by urbansqueeze | Jun 15, 2017 | Essential Oils, Facials, Holistic Health, Skincare
No one likes acne. It is an obnoxious side effect of our adolescence that sometimes follows us into our adulthood. Over $3 billion a year is spent on acne products and treatments in the US alone. Many of these products contain harmful chemicals and while they may take care of your acne they can also cause damage to your body over time. You do not have to take risks to be acne free. In recent years, more people are recognizing and actively using essential oils to battle acne. We have created a list of the top essential oils for acne and skin care that can be a safe natural alternative to the products that you might currently have in your cabinet.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These properties help your skin fight and calm breakouts. Try mixing a few drops of lavender into almond or jojoba oil and apply as a moisturizer 1-2 times a day.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial that can reduce inflammation and swelling from infected and clogged pores that cause pimples. You can use Tea Tree as a toner to fight blemishes by applying with a cotton ball or Q-tip directly to the infected area. If you have sensitive skin, mix with a carrier oil before applying. This oil can dry your skin, so be sure to use moisturizer afterwards.
3. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense is nicknamed “The King of Oils” and for great reasons! Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and disinfectant. It is known for its healing properties and helps heal damaged skin, acne scars, and wrinkles. It is also known to help with stretch marks, eczema and wound healing. Mix a few drops to a carrier oil and apply directly to the area of concern. Not only does Frankincense offer incredible benefits to your skin, but is also great for digestion, immunity, inflammation, pain, and many other body needs and functions.
4. Chamomile Oil
Like Frankincense, Chamomile has a large amount of beneficial health properties, far too many to list. However, specifically to skin it is an antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal. Chamomile calms and reduces redness and lightens dark spots left from acne. Add a few drops into your cleansing regimen to see some of these benefits for yourself!
5. Cypress Oil
Cypress is an astringent and antiseptic. It can help tighten, tone, minimize pores, and reduce oil in oily skin. Add a few drops into an ounce of rose water and apply directly to your skin. You can also mix with jojoba oil or another carrier oil to help diminish bruises, cellulite, and spider veins.
6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary also reduces excess oil in your skin just like Cypress. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness caused by acne infections. Mix Rosemary into your moisturizer or with a carrier oil for a natural acne fighting skin hydrator.
7. Geranium Oil
Geranium is also rich in antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It helps combat acne and is a great anti-aging solution. Mix two drops into coconut oil or another carrier oil and apply twice a day for desired results.
by urbansqueeze | Jun 15, 2017 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
We are nearing the spring allergy season and many of us are mentally preparing for the runny noses, scratchy throats, and frustrating sneezes. These symptoms are often treated with over-the-counter allergy medications or perhaps even doctor prescriptions. However, these medications do not always solve the problem but only lessen the severity of the symptoms.
An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction in your body. These allergens trick your immune system into thinking that they are an intruder and cause your body to release antibodies. These antibodies are designed to fight the intruders (allergens) and they trigger cells to release chemicals including histamine into your bloodstream which then causes the allergic reaction. Examples of common allergens are pollen, dust, mold, animal dander, insect stings, etc. It is believed that inflammation may be a contributing factor to allergic reactions. When you have inflammation in your body, your immune system is working in overdrive already. Inflammation can be caused by stress, diet, infection, and diseases. With your immune system already stressed, being introduced to an allergen only intensifies the reaction. Your body becomes flooded with antibodies causing a massive release of histamine and this worsens your symptoms.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat many ailments. Many of these oils are anti-inflammatories as well as anti-virals and anti-bacterials. Using oils can help reduce inflammation and detoxify your body, relieving stress on your immune system. With a relaxed immune system, you will see a potential reduction in the severity of your allergic reactions.
Here are a few essential oils that are known to be most effective in relieving your allergy symptoms.
1. Peppermint
When peppermint oil is diffused, it can open up your sinuses and airways bringing immediate relief from coughing and stuffy noses. There have been a few studies performed that have found that peppermint oil is a relaxant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory that reduces coughing and helps relieve asthma symptoms.
How to use:
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Diffuse 5 drops and breathe in. This will help relax your nasal passages and allow your body to loosen mucus.
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Ingest 1-2 drops of peppermint daily to reduce inflammation. You may do so by placing in your water, tea, or smoothies.
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Topically apply on your chest with coconut oil or another carrier oil for respiratory and sinus relief.
2. Basil
Basil essential oil is another powerful anti-inflammatory, but it also helps provide support to your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands are responsible for over 50 hormones that support most of your bodily functions. Through these properties, basil helps your body respond appropriately to allergens and promotes blood flow to your brain, heart, and muscles. Basil also helps detoxify your body by killing viruses and bacteria which in return reduces inflammation and pain. With your body working more effectively, you will see a reduction in fatigue as well.
How to use:
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Ingest daily by adding a drop or two to your salad dressing, soup, or other savory dish.
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Topically apply 2-3 drops diluted with a carrier oil to your chest, neck, and temples for respiratory support.
3. Lemon
This super oil offers a wide variety of benefits. Lemon essential oil has antibacterial properties which help detoxify your body. It helps promote lymphatic system drainage which helps improve your immune system. When ingested, it also helps balance PH levels in your body and allows your liver to function properly, ridding your body of harmful toxins and infections. Due to its antibacterial properties, lemon oil is also a wonderful disinfectant and can be used to remove allergens within your home.
How to use:
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Ingest by adding 1-2 drops to a glass of water daily.
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Diffuse 5 drops to help kill airborne pathogens.
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Disinfect by adding a few drops into your laundry or into a water bottle and spray on any fabric surface in your home.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
Natural remedies and things to try for the common cold.
Well, this is not how you planned to spend your day or week, is it? You’re sick, and you are already over it. You have to work, run errands, or take care of the kids and a cold wasn’t on your agenda. Not many of us have the time to just lay in bed all day or have rush to go to the doctor’s office just to be told we have a virus and then sent home. Once the itch of illness begins we need to boost our immune system, and fast!
Here are a few natural remedies to help speed things up and soothe your cold symptoms:
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
Ok, so this one is known by most of us, but is there any truth in this? Actually there is! Warm liquid naturally helps soothe and drain your sinuses; however there is more to it than this. What makes chicken noodle soup unique is the mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins from the vegetables that work as a trifecta to nourish and fuel your body, promoting positive healing. Plus, it tastes amazing and comforts the soul
2. Zinc Gluconate Lozenges
If you haven’t used these before, try it! Experts highly recommend these due to the amount of zinc they hold which may help shorten the length of your cold. The zinc prevents the rhinovirus (80% of common colds) from reproducing in your system and prevents it from attaching to your cell membranes. This is most effective if used within 24 hours of your first cold symptoms and continued for a few days. It is advised to not use the nasal sprays and only use the lozenges/syrup for up to 5 days. It is not recommended for prolonged usage.
3. Thieves Essential Oil Blend
This wonderful blend of oils gets its nickname from thieves who robbed victims’ bodies of the Black Plague during the 16th century. These thieves used a blend of cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics to ward off the plague and prevent their own deaths. The nature of this blend provides antiviral, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that help protect you from illness as well as diminish current symptoms. You can diffuse Thieves throughout your home or place in your bath water. You can also place a warm damp towel on your chest or forehead with a few drops of the oil blend added to help relieve congestion and soothe your symptoms.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Another essential oil that helps soothe your cold symptoms, eucalyptus has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also a wonderful decongestant and can be diffused in a steam inhaler in your home to help relieve your congestion and prevent against respiratory infections.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found naturally in many citrus fruits such as kiwi and oranges and also in supplemental form. The acid in vitamin C is known to boost your immune system by attacking the acid within a virus and killing it. It is recommended to ingest this daily to provide optimal support, but should not be consumed in large quantities for a prolonged period of time. If excessively used it can lead to kidney stones, so be sure to monitor your usage.
6. Neti Pot
This handy little tool may be a bit awkward to use at first, but is incredibly useful in relieving congestion and preventing sinus infections from occurring if used early in your symptoms. Nasal irrigation flushes the mucus out of your sinus passages and prevents bacteria from growing. Use warm distilled water and allow to flow through one nostril and out the other. It’s imperative that the water used is distilled or filtered well as bacteria from tap water.
Being sick doesn’t have to take days away from you. Implement these natural remedies and get back to living healthy and well!
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
Stress…. It runs rampant in the American society. How can you lessen your stress levels in a healthy way so that you can make the most of 2017? Essential oils are a natural and effective way to accomplish this daunting task. We have provided a few for you to consider as you take on the New Year with confidence and determination.
Lavender
Lavender is commonly known to help relieve stress. It’s gentle aroma helps calm the nerves and provides a relaxing sensation. Use just a drop or two behind your ears, on the inside of your wrists, or on the bottoms of your feet for optimal effect. Lavender can also be used for minor cuts, burns, bug bites or stings due to its antiseptic properties.
Chamomile
Chamomile is possibly the most well-known for relaxation. Many people often drink a cup of Chamomile tea when they are having a hard time sleeping or when just needing to relax. Chamomile is also available in essential oil form which helps aid in relaxation. It is also known to improve your digestive health. There are two different types of Chamomile – Roman and German. Both promote relaxation and good digestive health. However, Roman Chamomile is often used for mental anxiety struggles, hostility, and paranoia. German Chamomile is helpful in calming irritated skin. Both are wonderful assets and are a great way to manage your stress levels easily.
Rose
Rose is one of the more expensive essential oils available. However, its calming and relaxing aroma is undeniable and gentle. The reason for the heftier price tag is due to the labor-intensive process of extracting the oils from the flowers. It takes 60,000 roses to produce just one ounce of rose oil. Rose can also be used to topically treat eczema and even relieve menopausal symptoms. It also happens to be one of the most popular scents available.
Frankincense
Frankincense is primarily used for stress relief due to its exotic and comforting aroma. It has also attained its fame for a few other amazing qualities. When applied topically, it repairs skin cells and restores scar tissue. Frankincense can also greatly improve many respiratory issues including, but not limited to, asthma, bronchitis, and the common cough. When in doubt “Frank it out”.
Vanilla
Vanilla happens to be a very soothing aroma for many people. It is believed that the scent is very close to the scent of a mother’s milk. Your sense of smell is often able to trigger past memories and feelings. These can be recalled memories or subconscious ones. With vanilla closely resembling a tender and safe feeling that your subconscious remembers, it is naturally soothing. Not only is the aroma helpful in calming your nerves, but can also assist with an upset stomach or curb craving for sweets.
Proper Uses
It is important to make sure that you are using these oils, as well as any other oil, properly. Some oils need to be mixed with coconut oil before being applied to the skin. Others are not safe to ingest at all. Be sure to research any oils you plan on using before you use them for treatment of managing your stress or any other concerns. Essential oils can be an incredible asset in your overall health, as long as they are used safely and responsibly.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Facials, Skincare
Eczema is a common and irritating condition that many people suffer from. It is estimated that 31.6 million Americans deal with eczema, and at least 17.8 million suffer from moderate to severe eczema or atopic dermatitis according to the National Eczema Association. Eczema is defined as patches of dry and inflamed skin that can blister or bleed. It is often caused by allergies or environmental factors. It is also believed to have genetic traits and can be passed down through families.
With eczema being so common there are many pharmaceutical medications and steroids that can help relieve the symptoms and limit flare ups. However, many people are dissatisfied with these products and do not always see results. In severe cases, steroids are required and may thin your skin if use is prolonged. If you suffer from eczema and are searching for a more natural form of treatment, essential oils may be your best alternative.
Here are a few essential oils that have been known to relieve symptoms of eczema and other common skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Thyme
Thyme contains a compound called carvacrol that is a strong disinfectant. It is also known to reduce swelling and pain. Thyme can be used in aromatherapy and in topical applications. It can also be ingested. Before applying topically, dilute with coconut oil.
Clove
Clove is made up of 80-95% eugenol. This compound is often used by dentists for anti-inflammatory purposes during dental procedures. Additionally it is used as an antiseptic. Clove can be used aromatically, topically, and internally. It should also be diluted with coconut oil in topical applications.
Tea Tree
Tea Tree oil, also known as Melaleuca, has been known to have incredible results in treating eczema and other skin ailments. It’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are great in treating inflammation from eczema, acne, sores, and itchiness. It is also used for treating cold symptoms and infections. Use Tea Tree aromatically, topically, and internally. No need for dilution!
Lavender
Lavender is not just soothing and great at promoting sleep and relaxation; it is also known to help relieve inflammation. Soothe your eczema with lavender and breathe in its calming aroma to relieve stress as well. Lavender can be used aromatically and also be applied topically and internally with no need for dilution.
These are just a few of the essential oils that can ease your symptoms and provide relief. There are also other ways to treat and prevent eczema that can be considered, as well. Common causes of eczema and eczema flare ups are chemical irritants, allergens, micro-organisms, drastic temperature changes, food allergies, and wool or synthetic clothing material. Be aware when you come into contact with these potentially eczema causing factors so that you can pinpoint the possible antagonist of your condition.
Stress and anxiety is also known to cause flare ups of eczema by putting additional stress on your Endocrine System which regulates your hormones. If you notice your eczema flares up during particularly stressful seasons of your life, this could be your culprit. Also, natural hormonal shifts in the body can be the cause, like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. If you think you may be experiencing an unexplained hormone imbalance check out these common warning signs and speak to your doctor about treatment.
Eczema has such a wide variety of triggers and methods of treatment. Be sure to speak to your general practitioner or dermatologist if you are suffering from this condition to properly determine the best method of treatment for you.
by urbansqueeze | Apr 20, 2017 | Essential Oils, Holistic Health
With the flu season upon us, it is important to keep an eye out for all those nasty viruses floating around. There are many ways to prevent illness, from practicing good hand washing techniques to getting your annual flu shot. If you are looking for something a bit different consider using products that are a bit more natural, we love to use essential oils. Essential oils have long been revered for their health benefits, and promoting great immunity is among them! Here are some of the top essential oils to consider as you try out this natural wellness technique.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is a wonderful detoxifier. Detoxing helps rid your body of toxins that will hinder your immune system. Lemon is made of 68 percent d-limonene, and may support a healthy circulatory system. Put a few drops into a glass of water each morning to reap the benefits of this amazing oil.
Clove
Clove essential oil is incredible in promoting a healthy immune system. The cloves that the oil comes from are well known for having an extremely high antioxidant level. Antioxidants allow your body to fight off viruses and other ailments.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil does not directly affect your immune system; however it does promote good sleep. Lavender calms the body and relaxes the mind, encouraging your body to sleep restfully. Sleep has a profound effect on your immune system and allows your body to recover and restore. Without quality sleep, your immune defenses will be compromised.
Bergamot
Bergamot essential oil is incredibly useful in warding off illness. It’s antibiotic and disinfectant properties aid in killing viruses, fungi, and preventing germs from growing. Using this in your bath water or soaps will help protect your skin from infection as well as giving both your hair and skin a shiny appearance.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is a natural antiseptic. Ingesting it can help prevent your body from contracting infections. You can also use it on wounds to kill bacteria and germs and promote healing. Even the fumes from burning Frankincense will kill the bacteria that it comes into contact with.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil and Geranium leaves (rose-scented Geranium only) also contains antibiotic, antiseptic, and anti-fungal compounds. This makes for a great flu and cold remedy if you believe you are getting sick or have been exposed to someone who is. Drink a cup of Geranium tea for an extra boost to your immune system.
Not sure how to best utilize essential oils? There are a variety of ways to use them that will be beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Diffusers are tools that disperse the oils into the air giving everyone in the household the aromatic benefits. Sprays can be made where a diluted amount of oil is mixed into water or other liquids and used to instantly spray a room. Many oils can be applied topically on various areas of the body, can be administered during a massage or dripped into a warm bath. Those with sensitive skin should test the oil carefully beforehand.
Lemon, clove, lavender, bergamot, frankincense, and geranium are just a few of the essential oils that promote a healthy immune system. When using essential oils, be conscious of quality. For more information on other essential oils and their many natural health benefits, check out this list from Organic Facts.
At the Wellness Collective, we incorporate essential oils in all of our services because we know the power these simple oils can have on overall health and well-being. If you’d like to learn more about our essential oils from one of our staff, please contact us or ask at your next visit!
