essential oils

Essential Oils for the Dark Months of Autumn & Winter

Last week I talked about some great herbs to help light the way through the darker months of autumn and winter.  A beautiful time of year, for sure, but difficult for those who don’t respond well to the loss of light or the holiday season. 

This week, let’s get into some fantastic essential oils to lighten the heart as the outside light grows dim.  

4 Holistic Hacks For Healthy Hair

Do you want long, lush locks of hair? Are you envious of other people's hair, especially people who seem to have 'perfect hair'? Well you're in luck: This article will help you obtain beautiful hair via holistic tips and tricks. If you're looking to grow out your hair, develop thicker hair, or just prevent excessive damage to your hair, look no further. There are a few DIYs thrown in to the mix too, but most of what I have to say simply involves lifestyle changes.

Got Road Rash? Fix It Quick With This All-Natural Blend!

Recently, a client was hauling it very quickly down a hill on his road bicycle and took a trip over the handlebars.  Unfortunately, spandex doesn’t do much to protect the skin and he wound up with some pretty nasty road rashes, something most cyclists are familiar with (or may be at some point if not yet).   

Try These Castor Oil Hair Masks For Healthy Locks

While castor oil is no “wonder drug” to take all your hair problems away, it is an oil that’s high in nutrients and can add life to locks devoid of moisture, nutrition, and shine.

12 Tips To Make Bath-Time The Best Time (+Bath Tea Recipe)

I don't take too many baths, but when I do, it's usually because I'm stressed. Baths have powerful healing properties that enable us to pretty much soak our troubles away. They're great for relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation, and putting us in a sleepy-time mood. That said, simply hopping into a tub filled with hot water won't always do the trick. There are several ways to make bath time extra special, and I advise you try one of them out.

Cooking with Essential Oils 101: Keep Cool With Cucumber Noodles

Do you want to naturally support your body in staying cool during the hot summer months?  If so, eat more cucumbers.

Essential Oil Essentials: What Is Safe Oil Usage?

Essential oils are immensely useful and are loads of fun to work with, sniff, and collect. I usually have about 80 of them at any given time! Essential oils are very concentrated aromatic oils that are distilled or pressed from plants. Similar oils, called absolutes, are obtained via solvent extraction from more delicate botanicals like tuberose and jasmine (more on these in a future article). 

Essential Oils: Eucalyptus Oil For Immunity & Consciousness

Winding through the mountainous hills of Ooty in south central India by jeep, the scent of eucalyptus fills the air as we drive through groves of this deliciously fragrant tree. My breath gets a little deeper as I inhale the awe of what the locals must surely take for granted, the smell and healing power of eucalyptus hanging ever in the air there. Curved slices of green with the power to open the lungs and move congestion in the body speak to me in the shady breeze.

Cooking with Essential Oils 101: This Watermelon Gazpacho is Summer in a Bowl

Many years ago, after a few hours on a sweltering beach, my friend and I gathered ourselves and climbed the dunes to a restaurant. It was on the patio there that we two tired, over-sunned young girls were brought back to life by generous bowls of cool, hearty, earthy gazpacho. Every summer since, when the temperatures soar, I think: soup.  And although I love a good tomato gazpacho, it’s just the beginning.

Mother Earth's Medicine Cabinet: Swimmer's Ear - How To Treat It Holistically

Swimmer’s Ear, also known as Otitis externa, is pretty common during the summer months simply because more people are in and around water. Swimmer’s ear is actually an infection that occurs in the outer ear canal running from your eardrum to the outside of your head. The infection is typically brought on when water enters the ear and becomes trapped inside of the ear canal.