Ravensara, My Boundaries are Clearly Defined

April 22, 2014

We are pleased to introduce a post by Evelyn Roberts. Growing up in rural Ontario, Evelyn spent many hours exploring and enjoying nature. She used to love gathering wildflowers, trying to preserve and sketch them. Aromatherapy has deepened Evelyn's appreciation and respect for mother nature and her healing potential. For nine years she has been a Certified Aromatherapist and a member of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. As an Aromatherapist, she incorporates essential oils in the massages she offers, energy healing treatments and the natural remedies she creates. Evelyn loves to learn and continually look for ways to expand her gifts as a healer. As such she has studied mediation, nutrition, Aromatic Kinesiology and has become a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner. She believes that all of us at some point have faced stressful events, fears, spiritual and physical challenges. Her goal is to create a safe, healing space for each client that allows you to leave restored, revitalized and supported. 

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As I navigate the twisty path of self awareness, meditation and my Clear Being workshops have revealed to me patterns and topics for contemplation. I recently came across the quote, Before I built a wall, I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out. Robert Frost This quote got me contemplating the walls I have and what purpose they serve. While my focus has been on resistance and my walls acting as barriers to a fuller, richer experience, once I read the Blossoming Heart Reflection for the oil this quote belonged to, I realized that walls can also be healthy such as when we create personal boundaries.

Ravensara smells similar to eucalyptus and contains 1,8cineole which is also found in eucalyptus. On a physical level, ravensara exhibits strong antiviral action, particularly against the flu, especially when combined with eucalyptus radiata. At the first signs of chills, shivers or tiredness, this is the first oil you should turn to. It is also highly effective in the treatment of bronchitis, rhinitis and sinusitis. It boosts the immune system and is an expectorant as well. Ravensara is also a good nerve tonic and can be used to revitalize people who suffer from physical or nervous fatigue.

On an emotional level, Ravensara teaches us about learning how to define one's boundaries. Defining and maintaining healthy boundaries is integral to self empowerment. As Robbi Zeck states in The Blossoming Heart, "Learn to say no! And remember "no" is a complete sentence. As we work with the energy of ravensara we move from a place of being tentative to a place of acting definite. We learn to become aware of our own needs and educate others how to treat us well.

When working with ravensara for emotional healing, place a drop of the oil in your palm or on a popsicle stick. Sit in quiet meditation and reflect on the affirmation, My boundaries are clearly defined. Ask yourself the following questions: Is there an area in your life where you feel taken advantage of in your relationships?, Do you find it difficult to say no? How could you set different boundaries? 1 As you allow each question to drop into your being like a pebble in the water, become aware of what images, emotions or insights come to you. Where do these emotions sit in your body. Allow yourself to be with whatever arises without judgement or action. Every time you find yourself faced with this challenge, incorporate ravensara into your routine by either adding a drop to a cotton ball and wearing it tucked in your bra, diffusing it, meditating with it, adding it to your bath and so on. Let ravensara remind you of the importance of setting healthy boundaries.

1. Zeck, Robbi. The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation Aroma Tours, Australia 2008 pg 109.

To find out more about Evelyn's work, you can visit her website: www.fragrantmelody.com

*Photo courtesy of http://www.olio-essenziale.it/ravensara.html 

Castor Oil for Health & Beauty

April 15, 2014

This week we are excited to feature a post  from Bonnie Purdy! Bonnie Purdy is a Certified Aromatherapy Health Professional, operating a home-based business Bon Esprit Aromatherapy, in Fergus, Ontario. She started her practice in 2013 and is currently expanding her range of services, offering “scent care for Body, Mind and Spirit”. Bonnie also enjoys practicing Therapeutic Touch as a Hospice Volunteer.

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The Castor Oil plant, known botanically as Ricinus communis, has been used since ancient times throughout the middle-east for health and beauty. During the middle ages it became known as the Palma Christi plant, or palm of Christ, due to its reputed healing abilities and the shape of the leaves which resemble a hand. The plant is exceptionally beautiful and grows wild in many tropical regions. During Edwardian times it was grown in the parks of Toronto, Canada. The Castor Oil plant seeds can be lethal due to the presence of a toxic protein, ricin, and therefore the Castor Oil plant is not recommended as an ornamental plant.

Castor Oil is a triglyceride comprised of fatty acids, 90 percent of which is ricinoleic acid, extracted from the castor seeds. The therapeutic grade of Castor Oil is not poisonous because the toxin, ricin, is denatured when the oil is processed. Castor Oil has been a staple in the medicine chests of North Americans for generations, as a purgative. It is “generally recognized as safe and effective” by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use as a laxative. This practice has subsided in recent times due to the application of more effective and gentler methods. Castor Oil however, has a broad array of lesser- known external uses.

The 20th Century Psychic Edgar Cayce popularized the use of the Castor Oil pack in healing. This involves placing a folded piece of wool flannel saturated with Castor Oil over the abdomen. A piece of plastic is placed on top to contain any messiness, with a hot water bottle over that. The pack can be stored in the refrigerator and reused. Castor Oil aids the body in eliminating toxins by increasing the flow of lymph throughout the body. The lymph system promotes healing by draining excess interstitial fluid, transporting dietary lipids (i.e. vitamins A, D, E and K) and carrying out immune responses.

Castor Oil is the richest natural source known of ricinoleic acid, its most active ingredient. Aiding the body to remove toxic waste is fundamental to Castor Oil’s healing action. However, ricinoleic acid exerts analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and is therefore useful for pain relief and to reduce swelling. It is also effective in preventing the growth of various species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungus. Formulations for eliminating skin tags, moles and liver spots, often include Castor Oil as one of the main ingredients.

Castor Oil is very thick and sticky, but absorbs well into the skin. It is an excellent carrier-oil for aromatherapy massage when mixed with other oils such as Grapeseed Oil or Coconut Oil, to give it more slip. Due to its lubricating and waterproofing properties Castor Oil is used in hair conditioning formulas. It also mixes well with essential oils and with wax and is used successfully in balms and lipsticks. As an emulsifier, it can be used to make aromatic soaps.

The practical use of Castor Oil seems endless, but, be sure to use a cold-pressed therapeutic grade. It’s usually readily available at a local pharmacy. If you’d like to try a Castor Oil Skin balm, try this simple recipe, compliments of Bon Esprit Aromatherapy.

CASTOR OIL SKIN BALM

Ingredients

1/3 cup of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

1/4 cup of Therapeutic Castor Oil

1 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel

5 inch square of pure Bees Wax (Honeycomb Sheet)

10 drops pure Lavender Essential Oil

10 drops pure Frankincense Essential Oil

5 drops pure Patchouli Essential Oil

5 drops pure Juniper Berry Essential Oil

5 drops pure Coriander Essential Oil

Method

Use caution with oils and wax around a heat source and don't leave unattended. In a small stainless steel pot, melt the Coconut Oil at a low temperature and remove from the heat. Break the square of sheet wax into it and stir until it melts. Add the Castor Oil and stir. While it’s cooling it will become opaque. This will take some time.

Add the Aloe Vera Gel and the Essential Oils before the mixture sets, and stir. As it begins to set, whip it to a creamy texture. Let it cool completely. If you are not satisfied with the consistency of it you can reheat it at a low temperature and add more wax for a firmer mix, or more Coconut Oil for a creamier mix. It makes approximately 2/3’s cup of balm.

Scoop it into a small jar, or jars, ideally dark coloured glass. It can be stored at room temperature. This balm is great to rub on the rough skin of your heels and elbows, as well as on brown skin spots and moles.

Enjoy!

Dry Shampoo and Essential Oils

April 8, 2014

This week we are excited to have a Feature Blogger in residence. This week's blog comes from Beverley Hawkins of West Coast Aromatherapy. Beverley is an Essential Oil Therapist, Registered Aromatherapist, massage therapist, reflexologist, Reiki master,  Bach Flower Registered Practictioner, and educator. You can find out more about Beverley and West Coat Aromatherapy at www.westcoastaromatherapy.com and 

www.beverleyhawkins.com

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Have you ever realized that even though your hair should be washed you just don’t have time today? You could try using a Dry Shampoo, particularly one that has been customized with essential oils and would be great for your type of hair.

Dry shampoos are both easy to make and easy to use.

There are a number of different powders and starches that would work well in absorbing the oil from the air. You could consider using something you already might have in your kitchen cabinet like baking soda, corn starch, corn meal, cocoa powder, arrowroot or clays. White clay is good for all types of hair, while green clay is said to be especially good for oily hair. Mix the dry ingredients together well in a small glass bowl, slowly add your essential oils one drop at a time and then put into a clean spice shaker bottle. These make great dispensers for dry shampoo. If you don’t want to use the spice shaker bottle you could use an old make up brush to apply the powder to the hair roots.

Recipe 1

6 Tablespoons clay (white or green)

4 Tablespoons corn starch

30 drops essential oil

Recipe 2

(for Dark Hair)

2 Tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch

2 Tablespoon cocoa powder

10 – 12 drops essential oil

Recipe 3

(for Lighter Hair)

4 Tablespoons arrowroot or cornstarch

10 – 12 drops essential oil

You can find ideas for essential oils blends for your kind of hair in the ArticleEssential Oils and Hair CareTo Use: Comb out your hair well to remove all tangles. Section hair into parts and shape small amounts of the shampoo near the scalp along the lines of the parting. Use your finger tips to work the powder evenly into the hair, focusing on the roots. If your hair needs freshening up you could brush the powder down along the length of the hair to its tips.

If you are in a really big hurry you could try just dusting your hands with the powder mixture and then rubbing it in on the roots of your hair, focusing mainly on your part line and around the sides of your face and temples. The warmth of your hands will help to blend it in.Wait for about 5 – 10 minutes to allow the powder to absorb the oil from your hair.Finally, comb and brush the powder completely out of your hair. Some people like to use a hair dryer to help the process along.

Remember: You don’t want to apply too much powder, just enough to absorb some of the grease and you don’t want to have it build up on the scalp.

http://www.westcoastaromatherapy.com/category/blog/

http://www.beverleyhawkins.com/

What's in Your Sunscreen?

March 31, 2014

Summer is on its way, or at least we hope so! With the onset of warmer weather comes the beautiful sunshine. It soon will be time to slather on that sunscreen to avoid the damaging UVA and UVB rays. But before you reach for your sunblock check the ingredients list because not all sunscreens are created equal.

Some sunscreens use chemical ingredients, like avobenzone and benzophenone,  that absorb UVA/UVB radiation. These chemical ingredients can sometimes cause acne, itching, rash, and stinging sensations.

Other sunscreens use physical compounds, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that reflect and scatter UVA/UVB rays. Unlike the chemical ingredients, physical ingredients do not usually cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.

 The first thing to be concious of when deciding what type of sunscreen is best for you is to determine what spectrum of light the sunscreen protects you from. Zinc oxide is a full spectrum blocker that helps to reflect UVA , UVB, and even UVC rays, while titanium dioxide generally only provides adequate protection from UVB and some UVA radiation.

The second thing to look out for is nano-oxides. Nanoparticles are one-twentieth the thickness of a human hair, and therefore are easily absorbed by the skin and can be harmful for living cells and organs. Many sunscreens contain nano-particles of physical ingredients as they are more transparent on the skin. However, the damage that they can cause to our health and well-being is not necessarily worth the price. 

So, next time you reach for your sunscreen glance over the ingredients list. And remember to reapply every few hours, especially after swimming and rigorous excercise!

For more information on sunscreens and staying safe in the sun check out these links:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/sunscreen.pdf

http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens

You can also check out GLOW's new summer line (coming in a few weeks) that includes a lovely sun lotion bar that uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide safe broad spectrum coverage.

Peppermint to the rescue!

March 18, 2014

Here at GLOW we are joyfully anticipating the sites and sounds of summer - a time filled with festivals, picnics, bike rides, and more! But, with the onset of the warmer weather, little creatures begin to stir. Instead of racing to the shop to buy an assortment of chemicals to stop spiders, mice, and other critters from invading your home-sweet-home  give peppermint a try!

Did you know that peppermint essential oil can help ward off pests like spiders? While spiders have their place in this world and are a natural control of other bug populations, for arachnophobes they can be an eight-legged nightmare. Try sprinkling a few drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and stick them in doorways, cracks and crevices, and anywhere else you may have seen these crawlers. You can also mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle, give it a shake, and spritz in problem zones. Not only will it help keep unwanted critters at bay, it will leave your home smelling absolutely delightful! Make sure you use only 100% peppermint oil as some oils will contain sweeteners that will attract the creatures you are looking to keep away.

Peppermint oils also has other wonderful benefits. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness! You can try out peppermint's amazing abilities at home by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with a tsp of your favourite base oil, like almond or olive oil, and mix well. Apply a few drops of this blend on your temples, and back of your neck and shoulders to keep you mentally sharp throughout the day. 

Remember to avoid contact with your eyes and wash your hands very well after working with peppermint oil.  You can also try out this wonderful oil in GLOW's Study-Aid Balm, and Lucky Lip Balm today! 

The Wonderful Rose

March 2, 2014

Rose essential oil is a superstar of the essential oil family. With its amazing healing properties rose oil is beneficial for all skin types. Its emolliant properties make it a superb moisturizer for deeply dry and damaged skin, and its natural antispectic and astringent properties make it great for those suffering from acne.  Rose oil can also refine and tone the skin and aid in the healing process of psoriasis and dermatitis. 

Beyond the skin, rose essential oil has excellent aromotherapy qualities. A recent 2012 study* found that rose oil, paired with lavender, helped to reduce anxiety and depression in postpartum patients.  Rose oil has also been found to help to treat stress and depression**

For more information on this wonderful essential oil check out these links: 

http://www.rosemagazine.com/pages/therapeutic.asp

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aromatherapy/a/Rose-Essential-Oil.htm

*http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22789792

**http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22484603

Seasonal Affective Disorder

February 21, 2014

Do you find yourself feeling tired, craving carb-rich foods and generally feeling kind of sad? Then you may have some of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But fear not, you're not alone! The Mood Disorders Society of Canada estimates that around 15%  or 5.3 million people in Canada suffer  from symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Although SAD is pretty poorly understood, one theory suggests that the hormone responsible for sleep, melatonin, is to blame. The shorter days during winter equates to less sunlight, which means that melatonin is produced in much higher quantities than during the warm and bright summer months. 

Another key idea focuses on the hormone seratonin, which is responsible for happiness. It is believed that lowered amounts of socialisation and physical exertion, which typically comes with harsher weather conditions, results in a reduction in the production of seratonin causing feelings of anxiety and  general depression. 

Some natural remedies for SAD include: 

1. Getting outside for at least for 30 minutes each day: Walk the dog, go for a hike, walk to your local grocery store instead of driving.

2. Purchase a light box: These mimic the suns rays and trick the body into thinking it's not a cold, dark winter day. Best used between 6am-8am each day.

3. Try aromatherapy! Citrus oils help uplift and energize the spirit. Sweet orange, grapefruit, and lime are wonderful for this. You can also try pairing petitgrain & bergamot, and rosemary & basil. Use with vaporizer, a few drops in the bath, or mix with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage.

4. Eat more Omega-3 rich fish. One study showed that people in Iceland and Japan have far lower than exepected rates of SAD; the study suggested that high consumption of fish in both contries was the reason for this trend. 

5. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume each day.

6. Get moving! As little as 30 minutes of activity a day can help uplift your spirits through the release of  "happy chemicals" like endorphins. And if you go outside for a walk, skate, ski, or jog then you can also maximixe your light exposure!

Happy Februrary GLOWers!