Tag Archives: Essential Oil

Spearmint-Did You Know?

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Spearmint

Did you know Spearmint is the oil of confident speech? Spearmint inspires someone to be clear of thought and mutual verbal expression. The people in need of Spearmint may hide their opinions, thoughts, and ideas by keeping their voice silent. Spearmint promotes confidence when speaking, especially in front of a large group of people.

Spearmint has been cultivated for many years. Some believe it would be almost impossible to find it growing in its original form in nature. This species of mint is also known as “Mackerel Mint” The name, spear or spire, refers to the spiry form of its floral blossoming.

Before the invention of the refrigerator, spearmint was once macerated and added to milk because it appeared to lengthen the shelf-life of milk and keep it from curdling. It was also recommended for use by people with poor health or young children with sensitive digestive issues.

Spearmint oil is less used than it’s stronger cousin peppermint. The mint sauces, and jellies that usually accompany lamb dishes are made of the milder-flavored spearmint. It was once recommended as a treatment for hiccups, flatulence as well as indigestion. Spearmint essential oil cleanses, and purifies skin, and has an uplifting scent that can lessen mental, and physical fatigue.

Lime-Did You Know?

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lime

Did you know Lime essential oil is the oil of zest for life? Lime permeates the soul with enthusiasm for life, when a person has been overwhelmed by discouragement or deep sorrow. Lime elevates them above their difficulties, and reminds them to have gratitude for the gift of life. This oil encourages balance between the heart, and mind.

Limes probably originated in Indonesia or the nearby mainland of Asia? Limes were introduced to the western Mediterranean countries by returning crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. Columbus took citrus-fruit seed, probably including limes, to the West Indies on his second voyage in 1493, and the trees soon became widely distributed in the West Indies, Mexico, and Florida.

Scottish naval surgeon Sir James Lind discovered by his observation of long-haul sailors that citrus fruits wiped out the horrible scurvy. This disease is caused by a lack of vitamin C, which had destroyed the British navy more than any enemy. It was noted that seamen that drank lime juice dramatically reduced their mortality rate.

Cold-pressed from the peel of fresh limes, Lime essential oil is refreshing, and energizing in both aroma, and taste. Limes are frequently used in entrées, and beverages for their fresh, citrus flavor. Lime essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that ward off free radicals, and enhance immunity.

Due to its high limonene content, Lime provides internal cleansing benefits, and can be diffused to help purify the air. It’s also an effective and natural surface cleaner. Lime is known for its ability to uplift mood, and balance and energize the mind, and body. Lime is frequently used in facial and body cleansers for its purifying properties, and uplifting scent.

 

Rose-Did You Know?

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Red roseDid you know rose oil holds a higher frequency than any other oil on the planet? Rose essential oil is the Oil of Divine Love. It is a powerful healer of the heart. It supports a person in reaching toward heaven, and connecting with Divine love. Rose teaches the necessary need for Divine grace, and intervention in the healing process.

Roses have a long and beautiful history. They have been symbols of beauty, love, and war. According to fossil evidence, the rose is 35 million years old. In nature the genus Rosa has some 150 species spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Roses started appearing in gardens 5000, years ago in China and the Middle East.

Before the sun greets the morning, workers can be found in fields harvesting the delicate bloom of the Rosa damascena. The labor-intensive production process has a very low yield; it takes approximately 1,160,000 freshly picked rose petals to produce only one ounce (30 mL) of Rose essential oil. Because the petals are so delicate, the distillation process must happen the same day that the flower is harvested. But from this labor comes an essential oil known for its hydrating properties.

Rose essential oil not only helps balance moisture levels in skin, but also supports the skin’s elasticity, reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, and promotes healthy and even skin tone. The uplifting aroma of Rose is an intriguing mixture of depth, and complex sweetness. Diffuse in the morning to promote energy and vitality.

Cumin-Did You Know?

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Cumin The Did You Know GuyDid you know Cumin was used in the ancient Egyptian mummification process? Marcus Antoninus 16th emperor of Rome was given a nickname that referenced the herb as someone miserly must have eaten cumin, and symbolized excessive desire. Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist who lived between 23 AD and 79 AD was said to have listed Cumin as “the best appetizer of all condiments.”

The history of Cumin goes back over 5000 years. from Iran and the Mediterranean. Cumin is a small seed that comes from the Cuminum cyminum herb, a member of the parsley family. This seed has a distinct flavor, and warm aroma. It is a major ingredient in chili powder as well as curry powder. According to the Bible, Cumin had such a powerful medicinal value that it could be used as money!

Cumin has an overpowering smell and should be used very sparingly. Yet it is considered non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. It does have photo-toxic qualities, so it should not be used when the skin will be exposed to sunlight. Photosensitization, and photo-toxicity can occur when certain essential oils react when exposed to Ultraviolet UVA light. Inflammation, blistering, and reddening/burning of the skin are common.

Cumin is useful as a warming oil and helps relieve muscular pains and osteoarthritis. In the digestive system, it is a stimulant that helps with colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, bloating and indigestion. For the nervous system, it is a tonic, and has a beneficial effect on headaches, migraines, and nervous exhaustion.

Melaleuca-Did you Know?

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Melaleuca (Tea Tree)Did you know melaleuca essential oil has over 92 different compounds and limitless applications? Melaleuca is the oil of energetic boundaries. A natural disinfectant, Melaleuca clears the baggage from the negative energy. It clearly releases codependent and toxic relationships. Melaleuca encourages people to connect with each other in a positive way.

For many centuries, the native Aborigines of Australia used the therapeutic oil of the Melaleuca trees for a wide range of topical and oral applications. They crushed the leaves to use as rubbing mediums and mixed them with clay to form poultices, and even bathed in the water that had collected under the trees. When the white settlers came, they watched and learned how to use the leaves for their own healing purposes.

It was most unfortunate for people in the west that there was no documented evidence of the use of Melaleuca oil. It was to remain confined to Australia, as a bush remedy, for the next 150 years. In 1922, however, an Australian chemist, Arthur Penfold and his team, distilled the oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia, and subsequently published a paper stating that it had a wide-rang of antibacterial and anti-fungal activity.

During the Second World War Melaleuca oil was in such short supply that all the available supplies of oil were used to help stop infections from the unavoidable war wounds, both in soldiers and munitions workers that were helping with the war effort. Soon it was considered necessary that a cheaper, more readily available, alternative should be manufactured to help stop the spread of germs. The once thriving industry went into a steep decline until recently. Over the past few years it has made a huge come back.

Melaleuca is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin, nails, and to promote a clear, healthy complexion. Taken internally, Melaleuca enhances immunity when seasonal threats are high, and Melaleuca can be used on surfaces throughout the home to protect against environmental threats. Melaleuca is frequently used on minor skin irritations to soothe the skin, and help it recover quickly. Diffusing Melaleuca will help purify, and freshen the air.

Melissa-Did You Know?

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Melissa Lemon Balm
Did you know Melissa is Greek for “honey bee”? Melissa essential oil is the oil of light. Melissa oil brings to mind truth, and light to the soul. It reminds us of who we are, and why we came to this earth. Melissa invites people to release everything, and anything that holds them back from reaching their greatest potential. When people are feeling weighed down with life’s burdens, Melissa encourages them to keep going.

Melissa also know as Lemon balm has become popular with continued use through the years. So widespread was lemon balm’s reputation for promoting longevity, and dispelling melancholy that by the 17th century, French Carmelite nuns were giving out their Carmelite Water to a faithful following. The lemon-balm infused “miracle water” was thought to improve memory, vision, reduce rheumatic pain, fever, melancholy, and congestion.

In the mid 1500’s to 1700’s when the colonization of the North American continent was occurring, the settlers brought tools, and equipment over with them but more importantly they brought their cherished medical herbal books, and healing plants as well. Lemon balm was one of these herbs of great importance for its many uses. The colonist used lemon balm for cooking, and flavoring, for beverages such as teas and wines, medicine, cosmetic, and house- hold uses such as cleaning, and aromatic uses.

Because of its positive effect on mood, Melissa has long been used to calm tension, and nerves. Diffusing Melissa at night initiates a restful sleep, and promotes emotional, and cognitive health. Melissa helps boost immunity and is especially beneficial when seasonal threats are high. Melissa can also soothe stomach discomfort and help with nausea and indigestion. As one of our rarest and most expensive oils, Melissa has a wide range of health benefits and uses.

Marjoram-Did You Know?

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Marjoram

Did you know Marjoram essential oil is the oil of Connection? Marjoram assists people who are unable to trust others or form a serious relationship. Being unable to trust often originates from unpleasant life experiences. Marjoram teaches that trust is the foundation for all human relationships.

Marjoram is surrounded by mythology. People thought marjoram was created by the greek goddess Venus who gifted it with its pleasant sweet flavor and aroma. This is one of the most desired sought after herbs by Aphrodite. People believed that when an unmarried girl kept a marjoram plant in her bed she would see Aphrodite in her dreams, who would then reveal to her, a prospective husband.

By the middle ages, marjoram was worn by couples as garlands to represent love, warm respect, and contentment. It was also added in the food to encourage devotion. Due to its sweet aroma, it was frequently used as deodorant and carried in bouquets and sweet bags. People of England used marjoram as a preservative.

Marjoram was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness. Marjoram has been used in culinary dishes, imparting a unique flavor to soups, stews, dressings, and sauces. In Germany, Marjoram is known as the “Goose Herb” for its traditional use in roasting geese.

In traditional Austrian medicine, Marjoram was used to promote gastrointestinal health and to purify the skin. In modern applications, Marjoram is valued for its calming properties, and for its positive effect on the nervous system. It also soothes tired, stressed muscles, and supports both healthy cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

Hawaiian Sandalwood-Did You Know?

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SandalwoodDid you know of the two dozen or so species of Santalum that are known, the Hawaiian islands are home to four of them? it takes over 50 years for a sandalwood tree to mature enough to get a high quality essential oil. After the arrival of Europeans to the islands, they became aware that sandalwood occurred quite widely on the Hawaiian Islands. They were also aware that the demand for sandalwood from southern Asia did not satisfy the market.

200 years ago Sandalwood was the number one trade from the Hawaiian islands. Their trees were among the most prized in all the world and were in great demand. The Hawaiian king, King Kamehameha, sent seven ships to China bearing Sandalwood. (It has been estimated that about 6,000 trees had to be harvested to fill a ship). The Chinese were offended by this, and wanted to come collect the Sandalwood themselves.

Later the ships returned to Hawaii. When the Chinese arrived in Hawaii to collect the Sandalwood, King Kamehameha was likewise highly offended at their actions and set fire to the seven ships bearing all the Sandalwood. Not only that, but he ordered the Sandalwood forests to be cut down and burned, and the ground was seeded with thick grass that prevented the Sandalwood from returning. Since then, Sandalwood from Hawaii basically ceased to exist, until now.

Hawaiian sandalwood essential oil delivers a variety of benefits, including smoothing skin and enhancing moods. With thousands of years of documented use, this oil has a high value to many users. Hawaiian Sandalwood has a rich, sweet, woody aroma that instills calmness and well-being, making it a perfect oil to incorporate into massage or aromatherapy.

Sandalwood is very soothing and nourishing to the skin, making it highly sought after in body and skin care products. Hawaiian Sandalwood can reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, and stretch marks while providing an overall youthful-looking complexion. In addition to being soothing and nourishing to the skin, Hawaiian Sandalwood provides these same effects to the mind, helping to reduce stress and tension and promote emotional well-being.

One Students Triumph

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The Bicycle VictoryI love my job because everyday I get to serve others. I work with teachers and children at an elementary school. I thrive on making this world a better place, because I am always looking for ways to serve. I love interacting with the students each day in the lunchroom and helping teachers.

Most kids are looking for validation. A few years ago a student came up to me saying, “I just picked up some garbage on the floor, so what do I get for doing that?” I get this question a lot. Then I had a moment of inspiration when I said, “The more kind things you do for others the bigger your aura will be.” Then I continued to explain that everyone has an invisible light around them and the more you do for others the bigger your light will be.
His eyes lit up with excitement when I told him, “He had a big aura because he liked doing nice things for others.” A few days went by when he asked me, “What is the name of that light again?” I told him and he got excited as he picked up a piece of paper on the floor in the lunchroom. At the end of the year this student won a bike for being one of eight students who had improved the most in academics that year. It was fun to see him raising his arms in triumph knowing he did a great job in school.

Another way I experience small moments of joy is when I see parents take charge of their children’s lives with encouraging healthy eating, exercise, and removing harmful prescription drugs from their daily routine, using essential oils when possible. Something as simple as peppermint or lemon essential oil can be life changing. When you see kids that have signs of ADHD using a focus blend, and vetiver essential oils, who are now focusing in school, this is a huge victory.