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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Easy to Make Spring Floral Lotion Bars

A lotion bar is a solid form of moisturizer that is typically made with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, and various oils like coconut or jojoba oil. Unlike traditional liquid lotions that come in bottles, lotion bars are compact and easy to use. To apply a lotion bar, you simply rub it between your hands or directly onto your skin. The warmth of your body helps soften the bar, allowing it to glide smoothly and provide hydration to the skin.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Spring Renewal: How Essential Oils Can Revitalize Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

The scents of spring have a profound influence on our mind, body, and spirit, creating a range of responses that can uplift and energize us. Scents such as blooming flowers, fresh grass, and earthy petrichor, have a direct impact on our mind and body. Studies have shown that pleasant odors can enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve cognitive performance. Inhaling the fragrant air of spring can evoke memories, spark creativity, and promote a sense of well-being, contributing to a positive mental state.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Creating an Aromatherapy Garden: What to Plant, How to Harvest and Ways to Use

As a passionate gardener and advocate for holistic wellness, I've always found immense joy in growing my own aromatherapy garden each year. There's something truly magical about nurturing plants not only for their captivating scents but also for their potent healing properties. From the soothing aroma of lavender to the invigorating fragrance of peppermint, each plant in my garden serves as a powerful ally in promoting both physical and emotional well-being. In this article, I wanted to share my top 15 plants to grow to create an “aromatherapy garden”, including tips for planting, growing, harvesting, and using them after harvest.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Spring Sniffles No More: Aromatherapy Tips for Allergy Relief

In the spring, common allergens include pollen from ragweed, trees, grasses, mold spores, and dust mites. These allergens can trigger allergic reactions, making it a challenging time for allergy sufferers. Due to their chemical constituents, essential oils are a natural way to help soothe symptoms of allergies this season.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Make Your Own Lavender Infused Oil

Lavender is not just a beautiful and fragrant flower; it also has a multitude of health and wellness benefits. One popular way to enjoy these benefits is by creating lavender infused oil. Whether you want to use it for aromatherapy, skincare, or hair care, making lavender infused oil at home is a rewarding and simple DIY project.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

3 Ways to Naturally Relieve Headache Pain Using Aromatherapy

Are you tired of reaching for painkillers every time a headache strikes? Aromatherapy offers a natural and holistic approach to alleviating headache symptoms. By utilizing the power of essential oils, you can find relief from tension, sinus, and migraine headaches. Here are three effective ways to use aromatherapy for headache relief.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

6 Aromatherapy Self-Care Rituals to Warm Your Winter

Self-care may look different in the winter compared to other seasons. I often find myself craving warmth through cozy clothes and blankets, light through candles and fireplaces, and slowness through calming music and book reading. Aromatherapy offers a soothing sanctuary amidst the frosty weather, providing a gentle yet powerful way to enhance our emotional and physical health. Here are 6 self-care rituals using aromatherapy to help you embrace winter wellness and thrive during this season of hibernation.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Rose Milk Bath Tea Recipe For Dry Skin

Throughout history, the beauty rituals of various cultures have embraced the luxurious and nourishing properties of milk baths. Cleopatra, known for her radiant skin, was renowned for her indulgence in this ancient practice. The natural ingredients in milk make it an excellent choice for those struggling with dry skin in the wintertime. Combine a milk bath soak with rose petals and nourishing essential oils and feel your mind and body instantly relax with this rose milk bath tea recipe.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

How to Safely Add Essential Oils to Your Bath

I often think back to when I first started using essential oils and what I wish I would have known then. I cringe as I remember how I used to add essential oils directly to my bathwater. This is a common mistake of many essential oil users. Whether you are brand new to essential oils or have been using them for a while, I hope this aromatherapy bath safety guide is helpful for you.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

What Does Snow Smell Like: A Whiff of Winter Wonderland

Snow has a unique and refreshing scent that is often described as clean and crisp. Some people describe it as have a slight citrus whereas others describe it a light sweet floral. Others describe it as a fresh dirt-like aroma. When the first snowfall blankets the ground, the air is filled with a faint, almost sweet aroma, reminiscent of freshness and purity. While snow itself is odorless, the characteristic scent that we associate with snow is actually a combination of various factors, both natural and human-induced.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Powered By Peppermint: Studies Show It Can Benefit Your Exercise Routine!

I run about 500 miles a year and a few years ago I discovered the incredible benefits of applying a little diluted peppermint essential oil behind my ears before I hit the road. Now it is rare that I start a run without applying it. I dilute it 4% and add 12 drops to a 10ml roller and roll a little behind my ears before I get started. On the days I use it, I notice I run faster, work harder, breathe better and am much happier while exercising. On the days I’m not feeling motivated to work out, I especially find it help helpful as my mind has a positive memory scent association with the aroma and running and I quickly find myself getting excited for those endorphins to hit. In fact, I find it extremely difficult to NOT exercise quickly after applying it.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Aligning Circadian Rhythms Through Wintering and Aromatherapy

As winter unfolds its frosty embrace, our bodies and minds undergo subtle yet significant changes to adapt to the season. Embracing the concept of "wintering" allows us to synchronize with nature's rhythm, fostering a sense of balance and well-being. Wintering, a term that encompasses the act of consciously navigating the colder months, invites us to explore ways to strengthen our physical and emotional well-being during this season. One such practice that has gained attention is aromatherapy, a holistic approach that utilizes the power of aromatic plant extracts to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall wellness.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Easy to Make Nourishing Winter Hand Cream

As the winter winds start to nip at our noses and the air becomes drier, our skin often bears the brunt of the season. This is the perfect time to indulge in a little self-care by pampering your skin with a nourishing, homemade body butter. This simple yet luxurious DIY hand cream recipe that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and deeply moisturized.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Aromatherapy: A Holistic Approach to Battling Seasonal Affective Disorder

While there are various treatment options available for SAD, one alternative approach that has gained popularity in recent years is aromatherapy. Utilizing the power of scent, aromatherapy aims to alleviate the symptoms of SAD, promote relaxation, and uplift mood. In this article, I address the potential benefits of aromatherapy for individuals with seasonal affective disorder and the science behind how certain scents can positively impact our mental well-being during the darker months.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

The Truth About Lavender and Tea Tree Essential oils Disrupting Hormones In Children

Lavender and tea tree essential oils have long been celebrated for their soothing scents and therapeutic properties. However, misconceptions often circulate, suggesting a potential link between these oils and disruptions to the endocrine system, particularly in the form of prepubertal gynecomastia. In this article, I would like to clear the air on this topic and explore the scientific evidence that supports the safety of lavender and tea tree essential oils in relation to the endocrine system.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Science Of Essentials Wellness Gift Guide 2023

The glorious holidays are fast approaching, and I find myself seeking products that really embrace wellness and help me intentionally take better care of myself every day. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite gifts I’ve given and received over the past few years that do this. This year, I created a “wellness focused” gift guide to help you find gifts that nurture and restore the mind and body.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Where to Apply Essential Oils: A Comprehensive Guide

Essential oils have gained popularity for their numerous therapeutic and aromatic benefits. These concentrated plant extracts offer a natural way to enhance well-being, from promoting relaxation to aiding in various health concerns. But do you know where to apply essential oils for maximum effectiveness? Proper application and usage can make a significant difference in their impact. In this guide, we'll explore the best places to apply essential oils for various purposes.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

Vagus Nerve Bath Salts

A few months ago, I was teaching my aromatherapy certification course students about the benefits of utilizing aromatic baths. I have become obsessed with this essential oil blend that we used in class. While I enjoy baths, I find myself often getting too hot (or bored) that I don’t want to stay in for long. When I tried this aromatic bath recipe, I found myself not wanting to ever get out! I felt incredibly peaceful and relaxed. The Vagus Nerve Bath was born.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

The Forest in a Bottle: The Healing Power of Tree Essential Oils

Imagine a leisurely stroll through a lush forest, the crisp air filled with the earthy scent of trees, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the whisper of the wind. This immersive experience has a profound effect on our well-being, but what if you aren’t able to visit a forest? We can capture the essence of the forest and carry it in a small bottle which has also been shown to have therapeutic effects. That's precisely what tree essential oils offer - the healing power of nature distilled into a concentrated, aromatic form.

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Holly Brandenberger Holly Brandenberger

The Best Aromatherapy Shower Steamer Recipe

One of the best ways to transform our showering experience is to use shower steamers to help promote tranquility, boost energy and mental clarity, and support the respiratory system. Shower steamers are small, often tablet-like products that release aromatic scents and essential oils when they come into contact with water and steam in your shower. They are also incredibly fast and easy to make yourself!

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