Back-to-School Survival Kit

Aromashield Defense Collection

Enjoy the outdoors without the ouch – and subsequent itch. Exploring the outdoors can quickly turn unpleasant when insects start buzzing and biting. How can we lessen our chances of getting bitten, reduce the redness and itchiness, and speed up the healing? Grab some powerfully formulated essential oil blends, like those found in Pranarom’s Aromashield collection. Nature’s Solution One of the reasons why plants make essential oils is to help them cope with their environment. Essential oils are part of the plant’s natural defense mechanism, bolstering the plant’s immune system and protecting against predators, including insects. The great thing is that we can use these same essential oils to help protect ourselves. After all, our bodies are made up of many of the same molecules as plants. It’s amazing how well a carefully thought out blend of essential oils can work to keep bugs away. Over the years, I’ve used essential oils to combat a moth infestation in my apartment, prevent ants from marching into my NYC storefront, and thwart mosquitoes, flies and ticks from attacking me while hiking or camping. Quality and Methodology Creating the right synergy of essential oils is not easy. When I first started blending 20 years ago, it took me a few times to get it right. After many trials and errors, I learned two key factors that ultimately make blends successful: 1) the quality of the essential oils used, and 2) the methodology – knowing which essential oils enhance and support each other most powerfully get the synergy that you want. Pranarom has formulated 3 blends that make up the Aromashield Defense Collection: the Bug Bite Eraser, the Defense Roll-on, and the Defense Spray. Each of these products have been carefully and scientifically researched to both offer protection and provide relief if you do get bitten or stung. Plus, they smell really good! So, what makes them work so well? The essential oils are blended together to create a true synergy: a blend that is more powerful than each individual component that composes it. Creating a Synergy Both the Aromashield Spray and the Aromashield Roll-on have the same synergy of essential oils, including Rose Geranium, Citronella, and Clove. Individually, each of these oils contains molecules that help defend against bugs. For example, Citronella works to confuse insects by covering up scents that attract them (i.e. the scent of your skin). Clove bud, on the other hand, is repulsive to bugs and evaporates slowly, extending the efficacy of the blend. Rose Geranium works in a similar way, but is also gentle on the skin, helping to dilute the other stronger essential oils so that they’re safe, but still effective. Combined, the essential oils complement each other’s strengths, while supporting any weaknesses. Now let’s look at the Aromashield Bug Bite Eraser. This product is designed to calm the after-effects of bites and stings, so this simple essential oil blend is formulated to soothe and promote healing. Peppermint and Clove essential oil bring warming icy/hot relief for itchiness and discomfort, while Tea Tree and Lavender work to soothe the area. Natural Multitaskers Unlike the harsh aromas of synthetic chemical bug products, the Aromaforce line’s strong and effective blends smell lovely and have a clearing, cleansing and fortifying effect. As always, essential oils do more than one thing at once – in this instance protecting against bugs while promoting mental clarity and overall well-being. I’ve even found myself reaching for the Aromashield roll-on and the Aromashield spray as part of my daily routine while I’m in the city – protecting myself as I dodge the urban “bugs,” like crowded sidewalks and grocery store aisles! Enjoying the outdoors does not have to involve harsh chemicals – we can use the same “shield” that nature uses to protect ourselves – and the environment. Find out more about the Pranarom Aromashield Defense line at pranarom.us. post by | Amy Galper, B.A. MA. Certified Aromatherapist Amy is a nationally celebrated educator, author, entrepreneur and formulator in the world of organic health and wellness. She is the co-author of “Plant Powered Beauty,” and her new book, the “Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy,” will be launching fall 2020. Amy’s passion is empowering and inspiring others through a holistic lens that starts with mindfulness and reflection, leading to total wellbeing. Learn more about Amy at amygalper.com and on Instagram @amygalper.

Stress Relieving DIY Recipes

These are certainly stressful times! It’s been an unforgiving six months since the onset of the pandemic, and most of us, world-wide, are experiencing total exhaustion. The new normal has demanded that we let go of expectations and embrace a more “go with the flow” mindset. Easier said than done! Continual and unrelenting low grade stress can take a terrible toll on our well-being. So how can we shift our perspective and change the way we react to stress? Is there a way we can avoid falling prey to its grip. Absolutely! It all starts with more self-care, and one of the most powerful wellness tools we can use is aromatherapy. Essential oils are easy to use, offer immediate relief and remind us of nature’s beauty. Here are 3 stress relieving aromatic remedies you can make at home to kick start your self-care routine and keep yourself feeling relaxed amidst all the uncertainty. Aromatic Mist A great product to carry with you for whenever you feel stress creeping in, or before bed to help you wind down. Black Spruce has a great affinity to our breath (which slows down our stress response) and a calming effect on the nervous system Supplies: 2oz spray bottle, glass or plastic with a fine mist spraye 2oz of distilled water A glass or stainless steel measuring cup A set of measuring spoons A blank label Essential Oils: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 14 drops Black Spruce (Picea mariana) 16 drops Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) 2 drops Instructions: Measure out the distilled water and pour into your bottle. Add to your essential oils to the bottle. Screw in the spray mister and shake well. Take the blank label, give your spray a name, write out the ingredients, and affix the bottle. To Use: Always shake well before use, and use as often as needed, spraying lightly around your head and shoulders. Make sure to keep the direction of the sprayer away from your eyes and at least 6-8 inches from your face. Aromatic Bath Salts This recipe is enough for one bath or 3-4 foot baths. If you don’t want to use the entire batch for one bath, you can measure out half and save the rest for later in a glass jar. The oils in this recipe are inspired by those traditionally blended for meditation practice. Atlas Cedarwood is the centerpiece with its grounding, soothing properties. Supplies: 4 TBSP of epsom salts 4 TBSP of sea salts A glass or stainless steel bowl for mixing Measuring spoons Glass, wooden, or metal stirrer Glass jar with cap Blank label Essential Oils: Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) 16 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) 8 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) 16 drops Instructions: Measure out each salt and mix together in your bowl. Add your essential oils, string well to make sure they are incorporated. Use immediately, or save for later in your glass jar with the lid tightly closed. Make sure to label your jar and give your bath salts a name. To Use: It’s best to first run the water to your desired temperature and depth and then get in. While you are in the tub, pour in the salts and swish around to dissolve. Aromatic Massage Oil This recipe is enough for 1-2 full body massages. You can also use a small amount for spot treatments, too. This blend focuses on soothing muscle tension brought on by mental stress. Clary Sage, Marjoram and Roman Chamomile work together to offer a deeply releasing blend that simultaneously quiets the mind. Supplies: 3 TBSP of your favorite carrier oil (Pranarom offers a few great options, like Sweet Almond and Jojoba that offer a nice soft, smooth feeling on the skin and work well for massage.) 1 TBSP of an herbal oil, like Pranarom’s Calendula or Arnica Virgin Plant Oils. Herbal infused oils are another powerful way to soothe skin and muscle tissue, and are perfect for stress related aches and discomfort. A set of measuring spoons. An empty 2 oz bottle with cap. A blank label. Essential Oils: Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) 6 drops Marjoram (Origanum majorana) 8 drops Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) 14 drops Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) 2 drops Instructions: Measure out carrier and herbal oils into your bottle, and shake gently to blend. Add your essential oils, and shake until they are well incorporated. Make sure to label your jar and give your massage oil a name. How to Use: Measure out between 1 to 2 tsp of oil and rub gently but firmly on achy areas, adding more oil when needed. Can be used as often as necessary. Tip: If DIY blending isn’t your thing, Pranarom has some powerful already-blended-for-you products, like their Stress Recovery and the Down Time wellness formulas. They feature essential oils like Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage and Sweet Marjoram to encourage the mind and body to relax and be still. You can easily use these wellness formulas in the DIY recipes above. Enjoy! post by | Amy Galper, B.A. MA. Certified Aromatherapist Amy is a nationally celebrated educator, author, entrepreneur and formulator in the world of organic health and wellness. She is the co-author of “Plant Powered Beauty,” and her new book, the “Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy,” will be launching fall 2020. Amy’s passion is empowering and inspiring others through a holistic lens that starts with mindfulness and reflection, leading to total wellbeing. Learn more about Amy at amygalper.com and on Instagram @amygalper.