MYRRH: Essential Oil of the Month

Myrrh is a resin that comes from trees of the Commiphora species.

Myrrh essential oil has a long, rich history with a variety of uses. The resin has been used medicinally and burned as an incense. Often used in combination with frankincense, it has been used in places of worship to purify and stop the spread of diseases. In Chinese medicine, myrrh is considered a potent medicine and is used in cases of hay fever and a variety of other ailments. Myrrh oil has been proven to kill bacteria. It can be useful in cases of oral infection. Diluted myrrh oil can be used to treat topical wound infections and because of its strong astringency, it helps prevent blood loss and promotes wound healing. When added to a lotion or oil, it can be a wonderful remedy for the skin, reducing lines and wrinkles.

For aromatherapy purposes, myrrh is said to help with coughs, colds, and congestion. It is also known to help lift depression and give one a feeling of calm alertness and spiritual awareness. Used on the scalp, its astringency can strengthen the hair, preventing hair loss and dandruff.

When diluted and used in massage oil, myrrh oil helps to relax the muscles, and can help aid the gentle detoxifying effects of a massage. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, it can help with digestion issues when applied topically.

Remember, it is never safe to ingest essential oils. Myrrh oil is not safe for pregnant or nursing women.

Always dilute essential oils before using for topical or aromatherapy purposes.

by Theresa Musatto

SWEET ORANGE: Essential Oil of the Month

During the long dark winters full of dreaming, sweet orange oil contains the perfect essence that captures the height of summer. Uplifting for midwinter, it can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Considered to have strong antidepressant characteristics and considerable calming affects, simply smelling the scent of orange oil can be a useful tool for any stress one may be going through. According to one study, people exposed to the aroma of orange essential oil had a more positive mood, less anxiety, and an increased alertness than those who were not exposed to the aroma. Because of its antiseptic properties it can make a wonderful skin cleanser when diluted, helping skin conditions such as acne and decreasing signs of aging. When diluted in oil and massaged into the abdomen it can help relieve a variety of digestion issues. Because orange oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be useful in cases of arthritis by simply adding it to an oil and massaging into the affected areas.

Use orange oil to disinfect surfaces and to permeate your kitchen with its uplifting scent- simply dilute the orange oil in water and spray.
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid orange essential oil.

by Theresa Musatto

VIRGINIA CEDARWOOD: Essential Oil of the Month

While most trees are bare this time of year, cedar trees are evergreen. Cedar oil can remind you of your deep strength and give you some emotional stamina this winter. Cedar is considered a sacred tree in many different cultures and traditions. It has been used in many different religious and spiritual ceremonies and practices, partly because it is known to relax the mind and body, making prayer and meditation easier. Used in aromatherapy, cedar oil can be a wonderful tool for aiding both relaxation and concentration. It can both alleviate feelings of stress and stimulate cerebral function, making it easier to focus. Cedar oil can help ease tension in the body and make it easier to fall asleep. It can be used to help one breathe easier, help with the buildup of phlegm, and a variety of other respiratory ailments. To help with breathing, try using it as a natural vapor rub by diluting it and massaging it into the throat and chest.

When diluted and used topically, cedar essential oil can help ease inflammation, dryness, cracking of the skin, acne, and can reduce signs of aging. It can facilitate wound healing, as well as soothe muscle aches and spasms.

Cedar oil is great for encouraging hair growth and health. It has been known to reduce hair thinning, slow hair loss, and help improve circulation to the scalp while cleansing.
It also can be used in spray bottles to disinfect and to repel insects.

Enjoy cedar oil's many and varied benefits this winter season.

by Theresa Musatto

FRANKINCENSE: Essential Oil of the Month

Frankincense is a wonderful oil to use when you want to feel connected spiritually, as the case may be this holiday season.

Frankincense is the dried resin from the Boswellia tree. The resin is burned as incense, and often incense in stick form is made from it. The scent is said to be very uplifting spiritually- some say it can help you feel connected to the Divine. The resin is anti-inflammatory and can be used for a variety of ailments, such as arthritis. The essential oil contains constituents that help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while enhancing mood and memory. It can work against aging, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other spots, as well as increasing the skin's elasticity. It can be used for cleaning, as it eliminates both surface and airborne bacteria. It can both disinfect and tighten pores, therefore being helpful with the effective healing of cuts, scars and wounds. When inhaled, it can work to encourage easy breathing, clearing the nasal passageways.

Being a strong anti-inflammatory oil, it can reduce redness, itching, and swelling, and is known to soothe inflamed skin. It can also stimulate growth of new cells and help with circulation and blood flow.

Be sure to always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin. Never ingest essential oils, as they are very potent and can damage the liver if used without caution. Avoid frankincense essential oil if pregnant or nursing.

by Theresa Musatto

AMBER: Essential Oil of the Month

Amber essential oil is a deeply warming, earthy oil that is comforting on colder days. Amber is a fossilized resin from tree sap, and is relatively rare. It has an innate deep resonance that can both calm and uplift, seemingly warming your moods from the inside, out. Besides its clear affects on anxiety and mood, it can also be added to a moisturizer because of its effects on the skin. Add a couple drops to a carrier oil or moisturizer for enhanced skin healing properties. To make a wonderful facial steam, add a couple drops of amber to a bowl of hot water and enjoy your pores being opened and your mind relaxing- a restorative way to end a long day. This treatment can also help any issues going on with the respiratory system. It can also boost the immune system. A couple drops can be a nice addition to bath water for a deeper healing experience.

by Theresa Musatto

TONKA BEAN: Essential Oil of the Month

As the days continue to grow cooler, warm up with tonka bean oil. Its smell is a mixture of dark caramel, honey, vanilla and musk: a perfect scent for the weather. Tonka bean essential oil comes from the seeds of the Tonka tree which grows in Central and South America. The tree is very valued for its timber which is hardwood but it's the bean that has grown in international popularity. The beans are used in cosmetics, tobacco, food and perfumery. Tonka bean essential oil is a fixative, used to enhance and “fix” other scents in a perfume blend. Spiritually, the oil is known as the Oil of Initiation. Besides smelling delightful, when diluted it can be used as an antiseptic, expectorant, and an aphrodisiac.

Try wearing the scent of the month, holding the stone of the month and drinking a tea made with the herb of the month for a very invigorating experience! This is a way to put you deeper in the mood of the season.

by Theresa Musatto

LEMON BALM: Essential Oil of the Month

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is a member of mint family that grows wild locally. It's latin name “Melissa officinalis” originates from the Greek word melissa, which means honeybee. It was planted in ancient Greece by the beekeepers of the temple of Artemis to help attract bees. It is generally seen as a calming, soothing herb and this property extends to its medicinal effect as an essential oil as well. The oil can be used to treat anxiety and even depression, as it has been shown to uplift mood. There are studies that show it can promote mental clarity and can even have a positive affect on Alzheimer's. It is strongly antiviral and can be diluted and used topically to treat cold sores. It can be used as a natural bug repellent and air freshener.

by Theresa Musatto

WHITE SAGE- Essential Oil of the Month

White sage is renowned for its use in ceremony, as a purification herb. The scent is powerful, pungent and camphorous. The oil is strengthening to the body and mind and has an overall cooling effect. It may be used in a diffuser for the purpose of clearing a space of negative energy, or used as an anointing oil in a manner similar to the dispersion of the plant's smoke in Native American practices. Energy workers can use a drop on their hands between clients to disinfect and clear energy.



by Kristy Baird

ROSEMARY: Essential Oil of the Month

Belonging to the mint family, Rosmarinus Officinalis, which translates to ‘dew of the sea’, is an herb native to the Mediterranean, and has a sharp, energizing, herbaceous evergreen scent with a slight hint of citrus. The essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops or the leaves. Rosemary oil can mildly stimulate poor circulation, energy, the nervous system, the adrenal glands, and can help improve memory, which is why the ancient Greeks wore garlands of rosemary around their heads when studying, and also why we put it in our Study Aid Aromatherapy Inhaler! Rosemary oil is helpful used as steam to lower cholesterol and relieve lung congestion as well as sore throats. Use as a massage diluted in a carrier oil for pain, sore aching muscles and rheumatism, but also used as a scalp massage for hair growth. Well-known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties it was an important ingredient in the Four Thieves Vinegar, an herbal concoction used in the Middle Ages to protect from the plague, which is an oil blend still popular today to ward off illnesses such as coughs, colds, and the flu. Also useful for skin care, due to its high iron, calcium and phytonutrients, making it helpful in protecting skin from sun damage and other free radicals.

by Chelsea Morning

LEMON EUCALYPTUS: Essential Oil of the Month

Lemon Eucalyptus, also known as Eucalyptus citriodora, is a tall tree from northeastern Australia. The essential oil (the refined version of which is sometimes called PMD) comes from the lemon-scented leaves and twigs. It is used as an alternative to toxic insect repellents, working to mask the cues mosquitoes use to locate their target. A recent study published by NPR states that NMSU researchers found that a product containing oil of lemon eucalyptus was about as effective and as long lasting as products containing DEET. Lemon Eucalyptus oil can also be diluted and applied topically to prevent deer tick bites. It is useful in treating muscle spasms, osteoarthritis and other joint pain and even toenail fungus. When added to a chest rub, it can relieve congestion. It is also antiviral and can be used to treat cold sores.

Essential Oil of the Month: BASIL

Basil is one of the most well-known and loved herbs. Reminiscent of the peak of summer, pairing well with the tomatoes that also thrive at that time, we often focus on the delicious taste of this powerful herb and forget about its many health benefits. Basil is fast-acting for headaches- whether using the essential oil or just bruising the fresh leaves and applying to the forehead. It is helpful in cases of sinus congestion, indigestion, sore muscles and even menstrual cramps. In India, basil is considered the most sacred of plants to Hindus (especially Tulsi, or Holy Basil). Pots of it can be found reverently placed on graves, in temples and in homes and it is taken as a tonic for good health.
The essential oil is cooling, purifying and uplifting to the mood. It reduces stress and increases confidence, decisiveness and positive thoughts. If used as a bedtime anointing oil, basil encourages dreaming. It's also very helpful for meditation and studying, as it enhances concentration. If you're headed outdoors for the day, basil oil can be a wonderful companion- it repels mosquitoes for seventy minutes and also neutralizes toxins from insect bites. If you need to clear the air after an argument, basil essential oil can be very helpful.
Do use caution with large doses of basil essential oil, as it can be overstimulating and even stupefying.

Try this study blend for the diffuser!
7 drops sweet basil essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
1 drop lemon essential oil




by Kristy Baird

FENNEL: Essential Oil of the Month

Many of us know fennel as a garden vegetable- the licorice-flavored bulb is particularly delicious when enjoyed in a salad. Folk medicine has long suggested chewing fennel seeds after a rich meal for improved digestion and relief of flatulence. The essential oil touts these properties and more in an easy to use form. While we do not want to consume essential oils, as they can be dangerous for the liver and even fatal, diffusing the oil in the dining room or even diluting it in a carrier oil and applying to the belly is another way to utilize fennel's digestive benefits. Fennel essential oil can aid in suppressing hunger, increasing lactation in mothers and improving circulation. Try the recipe below, from Amazing Essential Oils: Make & Takes by Donna Raskin, for relief of vertigo symptoms.

Fennel & Mint Vertigo Relief

5 drops fennel

5 drops mint

2 tsp. sweet almond oil

Mix in a rollerball bottle and apply to inside of wrists as needed.

by Kristy Baird

GRAPEFRUIT: Essential Oil of the Month

Grapefruit was first recorded in the eighteenth century and scientists believe it developed as a mutation of the pomelo fruit. Grapefruit essential oil is made by pressing the peel of the fruit. The seeds produce grapefruit seed oil, which is sometimes used in cooking, and seed extract, which is antifungal and often used for issues like athelete's foot. Grapefruit essential oil can help with nausea and indigestion (used externally or diffused). It can also help with lung congestion. It is antibacterial and antiseptic and a nice addition to cleaning products. The scent is uplifting and refreshing and can sharpen the senses and improve mental clarity. Because it increases energy, it would be a helpful ally to diffuse in an exercise room. If applied to the skin, grapefruit oil should be diluted in a carrier oil, as it is slightly drying and is phototoxic (avoid direct sunlight exposure after applying).

by Kristy Baird

CAJEPUT: Essential Oil of the Month

Essential Oil of the Month: Cajeput

Cajeput, melaleuca cajuputi, is in the same family as Tea Tree. It contains a high percentage of limonene, making it useful for digestive complaints, cleaning products, outdoor annoyances and upper respiratory support. When seasonal illnesses are threatening, Cajeput is a wonderful choice for the diffuser. The scent is both energizing and mood uplifting. It relieves drowsiness and is perfect for when you need a mental pick-me-up.  Native to Indonesia, Cajeput has been historically used there for treatment of colds and flu, headaches, rheumatism and a variety of other ailments. It is one of the key ingredients in the popular product "Tiger Balm", a rub for sore muscles and joints.

DIY Essential Oil "Tiger Balm"
via themiracleofessentialoils
1/4 cup olive oil
1 ounce beeswax pellets
10 drops camphor essential oil
9 drops peppermint essential oil
7 drops cajeput essential oil
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
Gently melt the olive oil with the beeswax in a double boiler. Once melted, let cool a few minutes. Add the essential oils and stir with a chopstick. Pour into a glass jar. Let cool completely, then set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Store in a cool, dry place. Rub a small amount on the affected area for instant relief from sore muscles, headaches, sinuses, colds, etc.

HELICHRYSUM: Essential Oil of the Month

Helichrysum, with it's golden flowers, is named for the Greek words helios (sun) and chrysos (gold). Commonly, it is called immortelle, due to its long-lasting blossoms.

Helichrysum oil is naturally antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial. It is known for reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and is often added to facial serums to treat acne. It is anti-allergenic and many have found it beneficial in the topical treatment of hives. Helichrysum oil boosts normal immune function and can support the body through post-illness fatigue. 

The scent of helichrysum is warm and woodsy and it is believed to soothe away deep emotional feelings. It diffuses anger and destructive feelings and is slightly hypnotic. 

by Kristy Baird

WHITE SPRUCE: Essential Oil of the Month

White Spruce is an evergreen tree that is native to North America. The essential oil is uplifting and calming at the same time. It relaxes and restores energy and emotions. The scent is very fresh and piney. Because it is antimicrobial, using it in a diffuser to help clear the air is a wonderful use of this oil around the holidays. White Spruce oil supports general wellness and promotes healthy respiratory systems. Many use it for pain and inflammation, as well as to ease joint and muscle tension. Try blending it with peppermint oil and diluting in a carrier oil for a sore muscle rub!

by Kristy Baird

PATCHOULI: Essential Oil of the Month

Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the fragrant leaves of the Patchouli plant. Its earthy scent has been used for centuries to mask offensive odors and to scent clothing and other textiles before trading. Patchouli oil has many uses for both the mind and body. It is grounding and balancing, with a somewhat spicy scent that mellows and deepens with age. It is often used in facial products due to its ability to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and nourish aging skin. Patchouli is often mixed with other essential oils in perfumery as an enhancer, but it can easily overtake other scents so little is needed. 

Try a few drops of patchouli and a few drops of frankincense blended in a light carrier oil for a luxurious bedtime massage oil.

by Kristy Baird

CYPRESS: Essential Oil of the Month

Cypress is an evergreen tree, and the essential oil is extracted from its young twigs, stems and needles. This tree is often found in cemeteries and is linked to ceremonies of death, but the oil has many health-promoting qualities. Cypress oil is antiseptic and is often used in lotions and creams for healing wounds. It is often used in natural deodorants, as it has a spicy and somewhat masculine aroma. It is astringent and can help with skin and muscle tone. Used as a scalp oil, it helps to tighten the hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Cypress oil is antispasmodic and can be used to soothe leg cramps and pulled or sore muscles. The scent is calming and relaxing and it can help to relieve stress and anxiety when used topically or in a diffuser. It blends well with citrus scents.

Try this recipe for a skin firming serum, using cypress oil!

5 drops cypress essential oil

5 drops geranium essential oil

8 drops patchouli essential oil

1 drop sandalwood essential oil

1/4 cup carrier oil of choice

Blend in a small glass bottle and massage into skin at night.

by Kristy Baird

CLARY SAGE: Essential Oil of the Month

Clary Sage essential oil is one of the best hormone-balancing essential oils. It contains phytoestrogens and is often used to relieve PMS symptoms, hot flashes, menstrual cramps (dilute with a carrier and use as a massage oil!) and other hormonal imbalances.
It increases circulation and decreases emotional stress. It is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, making it a great aid for lowering cholesterol.
Clary Sage relaxes the brain and arteries and improves circulation, helping to lower blood pressure. Clary Sage supports the digestive system by boosting secretion of gastric juices and bile, but should only be used topically or in a diffuser for this purpose.
Women in childbirth often diffuse it during labor- it is known to reduce anxiety, fear and pain. It also reduces cortisol levels and treats depression. Overall, Clary Sage is a wonderfully relaxing, soothing and balancing essential oil.
If you suffer from insomnia, try a few drops in a diffuser in the bedroom to alleviate stress and anxiety and promote restful sleep.

by Kristy Baird

LITSEA CUBEBA: Essential Oil of the Month

Litsea Cubeba is an evergreen tree native to Asia. In Chinese medicine, it has been used to clear chest congestion. The essential oil is cooling, calming and stress-relieving. It is also mood uplifting, euphoric and can enhance mental clarity. It is has strong antibacterial properties, and has been shown to eradicate E Coli cells. It is also antifungal and works well in treating external infections, as well as athlete's foot. Litsea Cubeba is an excellent addition to any facial serum, as it clears free-radicals that we may come into contact with throughout the day from the skin and removes excess sebum. It is also an effective insect repellent. 

Try diffusing Litsea Cubeba in a diffuser during a patio party to keep the bugs away and promote a relaxing atmosphere.

by Kristy Baird