Aromatherapy blends for diffusers

When it comes to setting a mood in my home, I often turn to scented candles and incense. But lately I’ve been relying quite a bit on my aromatherapy diffuser and realizing just how versatile —and healthy — it can be.   

The diffuser I have is much like the inexpensive one shown here. It uses ultrasonic technology to create a fine, cold mist. Just fill it with water and add some essential oils. The water and oils are quickly diffused throughout the room and linger for quite awhile.  No heat is used, which means the essential oils' therapeutic benefits aren’t compromised.

When I first started using the diffuser, I used already prepared essential oil blends such as those sold by Plant Therapy Essential Oils. My favorite one, which I’ve continued to use throughout the winter, is their Germ Fighter Blend. It contains essential oils of Lemon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Rosemary and Thyme. I’ve also just started experimenting and creating my own blends.

Here are a few of the mixes that I’ve enjoyed so far. If you have any essential blends that you’d like to share, please be sure to do so. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

For eliminating unpleasant odors:

- 1 drop eucalyptus oil

- 2 drops lemon oil

- 6 drops bergamot oil 

For lifting the spirits:

- 2 drops geranium oil

- 3 drops sweet orange oil

- 4 drops clary sage oil 

For reducing stress:

- 2 drops patchouli oil

- 3 drops rose oil

- 4 drops lavender oil

Caffè Mocha Exfoliating Scrub

Photo courtesy of Alina Zienowicz, Wikimedia Commons

I love coffee. The sad thing is — it doesn’t love me.  The stomach aches and pains it gives me make it almost impossible for me to enjoy. The fact that I’m unable to drink coffee has seriously been one of my life’s biggest disappointments. So imagine how excited I was to find this completely new way to enjoy it — one that actually makes me feel great. It’s a body scrub made with coffee grounds!

I found the recipe in an old issue of Natural Health magazine and whipped up a batch this morning. It took just a few minutes to prepare and the results were nothing less than divine. The coffee and cocoa powder exfoliate, increase circulation and help decrease the appearance of cellulite (maybe I should bathe in it!). The oils contain antioxidants and help the skin retain moisture — perfect for winter-weary skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. almond oil
• 1 tsp. coffee grounds
• 1 tsp. cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Directions:

Mix ingredients together and apply to clean skin in the shower, rubbing gently in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly. Note: use of the scrub can leave your shower floor a little slick, so be sure to wipe it out afterwards to avoid any slips or falls.

Getting ready for pollen season with a neti pot

With pollen season right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to pass along some helpful advice I received from a friend around this time last year. I had complained to her of chronic sinus congestion and she said she got rid of hers by using a neti pot. Now you might be thinking — just like I did — that there’s no way you’re going to pour a bunch of water up your nose. When she first brought up the idea, I had bad flashbacks to my childhood swim classes at the town pool. But I tried it anyway, and it definitely helped me out.

Nasal irrigation using a neti pot has been around for centuries and is recommended by many medical professionals today. A neti pot looks like a cross between a squat teapot and Aladdin’s magic lamp. Typically, you use it with a solution of 16 ounces of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt; though some people add a ½ teaspoon of baking soda as a buffer. Most neti pots come with an insert that explains how to use them; make sure to read it thoroughly so you can learn the right technique. Rest assured, it’s painless and very easy to do. You’ll be glad you gave it a try.