Cananga Essential Oil

Cananga essential oil shares many similarities with ylang-ylang essential since they both originate from the same species of tree. In fact, cananga essential oil is often used as a more affordable substitute for ylang-ylang oil. However, while they are similar in many ways, it is worth keeping in mind that cananga essential oil has its own unique properties and benefits.

 

Let’s delve deeper into the versatile cananga essential oil that has, sadly, long lived in the shadow of the more popular ylang-ylang.

 

What is Cananga Essential Oil Made Of?

 

First, to address the most commonly asked question when it comes to cananga: yes, cananga essential oil is very similar to ylang-ylang essential oil but, no, the two are not the same thing. Cananga essential oil is extracted from the macrophylla variety of cananga odorata while ylang-ylang is from the genuine variety of cananga odorata.

 

Cananga (cananga odorata var. macrophylla) is a tall tropical tree native to South East Asia and Australia. Sporting drooping delicate yellow flowers, cananga trees thrive in shaded areas with moist soil.

 

Scent-wise, cananga flower (and essential oil) is rich and sweet but considerably less floral than ylang-ylang. Cananga is also often said to be greener than ylang-ylang and a great fit for those who prefer for their essential oil to be fresher.

 

How is Cananga Essential Oil Extracted?

 

The distinctive cananga essential oil is extracted from the cananga flowers. As cananga trees are rather tall, one would need to climb up a ladder and jostle the flowers with a long stick for them to fall to the ground. This is usually done in the morning before or around sunrise to minimize the exposure to sunlight. Too much sunlight on the flowers for too long would cause the evaporation of the essential oil.

 

Once gathered, the flowers are steam-distilled to extract the essential oil. This involves forcing hot pressurized steam through the flowers. The steam then goes through a condensation and collection process.

 

Benefits of Cananga Essential Oil

 

1.      Works as a mood enhancer

 

If you suffer from anxiety and depression or just generally feeling down, cananga essential oil could help to alleviate these feelings. Combine a few drops (approximately four to five drops) of cananga essential oil with other essential oils that promote calm and relaxation such as lavender, bergamot, and neroli in the diffuser and let the oils reduce the negative feelings and improve the mood.

 

2.      Eases stress and tension

 

With today’s modern fast-paced world, it is easy to get lost in the stress and tension of everyday life. To relieve stress, re-center yourself with a few drops of cananga essential oil in the diffuser.

 

3.      Helps to combat insomnia

 

While it is easy for some of us to fall asleep as soon as we hit the pillow, sleep may not come as effortlessly to others. For a better and more restful night’s sleep, mix a few drops of cananga essential oil with a few drops of lavender, geranium or jasmine essential oils. Place the blend in your diffuser at least one hour before you head to bed.

 

4.      Has anti-inflammatory properties

 

Besides that, cananga essential oil also has a high level of beta-caryophyllene — which scientists found can help to reduce neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain) as well as increase antioxidant levels in the brain.

 

These anti-inflammatory properties can help to protect the brain against swelling, inflammation, and neuronal damage during a stroke. What this means, essentially, is that the beta-caryophyllene minimizes brain damage after a stroke.

 

5.      Promotes overall good health

 

Apart from the above, the beta-caryophyllene in cananga essential oil helps to protect and promote the overall good health of your body, too. One of the ways the beta-caryophyllene helps is through assisting the vascular system by improving blood flow to the brain, reducing high levels of cholesterol, and reducing stress to the heart.

 

Besides that, studies have also suggested that beta-caryophyllene can protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

 

6.      Has excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties

 

Like most other essential oils, cananga essential oil, too, has great antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. This is (again) thanks to the beta-caryophyllene in the oil. Studies have shown that it helps to eliminate and diminish microorganisms such as E.coli, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenza — all the nasty things that you do not want anywhere near you.

 

7.      Protects against mosquito and insect bites

 

Speaking of the wonders of cananga essential oil, it could even help with preventing tick bites and mosquito bites. In an effort to study the effect of beta-caryophyllene, alpha-Pinene, and eugenol, scientists have concluded that these constituents have a significant toxic effect against larvae of the malaria vector Anopheles subpictus, the dengue vector Aedes albopictus, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

 

Thus, the cananga essential oil appears to be viable protection against mosquito vectors and, thereby, reduces the chances of developing mosquito-borne diseases. To repel insects, apply a few drops of cananga essential oil all over your body. If you need to, feel free to mix in a few drops of carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil.

 

8.      Excellent addition to your skincare routine

 

Just like ylang-ylang, cananga essential oil does wonders for your complexion. Its anti-bacterial properties ensure that it is an effective cleanser in getting rid of dirt, grime, and impurities.

 

Besides that, with its potent antioxidant properties, the oil also helps to fight free radicals that cause premature aging to unveil supple younger-looking skin. Add a few drops of cananga essential oil to your toner or moisturizer to make it part of your skincare routine.

 

Mixing Cananga Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils

 

Cananga essential oil’s rich but rather herbaceous scent blends well with many other essential oils.

 

For the ultimate relaxation session, cananga with bergamot and geranium essential oils promise tranquility and serenity like you have never experienced before.

 

If you need to de-stress, mix cananga essential oil with an equal part of vetiver oil in a diffuser.

 

On top of that, if you are a fan of floral scents, cananga essential oil’s ‘greener’ fragrance is extremely compatible with the powdery floral aroma of lavender. This combination should work well to promote restful sleep.

 

Additionally, cananga essential oil’s middle note blends well with jasmine, cassia, orange, and rose.

 

Other Good-to-Know Information

 

One important thing to note is that, just like ylang-ylang essential oil, you need to be extra cautious when first using cananga essential oil. This is because the oil can potentially cause headaches and migraines for some people, especially if used in a high concentration.

 

As always, start with a patch test to check if you react well to cananga essential oil. Rub a drop or two of the oil on your inner forearm and cover the area with a bandage. After 24 hours, if you do not suffer any adverse reaction, the oil should be safe for you to use liberally.

 

Is Cananga Essential Oil Right for You?

 

For those of you in the market for an earthy and rich essential oil, take a chance and give cananga essential oil a try. You are likely to be impressed and hooked by the oil’s versatility and maybe even its intricate scent — just like many others before you did.

 

Turning Your Home Into A Sanctuary During Quarantine With Essential Oils

Since we are spending more time indoors, it is only natural to want to turn our home into a sanctuary during the quarantine. You can accomplish this quickly and easily with the right essential oils.

You can use the following blends in a diffuser to permeate the home or in a spray that you can use around the house when you need an extra burst of relaxation during a very stressful time in our lives.

Three Blends For Relaxing

To create a calm space with essential oils, try out these blends:

Calming

Lavender and cedarwood can help you create a calm atmosphere while also bringing balance to your body. You can diffuse the two oils together at the end of the day or right before bed, or you can add these oils to a hot bath so you can relax and melt away your worries.

Promotes Well-Being

Lavender, rosemary, and frankincense create a sense of calmness and well-being. This combination of oils promotes full-body relaxation. Simply add a few drops of each of these essential oils to your diffuser and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Rosemary also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that will allow you to kill germs around the home.

Relax

For a more synergistic combination, you can use lavender, orange, ylang-ylang, and frankincense. Use a few drops of each essential oil in your diffuser or combine them in a spray that you can use on the linens around the home and in the air for a calm and relaxing environment.

To make the spray, fill an 8-ounce glass spray bottle ¾ of the way with distilled water. You can then fill the rest of the bottle with witch hazel and add a few drops of the essential oils to the mixture. Stir well and spray around the home.

Your All-Around Blend

After you have found the perfect essential oil blend to help you relax and melt the day’s stress away, it is time to find a blend you can use any time of the day to perk you up during quarantine.

Combine three drops of lavender essential oil, three drops of ylang-ylang essential oil, and three drops of orange or bergamot essential oil and diffuse them. The lavender will relax you, and the ylang-ylang and bergamot will help elevate your mood and soothe sadness and anxiety. This blend is perfect for aromatherapy purposes.

These four essential oil blends are much better than any candles you may purchase, and you can get the benefits of aromatherapy when you use these oils in a diffuser or a home spray.

 

 

Meta: Being under quarantine can be stressful, which is why it is important to make essential oil blends that promote feelings of calmness and relaxation.

Cajeput Essential Oil

If you have never heard of cajeput, you are not alone. In fact, many — if not most — people have no idea what it is. “Cajeput” is derived from its Indonesian name, “kayu putih” which means white wood as cajeput trees have grey-white bark with paper-like texture. Closely related to niaouli, tea tree, and eucalyptus, cajeput essential oil has a clean, fruity, and somewhat medicinal scent that is rather similar to hyacinth’s odor.

 

Chock-full of benefits, it is high time you acquaint yourself with cajeput essential oil. Read on to learn more about this essential oil including how it is extracted, its benefits, other oils it mixes well with, and more.

 

What is Cajeput Essential Oil Made Of?

 

Cajeput essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca leaucadendra, and other Melaleuca species. Growing to about 30 meters in height, these trees are found in Vietnam, Malaysia, hotter parts of Australia, and across the Indonesian archipelago. As for cajeput essential oil, the majority of it is produced in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

 

How is Cajeput Essential Oil Extracted?

 

To collect the oil, the leaves and twigs of the trees are harvested on a hot and dry day and then macerated in water into a thick pulp. Next, the pulp is fermented overnight before undergoing the steam distillation process to get the final product — cajeput essential oil.

 

Benefits of Cajeput Essential Oil

 

1.      Fights infections and viruses

 

Boasting antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties, cajeput essential oil helps your immune system to combat infections and viruses. With a reputation as the go-to for traditional medicine, historically, the oil has been used to treat wounds, fever, flu/colds, cough, and bacterial/fungal infections. In fact, it was once even used to treat cholera in the 1800s — with varying results.

 

According to a study in 2018, while there are many compounds in cajeput oil that contribute to its potent infection-fighting power, the main one appears to be alpha-terpineol — a naturally-occurring terpene alcohol found in some flowers and herbs.

 

For wounds, cuts, and such, clean the wounds and then rub a couple of drops of cajeput essential oil with a few drops of coconut oil to ward off infection. Rinse (quite literally so) and repeat until the wound heals. If you are using the oil to treat a fever, apply one or two drops of the oil to your forehead and massage it in.

 

2.      Relieves pain

 

Besides fighting infection, cajeput essential oil’s analgesic properties can also help to alleviate and soothe the sensation of pain. It is often used in the treatment of joint pain. Plus, its antispasmodic property also helps with sore muscles, muscle cramps, and menstruation cramps.

 

As a matter of fact, if you are familiar with the very popular — and very revered by mothers in South East Asia — Tiger Balm, you will see that cajeput oil is one of the ingredients in it. The Balm is used to relieve all types of pain from bug bites to arthritis.

 

For joint and muscle pains, mix a few drops of cajeput essential oil with a carrier oil. Massage it into the affected areas for quick relief. If you want to take it further, carefully heat up the oil in the microwave. If you are suffering from chronic pain, on the other hand, mix the cajeput oil with a carrier oil or your lotion and rub it into the area daily.

 

3.      Maintains a healthy digestive system

 

You can do away with those painful stomach cramps, bloating, and excess gas with cajeput essential oil. The antispasmodic property of the oil helps to relax the tight muscles that cause stomach cramps. Additionally, cajeput oil is also a carminative — an herb or drug that is meant to either prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or help with the expulsion of gas

 

For stomach cramps, mix the cajeput essential oil with a carrier oil and rub it on your abdomen in a clockwise motion. The above method would work fine to relieve bloating, too. Alternatively, add a drop of the oil to just below your nose. Breathing in the oil before or after a meal helps to prevent excess gas.

 

4.      Smoothes and brightens skin

 

A popular ingredient in the beauty industry, cajeput essential oil is often used in skincare especially in toners and creams. The oil’s rich antioxidants help to fight free radicals, thus, diminishing the signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.

 

Apart from the above, there is good news for those of you looking to get your glow on, too. As a result of the compounds in the oil, it naturally removes toxins/impurities from the skin, regulates sebum production, and treats acne. You will notice that, with frequent use, your skin is healthier and smoother. Plus, cajeput essential oil also diminishes the appearance of scars and blemishes while it brightens the skin to reveal crystal-clear dewy skin.

 

To incorporate cajeput essential oil into your beauty routine, replace your toner with a mixture of equal parts cajeput essential oil and carrier oil. Alternatively, adding two drops of cajeput essential oil to your face cream and lotion would also do the job.

 

5.      Eliminates insects

 

A heaven-sent especially in tropical countries, cajeput essential oil possesses strong insecticidal properties that help to get rid of insects, including mosquitoes, ants, and termites. A study in 2012 shows that cajeput essential oil could be used to kill mosquitoes, even Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes — the two principal vectors of dengue virus.

 

For those of you with mosquito nets, you can soak it in cajeput oil to ward off the mosquitoes. A more effective way is to DIY your own mosquito spray by mixing cajeput essential oil with other oils in a spray bottle. Alternatively, place a few drops of the cajeput oil — or the mixture of cajeput essential oil with other oils — in a diffuser to use as a repellent against insects.

 

Not only is cajeput essential oil excellent at eliminating insects in your home but it can also keep head lice and other bugs away from your hair and body. It is truly the epitome of a multi-tasking product, indeed.

 

Mixing Cajeput Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils

 

Cajeput essential oil’s fresh and somewhat camphorous scent synergizes well with floral fragrances such as ylang-ylang and geranium. It also blends well with woody oils including pine and cedarwood oils. As for carrier oil, Jojoba oil is perhaps the most complementary for cajeput.

 

Other Good-to-Know Information

 

While cajeput essential oil is (for the most part) non-toxic, it can cause skin irritation in some cases. Make sure to do a test patch on the skin before applying liberally. Give the test a few hours to confirm that you are not allergic to the oil.

 

If you suffer from asthma, do exercise caution when using cajeput essential oil as the inhalation of the oil can potentially trigger asthma attacks.

 

Is Cajeput Essential Oil Right for You?

 

There is no doubt that cajeput essential oil is not a very popular or well-known essential oil. However, it has managed to hold its own in the saturated market of essential oils because of its many benefits and unique scent.

 

If you are looking for a powerhouse essential oil that is not the usual run-of-the-mill oils, cajeput essential oil should be right there in your list of must-try.

Hair Care Rituals For Quarantine Life

While we may usually place more of an emphasis on our overall health, including our skin health, we also have to focus some time and attention on our hair to keep it as healthy and strong as possible. Here are a few hair care rituals to try during the quarantine period.

Try Using Hair Oil

How many times have you told yourself you were going to try out that new hair oil but found a million other things you had to do first? Well, there’s no better time to try it out than during the quarantine.

Hair oils can be used as deep leave-in conditioners and then rinsed out when done. Let’s take a closer look at some of the available hair oils to choose from and what they can do for your hair.

Lavender Hair Oil

This hair oil has a coconut base and can deeply penetrate hair shafts to nourish and protect your hair and scalp. All you have to do after shampooing is to apply a few drops to your hair and massage the oil in. You can also use lavender hair oil as a hair mask that you can keep on the hair for a few hours or even overnight. It can then be rinsed off in the morning.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used for years as a hair care treatment because it moisturizes the scalp. It can also help ease dandruff and leave you with shiny and smooth hair. It protects against hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Castor oil is not something you want to use daily, however, because it has a thicker consistency and will need to be rinsed out thoroughly. It is good to use one to two times a week if you want to take advantage of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Coconut Oil

This is another oil that is beneficial for the hair because it can penetrate deep into your hair follicles. It promotes scalp health and effectively combats lice and dandruff. Coconut oil can easily add more luster and shine to the hair while making it soft. It prevents breakage and split ends as well.

Argan Oil

If you have split ends and want some shine to your hair, then argan oil is something you should try out during quarantine. It is full of antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. It helps repair split ends and promotes healthy hair growth.

Marula Oil

This oil contains a concentration of amino acids and natural fatty acids that help restore your hair and smooth out split ends. Marula oil nourishes the hair from the root to the tip without weighing it down or making it feel greasy. The oil is hydrating and locks in your hair’s moisture.

For hair conditioning and moisture, use a few drops of any of these oils and run them through your hair. You can leave them in your hair for 3 to 24 hours and then rinse with shampoo. All you need is a little bit to restore the health of your hair.

 

 

Meta: It’s a good idea to incorporate hair oils into your hair care rituals during quarantine to restore your hair, repair split ends, and encourage growth.

Black Pepper Essential Oil

You know that it tastes good in pasta and adds a bit of kick to all dishes but did you know that black pepper is also used to make essential oil? In fact, black pepper essential oil — potent, crisp, warm and just a tad peppery — has found avid fans in those looking for a more unique scent.

 

If this is the first you have heard of black pepper essential oil, read on to learn more about this distinctive oil, including whether it is really made of pepper, how it is extracted, its benefits, the oils it mixes well with, and more.

 

What is Black Pepper Essential Oil Made Of?

 

Let’s address the first burning (pun fully intended) question most people would have: yes, black pepper essential oil is made of black pepper. Now, let’s go further into details.

 

Black pepper oil is extracted from the fruit of the Piper nigrum plant or what most us refer to as a peppercorn. The oil is produced from the unripe red fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, to be exact. In contrast, the white pepper that you use in the kitchen is harvested from berries that are already fully ripe.

 

How is Black Pepper Essential Oil Extracted?

 

Most black pepper oil is extracted via steam distillation. A popular method, steam distillation involves forcing pressurized steam through the fruit. The hot steam must be at a heat high enough to allow the release of the essential oil but not so high that it damages the plant. The steam with the essential oil then passes through a cooling system where the steam condenses into a liquid of essential oil and water. The oil will float to the top since it is lighter than the water and can then be separated from the water.

 

Benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil

 

1.      Complements a relaxing massage

 

As black pepper essential oil produces penetrating warm sensations when applied, it is the perfect oil to be used in relaxing massages. Not only does its warmth eases aching muscles but its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties also reduce joint and muscle pains. For those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism, the oil is excellent for relief.

 

Besides that, its aroma also helps to make any massage session considerably more relaxing.

 

To get started, combine one or two drops of black pepper essential oil with a carrier oil and apply all over your body or to sore muscles and joints.

 

2.      Warms things up

Black pepper essential oil’s ability to create warm sensations is also a boon on colder days. If you are heading out for a walk on a chilly day, place a drop of the oil to your lotion or carrier oil and rub onto your hands and the bottoms of your feet.

 

Besides that, black pepper essential oil is the ideal companion for those of you with perpetually cold feet, too.

 

3.      Excellent as a pick-me-up

 

If you need a little something to perk you right up when you have had a long day or just trying to power through the soul-sucking 3 p.m. afternoon slump, you will not go wrong with black pepper essential oil.

 

Simply apply a few drops of the oil to the bottoms of your feet or, alternatively, add a few drops to your diffuser for a reviving wake-up call.

 

4.      Relieves anxiety and stress

 

When it all gets too much and you can feel the stress up to right here, black pepper essential oil may be able to help. Just like many other essential oils, black pepper oil had been proven to relieve anxiety and stress.

 

Place a few drops of the oil into a diffuser or inhale it directly from the bottle to soothe and calm the frayed nerves as well as stress.

 

5.      Helps quit smoking naturally

 

For those of you looking to quit smoking, black pepper essential oil has been shown to significantly reduce the craving for cigarettes. It is believed that inhaling the oil stimulates the respiratory system in a way that mimics smoking, hence, the reduction of cravings and anxiety.

 

Plus, black pepper essential oil can also alleviate the stress associated with quitting smoking.

 

6.      Promotes good health

 

In addition to the above, black pepper essential oil also contains various natural chemicals that are vital in supporting the immune system and natural functions of the body. This includes the chemicals monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are popular for their antioxidant activity.

 

7.      Boosts circulation and improves blood flow

 

Research has also shown that black pepper essential oil has “bio-transformative” effects. This is because it can boost circulation, improve blood flow and glucose tolerance, and normalize blood pressure.

 

With these bio-transformative effects, toxins, impurities, and excess fluids are removed from the body which will result in less inflammation and improved radiance.

 

8.      Purifies problematic skin

 

Black pepper essential oil’s high antioxidants, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties make it excellent as a skin-purifier. It easily rids the skin of impurities and bacteria for a blemish-free complexion.

 

Apart from that, its high antioxidant also means that the oil can help to combat free radicals to hold off premature aging. Rejuvenated and glowing courtesy of the black pepper essential oil, you can bid adieu to fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentations.

 

9.      Helps to elevate flavors

 

No, there is no need to get the pepper mill or grinder just yet. Instead of adding typical ground black pepper to your dishes, why not try something a little different and include black pepper essential oil as your secret ingredient?

 

Add a drop or two of the oil to meats, soups, or vegetables for an explosion of flavors. Besides that, you can also incorporate the black pepper essential oil into marinades for steaks, ribs, and other meat. Fragrant and rich, everyone would be asking for a second helping of the dish.

 

Mixing Black Pepper Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils

 

Black pepper essential oil’s peppery and slightly woody scent is perfectly complemented when you mix it with something citrusy such as bergamot essential oil, orange essential oils, and kaffir lime essential oil.

 

Additionally, black pepper essential oil also brings a little heat and nuances to traditional floral oils like geranium, lavender, and ylang-ylang.

 

To turn up the spice factor, you can also blend black pepper essential oil with other spice oils including basil, ginger, and clove.

Other Good-to-Know Information

 

Always start with a patch test before you apply essential oil to your body — especially a spicy essential oil like black pepper. Rub a drop of black pepper essential oil to your inner forearm and cover it with a bandage. If you do not see any allergic reaction or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.

 

Besides that, as black pepper essential oil produces warming sensation, you might want to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil.

 

 Is Black Pepper Essential Oil Right for You?

 

While it is undoubtedly an acquired taste, many who tried the oil have not been able to stay away. If you are in the market for a fiery and stimulating oil with various health benefits, you should definitely check out black pepper essential oil.

 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil may be less popular than the other more common essential oils (such as lavender, patchouli, and peppermint), however, it is still very much sought-after and a favorite of many. Complex yet soothing, it has a citrusy but sweet scent that almost everyone loves. In fact, if you are a fan of Earl Grey Tea, you are already familiar with the taste and aroma of bergamot as Earl Grey Tea is the result of adding bergamot oil to black tea.

 

Now, let’s explore this underrated oil further as we cover what exactly is Bergamot essential oil made of, how is it made, the benefits of the oil, the other essential oils it mixes well with, and more.

 

What is Bergamot Essential Oil Made Of?

 

Bergamot oil is extracted from the rinds of the bergamot orange (also known as Citrus Bergamia). Likely a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange, the bergamot fruit is yellow-green and pear-shaped. While the bergamot plant has its roots in South East Asia, you can also find the plant in Argentina, Brazil, Algeria, Turkey, Italy, and other countries with a somewhat similar climate.

 

How is Bergamot Essential Oil Extracted?

 

One of the methods to extract Bergamot essential oil is via cold-pressing or expression. In the past, you have to do this by hand and manually exert pressure on the peel to squeeze the oil out. Today, there is a more modern way that carries out pretty much the same process using a device that utilizes centrifugal force to extract the oil. Once extracted, the color of the oil varies from light yellow to dark green.

 

Another less common method is distillation using steam or water. However, the presence of water dilutes the aroma of the oil — making this method less than ideal.

 

Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil

 

1.      Reduces stress and anxiety

 

Bergamot oil has quite a reputation as a natural mood booster. As bergamot oil contains flavonoids (a type of chemical naturally found in plants), it releases ‘good’ hormones like dopamine and serotonin to combat anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue.

 

A 2015 study on the psychological and physiological effects of using bergamot essential oil shows that the women in the study experienced a reduction of negative emotions and fatigue in a relatively short time when they inhale bergamot oil mixed with water vapor.

 

So when you feel the dreaded stress sets in, take a little whiff of bergamot essential oil right from the bottle to alleviate the anxiety and tension. Alternatively, apply a few drops of the oil to your hands, abdomen, and feet. Massage slowly and let the oil sink in.

 

2.      Great as an analgesic

 

An excellent natural alternative to over-the-counter medicine, bergamot essential oil also alleviates pain. It stimulates the secretion of hormones that lessen nerve sensitivity to reduce the sensation of pain and relieve afflictions like sprains, headaches, and cramps

 

To use as a pain reliever, rub a few drops of the bergamot essential oil on the affected area.

 

3.      Fights infection

 

Courtesy of its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties, bergamot essential oil inhibits the growth of germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Not only that but it can also prevent future infection.

 

As a matter of fact, Italian folk medicine has long used bergamot essential oil for fever, parasitic diseases, wounds, and various types of infections. This includes skin, mouth, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. Plus, the Italians even used to use bergamot oil to treat malaria patients! That is how powerful this essential oil is.

 

Mix it with a carrier oil and apply all over your body or add a few drops of the oil into your bath. You are in for a treat, we promise!

 

4.      Relieves congestion

 

There is nothing worse than not being able to breathe easily. If you are suffering from cold, flu, congestion, cough, or other similar respiratory problems, you may find bergamot essential oil to be helpful. It contains camphene which helps to loosen up the phlegm and mucus buildup in the respiratory tracts.

 

Rub the oil on your chest and throat for fast relief. Besides that, you can also place a few drops of the oil in your diffuser or humidifier.

 

5.      Add the oil to your beauty routine

 

Give bergamot essential oil a try for clear and smooth skin. You can use the oil as a toner or simply add a drop or two into your serum. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties kill the bacteria on your face, thereby, reducing breakouts.

 

Apart from that, as a cicatrizant (something that promotes the healing of a wound), bergamot essential oil not only helps with reducing and getting rid of scars and blemishes but it also promotes a balanced and even complexion.

 

6.      A natural deodorant

 

With its refreshing scent, bergamot is a great natural alternative to your store-bought deodorant. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties effectively prevent the growth of bacteria and germs — the most common cause of body odor.

 

To use the oil as an alternative to deodorant, simply apply two to four drops to your underarms. If you are already making your own DIY natural deodorants, on the other hand, you can easily incorporate the essential oil by adding a few drops into the recipe.

 

7.      Transforms the room

 

Wait, hold up! Bergamot essential oil is not only for your body. Its fresh zesty scent is perfect for eliminating odors from any room, too. A few drops in the diffuser will quickly get the job done.

 

Plus, its relaxing fragrance doubles as a relaxant to put you in a calm and restful mood. Excellent for when you just want to unwind after a long day but also especially useful for those who suffer from sleep disorders as well as anxiety.

 

Mixing Bergamot Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils

 

The thing is, there are not all that many essential oils that bergamot does not blend well with. However, you will find that bergamot oil blends especially well with:

 

• Lavender essential oil – the bergamot adds some complexity to Lavender’s classic floral scent.
• Tea tree oil – a mixture of bergamot oil and tea tree oil with their top-notch antibacterial properties is a sure-fire combination for combating problematic skin.
• Ylang-ylang essential oil – for ultimate relaxation, you will not go wrong with this powerhouse of a combination.

 

Other essential oils that blend well with bergamot include chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood, orange, lemon, patchouli, and eucalyptus.

 

Other Good-to-Know Information

 

You should always patch test all essential oils before applying to your skin — the same goes for bergamot essential oil. Apply a small amount of the bergamot oil to your inner forearm and cover it with a bandage. If there is no allergic reaction or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.

 

Besides that, as bergamot oil contains bergapten — a compound that could potentially irritate or damage the skin when exposed to sunlight — you should avoid applying it to your skin when you know you are going to be under the sun.

 

Is Bergamot Essential Oil Right for You?

 

Well, yes, it is right for everyone. However, it is especially right for you if you are looking for a citrusy essential oil that helps with relaxation and pain relief. All in all, it is a great addition to your self-care routine.

What Is Skin Detox And How Do You Do It?

Have you been feeling tired lately and not as fresh and bright as usual? Maybe the winter season has dried out your skin and has left you feeling dull. Maybe you have started struggling with breakouts again and are wondering why this is happening.

It may be time to make a few changes to your diet to help your skin recover. But before you do, a skin detox may be in order so you will sooner be on your way to healthy skin and a bright complexion.

What Is Skin Detox?

A good skin detox can remove impurities, toxins, pollutants, and dead skin and go a long way in renewing and revitalizing your skin. However, before this process can start, you need to examine exactly what it is you are putting into your body.

Take a look at your diet and overall health first and foremost. You should fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods that can ultimately boost the natural detoxification system in your body. You should avoid all junk and processed foods and refined sugars because these can inflame the skin. Instead, start with a good diet of vegetables and leafy greens. Drinking a lot of water is also the key to detoxing your skin the right way.

Detox For Clear Skin

When it is time to start detoxing your skin, start by cleansing it thoroughly with natural soap. A deep skin cleansing is a good way to speed up the process because it removes dirt and grime from the skin.

Thorough Cleansing

A pore cleansing facial wash with tea tree oil and patchouli oil is good for breakouts because of its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It also helps reduce any inflammation and soothe the skin.

Disinfecting Clay Mask

A face and body clay are next on the list. Clay has disinfectant properties and is also antibacterial and antifungal. It is rich in minerals and acts as an exfoliant, removing the dead outer layer of skin that can clog your pores and cause that dullness you have been seeing.

Hydrating Serum

Since tea tree is also effective for detoxing and disinfecting the skin, you can follow up on your skincare treatment with a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with a neutral oil like jojoba. This acts as a serum and can be applied to the face after cleansing and before moisturizing.

If you follow these steps, you will have healthy and hydrated skin with a cheery and bright complexion in no time. Always cleanse your skin twice a day, use a hydrating serum twice daily, and do a good skin detox two to four times a year to keep your skin looking its best.

 

 

Meta: Skin detoxing is good for removing impurities and toxins from the skin and can help brighten up an otherwise dull complexion.

Skincare Routine While Fasting: How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated

If you regularly participate in fasting or have done it before, you are probably already aware of the changes that can happen to your skin during that period. When fasting, the skin tends to dry out much faster than usual. Fasting causes dryness and a general lack of moisture on the skin.

Drink Water

When fasting, it is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you are fasting during Ramadan, drink a lot of water between the post-sunset breaking fast meal and the pre-dawn meal. Avoid drinking any juice, soda, or coffee during this time. The caffeine in some of these drinks can cause you to become even more dehydrated. Instead, drink detox water, which is water infused with cucumber, mint, or lemon.

Avoid Wearing Heavy Makeup

While fasting, you also want to avoid wearing heavy makeup, thick foundations, and concealers. The heavy makeup combined with the sun can be harmful to the skin and cause breakouts. Instead of makeup, wear a natural sunscreen and use a natural moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.

Moisturize Twice A Day

Moisturizing your skin at least twice a day during fasting is also important for keeping your skin healthy. Apply a hydrating facial cream and body lotion after you shower. Rose Allure Body Oil, for example, is a good oil to apply after a shower. It has the moisturizing properties of coconut oil and can deeply penetrate the skin’s layers. It contains rose geranium oil that has natural antiaging properties.

Exfoliate The Skin

You should exfoliate your skin to remove dry, dead skin from the surface. If you also choose to use a toner, it is best to avoid toners that contain alcohol and fragrance because they can strip your skin of its natural oils, which will further dehydrate the skin.

Treat The Skin

Dark under-eye circles may also appear during your time of fasting, especially if there are changes to your sleep schedule. In this case, use a natural eye cream and cucumbers to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.

For dark eyes and puffiness, you can also use an eye roller containing caffeine. The caffeine has rejuvenating properties that can help wake up tired eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Don’t Ignore Your Lips

Finally, while fasting, you may find that your lips can also get a bit dry. To combat this, use a lip balm containing beeswax, cocoa butter, and virgin coconut oil. All of these ingredients, combined with the power of essential oils, can help lock in the moisture in your lips and prevent them from cracking and drying out.

If you follow these simple suggestions, you can maintain healthy and hydrated skin even while fasting.

 

 

Meta: When fasting, your skin can become quickly dehydrated, so it is important to lock in as much moisture as you can to keep your skin bright and healthy.

Everything You Need To Know About Our Pore Cleanser And How To Use It

Pore cleansers are effective at removing excess dirt and oil from the skin, especially around your nose and mouth. Some over-the-counter facial washes consider themselves to be pore cleansers as well, but a pore cleaner tool has proven to be a more effective option followed by a good skincare routine.

Pore cleaners act as small vacuums for the skin. Suction is used to go deep and clean out the pores. This means a lot for those who have clogged pores. However, it won’t do much to combat the presence of blackheads. If you don’t have access to one of these tools, you will find that our natural pore cleanser wash is just as effective and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or toxins like over-the-counter washes.

Building A Skincare Routine

In addition to a pore cleanser tool, you want to build up a good skincare routine. Always start by thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove all dirt and oil from the pores. If you notice a lot of blackheads, this means there are oils and grime trapped inside. Wash your face with a good cleanser and some lukewarm water.

Our Pore Cleansing Wash

Our pore cleansing facial wash removes all dirt and even makeup from deep within the pores. It also helps reduce the appearance of your pores while preventing future breakouts and irritation.

It contains only natural and gentle ingredients, including essential oils, so you can freshen up your skin without weighing it down or exposing it to harsh chemicals that can cause redness and irritation.

This pore cleanser has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties thanks to the tea tree and patchouli oil it contains. Tea tree has anti-inflammatory effects and can help soothe and relieve irritated skin. It can also go a long way in reducing redness and swelling of sensitive skin.

Patchouli oil also helps soothe inflammation and enhance the skin’s overall condition. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes and address other skin problems you may be experiencing.

How To Use This Pore Cleanser

To use this pore cleanser, start with clean skin. Apply the wash to your fingertips and gently swipe it over your face in a circular motion. Afterward, rinse it off with lukewarm water. This wash can be used two to three times a week to help absorb all the dirt, pollutants, and toxins that attack your skin.

For even better results, you should follow up our pore cleanser wash with a face mask that can be left on for up to ten minutes. Finish your skincare regimen with a moisturizer and a toner or serum for clear, bright, and healthy skin.

 

 

Meta: A good pore cleansing wash can remove all excess dirt and grime and leave your pores looking smaller and your face looking brighter and healthier.

 

Clay: Its Absorbent Benefits For Detoxing

If you are looking for a safer and more natural way to cleanse and detox your skin, then you should consider the absorbent benefits of clay. Over time, toxins begin to deposit and collect in our body and can cause our skin to begin looking unhealthy and rather dull. Therefore, it is important to detox the skin a few times a year to cleanse the skin and body of these toxins.

Benefits Of White Clay For The Skin

White clay works well as a very mild exfoliant and successfully removes dead and dry skin cells. This ultimately leaves you with glowing skin while also reducing the size of your pores. It is also packed full of beneficial minerals and can draw out any impurities that may cause acne.

White clay is absorbent and also has astringent properties that can get to the root cause of acne and breakouts. In addition, it helps treat the symptoms associated with those issues such as redness, inflammation, and irritation.

Why Use Natural Clays?

Natural clays have been used for centuries on the skin and continue to be used today because they are so absorbent and suitable for many skin types, including dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin. They can also be used for other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, stretch marks, and even cellulite.

How Does It Work?

Clay can be smoothed over the skin easily and is then absorbed, which effectively detoxes the skin. It removes the outer layers of debris that can clog the pores, and it draws out any other metal pollutants you might have in your skin.

This volcanic ash-based clay is a good defense against impurities and is definitely something to consider adding to your skincare arsenal. Try it today and see the difference it can make to the health of your skin as well as your complexion.

 

Meta: White clay is good for detoxing the skin because it absorbs easily and glides on smoothly to remove toxins and purify the inner and outer skin layers.

 

Quarantine Skin Rituals You Must Try At Home

Many of us around the world are on quarantine due to the spread of COVID-19. During this time at home, we are all scrambling, trying to find different ways to occupy our time. Why not use some of that time to try out a few quarantine skin rituals?

Face Masks

Since our skin’s health is just as important as the health of the rest of our body, we need to do what we can to preserve it. While on quarantine, try out a few different face masks a couple of times each week.

Face Mask With Coffee

Choose a face mask that targets a specific area and has a different function each time to provide your skin with well-rounded care. A face mask with coffee can help refresh and revive your skin.

The caffeine in coffee helps tighten the skin as the mask draws out any impurities present. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give your skin a firmer appearance. It is also good for waking up your skin in the morning to start your day.

Clay Face Mask

A clay face mask is another great choice due to its disinfectant properties. Clay is rich in minerals and can help exfoliate the skin. The dead outer skin is removed along with excess dirt, leaving you with clean, clear pores and a bright complexion. Clay masks are ideal for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

Pore Cleansers

A pore cleanser is another skincare ritual to try during quarantine. A pore cleansing face wash helps get rid of any trapped dirt and makeup that can lead to breakouts and skin issues. A pore cleanser reduces the size of your pores and freshens up the skin without using any harsh chemicals.

Detox And Exfoliate

Temu-temu is great for the skin and helps with aging and sagging skin. It can brighten up your complexion and has strong detoxifying properties to keep your skin as healthy as possible. You can also exfoliate with a tea tree facial scrub. Tea tree has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help with acne breakouts.

All-Natural Soaps

Other products you can introduce to your skincare routine during a quarantine are antiseptic soaps and natural soaps containing lavender. Antiseptic soaps can help keep the skin clean and reduce the spread of illnesses and germs. Some antiseptic soaps have a coconut oil base and contain some essential oils, including patchouli, citronella, ginger, and cinnamon.

All-natural soaps containing lavender are also ideal because they clean and soothe the skin but also have the power to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. They can ease any tension and feelings of stress and anxiety during these unprecedented times.

 

Get To The Root Of Acne

 

While we’re not supposed to be touching our faces, fabric face masks can do a great deal of everyday irritation to the skin. Wearing fabric face masks every day may lead to acne breakouts around the mouth and chin. Incorporating an acne corrector regimen, with an anti-acne face cleanser and serum, can help to soothe the skin and stop acne at the source.

 

First wash with the acne corrector face wash using warm water, then pat the skin dry with a clean and dry towel or facial cloth. Allow the skin to air dry for around 10 to 15 minutes without applying any additional product to the skin. Once the skin has been resting for that time, place a drop or two of acne serum onto clean hands and gently rub your hands together for a few seconds to warm up the product. Pat the product gently onto the skin and allow the serum to naturally absorb.

 

Moisturize And Hydrate

The last quarantine skin ritual you must try at home is moisturizing. This is especially important after deep cleaning and exfoliating the skin. A good face serum with argan and jojoba oil can hydrate and soothe the skin, protect and heal it, and help regenerate skin cells to give you a healthy, youthful glow.

Trying out some or all of these skin rituals at home will lead to healthy skin and a more positive outlook as you relax and remain quarantined at home.

Meta: While being quarantined at home, try out a few new skin rituals to revitalize and rejuvenate the skin.

 

Keeping Your Hands From Drying Up During This Time

The pandemic is causing us to learn more about proper hand hygiene, including handwashing and sanitizing. However, with all the handwashing and sanitizing, some of us may be experiencing dry hands as a result. So what can we do to keep our hands from drying up during this time?

Use Natural Soaps

Glycerin is one of the primary ingredients found in natural soaps and is used as a moisturizing agent for the skin. It is known as a humectant and attracts moisture, leaving you with soft skin.

Natural soaps are a safer and healthier alternative for hydrating our skin compared to commercial soaps because they don’t contain harsh ingredients or chemicals that can irritate the skin and dry them out further. Many commercial soaps contain harmful substances such as triclosan, parabens, petrochemicals, and sodium laureth sulphate. Triclosan, for example, has been found to disrupt our hormones and damage the reproductive system.

Use Hand Cream

Another way to keep your hands from drying out from all the handwashing is to use hand cream. Natural hand creams containing hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter can help lock in moisture and prevent your hands from cracking and splitting. The addition of health-boosting antioxidants like rosehip and argan oils, for example, can help hydrate and smoothen the skin and prevent water loss on the surface of your skin.

Commercially manufactured hand creams that are not all-natural contain a variety of ingredients that may prove damaging to our skin. Parabens, synthetic colors, fragrance, triclosan, and even formaldehyde found in commercial hand creams threaten your health and should be avoided. All of these substances easily get absorbed into the skin, and many are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

The next time you find that your hands have become dry because of the handwashing and hand sanitizing you have been doing to combat COVID-19, consider all the benefits of switching to natural soap and natural hand cream.

 

 

Meta: Switching to natural hand soaps and hand creams can help hydrate your skin without the dangerous toxins in many commercially manufactured soaps and creams.