Tag Archives: Grounding

Whispers of Cardamom

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From tropic soil where spices grow,
Cardamom seeds in warm winds flow.
Distilled with care, their oils release,
A fragrant gift of calm and peace.

Called “Queen of Spices” long ago,
From India’s hills to Guatemala’s glow.
A sweet and spicy breath it brings,
A treasure prized by queens and kings.

It soothes the stomach, lightens care,
A gentle aid for troubles there.
In kitchens, hearts, and homes it stays,
A friend through nights and brighter days.

Diffused, its scent uplifts the mind,
Clarity and focus you will find.
For study hours or quiet prayer,
Its grounding touch is always there.

When seasons shift and breath feels tight,
Cardamom lends a steady light.
Its vapors clear, the chest feels free,
A comfort shared through history.

Egypt’s halls and India’s tea,
Whispers of cardamom still roam free.
A spice, a song, a timeless balm,
Forever fragrant, warm, and calm.

How to Use Essential Oils: Cedarwood

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Cedarwood (Cedrus spp.) is a towering evergreen tree native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes and reaching heights of up to 100 feet. Known for its durability and resilience, cedarwood has been used throughout history in construction, medicine, and spiritual practices. The essential oil, derived from the wood of the tree, carries a rich, grounding aroma that promotes a sense of wellness and vitality. In skincare, adding 1-2 drops of cedarwood essential oil to a facial routine may help promote clear and balanced skin due to its purifying and astringent properties. Additionally, cedarwood is widely used in massage therapy, where 3-4 drops blended with fractionated coconut oilcan provide a calming and muscle-relaxing effect. While historical and anecdotal evidence support these uses, more scientific research is needed to confirm its full range of skin-enhancing and muscle-soothing benefits.

Beyond personal care, cedarwood essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and emotional balance. Adding 3-4 drops to a diffuser can help create a calming environment, particularly after a stressful day. Cedarwood is also known for its insect-repellent properties—placing a drop on a cotton ball and leaving it in a closet may help keep moths at bay. This traditional use is supported by the presence of sesquiterpenes and cedrol, compounds that may have natural insect-deterring effects. However, while cedarwood has been traditionally used as a natural moth repellent, scientific studies on its effectiveness compared to chemical alternatives are still ongoing.

In addition to its well-known uses, cedarwood essential oil has been explored for its potential role in improving sleep quality. Some research suggests that cedrol, a primary component in cedarwood, may have mild sedative effects, which could help support relaxation and restful sleep. Many individuals use cedarwood oil in nighttime diffuser blends or apply a diluted amount to pulse points before bed to encourage a sense of calm. While early findings are promising, more clinical research is needed to confirm its direct impact on sleep disorders or long-term sleep improvement. Regardless, cedarwood essential oil remains a versatile and widely used natural remedy, valued for its aromatic, therapeutic, and protective benefits.

How to Use Essential Oils:

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Arborvitae essential oil, derived from the “tree of life,” is known for its natural preserving properties and unique benefits. Traditionally used to prevent wood from rotting, this oil has been a popular choice for woodcraft and preserving natural surfaces. By mixing four drops of Arborvitae essential oil with two drops of lemon essential oil, you can create a natural wood preservative and polish, helping to protect and enhance the longevity of wooden furniture, countertops, and décor. Its ability to repel moisture and resist decay makes it a valuable tool for natural home maintenance.

Beyond wood preservation, Arborvitae essential oil can be used to protect against environmental threats. Adding 5-6 drops of Arborvitae oil to a spray bottle filled with water creates a natural surface and hand spray, offering protection without the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, its strong, earthy aroma makes it a powerful insect repellent. When mixed with fractionated coconut oil and applied to the wrists and ankles, Arborvitae oil can help ward off insects while hiking or spending time outdoors. These protective properties make it a great addition to natural wellness and household care routines.

In addition to its physical benefits, Arborvitae essential oil is valued for its grounding and calming effects in meditation and mindfulness practices. Diffusing 3-4 drops of Arborvitae oil during meditation can help create a peaceful and centered atmosphere, allowing for deeper relaxation and focus. It is also sometimes used in emotional balancing blends to encourage feelings of stability and connection. Whether used for preserving wood, repelling insects, or fostering a sense of inner peace, Arborvitae essential oil is a versatile and beneficial addition to any essential oil collection.

Cedarwood-Did You Know?

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CedarwoodDid you know cedarwood is the oil of community bringing people together who struggle to form bonds within social groups. Cedarwood supports people in seeing that they are not alone. It invites people to both give and receive and experience the joy of relationships.

Cedarwood Juniperus Virginiana is an important ornamental and timber tree of eastern North America whose fragrant wood is made into cabinets, fence posts, and pencils. Juniperus Virginiana is a dense slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree that may never become more than a bush on poor soil, but can grow up to 100 ft tall, The oldest tree reported, from Missouri, was 795 years old.

Cedarwood is used by Native American Indians to treat respiratory infections, rheumatism, arthritis, skin rashes, kidney infections and used as an insect repellent. Known for its rich hue and warm, woody scent, Cedarwood essential oil provides a myriad of health benefits that date back to biblical times.

Cedarwood is native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes. Reminiscent of its size and strength, Cedarwood has a grounding aroma that evokes feelings of wellness and vitality. Additionally, Cedarwood is frequently used in massage therapy to relax and soothe the mind and body.

Cypress-Did You Know?

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Cypress-did you knowDid 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.

Essential Oils Studied For Antidepressant Properties

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Antidepressant PropertiesThe term antidepressant refers to an agent that helps alleviate depression, bringing a person back to a more positive place in their life with increased happiness.

Basil Essential Oil
Basil is cooling to the skin, and can be used to soothe minor irritations. When diffused, Basil helps promote clear breathing, and healthy respiratory function while sharpening focus, and lessening stress.
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Cassia Essential Oil

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.
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Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon is strong, so be sure to dilute it (3 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of cinnamon), but you can cook, bake, or even make candy with it too.
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Clary Sage Essential Oil

The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils.
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Coriander Essential Oil

Coriander has a high linalool content, giving it strengthening and toning properties that benefit the skin, emotions, and body.
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Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense promotes a healthy inflammatory response and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems, helping them function optimally. When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense induces feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
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Geranium Essential Oil

This oil has been used to promote clear skin and healthy hair, making it ideal for skin and hair care products. It also helps calm nerves and lessen stress.
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Lavender Essential Oil

Inhaling Lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high.
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Lemongrass Essential Oil
This oil supports healthy digestion, and soothes aching muscles. Lemongrass purifies and tones skin, and acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems.
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Melissa (Lemon Balm) Essential Oil
Melissa is also great for your skin or over the reflex areas for the area of concern. You can also add a drop to your tea.
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Orange Essential Oil

Orange can be taken daily to cleanse the body or used on surfaces as a natural cleaner. Diffusing Wild Orange will energize and uplift the mind and body while purifying the air.
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Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products. The fragrance of Patchouli provides a grounding, balancing effect on emotions.
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Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Ancient Romans used the oil for mental clarity and courage during war. While the most common use of chamomile is in teas, Roman Chamomile can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes.
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Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood has a sweet, woody aroma that can enhance mood and is frequently used in meditation for its grounding effects.
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang is used to lessen tension and stress and to promote a positive outlook. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in luxurious hair and skin products for its scent and nourishing and protective properties.
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