Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The New Ultrasonic Diffuser














Here it is!!! The latest in diffuser technology launched last month at the Young Living Essential Oils convention. I just took mine out of the box and gave it a whirl.
Wow, is this thing sooooo much more user friendly than any other diffuser that I've used.
It wholesales on my website for $85($112 Retail) and includes a 5ml bottle each of Lavender and Citrus Fresh.
Ask me how you can get one for 50% off!
Here are some the fabulous features:
1. It is silent......no annoying hum of a motor.
2. Has its own one touch button timer. Automatic shut off.
3. Soothing light spectrum option--very cool!
4. Uses one cup of bottled or distilled water.
5. No glass nebulizers to break.
6. Easy to clean with no clogging.
Some benefits of cold air diffusing pure essential oils:
Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon, Purification blend, Citrus Fresh blend, and Thieves blend are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Research shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may also:
· Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
· Help with weight management.· Improve circulation, alertness, and mental clarity.
· Stimulate neurotransmitters and secretion of endorphins.
·Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.
· Improve digestive function and hormone balance.
· Relieve headaches.
A cold air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of EOs into the air, where they can remain suspended for up to several hours. Unlike aroma lamps or candles, it disperses oils without heating or burning, which render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds.
(From Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Essential Science Publishing)

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Marketing, Magical or Medicinal?

Did you know that they make "aromatherapy" TRASH BAGS??? Sadly, these commercial advertising schemes have created a whole lot of confusion about what the difference is between "scented" versus "aromatherapy". Hence the reason why I often get THE LOOK when introducing myself as an aromatherapy practitioner.The only way to attempt to describe it is a combination of puzzled amusement and skepticism.


Aromatherapy....the definition is so murky these days! Those beautiful packages decorated with a twig and a leaf in the "wellness" section of the store may not even contain a single drop of pure essential oils yet it is touted as aromatherapy product. Nope, those candles don't have any therapeutic benefit either. In fact, they can be more polluting to our bodies and atmosphere than we realize.


History is a great place to find clues about true aromatherapy. It is certainly NOT a New Age idea, but has been the medicine of many cultures since ancient times. Mysticism and magical attributes have been assigned to herbs and essential oils over the ages. As one browses the internet sites that come up with a search for "aromatherapy", there it can be found alongside the tarot cards, magic rocks, and Goddess t-shirts. In fact, a teacher at my massage school initially turned me off to aromatherapy by encouraging the female students to brew up potions to cast evil spells on the men in their lives!

Later on when I was introduced to therapeutic and medicinal essential oils, I started focusing on WHO made the plants that produced these oils with healing properties. As I delve further into botanical chemistry, I am in awe at the sheer complexity of these created molecules which were so compassionately designed to work in perfect synergy with the human body, enabling the innate healing process we all possess.

Pagans and saints alike used essential oils for healing, much like we understand the common use of toothpaste today. The Egyptians utilized oils and spices for their temple rituals and mummification processes and the Levitical priesthood were given this instruction to appoint makers of ointments for the Tabernacle in 1 Chronicles 9:29-30. "And some of them were appointed over.....the oil and the incense and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests made ointment of the spices." What an honor to be an aromatherapist in the LORD's service!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Chemical Free Insect Repellant

Ever since I can remember it seems that I have had a flashing neon sign over my head advertising "Free Buffet" for bugs of all varieties, especially mosquitoes. The first five years of my life we lived on the bank of the Mississippi and every summer my chubby arms and legs were decorated with quarter size welts that did not become any more attractive with my scratching. I still can't chat over the fence with a neighbor at dusk for five minutes without become a "movable feast"!

Being a natural born multi-tasker, I use an essential oil blend called Purification that both repels insects AND soothes insect bites of any kind. Ticks really hate this stuff! I put several drops in my palms and rub them together until the oil is ALMOST gone then rub my hands thoroughly over my shoes, socks, pant legs etc. Keeping in mind that everything we inhale or put on our skin ends up in our bloodstream, I don't want to inhale aerosol sprays or rub chemical insect repellants on myself or my toddler son. I make my own natural "bug wipes". I always carry a pack of the fragrance free diaper wipes with me, so to make bug wipes on the go, I just pull out a wipe, put 2 or 3 drops of Purification on it and wipe it all over bare arms and legs until it is almost dry. If sitting outdoors, I'll set the wipe on or under the table for continued bug repelling.

Lemongrass, sage or thyme would work, too, but might irritate your skin so put it on your pant cuffs and shirt sleeves. As for your pets, you can put oils such as Purification, around their necks and backs, but watch to keep oils from around their eyes. So there you have it. Non-toxic pest control.

After-Bite Remedies by David Stewart, Ph.D., R.A.

Therapeutic grade essential oils are not only good insect repellants, they are also excellent after you have been bitten. Essential oils are great detoxifiers for insect bites because their chemistry can break down the poison and render it harmless. Because the molecules of essential oils are all lipid soluble and very tiny (less than than 500 amus) they all transdermal. Thus, when applied to a bite, they pass through the skin in seconds, reacting with the toxins injected by the insect and reducing their toxic effects. I was stung by a wasp recently and, within a few minutes, put Purification oil on it the area that had become red and swollen. The stinging sensation soon resided and within a few hours I could not tell that I had ever been stung.

PURIFICATION can be used directly on the skin to cleanse and soothe insect bites, cuts, and scrapes. When diffused, it helps to purify and cleanse the air from environmental impurities including cigarette smoke and other disagreeable odors.

How to use: For topical or aromatic use. Diffuse, apply topically on location as needed, or put on cotton balls to place in air vents of home, car, hotel room and office. Diffuse and rub on feet for cleansing. Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

Purification Ingredients: Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle

Thursday, July 10, 2008

That Necessary Disclaimer

Many of you are looking forward to discussing tips and usage of essential oils which makes it necessary for me to clarify that I cannot diagnose or prescribe for any disease or illness. Holistic aromatherapy is about wellness and helping the body enable itself to heal rather than curing or treating symptoms of illness.I can tell you about my experiences or what I may do in a certain situation. Most of the time I will refer to the one of the best user friendly resources about therapeutic/medicinal essential oils, The Essential Oils Desk Reference by Essential Science Publishing.

I intend on freely sharing my philosophy about aromatherapy, medicine, and healing from a Christian perspective, however this is not a "Christians only" blog. Everyone is welcome and I ask that contributors in discussions would extend grace to any opposing opinions of other commenting visitors.

Since this blog is related to my aromatherapy business, there will be promotion of Young Living Essential Oils which is the world leader in production and distribution of therapeutic/medicinal grade essential oils and supplements. I have used these extremely pure oils with consistent satisfaction and results for over 8 years which is why I continue to be an independent consultant with the company. The quality of their product is simply outstanding. However, please be aware that while I wholeheartedly promote Young Living's products, I do not personally endorse all of the content and philosophies on their website/links, trainings, or publications. Young Living appeals to customers with a wide spectrum of beliefs, so please bear that in mind. Essential oils do have the ability to affect the emotional and spiritual dimension of our health.... and that is a WHOLE other post!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to the unveiling of my very first blog! Thanks goes out to my dear friend Shelly who encouraged me though the "thinking about it" phase to actually getting the keyboard clicking on this idea. Writing in general has been on the back burner for me over the last decade. I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to combine the two interests that are such a vital part of my being-writing and aromatherapy.