The essential oils chosen for this week are inspired by the end of summer; as the weather turns more spontaneous going back and forth trying to decide whether to be bright and sunny or chilly and cloudy.  We have essential oils mimicking both sides.

LAVENDER & SANDALWOOD (blend)
Lavender: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative
Sandalwood: Acne, Catarrh, Cystitis, Menstrual Problems, Depression, Skin Infections, Fungal and Bacterial Infections; as a Sedative

MYRRH
Wounds, Mouth Ulcers, Dermatitis, Bacterial Infections, Bronchitis, Diarrhea, Fungal Infections, Candida

NEROLI
Depression, Anxiety, Hysteria, Diarrhea, Nervous Tension, Menopausal Problems, Dermatitis; as a Cardiac Tonic

NIGHT TIME (blend)
Jasmine: Nervous Tension, Depression, Menstrual Problems, Laryngitis, Anxiety, Lethargy; as a Relaxant
Bergamont: Fevers, Acne, Tension, Wounds, Coughs, Stress; as an Antidepressant
Lavender: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative
Clary Sage: Depression, Nerves, Sore Throat, Aches and Pains, Debility; as a stimulant

POMEGRANATE
Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Microbial, Immune Defense, Heart Disease, Wrinkles, Eczema, Psoriasis, Sun Damage and Irritated Skin, Revitalizes and Firms Skin, Protects from Environmental Pollutants and Chemicals

Could it be?!  Has summer finally decided to pay us crabby, cooped-up Portlanders a visit?  I am planning on milking this sunshine for all its worth, beginning with the sunburn I acquired at our yard sale this weekend.  Comments like “you are turning lobster red, Christina” didn’t hold a flame to a little Aloe Vera mixed with Lavender essential oil.  I woke up the next morning with a golden tan.  I kid you not.

This weeks essential oils are as light and sunny as our weather, but have deep healing benefits that will protect your skin and muscles from the wear and tear it brings with it.

CAMOMILE
Nerves, Migraine, Acne, Inflammation, Insomnia, Menstrual Problems, Dermatitis

CHERRY BLOSSOM (blend)
Sandalwood: Acne, Catarrh, Cystitis, Menstrual Problems, Depression, Skin Infections, Fungal and Bacterial Infections; as a Sedative
Orange: Depression, Anxiety, Constipation, Nervous Conditions, Muscular Spasm; as a Tonic, Sedative, and Antiseptic
Vanilla: As an Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic, Febrifuge, Antidepressant; Sedating and Relaxing Properties
Mandarin
Lavender: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative
Rose Geranium

LAVENDER
Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative

FIR NEEDLE
Arthritis, Bronchitis, Colds, Coughs, Flue, Muscular Aches, Rheumatism, Sinusitis

TANGERINE
Depression, Anxiety, Constipation, Nervous Conditions, Muscular Spasm; as a Tonic, Sedative, and Antiseptic

EUCALYPTUS & TEA TREE (blend)
Eucalyptus: Viral Infections, Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Whooping Cough, Rheumatism, Muscular Strains; as an Antiseptic
Tea Tree: Acne, Athletes Foot, Burns, Blisters, Dandruff, Insect Bites, Infection, Asthma, Cold and Flu, Fever, Chicken Pox, Warts, Cold Sores

LEMON & PATCHOULI (blend)
Lemon: Sore Throat, Nervous Conditions, Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems, Gallstones, Debility, Fever, Anxiety; as a Tonic, Astringent, and Antiseptic
Patchouli: Acne, Skin Inflammations, Nervous Exhaustion, Eczema, Dandruff, Cracked and Chapped Skin, Athletes Foot; Grounding Effects.

NIGHT TIME (blend)
Jasmine: Nervous Tension, Depression, Menstrual Problems, Laryngitis, Anxiety, Lethargy; as a Relaxant
Bergamont: Fevers, Acne, Tension, Wounds, Coughs, Stress; as an Antidepressant
Lavender: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative
Clary Sage: Depression, Nerves, Sore Throat, Aches and Pains, Debility; as a stimulant

OIL OF BAY
Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases, Muscular Pain, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism Sprains and Strains

PEPPERMINT
Inflammation, Nausea, Indigestion, Fevers, Flatulence, Headaches, Migraine, Liver Problems, Arthritis, Uplifting; as a Stimulant

COLD & FLU RELIEF (blend)
Eucalyptus: Viral Infections, Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Whooping Cough, Rheumatism, Muscular Strains; as an Antiseptic
Ginger: Rheumatism, Muscular Aches and Pains, Sprains, Broken Bones, Colds Nausea, Diarrhea, Alcoholism, Digestive Disorders
Lemon:  Sore Throat, Nervous Conditions, Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems, Gallstones, Debility, Fever, Anxiety; as a Tonic, Astringent, and Antiseptic
Peppermint: Inflammation, Nausea, Indigestion, Fevers, Flatulence, Headaches, Migraine, Liver Problems, Arthritis, Uplifting; as a Stimulant
Tea Tree: Acne, Athletes Foot, Burns, Blisters, Dandruff, Insect Bites, Infection, Asthma, Cold and Flu, Fever, Chicken Pox, Warts, Cold Sores

EARTHY (blend)
Cedar: Bronchitis, Catarrh, Acne, Arthritis; as a Diuretic
Sandalwood:  Acne, Catarrh, Cystitis, Menstrual Problems, Depression, Skin Infections, Fungal and Bacterial Infections; as a Sedative
Patchouli: Acne, Nervous Exhaustion, Eczema, Cracked and Chapped Skin, Athletes Foot, Insect Repellant, Stress Related Conditions; Grounding Effects.
Lavender: Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative

GINGER (blend)
Ginger: Rheumatism, Muscular Aches and Pains, Sprains, Broken Bones, Colds, Nausea, Diarrhea, Alcoholism, Digestive Disorders
Clove: Nausea, Flatulence, Bronchitis, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Toothache, Diarrhea, Infections; as an Analgesic and Antiseptic
Cinnamon: As an Insecticide, Deodorant, Tonic, Stimulant
Vanilla:  As an Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic, Febrifuge, Antidepressant; Sedating and Relaxing Properties
Lemon: Sore Throat, Nervous Conditions, Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems, Gallstones, Debility, Fever, Anxiety; as a Tonic, Astringent, and Antiseptic

LAVENDER
Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative

POMEGRANATE
Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Microbial, Immune Defense, Heart Disease, Wrinkles, Eczema, Psoriasis, Sun Damage and Irritated Skin, Revitalizes and Firms Skin, Protects from Environmental Pollutants and Chemicals

This weeks essential oils were chosen to imitate the wet, green, “earthy” – for lack of a better word – weather we’ve been having…  But then a few bright and cheery selections to balance it all out.  Now if only we could get some of that “bright and cheery” from the sky, we’d be good to go.

CLARY SAGE
Depression, Nerves, Sore Throat, Aches and Pains, Debility; as a stimulant

INVIGORATING (blend)
Lemon: Sore Throat, Nervous Conditions, Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems, Gallstones, Debility, Fever, Anxiety; as a Tonic, Astringent, and Antiseptic
Rosemary: Gout, Headaches, Fatigue, Rheumatism, Skin Infections, Muscular Aches and Pains, Sprains, Dandruff, Alopecia, Obesity, Spinal Injuries; as Nerve Stimulant, Heart Tonic and Liver Decongestant, Analgesic
Peppermint: Inflammation, Nausea, Indigestion, Fevers, Flatulence, Headaches, Migraine, Liver Problems, Arthritis, Uplifting; as a Stimulant

LEMON & VANILLA (blend)
Lemon: Sore Throat, Nervous Conditions, Blood Pressure, Digestive Problems, Gallstones, Debility, Fever, Anxiety; as a Tonic, Astringent, and Antiseptic
French Vanilla: As an Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic, Febrifuge, Antidepressant; Sedating and Relaxing Properties

PEPPERMINT
Inflammation, Nausea, Indigestion, Fevers, Flatulence, Headaches, Migraine, Liver Problems, Arthritis, Uplifting; as a Stimulant

TEA TREE
Acne, Athletes Foot, Burns, Blisters, Dandruff, Insect Bites, Infection, Asthma, Cold and Flu, Fever, Chicken Pox, Warts, Cold Sores

I like to treat myself to some Coconut Bliss every night in between dinner and bed.  It tastes like dessert – it is dessert, so it’s a little hard to imagine that by enjoying this creamy deliciousness you’re simultaneously creating a vessel to help nutrients cross the stomach lining and absorb into the system.  It also helps that metabolism keep working for you while you are sound asleep all night long.  I know, it sounds like heaven…  It kind of is.

I found this video below for a Coconut Bliss smoothie, which I’m excited to try out today (it was the Sombrero dancing Cha-Cha Intro that held my attention, I’ll admit : ).

*Benefits of Coconut:
- Improves digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids
- Valuable to the immune system as they contain healthy antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial saturated fatty acids, helping to naturally fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungal growth
- Improves the untilization of blood sugar and can lessen the symptoms of hypoglycemia
- Improves the absorption of the right kinds of calcium and magnesium ions.
- Consists of 90+ percent raw saturated fat – a rare and important building block of every cell in the human body.
- Contains powerful antioxidants in the form of raw saturated fats and oils.
- Helps the body use the essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6) and other fatty acids and phospholipids more efficiently.
- Helps regulate and support healthy hormone production
- Nutritional precursor to the anit-aging hormone compound known as pregnenolone.
- Increases the speed of the thyroid, allowing the body to drop excess weight and accumulated toxins.  Contrary to some previously held beliefs, coconut cannot be stored in the body as fat; it actually needs to be burned up on the spot, which helps fire up our excess fat burning metabolism immediately.
- Helps displace toxic hydrogenated trans-fatty acids (e.g. partially hydrogenated soybean oil).
- Restores natural saturated fat levels to the skin, subcutaneous fat layers, and to the individual cell membranes.  The saturated fats in coconut products are also vital for the health of growing nervous system in children.
- increases metabolism and help with weight loss due to the presence of medium-chain saturated fatty acids present in coconut products.
- Contains no appreciable levels of cholesterol and actually support cardiovascular health.
Supports healthy cholesterol formation in the liver.  This high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the kind of cholesterol we want and that is essential to healthy hormone production.

source
source

This week I am focusing on balance:  The perfect blend of sweet, spicy and earthy…  Uplifting, warming and grounding.

The Sandalwood/Rose, Camomile and Nighttime Blend are most effective when absorbed directly through the skin (process of difussion) via a nice, steamed towel or mixed in with the massage oil itself, while the Oil of Bay and Respiratory Blend are better used through deep, efficient aromatherapy inhalations.

CAMOMILE
Nerves, Migraine, Acne, Inflammation, Insomnia, Menstrual Problems, Dermatitis

NIGHT TIME (blend)
Jasmine: Nervous Tension, Depression, Menstrual Problems, Laryngitis, Anxiety, Lethargy; as a Relaxant
Bergamont:  Fevers, Acne, Tension, Wounds, Coughs, Stress; as an Antidepressant
Lavender:  Burns, Inflammation, Cuts, Wounds, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fainting, Headaches, Influenza, Insomnia, Hysteria, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Infections, Bacterial Conditions, Sores, Ulcers, Acne, Boils, Asthma, Rheumatism, Arthritis; as a Sedative
Clary Sage: Depression, Nerves, Sore Throat, Aches and Pains, Debility; as a stimulant

OIL OF BAY
Cold and Flu, Infectious Diseases, Muscular Pain, Poor Circulation, Rheumatism Sprains and Strains

RESPIRATORY (blend)
Fir Needle: Arthritis, Bronchitis, Colds, Coughs, Flue, Muscular Aches, Rheumatism, Sinusitis 
Eucalyptus: Viral Infections, Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Whooping Cough, Rheumatism, Muscular Strains; as an Antiseptic

SANDALWOOD/ROSE (blend)
Sandalwood: Acne, Catarrh, Cystitis, Menstrual Problems, Depression, Skin Infections, Fungal and Bacterial Infections; as a Sedative
Rose (Bulgaria): Anxiety, Depression, Circulatory Problems, Menopausal Problems; as an Antiseptic and Tonic

March Health Tip

The month of March heralds the coming of SPRING!  The vernal equinox is just around the corner.  It is during this time of year that the dormant, restful energies of winter start to rise.  We see this in nature with the plant shoots emerging from the ground and the birth of many animal babies.  Our internal energy will also naturally start to rise.  We often feel more energetic as the days get brighter and longer.  People tend to come out of hibernation a bit and become more social.  Traditionally this is the best time of year to undergo an internal cleansing practice, i.e. do a cleanse.  A cleanse can take many forms – some simple and some very complex.  Most people would do well to have a professional guide them through the process.  Naturopathic physicians are generally very adept at leading individuals through a cleanse.  Give your ND a call or get out there and meet a new ND sometime during the next couple of months while the energy is still on the rise.  To find an ND in your area see our resources page “ND Associations”.

Fun Fact:  Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.  And I thought it was random all these years!

“Let your mind wander in simplicity, blend your spirit with the vastness, follow along with things the way they are, and make no room for personal views – then the world will be governed.”

~ Chuang-tzu