colds and flu and improve heart health. A hot bath can even help control your weight and send out a surge of the happiness hormone – always a good thing.
In fact, one study found that bathing is more beneficial to your physical and mental health than a shower. Experts suggest that the optimal bath lasts no longer than 20 minutes at a temperature of about 89F to 95F.
But what if you can double-up on the amazing health benefits of a hot bath?
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years as a potent cure-all for many ailments and ills. All the healthy goodness of the plant is extracted from the leaves, flowers, bark and fruit, and bottled up as a highly concentrated essential oil. It takes many pounds of plant to make just one small bottle.
Every oil has its own unique aroma and health benefits, which is why oils are often combined so you get the best of many benefits. With more than 90 different essential oils, you’re practically assured of finding one or a blend to fix almost anything. And so, if you’re soaking in a hot tub to ease away sore muscles and joints, adding a few essential oils will help further relieve your pain. And they can also help with sleeping better, stress, blood pressure – and much more…
Can you put essential oils in a bath? Simply adding essential oils for baths to your tub can actually help boost all these remarkable benefits you can get from a hot bath…
For that reason, adding an essential oil for bathtub and spa days can actually help boost all these remarkable benefits you can get from a hot bath…
Thinking of adding essential oils to bath? Here are some benefits of essential oil for bath:
1. Hot Baths Ease Stress and Quieten the Mind
In the fast-paced world we live in, feelings of stress and anxiety have become so commonplace that they seem to be the new normal. While we all know that’s not good for our mental health, it can be tough to chill out and unwind when your mind is racing at a hundred miles an hour.
Bathing helps to slow down time and shrug off the worries of your day. A study found that immersing yourself in a quiet, comforting cocoon of warm water not only eases stress but allows both your mind and body to relax and refresh.
Best sleep essential oils for a bath: Add in a soothing mix of essential bath oils like lavender, rose, ylang-ylang, or bergamot to slow down the mind and bring on the calm.
2. A Hot Bath Can Help You Sleep Better
Arguably the most important factor in guaranteeing a long and healthy life, a night of good quality sleep is nevertheless elusive to many of us. Beyond just helping your body and mind to unwind, it turns out that a warm bath also better prepares your body for sleep.
Soaking in warm water raises your body temperature. As cooler air hits your skin when you step out of your bath, your brain releases melatonin, known as the sleeping hormone. A cooler body temperature coupled with higher levels of melatonin help you sleep better. A study amongst insomniacs found a significant improvement in sleep continuity and a healthy increase in short wave sleep, with subjects reporting significantly “deeper” and more restful sleep after a hot bath.
Best sleep essential oils for a bath: Well-known as the Queen of Sleep, lavender essential oil can instantly improve the quality of your slumber. Toss a handful of lavender bath salts into your bath or mix and match a blend with other relaxing and sleep-inducing oils like chamomile, frankincense and vetiver.
Can’t Sleep? 20 Proven Ways To Help You Naturally Fall Asleep Easily - And Fast – Read More
3. Hot Baths Soothe Sore Muscle and Joint Pains
Over-worked muscles, minor aches and pains, and even creaky, stiff joints can be relieved with a nice hot bath. Heat gets your blood moving that helps sore, tight muscles to relax. It also helps lessen the stiffness of arthritis and back pain.
Studies also indicate that hot-water baths may be a great alternative for those who are sedentary or unable to exercise. While this is not an excuse to skip the gym if you’re healthy, hot baths could be helpful as a gentle top-up workout session too.
Best essential oils for pain relief in a bath: Try a mix of 3 or 4 anti-inflammatory and pain-soothing essential oils like chamomile, eucalyptus, sweet marjoram, basil, clary sage, ginger or rosemary. A handful of pure eucalyptus bath salts will also provide some quick pain relief.
In Pain? Here's How to Heal (Almost Anything) Using Cold and Heat Therapy – Read More
4. They Can Lower Blood Pressure and Make Your Heart Healthy
Dipping your body into hot water is a little like an exercise for your blood vessels and heart. A study has shown that passive heat therapy - such as soaking in a tub for 20 -30 minutes or so - can help lower your blood pressure and improve the blood flow to and from your heart – just like a mini workout.
Reducing your blood pressure helps reduce the likelihood of more serious heart conditions like a heart attack or stroke. And increased blood flow can even help relieve the pressure and pain of a headache.
Best essential oils for bath for high blood pressure: If you suffer from high blood pressure, try a mix of clary sage, lavender, marjoram, Melissa or ylang-ylang essential oils in your bath. Alternatively, boost your blood circulation with a blend of rosemary, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, neroli, lemon or geranium essential oils.
5. Hot Baths Relieve Colds, Flu and Make Breathing Easier
Ever wondered why winter always brings more colds and flu? It’s because chillier weather has been found to suppress the immune response. In fact, studies have found that a higher body temperature helps certain immune cells work better - the main reason why you get a fever when you’ve got the flu.
So, increasing your body temperature with a hot bath can actually boost your body's ability to fight off cold and flu viruses. And if you're already sniffling from a stuffy nose or congested chest and throat, a steady flow of warm steam can open up clogged passageways and help you breathe easier.
Best essential oils for colds and flu relief in a bath: To relieve the stuffiness of colds, use a blend of cajuput, cloves, eucalyptus, niaouli or pine. And if you feel you’re coming down with the flu, use a mix of tea tree, lavender and lemon oils in your bath.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil: A Powerful Home Remedy You Need To Treat Colds, Coughs and Flu - Read More
6. Baths Can Soothe Dry and Irritated Skin
While baths that are too hot can make your skin more irritated, a lukewarm bath can be truly beneficial for your skin as long as you add some basic skin loving essential oils and apply moisturizing lotion immediately after you get out of the tub.
Just the water alone can penetrate and rehydrate the top layers of your skin but at the same time can also strip it of natural oils if you soak for too long. Adding in certain essential oils will help improve the skins’ surface moisture levels and hydrate and soothe dry skin.
If you have very sensitive skin, it’s best to follow the simple ‘soak and seal’ method recommended by the National Eczema Association to ensure you properly protect the skin barrier.
Best essential oils for skin in a bath: A blend of a few skin-enhancing lavender, chamomile, rose, frankincense or sandalwood oils (best combined with jojoba or pomegranate carrier oils) will add hefty dose of moisturizing goodness into your skin. Finish off with a generous dollop of lavender body lotion to seal in all the goodness.
Why You Want To Start Using Lavender Essential Oil For Your Skin Hair - And Body – Read More
7. They Can Lift Your Mood, Make You Feel Happier and Beat Depression
Ever heard of the ‘happy hormone’? It turns out bathing in warm water can increase the levels of serotonin, the chemical produced by the brain that makes you feel happier - giving you a fabulous sense of well-being and a welcome mood boost. We could all do with a little more of that...
Switching to a cold bath can also balance out other stress-related hormones such as beta-endorphin and cortisol and so help relieve conditions like depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Best essential oils to boost your mood for in a bath: Opt for a blend of bergamot, rosemary, lavender, ylang ylang or rose oils that are all mentally uplifting and help increase serotonin levels.
11 Mood Boosting Essential Oils: ‘Cos You Don’t Want to Feel Down Any Longer – Read More
8. Hot Baths Burn Calories and Promote Weight Loss
No, regrettably bathing won’t replace good eating habits or your workout. But a small study has shown that the rise in body temperature in an hour-long hot bath burned up to 140 calories, roughly the same number you would burn off during a half-hour walk. But every little bit counts…
Another study showed that regular soaks in the hot tub helped control blood sugar and weight levels amongst diabetes patients. The more regularly they bathed, the more weight they lost - plus they clocked up improvements to their BMI, waist circumference and well as blood pressure.
Best weight loss essential oils for a bath: Mix 3 or 4 oils that support weight loss like bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, petitgrain, lemongrass, coriander or fennel to boost metabolism and help reduce belly fat.
Can’t Lose Weight? Some Unusual Reasons Why - And How Essential Oils Can Help – Read More
So how do you put essential oils into a bath? You turn on the taps, sprinkle in a few drops of essential oils, then lie back and relax, right? Not quite…
Firstly - oil and water don’t mix. It takes about 3 pounds of lavender flowers to make just 15ml of oil so they are also highly concentrated. So just tossing essential oils into your bath water not only means they don’t disperse correctly, but you also land up delivering a pure undiluted - and potentially irritating - blow to your skin.
Always Dilute Essential Oils With A Carrier Oil First
Essential oils should always be properly diluted in a carrier oil before adding them to your tub. Blend between 5 and 20 drops with one tablespoon of carrier oil. Grapeseed, jojoba, sweet almond or argan oils are all good choices, and also help by improving the overall condition of your skin.
Add The Essential Oils After You’ve Run Your Bath
Because a large part of the power of essential oils is in their aroma, wait until the last minute to stir them into your bath water so that the scent doesn’t evaporate before you even have a chance to hop into the tub. You want to get the most out of your aromatherapy bath.
Create a Relaxing Spa-Like Atmosphere
A bath-time ritual also doesn’t have to stop at just using essential oils. Creating a spa-like ambience in your bathroom can be the ultimate self-care experience. And it doesn’t take much. Light a few candles, grab a luxury spa mask to soothe your eyes and a spa booster roll to support your head, and prepare to be transported in blissful heaven.
Choose calming lavender spa accessories for your bath before bedtime, or refreshing eucalyptus to energize you in the morning.
Seal-In the Benefits with After-Bath Skin Care
Don’t forget to lock all the goodness into your skin with a generous amount of body lotion as soon as you hop out of the tub and have lightly toweled off. Body lotions and creams have rich ingredients that seal in all the moisture and those wonderful essential oil benefits into your skin.
A hot bath has always been a welcome self-care ritual to relax and chill out after a long day. But science has proven its health benefits extend way beyond that. Adding in the healing power of essential oils just takes those benefits one step further…
Browse our indulgence lavender collection range to find essential oils for bath and spa days!
]]>Have you ever had one of those days when you feel utterly mentally exhausted? Or find yourself constantly forgetting things? Or distracted and all over the place? And even though you’ve slugged back countless cups of coffee, your brain still refuses to co-operate even though your boss needs that report - stat! Instead, you’ve got sucked into the internet or are playing games on your phone…
You have a classic case of brain fog. And once you find out what has caused it, you will realise that fuzzy thinking and a foggy mind are in fact little signs from your body that it wants you to take better care of it.
So, what can you do to immediately restore your energy and mental clarity? Try this for fun. Grab your lavender essential oil (or else some scrunched up lavender flowers or that lavender sachet from your undies drawer) and take a deep whiff. Feeling more alert? That’s because lavender helps clear your head.
You’ve just experienced the incredible power of essential oils to quickly treat one of the signs of brain fog.
Find out more about the symptoms and how you can mix and match two or more of 9 different essential oils to help you get rid of brain fog instantly…
So just what are the symptoms of brain fog?
A study found that people who are suffering from brain fog most often describe the symptoms as being ‘forgetful’, having ‘difficulty focusing, thinking and communicating’, as well as a ‘fuzzy head’ and ‘cloudy’ mind (hence the foggy descriptor).
But the interesting thing is that there is no such medical condition. Nevertheless, there are a number of bran fog symptoms that are very real – and distressing – that can help you identify if you have a foggy mind instead of worrying about whether or not your overall brain health is deteriorating…
• You cannot concentrate or focus on even the smallest of tasks. Your mind is always wandering all over the place, you struggle with fuzzy thinking and organizing your thoughts, and easily become distracted. Minor decisions become a big deal.
• You keep forgetting things, including simple daily chores that are normally done automatically, what you’ve just read, and even familiar everyday words. You often lose your train of thought and struggle to keep up a conversation.
• You’re suffering from chronic fatigue. No matter how many hours of sleep you manage to clock up at night, you’re permanently bone-crushingly tired – and irritable. It doesn’t go away no matter what you do.
• You feel ‘spaced out’ and confused as if you’re not quite there. Even if you drink countless cups of coffee, you constantly feel dull, unmotivated and sluggish as if your brain is in slow motion mode, and your days pass by in a blur.
While an issue such as chronic fatigue warrants a check-in with your doctor, many of these are likely to be symptoms of some underlying problem ranging from sleepless nights, poor food choices, an overdose of stress to an undiagnosed food allergy.
In other words, your mental exhaustion and inability to focus and concentrate are warning signs your body is giving you that something is going wrong with either your health or lifestyle.
The good news? Once you have found out what is causing it, in many cases you can get rid of brain fog fairly quickly.
Your body is a very smart and complex machine designed to keep you alive and kicking. When your health starts deteriorating, it immediately leaps into action to compensate for things that are going wrong and in doing so, can sometimes cause problems with your mental health and your ability to think clearly.
Here are some of the reasons why you have a foggy head and might feel you are losing your mind…
• Chronic stress, anxiety or depressionEssential oils can have amazing benefits for your mental health and well-being. Their powerful aromas help increase focus and concentration, ease stressful thoughts, relax the mind, improve the memory and even boost your mood.
What’s more, they act both quickly and safely. Within just a few seconds of inhaling the aromatic aromas, they pass into the limbic system in your brain. This system is responsible for long-term memory, your emotions and the nervous system. It also regulates your hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, and ability to concentrate.
Another way that they can help with good brain health is through the blood-brain barrier. The brain is primed to prevent harmful substances from affecting the mind. Essential oils are one of the very few things that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and act quickly to address any problems you may have.
So, it’s not hard to see why essential oils can have such a profound effect on your mind. These little miracle workers can immediately help reduce that stress overload, boost your energy, calm your troubled mind, balance hormones and enhance your memory, amongst many other benefits. The ways in which they can help you beat brain fog really are endless.
See which essential oils are best for the foggy brain symptoms you have, be it treatment for mental clarity, focus, concentration, anxiety, depression, or a little boost of energy…
How Lavender Lifts Your Mood To Make You Feel Happier - Read More
Best for: Mental clarity, chronic fatigue, improves memory and forgetfulness, brain function and performance, alertness, boosts focus and concentration
By far the best essential oil for increasing mental clarity is rosemary. One of the go-to oils for brain fog, its ability to stimulate your mind helps ease mental exhaustion, banish forgetfulness and lift the cloudiness.
Well known to boost memory and brain function, rosemary helps you think more clearly, focus on the task at hand and can actually improve your ability to remember things. It’s not surprising that it’s the ultimate brain-boosting oil for when you’re studying or about to start a big task that needs a lot of concentration.
TRY: Make a stimulating roll-on for work by blending 6 drops rosemary, 3 drops sweet basil, and 2 drops peppermint with an ounce of jojoba oil. Or diffuse rosemary with frankincense and peppermint while studying.
Best for: Stimulating the mind, mental clarity and focus, improving concentration and memory, energy boost
A popular oil for stimulating the mind, peppermint is most well-known for its ability to quickly perk you up and keep your mind alert. It’s a bit like getting the energy boost you get from a strong cup of coffee - without the caffeine.
One of the more potent essential oils, the cooling and invigorating aroma of peppermint lifts brain fog by clearing your head, stimulating your mind and helping you concentrate and focus for long periods of time - and all along keeping you wide awake. This makes it the perfect pick-me-up for a mid-afternoon slump or when you are studying.
TRY: To improve mental clarity and focus, mix a drop each of peppermint, wild orange and frankincense and inhale from the palm of your hand.
Best for: Enhancing sleep, chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress, improves focus and concentration, memory and alertness
Lavender is the go-to essential oil for calming nerves and promoting better sleep. Its scent also helps reduce anxiety and stress that are common triggers for brain fog. A calmer, stress-free mind means clearer thinking and decision making.
While it’s well-known for its ability to relax the body and mind, lavender essential oil has also been found to help make you more alert and boost your stamina and memory.
So, if you’re stressing out about a big project at work, simply take a whiff of lavender to kickstart your thoughts and reasoning. It will also allow you to become more attentive and focussed on the specific task at hand.
TRY: Diffuse a mix of lavender, vetiver and frankincense to soothe the nerves and relieve stress so you can think clearly again.
Lavender Essential Oil: Proven to Naturally Reduce Anxiety - Quickly and Safely – Read More
Best for: Brain health, fatigue, anxiety and depression, sharpens the mind, increases memory retention, boosts focus and concentration, improves mood
Often called the ‘king’ of essential oils to lavenders ‘queen’, Frankincense is one of the most valued oils with a long list of brain health benefits. It's particularly effective in easing anxiety and depression and so helps clear brain fog caused by these conditions.
By assisting with cellular repair, it works to keep the brain and neural system healthy. It’s perfect if you want to improve your focus and minimize distractions while boosting concentration. Frankincense also offers much-needed mood support when you are feeling impatient, irritable and restless.
TRY: To banish worried, anxious thoughts, diffuse a blend of vetiver, lavender, frankincense, ylang ylang and Clary sage.
Best for: Mental focus and concentration, chronic fatigue, enhances cognitive function, improves attention and memory, relieves stress, boosts energy and mood
With its fresh, pungent aroma, it’s not surprising that lemon essential oil gives your mind and body a serious lift. It helps clear your fuzzy head, elevate your mood and gives you an immediate energy boost.
The scent of lemon oil is refreshing and does indeed provide mind-boosting benefits like increased focus and concentration. It’s also been shown to be a great stress reliever and memory enhancer.
TRY: Diffuse lemon with rosemary to boost concentration and increase energy.
Best for: Calming and balancing, focus and concentration, decreases mental fatigue, reduces stress, improves alertness and brain function
Vetiver essential oil is prized for its powerful calming and grounding effects on the emotions. It soothes a tired mind and increases energy levels which is just what you need to get shot of brain fog.
If you’re struggling to focus on a task and want to keep on the ball, a study found that inhaling vetiver oil decreased mental fatigue and improved both alertness and brain function. It can also be used to alleviate stress, support restful sleep, and help you recover from emotional shock and trauma.
TRY: Combine vetiver with lavender and apply topically to the feet, spine or back of the neck to improve focus and concentration.
Always Feeling Tired? Time to Use Essential Oils for A Serious Energy Boost – Read More
Best for: Memory retention, mental strength and clarity, chronic fatigue, focus and concentration, alertness, stimulates the brain, chronic stress and anxiety
When it comes to brain fog or poor memory, sweet basil is an essential oil must-have. An incredibly energizing and restorative oil, sweet basil provides an instant pick-me-up and quickly gives you the brain boost you want. It has also been shown to be very effective in enhancing memory retention.
When focus is important, basil can banish sluggishness, improve concentration and boost alertness. It stimulates, clarifies, calms, fortifies, energizes and uplifts the mind. It is also an effective remedy for stress and anxiety that has been proven to have a similar effect to prescription medication.
TRY: To boost mental clarity, diffuse a mix of rosemary, basil and lavender to provide focus while studying or completing other tasks that require concentration. This blend can also help stave off the forgetfulness that naturally comes with age.
Best for: Calms the mind, boosts mood, mental alertness, energy and concentration, increases focus and creativity, reduces anxiety and depression
Sometimes referred to as tangerine, mandarin essential oil promotes happiness and optimism. Just like all of the citrus oils, it is perfect for a quick emotional and mental pick-me-up. It can make you feel more mentally alert and energetic – and totally change the tone of your day.
It’s sweet citrus aroma both calms the mind and lifts your mood at the same time. It helps combat stress and hyperactivity, and works wonderfully as an antidepressant. And if you need a quick boost of energy and concentration, it also helps sharpen your focus and spark creative thoughts.
TRY: Mix one drop each of mandarin and peppermint essential oils in your palm and inhale to boost your energy and concentration.
11 Mood Boosting Essential Oils: ‘Cos You Don’t Want to Feel Down Any Longer – Read More
Best for: Mental clarity, brain health, improves memory, reduces depression, stress and anxiety, mood lifting, balances hormones
Part of the extensive sage family, Spanish sage essential oil has gained attention for its ability to foster insight, enhance memory and stimulate brain function.
Apart from being a brain fog buster by supporting your memory and brain health, it’s known to be effective for treating depression, chronic stress and anxiety. It also elevates mood and alertness, and promotes calmness and contentedness.
Due to the presence of estrogen-like active ingredients, Clary sage promotes a healthy menstrual cycle and in doing so, helps improve hormonal balance and relieve PMS symptoms that can cloud your mind. There is also evidence that sage can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, including brain fog.
TRY: Add ¼ cup of Epsom salts to a warm bath, then add 3 drops of sage and 2 drops of lavender, and soak away your worries.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Best Use Essential Oils - Read More
Luckily, many brain fog symptoms are considered treatable. Like everything health-related, it starts with addressing the underlying causes, including stress levels, your diet, hormonal imbalances, sleep and exercise.
And then using essential oils to help you along. Want to regain a clear head, focus and bliss? Just choose the essential oils you need to make you more alert, increase your memory, stimulate your thoughts or boost your energy. Mix and match two or more of them to help finally clear your foggy mind…
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you’re experiencing brain fog symptoms that you suspect could be caused by medical problem or condition like chronic fatigue, you should get them checked out by a doctor before exploring alternative remedies.
There's a difference between an essential oil or simply an oil, which is basically a perfume. If a label does not clearly state that it is an 'essential oil,' then it is not a pure oil and should not be used as suggested.
]]>