Natural Health Food Store Haul + My first Homemade Body Butter

A couple of weekends ago I went to my natural health food store to stock up on my tea obsession as well as pick up a new essential oil I have been meaning to get for the longest.

As of late I have been drinking white tea. It’s such a sweet and light tasting tea that I was hooked for weeks. Then recently I decided to switch it up a bit and try Oolong tea which turned out to be just as good.

I’ve been on a tea high since this past fall and have been very happy I have finally discovered and given tea a chance. Now I know why tea lovers are so picky about their stuff…. Oolong tea, like white tea is sweet but with a light earthy tone to it. The after taste is just right for me and not too overbearing.

Oolong tea is semi fermented and lies between green and black tea, containing moderate amounts of caffeine. Oolong tea is known to stimulate the digestive system and like most teas helps maintain a clearer mind.

Tea has a cleansing effect helping those who deal with constipation maintain a regular schedule which helps rid the body of toxins more efficiently. I like how light and refreshed I feel after having tea and not to mention all the health benefits I get from a cup of tea everyday.

My morning tea ritual consists of 1-2 cups when I wake up and another cup when I get to work.

Some health benefits of Oolong Tea:

Antioxidant: Protects against Free Radicals

Cleanses the body of toxins

Aids Digestion and Cholesterol levels

Helps clear mind of mental stress and fog

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Vanilla Oil has been on my wish list since forever and I finally got my hands on it. I mostly wanted this oil for my essential oil burner but have been using it for all sorts of things such as my body butters, body sugar scrubs and shampoo mixes. The scent of vanilla is amazing. Since getting this oil I have not stopped using it and sometimes I catch myself just running to the bottle to take a sniff of it. SMH lol

I have been burning this oil non stop and recently I have been adding a few sprinkles of ground cinnamon which leaves my house smelling like a bakery. The aroma is so soft and sweet you you can’t help but smile every time you smell it. Burning vanilla for aromatherapy purposes helps relax your mind as well as ease tension, stress and headaches.

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My skin in the past year has been a complete BRAT! I’ve been dealing with some annoying pimples, scars and just plain annoying skin. My skin is not only oily but sensitive too so I have been eliminating a lot of ingredients in my skin care regimen because of it. So far I have eliminated Tinted Moisturizers entirely. Right now bronzers are the only thing from keeping me looking like a corpse.

So I have been cleansing with this all natural Desert Essence face wash…….got it on sale for $6…. So far I like that it washes away mascara…..We shall see how well it really works soon.

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At last but not least I have been experimenting with making my own body butters usuing shea butter and Coconut Oil. Shea butter has been doing wonders for my skin since I started using it last year. I’m not much of a lotion person but since trying out shea butter and coconut oil my skin has been soaking it up.

These are my first two batches. The one on the left only conatins a 50/50 mix of shea butter and coconut oil. The one on the right contains Vanilla Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.

I have yet to perfect this concoction but so far I’m loving body butters. Not only can you use it on your skin but hair as well which is my ultimate goal with this shea butter and coconut oil mix. Soon as I get a hold of what I’m doing I will post a tutorial on how I do my body butters. In the mean time check out this tutorial by Glamazini, I’ve been working with.

So stay tuned for that and a lot more recipes I’ve been working with.

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Meditation and Aromatherapy: How To Use an Essential Oil Burner

 Peace, courage, ideas and inspirations originates in the mind. A focused and rooted mind can achieve many things.

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Meditation has for ages, been known to be a very beneficial technique used to help focus the mind and balance your overall well being.

 Centering your mind, by way of meditation can not only benefit the way you think and attract things into your life, but it can also help you achieve a comfortable state of balance and self recognition. The mind is an attractive mind (not a good looking one). I mean the type that pulls things into your consciousness, daily life and daily existence. The mind is like a magnet, pulling in the energy it captures from emotions, words and attitudes from all around and within us. Some say that the world is a reflection of your mind and it’s thoughts. I tend to believe that, since everyone in their own mind, has a different perspective when it comes to how they perceive and view the world. 

Some meditate to center a scattered mind, to help them focus their thoughts, reach a level of spirituality and of course, to simply experience a few moments of peace and solitude. However, when most think of meditation (especially when I started considering meditation) most tend to  think, “oh boring, quiet sessions secluded with no interaction.” 

Despite this common way of looking at it, meditation doesn’t always have to be boring, quiet or secluded. For me however, I have to have some level of alone and quiet time. No phone calls, visits or plans just me taking time out to free myself of any influences. This is important because you have to know when your voice is talking to you as opposed to other people’s opinions and ideas about you. Especially true when it comes to life changing/making decisions.

  Mundane tendencies, negativity and  fear can at times prevent you from taking the moment to discover who you truly are and the decisions you wish to make for yourself. Meditation can help you realize these fears and face them, all the while helping you focus on the steps you will take to confront and resolve them.These are just some of the tools meditation can be useful for.

Like with most things in life, you will most often than not struggle with obstacles, same with meditation. Mindless chatter, the bills, MAC, work, shea butter and just plain mundane thoughts will cross your mind. This mindless chatter can be a good thing because it can help bring to surface what it is you are dealing with. This is why it is important to master these fleeting thoughts because at times it can take up your whole meditation session. Sometimes when meditating I can get caught up trying to tackle each thought but I always bring myself back to adjusting them

As I mentioned  some find it boring, but you don’t always have to look at it that way. There are many things you can incorporate into your meditation sessions. You don’t have to sit in a certain position as the pictures above. Any place and time that you can claim for yourself and shut your eye for a few moments with the intention of freeing and discovering your mind to more fruitful and beneficial thoughts, ideas and vibrations is the goal (at least for me).

Recently I have noticed that visualization helps. It helps me stay focused on what I’m meditating on. I simply started off with a peacock feather I had. I imagined and visualized the colors and the animal it belonged to, then an intruding thought came to mind, but the colors in my mind were so tempting that I did not get caught up on the thought and all that it entails, instead I drifted back into to my visual. Not only did I not forget my goal (the feather) I also did not let the mindless chatter take over entirely.

Right before my meditation sessions, I like to listen to music but recently I have been intrigued with aromatherapy. As you may know, I have been meaning to buy an essential oil burner when I mentioned it here.

So recently after browsing walmart’s Fragrance Oils section, I came across this oil burner on clearance for 4 bucks! As a beginner I found this to be a great deal.

 It’s very simple in terms of using it. There was a wide selection but I stuck with the white ceramic plate design which just sits on the 4 legs.

As you can see the round part on the lower level of the ceramic plate is where

you will place your votive candle to warm the top portion of the plate.

Once you have placed your votive candle…. You want to add water to the top portion of the plate. The water will act as your carrier if you will, since you don’t want to burn the essential oil directly, you want to have water to help diffuse the aroma instead.

Once that is done it all depends on your mood, time and of course oil of choice. Aromatherapy is just one of the avenues to help you become more familiar with meditation. Not only can aromatherapy help you create an ambiance it can help you naturally have your house smelling good anytime too!

I have been using about 2 drops of each oil alone because I want to familiarize myself with each scent before I start mixing. Right now, Ylang Ylang and Lavender Oil have been on heavy rotation. Soon, I have to get my hands on vanilla and some other scents as well.

So give yourself some time, find a quiet space where you can interact with the realized you.

***Please make sure to never leave candles unattended****

For more info 

on how to use an oil burner View this Clip

 –

Essential Aromatherapy: A pocket guide to essential oils and aromatherapy

 By Susan E. Wormwood, Valerie Ann Worwood

The Aromatherapy Bible: A definitive guide to using essential oils

By Gill Farrer Halls

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Benefits of Scalp Massages, Creamed Coconut Deep Conditioner Review

 While working on my blog post Tips and links that saved my Hair, I got to the part where I was discussing  pre poos and realized I haven’t done pre poos in such a long time, and on top of that, I have never given myself a scalp massage. Last time I went to the salon I did a honey and coconut oil pre shampoo treatment (turned out great) but I barely touched my scalp. Since I don’t deal with dandruff or deal with dry scalp issues, I have never been compelled to do anything special for my scalp. But in the midst of deprivation and reminisces (and revamping my hair regimen) I decided to revisit my pre poos these last couple of weeks but with an added bonus, a scalp massage.

Benefits of Scalp Massages

Promotes hair growth

Increases circulation
 Rids scalp of junk and buildup allowing new cells to regrow

Minimizes shedding and hair loss

Adds Strength

Provides shine

Conditions and soothes itchy scalp and dry hair
Reduces dandruff

The first week I started off with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and two drops of lavender (great oil for hair loss) but realized by week two the Olive Oil was a bit too heavy for my hair (looking greasy, weighing it down). Despite the olive oil being too heavy I noticed a huge difference as far as shedding. So instead of oiling my entire hair, I strictly focused on my scalp and went for a lighter oil, sweet almond.

I have used both ylang ylang and lavender together and alone and both my scalp and hair is loving it. I find that ylang is much more moisturizing when added for my scalp massages and pre-poos, leaving my hair ultra soft and shiny. Since I have started massaging my scalp I have yet to see more than 5-10 strands when I brush my hair. A significantly vast improvement considering these past summer months. I was also having issues with my scalp being a bit itchy so massaging my scalp turned out great for that as well. I like massaging my scalp, it leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and I myself feel relaxed and at ease. So this will definitely be something I will add to my regimen bi weekly, while pre pooing once a month.

 

As you know with my last hair update, I was freaking out because I felt like my hair was way too thin and I was dealing with shedding quite a bit, so I came across this thread which basically gave me an insight into hair shedding being a natural process. Hair goes through cycles naturally reinforcing and rebuilding itself so it’s actually normal for the hair to shed especially in cycles.

This past weekend however, I skipped the oils and decided to do a creamed coconut deep conditioner.

I bought this about two weeks ago while shopping for my spices, aloe, and veggies. I paid just a $1 for it and could not figure out what to do with it exactly, I knew I wanted to do a deep conditioner with it, but did not know how or with what. So I decided to add Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration and I instantly had my creamed coconut deep conditioner.

I let it sit out for an hour and it was not creamy, but rather soft. So I took a small steak knife and scraped out about half of the bar.

I then added Herbal Essence’s Hello Hydration….

Mixed them together….

and put it in my hair for about an hour…… 10 mins w heat.

 conditioned with Mane n Tail and Rinsed with Apple Cider Vinegar.

I lightly sprayed my hair with Chi Keratin Mist right before it got too dry. I liked how my hair felt and will add cream of coconut into other deep conditioners I have in mind and see how it turns out. This turned out great because the following days my hair felt very moisturized, my curls were not as tight and I was able to run my fingers through my curls without pulling. I’m almost done with most of the my Dominican hair products. So soon as I’m done I will get into product junkie mode and upgrade and simplify my hair regimen… Until then I will wait and see what I find out there and use up everything I have before I purchase anything.

This was my hair these past two days.. I just moisturized with ORS in the jar and sealed with sweet almond oil and braided my hair into a ponytail. Right when I was ready to head out I just let the braids out and this is how my hair has been.

Compared to the Cream of coconut deep conditioner I did back in June, I like the way the creamed coconut left my hair combined with Hello Hydration. Either way they both left me with great shine and moisture…..

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What are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids?

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are found in many skincare products especially for mature and acne prone skin types. AHA’s and BHA’s are naturally found most commonly in fruits, beneficial for the skin (fine lines, sun damage) and in some cases health as well. Alpha Hydroxy acids are mild exfoliants that help break the bonds that holds dead skin cells together aka dry skin, leaving you with smooth, moisturized and renewed skin.

The skin is made up of many layers but the two main layers we are most familiar with are the epidermis and dermis. Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate the top layers of the skin (epidermis) helping promote the growth of healthier skin cells by way of the dermis (second main layer). The second main layer of the skin (dermis), is where most of our moisture, collagen and elastin exist.

Collagen is what helps structure the skin while elastin helps the skin stretch and take form. Naturally derived AHA and BHA’S, as well as synthetic types that professionals use in higher concentrations (such as chemical peels), are ideal for treating wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, acne, sunspots and helps even out your skin tone.

However, you can make your own natural and mild exfoliants using Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids by simply using natural products you can easily find in your house and local food market.

*Please make sure that you are not sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids can cause sun sensitivity and irritation, especially in higher concentrations.*

There are five types of

 Alpha Hydroxy Acids:

1.Glycolic Acid:

Glycolic acid is one of the most familiar acids. It’s derived from sugarcane and naturally exfoliates the skin. Ideal for mature skin and fine lines, scars and hyperpigmentation.

2.Lactic Acid

Found in milk, yogurt, tomato juice. Like glycoic acid, lactic acid naturally exfoliates the skin while also soothing sensitive skin types. Lactic acid also lightens dark spots left over from acne or scars in general. Yogurt is also astringent ideal for those with oily skin while also moisturizing at the same time.

3.Malic Acid

Bananas, apples, nectarines, pears all contain malic acid which is an antioxidant helping reduce wrinkles and allows the skin to retain moisture while clarifying. Malic acid is great for not only the skin but overall health as well. It’s essential for energy production in the body and is said to be beneficial for those who suffer with fibromyalgia, helping maximize energy levels while reducing pain.

4.Citric Acid

Pineapple, oranges and lemon juices, helps lighten and brighten the skin getting rid of old dead skin cells, also astringent.

5.Tartaric Acid

Found in grapes, apples, pears, tamarind. Improves wrinkles, evens skin tone and sun damaged skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic acid)

There are several types of Beta Hydroxy Acids but in skin care only salicylic is known to be used which is a very familiar ingredient for those who deal with acne and oily skin as well. Salicylic Acid, the only Beta Hydroxy acid used in dermatology, is known to get deeper into the pores and is found mainly in willow bark and aspirin. Unlike the Alpha Hydroxy acids, Salicylic acid penetrates through the skin’s natural oils (sebum), thoroughly cleaning out clogged pores that causes blackheads and breakouts.

Here I will make a simple facial using yogurt (Lactic Acid)

Read More so you can see how it’s made…

Even though summer is nearly drawing to a close some have to deal with oily skin year round. So I usually do this quick and easy homemade face mask which always does the trick for me.

Yogurt (lactic acid) naturally cleanses and exfoliates the skin ridding it of old dead skin cells, it’s also a mild astringent (controls oil, closes pores), and antibacterial, ideal for keeping pimples and blemishes at bay. Oatmeal also tackles dryness and it’s known for dealing with eczema, sunburn, and soothes the skin while also cleansing the skin of oils and dirt.

For this facial you just need 2 basic ingredients:

Regular plain oatmeal and regular plain yogurt, no sugars or flavors

(If you can get Organic Greek yogurt, go for it )

Yogurt usually has a bit of water on the top, use this “juice” to moisten your mask to your liking. To thicken it just add more oatmeal. Leave the mask on for 10-15 mins or until it dries completely.

 Honey is naturally antibacterial and moisturizing making this facial an even more fabulous hydrating facial.

I ‘ve been using essential oils in my facials lately and it has become a very interesting and welcoming addition to my regimen. I like to add 1 drop of lavender oil or 1 drop of ylang ylang to this very facial. Lavender oil helps heal the skin while providing you with antibacterial properties ideal for pimples and acne prone skin, which oily skin types deal with on a regular basis. Ylang Ylang is great to help balance any skin type great for oily or dry skin as well.

This Face mask leaves my skin glowing and helps minimize my pores. I can truly see how great the results are when I apply my makeup. You can make this mask with just the yogurt and oatmeal or just add any ingredient ideal for your skin type. Strawberries are also astringent great for oily skin types while a banana can give you an extra boost in moisture.

Sources:
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beautiful Skin By Marsha Gordon, Alice E. Fugate
Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice By Leslie Baumann

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Make Your Own Homemade febreze! Plus some random shopping

Earlier this month I decided to do a little shopping as well as experiment with a few homemade body scrubs and facials. While doing that, I decided to make my own homemade Febreze! I got the recipe from some website, can’t remember, but this turned out great because my sinuses can’t tolerate most commercial air fresheners. I usually end up with headaches and sneeze fits.

   This is truly my favorite! I usually spray this Lavender essential oil mist on my curtains, sheets,

carpet just whenever I’m searching for a relaxing and yet refreshing scent. Ylang Ylang is also a great soft uplifting scent ideal for those unexpected last minute visits.

You just need:

Spray Bottle

2 cups of water

 10 drops of essential oil (5 of each if combining)

1/2teaspoon of Castile soap

 Shake the bottle to mix the scent, and there you have it your homemade essential oil room spray! You don’t really need the castile soap it’s just used as a solvent to help bring the mix together much better I guess. Either way you will be left with a fabulous air freshener.

Illamasqua Kiss

Earlier in July I stopped by Sephora and picked up a blush.

This is Illamasqua’s powder blush in “kiss” ($26). It’s this real pretty plum matte color, looked really purple on the display but when I wear it, it kind of has this pinkish hue to it. I’m not too crazy about the color yet, I guess I have to keep working with it until I find the perfect look. I have been into this plum blush and lipstick phase for sometime now. It’s like everything I buy I lean toward this plum color…..

 and this one….

Almay Blush Orchid

I also picked up this almay blush called orchid and a nail polish at my local drugstore. Another plum color but with less pinkish undertones. I actually reach out for this almay blush I got on clearance sale for 4 bucks, more than my Illamasqua. It has this very beautiful plum color I just love it. I always pair it with Rimmel’s paradise lipstick which is also a very pretty plum color. You can see a pic of the lipstick here.

I don’t normally wear polish but I was in a plum mood and got this CQ nail polish called “Plum Baby” at my local drugstore for about 2 bucks. This color is more pink fuchsia than plum. This is my second polish from this brand and I have to say I really like their formula, not too sheer, not too thick.

Before Polish

After Polish

I also won my second giveaway given by the lovely designer Diva Style Blog.  It was so fun and exciting since I received the package on such a boring Monday. Now this fabulous book sits on my coffee table, reminding me of makeup. One thing that really stood out to me about the book was that Scott Barnes firmly believes that foundation should be a mix of several tones as opposed to just one. I don’t wear foundation ever, but it really stood out to me since I wonder if most makeup gurus do that…

I also bought this drying lotion ($18.50) while browsing at Henri Bendel’s NY (so many cute purses!). I was curious about this drying lotion and since I was breaking out more than usual I decided to give it a try. I usually use honey or aloe vera for my pimples but if you need something to dry them suckers out quick, this is definitely worth it. I have used it a lot since buying it and I really like it. Better than most on the spot treatments I have bought especially if you need a quick fix.

Right next to Henri Bendel’s on 5th ave you strategically have a MAC store (I believe their first U.S store). I decided to pick up this lipstick,”crosswires”. It’s such a pretty coral/pink lipstick and I love to wear it with maybelline’s apricot flush blush which is this peachy orange, again a great color for my skin tone, especially when I tan. Also if I want to bring out the pink in the lipstick I pair it with Jane’s Blushing Baby doll blush.

So basically these were just some purchases here and there I got throughout July and this month. I usually don’t tend to spend on most products especially makeup because I like to eat my money, not literally, meaning I prefer a good meal and drinks but sometimes a girl is itching to spend. lol

Last but not least an eye look I did the other day with Wet n’ wild’s Sumptuos quad. 

I swept the brown color over my entire lid and with a flat liner angle brush I lined my lower lashline with that gorgous blue.

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Ylang Ylang: The Magical and Health Uses of Essential Oils

 Getting to know essential oils, the processes and the many uses you can get out of them can truly be a fascinating experience. So many chemicals exist in our everyday products which can be absorbed by the skin and creep into our bodies by way of the circulatory system. This can expose you to unknown toxins and potentially unknown health effects as well.

 This is why I have come to love Essential oils. They can be very versatile and the healing qualities each oil possesses naturally provides you with many benefits, both internally and externally. Ylang-Ylang is my new oil and has this very sweet floral aroma, every time I smell it, it’s as if the boyfriend just got me the most amazing bouquet of flowers!

Ylang Ylang is a very aromatic tropical plant with it’s essential oil serving many benefits for the mind, body and spirit.

 Beauty wise, Ylang Ylang is an ideal oil for most skin types (especially for those with oily skin) because it helps balance oil production of the skin while at the same time getting rid of the harmful bacteria that breeds pimples, thanks to ylang-ylang’s antiseptic properties. Ylang-Ylang is said to treat against hair loss and is a great moisturizer for the hair, making it an ideal oil for any of your favorite hair treatments and scalp massages (diluted of course).

Ylang Ylang is a well known aphrodisiac lending itself to encourage you to lose your inhibitions and embrace your sensual exotic side. It’s a great scent for couples who are looking to set the mood or if you notice you need to spice things up a bit between your relationship and daily routines.

Health wise, ylang ylang also helps ease the nervous system lessening tension, anxiety and promoting a peaceful, and calming ambiance. Thanks to it’s calming and sedative qualities, ylang helps those with high blood pressure as well as calm insomniacs down to a point where they may actually desire sleep.

This oil also treats symptoms of depression helping you open yourself to deeper understandings of yourself, while abolishing negative thoughts and feelings associated with self hate and lack of self worth. It opens your spirit and heart to acceptance of who you truly are in this world helping you exude love, especially realized love from within.

I made another small batch of my vitamin E body scrub, this time using Ylang-Ylang (2 drops) and it was truly a very nice and clean scent. I’m also looking to buy an oil burner here are a few I had in mind:

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Remember to always dilute your oils in carrier/base oils. Essential oils are very concentrated and should never be used directly on the skin. Always make sure you do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to avoid irritation. If used in excess, ylang-ylang may cause headaches and nausea.

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These Essential oils and carrier oils can be found at your local natural health store like Vitamin shoppe, GNC and I’m sure there are many vendors online in which you can feel comfortable purchasing from.

More Info

Ylang-Ylang

A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar By Georges M. Halpern, Peter Weverka

Magical aromatherapy: the power of scent By Scott Cunningham

Flower and Tree Magic: Discover the Natural Enchantment Around You By Richard Webster

More info on Ylang Ylang

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The Magical and Health uses of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been around for ages and used for many purposes throughout the world. Through the process of distillation essential oils are derived from any particular plant providing you with an array of scents and uses. Like colors, each scent has its unique vibration and it is said that the vibration each scent carries is determined by the kind of plant it is, the environment the plant was exposed to and other factors giving the essential oil its many unique qualities.

The part of the brain associated with scent is the limbic system. The oldest system of the brain and a very intricate, precise system that governs your moods and emotions. Ever smelled something that instantly takes your feelings back in time? Well, that’s the limbic system at work. Sex, anger, fear and many emotions are governed by the limbic system and that’s where aromatherapy plays it’s role. Aromatherapy is a form of therapeutic medicine using essential oils to help deal with not only emotional but health issues as well.

Essential oils can be used for many things concerning beauty. You can use essential oils in facials, as a perfume, and in many of your hair treatments. If you have a stubborn pimple, dabbing a little bit of tea tree oil will help minimize it’s size as well as kill the bacteria that formed it in the first place. Tea tree oil is also great for those who deal with dandruff, while garlic oil not only kills bacteria, but also helps with hair growth as well. Basically there are many types of oils great for your hair and skin needs.

Essential oils can also be used to enhance your spiritual power by way of your desired intent. Essential oils are used in spiritual baths, candles and can be worn as a scent to enhance you intent and the oils magical qualities.

However before you head out and get all oil crazy it is important that you understand that essential oils are pure and highly concentrated so contact with direct skin can be very irritating. This is where a carrier oil comes in.

A carrier oil is safe enough to use directly on the skin and it’s role is to help dilute the essential oil since it’s so concentrated. There are many types of carrier oils and most are vegetable based although there are known animal oils such as emu oil. Carrier oils are generally odorless and many have countless uses with an array of benefits for the skin and hair. Some carrier oils you can use are sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, rose hip oil and many more. Essential oils can be a great way for you to create your own signature scent while at the same time benefiting from it’s therapeutic qualities. In terms of blending your oils, you want to take into consideration how potent you want your scent to be as well as some basic understanding of notes.

The Notes

-Top Notes-

ex. Cinnamon, Orange, Eucalyptus

The majority of essential oils are classified as top notes. Top notes evaporate fast. They are fresh and uplifting in nature.

-Middle Notes-

ex.Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender

Middle notes normally give that extra punch to the blend and have a balancing effect.

They are very soft in nature.

-Base Notes-
ex. Clove, Jasmine, Myrrh

Base notes are very heavy, the scent is very solid, and will linger for a long time. These fragrances are very intense, rich and relaxing in nature.

So here are a few oils I have been collecting along the way and some of the things I have learned about them:

Patchouli

I can not tolerate not even one drop of this oil. It just drives me insane and simply can not work with it no matter how much I try. Despite the smell I can’t stand, Patchouli has many great medicinal qualities especially for the skin. Patchouli is very popular with treating depression and emotional problems. It helps lift your mood while at the same time serving it’s purpose as an aphrodisiac. So if you are dealing with impotency and/or depression patchouli is the way to go.  Patchouli is also a fungicide helping eliminate fungus such as athletes foot, jock itch or any fungus in general. Patchouli also helps regenerate the skin cells and promotes healing and fading of scars. Eczema as well as psoriasis, sores and the like can be treated with patchouli.

Patchouli is a great grounding oil helping your mind to calm and ground itself. It is also known as an attraction oil  used to attract prosperity, money, love etc as well as help calm an argumentative person.

Black Pepper

I went out on the hunt for this oil mostly for it’s magical uses, however this oil has an array of great medicinal benefits especially for those dealing with arthritis and digestive issues. Black pepper stimulates not only the digestive system but also stimulates circulation helping rid the body of harmful toxins. Black pepper is also antibacterial and antioxidant. Helps cure infections of the mouth, sores as well as harmful bacteria living throughout the digestive tract. Black pepper also plays a role in anti aging by protecting cells from free radical damage while also repairing them at the same time, thus improving the onset of wrinkles. In magical uses black pepper is popular with increasing courage and alertness. Also it is a great oil to use for protection against negative energy like the evil eye etc.

lavender Oil

This oil is my favorite and I use it a lot too. It really helps calm me and gives me this airy feeling. I also like to use it in my hair and body scrub concoctions since the scent lingers for a very long time. Lavender oil is both antibacterial and antifungal making it ideal for preserving my homemade beauty mixes. Like patchouli, lavender oil also treats depression, minus the strong scent. It treats all types of sadness, anxiety, headaches and also helps calm and center your mind and thoughts. For insomniacs lavender oil can be a great start to help you fall asleep since it is such a calming oil. Beauty wise, lavender oil works against wrinkles, pimples, psoriasis as well as providing pain relief when used in massages of joints etc. For magical purposes Lavender oil promotes peace and tranquility in the home. Also if worn as a scent it promotes peace of mind and treats all types of emotional sadness.

Ginger Oil

I have not yet ventured into using ginger oil but I’m very familiar with the fascinating medicinal properties ginger itself has. I love ginger tea with honey especially if I feel my Sinuses are abut to act up. If I’m feeling car sick or just have a stomach ache I usually go for a Ginger tea. Also when feeling my stomach upset I reach for ginger ale soda and it usually does the trick. Basically ginger is great to help fight the flu as well as with depression, migraines anxiety. Ginger  has also been attributed to treating cancer and when used in a massage oil helps relieve arthritis pain. Ginger also promotes courage and abundance of money when sprinkled on wallet or around your business, basically anywhere you would like money to follow.

Clove Oil

My boyfriend calls this the dental oil because he says it reminds of the dental office. In fact clove oil is used in many dental products to help mask bad breath and also treat painful toothaches temporarily numbing the area. Clove oil is also antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic making it ideal for treating all types of fungus such as athletes foot, infections, cuts wounds, acne and even mosquito bites. Clove oil is antiviral making it very useful for respiratory issues (asthma, sinus), boosting the immune system as well as being a great blood purifier. Clove oil is also great with dealing with stress, migraines, headaches and also like lavender oil, calms you down and helps insomniacs with their sleep. Magically clove oil is great for driving away negative energy as well as a great scent to help promote healing and prosperity.

These are just some of the oils I have collected and worked with along the way. There are many recipes online in which you can add some of these oils into your desired concoctions. I’m going to post some great beauty, magical and medicinal recipes you can make yourself. Whether it be for health, prosperity of just plain curiosity essential oils are a great way for you to start venturing into their never ending uses.

Here you can find more info on oils and their wide range of uses:

Helping yourself with magical oils A-Z by Maria Solomon

Organic Facts List of Essential oils

Aroma Web

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