Chances are, if you are reading this, you are either pregnant or know someone who is or will be. Congratulations! Pregnancy is a particularly beautiful time for a family, but it is not always the most comfortable time for the pregnant parent. Plant extracts, in the form of whole herbs, herbal infusions, essential oils, and…
Adrenal Fatigue: Mythology, Physiology, and Resilience PART 1
Adrenal fatigue is seriously relatable. You’re overworked and wiped out, craving sweets and salty fats, stressed, depressed, sex drive on the fritz. Sound familiar? “Adrenal fatigue” is the notion that the adrenal glands get “overworked” from chronic stress and fail to produce essential hormones like cortisol. It’s a handy explanation for something a lot of…
You Go to My Head: Essential Oils and the Blood-Brain Barrier
Life blood, it’s no joke. Blood delivers nutrients to all the tissues and organs of the body, eliminates carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes, transmits hormonal signals throughout tissues, and mediates peripheral immune activity. The vascular tree is made up of many types of blood vessels: Arteries and smaller arterioles that deliver oxygen and nutrients to…
Helichrysum in Skin Care
If I had to choose only one essential oil to work with for skin care purposes, hands down Helichrysum italicum would be the one. In a way it’s interesting to hear myself say this because it took me many years as a formulator to feel ready to incorporate this essential oil into my products. I’ve…
Essential Oils Enhance Sleep
“A Good Laugh and a Long Sleep Are the Two Best Cures for Anything”. -Irish Proverb Have you ever had a hard time starting a conversation with someone? Ask them about last night’s sleep and you should get an earful! Just ask me. So, last night’s sleep was good for me, thanks. Partially because the…
The Art of Self Love: A Pathway to Compassion
Love is one of the greatest gifts one can give. It is the expression of care, compassion, empathy and kindness. It can be expressed in a multitude of ways: through a hug or embrace, a gesture — random acts of kindness for a neighbor, volunteering at a charity, cooking for family and friends, or being…