Top 10 List |

Essential Oils for Cold Relief

Colds can strike any time of the year. Try these tips and essential oils to treat those pesky cold and flu symptoms in a natural and holistic way…

The soles of your feet are full of sweat glands and can absorb the healing properties of essential oils. Whether you are using in a bath, inhaler or a massage always mix essential oils with a carrier oil of your choice – see our carrier oil blog for more information pertaining to formulating and blending techniques.

1. Cinnamon and Clove – provides heat for those that are suffering with the chills.
2. Eucalyptus (Radiata) – an expectorant to help open the lungs and help breathability.
3. Ginger – Stomach issues such as nausea, cleanses internally.
4. Lemon – Cleanses and is a good source of vitamin C, mix with any of the oils for an added relief.
5. Marjoram and Oregano – aids in anti-fungal, anti-septic and anti-viral needs.
6. Pine – powerful respiratory and immunity builder
7. Rose – to help flush your system of mucus that has built up and is needs to be released.
8. Sage – as a defense fighting against disease, bacteria, viruses and fungi.
9. Tea Tree – a must have for sinus infections – it is a strong anti-fungal, a little goes a long way so don’t use too much.
10. Thyme – added to Rosemary and Eucalyptus make for a powerful decongestant.

Note – Some essential oils are not suitable for children or use while pregnant. Also, always do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to any oil you plan to use.

A few drops of Vitamin E add to these oils’ healing abilities.

Just a reminder when suffering with cold and flu symptoms, it is best to eliminate all dairy and sugars to help speed the recovery process.

Abbey Brown’s Top 10 Essential Oils for Fall

1) Seasonal depression got you down? Use Clary Sage in a diffuser or bath

2) Mmm…Halloween candy, pumpkin pie, turkey…Suppress your appetite with Peppermint.

3) Who isn’t congested right now?? Eucalyptus vaporized or in the shower

4) Unwelcomed guests tend to move in when the weather gets cold. Repel bugs with Tea Tree on cotton balls or in a spray.

5) We can’t resist the spicy scents of fall. Warm some Clove oil for that just baked scent throughout your home.

6) If you’re unlucky enough to catch a cold or flu this season, pick up a massage oil with Grapefruit to ease your swollen throat glands.

7) For fever relief try Chamomile in a bath.

8) As always, Lavender has many uses including soothing dry or chapped lips and dandruff.

9) Oh no! The kids brought home lice from school! Rosemary essential oil will do the trick!

10) Ground yourself and enjoy the season with a Cedarwood body oil.

Happy Fall!

Top 10 Best Carrier Oils for Skincare

Is it their high quality, nutrient rich silky-smoothness, or superior ability to moisturize dry skin that makes us love these carrier oils more? We’re not sure, but we couldn’t live without them!

Carrier oils are an important part of any budding aromatherapist’s pantry. Because of the powerful and potent nature of essential oils, they must be diluted in one or a combination of these carriers before applying to skin.

Here’s a Top 10 list of our favorite carrier oils in alphabetical order.

1. Sweet Almond Oil: This oil is a favorite for aromatherapists because it is suitable for all skin types. It provides great lubrication when used as a massage oil. Its light scent makes it perfect for blending into a scented body oil. Be careful it doesn’t stain your sheets when using in massage!

2. Apricot Kernel Oil: Perfect light oil for face care including moisturizing oils and serums. Can be used as a light massage oil as it is easily absorbed. Good for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry, dehydrating, or maturing skin. High in oleic and linoleic fatty acids for skin nourishment.

3. Avocado Oil: This oil is packed with vitamins and nutrients for skin repair and healing from the outside in! It is a thicker oil, so use it in a blend of carrier oils to create a nutrient-rich body oil.

4. Fractionated Coconut Oil: This is a light, clear, and odorless oil, making it is a great carrier for essential oils. It’s also the perfect massage oil as it provides good lubrication and nice slip against skin.

5. Hempseed Oil: Put this oil on and step into the sun! This oil has many powers, from being a natural sun block, anti-inflammatory, and even contains high amounts of Vitamin E and antioxidants. Perfect as a light moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. And it wouldn’t hurt to add this oil to your diet, it’s known to make skin glow, nails stronger, and hair shinier!

6. Jojoba: Jojoba is a rich and luxurious liquid wax that is great as part of a body oil blend. It has a lightly nutty scent and is high in Vitamin E. It’s composition is similar to the skin’s natural oil, sebum. It is relatively expensive, but ideal for skin conditions and absorbs readily into skin.

7. Macadamia Oil: Macadamia is a luxurious oil that is great for especially sensitive skin. It is great for massage and moisturizing dry skin. Simply wonderful for babies!

8. Olive Oil: Olive is a good oil for skin care, especially dry skin. It makes an excellent conditioner for hair and nails. A good oil for making soaps, salves, and herbal infusions. And easy enough to get from your local store!

9. Sesame Seed Oil: This oil is nearly clear, with a golden hue, and is packed with Vitamin A and E. It is great in salves, lotions, and body oils for normal to dry skin types. Wonderful for aging skin like mine.

10. Sunflower Oil: Add this oil to your bath or apply to wet skin after a shower. This oil will help keep your skin soft and youthful. It has a soft nutty smell and is light in color. It also makes a great addition to your scrubs and massage oil blends!

To prolong the shelf-life of your carrier oils, open several Vitamin E capsules into the oil. This acts as a natural preservative and boosts the benefits of your oils. Also keeping your oil cool or refrigerated will aid in the lifespan.

What are your favorite carrier oils and why? Comment below!