Essential Oils for Emotional Burnout

Burnout can affect the mental and emotional processes which influence the physical. The body shuts down when the emotions shut down, when there are no feelings anymore or tears to cry. There are many reasons why someone could get burnout, perhaps caring for a relative with terminal illness for a long time or a break up from a spouse.

When someone gets burnout it may paralyze a person, it may seem like all the feelings that normally make up a person's personality are gone. The person may feel like he or she is in a vacuum and can't reach out to others. The person may simply feel depressed and exhausted. The emotional side has closed down to recharge the batteries but the feelings are still there of course.

Valeri Worwood recommends the following essential oils for those with all kinds of emotional burnout:

Vetiver, rose Otto, patchouli, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, frankincense, ginger, Roman chamomile, bergamot, neroli, Melissa, marjoram, sandalwood, lemon, helichrysum, jasmine, petitegrain.

How to

When making blends for burnout it is better to start softly, Worwood suggests to start with half the amount and use 15 drops to the usual 30 ml (1 oz) base oil for massage that she recommends. Use only 1-2 drops of a blend  in the bath  or 1-2 drops in the diffuser. Over time you can increase the amount and eventually add 30 drops to 30 ml of base oil. 

Important

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safefy information before you start using essential oils.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

 References 

The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996

Five Aromatherapy Tips For Everyday Wellness

People often ask how they can incorporate essential oils into their everyday life.  They are on the path to greater wellness and have realized that using essential oils is an effective and enjoyable means to their wellness goals.  I use essential oils and essential oil blends daily, many times a day and truly believe that my everyday wellness and joy has increased with aromatherapy in my life.  Following are 5 aromatherapy tips that can be started right now for everyday wellness.
For more aromatherapy and essential oil information please visit my website www.evokearomatherapy.com and follow my blog www.evokearomatherapy.blogspot.ca
Individual essential oils and vegetable carrier oils are available from Evoke Aromatherapy.  These products are available by request only which can be submitted on our "contact us" page.  Currently pure essential oils and carrier oils have no separate listing on the website.


5 Aromatherapy Tips For Everyday Wellness

1. Practice breathing: use your favourite essential oil to teach you to fully breathe into the bottom of your lungs then exhale completely.  Do this by applying a drop of your favourite essential oil to your hands, inhale deeply, exhale fully and repeat.
Benefits: increased oxygen to your body equals increased alertness, improved mood and increased energy.  Hint:  use an anti-viral essential oil like lemon to boost immune, or a calming essential oil like sandalwood to soothe the nervous system.

2.  Diffuse pure essential oils:  add a few drops of your favourite essential oil into a vaporizer to infuse the air you are breathing with natural calm.  One of my favourite oil blends is cinnamon and sweet orange.  An all round oil blend for wellness and an uplifted mood.
Benefits:  decreased stress hormones equal an increase of inner peace and calm.




3.  Aromatic Baths:  adding Epsom salts mixed with a few drops of your favourite essential oil into the bath water encourages your body to unwind and de-stress.  My favourite bath salt blend is Evoke Aromatherapy's Sweet Surrender that has lavender, neroli and geranium essential oils.  This bath blend helps the body and mind to completely unfurl.
Benefits:  Epsom salts help increase Magnesium absorption which decreases muscle pain and encourages relaxation.  Essential oils refresh, purify and relax the mind and body.

4.  Dry skin brushing and body oil:  dry brushing the skin allows you to slough off dead skin cells and increase circulation.  Applying a body oil afterwards revitalises the new skin cells bringing luxurious softness to your skin.  My favourite body oil... Evoke's Spring Fling (which will be released this spring.  Sign onto our newsletter or like us on social media to learn when it is available)
Benefits:  increased circulation, promotes healthy skin, increased self care which equals more SELF LOVE!






5.  First Aid:  promote healing of cuts, scrapes and burns using lavender diluted in a vegetable carrier oil.  Disinfect cuts using tea tree essential oil also diluted in a vegetable carrier oil.

Benefits:  healing the natural way, strengthen the bodies natural healing response.




Bonus Tip for increased wellness using essential oils.... have fun using them!  You are caring for and loving yourself in a wonderful proactive and healthy way.  You are on your way to enjoy a life of everyday wellness and self love!
All this benefit from simply "stopping to smell the roses!"

NOTE:  Always dilute essential oils before use.  Also check on their safety and proper dilution ratios before using.  Evoke Aromatherapy is providing this information for educational purposes only and does not intend to treat, diagnose, or cure any ailment, or disease.  

Essential Oils & The Nervous System

The nervous system is the body's communication network and control center. The nervous system senses changes inside and outside the body and interpretes these. It also initiates actions such as glandular secretions or muscular contractions as a response to what the nervous system interprets.

It is important to acknowledge the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of our well being. The nervous system is part of the physical make up but the psychological process also takes place in the nervous system. When there's a disease on the physical level it will affect the psychological and when there's a disease on the psychological level it will affect the physical.

Aromatherapy is unique, and Battaglia says no other holistic modality can offer such a multidimensional approach to dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system. The aromatherapy massage is very nurturing and therapeutic, the essential oils have pharmacological activity, the olfaction has powerful influence of ANS memory and emotions, and there's is a caring relationship between the therapist and the client.

According to Battaglia, the following properties of essential oils are useful when dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system:

Antidepressants
Battaglia says the following essential oils can be used to alleviate depression:
~ Sandalwood, ylang ylang, neroli, jasmine, geranium, lemon, lavender, rose otto and absolute, bergamot, basil and clary sage.

Soporifics
Battaglia says sweet marjoram, lavender, and valerian can be used to induce sleep.

Nervines
There are two types of nervines - sedative and stimulant nervines. Nervines strengthen and tone the nerves.

According to Battaglia, the stimulant nervines strengthen the nervous system and are useful in stress, shock or nervous debility. He says the following oils are useful nervines:
~ Vetiver, clary sage, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, angelica root and juniper berry.

Battaglia says relaxant nervines can help alleviate tension and stress. He says some excellent nervines are:
~ Bergamot, Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, valerian, sandalwood, neroli and lavender.

Analgesics
According to Battaglia, analgesic can be used for migraines and headaches. He says the following oils are analagesics:
~ Eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, sweet marjoram, spike lavender, lavender, thyme and rosemary.

Antispasmodics
According to Battaglia, antispasmodics help prevent or alleviate spasms or convulsions, and may be beneficial for treating migraines, headaches and muscular spasms caused by nervous tension. Battaglia says the following oils are antispasmodics:
~ Clary sage, Roman chamomile, yarrow, sweet marjoram and lavender.


Behavior and attitude can influence our resistance to disease and positive imagery and meditation have been used in cancer treatments for years. It is also important to consider eating a well balance diet, get enough rest and sleep, use relaxation techniques and consider other natural remedies such as flower essences and herbs.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Source:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

Hyperactivity

Click for a larger view

Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Allergies in Children

According to a CDC study survey, 1 in 20  children have food allergies which is a 50% increase since the late 1990's, and 1 in 8 have contact allergies. Dr. Benjamin Perkus said at the Young Living Convention,  "kids and teens who are born abroad and immigrate to the United States are about half as likely to have asthma and allergies as those who are born in the U.S."


As a European who has lived in  several countries I have noticed a few things:

• More food in other countries contain less or no preservatives than here in USA.
• More  food in other countries contain natural food colorings (from vegetables) than here in USA.
• A lot of chemicals are forbidden in Europe but still allowed here in USA. American food manufactures have to make special products for the European market.
• Genetically modified food has been banned in many countries, and GMO food is required to be labeled in several countries. 
• The amount of vaccines children receive is less in many other countries than here in USA. Swedish children receive less vaccines than most other children in other countries and the amount of SID cases are among the lowest in the world. 

So I am not surprised to find out that children born abroad will develop less asthma and allergies than children born here in the U.S. The European Union has also taken an interest in what damage chemicals can do to children. It is now a law to label products aimed at children that contain artificial coloring.  EU recognizes that food dyes can cause allergies, asthma and cancer. 

Dr.Perkus recommends to use lavender, and an anti-microbial blend of rosemary cineol, clove, cinnamon, lemon and Eucalyptus radiata for children. He recommends to use the anti-microbial blend for mold. He also recommends to use probiotics and enzymes.

What to do about allergies
Fortunately as parents we can be proactive and protect our children here in the U.S. Whether your child is allergic or not, it has to start with the diet. 

• Make sure to purchase food that doesn't have any nasty chemicals, but as you will notice it will be hard to find good quality food in the stores. Your best bet is to make as much as possible from scratch and to buy organic. 
• Eat wholesome food with plenty of fruit and vegetables, replace the sugary snacks with some fruit, veggies, smoothies, chicken, eggs etc. 
• Make sure that your child receives sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, it is said it is impossible to receive all the nutrients we need through food alone so purchase a good quality multivitamin. 
• Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acids are said to decrease allergy symptoms.

Replace all the toxic household products and personal hygiene products with natural products. It doesn't have to be expensive, you can use vinegar and baking soda for a lot of things in the house. Check out my Natural Cleaning Post. 

It is recommended to keep a log once you notice your child show signs of allergies. It is important to ask what has your child touched, inhaled, smelled, eaten prior to the change. Contact and inhalant allergies are usually instant while food allergic are usually delayed 20 min - 2 hours.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit

I would pick lavender, tea tree (melaleuca)  if I could only choose two bottles for my first aid kit. The picture below will explain why.

Click to enlarge the picture.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

The Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils ~ Lavender

Lavender has often been called the "Swiss Army Knife" of essential oils due to it is such a versatile oil. It is a universal oil with many applications.  If your budget only allows you to buy one essential oil, then I recommend to purchase lavender. 

Place of origin
Lavender is grown around the Mediterranean area. France is one of the major areas where it is cultivated, but lavender is also cultivated in Spain and England.

Historical uses
The medicinal and perfume properties of lavender has been used for a very long time. The Romans used lavender for their baths and it was used to ward off evil spirits in the Middle Ages. Lavender derives from the Latin word lavare, which means to wash.

Constituents
The higher altitude lavender grows on, the higher the ester content will be. The esters are soothing, antimicrobial and balancing. Lavender also has linalool ociemene, 1,8 cineole, octanone, camphor, caryopyllene, terpinene-4-ol.

Characteristics
Lavender is colorless or sometimes yellow to green oil with aromatic herbaceous and slightly floral scent.

Fragrance
The aroma is very calming and soothing to the mind. It is relaxing and balancing, both emotionally and physically. The top note is fresh, sweet, strong and herbal-floral aroma. The middle note is pleasant, clean with a sweet floral herbaceous scent with a woody undertone. The base not is perfumery. It is soothing, refreshing, slight herbal-floral. 


Indications:

Mind and Spirit
Lavender is a sedative nervine and as such it has historically been a helpful oil for psychological and nervous disorders. Some conditions that have historically benefitted from the use of lavender are insomnia, hysteria, depression, migraine.  Lavender is also an analgesic agent, and its sedative and analgesic properties are said to help migraine and headaches. Lavender is also said to alleviate stress and may also be helpful in fearful situations.

Body:
Lavender is a very versatile oil and is a definite choice for the first aid kit. It is antiseptic and it has historically been helpful in flu, wounds, catarrh, cystitis, colds and coughs. It also possesses antispasmodic actions and it has traditionally been used to alleviate asthma and bronchitis.  Its antispasmodic, analgesic, and relaxant actions has historically provided relief in muscular pain and rheumatism.

Lavender has also historically been used to lower blood pressure and according to Battaglia, also acts as a stimulating agent for someone with a weak heart. He also says it has emmenagogue actions and is therefore beneficial for scanty periods. Battaglia says lavender has low toxicity levels and is therefore a good oil for treating different childhood cuts, scratches, and infections.

I also learned that lavender has antihistamine properties and many have used lavender for allergies with great results. Learn more about essential oils and allergies:
Essential Oils & Allergies


Skin and hair:
Lavender has become the most useful oil when treating burns and it is even used by European hospitals. It has excellent healing properties on the skin. According to Battaglia, its analgesic and antiseptic properties will ease the pain and prevent infection of the burn. Its cytophylactic actions promotes rapid healing and reduce scarring. Lavender's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and according to Battaglia is said to treat dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and boils.

Actions
Analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, vulnerary.

According to Gary Young, lavender is also antitumoral, and anticonvulsant.

Contraindications
There are no known contraindications to lavender. Consult your physician if you're pregnant or under  a doctor's care. Lavender is safe for use on small children.

Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age."

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Photo Credit

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Natural Living Link Up

Essential Oils, Herbs & Boils

A boil is an inflamed and infected lump located under or on the skin. It is most commonly caused by the staphylococcus bacterium. They are red, inflamed, tender and painful and can appear very suddenly and within 24 hours they are filled with pus. The nearest lymph glands often become swollen and tender. The boils are contagious and the pus that drains when the boil open can contaminate the skin and causing more boils. It can even enter the blood. Medicinal assistance may be required if the boils are very large. 

Causes
A bacterial infection, stress, poor hygiene, food or airborne allergy, illness, lower resistance, poor nutrition, certain drugs, constipation, a toxic bowel and bloodstream, or thyroid disorders may be the cause. 

Therapeutic strategy
According to Battaglia, a hot compress with essential oils is the most effective treatment. The essential oils will "draw out" a boil and speed up the healing. Enhancing the immunity, and purifying and  detoxifying the blood is also important.

Essential ols
 Bergamot, lavender, and tee tree are the most suitable oils according to Battaglia. The area around the boil should also be washed several times a day with 1-3% dilution of lavender or bergamot. Gary Young also recommends nutmeg, peppermint, and naioli.

Detox is needed
If the boils are many and keep recurring, then there's a need to reduce the toxicity in the body. Massage and baths with detoxifying oils such as carrot seed, juniper berry, grapefruit, geranium and rosemary are  traditionally used for detoxifying the body. Check out my post, Cleansing with Essential Oils for additional tips on detoxing.


Herbs
Goldenseal and echinacea have traditionally been used to cleanse the lymph glands.

Poultices have traditionally been used to bring the boil to a head:

• Mix half a tablespoon with slippery elm with one tablespoon of linseed oil. Add a tablespoon of charcoal and apply on the boil.
• Apply pieces of onion wrapped in cloth.

Other suggestions
Don't pop or squeeze a boil since it may cause the infection to go deeper into the body. 

Other things to consider 

• According to Battaglia, increase the intake of vitamin C to 3000-8000 mg daily. Vitamin C is an immune system stimulant and an anti-inflammatory.
• Take garlic daily to detoxify the body and to stimulate the immune system.
• Make sure the diet is high in fruit and vegetables.

Remember 
Seek medical attention when needed, especially if you suffer from immune deficiency, or other medical conditions. Make sure to call the doctor if the boils are very painful, lasts longer than two weeks or if you develop a fever.

Thanks for reading!

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd