The Aroma Spot

SEPTEMBER 2008 ONLINE CUSTOMER SPECIAL

2008-09-18T20:31:00.006-04:00

School is back in session, so we are celebrating the Homework Spray!!

Thru September 30th, you can order the Homework/Concentration Spray ingredients for only $15 plus applicable shipping and sales tax (retail value $22). You get a Lemon Essential Oil, a Lavender Essential Oil, and a 4 ounce spray bottle.

PLEASE USE "SEPTEMBER SPECIAL" IN THE COMMENTS BOX AT CHECKOUT AND YOUR TOTAL WILL BE ADJUSTED BEFORE YOUR CREDIT CARD IS CHARGED.

Scrubbing Cleanser Recipe

2008-08-31T21:35:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite green cleaning recipes. Once you try it you will be hooked!

3/4 cup Baking Soda
2 Tbsp The Happy Soul Pure Home Biodegradable Cleanser
1 Tbsp Distilled Water
20 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops Lemon essential oil
1 Tbsp Distilled white vinegar

Mix first 5 indgredients to a creamy consistency, then add vinegar. The vinegar will make it foam up initially, keep stirring until returns to creamy, pasty consistency. It's a great cleaner, but do not use on granite or marble surfaces.

Homework Spray

2008-08-29T22:49:00.007-04:00

Now that the kids are back to school it's time to whip up a batch of Homework Spray! Simply add 20 drops of Lavender and 20 drops of Lemon to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Before the beginning homework, spray the "Homework Spray" around the room. Lavender is calming and Lemon helps focus and concentration. It's great for Mom & Dad too!

Another must have once we're back to school is a good disinfecting spray for all those germs they are bringing home with them. Add 12 drops of Lavender, 12 drops of Eucalyptus, & 12 drops of Sweet Orange to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend the oils before using, then spray to clean counter surfaces, applicances, toys, lunchboxes, etc. You'll be disinfecting while you leave a sweet, pleasant smell behind!

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

2008-08-29T22:08:00.007-04:00

Here's a quick and easy way to clean your toilet bowl naturally! First, shake 1/2 cup of Borax into the bowl, then add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. Give it a good scrubbing then shut the lid and let it sit overnight. In the morning scrub it again, flush, and you'll have a clean, fresh smelling bowl.

If you have a tough time getting rid of the "ring" at the water line inside the toilet bowl, try this. Soak a pumice stone (yes, the same kind you use on your feet!) in water for about 15 minutes. This will soften enough so you won't scratch the toilet bowl too badly. Lower the water in the bowl, and scrub over the ring with the pumice stone. Then take your aromatherapy scrubbing cleanser (you kind find the recipe in one of the other posts, & it is great for the toilet since it's made with baking soda & vinegar) and scrub the ring again. It should do the trick! A couple of us have tried this and it really works well.

BACK PAIN RELIEF

2008-08-06T21:10:00.005-04:00

Do you experience back pain and want some relief? One of the best essential oils you can use is Eucalyptus!! Add just a drop or two to about a tablespoon of Grapeseed Oil and massage it onto the painful area. Some folks say they experience immediate relief!! DO NOT APPLY EUCALYPTUS OIL DIRECTLY TO YOUR SKIN!! Even when using it in a massage oil you will probably experience a warming effect on your skin. If this occurs and gets too intense for you, simply apply a cold washcloth until it cools off.

A nice relaxing soak in the tub can help reduce back pain too. Lavender is one of the best pain relievers there is, and it's great for making you relax. Add a few drops with some Dead Sea Salts to your bath water and soak for a while. You could add a few drops of Eucalyptus as well.

Some other oils that can be helpful in reducing back pain are Chamomile, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang. Chamomile is a very effective anti-inflamatory, Clary Sage is a powerful muscle relaxant that can help relieve spasms and muscle aches, and Ylang Ylang helps to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation and pain relief.

Essentials For Your Skin

2008-07-28T21:06:00.004-04:00

No matter what your skin type there's an essential oil for you! One of the most common questions I am asked is "What can I use on my face?" I always recommend starting out with The Happy Soul Pure Bath Cleanser. It's fragrance free, paraben free, and sensitive to all skin types. It can be used all over, including on your face. You can customize your own cleanser by adding the essential oils of you choice. Add about 30 drops to a 12 ounce bottle, or just a few drops to a couple of tablespoons to experiment.

Lavender is a good one to add for all skin types because it tones and revitalizes.
Geranium as also a versatile one, it balances sebum production in oily and dry skin.

NORMAL SKIN - Lavender and Geranium or Rosewood.
DRY SKIN - Lavender and Ylang Ylang is a great combination, Rosewood can soften dry skin.
OILY SKIN - Lavender and Lemon or Orange.

Remember, if using any citrus oil such as Bergamot or Sweet Orange DO NOT GO OUT IN THE SUN!!! THEY ARE EXTREMELY PHOTOTOXIC AND YOU WILL END UP WITH A SEVERE SUNBURN. IF YOU APPLY THESE OILS TO YOUR SKIN AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR 24 HOURS!!!

Since it is summertime, if you do get a sunburn Lavender is a must. It's one of the only oils that can be applied directly to the skin, which I highly recommend for a sunburn. You won't believe how well it works!

Here's a great recipe for a Gentle Polishing Facial

2 Tablespoons Oatmeal (the old fashioned kind)
1 Teaspoon Cornmeal
1/4 Cup Distilled Water
5 Drops of Lavender

Grind the oatmeal in a blender of coffee grinder. Stir in the cornmeal and Lavender oil, mixing well. Add just enough of the water to make a thin paste. Gently massage onto face using circular motions for about 2 minutes. Rinse clean with warm water then follow with a splash of cool water. Pat dry. Your face will be fresh, soft and smooth!

Tip! If you have any left over it will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Recipes for the Kitchen

2008-07-13T19:52:00.005-04:00

Here's one for a great countertop spray.....Add 20 drops each of Lavender and Sweet Orange oils to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. This works well because Lavender is antibacterial and Sweet Orange is a great cleanser and degreaser. One of the best things about it is you can clean the counter and fix dinner on it right away and you don't have to worry about what kind of chemicals are getting into your food! This also makes a great refreshing room spray!

Another good one is this recipe for a Lemongrass Trash Can Spray...Add 20 drops of Lemongrass, 25 drops of Lavender and 15 drops of Sweet Orange into 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the trash can each time you empty the trash or change the bag.

Always remember to swish your sprays around before you use them to mix up the water and oil.

Lavender for the Kids

2008-07-13T19:38:00.004-04:00

Here's a great way to use your Lavender Essential Oil for the kids. Simply put a couple drops into a tablespoon of grapeseed oil in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and massage the kids feet with it just before they go to bed. They'll be out in no time! You can also make a Lavender room/linen spray for them. Add 40 drops of Lavender into 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Swish it around and spray the linens and the room at bed time.
Nighty Night!!!!

Stinky Stuff

2008-07-11T23:28:00.008-04:00

At a recent Happy Soul party I was asked alot of questions about stinky stuff...and here are some answers to a few of them.

Question #1 "What essential oils can you use for stinky feet?" Tea Tee, Lemon Lavender, Peppermint and Clove could all be helpful. You can make a good deodorizing foot wash by adding 7 drops of lemon and 3 drops of tea tree to 2 ounces of water, then wash your feet thoroughly. Peppermint and clove will also make a good foot bath. To help with shoe odor, especially tennis shoes, add 20 drops of tea tree, 10 drops of lemon, and 10 drops of lavender to 1/2 cup of baking soda, and sprinkle into your shoes. Several applications may reduce existing odor, but it is a great preventative measure to keep the "stink" from starting.

Question #2 "What essential oils can you use for a stinky dog?" Lavender and Geranium are great for dog odor. Add 20 drops of Lavender, 20 drops of Geranium, and 5 drops of Lemon to to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Hold it about 10 inches away from the dog and spray directly on him/her, but make sure you don't spray on the face and head. If the dog has a skin problem that is causing the odor, you can also add 5 drops each of geranium and lavender into 2 teaspoons of grapeseed oil and massage it on the afflicted area to help it heal.

Question #3 "What essential oils will help eliminate the smell of cigarette smoke?" Apparently citrus oils are the best for removing that nasty stale smoke odor. I think one of the best ways to combat it would be to create a nice room spray. I would start by adding 20 drops each of Bergamot and Tea Tree to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle (you can scale it down if you want to...10 drops of each in 2 ounces of water). Bergamot and either Pink Grapefruit or Sweet Orange could be another good combination. For the smoke that has absorbed into the carpets and furniture add some of the same oils to some baking soda, sprinkle it on and let it sit for a little while before vacuuming (be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot to test for colorfastness, some citrus oils can have a "bleaching" effect...especially lemon).

Hope this helps to start getting rid of some of those really foul smells. Let me know what works best for you!

FOR CAT ALLERGIES - MY NEWEST DISCOVERY

2008-07-06T22:17:00.007-04:00

I found a great remedy for allergies to cats! My 7 year old nephew was sleeping over and he has a really bad allergy to cats. It's bad enough that he has to take allergy medicine every time he comes to my house, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Since he was spending the night I decided I would try out some essential oils and see if they would bring him any relief. I read that Lemongrass and Rosemary would help alleviate the symptoms he gets...red itchy eyes, stuffy nose, endless coughing and sneezing. Well guess what...The Happy Soul "Happy Thoughts" roll-on blend has Lemongrass, Rosemary and Pink Grapefruit in it, so I decided to give it a try. We put some on each wrist and rubbed it in, and I told him to take a whif of it every now and then. He was so excited when a little while later his symptoms were all gone...not even a little bit of a stuffy nose remained!

Here's why it works. Rosemary has an aroma similar to Eucalyptus. It has a clearing and energizing effect when inhaled and is helpful in treating respiratory conditions, including allergies. Lemongrass' vasolidating (dilates the blood vessels), anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties help relieve congestion, promote easier breathing, and relieve inflamed bronchial tubes and sinus passageways.

Another great way to cut back on medications and get awesome results!

THE SUMMER ESSENTIALS

2008-05-15T11:37:00.007-04:00

Summer time is approaching quickly, and so is the need for your summertime essentials (oils that is!) Not surprising, at the top of the list is LAVENDER. There is nothing better for the treatment of sunburn than Lavender. It relieves the pain and helps it to heal faster, helps to stop blisters from forming and prevents scarring. Just apply the oil directly to the affected area. If you don't want to apply it directly to your skin add a few drops to a carrier such as Grapeseed Oil, Pure Bath Lotion, or some aloe. Another way to treat it is to add 10 or 15 drops to your bath with lukewarm or cool water and soak for 1/2 hour. When you get out apply lavender to your skin.

Along with the fun in the sun comes those pesky little mosquitoes and other little insects that like to annoy us. Here is a fantastic recipe for insect repellent...this one is a must have for anyone who camps...you won't believe how good it smells (unlike those nasty commercial ones which smell sooooo bad you know they can't be good for you!) and how good it works.

Add the following to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle

8 drops of Thyme
16 drops of Lemongrass
8 drops Lavender
8 drops Peppermint

Simply spray on your skin before going outside, reapply as necessary (you'll find it lasts for quite some time)

Now there is one more Summer Essential, and this is one that I actually will never go without, and that is the Bites, Itchies and Ouchies Roll On Blend. It is an antiseptic and pain relieving blend of Lavender, Geranium and Chamomile that can be applied directly to any bite, ithcie or ouchie. What a lifesaver!!! Apply it to any mosquito bite and in no time you won't even know it's there. Your kids will love it!

The Cleaning Kit Oils - What Else?

2008-05-14T22:07:00.013-04:00

The question I have been asked the most lately is "What else can I do with the oils that came in my cleaning kit?" It's as easy as ABC - Apply, Breathe, Clean.

C - Clean - You've just started with C, now let's work backwards!

B - Breathe - As you know, the oils in the Aromatherapy Cleaning Set are Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. You can make a great relaxing room spray by simply adding 40 drops of lavender to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Or make what we call the Homework Spray by adding 20 drops each of Lemon and Lavender instead...it's great for helping the kids to settle down and get their homework done (lavender is calming and lemon aids with concentration) This one works great at the office too!

A - Apply - Customize your own face cleanser by adding about 30 drops of essential oil to a 12 ounce bottle of Pure Bath Cleanser. You can simply use a combination of oils that suit your scent preference, or utilize their properties. A combination of Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary is great for blemished skin, or try some Lavender and Lemon for Oily Skin. Just remember you must use a carrier for all of the oils except for Lavender and Tea Tree. Never apply them directly to you skin. Also, after using Lemon or any citrus oil, avoid direct sunlight or you'll be pulling out the lavender to treat a severe sunburn!

Where Do I Start?

2008-05-07T20:18:00.007-04:00

That's a question I hear alot. There is so much you can do with Aromatherapy sometimes it's overwhelming. One of the best things you can do is have a Happy Soul home party. You'll have a fun and relaxing "Girls Night Out," you'll learn alot, and you'll be able to get started with some free products. Either our Aromatherapy Starter Set that comes with Lavender, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Clary Sage and some Grapeseed Oil - or the Aromatherapy Cleaning Set that comes with Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and some Biodegradable Cleanser are great first purchases. If that sounds like too much, then simply start with a bottle of Lavender. Everybody should have a bottle of Lavender in their home anyway! Then try adding it to some Dead Sea Salts or some Pure Bath Lotion. You'll be hooked in no time! I'm sure you'll have lots of questions, and that's what I am here for...contact me anytime!

The Laundry Detergent Everyone Wants!!!

2008-05-07T12:50:00.004-04:00

Wow!!! I can't believe how many people have asked me for the recipe for laundry detergent! It works well, smells great, saves money, and has no harmful chemicals so I guess I shouldn't be surprised...why wouldn't everyone want it?

3 cups Washing Soda
3 cups Borax
30 drops Lavender (antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral)
20 drops Eucalyptus (antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral)
(For whites add some Lemon - it's a natural whitener)

Remember, this will not make suds, but your clothes will be clean! If you really want suds add some unscented soap flakes. You can also play around with the oils to find your perfect combination!

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CLEANING

2008-04-29T22:32:00.008-04:00

What oils should you use for cleaning? Any of the following are great choices!

Lavender (My favorite, everyone must have!): Antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial
Lemon: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, insecticide
Rosemary: Antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral
Eucalyptus: Antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral

If you don't want to use Lemon choose another citrus oil such as Sweet Orange or Pink Grapefruit (Citrus oils are astringent and grease cutting). Tea Tree is another great one to use for cleaning because it is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Tea Tree, Thyme and Rosemary are all powerful disinfectants.

Here's a great tip - a blend of Lemon and Pink Grapefruit added to whatever cleaning solution you use will not only help kill germs but it will also energize you for the work involved in Spring Cleaning!!!!

Check back soon for more great cleaning recipes!

GREEN YOUR SPRING CLEANING

2008-04-25T22:22:00.006-04:00

"Green Your Spring Cleaning!" What a great way to start going green at home...and it is so easy! If you have Baking Soda and some Distilled White Vinegar then you are ready to get started, and you'll be making your spring cleaning this year so much healthier!

Why should we use natural toxin free cleaners?

To protect ourselves and our family by putting our well being first

To protect the environment

To save money

To de-clutter our homes and cleaning supplies under the sink

To enjoy cleaning with essential oils

To keep the air in your home toxin free

According to a 5 year EPA study, the air in the average American home is 70 times more toxic than outdoor air. One contributing factor is the VOC's (volatile organic compounds) found in cleaning products. VOC's can be as much as 10% higher indoors than outdoors. This is a very serious threat to our health.

Essential oils have beneficial properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, etc... This makes green cleaning with essential oils a very smart alternative to harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. Almost all commercial cleaners can be replaced by a safer, non-toxic cleaner made with common items such as baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.

'Tis the Season!

2007-11-10T16:58:00.000-05:00

As winter approaches and the scents of Christmas fill the air, one of the first smells that reminds us of the holiday season is pine, and that's why pine needle essential oil is perfect for this time of year. Simply diffuse it into the air to fill your home with it's housewarming scent. When you make your next batch of cleaner or scrubbing cleanser add a few drops of pine needle essential oil to the mix. Not only will you be utilizing it's natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties for a deep down clean, your home will be left smelling "pine fresh."

Aromatherapy Gifts

2007-11-02T14:16:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a unique gift for someone? What better idea than an aromatherapy gift? Whether it's bath salts you made and put in a beautiful jar, or a bath salt kit so they can experiment on their own, everyone will love it! Essential oils can be used for so many things, from pampering ourselves to keeping our children healthy...what Mom wouldn't love both?

Here's some ideas

Lavender - to relax and balance OR to heal the kids' boo boos
Rosemary - for vitality and to invigorate OR to relax sore muscles
Peppermint - to clear the head and cool emotions OR to settle an upset stomach
Ylang Ylang - sensual and relaxing OR to lower blood pressure

Create your own gift of pleasant fragrances with lots of other benefits...It's sure to be a hit!

Cleaning Green Without Chlorine

2007-10-22T21:14:00.000-04:00

Do you know how dangerous chlorine (chlorine bleach) can be to you and your family? The fumes from chlorine can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. When combined with other chemicals it can become quite lethal. Chlorine also produces a toxic byproduct called dioxin, which has been linked to many severe health problems, such as birth defects, cancer, reproductive disorders and immune system breakdown. Once we are exposed to dioxins our bodies to not get rid of them, and they accumulate.

With all of these known hazards we need to find safe and effective alternatives. One very simple solution is distilled white vinegar. It has been proven to work just as well, and often better, than chlorine. Making a non toxic all purpose cleaner to use all over your home is so simple. A combination of distilled water, distilled white vinegar and some essential oils and you are all set. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon are all disinfectants. Start using yours today!

COLD & FLU SEASON

2007-10-17T13:37:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, with the holiday season comes the cold & flu season as well. Now is the time to get prepared. The Happy Soul is excited to introduce our new Aromatherapy...It's in the Bag product line, one of which happens to be a Cold & Flu Relief Kit! With this simple kit, you can make an anti viral room spray, a fever reducing compress and a decongestant chest rub. The kit includes Grapeseed oil, a spray bottle and the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Tea Tree and Peppermint, as well as instructions and recipes!

Here's a great sinus inhalation recipe that will help ease the misery of a stuffy head!

3 Drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
2 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
1 Drop of Lemongrass Essential Oil
2 Cups of Steaming Water

Place the essential oils in the steaming water and position your face safely and comfortably above the steam. Cover your head with a towel and breathe the vapors.

HOLIDAY GIFTS

2007-09-20T06:25:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when we start thinking about holiday gifts. Treat your friends to an evening of aromatherapy while they learn to make ther perfect gifts for the holiday season! A peppermint foot spray to ease tired feet after a long day of holiday shopping, a lavender linen spray to ease your mind, a pampering bath salt...the list goes on and on. Great gifts to give, or keep for yourself! It's the perfect time to try out our new Pine Needle Essential Oil and the new Cinnamon Orange Clove Reed Diffuser!

Learn to Clean Green

2007-09-19T22:02:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the air inside your home can be as much as 70 times more polluted than the air outside? One of the biggest reasons is the harmful and potentially fatal toxins that are in the cleaning products we use each and every day. Protect yourself and your family by eliminating these toxins. Learn how to use essential oils to make cleaning products that are toxin free, effective, smell good, are environmentally friendly, and are more economical than traditional cleaners. Many oils posess antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. They clean, disinfect and deodorize. "Green Cleaning" helps us protect our families and the environment.

The Basics

2007-09-19T20:52:00.000-04:00

How do you use essential oils?

Breathe - Place several drops of an essential oil on an aromatherapy felt pad or scent stone and inhale.
Apply - Blend a few drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of grapeseed oil and rub into your skin.
Clean - Add approximately 40 drops of essential oils to 4 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle for general household cleaning. Recommended oils are citrus based oils, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree.

This is how to use them in the very simplest ways. Want to learn more...keep reading!

What is Aromatherapy?

2007-09-19T20:23:00.000-04:00

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health and wellness. It can be used to improve our lives in physical, emotional and spiritual ways. My goal is to give you the information you need in order to incorporate aromatherapy into your everyday life in a way that meets your own personal needs.