This month has been a trying one it seems. But I've found joy in working towards completing small projects that I know you're curious about. I'm bringing back our peek "Behind the Scenes" so you can the scoop on all the juicy details.
Learning to love Ylang – Ylang has been a journey. I’ve always avoided it due to concerns about blood pressure but a recent worry that lead to an “aha” moment. This “aha” moment lead me to use it in a blend that is gentle, soothing, and hinted with clarity and self-love.
Sometimes, it isn’t always roses. Sometimes, it’s stinky…like Valerian (which can be lonely!). Sometimes, it’s just sitting silently. Patiently like Vetiver. Even when we aren’t the patient type. Self care can be as difficult as quitting...
How often have you, a family member or someone you know come down with a cold? Probably often enough to wonder what essential oils might be helpful. Here we’re going to explore antiviral essential oils and how they really help us.
Every year I always share what the top ten essential oils are. This year, I'm doing it a little different. I'm going to give you the top five single essential oils and the top five essential blends. Are you ready?
Do you ever get really dry skin, have eczema, or any other skin condition that needs extra care? If so, you may be familiar with colloidal oatmeal packets or possibly been told you need to try them.
Have you ever pulled out your bottle of myrrh to create a nice diffuser blend or even something for topical use and then…nothing? In this article we will explore a few tips on using Myrrh.
I'm over the moon excited to share that Be Kind Botanicals Receives 2019 Best of Buckeye Award. In this article is a direct copy of our latest award that I am humbled to receive and honored to share with you! Thank you so much for helping to get me here!
Attending a conference is a pretty big deal for many of us. But for some, I know there is a lot of anxiety around them. In case you aren't sure about their value I am going to share my top four reasons why you dowant to go to the next one.
“Deeply sedative and serenely relaxing, it (Vetiver) has an important role to play in treating the effects of our 21st century disease, stress (Ashley, 2015).” In another blog I wrote recently about stress, I didn’t realize just how important following my own intuition could be.
Stress. I have it. You have it. And NO one wants it. It can quite literally make us sick if we do not know how to avoid or manage it. I am going to share my top five tips to help manage stress with because I know this time of year almost always brings on more stress.
Spearmint essential oil may not be your first choice when it comes to the mint family, but it should be! In this spearmint essential oils spotlight I hope to help you understand a little more about the plant, its distinct differences from peppermint, and how to use it.
Hooray!!!! It seems like more and more individuals are becoming educated regarding essential oils! This is a beautiful and amazing thing considering how many still do not see the value of spending money on institutions that specialize in essential oil education. However, there is a downside to this as well.
You might be asking yourself, “What the heck is Rhododendron?” Or perhaps you are thinking of the tree that grows in the US. If you are thinking either of these things, then the Rhododendron Essential Oil Spotlight is one that may have you thinking you need this oil!
Sweet Orange essential oil… Oh, the heavenly sweet aroma of oranges! This essential oil is sweet, fresh, citrusy and has just the right amount of happy to soothe the nerves after a long day. I personally can't help but smile when working with this essential oil, what about you?
I recently came across a post on Facebook that concerned me. As someone who works with essential oils in a therapeutic way that is clinically trained Registered Aromatherapist, I do tend to see concerning things, but this triggered me.
Botany matters. I can't tell you how important it is to really know what a plant looks like. Even if you are only using a product that comes from it like a hydrosol or essential oil.
If you have never experienced a Mandarin Petitgrain (Citrus reticulata blanco var mandarin) essential oil, it’s rather unique. From using it in acneic formulations to emotional and soothing blends, this oil is a favorite of mine. To help you learn more about it today I am sharing a Mandarin Petitgrain Essential Oil Spotlight.
I frequently get asked several questions when I am out and about and one of them pertains to the oils Be Kind Botanicals offers. The question: "Are they affordable, high quality, pure oils?"
Several years back when I first began learning about all the different essential oils, there always seemed to be a push to get the "most popular" or "pushed" oil as it were (and is today). However, someone I took a class from or maybe interacted with online said something very profound that has stuck with me to this day.
Recently I found myself in a position to be my very own case study. It isn’t something that happens often but since I know I will have to do case studies at some point for the Atlantic Institute, today was my lucky day to create a tissue trauma blend. Okay, maybe not so lucky…
Eucalyptus – are there more than just a few different species? Recently, I was asked about this. The answer is an emphatic yes. Learn more about which one you might need!
More and more frequently I seem to be asked this question, so today I thought I would share it here with you and my thoughts on it. The question is: "Is there any advice you can send my way regarding online school options (any pros/cons)?"
With four samples of Jasmine sitting next to me and one more on the way from India, I am fairly excited about writing this behind the scenes letter to you. There has been a lot going on this Spring that I am finally ready to share! Here I present to you essential oil samples for March 2019.
magine that you have just received an essential oil or other aromatic product that you have held dear to your heart in secret. It is one you have longed to experience because you have heard amazing stories about it. You open the bottle and it is simply magic… Your heart melts, you mind relaxes, and you feel at peace. That sounds like a pretty amazing experience, am I right?
Clay face masks are amazing at helping to gently exfoliate while also removing impurities from our skin. In fact, I use my Moroccan Maskonce a week! I really enjoy making my paste with hydrosolsso I can get additional benefits for
I often get emails asking questions about specific products I sell and normally I don't think a second about it. However today, I got a plastic diffuser question that I have not had in a while so I thought I would share it and my response.
This month when I asked what readers wanted to see in the newsletter, I was asked to do an essential oil spot light on Black Spruce (Picea mariana). Find out all about here. . .
Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana) is a native tree of Arizona.The tree is aptly named for its bumpy textured bark that resembles the skin of an alligator. It also goes by the name of “Checkerboard” bark.
This time of year, I always seem to get a lot of questions about how to prevent colds and what do I use, etc. So, I am finally sitting down to answer these related questions. How do I useessential oilsto prevent myself from getting sick?
Did you know there really is such a thing? There absolutely is! I am so blessed to be able to be listed here and at number 13! There are some truly great folks on there from Nuala over at the English Aromatherapist to Marge Clark from Nature’s Gift.
Teachers. I can’t think of a more worthy profession that needs our support with all of the budget cuts we have had in recent years. More and more teachers are in need of things to help them destress, help with headaches, and something to even boost their immune system during cold season. For those reasons and more, I recently had a chat on social media about using essential oils in the classroom discussing diffusing and safe alternatives for diffusing.
When you go to purchase an essential oil from anywhere, do you check to see if they have samples? Do they offer any free ones or can you at least purchase in really small amounts? Or do you purchase in full size bottles? If not, you really should and here is why.
Recently, I was interviewed by the Florida State Representative from the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) regarding the distillation I did with the Engelmann Spruce. Below is some of the information I shared.
“What should I learn about essential oils if I am just starting out?” This is a question I get asked a LOT. It is also a very important question because of what information is out there. In this article, I will break down some basic ideas to help you get started.
As Ann Harman states in her book Harvest to Hydrosol, "Anyone who has worked with the medicinal waters would agree that they are a multi-layered healing modality." And "When using hydrosols for therapeutic purposes it is imperative to educate yourself...to understand the difference between the types of hydrosols that are offered commercially.1" This brief post seeks to help you do just that - understand what it is you are really getting when you purchase a hydrosol.
Have you ever gotten an essential oil out to put a couple drops in the diffuser and they just come spilling out? Or they take . . . For. Ever. There is a reason for that and it has everything to do with the size of orifice reducers being used.
With the arrival of warmer weather, for many that means worrying about sunburns and worse how to soothe them. This article will hopefully provide you with ideas for soothing sunburns with essential oils, hydrosols and more.
May is here and for most of the country, that means much warmer temperatures. The warmer temperatures also mean figuring out how to stay active outside while staying cool. Living in the desert for over a decade has taught me a few things when it comes to staying cool with hydrosols and essential oils.
A few weeks ago, someone asked a question about why I was wearing a lab coat, nitrile gloves, a hair cover, mask, and goggles. Essential Oils, Gloves, Masks, Goggles, and More Without Giggles - Say what?
I get asked all the time what the difference is between my company and other big-name companies. While there is a long list of differences, I think my choice for sourcing is probably the most important. When I source any essential oil, I try to work with small distillers versus larger ones so that I am offering artisan essential oils versus commercial essential oils.
Recent events in my life have caused me to really step back and look at few things. These “things” may not seem like a big deal, however they mean everything to some. I am talking about the connection from plants to essential oils, plants to people, essential oils to people, and even people to people. You know, the essential oil connections to plants & people versus companies...
This week I have come across many challenges. Some of them left me frustrated, worried, stressed, and overwhelmed. As a parent, I go through some of this daily. As an aromatherapist and business owner, I have great weeks and difficult weeks. Thank goodness I am learning to “dig deep” and use my support system of friends, colleagues, and of course essential oils! Here I share a few essential oils for a Rising Phoenix blend.
With the occurrence of the full moon that just happened to be a Blue Super Moon that would be fully eclipsed, I found the gift of these blood oranges no small gift. Because I learn by doing, I decided to pull out my small still and do a distillation the same day we had a full blue super blood moon on January 31st, 2018.
This month I thought it would be a handy to have a list of resources that are all about Rose absolutes or essential oils. All of the resources listed are from well qualified aromatherapists or vintage aromatherapists with over 30 years experience. Enjoy this "Rose essential oils & Rose Absolute - a path to learning more."
The flu. It is hitting hard this year. But are essential oils the answer? I mean, really? There are some that might say no, absolutely, and others that just don’t know enough to feel comfortable commenting. But here's what you need to know about essential oils and the flu virus.
If you know me and how much I strive to really get to know my distillers, you know along the way I have asked a million questions. Some I have even had the ability to get to know their entire family. While others, I conduct interviews and exchange emails with. Here I share an interview with my Italian Citrus distiller.
Recently, a FaceBook post has raised many concerns about essential oils and their use around animals. Yes, there are absolutely some essential oils that are quite toxic to animals. Yes, there are some animals that require more considerations than others. Using essential oils around animals is ok. However, when it comes to using essential oils, balance and consideration for our fur babies are important!
