Monthly Archives: October 2009

Peppermint Essential Oil

melissaPeppermint Oil has been known for soothing digestive upsets as well as improving your concentration.   It also aids in the prevention of and relieves colds and flu if you combine it with Lavender Oil. The fragrance is highly penetrating and has a grassy-minty, camphoraceous undertone.  It blends well with lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, clary sage, and marjoram.

Listed below are some of the aromatherapy uses for Peppermint Oil;

  • Anaesthetic – loss of feeling or sensation
  • Anti-inflammatory – relieves or alleviates inflammation
  • Antimicrobial – resists or destroys pathogens that cause disease
  • Antiphlogistic – reducing inflammation
  • Antipruritic – relieves or prevents the sensation of itching
  • Antiseptic – destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
  • Antispasmodic – relieves spasms & cramps of the smooth muscles
  • Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses
  • Astringent – contracts & tightens tissues
  • Carminative – settles digestion, flatulence & eases gripes
  • Cephalic – stimulates & clears mind
  • Cholagogue – stimulates the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the intestines
  • Cordial – stimulant & tonic
  • Emmenagogue – promotes & regulates menstruation
  • Expectorant – helps to expel mucus from respiratory system
  • Febrifuge – reduces fever
  • Hepatic – stimulates and aids liver function
  • Nervine – stimulates & strengthens the nervous system
  • Stomachic – aids digestion
  • Sudorific – helps to induce sweating
  • Vasoconstrictive – constricts and contracts the capillary walls
  • Vermifuge – expels worms or parasites from the body

Peppermint Oil is non-toxic, non-irritant (except in concentration) buy may cause sensitization in some individuals. Menthol is a dermal irritant so please use in moderation.  Also keep away from children and avoid in pregnancy.

Please check out our Clearly Essentials’ website to see our list of essential oils and carrier oils we supply.

Quality of Essential Oils

It is very important to buy the highest quality essential oils from suppliers who are very careful about where they source their essential oils from.  In aromatherapy, quality essential oils will give you the best results and therapeutic value. 

For a company like Clearly Essentials, there are many things we consider when sourcing a quality essential oil;

  1. Country where the plant is grown.
  2. Soil & Climate conditions.
  3. Method of harvesting the raw materials.
  4. Method & Time of extraction.
  5. Method of Bottling & Storage

We also have a chromatograph to test the purity of the essential oils.  The Clearly Essentials website gives you detailed information on every essential oil we sell like;

  1. Botanical Name
  2. Synonyms
  3. Plant Part
  4. Extraction Method
  5. Color & Odor Description
  6. Aromatherapy Uses
  7. Safety Data

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Our team of specialists can help you answer any questions you may have so why not give us a call (416) 751-0105 or log onto our website @ www.clearlyessentials.com

Orange Essential Oil

mandarinOrange Oil has a familiar citrusy smell that is uplifting and warming.  It has a wonderful fruity fragrance which is described as bitter sweet, fresh, camphoraceous and herbaceous.  Orange Oil blends well with neroli, geranium, clary sage, myrrh, patchouli, sandalwood, rosemary, spices as well as other citruses.  The sweet orange and bitter orange tree produces orange oil from the peel of the fruit.

It is known for brightening your mood and encouraging feelings of joy and happiness from within.  It also helps to ease indigestion, constipation and cramps.

Listed below are some of the aromatherapy uses of Orange Oil;

  • Antidepressant – uplifts & counteracts depression
  • Anti-inflammatory – relieves or alleviates inflammation
  • Antiseptic – destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
  • Bactericidal – prevents the growth of/or destroys bacteria
  • Carminative – settles digestion, flatulence & eases gripes
  • Choleretic – stimulates production & excretion of bile by the liver
  • Digestive – aids in the digestion of food
  • Fungicidal – resists or destroys fungal infections
  • Hypotensive – reduces blood pressure
  • Sedative – calms/reduces nervousness
  • Stimulant – stimulates the physiological functions of the body
  • Stomachic – aids digestion
  • Tonic – invigorates & strengthens the body

Orange Oil is generally non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but can cause dermatitis in some individuals.  It can be fatal to children if they ingest a large amount of the oil but generally it is gentle enough to use externally on children. Citrus oils are phototoxic so avoid the sun.

Please check out our Clearly Essentials’ website to see our list of essential oils and carrier oils we supply.

Carrier Oils

clip_image002Carrier Oils (or base oils) are used as a diluting agent for essential oils.  Essential Oils are very concentrated substances and should never be applied directly to the skin.

A Carrier Oil can be almost any vegetable oil (such as soya, sweet almond or grapeseed oil).  They are produced from the seed, kernel or nut and have little to no odor to them.  There are a range of different Carrier Oils each with their own individual properties and suitability towards different treatments in aromatherapy.  The most common uses of Carrier Oil is for lubrication purposes, such as in massage therapy.  Infused Oils are a combination of carrier oil and various essential oils.

Have you ever heard of the term “cold pressed” carrier oil?  It means that there has been no external heat used in the extracting of the oil from the processed seed.  It is very important the vegetable oil be extracted without external heat because the high heat can destroy the nutritive qualities of the oil.

Choosing the right carrier oil for your application is easy with Clearly Essentials because we only offer the highest grade carrier oils (therapeutic grade & cold pressed);

  1. Sweet Almond Oil is expressed from the seed of the almond tree. This oil should not be confused with Bitter Almond Oil which should not be used in aromatherapy applications. This oil is light and penetrating, and is often used in massage oils, and as a base for essential oil uses. Can be used at levels of up to 100%. Contains glucosides, minerals, Vitamins. It is rich in protein. Good for all skin types. Helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness, and inflammation. Excellent massage oil. Low odor.
  2. Canola Oil is extracted from the seeds of the rape plant (also known as rapeseed oil). Light in color and very penetrating to the skin. Works very well as a massage oil base, and is a low cost alternative. Can be used at levels of up to 100%.
  3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from the pulp of the fully ripe and hand-picked fruit which is so gently crushed that the pit does not break. Extra virgin olive oil is collected from the first pressing while virgin olive oil comes from the second pressing. It is applied externally for dehydrated, sore or inflamed skin. It is also good for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. The oil is a natural sun filter and can screen out up to 20% of the sun’s rays. It is a little heavy for massage and may sensitize when applied topically.
  4. Grapeseed Oil has mildly astringent qualities which helps to tighten and tone the skin, and makes it useful for acne and other skin complaints. It is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid quite important for the skin and the cell membranes. Grapeseed oil has regenerative and restructuring virtues and has great skin moisturizing properties. Used as a base for creams and lotions, and great as a massage oil as it is easily absorbed.
  5. Jojoba Oil  is extracted from the seeds of the shrub Simmondsia chinensis. It is a thick, pale yellow oil. Excellent lubricant properties and can be used as a hair conditioner. Has a long shelf life and is readily absorbed by all skin types. Can be used as up to 25% of a base blend.

Carrier oils should always be stored in a cool place for a maximum of 6-12 months. Do you need help finding the right carrier oils, essential oils or need help finding a recipe to make a product for your home, Clearly Essentials can help you.  Check out our website of give us a call at (416) 751-0105.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

eucalyptusThere are many different types of Eucalyptus Oils available on the market but Clearly Essentials offers 2 of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy; Eucalyptus Citriadora Oil (lemon-scented) and Eucalyptus Globulus Oil (blue-gum).  

Since cold and flu season is approaching, Eucalyptus has a reputation for being a decongestant and helps relieve respiratory ailments, headaches, and sinuses. It also helps relieve aches and pains, antiseptic and is an excellent insect repellent for mosquitoes.

Eucalyptus Citriadora Oil has a strong, fresh citronella-like odor and a sweet balsamic undertone.  It blends well with most florals, citruses and with some spices.  Eucalyptus Globulus Oil has a harsh camphoraceous odor and a woody sweet undertone.  It blends well with other woods, herbs, lavender and lemon.

Listed below are some of the aromatherapy uses of Eucalyptus Citriadora Oil;

  • Antiseptic – destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
  • Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses
  • Bactericidal – prevents the growth of/or destroys bacteria
  • Deodorant – counteracts body odours
  • Expectorant – helps to expel mucus from respiratory system
  • Fungicidal – resists or destroys fungal infections
  • Insecticide – destroys insects

Listed below are some of the aromatherapy uses of Eucalyptus Globulus Oil:

  • Analgesic – relieves or diminishes pain
  • Anti-inflammatory – relieves or alleviates inflammation
  • Antibacterial – prevents the growth of/or destroys bacteria
  • Antineuralgic – relieves & reduces nerve pain
  • Antirheumatic – relieves or reduces the symptoms of rheumatism
  • Antiseptic – destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria
  • Antispasmodic – calming properties
  • Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses
  • Astringent – contracts & tightens tissues
  • Balsamic – soothing and healing
  • Cicatrizant – promotes healing through the formation of scar tissue
  • Decongestant – relieves or reduces congestion
  • Deodorant – counteracts body odours
  • Depurative – purifies and cleanses the blood
  • Diuretic – increases the production & secretion of urine
  • Expectorant – helps to expel mucus from respiratory system
  • Febrifuge – reduces fever
  • Hypoglycaemic – blood sugar levels that are raised above the accepted normal range
  • Rubefacient – warms the skin & increases blood flow
  • Stimulant – stimulates the physiological functions of the body
  • Vermifuge – expels worms or parasites from the body
  • Vulnerary – promotes healing of wounds & prevents tissue degeneration
  • Eucalpytus Citriadora Oil should only be used externally
  • Eucalpytus Citriadora Oil should only be used externally

Eucalyptus Citriadora Oil is non-toxic and a non-irritant but could cause possible sensitization in some individuals.  Eucalyptus Globulus Oil should be used with care and people with high blood pressure & epilepsy should avoid it. Excessive use of this oil may cause headaches.  It is very important to keep Eucalyptus Oil out of reach of children since this oil is very toxic if ingested. Also please avoid applying Eucalyptus Oil to or near an infant’s nose.

Please check out our Clearly Essentials’ website to see our list of essential oils and carrier oils we supply.

Essential Oils for your Home

picBecause of their antimicrobial and antiseptic properties—in addition to their uplifting aromas—essential oils have countless household uses.
From cleaning bacteria-prone surfaces to naturally deodorizing entire rooms, you’ll find a variety of essential oils to create a healthier home.

There are a variety of ways to use essential oils in your home and here are a few suggestions;

  • Airfresheners – using a spray bottle filled with water and adding a few drops of essential oils will freshen any room in your home.
  • Aroma Lamps – can be bought at the Body Shop.  You simply add a few drops of essential oils to water and it is heated by a candle.  This is great when you want to get rid of an awful smell in the kitchen from cooking.
  • Carpet fresheners – using baking soda and adding a few drops of essential oils to it and sprinkle over your carpet letting it sit for approximately 10 minutes before you vacuum.
  • Closet & Cupboard Fresheners - add of few drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and place it inside an open plastic bag in your closet or dresser drawers.
  • Candles – place a few drops of essential oils on the wax before lighting the candle (avoid the wick).
  • Potpourri – using what nature has to offer you, gather dried leaves, flowers and wood shavings and place in a wide mouth jar with a lid.  Add the essentials oils your desire and let sit for several days so that the oils are absorbed by your outdoor materials.
  • Kitchen & Bath Surfaces – using a mixture of oils that have antibacterial and disinfectant properties are great to use around the house to wipe down surfaces, clean floors, disinfect kitchen cloths, chopping boards.  Basically anywhere where germs collect!

Do you need help finding the right essential oils or need help finding a recipe to make a product for your home, Clearly Essentials can help you.  Check out our website or give us a call at (416) 751-0105.