Ultrasonic Diffusion 101

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.

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.