Natural Skincare & Essential Oils

May 6, 2014

This week's feature blog comes from the wonderful Vivien Allen. Vivien is a certified Aromatherapist & Herbalist, and she has a strong background in Physics & Chemistry. In her lab Vivien crafts herbal medicines  & oils, serums, and detergents. Overall, Vivien is an expert in her field of Aromatherapy and natural skincare. 

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Do you know what is in the products that you use every day ? Do you read the ingredients on the products that you just put on your skin? Your skin is your body’s largest organ, everything that you put on your skin will enter into your body .

Ten years ago after going through many health issues, I decided to do research on all the products that I was using. I looked at the ingredients in my laundry detergent, fabric softener, shampoo, skincare & even cleaning products. I quickly discovered that there are many dangerous chemicals in all the products that we use every day. Since synthetic ingredients are economical, stable & accessible, large companies often find it necessary to turn to synthetic alternatives. Many people have allergic reactions to these chemicals mainly due to the use of synthetic fragrance, colorants, preservatives & petroleum based ingredients.

These chemicals can cause allergies, headaches, migraines, mental depression, and even cancer. After reading these horror stories about dangerous chemicals, I decided that I am going to make everything that I put on my skin. I also make my own cleaning product, laundry & dish detergent. Since then, I'v gotten rid of my childhood allergies & migraines.

For the last ten years, using natural & aromatherapy products has been a major part of my life. I make aromatherapy products for naturopathic, homeopathic & osteopathic doctors.

I make some of my own therapeutic grade essential oils & herbal oils that I use in my practice. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years offering tremendous therapeutic benefits. You too can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home. It is easy to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine. Use therapeutic grade essential oils only as these oils give you the greatest benefits. My favorite essential oils are Lavender & Roman Chamomile. It is very useful to keep a bottle of Lavender & Roman Chamomile essential oils in your medicine cabinet. Below is a list of some of the things that you can use these oils for.

For Migraines & headache – Massage your neck & forehead with lavender or marjoram oil mixed into a 5 ml carrier oil. Headache & migraines are often caused by tension or stress. (You can also try out GLOW's Head-Ease Essential Oil Balm).

For burns or sunburn, apply a blend of Lavender & Roman Chamomile oil into a carrier oil. This blend will help those with eczema as well. Here is a special blend that you can try. 2 drops of Roman Chamomile, 6 drops of lavender, 20 ml of carrier oil such as Avocado, Grape seed or Olive oil. (Check out GLOW's Sunkissed Spray).

For insomnia, try a warm aromatic bath containing with 5 drops of lavender & 5 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil. Then treat yourself to a hot cup of chamomile tea. (You can also find relief using GLOW's Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Balm).

For the mysterious pimple on your face, try zapping it with lavender oil. Apply 1 drop of lavender oil directly to the spot and leave overnight. (Or try GLOW's Acne Spot Treatment Serum). 

Hornet or bee stings – Apply 1 to 2 drops of Roman Chamomile topical to the area & massage into the area.

For infants, it can be used in a diluted form to sooth an irritated & teething infant.For women, Roman Chamomile is used to relieve PMS and abdominal pain.

Vivien Allen, 

Certified Aromatherapist

For more information on aromatherapy and essential oils, you may contact Vivien at: vallen@flawlesskin.com

Rosacea and Essential Oils

April 28, 2014

GLOW is pleased to feature a post by an outstanding aromatherapist, Colleen Thompson. Colleen  has worked in the field of Aromatherapy since 1995 and has been a Registered Aromatherapist since 1998. She was the owner of two Saje franchises from 1996 – 2002. After leaving Saje, she operated her second aromatherapy business, TAP from home for 2 years and then opened her combination aromatherapy retail store and spa (TAP) in Fort Langley, BC. Colleen Thompson is the President of the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Association of Practising Aromatherapists (BCAPA), is on the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapists Board of Directors (BCAOA) as Secretary and is on the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists Board of Directors (CFA) as Secretary.

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I must admit I’ve never had great skin but in my mid-thirties it really started to act up. It started with redness on my cheeks and nose and would really act up when I ate spicy foods, had a little wine or was lacking in sleep. As time went on I started to break out in large pustules and my nose would become quite red and would throb. My doctor diagnosed it as adult acne and put me on antibiotics, which didn’t help at all. I started going for weekly facials and buying more and more expensive skin care products in search of a remedy but nothing worked, and in fact some products made it worse. It wasn’t until I became interested in aromatherapy about five years later that I realized I had a condition called Rosacea.

Rosacea is a chronic and often complex disorder of the facial skin that that is becoming increasingly widespread as the large baby boomers generation enters the most susceptible ages. It is often characterized by flare-ups and remissions.

Often referred to as adult acne, this typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. In some cases, rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Left untreated, bumps and pimples often develop, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. In some people, the eyes are also affected, feeling irritated and appearing watery or bloodshot.

Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated.

Once I realized that I was dealing with an entirely different skin condition from my doctor’s diagnosis I immediately stopped using the expensive skin care and going for the weekly facials that were obviously doing nothing for the condition and were causing a serious hit to my pocketbook. I began researching essential oils that were reputed to be beneficial for rosacea with no real expectation that they would have much effect. I was in for a pleasant surprise when the pustules and redness immediately started to decrease and to be honest I would have been satisfied with just that outcome, however as time went on my skin became more healthy and vibrant. Now 20 years later, my rosacea is no longer an issue, my skin is clear and glowing and my pocketbook is much happier!

Essential oils to use for rosacea include:

Top: Bergamot, Cajeput, Lemon

Middle: Chamomile (German), Cypress, Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Petitgrain

Bottom: Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver                      

The Sensitive Skin Serum from Glow along with the Refresh Toner both contain some of the above essential oils along with some excellent hydrosols that are also recommended for Rosacea.

Colleen Thompson RA®; EOT®; CAHP.

For more information on Colleen Thompson and her work visit: 

www.essenceofthyme.ca

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.