Tag Archives: essential oils

Stressed? Yeah me too… 

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Stress, stress, stress. Can I just move to an island and grow my own food and let my kids run wild… and not watch them fight over the ipad, or who wore the other ones socks, of whether or not I remembered to pay the rates bill, or fix the doorbell, or clean the potty OR spray stain remover on the kids’ clothes? Every morning, we go from the breakfast table/floor/kitchen counter to the slog of dressing (when noooo ooooone wants to remove pj’s), to nappies to noise to lunch boxes and school bags and lost water bottles, trying to remember to pack swimming togs and food for extra play and whether or today is a Fit Kids t-shirt wearing day and and aaaaaaaaand.

Once I have lost almost every ounce of patience, self control, and brain space, I make a mad dash into work, realize I left my lunch at home, forgot to give my kid a ‘show and tell’ item, and then see that there is dried oats on my pants.

Not stressed at all.

Enter – stress relieving essential oils. Ahhhhh. Essential oils. If you aren’t quite clued in, essential oils are the highly concentrated fragrant essences found in plants. The leaves, flowers, fruits or roots of the plants are usually steam distilled or cold pressed to extract this aromatic liquid.

I love SOiL Essential Oils because they are organic and Ecocert certified. This means that the herbs, shrubs and other plants that provide the oils are grown on land that is not exposed to herbicides, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Winning all round.

I feel like essential oils are a bit like the ocean. Strange comparison – but stick with me here. When I look at the ocean (from, say, the top of Chapman’s Peak), I see this beautiful vast gorgeous sheet of water, but only when I have a chance to stop and think, can I begin to imagine the intricate ecosystem below, its vast depth; from the tiniest fish and piece of coral to the hugest and most majestic blue whale.

Essential oils are the same (kinda). They look cute in their neat little bottles and smell nice when opened, but once you dig deeper, those powerful little drops of oil can greatly contribution to ones life, health, healing, and restoration.

Here are the top 6 essential oils for stress relief:

Frankincense 

Frankincense, also known as Olibanum, is obtained from steam distillation of the gum resin. It has been used for 1000’s of years as incense in religious ceremonies. I know of Frankincense from the birth of Jesus :). Its centering aroma slows the nervous system and promotes a feeling of calm and introspection (Mary probably needed it), and a few drops in an essential oil burner can aid concentration and meditation. R100.00 (5ml)

Safety Information: Do not use during pregnancy.

*Frankincense smells similar to eucalyptus to me. I love the ancient heritage and how it can contribute to effective mindfulness.* 

Rose Geranium

Geraniums originate from South Africa and were introduced into Europe in the 17thC. The essential oil is distilled from the leaves and branches of the plant. Geranium is known to lift the spirit and relieve anxiety. It is useful in treating PMS and menopausal problems. R115.00 (10ml)

Safety Information: May cause skin irritation in some individuals

Lavender

Lavender is the most popular and versatile oil in aromatherapy. It’s a must for the first aid box – a great oil for skin conditions where there is inflammation, burns, scarring etc. Lavender is also well known for its relaxing, antidepressant and calming properties, and for treating headaches and insomnia as well as benefiting throat infections, colds and flu. R70.00 (10ml)

*I love Lavender – it is SO versatile! I literally keep a bottle in my bag and give it a sniff when I need to chill out. This is my go-to in my home diffuser.*

Ylang Ylang

Originating from South-East Asia, Cananga odorata is a fast-growing, tall evergreen tree, which produces large yellow-green, strongly scented flowers. Ylang Ylang has an intoxicating floral aroma. It is calming and soothes mentally, physically and emotionally. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. R80.00 (10ml)

Safety Information: Excessive use may cause nausea or headache are must be taken to always keep the oil away from children.

Melissa

Melissa oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It is sometimes referred to as the bee balm. It has anti-depressant properties and is indicated for insomnia, hysteria and irritability. It is also an anti-spasmodic and is reputed to regulate the digestive system, relieving stomach cramps and nausea.  R220.00 (2.5ml)

Contraindications: A possible sensitizer and dermal irritant

Vetiver

Vetiver is a tall grass, native to India. It is sometimes used to prevent soil erosion due to its network of roots. It is these fibrous roots which are cleaned, dried and distilled to produce the sweet earthy smelling oil. Vetiver is often used in perfumery and is a valuable oil for relieving anxiety and depression due to its grounding nature. It is suggested as a good oil to strengthen the skin as well as being beneficial to the musculo-skeletal system due to its ability to promote blood flow. R150.00 (10ml)

*Vetiver caught me off guard with its potent peppery/earthy scent*.

Book a massage, grab your oils, take some time out, diffuse, sniff and relax.

*If you are not sure about certain oils or have not used them before, please contact your health practitioner before use. Please be smart and educate yourselves on the dangers of essential oils before using them. Using essential oils in conjunction with carrier oils is encouraged.

*Essentail oils are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mums, or on sensitive skins such as babies’ skin. All preggos must be very careful when using essential oils. 

*If you are not keen on using an undiluted essential oil directly on your skin (which many aren’t), you can dilute it with a carrier oil – such as almond, apricot kernel, grape seed, rose hip etc. 

Feaured image: www.aromasense.co.nz

Homemade Laundry Powder- DIY

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Some things are worth doing yourself, and some… well maybe not. Making my own laundry powder hadn’t been high on my DIY priority list, but a conversation with a friend turned into an inspired comparison between two different homemade powders – mine and hers (which we then had to get to making).

I never thought much about laundry powder until I had to wash cloth nappies and needed baby-safe washing powder that didn’t clog the (super absorbent) nappies with detergents. Also, I needed something that was safe for baby’s sensitive skin.

I think we’ve agreed that at R60+ for 1kg (exclu essential oils and vinegar) this might be one of those things I outsource – it does seem a tad expensive. But for a green brand… maybe not? Next one I want to try is the Nu-Eco. I do like Better Earth one, and it comes in a 1L and 5L (which works out to be R75 per L). There are a number of good green brands making washing powder, but it’s up to you if you’re wanting the satisfaction of making your own. It is pretty satisfying.

Righteo, so here is the Homemade Laundry Powder I made (by Mommypotamous).

Ingredients:

Additional items handy to have on hand:

  • non-GMO white vinegar
  • food processor

Instructions:

Firstly, you have to turn your bicarb of soda into baking soda, and here’s how:

Pour your bicarb onto (clean and dry) baking trays and bake in the oven on 200 degrees C for about 30min, giving it a little juggle/mix around midway so it all bakes evenly.

When you take it out, it should have changed from a powdery substance (which you can clump together) into tiny individual grains… like this…


Then:

1. Cut your castile soap into small chunks and add it to the food processor along with the washing soda.

2. Blend until you have a fine powder. You may want to lay a dish towel over the top of your food processor to prevent a fine mist of powder from floating into the air. Also, let it settle a bit before opening the container or the powder will float onto your kitchen counter.

3. Pour into a clean container (keep the essential oil next to the jar and add 5 drops with each load)

To Use:

These instructions are for a top loader.

  1. Add 2-3 tablespoons laundry detergent per load. If you are washing in cold water, dissolve it in hot water before adding it in.
  2. If desired, add about five drops of lemon (I used lemongrass) essential oil as a degreaser.
  3. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.

And, a side note: all of the ingredients in this recipe are considered septic system safe.

I enjoyed making this. And I enjoyed using it (despite dissolving in hot water and adding essential oil and vinegar separately – which I’ll admit requires extra effort). I still need to pre-treat stains, but my linen smells beautifully lemongrassy-fresh.

I guess the jury is still out on if this is something I’m going to add to my day-to-day. What have you tried, which you think might be better store bought? Or is homemade always better?

xxx

Homemade Deodorant

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It gives me great joy to see in our shower currently: honest shampoo and conditioner, pure castile body soap, a homemade face scrub, a coconut body scrub and a natural face wash. I’m slowly but surely swapping out the old and bringing in happy, honest and more natural replacements – slowly, one at a time, in a sustainable manner. Let’s.not.get.crazy.

Something I’ve been meaning to try my hand at for a while is homemade deodorant, but it’s never been at the top of my priority list. Maybe that’s because I’m a mum and I’m more concern about cloth diapering and making the gazillionth batch of homemade wipes, and buying cherry tomatoes by the bucket load (are your kids also popping cherry tomatoes like sweets?)… and and and.

Our underarms (and what we smear on them) are frighteningly close to our breasts. My mom has had breast cancer, and I have previously found lumps (which turned out to be cysts), and it’s scary. You don’t need to be a scientist to see how much awful stuff makes up your sweet watermelon smelling roll on (which, I’ll be honest, at one time I was a little obsessed with). Most deodorants and anti-perspirants contain aluminum, parabens and propylene glycol. WAIT! There is ALUMINIUM in your deo?!? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat???

I was inspired when a friend said she’d made a batch and was super impressed with it, so I grabbed a quick moment once the kids were in bed (and after my delicious SOiL shea butter order had arrived) and I got to it. I’d looked at a number of recipes and Homemaker Chic‘s deo sounded seriously convincing. It’s easy as, and quick! Tricky and tedious don’t work for me.

We all sweat, and it can smell. It’s normal. But I’ve noticed, when I’m breastfeeding, I perspire like Federer playing Djokovic and it STINKS. So, this deo needed to be right up there with the best of the best. And it is. Oh man. This is the truth peeps. I absolutely CANNOT smell my underarms, no matter how far into my pits I can get my nose.

Taking Homemaker Chic‘s recipe as my foundation, I made a couple changes, and this is what it came out with…

Ingredients: 

  • 1/4 cup bicarb of soda
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
  • 3 Tbsp (organic) coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp icing sugar
  • 1 Tbsp (organic) shea butter
  • 10-15 drops tea tree essential oil (or any other EE you’d prefer)
  • Small jar or empty deodorant tube stick

Method:

In a double boiler (or in a glass jug placed in a pot of boiling water), melt the shea butter.

Once the shea butter is melted, add your coconut oil, and your essential oil of choice. You can really use any scent you like – do your research on the properties of certain oils. Some people like to use tea tree oil in their recipes for its anti-fungal properties. Get creative and go wild!

Once your oils are blended add in the icing sugar. The purpose of the icing sugar is that when the sugar combines with your natural body sweat it creates a sort of osmotic substance that then becomes a natural antiperspirant! Madness. I mean what’s not to love about sugar (besides the obvious). I do find that I still sweat a bit, but not excessively. Dissolve the sugar using a small whisk.

Keeping the mixture over the heat, begin stirring in the bicarb of soda, and arrowroot powder, adding it slowly. You will see it start to thicken.

Once everything is well incorporated, you can pour the mix into either the jar or a deodorant stick (I haven’t tried a deo stick – but I think I will try one as I get more daring). Allow it to set up at room temperature for a couple hours. I poured my deodorant into a small mason jar. With the jar you just have to spread about half a fingertip amount of the deodorant on your underarms. It might seem a little firm at first, so you might want to soften it between your fingers before applying but mine sort-of melts onto my skin. Voila!

IMG_1854

And there you have it! Happy, honest, homemade deo. Who would have thought! Let me know if you’ve tried something similar and how it worked out for you…

x

Tam’s Natural Homemade Face Scrub

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Roll up your sleeves, we’re getting our DIY on.

Recently a friend of mine in Durbs sent me this recipe for a homemade face scrub she was making for her boyfriend who had really sensitive skin. Every now and then we send each other a quick message about what essential oils to buy or where to get witch hazel – you know… those kinds of things.

This scrub includes old used coffee grinds (from the bottom of the Bodum) and so in a moment of inspiration as I was washing out the plunger (preparing to make myself another cuppa), I grabbed an empty jar and threw it all together.

Now, I have heard horror stories about scrubs and while I’ve made my own body scrub before, the delicate skin on your face is a different ball game. So I spoke to my Beauty Blogger friend Emmy at Rouge Beauty, and she gave me some really insightful info into the benefits and dangers of exfoliating.

Baaaaasically, (let me summarize), using a scrub is important for the health of your skin (face), but OVER exfoliating can scratch and cause damage to your dermis. So don’t be getting all over-excited, and make the scrub and then go nuts like there’s no tomorrow. Exfoliating gets rid of  old and dead skin, which has often collected pollutants and general nonsense in the air. It is recommended that you gently exfoliate (or use a scrub) about once a week, and less frequently as you get older. Also, she emphasized, to use a sunscreen (always), but especially the day following. Got it? Good!

Here is what you need:

– 2 T old coffee grinds (yes, the stuff at the bottom of your plunger!)

– 2 T of honey (you can use sugar or molasses, but I prefer honey)

– 2 T olive oil

– 1 T almond oil

– 15 drops of an essential oil (Tam recommends tea tree oil). Essential oils are always optional as they can cause sensitivity. Since my skin is not super sensitive, I added in lemon tea tree. Ohhhhh fresh! 

And then in her words: ‘I added two squirts of my dermalogic face wash to make it a bit more “face washy” for him’. Ha ha ha. You could use castille soap, but I left this out.

I have LOVED using this scrub. I keep my jar in the shower and as prescribed, scrub gently once a week. I also love the natural oil-on-oil method of cleaning and have found my skin to feel really soft, clear and healthy after. Yay.

Thanks Tam!

‘How To’ Essential Oils: Eucalyptus

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Continuing my exploration into the mysterious world of essential oils – I thought, with winter now in full-on mode, my next essential oil I’d like to unpack is eucalyptus.

We’ve all heard of eucalyptus and no doubt you all know the smell. If our cuddly Koala friends love this plant, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t. I mean look at him…

koala on tree

Eucalyptus

Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of eucalyptus, thanks to our friends at SOiL and DoTERRA.

Due to the many influential compounds found in eucalyptus, it is a common ingredient in throat drops and chest ointments. Eucalyptus is used widely both for its calming and clearing properties as well as to support breathing.

Here’s how you can use it effectively…

Sleep: Put one drop on the bottom of  your feet before you go to bed for a more restful sleep. (I’m trying this tonight!)

Baths: Add 5 – 10 drops of essential oil(s) to a warm run bath. If skin is sensitive, blend the essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil first. Close the door so the vapours don’t escape. Soak for at least 10 minutes relaxing and breathing deeply. For added moisturising dilute the oils in 10ml of carrier before adding to the bath.

Massage: Add 5 – 6 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil. Mix thoroughly and apply liberally to the skin.

Inhalations: Add 4 – 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head, close your eyes and lean over the bowl. Inhale the vapour for a few minutes.

Burners and Diffusers: Fill the bowl of the burner/vaporiser with water and then add 3 – 6 drops of essential oil. Light the candle and the oil will evaporate as the water heats up. Do not let the bowl dry out. Eucalyptus blends well with Wild Orange, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oil.

Compress: Recommended when the area is too painful to massage. Dip a towel or cloth in 4-5 drops of essential oil and 200ml hot or hold water and wring out. Cover the affected area with this compress. Then place a plastic wrap over this and a towel or blanket on top. Leave the compress on for 2-4 hours.

Cleaning Spray: Mix water, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint in a spray bottle for a cleaning spray.

Before Exercise: Rub onto chest or bottom of feet before exercising, using a carrier oil if you’re nervous about the intensity of an EO directly onto your skin.

As always…

Safety Information: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used with care. They should be diluted in a suitable carrier oil when applying to the skin and should not be used on children under 18 months. Essential oils are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Do not take internally, and if ever uncertain consult an aromatherapy practitioner for professional advice. Be wise!

TRY THIS RECIPE:

Here is a recipe (thanks to Wellness Mama) that I have used when making my own Natural Vapour Rub. I couldn’t bring myself to use a store-bought vapour rub (full of petroleum and nonsense) on my kids when they were babies and so I made my own. I love it, and feel confident when using on the bubs when cough season comes round.

Homemade Natural Vapour Rub

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Melt beeswax with oil of choice in a double boiler until just melted.
  2. Add the essential oils (use half the amount for a baby version or dilute with coconut oil before using)
  3. Stir until well mixed and pour into some type of container with a lid to store. Little tins work well, as do small jars. I also always make a few in lip chap sticks to keep in my purse or use on baby feet.
  4. Use as needed to help sooth coughing and congestion.

Photo credit: Wilson Promontory National park in Australia, and NAHA.

‘How To’ Essential Oils: Lavender

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If you’re anything like me, essential oils intrigue you, but they intimidate you more.

Recently, I’ve been hearing of the powerful health benefits of essential oils almost everywhere I go and so, I have turned over a new leaf (excuse the pun) and have committed to learn about and become friends with this beautifully wonder-ful natural liquid.

What exactly essential oils are: (if you aren’t actually quite sure)

‘A true essential oil is the volatile (readily vaporised) liquid component of aromatic plants and trees. They occur in different parts of the plant depending on the species of plant; leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, rind etc. These precious essences are commonly collected by a process of steam distillation of the plant material. Expression (pressing) of the fruit’s rind is the method that is used for citrus oils and certain fragile scented flower oils must be solvent extracted in order to capture their fragrances. Solvent extracted essential oils cannot be certified as organic as a result of the chemical solvents (such as petroleum and hexane) that are used during the extraction process.’ SOiL Essential Oil.

‘If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health care practices’. – doTERRA Essential Oil.

First up – Lavender.

They say that if you only ever use one essential oil, this should be it. And no, if you own lavender essential oil it doesn’t have to mean you’re either a massage therapist or a granny.

We’ve ALL heard of lavender essential oil. It’s in everything. When I say it’s in everything, it’s either refers to the oil itself, or a fake, man-made parfum version, imitating its goodness and ‘natural’ health properties. Sadly, we’re probably more exposed to the latter.

Lavender is the most popular and most versatile oil in aromatherapy. It’s a must for the first aid box – a great oil for skin conditions where there is inflammation, burns, scarring, etc. Lavender is also well known for its relaxing, antidepressant and calming properties and for treating headaches and insomnia as well as benefiting throat infections, colds and flu. It is also really not that expensive. And you use a drop at a time – literally. Buy it right now.

Let’s get practical with lavender then shall we?

Here are my top 5 uses for organic Lavender essential oil (my brain can only hold a few ideas at once so instead of pasting millions of uses, here are 5 you can try):

To get rid of tension headaches. Just rub some on your temples for a soothing tension headache remedy.

Soothe yourself to sleep. Use some lavender essential oil on your pillow by applying it with your hands or place several drops in some water and mist it on.

Make bedtime more relaxing for your child. If your child has a favourite blanket or stuffed toy, place a couple drops of lavender essential oil on it every so often to help ease them to sleep. You can also create a ‘calm down’ bath. Add some lavender essential oil to their nighttime bath and it will help create a calming effect while getting ready for bed. I’m TOTALLY trying this with my toddler.

Help ease sinus issues. Rub some lavender oil on your chest to help clear simuses due to allergies or the common cold. I’m TOTALLY trying this on my hubby.

Use on bee stings and insect bites. Lavender can help the irritating and painful feelings of bee stings as well as insect bites. Apply one or two drops as you would a bee sting/insect bite cream. This works exceptionally well on mosquito bites too.

There are a million more uses for lavender essential oil – creating your own ‘dryer sheets’, helping prevent dandruff, hay fever, cold sores, dermatitis, chapped lips, nausea, motion sickness, cuts, nosebleeds, eczema and as it being a flavour enhancer.

What are your favourite ways to use lavender essential oil? Let me know by posting them below.

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*If you are not sure about certain oils or have not used them before, please contact your health practitioner before use. Please be smart and educate yourselves on the dangers of essential oils before using them. Using essential oils in conjunction with carrier oils is encouraged.

*Essentail oils are not recommended for pregnant or nursing mums, or on sensitive skins such as babies’ skin. All preggos must be very careful when using essential oils. 

*If you are not keen on using an undiluted essential oil directly on your skin (which many aren’t), you can dilute it with a carrier oil – such as almond, apricot kernel, grape seed, rose hip etc.