Fragrant Friday: Black Pepper Essential Oil Profile Spotlight (Piper nigrum)
As both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres slip into their new seasons of Fall and Spring respectively, people begin to increase their physical activity. Whether you are suddenly raking piles of leaves, riding your bike, or hitting the gym, vigorous exercise and...
How To Use an Essential Oil Diffuser
How To Use an Essential Oil Diffuser A Practical, Clear Guide for Beginners (and the Curious) There’s something almost ceremonial about turning on a diffuser. A few drops of oil. A soft mist. A subtle shift in the atmosphere. But before we romanticize it too much —...
What is the Difference Between Rose Otto Essential Oil and Rose Absolute?
In every class I teach, as soon as Rose Essential Oil is mentioned I know the question will be asked about the differences between Rose Otto and Rose Absolute, and rightly so. They are often both available from the same vendor under “Rose Oil” and many recipes will...
5 DIY Eucalyptus Diffuser Blends to Help you Breathe Easy
If you're anything like me, you love the crisp, clean aroma of eucalyptus in your home (I also love to clean my camper with it!) Whether you're chasing away a stuffy nose or indulging in its fresh, spa-like scent, eucalyptus essential oil is a must-have in your...
Fragrant Friday: Sweet Orange Essential Oil Spotlight (Citrus sinensis)
Today's featured oil helps us hold onto the joyful energy of summer year-round! Sweet Orange essential oil is a prime choice when we take life too seriously and forget how to laugh; maybe that's why it's often the favorite essential oil of children. Essential Oil of...
18 Ways to Use Hydrosols for Natural Wellness and Everyday Life
In a previous post, I explained What is a Hydrosol?—covering how hydrosols are made and why they’re such a beautiful and versatile part of aromatherapy. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to use hydrosols practically and creatively. From wound care and hot...
My Unusual Introduction to the World of Aromatics
Every serious aromatherapist I know has a story about how they got involved with essential oils. It's like remembering when you first fell in love. Many start with an introductory class to satisfy a curiosity; others stumbled upon an interesting magazine article or...
Carrier Oil Spotlight! Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil for your Skin
What Is Apricot Kernel Oil? Apricot oil, also known as simply "apricot oil", is a versatile and nutrient-rich carrier oil derived from the kernels of apricots (Prunus armeniaca). This light yet highly moisturizing oil is extracted through cold-pressing, ensuring its...
How to Make Essential Oil Roll-ons Tutorial plus Printable Recipes
Making roll-on blends has always been a favorite blending activity of my students in the Aromatic Wisdom Institute classroom. Aromatherapy Roll-ons are fast and easy to make and can address a multitude of issues such as anxiety, muscle pain, stress, sinus headache,...
Bergamot vs. Bee Balm: Clearing Up the Common Name Confusion in Aromatherapy
That's me picking Monarda didyma flowers for hydrosol distillation. It never fails. Whenever I introduce Bergamot essential oil to new students, one of them enthusiastically hollers, "Hey! I have that growing in my garden!" To which I reply "Awesome! Is your garden...