Jasmine Essential Oil

November 14, 2021 / embracingspirit / 1 Comment

I cannot seem to get enough of this oil lately. I find wearing it along my wrists, behind my ears, under my nose makes for a super calm, feminine feeling sassiness all day long.

Although native to the tropics, jasmine is cultivated in gardens around the world, thanks to its beautiful blossoms and exquisite fragrance. The aroma of Jasmine essential oil has an almost universal appeal. Intensely floral, it is warm, sweet, musky, and exotic.

Due to the delicate nature of the blossoms, Jasmine cannot be distilled like other flowers. Instead, a precious, highly concentrated absolute is made from the flowers. It takes thousands of freshly picked petals to produce a 5 mL bottle of Jasmine absolute. There are over 200 varieties of Jasmine, most of which are native to warm climates in Northern Africa and Southern Asia. doTERRA Jasmine essential oil is sourced in Egypt from Royal Jasmine flower petals (Jasminum grandiflorum). Royal Jasmine is the most sought-after fragrance in the perfume and aromatherapy industries, thanks to its superior aroma. Of course, doTERRA’s standard takes that to the next level with added health benefits.

Is Jasmine Oil Good For Skin?

Jasmine essential oil provides several skin benefits. It promotes healthy-looking, glowing skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also be applied to the scalp to nourish and protect the skin. When used in skincare, jasmine essential oil acts as an effective antibacterial, soothing dry skin and eczema and increasing cell turnover to lighten the appearance of scars.

Is Jasmine Effective for Mood?

There is evidence that aromatherapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. A study that looked at jasmine essential oil found that when compared to a placebo, jasmine oil increased behavioral arousal.

This included significant increases in blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The participants in the jasmine oil group also reported feeling more alert. The researchers concluded that the stimulating and activating effect of jasmine oil could be useful for relieving depression and improving mood.

Jasmine oil used in aromatherapy massage was found to be particularly effective.

Another study published in the Journal of Health Research examined the effects of jasmine oil inhalation on the central nervous system and mood. When inhaled, jasmine oil affected brain activity and mood states and the participants reported feeling more positive, energetic, and romantic.

You can reap the mental benefits of jasmine oil aromatherapy by using it in massage oil or in a diffuser, or by inhaling it directly from the bottle.

Is Jasmine an Aphrodisiac?

Jasmine’s romantic scent has long been believed to have an aphrodisiac effect. It’s been worn as a fragrance, and in parts of India, jasmine flowers are often included as décor at weddings in the newlyweds’ bedroom to set the mood for romance.

There is little scientific evidence to back its effects as an aphrodisiac. We do know that inhaling jasmine or using it in aromatherapy massage improves mood and has been reported to increase romantic and positive feelings, as well as energy levels.

These things could, in theory, prime someone for romance and sex. Also, its stimulant effect on brain waves may make a person more alert to sexual cues, possibly increasing blood flow to the penis, according to a small study that looked at the association between odors and sexual response.

If you’re hoping to spice things up in the bedroom with jasmine oil, try dabbing some of the oil on your neck. Your body heat will enhance the scent. You can also add a few drops on bedding, to a warm bath, or to a diffuser in the bedroom.

Where Do You Apply Jasmine Oil?

Jasmine essential oil can be applied to pulse points for a calming aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook. It evokes feelings of joy, peace, and self-confidence. In addition, Jasmine essential oil provides a myriad of benefits to the mind and body.When worn as a personal fragrance on the wrists and neck, Jasmine essential oil helps balance mood throughout the month and is highly sought-after for its ability to stir feelings of euphoria and romance. I love to apply Jasmine across my lower belly from hip to hip and behind my ears.

Are you ready to get Jasmine in your collection? You can grab one here. Check out this amazing ebook, too. It is packed with information to get you inspired to use essential oils for many uses in your home.

Palo Santo

December 7, 2020 / embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Have you ever heard of Palo Santo? It’s wood from a tree called Bursera graveolens, nicknamed Palo Santo, that grows in South America. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means “holy wood,” has been burned as an energy cleanser.

Like sage, which is predominantly used by Native Americans, South American shamans believed burning Palo Santo had similar properties capable of resetting energy that was tainted by negativity or conflict. Palo Santo is said to show agitated and harmful energy the door (literally), bring in positive healing energies, and allow you to approach things with an unburdened mind.Many people find the aroma of palo santo relaxing, so it’s commonly used to ease stress. It’s thought to have a purifying, cleansing effect on the body and mind.

When you attend my virtual Sacred Circle 12/30, you will receive a stick of Palo Santo along with a few other special items that you’ll need to full participate in the releasing of 2020.

You can register for the virtual event here.

Photosensitive Oils

May 3, 2020March 25, 2021 / embracingspirit / Leave a comment

When I first started using essential oils I had no idea that some oils could cause a burn. Crazy, right?

As we head into warmer months and more outside time, remember that some oils are photosensitive and cause a reaction that is uncomfortable when combined with sunlight.

Be mindful when applying the following if you plan to be in the sun. You can still use them, just apply on the feet or a covered area or take internally (I only ingest pure, certified therapeutic grade oils that I am positive have been tested).

Check out this gorgeous ebook for the basics and be sure to drop me a message if you’re not sure which oils are safe I’m happy to help.

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Finding Alignment

July 22, 2019October 3, 2022 / embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Imagine for a second if prior to any action you were about to complete you were able to pause and ask yourself this–

What am I doing this for? Why am I doing this?

If your answer is connected to a deep desire for soul fulfillment then YES act on your desires. But if you are engaging for reasons that drag you away from inner peace, then it is a big NO. (Why is this such a hard lesson for so many women to get)?? As I explore this question in the coming days and weeks, I vow to become fearless in my honesty and clear about my motivation while also exploring the beliefs that fuel my action.

I learned at a very age that hard work = validation and love. The harder I worked, the more my mom approved of me and that lended to a warm and happy home. As a young person I found great validation in juggling all of the demands of a sweet family while keeping an immaculate home. In my thirties I added being a single mom, working hard and going to school. In my forties I left my job and became a self-employed entrepreneur. All the while maintaining personal development and a healthy lifestyle. It might be easy to see that I am a perfectionist and get fueled by its demands.

And, I also suffer from burnout and exhaustion. So as I begin to teach this throughout the week and how perfectionism can get in the way of inner peace, I am going to offer up the question “why am I doing this?” with each crossroad of a decision. If the answer doesn’t resonate deeply with my soul in an effort to be aligned with my best self, then the answer will be a resounding no. With that I am ready to discover a force far bigger than myself and take in what the freedom that comes with doing things that feel good, not what is expected.

Freedom

July 4, 2019January 19, 2020 / embracingspirit / Leave a comment

We have all heard of the metaphors of feeling stuck in a cage and not able to be free to fly, or the imprisoning walls that have been built around us. The brick and mortar is often what we place around ourselves that create our own version of prison. These can include negativity, questions of worthiness, regrets of the past and worries of the future. Similarly the key to the cage that we so often feel trapped in resides in our own hands. It is our choice to stay in the cage or take the key and unlock it. No matter what circumstance we are in, we ultimately have choice in what we do with it.

We are not our circumstances, instead we are our possibilities.

As I was planning this month’s classes around the concept of freedom and being liberated, I received a message from a dear friend whose young daughter was just diagnosed with autism. Heartbreaking as those initial words were, I saw within a few short days a woman take on this experience like that of a true champion. Sure, she cried her eyes out and felt fear for the unknown. We all do when we hear those words. The first thing I did was send her the Welcome to Holland Poem. Then we talked awhile about what may lie ahead as she leaned on my experience to help her navigate the first few steps on this new and scary journey. Then she got busy.

She certainly could have felt like this news was a giant reason to give up and stay stuck. Many do. She however, in her warrior spirit, immediately saw a need to advocate and start asking questions about services and community integration for her sweet little girl. She took this as a chance to make a difference in the lives of her daughter and others.

That is what freedom is.

Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. My friend refuses to feel imprisoned by this diagnosis and she will use the power of her light to act and speak without restraint.

This is just one of a million examples of how we can feel stuck, trapped, locked in, or caged. Whether it is a relationship, a job, a location or a belief you have about yourself, WE have the power to act, speak and think without restraint and hindrance. We are in control of what we do with our circumstances.

Do you feel imprisoned? Are you the one laying the bricks down and filling them with mortar? Do you hold the key in your hand and refuse to unlock the door?

What would freedom feel like? This month we are going to chisel away the beliefs and fear that build a wall around ourselves. We are going to slip the key into the lock and learn to fly. We are going to feel free.

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Giver of Goodness

April 21, 2018January 31, 2020 / embracingspirit / Leave a comment

Curious about the face behind this blog?
I teach adaptive yoga to adults with disabilities, specifically traumatic brain injuries, in my community. It is the most rewarding soul loving experience I could have ever dreamed of.
I love nature and refuel by walking twice a day! Rain, snow or shine I get out there! Being in the trees brings such a sense of groundedness to me and it is a must for me.
I am an introvert! Crazy to think that an introvert can spend so much time talking and being in front of people, but it is possible! I love teaching but also treasure alone time.
I am a mom to 3 adults kids–my daughter is disabled and lives with me and my men are out in the world living their lives.
I am a native to Colorado and recently bought my childhood home! It is amazing! Talk about roots!
I am passionate about service. One of my greatest pleasures is being a volunteer where I spend time applying essential oils to people in hospice.
I have had THREE hip surgeries in the last year. That experience has given me humility, grace and such a deep appreciation for the little things in life.
I have 3 dogs and a cat. I have always been a dog person but this little kitty has grown on me!
Besides sharing Yoga, I am also a wellness coach and level 1 healing touch practitioner. My own journey is that I used to weigh 100 pounds more than I do today and the foundation of my changes came from a deep practice of mindfulness ! I have truly walked the path to health!
Above all, I believe in the power of gratitude and goodness. When we can appreciate ourselves, others and our experiences we begin to see that life truly is a gift. I also believe whole-heartedly that we are all interwoven and that humanity is begging us to live in kindness and to see our fellow man as the light that is within each of us. That is spreading goodness.