Facial Care with Essential Oils

You need to use oils in your facial skincare!

This is why…

They are so much  more healing and penetrating than lotions and can actually help reduce breakouts if you use the right type.

If you are a user of essential oils, you are about to get very familiar with my favorite carrier oil: Hemp Seed oil. For facial care it’s Hemp Seed oil or bust.  I won’t use anything else on my face!

It’s non-comedogenic factor of 0. Yes, 0!   It is considered a “dry oil” so it is not greasy.  It heals breakouts, has a greenish tint that masks ruddiness, and leave skin feeling smooth. It contains 80% essential fatty acids.

“Since hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids, it is capable of penetrating our cells and lubricating the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well.”

– Learn more here: Natural News.com

I get compliments on my skin tone all the time. I look better rested, wrinkles are diminished, and my skin clarity has greatly improved.  I use it morning and night. It functions perfectly under makeup also.

Yes, this is my eye.  Looking pretty good in the mid 30’s department…thank you oils!

 

I used a name brand “commonly dermatologist- recommended” face lotion for a week during a temporary bout of, I don’t know, I guess laziness and  insanity?  I broke out, had clogged pores on my forehead, and my skin looked sallow. Yuck.

It’s worth a trip to the fridge to use my Hemp Seed Oil Face Serum!  (Yes, it does need refrigerated).

Featured in the images below are the 5 oils I always use in my face serum. Sometimes I add Carrot Seed oil (it has an SPF factor for skin protection).

If you are a novice to oils or feel you cannot spend so much money, I would recommend the following combos:

• Lavender & Tea Tree: acne prone skin
• Frankincense and Palmarosa: oily skin
• Lavender and Palmarosa: oily skin that is sensitive
• Lavender and Frankincense: dry and/or mature skin

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Repairing Face Serum

Recipe:

• 1 oz Hemp Seed Oil
• 5 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Frankincense
• 5 drops Hyssop
• 5 drops Palmarosa
• 5 drops Tea Tree (if you have dry skin,  reduce to 3 drops and see how you react)

Frankincense and lavender are the main staple in my face serum; lavender is moisturizing and reduces inflammation and redness.

Frankincense is extremely healing and may reduce blemishes for many skin types. (It works for my combination skin: a dab of bentonite clay and frankincense, let sit,  rinse off after 10-15 minutes, then apply a dab or frankincense after is a great zit zapper!)

This astringent quality also reduces the appearance of wrinkles,… Anti-Aging: As a Cytophylactic, Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. [1]

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Hyssop, or Hyssopus officinalis, has a slightly sweet scent and can promote creativity.  It is often used for skin issues and can treat bites, bruises, and swelling. It also contains antiseptic qualities.

photo courtesy of wikepedia.com

Palmarosa, or Cymbopogon martini,  is also known as East Indian Geranium and has restorative and regenerative effects. It has a floral-like lemon smell. If you like the smell of Lemongrass, you may enjoy diffusing Palmarosa with a few drops of Lavender. [3]

The reason I bought Palmarosa was to use during the hot summer months, as it reduces excess sebum (oil) production.  You can create a refreshing toner with unscented witch hazel and a drop of Palmarosa, Lemon, and Lavender on an organic cotton round.

It helps stimulate cellular regeneration and to re-establish the physiological balance of the skin. It can help smooth out wrinkles. It also helps to rehydrate dry skin and hair by helping balance the production of sebum. [4]

Tea Tree, or melaleuca oil can treat many skin conditions: such as cuts/abrasions, gum and teeth issues and acne. “Numerous Aboriginal communities along the east coast of Australia have a long history of using tea tree as an antiseptic for skin conditions.” [5] 

I dot Tea Tree on my skin all the time. I also dilute it in water and combine it with peppermint for a refreshing mouth wash!

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Eye Serum

Recipe:

• 1 oz. Hemp Seed Oil
• 10 drops RoseHip Oil (if desired- for mature skin)
• 5 drops Frankincense
• 3 drops Patchouli
• 3 drops Elemi
• 3 drops Cypress

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See how you react with 3 drops and you can work your way up to 5 drops each essential oil. Of course, never apply directly in your eye or too close to it!

Patchouli oil is one of my favorite oils in regards to scent. I wear it several times a week mixed with orange and a drop of geranium as a perfume oil (my friend gave me this recipe).

The scent is very earthy and calms me down! I always carry it in a rollerball. I do avoid wearing it before work meetings as this fragrance is not for everyone.

It can help mature skin, especially in the under eye area, in regards to wrinkling or dryness.

“Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, especially in Malaysia, China, and Japan. It is used to treat skin and hair problems, such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, dandruff, and oily scalp. It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties,⁸ as well as aphrodisiac effects.” [6]

Cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens:  I add it for it’s circulatory and vein strengthening effects. Cypress is often used in combination with other oils to help treat spider and varicose veins.  [7]

I also use this oil in a headache blend (peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender) that I rub on my temples. Skip this oil if you tend to develop under-eye puffiness. Here is a recipe using Cypress for a toning eye makeup remover from Sustainable Baby Steps.

Elemi, or  Canarium luzonicum is known scent-wise to resemble Frankincense but with a hint of lemon. It may help reduce scarring and acne, so it’s a perfect skin care oil. It has many other wellness benefits, so read up more on Elemi oil!

“Part of the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh, Elemi has been used traditionally to support the appearance of the skin.” [8]

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BONUS TIP:  I use lavender in any mix I make. It’s moisturizing and calming. It tones down woodier scented oils, like Vetiver or Cedarwood. It masks the balsamic smell from oils like Rosemary or Elemi.

It reduces swelling and itchiness from bug bits of all types: mosquitos, chiggers, mites, etc.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been approved by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any disease. Always exercise caution when using essential oils. Always consult with your primary care physician prior to use.  Some oils are safe during pregnancy and some are not, please consult your medical doctor or obstetrician prior to any use of essential oils. If you are on any medications, please inform your doctor.

• Frankincense is not recommended for use during pregnancy. [1]
• Patchouli may not be safe for use during pregnancy [6]
• Do not use Hyssop oil if you have a history of seizures, epilepsy or high blood pressure. Not to be used on children under 5.  [2]

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Sources:

1. Accessed August 2, 2016. Health Benefits of Frankincense.   www.organicfacts.net
2. Accessed August 2, 2016.  Herbal Oil: Hyssop Oil: The Sacred Herb.  www.mercola.com
3. Callahan, Jeff, December 2, 2012. Palmarosa Essential Oil. www.essentialoilbenefits.org
4. Accessed August 1, 2016.  Palmarosa Oil.  www.rockymountainoils.com
5. October 2013. Tea Tree: Australia’s Oldest Medicine. University of Sydney.  www.sydney.edu.au
6. Accessed August 9, 2016. Patchouli: The Hippie Herbal Oil. www.mercola.com
7. Accessed August 9, 2016. Dr. Axe’s Essential Oil Guide. www.draxe.com
8. Young Living Essential Oil website: www.youngliving.com

Natural Deodorant & Antiperspirant {That Works}

This has been a 6 month quest to find an all natural deodorant recipe that works for both me and my husband.  We dealt with the itchy armpit issue  (too much baking soda), one that turned out dark grey (I wear way too many delicates to stain my nice work clothing), and one that literally turned my armpits light brown. It took about 3 armpit detoxes to get the staining out.  I’m too girly for all of this fuss.

I was relieved to finally find a combo that works!

4 Ingredient Deodorant & Antiperspirant

• 1/2 cup melted organic coconut oil (solid state)
• 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
• 1 TBSP baking soda
• 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil and 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil

To me, the Tea Tree is key. It keeps smell at bay all day long.  Make sure you use therapeutic grade Tea Tree oil.  I prefer  Young Living. Do NOT use a cheap store bought fragrance oil! It may cause irritation and it won’t be effective for banishing the bacteria that leads to smells.

The Clary Sage pairs well with the Tea Tree and creates almost a baby powder like scent.  The Tea Tree would also pair well with Lavender.

Spruce, Vetiver, or Cedarwood would all work for a manlier scent.

The arrowroot powder makes this glide on smoothly and absorbs wetness. (In a pinch it makes a great dry shampoo too). The baking soda eliminates odor, but I use it sparingly to avoid irritation.

Coconut oil also contains healing and antimicrobial/anti-fungal properties.

Simple to make: Heat coconut oil (I start with solid coconut oil) in microwave in a glass container for 20 second intervals until melted. Quickly stir in arrowroot and baking soda. You can add more arrowroot a tsp. at a time as desired to get the consistency you want.  Add 10 drops each of both essential oils.

Pour or scoop into a plastic deodorant tube, a tin, or a glass jar. I refrigerate mine for a half hour until it solidifies again and then remove and store in the bathroom. I personally don’t mind applying this with my fingers and I carry a tin with me for a touch up halfway through work.  My husband prefers the stick application.

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Why make your own deodorant?

First of all, non-toxic deodorants are expensive. There are some great ones out there, but the cost is significantly higher  for nontoxic deodorant/antiperspirant combos, especially if you have to pay for shipping. I found Schmidt’s deodorant to be effective but the consistency (to me) was not smooth enough. I have heard Ava Anderson Non toxic has this amazing chocolate mint scented nontoxic deodorant that works well.

I personally like to save money and this only takes me about 5 minutes to make and we have enough to last 2 weeks.

I have a friend that refers to some natural deodorant (only deodorants) as “slimey” and I agree. I also don’t like those version either. In a pinch, yes, but for everyday use not so much.

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Why natural deodorants? What is wrong with the mainstream brands?

You are playing Russian Roulette with fragrance. The FDA does not require companies to disclose how the ‘fragrance’ is derived, namely the fragrance could actually be a cocktail of chemicals to mimic a natural smell.  I like to source for scholarly resources and found a relatively easy to understand one here about chemicals in our products.

“Many of these products may be sources of chemicals that have a diverse spectrum of health effects, including endocrine disruption and associations with asthma. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are chemicals that can alter hormonal signaling and have potential effects on developing reproductive and nervous systems, metabolism, and cancer (Colborn et al. 1993). ” [1]

From someone that has battled a grapefruit sized ovarian tumor and removal, the inflammatory disease of endometriosis, and precancerous cell removal I will go to persistent means to avoid hormonal disruption in my products.

“Recent research from EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products, none of them listed on the label. Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. Our advice? Buy fragrance free wherever possible.”    … “Everyone should avoid products with “fragrance” indicating a chemical mixture that may contain phthalates.” [2]

Also, after using natural deodorants I found a stick of old deodorant in my desk at work one day. I literally had respiratory side effects when I opened it to sniff it on a whim. What ingredients did this mainstream  deodorant list?

• BHT 

One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results
One or more animal studies show tumor formation at high doses [2]

• Cyclopentasiloxane  HIGH concerns: Persistence and bioaccumulation; Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife,  One or more animal studies show tumor formation at moderate doses, One or more animal studies show endocrine disruption at moderate doses

There were more scary chemicals listed but I’m not wasting my time talking about this product anymore!

I’ve heard many debates about aluminum- so many that I don’t wish to address it at this time, but if car parts can be made from it, I’m out. I don’t want that on my skin; hence, in my bloodstream and in my body organs.

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What if I buy Fragrance Free?

That’s great! However, your formulation probably also contains parabens, phlalates, aluminum, dimethicone, and the list goes on. These are chemical agents added to our consumer products for a “smooth” finish and so they “glide” on well or create a barrier on our skin to block odor.  They also block sweat which is trapping in the harmful chemicals.

Go to this site from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and look up your product ingredients.  Please, especially if your teenagers are using these products, look up these ingredients. Their bodies are still developing-hormone and endocrine disruption is harmful to their reproductive future as well as their metabolism.

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Recommended Product Links:

5 Empty Deodorant Containers White 2.5oz- with “I Made It At Home for You” By Oils4Health  (5 count)

6 ct. Deodorant Twist-up Empty Containers (Natural) – for lotion bar, heel balm etc. (2 oz.)” 6 ct. Deodorant Twist-up Empty Containers (Natural) (2 oz.)a>

Bob’s Red Mill Arrowroot Starch Flour, 16 oz>Bob’s Red Mill Arrowroot Starch Flour, 16 oz

You can also find arrowroot powder at most major grocery stores. I found mine at Meijer. I use the Bob’s Red Mill brand featured above.

I order metal tins via Bulk Apothecary.

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Sources:

1. Robin E. Dodson,¹ Marcia Nishioka,² Laurel J. Standley,^1,3 Laura J. Perovich,¹ Julia Green Brody,¹ and Ruthann A. Rudel^1,  Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma Associated Chemicals in our Consumer Products.  July 2012.  Environmental Health Perspectives
2. Top Tips for Safer Products. www.Ewg.org

4 Easy Essential Oil Sprays

Below are 4 of my favorite Essential Oils Spray Mixes. You can mix these essential oils with 2 oz. distilled water or a combination of 1 oz. distilled water and 1 oz. unscented witch hazel to make them into sprays. 

I prefer just water for my Allergy Trio and the Sleepytime Spray.  I always add witch hazel to the Tea Tree Oil Spray.

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Allergy Trio Mix

Provides relief from seasonal allergies or stuffiness due to colds. (Avoid eye area)

Safe to use up to 3 times daily.  Rather than a spray, you can also place 1 drop each in the palm of your hand, mix together, then rub down bridge of nose and along base of the back of your neck and lymph nodes. When I really need a boost, I do this method.

• 10 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Peppermint
• 10 drops Lavender

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Sleepytime Spray

Use before nighttime. Can be sprayed on pillow cases (spot test first) or in room 5 minutes prior to bedtime. Open up a good book, inhale, relax, and get sleepy!

Or meditate on the here and now: Lay down, feel each breathe you take, tense each major muscle group in your body for 5 seconds each, release, repeat a few times. Then, while breathing deeply say a thank you for today. (Click this link to learn about diaphragmatic or ‘belly’ breathing) Appreciate the day. Appreciate your body. Appreciate yourself.

• 5 drops Lavender
• 8 drops Cedarwood
• 8 drops Stress Away blend

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Room Refresher Spray

Banish unwanted odors (post-cooking) or for a pick me up midday. I love the light fresh scent of lemon in the afternoon!

• 15 drops Purification Blend,  Lemon, or Sweet Orange
• 10 drops Lavender

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Tea Tree Oil Spray

Banish germies on shopping carts, highchairs, refrigerator door handles, room door handles, toilet seats. I use 2 oz witch hazel only in this spray. If not using on a delicate or stainable surfaces (ie shopping cart spray) you can add a tsp. of rubbing alcohol.

 

• 15 drops Tea Tree Oil
• 10 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Clove (optional- but really boosts power)

These are just a few of my favorite combinations for sprays.

I often have these combinations with me  in an 8 ml rollerball mixed with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or coconut oil to apply topically up to 3 times per day. When used topically reduce amounts to 2 drops each. Keep in mind clove is a “hot” oil and many may not prefer the tingling sensation.

These combinations can also be diffused. When diffused, reduce drops to only 2-3 drops per essential oil.

Of course, always spot test if you are spraying surfaces or fabrics. I’ve never had any problems personally!

To learn more about choosing high quality therapeutic grade essential oils, click here.

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To order supplies click on the Amazon links below:

All 4 You Cobalt Blue Boston Round Glass Bottle 2 oz with Black Atomizer – Perfect for Essential Oil Formulas (4 Pieces)

Aromatherapy Glass Roll On Bottles, 10ml (1/3oz) Cobalt Blue Glass – Set of 6

Thayer Unscented Witch Hazel, 12 Fluid Ounce(Pack of 2)

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These statements are not approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. Consult with your doctor before use, if on any medications, and if pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use if irritation develops.

Always refer to dilution guides for proper dilution ratios, especially when using on pets or children.

 

 

Easy Christmas Ornaments {affordable and kid friendly}

This will be the easiest and cheapest Holiday project you do this year. Kids love making these!

Preheat your oven to 150 degrees F.  Bake for about 2 hours, checking every half hour, flipping once midway. Remove when fully hardened. Decorate as desired. Full details are below.

 

 

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To Make ‘Homemade Playdoh:’

• Flour
• Salt

Mix equal parts flour and salt. Add water 1 tsp at a time until a thick and workable consistency. Should not be too sticky and should still roll out easily. Sprinkle flour on your working surface.

Decorating Material Ideas:

• Cookie Cutters
• Stamps
• Copper or Craft Wire
• Twine or Ribbon
• Toothpicks
• Acrylic Paint
• Sugar or sparkles
• Coffee Grounds
• Mod Podge

Mix your homemade ‘play doh,’ roll out (sprinkle work surface with flour), cut shapes with cookie cutters, stamp with your desired wording (using toothpick to deepen/clarify the letter shapes so they show up better).

Add hole for twine or ribbon (or 2 holes for wire) and bake.

  

After removed from the oven and fully cooled, you can use wet, used coffee grounds to fill in the letters and ‘stain’ the ornament for a vintage/rustic look. It’s a little messy!

Sprinkle with sugar for shimmer and coat with Mod Podge to seal. I would imagine a used tea bag could also work for staining.

 

 

I really liked how the sugar sparkles next to the lights! I cannot wait to get these up on our Christmas tree and to make more for gifts!

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So cute!

 

Teal owl ornament below was painted with acrylic craft paints ($.79 to 1 each at most hobby stores). For the owl I used an iridescent gold shimmer paint.

 

 

DIY {easy and effective} dishwasher tabs

I am a huge proponent of simplicity in my cleaning products. I needed a dish tab that would be nontoxic and effective. As far as my dishes are concerned… yes, they must be very clean.

Of course, I also like things cute and if I can reuse anything I feel like I get a sustainability ‘Gold Star’ for the day.  These dish tabs are molded with a leftover egg carton.  You can also purchase silicon molds
that can be reused over and over.

These are working so well I may never buy dishtabs again and my glassware is left with no residue.  Update 11/18/15: This dish tabs work in a pinch very well. However after several uses we got some build up on our coffee mugs, so I have to be transparent here: These are better off being used as deodorizing bombs.  We have been using them in our baby diaper pail, down our drains, and in our toilets. They fizz up when water hits them and the baking soda (plus some scrubbing) provides very effective cleaning!  I even put one in the microwave and let sit overnight to eliminate odors. (don’t microwave it of course!) Our dishes are clean and spotless and we are saving money.

These only take about 10 minutes to make.

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Homemade Dish Tab Recipe:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup citric acid
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 TBSP Castile Soap (baby unscented or Dr. Bronners Citrus is my favorite for cleaning)
• 1 TBSP hydrogen peroxide
• 12 drops Lemon or Purification essential oil (Lavender, Pine, or Orange Oil will also work)

Note: Citric acid is in the canning aisles at the grocery store.

1. Add baking soda to a bowl and stir to remove clumps. Add citric acid and mix well.

2. In a separate small glass dish, mix the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Add essential oil (optional). Citrus essential oils boost cleaning power, so for me personally this step is necessary.

3. Slowly (I mean, slowly) add tiny drops into the powder mixture. I drop about 3-5 drops, then whisk or stir quickly. Add more drops, stir, repeat.

4. Add Castile soap a few drops at a time in the same manner.  Add until all liquid is incorporated into the powder.

5. Promptly fill molds and press mixture down firmly.  After all molds are filled, press them down one more time. The mix will feel cool to the touch and seem to expand (vinegar and baking soda fizzes). This is why I press down one more time once all molds are filled. I only fill the egg carton mold 1/2 full.

Allow tabs to dry overnight.  Store in a pretty, airtight container.

If any of the tabs break or crumble when you pop them from the mold (mine didn’t but I was careful), you can throw the crumbs in the toilet (they fizz) and scrub. You can also toss down the garbage disposal and run it to clean any unwanted odors.

I have done this method without the Castile Soap but the results are much better by adding Castile Soap.

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Final Thoughts

I have one final thought on dish tabs. I have purchased the fancy tabs that are multicolored and contain rinse aids and have fancy packaging and they always would leave a residue. Not to mention the chemicals and dyes they contain.

For the last few years we have used Seventh Generation Auto Dish Pacs, Free and Clear, 45 Count  brand, which is eco-friendly and non toxic and they actually work so much better than the other brands.  Mainly, no residue on our dishes.

The homemade dish tabs are saving us a TON of money and rinse clean (the first few times), so I will continue making them myself *addition 11/18/15: sometimes.

Our Dishwasher

Our dishwasher may be different than yours, so the recipe above and brands mentioned work for us and our appliances. We have a Bosch Ascenta dishwasher that eco-dries with steam technology. We were warned when we bought it, that plastics would not fully dry, but it was environmentally friendly and would save on electric usage, so we purchased it. It’s an effective dishwasher and we have been very happy with it.

However, due to the steam drying, we end up with a very slight spottiness on our plastic ware, but since we are trying to phase out plastics anyway, I’m not too concerned. Even the store brand dish tabs we bought would do this.

10 ways to use lavender essential oil

10 Ways to use Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the perfect everyday essential oil.  It’s gentle enough to be used on children, contains healing and soothing properties, and the smell is gender neutral. Lavender is known or it’s relaxing and calming, sedative-like effects.

I’ve linked to other recipes from previous posts that use Lavender essential oil because, again, I use this oil every day and for about a dozen different things.

1. Sleep Aid and Stress Reducer. Lavender promotes a restful night’s sleep and may help with insomnia and stress. [1]

Add 3-5 drops in a full bath to help children relax and wind down.  It also soothes dry skin.  Kids are, after all, always getting scratches and rashes, lavender will soothe their skin gently and effectively.

Diffuse 3 Drops Lavender plus 7 parts Stress Away blend during yoga practice or at nighttime. This blend of Lavender and Stress Away blend (Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla*, Ocotea, Lavender) always gives me a gentle clarity and peace of mind during yoga practice. 

I feel more centered and patient the remainder of the day.

{Let me be honest however, my yoga ‘practice’ is Sundays and maybe one evening per week when the kids are sleeping!}

2. Lavender is a great middle or base note for perfume making. I personally enjoy experimenting with Lavender essential oil, it pairs well with many different scents. Sometimes a drop or two is all you need when mixing scents.

• Lavender + Lemon or Lavender and a Purity blend for a light and uplifting scent
• Lavender + Ylang Yang and/or Rose or Lavender + Orange for sensuality
• Lavender + Cedarwood for grounding and peace

Add to 1 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil in a rollerball for an on-the-go deodorant.

Glass Aromatherapy Roller Balls for on-the-go application

3. After shave spot treatment.  Dab on shaving nicks or minor cuts. You can apply Lavender essential oil ‘neat’ or directly on skin or minor cuts. No carrier oil necessary. Lavender is a very gentle oil.

4. Baby Bum Moisturizer and Bath Soak.

• Add to coconut oil for a baby bum moisturizer.  In a serum dropper:  Mix 2 oz. coconut oil plus 2-3 drops lavender for children 6 months plus.
• Or add a few drops to the bath along with Oatmeal. Pulverize organic oatmeal in a mixer for about 5 minutes into a very fine powder.  Add 1/4 cup oatmeal to bath and 5 drops of the carrier oil/lavender mix above to sooth irritated baby bottoms. Do not use on broken skin.

5. Lavender is ideal for daily skincare. Click here for a Clarifying Hemp Oil serum recipe. I use this morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in ruddiness, acne, and dark spots. I often don’t wear make up anymore on weekends. How great is that?

• Acne prone skin: Per 2 oz. of Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of 5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Frankincense and 5 drops Tea Tree oil to help clarify and heal acne prone skin. 100% Pure Tea Tree oil has been proven as effective as salicylic acid in treating acne. To order Tea Tree oil via Young Living click here.

• ‘try mixing tea tree oil with raw, organic honey. Honey also contains antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing.’ [2]

• Dry or mature skin: Per 2 oz. of  Cold Pressed Hemp seed oil:  Use a ratio of  5 drops Lavender, 5 drops Rosemary, and 5 drops Carrot Seed oil.

I typically alter between these two serums.

For a seriously amazing blemish spot treatment: Mix 1 TBSP Bentonite Clay and 1 TBSP Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  Let dry 15 minutes, rinse.  Dab on 1 drop Frankincense, Tea Tree, or Lavender essential oil ‘neat.’  Diffuse some Lavender,  read a good book, and then get a peaceful night’s rest!

  6. Reduce under-eye puffiness. Mix Lavender with Copaiba, Frankincense, Rosemary, or Geranium essential oil to help reduce under eye puffiness. Use as you would any eye serum or cream and avoid direct eye contact. Always do a spot tests first. If irritation develops do not rinse with water, apply carrier oil to dilute.

I use coconut oil as an eye makeup remover, it’s a gentle carrier oil for an eye serum.

7. Belly bloat reducer.  Add to 2 oz. carrier oil such as coconut or sweet almond:   5 drops lavender and 10-12 drops Clary Sage or Cobaipa essential oil in a rollerball for bloat reduction PMS or period bloating or mood relief. 

8. Body Wash and Hand Soap.

• Add Lavender essential oil with water and Castile soap for a homemade body wash.
• Add 3 drops Lavender,  2 Tsp. Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Castile Liquid Soap – (Lavender, 32 oz) and fill rest with water in a foaming dispenser for hand soap.

9. Dab directly on bug bites and bee stings to soothe itching or burning. Safe for children. You should generally dilute with a carrier oil for use on children.

I tend to have allergic reactions to mosquito bites and Lavender oil quickly reduced itchiness and bump size (better than hydrocortizone cream in my opinion). I used to get  bumps that would last for days, but they are gone the following day after using Lavender oil.

10. Ouch a minor burn!  If not serious and NO broken skin:  Dab diluted peppermint oil on immediately (1 drop peppermint per 1 TBSP water), continue to dab on peppermint water until stinging subsides.

Add Lavender to a healing carrier oil such as Rose hip oil or Grapeseed oil for the next week and apply often.

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Were you counting? That was 10 Uses for Lavender Essential Oil…

Below are 3 more ways to use this versatile and gentle oil.

• Add 1 drop Lavender to your mascara tube to keep it fresh and your lashes moisturized. You can also add 1 drop Cedarwood to aid in fullness and lash retention.

• Per WebMD:  ‘Canker sores. Some research shows that applying two drops of lavender oil to the affected area three times daily can improve canker sore healing and reduce canker sore swelling and pain.’ [1]

• ‘Hair loss in a condition called alopecia areata. There is some evidence that applying lavender oil in combination with oils from thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood might improve hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of treatment.’ [1]

  To order items you may need click below:

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 Aromatherapy Bottles, set of 6, Cobalt Blue 1/3 oz. from Amazon.com

 Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap- Lavender from Amazon.com

Sources:

1. ‘Lavender.’  Accessed October 16, 2015. www.WebMD.com
2. ‘How to use Tea Tree Oil for Acne.’ Accessed October 17, 2015. http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Tea-Tree-Oil-for-Acne