OUR EXPERT ADVICE

OUR MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

Your Health, Nature's Pharmacy

Taking Aromatherapy Beyond Aromatics + Exploring the Science of Essential Oils Aromatherapy has long been considered a lifestyle support, thanks to the typically pleasant aromas of essential oils. People have enjoyed and used essential oils for their aromatics via diffusion, cleaning, and personal care. This type of aromatherapy is often referred to as English Aromatherapy, where essential oils are chosen for their aroma and blended, resulting in new aromatic experiences. Most people living in the United States and many other areas in the world are familiar with this type of aromatherapy as it’s been the most common and most practiced here. There is, however, another option when it comes to the use of essential oils. French Medical Aromatherapy French, Medical, or Scientific Aromatherapy are terms that describe this alternate method of essential oils utilization. French Aromatherapy chooses oils based on their constituents, or chemical compounds, to then blend with other essential oils based on their constituents, resulting in a more complex therapeutic application. We’ve seen companies synthesize and extract these very compounds that occur naturally in plants. While synthesis and extraction may be convenient, it eliminates the entourage effect that comes from using a naturally occurring compound with its surrounding (co-existing) constituents. While primary constituents are crucial, their co-existing compounds can be just as vital. This is why using naturally derived plant medicine can be so beneficial for your health. A Short History of Aromatherapy Let’s briefly address the history of aromatherapy and some of the primary ways it has been utilized by people since our earliest recorded history. In 40,000 BCE Aboriginal people already had specific uses for aromatic plants, such as pulverizing leaves to mix with mud and clay for topical application and burning plant material to breathe in the smoke to support respiratory conditions. In 3,500 BCE the first written mention of phytotherapy happened in China, where archaeologist have found evidence of clay utensils whose use is assumed to be a variation of distillation. Not long after, we see regular use of plant aromatics in Egypt by doctors and embalmers. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) wrote more than 100 works on medicine as is credited with the invention of steam distillation in 1,000 CE. As people traveled more and further for trade, plant medicine grew as new plants were introduced. In the 15thcentury, Apothecaries were called ‘Aromaterii’ due to the increased knowledge of ‘aromatherapy’ and the important role of aromatic plant medicine at that time. Finally, at the turn of the 17th century over 100 essential oils were being used to treat illness and symptoms. This continued until the 20th century with many oils and formulations included in the Pharmceutical Codex. This was the century where the term ‘Aromatherapy’ was implemented and stuck. René Maurice Gattefossé was a chemist and researcher living in Lyon, France. After a lab explosion left his hand severely injured, he had the good sense to put it into a vessel containing lavender essential oil. Due to the rapid healing, lack of infection, and undetectable scar, Gattefossé began his aromatic journey and in 1937 wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales (translated into English and now called Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy) that birthed the style of aromatherapy upon which Pranarōm functions: French Medical Aromatherapy. Bringing Your Health Into Balance As a general definition, Aromatherapy provides botanical support for your body, mind, and spirit through the therapeutic and aromatic constituents produced by the plant by way of essential oils. Essential oils are just that, vital to the health, longevity, and proliferation of a plant species. As our founder would describe it, “Scientific and medical aromatherapy can be defined as follows: the use of chemotyped essential oils from aromatic plants by varying methods of administration: oral, respiratory, olfactory, dermal, auricular, nasal, or by atmospheric diffusion, to provide complementary, preventative, or curative treatment for a wide variety of conditions.” From p.27 of Contemporary French Aromatherapy by Dominique Baudoux. The Science of Essential Oils Pranarōm prides itself on promoting the science of essential oils. At Pranarōm, every batch of every oil goes through rigorous testing. Tests include various human and mechanical inspections and analyses to provide a certificate of analysis, listing all constituents present in the oil. This testing also ensures Organic Certification approved by both ECOCERT and USDA guidelines. As the number one essential oil brand in a large part of Europe, we have the assets for a large R&D department, keeping Pranarōm at the forefront of innovation and expansion. With a pharmacist/aromatherapist founder, our attention to detail in constituents is unrivaled in this market, which paved the way for our most recent product launches: Aromaforce and Pranacaps, two categories that offer safe and effective internal use of essential oils. This safety is made possible thanks to our varied and in-depth testing. Because Pranarōm chooses oils based on their constituents, we formulate with therapeutic constituent synergy in mind. Each Wellness Blend, Aromaforce product, and Pranacap offering provides a product formulated with concentrated plant medicine, based on constituent combinations, for a specific ailment with a tailored application. When it comes to your health, sometimes we need the powerful punch that essential oils offer. As an example, production of Lavender essential oils requires 2,000lbs of lavender flower to create just one gallon of essential oil. When you consider the landmass and plant material required for each drop of oil, it becomes quite clear just how powerful this plant medicine can be. Aromaforce Our Aromaforce line takes aromatherapy from lifestyle support to health support. Aromaforce is a product line designed to help support and soothe your natural defenses during cold and flu season. This line offers our new Vapor Rub, and our revamped Essential Syrup and Throat Spray, all of which support and soothe the respiratory system. These items are rounded out by our Immune Defense Solution, great for diffusion, bottoms of feet, and in hand soaps and lotions; and our Purifying Sprays that clean up the atmosphere and surfaces wherever you need a little boost of health. To work in concert with these products, Aromaforce offers a selection of single note essential oil Mini-caps to support safe and optimal internal use of essential oils. Expertly diluted to offer one drop of essential oil per mini-cap in a base of organic vegetable oil, these are offered in Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger, and Ravintsara. Pranacaps Pranarōm’s biggest boon is our Pranacap line, a tailored line of internal use capsules to support balanced health and wellness. Targeting our most common health concerns, each formulation combats the effects these ailments have on our health and day-to-day lives. Each product contains a synergy of essential oils in a base of organic vegetable oil to safely deliver this potent and effective plant medicine. Digestive Support – for your digestive needs and to support digestive comfort. Formulated with Ginger, Peppermint, Cassia, Lemon, Cardamom, and Caraway essential oils. Immune Support – to help nourish and maintain your natural defenses. Formulated with Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, Ginger, Clove, and Winter Savory essential oils. Memory & Focus – support your cognitive function and promote better memory. Formulated with Lavender, Spanish Sage, Winter Savory, Peppermint, and Rosemary essential oils. Respiratory Health – promote and maintain respiratory tract health. Formulated with Oregano and Lemon essential oils. Stress Relief & Sleep – to calm the mind and support your natural sleep cycles. Formulated with Mandarin, Lavender, and Caraway essential oils.

By Pranarom USA Team

Essential Oils for Focus

Friday, June 30th, 2023 | Article by: Liza Docken In the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives, we’re often in need of support for mental functioning. Whether it’s focus, concentration, alertness, or attention we’re hoping to increase, it turns out smelling essential oils can make a big difference. We can thank Olfaction for our ability to gain benefits from smelling things like essential oils, flowers, and so on. Olfaction happens through the Olfactory System, & here’s a rudimentary explanation of how that works. When we inhale and notice a scent, it means we’ve breathed in an aromatic molecule. Given that all scent is particulate, these molecules exist in us and cause a reaction in us regardless if the scent is good or bad. These molecules act as messages and when breathed in are taken in by our Olfactory Nerves, which hang down from the top of our nasal cavity. These nerves cross the ethmoid bone, or cribiform plate, carrying the molecule messages to our Olfactory Bulb. Here, the messages are taken along the Olfactory Tract into the Limbic System of the brain, which includes the Hypothalamus, the Hippocampus, and the Amygdala. These parts of our brain are responsible for regulating and balancing our autonomic nervous system, our hormones, our emotions (including those that can cause us to lose focus), and our memories. Needless to say, simply breathing in a scent goes far beyond the enjoyment of aromas. Single Note Essential Oils for Focus When it comes to essential oils for focus, we have a good many to choose from. Here’s a quick comprehensive list that includes some of the best essential oils for focus, concentration, and studying. Basil – this herbaceous, fresh scent has been known to soothe those who suffer from ruminative thinking, when your brain replays the same thought again and again like a skipping record. Also known for its supportive nature during headaches, this essential oil has a lot to offer when we’re looking for greater concentration for work or studying. Bergamot and other citruses – citrus scents can help with mental fatigue thanks to their ability to uplift the sprits and focus our mind and attention. Lemon, Orange, and Grapefruit are equally beneficial, letting you choose the one you like best. Black Spruce – conifers like black spruce can support ease of breath, which in turn can help us take deeper breaths. Like a chain reaction, this helps us feel more grounded and present which makes focusing on a task much easier. It also has the ability to bring relief during times of stress, one of the biggest causes for distraction and mental fatigue. Eucalyptus Globulus or Eucalyptus Radiata – both eucalyptus varieties are supportive of the respiratory system, and can enhance ease of breath and a feeling of alertness. Frankincense – typically used as a way to enhance reverence and increase spiritual connectedness, Frankincense can also promote ease of breath. This is a great way to support meditation and deeper breathing, both known to help with general focus and concentration. Lavender – best known for its ability to relax and encourage rest, Lavender Lavandula angustifolia’s anxiolytic capabilities have been shown to decrease tension, another of the main causes of mental fatigue and distracted mind. Lavender, Spike – not to be confused with Lavender, Spike Lavender Lavandula spicata has a different constituent profile, including higher levels of a constituent called 1,8 cineole. This constituent is also present in Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Ravintsara, all of which can invigorate the senses and support the respiratory system. Lemongrass – a popular refreshing scent that works both as a calming agent and a motivator, helping you to stay focused and on task. Peppermint– invigorating, energizing, and stimulating, this is a quintessential scent for promoting concentration, attentiveness, and focus. Pine, Scotch – a great option in times of severe fatigue or exhaustion, this awakens the body and mind via its fresh forest scent. Ravintsara ct 1,8 cineole – this oil’s ability to support as a neurotonic is a fantastic option where exhaustion, stress, and anxiety might be thwarting your ability to focus and stay on task. Rosemary ct 1,8 cineol – a staple scent for supporting memory, mental acuity, and focus. This oil has a long history of use for remembrance and attention and is one of the best essential oils for concentration. Rosemary ct 1,8 cineole’s effects are in part thanks to its ability to support circulation. Spearmint – a softer counterpart to Peppermint, this oil has a sweetness to its stimulation which can soften the effects if you’re not in need of a full-on boost. Thyme ct linalol – the softer of two variations, Thyme ct linalol can offer relief from nervous fatigue, a common side effect of busy lifestyles. This is the softer aroma of the two Thymes as well. Thyme ct thymol – this more intense version of Thyme is due to its stimulating constituents which gives it an invigorating and intense impact. This oil is best used in a blend for focus and mental clarity. Vetiver – this oil is the queen bee of centering and grounding. These two elements can help us reconnect with the present moment, something that naturally promotes the ability to focus and concentrate. Essential Oil Blends for Focus and Concentration Mixing your favorites from the list of essential oils for focus and concentration, you can make a blend tailored to your interests. Here are some examples of blends that work nicely together. Focus Essential Oil Blend for Topical Use Bergamot 30 drops Basil ct linalol 10 drops Peppermint 10 drops Add these oils to 50 drops of your carrier oil of choice – I like Jojoba in this blend thanks to its texture and neutral scent – and massage 4-5 drops into the solar plexus twice a day, when needed. Focus Diffuser Blend Black Spruce 25 drops Lavender 35 drops Ravintsara ct 1,8 cineole 15 drops Create your synergy by adding these oils to a clean 5ml bottle, swirl to combine the essential oils, then add 4-5 drops to your diffuser. 8-9 drops of the synergy can be used for larger rooms and areas. Great at the office, for study sessions, or any time you need a little boost for concentration and attention. Pre-formulated Essential Oil Blends from Pranarōm When it comes to supporting students of all ages, some of the best essential oils for studying are available in pre-made blends by Pranarōm. For those under 12, the Pranakids Play diffusion blend is an effective option while being safe for use with children from 3 months and up. This blend is formulated with Sweet Orange, Spearmint, Atlas Cedarwood, and Bergamot essential oils. For those over 12 years of age, Pranarōm offers both Find Focus and, a longtime favorite, Mental Clarity. Each expertly formulated blend has its own aromatic characteristics. Find Focus is formulated with Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, and Lemongrass essential oils to help improve concentration and support focused attention. Mental Clarity is formulated with Peppermint, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender, Rosemary ct 1,8 cineole, and Basil ct linalol essential oils for boosting energy and refreshing the mind. Shop all of our Wellness Blends here! Methods for Using Essential Oils for Focus Diffusion is one of the best options for getting the most benefits from essential oils, especially when used for focus, concentration, or studying. I recommend an ultrasonic diffuser, a style that does not use heat to diffuse. This style of diffusion maintains the therapeutic and aromatic qualities of an essential oil better than a heat-sourced diffuser. When a diffuser is not available, try palm inhalation! Add a drop of your single note essential oil or blend to your palms and rub them together. The warmth and friction caused by rubbing the palms together helps to open the aroma. Cup the palms and bring them toward your nose as you breathe in deeply through the nose 3-5 times. In a pinch, you can smell the oil right out of the bottle and still receive benefits. With a little more time you can add your oil(s) to a carrier oil and use this blend to massage into the chest or shoulders to enjoy the aromatics in a more personal way. With so many options available, finding an essential oil for focus that appeals to you is easy! Try one of these suggested single notes, DIY blends or pre-formulated blends by Pranarōm today and notice how quickly they can help you.

By Pranarom USA Team

What are essential oils?

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023. Author: Liza Docken Essential oils are volatile oils extracted from plants that contain unique and specific constituents. These constituents speak to their therapeutic and aromatic qualities. But how do we get essential oils from plant to bottle? The most common form of essential oil extraction is through steam distillation. Water is heated until it begins to steam. That steam is then carried through a pipe to a chamber where plant material, such as flowers, leaves, bark, or resin has been placed and compacted for maximum steam/plant interaction. As the steam moves through the plant material it extracts the essential oils that live within the plant. The steam carries the volatile oils into the next chamber, called a condenser, where the steam is cooled and run through a series of coils, returning the steam to liquid. That liquid then ends up in the final chamber where the essential oils, due to their hydrophobic nature, float to the surface and are syphoned off and poured into essential oil bottles. What happens to all the water that is left over after the steam distillation process? I am so glad you asked! That water is what is known as hydrosol, or hydrolat, and is water that has moved through plant material, collecting the water-soluble constituents that offer many benefits of the same benefits as Essential Oils. Look for our next blog entry about Hydrosols later this month. Essential oils can also be described as incredibly concentrated plant medicine. With Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as an example, it takes 2,000 pounds of plant material to make just a gallon of essential oil. Consider a field of lavender and the amount of landmass required to create such a small amount of essential oil. It is the impetus of Pranarōm’s dedication to certified organic essential oils. Essential oils have the ability to impact us both physically and emotionally, giving EOs a broad reach in the health and wellness industry. Known primarily for their aromatic qualities, essential oils used in an ultrasonic diffuser offer many ways to transform the atmosphere, from clearing the air to uplifting your mood. The diffuser breaks down the molecule size of the aromatic oil for better dispersal and more lasting scent. These aromatic power-houses also work wonderfully for cleaning, DIY personal products, and as additives to liquid soaps, lotions, and shampoos. Essential oils should be used in dilution when applied to the skin, making any of these applications an ideal way to use essential oils in your everyday routine/life. Just a few drops in your liquid hand soap can up the wow factor on scent and cleansing abilities. Visit Pranarōm.us to see the many single notes, wellness blends, and diffusion blends available.

By Pranarom USA Team

Pranarom Certified Organic Refreshing Leg Spray, Hands & Feet Solution, Bye Bye Blemish Care, and Essential Reparative Balm Aromaderm bottles with towels and green plant on white background.

Aromaderm: Organic Skincare Solutions

Defend, Soothe & Promote Healing Powered by pure essential oils, plant extracts and virgin plant oils, our Aromaderm line addresses common skincare concerns, from first-aid to yellow nails. Easy to use, effective and certified organic, each product works to promote healing, calm discomfort, and leave skin feeling its best. Did you know that plants produce essential oils to help protect themselves against potential threats like bacteria, parasites, and fungi? If a plant is injured, the oils support healing and first-aid. Through topical use, we can utilize the many benefits of these same oils for our own skincare concerns. This is the basis of our new Aromaderm topical line. Prepared for direct application, you don’t need to worry about dilution or blending. The cream, serum & spray formulas are ready to use and easy to apply with results that you’ll love. Let’s take a look at our exciting line-up! Refreshing Leg Spray – Tone & Revitalize Tired Legs Made with an invigorating blend of botanical extracts, essential oils and aloe vera, this spray leaves skin feeling fresh, toned and hydrated. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it’s great after a long day of sitting or standing to relieve feelings of heaviness or puffiness in the legs, ankles and feet. Refreshing Leg Cream – Tone & Revitalize Tired Legs Our Refreshing Leg Cream combines the stimulating qualities of essential oils with moisturizing ingredients to relax and pamper tired legs. Made with field mint, helichrysum, cade juniper and red vine leaf, massage this cream into your legs, feet and ankles for a toning effect that leaves skin soft and refreshed. Essential Reparative Balm – Healing Support for Damaged Skin Support the skin’s natural ability to heal and renew itself with powerhouse oils that support regeneration, including Helichrysum and Cistus. Perfect for scars, abrasions, minor cuts and scrapes, blemishes and minor bruises. Hands & Feet Solution – Wart Support Target problematic growths on hands and feet with this powerful blend of essential oils, including Chinese Cinnamon, Tea Tree and May Chang. An applicator wand allows for easy, precise use. Healthy Nail Serum – For Yellow Nails This blend uses certified organic essential oils to target damaged, discolored, unhealthy nails. An applicator brush allows for clean/easy application, leaving the nail and surrounding skin conditioned and happy. Bye Bye Blemish Care – Spot Solution Balance, purify and calm blemish-prone skin with certified organic essential oils. This targeted formula comes with a wand applicator for easy spot treatment. Lip Sore Support – Cooling Relief Target problematic spots on the skin around the mouth area with the cooling relief of essential oils. We hope you enjoy our exciting new line of skincare solutions direct from nature’s pharmacy!

By Pranarom US Blog

OUR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

How Essential Oils Are Made

Thursday, June 15th, 2023 | Article by: Liza Docken Distillation: the transformation of plant material, using water, to create essential oils. The most common method of essential oil extraction is through steam distillation. Water is heated by fire to create steam. The steam then moves through a pipe into the next chamber where plant material has been tightly packed. As the steam moves through the plant material’s cells and membranes, it pulls the essential oils out and carries them into the condenser. Here the steam is cooled to return it to water, which fills into the final chamber. Because the essential oils are hydrophobic, they separate and float to the surface. After removing the essential oils, what is left over is called Hydrosol. Hydro (water) + sol (solution). Hydrosol is the co-product of distillation, a gentler aromatherapy product that is much, much less concentrated and contains the water-soluble constituents of a plant. This makes hydrosol far more user-friendly for the novice and for everyday use, especially with pets and children under 3. When it comes to more delicate materials, like some flowers whose petals have thinner membranes, the heat of steam distillation is too intense and can damage the plant material before the essential oil can been extracted. While similar to steam distillation in that water is being heated, hydro distillation is a process of placing plant material directly into the water that is being heated, rather than in a separate chamber as with steam distillation. This secondary method allows for lower temperatures, ensuring the precious plant material can remain intact until its oils have been properly extracted. This method is also used for materials that benefit from longer distillation times due to sustained heat exposure, like resins. When asking the question, “How is essential oil made?” there is yet another answer: expeller pressing. Some plant material yields a better quantity of oil while maintaining quality when pressed rather than distilled. A common example of this is the peels of citrus fruit (lemons, grapefruit, oranges, etc.). This method can be done with whole peels, pressing them after being warmed to ensure the plant material releases as much of the essential oil as possible. Alternatively, this method can be done after zesting the citrus peels over a natural sponge, which is then pressed to extract the essential oil. Why are essential oils called ‘essential?’ Essential speaks to the nature of the work the oils do in the plant. Essential oils act much like an immune system for the plant. Essential oils function to ward of microbes (bacteria, virus, fungus, etc.), pests (insects), and invasive species. They also function as attractants to entice butterflies, bees, and birds, all of which act as pollinators and ensure the plant’s continued survival. These oils are essential to the life and longevity of the plant and could also be described as the life force of the plant. These functions can benefit humans in much the same way. Whether you’re wanting to support your immune system, keep insects away, or simply wear an enticing aromatic scent, essential oils are there to help. It’s important to note that in order to harness these life-supporting benefits that essential oils can offer, the essential oils must be plant based essential oils. As the popularity of essential oils and aromatherapy grows, there are many brands offering ‘essential oils’ that have been synthesized in a lab or have had synthetic fragrances mixed in with plant oils. This changes their safety indications, uses, and therapeutic value. Pharmaceutical Grade Essential Oils When someone is looking for phytotherapy or plant based organic essential oils, they need to be sure they’re sourcing their oils from a reputable company who can back up claims of natural, organic, and therapeutic in the way Pranarōm can. At Pranarōm, every batch of essential oil is tested for quality assurance. Not only is the specific type of oil confirmed, Pranarōm’s multi-faceted approach to testing also results in what is called a Certificate of Analysis. This certificate lists the constituents, or chemical compounds contained in that specific essential oil. And this is where the conversation around pharmaceutical grade essential oils can begin. For a company like Pranarōm whose oils are often prescribed by doctors and pharmacists in the European market, quality and constituent assurance are a must. Each of these individual compounds has its own therapeutic function, and in combination with the plants’ other naturally occurring constituents, creates what can be called an entourage effect, meaning each of the constituents speaks to and supports the other. This offers a full spectrum of health support to help bring the body back into balance. For a company like Pranarōm whose oils are often prescribed by doctors and pharmacists in the European market, quality and constituent assurance are a must. Each of these individual compounds has its own therapeutic function, and in combination with the plants’ other naturally occurring constituents, creates what can be called an entourage effect, meaning each of the constituents speaks to and supports the other. This offers a full spectrum of health support to help bring the body back into balance. In addition to constituents, essential oils also have characteristics. The characteristics of essential oils change based on the plant they are taken from and where they are grown. Each oil has its unique profile of characteristics, including scent, color, texture, and chemical composition. These are some of the distinguishing features that aromatherapists and pharmacists consider when helping a client with their specific health needs. While the markets for essential oils and aromatherapy differ greatly between Europe (pharmaceutical) and the United States (alternative health), the end goal is the same: to support the health of the client. In Europe, an essential oil’s nutritional value is considered when suggesting or prescribing an oil. This is another way of speaking to the constituent profile of an oil. Here in the US, people are more likely to focus on the aroma of an oil and how it might blend with other oils. Both offer a valid approach to supporting health and wellbeing, but care should be taken when using oils for their therapeutic values. Buying from a company like Pranarōm, based on Scientific or French Medical Aromatherapy, is an important first step. Working with a health professional, such as an aromatherapist with explicit constituent training, is a must. How an essential oil is made is an important question that leads to many other interests and concerns when it comes to utilizing phyto-therapy, i.e. plant therapy. Extracting these plant therapy organic essential oils with care and attention to detail is key. While there are many methods to extraction, buying from a company like Pranarōm, who understands not only the plant’s characteristics, but also appropriate extraction methods based on those characteristics, is the best way to ensure quality and consistency. Shop Essential Oils

Ravintsara 101

Breathe deeply with this minty, refreshing essential oil Ravintsara essential oil has superb respiratory support and immune system benefits, making it a must have for ailments that come with the colder seasons. Ravintsara trees were first brought to Madagascar from Asia in the 1980s. As the trees acclimated to the Malagasy soil, their chemical makeup became rich in 1,8 Cineole. The result? An oil that is highly beneficial for the respiratory and immune systems. Here are some of our favorite ways to use Ravintsara: Ravintsara Mini Caps: Our Ravintsara Mini Caps each contain one drop of essential oil diluted in non-GMO, certified organic sunflower seed oil for safe internal use. Try taking 1-5 capsules per day if you’re feeling under the weather. These capsules should not be taken by children under the age of 5, or in conjunction with medication without your doctor’s approval. For kids, try our arch massage below. Sinus Support: Dilute 1 to 2 drops of Ravintsara essential oil with 2-4 drops of virgin plant oil and massage into the sinuses, chest and upper back. Be careful not to put the essential oil too close to the eyes. Breathe deeply, and enjoy the refreshing, clearing sensation that Ravintsara has on your nose and lungs. Arch Massage: Applying Ravintsara to the soles of your feet is one of the best methods of application. The arches of the feet are in direct contact with the pulmonary pathway, allowing the lungs to directly benefit from the cineole in the oil. Apply 1-2 drops neat, or for little ones and those with sensitive skin, massage 1 drop diluted with 2 drops of virgin plant oil 5 days out of 7. This method not only has the benefits of the cutaneous route (directly into the blood stream), but also the respiratory and ENT benefits. Did You Know? Ravintsara vs Ravensara The name Ravintsara translates to “the good leaf” in English, “ravina” meaning “leaf” and “tsara” meaning “good” in Malagasy. Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) should not be confused with Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica). Ravensara’s aroma is sweet, green and licorice-like, and the oil contains very little 1,8 Cineole. Due to over harvesting, Ravensara is regarded as an at-risk species. Ravintsara can be one of your strongest allies for respiratory health – we hope you take advantage of its amazing benefits! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below, and visit our website at pranarom.us for more safety tips and information.

Oregano 101

Defend Your Health with This Herbaceous & Spicy Essential Oil Powerful and potent, think of Oregano as the “heavy hitter” of your essential oil remedies, only to be brought out when your day to day oils aren’t quite cutting it. When used for short periods of time, Oregano is a great natural remedy to support your body’s natural defenses. When used in excess, this powerful essential oil can overload and irritate your system, so use it carefully and always consult with a medical professional before integrating any herbal or essential oil remedy into your daily health routine. Diffusion Unlike other essential oils whose aroma you want to breathe deeply and savor, Oregano is best diffused when you’re not around. This allows the essential oil to do its purifying work without irritating your air passageways. To use Oregano in this way, diffuse just 1-2 drops for an hour. Follow up by opening a window and airing out the space before using the room again. This technique is great for freshening up spaces where the air feels stagnant. Foot Massage Because the skin on the soles of your feet is tougher, this is one of the best and safest methods for Oregano. Plus, you get the ENT benefits of a foot massage! Add 1-4 drops Oregano to an ounce of carrier oil or lotion and rub into the soles of the feet. Repeat 1-2 times a day. Not for children under the age of 12. Mini Caps For safe internal use, try our Oregano mini capsules. Diluted in organic, non-gmo sunflower oil, these capsules carry the essential oil safely down to your stomach to be digested and utilized by your body without causing irritation. Adults 18 years and up can take 1 mini-cap 1-3 times per day while feeling under the weather, or as recommended by a healthcare professional. Not for children under the age of 12. As a reminder, always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Oregano can be a very useful addition to your collection of natural remedies, and we hope these tips help you utilize it both effectively and safely! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below and be sure to check out pranarom.us for more immune supporting products.

Lemon: Bright & Clarifying

A sunny, fresh essential oil to clean your home and lift your spirit! Lemon’s bright personality and purifying power are great for diffusion and DIY cleaning products. Organic Cleaning – For a countertop/surface spray, combine 12-15 drops Lemon, 1 tsp unscented dish soap & 1 oz water in a spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops to a cup of baking soda for a surface scrub. Diffusion – Add 8-12 drops Lemon to your ultrasonic diffuser or simmer gently with 1/2 C water on your stove. Excellent paired with Ginger, Rose Geranium, or other citruses, florals & spices. Steam Shower – A bright way to start your morning! Add drops of Lemon directly around the base of your shower before turning on the water. Did you know? Lemon, like most cold expressed citrus essential oils, should not be used neat on the skin before exposure to sunlight. You can still enjoy its beautiful scent in your favorite moisturizers or liquid soaps, just stay below a 2% dilution (18 drops per ounce) for safe application. Article by: Hanna Stensgaard