Juniper berry essential oil is distilled from the berry-like, female seed cones of Juniperus communis. It is commonly grown and distilled in the Balkans, France, and Italy. The “berries” are green when young and take two to three years to ripen to purple-black with a waxy-blue coating. This coating is actually wild yeast that may be used as a starter for sourdough bread. Juniper is classified under the ancient Cupressaceae family, which includes the great sequoia redwood and cypress trees. This rugged conifer is the most widespread of all conifers in the world; found throughout the Northern READ MORE
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Simple and Natural Facial Care for Men
Daily skin care is hardly a topic of discussion amongst males. I wonder what percentage of guys are even conscious of what they do to their skin on a daily basis. You may already be in somewhat of a routine. If you shave regularly you are actually exfoliating (that’s a fancy word for helping your skin remove dead skin cells). If you grow a beard you are protecting the skin underneath from UV rays and, hopefully, feeding that beard with all natural beard oil. Clean shaven or bearded, remember around your eyes and your forehead could use a few seconds of care on the regular. You don’t have READ MORE
Supporting Salve to Help Little Ones through the Wintry Months
He who wants a rose must respect the thorn – Persian Proverb As parents, we want the best for our children, and using effective, naturally-derived aromatic medicines sure is a treat. However, as we are dealing with precious little ones, it is especially important that we use essential oils that are deemed safe – certain molecules in essential oils can cause adverse reactions in children, while other molecules are generally regarded as safe. It is our responsibility as caregivers and guiders of these young souls to always research essential oils before using them, and conduct research from a READ MORE
Essential Oil Allies: Scots Pine
Clear, regenerate, and start over with the aid of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Scots Pine essential oil is distilled from the needles of Pinus sylvestris, the world’s most widespread conifer after Juniperus communis. Its range spans Europe, Asia and was introduced to North America by the Europeans. Commonly known as Scots or Scotch pine, it is the national tree of Scotland. This ancient, prolific and adaptable gymnosperm of the Pinaceae family is notably grown and distilled in France, Bosnia and Herzegovina for its volatile essence. Hardy and sun loving, P. sylvestris is a pioneer READ MORE
Set Powerful Intentions with the Upcoming New Year Supermoon
2018 rings in merry and bright! The first full moon of the year, also known as the full Wolf Moon, occurs on New Year's Day. It also happens to be the largest moon of the entire year. January 2018 brings us three magical lunations— two of which are full, supermoons! So, what exactly does this mean for the year to come? This full supermoon fosters closure, deep intuitive feelings, and moving forward with big projects. Traditionally, January’s full moon is known as the Wolf Moon because Native American tribes recognized packs who howled in famine during the moon’s rising. This month is READ MORE
Radiate Light with these Winter Solstice Essential Oils
It’s the winter solstice this week and to mark the occasion I’ve been spending some time with a few different essential oils that usually never make it into my little bag that I carry, daily. Oils like Inula, Thuja, Eucalyptus staigeriana, Yuzu and Goldenrod. To be honest, I can’t find one logical (intellectual) reason why I was drawn to these particular oils during this time of year, nor can I point to any specific therapeutic action, or available research that demonstrates how any of these essential oils relate to the Winter Solstice. So why am I finding them meaningful? It’s how their READ MORE
The Gift of Pain Relief: 2 DIY Seasonal Blends
Aches and pains are no fun. Chronic back pain or acute muscle aches can sour your mood and mess with your day. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad five minutes on, five minutes off can be somewhat soothing but it’s time consuming and, let's face it, kind of boring. Essential oils are powerful pain relievers, plus it only takes about 5-10 seconds to apply an aromatic product that contains analgesic ingredients. Most pain relief products that are available have a camphorous scent that leaves you smelling like a drug store. If you enjoy that scent, an essential oil called Sweet Birch READ MORE
Essential Oil Allies: Rose Otto
Bridge Body and Soul with Rose Otto Rose essential oil is distilled from the petals of the small, prickly, cultivated shrub: Rosa x damascena. Named after the ancient city of Damascus, the shrub is mostly grown and distilled in Bulgaria, Morocco, Turkey, and India. Although rose is most accessible and affordable as the solvent-extracted “absolute,” therapy comes from Rose “Otto,” the essential oil. The true oil is an off-white to colorless substance that is gel-like at room temperature. To work with the oil, you need only apply the warmth of your hands to bring it to a liquid READ MORE
4 DIY Essential Oil Rituals for the Gemini Supermoon
Essential Oil Holiday Rituals That Harness This Gemini Supermoon's Power No matter where you are, get outside this Sunday night for a moon you don’t want to miss. This moon is known as the Full Cold Moon, signifying winter’s everlasting, frigid nights. In other traditions, the December full moon is referred to as the Long Nights Moon because of its proximity to the winter solstice. The full moon falling on Sunday, December 3 is what we’ve all been waiting for— this year’s only supermoon! Falling right in the nick of time for holiday season to swing into full force, it may be unsurprising READ MORE
Essential Oil Allies: Rosemary ct cineole
Rosemary essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops of the evergreen shrub Rosmarinus officinalis. Also known as “sea rose” and from the Latin ros (dew) and marinus (sea)—rosemary thrives on native rocky, dry, sundrenched coasts of the Mediterranean basin. It is grown and distilled in Morocco, Spain, South Africa, and Tunisia. Rosemary has been venerated and used since early antiquity—the herb was found in first dynasty tombs of the Egyptians. Often used to foster good luck and immunity, it was part of the infamous “4 Thieves” vinegar which was used to ward off the plague. Its READ MORE