Our guest blogger, Jessica Elkins, is a licensed Esthetician and has been practicing for 11 years.  She opened  her own practice 5 years ago (2007) and operates out of a yoga studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jessica’s interest in skin care started when she was handed  a book on essential oils while traveling in Arizona.  Ever since, she has been an enthusiastic student of botanical skin treatments and their effects for different skin types. It wasn’t long before Jessica was mixing her own masks and perfume oils.  During Esthetician training, she worked at Whole Foods in the Body Care Department and taught classes on natural skin care.  Jessica enjoys studying both natural skin care and the study of the biochemistry of skin care ingredients.  Her philosophy is: “The best of science and nature.”

Below are several ideas relating to acne treatment from Jessica’s Skin & Body Apothecary:

Essential Oils and Hydrosols for Acne

Many women who come to see me for facials are frustrated by the onset of adult acne. Acne does not only effect individuals with oily skin; it can present itself in all skin types. Regardless of the cause of acne, your skin can benefit from anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients. As a skin care expert, I have created some guidelines to easily choose the right combination of essential oils and hydrosols for your skin’s condition.

Guidelines for Essential Oils and Hydrosols

Dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from calming Essential Oils:

• German Chamomile and Yarrow
• Calming Hydrosols  - German Chamomile,Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm.

Hint:  Stimulating plants should be avoided, with the exception of Tea Tree which can be used as a spot treatment.

Dull, dry, acne-prone skin is best served by stimulating ingredients with an overall emphasis on hydration and exfoliation in the skin care regimen:

• Rosemary and Tea Tree Essential Oils
• Lemon Thyme and Lemon Verbena Hydrosols

Oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils & hydrosols such as:

• German Chamomile and Yarrow Essential Oils,
• German Chamomile, Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm Hydrosols.

You can also use stimulating ingredients in moderation, such as Rosemary Essential Oil and Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

Oily (not sensitive) acne-prone skin benefits most from:

• Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils
• Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

For pustules or cysts, undiluted Tea Tree Essential Oil can be applied as a spot treatment.

Adding essential oils and hydrosols to your skin care regimen can give you a great advantage over your acne! Aromatics International suggests simply adding one drop of your preferred essential oil to a mixture of White Kaolin and French Green clay. This mixture will draw impurities from the skin, increase circulation, and decrease inflammation. Add enough hydrosol or water to make a mask or use as a poultice This is a great step in your regimen because decreasing acne inflammation is extremely important in combating scaring and lingering acne. Following the removal of your mask, spray with a mist of your favorite hydrosol. This will take the place of a “toner” in your regimen, and give your skin another layer of botanical benefits. Finally, don’t forget to protect your skin with a moisturizer.

For more information on natural skin care visit www.jessicasapothecary.com

You can also follow Jessica’s blog at: http://jessicasapothecary.wordpress.com/.

Hydrosols are the first part of the distillate waters from the steam distillation of plants as stated by Ann Harmon. Also known as hydrolates or floral waters, hydrosols have a wide variety of applications. Read on to discover some of the remarkable ways that I have used hydrosols this winter!

1.  Helichrysum hydrosol is wonderful for:

• The treatment of cuts, wounds, bruising, and pain
• Skin care applications: this hydrosol helps to heal most skin conditions
• The treatment of incisions after any kind of surgery
• Daily use as a mouthwash
• The treatment of animals with skin conditions

Helichrysum Tip: Spray Helichrysum hydrosol on sun spots or “liver spots” to greatly fade the darkened areas. When used as a toner on the face and body, it can help control skin irritations and skin infections.  Great for healing the skin!

2.  Peppermint and Spearmint are hydrosols that I can’t live without!  I like to spray them on my face and neck but my favorite use is to put 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint or spearmint hydrosol in my water bottle for sipping throughout the day.  The resulting mint-flavored water is incredibly refreshing, excellent for digestion, mentally stimulating, and a rejuvenating “wake-up” beverage!

• Peppermint is most famous for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and mind-stimulating properties
• Individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome have reported success with this hydrosol

3.  Bay Laurel hydrosol is remarkable as a cleansing and toning agent for the lymphatic system. Its taste is warm, spicy, and delicious.  When experiencing pain associated with a congested lymphatic system and lymph node swelling, I undertake this three-week Internal Protocol that has been recommended by Suzanne Catty in her book Hydrosols: The next Aromatherapy.

•   Take 2 Tablespoons of Bay Laurel hydrosol and add to a water bottle, sipping throughout the day.  Do this for 3 weeks and then stop for 7 days. If, at the end of 7 days the swelling and pain are gone, there is no need to do another 3 weeks.  However, if there is still a problem, continue for 21 more days.  Caution:  Bay Laurel should not be ingested if there is a cancer diagnosis.

When using Bay Laurel for Lymph node swelling I have noticed relief within 2 days!

4.  Rose Centifolia and Rose Damascena are hydrosols that I put on every day.  I love their sweet aromas and healing skin properties.  Rose hydrosol has been known for many generations to be a wonderful toner for the skin. It is an excellent moisturizer for dry/mature skin. Read below for more great properties of rose hydrosols:

• They promote emotional balance and a sense of well-being.
• They can be used on their own as perfumes, or in combination with essential oils.
• Moist, cool floral scent and taste.
• Hormone balancer
• Have postmenopausal applications
• They balance the endocrine system
• Support combating PMS, cramps, and moodiness
• Uplifting & relaxing
• Can be used in a sitz bath for postpartum healing.
• Mildly antiseptic
• They support clear-headed decision making

Other ways I use hydrosols:

• When making face and body creams, I substitute the water portion with hydrosols.
• Room and sheet sprays
• Cleaning countertops

More ideas in Part 2!  Be sure and share the difference ways you use hydrosols!

References:  Catty, Suzanne. Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy. Vermont: Healing Arts Press. 2001.

“Joy” in January has been a 3 day event hosted by The Natural Perfumers Guild, an association of perfumers, suppliers and associates dedicated to the use of 100% natural aromatics.

In the past 3 days we have received over 2 feet of snow!  I haven’t seen the sunshine in the past 3 days!  However,  I take a moment and see the amazing details Nature has left amidst the white show.  The intricate icicles that have formed over a rushing stream take my breath away!

I hope you have enjoyed the blog posts from the past 3 days and have found ways to help combat SAD through Nature’s aroma’s.  I know I have!

The comments and participation of bloggers and readers has been awesome.  Winners were chosen by an old-fashioned hat drawing!  The winners are:

Day 1: Warum
Prize:  5 ml of SAD uplifting diffuser blend

Day 2: Happy Girl
Prize: 1 ounce Energize Blend for SAD in Jojoba Oil.

Day 3: Cheesegan
Prize:  Evening Bath blend in 4 ounces Himalayan Pink Salt.

To claim your gift, email me with your shipping information at: karen@aromaticsinternational.com

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects 6-14% of our population.  While light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD, a holistic approach incorporating essential oils is recommended for best results.  Having lived in a northern climate for several years, I have experienced SAD indirectly on several occasions through the experience of friends.  Along with increased exposure to light, regular exercise, and good nutrition, an aromatic bath before bedtime can greatly enhance sleep and provide a psychologically rejuvenating experience. As light is very important in combating SAD, you may wish to use candles for atmosphere while leaving the lights on. Finish the preparation of your bath with essential oils and Himalayan salts.

Combine the Evening Bath Blend below with 1/2 cup of small-grain Himalayan Pink Salts and add the mixture to your bath.  Swish the salts around until dissolved and step into a bath blissfully reminiscent of a tub full of rose petals and jasmine flowers.

• 2 drops Rose Absolute (Rose damascena) Emotionally uplifting and an effective tonic for the nervous system, rose absolute has a beautiful floral aroma.  Rose is known to be a sedative, easing shock, grief, and depression.  As the fragrant healing aroma of rose surrounds us, our emotions are soothed and anger melts away: a beautiful oil to ease grief and depression.

• 1 drop Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) Jasmine is prized for its exotic floral fragrance! An antidepressant that stimulates and strengthens the spirit, jasmine helps to relieve depression and diminish fears. This remarkable oil also increases self-confidence resulting in feelings of optimism.

• 2 drops Mandarin – Green (Citrus reticulata) Mandarin has a rich orange aroma that is very energizing and helps to relieve anxiety and depression.  Mandarin, also a sedative, helps to release and circulate stagnant energy.  This oil has additional positive effects for sore muscles, colds, and sinus congestion.

• 1 drop Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) Vetiver has a smoky, earthy aroma that boosts your immune system as you wear it!  Vetiver oil is cooling and calming. It helps to reduce insomnia while supporting and strengthening the nervous system. As a tonic, Vetiver strengthens and restores vitality and is very grounding.

Thank you for following the “Joy in January” bloggers for this 3-day event.  Hopefully you have gleaned many strategies for dispelling the winter blues!

We are giving away a 4 ounce jar of Himalayan Pink Salts with our Evening Bath Blend. To enter this drawing, post a comment!

Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information. The winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other “Joy in January” blogs :

We have learned that essential oils can make a transformative difference in improving quality of life during the cold winter months. The appropriate use of essential oils can relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that often causes varying degrees of depression, a general loss of energy, and insomnia or restlessness at night.

When we feel lethargic, it’s difficult to motivate ourselves to exercise. This is a significant issue as exercise is a very important strategy in combating SAD. Since SAD is caused by decreased exposure to sunlight which affects our serotonin levels, I recommend walking outside every day, even if merely for 15 minutes at a time. When walking among the conifers and other forest plants and trees, we benefit from the amazing energetic properties of the trees. This meditative experience can help restore balance in our emotional system. According to Mojay, pine is psychologically fortifying. He further states that pine oil opens the chest, instills positivity and helps to restore self-confidence…disperses melancholy and counteracts pessimism, working to reawaken our instinctive connection to life.

The wood or trunk of a tree conducts water and nutrients from the roots to its leaves, stems, and flowers. Oils that are extracted from wood can help conduct energy, provide balance, and give us a better sense of core support. These oils can help us connect to our center in a deeper way. The aroma of most conifers is invigorating and uplifting.  These refreshing properties help to build stamina and encourage motivation.

Pine needles allow the tree to breathe. They also protect the tree from water loss and support photosynthesis. Interestingly enough, pine oils can help us breathe easier just as needles help the trees! We can use pine oils to support respiration, deeper breathing, and the breath of life. These oils can also protect us, both emotionally and physically, from infection and disturbing energy. Leaf and needle oils support mental expansion and creativity.  We gather valuable energy from these amazing oils.

Energize Blend for SAD

Here is a lovely and effective blend in Jojoba oil that smells amazing and gives us that extra energy boost, combating fatigue.

8 drops Norway Pine (Pinus resinosa)
4 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
4 drops Silver Fir (Abies alba)
2 drops Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
6 drops Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Place the drops in 1 ounce of Jojoba Oil (or another carrier of choice) and apply throughout the day for a rejuvenating energy boost.  Apply to the back of your neck, the insides of your wrists, and on your temples.  Keep beside your bed and take deep breaths in the morning when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.

• Norway Pine is an immune tonic that has proven to be an excellent support to the body’s health. This oil has also been used as an adrenal gland tonic, and helps us stay healthy during times of stress, excessive work and transition. It is a great benefit in enhancing circulation in the legs and helping to alleviate leg fatigue.

• Cedarwoodhas deep woody notes that boost emotional strength and stability. Cedarwood increases strength and endurance during difficult times and is very grounding.

• Silver Fir has a beautifully vibrant aroma that conjures the memory of walking in a pine forest. While its soothing benefits for the respiratory system are well known, Silver Fir is fantastic for overall immune support. This wonderful oil is emotionally restorative, and its aroma helps to inspire positive energy and promote a strong self-image.

• Peppermint has lovely cooling properties and awakens the mind. It supports creativity and combats fatigue by uplifting and stimulating the mind.

• Lime is a delightfully refreshing oil. It brings relief from fatigue, anxiety, and the general sense of discomfort related to illness. Lime brings sunshine and light to fight feelings of depression: a wonderfully uplifting boost for our emotions!

We are giving away a 1 ounce bottle of the above blend in Jojoba oil.  To enter this drawing, post a comment! Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information.

Winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other “Joy in January“ blogs :

References:

1) Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2) Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) seems to appear with the coming of Fall and eases off as Spring appears, especially in the Northern climates affecting more women than men.   Studies show SAD can be caused by a decrease in sunlight affecting levels of the hormone, Seratonin, responsible in helping us maintain a feeling of well being.  While there are other possible causes, we feel less energetic, depressed and catching more colds and flu as our immune system is depressed.  In turn, weight creeps up and we long for a good nights sleep.  In essence, SAD can affect every area of our life.

During this period of time, we naturally gravitate to uplifting aromas.  Fragrance deeply affects our brains ability to think and feel, to energize us or take us into a more quiet, restful place. Much has been written on this topic and it seems that light, exercise, eating well and surrounding ourselves with uplifting aromas such as essential oils can dramatically help ease the symptoms of SAD.

Elizabeth Jones in her book, Awaken to Healing Fragrance, quotes  a study by T. Komori et al, “Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states”. The study shows the antidepressant benefits of the citrus oils plus their boost to the emotional immune system. Elizabeth further states the results support the concept that human depression is based on homeostatic dysregulation and citrus oils improve the homeostatic balance more than antidepressant drugs.  It was concluded that citrus oils were of psychoneuroimmunological benefit for the treatment of emotions and the immune system.

I like to utilize a diffuser as the oils uplift our emotional spirit and clean the air.  If a diffuser isn’t available, put a pan of water on a woodstove or stovetop on low heat and add 10-15 drops of essential oils.

SAD uplifting diffuser blend:

35 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
30 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara)
15 drops Cardamom CO2 (Elettaria cardamomum)
10 drops Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin)

Blend together in a 5 ml bottle and use as your stock blend.  Add 10-15 drops to a diffuser. Use in your home or office during the day.

• Bergamot is a valuable oil when dealing with emotional issues and has been used successfully to address depression, anxiety, and tension.  Possessing a bright aroma, Bergamot is a beautiful addition to blends.  Bergamot also helps with insomnia and is restorative and calming.
• Orange is a bright uplifting oil and is useful to add to any blend when you want a fresh, happy note! Excellent in a diffuser to brighten the room and to disinfect.  Noted as an antidepressant.
• Neroli is used in blends for people who need strong emotional support. The gentle floral, citrus aroma can be very soothing and calming to the nervous system, especially when used in really small amounts and blended with other calming oils.  Neroli relaxes the nerves and calms and soothes the heart.
• Cardamom is a wonderful oil for aiding mental concentration (cephalic). Cardamom has a warm, sweet, spicy aroma and is refreshing and invigorating
• Patchouli helps reduce stress and anxiety and can help to prevent and alleviate depression.

We are offering a free 5 ml bottle of the above blend.  To enter this drawing, post a comment!  Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information.

Winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other notable blogs on “Joy In January”:

References:

Jones, Elizabeth Anne. Awaken to Healing Fragrance, North Atlantic Books, USA, 2010
Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996

Exotic Jojoba-infused carrier oils are a perfect choice for the winter season!

1)  Coffee Flower Infused Jojoba Oil - What a divine aroma! While not smelling like coffee, this oil is blissfully aromatic and features deep floral notes. According to a former resident, this oil smells just like the blooming coffee flowers in Hawaii. The infusion is vibrant!  The aroma is sweet, soft, and floral and has all the wonderful benefits of Jojoba oil.

2) Neroli Blossom infused Jojoba Oil - This oil perfectly conjures the smell of Neroli blossoms.  As Neroli is a precious oil, this infusion provides a way to enjoy the benefits and aroma of amazing Neroli!

Neroli blossoms come from Egypt and a special absorbance process is used by our South African distiller with very low heat to infuse the Jojoba oil.  It has a beautiful Neroli aroma.

The gentle floral, citrus aroma can be very soothing and calming to the nervous system and is considered an antidepressant:  very helpful in reducing anxiety.

3)  Vanilla Infused Jojoba Oil - We are so excited to offer this luscious jojoba oil that we have infused with Vanilla oleoresin. Its aroma is warm, rich, and full of vanilla!  I have been using jojoba as a moisturizer for as long as I can remember. The vanilla aroma is a wonderful addition!

You can make Vanilla infused Jojoba yourself.  So easy!  This thick syrupy Vanilla Oleoresin will not dilute itself in jojoba as it is not fat soluble.

•   A great approach is to put a large blob of vanilla oleoresin in 16 oz. of jojoba and let it infuse for a week.

•   The jojoba will absorb the aroma of the vanilla but it will not blend with the vanilla, so the vanilla stays on the bottom of the bottle.

•   Once you have used all the jojoba you can re-use the vanilla by adding another 16 oz. of jojoba to the bottle – no need to add more vanilla! I have re-used my one blob of vanilla in 16 oz. of jojoba 4 times already and the aroma of the jojoba is still strong!

Ways to use these beautiful infused Jojoba Oils:

•   They are ideal as carrier oils for making any essential oil blend

•   They are perfect to add when making body butters, lip balm, and lip stick bases

•   They can also be useful as massage oils or moisturizers.

•   Perfumes – A very special friend used the Coffee Flower infused jojoba Oil, added beeswax and some conifer essential oils to make an amazing solid perfume.

Try these carriers for an exotic experience!

Coffee Flower picture is compliments of Wikimedia Commons taken in November-2004 by Fernando Rebêlo.

Silver Fir offers strong immune support and provides an expectorant, ant-infectious, antibacterial and antiviral effect. It has a beautiful vibrant aroma that reminds us of being in a pine forest.

Silver Fir has an affinity for the respiratory system and we use it in blends for allergies and sinus or lung congestion.  Great for this time of year for overall immune support.

Utilize your diffusers in your home or office.  Perfect for dorm rooms and school rooms as the aroma is soft and woodsy.  Silver Fir is emotionally vitalizing and increases positive energy.  Just what we need to help us enjoy the holiday seasons even more!

Try the diffuser blends below and increase your positive energy while decreasing the viruses!

Recipes

Protective Room Diffuser Blend

5 drops Silver Fir (Abies alba)
5 drops Juniper (Juniperus communis)
5 drops Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
5 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Directions:  Add 5-10 drops in your diffuser.

Spicy Holiday Diffuser Blend

5 drops Silver Fir (Abies alba)
5 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
5 drops Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
2 drops Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllata)
2 drops Tamala (Cinnamomum Tamala)

Directions:  Add 5-10 drops in your diffuser.

We are so excited to announce a new newsletter coming your way. Join our mailing list! We plan to share all kinds of information. Please email us if you have any subjects you would like us to cover and forward this newsletter to your friends as we are building our email list and appreciate your help! Thanks so much for all your support. We are continuing to work closely with our distillers and importing great oils. We are having so much fun importing, talking with distillers, pouring oils, and looking forward to a winter ahead of stocked shelves and sharing with you….

New Products

• Rose Damascena and Rose Centifolia hydrosols have arrived!  Both are aromatically beautiful & distilled in the South of France.  The Centifolia rose has a sweet, delicate aroma, while the Damascena rose has a deep, powerful aroma. Both offer the same qualities and is a matter of preference.
• Therapeutic Blends in Jojoba oil for easy application. Have several on your shelf foreasy access.
• Neroli Blossom infused Jojoba Oil. The Neroli blossoms come from Egypt and a special absorbance process is used by our South African distiller with very low heat to infuse the Jojoba oil.  It has a beautiful Neroli aroma.

The gentle floral, citrus aroma can be very soothing and calming to the nervous system and is considered an antidepressant, very helpful in reducing anxiety.

Recipes

With a change of weather as we transition from Summer into Fall and then into Winter we experience more colds and flu’s.  One of the best ways to ward off the flu is by a simple steam and an inhaler.

Cold & Flu Prevention Steam Blend

5 drops Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus globulus)

5 drops Ravintsara (Cinnamomun  camphora)

5 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Directions: Make a stock blend of the essential oils and use as needed.  Take the following blend and add 1 drop to a steaming bowl of water, cover your head with a towel for 10-15 minutes and breath deeply.  Make sure the steam isn’t too hot!

Sinus Support Inhaler Blend

4 drops Peppermint

5 drops Honey Myrtle

4 drops Eucalyptus Radiata

4 drops Mandarin

Directions: Place the oils in a small bowl and add the cottom insert of a blank inhaler. Roll making sure all the oil is absorbed.  Place in the inhaler tube and cap.  Be sure and label your product with the name, oils and date.  Inhale deeply with each nostril as needed.

Watch Aromahead instructor Andrea Butje in this video – How to make an Inhaler“.  So easy!

We are excited to announce our beautiful new website!!  We have kept all the search functions of our previous website and added many new features.

• Some oils might have 2 batches to choose from.  You can look at the GC/MS and the country of origin to see what appeals to you.
• Watch for older batches at a reduced price – great to use for cleaning!
• Gift Certificates are available.  Soon you will be able to add a message when ordering a Gift Certificate.
• Customers have requested the ability to save items in their cart. We have created this feature for you! Plus, we can now securely save your credit card for fast and easy check out!.
• Have a heavy order?  You can choose priority mail (2-3 days) or parcel post (4-5 days) for reduced shipping costs.

As with all new websites we have a few kinks we are sorting out. Thank you for your patience and excitement as we continue to grow Aromatics International. Please stay in touch and let us know if we can do anything to make your experience with Aromatics International even better.

Spearmint Hydrosol – Spearmint is one of our favorites! Cool, refreshing and energizing!  Put 1-2 tsp. in your water bottle and sip all day for a pleasant surprise every time you take a drink.  Works well with the digestive system.

Elderflower Hydrosol – Elder Flower is noted for its effectiveness on the nervous system, reducing physical and mental strain & promoting a sense of calm.

Organic Mandarin (Green) Citrus reticulata essential oil – Batch 105 from Brazil is amazing!  So vibrant with a  vital, rich orange aroma that is bursting with energy.