The Hairy Truth About Tea Tree Essential Oil

While many of us are already well aware of the many benefits tea tree essential oil has to contribute to the overall health and care of our skin, it is also widely used and effective for the hair as well.

What Does Tea Tree Oil Do for Hair?

If you are having trouble with your hair or are not experiencing hair growth, then tea tree oil can help unclog the hair follicles while also effectively nourishing the roots of your hair.

It contains antimicrobial as well as antifungal properties as well, which also makes it effective at treating other hair conditions, as you will see outlined below.

For Dandruff

Dandruff is a scalp condition that many of us experience. Its more noticeable signs are dry, white flakes of skin on our scalp and in the hair. It is also often accompanied by itching and can be an embarrassing as well as annoying condition to deal with.

Due to the moisturizing benefits of tea tree oil as well as its antifungal properties, it is a more than effective treatment for dandruff and dry scalps and can help alleviate some of the causes of dandruff.

For Hair Growth

To maintain a healthy scalp and promote positive hair growth, you can use tea tree oil for daily cleansing and as a hair growth treatment. Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a few drops of a carrier oil of your choosing  we suggest pure virgin coconut oil or jojoba oil.

Mix it well and then apply it to your hair and scalp and massage it in before thoroughly rinsing the mixture out of your hair. For added softness and shine, you can also add in a few drops of olive oil or castor oil as well, and this can also act as a protective layer for the hair that will help block out toxins.

For Dry Scalp

Because of its moisturizing properties, tea tree oil can also hydrate the scalp and nourish your hair while preventing dryness and itchiness. Mix a few drops of tea tree with a few drops of jojoba and massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it for 15 minutes before washing it out.

Hot Oil Treatment

Finally, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to any hot oil treatment to add more moisture. Add 2 drops of tea tree to about half a cup of carrier oil and then warm the mixture and apply it evenly throughout the hair.

Massage it in and cover your hair with a shower cap and let the hot oil treatment work for at least 30 minutes. You can then wash your hair as normal.

If you are looking to restore the shine and smoothness to your hair and control frizziness and itchiness, then tea tree oil is definitely something you want to include in your hair care routine moving forward.

Should You Really Be Exfoliating?

No matter what your skin type is, many people think that exfoliating the skin several times a week is important for maintaining healthy and balanced skin. But is this entirely true?

When we exfoliate, we are essentially clearing away all of our dead skin cells that may ultimately cause our skin to look dull. It is also a way to allow our other products and moisturizers to penetrate the skin more effectively.

Below, we will take a look at some of the pros and cons of exfoliating and then decide if it is really something we absolutely need to be doing.

Pros of Exfoliating

One of the biggest pros of exfoliating is how it unclogs our pores and clears away all those dead skin cells. In doing so, we are also helping to prevent acne, evening out our skin tone, boosting circulation, and stimulating collagen production.

When we leave the dead skin cells to linger on our face, we are clogging our pores, and when this happens, we can then develop those stubborn whiteheads and blackheads that can be a pain to remove.

The dead skin seals the pores, and when the sebaceous glands produce oil, the oil gets stuck under the skin because the pores are clogged, and it has nowhere to go. Exfoliating helps alleviate this problem and keeps the skin clear and free of this debris and excess oil.

Cons of Exfoliating

On the other hand, exfoliation can cause skin irritation as well as red spots, blemishes, and rashes. This happens because of the hard scrubbing motion many employs during the exfoliation process. They want to make sure they are removing all the dead skin, but in doing so, they are rubbing their skin raw.

The excessive scrubbing motion can potentially remove too much of the skin, and when different products are used, the skin may end up developing an allergic reaction to whatever exfoliating agent you are using on your skin.

In addition, you may also experience excessive dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity. This happens when you exfoliate too much, or you rub your skin too hard.

Is It Necessary?

The skin naturally exfoliates every 28 days, so if you are following a good cleansing routine for your skin, then you may find that it is enough. As long as you cleanse the skin thoroughly and purify the skin, exfoliation isn’t always going to be necessary to include in a regular skincare routine.

Meta: Believe it or not, but regular exfoliating may not be required for healthy and youthful skin.

The Natural Alternative to Microbeads

Microbeads are solid plastic particles that are small and often made of polyethylene and other petrochemical plastics. Microbeads at one time were found in many different facial scrubs and body washes and were also often found in different cosmetic products, deodorant, and nail polish.

The Dangers of Microbeads

Microbeads were typically added as an exfoliating agent for many cosmetic products. While the plastics used in microbeads are generally nontoxic because of their small size, these microbeads may bind with other toxins and can cause harmful effects.

In addition to potentially being bad for your health, they are also bad for the environment. When you use these beauty products that contain microbeads, the products you use often get washed down into the drain when you use them.

This means they are deposited into waterways and become a pollutant. Since they do not easily degrade, they can pile up in the waterways and can make their way to drinking water as well.

Finding an Alternative

To replace microbeads, there are a number of more natural alternatives you can choose from that will not only ensure you remain healthy, but the environment will thank you as well.

Salt Scrubs

Salt scrubs are more often used on rough skin like on the feet and body instead of the more sensitive skin on our face. However, salt is naturally purifying and can remove those toxins that may be blocking our pores. It can also help improve circulation while tightening the skin.

Tea Tree Scrub

Another more natural alternative is bamboo cellulose that offers good abrasion properties without having to use plastic beads. If you find that you have dull, tired-looking skin and are looking for a scrub to help clear out dead skin, clear the pores, and restore your glow, then a tea tree face scrub should be used.

Tea tree oil can draw out the skin’s toxins while also drying up any excess oil you may have. Since the tea tree face scrub is made from natural ingredients, you will find that it is a gentle alternative to microbeads that can be used on all skin types.

As you can see, there are several more natural and healthier alternatives that do not contain plastic beads but prove to be just as effective for your skin.

Meta: Microbeads are small plastic beads that threaten to hurt our skin and harm our environment. So, more natural alternatives should be used in their place

Falling Into Sweet Dreams with Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for many, many years for different things and their benefits are becoming widely known and understood. Essential oils and aromatherapy offer a more natural solution to other products that may not be as safe or healthy for the skin and home.

Due to their versatility, there are also several different ways you can use essential oils which makes them something you definitely want to have stocked in your home.

Today, we will cover one of the lesser-known uses of essential oils, and that is using them around the home as a linen spray.

Good Night Sleep

Having a good night’s sleep is essential to getting us through our days without being too sluggish or slow-moving. However, many people find that falling asleep is harder than expected and staying asleep is nearly impossible.

The good news is that there is a pillow spray that can be used at night to help restore the mind, heal the body, and rejuvenate the soul.

This pillow spray is made with lavender essential oil. Lavender is a very popular essential oil that is widely used as an aromatherapy choice for sleep and relaxation. It has been shown to help improve your quality of sleep while also helping those suffering from insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Sweet Dream Set

If you want to take this a step further, you can have the entire sweet dream set. Not only will you get the lavender pillow spray as described above, but you will also have an eye mask to help you sleep as well.

The soothing fragrance will help you get to sleep much faster and will provide you with a much more pleasant and relaxing night full of sweet dreams.

If you aren’t interested in the eye mask, you can get the pillow spray by itself. To use the spray, simply hold the bottle approximately six inches from your pillows and linens and spray. Use the spray before you go to bed, making sure you leave enough time for the mist to dry completely.

Refresh the Home

In addition to providing you with a good night’s sleep, you can also use this spray to refresh all the linens and soft surfaces in the home while taking advantage of all of its aromatherapy benefits.

It can refresh these items in the home in between washes. It can also be used to spray onto fabrics as you iron to leave your clothes with a pleasant and therapeutic scent.

Lavender pillow spray will quickly prove to be one of the most beneficial essential oil products you have in your home, and that will be expressed each morning after you experience a better night’s sleep full of sweet and restful dreams.

Meta: Essential oils are used for many things throughout the night, including making sure you have a restful night of sleep.

 

 

6 Ways to Use Tea Tree Essential Oil

If you are a fan of essential oils in general, then you are probably already well aware of the many benefits and uses tea tree essential oil has to offer.

Today, we will go over some of the best ways you can use tea tree essential oil, including using it for topical applications as well as in your diffuser for aromatherapy benefits.

For the Hair

If you suffer from a dry scalp, you can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of jojoba oil. Mix the oils well and then massage it into your scalp for 10-15 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly and then wash your hair as you normally would.

Repeating this process regularly throughout the week can help alleviate the symptoms of a dry scalp and even dandruff.

For the Skin

If you find you have acne scars, regular acne breakouts, dry, or irritated skin, then tea tree oil diluted in two ounces of witch hazel makes an incredible toner for the skin.

You can also use it as a face wash, a moisturizer to hydrate the skin, and even as a spot treatment during those acne breakouts.

For the Nails

To keep your nails healthy, add 5 drops of tea tree oil to half an ounce of carrier oil such as argan oil and then apply the mixture to your nails on a regular basis.

For the toenails, you can add this mixture to warm water and soak your feet for up to twenty minutes. It is also effective for treating any nail fungus you may have as well as any infection.

For Infection

For wounds, you can use tea tree oil to help kill any bacteria there may be as well as reduce any inflammation you are experiencing. It has many antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help with the infection.

As a Household Cleaner

Tea tree oil also has antiseptic properties and can help disinfect the home. Add approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil to two cups of hot water and half a cup of vinegar, and you will have a multipurpose cleanser you can use around the home to kill bacteria and germs and disinfect the surfaces of the home.

As an Air Freshener

You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your diffuser as a way to naturally purify the air in the home. You can also add in a couple of drops of another oil such as lavender essential oil for that added boost of fragrance and freshness for the home.

With so many applications for tea tree oil, you would be doing yourself a disservice not to have it included in your essential oil collection for the home.

Meta: tea tree essential oil can be used for many things in the home and for your health, including for topical applications as well as diffusing it to purify the air.

Tea Tree as a Natural Remedy

Tea tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil. It is an essential oil that is distilled from the leaves of a native Australian plant. Its popularity has grown over the years as it is being seen as a more natural alternative treatment for a variety of conditions.

Today, you will find tea tree in a number of common products, from cosmetics to topical medicines and even household products.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral, which means it can help with a variety of conditions you may be experiencing. It can help with dry skin and eczema, oily skin, itchy skin, and can help the wound healing process for infections and cuts.

For Gum Health

In addition to helping with skin conditions, tea tree oil is also beneficial for your gum health. Tea tree oil contains compounds that have been found to effectively kill bacteria. Therefore, it is a natural remedy for treating a gum infection.

Tea tree oil can be added to warm water and used as a gargle to help clean and disinfect the mouth. You can also add 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil to your mouthwash and gargle with the mixture for 30 seconds. It can be used twice per day as a preventative measure and up to four times a day to treat conditions related to a gum infection.

For Acne

If you have acne-prone skin, you can use a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton swab to dab directly onto your blemishes. It is a popular choice for acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

It can help calm any redness you may be experiencing and can control swelling and inflammation while reducing acne scars. This leads to smooth and clean skin that is less susceptible to breakouts.

For Nail Fungus

If you see any signs of nail fungus, you can add five drops of tea tree oil to half an ounce of carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and then stir it into warm water. You can then soak your feet in this mixture for 20 minutes.

Tea tree oil contains antifungal properties that have shown to be effective at combatting nail fungus. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton swab or pad and then spot treat the affected areas.

Tea tree oil is a versatile essential oil that can be used for a number of different applications due to its many therapeutic and beneficial properties. So, before reaching for over the counter medications and treatments, consider the amazing benefits tea tree as a natural remedy has to offer.

Meta – Tea tree in a number of common products, from cosmetics to topical medicines and even household products.

5 Reasons to Start Using Tea Tree Essential Oil Today

If you have acne, then you may have already heard of how popular tea tree essential oil is. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help calm any redness you may be experiencing while also reducing swelling and inflammation.

Today, we will go over 5 reasons you should start using tea tree essential oil and how you can easily incorporate this essential oil into your existing skincare routine.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can help promote healthy skin and can help treat a variety of different skin issues you may be experiencing. Also, when used topically and diluted with a carrier oil, you will find that it can both soothe and heal the skin.

For Acne

Combine two drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of carrier oil and apply to a freshly cleansed face and then pat the skin dry. You can also use this mixture to dab onto any blemishes you have and then allow it to dry. It will not only help with acne and the inflammation that comes along with it, but it will also moisturize the skin and help restore the skin’s natural balance of oil.

For Balance

To further balance the skin’s natural oils, you can mix 6 drops of tea tree oil into your moisturizer and then apply it to your entire face. It will replenish the skin’s natural oils, balance your oil levels, and prevent breakouts.

For Skin Fungus

Tea tree oil is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Add tea tree oil to coconut oil and then use a cotton swab or cotton pad to apply the mixture to the affected area of your skin. Leave it on the area for a few minutes to treat the fungal infection.

For Dry Skin

If you are experiencing itching and irritation due to dry skin or eczema, then tea tree oil mixed with your moisturizer or carrier oil can help. Simply apply the mixture following your shower and at least one more time throughout the day.

For the Hair and Scalp

Tea tree oil can also help with dandruff and can promote healthy hair and growth. Apply tea tree oil and a carrier oil like jojoba to your scalp and allow it to stay in the hair for at least twenty minutes. You can also massage this mixture into your scalp and hair and rinse it off after a few minutes. It can help remove chemicals and dead skin cells from your scalp.

Your Skincare Routine

It is easy to incorporate tea tree oil into your regular skincare routine by simply following our suggestions as outlined above. Mix 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil with approximately 12 drops of your chosen carrier oil and see the effects for yourself.

Meta: Incorporating tea tree oil into your skincare routine can lead to healthier skin with less inflammation and irritation.

Utama Spice Opens Another Refill Spot

If you are not a fan of shopping exclusively online for your products and prefer to shop in a store, then you will find our several refill spot locations the perfect opportunity for you to take advantage of offline refills of your favorite beauty products.

Current Refill Station Locations

Currently, we have refill stations located in the Plaza Indonesia, JKRT, Gootama Ubud, and Brawa Shop, but now we will be opening a new refill location for our customers in the Batu Belig Shop, Monkey Forest Ubud Shop, and Sanur Shop.

The Benefit of These Refill Stations

These refill stations give our customers the opportunity to bring in their own bottles so that they can fill them back up with their favorite soaps, shampoos, and house soaps.

Having these refill stations in these local locations and having them accessible for a number of our customers means that we are cutting down on the number of bottles that are being used, and our customers love this.

Refill and Save

When you visit these refill locations, you are not only saving on the packaging, but you are also saving money and saving the planet as well! When using the refill program, we charge by the gram. If you forgot to bring in a container or were unclear about the process, you could find a bottle for sale at the shops as well.

Our Recycling Programs

Many of our locations also participate in a recycling program, as well. For example, our Bali shops encourage customers to bring in their old bottles, and in doing so, they will receive a 10 percent discount on that same product or on a product that has similar packaging to the one they bring in for recycling.

The bottles are all collected, and we send them out, hoping they will be recycled and reused to create new bottles. This program is currently only available in the Bali location and not in the Jakarta store.

The Value of Refills

With our refill program, we are becoming more environmentally conscious and are expressing the sheer power and joy of nature. By using this refill program and cutting down on the number of bottles and waste we produce, we are helping the environment and showing that we have an understanding of the importance of nature.

 

Meta: Utama Spice is now opening yet another refill spot location so our customers can cut down on the number of bottles they have and make more positive changes to help the environment

Tea Tree Essential Oil 101

Tea tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil, and it comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia. This is a small tree that is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

It is more commonly known as tea tree oil but shouldn’t be confused with the plant that is used to make black, green, and oolong teas.

Tea tree oil has a fresh and camphoraceous odor and is yellow to colorless and clear. It is a strongly aromatic scent that is almost medicinal.

How Does Tea Tree Work?

Tea tree has been used in traditional medicine by the Aborigines for centuries. It was often used to treat coughs and was also applied directly to the skin because of its many healing properties. Today, we can find tea tree essential oil that can be used for the skin, and it has been shown to help kill bacteria, viruses, and some fungi.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

This essential oil contains many antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties and is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions including acne, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, and even head lice.

Antibacterial

Due to these properties, tea tree oil makes a great hand sanitizer. Some studies have shown that tea tree oil can be used to kill several common bacteria and viruses that are known for causing certain illnesses.

Antiseptic

Tea tree oil can also be used to treat minor cuts and abrasions. When used in this way, it can help kill off the bacteria that can ultimately cause an infection. To use it for minor cuts and scrapes, one drop of tea tree oil can be mixed with one tablespoon of coconut oil and then applied to the wound and covered.

Anti-Inflammatory

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also widely used for acne treatments, as well. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions we experience. Tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba can help reduce inflammation and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin while helping to restore our natural oil balance and prevent future breakouts.

Other Uses of Tea Tree Oil

In addition to the many uses above, tea tree oil can also help soothe sunburns, prevent lice in a more natural way, cure toenail fungus, and help remove skin tags. Tea tree essential oil is definitely an oil you want to have in your arsenal simply due to its incredible versatility and the many available applications.

Meta: Due to its incredible versatility and its many skin healing and protecting properties, tea tree oil is definitely something to have in your beauty arsenal.

 

5 Innovative Ways to Use Marula Oil

Marula oil comes from the marula fruit tree that is native to parts of Southern Africa. This tree has been linked to fertility and happy marriage back in ancient times. Many parts of this tree are used for different applications in both food and traditional medicine.

The marula oil is extracted from the kernels at the core of the tree’s fruit and can also be obtained from the outer husk of the fruit as well. Since this oil is very easily absorbed and rich in protein, it makes a more than effective treatment for skin and hair.

This oil is widely used in different perfumes, body lotions, and soaps because of its fruity aroma with hints of floral scents and a warm and almost nutty undertone.

Benefits of Marula Oil

Marula oil contains amino acids, fatty acids, and is rich in antioxidants. All this ultimately means it also has hydrating and anti-aging properties, it can be used as an emollient, and it also contains phenolic compounds in addition to vitamins A and C, which can help fight free radicals and help with skin damage caused by the sun and pollution.

Below you will find a few innovative ways you can use marula oil to your advantage.

Marula Body Oil

This is an oil that can help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. All you have to do is rub it directly onto the affected skin two to three times a day. The moisture it provides will also help to improve the elasticity of the skin and can also help with any discoloration you may be experiencing.

Marula Oil Hair Mask

When you use marula oil in the hair, you can combat frizziness and shield against sun damage. Apply six drops to the ends of your hair and work the mixture up. For deep conditioning, combing 10 tablespoons of marula oil with 5 tablespoons of argan oil.

Marula Oil Facial Cleanser

If you have acne-prone skin, combine half a teaspoon of Jojoba oil with 6 drops of marula oil. You can then massage the mixture into your skin to help clear out oils that may be causing you to break out.

Post Shaving

Marula oil can also be used as a post-shaving lotion to help hydrate, smooth, and soothe the skin. It can also be used as a shaving lotion as well. Just apply a few drops of the oil directly to your skin. The oil is fast-absorbing, so you shouldn’t need more than 4 drops.

Boost Your Primer

You can also add a few drops of marula oil to your primer. If you use mineral makeup, the marula oil is a good way to help smooth the skin and smooth out the makeup. It also leaves you with skin full of antioxidants.

 

The Best Ways to Use Castor Oil

Castor oil is a natural beauty ingredient that we should consider adding to our beauty routine because of its many benefits and its overall versatility in the beauty world. There are many ways you can use castor oil, but it is important to remember that is can take time for the skin to absorb the oil fully but diluting the oil can actually promote better and faster absorption.

Castor oil is thick inconsistency, which makes it easy to combine with other oils including olive oil or virgin coconut oil. When mixing the oils, you should always be sure that the quality of each oil you are mixing is the same.

Castor Oil for Hair

If you have a problem with dull and lifeless hair or you are finding your hair falling out more and more, then castor oil may be just what your hair routine needs. Castor oil contains both antibacterial and antifungal properties and is rich in Vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and beneficial fatty acids, including Omegas 6 and 9. For this reason, it is advantageous for our hair and skin.

Castor oil can be used to combat folliculitis, dandruff, and other scalp infections you may be experiencing. The ricinoleic acid contained in castor oil also makes it beneficial for increasing circulation to the scalp while stimulating hair growth.

For a healthy hair mixture, simply combine castor oil with virgin coconut oil or jojoba oil and place it in a glass dropper bottle so you can easily apply it to your hair. All that is needed is a small amount for a full treatment and should be used once to twice per week. Apply the oil mixture to damp hair or use as an overnight treatment.

Castor Oil for Skin

If you want to reduce puffiness, help clear up acne breakouts, moisturize, or prevent wrinkles, then castor oil is just what you need. It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals, and it can also help kill the bacteria that can clog your pores and cause breakouts.

When using it for your face, mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to your face before going to bed and after cleansing your skin. It can be left on overnight or wiped off after five minutes.

Castor Oil for Nails

Due to its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, castor oil is also effective at strengthening your nails, hydrating and nourishing them, and still keeping them flexible and easy to grow. All you have to do is rub some of the castor oil into your cuticles and onto your bare nails overnight and let it work its magic.

With so many uses for castor oil, you will find that this natural beauty product is definitely versatile and can benefit your hair, skin, and nails in a variety of different ways.

How to Clean Your Danau & Ayung Diffuser

Nebulizing diffusers are just one way you can harness the power of essential oils in your home. A nebulizing diffuser works similarly to a perfume atomizer. There is a small air pump that blows air across a small tube, and this creates a vacuum to pull the essential oils form the bottom of the tube to the top.

With this kind of diffuser, you do not need to use any heat or moisture. This means that the essential oils you are using remain in their purest form. It is also one of the safest methods of diffusing you can choose.

Cleaning Your Nebulizing Diffuser

To keep your nebulizing diffuser in proper working order so you can continue to take full advantage of everything aromatherapy has to offer, it is important that you keep it clean.

Step One

To keep your Danau nebulizing diffuser in the best shape, it is important that you clean the glass at least once per week. To do this, you will need the dropper that was supplied in the box with the diffuser and some isopropyl alcohol. While 70% is perfectly fine, you will find better results when using 90-95% isopropyl alcohol.

Step Two

Carefully remove the glass cap from the reservoir of the diffuser. Use the dropper suck up isopropyl alcohol and then place a few drops inside the reservoir. Gently grasp the base of the diffuser with one hand and rock the glass back and forth to carefully remove it.

When holding the glass, use your fingers to cover the holes at the top and bottom and swish the alcohol around inside of the glass. This will clean up any residue that is left and can help keep everything free of clogs and debris. Swirl the alcohol in the glass for at least one minute.

Step Three

Now it is time to remove the alcohol. Turn the glass on its side and use the dropper to remove the alcohol that was left inside of the reservoir. Once this is complete, the cleaning process is done.

If you find that your Danau nebulizing diffuser isn’t operating as well as it usually does, then there may be a clog due to cheaper oils that aren’t 100% pure. It can also be because it hasn’t been cleaned properly in a while.

For more help cleaning your Danau & Ayung diffuser, watch this video for a visual of the step by step directions above.

How to Take Care of Your Skin if You Use Makeup Daily

We all already know how damaging the sun can be for our skin, but do you know how damaging makeup can be for our skin as well? A lot of the time, you will also find that if someone is wearing makeup, they won’t wear sunscreen, so you may also be dealing with premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots as well.

For these reasons, it is important to take care of our skin. A lot of makeup products we use can even cause our skin to dry out more quickly, or it can make it oily. Other problems we often contend with include clogged pores and premature aging. When we leave our makeup on overnight, it can actually accentuate wrinkles you have.

If you use makeup daily, you need to take care of your skin and follow a beauty routine that ensures that your skin is glowing, fresh, and healthy.

So, what can you do? Start forming better makeup habits to help improve your skin.

Wash Your Face Daily

We often wash our face in the morning as a way to wake up and perk up; however, it can be more challenging after a long and tiring day to drag ourselves into the bathroom to wash off the day’s makeup and grime. But it is definitely a habit you need to get into. First, use a makeup remover and then use a facial cleanser to gently and thoroughly cleanse your skin.

Clean Your Makeup Brushes

This is one of the most overlooked tasks when it comes to our beauty routines. It is important to clean makeup brushes at least once per month to help get rid of any harmful bacteria that may be hitchhiking on them.

Moisturize Daily

Moisturizer and sunscreen should be used daily and should be incorporated as an essential part of your daily makeup routine. Moisturizers can help with any dryness that may be caused by the makeup you are using, and sunscreen can help prevent premature aging. You can use the moisturizer as a base underneath your makeup and even better if the moisturizer contains SPF.

Exfoliate the Skin

When using makeup daily, it is also a good idea to exfoliate your skin with a face scrub at least twice every week. Some of the makeup residues can make its way into our pores and can clog them, which causes breakouts to occur. Exfoliation will help clean out the pores, remove residual makeup and debris, and will leave your skin looking clean and refreshed.

If you follow these tips and adopt these healthy skincare habits, then you will find that you will have a good amount of protection for your skin against any damage that your daily makeup use can cause.

 

Meta: when using makeup daily, you need to adopt healthier skincare habits to combat the damage that regular makeup use can cause.

The Benefits and Uses of Marula Oil

Marula oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the fruits of marula trees. There are two types of oil: one that is extracted from the seeds and the other extracted from the nut’s shell. 

This essential oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. Due to these properties, marula oil is commonly used as an ingredient in many skin care products and has been found to be beneficial dry skin, and aging skin. It can also be used as a carrier oil for other essential oils as well. 

It also has beneficial properties for hair health as well and can work towards achieving soft, moisturized, and healthy locks. 

The following are a few marula oil DIYs you can try at home to take advantage of its hydrating and anti-aging properties. 

Cuticle Oil 

Marula oil contains high amounts of antioxidants as well as Vitamin C and can help reduce redness and inflammation.  

What You Need 

• 20 drops argan oil 
• 10 drops marula oil 

• 10 drops tamanu oil 
• 5 ml dark-colored glass bottle 

To make a cuticle oil, you can take two parts argan oil, 1 part marula oil, and one part tamanu oil and mix everything together. 

It can then be placed into a dark-colored 5ml glass bottle. You can then use a nail polish applicator to brush the mixture onto your cuticles. It has a light texture, absorbs easily, and has nourishing qualities. 

Hydrating Hair Oil 

Since marula oil penetrates deeply and can hydrate the roots, it is beneficial when used as hair oil. It is also rich in minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, which also helps to promote healthy hair. 

What You Need 

• 5 tablespoons marula oil 
• 5 tablespoons argan oil 
• 5 drops rosemary 

To make your own nourishing hair oil, mix the marula oil with the argan and rosemary oils. Pour a deep conditioner into a bowl and heat up your oil mixture, and add it to the conditioner. You can then apply the oil to the total length of your hair after shampooing. Leave the mixture on under a cap for 30-45 minutes before rinsing it out. 

The rosemary will go a long way to help stimulate hair growth and strengthen circulation. It can also help prevent premature graying as well as dandruff. 

Anti-Aging Serum 

Marula oil can go a long way in smoothing and tightening the skin. To make an anti-aging serum to repair and balance aging skin, you can simply apply a few drops to your skin and massage it in. It is safe to use marula oil topically this way because it is also considered a carrier oil and is powerful when used on its own. 

Rose geranium and frankincense are also good to use in anti-aging serums. Frankincense is a natural astringent and can regenerate healthy skin cells. Rose geranium can soothe skin and reduce any puffiness. 

What You Need 

• 3 tablespoons marula oil 
• 2 tablespoon rosehip oil 
• 10 drops Frankincense 
• 15 drops rose geranium 

Mix these oils together and combine them well.  

Marula oil is definitely an essential oil you want to have included in your beauty arsenal simply because of all the beneficial properties it carries for your hair, skin, and nail health. 

The Versatility of Yoga Mat Spray

If you already use a yoga mat spray, then you are probably already well aware of the benefits of having this spray in hand. However, there are many other applications you may be surprised about when it comes to how you can utilize your yoga mat spray.

What’s In a Yoga Mat Spray?

There are many different varieties of yoga mat spray you can choose from, and each one has its own set of benefits. Essential oils have been used for years due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties, and for this reason, they make a great yoga mat spray. Not only can the spray eliminate any unpleasant odors, but it is also good for disinfecting your mat as well so it is ready to go for the next day.

Let’s take a look at some other ways you can use your yoga mat spray:

Shoe Spray

Since many essential oils can kill germs and get rid of smelly and unpleasant odors, it makes the ideal solution to use to spray down your shoes. It offers a great burst of freshness to anything that requires a good refreshing.

Lavender is often used as an antiseptic and disinfectant to help sterilize surfaces. It also offers a light and pleasant scent and is also often used in cleaning products.

Linen Spray

If you have linens around the home that can use a good refreshing, then your yoga mat spray will become useful. Simply spray down any linens around the home and bask in the fresh scent.

Again, lavender is a good essential oil to use for disinfecting, but it can also be useful to induce pleasant dreams and a more restful night. So, spraying down your bed linens and pillows is a good way to start your night.

Cleaning Toys and Furniture

To sterilize and clean your kid’s playpen and other equipment, you can use your yoga mat spray is a quick and easy solution. Not only will it sterilize everything, but it will also leave you with a clean and refreshing scent.

The energizing yoga mat spray, for example, contains lemon, bergamot, and mint oils. Spray down the equipment and allow everything to dry. It can be used as an all-purpose spray around the home and helps eliminate odors and bacteria.

Toilet Refresher

This yoga mat spray can also be used a way to refresh the toilets in the home as well since it is useful at eliminating bacteria and odors.

Citrus oils have been used for cleaning areas in the home for years because of the pleasant scent they leave behind as well as being potent enough to destroy bacteria, funguses, and viruses that may be lingering in the home.

As you can see, there are many ways you can use your yoga mat spray, so you might want to keep a bottle in your gym bag as well as in your home to defend against odors and bacteria.

Meta: yoga mat spray is a versatile solution you can use for a variety of different applications around the home including cleaning and disinfecting, ridding your home of odors, and killing bacteria.

Let’s Talk About Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is a beneficial oil to add to your skincare routine because it is packed full of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that will do wonders for your skin and complexion. Below, you will find a few of its benefits as well as more information that will help you understand just how useful this oil can be when added to your beauty routine.

Rosehip Profile

Rosehip oil is most often used as a carrier oil and has a comedogenic rating of 1 which means it will not clog the pores. It has a very faint, tea-like aroma and is a light oil that the skin readily and easily absorbs. It is the ideal solution for a variety of different skin types including dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, and even aging skin.

It helps treat skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, rosacea, scarring, stretch marks, burns, damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Rosehip Oil

The nourishing fatty acids contained in rosehip oil go a long way in moisturizing and hydrating the skin. It offers the skin a more youthful and healthier glow. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C which helps with collagen production.

It can effectively reduce redness, neutralize free radicals, and also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing the skin’s overall permeability. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and can give your skin a great and much-needed boost of antioxidants.

Brightening the Skin

If you need to tighten your pores or brighten your complexion, you will quickly find that rosehip oil is the ideal treatment. Simply start with a few drops a day and apply it to your cleansed skin at night before going to bed.

It will also help even out your skin tone and firm the skin. Apply a few more drops to the skin every morning as well for younger-looking skin.

Using Rosehip Oil

If you find that you are suffering from acne, you can use a mixture of a tablespoon of rosehip oil with a tablespoon of jojoba oil, and a tablespoon of lavender essential oil. Mix the oils together and apply three drops to your skin every evening.

You can also use this same recipe for any stretch marks or acne scars you may have. Simply massage it into the skin and let it work.

Rosehip oil can also be used to clean and exfoliate the skin. Gently rub the oil onto your face, making sure to massage it into trouble areas.

Finally, you can also use rosehip oil as a hair treatment. Simply massage in a few drops of the oil into the hair, leave it for thirty minutes, and then wash it out with your regular shampoo.

With so many benefits to using rosehip oil, you will find that it is definitely an oil to include in your beauty arsenal.

Meta: Rosehip oil is a natural ingredient you can easily incorporate into any skincare routine and can leave you with fresh, younger-looking skin.

Understanding the Benefits of Marula Oil

Marula oil comes from the marula fruit tree which is native to certain parts of southern Africa. This tree at one point was linked to fertility and parts of the marula tree were used as an ingredient in food recipes as well as a traditional medicine throughout Africa.

The Smell of Marula Oil

It has a very light texture and is rich in moisture which makes it the ideal solution for skin, hair, and nail treatments. It is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils and has a mild, sweet, and nutty aroma.

It also has a thin and watery consistency and is ideal for all skin types, including dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, and aging skin. It has a comedogenic rating of 4. It is fast-absorbing, hydrating, and will not clog your pores.

Benefits of Marula Oil

Marula oil contains a high Vitamin C content, Vitamin E, phytosterols, amino acids, and antioxidants. All these come together to create an anti-aging oil that can help boost collagen production while fighting free radicals.

The amino acids found in this oil also contribute to its antiaging properties. Fatty acids have emollient and moisturizing benefits, and the antioxidants can help with skin damage.

How to Use It

Marula oil is ideal for dry and chapped skin, sensitive skin, and sun-damaged skin and can be used from head to toe.

For the Skin

You can apply three to four drops of marula oil to your face and neck as part of your nighttime routine. It can help with skin repair as you sleep while also adding a nourishing oil to your routine. You can also add a few drops to your cleanser or face cream or use it as a moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For the Hair

Marula oil can also greatly benefit your hair and offers its moisture. It is a lightweight solution that absorbs into the hair quickly and leaves you with a shiny and healthier look.

You can apply a few drops of the oil to your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots. If you have normal hair, then one or two drops is enough. However, for coarse hair, you may need up to 6 drops of oil.

You can also use it by applying a few drops to clean and damp hair before you style or blow-dry, and you can apply it every night to help with any scalp issues you may be experiencing.

As you can see, there are many advantages and uses for marula oil, and it can help you maintain shiny hair and a much healthier complexion.

Meta: Marula essential oil is the perfect addition to any hair and skin care routine because it is hydrating and offers protection without dryness or irritation.

How to Blend Using Essential Oils

Whenever you decide to start blending essential oils, you want to create harmony. One of the more basic rules to remember is to combine the top note, middle note, and base notes together.

For example, a good fragrance blend will combine 15-25% of your top note, 30-40% of the middle note, and 45-55% of the base notes. These come together to create a perfume accord – simply put, it is the balanced blend of three notes that create the basic character of any fragrance.

What Is the Top Note?

The top note is the first smell you notice. It typically has antiviral properties and has a very light, fresh, and uplifting scent. It gives you that first impression of the scent and represents the overall story of what you are creating.

Some common top notes include:

• Bergamot
• Cajeput
• Grapefruit
• Lemongrass
• Lime
• Mint
• Tangerine
• Tea Tree
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus

What Is the Middle Note?

The middle notes of the blend have balancing effects, and many essential oils actually fall into this category. The middle notes are also often called the heart of the fragrance. Since these notes last longer, they are typically made from the more potent floral and spicy oils. The middle notes influence the base notes and are much more complex than that of the top notes.

Some essential oils in this category include:

• Fennel
• Rose Geranium
• Lavender
• Nutmeg
• Palma Rosa

What Is the Base Note?

These comprise more of the heavier oils that are rich and relaxing. These notes work with the middle notes to deepen the scent you are creating. They are also used to create a much longer-lasting impression of the fragrance.

Some of the more commonly used essential oils for base notes are:

• Clove
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Patchouli
• Vetivert
• Ylang-Ylang

Blending Essential Oils

When you are blending essential oils, it is important to remember that you should first mix the essential oils to find the smell you want before you add the carrier oil. Once all the essential oil drops have been added, and you love the smell, fill the rest of the container with the carrier oil.

Depending on how strong you want the smell, you can use a 10% or 5% blend. You should also consider your skin type and how sensitive it may be. Always perform a patch test before applying essential oil blends to the skin.

Harmonizing Your Blend

Some essential oils evaporate faster than others, and this can change the aroma of the blend you have created. That is why it is so important to understand the difference between the notes.

You should also start out by creating new blends with no more than 25 drops to begin. When you start smaller, you waste less oil as you work on finding the ideal and most harmonic essential oil blend for you.

Meta: When you blend essential oils, you need to find the right mix of notes and find the harmony between them to create a balanced and aromatic combination.

The Amazing Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil for the Skin

If you are looking for a way to hydrate your skin throughout the day while also being able to improve its elasticity and collagen production, then virgin coconut oil is definitely what you have been looking for.

What’s In It?

Coconut oil is well-known for its anti-aging properties. It also contains antioxidants, including Vitamins E and A, which can help slow down the aging process and reduce any damage caused by free radicals and the sun.

It also contains many different fatty acids including, but not limited to:

• Lauric Acid
• Linoleic Acid
• Myristic Acid
• Capric Acid
• Stearic Acid

These fatty acids also contribute to its antimicrobial properties and can help protect the skin against harmful microorganisms that threaten to derail our skin health.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil reduces inflammation, stabilizes free radicals in the body, helps treat acne, moisturizes dry skin, and can even help decrease the severity of eczema symptoms.

It can be used on both oily and dry skin and will not cause any irritation and will not block and clog your pores when it is used.

Body Cream and Lotion

Cocoa Love Body Cream and Lotion can help provide you with that hydration you want while allowing your skin to lock in that moisture.

Cocoa Love Cream

This cream not only nourishes your skin, it can also warm your senses. It contains coconut oil to hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity and tone. It can also be used daily to treat more serious skin conditions including eczema and dry skin. It is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and can be used daily to nourish and hydrate the skin.

Cocoa Love Lotion

This lotion is a lighter version of the cream and moisturizes the skin and soothes the skin while also reducing dark spots and evening out your skin tone. Vitamin E helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and blemishes.

Both of these products have the pleasant and warm smells of cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon and can be applied to your skin before bed and every morning. They are both made with only high-quality and natural ingredients that your skin will love.

Benefits of Hydrated Skin

When your skin is properly hydrated, it greatly improves the skin’s elasticity and also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Properly hydrated skin can also help combat oiliness.

When the skin is dehydrated, it begins to produce more oil to compensate for this dryness and lack of moisture. This body lotion and cream can lock in the skin’s moisture and hydrate and soothe the skin on a daily basis.

Meta: Virgin coconut oil is great for the skin when you need to hydrate and lock in moisture while preventing irritation.

 

Natural Skincare for Softness and Hydration

If you have been looking for a natural skincare routine that can help bring the softness back into your skin, then 100% natural rose hand cream can do just that. It is ideal for soothing your senses, hydrating your hands, and bringing the softness back to your skin throughout the day.

Benefits of Rose Hand Cream

Did you know that the skin on your hands is just as important as the skin on your face? Our hands take on a lot of the work throughout the day. From working to washing and everything in between, our hands can become dry and cracked.

Rose hand cream can bring some much-needed hydration back into your skin with the help of coconut oil and cocoa butter. They work feverishly to lock in your skin’s moisture while also preventing water loss.

Argan Oil

With the right hand cream, you can maintain a more youthful appearance while also boosting your skin with a short of beneficial argan and rosehip oils. Argan is often used as a skin moisturizer that hydrates and softens the skin. It has high Vitamin E content as well as fatty acid content which is what gives our skin that natural boost.

Rosehip Oil

This oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants, and these play an integral part in tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. It also contains Vitamin E to moisturize the skin and helps improve its flexibility and permeability meaning it goes a long way in improving the texture of our skin while helping to reduce any fine lines and wrinkles there may be.

An Indulgent Scent

Not only will you find the physical benefits of rose hand cream advantageous, you can also immerse yourself in the pleasant aroma of rose damask water and rose geranium essential oil as you rub the lotion onto your hands and soothe your skin.  It is an easily absorbable and non-greasy formula that can keep your hands soft throughout the day.

All Natural

You will also find that this rose hand cream is made from 100% natural ingredients which is great when you are looking for a natural skincare routine for both softness and hydration. These natural ingredients will enhance the overall health of your skin while restoring moisture and preventing water loss from the skin’s surface.

Meta: Rose hand cream is the perfect addition to any natural skincare routine to help hydrate and soothe your hands throughout the day

More 100% Natural Outdoor Protection

During the warmer parts of the year, we try to spend as much time as we can outdoors; however, that time is often interrupted by bugs and other annoying pests that want to make a meal out of us.

Many of the more traditional sprays for the outdoors contain harmful chemicals that can harm our skin. Below, we will take a closer look at some of those harmful chemicals as well as find a more natural alternative.

Dangers of Traditional Bug Sprays

Traditional bug sprays contain many ingredients that are not safe for our skin as well as the environment. One of these is cyfluthrin. It resembles DDT and can also accumulate in fatty tissues. It has been linked to neurotoxicity and has been found to interfere with sodium and potassium channels in our nerves.

Permethrin is another synthetic pesticide you can find in some bug sprays. It has also been linked to neurotoxicity and has been found, in some cases, to result in seizures.

Pyrethroids are one of the more common chemicals found in bug repellants. They love fat cells and can cross the blood-brain barrier and become toxic to our central nervous system. This chemical can also cause acute reactions, including dermatitis, asthma-like symptoms, as well as burning and itching.

Going 100% Natural

As you can see, finding a more 100% natural alternative is better and safer for our skin as well as our health. This outdoor lotion is gentle and safe enough for all people including pregnant women, children, and even those mothers who are breastfeeding.

It contains 100% natural ingredients like citronella, neem, and clove oils. These ingredients are all effective at keeping the pests away without having to involve any harsh chemicals.

This outdoor lotion also includes mint and patchouli essential oils which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can also go a long way in helping to soothe and heal any skin irritation you may be experiencing.

Coconut oil is also added to help nourish and moisturize the skin while it offers you the best in outdoor protection. It is alcohol-free as well and won’t dry out the skin.

It is a great alternative to Begone Bug Spray if you want something that is creamier and not in a spray form.

Bottom Line

So, before you pick up a commercial bug spray for your next outdoor outing, you should consider the benefits of a more natural solution that can be easily applied, is powerful enough to keep the insects away and helps heal and protect your skin at the same time.

Meta: If you are looking for 100% natural outdoor protection against bugs while also being able to nourish and hydrate your skin, then outdoor lotion made from natural ingredients is just what you need.

Begone Bug Bali: Nature’s Best Insect Repellent

Begone Bug Bali: 3 Natural Ways to Stop Bugs Now

 

Would you like to learn about our Top 3 Natural Insect Repellent Solutions?

 

Then you’ll want to keep reading?

 

Our Begone Bug Products are all made from a combination of natural ingredients. The main three ingredients found in these powerful bug-fighting products are Citronella Essential Oil, Clove Essential Oil and Cajeput Essential Oil. The Begone Bug Bali Candle, our most potent of our Begone Bug Products also contains Mint Essential Oil and Patchouli Essential Oil.

 

Utama Spice Mint Essential Oil and Patchouli Essential Oil

 

Now let’s tell you why these essential oils are so great for keeping insects away and how our Begone Bug product line got started.

 

The Begone Bug Bali Story

The story of the Begone Bug Bali line starts over 20 years ago. Back then, my town of Ubud was almost unrecognizable. There were no telephone poles and everything was rice fields as far as the eye could see. We lived in the middle of some of these rice paddies with only a dirt path leading to the main road.

 

 

One day, my dog, Sari, was bitten by a snake and there were no clinics nearby, so we just did our best to make her comfortable and hoped for the best. After a little while, we noticed a bunch of ants and bugs had started coming in to the room like vultures. 

 

My mom wasn’t sure what to do at first, but she knew she had to do something. So she quickly went into our kitchen, the same kitchen in which Utama Spice was born, and made an essential oil blend to repel the bugs and at least keep Sari from suffering in that way.

 

She came out of the kitchen and made a circle around Sari with the essential blend and soon all the bugs vanished!

 

The best part was, Sari survived and lived a happy life for many more years.

 

Utama Spice Citronella Essential Oil, Clove Essential Oil and Cajeput Essential Oil

 

After that, my mom knew she had made something special. So she created a seaweed base for the essential oil blend and the Begone Bug Bali Blend was born!

 

The Begone Bug Bali Ingredients

As with all natural products, the key to their success is in their ingredients. The Begone Bug Bali products are no different! As we said earlier, the Begone Bug Bali Blend contains:

 

Citronella Essential Oil

Clove Essential Oil

Cajeput Essential Oil

 

Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella Essential Oil is one of the oldest and most popular natural insect repellents on the market. It is widely found in candles and even sprays, especially to keep mosquitos away. According to research found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “citronella, which contains citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, α pinene, and limonene, is as effective dose for dose as DEET.” DEET is the main active ingredient in most chemical-based insect repellents and was originally made by the US Army as an insecticide.

 

Utama Spice Citronella Essential Oil

 

As we mentioned in our post Avoiding Bugs AND Harsh Chemicals, “Some of the side effects that have been reported by those using DEET include:

 

• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Skin irritation
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Joint pain

 

This is why it’s so important to find a natural product that works without scary side effects.”

 

Clove Essential Oil

Clove Essential Oil was found to be the longest lasting natural insect repellent in a study of 38 essential oils. According to the study by the Department of Medical Entomology of Mahidol University, “Clove oil gave the longest duration of 100% repellency [2-4 hours] against all three species of mosquito” that were tested. Some of the other ingredients that were found to be most effective in the study: “citronella [and] patchouli.”

 

Utama Spice Clove Essential Oil and Cajeput Essential Oil

 

Cajeput Essential Oil

Cajeput Essential Oil is made from a variety of melaleuca leaves and used to be known as white tea tree oil. According to Mind Body Mastered, “Cajeput oil has strong insecticidal properties that help to eliminate insects such as mosquitoes and ants.” Studies have shown that cajeput essential oil “killed mosquitoes on contact” and termites that ate a filter paper soaked in cajeput essential oil “died within 24 hours” and the paper “maintained its effectiveness for at least three months after the cajeput oil was initially applied.”

 

The Begone Bug Bali Products

 

Utama Spice Begone Bug Spray

 

Begone Bug Bali Spray: The original Begone Bug Bali Product is made with agar and perfectly safe for use on children. The Begone Bug Bali Spray is available in 35ml, 60ml, 100ml, 230ml and 1L sizes.

 

Utama Spice Begone Bug Candle

 

Begone Bug Bali Candle: This 50g candle made from natural ingredients also includes Mint and Patchouli Essential Oil for a long-lasting solution to any insect problems.

 

Utama Spice Begone Bug Incense Sticks

 

Begone Bug Bali Incense: Available in 6 stick or 12 stick bundles, these bug-repelling incense sticks are hand rolled in Bali and made up of a blend flowers, barks, herbs, nuts and spices before being dipped in our Begone Bug Bali Blend of essential oils.

 

So whatever your preference is, there’s a great natural solution ready to help you keep those bugs at bay!

 

 

 

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059459/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16041723

https://mindbodymastered.com/blog/cajeput-essential-oil