Clean The Car, Save The Environment

I'm one of those people who loves a clean car, but hates putting all of those chemicals into the ground.  There are natural, mass-produced products out there, but they're out of my budget, and I hate having to buy a product that only has maybe one use.  A big fan of having multi-use products, I came up with my own formulas for a natural carwash!

You'll need: 

• a gallon of water
• about 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 20 drops of essential oil (can be any you want; feel free to set a mood)

Combine all in a bucket, throw in a sponge or rag, and get to scrubbin'! 

Next, we wax.  You'll need:

• 3 tbsp beeswax (could also use soy wax)
• 3 tbsp carnauba wax
• 1 cup linseed oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 10 drops citrus essential oil (I recommend lemon or orange)

In a double-boiler, melt the waxes and linseed oil.  Remove from heat, stir in the essential oils, and pour into a coffee can or other container. (NOTE: Please be sure you choose a container that can handle the heat, so not plastic.)  Let this sit until it's completely setup, 1-2 days depending on the humidity in your area.   Once it's setup, you can either turn the wax out of the can, and apply directly to the car, or use a rag to get some wax and apply this way.  Once waxed, dip a different cloth into the lemon juice, and squeeze dry.  Buff to a shine. 

And as long as I'm actually in the mood, I guess I should probably clean the interior as well.  Now personally, I love the way Armor All makes the car LOOK, but hate the greasy feel and that weird smell.  So here's my alternative; it's natural but will still help to restore the dashboard.  You'll need:

• 2 parts water
• 1 part murphy's oil soap (or similar)
• 15 drops cedar essential oil (or other, if you like)

Combine in a spray bottle and shake well.  Spray on the dashboard and other vinyl parts of your car (think doors and windows) and wipe with a cloth.  

Last but not least, we have to do the windows.  I hate this part the worst, because you're spraying some sort of window cleaner in the interior of the car, making yourself feel like you've been smoke-bombed, and is it just me or does it ALWAYS create horrible streaks?!  Here's my solution to this; you'll need:

• 3 cups vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 15 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to combine.  Spray on and wipe off with either paper towels or a chamois.  You will smell the vinegar at first, but it fades quickly, and this formula is amazing!  Completely streak-free with very little effort. Bonus: This formula helps to reduce frost buildup in the winter months.

Happy cleaning :)

Namaste - 

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Natural Soft Scrubber Formula

I usually find that showers need alittle extra TLC in comparison to the rest of the bathroom when it comes to cleaning.  I used to live in a really old apartment building, which meant a porcelain tub and tiles with grout.  And while I liked the older feel to this bath, it was a total nightmare to clean, especially the grout.  So I came up with a natural soft scrubber formula to use that I could make at home. 

Here's what you'll need:

• 3 parts baking soda
• 1 part powdered milk
• 1/2 part liquid castile soap
• lavender essential oil (#1)
• pine essential oil (#2)
• peppermint essential oil (#3)
• lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oil (#4)
• Distilled water
• squirt bottle

There are 4 different formulas you can use here; the changes come down to the oil/oils you want to use.  Take a clean squirt bottle, combine the baking soda, powdered milk, soap, and your chosen essential oil blend.  Slowly add water, as needed, to the blend.  (You're trying to create a loose paste here.) Shake to combine.

TO USE: Apply to the shower walls and tub, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse out the shower with hot water.

Be sure to check this blog again soon as I'll be posting more recipes for DIY all-natural cleaning products throughout the year. See you soon!

Namaste -

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

DIY Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

I love all-purpose cleaners.  You don't have to constantly switch from one cleaner and cleaning rag to another, they work wonders on lots of different surfaces, and ultimately, it means fewer bottles in the cabinet.  But alot of those that are commercially-produced have alot of chemicals that I don't want to inhale, and I don't want my kids or pets coming into contact with either. So, I'm going to share with you my own formula for my Natural All-Purpose Cleaner; it's simple, economical, and one of the best cleansers I've ever used!

You'll need:

• a spray bottle
• Distilled water
• Distilled white vinegar
• liquid castile soap
• Lemon, Orange, Lime, and Grapefruit essential oils (hint: you can use any combo of these or just one; your choice)

Start with a clean spray bottle.  Start with 1 teaspoon of the castile soap.  Next add about 2 cups of the distilled water to the bottle, as well as 2 tablespoons of the vinegar.  Finally, add a total of about 30 drops of whatever combo of the oils from above you would like.  Put the spray top on, shake well to combine, and start cleaning!

I use this to clean kitchen countertops, stove tops, window seals, door frames, cabinet fronts, and can also be used to clean bathroom countertops, sinks, and toilets.

I hope you find this as useful and as much of a time-saver as I do.  Be sure to check back, as I'll be posting more recipes for DIY all-natural cleaners throughout the year.  See you soon!

Namaste -

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Natural Sink Scrubs

Anyone who has a porcelain or stainless steel sink can verify how much trouble it can be to keep them looking nice.  Many times, the mass producted natural cleaners don't seem to quite stand up to their more toxic and traditional cousins. Now you can make your own sink scrubs that will make your sinks sparkle and shine! 

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 part baking soda
• 1 part dried sage, crushed
• 1/2 part dried rosemary, crushed
• 1-2 teaspoons sea salt

All you need to do is combine all of these in a bowl or container with lid and shake to combine.  TO USE: Simply sprinkle some of the mix into the sink, let sit for a minute, then scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse out with hot water.

Other formulas you can use:

• 1 part baking soda
• couple of teaspoons ground cinnamon
• a few drops of sweet orange essential oil, or a tsp of ground cloves

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

• 1 part baking soda
• couple of teaspoons dried lavender, dried peppermint, and dried rosemary

TIP:  Finding this "part" stuff alittle too close to "a dash of this, a dash of that" you heard from your gramms?  Let me explain:  It's all about proportions versus worrying about actual measurements.  In the first example, if you use 1 cup baking soda, you'd need 1 cup dried sage and 1/2 cup rosemary. 

Be sure to check back, as I'll be posting more recipes for making your own natural cleaners throughout the year.  See you soon!

Namaste -

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Essential Oils& Herbs for Cleaning

There are SO many essential oils out there, how can you know which to use when making your cleaning products?  I'm fortunate to have most any oil I would need in my repertoire due to my business, but many people don't, and there's no need for you to run out and buy them all.  We're all on a budget these days, and need to save money wherever possible.

Let's start with the herbs & spices that you can use in cleaning:

• Basil - purifying
• Bay Leaves - antibacterial
• Lavender - soothing, antibiotic/viral/fungal/bacterial
• Mint - antibacterial, refreshing
• Oregano - antibacterial/vial
• Rosemary - antibacterial
• Thyme - antibacteria/fungal/viral
• Sage - antifungal/bacterial; great purifier
• Rose - calming
• Cinnamon & clove - great for adding to scrubs

Many of these will be found in your spice rack or your garden; I'm a big advocate of using what you have!

Now, onto essential oils I recommend:

• Citronella - antibacterial, pesticide
• Citrus (lemon, lime, sweet orange, grapefruit) - all are antibacterial/viral/biotic and great cleansers, not to mention uplifting!
• Tea tree - antibiotic/fungal/viral/bacterial; great clarifier
• Peppermint - refreshing/uplifting, antibacterial
• Bergamot - antibiotic, uplifting
• Lavender - soothing; antibiotic/viral/bacterial/fungal, natural pesticide; safe for baby!
• Cinnamon - antiviral; warm, cozy
• Clove - antibiotic/viral; warm, cozy
• Eucalyptus - antibiotic/fungal/viral/bacterial
• Pine - antibiotic/bacterial

I know what you're thinking: "Essential oils can be expensive. I can't afford all of these!!!" And you don't have to.  This is simply a list of the major oils you can use to cleanse your home; you, by no means, need to have them all. 

My top 5 essential oils to have are:

• Lavender.  This oil has SO many uses, from aromatherapy, addition to your cleaning products, keep in the kitchen to help with burns, put a dab on a bug bite... the list goes on and on.
• Peppermint. I love the smell of peppermint and find it to be very uplifting; if you (like me) don't really like cleaning and view it more as a necessity than a good time, this can be really helpful.
• Pine. Okay, I'm among those whose grandmother used pine cleaner for EVERYTHING, so it just reminds me of her.
• Lemon & sweet orange.  I put these two together because, if you an only afford three, I say get these and lavender.  They are all widely available and very affordable.  Not to mention the uplifting qualities.  They're the best "bang for your buck".

Be sure to check back, as my next blog post will begin with recipes and formulas that I use in my home.  See you there!

Namaste -

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Natural Beauty: Breakin' It Down (By Ingredient)

Natural beauty is better for you, better for the planet, and better for your wallet.  For centuries, women all around the world have learned how to use things in nature on their hair, nails, and body.  I really want to bring back some of that knowledge, the beauty of simplicity.

With only a couple of posts left regarding aromatherapy & the chakras, I've been thinking about what I wanted my next "mini series" to be.   I've decided to do a series of posts regarding natural beauty, easy DIY things you can make with the items you likely already have at home, and posts discussing the most popular ingredients I use in my products.

I've been contemplating doing this series of posts for awhile, and I've just decided to go forth with it.  Beginning this week, you'll start seeing posts about these topics.  I'll also be finishing up the aromatherapy/chakra posts over the coming weeks.  Be sure to check back, or subscribe so that you know when new posts appear.  Invite your friends who would be interested in these topics as well!

One last note (sorry to piggyback onto this post, but meh): I'm looking for other blogs/sites who have buttons that I can grab to put on this site.  They need to be in keeping with living naturally, natural beauty, aromatherapy ... you see where this is going.  So if you would like for me to consider yours, or recommend one, drop me a note :)

Namaste - 

Candace 

RedSunflower Designs

Aromatherapy & the Heart Chakra

Aromatherapy has so many uses, among them the ability to help you align and balance your chakras.

If you are familiar with the chakras, you probably are aware that the heart chakra is a very important chakra to keep aligned and balanced.  This is because it is the point connecting your lower chakras (which focus on physical needs) with your higher chakras that govern spirituality and your mental & emotional state.  When this chakra is out of balance, it can cause a definite disconnect between the two, leaving you feeling abit lost and alone. 

The heart chakra (Anahata in Sanskrit) is located, you guessed it, in the center of your chest, around the point where your heart is.  It is responsible for regulating your circulatory, pulmonary, and immune systems.  This chakra is connected to the element of air, and is often associated with the color pink or green.  It is often believed that there are 2 sub-chakras associated with the heart chakra as well, each about 3/4 of the way between your heart chakra and each armpit.  When connected, these form a triangle, often considered a symbol of any and all associations with trinity. 

When the heart chakra is balanced, you radiate love, acceptance, warmth and generosity.  You easily give and receive love, and are generally happy & content.  Further, it is considered to be where the voice of your soul sits, and where your core truths can be found.  If your heart chakra is balanced, you likely know what you want in life and have a plan to go after it.

When unbalanced, you may appear jealous, indifferent, lonely, needy, and demanding.  You may also exhibit fear, dispair, condemnation, envy, and greed.  Often, when our heart chakra(s) are unbalanced, we are blocking ourselves from being able to receive or give love of any kind.  We pretend that we don't need other people, which is contrary to our makeup.  As humans, we are considered a pack species, meaning we need others to survive.

Aromatherapy can be very useful in helping to balance the love of self and others, ease any kind of heartache, and help to resolve emotional issues.  If you are looking to balance love, some useful essential oils are rose, palmarosa, neroli, elemi, rosewood, chamomile, ylang ylang, and jasmine.  Most of these oils are associated with love and the heart because they help to open the heart chakra and clear any blockages. 

To ease heartache you may have suffered and are holding on to, you will find lavender, neroli, rose, chamomile, and ylang ylang very useful.  Lavender, especially, is renowned for easing stress and tension; it can help you to not feel so much loss as well.  Ylang ylang is said to help you realize more self-love, which is generally helpful in situations where a loss has occurred.

If there are other emotional issues at play, I would recommend working with peppermint (uplifting), rosemary, rose and sandalwood.  Sandalwood is wonderfully grounding and will help you to see the situation from a more down-to-earth perspective, which should alleviate some of the emotions at play.

I recommend using any of the essential oils listed above during a mediation or ritual to promote heart chakra balance.  If you don't meditate or meditate regularly, you can always simply burn these oils in an oil burner in your home to help open your heart chakra in a more passive way as well.

One of the main "lessons" from the heart chakra is that we must love ourselves first before we can show love to others, or expect others to love us.  I encourage everyone to take the time out of their schedule to have some "you" time to keep yourself balanced and feeling healthy.  

Namaste - 

Candace 

RedSunflower Designs

Aromatherapy & the Solar Plexus Chakra

Chakra balancing has become such a regular part of my routine that I don't always think about new ways to work with them and keep them healthy.  Aromatherapy is a great addition to your chakra balancing practice.  As we continue on in the series, we're taking a look at the solar plexus chakra today. 

The Solar Plexus is located in the abdomen area (think the center of your stomach), and governs the liver, stomach, pancreas, upper intestines, and adrenals.  This chakra is associated with the element of Fire and the colors yellow and/or gold, and thus a connection to the Sun.  Yellow is said to stimulate intelligence centers in the brain.  Often associated with purification, the Solar Plexus helps you to rid yourself of things that are holding you back and make room for new & different opportunities. 

This chakra is often considered as "the seat of the Godhead", because this is your personal power base; here, you stand in your truth & resonate with your Higher Self.  It is all about the self: the ego, development of personal power, self-awareness, and self-confidence.  If imbalanced, you may experience feelings of rejection, depression, fear, and discouragement.  This can all lead to self-esteem issues as well. 

As with the other chakras, you can use essential oils and aromatherapy to keep your chakras healthy and spinning in the right direction.  To improve or maintain a positive self-image, you'll find frankincense, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, chamomile, and rosemary very useful.  If you're looking for something that's more physically supportive, try any of the following: peppermint, black pepper, lavender, lemon, ginger, cardamom, fennel, or rosemary.  All of these oils help to support digestion. 

Are there other essential oils or aromatherapeutic sources you've found helpful when working with the Solar Plexus?  Please comment below and share with us!

Namaste - 

Candace 

RedSunflower Designs

Aromatherapy & the Sacral Chakra

Aromatherapy is a huge part of my life, as well as keeping my chakras balanced and aligned.  I'm moving up the chakra chain today, so to speak.

The sacral chakra is associate with the color orange & the element of Water,.  This chakra is located in the pelvis or pelvic bowl, and is physiologically linked to your reproductive organs, bladder, colon, kidneys, sacrum, and all bodily fluids.  

Given it's ties to the reproductive organs, this chakra is largely considered to be your body's center of creation, and is said to be the seat of a woman's power, as this is where the womb is located.  Because this is such an important part of a woman's body, women normally tend to carry any excess fat in this area; this is your body's way of trying to protect it's most important asset (biologically speaking).  With this said, it's not only about physical creation and the literal creation of life, but also of art, music, and many other pursuits.  

When we have a tendency to want to control situations, we are holding control issues within our sacral chakra.  When this chakra is weak and unbalanced, we tend to give in to or hand over control to others too often and become disempowered and fearful.  This can lead to prostate problems, PMS, menstrual problems, and a low libido (sex drive), eating disorders, addiction, depression, & yeast infections,  Some signs of sacral imbalance are: lower back pain, sciatica, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). 

Imbalance in the sacral chakra can also lead to low self-esteem and internal power struggles.  If you experienced a lack of nurturing in your teenage years, you may have a larger need to balance and align this chakra, as this lack of affection can lead to negativity about yourself as well as struggles with sexuality. 

When the sacral chakra is balanced and healthy, you'll be more open to loving relationships, more trusting of others and yourself, and will emit higher vibrations to others.

Since we're currently in Spring, this is the best time to really connect to this chakra and the energy it provides.  Within aromatherapy, the following essential oils are recommended to help balance and align the sacral chakra: 

• Lavender to reduce irritability
• Clary sage, elemi, fennel, jasmine, neroli, & ylang ylang to help with any menstrual problems
• Pepper, cinnamon, jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, and ylang ylang to help with the libido/as an aphrodisiac
• Basil, calendula, chamomile, peppermint, and eucalyptus help with lower back pain
• Jasmine, frankincense, lavender, and sandalwood help with self-esteem issues & to be more open to love & trust issues

If you have any questions about the sacral chakra, please leave a comment below, and be happy to help out.  If you're looking to balance and align this chakra, click here.

Namaste -

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Aromatherapy & The Root Chakra

Earlier this month, I introduced the topic of chakras and how you can use aromatherapy to keep them cleared and balanced.  This week, we start looking at the chakras individually, and we'll begin with your Root chakra.

Muladhara, meaning "root chakra" in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine, and is associated with the color red and the element of Earth.  In reference to the body, this chakra is associated with all solid parts, such as teeth and bones, as well as the lower genitalia.  Spiritually, the root chakra connects us to the physical world and how we connect with the world at large and Mother Nature.  It is the foundation for all the other chakras to build on, and is the base for the storage of Kundalini energy.  

The root chakra is based on our need to have our basic needs (food, water, shelter) met, as well as our need for nurture and support.  It's also involved in our need to belong and survive;  humans have a high connection to tribal consciousness (the need to belong and be part of the group).  

When the root chakra is out of balance, it leads to insecurity, materialism, and greed.  Physically, it can also lead to anemia, fatigue, depression, lower back pain, & cold hands and feet.  In balance, we understand our connection to the earth, humanity, and the idea of "the greater good.  Our emotions are balanced, we're healthy, and we have a sense of security and an ability to trust.  

Use the following essential oils to keep the root chakra aligned, clear, and balanced:

• Sandalwood, cypress, elemi, cedarwood, and rosewood help to align you with the earth's energies.
• Frankincense, clary sage, rose, vetiver, patchouli and ylang ylang help to combat isolation. 
• Thyme helps to reduce stress. 

If you have any questions about the root chakra, or additional information you'd like to share, please feel free to comment below!

Namaste :)

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Aromatherapy & Balancing Your Chakras

Many people have heard of chakras, and you may even have an in-depth knowledge of what chakras are.  I've recently launched a line of Chakra Balancing Aromatherapy Oil Blends, and I'll be posting a blog each week, talking about each of the chakras, what they do, ways to keep them balanced, etc.  

But today, I want to do an intro, so to speak.  

Chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit, is the term used for a nerve bundle in certain locations throughout the body.  It is also thought to be energy centers running throughout the body.  While this has been known in Hinduism and many Eastern cultures for hundreds or thousands of years, this is now being recognized in Western medicine.  The first writings regarding chakras go back to approximately 1000 B.C., and are strongly based in Hinduism.  There are 7 primary chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, & Crown), and 21 lesser chakras.  Each chakra is thought to resemble a colored wheel, that is constantly spinning clockwise, when balanced.  

Now that you know what chakras are, let's move on to how aromatherapy can help you keep them balanced.

From a holistic viewpoint, we as humans are not only a physical body.  We contain many energy fields, which is where the chakras come in.  In aromatherapy, essential oils have a vibrational quality.  They also have energetic frequencies just as we do.  It is on this energy frequency that the oils first attract us, long before we sense the aroma or it enters our limbic system.  

By introducing an essential oil into the energetic field, your aura's will automatically begin to attune
to the frequency of that oil or oil blend.

Next week, we'll go over the root chakra and keeping it balanced.  Have a great weekend!

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

http://www.redsunflowerdesigns.etsy.com

New Product Offerings: Out with the Old, In with the New

I love Spring.  It's when life starts coming back into the world after the long, cold winter, and new beginnings abound.  A minimalist at heart, this is the time of year I start taking stock of what does and doesn't serve, and thinking about the direction I want things to go in for the year to come.  

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I posted a note at the end of last week, advising of some items that I planned to discontinue, and some new items I'll be launching.  I generally assume with things like this that if no one says "WHOA! Don't do it!", then I'm in the clear.  Well, I've just gone through and done some Spring cleaning of both my Etsy site and my newly launched website, and removed the following products: 

• Mango Hair & Body Balm
• Bliss Bath Soak
• Della Dolce Vita Body Scrub
• Muse Bath Soak
• Island Orchard Body Scrub
• Practical Magic Lip Balms
• Cuticle Cream (if this goes it is being replaced by a Cuticle oil... thoughts?)
• certain scents from the Men's line: Cucumber, Almond
• Magickal Meanderings elemental line

I try to be sure I only remove or change things that are not big sellers.  Now, on to what is coming in the next month: 

• Scented shea butters.  The scents I have planned so far are: Tahitian Goddess, Coconut Lime, Island Vanilla, Rose, Chia, and Citrus Medley. 
• A "mommy and me" line.  This will consist of Belly Butter for expecting moms, Nipple Cream (totally safe for baby), all natural Baby Powder, Diaper Rash/Bum Cream for baby, and an all-natural room & linen spray.
• A Chakra line.  This will be oils that you can wear to align your chakras, during meditations, etc.
• New line of botanical perfumes/colognes (still in development).

I hope everyone will find the new products interesting, and won't be upset about those that are now discontinued.  

Namaste!

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

http://www.redsunflowerdesigns.etsy.com

Aromatherapist Certification: Beneficial or Not?

Aromatherapy certification.  Worth it? Does it really mean anything, or is it just a nice thing to have on your wall?  There are currently no state licensure or regulatory boards for aromatherapy in the USA.  For those who simply wish to use the oils for their own purposes, or like me, use essential oils in your bath & body products and want to do so safely, is it worth getting the certification? 

There are two organizations that work to advance public knowledge and perception of aromatherapy as a valid healing technique.  These are NAHA and ARC. 

The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of true aromatherapy. NAHA is actively involved in promoting & elevating academic standards in aromatherapy education and practice for the profession.

The Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) are working towards NCCA accreditation, and completely independent from any membership body, organization, or educational facility, which means there are no conflicts of interest. Through them, you submit to a volunteer exam & register with their organization as an aromatherapist, so there is a directory.  

In order to take the exam, you must complete a minimum of a 200 hour Level 2 program in aromatherapy from a college or school that is in compliance with the current NAHA Educational Guidelines or anyone who could provide evidence of equivalent training (transcripts must be enclosed with Application), & file your Application for ARC Registration Examination in Aromatherapy along with the fee of $325.00 to sit the exam.  Once you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate from ARC, which is valid for 5 years. 

So How Do I Get Ready For the Exam?

There are SO many of these programs out there, and the costs range from $1,500.00 - $2,500.00 for the course.  My recommendation would be to check out the NAHA's approved schools list if interested in pursuing this.  

So, Is It Worth It?

Ultimately the decision has to be your own, and you have to decide if it's worth that amount of money to you, or if you can be disciplined enough to self-teach, and then take the exam on your own.  You don't have to do the course AND take the exam; it's just an option. You're certified after taking the course.

I hope everyone has found this useful.  If you've gotten your certification or are trying to decide about getting it, please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Until then...

Candace

RedSunflower Designs 

Top Books for Working with Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

This week, I'm going to recommend a few resources for working with essential oils, for those that are interested in incorporating them into your everyday life. 

I haven't written a blog entry for a couple of weeks.  True, I've been busy, but more than that, I felt like I didn't have anything really new and important to write about.  I've done so many DIY recipes for homemade skincare in the last month, I wanted something different.   So I thought this would be a nice, fresh idea to get everyone back in the groove!

I have read & owned many books on essential oils, aromatherapy, using them for your home, etc.  But there are two books that I recommend above all others.  I've rarely found anything with information that isn't contained in these.  If you're looking to get a solid foundation and understanding of essential oils and aromatherapy, these are the two books you want to focus on.

I LOVE this little book.  It's small enough to carry in your purse if you want to take this with you on a long trip, or for reading on the bus!  In this book, Susan & Valerie Ann Worwood go through the basics of what aromatherapy is, the methods of application for the oils, and what oils are useful for what.  It also notes how not to use the oils, which is very important, as some oils shouldn't be used on some people (namely children, pregnant women, etc).  I really can't recommend this book enough!

The first book I ever bought on aromatherapy and essential oils, I still consider this book my Essential Oil & Aromatherapy Bible!  This book is LOADED with great information!  She not only gives you the basics, like the various methods by which essential oils are extracted, but also oils and blends to use for the home, the office, physical ailments, stress & other emotional issues, hair care... the list goes on.  I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in starting out in aromatherapy!

I hope everyone finds this helpful!  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free.  Have a naturally fabulous week ;)!

Candace 

RedSunflower Designs

A Change in the Air

© CND Photography 2010

Happy Sunday all!

After a long weekend for vacation last week, I'm back and feeling refreshed!  It's always really nice to get away for awhile, especially at the end of summer.  It seems like Fall is coming a little early this year to the Pacific Northwest, but I actually welcome it.  There's just something about the season that reminds me to slow down, look inward, and be creative.  

I just launched my Samhain/Halloween line for RedSunflower Designs, and you can view the line here.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Samhain, it's what we now call Halloween or All Hallows Eve, and is the final of the harvest celebrations celebrated for centuries.  It's a time to think about your ancestors, reflect on what you've accomplished this year, and make goals for the year to come.  It also happens to be one of the more creative times of the year for me, personally.  I always find myself very inspired by change of seasons, and the abundance found in nature at this time.  

This year, I have several blends that I have adapted abit from last year's line up. These are available as lotions, body butters, oils, and even lip balms.  And I still have one top secret product to launch for the line; I'm waiting on one ingredient, which should be here sometime this week.  These will be available until the beginning of November, at which point my holiday line will be coming out.  

I decided to use this week's post as more of an update.  I have several other new products coming out in the next month or so, and I'm really looking forward to getting further and further into the creative process.  Being creative in my daily life is important to me, and a big part of self-expression.  I encourage everyone to use this time at the days get shorter and darker in the coming months to find a way to express yourself creatively, and find something you're passionate about.  Until next week....

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

INHALATIONS: USING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HEALING

Happy Sunday!

So I've been under the weather for the past couple of days, and it's like a head cold/sinus something or other.  Whenever this happens to me, I always put together an inhalation using essential oils.  And since whatever I had seems to be going around, I thought I'd share with you guys what I personally do!  

So first, you need to get a large bowl (think large mixing bowl; I prefer using a glass bowl), a towel large enough to cover your head (hand towel or larger), boiling water, and your essential oils.  The essential oils to use are: eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.  Basically, these will not only help to clear up your stuffy head, but help to boost your immune system, which you really need when you're sick. 

Once your water is boiling, take your bowl and put about 5-8 drops of each essential oil into the bottom of the bowl.  Find a place to sit where you can sit (at a table, on the floor, etc) and have the bowl in front of you.  Put the bowl wherever you'll sit, pour the hot water over the essential oils, put the towel over your head and lean over the bowl of hot water.  The hot water hits the essential oils, creating a steam that will loosen everything up, so you'll want to be sure you have tissue next to you.  Be sure you do NOT have your eyes open when leaning over the bowl, as the essential oils can and likely will burn your eyes.  You'll want to sit and inhale deeply over the bowl for 15-20 minutes ideally.  You can either set a timer, or I listen to music. 

You'll feel SO much better after this!  But what if you don't have all of these essential oils? You're not going to go out and spend $30-$40 just to have these if you won't use them for anything else, right?  I actually offer a Cough/Cold blend in my Etsy shop that will allow you to buy them in a slightly diluted form, in a smaller vessel, so you don't have to spend so much money. 

I hope you all find this useful, and here's to breathing through the nose :)!

Natural Blessings - 

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

HOW TO MAKE INFUSED OILS

Happy Sunday!

Ever wondered how to make your own infusions or infused oils?  Today, I'm going to show you a couple of ways to do so.  For this example, I'll be discussing how to make lavender-infused oil.  Please keep in mind that this is an infusion and NOT an essential oil.  You'll need: 

• lavender buds, fresh or dried
• jar w/lid, plus another jar or container
• cheesecloth & rubber band, or a sieve
• your choice of oil such as olive oil or jojoba

Method #1:

Fill your jar almost completely full (to the shoulder) with the lavender buds. (Hint: If you are using fresh, you will need to press them between some papertowels to get out the excess oil; there's a reason for this, I promise.  Also if you're using fresh, crush them up abit. This will help them release their oils into your carrier oil.)  Top the buds with your oil, filling the jar almost completely full; this limits the amount of air that can get in the jar and will prevent spoilage, etc.  Put the lid on tightly, and store in a warm, dark place for at least a week for maximum scent.  After the appropriate waiting period, remove the lid from the jar.  Either place the cheesecloth taut over the top of the jar, securing with the rubber band, or pour the contents of the jar into the sieve.  Allow the oil to drain into another jar or container; if you use the sieve, press down on the botanicals remaining in the sieve to extract the maximum oil (why waste, right?).   The oil should keep for several months. 

Method #2:

Add your lavender buds and oils to a crockpot.  Here you want to use 1/2 cup of lavender to 1 cup of oil (or close; you can eyeball if you want).  Put it on the absolute lowest setting (you don't want it to get above 100 degrees here), and let it infuse for 2-3 hours.  Remove from heat and let the oil cool completely.  Repeat as above with a sieve, etc.  

You can then use your infusion as a bath oil, moisturizer, in your hair, etc.

You can create an infusion from many flowers and herbs, including:

• rose
• mint
• rosemary
• sage
• calendula

Keep in mind that if you are using fresh herbs, it helps to "bruise" them before adding to the infusion, as this will help them to release their natural oils.  Bruising is basically crushing, squeezing, etc the botanical abit (you want to bruise, not kill :).  

Also, it isn't always cheaper for a DIY infusion, depending on your location and what you have access to.  Rose infused oil, for example, can be very expensive, as you always want to be sure to use ORGANIC ONLY.  You don't want pesticides in your infusion. 

I have just launched Lavender Infused Oil in my Etsy shop now, for a limited time only. 

Natural Blessings - 

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Healing, The Way Nature Intended!

Happy Sunday all!

So last week, I said I was going to talk about the benefits of reservatrol for the skin. But I'm actually going to push that to next week's blog.  This week, I want to give something back.  I've always found folk remedies to be fascinating.  How did people back in the day figure out that a certain herb would help to heal a wound, or help with cramps, or cure a toothache?  I wish that I had learned more of these from my grandparents and great-grandparents when they were still around.  But I've learned through research, and personal trial & error, some of the ways we can use herbs and oils for healing, and that's what I'm discussing today. 

Lavender oil has so many uses, therapeutically speaking.  It's known for helping to calm us during periods of stress and anxiety, and is also known to help with depression.  It is also very useful as a bug repellent, and great for burns.  Not only will it help take the sting out of the burn, but lavender oil is a natural antiseptic/antibiotic, so it can help to prevent infection at the burn site as well. Many older French women keep a bottle of lavender oil in their kitchens for this very reason.  Additionally, lavender is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use "neat" on the skin, or without diluting. 

If you're looking to detox from a night out on the town in smoky bars, detox from stress, or just clear out your system, grapefruit oil is the way to go.  Whether it's pink or white grapefruit oil, it's great to help with muscle fatigue, and mental exhaustion.  It's tonic qualities make it perfect as part of any detox plan. One word of caution: grapefruit essential oil is highly concentrated, and thus, should always be diluted in a carrier oil for topical use.  You can also use this in an oil burner; this is a great way to reap the benefits if you're needing more of a mental vs physical detox.  Dispersing the scent of this oil by burning it will leave you feeling refreshed and restored.

Ginger has long been used for its medicinal properties for everything from nausea to colds & rheumatism.  Many cultures have used this remedy for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, because its application is so diverse.  For example, in Senegal (West Africa), tribal women will make belts of ginger to arouse their partners sexual interest ;)!  Ginger oil is most prized in the West for helping nausea.  This is why, if you have a stomach flu, you are often advised to drink ginger ale, as it will calm your stomach.  If you're just nauseous, however, you can use it easily as an inhalation.  Uncap the bottle, put it directly under your nose, and inhale deeply.  Do that for 2-3 breaths, and you should start to feel the nausea subside.  DO NOT use ginger oil neat; ginger, along with other spice oils, can be very irritating to the skin.  Always mix with a carrier oil, and then test a small area on your skin.  Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, may still not be able to use the oil topically. 

A great source for all of the oils mentioned here, as well as a plethora of others, is Mountain Rose Herbs .  Their quality is fabulous and I would recommend them to anyone.

I hope you've enjoyed learning a few ways to heal yourself with nature.  Next week, I'll walk about the benefits of reservatrol in skin care, as promised.  

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend everyone!  

Natural Blessings, 

Candace 

RedSunflower Designs