Tag

aromatherapy

Browsing

Winter is a time of reflection, rest, and rejuvenation. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s essential to embrace self-care practices that nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits. Let’s explore a variety of holistic wellness rituals designed to help you stay healthy, balanced, and serene throughout the Winter months. From mindfulness exercises to relaxation techniques and stress-relief rituals, these practices will support your overall well-being during this introspective season.

MORNING MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation to set a calm and positive tone for the day ahead. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. As you inhale and exhale, gently bring your attention to the present moment, letting go of any thoughts or worries. This practice can help reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and enhance emotional resilience, setting the stage for a balanced day.

WARMING HERBAL TEAS

Incorporate warming herbal teas into your daily routine to support your body’s natural rhythms and promote relaxation. Teas made from ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are not only soothing but also have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Sip on a cup of herbal tea in the morning, afternoon, or evening to warm up from the inside out and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

GENTLE YOGA AND STRETCHING

Engage in gentle yoga and stretching exercises to keep your body flexible and your mind centered. Practices like yin yoga, restorative yoga, or simple stretching routines can help release tension, improve circulation, and enhance your sense of well-being. Aim to dedicate at least 15-30 minutes each day to these mindful movements, focusing on deep breathing and mindful awareness as you stretch.

AROMATHERAPY FOR RELAXATION

Harness the power of aromatherapy to create a calming and peaceful environment in your home. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can be diffused, added to a warm bath, or used in massage oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Experiment with different blends to find the scents that resonate most with you, and incorporate them into your daily self-care rituals.

JOURNALING FOR REFLECTION

Use the Winter season as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth by keeping a journal. Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and set intentions for the months ahead. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, gaining insights, and cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness.

NATURE WALKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Even during the colder months, spending time in nature can have a profound impact on your well-being. Bundle up and take regular walks in natural settings, such as parks, forests, or along the coast. The fresh air, natural light, and connection to the earth can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health.

EVENING RELAXATION RITUALS

Create a calming evening routine to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. This might include activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, practicing gentle stretching, or listening to soothing music. Avoid screens and stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime to support a more restorative sleep.

Winter is a season of rest and reflection, offering a unique opportunity to focus on holistic self-care practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating these winter wellness rituals into your daily routine, you can stay healthy, balanced, and serene throughout the colder months. 

From morning mindfulness meditation to warming herbal teas, gentle stretching, aromatherapy, journaling, nature walks, and evening relaxation rituals, these practices will support your overall well-being and help you embrace the season with grace and ease. So, take the time to slow down, tune in, and nurture yourself this Winter. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Which of these self-care practices appeal most to you? Send me a message, I’d love to know.

ARE ANTIBIOTICS NECESSARY

Ear infections are the most common of all childhood infections and when your little one has one, you certainly know about it. It can be very distressing for your child. The usual route is to take bub to the doc and a round of antibiotics is prescribed.

In many cases, antibiotics are not necessary. A build up of fluid in the Eustachian tube can cause a lot of discomfort but it does not mean your child has an ear infection. Even redness of the ear drum does not guarantee an infection is present. Prescribing antibiotics ‘just in case’ is not only harmful but often sets the child up for recurring ear infections. This was my story with our eldest.

A BUILD UP OF PRESSURE

Children’s ear canals are horizontal in structure. They don’t slant down like they do for adults. This makes it more difficult for the body to drain lymph from the ears and nodes, down into the throat for removal. When the lymph fluid doesn’t drain as needed it moves back up into the Eustachian tubes which presses on the back of the ear drum, causing swelling and pain. This is why it is commonly mistaken for an infection. If left untreated, this can advance to an infection so taking measures to address this stage is important.

TEETHING AND EAR INFECTIONS

When babies are teething there is a lot going on in the gums and mouth.

Being close to the ears, there will naturally be some discomfort and stress in this area. Sometimes this will present as swelling, redness and irritation.

If your child is running a mild fever, you will have to be the judge whether you need to take action to stabilise body temperature or just make bub as comfortable as possible.

WHAT DOES AN INFECTION LOOK LIKE

A lot of heat! High body temperature, hot to touch on side of face and head, pus oozing from the ear.. Obviously we want to prevent this from happening by supporting the body early.

If your child is presenting with a true infection, they may need urgent medical support. It’s always best to act quickly with small children.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

The first step is to help the lymph drain from the body so it doesn’t build up in the ear canal.

  1. Increase circulation to the area by wetting a washer with warm water and applying it over the ear and down the sides of the neck.
  2. Gently massage behind the ear and down the sides of the neck with extremely light strokes. Don’t apply too much pressure here. The lighter strokes will help move the lymph more effectively than firmer strokes. Keep the movement in a downward motion and you are doing it right.
  3. Use essential oils to support the immune system and promote lymph flow. I only use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils as I know their standards are extremely high and their farming and extraction processes ensure the healing potential of the oil remains intact.

LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL

  • Assists with congestion and helps support the immune system. Dilute 1-2 drops in a little coconut or olive oil and apply to the sides of the neck using the same light stroke massage technique as described above.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

  • Contains properties that assist with inflammation. Apply directly to the bottom of the feet or at the site of discomfort. Dilute well for infants and small children.

COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

  • This is THE oil for teething and discomfort. Blend with lemon and lavender or use on its own, diluted with carrier oil (coconut or olive). Apply in the same manner to help move the lymph out of the Eustachian tube. Some mummas will put a drop of Copaiba oil on their finger and rub onto swollen gums as needed.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

COLLOIDAL SILVER – A few drops of colloidal silver in the ear canal will help to kill off bacteria thereby reducing swelling and pain.

GARLIC OIL – Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and olive oil helps with inflammation. Gently heat 2 tbl olive oil in a pan with 1 clove organic garlic, crushed. Keep on low heat for 20 minutes then strain. Cool to skin temperature then apply two drops into the ear. Does not store or keep so make fresh each day if needed.

MULLEIN DROPS – Make the above garlic oil, adding 2 tsp dried mullein flowers to the recipe.

BREASTFEED – If baby is still nursing, keep feeding on demand. This provides the necessary antibodies to help fight off an infection as well as providing comfort and circulation to the area.

IMPORTANT NOTES AND SAFETY

NEVER drop essential oils into the ear canal, no matter how pure. This will cause undue pain to your child and risk irritating the thin mucosal membrane that lines the ear canal.

Only ever use essential oils that are trustworthy. Message me for a referral!

What the world needs now is love, yes, more love.. but also.. more light.

Maybe they’re one and the same.

Most of us know how to express love whether that’s to the people we are closest to, or strangers on the street. But do you know how to give more light?

It starts with first recognising it within your self and then as if by magic, or more likely by divine grace, your light inspires someone else to shine too.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

Have you noticed a change in the energy of people these days?

Truly, the last few years have knocked us all for a six.

Even for those who are usually pretty good at keeping their vibe high. It’s been hard hearing all the stories of people who have been hurt and lost so much. But there’s been a lot of growth too. A lot of reaching out and community spirit resurfacing. And that’s a good thing!

So what can you do to help boost your own mood?

LET’S TALK ESSENTIAL OILS

I know there are a lot of things you can do, and I talk more about that here but this post is supposed to be about how to boost your mood with essential oils, so that’s what we’ll talk about today.

First of all, essential oils by their very nature have a profound effect on our mental and emotional health.

Simply by inhaling them you immediately activate the limbic part of the brain which is where we process emotions and house memories.

You can’t really go wrong with choosing an essential oil to try, however there are some that are especially helpful to boost the mood.

THE POWER OF CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS

Any of the citrus oils, hands down, will do the job.

Lemon, orange, bergamot, lime etc. They’re just so vibrant, smell so fresh and are super high in d-limonene. You can’t help but smile when you breathe these babies in.

OTHER MOOD BOOSTERS

  • Clary Sage (floral)
  • Lavender (floral)
  • Frankincense (balsamic/resin)
  • Geranium (floral)
  • Ylang Ylang (floral)
  • Eucalyptus (wood)
  • Ginger (spice)
  • Rosemary (herb)

All of these oils will help to boost the mood either by awakening the senses, reducing stress or both!

You don’t need to use all of them all at once, just intuitively choose one or two to work with and switch it up from time to time. Inhale straight from the bottle, diffuse or dilute and apply topically as needed.

NEW TO OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same top notch oils that I use.

Massage is one of those things that not everyone enjoys but everyone needs!

There are so many health benefits that I could write numerous posts on it, but for now, I’ll just list a few..

  • reduces stress and anxiety
  • reduces tension in the body
  • relaxes tight muscles
  • improves digestive function
  • lowers cortisol
  • relaxes nervous system
  • lowers heart rate and blood pressure
  • improves blood circulation
  • improves function of lymphatic system
  • improves function of immune system
  • improves sleep
  • increases energy
  • improves alertness
  • improves flexibility

I could literally go on and on and if you are someone who has experienced a wonderful massage, you will know how it feels to float off the table when it’s done.

The effects of a good massage can last for weeks, especially if taken regularly.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

Have you ever added essential oils to your treatment?

Aromatherapy massage has its own unique sequence, primarily to improve lymph flow and relax the body.

By adding essential oils to any massage session you will not only be gaining the benefits of the massage but also of the specific oils that are chosen.

Your therapist may already have a selection of oils to choose from, however they also may allow you to bring your own.

Here are my favourite massage blend recipes for relaxation..

Add essential oils to a 50mL glass amber dropper bottle, then top up with your chosen carrier oil.

15 drops Eucalyptus radiata, 10 drops Tangerine, 5 drops Geranium

15 drops Orange, 10 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Ylang Ylang

15 drops Roman Chamomile, 10 drops Geranium, 5 drops Lavender

15 drops Geranium, 10 drops Eucalyptus radiata, 5 drops Lavender

NEW TO OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

Nothing beats a good soak in the tub with warm water and some essential oils.

Adding the Epsom salts not only acts as a carrier but it also provides the following health benefits:

  • improves sleep
  • reduces stress and anxiety
  • reduces pain and muscle soreness

Here are my favourite bath soak recipes for relaxation..

Choose one of the blends below and add to 1 cup of Epsom Salt.

Use 1/4 cup per bath.

3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops Eucalyptus radiata

3 drops Bergamot, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Tangerine

3 drops Patchouli, 3 drops Orange, 2 drop Frankincense

3 drops Roman Chamomile, 3 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops Lavender

3 drops Sandalwood, 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Lemon

3 drops Grapefruit, 3 drops Geranium, 2 drops Ylang Ylang

NEW TO OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

Have you ever been diligent with your water intake yet still feel a lack of hydration?  There might be other factors working against you.

One of those factors could be stress.

When you experience stress, your adrenal glands produce extra cortisol, the stress hormone, and under chronic stress, your adrenal glands can become exhausted, resulting in lower electrolyte levels.

Low electrolyte levels means your body is not efficiently maintaining and regulating the correct amount of fluid in the body which leads to dehydration.

Dehydration zaps your brain’s energy, impedes serotonin production, increases stress in the body and can even elevate the recurrence of anxiety and panic attacks. 

So you can see, it’s a vicious cycle of dehydration causing stress and stress causing dehydration.

SUPPORT THE KIDNEYS

Some studies have shown that frequent dehydration, even if it’s mild, may lead to permanent kidney damage. So the sooner we make hydration and support of the kidneys a priority, the better.

Here are some of the ways we can support them..

  1. Drink more water – aim for light yellow/colourless urine
  2. Keep active and fit
  3. Avoid processed meats and high sodium foods
  4. Avoid common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs)
  5. Reduce stress and maintain healthy blood pressure
  6. Increase intake of dark leafy greens, apples and berries
  7. Avoid alcohol and smoking
  8. Detox from heavy metals
  9. Eat probiotic rich foods and supplement
  10. Boost immune system 

HERBS FOR ADRENAL SUPPORT

Ashwagandha – helps regulate stress, improves sleep and energy.
Schisandra – tones the kidneys 
Rhodiola Rosea- supports healthy cortisol levels
Holy Basil – maintains equilibrium with the stress system in the body
Eleuthero – increases the ability to withstand stress

OTHER HELPERS

K + B Herbal Supplement – Supports healthy kidney and bladder function

Vytalyte Drops – ionic trace minerals and salts to improve electrolyte balance

Essential Oils – bergamot, black spruce, cardamom, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, peppermint, pine, rosemary and vetiver.  

Dilute your favourite combo and apply topically to the kidney/adrenal area.

For an all natural and healthy electrolyte drink that you can make from home and have on hand when you need some extra hydration.. check out this post:

Homemade and Healthy Electrolyte Drink

Ever been stuck in a funk that you just can’t seem to shift?

Try one of these 10 restorative and uplifting essential oils to rebalance and improve the mood and get you moving in the right direction.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint essential oil has a sharp, stimulating aroma that can feel like an energetic slap in the face. Breathe it in to increase vitality and motivation, especially if you are feeling disconnected with your surroundings and what you’re doing in this life. Peppermint helps us to refocus on who we are and what we want to achieve. It brings wisdom, alertness and spiritual awareness.

BASIL

Basil essential oil has a warm, peppery, aniseed-like aroma that is stimulating to the mind and emotions. Breathe it in to encourage positivity and creativity and help you to tap in to your true desires and purpose. Basil is a great oil to use when you need to make big decisions as it ‘switches’ on the mind while cleansing any lingering thoughts away that no longer serve you.

ORANGE

Orange essential oil has a fruity, fresh aroma that imbues the essence of creativity and childhood. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and create a space of lightheartedness and regeneration of spirit. Orange encourages feelings of positivity, joy and magnificence, while allowing the body and mind to let go of past experiences that may be keeping you feeling stuck.

BAY LAUREL

Bay laurel essential oil has a spicy, sweet, fresh fragrance that has traditionally been used as a symbol of victory. Breathe it in to encourage confidence and fortitude when planning and reaching for your goals. It’s also a useful oil for those times when the way ahead seems uncertain or when you need a little extra courage. Bay Laurel provides inspiration, protection and a sense of direction.

YLANG YLANG

Ylang Ylang essential oil has an intensely sweet, floral aroma that increases self-esteem and confidence. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and to awaken a feeling of enthusiasm for life. Ylang ylang helps you to forgive yourself and others and has the ability to dissipate anger. It’s calming, yet joyful, playful energy reminds you of all the beauty and wonder in the world and that you equally are a part of it.

MELISSA

Melissa essential oil has a light, fresh and somewhat citrus aroma that brings understanding and a feeling of strength. It’s a useful oil when dealing with negative and repetitive emotions as it helps us to break through these limitations and rise above what we once thought we couldn’t. Melissa brings a sense of peace and protection as you take steps forward to improve your life.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass essential oil has a grassy, lemony, citrus aroma that not only cleanses the physical body but also the spiritual. Use this oil to help clear negative experiences such as shame, regret and unforgiveness to encourage feelings of positivity, upliftment and progression. Lemongrass helps us to become clear with our thoughts and reminds us that all outcomes are based on the choices we make.

CARDAMOM

Cardamom essential oil has a spicy, green and sweet aroma that enlivens the spirit and increases feelings of abundance and prosperity. It can be used to clear the senses, stimulate creativity and help motivate you to reach for your heart’s desire. Cardamom helps us to connect to our higher purpose, especially during times of overwhelm and stress and can improve feelings of gratitude.

CISTUS

Cistus essential oil has a musky, sweet balsamic aroma that has traditionally been known to soothe the heart. It is a useful choice when feeling disconnected from your spirituality and life purpose. Cistus can be used to help shift from a place of fear, to a place of unconditional love and acceptance. Use it during times of loneliness, isolation and grief or when you just need some more harmony and balance in your life.

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense essential oil has a warm, sweet and spicy, balsamic aroma that has been traditionally used in spiritual practice for thousands of years. Breathe it in to help you stay connected to spirit and help induce feelings of emotional stability and a sense of unity. Frankincense gives courage in hard times as it calms the emotions and helps you to feel grounded and secure. The ultimate comforter and protector.

So that’s my Top 10 essential oils to help you out of a funk.

Which one have you tried or which one would you like to add to your emotional home wellness kit?

Lavender is such an underrated essential oil, maybe because it’s so readily available!

Do you have some at home? Most people do.

Or maybe you have a grandma who used to grow it in her garden..

12 REASONS TO LOVE LAVENDER

  1. Lavender works on serotonin receptors in the body to help balance the mood. It has been used to treat anxiety and depression and it helps to calm the nerves. Use it after a long day when you feel mentally and physically drained and any time you need to de-stress.
  2. Lavender helps regulate sleep patterns and prepares the body for a restful night’s sleep. Insomnia is a common issue today and studies have shown that the chemical structure of lavender may increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow or diffuse at bedtime.
  3. Lavender is soothing and balancing to the skin. Use it on itchy bites or any areas that are red or inflamed. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may also benefit from lavender’s soothing nature. Use it to hydrate irritated and sensitive skin.
  4. Lavender naturally contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be a useful ally during seasonal changes. Dilute and apply topically alongside the nose, sinus, throat and chest area and try a swipe along the inside of cheek. Be sure to always only use the absolute purest and unadulterated essential oils. Most on the market are not what they say they are!
  5. Lavender helps fight infections with its natural antiseptic and antifungal properties. Keep it on hand to treat minor cuts, scrapes, irritations and burns. Lavender essential oil is also great for when you’ve been a little too kissed by the sun. Combine with aloe vera or use on its own.
  6. Lavender promotes hair growth by protecting the hair follicles from oxidative stress. Add it to your all natural hair care routine to nourish the scalp, or try out this Mermaid Waves Hair Spray recipe!
  7. Lavender helps to relax the muscles, reducing discomfort in the body. Dilute and apply topically to any areas that need support. Apply to the temples and breathe in the aroma to help alleviate a tight headache. (Try peppermint if your headache is of the pounding variety).
  8. Lavender can even out skin tone and help reduce redness. It may also help to prevent scarring by promoting cell and tissue growth. Lavender helps to balance acne prone skin.
  9. Lavender helps promote collagen synthesis and stimulates fibroblasts, making it a good choice for wound healing. Quick application post-injury can also reduce bruising. Try making a cool compress.
  10. Lavender has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays that accelerate the skin’s aging process. Use it in your favourite organic moisturiser or make a facial spritz and use any time of the day.
  11. Lavender supports respiratory and immune health. Use it alongside eucalyptus and frankincense (or on its own) during times of physical exhaustion or anytime you need to breathe deeply and easily.
  12. Lavender is a true adaptogen bringing peace and calm to you and your personal space. Breathe in straight from the bottle or diffuse in your favourite ultrasonic diffuser for lasting, healing benefits.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PURE

Lavender is such a readily available and abundant herb that you don’t have to look far to find the essential oil on the shelves. Unfortunately there is no governing body that ensures that what you purchase is actually what’s written on the label. Many manufacturers cut corners, adulterate and synthetically manipulate their “essential oils” to reduce costs but at the end of the day you are left with a product that has no therapeutic value and can even cause more harm then good!

If you have ever received a headache from smelling Lavender essential oil, it may very well be because it was synthetically put together or had a synthetic component added to it. It really pays to know where your oils come from and how the plants are farmed, harvested and distilled.

ALL NATURAL BEAUTY WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Here are some recipes for you to try that incorporate the soothing and healing benefits of this gentle oil.

Mermaid Waves Hair Spray

Lavender-Infused Dry Shampoo

Royal Hawaiian Face Serum

OTHER RESOURCES

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.

Nourishing your skin can be so simple using pure ingredients that promote a natural, healthy glow.

In this recipe we will be using a selection of the finest quality essential oils to moisturise and tend to the delicate needs of your facial skin and décolletage area while making you feel a million dollars.

Creating your own spa treatments at home can be so simple and affordable.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 2 drops Lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops Manuka essential oil
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops Geranium essential oil
  • 2 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood essential oil
  • 60 mL pure Jojoba oil

METHOD

  1. Add all essential oils to a 60 mL glass dropper bottle.
  2. Top up with jojoba oil.
  3. Carefully invert back and forth to mix all ingredients.
  4. Use a small amount day and night after cleansing skin.
  5. Can be used on its own or before your favourite organic moisturiser.

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

Washing your hair after a hectic day is extremely satisfying and can even be part of your self-care practice. However washing too often can leave it prone to dryness and breakage. Have you ever experienced this?

Greasy or dirty hair never feels nice, so a great alternative in between washes is dry shampoo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most conventional dry shampoo brands contain toxic ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, fertility problems and even cancer. This is another product on the shelves that needs to be avoided but thankfully you can make your own!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  • 2 drops Rosemary essential oil
  • 1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (for dark hair only)

METHOD:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl, adding the cacao powder one tablespoon at a time until desired colour is reached.
  • Put in a container of your choice and apply with a makeup brush.
  • Leave for 2–3 minutes to absorb hair’s natural oils.
  • Brush through hair and style as desired.

Dry shampoo adds texture and keeps your hair feeling fresh for longer. It can even be used to help style your hair and give it some lift when it’s feeling a little flat.

Have you tried dried shampoo before?

Let me know if you try this recipe!

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS?

Use my discount code 1706951 here.

And be sure to check out my free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

Pin