Category: Essential Oils
5 Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep
Americans get 20% less sleep today than they did 100 years ago. More stress? Probably. Less physical activity? Perhaps.
In any case, some type of insomnia will affect one in three of us. And women, you’re up to twice as likely to experience sleeplessness as men.
But don’t take this news lying down (staring at the ceiling). Here are 5 tips to do your part to make every night a restful night and sleep like a baby!
1. Time
Allow yourself some time to wind down each evening. Bustling around, trying to get a few more things done before you go to bed is counter-productive to good sleep. Even social networking before bed can stimulate the brain, making it hard to truly relax when your head hits the pillow.
2. Environment
Some people can sleep anywhere. Most of us can’t. Creating a sleep-friendly environment might include defusing the amount of light in your bedroom, having a comfortable room temperature and the amount of noise reaching your ears. Consider black-out curtains, earplugs, turning on a fan, listening to mellow music, and other changes that might make your sleep room a better place for real rest. Having a TV and/or too many electronics in your bedroom can also keep you awake and interfere with a good night’s sleep.
3. Create a Routine
Doing the same thing every night can help train your body that it’s time for sleep. Drink a cup of a herbal, non-caffeine tea, brush your teeth, read for 10 minutes, listen to relaxing music, etc. Whatever your routine should be, stick with it for at least two weeks and see if sleep is less elusive. Note: Exercising too close to bedtime can stimulate the mind, making sleep much more difficult for some people.
4. Get Comfortable
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good mattress and/or pillow. Before you buy a new mattress, do some research. Talk to friends, check out blogs and ask about doing a 30-day test-run to see if you like it. Nowadays you can choose from air, gel, water, and good old springs and foam. People are quite different and so are mattresses!
5. Supplements for Sleep
Herbs and supplements for sleep can play an important role in getting proper rest. The herbs and supplements that I am going to recommend is from Nature’s Sunshine, of course!
- Valerian root has been used for over a thousand years to help people sleep. It helps relax the central nervous system, promotes feelings of calm and can help decrease anxiety or stress. And unlike some sleep aids, it does NOT leave you feeling groggy.
- Hops flowers have nervine properties and promote restful sleep.
- Passionflower can help relax tense muscles and soothe frayed nerves.
- Lavender is the most popular essential oil for relaxation and encouraging sleep. Diffuse lavender in your bedroom or spray a mist of it onto sheets and pillows before bed.
- Melatonin is a hormone naturally present in the brain. It can help restore the body’s natural sleep rhythm and may help you feel more alert and rested when you awake. Our bodies make less melatonin as we age. NOTE: Melatonin should not be taken during the day; it may cause drowsiness. It is not recommended for use by children, teenagers or pregnant or lactating women. Do not take this product when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman
Independent Distributor and Manager for Nature’s Sunshine Products
A Powerful Tool for Alignment
Just recently my eldest son had came home for doctor/healer mom to help him recover from a ruptured ear drum and bronchitis! During his two week stay, we covered many healing techniques, and this was one of them. These two products mentioned are Nature’s Sunshine Products. (NSP)
When you feel off balanced physically you can get an adjustment from a trusted chiropractor, and/or try this great technique and tool using the Core Essential Oil and Tei-Fu Massage Lotion. This technique has a tremendous balancing result and is an amazing healer of a lot of things including the spine.
I learned this in an NSP RevOILution presentation and this was mentioned again in the NSP Essential Oil Certification Class that I recently attended.
~ Have client lay on their tummy.
~ Put 10-15 drops of Core EO (essential oil) down the spine. Gently and lightly rub it in. The oil will absorb nicely into the skin. You don’t need to use a Carrier Oil unless the client is sensitive to the Core EO. If so, put several drops on top of the Core EO and along the spine.
~ Next, rub the Tei-Fu Massage Lotion gently* down the spine. The Tei-Fu Massage Lotion drives the Core EO deeper within the body on a cellular level.
~ After the Tei-Fu Massage Lotion has been absorbed and soaked in, then cover the back with a warm/ hot damp towel or cloth, followed by applying a dry towel/cloth over the damp one.
~ Have the client continue to lay there and relax for 30 minutes.
*When dealing with the spine, be gentle. Don’t press down hard or be too rough with the pressure of rubbing in the essential oil and lotion. Use a gentle feathering technique to spread out the oil and lotion as it absorbs into the skin.
Order these Products:
Core Balancing Blend Essential Oil
With a $40 order of Nature’s Sunshine Products, you can sign up as an Independent Distributor and be eligible for FREE educational Webinars and Join in on the Essential Oil Certification Class and many other on-going Classes and Webinars!
Contact me for details!
Many Blessings,
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman
Did You Know? Your Skin Can “Smell”
Skin cells known as keratinocytes have been found to possess the same olfactory receptors that occur in the nose. The receptors in the nose have long been known to be responsible for detecting scents or odors after binding to specific aromatic molecules. Now these receptors have been found not only in the skin but also in the prostate, kidneys and the intestines. A major difference in receptor location involves sensitivity. The receptors in the nose are far more sensitive, and interactions here with low concentrations of the appropriate molecules usually produce the typical sensory perception of odors or fragrances.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil, used in aromatherapy, contains molecules that bind to the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 in the skin. With OR2AT4, this binding triggers a calcium-dependent signaling pathway that results in an increased proliferation and a more rapid migration of skin cells. This response is characteristic of skin healing. When the same receptor in the nose is activated by sandalwood oil molecules, a message is sent to the brain that mediates the sense of smell. In the skin, activation of OR2AT4 stimulates wound healing.(1) It appears that receptor location in the body dictates not only sensitivity but also function of the receptor.
The scientists who made this discovery have also found other, unrelated olfactory receptors in the skin and plan future research to characterize their function. Additionally, olfactory receptors in other organs possess a totally unknown function. A full mechanistic characterization of these olfactory receptors may lead to the development of new drugs and, in the case of skin-based receptors, unusual and healthful cosmetics. More importantly, future research may lead to a more complete understanding of this specific receptor-molecule binding as it relates to the complex interactions between humans and their environment.
By Dr. William J. Keller, Vice President Emeritus
Reference
1D. Busse et al., “A synthetic sandalwood odorant induces wound healing process in human keratinocytes via the olfactory receptor OR2AT4. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2014; doi: 10. 1038/JID.2014.273.
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman
http://www.whitesagewoman.com/NSP-Essential-Oils.html
The Many Uses of Patchouli Essential Oil
Pogostemon cablin leaf oil (Patchouli) is a member of the mint family but it actually has a cedar-like smell. It grows naturally in Asia.
The aroma of Patchouli:
Patchouli’s scent has made it a popular ingredient in perfumes. In fact, according to Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine, Patchouli combines so well with other scents that it is used in at least a third of all perfumes and fragrances.(1) It was even used to add scent to an action figure. (2)
Insect Repellent:
The leaf itself is put into clothing to repel insects. Unless you live in Asia, good luck finding a leaf. Instead, use Patchouli Essential Oil. In a study that was looking for non-toxic mosquito repellents, 38 essential oils were used. Lemongrass, clove, and patchouli (when undiluted) were “the most effective and provided 2 hours of complete insect repellent.” (3)
Patchouli and Skin:
According to Eyewitness Handbook:Herbs, Patchouli “is used in aromatherapy to regenerate skin cells and treat acne, eczema, athlete’s foot, and cracked skin.” (4)
Possible Antibacterial Properties:
In a study entitled “Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of patchouli oil” it was concluded that “Molecular docking technology and antimicrobial test in vitro proved that patchouli oil had strong antimicrobial effects. Particularly, pogostone and (-)- patchouli alcohol have potent antimicrobial activity.” (5)
The oil is extracted from the leaves through steam distillation.
Essential Oils:
- Never apply an essential oil directly to the skin. Always use a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, with topical application.
- To encourage safe doses with children, dilute the essential oil and use it in an air diffuser. Use small doses and never use around children with respiratory diseases like asthma.
- Never ingest essential oils without consulting a health-care professional.
To order Nature’s Sunshine Patchouli oil: https://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/patchouli-essential-oil-15-ml/3849/?sponsor=3044357
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman
http://www.whitesagewoman.com/NSP-Essential-Oils.html
Original post: http://blog.naturessunshine.com/en/the-many-uses-of-patchouli/
13 Lemon Essential Oil Recipes
There are several lemon essential oil uses. It can be used to add a natural aroma to your laundry. It can be used as a room spray to freshen any room. Lemon essential oil can also be used to repel bugs and it’s terrific to clean with. Check out some of our favorite lemon essential oil uses and feel free to share your favorite lemon essential oil recipes in the comments section!
Natural Aromas Laundry Scent for the Dryer
5 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Place essential oils on a dampened washcloth. Place in dryer with laundry for last 1/3 of drying cycle.
Room Spray
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops bergamot or lemon essential oil
4 drops pine essential oil
2 drop peppermint essential oil
2 ounces purified water
Combine oils and water in a glass spray bottle. Shake well and spray to combat odors.
Greasy Surface Scrubber
3 Tablespoons baking soda
2 teaspoons Sunshine concentrate
10 drops lemon or grapefruit essential oil
Water to make a paste
Use paste on a cloth to scrub surface.
Sink Scrubber
1 Tablespoon sea salt
1 Tablespoon baking soda
7 drops lemon essential oil
Enough water to make a paste
Combine and use to scrub porcelain sinks, tile, and stainless steel.
Carpet Freshener
1/3 cup baking soda
3 drops peppermint essential oil
7 drops thyme linalol essential oil
8 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops pine
Combine essential oils with baking soda in a glass container.
I like to use a sugar shaker.
Sprinkle onto carpet, wait 15 minutes, and then vacuum.
The essential oils will disinfect and deodorize your carpets.
Gentle Air Freshener
6 drops lemon
2 drops clove
Drop onto scent ball pad and diffuse.
This delicious combination makes your house feel both fresh and cozy.
Powerful Air Freshener
4 drops thyme linalol
3 drops pine
2 drops lemon or lavender
Drop onto a scent ball pad and diffuse
Moth-Away Sachet
Cedar chips or wood shavings
3 drops each lavender and geranium essential oils
5 drops each lemon and pine essential oils
Optional: Dry lavender flowers, clean pine needles, or 1 drop patchouli.
Combine all ingredients and place in a muslin bag.
Safer Mosquito Repellent
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
1-2 drops peppermint essential oil
1 Tablespoon Herbal Trim
¼ teaspoon vegetable oil
1.5 ounces purified water
Pour all ingredients into a 2 ounce bottle with a spritzer top, and shake to blend.
Spray liberally onto all exposed skin areas, and repeat as necessary throughout the day.
Geranium-Rose Cleanser and Exfoliator for All Skin Types
4 Tablespoons ground oats
\6 large ripe organic strawberries
2 teaspoons light cream
1 drop rose or 2 drops geranium essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
Grind up oatmeal in a coffee mill reserved just for your skin care ingredients. Mash strawberries in a glass bowl, and then add oats.
Add enough cream to make a paste.Add essential oils.
Divide mixture in half. Apply to face, and leave 10 minutes.
Rinse off with cool water. Makes two applications.
Christie’s Safer Body Spray
5 drops frankincense essential oil
2 drops clove essential oil
6 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops red mandarin essential oil
3 drops pink grapefruit
½ teaspoon aloe Vera gel (optional)
½ teaspoon massage oil (optional)
1.5 ounces purified water
Pour all ingredients into a 2 ounce spray bottle and shake to blend.
Spray this soothing and spicy blend on the body.
The spray will feel lighter without the aloe Vera and the massage oil,
but the fragrance lasts longer with it.
Refreshing Bath
3 drops bergamot
2 drops lemon
1 drop rosemary
Citrus & Spice Bath
2 drops lemon
3 drops red mandarin
6 drops bergamot
4 drops Deep Relief blend
Ground lemon zest (Optional)
¼ capsule Super Antioxidant (for color)
¼ Cup Epsom salts
Combine all ingredients. Makes enough for 1 bath. Not for people with sensitive skin.
Don’t soak for more than about 10 minutes.
Do not add additional drops of essential oils to this recipe.
Homemade Shampoo with Essential Oils
Today, shampoos contains chemicals like parabens, phthalates, petroleum byproducts, and SLS, which provides that satisfying foam while depositing chemicals onto your scalp.
The evidence of these chemicals is on your head. Oily hair, dandruff, itching, inflamed scalp. You may think that your shampoo is helping these conditions, but it may be the culprit initiating these troublesome symptoms in the first place.
Many who are worried about the chemicals in their beauty products have vowed to go all natural. But natural paraben- and SLS-free shampoos can be pretty costly and don’t necessarily address deep down issues causing dandruff or oily hair.
Authentic essential oils added to homemade shampoos is the solution you’ve been looking for. Homemade soaps eliminate all those harmful chemicals from your shower routine, and essential oils bring their health benefits while also making your hair smell like a field of lilacs or citrus sunrise.
Solve your hair maladies for good using these trusted all-natural shampoo recipes.
Homemade Essential Oil Shampoo Ingredients
Depending on your hair and personal preferences, you can use a variety of ingredients to make your shampoo.
Most simple recipes use liquid castile soap, like Dr. Bronner’s. This soap is organic, fair trade, and non-GMO project verified. You can get this soap in numerous scents (scented naturally using essential oils), but the basic, unscented soap will probably work best with your own essential oil mixture.
Some people choose to use castile soap alone to wash their hair, since it’s an all-in-one natural soap, but many find that it makes their hair dry and dull. Adding these other ingredients to your shampoo will help you get the results you want.
The second most important ingredient, if you choose to add to your castile soap solution, is coconut milk. Most recipes call for canned coconut milk, but others recommend homemade coconut milk if canned milk isn’t providing your desired results.
Some recipes move straight from these two main ingredients (castile soap and coconut milk) to adding essential oils. Others recommend a few other steps, especially if you have dry hair.
You can add a small amount of olive or almond oil to soothe frail, dehydrated hair. Others suggest adding honey, coconut oil and vitamin E oil for a more gentle mixture.
Here are two recipes you can follow, depending on how simple or complex you want to make your homemade shampoo with essential oils.
Simple Homemade Shampoo Recipe
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (homemade or canned)
- 20 drops of essential oils
- For dry hair add 1/2 tsp olive or almond oil (optional)
(Recipe courtesy of Wellness Mama)
Complex Homemade Shampoo Recipe
- 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (homemade or canned)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tbsp vitamin E oil
- 40 to 50 drops essential oils
(Recipe courtesy of Shalom Mama)
Essential Oil Combinations to Try
When creating your essential oil shampoo, there are a few things to remember.
Never put essential oils directly onto your scalp. Essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba or olive oil first to protect your skin.
If you aren’t sure if you or your family members are allergic to any essential oils, test them before using them in your shampoo. Place 1 to 2 drops of diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow and wrap the area for 24 hours. If your skin isn’t irritated, you should be fine to use that oil.
These shampoo recipes aren’t tear-free, so be sure to keep the soap out of your children’s eyes when they wash their hair. If the solution gets in someone’s eyes, rinse them with cool water for 15 minutes. If irritation still occurs, see a doctor.
Essential oils have many uses, from simply smelling delicious, to relaxation, to fortifying damaged, dry hair. Feel free to experiment with scent mixtures to find your favorite combinations. And remember, less is more when it comes to powerful oils. Be conservative with the amount of drops you use at first and add more later if the solution isn’t strong enough for you.
Some popular essential oils and their uses for shampoos include:
Chamomile: Use for fine to normal hair. Chamomile gives golden highlights and sheen to your hair, conditions, soothes inflamed scalps, and helps scaly scalps.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and can be used for dandruff treatment.
Lavender: Good for all hair types, it helps balance natural scalp oils, soothes the scalp and calms hair, promotes hair growth, and can be used to treat itchiness and dandruff.
Lemon: Use for oily hair and treatment for dry scalp and dandruff. Gives golden highlights and helps balance your scalp’s natural oils.
Lemongrass: Helps oily hair by slowing down scalp oil production.
Peppermint: Use with dry hair. Peppermint promotes growth by stimulating circulation.
Rosemary: Good for oily hair, dandruff treatment, and promoting hair growth.
Tea Tree: Can be used to treat a dry scalp, dandruff, and lice. Good for oily hair.
Thyme: Thyme is antiseptic, stimulates blood flow, and invigorates the scalp to help with hair loss.
Ylang Ylang: For oily hair, dandruff treatment, and stimulating hair growth. Oil is soothing and antiseptic.
Conclusion
Your scalp will need a few weeks to adjust to your natural shampoo. It’s important to be patient as the natural oils are redeposited onto your scalp and your hair soaks up all the healthy ingredients you are now feeding your locks.
Your natural essential oil shampoo will allow you to wash your hair less. And once you see the shine and vitality that your hair will get from all-natural soap, you’ll never use grocery store shampoo again!
Sources : http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/idascorner/ingredients/ingredients-faqs/essential-oil-faqs/essential-oils-used-in-hair-care and Nature’s Sunshine Products