Ravintsara 101

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.

DIY Morning Roll-on Blend

Connect to Your Breath with This Gentle Aromatherapy Ritual A blend of essential oils to stimulate and open your airways, encouraging you to gently move,stretch your body and get your blood flowing. Essential Oils 10 drops Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – More gentle and warming than peppermint, this oil can clear the fog from our minds and encourage us to inhale more deeply. Fresh and awakening. 8 drops of Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata) drops – Connects us directly with our respiratory system, clearing away stagnancy, encouraging deeper inhales and slower exhales. Fresh and awakening; stimulates mind. 16 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisii) – Uplifting and positive, stimulating to digestion and circulation; joyful, clean and helps us let go (detox) to move forward. Other Supplies A glass roll-on bottle, 10 ml A glass pirex measuring cup, or a glass beaker – something glass that has a little spout! A metal spoon for stirring (it’s not advisable to use wood) Measuring spoons. Your favorite carrier oil (examples are jojoba, almond, argan – any will do!) A label. Instructions In your glass measuring cup beaker, add 2 tsp of your favorite carrier oil. Add you essential oils. Use your metal spoon to blend all the oils together well. Once blended, carefully pour into the small opening of the glass roll-on bottle. Snap in the roll-on cap, screw on the lid, and shake gently. Create a name for your morning ritual, and write it on your label and attach to your bottle. The Ritual Prepare your roll-on the night before and set it next to your bed. First thing in the morning, take your roll-on and roll it directly under the center area on your upper chest directly beneath your clavicle bone. You can also roll it anywhere else you feel the need. Sitting in bed, slowly inhale as you raise your arms above your head, and lower your arms on the exhale. Do this 3 times. This blend is also great for yoga or morning exercise routines. Whatever your morning looks like, you’ll love the awakening and refreshing effects of this blend. Breathe in deeply, and 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.