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Best Essential Oils for Men

Most people perceive aromatherapy as something that is exclusively related to women. However, throughout history, men have also been in favor of this method of improving health and a healthy lifestyle. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks used essential oils because of their healing properties and due to their pleasant smell as well. This practice has continued up to this day and aromatherapy increases its popularity among men’s world.

Legend has it that the Roman emperor Nero often used rose essential oil to relieve headaches and improve mood. It is also interesting to note that the term “aromatherapy” was coined by the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé.

Aromatherapy (again) is becoming increasingly popular among gentlemen – either as a way of maintaining health, care or acting on the psyche. Essential oils are more than a nice scent and they can bring significant improvements to life – from health, through mood, to more efficient care.

By combining more essential oils and hydrolates, men can improve the digestive system, help maintain prostate health, use massage to relieve joint and muscle pain, stimulate circulation but also relieve headaches and use in daily skincare.

Most useful Essential Oils for Men’s Care

oils for men

Atlas cedarwood essential oil is a common ingredient in men’s cosmetics due to its fragrance and action. This essential oil alleviates inflammatory processes and balances the production of sebum and is therefore often used to care for problematic skin prone to dermatitis and redness. This oil is also known for its beneficial effect on hair and scalp – it strengthens the hair root and stimulates its growth, purifies the scalp and is used to control dandruff.

Peppermint essential oil is an inevitable step in the natural care of the teeth and oral cavity. If you drip one drop of this essential oil on a toothbrush before adding the paste, you will ensure fresh breath but also thoroughly remove bacteria from the oral cavity. Peppermint is also used to relieve headaches and tension. It is great for refreshment after a long day at work.

Tea tree is a well known universal medicinal essential oil. Men often choose it for the care of acne-prone facial skin, after shaving and for foot care. This essential oil suppresses the appearance of fungi and the so-called ”athletic foot” that often occurs in athletes.

Top Essential oils to boost libido

Sage oil contains natural phytoestrogens, which makes the oil effectively increase libido and sexual desire in both sexes. It has proven to be an effective tool that solves the problems of frigidity and psychological problems that lead to loss of libido and even lead to impotence. This oil improves the mood and restores the feeling of satisfaction. It is useful against stress and insomnia, which can be one of the leading factors for reducing sexual desire.

Neroli essential oil is a natural antidepressant that relieves depression by stimulating the central nervous system through olfactory receptors. Since it has a strong antidepressant effect, neroli oil is a strong natural aphrodisiac. It can be used in baths, diffusers and massages. It has been proven to remove mental disorders in frigidity, impotence and menopause as it calms the sympathetic nervous system. That is why neroli oil stimulates sexual desire in both women and men. It promotes a feeling of tenderness, happiness and romance.

oils for men

Ylang-ylang oil is one of the greatest aphrodisiacs because it strengthens the sex drive in both sexes. This oil is often called the “sigh of pleasure” because it reawakens desire in people. It can be used against nervousness, insomnia and to lower high blood pressure because it has a mild sedative effect. That is why it is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy.

To this list, we can add the essential oil of nutmeg, which has proven to be an excellent natural aphrodisiac. It increases sexual activity, removes mental fatigue and stress.
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Essential Oils for Women’s Health

For centuries, women have been using a variety of essential oils for care and for solving various health problems. There is a wide range of oils that soothe skin irritations, boost immunity, promote digestion but also eliminate many other women’s health problems. Find out which ones are best and for what purposes you can use them.

Top 10 Essential oils for Women’s Health

1. Sage
Sage oil relieves pain and acts as a powerful antidepressant. Take a bath to which you have added a few drops of oil and bitter salt. This combination will relieve menstrual pain and the sage smell can also help you to improve your mood. The same effect could be achieved by using Melissa essential oil instead.

2. Lavender
Lavender essential oil reduces stress and soothes nervousness. It is used by people who have trouble sleeping. Successfully resolves skin irritations. Add a few drops of this oil to your bath before bedtime or rub your feet. You will sleep like a baby and your feet will be gentle and rested in the morning.

3. Geranium
Geranium oil soothes the skin and is antibacterial. Add a few drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to prevent hair from getting greasy. Also, do the same with body lotion, as geranium will further nourish the skin and remove any imperfections on it.

essential oils for women's health

4. Lemon
Lemon essential oil provides energy and has a calming effect on the whole body. It can be used in the kitchen to store food but also as a great, natural cleaner. You can add it to a glass of lukewarm water every morning and sip it gently (two drops are enough), it will help you remove toxins from your body and boost your immunity.

5. Wild orange
Wild orange essential oil improves mood. When taking a morning shower, add a few drops of this oil to your bath that will completely wake you up and boost you for the new day.

6. Ginger
It improves digestion and relieves nausea. To improve digestion, apply a few drops of ginger oil to your feet after each meal. The same result will be achieved if you drink a glass of water after the meal, to which you have added two drops of the oil.

women's health oils

7. Basil
Basil oil calms muscle inflammation and relieves itching that can occur after an insect bite. It also affects memory enhancement. Apply it directly to the painful area and you will soon feel relief. Grease tired feet with lotion to which you have added a few drops of this oil.

8. Tea tree
Tea tree oil is antibacterial and has an effect on skin and nail health. Add a few drops to the laundry detergent to enhance its antibacterial action.

9. Oregano
It cleanses the body, strengthens the immune system and helps with digestion. Oregano oil is also effective in relieving respiratory problems. Add it to honey to relieve a sore throat.

10. Incense
This oil improves mood and helps with injuries and skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, add a few drops of incense oil to your lotion. It will additionally protect you and will further delight its scent.

All of these amazing oils are beneficial for women’s health, feel free to choose the ones you like the most.

 

Note: Keep in mind that pure essential oils must be diluted. The perfect measure is six drops of essential oil in 30 milliliters of carrier oil. Consult a pharmacist before using essential oils and if you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist.
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Cleaning with Essential Oils

What is important to note when talking about aromatherapy and essential oils is that all essential oils have disinfecting properties. This means that when choosing oils you can be guided solely by your sense of smell and choose oils that you generally like the most. If you are regularly cleaning your home, you really don’t need to use aggressive cleaning agents such as hydrochloric acid or special furniture fluids, especially with glass and flooring. They all have pretty similar chemistry that comes in different packages and with a different name. And they do the same thing. So, what to use when cleaning instead? Essential oils. Most of us already have some oils in the household.

How to use essential oils when cleaning?

essential oils for cleaning

1. Disinfectant for cleaning

The surfaces in your home will be easy to clean and disinfect with a natural remedy made from essential oils. In a spray bottle, mix 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, 700 ml of water and 10 drops of your favorite antibacterial essential oil. Some of the most efficient oils are lavender, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree oil. Apply to all surfaces you want to clean and disinfect – toilet, bathroom floors and walls, kitchen worktops, door handles. This mild agent is suitable for any room at home.

2. Atomizer

It’s easy to create your own spray with essential oil and refresh the air.
Take a glass spray bottle and fill it with 150 to 200 ml of water, then add 8 drops of three different essential oils.
We recommend combinations of oils of sweet orange, sandalwood and clove or tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon oil.
You can also opt for a combination of your choice, depending on the effect you want to achieve and the scents you prefer.
When you feel that the air in the room is stagnant or has an unpleasant odor, spray it.

3. Aromatic humidifier

Put 10-20 drops of one or more of your favorite essential oils in a water tank on the radiator.
Place the pan on the radiator, whether or not it’s the heating season.

4. Scented clothing

Soak pieces of cotton wool in essential oil and place them in cabinets or dressers with clothes, underwear and bedding.
With them you will get rid of the unpleasant odor caused by stagnant air indoors.
As it drives moths away, lavender essential oil is most commonly used for this purpose but you are free to reach for lemon or other refreshing oil.

5. Fragrant lamps

Candle flames enhance the ability to absorb odors and because of the ability to neutralize tobacco smoke, scented lamps are perfect for smoking rooms.

When using them, it is important to make sure that the water from the pan does not evaporate, since then the oil will heat up too much, start popping out of the pan and soiling everything around.

6. Electric diffusers

Although more expensive than fragrant lamps, these small appliances operate on a similar principle and have additional benefits.
The first is that there is no danger of the oil in the water overheating.
In addition to serving as humidifiers, they dissipate tiny drops of essential oils in the form of a mist, allowing them to quickly and directly reach the lungs.

We hope you will decide to follow some of these methods for cleaning your space. Natural oils will both clean and refresh your home.

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Essential Oil Recipes for Sanitizers

If you want to disinfect your home, you do not have to buy products that are full of chemicals. There are lots of homemade recipes that might be very useful. Most commercial sanitizers have a strong antibacterial effect, wreak havoc on our immune system and lead to increased allergies, skin diseases and the development of autoimmune diseases. We can clean our homes and workplaces with environmentally and health-friendly products that will be just as effective (or even more effective in cleaning) than commercial cleaners, the advantage of which is that they are not expensive and are very easy to manufacture.

It’s practical to have essential oil diffusers in your home, so the usage of the oil blends might be easier. As always, we must be very careful with the oils we use and the combinations.

Useful recipes for essential oil sanitizers

Disinfect surfaces in the house

Ingredients: 1/3 medical alcohol or alcoholic vinegar, 2/3 distilled water, 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil

Preparation: Stir all ingredients in the bottle. Medical alcohol is a solvent of essential oils that is insoluble in water but also bactericidal. After you have prepared the solution, close the spray bottle, shake and spray the surface, leave it for a minute or two and wipe with a cloth.

For home disinfection and cleaning

Ingredients: 100 g water, 40 g vinegar, 20 g citric acid, 40 drops of lemon essential oil

Preparation: Mix all ingredients well to dissolve citric acid. Put in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before use, spray the surface we want to wash and let it work for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rub well with a sponge and rinse with warm water. In addition to lemons, we can put tea tree essential oils because they have pronounced antibacterial effects.

Hand sanitizers

Ingredients: 40 g aloe vera gel, 5 g vegetable glycerol, 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 5 drops of ravensara essential oil

Preparation: Weigh aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerol, eucalyptus globulus essential oils and five drops of ravensara essential oil into a container. Mix everything well without heating and place it in a cream container or a vial of thrust.

For hand disinfection, take the amount of pea size and rub it thoroughly on your hands. There is no need to rinse your hands after this.

sanitizers

Disinfection wipes

Ingredients: 1/4 cup vinegar, 4 cups mineral water, 8 drops of any essential oil

Preparation: Dip cotton gauze or old cloth in the solution, squeeze well and store in a plastic bag or container that will not dry.

Scent drops in the kitchen

Use 2-3 drops of eucalyptus globulus essential oil into the sink drain and just as many drops of citrus lemon essential oil to prevent odors and bacteria build-up.

Refresh your bathroom!

The bathroom should always be impeccably clean and fresh. Therefore, after completing your usual cleansing for a complete experience of purity, you can play around with essential oils.

You can add to the sink drain:

1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil, tea tree oil, lemon and peppermint oil

Get rid of bacterias naturally!

Use 1 drop of Tea Tree Essential oil onto a dishwashing sponge. Leave overnight and rinse with dishwashing detergent in the morning. You can also fill the sink with water and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Immerse in water all that you think should be disinfected – washing sponges, wooden chopping boards, etc. – leave everything in the solution overnight, rinse with plain water in the morning. Tea tree is an excellent antibacterial essential oil and is very safe to use.

As you can see, there are lots of beneficial natural sanitizers you can use to clean your home space. Refresh your home and improve your life habits with these recipes.

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Healthy Eating during Pandemic

The world is currently facing one of the most difficult periods in recent history. Covid-19 is the common enemy, the enemy that captured us all in one or another way. Literally, most of the countries declared a state of emergency. This affects most of our life aspects. Our health is in danger. However, we can help ourselves and take care of our health and eating healthy. Don’t forget about your exercise too!

It is advisable to get as much fluid intake and a light diet. Here are some good examples: homemade soup, broth, fish, chicken, turkey, lots of fruits and vegetables.

10 Recommended Healthy Foods to Boost your Immune System

1. Garlic

It has great medicinal value with its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. This miracle-working vegetable contains calcium, potassium and sulfur compounds that affect the release of unwanted bacteria. It should be a must-have ingredient for all kinds of dishes and salads.

2. Avocado

Did you know that avocado is called ‘the most perfect grocery’? Nutritionists say that it contains all the ingredients that human needs to normally function. This magical fruit contributes to the prevention of Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other problems. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats, folate, lutein, oleic acid and potassium, a large amount of fiber and lots of vitamins. Considering all of this you can get the picture of how avocado affects the human body.

3. Honey

Healthy Food

Honey is known to be a natural antioxidant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If you caught a cold, use honey, linden if possible, dissolve in a cup of warm milk and drink it. It is advisable to add some lemon juice as well. Milk should not be hot because nutrients of honey are lost at high temperatures.

4. Ginger

Another multi-beneficial plant, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and is usually recommended in the form of teas. Cut a piece of ginger about 2 cm in length and cook for 2 minutes in 200 ml of water and drink it cool as tea, sweeten with honey.

5. Turmeric

Not only does it add flavor to the meal but turmeric has been proven to be excellent at combating infections and inflammation by preventing the harmful effects of free radicals. You can add it to your soup or tea. It is also great on potatoes. 🙂

6. Red Paprika

You already heard that vitamin C is essential for boosting the immune system. Did you know that red paprika contains twice as much vitamin C content as in citruses? Powerful vegetable, right?!

7. Salmon

Healthy Food

Salmon contains high protein content which is why it is an excellent ingredient for the production of essential ingredients, such as omega 3 fatty acids, that are necessary for T-cell activation. The higher the number of T-cells, the less likely you are to become ill.

8. Brussels sprout

Not only does the vegetable provide a ton of nutrients but it also prevents cell damage. Half a cup of this amazing plant is enough to provide half the recommended daily vitamin C value.

9. Fruit and vegetable juices

Naturally squeezed fruit and vegetable juices contain significant amounts of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and minerals that increase the body’s resistance to infection. Lemonade is a great choice (with warm water and honey to soothe a sore throat), then orange juice, grapefruit, apples, carrots, beets, spinach.

10. Teas

Hot honey-sweetened tea causes sweating which is a great part of the therapy in conditions of colds. Teas are rich in antioxidants that prevent and alleviate cold symptoms. Green tea, chamomile, hibiscus, these are all great choices. The cough suppressant teaspoons are white mallow and linden, and the ones that make it easy to cough are auricula, thyme, plantain.

Essential oils

They might be very helpful in fighting viruses with food. Some of the oils that you can use in the kitchen are lemon, orange, nutmeg, ginger, tangerine, sage, lemongrass, grapefruit, peppermint, cinnamon, oregano, lime, rosemary, cloves, basil, rose, cumin, cardamom, estragon.

Adding essential oils to your favorite recipes can have many important health benefits. They can also add a special flavor to your dishes. However, you should be careful and follow the instructions for every specific oil!

All of these groceries are very healthy and we should add it to our menu as often as possible.

Stay home during these difficult pandemic times! Work on yourself by learning something new, play your favorite instrument, read books, play with your kids and take care of your family. And don’t forget to eat healthily and to do some exercise.

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Sandalwood Essential Oil

There are numerous stories about sandalwood, and they are mostly related to India and its mythology and religion. Sandalwood is as powerful to the Indus as Ganesha, a sacred elephant that grows slowly and grows into a large and powerful being. This is why this plant, with its strong and captivating scent, is more suited to temperamental people of fiery nature. Phlegmatic and calm people do not usually prefer this scent.

Sandalwood has been considered a very powerful aphrodisiac for thousands of years. It is irreplaceable in the form of oil while practicing the Kama Sutra and in tantrism. It is used to stimulate the root chakra, which is the center of sexual energy. Even modern science in its research has confirmed that interpersonal communication, as a primarily subconscious process that takes place without conscious intent, can be guided and stimulated by fragrant oils. It is believed that sandalwood, used as an oil, soap or perfume on the landmark, encourages openness and warmth and thus helps even those shy to gather courage and increase self-confidence. The strong aroma of the sandal also intensifies the natural scent of the skin, which has also been found to act sexually attractive.

Sandalwood bark is considered one of the most precious gifts in the East. Its essential oil is obtained from the bark of a tree that is several years old.

Sandalwood essential oil benefits and usage

Sandalwood Essential Oil

This magical oil reduces and relieves nausea and heartburn, relieves bloating and contributes to reducing gas production. It has a relaxing effect on the bowel and abdominal muscles. It is safest to use as a solution in lukewarm water, other base oils, or in combination with teas. The oil is also good for alleviating the effects of food poisoning or after prolonged use of antibiotics. In addition, it protects the internal tissues from the action of microorganisms by oral use. Surprisingly, sandal oil lowers blood pressure. It also has diuretic properties and promotes urination and helps to excrete toxins from the body through urine. While due to its antimicrobial properties, it soothes urinary tract infections.

If you use sandal oil for respiratory inhalation, you will successfully relieve dry cough and sore throat. You will also reduce the problems caused by bronchitis, as well as sinusitis. Due to its strong antibacterial and antiviral activity, it has a beneficial effect on all types of infections. In particular, it has proven effective against the herpes virus.

Research has shown that sandalwood oil for massage acts as a natural remedy for spasms and calms the body. It relaxes the nerves and muscles but also reduces the pain in them. Due to its relaxing effect on the body, it relieves the symptoms of PMS in women as well as menopausal ailments. So, to relax, be sure to try sandalwood for a relaxing massage. Of course, use some of the base oils (eg olive, sesame, almond, or burdock oil) to dilute it. Another way is to relax with a scented bath that also nourishes the skin of the body.

Uses in aromatherapy

Sandalwood in aromatherapy is intensively applied because it acts as an antidepressant and soothes nervous tension, thus helping against insomnia. The scent of sandalwood helps against stress because it promotes a sense of deep peace and helps to establish spiritual balance. It is used traditionally during meditations and also during yoga. The regular application protects against stress, relieves feelings of anxiety and fear. It also enhances concentration and memory. So there is no reason why you do not have essential sandal oil in your home. Scented sandalwood sticks are also available, which are very practical and will give your home a positive energy boost.

Sandal oil is famous as an elixir of youth, as its healing properties for face and body skincare are stunning. It has a beneficial effect on all types, it is beneficial for both dry and oily skin. It promotes balanced sebum secretion. This oil is good as a pore cleanser as it penetrates deep into all layers of the skin and provides care. It also stimulates blood and lymph microcirculation, which further stimulates the removal of dead epithelial cells. It is highly represented in anti-aging cosmetics and has positive effects on eczema and fungi. In addition, it causes faster repair of damaged tissue in the case of wounds or cuts and disinfects them. It also visibly contributes to skin hydration even if it is very dry.

Due to the richness of vitamins and antioxidants, sandalwood oil rehydrates dry skin, effectively relieves stretch marks and scars, eliminates wrinkles and blemishes.
As we can see, this is a divine and multi-useful product. However, like with any other essential oil, use it carefully and you will feel all the benefits it can give you.
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Orange Essential Oil

CHARACTERISTICS:

Plant: Citrus sinensis L.
Odor: sweet, fresh, citrusy
Method of production: mechanical straining
The part of the plant from which the oil is obtained: the bark of the fruit
Main ingredients: limonene, myrcene, alpha-pinene, linalool

Orange essential oil is very beneficial. It strengthens our sense of self-worth and awareness that we deserve love. The oil calms, relaxes and also gives good mood and optimism. It has an antiseptic and anti-rheumatic effect. This oil is known for its revitalizing effect on the skin. Orange oil also relieves wrinkles and dermatitis, helps with muscle tension and cramps. It has a skin cleansing effect, a mild disinfectant and antibacterial effect.

Here’s one interesting study that confirmed the beneficial effects of orange essential oil:

The orange aroma was released in the waiting room of one dental office and the results showed that patients were less anxious while waiting for their turn to perform a dental examination with the dentist compared to the group that did not smell pleasant citrus aromas in the other waiting room.

What is very positive, and one study has proven, is that the aroma of orange relaxes and soothes people, but without the sedative effect of drugs. Namely, citrus aromas will really calm you down but they will also energize you without slowing you down which is a really great combination.

Usage of orange essential oil

Orange Oil Benefits

The refreshing fruit aroma oil is amazing because of its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antidepressant activity. It contains components that are strong antioxidants and prevent free radical damage to the skin. A few drops of orange oil added to the skincare cream slows down the aging process, creating wrinkles and dark spots. Orange oil protects the skin from negative effects and stimulates its production of collagen. It successfully fights bacteria and prevents acne. Added to the bath, it improves mood and creates a sense of relaxation. It is very effective if you suffer from depression or anxiety.

This oil is great to use in inhalations to accelerate recovery from flu and cold. In hair care products, it prevents greasing. It provides relief from inflammatory processes on the skin and helps heal swollen tissue, stimulating blood circulation. The oil is present in cellulite remedies as it helps to eliminate breakdown products of metabolism under the skin. Orange essential oil regenerates skin cells. Recommended for dry skincare and for wrinkles. As a massage oil, it relaxes and gives energy to the body after a busy day. Do not apply directly to the skin, it’s better to be mixed with some vegetable oil (almond, coconut, olive, castor, wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil). It blends well with almost all other essential oils, refining their scent.

WARNING:

For photosensitivity, avoid using orange oil before tanning. Not recommended in pregnancy and for children under 6 years. Contact with the eyes is not recommended. Do not apply directly to the skin and mucous membranes. Not for oral use. Keep protected from light and heat, out of the reach of children.

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Aromatherapy for Children

The effect and odors of essential oils are good for children and adults alike. They are especially beneficial during the winter when there are frequent respiratory problems.

Whether it is a viral or bacterial infection, many of the problems caused by low temperatures and prolonged periods of stay indoors, such as a stuffy nose, can be alleviated by essential oils.

Relaxing oils are a good choice for vapors inhalation at home and also a few drops of oil in water. However, the usage of topical aromatherapy preparations (ointments, creams and gels) is not a good option. Aromatherapy in children under six years of age is a sensitive topic for lots of aromatherapists. One should be especially careful with babies. They need a drop of essential oil with 50 milliliters of a substrate (oils, cream, baths). For children under five, the dose is doubled – two drops per 50 milliliters of the preparation. By this age, it is best to consult a homeopath or aromatherapist. After the age of five, aromatherapy is freely applied – both for skincare and for the treatment of various “conditions” in children: from colds, through sheep pox, to mumps.

Mild oils for children

Aromatherapy for children

It is generally known to parents today that early childhood is a very important developmental period, and that everything that happens during that period certainly has an impact on the later life of the child.
A wide selection of essential oils (make sure you pay attention to quality when making a purchase) allows for good disinfection of the baby’s room – the recommendation is to do it occasionally. A simple spray is sufficient, with doses of 3-5 drops of lemon, grapefruit, tea tree, chamomile, lavender, tangerine or orange essential oil. Of course, you do not have to use all of these oils, but the ones whose scent is most appealing to you and your children, while touch develops mutual trust and love. As the touch of mom’s and dad’s hands feels and recognizes, an infant is susceptible to smells from an early age, so essential oils have a much stronger effect on children than adults. However, aromatherapy oils can only be used in small doses in children and with a specific purpose. In accordance with children’s nature, the scents must be gentle and refreshing – to contribute to a sense of warmth and security.

Regarding baby skincare products, parents should pay attention to the choice of essential oils and their concentration. First of all, it is important that the essential oils are dissolved in natural substrates or carrier oils because only then can aromatherapy be applied in its true sense. Aromatherapy preparations can be in the form of skincare creams, gentle massage oils, or baths and shampoos.
When it comes to skincare for a child aged two and over – lavender, chamomile, neroli, rose or rosewood, sandalwood essential oils are very beneficial. These oils can be dissolved in a base oil such as olive, borage, marigold, jojoba or grapeseed oil. Bone fruit oils such as almonds, for example, should be avoided as allergies to it may be possible.
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Rosa Damascena – flower from the East that conquered Europe

The name “Bulgarian Rose” assumes a specific type of this flower – Rosa Damascena, also known as the Damascus rose and the Castile rose. This species is a hybrid – derived from Gaelic and Muscat rose. It grows as a deciduous shrub of irregular shape, with a maximum height of 2.2m. The stem is covered with firm thorns and hairs and the leaves of the rose are feathered with 5-7 leaves. The color of the flowers ranges from light pink, over medium pink to light red.

There are 2 types of this rose based on the length of the flowering season – summer and autumn damascene. Summer rose has a short flowering season – only in summer, while with the fall variety the flowering season extends to fall.

Rosa Damascena, as you might guess from its name, originates from the city of Damascus in Syria (also known as damask textile), from where it was transmitted to Europe. In the Middle East you can no longer find this rose in the wild, it is now an exclusively grown plant. In Bulgaria, it mostly grows in the region called the Valley of the Roses, where the most exclusive and beautiful oil is made from this beautiful plant.

Valley of the Roses and Festival of the Roses

The Valley of the Roses is an area in central Bulgaria, beneath the Balkan Mountains. Due to its climatic characteristics, this territory was ideal for establishing a damascene rose plantation and it has been cultivated here for centuries. Studies have shown that there are as many as 280 different factors – from climate specificity to soil characteristics, which give the aroma of the rose a long-lasting and specificity.

What are the natural conditions that make this valley ideal for growing roses? Being surrounded by mountains gives it protection against adverse winds, and its extensive network of rivers and streams supplies it with water. All these conditions have a favorable effect on the growth of the rose, as well as other types of flowers used in the perfume industry.

Heavy rainfall during May and June is a key advantage of this territory when it comes to growing damascene roses – average rainfall is 10mm per square meter. Winters are generally mild. The soil in this area contains sand and gravel, and alluvial types and subtypes of soil formed by the deposition of river-bearing materials are present.

Rose Festival Kazanlak

The center of this region is Kazanlak – a popular tourist destination. Turning to the agribusiness with roses has affected the lives of the locals so much that even a museum dedicated to this world has opened in this city. Every year, at the end of May or beginning of June, the beginning of the rose picking at the Rose Festival begins. The festivities last for several days and begin with a picking ceremony and include a parade through the city with traditional costumes. This event attracts a large number of tourists.

 

 

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Top 5 Winter Essential Oils

Winter is a season when we have more time to turn to our family, close friends and our own inner world. It’s a great time for writing, sorting things we normally don’t have time for, listening to ambient music, painting.

The oils recommended for this period are primarily middle and lower notes – oils that are emotionally balancing, full of energy and help with recovery from exhaustion and after an illness.

Winter is also characterized by a greater number of colds, respiratory problems and general immunity problems.

Aromatherapy might be a great solution to those problems.

Which essential oils to use for winter?

Best Oils for Winter

1. Tea Tree Oil

One of the most powerful oils which shouldn’t be avoided during the winter season. As of all of its properties, it is highly recommended to use against viruses and colds. Antimicrobial properties of the magnificent tea tree oil are the reason to always choose it during this period.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

Another great product that is very efficient in fighting winter time health issues. It purifies space, awakens strength and boosts energy. Also, it strengthens confidence and gives the courage to face problems. It relieves problems associated with throat infections and headaches that accompany sinusitis. Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils are a very powerful mixture. When combined they are perfect for combating the viruses in the air and have a positive effect on the respiratory system.

3. Lemongrass Oil

This oil has a refreshing citrus scent.It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. If you dissolve it in vegetable oil and massage it into your body, you will get a blend that reduces tension, stress and insomnia. You can rub this massage oil into your temples and relieve your headache symptoms. A few drops of lemongrass oil in aroma lamps will reduce the symptoms of colds and flu and improve the immune system. Combined with cinnamon makes a mixture that has both pleasant scent and amazing properties for our immune system. 

4. Fir Tree Oil

Almost all essential oils in this family have a beneficial effect on the respiratory organs and are used for respiratory infections, chronic coughs, in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Due to the high content of terpene compounds in their composition, these essential oils are easily oxidized so we have to be careful using them due to possible skin irritation.

5. Citrus Oils

Orange, grapefruit, lemon, all of these oils have a positive effect in fighting germs but they are also useful in cleansing the body of toxins and a positive effect on the liver and lymphatic system. Citrus oils speed up metabolism and burn fats in the body. They are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful enzyme that is an excellent detox.

There are other essential oils that are also very good for this period: lavender, thyme, oregano, Frankincense, peppermint.

You can use only one oil or combine them. Some of the combinations that can have the greatest effect this winter are:

Air Purifier: Tea Tree + Lemongrass
Anti-virus in the air: Thyme + Eucalyptus + Lemon
Immunity boost combination: Lemon + Grapefruit + Oregano

The ways you can use these winter essential oils in your home are different and it all depends on your preferences. There is no best or worst variant, it is important that you take advantage of what nature provides to us as a benefit. The simplest methods are spray, aroma lamp or diffuser.

Enjoy the magic of winter but don’t forget to take care of yourself, so you can enjoy all of the beauty of this holiday season.

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