15 Amazing Ways Aromatherapy Can Help You

15 Amazing Ways Aromatherapy Can Help You

Imagine coming home after a long or intense day of work. You go inside and are instantly transported to a state of relaxation with the scent of rose geranium or lavender. You breathe more fully and deeply and are now present with yourself. Whatever was triggering your stress melts away. You feel peaceful.

That’s the power of aromatherapy.

Simply inhaling and breathing in the aroma of a scent can help us feel rejuvenated, relaxed, or more connected to ourselves and the world. For centuries, aromatherapy has also helped people with various health concerns.

That’s why we’ve put together 15 amazing ways aromatherapy can help you!

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the mindful and careful use of essential oils for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Many can vouch for the effectiveness of aromatherapy in centering your mind and helping with your well-being. And we all know that when we take time for self-care and self-improvement, we show up as better parents, partners, friends, and workers. It helps you do the inner work so that you can focus on the present moment.

Aromatherapy is primarily used through inhalation or is diluted and used topically on the skin. Internal use is only recommended under the guidance of an experienced and qualified aromatherapist.

It can be used on its own, or with proper knowledge and training from someone like Jennifer Langsdale M.S. here at Wild Nurturer Aromatherapy, where aromatherapy shines as a part of any integrative health program as a complement to other health practices.

How Can Aromatherapy Help Me?

There are many ways that aromatherapy can help physically, mentally, and spiritually. Here we break down 15 amazing benefits that aromatherapy provides.

Help your body

  1. Reduce pain
    Massaging in topical aromatherapy ointments can help reduce inflammation, and joint and muscle pains, without the heavy medicinal blend you get from over-the-counter products. Chamomile essential oil is one of many essential oil options that can help heal sun damage on the skin.
  1. Get healthy hair
    Applying different aromatherapy blends to your scalp or hair can help promote hair growth, hair shine, and even the strength of your hair. Your hair will look and smell incredible! One of Jennifer’s favorites is Atlas Cedarwood oil for the scalp.
  1. Fight bacteria, viruses, or fungi
    Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, provide anti-viral and anti-microbial benefits when either inhaled or applied topically to support lung and upper respiratory health, and relieve decongestion.
  1. Reduce headaches
    Inhaling an essential oil blend can help reset your mood and calm your nervous system, reducing headaches and migraines. Get your diffuser going, or include some massage with a topical essential oil blend to ease tension and be pain-free.
  1. Strengthen your immune system
    Alongside a healthy lifestyle, aromatherapy can help boost your immune system with anti-viral, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties. With regular practice and usage, combining these applications will help your overall immune system function better.

 

Help your mind

  1. Relieve stress and anxiety
    Chamomile, rose, and lavender essential oils are known for their calming and sedative effects, making them a great go-to when you’re feeling stressed out or anxious. If you’re out or at work, bring a travel inhaler with inserts so you can get the stress and anxiety relief you need, when you need it.
  1. Improve focus
    Whether you’re finishing a work project or meditating to relax, there are times we just want to focus and keep distractions at bay. If you need help focusing, rosemary essential oil can help you clear your head to tackle the task at hand.
  1. Boost energy
    It’s amazing how a scent like sweet orange or peppermint can boost your energy immediately. It can lift you from a foggy state, increase your energy after being sick, and give you the extra motivation you’re seeking.
  1. Improve sleep
    One of the first areas to address to kick-start a healthier lifestyle is sleep. And we all know how good it feels when we’re getting enough shut-eye. Incorporating essential oils within your bath and night routine can help you relax and sleep better.
  1. Reduce depression
    If you’re feeling down, some oils demonstrate anti-stress, antidepressant, calming, anti-anxiety, and relaxing qualities. You can support your mood with a quick and natural pick-me-up without negative side effects.

 

Help your soul

  1. Calm your mind, body, and soul
    Aromatherapy is not religious nor is it associated with any one religion. With a history of burning incense in many religions worldwide, it’s natural to see how oils can be incorporated into our spiritual practices for a calmer life.
  1. Connect to a more spiritual state
    Whatever your beliefs are, aromatherapy helps open and clear the mind, allowing for an enhanced spiritual connection.
  1. Enhance meditation
    Meditation is practiced to relax the mind and escape the stresses of every day. Diffused, or diluted and used topically on the body, oils can be used to create different experiences during your meditation. From better focus to absolute relaxation.
  1. Help the inner healing process
    Under the guidance of a professional, aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, as part of an integrative healthcare program. This method helps to heal the inner and outer aspects of our being.
  1. Connect to nature
    We are a part of nature, and there is a deep connection when utilizing oils that derive from flowers, leaves, and roots of the earth. Plants have helped heal people for centuries, so it’s natural to feel and appreciate that connection. You’ll feel more in touch with yourself and ready to play and explore with the world around you.

Wrapping Up

With busy schedules and long to-do lists, it’s important that we take a moment for ourselves and enjoy the many benefits that aromatherapy brings.

Inhale a scent and feel more connected to the present moment and to ourselves. Aromatherapy can help us with colds and flus, give us energy, reduce stress, and spiritually connect us. It’s a powerful thing and even more so because it’s done naturally.

Want to get started on the benefits of aromatherapy? Check out the many available Aroma Collections.

Safety First:
Please note this is by no means a full or comprehensive guide to the use of these essential oils. The oils listed above do have research studies that have demonstrated the effects discussed. If you have a health concern consult your medical professional of choice, and when seeking aromatherapy advice seek out a well-educated professional. Always dilute your oils. Never ingest. Do not use on infants, small children, immune compromised, or if you’re pregnant, as many oils are considered unsafe for these groups.

Author bio:
Erin Hunter is a freelance health writer for hire, who lives on an acreage with her husband and son. With a passion for nature and wellness, she also has a natural living blog. When she’s not working on her latest project, you can find her outdoors exploring with her son.

October 13, 2022 — Jennifer Langsdale
How To Use Aromatherapy for Fall Wellness

How To Use Aromatherapy for Fall Wellness

By Erin Hunter with commentary from Jennifer Langsdale

After a hot, busy summer, the bugs are finally simmering down, the air is crisp, and nature is getting ready to rest. Take care of yourself and feel good this season with some options on how to use aromatherapy for your fall wellness.

Fall is a time of transition, and as spiritual beings, we are part of it. Aromatherapy can support us in wonderful ways this season, such as warding off sniffles, keeping our skin in top condition, giving us focus, and helping us relax.

Here are some important areas that aromatherapy can give us therapeutic benefits.

1. Immune Support and Aromatherapy

The fall season is notorious for colds and flu, so it’s important to ensure our immune system is in top shape. Have an aromatic experience while assisting your upper respiratory system to breathe freely, decrease inflammation, and soothe skin.

Here are four oils to start with:

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus essential oil is good for upper respiratory infections, decongestion, and respiratory pathogens. This oil is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an expectorant (it helps clear mucus in the airways). Simply diffuse 4-6 drops in 100 ml of water or bathe/rub on the chest at 2-3% dilution.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil is a very well-researched and documented oil, with benefits shown to help the body respond to infections, decrease stress and enhance immune function, and act as an anti-inflammatory making it great for skin care and topical first aid. It’s known as a topical pain reliever, for its calming and sedative properties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouli essential oil has many therapeutic benefits including aiding with inflammation, tension, skincare, reducing stress and anxiety, and even helping stomach cramps. A great oil for fall, diffuse for stress or dilute and use topically for skin healing or cramping.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary essential oil aids in many areas, such as muscle and joint pain, stress, memory, and mental tension. If you caught too many rays of sun this summer, use it for healing sun damage to the skin. This oil also helps with acne, acts as a decongestant, and can be used for better focus. It can be diffused or diluted for topical use.

2. Yoga and Aromatherapy

Yoga can help to tone your body and challenge yourself, but ultimately, it will provide you with a deep relaxation that so many of us are craving. Incorporating aromatherapy with yoga can help you relax, focus, and set your mood.

“Aromatherapy and yoga can form an ideal climate for managing our central nervous system”, says Jennifer Langsdale, owner of Heaven & Earth Aromatherapy and the Wild Nurturer.

Jennifer explains, “Yoga therapists integrate a protocol of effective breathing techniques paired with a successful sequence of asanas (yoga postures), with a goal in mind, such as to reduce muscle tension, reduce mental tension, or build strength and stamina.

“When I wear my aromatherapist hat, I think the same way, deciding on what kind of goal I have for my students or clients. I can take a standard well-rounded yoga class and build in an aromatherapy protocol as well.

“This can mean I choose one oil, or a synergistic blend to achieve an experience I want my students to have. If you want a relaxing ambiance, choosing an essential oil, like the ever-popular lavender or anxiety-relieving patchouli paired with a soothing citrus, we can combine two holistic integrative health experiences to enhance your healing experience, safely and naturally.”

3. Skincare and Aromatherapy

Now that the hot summer days are gone, it’s time to give our skin attention and provide some much-needed nourishment.

Prepare for the cooler climate with face washes, body lotions, and moisturizers that will give you healthy and vibrant skin.

While many skincare products promise to protect, nourish, and even give anti-aging results for our skin, they are often full of harmful chemicals and used without truly knowing what’s in them and how effective they really are.

Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Using natural ingredients and organic essential oils, you can nourish your skin and uplift your senses without any harmful chemicals. Your skin will glow, and you will feel amazing.

There are many DIY skin care recipes online that are easy to create, cost-effective, and will give you results. It can be as simple as adding citrus and cedarwood essential oils to a homemade moisturizer recipe to give you all the fall feels.

4. Bathing and Aromatherapy

Creating a bathing ritual with aromatherapy can be part of a healthy routine and a wonderful form of stress relief.

Your ritual may include a bath at the end of the day with some candles, a good book, music, maybe a glass of wine, and most importantly, an essential oil blend to quiet the mind and soothe your nervous system.

Adding essential oils can provide healing properties to your bath water while helping you relax. You’ll enjoy tension relief, improved circulation, and being present with yourself.

Jennifer’s Easy Bath Recipe:

Carrier Oil:

1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil, preferably organic. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or a combination of two work well.

Essential Oil Blends:

Up to 9 drops are plenty, or 2-3% dilution.

(2-3 drops maximum for children over 2 years.)

Conduct a skin patch test to be sure you are not allergic to the oils you choose.

Run the bath first, then swish in your blended carrier oils and essential oils. Never use essential oils in the bath without diluting them into your carrier oil first to avoid skin irritation. 

Choose one or all three of these combinations for a pleasant aromatic experience:

De-stress/Sleep Blend - Lavender (Lavendula agustifolia) /Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) /Bergamont (Citrus aurantium bergamia)  

Sore Muscle Blend - Peppermint (Mentha piperita)/ Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) /Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct cineole)

Lift Your Spirits - Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) /Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) /Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)

Final Thoughts

Fall is a wonderful season of change that reminds us to slow down and take care of ourselves.

Aromatherapy is a great support when it comes to our immune system, practicing yoga, keeping our skin healthy, and enjoying a good soak in the bath.

Want some cozy or uplifting essential oils this fall? Here’s a collection of Autumn Favorites.

Safety First

Please note this is by no means a full or comprehensive guide to the use of these essential oils. The oils listed above do have research studies that have demonstrated the effects discussed. If you have a health concern consult your medical professional of choice, and when seeking aromatherapy advice seek out a well-educated professional. Always dilute your oils. Never ingest. Do not use on infants, small children, immune compromised, or if you’re pregnant, as many oils are considered unsafe for these groups.

Author bio:
Erin Hunter is a freelance health writer for hire, who lives on an acreage with her husband and son. With a passion for nature and wellness, she also has a natural living blog. When she’s not working on her latest project, you can find her outdoors with her son, feeding their little flock of chickens.

October 06, 2022 — Jennifer Langsdale
What are my credentials as a yoga teacher, and a lot more...

What are my credentials as a yoga teacher, and a lot more...

What does it mean to be certified or registered as a yoga teacher?

 

This is a cause for much confusion, even for me to this day. The Yoga Alliance (YA) is a private, non-profit organization created in or around 1999 to provide a standard of education for yoga teachers. However, they are NOT a certifying body like IAYT (The International Association of Yoga Therapists) or any fitness organizations that certify, say, personal trainers, and they do state this clearly on their website. They do not issue certificates of any kind. There are no local, state, or federal government sanctions held to the organization in order to avoid accountability to the registered yoga teacher - RYT or registered yoga school -RYS.  They are, at best, a database or collection of yoga teachers and schools who pay membership fees to be a part of a worldwide directory that sent them a copy of a certificate of a school that is a part of their registry.

So why do professional organizations like gyms or corporate offices want you to have their seal?  I mean, it is only membership. You are not audited or asked to take a test to join their directory, so why do yoga and non-yoga entities put so much weight on the value on their seal and not on the education coming from the school or teacher?

To be honest, I don’t know, other than they think it is something that guarantees good education, which it most certainly does not. Again, I will repeat if you missed what I said, that they are a directory or membership organization, and the quality of education is not something they are not taking responsibility for. This would all be ok if people did not rely upon it as a way to set up their schools or feel it is a seal of approval. When you get certified, you might think it is important for you to have, like, another badge of honor, but really it is a membership, a club, or something to join with like-minded people. Again, not a bad thing if people were not losing a teaching job because they choose not to register.

 I stopped carrying the seal for my school last year; the other teachers in my school and I all agreed it was time.  They have over 100,000 registered yoga teachers, at over $100 a pop to get registered, and over $600 for a school to register. Do you know how much money that is a year?  Where is all of that money going?  Certainly not to the average yoga teacher who has to pay gas, insurance, buy props, rent and then pay pricey membership fees on top of whatever other expenses you pay as an independent contractor for most teachers. Again, for a membership. A membership for yoga! (insert throwing hands up emoji here if I could :(  )

There is nothing to say you have to have a 200, 300, or 500 structure to be an effective yoga teacher.

In reality, how you teach is a result of how you were taught and how much work you put into it outside of your training. I am not saying train less. Usually, I am on the side of students needing a little more education than a 200-hour program, so I make sure they get that.  In my humble yoga professional opinion, 200 hours is only a drop in a bucket. It is like taking one college course in reality. Do you think school teachers can teach a semester at college on that? No. You have to keep learning, growing, and going.  Most yoga classes are an hour, so students get the bare-bones basics on philosophy, anatomy, energetics, history, and sequencing to be able to teach those one-hour classes at local studios, gyms, homes, or wherever else they throw yoga into these days. 

Graduates will find out quickly they are on their own to decide to continue their education and personal approach to teaching and practice. Really, it would be wonderful if all those taking yoga training had yoga experience before their programs or a pre-requisite of some kind, but I would say 50% of the students I have trained really don’t.  While it is up to the school to come up with their application process, you are competing with all the other schools who want to just get you in the door, so you cannot make it too tricky. Training is a big commitment, and it should be, so my advice is you take your time, breath, and do not rush the process. Enjoy it, whether you are a seasoned student or not!

It can be a good idea to take training just to learn more, but the whole idea of yoga training is not really the approach to learning yogic studies. It is really about getting you ready to teach a class that takes up most of the program’s time. I have found in my programs many students are overwhelmed with the amount of outside work they need to do to effectively teach a class, what they need to do for reading assignments, and of course, setting up and getting people to try their student classes.  You have to be well prepared to hold space and know your stuff to teach on your own, and it is my job to prepare you for that. YA & IAYT are not going to do that. That rests on my shoulders. You have to be driven as a student and the teacher; a lot of material is coming at you fast.

Sadly, our culture is built on instant gratification and getting things done fast, and yoga is, if nothing, not that.  Students usually pick a program: close to home, within their schedule, and within their budget without ever even meeting their teacher or visiting their studio. I am writing this with fifteen years of experience in yoga, yoga therapy, and being in the contemporary alternative medicine world, so I am giving myself permission to speak candidly from my experience, but I feel I should always put that disclaimer out there that these are my opinions, experiences, and insights, so do with them as you will.

So to conclude with how I feel about the Yoga Alliance. While pronouncing their integrity to back up yoga and make their seal of approval a mark of confidence in schools and teachers, really, they hit the go-ahead button on so many schools and training programs without looking into them beyond their application that I cannot confidently say at all their seal means anything to me 15 years into my yoga career. They are a registry, which is the same thing as a database of people paying to be a member into something that they all have in common, which at YA is teaching yoga. They do not require an audit or check on schools to make sure they are doing their job or really require anything beyond filling out an application and paying a fee to “register” you. Now that is all good if you are just really pronouncing the fact that you are a membership. Having that tribal connection is nice when you specialize in something, but say that clearly.

I say this because businesses, studios, and other places of work are now requiring the yoga alliance registry mark for them to hire you, regardless of your training and schooling background; according to some of my recent graduates, this was not the case not too long ago.  So let’s say a school that is only one year old and registered with the Yoga Alliance will get more of their students hired because of their registry, and more students taking their training, over a school like me with over 100 graduates that were trained by someone who is a Certified Yoga Therapist with 15 years of experience and a Master’s of Science degree. How does that make sense?  All because I don’t want to pay $640 to be a part of their club.

So why are businesses, studios, and gyms requiring this seal for people to teach yoga?  I think the one thing the YA did right was they cornered the market and got their mark to feel meaningful for a yoga teacher who just becomes certified to then go and join the YA after. You feel that your certificate really has power to it, or to be a part of something good.  They themselves, if you do some digging, do pronounce this clearly on their website (here is the link). If you feel your school that you took training in, or other schools or teachers in the area are not doing their job, they will tell you just that they cannot help you, they are just a directory and turn you away. That happened to me when I tried to get support from them. Somewhere in the 2010’s they took away our right to use yoga therapy on our membership profiles, which turned me to IAYT.  IAYT offers solid education, research, and the science behind yoga. They endorse yoga as therapy, which it is, but they do not have a school mark beyond their accredited schools, which are hundreds of hours, way beyond the YA’s 200 hour format.  So that excludes someone like me who runs most of my program with the support of a handful of other teachers to fill in my non-expertise, leaving me sort of standing alone, like the other schools who are not electing to carry the YA seal.  

My final thoughts are if you want the expert opinion of someone who has been in the business, teaching, and practice of yoga for a decade and a half,  do your research before you use terms loosely about your education, and know what you are putting value in. Educate employers on this too.  That seal really is nothing more than you giving your money annually to be a part of a membership. I always think of my cartoon watching after elementary school and how I wanted so badly to be a member of the kids club. Well, now, that is how childlike the YA feels to me, like a kids club for yoga teachers, and trust me, being a part of a kids club never got me a job. A good education, lots of experience, and good reviews from students and teachers got me the small amount of success I have had in my yoga career, and I am grateful.

Basic Definitions of Educational Earnings

Certificate: Certificate programs usually take months rather than years and are achieved after completing classes and training in a specific area or skill. Certificates are nice if you have a skill already and wish to build on your knowledge.  A certificate is evidence of education.  Think Certificate in Accounting or Certificate in Reiki

Diploma: Diploma programs offer a more in-depth curriculum than a certificate, but they are more along the line of a certificate than a degree and are usually completed in under a year. It cuts time from having to commit to a degree program, but still, you come out with a skill.

Degree:  Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s are all degrees, and they all take years of study to achieve and are usually focused on a certain area of study and considered advanced education.

Certification: A Certification is an evidence of passing an exam and meeting some type of standard. Despite their similar-sounding names, certifications and certificates are not the same. Awarded by professional associations, companies, and independent organizations, certifications are standardized credentials that are intended to certify someone for work in a particular industry. Certifications may include both education and exam requirements.  Think a CPA.

Note - ***Certifications and licenses both come after certificates and degrees.***

License: To receive a professional license, they are most likely issued through a state government and are individuals working with professions that need to guarantee public safety by taking an exam.

Registry/Registration:  This is tricky. I had to really search to figure out what a registry is in regards to the purpose of this post. I did find this definition:

“As nouns the difference between directory and registry is that directory is a list of names, addresses etc, of specific classes of people or organizations, often in alphabetical order or in some classification while registry is a building in which things are registered or where registers are kept.”  So an official record keeping institution.

Membership: Membership organizations typically have a particular purpose, which involves connecting people together around a particular activity, geographical location, industry, activity, interest, mission, or profession.

Accredited or Accreditation: Accreditation is a recognized means of promoting quality and continuous improvement. It means a lot of people worked hard to set up their program and got it approved by some board that means something to that industry. They might issue a certificate, certification, diploma or degree.

What is a credential: a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person’s background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something. It is giving credit for something you did, usually by a third party. Does this mean much?  Depends on the source, so be careful when you use or hear this word.

 

What is the Yoga Alliance?

  • Voluntary school and teacher registry
  • Provides a way for the public to find yoga teachers
  • A non-membership organization according to their mission statement, but for some reason, they do refer to their registrants as members in certain places on their website
  • For-profit and non-profit
  • They do not certify or accredit schools, it says it on their website right here: https://www.yogaalliance.org/Become_a_Member/Member_Overview/RYT_Resource_Center/What_Does_It_Mean_To_Be_a_RYT
  • They offer their members perks, like online workshop for free according to their website
  • You cannot use the word therapy when applying for registration for your school, a big reason why I left the yoga alliance: https://www.yogaalliance.org/YogaTherapyPolicy
  • They offer: Yoga Alliance offers three types of yoga profession credentials, which serve as markers of high quality, safe, accessible, and equitable yoga teaching.
  • Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT, E-RYT)
  • Registered Yoga School (RYS)
  • Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP)

What is the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT)?  Website: https://www.iayt.org/

  • Founded in 1989
  • Website Mission Summary: Champion yoga as a healing art and a science. Supports research and education. Serves as a professional organization for yoga teachers and yoga therapist’s worldwide.
  • What can they offer me?
    • Offers C-IAYT mark or Certified International Association of Yoga Therapist which you need to apply documentation for, do continuing education and take a certification exam.
    • They can offer accreditation for school for comprehensive yoga therapy trainings, these programs allow yoga therapists to apply for certification at IAYT
    • Memberships are available for those wanting to stay involved with IATY and yoga research, or participate in their annual conferences.
  • IAYT has more than 5,000 individual members from 50+ countries, and more than 150 member schools. As of spring 2021, there are also 66 IAYT-accredited yoga therapy training programs

Other certification bodies:

  • World Yoga Federation: https://www.worldyogafederation.org.in/about/contact - found this website interesting, it is international so I could not call, but when you look for the cost of their certification, it comes up to use the donate button and you will get the amount from the office… I think it seems more appropriate to have your pricing listed.
  • The IYF or International Yoga Federation (are you confused yet, I am….) states they are the worldwide governing body of yoga, and yes it would seem they are the same as the International Yoga Registry… just a better website, but I am not quite sure what the benefit is. They seem to have more pre-modern information on yoga and its roots which is attractive, and their prices are affordable, but it is still a membership. https://www.internationalyogafederation.org/index.html
  • Yoga Unify I found when searching for competitors of the yoga alliance, their goal states “Our goal is not to standardize, but to create healthy and sustainable standards within which individuals can truly thrive—the individual lineages, schools, teachers, and students that make yoga the beautifully diverse and universally powerful practice it was meant to be. There’s a lot to be done, but the power is in our capable hands. The Evolution Begins with YU.” I love this “Yet today, a perfect storm rages within the ancient healing art that has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry. This centering practice has become dangerously uncentered—not to mention unregulated, inaccessible, inequitable, and largely unsustainable, both as a collective good and an individual career path. “ https://yogaunify.org/about-yu/
    • They state “Yoga Unify intends to be the trusted source when it comes to choosing a yoga professional to hire or with whom to study.”
    • They have a peer reviewed process that will allow you to qualify for the appropriate qualification designation
    • They offer grants and scholarship opportunities
    • On a personal note, they seem more aligned with my vision of a 15-year yoga professional beyond what the IAYT can offer me. IAYT is my top choice as a yoga therapist and a researcher.  YU seems to honor the rebel in me and is more outspoken about the brokenness in our yoga community.

So, after all of this, what do I need to be cautious of when talking about my certificate? Know you are not accredited, that you do not have a degree or license. A certificate is something that says you took a short period of time to focus on learning something.  It means something, yes, but it is a starting point. So, why are places requiring me to join the Yoga Alliance specifically? – Because it is their belief that the seal means something, and they think it is the certifying body when your school is the certifying body and they should look into them for a seal of approval, or your teaching experience references, not the YA sticker on your studio door. Continue your education. Research. Be curious. Good luck!

 

Other fun reads:

https://www.purplelotusyoga.com/yoga-alliance-registration/

August 26, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
4 Easy Natural Stress Relief Tips to Reduce Tension & Anxiety

4 Easy Natural Stress Relief Tips to Reduce Tension & Anxiety

Release Stress Easily, for Free!

Stress comes at us in many different angles, job, family, pressure on ourselves to do or not do, all the shoulds, woulds, and cants. I can only tell you how I have educated and practiced these ways to reduce stress or the onset of anxiety, and they have been proven tools that have helped my many clients over the last fifteen years.

1. The first tip I can share to reduce stress is to start with the most constant thing in your life, your breath. This advice is not new, but it is free and sure way to reduce your stress. Since we all breathe, we all have control over our breath. There are a million breathing apps, articles, videos, audio, and more. Find something that works for you. All you need is 5 minutes or more. 

2. Along the lines of breathing, aromatherapy is the simplest form of stress relief I can offer you since you can carry it on your person wherever you go.

I caution you that a little goes a long way. The other day I was feeling very anxious from a stressful event earlier in the week. Feeling the onset of an anxiety attack coming (throat closing off, sensitive to light, slightly nauseous), I can tell you what I did to quickly and effectively reduce that anxiety. First, I breathed. Then, I grabbed my stress relief blend and took 5 deep breaths right from the bottle. I needed a little more effect, so then I rubbed some on my hands and cupped my hands over my nose and mouth, and breathed in for several deep breaths. I realized my computer and the bright screen were also increasing this sensation, bringing me to…
  1. Get outdoors. Unplug. Get off the device. I know they have all these apps and playlists, but sometimes this is still not allowing your nervous system to settle. The bright screens and just having the device nearby is a clinger of stress. So take a short walk or be outside as long as you can. Try an outdoor day retreat, like mine or close to where you live. 
  1. Practice self-awareness methods to reduce stress like yoga, mindfulness, meditation, guided relaxation, body scans, or journaling. All of these methods can be done through a qualified teacher (like me) or at home through various avenues, find something that works for you. Try my Sankalpa journaling and yoga practice for free!
  1. Put your money where your mouth is, AKA eat right. Your gut holds stress when you don’t feed it well. You KNOW what foods are wrong, you know what foods are GOOD. There is no secret to eating beyond, eating a lotta plants, eating clean & light, and not overeating. You can sweet-talk yourself as much as you want that you deserve this, or you can live without your mega large caffe latte, but when you feel anxious, or like your coming down all the time from your sugar buzz, and you feel bloated, tired, or just plain yucky, change your diet, (don’t go on a diet). Be the change you want to see. Overall, be honest with yourself.

I hope you found these stress-relieving tips a good reminder to getting yourself stress relief and stress free. Be well and be kind to yourself. A little goes a looooooonng way! 

 Try these other stress relief products in the shop!

July 05, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
Aromatherapy Made Simple Series: Aromatherapy for the Outdoors

Aromatherapy Made Simple Series: Aromatherapy for the Outdoors

 

Natural Aromatherapy for the Outdoors 

This can bring up with a lot of questions, like:

  • What is effective?
  • What is safe for my kids and me?
  • What is safe for a pet?
  • What will feel good on my skin and smell okay on my clothing?
  • What should I pack in my backpack for a day out or a hike in the park? 

These are all great questions to ask, and I tried to cover them for you here as well my own needs, with as little to carry as possible.

When I think about summer, I think about bugs, the sun, and kids crying after they had a fall.  I am a yoga gal by nature, so I rarely wear footwear unless I have to. That makes me think about refreshing foot baths, on my little patio with a cold drink of some kind, a book, and watching the fireflies rise up. Then I think about swatting the other bugs away, and here we are again, back at insect repellents.

When it comes down to it, I wanted to create something small enough to fit in a cooler, mini-backpack, and beach bag. Summer is problematic because it gets hot, and we want things that won't melt or feel sticky.

Easy Family Protection for the Outdoors with Aromatherapy

My outdoor first-aid protocol is pretty simple and universal:

  • A salve to calm irritated skin and reduce pain and inflammation to bites, burns, and bruises. Click to learn more about Mama Gaia
  • A spray I can keep in my fridge or travel coolers as a cooling and universal boo-boo mist suitable for my 7year old, 9-year-old, and myself. It feels wonderful and cooling on scrapes, burns, bites, and minor kitchen cuts.
  • A massage or bath oil to replenish my skin from the sun, or a long day of yard work. It helps with muscle tension, backaches, and tired feet. Soothing to the skin for scrapes and bites.

Let's talk bugs.

Insect repellents are an alternative to insecticides and are presumed safer for human/animal use. Up North, we are nervous about ticks and have been warned about the diseases they spread.  As far as the usual summer bugs, I get eaten alive, but my daughter barely gets touched. I am not sure why that happens, but I apply as needed, sometimes every 20 minutes, for it to be effective. 

I find mists will only last on top of the skin for a very short period of time, so I find spraying my clothing, outdoor blankets, or camping gear works a bit better. Using the salve and roll-on will give longer-lasting results, especially around the ankles and temples. It is hard to say how long, due to skin absorption rates being different, fabrics, and even the outdoor temperature, what will work best for you, so you will need to experiment. Essential oil-based insect repellents have only been researched to a certain amount. We are not 100% sure what stage of insect maturity (i.e. insect larvae or adult stages) these essential oils work the research is limited.

Lastly, in the summer, I retain a lot of water, so I want a cooling foot bath outside with a big glass of iced tea or a nice summer beverage. If I do this with COLD COLD water from the hose and massage my legs a little too with a scrub, I see results in my "cankles" and a massage with my Waning Moon blend to aid with bloating and water retention.

The Research:

OKAY! Let's chat about what it takes to create a recipe that will repel insects, so I start with what the research shows. Research shows the effectiveness of essential oils in repelling and killing mosquito (species usually not stated) larvae and repelling adult bugs. There is research that demonstrates the efficacy of certain oils against ticks. The problem is the research is really not done out in the environment where we are exposed, and a lot of time, we don't know what species of insect there is showing effectiveness.

The other problem I find is since you know that essential oils are volatile plant molecules, they are very lightweight, so unlike synthetic chemical sprays or fragrances, they do not last long when dispersed in the air or to our skin. It will be helpful then when applying to our skin, our let's say our bedding in a tent, or to the inside of our shoes if we are going hiking that we find a way to bind it to ourselves properly, but know we will have to apply it more than the over the counter dangerous synthetics.

There is research connected to geraniol, a constituent found in palmarosa and geranium that is effective in repelling ticks. Cedral is a constituent associated with repelling insects, found in Virginia Cedarwood, which makes sense because the old pack it up in a cedar box so the moths don't eat your clothes advice. When formulating my tick blend, I had to research my essential oil distributors' GC/MS paperwork to ensure that there was a high enough percentage to be effective in the blend of these constituents. Since the research is slim and not usually conducted on humans, usually in a lab under a microscope, or from animals, like on cows, we are making scientific assumptions of what will work.

In conclusion, your blends from Heaven & Earth are formulated to be safe topically on your skin and clothing for healthy older children and adults. Always conduct a skin patch test first to make sure you do not have any irritation.  Apply as needed, but do not put this on your pet as they may lick it off, and that may not be safe for them. Look to special sprays for your animals that use herbs rather than essential oils. Placing the spray on the collar and not directly on their fur or skin might be an alternative if you are in a pinch, but I still recommend animal-created products from the experts.

Remember, just because it is natural doesn't mean it is safe, dosage/dilution is imperative for what is safe AND effective. If you notice you are using a product and it is not working, many factors go into that.  Your body type and scent that you give off, your clothing color, detergents and fabrics, and overall insect population and space you are in, sometimes there are just too many! Time to head inside if needed! I found a study that stated Vanilla "essential oil" may help deter mosquitoes, but it was done on their larvae and not on adult insects. I use a CO2 extract for blending, and I do not know what the research used. Vanilla does have a great aroma and is a fixative, so it may help keep the aroma on your skin longer. So I did add a little to this blend, but it is costly, so I would not say there is enough to produce a practical addition to this blend. The vetiver is long-lasting and more affordable to add to a bug spray, which people will want to spray often.

Further Reading: https://tisserandinstitute.org/tick-talk-2/

Myth Busting?  I enjoyed this little blog because so many homemade items go viral without evidence to support it. https://relaximanentomologist.tumblr.com/post/53355432550/a-new-homemade-mosquito-repellent-has-gone-viral

https://www.smujo.id/biodiv/article/download/5703/3906

May 17, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
Spirit Reading: The Rites of Spring & Beltane

Spirit Reading: The Rites of Spring & Beltane

Beltane & The Rites of Spring

Here in the Northern Midwest, Spring takes her time. The weather becomes welcoming and then slips back into winter from March through late May at times. Regardless, we all reach towards the sun by getting in the spirit with yard work, starting seeds, prepping the garden. You hear the mowers and big machines roll in, and you know winter is breaking.

As I write this, we are close to Beltane, or May Day, May 1st or 2nd, depending on the calendar you use. Traditionally, celebrated as a fertility day, with bonfires, dancing, and celebrations. Today one might plant a little fairy garden, leave an offering of some sorts for our wee’ friends, share in some May wine, and plant seeds. Beltane is in Taurus season, so lady Venus (the planet) is happy in her most favorite sign and feeling lusty. She wants to go for a ride, so let the lovefest begin. Even today, you may (no pun intended) see dressing the May Pole with a festive dance of ribbons bright. Spiral dancing, drumming, singing, drinking, weddings. Herbs are strewn around for love and loyalty like rosemary, thyme for truth.

 

       

The Power of Beltane 

The power of Beltane thrums through us, telling us to get outside, telling us to prepare for the energy and build-up of Spring. Heavy planting is needed to obtain all of our goals for survival. This resonates metaphorically as well.  There is also the presence of the mysterious figure of Greenman. Usually depicted as a face of gorgeous foliage of oak and other leaves, branches, berries, and other bits of forest, sometimes smirking, smiling, or looking a bit grumpy. He is the keeper of the forest, of woodland mystery, and guardian of the earth. Also known as the Jack in the Green, among other names, the common theme to his folklore is life, death, and rebirth.

 
 

The Romans might be celebrating Flora, goddess of, you guessed it, flowers and of course spring, growth, and new beginnings, making it a suitable topic for an aromatherapy blog. Garlands of flowers flowing from her fingers, that reminder of all the blossoming yet to come. It is important to be reminded of this. Modern culture restricts this absolute need to spend more time outdoors—the absolute need for clean air and water. We must put ourselves back into the rhythm of seasonal cycles, as we reduce important populations of insects, animals, and plants, we are harming nature, which is harming ourselves.

Let a little magic enter your life this Flower Moon, which is always the May full moon. Celebrate by planting, reducing your carbon footprint, losing the screentime, planting something, celebrating something without creating so much waste… really, just do something. Beltane is a day to take action, in a fun way, an exciting time. Make merry, make happiness however you like, but if it is to celebrate the new growth cycle, let it be without waste.

I am clearly inspired by plants. When I blend, I have many intentions or approaches to a blend. My latest creation was in honor of Spring, in honor of her beautiful wildness. To send a message of earth, trees, herbs and sacred plant energy vibrating through us. Sacred Rosemary, primitive Black Spruce, Wild Thyme, quiet and cool Juniper, and sweet rich Tangerine. 

Hence, the birth of Wild Nurturer aromatic essence, to support the earthy wildness within you.  Take it outdoors with you and find a quiet grove, roll it on before you head out for a gathering, or run it in the diffuser with some fantastic Celtic or Irish music with bold drumming, piping or whatever lights your fancy like Cullann’s Hounds, Loreena McKennitt, or Laboratorium Piensi as you work a loaf of bread with your bare hands. Feel the pages of an old book between your fingers, play in the dirt, make a mess with flower… ok now get on with it!

April 23, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
H&E Aromatherapy Made Simple Series: How to Store Essential Oils

H&E Aromatherapy Made Simple Series: How to Store Essential Oils

 

Simple Storage for Essential Oils

Essential oils require a certain amount of care to maintain their potency. If you are a why person, I will explain the science simply. If you are not, skip to the end for easy storage tips to keep your EO’s going for a long time.

Essential oils are volatile plant molecules, really chemicals from the plant. The extraction process takes a lot of plant material to produce a small amount of oil, which means certain oils are more expensive and due to their chemical makeup, and a bit fragile on their potency timeline. With special care, your essential oils can last many months to many years.

Simply put, think of these plant molecules that make up your essential oils as ingredients to make a fancy cocktail or mocktail. When we mix all the ingredients together, we know it will have a certain effect on us. Depending on what those ingredients are will influence how it makes you feel and how much it costs to buy. The ingredients, in this case, are molecules (don’t let the chemistry scare you), and they have mass and weight just like anything else on our planet.

The lighter these molecules weigh, the more likely they begin to oxidize when we open the bottle and meet our air (O2). Some people think it means they go rancid or spoil, but that is not really the case. To oxidize means the molecules are taking on a chemical change, so if those “ingredients” I told you about were sitting out in the hot sun for example, like say in your car or purse, they just might suddenly take a turn for the worse. You can think of your 7-11 Slurpee melting blue stuff everywhere on a hot day, take a drink, and bleckkkkk.

 

Citrus essential oils are especially vulnerable to this due to their high volatility or easy to evaporate nature. In a blend, you will smell them first, most likely, but they will also be the first to be gone from your diffuser or perfumery blend. There is not a lot of staying power to weigh them down. Suppose we do not store our oils properly, and this process occurs. In that case, we can encounter adverse reactions to our skin or formulas we are using.

I store our shop oils in a beverage cooler just for them year round in my lab, as well as my carrier oils. They are all stored in glass, and my inventory sheet reflects their purchase date so you are guaranteed the best oil quality I can offer. When I feel the oils are getting up in age, I will add them to my wash machine, or use them when I clean (stay tuned for cleaning tips later in the blog series!), and stock up on fresh! 

Essential Oil Storage Tips:

  • Label your oil with the purchase date
  • Toss oils that are over a year oil if they have not been stored properly:
    • Store oils around 60 degrees or cooler
    • Oils store well in cool, dark, dry places like your fridge (just keep them in their own box)
    • Oils need to be stored in their own glass bottles of green, amber, or blue glass to protect them from light
    • Keep caps on tight, and close the lid if you are not using your oil
  • Citruses tend to be good for 6-12 months
  • Light florals and tree oils 1-2 years
  • Most other oils do well for two to three years if unopened or stored properly
  • Heavier oils, such as Vetiver, Patchouli, and Elemi may not need to be refrigerated, but still, it is best to keep them cool and in a dark place

Want to get really curious? Check out the Tisserand Institute’s blog post: https://roberttisserand.com/2013/07/lemon-on-the-rockskeep-your-essential-oils-cool/

April 07, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
WYM Insider: Yoga & The Moon

WYM Insider: Yoga & The Moon

Understanding the phase of the moon unlocks feminine beauty in yoga & life.

 

April 07, 2021 — Jennifer Langsdale
Bath Ritual & Aromatherapy

Healing Bath Rituals

Using my own winter collection to lift my spirits and take care of my family this week... try some immune support this winter.
December 16, 2020 — Jennifer Langsdale