DIY Personal Inhaler to Help You Wake Up and Get Moving!

By Pranarom US Blog

DIY Personal Inhaler to Help You Wake Up and Get Moving!

Energize Your Mornings with Aromatherapy!

Fall has officially arrived, and the days are slowly getting shorter. Mornings don’t feel as bright and cheery as they did during the summer, especially now that my alarm rings while it’s still dark outside. Between the cooler temperatures and the later sunrise, lingering in bed longer in the dark morning hours is becoming so much more appealing than mustering the motivation to jump start my day.

And yet, I know that creating a positive and empowering morning self-care ritual will not only inspire me to get out of bed, but will also set my intentions for the day with energy and clarity.

This is the first of a three-part DIY remedies/self-care rituals series aimed to help you jump start your day, leaving you empowered, focused and ready to take on the world!

This personal inhaler recipe features a soothing, awakening blend of essential oils to gently clear the heavy fog of sleep from your body and mind. The ritual helps remind us to connect with our breath and feel grateful for the new day ahead.

Essential Oils:

  • 16 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)– For inspiring a peaceful sense of calm and a positive mindset.
  • 10 drops Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga manziesii) – For offering an experience of breathing space and inner strength, so we can feel both confident and mindful. Awakens our breathing passages and can stimulate the flow of energy.
  • 12 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) – For uplifting our mood, stimulating flow of energy and digestion, and keeping us positive.

Other Supplies:
  • A personal inhaler (link to what I am talking about)
  • A small metal or glass bowl
  • A metal spoon or stirrer (it’s not advisable to use wood)
  • A pair of tweezers, or small tongs
  • A label

Instructions:
1. Place your essential drops into your bowl.
2. Use your metal spoon to blend all the essential oils together well.
3. Once all blended, drop your cotton wick insert into the bowl and push it around with the metal spoon until all the essential oils are absorbed throughout the wick.
4. Carefully lift the wick out of the bowl with tweezers or small tongs and place inside the inhaler tube, capping securely.
5. Create a name for your morning ritual and write it on your label and attach to inhaler tube.

The Ritual:

Prepare your inhaler the night before and set it next to your alarm. As soon as your alarm rings in the morning, grab your personal inhaler and take at least 5 slow, even inhalations. As you inhale and exhale, practice a moment of gratitude and feel a connection to your breathing.

Your inhaler, if kept tightly closed after each use, should last at least a month to 6 weeks. Once the aroma begins to fade, you can replace with a new wick.

Stay tuned for more DIY recipes to energize your mornings next week!

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.

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Ultrasonic Diffusion 101

Do you have an ultrasonic diffuser, or are you thinking of buying one? In this article we’ll take a look at why they’re so great for aromatherapy and cover some common Q&A. How Do Ultrasonic Diffusers Work? Ultrasonic diffusion is the aerial suspension of water and essential oils with very high frequency ultrasonic waves (16 to 20 megahertz). Ultrasonic diffusion is a “cold-spread” method, so it doesn’t damage the essential oil molecules through heat. Ultrasonic diffusers are beneficial for several reasons: They break down essential oils into very small particles. When these particles are inhaled, they are quickly transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream, where the body can utilize their benefits. The device generates a flow of negative ions, which can help produce the refreshed feeling one gets near moving water, or after a rainstorm. Regular use of ultrasonic diffusers can put the equivalent of half a liter of water per day into aerial suspension. This can help increase the humidity of our often ‘dry’ living spaces due to heating or air conditioning systems. With ultrasonic diffusers, it’s easy to control the intensity and range of diffusion according to your needs. What Type of “Waves” Do Ultrasonic Diffusers Create? An ultrasonic wave is a very high frequency sound wave (in this case, 16 to 20 megahertz), which is therefore inaudible. This is similar to the sound waves emitted by bats for orientation or location in space. These sound waves have nothing to do with electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones or microwaves and are completely free of health hazards. How Do I Clean My Diffuser? Try to clean your diffuser at least once a month. To do this, gently warm white vinegar in the microwave or in a saucepan over the stove until it reaches 110 – 120º F. This should feel warm to the touch, but not hot. Pour the warm vinegar into the water tank of your diffuser. Do not turn the device on – just let the vinegar sit for about ten minutes, then empty into your sink. Swab out the water tank with a cotton ball, then rinse with lukewarm water. Finish by gently drying with a hand towel. If the bottom of the container is stained with essential oil, wipe the inside surfaces of the diffuser with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. Why Isn’t My Ultrasonic Diffuser Producing Mist? Several factors can lead to low mist production: Use of distilled water: tap water or spring water are the best for your diffuser. Filling the water tank too high. Filling the water tank too low. Our devices will automatically shut down due to lack of water, or following the end of the selected diffusion time. How Much Essential Oil Should I Use in My Diffuser? This will differ for each essential oil, but here are a couple general guidelines to follow: For a 65 to 95 square foot space: from 5 to 10 drops. For a 130 to 325 square foot space: 10 to 20 drops. Can I Diffuse Any Essential Oil with My Ultrasonic Diffuser? Some essential oils are irritating to the lungs when diffused. These should only be diffused when professionally blended with other essential oils, or in very small amounts with the advice of a practitioner. Most often, these oils are actually more effective when applied using a different method, i.e. topical application or DIY cleaning products. If in doubt, check our website for specific essential oil recommendations. Final Thoughts Diffusion is a great way to enjoy essential oils and the benefits they provide. As always, we recommend starting with a few drops, and adding more once you discover your preferences. It can be really fun to develop your own blends and experiment with new aromas. If you don’t feel like blending your own synergies, try some of our diffusion blends!

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.