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The Age Old Aroma Of Frankincense Oil – Boswellia Sacra

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Frankincense comes from the dried sap of the Boswellia sacra tree that is native to regions such as Oman, Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia. When dried, the sap is burned as incense and thought to have several medicinal properties. The Boswellia sacra tree by which Frankincense is harvested is unusual in that it can sometimes grow out of solid rock.

Frankincense is typically mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Mixed with other oils, Frankincense holds medicinal characteristics. At a cellular level, Frankincense has profound qualities. Scientists recently discovered that frankincense has active ingredients that activate changes on a cellular level.

Uses:

Support cellular function: According to the National Institute of Health, Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous cells from one another. In a study conducted, Frankincense oil could distinguish cancerous cells in the bladder. While this research is controversial, more studies increasingly support the use of frankincense as an healing alternative to cancer.

Facial rejuvenation: Frankincense is said to have anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties as it promotes the rejuvenation of healthy skin cells. It can be applied directly to trouble spots with little to no carrier oil. Avoid direct contact if you have a history of sensative skin problems.

Anti-inflammatory: Frankincense, while marginally studied scientifically, is said to target multiple mechanisms to decrease inflammation.

Pain relief: Use frankincense oil with Vick’s rub for pain relief. Apply to areas needing relief a few times a day. Frankincense may decrease scar tissue which can decrease deep pain. During menstruation, frankincense is said to reduce symptoms of menstruation.

Prevent common illnesses: Clove and Frankincense essential oils are said to prevent common illness such as the cold and flu. Use 8 drops of frankincense and 4 drops of eucalyptus essential oils in a diffuser or in a perfume bottle for whiffs/scents throughout the day.

Benefits:

The power of aromatherapy: Frankincense has healing powers to ease stress, anxiety and clouding of the mind. Soak in a warm bath a few times a week to suppress anxiety. When used as an everyday remedy, benefits should arise in mental clarity.

Home cleaner: Who doesn’t love an all natural cleaner? Add ⅔ cup of vinegar, warm water and 10-15 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle. For extra strength, add baking soda. This all natural cleaner works on bathroom and counter surfaces to naturally remove stains and caked on stains.

Indigestion relief:  Frankincense oil can help speed up the secretion of gastric juices, bile and acids, and help stimulate peristaltic motion to allow food to move properly through your intestines.

Change the air: In an aromatherapy diffuser, add 15-20 drops with a drop of water. Burn with a candle and use to circulate new and refreshing air. Combine frankincense with other oils such as lemon, lavender and orange to create a room scent. Combine 10 drops of frankincense oil into a spray bottle with a half cup of warm water and spray as needed.

Frankincense stems its roots from Egyptian beliefs and medicinal benefits. From early times onward, Frankincense bodes alternative to traditional methods.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Floral Heaven

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Ylang Ylang essential oils come from the large petals of the ylang ylang tree. Usually vibrant in color, ylang ylang is a diverse plant with medicinal qualities. It has been used and worshiped for thousands of years. In the Philippines it was used widely to treat cuts, wounds and snake bites. In other parts of the world, the plant was use to its entirety, not wasting a single pedal.

Its 14 hour distillation process condemns the slow process to create the oil and the long-lasting effects it has on various and sundry parts of everyday life. Ylang ylang mixes comfortably with lavender, grapefruit and sandalwood.

Uses:

Hair care product: in recent studies, ylang ylang is said to help treat head lice. When mixed with coconut oil and anise oil, head lice are less likely to reproduce. Ylang ylang can be added to any shampoo or conditioner to not only increase the scent but to also add relaxation through the scalp.

 

Release tension: Ylang ylang can be added to a warm bath for relaxation benefits. Or add ylang ylang to a bath with Epsom salt. Relax in Epsom salt and ylang ylang for an hour to decrease tension.

 

Increase awareness and balance mind, body and soul: essential oils carry properties that heighten your senses and bring together the mind-body connection. Because of ylang ylang and its association with decreasing symptoms of depression, it’s clear that the scent and medicinal properties bridge the gap between the synaptic connections and healthy soul.

 

Benefits:

 

Lifts and elevates mood: the more conventional way to use ylang ylang is to fill a perfume bottle with the oil and place a swatch below the nostrils or on the wrist. Ylang ylang elevates mood and increases concentration when sniffed throughout the day.

 

Antidepressant: there is some science behind the idea that ylang ylang decreases symptoms of depression. The oil can increase your mood, which can help decrease anxiety and symptoms of depression. Place a few drops of ylang ylang in a humidifier before bed to not only increase moisture in the air but increase your mood throughout the night.

 

Antiseptic. Ylang ylang has a unique quality in that it can decrease the potential for tetanus germs. This unique property helps protect wounds. Do not apply directly to a wound as this may sting, but when diluted with water or another carrier oil, the effects can be desirable.

 

Treat acne: ylang ylang is a great option to use as a preventative measure for acne scarring. Use sparingly as you do not want to clog pores. Use a small drop on areas with acne. Repeat every few days ensuring you do so with a clean and moisturized face. Use sparingly over time and stop using if you notice irritation.

 

Ease cramping: while there’s no magic pill for menstrual cramps, ylang ylang is said to benefit menstrual cramping. Make an oil blend! Use a thicker oil as the base such as avocado or coconut oil. Add a few drops of ylang ylang to the base oil and rub in the area of pain. This works wonders for lymph nodes as lymph nodes can frequently experience blockage.

Sandalwood (Santalum Album) – Essential Oil At It’s Finest

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Sandalwood is most distinguishable by its woody smell and pressed carvings. It comes from a tree grown in southern Asia. It’s unique in smell and texture making it distinguishable both in a visual and smell. Sandalwood has its roots in India; it’s considered holy. It is bestowed upon women during and after marriage and a sacred gesture during passing. Sandalwood paste is used to decorate Indian deities. It is so delicate that it requires permission to cut and harvest.

Sandalwood takes 40-80 years before its harvested, showing the sanctity of the precious plant. Growing up to 33 inches, sandalwood harvests the roots and nutrients of other plants.  Its scented carvings can be altered into many forms like oil providing many benefits and uses.

Sandalwood’s most important organic compounds are the alpha-santalol and beta-santalol. The beta gives sandalwood the very distinct and powerful fragrance. The alpha gives a therapeutic quality.

Benefits:

  • Sandalwood should not be ingested directly unless properly prepared, infused or distilled but it does hold benefits in its natural state.
  • Sandalwood is said to increase mental clarity, increase memory, decrease blood pressure and serve as an antiseptic. It is potent. In oil form (diluted with a few drops of water), it can be used to decrease inflammation after a wound.
  • Sandalwood is well regarded in the skincare industry as a mechanism to reduce inflammation with rashes, decrease the effects of eczema, and reduce acne.
  • Its anti-inflammatory properties help assist both physical and mental ailments. This includes inflammation in the brain, digestive, nervous, circulatory, and excretory systems that result. These can result from fevers, insect bites or wounds.

Uses:

  • Relax: add a few drops of sandalwood oil into a humidifier for added relaxation at bedtime. Add 4 or 5 drops of sandalwood into the vent of your car during rush hour.
  • Increase focus: smell sandalwood on a perfume roller a few times a day (particularly when your mind is feeling foggy). Smell the scent directly out of the bottle but ensure its held at least an inch from your nose.
  • Use for your body: to ingest, sandalwood must be prepared properly. Add one teaspoon of heaped sandalwood with 1 cup of water. Slowly boil for several minutes, ensuring the pot is covered. After, drain the herb and drink 1 or 2 cups of day of this mixture to clear skin from the inside out. Drops of sandalwood can be added to unscented lotion for the extra boost in woody scent.
  • Make a face mask: combine face clay, water and one to two drops of sandalwood. Mix together and use as a face hydration mask. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes before cleansing with warm water.
  • Create a room mist. In a 50ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil
  • Use as a calm sense during meditation: 5 drops of sandalwood and 4 drops of rose water into a humidifier and smell during meditation.

Sandalwood is sacred in nature and when used correctly can provide benefits both physically and mentally.

 

essential oils

Bespoke Skincare & Aromas

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This post originally appeared HERE by CJ

I am a big fan of using essential oils in my skincare routine, as these potent ingredients can make such a big difference to your skin and can alter your mood, depending if you need to relax or energise.

As you might remember I discovered the fantastic Eden’s Semilla last month and I reviewed their organic, cold pressed Jojoba Oil, if you missed this you can check it out HERE.

This time I have been using their extensive range of their premium quality 100% natural essential oils.  I have always wanted to have my own collection of oils as it’s a great way to create your own bespoke skincare and I have recently got into using an electric aromatheraphy diffuser from Organic Aromas which has been a fantastic tool as you can choose the strength of how much fragrance is released and changes colour which if I focus on combined with these oils have really helped to alter my mood.

There are a number of essential oils to choose from, here is a list of those which I have been using:

  • Lavender – I have used this oil for many years in various forms as I find it helps to reduce my stress levels and ease tension, I have been adding a drop into hand cream at night and onto my bed sheets.
  • Pine Tree – I like to use this in the diffuser once I have cleaned to refresh the whole house, bringing the fresh outdoors, indoors.
  • Frankincense – Has been shown to reduce heart rate and is often used to treat anxiety. A potent stress reliever when inhaled or when added to a hot bath. Contains natural healing properties and offers effective skin protection.
  • Tea Tree – This has been an essential for me over the years, as it has fantastic antiseptic, anti fungal and antibacterial properties.  I liked add a few drops into my shower gel, shampoo or under hot running water to soak in the bath with.  It works fantastically in a diffuser as insects don’t like the aroma.
  • Rosemary – I find this really helps to open the air ways when added to the diffuser and if i’ve pushed it too hard in the gym to combine with arnica for a double action anti-flammation benefits.
  • Sandal-Wood – I like to add this to my body lotion if im going on a night out or a date, as it has quite a sensual tone and perfect to enhance the mood at the end of the evening.
  • Sweet Orange – Fantastic to add to hand wash in the kitchen and in the diffuser to remove any left over food aromas like fish or garlic.
  • Pepper-Mint – If i’ve had a hard day at work to burn this in the diffuser helps to clear my head, but I also like to add it to some shea butter and rub on my temples and the back of my neck for an instant cooling and refreshing hit.
  • Eucalyptus – This is a must have essential for me, as we head into the colder months, this works brilliantly to decongest any cold or flu symptoms.  It also works well in the diffuser to refresh the bedroom and helps me feel cooler in the Summer heat.
  • Lemon-Grass –  This is one of my favourite uplifting aromas, great to use with my morning shower or as a pick me up in the diffuser mid afternoon.
  • Cinnamon – Adding a few drops to an aftershave balm can help to reduce any inflammation or soreness and always reminds me of festive times.
  • Bergamot – A refreshing citrus aroma that I like to use with my shower gel on a morning and is perfect in the diffuser mid evening just before the sun sets.

Each of these fantastic essential oils come in a dark tinted glass bottle, which is designed to preserve the potency.  I would recommend storing out of sunlight in a dark cupboard to ensure effectiveness.  I would always dilute when applying to the skin either with a carrier oil or added into a favourite moisturiser, shower gel or mask.  Also be aware certain essential oils are to be avoided during pregnancy so be sure to double check with your doctor before use.

I have thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with these oils and finding new ways in which to use them and I hope you do too. 

If you would like to find out more information about this range of Essential Oils then I suggest visiting their online shop where you can browse the full range and decide which is best for you to try.  They can be purchased individually or there are two pre-blended collections for your convenience.

Are you a fan of using essential oils in your skincare?

Do you like using aromatherapy to fragrance your home?

Sandlewood essential oils

Essential Oils: Review by Miss Perfect Fashion & Beauty Blog

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EDEN’S SEMILLA | ESSENTIAL OILS

Originally posted HERE by Madeleine Rose Yates

This week I’m focusing on something that I have been loving recently. If you have read my previous posts, you will know that I put relaxation, skincare and pampering on a bit of a pedestal. I’ve found myself in need of a bit of a pick me up. When things get a little full on, I look forward to the end of the day when I will have the time to unwind. Eden’s Semilla has produced some of my favourite products that really help me to relax. I think that looking after your body doesn’t only extend to skincare and workout routines, the mind also needs a little time off.

My most recent purchase from Eden’s Semilla has been from the Essential Oils Range. When I find something that grabs my attention, naturally I want to tell you guys all about it! I have purchased three sets of the Essential Oils, which I love for different reasons. “Essential Oils Set 1” contains four little bottles filled with deliciousness. The first set contains Tea Tree, Rosemary, Frankincense and my favourite… Lemongrass. The scents vary from sweet to musky to earthy and enchanting. I love a product that can surprise you and this range certainly has surprised me. I don’t know if any of you are the same, but I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, so anything that helps me to unwind instantly becomes a favourite of mine.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who gets to enjoy the luscious scent of the range. Even after spa time has long been over, everyone gets to enjoy the lingering scent! This is as close as you can get to a spa at home. Every product in this range is made from 100% Essential Oil and contain no additives or solvents. I do love an all round natural product, I don’t know if anyone else feels the same, but I have the perception that natural products will do your body more good in the long run.

The second set that I have purchased contains Sweet Orange, Eucalyptus, Sandalwood and Peppermint for more of a spontaneous taste. These scents remind me of comforting times of the year like a cozy evening approaching Christmas. I’ve found that my skin feels really refreshed and soft after using products from the Essential Oils Range. I do love a good bubble bath, but one thing that lets down a lot of bath time goodies is that the scent never lasts on the skin. The reality with this product couldn’t be more different, even hours after, a gorgeous scent follows me around! I think it’s fair to say that I am slightly obsessed with the range.

The third set includes earthy scents such as Pine Tree, Lavender, Bergamot and Cinnamon. These aromas are natural scents of the earth, which I find extremely comforting. I’ve always been the type of person to strip back to the basics, I’m not big on fancy fragrances, so natural is always a good way to go. Sandalwood is also another favourite of mine. I like to use this if I’m having a cozy evening session! There is nothing to stop you using a little on your hands for a quick freshen up during the day. Sweet Orange may be a good way to go!

Purchase Eden’s Semilla Essential Oil kits HERE