posts in
education
Ask Apothekayla: How do I hold a class
Thursday, August 9, 2018
What is Sandalwood
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
What is Helichrysum
Monday, June 4, 2018
Helichrysum
Italicum is a flowering plant of the daisy family. We
extract the oil from the flowers through steam distillation. It is found in the
rocky, dry terrain of the Mediterranean. Often picked by hand on the island of
Corsica it is known there as liquid stitches for its fast healing properties.
Wellness Wednesday: Cooking with Essential Oils
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
What is Lemon Essential Oil?
Monday, May 21, 2018
Lemon is of the citrus family and its oil is extracted using the cold pressed method from the rind. A descendant of the citron fruit it finds its origins rooted in south Asia. It has been used historically as a food flavoring, perfume, and a wide variety of medical uses. Its popularity brought it over to the new world with the first settlers and is grown from coast to coast.
What is Birch Essential Oil
Monday, May 14, 2018
Birch oil is steam distilled from the wood of the Birch tree. This fairly common hard wood tree can be found in northern temperate regions. The numerous healing and practical uses of this plant may help explain why was often considered spiritual in lots of modern and historical religions.
What is Cardamom?
Monday, May 7, 2018
Cardamom is a type of ginger and the oil is steam distilled from the seeds. The plant was first recorded to have come from Sri-Lanka but soon became traded around the world through India. Now produced primarily in Guatemala this plant finds its way into many dishes and medicines around the world.
What is Tangerine?
Monday, April 30, 2018
Tangerine is of the citrus family and its oil is extracted using the cold pressed method from the rind. This smaller and sweeter cousin to the orange is a popular fruit and easily cultivated in any tropical or sub-tropical environment. The Tangerine is as tasty as it is good for you, so this popular fruit is grown all over the world.
What is Vetiver
Monday, April 16, 2018
Vetiver is a hardy grass that originated in India but quickly spread around the world due to its versatility and is easily grown in any tropical environment. The oil is extracted through steam distillation. Due to the hearty nature of the plant harvesting and distillation it can be difficult and time consuming. Its hearty nature is what makes it such a valuable plant not just for its oil but many practical uses in construction and environmental preservation.
Make and Take: Roller Bottle Wellness Blends
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Good morning!
Yesterday Robert and I hosted an essential oil make and take class on the topic of roller bottle wellness blends. These classes are great for beginners.
What is Bergamont?
Monday, April 9, 2018
Bergamot is a citrus fruit and we extract the oil from the
rind through the cold press process. This plants origin can be traced back to
Italy and primarily grown around the Mediterranean area. A kind of lemon orange
hybrid this fruit is finds it way in to many different dishes and drinks as
well as a healers kit.
What is Wild Orange
Monday, April 2, 2018
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| Wild Orange essential oil. |
Orange is a citrus
fruit and we extract the oil from the rind through the cold press process. The
orange needs a moderate temperature and plenty of water to grow but they can be
found growing all over the world. Easily one of the most recognizable fruits
the orange comes in countless varieties and we all have our favorite. Wild
orange oil is a very popular oil as its versatility makes it a staple in any
oil collection.
Did you know: How the Romans used herbs as medicine?
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
When I first started
looking for oils in the past I thought for sure my first stop would be Rome.
Really my love of history stared in Rome and my mind often goes there whenever
I think of the past. But as soon as I started looking for the origins of man and
medicinal plants I found myself looking back in to pre-history. To the
beginning where we started seeing civilizations I found that all of them had a
relationship with plants and healing and Rome had not yet stood out.
What is Basil?
Monday, March 26, 2018
Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. A hardy and easy to grow plant though it can now be found in gardens all over the world. This popular plaint is just as likely to be found in the medicine cabinet as it is on the kitchen table. The spice so nice they named it twice is also known to apothecaries all over as Saint-Joseph's-wort.
Did you know: How are oils made?
Thursday, March 22, 2018
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| The plant press, used for extracting oils such as olive oil. |
I did not realize it at the time but
the first time my wife rubbed down my shoulders after a day in the field with
her dandy oil I was doing the exact same thing as our ancestors. An easy recipe
that works wonders is simply to infuse olive oil with dandelions in the
sunlight. A processes used as far back as the Romans.
Kayla's dandy oil was not my first
experience with the power of natural wellness. We had used the essential oils
for a while by then. It was not even the first helpful apothecarial concoction
she created. It is the first however we did from start to finish the same as a
roman farmer would have so you know it is near and dear to my heart.
Today we are lucky. When I need an oil
I hop online and order some up and in a few days it is at my door in an easy
pour bottle. Back in the old-old days it took a lot more work to get the oils
you needed for those special recipes.
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| Enfluerage, the process of extracting essential oils using animal fat and alcohol. |
The oldest method of extracting oil I
can find recorded comes from Egypt. And that is no surprise. Early Egyptian
culture incorporated perfume in to every aspect of their life, and death. Some
of these earliest techniques would have been costly and time consuming and
honestly a little gross.
The Egyptians have the oldest record of
a method called Enfleurage. They would put the plaint in animal fat and leave
it in the sun to absorb the volatile compounds. The oil is extracted from the
fat using alcohol. Then they would boil
off the alcohol and collect the absolute that is left. This method is still in
use today but less often as a lot of other faster less gross ways are
available.
 |
| Zosimus of Panopolis is credited with inventing distillation. |
Egypt brought us another method that is
more poplar today. An Egyptian alchemist named
Zosimus of Panopolis
is credited with inventing distillation. He would use steam to separate the oil
from the plant and separated the oil from the vapor. The process is a lot more
complicated and a lot more refined today than it was back then but it is still
the same basic science behind the process.
I am sure we can all think of what the
most popular extraction method is though. The press has been seen throughout
all cultures and is the earliest extraction method I can find. Again just as
with all the other techniques over time it has become more complicated and more
refined but the gist of it is the same. You squeeze the plant until the juices
come out.
 |
| Solvent extraction creates scents used in perfumes. |
There is a newer method that I have
found called solvent extraction. From what I can tell it is cheaper and easier
than all the other methods and a favorite amongst perfumers. Really though this
method is only suitable for a perfumer as the oils are extracted using harsh
chemicals and make the oil unfit for human consumption. I think it is funny how
the only modern method will not create a pure oil.
It seems that we have had a connection
with plants from the beginning of our civilizations. From the beginning we have
experimented with and explored uses for these gifts from nature. Not just in
what plant heals what ailment but in how to get the most out of the plant.
Thank you for reading. Until next time be well,
Robert
What is Arborvitae?
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Arborvitae may not be in the top 10 most used essential oils but I believe that is because people are not aware of how amazing it is. Arborvitae, as the arbor in the name suggests is a part of the cypress family. The oil is sourced from the Thuja Plicata tree in northern United States and Canada. The Thuja Plicata Tree is also known as the tree of life... and for good reason!
Some of the most popular benefits of this essential oil are:
- Relieving cough
- Relieving elevated body temperatures
- Getting rid of unwanted bacteria and/or pathogens.
- Hair loss
- Unwanted skin imperfections/blemishes
- Dry, flaky, or irritated skin.
Ancient civilizations knew of the power of the Thuja Plicata tree and used the oil from the tree of life, also known as arborvitae, for spiritual communication during rituals or other ceremonies.
In the 19th century Thuja was commonly used as an externally applied tincture or ointment for the treatment of warts, ringworm, and thrush (1).
Arborvitae is known as the oil of divine grace. Arborvitae addresses the need to control the outcome of one's own life allowing the divine to step in and trust that everything will happen exactly as it should. Arborvitae helps you feel peaceful and trust that the divine grace, universe, God, higher power, will allow you to live effortlessly.
I am definitely going to suggest that others learn to love the oil from the tree of life. Have you ever used arborvitae? What has your experience been? I hope this post was insightful and thought provoking! Thank you for reading.
Until next time, be well!
-Kayla
(1): Resource
What is Wintergreen?
Monday, March 19, 2018
Some of the most popular benefits of Wintergreen are:
- Relief of joint/muscle discomfort.
- Calming nervous stomach/gas.
- Urinary health.
- Works well to naturally soothe discomfort, helping to relieve bone/muscle aches, and soreness.
- Increasing circulation.
Wintergreen has been used for many years. In fact:
Native Americans brewed a tea from the leaves to alleviate rheumatic symptoms, headache, fever, sore throat, and various aches and pains. These therapeutic effects likely arose because the primary metabolite of methyl salicylate is salicylic acid, a proven NSAID that is also the metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as Asprin (1).
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| Wintergreen - Gaultheria fragrantissima |
effect penetrates quickly and almost immediate relief can be felt. I also enjoy diffusing wintergreen with a citrus oil such as wild orange or lime. This creates a spa-like aroma that is invigorating and helps me focus on being in-tune with myself.
The emotional benefits of this oil are focused on surrender. Meaning surrendering the need to control, need to be right, or letting go of that which no longer serves you.
I hope this what is post brought insight into the nature of wintergreen, what it is used for, and how it can help us to let go emotionally.
Please let me know if you have any questions. If you would like to know where I get my wintergreen send me an email.
Thank you for reading and until next time be well!
Kayla
1: Prescription for Herbal Healing
What is Ylang-Ylang
Friday, March 16, 2018
Ylang-Ylang is a super popular scent used in perfumes like Chanel No. 5 and an amazing holistic ingredient. It actually comes from the Cananga Tree which originated in Indonesia. It can now be found in the Philippines, Madagascar, and in Malaysia. The Cananga tree is actually a part of the custard apple family! The flowers of the Cananga are distilled and from them comes Ylang-Ylang essential oil.
Some of the most popular benefits of this essential oil are:
- relieving high blood pressure
- normalizing the oils in your skin which is helpful if you have skin problems
- for the same reason as above it is great for scalp health
- powerful antioxidant
- aphrodisiac
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| The leaves of the Cananga tree. |
This oil has been used for centuries in spiritual, religious, and wedding ceremonies.
In my opinion this oil smells amazing. I actually use it in my ApotheKayla Signature Blend. It is a woodsy yet light floral scent. Almost like a musk but not harsh.
Positive emotions associated with Ylang-Ylang: Freedom, joyfulness, acceptance, intuition enhancement, playfulness.
The emotional benefits of this oil are centered on the heart and accessing our intuition, you know those gut feelings. Ylang-Ylang is known for connecting one with their child-self which allows us as adults to heal.
As I said earlier, I love this oil so much it is one of the four in my ApotheKayla Signature Blend It is also in my Love Potion recipe. I hope this post resonated with you and if so I would love for you to share it on your favorite social media pages. Make sure you tag @apothekayla and I will RT, or share!
Thanks for reading and be well!
psst... send me an email to learn more about where I purchase Ylang-Ylang
What is Arnica?
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Arnica is a herbaceous member of the sunflower family. It is a super anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Usually I purchase Arnica Gel. In this post I hope to shed some light on the beneficial properties of this amazing plant!
Arnica has been studied for its ability to relieve symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also useful for bruises and sprains. Arnica can be purchased as a gel online or in pharmacies. I usually add essential oils to arnica that also support muscle and bone pain relief.
"Another study found that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees who used Arnica gel twice a day for 3-6 weeks saw significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and joint function" (Advances in therapy, 2002).
This is a great holistic muscle strain reducer before, during, or after intense workouts or marathons. Many marathon participants use arnica mid-marathon to make sure they can maintain their pace towards the finish line.
Arnica has also been used as a natural pain reliever during childbirth. Arnica can reduce the stress and strain on muscles. It can be applied before giving birth and after. Many midwives and homeopathic doctors recommend it for application before, during, and after childbirth.
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| Arnica flower. |
Again, I personally utilize the healing benefits of arnica on my knees and back for muscle and bone pain. I use arnica as an all natural topical replacement for ibuprofen.
Resource: Advances in therapy
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