Tag: essential oils

CBD and Essential Oils: A Few Mixes You Can Try

Published on by Lee4 Comments

With more and more research coming out that shines a light on the reported health benefits of CBD and essential oils, people are starting to experiment with combining the two and achieving some surprising results.

While there are many potential benefits, it’s important to combine your CBD oil and essential oils carefully to avoid unwanted effects.

Before jumping in and mixing up your own CBD and essential oil blend, it’s important that you educate yourself on these beneficial compounds and their potential uses. Continue on for an explanation of how essential oils and CBD act on your body separately, as well as how certain combinations of the two could provide maximum relief from certain conditions.

What Are Essential Oils and How Do They Work?

Essential oil is a generalized term that describes a concentrated oil derived from plant material. These highly concentrated oils and are usually made by cold-pressing the plant parts, or through a steam-distillation process. Essentials oils can be made from the seeds, leaves, stems, roots, and even the fruits of plants.

Many essential oils are reported to have a variety of health benefits when used properly. Reportedly, by way of stimulating the limbic system, many of these essential oils are able to elicit positive physiological and psychoactive effects.

Some potential use cases for essential oils include:

  • Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Aiding digestion
  • Pain relief
  • Skincare
  • Sleep aid

Essential oils derived from lavender and sandalwood may provide calming effects from their smell alone. Others, such as peppermint oil, may calm your digestive system when taken orally in small amounts.

Terpenes in CBD Oil and Essential Oils

While CBD oil and essential oils are talked about quite a bit, terpenes have flown under the radar until very recently. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinct aromas, flavors, and colors. Unsurprisingly, terpenes are found in essential oils and certain types of CBD oils.

The cannabis plant produces over 100 different terpenes and researchers have found many to offer various potential health benefits. Pinene, for example, is found both in pine trees and cannabis plants and has shown potential as an effective anxiety reducer.

To access the benefits of terpenes in your CBD oil, you’ll likely need to find a product that’s broad- or full-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD oils are made from the whole hemp plant, so they keep the other compounds, like THC and terpenes, intact; broad-spectrum CBD products include everything a full-spectrum CBD oil does except THC. Alternatively, some items made with CBD isolate will include terpenes that have been added to the finished product.

Whether producing a refreshing scent, enhancing your mood, or exerting benefits on your physical body, terpenes are crucial components of essential oils and CBD oil alike. Through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, terpenes work with the other natural compounds in CBD oil to produce amplified benefits. For this reason, adding more terpenes to the mix via essential oils could boost the positive effects you receive from your CBD oil.

CBD and Essential Oil Potential Uses

CBD and essential oils have many claimed uses and benefits, many of which have overlap in their methods of application and action.

Many essential oils elicit effects when simply breathed in, while others need to be applied topically. Oral ingestion is also an option, though it’s important you educate yourself on the individual oil you are interested in, as some essential oils, such as birch, cedar wood, or eucalyptus are dangerous when eaten or drank.

CBD oil is available in many forms, and can easily be combined with a lot of the more popular essential oils. Edibles, vaporizers, capsules, topicals, and drops are available which make combining CBD with essential oils easy.

Here’s a closer look at some of the ways essential oils can be combined with CBD oil to increase their potential benefits.

Bergamot Essential Oil and CBD Oil to Calm Anxiety

Bergamot oil is an essential oil derived from the bergamot orange and has a citrus scent. Researchers have found that inhaling bergamot oil improves mood and even relieve symptoms of anxiety.

Quite a few studies have also looked into CBD oil’s potential anti-anxiety effects. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that during animal studies, CBD had the potential to reduce stress and decreased signs of anxiety in test subjects.

Furthermore, a study conducted on test subjects with social anxiety disorder found those who were given 600 mg of CBD before a public speaking test showed significantly fewer signs of anxiety and discomfort than those given a placebo.

To enjoy and capitalize on the anti-anxiety effects of both bergamot and CBD oil, add a few drops of bergamot oil to a cloth, or apply it to your pulse points (wrists, neck, temples) for easy inhalation throughout the day. Combine this with a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue or a CBD edible for added long-lasting relief. If you need additional, on-the-spot anxiety relief, a CBD vape coupled with a few sniffs of bergamot oil should do the trick.

Chamomile Essential Oil and CBD Oil for Depression

Chamomile oil is derived from the chamomile plant and has a variety of uses. Aside from its calming and digestion-aiding properties, chamomile may also provide relief from the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Researchers from Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review conducted a study examining the effect of ingested chamomile extract on patients with depression, anxiety, or a combination of the two. The results were meaningful, and the study concluded, “Chamomile may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity that occurs in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic [anti-anxiety] activity.”

CBD oil has been shown to have antidepressant qualities too, through its activation of the 5-HT1A receptor. By acting on this neural pathway, CBD is able to make more serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of wellbeing, available in the brain. Traditional antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective by similar mechanisms.

If you’re thinking about combining chamomile oil with CBD oil, there are a few different ways to do so. Chamomile oil is safe for consumption, so you can try adding it, along with a few drops of CBD oil, to a cup of tea, coffee, or water. You can also keep a bottle of chamomile oil handy for inhalation throughout the day, and take a CBD edible or capsule in the morning for longer-lasting relief from depressive symptoms.

Lavender Oil and CBD Oil for Better Sleep

Derived from the lavender plant, lavender oil is widely accepted as a natural sleep aid.

A 2005 study examining 31 young men and women who were “healthy sleepers” found lavender to produce mild sedative effects and promote slow-wave and deep-wave sleep. All participants reported feeling more vigorous and better rested the next morning.

Sleep is essential for cognitive function as well as muscle repair and relaxation. Like lavender oil, CBD oil has also shown promise as a sleep aid.

CBD has been found to decrease cortisol levels, reducing stress in the body. Cortisol is produced as a response to stress, keeping the body alert and prepared to react to external stressors or stimuli. Today, stress—and high cortisol levels—have become a part of daily life, which can take a toll on your mental and physical body. CBD regulates these cortisol levels, ultimately reducing stress and allowing your mind and body to relax and recover. When you’re at ease, you can more easily fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBD has also been found to reduce the involuntary muscle movements involved with REM behavior disorder (RBD). RBD often occurs in people with conditions like Parkinson’s disease and it can lead to self-injury and sleep disturbances.

Lavender oil and CBD oil can easily be used in combination. There are products available on the market, like tinctures and lotions, that already combine the two. But if you didn’t want to spring for yet another product, you can work with what you already have.

Add lavender oil to a diffuser, warm bath, or your pulse points for its aromatherapy benefits. Then, take your nightly CBD oil dose and it won’t be long before you feel the calming, stress-relieving benefits that help you to drift off for a peaceful, restorative sleep. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to a lavender tea is another way to reap the benefits of this combination.

Peppermint Oil and CBD Oil for Digestive Relief

Peppermint essential oil comes from the peppermint plant and has been identified as a potential remedy for indigestion.

In a review of 14 clinical trials done on nearly 200 children, peppermint showed potential to reduce the length, severity, and frequency or abdominal pain.

In another study with 200 participants who were receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer, capsules containing peppermint oil appeared to reduce the occurrence and intensity of vomiting and nausea, compared to those given a placebo.

Like peppermint oil, CBD oil may provide relief from digestive upset. Researchers used several different methods to tests its effectiveness in reducing the inflammation associated with colitis. CBD was found to provide potential relief from gastrointestinal inflammation, and if taken prior to its onset, could potentially even prevent it.

One way to combine peppermint oil and CBD oil for relief of digestion problems is in the form of a tea. Adding a few drops of CBD oil to a freshly brewed cup of peppermint tea may be a great way to enjoy relief from indigestion and general stomach upset. If you’d prefer not to drink or taste the CBD oil, taking a CBD capsule with your tea is an easy alternative.

There is a great deal of potential for finding amplified relief and benefits when combining essential oils with CBD oil. As both are naturally occurring and typically gentle on the body, you should be able to safely experiment with different mixtures of your favorite essential oils and CBD products. However, if you experience adverse effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

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These 5 Essential Oils Will Make You Look And Feel Better Instantly

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Beyond smelling amazing and making us feel super sophisticated, the benefits of essential oils are huge! The right oils can improve wrinkles or acne, soothe you, send you into a deep sleep, energize, and even uplift your mood. Whether in your bath salts, shampoo or skincare products, essential oils are used in a ton of different products and in their pure form, they offer everything from healing properties to mind and body support. It’s no coincidence they’re called essential oils  – if you know what we mean! So to make sure you’re not missing out on one of nature’s greatest offerings, we’re here to help you take advantage of them!

What are essential oils?

Essential oils come from naturally occurring compounds found in seeds, stems, roots, flowers, or the bark of plants. They’re amazing for skincare as they’re rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but they’re not even technically an oil, they’re an intensely concentrated plant extract. Essential oils seem oil-like, but as they have no fatty acids in, technically they’re not an oil. Take this crazy fact, it takes 5000 pounds of rose petals to make just one pound of pure rose ‘oil’ and one drop of peppermint ‘oil’ is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea. That’s why when you’re using essential oils, you only ever need a few drops as the formula is so intensely concentrated. You can even use Jasmine Oil for times when you need a pick me up, like for an interview or important meeting, just sniff it and it calms nerves, acts as an antidepressant, and has uplifting properties that will help you to feel more optimistic and calm.

Our Essential Oil Beauties:

Tea Tree

This amazing essential oil, derived from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia, has been used around the world for hundreds of years, and if you’ve ever struggled with acne, you’ve probably already take advantage of this antimicrobial ingredient. Tea tree is so good you’ll find the active ingredient in thousands of moisturizers, cleansers, and wipes, but it’s even better in its pure form for DIYs at home.

We love it for treating acne, and this DIY instantly targets problem areas: Mix together two teaspoons of organic honey with 4-5 drops of pure tea tree essential oil. Rub this mixture onto oily areas or pimples for 1-2 minutes and wash off with warm water. You can use this up to three times a week. But FYI, be careful as tea tree is a powerful cleanser and it could irritate and create redness from overuse, so be sure to always mix it with other ingredients.

Eucalyptus

From its incredible anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to act as a potent decongestant, deodorant and antiseptic, eucalyptus is the ultimate multitasker.

We love it for its capacity to relieve muscle pains and aches of all sorts. If you’re suffering mild twinges in your shoulder, stiff muscles, rheumatism or nursing any recent injuries, massaging eucalyptus oil on the surface of your skin will relieve stress and pain. Rub 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil directly onto your problem areas and massage in a circular motion until it is fully absorbed. Do this twice a day until the affected areas of the body improve.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a bit like the superwoman of essential oils; it can be used both orally and topically and has powerful antimicrobial properties. Seriously, there are few mind, health or body issues it can’t help with and it’s often used to combat stomach aches, improve bad breath, clean wounds, release tight muscles, boost energy and mood, and alleviate soreness from respiratory tracts.

In the beauty world, you’ll find peppermint oil in a lot of high-quality hair care products for its ability to cleanse, brighten, nourish and promote healthy hair growth. All you need to do to get the benefits yourself is add 2-3 drops of it into your regular morning shampoo and conditioner. Not only will it stimulate your scalp and hair follicles, and thoroughly cleanse your scalp but it will energize your mind – and who doesn’t love the smell of peppermint?

Lavender

Lavender isn’t just a fragrance, it a powerful regenerative oil that can help combat aging (maybe that’s why your granny likes it so much!) with its ability to promote the production of your body’s most powerful antioxidants: glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Unlike most oils that are too reactive to use directly on your skin, you can gently rub two or three drops of lavender oil directly onto fine lines or problem areas to diminish aging symptoms.

And of course, it’s widely sold as both sprays and oils to alleviate depression, headaches, and insomnia; a few drops on your pillow (or dabbed on your temples) is the perfect way to exploit lavender’s potent healing properties and chill out.

Lemon

Lemons are an incredible antioxidant, packed with vitamin C and A, which are vital for fighting free radicals and preventing premature aging. As well as boasting AHAs (a natural exfoliant that helps remove pore-clogging dead skin), it breaks down sebum with its astringent acidic properties. Not only do lemons smell great and taste great in water (squeeze some in your morning glass to detox your body), but they’re great for removing excess oil too. Squeeze lemon juice onto a cotton pad and use it to tone your skin after cleansing.

When choosing an essential oil, look for an organic version, the extra quality is worth it when it comes to skincare. Feeling inspired? Check out the one thing you never thought of doing with oil here!

3 Tips For Kissable Soft Lips This Winter

Published on by Lee1 Comment

We all want our lips to be as smooth and soft as possible. The problem is all the heating in our homes and offices makes the air really dry, which plays havoc with our delicately balanced skin, hair, and lips. So, to keep your lips protected – chapped lips can be seriously painful – we’ve got three tips to make sure your pout stays as gorgeous as ever, even when it’s cold as fuck outside!

Fix your surroundings

Do what you can to make the air around you as hydrating as possible. Invest in, or dig out your humidifier – it will add moisture to the air, which will benefit your skin, lips, and hair as well. The heated vapor produced by humidifiers also kills 90% if the bacteria and spores in the air, so you’re less likely to catch an annoying cold. Found a humidifier on Amazon for $16.99, which also diffuses essential oils – bonus!

Prevent chapping

Stop your lips from chapping in the first place and always keep a lip balm to hand. Look for lip balms with lanolin in, a highly moisturizing natural ingredient that comes from sheep’s fleeces (it can hold 200% it’s weight in water!). And always ensure that you apply lip balm before bed, so your lips don’t go without added moisture all night. Drinking water before bed can help too!

Lanolips has to be my all-time favorite lip balm for combatting chapped lips, it’s super protecting, and one layer lasts all day. Another lip balm I’ve been obsessed with for years is Carmex; not only does it contain lanolin, but also beeswax, shea butter, and Aloe Vera, which work together to heal chapped lips and prevent future drying. It also costs less than $2!

DIY lip mask

I love using natural ingredients to heal my skin, and honey is one of me and my mom favorite ingredients because of its moisturizing, hydrating, and repairing properties. It’s also antibacterial, which means it’ll help to prevent any infection that can occur when your lips get dry. You can apply pure honey as a mask to your lips for 15 minutes, before gently wiping it (or licking it) away. You can also make a lip oil by combining a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of sweet almond oil; stir the mix well and store it in a small plastic container or lip tin so you can use it throughout the day.

Lip Beauty Tip:

Another great alternative is the Coconut LIPS by ToGoSpa – The Kisser Fixer- 3 Lip Masks, $15.

Coconut Lips by ToGoSpa are Micro-Infused Collagen Gel Masks with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E that work to moisturize, re-hydrate and soothe  lips, creating a more full and moisturized appearance.

Each silky application is infused with a combination of natural high-density marine collagen, enzymes, amino acids, natural marine minerals, trace elements, proteins and vitamins. With just one 20 minute application, you will see improved elasticity, texture and overall appearance of the lips. Activated by the body’s temperature, the nutrients stored in ToGoSpa® gel pads work together to decrease the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. 

They added Coconut Extract and Allantoin for a SUPER DUPER moisturizing experience, with the gentle aroma of Coconut, you will be transported on your very own Tropical Staycation! (No Parabens, No Dyes, Cruelty Free)

The ToGoSpa Lip Mask + Balm make for a great combo, $25!

Organic Splash for Lips: A ripe zesty citrus scent of Brazilian Orange and Italian Grapefruit soothes the senses, and calm the mind. Organic jojoba, evening primrose, sunflower, and coconut oils deeply hydrate and protect lips from moisture loss, and Rejuvenating Shea butter and Vitamin E moisturize and condition skin, helping to soothe dry, chapped lips.

Scented with a brilliant splash of Brazilian Orange & Italian Grapefruit to invigorate and refresh; fortified with a skin-conditioning blend of healing evening primrose and grape seed oils to protect your lips from the damaging effects of daily pollution and provide long lasting moisture protection.

Energizing, invigorating and oh so moisturizing.

Organic Love Balm for Lips: Fresh and tingly on the lips, our Organic Love balm is crafted with a scrumptious formula of certified organic virgin coconut oil and ultra-softening African Shea Butter to prepare your lips for their chosen role. When our ever vigilant product crafters extraordinaire came across a report indicating that the act of kissing worldwide was on the decline they immediately cried as one, this shall not be and sprang into action with the single goal of correcting this most egregious of situations.

Lip smackingly good-for-you this unique blend of organic oils moisturize lips from within rather than sealing them off like petroleum-based lip balms. Fortified with Lavender, Peppermint and Spearmint to soothe and refresh and a super skin-conditioning blend of evening primrose and grape seed oils to revitalize dry, parched and cracked skin. Hooray for happy, healthy kissable lips! No synthetic ingredients or flavors.

WILL YOU BE TRYING ANY OF THESE PRIMP TIPS? IF YOU HAVE MORE TIPS FOR KISSABLE LIPS, COMMENT DOWN BELOW!

5 Tips For Creating A Spa Atmosphere At Home

Published on by Lee2 Comments

After a busy, grueling week, it’s nice to come home to an oasis to relieve tension and feel restored. As it’s not realistic, or budget-friendly, to go to a spa every day, it’s a great idea to create your own spa-like setting within the comforts of your home.

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Use Essential Oils

An essential oil diffuser can create a variety of different atmospheres and appeal to the senses, to really give you that “zen” setting. Lavender is for relaxation, and basil oil has an uplifting effect on the mind and promotes alertness. Peppermint oil relaxes muscles, eases tension and can help relieve sinus congestion, and rose oil is used to relieve anxiety and depression.

Get Steamy

Steam inhalation is a wonderful addition to an at-home spa and the heat is shown to improve circulation, which can also improve the skin’s appearance, naturally.

Plus, steam loosens dead skin cells, revealing new cells and resulting in a youthful glow. Inhale steam from a steam machine or let the shower run so the bathroom gets super steamy, and simply sit and relax for a few minutes.

Use Dim Lighting

Low, dimmed lights help your body relax and really set the mood. “Scientific studies have proven that low lights actually allow your body to rest better as they reset your pineal gland,” explains Veronica Parker, a certified Yoga Teacher, Energy Healer, and Meditation Coach.

You can also use candles for light. “Place 2-4 candles of your favorite scent around. The candle flame and the scent will enhance your state of relaxation,” she says. “My favorite scents are lavender, lemon balm and sandalwood,” she suggests

Take a Bath

After a long day, come home to a warm bath to restore tired muscles. “Prepare a warm bubble bath with Epsom salts. The salts will inspire you to untangle your muscles, release inflammation and induce a deeper state of relaxation.

Play Music

Either listen to relaxing music or ocean sounds (what resembles “spa music” you typically hear when at a spa) or try a guided meditation to release stress. Download and listen to a guided meditation while you are soaking in the bath. Focusing on your breathing is key to help you let go of stress and your day’s activity. Alternatively, you can listen to soft music to unwind.