Making your own perfumes or colognes

Most perfumes or colognes are created with synthetic chemical, which aren't even listed on the labels. Why would you put something on your skin if you couldn't actually ingest this?? Your skin is the largest organ on your body and everything you put on your skin has to be processed through your other organs. 

You can easily create our own perfumes and colognes from natural ingredients. It's pretty easy too! Always remember to have fun and be creative! Enjoy!!

When making your own perfumes or colognes you have to remember 3 notes: 

Top Note: 

• Lighter aromas that evaporate readily.
• The very first impression of  the aroma
• Short Duration: Usually dissappears within 30 minutes.

Body or Middle Note:

• Much longer life than the top note
• This stage can last 30 minutes to four hours

Top Note:

• Usually appears after one to two hours 
• Can last anywhere from five to 36 hours
• Provides the fixative quality of an essential oil

Formulating your Blend

For simplicity, determine the percentage of each ingredient in your composition by basing your formula on 100-drops. This is a ratio only, so you can reduce or increase the formula so long as you keep the relative amounts of each essential oil at the same ratio.

• Start with 60 drops of a citrus aroma (such as lemon, sweet orange, or neroli)
• Add a wood note (such as cedarwood) about 5% or 5-drops
• Add a spice or herbal aroma at the ratio of 15% or 15-drops
• Now add 5-10% (5-10 drops) of a floral fragrance
• You may want to add just a touch of a green note and a sweet base note
• You may also wish to add a touch of a floral absolute

If you are having trouble deciding what is a citrus, spice, herbal, green or sweet note, I have added the descriptions below.

Getting you started with some blends:

• Bergamot blended with anise and rose for an energizing floral-type blend.
• Ylang-ylang blended with clary sage and ginger for an oriental-type blend.
• Sandalwood and ylang ylang with lavender, chamomile, and rose for a soft floral-type blend
• Ylang ylang and bergamot with rosemary, peppermint, and pine for green, herbaceous-type blend.

Orange Spice Cologne

A warming, spicy, and exotic blend that will lift spirits, invigorate senses, alleviate stress, mental fatigue, and tension. The aroma is delightfully reminiscent of Chai tea.

• 1 organic Cinnamon Stick
• 25 organic whole Cardamom Pods
• 15 organic Cloves
• 1 organic Vanilla Bean – cut into small pieces
• 1 fresh organic Orange peel – zest only
• 8 oz Vodka

Crush spices in a mortar and pestle. Combine with Vanilla Bean pieces, Orange peel zest, and vodka in a glass mason jar. Cap tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain the spices and pour the infused liquid into a glass bottle with a mister top. Simply add more spices if you desire a stronger cologne.

Sweet Summer Perfume

A relaxing and warming blend reminiscent of summer, with a lightly floral aroma complemented by hints of spice and cedar. Cedarwood is one of my favorite essential oils. Especially useful during times of stress, anxiety, irritability, or depression.  A great lift-me-up during the cold and dark winter months!

• 10 drops organic Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops organic Chamomile essential oil
• 4 drops organic Cardamom essential oil
• 1 drop organic Cedarwood essential oil
• 1 drop organic Geranium (Rose) essential oil
• 1 tsp organic Jojoba Oil

Drip all essential oils into a glass bottle, and roll between palms to evenly mix the oils. Add Jojoba oil and roll again. Add additional essential oils if you desire a stronger perfume.


Fragrance Description Guidlines

Aroma Description	Essential Oils
Citrus	Bergamot, lemon, lime, mandarin, sweet orange, bitter orance, neroli, petitgrain, and verbena
Herbal Spice	Basil, black pepper, caraway, cardamon, cinnamon, clove, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, and thyme
Floral	Geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, rose, and ylang ylang
Fruity	Cajuput, chamomile, clove, juniper lavender, and pine
Green	Basil, galbanum, immortelle, oakmoss, and violet leaf
Minty	Peppermint, spearmint, rue, and sage
Warm	Anise, benzoin, chamomile, clary sage, cedarwood, geranium, ginger, immortelle, jasmine, marjoram, rose, rosemary, thyme, and vanilla
Sultry	Jasmine, narcissus, neroli, and boronia

Tired, sluggish, gaining weight, and stressed? It could be your Adrenal Glands

Here are some of the common symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Low energy levels

Trouble sleeping at night but want to sleep during the day

Cravings for salt and/or sugar

Feeling confused and overwhelmed

Impaired cognitive functions- brain fog, lack of concentration

Blood sugar irregularity

Poor libido

If you have more than one of these symptoms you should read this.

Worn-out adrenals can affect the whole body and that natural support implemented before something else goes wrong may save you from a more serious diagnosis. Thankfully, there are a number of safe and supportive herbs and supplements to help you with this. Remember to listen to your body, and to monitor your progress as you experiment with a natural approach. We all react differently to therapeutic agents. If you know you are sensitive, vary your dosages accordingly, and consider working with an experienced herbalist.

	Astragalus root (A. membranaceus). Astragalus aids in the body’s natural ability to adapt to stress, bolstering the immune system so you stay well while helping to regulate normal blood sugar levels and alleviate insulin resistance.
	Cordyceps (C. sinensis). Cordyceps is a prized antioxidant fungus that can slow aging and take a load off the adrenals by supporting the immune system, balancing the inflammatory response and helping to stabilize blood sugar.
	Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus, formerly called Siberian ginseng). Eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb that can help protect us against the negative effects of stress, while decreasing fatigue, enhancing mental clarity, helping to balance blood sugar, and even perhaps supporting bone remodeling as well.
	Rhodiola rosea (“golden root”). Rhodiola is another adaptogenic herb that protects against stress-related fatigue and “burnout”; increases mental clarity; and offers immune and blood sugar support. An added benefit of Rhodiola is its antidepressant and antianxiety effects.
	Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Well known for supporting adrenal balance, licorice root aids in increasing energy and endurance. Though many of the above herbs can be used relatively freely of restrictions, certain forms of licorice can increase blood pressure and lower potassium and thus, licorice should be used with care and guidance. Adrenal fatigue, in many instances, is accompanied by low blood pressure, so licorice taken at the appropriate times and dosages can be of benefit in those cases. However, this herb is best taken under the care of an herbalist or a functional medicine practitioner Vitamin B3. Niacin is important for the health of the adrenal glands. Deficiency symptoms include insomnia, nausea, tender gums, depression, and irritability. Some fresh herbs that are full of Vitamin B3 are Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Dandelion, Fathen, Fenugreek, Kelp, Parsley, and Sage.  Vitamin D is also really essential for a healthy Thyroid. You can find Vitamin D in any kind of greens, alfalfa, watercress, and of course the Sun, but for those who live in climates with gloomy weather try other alternatives.

Here are some other supportive lifestyle measures you can take to ensure a full adrenal recovery:

• Sleep. Resist the temptation to burn the candle at both ends! Getting 8-10 hours a night of sleep is one of the best ways to restore your adrenal glands. It’s best to turn in early if you can. Drink herbal tea or consider a natural herbal supplement to help you wind down. And if you need one and can, take a nap during the day.
• Modify your exercise. Some people feel great after they exercise. If this is you, stick with it. Others feel drained with exercise and it’s important to take it slow. Mornings are best for aerobic exercise because this is when your cortisol is naturally highest, but try not to let your heart rate go above 90 beats per minute. It’s recommended that relaxing walks, yoga, or any kind of exercise that restores you instead of draining you.
• Eat well and often. Eating certain foods, and at specific times of the day can help you return to a natural cortisol rhythm and avoid the “crash and burn” of sugar/caffeine highs and lows. One important point: a hungry body puts stress on the adrenals, so don’t let yourself go too long without a meal or a snack.
• Relieve stress. Schedule a massage or enlist a partner or friend to give you one; practice yoga, t’ai chi or qi gong; put up your feet and enjoy a cup of tea; or call a loved one just to talk. Cultivate the practices that best relieve tension and stress for you. Even just five minutes a day of quiet breathing or meditation can do wonders for your adrenals.
• Play. Take a good look at your life, and let go of as many of the things that drain you as possible, replacing them with those that fulfill you. Engage with the people, activities, and work you most enjoy: go to the beach, play with your children, go dancing — whatever you have fun doing, give yourself permission to do it during this time of healing. Your adrenals will soak these experiences up with pleasure.

Rejuvenate you skin with a homemade scrub

During the cold winter months, where your skin takes a good beating with the dry, cold air. Spring is near so scrub away the dead skin and get ready for the beauty of summer.

2 TBS Almond Oil

1 TBS Coconut Oil

1 tsp Aloe Vera

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 C. Almonds (soak overnight and blend)

1 tsp Baking Soda

Mix everything together until smooth paste, then add fine sugar. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil if you would like. Let stand for 5 minutes. *Use a 4 oz. Jar

This is great for removing your dry skin or just re-hydrating from the harsh cold weather. Dampen your face, apply over in a circular motion, leave on for 5-10 minutes.

I recently read from this site where I buy my olive oil from, he said " I would never put anything on my face that I wouldn't eat!" Joseph Sciabica. The more I think about that the more it's true. Why would I put something harmful on my face that would damage my organs, but that is what so many of us do these days with the products that are sold in the stores. If you would like to rate the products you use on a regular basis to see what cancer causing ingredients are in your products check out this site: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. It lists thousands of products that range from 0, which is the best to 10 which is highly toxic ingredients.  **This site is not just for women, so men check it out.... 

Enjoy the Scrub!

Tis’ the season for Cold and Flu

Here are a few tips for those who get sick easily or maybe this year is just worst than normal with the flu shots they distribute. This will help you fight off that nasty bug that tries to take your immune system down.

Two key ingredients I always recommend if you get sick is Garlic and Ginger. Garlic is called a “cure all herb.” Using garlic everyday will keep your nose and lungs clear of mucus and your arteries in good condition, reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Garlic Syrup Sore Throat Support:

4 cloves of garlic

4T Honey

Crush the garlic. Soak the crushed cloves in home for 2-4 hours. Sip on this honey mixture every ½ hour. This is a useful remedy for children who may find the taste of garlic unpleasant.

Ginger is great for upset stomachs,

If you are stressed and are catching a cold or flu, Lemon balm has a long tradition of being useful for it’s soothing effect on frayed nerves. Whenever you are feeling exhausted, under stress, or suffering from a headache try a hot cup of lemon balm infusion.

Colds:

-drink lemon and honey mixtures

-Keep warm and get plenty of rest

-take a preparation of crushed garlic, dash of cayenne pepper, ginger, honey, and lemon juice in the early stages to help throw off the cold. 

take Echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C

Coughs:

- Drink Thyme and sage tea

-Drink elderberry and peppermint tea

-Drink hot blackcurrant drinks

-Take an infusion of mullein, thyme, yarrow, and horehound as a blend.

Sage, Garlic and Honey Mixture

6 C. water

2T Sage

2 Cloves of Garlic finely chopped

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

Honey to taste

Boil water and pour over sage, garlic, and lemon. Steep the mixture for 5 min. Add Honey if necessary. Drink at least 3 cups an hour. Fast while using the tea and rest in bed with plenty of blankets to sweat it out!

Arthritis: natural, healthy foods to help. Part 2

Which fruits and vegetable juices help alleviate arthritis pain without surgery or drugs:

A natural supplement that works with alleviate inflammation in the joints is glucosamine. This is only part of want your body needs for overcoming arthritis.
Black cherry juice (four ounces diluted with four ounces of water) twice a day help relieve the pain symptoms.
Fruits and vegetables that are high in beta-carotene such as, parsley, broccoli, spinach. Carrots, apples, and ginger all contain copper. Also drinking pineapple juice, since it is the only source of the strong anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain. Bromelain helps the body breakdown proteins.
Other juices that can help include bilberry, celery juice, green barley juice, and aloe Vera juice. Juices and diet changes may provide an equitable solution to the pain caused by arthritis.

Natural Remedies:
Dilute 5 drops of Ginger essential oil in 20 drops of carrier oil, such as wheat germ oil or almond oil, and massage into the painful areas.

I have heard that gin and golden raisins help.
Put 3 shot glasses or small containers not he counter. In each glass put 9-10 golden raisins and pour enough gin to barley cover the raisins. Let sit for 3 days, the gin should absorb into the raisins. Eat the raisins from one shot glass, and set the glass up again with 9-10 more golden raisins and enough gin to cover them. Put glass at the end of the line. Each day, eat the 9 oldest raisins, then set it up again. Repeat until pain-free, I have heard usually within 72 hours.
If you like drinking tea, alfalfa is rich in nutritive minerals. Place 1 ounce of herbs in a pot and cover with 1 quart of water. Let it boil for 30 min and strain and drink throughout the day.

Vitamins that are also helpful are:
Vitamin A (contains beta-carotene) has antioxidant effect on the cells, neutralizing destructive molecules called free radicals.
Vitamins C, B6, and E, and well as Zinc, help enhance collagen production and the repair of connective tissue.

Fatty acids in flax seed oil, fish oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black current seed oil help increase the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Take 500-1000 milligrams of these oils twice daily. It could take a few weeks to notice an improvement.

Magangese: many people with arthritis are deficient in this trace element enzyme. This is necessary for normal skeletal development. Take 5 milligrams twice daily for one month.

Foods to avoid are nightshade vegetables which are potatoes, eggplant, peppers (although direct application of peppers on the joints is helpful), and tomatoes. These vegetables all contain an alkaloid called solanine, which have a negative effect on calcium balance, which can even cause headaches.

Trouble with Arthritis?? Part 1

Since going back to school for Natural Health I have learned what herbs and essential oils are great for helping with those aches and pains of the joints.

There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage that forms a cushion between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is where your own body attacks your own immune system which in return attacks the joints. The follow are many different ways to help improve or become aware of fighting off arthritis.

Herb 101(www.achs.edu) for helping Arthritis:

• Follow an Alkalizing Diet
• Use Alfalfa, celery, nettle infusions
• Take cayenne capsules
• Get regular exercise

Here is how to make an Infusion: 

1-oz dried herbs

1-pt purified water 

Place your herbs into a ceramic or glass teapot. Bring to a boil. DO NOT use an aluminum pot. An electric kettle or kettle on the stove is fine. Turn off the heat and pour the water over the herb. Cover the pot and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Strain the tea in a non-aluminum strainer and then drink. Store for no more that 24 hours in the refrigerator. 

Aroma 101(www.achs.edu): Essential oils and their Theraputic Properties

~~~ Always do a skin patch test before using any oils listed as possible irritants or sensitizers( such as asthma, allergies, or rashes). Any reaction, such as redness, blisters, or itching indicates irritation. If this occurs dilute the oil or choose a different oil.~~~

• Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic, so this helps relieve the inflammation.  This is great to add to a bath with Epsom salt and 2-3 drops of Chamomile. You can also add a few drops to lotion to rub into your joints that are causing you pain.
• Eucalyptus: Anti-rheumatic, helps with pain and stiffness caused by rheumatism. Add 5 drops to 1-oz base oil to massage the area or apply a hot and cold compress.
• Ginger: Analgesic, which helps to relieve pain. Add 3 drops to 1 tsp sunflower oil and apply directly to the area, or use a cold compress.
• Juniper: Analgesic-rheumatism, Add 3 drops to 1oz cold pressed peanut oil and rub into the area as frequent as needed.
• Pine: Anelgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic. Prepare a cold compress and use 1-3 drops in 1/2oz of peanut oil and massage the area.
• Rosemary: Anelgesic, apply dirrectly to the skin, hot/cold compress, hot bath, or massage directly into the skin with oil.
• Tea Tree: Rheumatism and analgesic, helping relieve pain when applied topically.

* The rosemary, and tea tree essential oils are highly antimicrobial which helps destroy infectious organisms*

Carrier oils:

Peanut oil: Helps with arthritic or rheumatic conditions

Sesame oil: Top-quality lubricant for rheumatic conditions and it's a natural skin cleanser.
* Peanut oil and Sesame oil are two of the best oils for arthritis*


If you are looking for high grade essential oils for a decent price check out http://www.apothecary-shoppe.com or www.rockymountainoils.com.  For those of you who have used Young Living Essentail Oils I would say these two sites are just as good if not better quality for a much better price.

Winter is here which means Dry Skin -Here are a few tips:

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis):  is the nearest oil found naturally in the skin. This also helps to soften and nourish the wrinkles around the eyes. This oil is also great for you if you have eczema.

** People with known nut allergies should avoid use.

Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca): Apricot oil may be used for similar purposes as sweet almond oil. It is taken orally for it's vitamin and mineral content, particularly vitamin A and C.Apricot oil is a moisturizing tonic for the skin of the face and hands, and it can be massaged in the hair as well.

** This makes for a nice hair treatment, add a few drops of essential oil and leave in your hair for 30 min. Your hair will look and feel soft and silky.***

Camellia Oil (Camellia japonica): This is one of my personal favorites**** Camellia oil is very light on the skin, nourishing. I make a serum for my sister with Camellia oil and essential oils for acne. You can apply after washing your face and let it soak into the skin then apply make-up.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera): I use coconut oil just about everyday on my arms and legs. I also add 2 large spoonfuls to my morning smoothie. This is great for so many things such as balancing your thyroid.
I had recently had to go to the Endocrinologist because my thyroid levels were very low. I was told I had "Hypothyroidism," which means my body produces too much hormones, a month later I got blood work done again and my levels were sky high...... "Hyperthyroidism," which my body doesn't produce enough hormones. Let me tell you that was the worst 3 months, my body was constantly tired and I lost 10 pounds. I was told by the doctors that I had some thyroid disease. I first prayed that my body would heal itself and then I started adding a blend of essential oils: Cedarwood, Myrrh, and lemongrass, I mixed it with coconut oil and applied 3 drops twice a day for about 2 months. My latest blood work came back perfect. I know that it wasn't me, Jesus healed my body and gave me the tools to also help.

I purchase from www.Tropicaltraditions.com, they always have a sale each month on their "gold" coconut oil, which is pure and unrefined AKA raw.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): This oil is great for ALL skin types, especially aging skin. It's very similar to sebum, the natural oil our body produces.  
*The great advantage of jojoba oil for commercial use is that it serves as a replacement for sperm whale oil, which is often used in the manufacturing of cosmetics.* Not something I want on my face...........

Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum): Pomegranate seed oil deeply nourishes the outer layer epidermal layer and provides powerful anti-oxidant benefits for numerous skin ailments including eczema, and psoriasis and gently challenges free radicals that damage and age the skin. A great ally to have in your cosmetic creations or as a stand alone product to help nourish and develop healthy skin cell regeneration.

 I find a lot of my herbs and oils from www.mountainroseherbs.com in Oregon. Just about everything they sell is organically grown there or shipped in from the specific region.