You are here: Home › Home › 2018
Archive | 2018

Aromatherapy For Men’s Health

Posted on August 13, 2018 by in Aromatherapy for Men

Do you know……… Women are more health conscious than men and it seems women are more open to use Essentials Oils for their wellbeing, but Essential Oils are created for both genders. As a matter of fact, the term ‘Aromatherapy’ was originally coined by A French male chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, in 1937, and an English Aromatherapist, Robert Tisserand, is one of the world’s leading expert in the field of Aromatherapy and Essential oils safety.

Essential Oils are wonderful ways for men to boost their confidence, to relax, to support their immune, respiratory, digestive, circulatory systems and to support body after an intense workout. Generally, men prefer sporty, woodsy, earthy, spicy, herbaceous, citrus, and musky aroma together with some floral aroma like, Lavender, Jasmine. Eg:

  1. Black Pepper Essential Oil: has a spicy, sporty, and woody aroma that adds a classic and robust vibe to men’s blends. It blends well with Cardamom, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Rose
  2. Bay Laurel Essential Oil: has a sweet, uplifting aroma with a hint of spice. It blends well with Bergamot, Black pepper, Juniper, Vetiver
  3. Sandalwood Essential Oil: has sweet, woody, long lasting, uplifting aroma that blends well with Bergamot, Black pepper, Clove, Myrrh
  4. 4. Vetiver Essential Oil: has a deep, earthy, strong, uplifting, aroma that blends well with Bay laurel, Black pepper, Cedar wood, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Sandalwood
  5. Frankincense Essential Oil: has an earthy aroma and is uplifting, grounding, considered holy, anointing oil that blends well with Orange, Lavender, Cedarwood, Myrrh
  6. Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil: has woody and rustic aroma, base note that blends well with Cypress, Frankincense, Lemon, Clove, Sandalwood

Other essential oils; Patchouli, Rosemary, Oak Moss, Basil, Anise, Cypress, Ginger, Peppermint, Nutmeg, Citrus, Cedarwood, and Coniferous oils are often used in men’s products.

Recipe for Men’s Cologne:

15 drops Bergamot

10 drops Patchouli

5 drops of Neroli

5 drops Bay laurel

5 drops Black pepper

4 drops Vetiver

2.5oz. Vodka

1oz. Distilled Water

4oz glass spray bottle

Directions: Add oils to a 4 oz. glass bottle, add alcohol and water, shake well, label, and close. Let the cologne rest for 2-3 days, shaking the bottle 1-2 times a day, to allow the oils to blend with each other prior to use. Shake well before each use and apply like a cologne.

Managing Cortisol with Aromatherapy

Posted on August 6, 2018 by in Aromatherapy and Cortisol

Do you know………. Cortisol is often called the primary “stress hormone” because it’s one of the main hormones we release when we’re under any sort of “fight or flight” situation, produced by the two adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys. This steroid hormone, is in charge of regulating energy levels to help the body meet its physiological demands when we are exposed to a stress and helping the body bounce back to normal. However, when stress becomes chronic, this constant release of cortisol creates havoc in the body, leading to hyper adrenal function, adrenal fatigue and even complete burnout.

Research indicates that chronically elevated cortisol levels could cause:

Weight gain and obesity

Insulin resistance and Diabetes

Cardiovascular diseases

Chronic Anxiety

Physical agitation and restlessness

Wired at night and tired in the morning 

Digestive distress 

Suppression of the immune system

Fertility problems

Paired with mindful practices, like; regular exercise, massage therapy, social connectivity, laughter, to overcome stress, Aromatherapy with the use of Essential oils can help lower cortisol. It relax the mind, protect our hippocampus (which is an important part of the brain that regulates cortisol), and alleviate feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.

Some of the best essential oils for controlling excess cortisol levels include:

  • Basil– It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and diuretic properties, culinary applications, stress management
  • Celery Seed– reduces mental fatigue, feelings of anxiety, and stress
  • Holy basil(tulsi) – helps the body maintain harmonious balance and instills a sense of calm, virtue, and joy.
  • Lavender– the universal oil! Has sedative and calming properties that help one overcome stress
  • Roman Chamomile – calms and relieves symptoms of restlessness, insomnia, nervous and muscular tension.
  • Rosemary – known to reduce cortisol levels in minutes when used aromatically
  • Spearmint– mentally clarifying, uplifting, and stress relieving
  • Tangerine – a truly cheerful oil, tangerine contains esters and aldehydes that are sedating and calming in nature
  • Grapefruit– anti-depressant and uplifting. An excellent detoxifier for the body

Other oils that can be used to relieve stress; Neroli, Ylang-ylang, Bergamot, Lemon, Geranium, Rose.

Diffuse Blend for Relaxation and Good Night Sleep:

Lavender 60 drs

Cedarwood 35 drs

Vetiver 5drs

Add all oils in a 5ml dark glass euro vial mix, label, and cap. Allow the blend to synergize for a day, if possible before use. Diffuse 6-8 drs in a diffuser every night before bed time for an hr or as needed. Be sure to take deep calming breaths.

 

Essential Oils for Spider Bite

Posted on July 30, 2018 by in Essential Oils for Spider Bite

    Essential Oils for Spider Bite

Do you know…………. While uncomfortable to deal with, most spider bites aren’t dangerous as spiders do not prey on humans or other large animals and do not attack people. Almost all bites caused by spiders are for defending themselves. However, some spiders, like the brown recluse and black widow, are venomous and are either neurotoxic (attacking the nervous system), or necrotic (attacking tissues surrounding the bite). It could pose a bigger danger with fever, chills, cramping, headache, nausea-vomiting, and/or numbness. In that case, do seek medical attention immediately.

For a general spider bite symptoms of; Inflammation, Redness, Mild pain, Itching, and together with watching out for spider bite infection, start off with cleaning the spider bite, apply a cold compress, and can ease the discomfort right at home by using Essential Oils, because of their natural therapeutic (anti-itching, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial) properties. Following Essential Oils are good for spider bites:

  1. Lavender Essential Oil: Naturally calming, relaxing, healing, and is full of potent medicinal properties.
  2. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, to combat the pain of bites and stings.
  3. Tea tree Essential Oil: Naturally, anti-microbial, antiseptic, and strengthen immune system. Tea tree oil is perfect for cleaning out wounds and relieving itching, stinging and inflammation.
  4. Peppermint Essential Oil: Research has shown that peppermint oil can remove the itch and sting from bug bites mixed with a carrier oil.
  5. Rosemary Essential Oil: Mixed with a carrier oil can soothe spider bites and make them heal faster.
  6. Basil Essential Oil: Naturally anti–inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial.
  7. Thyme Essential Oil: Naturally antiseptic, has a chemical called thymol that soothes the itchiness and pain.
  8. Wintergreen Essential Oil: Naturally pain-killing properties
  9. Witch Hazel: Naturally skin-healing, astringent, anti-inflammatory.

Recipe for Healing Spider Bite Blend:  

3 drs Lavender Essential Oil

3 drs Tea tree Essential Oil

2 drs Oregano Essential Oil

2 dr Geranium Essential Oil

10 ml Sweet Almond, Olive, or Coconut Oil

10 ml dark glass euro bottle

Add essential oils to a 10ml glass bottle, pour 10ml Almond Carrier Oil, label, and mix well. Apply 2-3 times daily to the spider bite to reduce redness, inflammation, and pain.

  • Can also make a basil tea daily and drink it for a while.

Om Healing………………………….Uma

Aromatherapy Aid to Focus & Concentration

Posted on July 23, 2018 by in Aromatherapy for Focus & Concentration

Do you know………There are several essential oils that can be used to stimulate our brain for Focus and Concentration during; Long lectures, Important business meetings, Seminars-Workshops, Hectic busy work day, etc. To alleviate this brain fog, and put ruminating thoughts to rest, try diffusing nature (Essential Oils) in personal work space to stimulate brain and concentration.

Some businesses are smart and find diffusing essential oils in the office (especially during the afternoon) is a very inexpensive, safe, pleasant way to increase employees’ productivity. Also, can apply few drops of essential oils on a tissue and sniff occasionally or apply in a circular motion to temple, back of neck, as needed throughout the day to promote concentration.

Some of the suggested essential oils are:

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): reduces fogginess

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): stimulates the mind, alertness, relieves muscle soreness

Spearmint (Mentha spicata): stimulates the mind, alertness

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata): induces clarity

Lemon (Citrus limon): boost mood, focus, clears mental fatigue

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): stimulating

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): confidence, high spirits

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): relieve fatigue, improve concentration

Inhaler Blend Recipe:

12 drops Rosemary

8 drops Lemon

4 drops peppermint

Add essential oils in a small empty glass bowl, soak the empty wick of an inhaler tube in the oil, insert wick back in the tube, put the cap on the bottom of the inhaler, replace lid on top of tube to enclose, and label. Simply remove top lid, hold inhaler close to nose, and inhale deeply 2-3 times or as needed. Can also diffuse this blend in a diffuser.

Om Healing…………………….Uma

Aromatherapy Aid to Eating Disorders

Posted on July 16, 2018 by in Aromatherapy aid to Eating Disorder

Do you know…………… Eating disorder (anorexia and bulimia) is engaging in unusual and persistent behaviors in order to prevent weight gain, by attempting to follow rigid dietary rules, like only consuming very small number of calories of a limited number of food at specific times per day, which puts the body in starvation mode. Per dictionary meaning; “Anorexia, also called Anorexia nervosa, a disorder characterized by fear of becoming fat and refusal of food leading to debility and even death.” It affects 3 in 100 and not surprisingly, it affects the teens in industrialized countries the most. In Western world, where size zero models – actors are the role models, young people, especially girls, see themselves not standing up to the cultural expectations of the social norm. Anorexia is often preceded by a traumatic event and other emotional problems.

Common signs and some statistics from National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders:

  • A key characteristic of anorexia nervosa is being extremely underweight compared to their ‘ideal weight’, lying about food intake,
  • Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. 1 in 5 anorexia deaths is by suicide.
  • 50–80 percent of the risk for anorexia and bulimia is genetic.
  • 33–50 percent of anorexia patients suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, and social phobia because of intense fear of weight gain or of “becoming fat,”
  • At least 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the U.S.
  • They are generally addicted to an unhealthy amount of excessive, rigid exercising activities.
  • Complications due to anorexia can include amenorrhea (loss of periods), infertility, reduced bone mass, cognitive changes, dry skin – hair, heart problems, and in severe cases even death.

Eating disorder is a serious condition and an early intervention is thought to be one of the most important ways of preventing complications due to anorexia. It’s not an easy disorder to be treated permanently, but today a wide range of effective treatments are available including; regularly monitored by a doctor, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, dietic guidance, acupuncture, guided meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, and therapeutic use of Essential Oils through Aromatherapy to tackle the underlying cause.

Inhalation of essential oils may alter emotions that could change the underlying psychology and disturbed-thinking pattern which supports the self-destructed behavior. Essential oil aroma directly affects the limbic system of the brain. There are several essential oils that are calming, anti-depressant, and soothing, that are traditionally used for anorexia based on each individual needs, eg:

Bergamot: Is uplifting, antidepressant, regulates the appetite.

Lavender: Is calming, anti-anxiety, and helps with insomnia.

Mandarin, Orange, Grape fruit, Tangerine, Neroli: Is gentle, calming, anti-depressant, promotes happiness. It calms nervous tension and restlessness. It is also traditionally used for digestive disorders.

Angelica: Is calming, helps release and let go of negative feelings, trauma or anger, used for loss of appetite as well.

 Lemon: Is used for digestive problems, anxiety, anti-depressant. It promotes a sense of well-being. Its has invigorating, warming, and enhancing aroma. Lemon also promotes clarity of thought and purpose as well as physical energy.

Ginger: Is stimulating, used for courage, loss of appetite and other digestive disorder.

Jasmine: In addition to its romantic and exotic qualities, used to support healthy-looking skin.

Clary sage, Coriander, Patchouli, Basil, Peppermint Essential Oils can also be considered.

Recipe for Eating Disorder Massage Oil:

4 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

3 drops Lemon Essential Oil

2 drops Lavender Essential Oil

2 drops Ginger Essential Oil

1 drop Patchouli Essential Oil

1 oz Almond or Grape seed or Coconut Oil

1 oz amber or dark glass bottle

Add essential oils in 1oz glass bottle, pour the carrier oil of choice, cap, label, and mix well. Massage on the sole of feet or on wrist or back of neck, or on stomach twice daily or as needed. Can just open the bottle and inhale deeply.

Om Healing……………..Uma

Aromatherapy Aid to Body Odor

Posted on July 9, 2018 by in Aromatherapy and Body Odor

Body odor is the unpleasant smell our bodies give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down protein in sweat into acids. It is also known as B.O., Bromhidrosis, Osmidrosis, or Ozochrotia. Some other causes of offensive body odor include poor hygiene, nutrient deficiencies, diet, medication, gastrointestinal problems like chronic constipation, and underlying medical problems, such as; genetic metabolic disorders, liver disease, or diabetes. Each person’s unique body odor can be used to identify people, especially by dogs and other animals.

Sweating, in general, is the body’s natural way to regulate its temperature, but unpleasant body odor can affect our confidence and personality. Bacteria breakdown proteins in our sweat into two acids – propionic acid and isovaleric acid. Propionic acid is produced when Propionibacteria break down amino acids. It has a pungent smell and is often associated with vinegar, while Isovaleric acid, also found in many kinds of cheese, is produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. Human body also has two types of sweat glands that are present all over our body: Eccrine Glands: These glands are found throughout the body and produce sweat for maintaining our body temperature. Apocrine Glands(scent gland): These glands are usually responsible for the foul odor produced by our body, usually found in our armpits, eyelids, genital area, and breasts.

Body odor can be treated by practicing good hygiene and with over-the-counter medicines or Anti-perspirants or Deodorants. But lately, there has been a lot of debate surrounding the chemicals used in deodorants and their cumulative adverse effect on the human body. The safer, alternative, simple, and natural home remedies that get rid of body odor by controlling the growth of bacteria and reducing excessive sweating, is the use of Essential Oils that possess individual therapeutic properties.

Floral Scent Essential oils: include Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Mandarin, Geranium
Citrus Scent Essential oils: include Neroli, Lemon grass, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Cypress, Lemon

Herbal Scent Essential oils: include Rosemary, Coriander, Sage

Other fragrant essential oils that can be used: Ylang ylang, Tea tree, Sandalwood

 Recipe for Essential Oil Deodorant Powder:

¼ Cup Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Corn starch absorbs wetness of sweat, dilutes the alkalinity of the baking soda, arrowroot powder is anti-inflammatory

¼ Cup Baking Soda: odor absorber, anti-bacterial

1 tsp Coconut or Jojoba Oil: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizer

2 drops Rose Essential Oil: an astringent, antibacterial, uplifting

8 drops of lavender or Clary sage or Patchouli essential oil: bactericidal, antiseptic, astringent, deodorant,

10 drops Tea tree Essential oil: a natural antiseptic, anti-bacterial, deodorant

In a glass bowl, mix starch, baking soda. Incorporate coconut oil, mix. Now add Rose, Lavender and Tea tree essential oils, mix well. Store the mixture in a tightly sealed wide mouth jar or container for 1-2 days before using to let aroma blend well. Apply this natural deodorant powder daily.

 Natural Deodorant Spray Recipe: mix 5 drops each of clary sage essential oil, bergamot essential oil, lavender essential oil, and 2 oz. of distilled Witch hazel in a 2 oz. glass spray bottle, label, mix and use daily as a deodorant.

Epsom Salt Bath: Fill a bathtub with hot water and pour about 1-2 cups of Epsom salt mixed with 8 drops Lavender Essential Oil and 2 drops Rose or Geranium Essential Oil. Soak in the bath and relax. Try 2-3 times a week

Rose Water Body Spray: Mix 3 tablespoons Rose Water and 1 tablespoon Apple cider Vinegar in a spray bottle, label and use on underarms and other body parts daily.

Can drink sage tea, fennel tea, or parsley tea. Steep one teaspoon of herb in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves and drink tea once or twice a day.

Note: Sage must not be used by a pregnant or nursing mother.

Aromatherapy as Fist-Aid

Posted on July 2, 2018 by in Uncategorized

Do you know…………Every day we face range of mishaps that results into aches, pains, bruises, cuts, and some sort of injury. Even the chemicals in our daily used products (cosmetics, hair-care products, or house hold cleaners) can be the cause of rash, itch, or some type of reaction to our skin. Our body is designed to repair and heal itself, them there are often simple natural remedies that will help to ease the symptoms. Many of these remedies are available in the comfort of home rather than going to doctor’s office or clinic. When injury is life threatening; like any type of trauma, stroke, or heart attack, conventional medical treatment is necessary.

Whether we are protecting from wind, sun or alleviating itch, or burns, or pain, Essential Oils are very versatile and quicken the healing process because of their multiple medicinal properties; Anti-bacterial, Ant-viral & Anti-fungal, Pain relieving(Analgesic), Antiseptic, Calming, Expectorant & many more. Essential oils are natural, concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, bark, or blossoms of plants and heal mind & body without any negative side effects. Aromatherapy First-Aid kit must have these following basic essential oils:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
For Aromatherapy use, Antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, analgesic, calming, relaxing, wounds, burns, insect bites, insomnia.

It can be used for; Headaches (put a drop of neat Lavender on the temples and the back of the neck), Burns, Sunburn, Muscle aches, Relaxing, Calming and Mosquito bites.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia):
For Aromatherapy use, Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, healing, burns, acne, itch, cuts, cold sores.

It can be used for; Sore muscles, Intestinal cramps (massage clockwise onto abdomen), Disinfectant.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus):
For Aromatherapy use, Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sinus issues, cold, congestion, fever.

It can be used for; Respiratory and Sinus problems, Fever (reducing the body temperature, therefore Eucalyptus is also called fever oil), Mental exhaustion, as an Antiseptic.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
For Aromatherapy use, Analgesic, Indigestion, Cold/Congestion, Antiviral, Nausea, Fever.

It can be used for sharpening the senses. It is useful for stimulating the skin and giving a cool, refreshing feeling. It is antiseptic, aids in digestion & alleviating stomach problems, reduces inflammation, provides relief from stress, mental exhaustion, good for respiratory, sinus problems, muscle pain, and headache, reduces nausea.
Can use properly diluted peppermint oil topically on wrist, on to temple, rub on chest and/or stomach with carrier oil, inhale, steam inhalation, in bath and/or in diffuser,

Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
For Aromatherapy use, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial.

It can be used topically, through inhalation, in baths, and/or vaporizers. Curcuma, which is responsible for turmeric’s yellow color, is also its most active chemical component and have many beneficial effects including; Accelerating toxin elimination, Stimulating the immune system, digestion, blood circulation, Supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Relieves pain and inflammation, a powerful antioxidant.

Home Made First-Aid Spray:

15 drops Lavender essential oil

15 drops Tea Tree essential oil 

6 drops Cypress or Helichrysum or Frankincense essential oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 oz distilled water

Add salt to an 2oz. Glass Spray bottle.  Drop in the essential oils and fill the bottle with distilled water. Label properly. Shake well before every use. Spray on cuts, scrapes, and wounds before applying a bandage 2-3 times daily until cut is healed or repeat as needed to speed healing and prevent scarring. Do make a fresh bottle once every month as required.

For Children under Five: Use Hydrosols

30ml Lavender Hydrosol

15ml Frankincense hydrosol

15ml Tea tree Hydrosol

Add all in a 2oz glass spray bottle, mix and label. Use as needed.

Aromatherapy for Babies and Children

Posted on June 29, 2018 by in Aromatherapy for Children

We avoid using Essential Oils on a newborn unless it’s necessary. No matter the brand, Essential oils are typically used highly diluted for babies and young children as compared to use with adults to avoid redness, or any adverse reactions as newborns have very tender skin and organs.

Use 1-2 drops of essential oil to an ounce of a suitable carrier such as; coconut, olive, or almond oil following adequate dilution guidelines as follows (detailed in Essential Oil Safety- by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young):

AGE Percentage Max # Drops
infant – 2 yrs 0.1% – 0.2% 1 – 2 drops/oz of carrier oil
2 – 6 yrs 1% – 2% 9 – 24 drops/ oz of carrier oil
6 – 14 yrs 1.5% – 3+% 12 – 28 drops/ oz of carrier oil

Measurements/conversions (by volume)
30 ml= 1 fl oz = 600 drops = 2 Tbsp
5 ml = 1/6 fl oz = 100 drops = 1 tsp
1 ml = 1/30 fl oz=20 drops = 1/5tsp

Diffusing the oils in a baby’s room is an effective way to reap the benefit of Essential Oil molecules or apply appropriately diluted oil to the back, stomach, chest, or bottoms of the baby’s feet. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils are all avoided in younger children(12 yrs and under) because they contain a chemical constituent called cineol 1,8 and menthol.

 

Aromatherapy for Mindfulness

Posted on June 29, 2018 by in Mindfulness

Aromatherapy and AnxietyMindfulness has become a buzz word now a days, which simply means emotional detoxification through meditation, and being compassionate with yourself and with your surroundings. Meditation is not a religion, it teaches our mind the way to deal with our inner critic, so that we don’t get lost in gloomy thoughts and negative emotions.

We can’t stop the triggering of unhappy memories, negative self-talk, and the unconscious habits of judgmental way of thinking, but can stop how we react to them so, it doesn’t impact our mind-body negatively. Practice of mindfulness meditation helps to see the world with clarity and cultivates profound sense of peace and happiness. Studies have shown that meditation bolsters the immune system and is a key tool in cognitive behavioural therapy.

Combining Aromatherapy and mindfulness is an effective way to relieve stress-depression and rejuvenate the mind and body. Can just use Essential oils in a diffuser during meditation or can inhale directly or can apply diluted essential oils on the wrist and neck to help stimulate the senses and promote relaxation, eg:

  • Vetiver Essential Oil: has a strong, earthy aroma that is useful in Mindfulness
  • Marjoram Essential Oil: has a woody, spicy scent with herbaceous undertone and uplifting, balancing & grounding. It’s also known as the “Herb of happiness” or “Joy of the mountains”
  • Cedarwood Essential Oil: has a strong, woody smell and has powerful grounding properties
  • Frankincense Essential Oil: grounding, banishes stress & anxiety
  • Neroli Essential Oil: can help promote self-love, acceptance, reduce pain, inflammation, fear, and inspire creativity
  • Lavender Essential Oil: its relaxing and calming properties can help to achieve clarity and enlightenment from meditation

Om Healing …Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)

 Visit our site, aromawellness.net, to order your oils
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment.