Who doesn’t love beeswax candles?

This 6-minute video shows you exactly how to make your own beeswax candle with essential oils.

Warning: There is no going back! Once you make your own beeswax candle, with your own essential oils, nothing else compares. Be prepared to be seriously spoiled!

Making your own beeswax candles is a great alternative to buying commercial candles, which often have synthetic fragrances, metal wicks and petroleum-based waxes.  This way, only natural healthy substances are released into your space. Another plus is that when we work with natural beeswax, we support beekeepers!

The post Make Your Own Aromatic Beeswax Candle appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Are you having a deodorant crisis? Don’t sweat it! Try this natural deodorant recipe.

There are all kinds of natural deodorants out there, and whether they work seems to be hit-or-miss depending on what’s right for your personal body chemistry. Maybe you’ve even gone on the hunt for a natural deodorant recipe you could make yourself.

I recently made a natural deodorant recipe that is so simple and easy . . . and yes, effective!

Anything that’s going under my arms has got to meet a few requirements:

• Smells good
• Feels good
• Easy to make
• Organic

Once all that is established, then it’s all about which essential oils to add. That decision is personal of course, but I do have a few suggestions below.

Customize this natural deodorant recipe with these essential oil blend ideas:

1960
15 drops Patchouli
5 drops Sandalwood

You Smell Like A Rose
6 drops Rose otto
7 drops Palmarosa
7 drops Geranium

Citrus Celebration
10 drops Lemon
5 drops DISTILLED Lime (Distilled Lime is not phototoxic, so be sure to use only the distilled Lime.)
5 drops Sweet Orange

I Don’t Care How It Smells If It Works
8 drops Tea Tree
4 drops Lemon
5 drops Palmarosa
3 drops Eucalyptus

The post Need Your Deodorant Crisis Resolved? appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

If you’re a fan of Pine essential oil, take a sneak peek into the Component Blending class at Aromahead Institute!

True confession: I spent months developing this class for both in-person and online attendance, just so I could  do nothing but smell and blend with Spruce, Fir and Pine essential oil!

Okay, there’s more. I wanted to explore some really exceptional blends with a class, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do it.

This is a 1 minute 39 second video montage that shows you small clips of the blending we do in the Component Blending class.

One amazing product I added to the class is melt and pour soap. You can be really creative when you make your own bar soap. We use an organic base and add luscious butters like shea and coconut oil, beautiful aromatic powders like cardamom and vanilla, and essential oils like Black Spruce, Hemlock, Larch, Pinon Pine and Siberian Fir. 

This is my quote for the class:
“To inspire . . . to breathe in”

Other AMAZING blends we make during the class:

• Cream from scratch
• Handmade resin incense
• Cardamom salt butter scrub bar
• Inhalers

Join The Class In Person
August 2–4, 2013. Ithaca, NY. 

Learn more about taking the class online here.

What students are saying about this class:

“The soap was fun to make and such a great smelling product (the vanilla bean powder smelled good enough to eat).  I also really enjoyed the ‘best cream ever’ recipe! I was able to follow easily, and watching the video was very important for me. I saw that the temperature needed to be within one degree, so I made sure to do just that . . . it was flawless.

“I loved the pines. I also fell in love (almost addicted to) the d-limonene inhaler. I find that I really benefit from it as well. It smells so divine and it also keeps my immune system supported well.”
~ Iris Cornell

“I just reviewed my notebook from the Component Blending class I took recently, and feel so appreciative of the quality of the course materials. I wanted a chemistry class and was so pleased with my experience. I love, love, love the wonderful blends we got to create (especially the butters which I often neglect to make on my own.)”
~ Lee Whitridge

The post Chemistry and Blending with Pine, Spruce and Fir Oils appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

If you suffer from allergies, this list of blog posts about essential oils for allergies is for you!

Allergies can make you feel miserable. Fortunately, there are essential oils for allergies that can be a huge help! These are some great, natural remedies that don’t involve over-the-counter drugs or pharmaceuticals.

A few simple essential oils can help to reduce congestions, headaches and even irritation. I have seen so many people’s lives improve when their allergies were no longer a daily issue.

3 great reasons to use your own essential oil inhaler to help reduce your allergies:

1. Making your own inhaler is easy and inexpensive.
2. Carrying it in your packet or bag is effortless.
3. The aroma is personal. No one else will smell your inhaler.

The post You Can Have Relief From Allergies! appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Concerned about the quality of the ingredients in your baby powder? You’re not alone! Here’s a recipe you can use to make baby powder that’s safe, gentle and effective.

I’ve read the ingredient lists for some of the baby powders on the market . . . and I suggest you make baby powder yourself!

If you make baby powder with ingredients you trust, you can rest easy about what’s going on your baby’s skin.

I made a short video showing you how to make the baby powder recipe below. I give a few more details in the video, but wanted you to have the recipe in case you don’t find time to watch the video.

The post How to Make Baby Powder appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Aromahead graduate KC Rossi is the owner of Heart Blossom Essentials in Naples, NY.

Kc  was first certified in aromatherapy in 1994, and came to Aromahead in 2010 to receive another certification–one recognized by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists, and by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. She’s studied with Robert Tisserand, Rhiannon Harris and–of course!–Andrea Butje.

Describe your aromatherapy business.
Heart Blossom Essentials, LLC began in the Fall of 2010. The first offerings consisted of 20 essential oil based “stock” items for health and home. What quickly became very apparent was the need to customize formulas based on clients’ specific desires, constitutions, and even seasonality. Personalized formulas are at the heart of the business, at present. I’ve also partnered with Mountain Horse Farm Bed, Breakfast and Spa in my hometown. There, I provide aromatherapy workshops, host special essential oil events, and provide personal consultations to their guests.

When did you become interested in aromatherapy? What stimulated your interest?
I became interested in aromatherapy in the Spring of 1994, when I took my first certification course. I have always been drawn to the plant world and alternative medicine. In that, aromatherapy was the perfect marriage of both.

What do you love about the aromatherapy profession?
Aromatherapy allows me to connect with the community in a deep and meaningful way. A big part of my practice is education.

I find that folks that come for a personal consultation or workshop are sincerely interested in taking responsibility for their own health care. The desire to be sent off with a pill or another “quick fix” is not there. I love that!

What are you most proud of with your business?
I am most proud of the accessibility, when it comes to my business offerings. I live in a small town and the neighborhood knows that I am only a phone call or email away. I keep a good supply of organic essential oils and carriers on hand for whatever client need arises; whether it be flu or depression. A personal formula can be created and delivered on a days notice.

What was your favorite part about studying at Aromahead Institute?
My Aromatherapy Certification Program (ACP) studies at Aromahead Institute were a fantastic experience! I completely resonate with Andrea’s style of teaching, which is a perfect balance of chemistry, energetics, hands-on application, and practical experience. Andrea is a gifted teacher, but moreover, a special soul.

I look forward to my refresher courses each year and always leave with a smile.

I have studied extensively throughout the years and can say with confidence, that my solid foundation in aromatherapy is attributed to Aromahead’s coursework.

What recommendations do you have for anyone interested in becoming an aromatherapist?
For anyone interested in becoming an aromatherapist, my only recommendation would be do not hesitate! In my experience, if you are drawn to this profession, there is good reason. There are a multitude of gifts, both personally and professionally, that open up through this wonderful, natural healing art.

Where do you see your business in five years?
In five years, I see Heart Blossom Essentials being the “go to” source for aromatherapy education for professionals in my area.

How do you use oils to maintain your own health and well-being?
I utilize essential oils on a daily basis to maintain my health and home. Whether in a citrus-infused, antibacterial household cleaner, or a relaxing bath in pink Himalayan salts accented with nervous-system supporting oils, aromatherapy plays a big role in my personal routine.

What inspires you about your work?
The biggest inspiration in my work is the heart-to-heart connection that comes about with people. They have a need, whether it is to be heard or healed. A genuine connection is made when you can provide a service that fills that need. But moreover, give them the tools and confidence to support themselves on their journey and re-create positive results independently.

What do you wish everyone knew about essential oils?
I wish everyone was afforded the proper usage and safety guidelines regarding essential oils. Just picking up a bottle at the local health food store with no guidance is concerning. Basic education is crucial, in my opinion. And then, the sky is the limit for true enjoyment and–through essential oils–a full range of support mentally, physically and beyond.

Find KC on her website and social media pages!

Mountain Horse Farm BB & Spa

The post Featured Aromahead Graduate: KC Rossi appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Great ways to use lavender essential oil!

1. Try three drops in the tub. Just be careful when adding your Lavender essential oil drops–sometimes they can come out pretty quickly!  Three drops is plenty in your bath for a lovely aroma.  The aroma will fill your whole bathroom, turning a simple bath into a spa experience. (And you’ll sleep beautifully!)

2. For sunburned or wind-burned skin, add 15 drops of Lavender essential oil in a spray bottle full of water, with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel (unscented) and 2 tabs of vitamin E. Keep it in the fridge for use on sunburns for an extra cooling effect.

3. As a 100% organic skin moisturizer, use a 3–4 drops in 1 oz of organic jojoba oil

4. For effective calming action, use 5 drops Lavender and 5 drops Frankincense in an inhaler. Inhale during difficult situations or transitional times in your life. (Keep it in your bag or in your car!)

5. Make bath salts for your friends. Use 20 drops of Lavender essential oil in 4 oz of unscented bath salts for a great gift!

Learn more about using Lavender essential oil in Aromahead Institute’s free online class: Introduction to Essential Oils.

The post 5 Lavender Essential Oil Recipes appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Simply Elegant Body Cream is quick to make and doesn’t require any melting on the stove.

This body cream has a lovely thick texture, and coats dry skin beautifully. Even a small amount of this cream is deeply moisturizing–and it lasts for hours!

If you love the aromas of shea butter, coconut oil and Neroli, you just might fall in love with this easy to make homemade body cream. Shea butter is famous for its moisturizing abilities–and is used for healing and cooking by women in Africa.  Coconut oil is perfect for addressing dry, irritated skin (and even conditions like inflammation).

Neroli is a gentle citrusy, floral scent, and the oil is known to support skin healing and soothe pain. The addition of the German Chamomile hydrosol to this body cream brings a surprisingly sweet and fruity aroma.

Some uses for your body cream:

• take care of your skin after sun exposure
• preventing stretch marks during pregnancy
• for dry skin, hair and nails
• as a nighttime moisturizer
• to soothe itchy,  irritated skin
• to heal babies skin from diaper rash

Simply Elegant Body Cream

This thick cream is exquisite for dry skin. The aroma is slightly nutty and smoky with coconut and a hint of fruit from the hydrosol.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Coconut oil
3 tablespoons Shea butter
1 tablespoon German Chamomile hydrosol
3 drops Neroli

Directions
All ingredients need to be at room temperature.

1. Mash the shea butter into the coconut oil with a spoon (ideal if the coconut oil is liquid).
2. Add the German Chamomile hydrosol and mix to a smooth cream. Mix in 3 drops of Neroli.
3. Store in a glass jar. As long as the shea is fresh it will last 6 months.

Notes: I keep my shea butter in the refrigerator. In order to get the ideal soft texture I leave 3 tablespoons of shea in a bowl on a warm windowsill. It takes a few hours to soften and then it is easy to mix into the coconut oil.

Learn to make your own body butters and lip balm in Aromahead Institute’s Online Class.
Sign up now (only $225) and begin right away!

The post Simply Elegant Body Cream appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Common household cleaners often contain harsh chemicals. 

The problem is that harsh chemicals, while they may clean our surfaces, also affect our bodies in negative ways. The chemicals can be absorbed by our skin, and inhaled–and they can actually enter our bloodstream this way.

Green cleaning refers to using products with environmentally friendly ingredients designed to support your health and take care of the environment. The “power of green” is strong enough to clean our homes, but also supports our immune system and overall health–not to mention, it’s better for the environment. 

The following blog posts are recipes for the green cleaning products I make and use daily.

Try them and let me know which ones are your favorites!

The list below is especially cool because:

• you can follow it by clicking the heart.
• you can embed it into your own blog post by clicking the link icon next to the heart.
• you can share it on your Facebook page or other social networks, or email it to a friend by clicking the arrow (I would love for you to share it!).
• you can filter the list by which recipe you would like to see first by clicking the name of the recipe. 

The post Green Cleaning appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.

Want quick access to a wide range of essential oil recipes?

I created Aromahead’s iPhone aromatherapy recipes app based on requests from people who bought my book, Essential Living: Aromatherapy Recipes for Health and Home.

People emailed and asked for more. “I want recipes when I’m traveling or at work, and especially in the moment when I need them most!”

I decided the app would be 100% unique–very few of the app recipes are in the Essential Living book. Many of the app recipes I have never published anywhere.

I want this to be the best $2.99 you have ever spent!

There are 6 categories (see the lime green boxes on the picture) and 12 recipes in each category. A total of 72 recipes!

When you click the purple “i” in the lower right corner, it brings you to  a page about Aromahead Institute, complete with links to resources for purchasing high quality essential oils.

What people are saying about the app:

“This fun, informative app takes the mystery out of aromatherapy. The recipes give so many great remedies to help you sleep, ease a headache, boost your immune system and fight germs. Also, a cool section on green cleaning! Check out the Off to Sleep bath salts… they work! And the photo of the yawning baby is a must see!” –Fiona, Ireland

“Fabulous resource for essential oil lovers! Great app filled with over 70 recipes for sprays, oils, creams and rubs for all health purposes–cleaning, emotional support, pain relief and more. Even beginners will find the directions clear, ingredients laid out simply and the database set up for quick and at your fingertips access. Highly recommended!” –LauraNoelle88

“Beautifully designed and great recipes! Great ways to stay healthy without all the medications, amazing green cleaning ideas and recipes to relax with aromatherapy! This app has an easy-to-follow design, and all recipes give clear instructions. I especially love the recipes for Disinfectant Spray, Yoga Mat Mist Spray and the Headache Inhaler. Very well done app!” –nicmarlau

Purchase the app! Follow the link or buy right from the app store on your iPhone.

Sneak peek into the app: a simple shower gel recipe for kids and adults.

Shower Gel
While in the shower, apply a small handful of the gel to your back, arms and legs and then rinse. 

Ingredients
5 drops Mandarin
3 drops Hemlock
1 drop Cardamom
1 drop Lemon
2 oz aloe vera gel

 Directions
1. Fill one 2 oz disc top bottle with 2 oz aloe vera gel.
2. Add the essential oils, screw cap tightly and shake gently to stir.

Note: Great for kids and adults as it smells yummy, opens the breath and is immune supportive.

The post 72 Aromatherapy Recipes on Aromahead’s Innovative iPhone App! appeared first on The Aromahead Blog.