Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the term most commonly used to describe the therapeutic application of essential oils extracted from plants; also known as essential oil therapy.  Although all aromas are not pleasing, many plants produce oils that offer therapeutic benefits.

Aromatherapy implies that essential oils must be inhaled to produce an effect, however; essential oils are valuable in a variety of ways which will be discussed throughout this blog.

Essential oils can be found in your local health food stores or online.  The quality and purity of essential oils varies, as they are derived from plants and packaged by companies all over the world.

Be sure to complete a skin patch test to ensure that you are not allergic or highly sensitive to the oil.

Here’s how to complete the test:

Dip one end of a cotton ball into a carrier oil, or base, such as sunflower, almond or olive oil.  Place a few drops of the essential oil on the cotton ball, then touch it to the inside of your wrist, elbow or arm.  Place a bandaid over the area to protect it from water for several hours (up to 24).  If you experience redness, itching, or any other reaction, do not use the oil.

The essential oils are derived from plants, which are often used to create herbal tea.  As I describe teas throughout this blog, please note that the essential oil, although with the same name as the tea, should not be ingested.  Teas can be purchased at your local health food or grocery store, as well as online.

Also, remember to add the essential oil to a base or carrier oil before applying to your skin.

WARNING: Not all essential oils can or should be used during pregnancy.  Make sure that you read labels, ask questions, and use caution when using essential oils and other aromatherapy products during pregnancy.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to Blog
  • Holding on to whatever needs to be released can cause more pain and havoc than was ever necessary. • Finding ways to let go, forgive, move on and work through are critical to your self-care. • I do this with words. It’s how I process and propel myself forward. It’s also how I inform and inspire others. • Your way will be unique to you. But you must find your way. Holding on will tear you apart, causing you to experience hurt, pain, defeat and struggle until you finally surrender control. • It’s time to seek ways to heal, thrive and live your best life. You’re worth it! • #wholeliving #wellnessblogger #womenshealthcoach #selfcarematters #selfcaretips #healingjourney #journalinspiration #holistichealing #stressrelease #stressreduction #healingwork #peacebestill #ancientwisdom #breathwork #prayer #mindfulliving #selfcarematters #findyourflow #mindbodyspirit #holisticliving #inspiringwomen #wholewoman #writersoninstagram #womenencouragingwomen #bgio #theslowdowncollective #meditating #thepractice #heartcentered #holisticlifestyle
  • The post read, “pain is not a lifestyle.” As I stopped to save the message, I thought about those who have surrendered to the pain, believing they can never have peace, comfort or a life free of it. • All pain - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc. - is registered as stress and something to be pursued and eliminated from the body. • No matter what you’re going through, your body desires to be well, to protect you, to sustain you, to achieve homeostasis or internal balance. So if you only ever deal with issues superficially, never diving to the depth of the problem or truly seeking a solution, you’ll continue to hit the rocks, bumping into one challenge after another in life’s attempt to wound you greatly enough to force you to truly desire healing, restoration and wholeness. • You, my friend, are meant to thrive. To embody and exude greatness. To live without pain and suffering. • So start by letting the light in. Be willing to shift and heal the pieces so you can experience the peace you’re longing for. • #wholeliving #wellnessblogger #womenshealthcoach #selfcarematters #selfcaretips #healingjourney #journalinspiration #holistichealing #stressrelease #stressreduction #healingwork #peacebestill #ancientwisdom #breathwork #prayer #mindfulliving #selfcarematters #findyourflow #mindbodyspirit #holisticliving #inspiringwomen #wholewoman #writersoninstagram #womenencouragingwomen #bgio #theslowdowncollective #meditating #thepractice #heartcentered #holisticlifestyle
  • Illness breaks you open, exposing what’s in need of healing and indicating that something needs more love, attention, and nurturing. • As a nurse, I’ve watched far too many people suffer from a lack of awareness of, or ignoring, the need that’s longing to be met. • Missing the fundamental aspects of self-care can cost you greatly. And not knowing all of your healing, wellness, preventative and supportive options can have the same detrimental impact. • I’ve found that those who have an open heart and mind, are willing to try new things and learn to listen to their instincts, experience greater healing when they face an obstacle or they avoid them all together. • Your willingness to be healed and well, open up opportunities for you to experience your best life and to become the best version of yourself. • Don’t take your health and wellness for granted. Cultivate it, care for yourself and create the life you’re envisioning. • #selfcaresunday #selfcarematters #selfcareroutine #selfcaretips #selfcarefirst #selfcarecoach #selfcareforwomenofcolor #selfcareformoms #blackwomenhealing #bgio #happyblackwoman #blackmomcalm #wellnessblogger #womenshealthcoach #faithblogger #christiancreative #womenwholead #dreamersanddoers #encourageothers #healingjourney #holistichealing #healthyself #mindbodyspirit #healyourbody #eattolive #chinesemedicine #integrativemedicine #holisticwellness #wellwateredwomen #wholewoman
  • She woke up in the middle of the night. • WIDE awake. • And she never went back to sleep. • I’ve come to know that this comes with the territory of motherhood. But when you experience a collection of unexpected events, you can be left feeling quite stressed, drained, and unable to give appropriate attention to your responsibilities. • So what can be done about the inevitable unexpected events that come to challenge any plan or agenda you had in mind? • You can prepare for them. • When these types of things happen, because they will, it’s important that you speak up, ask for help, stating exactly what you need, utilizing your resources and abandoning any feelings of guilt or an occasional bout of superwoman syndrome. • No, your health, and sanity, are imperative. So whether you need to rest, heal or simply regroup, do it. You’ll present a better version of yourself to the world when you do. • #wholeliving #wellnessblogger #womenshealthcoach #selfcarematters #selfcaretips #healingjourney #journalinspiration #holistichealing #stressrelease #stressreduction #healingwork #peacebestill #ancientwisdom #breathwork #prayer #mindfulliving #selfcarematters #findyourflow #mindbodyspirit #holisticliving #inspiringwomen #wholewoman #writersoninstagram #womenencouragingwomen #bgio #theslowdowncollective #meditating #thepractice #heartcentered #holisticlifestyle
  • I said NO without explanation - standing confidently in my decision to no longer participate in the group. And guess what? We both survived. • Learning to unapologetically speak the word NO took some practice, but has become one of the greatest gifts. • Far too often we feel compelled to go above and beyond what’s expected; an unnecessary act which takes us off course and ignores our personal well-being. • You never have to justify your need for solitude, silence or self-care. You simply need to recognize your desire for it and act accordingly. • Recognize when you’ve had enough, are in need of rest, when it’s time to move on and when you’re the one who needs some attention. • Things will keep going when you step away, you’ll be stronger for slowing down and you’ll experience healing when you start showing up for yourself. • No is a powerful resource, so gently close the door on what you no longer need and begin moving towards what you do. • #findyourflow #mypractice #wholeliving #womenshealthcoach #mindbodyspirit #holisticliving #wellbeing #wholeness #wellness #healingjourney #inspiringwomen #wholewoman #writersoninstagram #ancientwisdom #faithblogger #womenencouragingwomen #theslowdowncollective #holyyoga #meditating #holisticmama #oilymama #peacebestill #thepractice #heartcentered #peacewithin #smallmomentsofcalm #selfcarematters #holisticlifestyle #stressrelease #healingwork
  • We laughed about not exposing too much cleavage. I was nursing our 4th baby and regardless of what work Mama was trying to accomplish, my breasts would tell me when she needed me. • Our bodies, breasts and babies are wise and when we tune in to listen to them, they tell us what’s needed. So in honor of #worldbreastfeedingweek here’s to simultaneously nursing our babies and achieving our goals. • #normalizebreastfeeding #breastfeedingisnormal #supportbreastfeeding #breastfeedingmama #breastfeedwithoutfear #breastfeedingmom #breastfeedingisbeautiful #wholeliving #holisticliving #holisticmom #ancientwisdom #blackmomsbreastfeed #MomsInColor #BlackBreastfeedingWeek #nationalbreastfeedingweek #raisingconsciousness
  • Spending each day with 4 young children means that some moments are a blur. Even while practicing mindfulness and intentionally being present with them, their needs can outpace my ability to retain it all. • I’ve learned to give myself grace and compassion, especially for the blurry moments. My work and time with them is invaluable. And when the house becomes still and I pause to think about all there is to be thankful for, I’m overwhelmed by the beauty and precious moments in my life that far outnumber the blurred ones. • I hope you can pause and give thanks for the blessings in your life. Focusing your attention there, on the good stuff, will nourish your mind and emotions, helping you vibrate higher and approach each day with a grateful heart. • #findyourflow #mypractice #wholeliving #womenshealthcoach #mindbodyspirit #holisticliving #wellbeing #wholeness #wellness #womenwithambition #inspiringwomen #wholewoman #writersoninstagram #christianwomeninbusiness #faithblogger #womenlivingwell #womenencouragingwomen #theslowdowncollective #holyyoga #holisticmom #holisticmama #oilymama #naturalmom #healthybabies #thepractice #heartcentered #peacewithin #smallmomentsofcalm #dreamersanddoers #holisticlifestyle
  • The second baby arrived and everything changed. This new bundle of joy wasn’t as willing to go with the flow as the first. So everything I thought I knew about parenting went out the window. • As I attempted to learn this new way of being as the mother of two babies who was also trying to start a business, I allowed some of my core wellness practices to slip away. • I was directing my time and attention to my little ones and new beginnings and neglecting my own self-care in the process. • Practicing self-care ensures that you take the time necessary to learn what’s best for you and your well-being. Self-care strengthens your ability to make choices that are right for you, helps you learn to trust your body and gives you the confidence to no longer rely on anyone else to make life and wellness decisions for you. • When you believe in yourself and your God given abilities, you stop second guessing your choices and start embodying exactly who you’re designed to be. • Self-care is a practice that challenges you to be present, to tap into your intuition and to follow your instincts no matter what else is going on in the world around you. • And when you let your self-care guard down, for any amount of time, you risk not showing up well for anything. • Thankfully, I recognized that I was off my desired path, got back on track and now prioritize my own self-care and wellness before trying to offer a less than well version of myself to my work or children. • It’s a standard that I must honor and maintain because no one else can or will. • I now have the honor of helping other women create and cultivate their own self-care path, as I share pieces of my journey to propel you forward on yours. • #selfcarematters #selfcaresunday #selfcaretips #selfcareroutine #selfcarecoach #selfcarefirst #selfcareeveryday #selfcareisntselfish #selfcareissacred #selfcareformoms #blackgirlinom #wellnessblogger #womenshealthcoach #stressrelease #healingwork #ancientwisdom #holisticwellbeing

Let’s Connect