Tag Archives: essential oils

Need a Boost of Valor, Moms?

When we think of “acts of valor” images of soldiers emerging victorious from the battle field come to mind. While we may not face enemies on a literal battle field, as moms we face battles of our own. From a child who has to be told not to touch the TV about fifty times a day to chicken that refuses to defrost by dinner, we continue to fight with an apron tied tight while balancing a laundry basket on our heads. We refuse to give up on our families, homes, and children. It takes courage to be a mom. But … Continue reading →

Essential Oil: Orange

Orange essential oil is relatively common — which means it is easy to find and very affordable. That’s a good thing, because orange essential oil is also very useful for a lot of different things! The orange tree is native to Asia, and was brought to the rest of the world by travelers and explorers. Orange trees can be found in groves around the world, including Israel, Spain, and the United States. Most of the world’s orange essential oil is produced in France, Italy, Israel, Cyprus, and the United States. The essential oil is cold pressed from the peel of … Continue reading →

Aromatherapy in Ancient Egypt

If you think aromatherapy is a new practice, think again! Many ancient civilizations — including the Greeks, Persians, Romans, and Chinese — used various forms of aromatherapy. The Egyptians are generally credited with founding the use and study of aromatherapy. Ancient Egyptians used a few basic methods for extracting plant essences: infusion, squeezing, and eventually distillation. To infuse oil with a plant essence, simply place the aromatic plant material in the liquid and let the mixture sit in the sun for several weeks. I’ve tried this method for myself, hoping to make lily scented oil… but it ended up getting … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang: a flower so nice, they had to name it twice. The name means “flower of flowers”. Ylang ylang essential oil falls in the middle of the price range: far less expensive than florals like rose and jasmine, but more expensive than the plentiful lavender. The ylang ylang tree originally comes from the Philippines, but is grown throughout tropical Asia for use in perfumes and in cooking! The sweet, yellow flower is used in beverages and desserts. Differences in climate can produce different grades of the essential oil that may smell very different from each other! If you are … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Vanilla

It is the sweet, dreamy, warm scent of baking. Check your cabinets; you may have vanilla extract in the house from the last time you made a batch of cookies. Vanilla essential is slightly different from that vanilla extract, although they do come from the same place. Vanilla plantifolia is a climbing orchid with white or yellow-green flowers that is grown in Central America, Mexico, East Africa, and Indonesia — but the plant itself does not contain the essential oil. The oil comes from the vanilla beans: long, green pods filled with tiny seeds. The pods are fermented over the … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Ginger

Looking for a little spice in your life? The scent of ginger is invigorating and energizing… but the health benefits of ginger essential oil go far beyond a quick perk up! The ginger plant comes from tropical areas. The knobby root is used in cooking and can be distilled into a pale yellow essential oil. Don’t know the scent of ginger? Open up a can of ginger ale or a box of ginger snap cookies. The scent, like the taste, is sharp, pungent, and warm. Ginger is a great choice for reducing inflammation because of its warming properties. Mix a … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Clove Bud

You probably know clove as a traditional holiday scent. But when distilled into essential oil form, you have one of the world’s most powerful natural antiseptics on your hands! You can use the essential oil from both clove buds and clove leaves. Yes, these are the same clove buds used in cooking. They come from evergreen trees found mainly in Indonesia and Zanzibar; the tree can bear cloves for a century or more. Clove bud essential oil has a component called eugenol that is often found in dental products. Both clove essential oil and eugenol alone are used for numbing … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Basil

Across the Mediterranean, people have been using basil medicinally for centuries, even thousands of years. Basil (also known as ocimum basilicum) originally comes from India but is perhaps best known in Italian cooking. Pesto, pizza, sauces… but basil is much more than a seasoning! In the sixteenth century, basil was used as an antidepressant — herbalist John Gerard wrote that the herb “taketh away sorrowfulness.” Basil is still used in aromatherapy today to help ease negativity and mental fatigue. Use basil to help your mind stay sharp; the scent promotes circulation and can help you stay alert on a long … Continue reading →

Essential Oils: Chamomile

Compared to other essential oils, chamomile can be a little more expensive… but it is worth the price! Chamomile is a great all-around essential oil — it is mild enough for use on all skin types and is known to be great for easing stress and tension. Look for German chamomile or Roman chamomile, but get the German variety if you can. You’ll know you have the real deal on your hands if the essential oil has a blue-green color. Other chamomile varieties will show up as a paler yellow color. The other varieties of chamomile do the same things; … Continue reading →

The Amazing Power of Basil

That fragrant little leaf that is such a delicious addition to soups and sauces is a powerful natural infection fighter! Originally, basil comes from India. Mediterranean folks have used the plant for thousands of years in both cooking and medicine. Just the scent of basil has a positive effect all over your body! Let’s start at the top, with your brain. In the sixteenth century, basil was used as an antidepressant. The scent of basil can help your brain overcome fatigue and negativity. Basil is also good for stimulating memory, just like rosemary or ginkgo biloba. The sharp scent increases … Continue reading →