Secrets of Lavender Oil Exposed!

Even those out there who aren’t fans of aromatherapy have likely heard at least a little something about lavender essential oil. This probably stems from the fact that lavender is one of the most versatile oils in any aromatherapist’s or apothecary’s tool kit. It is such a versatile essential oil that it has literally been dubbed the Swiss Army Knife of the aromatherapy world! 

Lavender is a very common plant, with namesake-colored purple petals. It has been used in centuries in the creation of potpourris and incense and has been a wildly popular addition to perfumes, lotions, soaps and shampoos. Indeed, the very word lavender comes from the Latin phrase lavare, which means “to wash” and immediately conjures thoughts of the fresh, clean and soothing aroma of lavender. 

Lavender essential oils is obtained through a process known as steam distillation, which results in an oil with a very fresh, floral and woodsy aroma that is popular among not only women’s beauty supplies, but also for babies, too! 

Instead Of Asking What Lavender Can Do, Let’s Ask What it Can’t!

Many essential oils are noted for very specific properties and claims. People will commonly ask, “What is lavender oil used for?” This question should only be asked if you have a LOT of time on your hands, because the list of common complaints and ailments that lavender is recommended for would be longer than your arm. In fact, lavender essential oil is prized for so many different properties that it might actually be easier to ask what you shouldn’t use it for!

Actually, there’s an old saying along the lines of this: “When in doubt, break the lavender out!”

If you asked ten different fans of lavender why they love it so much, most of them will likely cite the fact that lavender works wonders in soothing stress and relieving anxieties. Because of this, it’s commonly employed for tension, headaches and other stress-induced issues. 

Most recently, studies were released which showed a direct correlation between the use of lavender essential oil and feels of trust and security. Now that the cat is out of the bag, lavender oil is frequently being employed in places of business and at the negotiation table. Additional issues that lavender is highly recommended for include easing nausea, relief from anxiety, an insect repellent and a treatment for restlessness. 

One of the most pervasive uses of lavender in the health and wellness market is as a treatment for sleeplessness and insomnia. There are a slew of nighttime tinctures that employ lavender essential oil. Additionally, there are many who swear by lavender oil for its pain relieving properties, including those who suffer from fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions. 

Lavender Plays Well With Others

In addition to being so versatile, lavender is also popular because it pairs well with other essential oils. Common lavender blends include cedarwood, pine, clary sage, geranium oil or nutmeg. Lavender has also been paired well with Roman Chamomile since both oils share some common properties.

In most cases, it’s about personal preference, so feel free to explore different scent combinations based on your own personal tastes.

Lavender Precautions

Although lavender essential oil is generally considered safe for pregnant women, if you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or are breast feeding, you should consult your OBGYN before using lavender. Those who suffer from diabetes should also resist the temptation to start using lavender without first consulting with their physician. Those with sensitive skin may want to discuss lavender oil with their dermatologist or try using a small amount to see if you have any reactions.

Over-exposure to lavender essential oil can lead to problems with nausea, vomiting and headaches. Lavender essential oil should NOT be taken internally, as it can lead to a host of potential issues. Whenever trying a new essential oil, you should begin using it just to smell (in a diffuser, an aromatherapy inhaler, etc.) before moving on to direct skin contact. Before using topically, you should consider speaking with your trusted medical professional just to be on the safe side.

The Essential Oil Glossary: Common Aromatherapy Terms and Their Meanings (E-Z)

In just about any industry, it’s common to encounter a little jargon. The world of aromatherapy and essential oils is no different. While there has been a recent uptick in scientific trials and case studies focused on the world of aromatherapy, most of the legends, lore and information dates back much further. Although much has been updated, you’re still likely to encounter some more outdated or medical jargon you aren’t familiar with. When that’s the case, make sure to refer to our Common Aromatherapy Terms and Their Meanings articles. In this second and final installment, we’re addressing aromatherapy terms that fall in the E-Z glossary.

Emmenagogue

This term refers to any substance that stimulates or otherwise increases menstrual flow, but can also indicate a more generalized increase in blood flow to the pelvis or uterus.

Emollient

An emollient is anything that works to soften or soothe the skin.

Essential Oil

This term refers to any number of natural oils, which are most typically obtained via a process known as distillation and having a characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source (flower, etc.) of extraction. What gives essential oils their properties (and many of the associated risks) is the fact that they contain volatile aroma compounds and chemicals.

Euphoric

Euphoric has the same root as euphoria, and indicates feelings of intense excitement, possibly including happiness and confidence. Euphoria is often associated with intoxication or inebriation, but doesn’t have to include impaired facilities.

Expectorant

When I think of expectorants, I immediately think of Tussin™. As the cough syrup works, expectorants work to actually promote the secretion of mucus from the air passages. Unlike a cough suppressant, an expectorant encourages coughing – but only when it is a productive cough that works to clear out the lungs and respiratory system.

Febrifuge

When I first heard this one, I thought of something to do with a centrifuge or some other kind of mechanical wonder. What it actually means is a little bit more boring, but not any less awesome; febrifuge means “fever reducer.”

Haemostatic

Whenever you encounter the prefix “haemo” or “hemo” – it’s fairly safe to assume that you’re going to be dealing with blood. You wouldn’t be wrong in this instance, either. Haemostatic simply means that it is something that works to slow or stop bleeding.

Hepatic

Most of these will work with some level of context clues. In this case, hepatic may lead you to think of hepatitis – and hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. All hepatic issues are issues that relate to the liver.

Hypotensive

Those who suffer from hypertension have high blood pressure. If something is hypotensive, that means it works to do the opposite – it lowers the blood pressure.

Lymphatic

As the name implies, lymphatic simply means anything that has to do with lymph. Lymph is the colorless fluid that contains white blood cells and actually bathes the tissues. It drains from the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.

Nervine

If something is nervine that means that it works to calm or soothe the nerves.

Sedative

Sedative is one of the more common terms in the aromatherapy glossary. It’s just an agent that works to promote feelings of calm up to and possibly including inducing sleep.

Stimulant

Stimulants are polar opposites of sedatives. Instead of relaxing you, they actually raise your physical and/or 

nervous activity. Caffeine is a common example of a stimulant.

Stomachic

The purpose of this one is right there in the word –  a stomachic promotes the appetite or works in assisting the digestion.

Sudorific

The meaning of this one doesn’t exactly jump out and grab you. Sudorific means that the object in question is related to or causes you to sweat. Older forms of traditional medicine often encouraged health and healing by “sweating out” the disease. I remember this from reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Tonic

Not to be confused with tonic water, a tonic is simply something to gives feelings of vigor or well being – kind of like a panacea cure. Calling something a tonic is a rather generic and unspecific adjective, compared to some of the others we’ve explored.

Uterine

A uterine is something that deals directly with or promotes the health of the uterus or womb.

Vermifuge

The clues in this one are all phonetic. Verm equals worm, and a vermifuge works to get rid of parasitic worms. Yeah, we’ll move on from that one pretty fast.

Vulnerary

Vulnerary is a term that describes something that is used to heal wounds – much like when we think of a Band-Aid™ paired with Neosporin™.

So – there you have it – the rest of the aromatherapy glossary from E-Z. Do you have another term you’d like to suggest we add to the glossary? We’d love to hear all about it. Include it below in the comment section provided and we’ll see what we can do!

The Secrets of Rosemary Oil Exposed

Rosemary essential oil is highly favored among cerebrally focused individuals. That’s because both traditional folk medicine and modern scientific studies are showing the benefits of rosemary for focus, memory and alertness. 

The actual essential oil is stimulating and intensely woodsy and herbal. Derived from an evergreen shrub that had its origins in the Asian continent rosemary cultivation has now expanded across the globe. Rosemary (also known as the dew of the sea, sea dew and guardrobe) oil is harvested from the shrub’s flowers using a process known as steam distillation.

How & Why Rosemary Oil Gets Used

In ancient times, a number of cultures and religions believed that rosemary was a sacred plant – one with powers and properties to ward off evil spirits and intentions. It was often employed in rituals of protection, purification, love and intellect.

Rosemary oil can be used “neat” – on a cloth, cotton ball or using aromatherapy inhalers. Diffusers and vaporizers are also popular dispersion methods. The essential oil can also be added to shampoos, body butters, massage oils or even added directly to your bath, with or without Epsom salts.

Depending on the application method employed, rosemary has been prized in a host of uncomfortable situations, including:

·         

• Arthritis
• Circulation problems
• Intestinal troubles
• Mental fatigue
• Stress
• Migraines and other headaches
• Muscle pain
• Respiratory issues
• Skin inflammation and puffiness
• Varicose Veins
• Thinning Hair
• An immune booster
• Indigestion aid
• Coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms
• As a study aid and memory tool

Rosemary oil has also been used to treat dandruff, to stimulate hair growth, as a mouthwash and to treat problems like cellulite and stretch marks. As an added bonus, rosemary has also been shown as an effective insect repellant.

Perfect Rosemary Pairings

Rosemary can be great all alone. It’s a common favorite among members of both sexes and depending on who it is for, can be made more masculine or feminine based upon which complimentary oils you pair it with. Prime candidates include bergamot, cedarwood, cinnamon, cypress, citronella, geranium, hyssop, lavender, neroli, nutmeg, peppermint, spearmint and thyme.

Rosemary Risks

Essential oils are very volatile and have powerful properties that can prove hazardous to your health. It’s a good idea to consult with your medical practitioner before launching an aromatherapy protocol.

Those at the greatest risk in regards to rosemary usage include pregnant women, those who suffer from epilepsy and those battling high blood pressure.

Secrets of Clary Sage Essential Oil Exposed

Clary sage (“clear eyes” in Latin) essential oil has historically been popular amongst the ladies. Perhaps that’s because clary sage has remarkable properties for women of all ages – it helps with everything from PMS to symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes. Although there is a precedent for using clary sage oil in the delivery room to deal with labor-related woes, women in earlier stages of pregnancy should avoid contact or exposure to clary sage essential oil without explicit permission from a midwife or OBGYN.

Clary Sage By Any Other Name

Clary sage originated in southern Europe. The essential oil is harvested using a steam distillation process that extracts it from both flowers and leaves. Thanks to the plant’s efficacy and versatility, it is utilized worldwide. 

Along the way, it’s picked up quite a few different names, including clary wort, muscatel sage, oculus Christi (the eye of Christ), clear eye, see bright and eye bright – not to be confused with eyebright, another plant entirely.

Obviously, almost universally, clary sage is associated with vision – both of the physical and the spiritual eyes. In the world of the occult, clary sage is affiliated with the Moon and the water element. It was used in love and magick rituals.

Clary Sage Goes Straight to Your Head

There is an entire, rather archaic vocabulary associated with aromatherapy. Some of the properties are common across several types of essential oils. One property that is rare and unique to clary sage is the label of euphoric.

As the name implies, euphorics have intoxicating effects and should be avoided while under the influence of other intoxicants. It has been successfully combined with muscatel wine and even went as far as to replace hops in 16^th century England. Because of these euphoric effects, it’s wise to reconsider driving or operating heavy machinery when working with clary sage.

Why Women Love Clary Sage Oil

From puberty to menopause, clary sage has been prize by women across all of the phases of their lives. It can have a dramatic impact on the menstrual cycle and has been recommended for heavy periods, cramping, hot flashes, stress, anxiety, tension and muscle pains. For these same reasons, pregnant women should steer clear.

The scent is floral and a little musky – soft, sweet and herbal, with a tea-like afterthought. It’s great alone, but pairs well with lavender, rose, neroli, jasmine, geranium and just about any citrus oil (but especially bergamot.)

Clary Sage Aromatherapy Options

There are many ways to incorporate clary sage into your daily life. If you have clary sage essential oil, you can add a few drops to your bath. There are aromatherapy pendants and jewelry. Or, you can keep yours handy with mobile and convenient clary sage aromatherapy inhalers. Clary sage oil can be added to lotions, body creams and butters, massage oils or dispersed using your favorite vaporizer or diffuser. Whatever you do, be careful not to overdo it, as headaches can be a possible side effect of those who over-indulge.

Coming Soon: Aromatherapy Diffuser Pendants and Necklaces

Dragonfly Imprint

The EscentioDirect shop is growing each day. Not only are we adding on new aromatherapy inhalers on a regular basis, we also strive to expand our aromatherapy offerings, as well as introducing new categories, like our latest, Manuscripts & Books. 

Yesterday, we tested out a few options for a new product offering: Aromatherapy Necklaces and Pendants. While the trial runs that we've posted here for your review are done in a white clay, the product line we'll soon be officially launching will be in terra cotta. 

At the moment, we're anticipating a price point of about $8.99 for just the pendant, and probably $11.99 if we make it a full on necklace.

What are your thoughts?

Hibiscus Imprint

How To Use an Aromatherapy Pendant

Jewelry can make a very convenient and effective aromatherapy diffuser. In the case of these, you have the option of rubbing a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the front or back of the pendant. 

We personally recommend that you use the front of the pendant to apply the oil, as some people have very sensitive skin that could react if the oil makes direct contact. 

Regardless of whether you use the front or the back of the pendant, the heat of your body will "activate" the essential oils in much the same way Scratch-and-Sniff stickers used to work, back in the day.

Sand Dollar

We are also testing a few where there are small holes drilled into the pendant for the oil, so that we'll have the option of painting the finished pieces to add an element of color.

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Stop making excuses and start making beautiful things! After all, it's just in time for the holidays!

Secrets of Lavender Essential Oil Exposed!

“When in doubt, try lavender out!”

In the world of aromatherapy, few essential oils are as popular or as effective as lavender. A familiar fragrance frequently associated with the English countryside, the tiny purple flower has been dried and used in remedies and concoctions for centuries.

 

Incredibly versatile, today’s lavender essential oil is harvested using a method known as steam distillation, a system a bit like a moonshine still which expresses the fresh, floral and woodsy oil for use in a host of aromatherapy treatments (from tinctures to “neat” dosages) using hot steam.

In the case of lavender essential oil, its versatility is unmatched. In fact, it’s sometimes easier to narrow down what it can’t do versus the exhaustive list of what it can.

Despite being the Swiss Army Knife of the aromatherapist’s arsenal there are three primary purposes that lavender essential oil is put to: rest and relaxation, as a remedy for insomnia and as a trust and security booster.

Lavender Oil for Rest & Relaxation

Not only is lavender ridiculously effective for increasing the spirit of rest and relaxation, it’s generally considered safe for small children and pregnant women – two pretty considerable fan groups. You’ll frequently fin it in lotions and massage oils and it’s a popular scent in candles. Because of the woodsy undertones, men often don’t find it as offensive as they might more floral notes like rose or ylang ylang.

Lavender has been shown to calm down the nervous system an also to slow the heart rate down.

Lavender Oil as an Insomnia Remedy

At bedtime and bath-time, lavender is a clear winner. There is even some evidence to suggest that lavender actually stimulates the brainwaves that naturally promote deeper, more satisfying sleep.

What some people don’t know is that large amounts of lavender in high concentrations can actually have the opposite effect and serve as a stimulant. So, if your goal is a good night’s sleep, less is more.

Lavender Oil as a Trust & Security Booster

A recent study found that when measured against other essential oils, lavender is the hands down winner to inspire feelings of trust and security. This could have significant implications at negotiating tables, closing tables and even first-date dinner tables.

Considering how these three major benefits of lavender oil play upon one another’s strengths, it should come as no surprise that lavender could be a powerful ally in the quest to increase confidence in public speaking, presentations and other intimidating social settings.

However, for the sake of safety, be careful not to dose yourself with lavender oil while driving or on long road trips. If you need to be alert and invigorated, either skip lavender altogether or pair it with a stimulating citrus essential oil like lemon, tangerine or grapefruit. 

Order yours today!