Evening Star Essentials

Household use of Essential Oils

2012-02-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

Here in Colorado, many of us are still stuck inside, away from the high winds and blowing snow. This is the time of year when I suffer cabin fever. The house can get stuffy, all closed up tight. So I get busy cleaning, disinfecting, and freshening; all with inexpensive, natural products that I make myself using common ingredients and essential oils. If you would like to freshen your nest, here are some suggestions:

Oils that kill bacteria include: Cinnamon, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, pine.

Fill a clean 16oz sprayer with 14oz water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and a total of 16-20 drops of essential oils. Shake well and frequently. This can be used to clean and disinfect counter tops, sinks, and floors in the kitchen and bath. It freshens the air as well as disinfecting surfaces.

Oils that repel insects: Cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint.

Put four drops of an oil on a cotton ball, and place it in the nooks and crannies where insects may hide; or where they enter the house. Refresh as needed.

Room sprays made with essential oils are free of chemicals that may harm your health as well as the earth's ozone layer. Clean stuffy air with any of my three formulas. Please go to my Shop Here page to purchase room sprays.

Celebrate with Scent

2012-02-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Scent is one of my favorite ways to celebrate special occasions.
For Valentine's Day, of course, you can't go wrong with roses! Other romantic scents include jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla, and ylang ylang.
Happy Valentine's Day

New Products - coming soon!

2012-02-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

New Sport Products

Due to the interest in my Sport Spray shown by a local roller derby team (more about that later), I have decided to expand my line of Sports products.

Soon I will offer a Sport Balm. It is designed for those minor scrapes and bruises that people who are passionate about their sports incur. It will contain arnica for bruises, and essential oils best for disinfecting and healing the skin.

Planning ahead for summer helps me cope with winter, so I have in the works an all natural line of insect repellents and sun screens. If you are tired of using nasty chemicals and greasy lotions, my summer line will be for you! Enjoy your sport!

Immune Support

2012-02-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Stress and airplane travel can make you vulnerable to infections. Since I have experienced both stress and airplane travel recently; I have done some research on essential oils that stimulate the immune system.  My favorite means of aromatherapy is through - surprise - inhaling the aroma, but using these oils in the bath or steam bowl are other effective methods.
Essential oils support the immune system in three ways.
One, some oils are antibacterial, destroying germs and stimulating the body to produce more disease fighting blood cells. Two, some oils stimulate the flow of lymph in the body. Lymph fluid collects and eliminates germs. Three, some produce a relaxation response; relieving the stress which contributes to disease. Notice that the three methods are working with the body to help it heal or protect itself. In my opinion, that is the best way to prevent and treat many common infections. So, along with getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy, I am using the following oils in the diffuser, steam bowl, and bath. This is just a sample of my favorite oils to use for immune support.

Antibiotic oils include: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Sage

Lymph Stimulants include: Chamomile, Ginger, Grapefruit, Pine,Rosemary

Relaxants include: Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender, Sage

These oils can be used singly or in combination. Using one or more oils from each category gives the most benefit. As you can see, some oils fall into more than one category. That is how versatile essential oils are. Always follow dilution and safety instructions for essential oils.  These instructions are in my other posts and on the oil profiles page.

Making Your Own

2012-01-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Essential oils are highly concentrated and must be diluted in what is called a "carrier" before application to the skin. Examples of carriers: organic, cold pressed oil (sweet almond, sunflower, coconut, etc.) or unscented, preservative free lotion base. When diffused into the air, use distilled water in the diffuser.
When I first started, I was confused about the proper percentage of essential oils to use. It's easy to follow this chart. Most uses call for a 2% concentration of essential oils in the formula.

1% = 5-6 drops per ounce
2% = 10-12 drops per ounce
3% = 15-18 drops per ounce

An ounce is three tablespoons (30cc). Concentration higher than 3% is not recommended. Remember to test on a small area first to make sure that you can tolerate the formula.
Making your own essential oil products is fun and easy; but if you would rather consult an experienced aromatherapist, I would be happy to work with you!

Grief

2012-01-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

My brother's extended struggle with Alzheimer's ended yesterday. This is a very difficult time. I need the support of family and friends; but I also have to be the support for my mother and sister-in-law. This is a true test of my certainty that using essential oils strengthens physical, mental, and spiritual health. With aromatherapy, I can feel strong emotions without them overwhelming me.
Some of the oils I am using are: lavender, for balance and calming; rosemary for confidence and to dispel dark thoughts; basil to reduce stress and mental fatigue; frankincense to increase spirituality; geranium to relieve anxiety; sage for clarity; grapefruit for strength and energy; and ginger for courage.

Basic Aromatherapy Kit

2012-01-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am compiling a list of ten essential oils that I will incorporate into a basic aromatherapy kit. It will be a starter kit for those just learning about essential oils and how to use them in daily life. There are so many wonderful oils that it is difficult to narrow it down to ten. Some choices are obvious because the oil has so many uses, and is consistently safe in all contexts. Lavender is the best example. If I could have only one oil, it would be lavender. The others are partly a matter of personal preference. While the scent is a factor, for this kit versatility and safety are perhaps more important. I will probably choose some of the oils that I have written about here. Besides lavender, others for the kit could be tea tree, eucalyptus, ginger, lemon, chamomile, peppermint, basil, sage, grapefruit, palmarosa, cedar, frankincense, pine, rosemary, and geranium; to name a few. Which are your favorite oils, and why? Help me choose a basic kit that would be helpful and meaningful to you.

Winter Doldrums

2012-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over, and even though the sun is returning, it's that time of year when I always get the "blahs". Like a ship in calm seas, I can't seem to go anywhere. The overindulgence of the holidays has caught up with me. I find that the best remedy for this condition is physical exercise. That gives me the lift I need to follow through with the resolution to get back to healthy living. It also gives me the mental clarity to refrain from beating myself up for having overindulged in the first place. I can't change the past, but I can focus on making today the best it can be. To prepare for today's activity, here's the recipe I used. It gives energy, clarity, and an emotional lift:

9 drops geranium; 9 drops grapefruit; 5 drops lavender; 5 drops peppermint

Use a diffuser, or add to 2oz distilled water in a mist bottle. Gotta get going!

Sport Spray

2012-01-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

Featured Product--Sport Spray

ESE Sport Spray keeps my helmet fresh!

I developed the sport spray to freshen my riding helmet after horseback lessons in the summer heat. It contains essential oils that have antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, so it eliminates orders and kills bacteria while making your sports equipment smell fresh. The added benefit is that these oils also contribute to free breathing by opening the respiratory pathways.

Bottom line: Get fresh smelling, germ-free sports equipment and better breathing, without drugs, chemicals, or other harmful substances.

Contains: distilled water, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), lavender (Lavendula augustifolia), tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia), and juniper (Juniperus mexicana).

Comes in a 2oz mist bottle. All ingredients are organic, vegetarian, and cruelty free (not tested on animals). Made in small batches to ensure freshness; in Lakewood, Colorado.

Attention Denver Metro and Colorado customers: Free shipping!

Cure for Cold Feet?

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Winter. My hands and feet get cold in November, and don't warm up again until May. It's really almost that bad. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and have tried every kind of clothing there is to keep my hands and feet warm. Nothing works. This year, I have another approach: essential oils. One of the best for stimulating circulation is Ginger (Zingiber officinale). So I made a foot powder using Ginger, Balsam, and Cedar. I tried it yesterday. There was a marked improvement. It took longer for my feet to feel the cold, and they did not get as painfully cold as they usually do. I am sold on Ginger for cold feet!

Need a lift?

2012-01-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Geranium lifts the spirits. I like the flower scents, so this works well for me. Geranium is a sweet, herbal scent with a little earthiness to it. I am feeling the weight of burdens today; not just my own, but my friends', too. So I combined geranium, rosewood, and cedarwood in the diffuser just now. This combination lifts my spirits and strengthens my resolve; grounding me. When I use these scents, I know I can get through the rough patches in life.
This isn't just a small irritation such as an argument, for which I would use something like lemon to clear my head and cheer me up. This is sadness for the people in my life who are hurting. One is my brother, who is in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He no longer recognizes his wife. I am sad for both of them. The other is a friend, who had a bad accident on Jan. 2nd. She has a skull fracture, and will face a long recovery. The problems in my own life are minor compared to these. So, when I feel the burden and I'm at a loss to know what to do for them, I need something to ground me and lift my spirits. This blend will do both. Essential oils are wonderful for physical ailments; but for me their real value is in how they enhance my emotional, mental, and spiritual health. I am grateful that I have powerful, natural, plant essences. I don't need to turn to the drugs allopathic medicine pushes. Essential oils have no side effects, and they work on every level; healing body, mind, and spirit.

Beautiful Poem

2012-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

The smell of violets hidden in the green
Pour'd back into my empty soul and frame
The times when I remember to have been
Joyful and free from blame.

--Alfred, Lord Tennyson

New Year, New Beginning

2011-12-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am excited about the new year. Last year was unusual for me, and for many others it was difficult. The start of a new year gives hope of renewal. For me part of the renewal is changing how I view the world. The only thing I can personally change is my attitude! I want to find my inner light and let it shine through in my words and actions. How will you shine your inner light on the world? I welcome your comments on the new year.

Holiday Blend

2011-12-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's a cold, snow covered day. Just right for staying in with a cheery fire and a cup of hot chocolate. First, I have to venture out to the barn to give my horse some much needed love and attention. I returned to my job at the hospital, so I have not seen her in 3 days! I am fortunate to have friends who check on her for me when I can't be there.

The snow really makes it look like Christmas! The spirit of the season is giving me the boost I need on these frigid days. To spread the spirit, I created a blend that gives the house that old-fashioned holiday scent. Use about half an ounce of distilled water in the diffuser, and add: 6 drops black spruce, 6 drops cedar, 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops sweet orange, and 2 drops cinnamon. I hope you like the result as much as I do. Happy Holidays!

A Fresh, New Look

2011-12-19T06:06:00.000-08:00

My Blog has a fresh, new look! I made it easier to read and navigate. Tell me what you think! It is a work in progress. I will be adding more content and pictures, so check back often.

Welcome to Evening Star Essentials...

2011-12-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Evening Star Essentials is committed to providing current information, high quality products, and excellent customer service. My mission is threefold:

* To research essential oils and alternatives to synthetic toiletries, and to share that information on my blog.

* To manufacture toiletries that are gentle to humans, animals, and the earth. To this end, they are handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness; and made with care. The ingredients are vegetarian, non-synthetic, and not tested on animals. The blends are carefully chosen to energetically balance body, mind, and spirit.

* To treat each customer as an individual, listen to concerns, and address them promptly and courteously. To stand behind my products and information.