Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Are You Red or Blue?...there's an essential oil for that

"Red and Blue" by Mattes (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
It's presidential election convention time again and in this heated political season, many Americans are feeling Red or Blue...that is Republican or Democrat. (Of course there are a fair number of Purples who are still undecided but that's for another day.) Are there any red or blue essential oils to help us through this tumultuous chapter in our democracy? Of course! There is one for each political hue so read all about them here and if you're feeling Purple, maybe this will help you decide. I've heard worse decision-making methods lately!

Red: Jasmine

The absolute extracted from the Jasmine flower is bright red with a warm, deeply floral
"Jasmine Flower" via Wikimedia Commons
fragrance. Originating in Egypt, it's been famous for its use in perfumes all the way back to the days of Cleopatra as she floated down the Nile on her scented barge. In addition to its widely used aphrodisiac qualities that heat up your love life, Jasmine is known for the following properties: 



Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Cicatrisant (helps heal scars)
Expectorant
Emmenagogue (helps relieve menstrual symptoms)
Sedative
Uterine (helps increase contractions in labor)
Antibacterial

Fun Factoid: It takes about 2000 Jasmine flowers per pound of oil.

Blue: German Chamomile

"Honeybee on German Chamomile" by Schizoschaf (Own work)
Like its color, Blue Chamomile with its herbaceous apple-like fragrance, is known most of all for its calming properties. Originating in Nepal (not Germany,) it is a member of the daisy family. There are other types of Chamomile but it's the German variety that produces a beautiful deep blue color when distilled. Here are its properties:

Antidepressant
Anti-inflammatory
Sleep aid
Digestive aid (think Chamomile Tea)
Skin irritant aid (helps acne, eczema, rashes)

Fun Factoid: It take 100 pounds of German Chamomile flowers per pound of oil.

Red? Blue? Republican? Democrat? Jasmine? German Chamomile? The choice is yours!
As far as my husband and I are concerned, we've decided to start our own movement. The "Cooler Heads!" No matter which you choose, may Cooler Heads prevail! (Just put some thought into your choices, no matter what they be.) 


Have a good couple weeks, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...y'all come back now!
Kate

(As always: this post is for information only for adult use and does not replace medical advice. Тest out an oil first by placing a small diluted amount on your arm as a patch test. In particular, those who are or could be pregnant should always refer to their physicians before using any essential oils.)



Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Cool Your Heels...with these essential oils

"Sun in Celestia" Public Domain per Wikimedia Commons
The 4th of July has just passed and it's hot as a firecracker here in North Carolina with heat indexes well over 100 degrees F. So here is a lovely, natural way to cool off. Take a few minutes, glass of iced beverage of your choice in hand, and soak your feet. When your feet are cool, it spreads upward throughout the rest of your body (and, of course the opposite is just as true.)

To a foot basin of luke-warm water, add several drops of any one or combination of the following cooling essential oils:


Eucalyptus
Foot Bath by John Frazier, Brooklyn Museum
Peppermint (a little goes a long way)
Spearmint
Lemon 
Lemongrass
Lavender
German Chamomile
Cypress
Vetivert
Juniper

Simple solution, complex benefits. Sit back, sip your drink, and soak those feet. You'll be glad you did!

Have a good couple weeks, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...y'all come back now! (And keep cool!)

Kate

"Peppermint" Public Domain per Wikimedia Commons

(As always: this post is for information only for adult use and does not replace medical advice. Тest out an oil first by placing a small diluted amount on your arm as a patch test. In particular, those who are or could be pregnant should always refer to their physicians before using any essential oils.)