ZEN BOX PROFILES BOX #2 MARCH 2016

Transcription

1 ZEN BOX PROFILES BOX #2 MARCH 2016 ZEN BOX for March 2016 is coming! In this box, you will find: Zen PEPPERMINT Essential Oil Zen ROSE GERANIUM Essential Oil Zen DE STRESS BLEND Here are the profiles, and how you can use these wonderful Essential Oils! ZEN DE STRESS BLEND Almost everyone is stressed or feels stress at some point. Stress can be shortlived or ongoing, and neither is good for your wellness. When you are stressed, your body produces a rise in the chemicals cortisol and epinephrine. These are the chemicals responsible for the "fight or flight" reaction we get in stressful situations, and cause an elevated heart rate and blood sugar levels. It s your body s way of preparing for action or dealing with the situation. If this goes on for long periods of time, chronic stress begins to deteriorate the body starting with your external appearance. It also wears down your immune system, and hurts your skin (cortisol breaks down collagen.) We made this blend to help bring some calm your life, and to help reduce stress or anxiety. The nice thing is that is ALSO works on stressed muscles (such as those neck & shoulder muscles.) Here are the oils in your blend and exactly why they were chosen: Certified Organic Jojoba Oil & Sunflower Oil as the carrier oils (remember, carrier oils are the oils blended with the essential oils so that you may apply it topically.) These are oils that love your skin and help with absorption of the essential oils. Clary Sage is an anti depressant and has sedative powers among other things. Lavendar can calm nerves, relax, eliminate tension, relieve pain and even help circulation among other things. Neroli can help counteract depression and sadness, helping to lift & brighten the spirits. Roman Chamomile is known to bring a sense of calm, and it can also help with irritability and high emotions.

2 Rosemary helps with stress, actually lowering cortisol levels and helping bring balance. HOW TO USE: a. Breathe in the wonderful blend directly from the bottle or use in a diffuser, anytime you feel stress or want to reduce or eliminate the possibility of stress. Feeling tension at work, at home, studying for a test, too much going on and feeling overwhelmed? Use this to help manage. b. Massage some drops onto your wrists, neck and feet great to do after inhaling some from the bottle first. Let the oils work both topically AND through your limbic system and lungs. c. Some of our clients put a bottle in their purse and use it during the day at the office, school in the car (caught in a traffic jam, late again?). d. Feeling Physical Pain which is muscular based? Stressed shoulders and neck, for instance, can benefit from topical application. Apply some drops and relax. Use it ANYTIME you feel stressed. Note: you can certainly use this in a diffuser (I do), but remember that carrier oils are included (like your Immune Boost) and the carrier oils can gunk up the water a little. Be sure to clean and wipe out your diffuser after use to avoid build up. Safety: there is typically no skin irritation or reactions with this blend, but always test patch it once before starting to use. It s best not to use topically on babies under 1 year of age or during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy unless a certified aromatherapist or doctor clears you. Always refer to our SAFETY TIPS on the website: essentialoils.com/safety/ ZEN PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL Latin name: Mentha piperita Sourced: India Production: Steam Distilled (leaves) (Most peppermint sourced today is from India, Australia, US and France.) This is a widely popular and highly used essential oil thanks to its therapeutic value and menthol content. Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint! Various cultures have used this oil actively through the years (from ancient Egypt and Rome to more modern times). It has over a dozen healing properties! Peppermint is very well known for relieving nausea, upset stomach,

3 motion sickness and vomiting. It can help relieve pain, stress, headaches and tightness of muscles. It holds power for your respiratory system (it helps clear up phlegm and congestion). For the mind, it could improve memory and raise alertness; it is energizing and refreshing! Peppermint essential oil contains qualities (like most essential oils) that are antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant but also analgesic and anti edema. Peppermint contains large concentrations of menthol and is twice as potent in the essential oil form in decreasing smooth muscle spasm and blocking calcium channels in the gut. CAUTIONS: Peppermint should not be used in its undiluted form directly on skin, which could cause irritations; do your patch test. Unlike some essential oils such as lavender, tea tree or rose geranium, peppermint s chemical makeup is harsher on skin when undiluted (i.e. when not in a carrier oil or cream). Likewise, don t ingest it! Don t use peppermint on infants or very young children; if you are diabetic, one clinical test reported that peppermint might increase the risk of low blood sugar. Finally, you should avoid excessive daily use of peppermint over a period of time as it can interfere with sleep patterns (especially nightly use.) WHAT ARE SOME THINGS PEPPERMINT CAN DO OR HAS BEEN CLINICALLY TESTED ON? The list is long and I will only include some, but you will see the kind of power it has. * Tuberculosis: A 2009 study found that inhaled essential oil of peppermint was able to rapidly regress tuberculous inflammation, leading the authors to conclude: "This procedure may be used to prevent recurrences and exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis. * Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): A 2001 preclinical study found that extracts of the leaves of peppermint inhibit histamine release indicating it may be clinically effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. * Shingles Associated Pain (Post Herpetic Neuralgia): A 2002 case study found that topical peppermint oil treatment resulted in a near immediate improvement of shingles associated neuropathic pain symptoms; the therapeutic effects persisted throughout the entire 2 months of follow up treatment. * Chemotherapy Induced Nausea: A 2013 study found that peppermint oil was found to be effective in reducing chemotherapy induced nausea, and at reduced cost versus standard drugbased treatment (plus safer and more pleasant my comments). * Prostate Cancer: Preclinical research indicates that peppermint, thanks to its high menthol content, helps inhibits prostate cancer growth. * Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: Peppermint has been found to have inhibitory activity against acyclovir resistant Herpes Simplex virus type 1.

4 * Dental Cavaties/Bad Breath: Peppermint oil extract has been found to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine inhibiting Streptococus mutans driven biofilm formation associated with dental caries. It also helps reduce bacteria that causes bad breath. * IBS: Research has also shown that Peppermint oil is effective in improving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Another show that it has helped reduce total irritable bowel syndrome score by 50 percent among 75 percent of the participants. HISTORICAL ANECDOTE: Dried peppermint leaves were found in several Egyptian pyramids carbon dating back to 1,000 BC. Peppermint leaves were used in the Middle Ages to combat halitosis and whiten teeth. HOW TO USE: 1) Inhale or Diffuse. Inhale from the bottle or diffuse it. (You can also mix it with a carrier oil as you will see below). It is ideal to inhale when you have nausea, when you have hay fever, when you need some focus and alertness or want to feel refreshed. 2) Upset stomach, nausea or motion sickness? Inhaling peppermint oil can eliminate the effects of nausea and motion sickness, simply because of its relaxing and soothing effects. To quickly alleviate the symptoms, simply apply peppermint oil in a diluted form (mix drops in your carrier oil) and then apply directly on the forehead or rub on your stomach. We recommend 3 drops in a full tablespion of a carrier oil (or cream). Massage it on your abdomen. Be sure to inhale it as well both methods (inhaling & topical) give you added coverage in 2 channels of your body systems. 3) Oral health. Peppermint oil extract is shown to be more effective than the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine against bacteria that can cause cavities. It also aids in overcoming bad breath (typically caused by bacteria). You can add one to two drops to your toothpaste (never more!) and remember, you do not swallow your toothpaste! 4) Breakouts, congested skin, oil or acne? Put 2 3 drops of peppermint in a steaming bowl of water and form a tent with a towel. Steam your face then rinse with cool water. 5) Insects or Mice in the house? Put 4 5 drops of Peppermint on a tea bag and place at the back of kitchen cabinets or where there may be holes in the wall or cabinets (points of entry) as a deterrent. 6) Tired, achy feet? Soak your feet in water with Peppermint drops. You can also create a refreshing spray for your feet and lower legs. Using a 4 ounce spray bottle, mix 30 drops of Peppermint in 1 teaspoon of vodka then top off the 4 oz bottle with distilled water. Always shake before use (water and oil will separate, but water is the carrier. Shaking before use mixes

5 it again.) Mist your feet, ankles and lower legs it is refreshing and helps revive! It could be good in the summer for refreshing your hot feet, too! (Keep this in the fridge.) Spray bottles can be found on Amazon if you don t have any see our link here: essentialoils.com/diffusers carrier oils supplies/ 6a) If you are going through menopause, the same spray could help during hot flashes. Just avoid the eyes and face when you spritz. 7) Headache? You can try a cold compress with several drops of Peppermint. You could also add 2 drops of Lavender to the water if desired (from ZEN BOX 1). Wring out the compress after swishing it through the water with your essential oil(s) (a washcloth works well), and apply to your forehead. 8) Allergies bothering you? Do a steam tent once or twice daily with 2 drops of Peppermint (other essential oils can also be used individually for this, including lavender, eucalyptus or rose geranium). Your chosen essential oil will help kill off the offenders in your nasal cavities and purify as well as help with the symptoms. 9) Body & Shampoo Products: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil into your body lotion or wash, shampoo, or massage oil to give them antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, help cool skin and eliminate dandruff. It can also improve frizzy hair. Did your child get head lice? Use some peppermint drops in the shampoo and massage well; then rinse. Repeat again later in the day or as needed. 10) Itchy Mosquito or Fire Ant Bites? Thanks to the cooling menthol sensation in peppermint, a few drops can relieve the itch. 11) Need to Beat Your Sugar Addiction? The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs stated in a study published in 2010 that Sugar Addiction follows the same pathways in the brain that a habitforming drug does like morphine or heroine. In addition, too much sugar can help facilitate Candida yeast infections not to mention weight gain. Peppermint can affect the brain s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals, says Dr. Alan Hirsh, M.D. You can inhale Peppermint to feel full and trigger the brain (the easiest path); or you can apply 2 4 drops in your carrier oil on your temples and stomach. Likewise, you can mix 2 drops of coconut oil with 2 drops of peppermint essential oil, and apply to your wrists morning and evening or when you feel the urge. There are even more uses and you might have a favorite one! I will post on Facebook about Peppermint after ZEN BOX is out ( and feel free to add your tips or comments!

6 Zen ROSE GERANIUM Essential Oil Latin Name: Pelargonium graveolans Sourced: Egypt (most Geranium is sourced from Egypt, China and Ile de Reunion today) Production: Steam Distilled (leaves & stems) In aromatherapy, Rose Geranium is an anti depressant, an antiseptic, a special anti inflammatory and excellent for wound healing. It is also well known for promoting healthy skin. I love to diffuse this oil to clarify the air of microbes but also to create a supportive, even tranquil environment with such a pleasant scent. It is known to help relieve grief, and I used it often after my dear dog Zoe passed away. Caution: Rose Geranium helps in the formation of blood clots and stops excessive bleeding; if you have any tendency with blood clot issues, please avoid this oil. (I can trade out this oil for another if that is the case.) Rose Geranium has a wonderful aroma (deep sweetness yet herbaceous) as you will see, which is uplifting! Like many essential oils, it has powers for different situational uses. In fact, Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt says: "The tonifying effect of the terpene alcohol combined with the soothing influence of the esters are responsible for the fact that geranium is perceived differently for each individual. One person will perceive it as antiseptic, another as calmative, and a third as stimulant...because of this versatile character, geranium is an excellent foundation for massage and body oils. A FEW HISTORICAL ANECDOTES: Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil was used in ancient Egypt, among other things, to treat cancerous tumors. A native plant of South Africa, Geranium was brought to Europe in the late 17th century where it became incredibly popular during the Victorian era. Fresh leaves of geranium were placed at formal dining tables and used in finger bowls. In the Victorian parlor, the potted rose geranium plant was placed on tables. There are actually more than 700 varieties of cultivated geranium and pelargonium plants but Pelargonium graveolens (our Rose Geranium) is the main species cultivated for essential oil, and seems to be the one used most in history for therapeutic applications. HOW TO USE: 1) Breathe in Rose Geranium (from the bottle, from a tissue or cotton ball); use it in your diffuser (it s a good one to calm but delight children.) 2) In some instances (after a patch test) a few drops can be applied directly to healing cuts, wounds, incisions and boils for healing. (I typically use Lavender immediately on a cut unless it

7 doesn t stop bleeding, then I would instead use Rose Geranium because it helps stop blood flow and speeds up clotting.) Only a few drops 1 2 times daily for several days will help the healing process. 3) Topical: some drops can be added to a face cream or oil for topical application. I typically use Frankincense in my night cream, but I do have a small jar with Rose Geranium that I love to use in the morning and on weekends. It helps with inflammation, promotes circulation (great for skin tone), and has great qualities for skin and body systems. I love to use it after a late night out! 4) Swollen ankles? Geranium can be used in a nice cool foot soak to help reduce the inflammation. (You could also add some drops to your body cream or oil and massage on your feet, ankles and calves.) 5) We know that Frankincense is making inroads for sufferers of Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (as you read in your Profile #1 Zen Box, it inhibits key inflammatory molecules). Because Rose Geranium helps with inflammation, you can add several drops to your organic cream or oil in addition to your Frankincense, to help reduce inflammation. Nice in a hand cream! 6) Rose Geranium is known to balance the production of sebum and is helpful in many skincare and hair applications add a drop to a handful of your shampoo before applying. For skincare, it can relieve excessive dryness or help aging skin, works on wrinkles and helps reduce inflammation. 7) As mentioned, Rose Geranium is specially known to help with grief and sadness. Diffuse or inhale periodically during such a period. It is very balancing yet uplifting. 8) Scar, stretch marks or lines on your skin? Rose Geranium is a powerful cicatrisant (that is, helps the fading of scars, marks and issues on the skin). It increases blood circulation just below the skin (which helps with healing and skin tone). Put 10 drops in 1 ounce of a carrier and apply 3 times daily. We find Baobab Oil the best for this purpose since Baobab is also known as a scar reducer (Sublime Naturals offers a USDA Certified Organic Baobab). Other oils like Jojoba would be perfectly fine! QUESTIONS: me at info@zenoilbox.com or info@zenbox essentialoils.com, or call me at I will send several s about these oils during the month. Always refer to the safety tips on our website, essentialoils.com, and please keep the Essential Oils away from small children (they might be tempted to drink)!

8 Care for your Essential Oils: Keep the lids tight as oxidation is the biggest enemy of essential oils and will shorten its life. Keep in a cool dark area avoid direct bright light and warm to hot areas of storage. I keep some of mine in a little fridge. My book,, will be coming out this spring and watch for your copy! Want to buy more of one of the oils? (You may want to put an extra bottle of Lavender in your kitchen for cuts and burns, or want someone in your family to have their own Immune Boost Blend to take with.) I will have them available at a discount to ZEN BOX subscribers at with discount code ZENBOX25 in the near future. (Immune Boost is also available on Amazon, and the others will be later.) DON T FORGET, YOU CAN EARN A FREE ZEN BOX BY REFERRING 3 FRIENDS WHO SIGN UP! JUST LOG ON TO YOU ACCOUNT AND THERE IS A TAB FOR THIS! Warmly, Kathy Heshelow, founder of ZEN BOX Sublime Beauty Naturals