Category Archives: Did You Know

Cilantro-Did You Know?

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Coriander:cilantroDid you know Cilantro essential oil is the oil of Releasing Control? Cilantro makes the detoxification of emotions and debris. It is helpful in lightening your load through the release of issues buried in the body, heart and soul. Those in need of cilantro may attempt to obsessively control other people or manage their surrounding and conditions.

It is a mystery as to where Cilantro originated, but it is thought by many to be from the Mediterranean region of Europe. No one knows exactly, but it appears that cilantro has been used for at least 5000 years. The seeds, also known as coriander, have even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Perhaps this was because the coriander seeds were thought by the ancient herbalists to be an aphrodisiac.

The therapeutic and culinary uses of Cilantro have been documented for centuries. Cilantro contains antioxidants known to protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. Cilantro promotes healthy digestion and acts as a powerful cleanser and detoxifier for the body’s systems. Applied topically, Cilantro is very soothing and cooling to the skin, and it adds a fresh, herbal aroma to any essential oil blend when diffused.

There is also a large amount of literature speculating that cilantro may be an effective chellation therapy for people who have excess mercury in their systems. Some think that mercury poisoning could be the result of metallic teeth fillings. Every time a person with fillings chews, the fillings release minute amounts of mercury gas that may be breathed into the system. Of course, this is all speculative and disputed. Nevertheless, many people who have suffered from mercury poisoning and the “brain cloud” it causes have reported fairly rapid relief by the consistent consumption of cilantro over a period of just a few weeks.

Cilantro’s culinary uses are endless, adding a flavorful twist to meats, salads, dips, and guacamole. A small amount goes a long way, sometimes a drop is too much and overpowering. Just dipping a toothpick into an essential oil bottle, then using the toothpick for stirring is sufficient.

Sandalwood-Did You Know?

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SandalwoodDid you know sandalwood is the  oil of sacred devotion? It helps with all kinds of spiritual worship including prayer, and meditation. It teaches reverence and respect for God. Sandalwood has been used since ancient times. More than 4,000 years ago, it was used to calm the mind, still the heart, and prepare the spirit to commune with Deity. In India, it’s been valued for at least 2,000 years as one of the most sacred trees, and an important part of devotional rituals.

Sandalwood is a tree with a extremely aromatic wood. It is economically and culturally important to many countries around the Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean regions where it grows or is traded. The wood is used for making furniture, ornaments, sacred objects, carvings, and joss sticks (incense). The essential oil is used in medicine, perfume, and aromatherapy.

The tree is medium sized 12-15 meters tall. The tree reaches its full maturity in 60 to 80 years, which is when the center of the slender trunk (the heart wood) has achieved its greatest oil content. Both the heartwood and roots are fragrant and contain the oil; the bark and sapwood, however, are odorless. The Sandalwood tree is never cut down, but uprooted during the rainy season, when it is richer in precious essential oils.

Essential oils may have also been used in Indian medicine, but were popularized in the west by the perfume industry, and so became applied medicinally in the western world after the 1920’s by French aromatherapists. Sandalwood is very beneficial to the skin; it can help reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes and it promotes a healthy, smooth complexion.

Tangerine-Did You Know?

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TangerineDid you know tangerineʼs have strong qualities of cheer and joyfulness? People who at times feel overwhelmed by responsibility would benefit from the the uplifting vibration that comes from tangerineʼs. Another important aspect of tangerine is itʼs ability to help us access our creative energy within our spirit.

The name tangerine comes from Tangier, a port of Morocco, where the first ship with Mandarin oranges arrived from China? This citrus fruit is believed to have originated in Southeastern Asia and since then it has been widely cultivated in different parts of the world.

A tangerine orange is smaller than a regular orange, and contains a strong pleasant fragrance. The fruit is quite fragile but the sections are easy to separate. A medium tangerine provides about 37 calories of food value, the fruit is not only delicious, it is an important addition to any diet.

Tangerine essential oil is great to use when cooking. Tangerine oil contains esters and aldehydes which are sedating and calming to the nervous system and has been studied for its ability to sooth emotions such as grief anger and shock. Like most citrus oils, avoid direct sunlight or UV light for up to 12 hours after using on the skin.

Thyme-Did You Know?

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Thyme
Did you know thyme was also associated with courage, bravery and strength in ancient times? For thousands of years, thyme has been a big part of the herb garden, used as an antidote for poison, a plague preventative, a symbol of bravery in battle, and a reliable companion to the grave. Thyme has a far more interesting past than you’d think if you were walking past it in the grocery store today.

Thyme’s reputation as a healer and protector goes back many centuries. Thyme was also associated with bravery, courage, and strength in ancient times. Roman soldiers exchanged sprigs of thyme as a sign of respect. Greeks and Romans burned bundles of thyme to purify their temples and homes, and to recall a spirit of courage in those who inhaled it.

When cooking with thyme, use 1-2 drops in meat and entrée dishes to add a fresh herbal flavor. When using topically, dilute with fractionated coconut oil. Then apply to targeted areas on the skin to purify and promote healthy skin. Add 2 drops to veggie capsules and take internally during winter time to promote immunity.

White Fir-Did You Know?

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White Fir
Did you know the white fir is recognizable as the common Christmas tree? It has a distinct, crisp fragrance that is associated with a camp fire, or a roaring fire on a cold winters night. It has a very distinct smell associated with happy memories. As an essential oil it has a very comforting scent. White fir essential oil has quite a few other qualities that makes it a great addition to your medicine cabinet.

White Fir essential oil is most noted for soothing sore muscles and joints and supporting
clear breathing. Aromatically, White Fir evokes feelings of stability, energy, and empowerment. It can be stimulating to the mind while helping the body to relax. Apply to cold, achy muscles and joints during winter time. Diffuse or apply to chest to promote clear breathing. Add 1-2 drops to a hot bath to relax and breathe in White Fir’s cleansing aroma. Diffuse to reduce mental fatigue at work.

Wintergreen-Did You Know?

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Did you know Wintergreen is the oil of surrender? It can help the strong-willed person in letting go of the need to be right, and the need to know. Wintergreen reminds a person that they don’t have to do things on their own. There is a constant invitation to abandon one’s burdens to a higher Power.

The wintergreen is a perennial that is native to the eastern portion of North America? North American Indians chewed the leaves of the wintergreen plant for their distinct flavor, used them in the treatment of aches and pains, and to aid in breathing during hard work.

In the past, wintergreen was used internally to treat chronic mucous discharges, regulate hormones, and as a diuretic; due to its toxicity it is no longer used internally for medicinal purposes. Wintergreen is commonly used in very small amounts to adjust the flavor in candies, chewing gum, herbal teas, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and various beverages. It is also found in insect repellents and insecticidal products.

Wintergreen has a warming effect when applied to skin and is excellent to use in a massage to relieve sore muscles. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly and dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. For a soothing bath, add 1–2 drops of Wintergreen essential oil to warm bath water. Wintergreen essential oil is not recommended for internal use and should be stored out of reach from children.

Wild Orange-Did You Know?

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Orange Fruit
Did you know the orange is one of today’s most popular fruits? Originally oranges earned fame anciently to help control scurvy, one of the most devastating diseases of the time. The orange followed trade routes around the world, planted in areas where conditions allowed by sailors who knew its medicinal importance.

Oranges probably originated in South Asia-possibly in Southern China, Vietnam or the northern reaches of the Indian subcontinent. Indian records mentioned wild oranges as ingredients in recipes. The use of oranges in Indian cooking and medicine dates back at least 7,000 years. By 1000 A.D., farmers in China established orange orchards and competed to produce much better varieties of this delightful fruit.

Wild orange essential oil can be used in an all-purpose spray to cleanse and purify surfaces. Add a drop to your water every day for a burst of flavor and to promote overall health. Diffuse to uplift mood and energy levels and to freshen the air. Energize the mind and body. Dispense one to two drops in the palm of your hand along with equal parts Peppermint and Frankincense. Rub palms together and inhale deeply from palms, then rub on the back of neck.

Patchouli-Did You Know?

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patchouliDid you know Patchouli is the oil of physicality? It supports people in becoming fully present in their physical body. Patchouli gives praise to Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki, or other exercises that direct the connection of spirit with the body. Patchouli helps us appreciate the greatness of the physical body, and all of its natural designs, and functions.

Patchouli is a member of the mint family. Patchouli is a fragrant plant from South Asia that has a very pleasant and memorable scent. Tradesmen and merchants would often take long trips between India and England by coach in the 1800s. Leaves from the patchouli plant were always included to protect merchandise from moth damage and leaving clothing with the familiar scent letting the buyer know the items being purchased were of the highest quality from Asia.

The Indians that lived centuries ago said the oil improved their mental sharpness and removed that sluggish feeling that can slow the body down later in the day before dinner. Researchers now know the unusual and strong fragrance of the oil helps patchouli produce a balancing effect on the emotions.

Combine patchouli with peppermint and apply to the forehead, temples, or back of the neck to help with headache symptoms. Apply one to two drops to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, or problem skin areas, or add to your favorite moisturizer. Combine with vetiver, and apply to the bottoms of feet to help calm emotions.

Frankincense-Did You Know?

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Frankincense Did you know Frankincense is the oil of truth? Frankincense helps uncover false truths, and deceptions. It invites people to let go of lower vibrational energy, along with lies, deceptions, and negativity. Frankincense also helps support in creating a healthy attachment with one’s father, and Heavenly Father. It also reminds us we our loved, and protected.

This Arabian tree has been as famous as it has been elusive since long before the birth of Christ, when the three wise men from the East brought it as a gift to that humble stable in Bethlehem. We do not know how far the use of Frankincense goes back in time, but we do know that it scented the Egyptian Temples to honor Ra the ancient solar deity and it is said that Queen Sheba brought a great number of Frankincense trees as a special gift for King Solomon. Unfortunately those trees were destined to die as Frankincense trees only grow in a very limited geographic range and very arid conditions. Nevertheless, it’s the thought that counts and bringing all these trees was indeed a very strong sign of honor and respect. In the ancient world incense trees fueled the economy of the Arab world as oil does today.

Frankincense oil may help with aging, allergies, insect and snake bites, bronchitis, colds, diarrhea, headaches, healing, hemorrhaging, herpes, high blood pressure, Jaundice and many other health issues. It contains sesquiterpenes, enabling it to go beyond the blood-brain barrier. Frankincense may also help a person have a better attitude, which may help strengthen the immune system.

Clary Sage-Did You Know?

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Clary Sage Did You Know Clary Sage is the oil of clarity and vision? Clary Sage helps people in changing the way they see things in order to see the truth. Clary Sage helps individuals see their limiting beliefs. It also gives support to people to new ideas, and different ways of looking at the same situation.

It is thought that Clary originated in Syria or south west and central Europe where it can still be found growing wild? It was known to the ancients and the essential oil was prized by Dioscorides a Roman physician, and Pliny a Roman naturalist. This is still used in cosmetics and the perfume industry and is cultivated for these industries in France and Russia. It is a member of the sage family.

Clary Sage Oil can boost self esteem, confidence, and mental strength, thereby efficiently fighting depression. This can be very helpful for forms of depression due to challenges in your career or personal life, insecurity, loneliness, death of a friend or loved one, and many other reasons. Clary Sage oil also relieves anxiety. As an antidepressant, it can be used with patients suffering from acute depression who are undergoing rehabilitation.