Spotlight | Aurae Natura Diffuser Blend in Blissful Sleep.

I've always been a fan of aromatherapy - the art and science of using natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. I reckon that my penchant for aromatic materials began way back in junior high school, when my then-boyfriend would gift me with scented candles and reed diffusers. These days, I've leveled up with essential oils and oil blends because 'hashtag adulting'. Haha!

I've been trying out several brands of essential oils lately, experimenting with different essential oil blends even. This led to my discovery of Aurae Natura, a social enterprise brand that helps to uplift the lives of the poor and supports efforts that contribute to the spiritual growth of women rescued from sex trade trafficking. Founded in the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan, Aurae Natura offers a variety of aromatherapy products - from diffusers to essential oil blends made with 100% pure and natural essential oils, and even inhaler blends. 

Aurae Natura recently launched their newest essential oil blend, and I had the chance to get first dibs on it, thanks to my Human Heart Nature Laguna family. There may have been no face-to-face event-slash-product launch because of this pandemic, but my HN Laguna family made sure that I get to try their new releases, just like in the good, 'old normal' days.

Aurae Natura Essential Oil Diffuser Blend in Blissful Sleep.

Aurae Natura's newest product is Blissful Sleep, a blend of pure essential oils carefully selected to support a calm and relaxed mind to ease yourself to sleep. It's made from all-natural, locally-manufactured ingredients, all of which are known to support deep and restorative sleep: 

A powerhouse blend of all-natural ingredients.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - one of the most popular and most versatile essential oils; promotes relaxation and eases anxiety
• Ho wood (Cinnamomum camphora) - has a woody and floral scent that helps detoxify the body and acts as a natural disinfectant
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) - its tarty, citrusy scent elevates mood and alleviates stress 
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) - a light, fruity scent that helps calm the mind and body
• Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) - a soft, flowery fragrance that soothes stress, tension, and sleeplessness

To use, simply add 8-10 drops of this blend for every 200 mL of water in your diffuser. I like taking a whiff from the bottle before I start diffusing. It's like tasting an appetizer before enjoying the main course. 

Ending the day with some Blissful Sleep.

Blissful Sleep has been my go-to nighttime blend lately. Diffusing it is like a treat to myself after a hard day of juggling household chores, writing gigs, and my son's (online) school activities. Now I can't wait to try the other Aurea Natura essential oil blends. I have a feeling Joyful Mornings will soon be my go-to perk-me-up blend!

Aurae Natura Diffuser Blends retail for Php 359 per 5 mL bottle and can be bought at Human Heart Nature stores, at the Human Heart Nature website, and the Aurae Natura website. 

Sinus Congestion Treatments Like Nasal Inhalers Or Essential Oils.

Those who suffer from sinus congestion are in the very least uncomfortable facing challenges in breathing and frequently have difficulty with sleeping. The problem can bring with it facial pain along with a runny nose and a constant cough that can become an annoyance. The solution suggestions provided by anyone aside from a medical provider are merely advice. If you have a condition that is bringing discomfort or have you considering any type of treatment, a healthcare professional should be consulted before you begin the course. A doctor can assess any underlying medical conditions, ensure there are no interactions with other medications, and supervise as needed.

Got the sniffles?

 The recommendation to relieve congestive symptoms is typically nasal inhalers such as you see in bemoxe.com, along with a healthy diet and an increase in fluid intake to thin the mucus in the nasal cavity. Avoiding chocolate, dairy, or processed foods is vital as these claim to increase the production of mucus. Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, so incorporating a humidifier in your space to elevate the humidity will enhance your ability to achieve restful sleep. And a warm compress over your forehead while you rest may aid in the pain sensation experienced in this area.

Using Essential Oils For Treating Congestion
The claim is that some essential oils have the potential to clear the nasal passages while relieving congestive symptoms, including sinus pressure. People have long found ways to implement these into health and wellness practices for their natural support to traditional medical care. Many of the OTC or over-the-counter decongestants and medications prescribed for treatment of sinus ailments are not well tolerated by everyone and tend to interact with certain medicines as well as multiple health conditions disallowing their use. There also note to be a variety of side effects. Essential oils are a safe alternative that can be inhaled effectively for treatment of ailments due to:

• Common cold 
• Bacteria 
• Allergies 
• Inflammation 
• With some oils capable of relieving symptoms like congestion or a cough

Limited research is available on the effectiveness of essential oils in assisting with sinus congestion. A few studies do suggest, though, that there are certain oils capable of the relief of symptoms. The claim includes one compound, melaleuca, or tea tree, which notes to offer properties such as antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. The element has potential because sinus congestion is generally the result of tissues becoming inflamed combined with the accumulation of bacteria. 

Essential oils have become quite an essential these days.

Another study indicates that a key ingredient, cineole, in eucalyptus oil offers an effective, safe solution to sinusitis in place of antibiotics. The ingredient notes to remove the bacteria and a variety of microbes from the air frees the airway of the buildup of mucus, and naturally suppresses coughs.

Many of the other essential oils claim to have a broad range of beneficial properties, but these are anecdotal. There is not sufficient research or studies to provide evidence the success of those boasting results. Click to learn the drawbacks of steam inhalation.

Other Treatments for Sinus Congestion

Decongestants or essential oils don’t comprise the only ways to relieve sinus congestion. Other ways to remedy these symptoms include: 

• A saline spray to thin mucus or a steam shower 
• Adding moisture into the air via a humidifier 
• Flush the mucus using a ‘neti pot’ 
• If the symptoms related to an allergy like hay fever, allergy meds 
• Inflammation release with a warm compress over the nose and forehead 
• Assist in opening the passages using nasal strips 
• Surgery is the extreme if there is any indication of polyps or a narrow passageway.

Congestion can be very frustrating, I know that for a fact.

If you are suffering from congestion with no signs of relief, it’s essential to contact your doctor before you implement any type of supplement, nasal inhalers, medication, or even essential oil into your health regimen. Substances may deem organic and natural, but that does not mean they are completely safe for each person. We all comprise unique body chemistries with the potential for specific reactions, not to mention individual medical histories for which these compounds could interact with certain conditions or other drugs.

Congestion is miserable, potentially painful, and frustrating. In consulting with your healthcare provider, you can let the doctor know your preferences for treatment and work out a plan that is ideal for you, your health, and overall well-being.

How To Improve Positive Energy With Aromatherapy.

We live in a society that’s so used to taking medication for any problem, that we forgot to heal ourselves using old, holistic methods that are less toxic for our organisms. Of course, holistic methods can’t help us when we face some serious issues, but they can help us relax, unwind and have better mental health.

One of the best healing elements of holistic therapy is aromatherapy. You can perform it at home, and enjoy all the power that essential oils can have to learn more about essential oils and their benefits. They can boost your energy levels, help you sleep better and alleviate all sorts of issues. The best part is that you don’t have to do anything except relax and breathe. How simple is that?

Photo credit: silviarita on Pixabay.

 Essential oils are full of wonderful smells that improve our physical and mental state in different ways. But, if you have never used essential oils before, you will benefit from learning about them first and then using them.

The oils you will use will depend on what you need. Here are some uses and oils that can help.

Energy-boosting oils
Rosemary is something that’s probably a permanent occurrence in your kitchen. You use it for all sorts of foods, from soup to meat. However, it’s also an essential oil which can offer you plenty of benefits as an aromatherapy tool. You can learn more about it here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/rosemary-oil-benefits

This specific essential oil has effects on your mood. It can stimulate you and wake you up, make you more alert and upbeat. It’s a wonderful blend of scents that are beneficial for your focus too and that can help your brain function properly.

Photo credit: Rodrigo Munoz on Pixabay.

So, if you are feeling down, rosemary essential oil in your favorite diffuser is probably one of the best options to bring you back to your normal state and refresh your mood.

Of course, that’s not all. Rosemary oil is great at boosting your immunity, helping with fatigue, stress, anxiety and all sorts of things.

In fact, it’s so good for you that researchers have studied it and found that five minutes of inhaling rosemary essential oil smell can reduce stress-related hormones and bring you back to your balanced state. To use rosemary oil, just pour it into your diffuser - click here to learn more about diffusers - and enjoy it.

There are many other energy-boosting oils that can help you. Here are some of them:

• Lemon, Grapefruit and other citrus oils for their invigorating effects
• Tea tree, eucalyptus, spearmint, lemongrass, and cedarwood because they can help you be more alert
• Mix any of these oils with citronella, sage or basil

Photo credit: Monfocus on Pixabay.

When it comes to invigorating effects, you can’t miss lemon and tangerine, as well as other citrus fruit oils. They are not just delicious food, they are also extremely beneficial for your mental state.

Tangerine, for instance, smells sweet and refreshing. It’s very intense and brings a whole host of benefits that can help you build energy. Lemon is very similar, and it’s beneficial for use in the morning or after a long day at work when you feel too tired to do anything.

Both are excellent at boosting your metabolism and support your digestion. As you may know, lemon and other citrus fruits are often used in beauty products and this is done specifically because they help with the detox of the skin and the body. They can clear your mind, help your general health and make your immune system stronger.

These citrus oils are just perfect for boosting your mood and creativity. So, when you feel down, it’s a good idea to use them as a way to make your day better. This list includes grapefruit or orange as well. You can mix them together with other citrus fruit oils, bergamot, spearmint and so on.

Another excellent example of pick-me-up essential oils is basil. It smells very fresh and intense but offers even more benefits. It’s antibacterial and it can help you when you catch a cold or a virus.

It’s important to know that this is also one of the preferred herbs in kitchens across the globe and some cultures even tie this plant to deities. It can boost your metabolism and reduce infections and inflammation.

As an herb, basil can be found in many dishes in many cuisines around the world. It’s a flavorful herb that doesn’t just add dimension to a dish, but also helps improve digestion, support liver function, reduce inflammation, and even fight infections.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser.

If you're following me on Instagram and/or viewing my IG stories, then it's highly likely that you've seen snippets of Human Heart Nature's latest product offerings over the weekend. My friends at Human Heart Nature Laguna graciously invited me to last Saturday's Product Launch where I got first dibs on the all-new Natural Feminine Wash with Odor Protect, Refreshing Hair Mist, and the Cooling Body Cleanser which takes the spotlight on my blog today.

Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser.

Contained in a sleek and travel-friendly squeeze bottle, the Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser promises a spa-like experience with its special blend of essential oils - rosemary, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Product description + usage instructions.

You're probably familiar with rosemary as something that adds flavor to baked potatoes and roasted chicken. But this aromatic herb actually does so much more, and is considered as one of the most powerful essential oils in the planet. It's a rich anti-oxidant, a memory enhancer, an immunity booster, and a hair grower - among many other things.

Ingredients list.

Peppermint oil, on the other hand, contains menthol - an organic compound with innate anesthetic properties that helps soothe discomfort. Aside from the cooling effect, this essential oil also works to brighten up dull skin and can alleviate stress and pain after a long and tiring day.

99.8% natural and cruelty-free.

Similarly, eucalyptus oil helps relax the body and calm the nerves with its sweet and minty scent. It also has a cooling effect which is a welcoming treat during these hot summer months. 

Flip-top cap, easy-to-squeeze bottle.

And finally, there's lemon oil, known for its antiseptic properties and its ability to detoxify and rejuvenate dull, tired-looking skin. Its lovely citrus scent is calming in nature and can also help clear nasal passages - perfect for days when you're down with the sniffles!

Here's a small drop of the cleanser - clear, with gel-like consistecny.

I absolutely love everything about this cleanser - the simple, no-fuss packaging, its woody/minty scent that invigorates the senses, the cooling effect that refreshes the body and relaxes the mind, and how it makes my skin soft and smooth after every bath. Truly, a spa-like experience in the comforts of your own home (your bathroom, to be exact). Oh, and I also love the how this tingling sensation lingers on the skin even after patting my skin dry. A summer must-have, indeed!

A word of caution, though. This cleanser contains coconut-derived ingredients which tend to thicken below 20 degrees Celsius. If the product becomes difficult to dispense, you simply need to warm it up with hot water. I've personally experienced this with Human Heart Nature's Salon Care Shampoo and Conditioner which I brought to my spring trip to Korea last year. Spring temperature in Korea ranges from 15 to 21 degrees, so yeah, it was a daily battle between me and my hair care products for the most part of our trip, lol. Thank goodness we have a boiler that also heats up the water in bathroom!

The Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser retails for Php 199.75 per bottle and is available at the Human Heart Nature website, and all Human Heart Nature branches nationwide. 

The Benefit of Essential Oils for Women’s Health.

Day to day life contains many stresses and anxieties that are at times, overwhelming, and can take a toll on our physical and mental health. As women, our bodies are constantly changing which means we need a little more TLC than most. While all of us are different and come in all beautiful shapes and sizes, one thing we can agree on is the vital importance of self-care.

Essential oils are a great way to give your body and mind a little extra care throughout the day. Here are some of the best options for daily care:

Good ol' lavender. :)

Lavender – Lavender is widely used and known for its calming abilities. It has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety and has a very soothing aroma. It can also be used as a sleep aid.

Clary Sage – Clary Sage is an anti-depressant and a mood booster.

Lemon – Lemon’s sharp citrus scent is energizing and de-stressing.

Tea Tree – Tea Tree contains antibacterial properties and is great for cleansing the skin.

Basil, Geranium, and Wild Orange – All three of these essential oils are said to balance oils as well as hormones. Basil is also a mood soother and these oils have positive effects on skin and hair.

Ginger – Ginger is not only delicious but also great for your immune system as well as aiding in digestion.

Though there are many other essential oils that have valuable benefits for women’s health, these are some of the best. And while nothing can replace a visit to your health care provider, or your daily dose of PF Supplements, these oils are a safe and natural way to do a little extra for yourself and maintain your overall health.