Grapefruit Essential Oil is one of our favorites – did you know it can help with weight loss? Here are 1o great reasons to use Grapefruit Oil: Feel Free to pin and share with your friends!
Black PepperPiper Nigrum is a common essential oil that has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and by the ancient Greeks. It originates from Madagascar, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China, and comes from the unripe fruit/berry, which grows from a small white flower on the woody vine. It’s smell is sharp, warm, strong, woody, and spicy, with a watery viscosity that is usually a greenish yellow to a yellowish white color. It is steam distilled and has many uses and benefits. Black Pepper can be used topically, internally, and aromatically.
Black Pepper is commonly known as a cooking spice that brings out the flavor in food, but its topical and internal benefits are also very appealing. Black Pepper is high in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, known for their antioxidant activity and ability to help fight seasonal and environmental threats. Black Pepper can be used to help in the treatment of pain relief, chills, colds, muscular aches, digestive problems, rheumatism, coughs, calm anxious feelings, increase circulation to the skin, and exhaustion.
Black Pepper should be used with caution when applied topically due to its strong warming sensation, but can be used to promote healthy circulation. It can also be used as a general digestive tonic to help stimulate appetite, tone colon muscles, and aid in the healthy digestion of foods. It should always be kept out of reach of children and if you are nursing or pregnant, please consult your health care provider before using it. Avoid contact with the eyes!
Oils that blend well with Black Pepper are: Bergamot, Clove, Fennel, Clary Sage, Coriander, Lavender, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Geranium, Lemon, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Wild Orange, Rosemary, Sage, Lime, YIang Ylang, Melaleuca, and Lemongrass.
Properties of Black Pepper are: analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, laxative, rubefacient and tonic.
Possible uses:
Take one to two drops in veggie caps daily when seasonal threats are high
Diffuse or inhale to calm anxious feelings
Add to a base slave to use for tired aching limbs, sore muscles, and to help sort out bowel problems.
Create a soothing and warming massage by combining one to two drops with Spark Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil
Add to entrees, soups, meats, and salads to bring out the flavor and assist digestion.
Ravintsara is a pale yellow or colourless essential oil, that originates from Madagascar. It is extracted from the dark green and waxy leaves of the large Cinnamomum Camphora tree in the Lauraceae family. Its name actually means “good leaf” in Madagascar. Ravintsara has a fresh smell that is similar to Eucalyptus or Camphor. Over the years it has been recognized as having strong antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti fungal, antiseptic, disinfectant, expectorant, and relaxant properties as well as being an excellent nerve tonic. It is considered to have respiratory and immune-boosting properties and is also used widely for meditation, skin cleansing, muscular pain, stress, depression, and to help promote better sleep. Other known uses are; to help with colds & flu, pain relief, coughs, skin conditions, viral infections, headaches, toothaches, and inflammation. Ravintsara is generally used aromatically and topically and blends well with many oils such as; Citrus oils, Wild Orange, Neroli, Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Lavender, Jasmine, Basil, Cedarwood, Clove Bud, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Helichrysum, and Eucalyptus.
A few ideas for possible use:
Apply 3 drops of oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil to your chest to relieve breathing troubles.
Diffuse or inhale directly from the bottle. Apply topically to your temples and back of neck to relieve anxiety.
Add a few drops of Ravintsara to a teaspoon of carrier oil and massage it into your muscles and joints.
Sinus Relief Recipe
7 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
3 Drops Ravintsara Essential Oil
4 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Combine in 10ml roller bottle and top off with fractionated coconut oil. Apply around sinus area *avoid eyes.
Decongestant Diffuser Blend
3 Drops Ravintsara
2 Drops Eucalyptus
2 Drops Peppermint
Add oils to diffuser and enjoy the refreshing aroma
It’s the weekend! Why not get the day started off right. The following blends are meant to be used in a cold-air diffuser. The type of diffusers I use require a small amount of water to which the oils are added. I generally use 6-8 drops of oil per “batch.” If you don’t have one of the components, you can still try the recipe without it. Enjoy these and maybe share your favorites with us.
1. The Wake Up Blend
This is a much-loved combo, and for good reason! It’s perfect to increase alertness, or when you need a quick pick-me-up: 3 drops Wild Orange EO 3 drops Peppermint EO
2. Fresh and Clean
This blend is wonderful for creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. It’s bright and fresh: 2 drops Lavender 2 drops Lemon 2 drops Rosemary
3. Odor Eliminator
We are animal-people, and we’ve had our fair share of “incidences” in our house. Whenever this happens, I like to diffuse this blend. It freshens up the air in no time: 2 drops Lemon 1 drop Melaleuca 1 drop Lime 1 drop White Fir 1 drop of Cilantro
4. Seasonal Support
These three oils together are spectacular for helping to maintain clear breathing and a healthy immune response. I use this blend especially during the spring and summer months: 2 drops Lavender 2 drops Lemon 2 drops Peppermint
5. Citrus Explosion
I love diffusing citrus blends when we have company coming over. It makes my house smell happy and clean. 1 drop Lemon 1 drop Lime 1 drop Wild Orange 1 drop Grapefruit 1 drop Bergamot
6. Take a Deep Breath Blend
I tend to be a very high-energy person. The good part of that? I get a lot done. The bad part? I have a hard time settling down sometimes… I adore this blend for the evenings when I’m trying to slow my brain down, and I also like to diffuse it in the bedroom as I fall asleep: 1 drop Bergamot 1 drop Lavender 1 drop Patchouli 1 drop Ylang Ylang
7.Respiratory Blend
Use this blend to boost respiratory function–especially during cold and flu season. 1 drop Lemon 1 drop Lime 1 drop Peppermint 1 drop Rosemary 1 drop Eucalyptus
8. Flower Garden Blend
Want your home to smell like a flower garden in full bloom? Try this one: 2 drop Clary Sage 2 drop Geranium 2 drop Lavender 2 drop Roman Chamomile
9. The Man-Cave Blend
I think this combo smells very masculine and woodsy…. 2 drops White Fir 2 drops Cypress 2 drops Wintergreen
10. Bug Repellent Blend
This combo isn’t one that I’d necessarily wear as perfume, but it contains a collection of oils that most creepy-crawlies dislike: 1 drop Lemongrass 1 drop Melaleuca 1 drop Thyme 1 drop Eucalyptus 1 drop Rosemary
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Distilled from the needles of the White Fir tree, this oil has a crisp scent. White Fir is a powerful anti-oxidant with a high ORAC score and has been used for deodorants, disinfectants, rubefacients and stimulants.
History
White fir trees are native to North America, especially in the Rocky Mountains. These trees, also sometimes called Silver Firs, have been used for Christmas trees, building materials, and in traditional Native American practices. Some tribes would make small satchels of fir needles for medicinal purposes and to burn away sickness and evil spirits. Today the essential oil from the needles is used to calm the mind, ease sore muscles, and fight illnesses like cold and flu.
After the holiday hub-bub and before the kids head back to school, tensions can run high. Everyone has been cooped up indoors, in each other’s spaces and faces. It’s like the song says “and Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again”! One of the main constituents of White Fir is Limonene, which is also found in citrus oils like Lemon and Grapefruit. Diffusing a blend with White Fir can induce feelings of stability and calmness. Especially when it is combined with a blend like Bliss or Zen.
Similar to Peppermint, White fir is not only calming, but also invigorating. When feeling unmotivated, due to the limonene, inhaling White Fir can waken the senses and help the mind be ready to accomplish your to-do list. This can be done by diffusing in your favorite room diffuser, on a piece of terra-cotta clay, or on strategically placed wood slices or pine cones.
Whether your muscles ache because of an intense leg-day workout or because you’re sick with the flu or other virus, White Fir can help! The muscles will loosen and relax when massaged with White Fir, relieving some immediate discomfort.
Uses
Diffuse to fight airborne bacteria and germs as well as to stimulate the mind while allowing the body to relax. Add a drop or two to your diffuser with a drop of peppermint and a drop of clove for a spicy, cleansing blend.
Apply topically to reduce aches from the cold and flu and exercised muscles. Dilute a few drops with sweet almond, coconut, or rosehip carrier oil and massage it into the aching muscles.
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
White Fir Essential Oil Reviews
“I use this in a blend for my hamstring injury and it helps so much! My injury is healing great. Such a good oil.”-Kathy
“White fir is amazing. Love this company!”-Tianna
“Great to diffuse.”-Shallece
*WANT TO LEAVE A REVIEW? COMMENT BELOW OR HEAD TO OUR SITE AND LEAVE A REVIEW ON THE WHITE FIR PAGE!*
As the fabulous Robin Williams said, “Spring is Nature’s way of saying Let’s Party.”
SPRING is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to come to life again.
We are happy to release the Spring Diffuser Blends Collection again! Enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of Spring Bouquet, Citrus Blossoms, and New Beginnings. The names say it all!
Add 4-6 drops to a diffuser and enjoy!
Spring Bouquet: Are fresh flowers your thing? Spring Bouquet diffuser blend is an amazing medley of Tangerine, Bergamot, Lavender, Ylang Ylang & Lime essential oils. Sure to uplift your mood and bring cheer to your home or where ever you may be.
Citrus Blossoms: This blend of wild Orange, Lemon, Lime & Grapefruit is amazing and the perfect way to bring spring into your home!
Fresh New Day: The perfect diffuser blend to start fresh and get after you day. The Fresh New Day blend is formulated with Lemon, Cedarwood and Rosemary to help give positive energy to you and conquer the day!
~~Despite the forecast, live like it’s Spring. (Lilly Pulitzer)~~
Nearly 30 years ago, Mo Constantine was inspired by the fast-fizzing action of the Alka Seltzer and made what are universally known today as “bath bombs”. Our Spark Naturals Bath Bombs with 100% pure essential oils involve all of the senses to relax tensions and uplift moods. The fizzy effervescence is not only fun to watch but also effective at distributing essential goodness throughout the bathwater. Coconut oil helps replenish the skin, leaving it soft and supple, and Epsom Salt improves magnesium levels in the body. That, combined with essential oil(s), make our bath bombs the perfect addition to your bath!
Eucalyptus: Excellent for respiratory & sinus issues (cold, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis) as well as muscle aches, fatigue, and insect bites/stings.
Grapefruit & Tangerine: This combo is a powerhouse! Grapefruit is generally used for muscle fatigue and weakness, headaches, IBS, depression and overall stress. Tangerine has the added benefits of improving nervousness, digestive problems, and general irritability.
Lavender: Our most calming bath bomb, Lavender eases skin issues (rashes, cuts, eczema, burns, etc) and helps decrease stress, tension, and anxiety.
Lemongrass: Used to ease sore muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as improve mental and physical fatigue.
Peppermint: Mints are renowned for improving headaches, digestive issues, sinus congestion, muscular injuries, sprains, and menstrual cramps. (Avoid during pregnancy and nursing)
Wild Orange: Also known as Sweet Orange, this oil helps with fluid retention, insomnia, depression, and nervous anxiety.
Caution:Although bath bombs are well tolerated by many people, some essential oils and dyes can cause irritation. The main ingredients – citric acid and sodium bicarbonate – are generally not considered skin irritants when used in a bath because of significant dilution in water.
Beware the Ides of March…We see Bombs in your future.
I don’t know who I feel worse for, the teachers that have had my children all year long or the fact that school is almost over and I will have them home all day, all summer long.
We really lucked out on the teacher department this year! They have been so wonderful! But now the school year is almost over and I was having a hard time thinking of what to get our wonderful teachers as an end of the school year gift. I like to get them something that they will actually use and I enjoy being more creative than just a gift card (although I usually do include one just because). One of my friend’s made her daughter’s teacher a really cute wood sign and another put together a “date night” basket that had popcorn, candy, movie tickets, and a gift card to a restaurant.
I decided to make a pamper basket for the teachers in our life. I went to Hobby Lobby to find some cute baskets to hold it all and then I came home to get to work.
What would you put in a pamper basket? Here are the things and the recipes for the things I included.
Using a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together until liquid. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 30 minutes. Mix in the Frankincense and Lavender. Wait for it to start to harden then whip until smooth.
Place all of the ingredients in a stand mixer. Coconut oil should be soft but not liquid form. Whip until fluffy and then place in a cute jar. Side note: Carrot seed can be used as a natural sunscreen! Bonus!
Place coconut oil in a glass bowl and melt. Add the salt and stir. You will need to stir every ten minutes or so until it becomes cool, you don’t want to lose all the great properties of the oil. Don’t let the salt settle to the bottom. Once cool, add the Grapefruit and Vanilla. Keep stirring, stirring, stirring, stirring. Place in a jar and enjoy!
Don’t forget about the Anniversary Sale where you can get up to 30% off of single oils, blends, kits, and salves! Plus, get free shipping on all orders over $15! Best time to order and make your favorite teacher some really thoughtful, useful gifts!