Category Archives: Essential Oil Information

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.

Coriander-Did You Know?

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Coriander:cilantroDid you know Coriander is the oil of loyalty, specifically loyalty to oneself? The individual in need of Coriander oil may be stuck in a cycle of always putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Coriander changes the focus of a person from doing things for the acceptance of others to honoring, and living from ones true self.

Coriander and cilantro come from the same plant. The word coriander can be used to describe the entire plant: leaves, stems, seeds, and all. Most people are referring to the spice produced from the seeds of the coriander plant. The leaves of the plant are commonly called cilantro, which comes from the Spanish word for coriander.

The change in names is very appropriate, since the plant’s leaves and the ripened seeds taste totally different. Cilantro on the other hand is a little too different for many more delicate taste buds, unfortunately. Most people either enjoy or greatly dislike the taste, but I can see why some people argue that it’s an acquired taste.

It’s a different story for the seeds. Coriander is an extremely popular spice with a pleasing aroma and lemony flavor, found in many recipes. Little is known about the origins of the coriander plant, although it is generally thought to be native to the Mediterranean and parts of southwestern Europe.

More recently, coriander plants were known to be growing in Massachusetts by the early 1600’s, one of the first herbs grown by the American colonists. Coriander essential oil promotes digestion and eases stomach upset, aids in a healthy insulin response, soothes joint and muscle pain. Coriander essential oil is also know for toning and rejuvenating to the skin.

Cypress-Did You Know?

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CypressDid you know Cypress is the oil of motion and flow? Cypress teaches our spirit how to let go of the past by going with the flow of life. Cypress gives support to people by helping them throw aside their worries and let go of control allowing them to enjoy the excitement that comes from being alive, and being fully in the present.

Mediterranean Cypress has been widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for millennia away from its native range, mainly throughout the whole Mediterranean region, and in other areas with similar hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Natural forest stands of the species mainly occur in the western part of the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

It is also known for its very durable, scented wood, used most famously for the doors of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome. The Mediterranean Cypress is also known as the “drama tree” because of its tendency to bend with even the slightest of breezes.

Cypress oil is known to mankind since ancient times and has been used in many traditional medicines. Aromatherapy has been another important usage of this essential oil which has been a common practice for a long time. It is also known for the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from the wood of cypress tree.

The oil from the cypress tree assists with clear breathing. Promotes healthy respiratory function. Soothes tight, tense muscles. Supports localized blood flow. Beneficial for oily skin conditions. It has a grounding, yet stimulating effect on the emotions, making it a popular oil to diffuse during times of transition or loss.

Cassia-Did You Know?

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Cassia LeafsDid you you know Cassia is the oil of Self Assurance? Cassia brings pleased delight, and the ability to do things that might frighten you. It is a delightful remedy for those that show nervousness or have a lack of courage. Cassia helps people with a feeling of doubt or disbelief by replacing these feelings with self assurance. Cassia helps people in self discovery of their authentic self.

Cassia is mentioned three times directly in the Bible, and mentioned over 65 times indirectly. It is a fragrant, aromatic bark and was probably used in a powdered form, and as one of the perfumes at funerals. Cassia, like cinnamon, was used by the Romans. Cassia was recorded in one of the oldest known medical records. It was in the Ebers papyrus an ancient book that contains over 800 recipes.

Cassia is a close relative to Cinnamon, has a strong, spicy aroma that can be used in small quantities to transform any essential oil blend. Cassia has been used for thousands of years to maintain physical health and promote emotional well-being. Cassia has an unmistakable fragrance and calming properties.

Cassia is a “warming” oil that helps promote circulation while maintaining healthy immune function. It can also aid in digestion, lessen nausea, and is a great oil to diffuse during cold months due to its warming properties and spicy scent.

Due to its caustic nature, Cassia should be diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil when applied to the skin and can be very strong when inhaled directly. When diluted, Cassia can help soothe sore, achy joints. Cassia can be used in cooking either as a replacement for Cinnamon in pies and breads, or by itself in many different entrees and desserts.

Essential Oils Bugs Don’t Like

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Essential Oils Bugs don't Like

Ants: Don’t like Peppermint, or Spearmint.
Aphids: Don’t like Cedarwood, or Spearmint.
Beetles: Can’t stand Peppermint, or Thyme
Caterpillars: Stay away from Spearmint or Peppermint.
Cutworms: Don’t like Thyme.
Fleas: Don’t like Peppermint, Lemongrass, Spearmint, and Lavender.
Flies: Avoid the smell of Lavender, Peppermint, and Rosemary
Gnats: Don’t like Patchouly or Spearmint.
Lice: Run away when they smell Cedarwood, Peppermint, or Spearmint.
Mosquitoes: Don’t like Lavender, and Lemongrass.
Moths: Go fly somewhere else when they smell, Lavender, Peppermint, or Spearmint.
Can’t stand Cedarwood.
Snails: Don’t like Cedarwood, or Patchouly.
Ticks: Don’t like Lemongrass, or Thyme.
Weevils: Don’t hang out around Cedarwood, Patchouly, or Sandalwood.

Birch-Did you know?

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birchDid you know Birch is the oil of support? Birch offers support to the unsupported. When a person is feeling unsupported or attacked by friends or family, Birch offers courage to help you move in a positive direction alone. It helps assist people overcome negative generation patterns especially when you are being rejected for choosing another path.

Birch trees have been important to many indigenous people in the northern latitudes.  Historically, Birch (Betula papyrifera) as well as other species, were possibly the most important trees for survival. This tree increased the quality of life of people for thousands of years. The fact that the Birch tree varies in thickness and can be split in numerous layers, and that it has a resinous inner bark, which makes it waterproof and resistant to decay. This makes the birch tree extremely versatile.

One of its great uses was for shelter. Native people of what is now the United States, used Birch to make Wigwams, Tee-pees and other structures for living. The inner bark of Paper Birch was used extensively to repel water from structures.  Probably the most well know use of Birch is its use in making canoes. Canoes have been a part of cultures around the world for many hundreds of years.

In Russia, an old folk remedy for rheumatism was to completely cover the afflicted person with Birch leaves, which resulted in a cleansing sweat and subsequent relief. Native Americans prepared a mushy paste by boiling and pounding the bark, so it could be spread on inflammatory skin conditions, ulcers cuts and wounds. The French have used Birch oil for rheumatism, muscular pain,  tendonitis and inflammation.

Birch is very effective in promoting circulation, making it ideal for massage therapy and to soothe sore joints and muscles. Diffusing and inhaling Birch supports clear airways and breathing while stimulating the mind and enhancing focus. Birch can be applied topically and is beneficial in purifying the skin and maintaining a clear, healthy complexion.