Naturity’s Sugar Scrubs February 24, 2010

Naturity‘s sugar scrubs are all 99.5% certified organic. I recently tried the Lavender Sugar Scrub, which has only 5 ingredients (Demerara Sugar, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and non-GMO vitamin E oil) Of course, I say the simpler the better when it comes to beauty products. This scrub has all of the ingredients it needs to be exfoliating, moisturizing, and fragrant. Personally (both with what I usually buy or make), I’m used to a scrub that has finer grains than this one, which definitely has a significantly larger yet smooth grain (see picture below). If this looks/sounds up your alley then this is your scrub! To me, the best thing about this scrub is its ultra pure and relaxing scent of lavender (I couldn’t differentiate between smelling this scrub and my bottle of 100% lavender essential oil!).

Photo Credit: Naturity LLC

Hawaiian Lavender! February 8, 2010

One of my oldest and dearest friends brought me back such a treat from her honeymoon in Maui – a set of body care products (pictured below) and dark chocolate all infused with lavender harvested from the lavender farm (AKL Maui) she visited there! I had no idea that lavender was grown in Hawaii! It’s interesting because the products definitely have a unique lavender scent, unlike any other lavender-scented product I’ve ever smelt (and I’ve smelt a lot).  If you’re ever in Maui, you should definitely check out the the beautiful gardens of Ali`i Kula Lavender. I’m so excited that I got to experience some of the AKL Maui products because it has exposed me to a whole new lavender! (Thanks Nicole :))

Photo Credit: The Lavender Farm Inc.

Certified Organic Fragrances November 17, 2009

Intelligent Nutrients make an array of organic health and beauty products including supplements, “functional foods”, skin care, hair care, and aromatics. I was in the market for some new natural fragrance when I came across Intelligent Nutrients’ aromatics. The natural fragrances are available in 7 varieties: Awaken, Seductive, Attune, Nurture, Innercalm, Restore, and Focus. My favorite is definitely the Nuture, which has an overriding aroma of lavender and is certainly a comforting choice (as you would expect from the title). Unlike most traditional fragrances that contain phthalates and other synthetic ingredients, Intelligent Nutrients’ aromatics are made solely with pure plant ingredients. The scents really do smell like they are right from the garden and with each spritz, you actually feel like you’re doing something beneficial for yourself!

I would strongly suggest spraying the aromatics on your skin rather than your clothing because of the natural oils. But these same natural oils that aren’t enjoyable for your clothing can be thoroughly enjoyed by your hair! Don’t hesitate to spritz some of the fragrance in your locks to refresh them and add shine. You can also add any of the scents to a unscented carrier oil (like jojoba, sesame, etc.) to create your own massage oil. The tranquil lavender, sweet orange and geranium of Nuture are a perfect combination for a relaxing massage.

Photo Credit: Intelligent Nutrients®

After-Sun Spritz June 29, 2009

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces chilled peppermint tea
• 2 tablespoons aloe juice
• 18 drops lavender essential oil

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, shake lightly (before each use), and mist away!

Keep the bottle in the refrigerator for greater relief.

Aromatherapy in a Cupcake?! April 1, 2009

I have a very talented and creative friend who is a fashion designer by day and cupcake genius by night/weekend! She recently made me the most unique cupcakes I have ever tasted. These little delights had lavender-infused vanilla cake with lavender, honey cream cheese icing (there were actually little pieces of edible lavender)!

If you love the smell of lavender then you’ll probably love this combination. This is just one of the many varieties of cupcakes that my fellow blogger and friend has come up with so far…can’t wait to see what’s next! :)

 

Visit Monique’s site: http://myglamourology.com/

Photo Credit: Monique Lopez

Quick & Calming Facial Treatment March 29, 2009

• Make a cup of chamomile tea
• Allow it to cool down so it’s very warm, but not boiling hot
• Submerge a washcloth in the tea
• Wring out the washcloth
• Add a 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil to the washcloth (*optional step)
• Press the washcloth on your face and hold it there until the washcloth becomes cool

This is a great calming treatment that only requires water and a chamomile tea bag (and lavender oil if you like it/have it around). Chamomile has azulene, which is anti-inflammatory so it calms skin.

Sniff your way to a better day… March 20, 2009

Whether you’re choosing a scent for your next aromatherapy oil, beauty product or candle, here is a brief list of some scents and their associated benefits.  More about aromatherapy soon!

 

Energizing:  grapefruit, sweet orange, lemon, lime, & cardamom

 

Grounding & Calming:  vetivert, sandalwood, chamomile, & pine

 

Uplifting:  bergamot, mandarin, peppermint &  lemon verbena

 

Ease tension/anxiety:  rose, lavender, &  majoram

Some Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil October 28, 2008

Lavender is probably my favorite essential oil. It really is such a relaxing scent and it can be used to help so many things!

 

Here are just a few things that lavender is good for:

• headache and migraine relief
• healing burns and insect bites
• acne, psoriasis and other inflammations
• stiff joints and sore muscle relief
• relaxation
• insomnia
• hypertension
• repelling mosquitoes

Lavender is one of only two essential oils that can be used on the skin without dilution (the other being tea tree oil)!

Use sparingly though. 

Examples:

• A few drops to combine with a lotion or shampoo.
• Just a drop or two to apply to any inflammation.

 

*Allergies – People with allergies should test an oil on a small area of sensitive skin (inside of arm).

*Pregnant – Check with your doctor before using any essential oils (Lavender usually does not appear on the AVOID DURING PREGNANCY list).

**Discontinue use at the first sign of any irritation!

One of my favorite things to do….Foot Baths! October 8, 2008

I started doing foot baths when I was about 4 years old and I’ve never stopped since!

 

These are some of the times to treat yourself to a relaxing foot bath:

• When your feet are sore
• When you’re stressed
• When you’re cold
• When you’re rundown
• When you’re sick
• When you just want to do something relaxing!

For a foot bath you can either just fill your bath tub up with enough water to submerge your feet OR you can use an actual foot bath (you can find foot baths at Target, Walgreens, etc.).

Some of my usual mixtures to include in the very warm water:

• For relaxation: a few drops of lavender oil & 1- 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• For a cold: a few drops of eucalyptus oil &  mustard seed powder (detoxifying)
• For tired feet: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and/or a few drops of lemon juice & 1-2 tablespoons of epsom salt

**You can always simply use warm water and still being doing something healthy and relaxing for yourself.

Try a foot bath today or at least, this week!

Great for Colds and Your Sinuses AND Your Skin September 29, 2008

I forgot how great and how helpful these are…

Facial Steam Baths

Bring a few cups (or enough to fill a large bowl) of water to a boil and pour it into a large bowl. For a cold/your sinuses add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.  Or you could add some oregano and rosemary (the dried kind you use for cooking is just fine).  Oregano and rosemary have antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. They’re also bronchodilators so they help you to breathe! 

Ok.. now situate yourself somewhere that you can be comfortable and have the bowl of steaming water in front of you. Next, cover your head and the bowl with a cotton towel. Then close your eyes and take some deep breaths.  Do it for a few minutes or however long you feel comfortable.

I hadn’t done this in a long time, but I just did it this weekend to help myself get over a bad cold. It really made such a difference!

 

Try this for your skin too! 

I noticed how nice my skin was after having my face in the steam for a while. If you aren’t sick, you can also do this steam bath to detoxify your skin. Just put a few drops of lavender essential oil and/or chamomile tea bags in the water. The steam will open and cleanse your pores.

**Just remember to be careful not to burn yourself! After you’re done, splash your face with cold water to help close your pores.