Aromatherapy Blending Tips

                                

Blending essential oils is not always easy and it is also very subjective. Fortunately, there are some tips that are useful and can help you create a pleasing and balanced blend.

First of all you need to familiarize yourself with the top, middle, and base notes. Battaglia agrees with Lavabre, who suggests the following ratio:

top notes: 20-30%

midddle notes: 40-80%

base notes: 10-25%

Battaglia used to believe in a different ratio but he writes that Lavabre's ratio works perfectly for aromatherapy.

For a detailed list of the essential oils and if they are top, middle, or base notes, read my post Make Your Own Perfume:

It is important that the blend you make doesn't brake up into three stages that smells differently, you don't want them to leave the others behind. If the essential oil blend falls apart it is not formulated very well. 

So how should  a well balanced blend be like? Battaglia says a well balanced blend has a top note that retains some of the middle note, and the base note retains some of the middle note. The changes during the evaporatio process will be very smooth.

What are some things you can do to fix your blend?

If you have formulated a blend with the top note too far removed from the middle note then you can bring the blend into harmony by adding an essential oil with softer quality that vibrates from the middle towards the top. Rose otto, neroli or clary sage can be used.

If you formulated a blend where the base note is way too pronounced and doesn't have any connection to the middle note, then you have to lift the blend with an essential oil that is brighter and resonates from the middle to the base. Geranium, lavender, rosewood, or ylang yland are suitable.

If you formulated a blend with mostly top notes then you should consider adding rosewood or sandalwood to the blend. 

Learn about blend equalizers, blend modifiers, blend enhancers and natural extenders in my next post.

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:

Salvatore Battaglia (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition.The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Essential Oils & Lymphedema

Lymphedema may be localized or generalized. Kahn says lymphedema may be due to a primary or secondary cause. The primary cause is  also referred to as congenital, and the secondary cause is caused by a known condition which could be radiation or trauma, or removal of lymph nodes. 

The Aromatherapy Treatment Strategy

The aromatherapy treatment is to reduce the swelling by stimulationg the lymph flow by using cool compresses and lymphatic drainage massage techniques. Kahn suggests to use essential oil such as fennel seed, juniper berry, and cypress for the compress. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage that assists the lymph flow, decrease pain, balance the central nervous system and boosts immunity. Kahn recommends to use laurus nobilis, lemon, rosemary, grapefruit, peppermint and lemon essential oils. These oils assist lymph fluid circulation and  aid in elimination of wastes from the interstitial tissue.

The leg should be elevated. Kahn also suggests to incorporate deep breathing, yoga, self massage, nutritional and lifestyle advice. Aromatherapy baths are also recommended and they should not be too hot, the heat can cause filtration of fluids into the tissue and make the condition worse.

Kahn further says it is important to use pH balanced moisturizing lotion with essential oils such as tea tree and lavender to minimize the risk of infections.

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:

Salvatore Battaglia (2003) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition.The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.

• 
  

Aromatherapy to make your Valentine's Day Memorable

With Valentine's day right around the corner you may be thinking of doing something special for your loved one.  You can make an aromatherapy bath salt blend or an aromatherapy massage oil blend to create a romantic and lasting impression on your lover.

Essential Oils commonly associated with sensuality are: clary sage, jasmine, neroli, rose, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver and yang-ylang.

Throughout the ages scent has been used to woo partners and for personal expression.  Scents that we put on our skin mingle with the natural odor of our body to create a scent that is truly our own.  Our individual scent is so unique that babies have been able to identify their mothers through smell.  Scent is a primal sensation for us and as such evokes some of our more primal responses and emotions.  Using Aromatherapy to tap into your lovers unique scent connection can take your intimate experiences from wow to OH WOW.

To do this determine which smells from the above list you both find attractive and make you feel happy.  Look for those scent combo's in products you buy or you can use the individual essential oils to make a massage oil or bath salt (DIY recipe's to follow).

A few things to consider when using a massage oil for sensual purposes are to avoid getting the product on or near mucous membranes and sensitive body areas.  Have a towel nearby to dry your hands after using the massage oil.

Now that you have an understanding of the safety around using a massage oil and some suggestions for which essential oils to use to create a romantic setting its time to get to work making the product.  Or you can email info@evokearomatherapy.com for a custom created product made specifically for you and your lover based on your chosen scents.


DIY Sensual Massage Oil

30 ml (2 TBSP) Sweet Almond Oil
2 drops Rose Essential Oil
2 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
1 drop 10% Vanilla Absolute in Jojoba Oil
3 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Mix all the ingredients into a bottle with a flip top lid for easy pouring.

DIY Sensual Bath Salts

1/2 cup Epsom Salts
4 drops Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
1 drop Lemon Essential Oil
1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

Add the essential oils to the Epsom Salts.  Mix thoroughly.  Pour the bath.  While sitting in the bath mix in the bath salts containing the essential oils.

Light candles, play soft music, send the kids to grandma's for the night!  Do what you need to create uninterrupted time for you and your lover to connect and lose yourselves in the moment.  Trust that the memory you create will be lasting, carried on the sweet memory of scent.

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind I was.  Lovers don't finally meet somewhere.  They're in each other all along."
Rumi

Happy Valentine's Day!

www.evokearomatherapy.com

Taking the Pulse on Pulses

It’s official.  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) has formally declared that 2016 is the “International Year of Pulses.”  In other words, the UN is on a global mission to get us to eat more pulses.

So the million dollar question is, what the heck is a pulse?  Pulses are part of the legume family.  I am sure that clear things right up for you.

Legumes consist of dried beans and peas, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, peanuts, and fresh peas and beans:  

Source:  Pulse Canada

Pulses are the subcategory of legumes, such as peas, chickpeas, lentils, and dried beans that are harvested solely to eat the dry seed.  In contrast, soybeans and peanuts are  grown to be eaten but they are used to also create oils such as soybean and peanut oil.  You are not going to find chickpea oil down the supermarket aisle any time soon.

So why all this international attention?   From a nutritional standpoint, you can’t beat them for good nutrition.  Pulses are a good source of protein, the minerals, iron and zinc, and also B-vitamins, such as folate.  Research suggests that their high fiber content can help you lower your blood cholesterol levels and increase that feeling of fullness at meals to help you better manage your appetite and weight.   Because they are more slowly digested, they can also help individuals better control their blood glucose levels after eating a meal.   Lastly, at less than $2 per pound, they are kind to wallet by giving you a lot of bang for your buck.

While some dry pulses need to be soaked for as long as 12 hours in water in your refrigerator before cooking them for yet another 30 to 60 minutes, the canned varieties are ready-to-go and perfect for those of us who are time-impaired.  If you are worried about the higher sodium content in canned pulses, use this trick from Pulse Canada to wash away more than 40 percent of the sodium in the can:

Try these 5 ways to add pulses to your diet:

1. Add lentils to homemade or canned soups for a hearty lunch.
2. When making tacos, use less ground meat or poultry and add in more black beans.
3. Add white beans to spaghetti sauce for a vegetarian pasta dish.
4. Add black beans and salsa to your mac & cheese to create a Mexican twist on the      traditional dish.
5. Sprinkle chickpeas on your tossed salad for a hearty topping.

Happy Year of the Pulse.


Be well, Joan

Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake

Food Safety During the Blizzard

Photo Source:  FDA

If the blizzard is blowing into your area, let's hope it doesn't take down the power line in your neighborhood. 

  

To prepare yourself for this potential storm, consider this advice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND):  

Before the Power Goes Out:

• Make sure that your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees F or below. Above this temperature, pathogens, which cause foodborne illness, grow more rapidly.
• Make sure that your milk and eggs are stored in the back of your refrigerator, rather than on the door, to keep them colder longer. The temperature of the refrigerator door is typically higher due to its constant opening and closing.
• Move any fresh meat, poultry, and fish, as well as leftovers in your refrigerator, into your freezer.  Frozen food will stay colder longer.
• Put containers of water in your freezer to create blocks of ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers just in case you lose power.

Should the Power Goes Out:

• Avoiding opening the refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily. The longer the doors are closed, the longer the food will remain at a cold temperature.
• If your power is restored within four hours, the items in the refrigerator should be safe to eat if you don't constantly open it.
• A freezer that is stuffed full will stay at freezing temperatures for two days if the door remains closed. A half-full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for one day if the door remains closed.

Once the Power is Restored:

• When your power is restored, check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer. If it is reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the food is safe to eat and/or can be refrozen.
• Wait until the temperature of the refrigerator drops to 40 degrees F or below before you restock it.

Lastly, when in doubt, throw it out.

Be safe, Joan

Twitter: @JoanSalgeBlake

Dietary Guidelines Update: Superfoods are OUT, Super Diets are IN

The much awaited science-based Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 have been released and a key take-home message is that the whole healthy diet is greater than the sum of its parts.  Research supports that it is a healthy eating pattern, not a single component or nutrient, which is the best ammunition to fight heart disease, certain cancers, stroke, and diabetes – four of the ten leading causes of death among Americans.

According to the Guidelines, “the components of the eating pattern can have interactive and potentially cumulative effects on health” over your life.  In other words, there isn’t an isolated superfood berry, exotic vegetable, rare flounder, or ancient grain that is going to be the magic ingredient in fighting these chronic diseases and trimming your waist.  Rather, it takes a village, and an entire healthy eating pattern, to make a difference in your long-term health.

The good news is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all eating plan that you have to follow.  In fact, these latest guidelines provide suggestions for a variety of healthy eating patterns that can help you reduce your risk of obesity and the chronic diseases that plague us.

The common theme in all of these diets is that they are higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low or non-fat dairy and/or soy beverages, and provide of variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats, poultry, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, but are limited in saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and sodium.  Here are four examples of diets cited in the Guidelines, so pick one that tickles your palate:

MyPlate

Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern

The DASH Diet

Healthy Vegetarian Eating Pattern

Looking to a superfood or supplement to keep you healthy was yesterday’s nutrition news.  Rather, spend your energies and money concentrating on consuming a healthy eating pattern that you will embrace for the long-haul.  This is the best way to fight obesity, heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes with your knife and fork.



Be well, Joan

Twitter: @JoanSalgeBlake

5 Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning at Your Holiday Buffet

Photo Source:  FoodSafety.gov

The one sure way to ruin your holiday festivities is to give your dinner guests the gift that keeps on giving…..for hours, if not days.  That is a gift of a bout of foodborne illness, better known food poisoning. 

Annually, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from consuming contaminated foods.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw foods from animal sources such as meat, poultry, eggs, unpasteurized milk, and raw shellfish are the chief culprits in carrying the pathogens that can make you dreadfully sick.

Festivities that last for many hours also can pose many problems.  “Foods served buffet-style at parties tend to sit out for hours without refrigeration or heat, increasing the risk for foodborne illness,” states Alissa Rumsey, RDN, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  If you are planning a holiday buffet, you need to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

To keep you and your guests safe this holiday season, use these 5 tips from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

Tip No. 1: Size Matters

If you're planning a buffet at home and are not sure how quickly the food will be eaten, keep buffet serving portions small. Prepare a number of small platters and dishes ahead of time and replace each empty serving dish with a fresh one throughout the party.

Store cold back–up dishes in the refrigerator or keep hot dishes in the oven set at 200° F to 250° F prior to serving. This way, your late-arriving guests can enjoy the same appetizing arrangements as the early arrivals.

Tip No. 2: Take Temperatures

Hot foods should be kept at an internal temperature of 140° F or warmer.  Check the food often with a good thermometer.  Serve or keep food hot in chafing dishes and slow cookers.  If using a warming tray, be aware that some warmers only hold food at 110° F to 120° F.

Tip No. 3: Chill Out

Cold foods should be kept at 40° F or colder.  Keep cold foods refrigerated until serving time.  If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than two hours, place plates of cold food, such a shrimp, on ice to retain the chill.

Tip No. 4: Keep It Fresh

Don't add new food to an already-filled serving dish.  Instead, replace nearly-empty serving dishes with freshly-filled ones.  Be aware that during the course of the party, bacteria from people's hands can contaminate the food.  Plus, bacteria can multiply at room temperature.

Tip No. 5: Watch the Clock

Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Discard any perishables left out at room temperature for more than two hours, unless you're keeping it hot or cold. If the buffet is held in a place where the temperature is above 90°F, the safe-holding time is reduced to one hour. Whether you’re sending “doggie bags” home with guests or are saving them for yourself, leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as guests arrive home and/or within two hours!


Be well, Joan


Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake