Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits and Tips to Self Care and Beyond

Dried lavender from the garden......

If there is one essential oil that seems to be the most popular, it’s lavender.  A classic fragrance, indigenous to the Mediterranean and cultivated in areas like France, Bulgaria and Spain.  The scent of lavender is floral, herbaceous, and green with sweet, powdery, camphorous notes.  Essential oils are somewhat like wine, since their scent can greatly vary depending on the region, environment, and weather conditions that the plant is exposed to.  For centuries, people have used lavender medicinally.  The flowers can be eaten and are used to flavor many recipes and dishes such as cookies, poultry, fish, risotto and ice cream….mmmm 

Lavender has an overall positive effect on the mind, body and spirit.  Having it in your aromatherapy kit is a good idea, as it is beneficial for a wide variety of conditions.  It’s applied to the skin for problems such as acne, eczema, cuts, bug bites, stings and fungal infections.  Rubbed into the muscles, joints, and temples, it can help relieve tension and headaches.  Lavender is perhaps best known for its calming, soothing and relaxing qualities, and to help relieve stress, insomnia, emotional tension and anxiety.  

There are many great ways to use lavender oil.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings (home, office, car) into a peaceful , relaxing environment.  

~ Create a fragrant home by adding a few drops of lavender to a handkerchief  and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent through your home.  A great way to create a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.  

~ To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, try lightly misting lavender spray onto your pillows, moisturizing with a lavender scented balm or even dabbing a couple drops of the essential oil on your temples......

~ To bring the spa home, lavender aromatherapy mists can be sprayed directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the oil to bath water for an incredibly relaxing experience.   Light some candles, play some soft music, and feel yourself slowly unwind.   

~ Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil by adding several drops of lavender essential oil to 1/4 cup sunflower oil.  Massage your limbs at bedtime or after a shower to give yourself some greatly needed self care.  Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.

~ Make your own aromatherapy cream by adding the essential oil to your favorite all natural, unscented balm or lotion. This way, you get the dual effect of moisturizing your skin while taking advantage of the aromatherapy benefits.  

~ Add a dab of diluted lavender oil to any of your pulse point, any time to calm, center and restore!

Lavender can be used neat in very small amounts.  However, because essential oils are so concentrated, they are usually diluted with another oil called a carrier oil.  Carrier oils can be used synergistically with an essential oil to target specific problems.  Examples of carrier oils are: jojoba, sunflower, avocado, almond, grapeseed, castor, olive, rosehip and wheat germ. 

Words to describe lavender are: Relaxing, calming, purifying, restorative, centering, and soothing.

Some properties of lavender are: antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, sedative, analgesic, deodorant,  anti- inflammatory and cicatrisant.  

What's your favorite way to use Lavender Essential Oil? Let us know.......

*Although lavender is natural, if any allergies or reaction occur discontinue use.  Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy.  Check with a pediatrician before using on babies or small children.

Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart; The Herb Bible, Peter McHoy, Pamela Westland; The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

Inspring Women: Carrie Nardini

Carrie Nardini with her son, Sidney.

Carrie Nardini has a passion for promoting people, craft, and art, which she does as a co-founder of I Made It! Market.  I Made It! Market or “IMI” hails itself as “The Nomadic Indie Crafts Marketplace.”  It began in 2007 with Carrie and fellow innovator, Nina Marie Barbuto.  Realizing that Pittsburgh was ready for a fresh new idea on craft markets, Carrie and Nina partnered to hold their first market at Garfield Art Works.  Carrie’s talent for promoting fellow artists doesn't stop here.  She is also part of Propelle, which offers entrepreneurial marketing support and mentorship to women entrepreneurs.

Carrie and I Made It! Market work in tandem with the community, hosting shows throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.  It showcases not only the talent, artists and crafters, but also many of the great local areas of our city such as Bakery Square, Southside Works and venues such as WYEP’s Summer Music Festival.   It’s an excellent opportunity for artists to reach new markets, broadening their horizons while at the same time giving local residents the opportunity to meet the women and men behind the art and shop for locally made, one of a kind items. 

I Made It! Market events are a lot of fun to attend and an enriching way of bringing the community together.  It’s also a place to inspire ideas, exchange stories, and build community relationships.   It’s a unique shopping experience where the buyer is an integral part of the process and can take satisfaction that they are supporting local business.  As commerce has become incredibly global, there is something truly special knowing where and how things are made.

It’s apparent that Carrie and her markets are changing lives.  She cares about the people she works with, often going the extra mile by mentoring new artists and giving them opportunities to promote their work.  She has taken this experience to the next level with Propelle, a consulting company that she copilots with Emily Levenson and Kate Stolzfus.  The Propelle motto says it all, “Helping women entrepreneurs take flight”.

Carrie offers this advice to inspiring entrepreneurs: try your best to be organized, keep your purpose in mind when choosing which opportunities are right for you, outsource when possible, ask for help, and seek an inner circle. 

Carrie enjoys what she does and is one hard working lady.  But the special twinkle you see in her eyes these days comes from another new role in her life, as mom to baby Sidney...  When asked how she balances all that she does, she says, “make the most of the time you have and be in the moment.”

Upcoming events for I Made It! Market:

May : 

I Made It! Market at Wiggle Whiskey & Marty’s Market, May 19

June:

Penn Avenue Arts in Action Fair, Saturday, June 15  

WYEP Summer Music Festival, June 28

Bakery Square Sunday Marketplace, June 23 

Independents Day, Sunday, June 30

July:

SouthSide Works Exposed, July 12 – 14

Bakery Square Sunday Marketplace, July 28

To learn more, visit:

I Made It! Market.com

WePropelle.com  



Copyright May 2013

Peace

The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.

~ Carlos Santana

When I say it's you I like, 

I'm talking about that part of you that 

knows that life is far more than 

anything you can ever see or hear or 

touch. That deep part of you that allows 

you to stand for those things without 

which humankind cannot survive. Love 

that conquers hate, peace that rises 

triumphant over war, and justice that 

proves more powerful than greed.

~ Fred Rogers

DIY: Yoga Mat Spray

Essential Oils are a great way to clean a yoga mat.  They also create a wonderfully aromatic
environment to support your yoga practice.

There are many methods and recipes out there for cleaning a yoga mat.  Simple ingredients like water and essentials oils may be all you need. Some people prefer to use soap and water. Others like to keep their mats open in between classes to circulate air.  You can also check with the manufacturer of your mat to see if they have any recommendations.  A lot depends on how often you use your mat, what's convenient for you, and what kind of yoga you do.

Usually, we clean our mats at the end of class.  It makes sense.  This way germs or bacteria are zapped before rolling up the mat.  But we can also lightly mist our mats beforehand too.  This has a protective effect against germs during practice, and BONUS, it creates a wonderfully aromatic environment as well.    Depending on which essential oils you choose and the effects desired, the scent could leave you feeling centered, grounded, in the flow, or perhaps energized!  This first recipe comes to us generously from Lizzie Hanulak.

Lizzie's Yoga Mat Spray

8 ounces (1 cup) distilled water

12 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Spray Bottle

Recipe #2 
8 ounces (1 cup) distilled water
1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (optional )
12 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
15 drops any of the following: Lemon, Lavender, or Rosemary Essential Oils.

Directions/Tips: Start with clean utensils and distilled water.  This way impurities have been removed which keeps your formula cleaner longer. You can also use cooled, boiled water if you have the time or inclination. The essential oils and vinegar will act as preservatives in the water. Made in small batches and used within a couple of months, you should have no problem.   But this being a water based product with gentle, natural preservatives, you will want to keep an eye on it for signs of anything unusual brewing.  The Tea Tree Oil is key for it's anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.  It works so well and has so many uses that I feel it's essential to have in the home.  Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Thyme, and Rosemary are also recommended essential oils, since they smell good, and also have anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties as well.  Choose from any of these to create your own unique blend.  When ready, add ingredients and shake well.  Spray on mat either before or after practice, wipe dry.

Soap Method
If you're looking for a deep clean.  You can use a little bit of mild soap to clean your mat. It's probably easiest in the bath or outdoors with the hose. Use a terry cloth rag or a sponge to wash off dirt and germs. Rinse thoroughly afterwards as soap residue can make the mat slippery.  Dry it off with a towel or hang it outside for a while.  But careful of too much direct sunlight, they say it can break down the foam...

So there you have it, but before we go....It would be wonderful to build a community and comment below, sharing your own tips, experiences, recipes or recommendations...GRACIAS

Happy DIY day!
Alyssa

Recommended article: Cleaning With Essential Oils

Copyright 2013 maptotheimagination.com

Inspiring Women: Lizzie Hanulak

Lizzzrrd Lounge Studios 2479 Wildwood Rd, Allison Park, Pa 15101

"My greatest mission is
to facilitate healing" Lizzie Hanulak

Hooray! The second in our series of inspiring women.  We are excited to introduce Lizzie Hanulak, a local business owner and devoted yoga teacher whose passion for yoga and unique vision makes a difference in the lives of others!

Lizzie Hanulak had been practicing yoga and mastering her craft for several years before becoming a certified yoga instructor. It was a momentous achievement.  Lizzie found her tribe, so to speak, and with it a calling that would help her and the many students that come to learn and practice the art of yoga.  Circumstances quickly fell into place after completing her certification. Soon she would take the leap of faith necessary to open her own yoga studio, which she did in October of 2012, called the Lizzzrrd Lounge Studios.

And we’re glad she did.  Lizzie brings much warmth, humor and compassion to the practice of yoga.  With the heart of an artist, her studio has a bohemian vibe with lush colors, exotic style and great music.  Lizzie is an informative teacher with a hands on, relaxed approach that is welcoming and supportive. While teaching, she infuses her students with greater mind/body awareness; gently nudging us back into the moment, to relax into the pose, and most importantly, to be loving, accepting and forgiving of ourselves and others.  It’s a place where we can feel free to be ourselves while practicing on the mat.  

One of Lizzie’s favorite parts of yoga is what she calls “non – linear” healing.  Human beings are complicated.  There are many facets to health.  Healing needs to address all aspects of the human condition such as our emotional, spiritual and mental health.  Lizzie feels yoga does this, facilitating healing on many levels, and in doing so, making us whole, healthy, happy people.

There have been many happy surprises since opening the Lizzzrrd Lounge Studios.  The support of friends, new customers, and the community has been heartwarming, as well as the rewarding experience of bringing yoga to people of all ages and backgrounds.  This is where Lizzie has a soft spot, as she goes out of her way to adapt yoga to people with special needs.

Lizzie’s studio has become a local hub filling a much needed gap in the community.  Her studio and one woman operation enriches us all and offers a way for people to connect through yoga, health and spirituality.  Generous with her time, Lizzie donates her expertise to those in need of it, as well as offering specials, monthly healing circles, and a Buddhist Meditation on Sundays.  

For more information and class schedules please visit Lizzzrrd Lounge Studios on Facebook.  To read Lizzie's Blog click here.

April discounts are:

~Mondays and Fridays bring a friend to class and your class is free.  In addition, you will be entered into a drawing to Medica healing arts center.

~2 weeks of yoga for $20.00

~Ongoing Specials:  Class discounts available for students, senior citizens, emergency personnel (ems, police, firefighters etc.), Parents of special needs children.

~Donations accepted for Sunday’s classes and Buddhist Meditation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Rub: DIY Natural Deodorant

It's important to be in tune with our bodies and to be advocates for our health. Making our own deodorant and knowing what the ingredients are gives us greater control over our health and how we take care of our bodies.

In a previous post I introduced a new recipe for a natural deodorant.  It works, it's inexpensive, but here's the rub.....for some people the baking soda can cause irritation.   

Seriously?  Just when I thought I had actually found the answer to years of trying so many natural, store bought and homemade products....My kids still laugh at me, by the way, for suggesting they use vinegar under their arms...."yeah, right, mom, guess again!" hahaha...

It's a dilemma, isn't it? There must be a way to smell fresh and use natural products at the same time...

So, I went back to the drawing board, and here are a couple of new recipes including a liquid deo.


DIY Natural Deodorant Cream
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon *Shea Butter 
1 Tablespoon plus 2 Teaspoons Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder
1 Teaspoons Baking Soda

This is the new recipe with less baking soda, more cornstarch and a touch of shea butter.  The little bit of shea butter feels really nice under the arms. Overall the recipe is mild and still works wonders.  *You can substitute with more coconut oil or some cocoa butter if you don't have shea.  If irritation occurs, you can omit the baking soda all together and use only the cornstarch or arrowroot.

DIY Natural Deodorant Spray
1/4 - 1/2 Cups Water
1/2 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Combine ingredients, shake well and apply.  It's nice to have an option for a liquid deodorant.  This recipes works great too and is useful when wearing more delicate fabrics.  Just wait a bit after shaving, since the salt can sting any cuts or irritated skin.

Other tips, recommendations and considerations:

~ Our skin is our largest organ.  We absorb everything through this protective layer.  It's important that we remember: what we put on our skin is as important as what we put into our bodies.

~ Try out the recipes before adding any essential oils.  If there isn't any irritation, go ahead and add 3 - 5 drops essential oil if you like.  Essential oils are extremely powerful and  I would use them sparingly as the under arms are a sensitive and delicate area.  A nice blend would be 1 drop Tea Tree and 3 - 4 drops Lavender for their anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and sweet smelling properties.  

~ Less is more....A pea size to a touch larger, is all you need of the cream deodorant split between both arms.  A little goes a long way at inhibiting odor.  Let it warm in the hands and lightly rub it in under your arms.

~ Vinegar actually does work....It lowers the pH levels on the skin which inhibits bacteria from growing....and the vinegar smell fades pretty quickly..There are many different ratios, but 1/4 cup water to 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar should be sufficient.  It's best to wait a while after shaving or if there is irritated skin as the vinegar can sting.... 

~ Eating healthy helps too.  Following a healthy diet does wonders for our overall health and for our body's chemistry.  And so it goes that what we eat can affect our body odor as well....
  
So, as there is no one size fits all product for all of us,  we do have options so that we can find what works best for each one of us.  Have fun experimenting and trying out these recipes. Feel free to adapt them to your own needs....

Be Well,
Alyssa




copyright 2013

Inspring Women: Judith Avers

Judith Avers

Hooray! Judith Avers is in the house.  We are so pleased that she'll be starting off our new series.  Each month we will be highlighting a woman who inspires us and makes a difference just by being who she is.  

Judith Avers, the singer/ songwriter who is originally from the west, has been writing songs since she was 6 years old.  Music comes naturally to her, as does her optimistic attitude for life.   It’s easy to see why people are drawn to her.  Her gorgeous lilting voice and the soft rhythms of her guitar draw you into her songs and lyrics. The stories she tells through her music are written with a keen observation and with an openness towards life and people.  She gives voice to the human condition in its most authentic, and tender forms, provoking music that shares both strength and vulnerability.   Through her willingness to tell the story like it is, in all its shades of gray: love, loss, triumph and failings;  we feel the great spirit of humanity in her songs.  And with it comes a larger sense of redemption and forgiveness that lies within each of us.   It’s this unfailing honesty coupled with her compassionate voice that makes her music so moving and strong.

Judith has collaborated with many artists along the way as well as performing solo.  These days she is in a band called The Early Mays with fellow musicians, Ellen Gozion and Emily Pinkerton.  They’ve released one CD with another in the works and will be performing March 8, 12:00 pm at Cup & Chaucer, Ground Floor of the Hillman Library on Forbes and Schenley Dr. (Oakland) and March 9 at Club Cafe opening for Brooke Annibale's EP release show.  

Besides performing with The Early Mays, you can catch Judith on YouTube for a year long weekly series called Real Women Real Songs.  Each week Judith posts a new song written from the prompt she received the week before.  14 women are participating in this project. Some examples of the prompts are: patience, apologetic, distasteful and lovestruck.  Judith has this to say about Real Women Real Songs:  "I think it is good for me to let go of the idea of making sure things are 'perfect' and just let the lyrics and melody chips fall where they may.  Some of the songs are messy and incomplete, but they are more real and free than most songs I whittle away at." 

Judith shares these gifts with all of us and also with the hundreds of teenagers she has mentored through programs like SongSchools 101 which is run through High Rocks, a leadership and empowerment program in West Virginia.  Mentoring is an important part of what Judith does as a musician.   She says: "I see songwriting and music mentoring as a kind-of similar thing to my musician friends who have children and 'pass the songs' down from generation to generation.  I think it is very important to teach young people skills and trades.  Music making and art making are skills and if I can have one tiny part of that teaching, that is a success in my opinion. " 

To experience Judith’s music and stories visit:

www.judithavers.com

Real Women Real Songs

The Early Mays 

copyright 2013