Eucalyptus

A colleague recently asked me to order some eucalyptus so it could be offered to clients to alleviate the congestion that can result while being face down on a massage table.  What I thought was a simple request turned into a wonderful learning experience. The companies that I purchase from have 3 varieties in common Radiata, Globulus and Dives.

Eucalyptus is highly anti-viral, a strong expectorant, and can be soothing for unproductive coughs.  It is extracted from leaves by steam distillation.  While I was aware of the uses of this essential oil for respiratory concerns, I was surprised to learn that eucalyptus is also great for painful and overworked muscles.  Emotionally, eucalyptus is stimulating to the mind & can improve concentration. It also can combat melancholy by uplifting your mood.  Eucalyptus is also great when blended with other oils as an insect repellant.

Eucalyptus Radiata and Eucalyptus Globulus are similar to each other.  Radiata has a softer aroma that is less likely to trigger a cough reflex.  I have read that both can be used in a similar manner.  I ordered one of each so that we can smell them both.  My colleague will get first choice & I will use the other.

Eucalyptus Dives is lower in eucalyptol than radiata & globulus.  It can be used in a similar manner topically and as an inhalant.  Because of the lower eucalyptol concentration, it may be less irritating to the skin.

Ways to use Eucalyptus

• Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle to freshen the air & remove stale odors
• Inhale (direct palm) or diffuse eucalyptus oil to open the chest and sinuses, address viral complaints, and to lift the heart.
• Massage diluted eucalyptus oil (2% eucalyptus, 98% carrier oil) to increase circulation and ease muscular and arthritic pain.
• For over exercised muscles, add 3 drops of marjoram and 2 drop of lemon to a warm bath, soak as long is is comfortable.  Afterwards, massage with 5 drops eucalyptus, 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops ginger blended in 1 Tablespoon carrier oil (lately my favorite is organic canola oil).

Custom massage oils and home parties coming soon!

I'm so excited about incorporating essential oils in massage & yoga that I ordered bottles so I can create hydrosols and massage oil blends for my clients & yoga students.  Anticipated arrival is just before the holidays.  I'm not sure how quickly I will  have some 'potions' ready due to the pace of the holiday season.

I also have been thinking alot about how best to offer essential oils as a retail product.  Aside from creating custom blends, I have also become involved with Floracopeia., in addition to Young Living.  I first learned of Floracopeia while doing chair massage at Passiflora in New Hartford and while shopping at the Kripalu store when taking a workshop.  Floracopeia partners with local distillers around the world to offer organic essential oils at a lower price point (I suppose being born in the 70s influences my preference to supporting local people before corporations).  One reason for the lower price point could be that Floracopeia doesn't standardize batches the same way that Young Living does (YL is possibly the only company that strives to maintain a high consitency of ingredients so that you receive the same benefits from a 2011 bottle of lavender as a 2013 bottle of lavender).  Another could be that they don't have the marketing support or variety that YL does.  It should also be noted that Floracopeia oils are not rated for ingestion as some Young Living oils are.  I will be receiving my first batch of single note oils in a week or so. I'm anxious to see if I'm able to notice any difference to the oils.

I believe that offering different brands of similar products gives the purchaser the best option to select products that are affordable, and still suppport healing intentions.  This business model is already proven in a variety of retail ventures such as vitamin stores, sporting goods, and even insurance.  I guess you could say that I'm pro-choice.

YL has an awesome collection of proprietary blends that work great.  So far I've used Clarity, Valor, Thieves, Peace & Calming, White Angelica, Harmony, Joy, Deep Relief, Stress Away, and Breath Again.  I don't think I could ever give these up!  Plus there are many more that I will be adding to my collection over time.

Starting in the new year, I will be available to showcase essential oils in a home party format and informational lectures/meeting.  If you are interested in learning how essential oils are made, can be used or would like to talk about either line of products, please be in touch.  If you are interested in hosting a party, I will be featuring only one line of oils.  We would discuss which line would best serve your needs.  Young Living offers clean cleaning products and supplements in addition to essential oils.

Fizzy Epsom salt foot soak bombs

Fizzy Epsom salt foot soak bombs, a photo by AlpacaEnvy on Flickr.

You know you want one in your stocking ;)

Fizzy Epson Salt Foot Soak Project

I was looking for a way to share essential oils with my friends, colleagues & clients for the holidays this year.  I thought foot soak bombs would be nice.  After looking at several websites for recipes on how to make fizzy bath bombs, I decided on a recipe that uses only 1/4c citric acid (because it is challenging to source at the last minute & can be expensive).

I made two batches to start.  One with peppermint essential oil & one with lavender.  I want to make a YL Thieves (R) batch also, but I need to buy more baking soda first.

The making process was fairly easy and didn't take long.  The recipe suggests allowing the fizzy bombs to dry for about 4 hours.  While the bombs dry, your house will smell like the fragrance you used. 

The weather was spectacular today, so I went for a walk with the dog.  I came home, stretched, showered & got the basin ready.  It turns out that the bombs are very fragile. So I used one that I broke in the process of removing it from the mold.  It fizzed & smelled really nice.  I'm looking forward to using another one soon.

Feel Great Everyday Challenge

I found this protocol & figured I would try it & see what happens.  I have created a few Feel Great Everyday sample kits for you to try for a few days too.  If you would like one, please comment or get in touch via email: bodhiscents(at)younglivingworld.com. I'm anxious to hear how the oils worked for you!
Gary Young's Great Day Protocol (as originally posted on www.younglivingsuccess.com Sept 2011)

Start your day with this simple routine and discover how happy & confident you can feel!!

1. Place one drop of Valor on the inside of your left wrist. Hold the inside of your right wrist to your left wrist for a few minutes. This step balances the body.

2. Apply a drop of Harmony to your solar plexus (the area just above your belly button) to calm your mind and promote positive feelings.

3. Apply one drop of Joy to the area above your heart. THis step helps bring happiness to your mind & body.

4.Place a single drop of White Angelica in the palm of your hand and rub the hands together.  Lightly brush both hands over your head, face, shoulders, chest and down the rest of your body as if you were applying an angelic shield.

Just found this survey about Raindrop technique

I discovered this webpage today.  Check it out if you are considering receiving a raindrop session.
http://www.raindroptraining.com/research/index.html

Raindrop Kit has arrived!!

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this kit.  The kit contains 9 essential oils & oil blends including: oregano, thyme, basil, cypress, wintergreen, marjoram, peppermint, Valor (TM), and Aroma Seiz (TM).  The kit also has 2 massage oil blends. 

Young Living Valor (TM) is an energy balancing blend of spruce, blue tansy, rosewood, & frankincense.  Promotes feelings of strength, courage & protection. It is also used to support energy alignment in the body.

Young Living Aroma Seiz (TM) is a combination of lavender & peppermint to relax tight muscles.

Oregano oil is warming to the skin and has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities.

Thyme oil is supportive of immunity with antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties.

Basil oil invites a sense of balance back to the body and can restore mental clarity/focus.

Cypress oil has antiseptic properties; supports healthy nails & toning of skin; supports the circulatory system; and promotes a sense of grounding.

Marjoram oil relaxes muscles & calms the body.  It can ease joint stiffness.

Peppermint oil can aid normal digestion, ease tension & promote respiratory function.  The fresh aroma combats fatigue.

During a session, essential oils are applied to the feet and the back.  Specific oils are used in specific locations to enhance therapeutic effect.  I am practicing the techniques for this treatment over the next couple of days.

I'm planning to offer a raindrop treatment in combo with gentle massage using warmed sesame oil or coconut oil to nuture your whole being--body & soul.