Essential Oils

All essential oils are intense distillations that procure the smallest, most concentrated “essence” of an herb. These essences are so precious that it can take up to 1 lb of plant material to make 1 drop of essential oil, and should be used with respect & discretion. By nature, they have excellent anti-bacterial and preservative qualities, though any concoction that includes aloe or water will still be unstable & have a short shelf life. Therefore, it is best to make small batches using steam-distilled water, store in a well-labeled airtight container (preferably in a dark, cool place) & used within a couple of months.

Lavender- Keep a mix of 2 oz distilled water and 13 drops lavender oil by your spice rack in case of light burns. Spray directly on the burn immediately. (In case of a more severe burn, seek medical attention, please!) 5 ml $14

Rosemary- Make a hot oil hair treatment: Fill a mug with hot water. Place a shot-glass inside filled with Massage in a Bottle and 3 drops of rosemary oil. Test to make sure that it is not too hot before you apply the mixture to your scalp and work it through to the ends. Wrap an old towel around your hair and relax for an hour (or even overnight!) before rinsing out and following with a hair toner of ½ apple cider vinegar and ½ chamomile tea (or plain water). 5 ml $14

Geranium- mix 1p distilled vinegar and 1 p distilled water in a medium to large size spray bottle. Add 3 drops geranium oil. Use this to wash the windows. Dry them with old newsprint. (also useful if the cat pees in the sofa cover 10 minutes before guests are expected.) 5 ml $16

Breathe– This unique blend of essential oils is meant to clear the air & prevent airborne pathogens from penetrating your system while boosting your body’s natural immune response. Used daily during the cold season (on a hankie, or added to Massage in a Bottle at 2 drops per 1 oz. for a chest rub); this formula may help to keep you healthier and feeling up to any weather! 5 ml $22

Detox– I think of this as my spring cleaning blend. 5ml $22

◊Fill medium size spray bottles with an ounce plain Olive Castile Soap, 5 drops of the Detox Blend, and the rest with water and keep one in the kitchen and one by the toilet.
◊Add one drop to an entire bucket of hand-washables.
◊Fill a 2 oz spray bottle (a recycled toner bottle works well) with distilled water, 3 drops Detox blend and 2 drops lavender. This is perfect for refreshing linens, masking the scent of the kitty-box and as an ironing mist (though I would test it out first--in a non-conspicuous area-- for silks and delicates).
◊For someone who is trying to “break” a habit (smoking, snacking, face-picking), a whiff of the Detox blend can be a lovely reminder and distraction to bring you back to the present moment and analyze your actions.

Vitality– This warm and sensuous blend has quite a cult following in my neighborhood. (Though the ladies love it, its main worshippers seem to be men) Relaxing to the nervous system, Vitality opens blocked passages and then allows deeper concentration. I have used it in a shoulder massage to maintain energy while working on all night projects, in a essential oil burner during an all-day session in the recording studio, and mixed with Bumble Balm ready to be rubbed behind my ear before an important meeting. Oh yeah…when the work is done, it allows you to relax and concentrate on…other important things. 5 ml $42

Women’s Vitality– This is the blend of pure, essential oils in the Women’s Body Toner. This exhilarating blend of essences is incredibly useful for toning & regulating a woman’s cycle. It may also help ease PMS and the uncomfortable times that many women experience during menopause. Due to the high-potency of essential oils, pregnant & breast-feeding women should use caution with the use of any essential oils. 5 ml $85

This may not be appropriate for everyone, but I really enjoy adding 1 drop of the Women’s Vitality Blend to 12 drops of my N&R Oil (+ equal parts water) and massaging my face, ears, neck and scalp around the time of the Full Moon & the New Moon.