5 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEN

All aromatherapists know: every person is different.

Each person experiences aromas and tastes differently, and individuals will always have personal preferences.

However, when blending for a targeted group, such as men or women, it’s helpful to have a few “general” favorites in mind. For example, many men prefer heartier spices and woodier scents when choosing aromatic fragrances.

Whether you’re looking to work with aromas and blends yourself or you’re looking to create formulas for your clients (or favorite dudes!), here are 5 essential oils for men to get you started:

1. Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper Piper nigrum (L.) has a rich history. Pliny once spoke of it as “more expensive than gold.” Today, it is one of the most commonly used spices and a favorite aroma for men.

Black pepper has a spicy, sporty, and woody aroma that adds a classic and robust vibe to men’s blends. It’s also ideal in after-exercise formulas.

Try black pepper with cardamom Elettaria cardamomum (L.), lavender Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.), marjoram Origanum majorana (L.), rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.), and/or rose attar Rosa damascene (Mill.).

2. Bay Essential Oil

Bay Laurus nobilis (L.) also has interesting historic roots. It was once known as Daphne to the ancient Greeks because the nymph Daphne eluded the love-struck Apollo by transforming into a bay tree. The god of music and poetry then took the bay tree as his emblem. (Hence the term: poet laureate.)

Bay essential oil has a sweet, uplifting aroma with a hint of spice.

Try bay with bergamot Citrus aurantium (L.) var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, cypress Cupressus sempervirens (L.), juniper Juniperus communis (L.), and/or vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides (Nash).

3. Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

Woody and rustic, copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis (Jacq.) L. is a unique and hearty base note for men’s blends. It promotes nourished and cleansed skin, so copaiba is a fantastic addition to homemade aftershave and other bath products for men.

Try copaiba balsam with cypress C. sempervirens, frankincense Boswellia spp., lemon Citrus limonum (Risso), nutmeg Myristica fragrans (Houtt.), and/or sandalwood Santalum album (L.).

 

4. Sandalwood Essential Oil

A beloved classic of men’s blends and fragrances, sandalwood S. album essential oil’s distinct, sweet, woody, and long-lasting aroma is uplifting and invigorating. It’s a favorite choice for men’s soaps, aftershave, and colognes.

It’s important to know that all sandalwood is not created equal. Due to overharvesting and slow replanting, the S. album tree is vulnerable. Because of this, the ACHS College Store, the Apothecary Shoppe, sources sandalwood essential oil exclusively from a sustainable sandalwood plantation in northern Australia. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to know where your oils are coming from and how they’re produced—so you can feel good about your purchase and smell great, too!

Try sandalwood with benzoin Styrax benzoin (Dryand.), bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, clove Syzygium aromaticum (L.), and/or myrrh Commiphora myrrha (Engl.).

5. Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver roots have been used to fragrance fabrics and clothing for centuries. The roots have even been used to create traditional, aromatic baskets and mats.

With a deep, husky, earthy aroma, vetiver V. zizanioides essential oil’s strength is a superb fixative in blends for men. An added benefit: vetiver V. zizanioides is uplifting and has been said to promote concentration and focus.

Try vetiver with bay L. nobilis, black pepper P. nigrum, Atlas cedarwood Cedrus atlantica (G.Manetti), cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume), and/or sandalwood S. album.

THE NATURALIST MEN’S FRAGRANCE SPRAY 

Copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis oil: 10 drops

Black pepper Piper nigrum oil: 10 drops

Sandalwood Santalum album oil: 1 drop

Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides oil: 1 drop

Alcohol: 1 tablespoon

Filtered water: To fill bottle

Add essential oils and alcohol to a two-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Add filtered water to fill bottle and shake again. Spray upward into the air as a room freshener or use as a natural body spray.

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Young Living Essential Oils, LC, is the world leader in essential oils, with a strict Seed to Seal® process that produces pure essential oil products for every individual, family, and lifestyle. This process ensures that all products are genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and pure. This commitment stems from the company’s more than 20 years of stewardship toward the earth and its people. If you would like to sign up to buy oils at a discount click here.

Filed under: aromatherapy, Essential Oils Tagged: earthy, for men, husky, men's preference, Smell, spicy, sporty, woody

Ylang Ylang

Filed under: aromatherapy, Essential Oils Tagged: flower of flowers, properties, Ylang Ylang

HOW TO USE CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL IN 21 POWERFUL WAYS

 

Cedarwood essential oil has an abundance of therapeutic uses and health benefits, both psychological and physical. These benefits make cedarwood a welcomed addition to your medical cabinet.

 

 

PROPERTIES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Modern medical research has shown that extracts from the Cedarwood needles have a pain killing and antiseptic effect and that the tree has antioxidant properties.

Furthermore, the natural health benefits of cedarwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties, such as antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antispasmodic, astringent, tonic, diuretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, sedative, fungicidal and insecticidal.

Ayurvedic practitioners use preparations from the Himalayan Cedarwood tree to treat diabetes, urinary tract infections, obesity, skin ailments, to aid digestion, to strengthen the heart muscles, to improve blood circulation and to treat pain. The oil is used for colds, coughs, hiccups, arthritis, headaches and gout.

Not all the genus’ of the Cedarwood/Juniper varieties contain the same compounds, so take note:

• Himalayan and Atlas Cedarwood based oils typically contain Alpha-pinene and Himachalol as key compounds.
• The Juniper based oils contain high levels of Cedrol and Thujopsene.

21 POWERFUL REMEDIES FOR CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

 

1.   SEBORRHOEIC ECZEMA

Seborrhoeic Eczema is a common scalp disease caused by the malfunction of the skin’s sebaceous glands. The increase of sebum production causes an infection of the epidermal cells which causes raised, inflamed, itchy and flaking rashes.

Cedarwood essential oil can aid in the treatment of seborrhoeic eczema due to its healing, antiseborrheic and anti-inflammatory properties. While Cedarwood helps to treat seborrhoeic eczema, it can reduce the symptoms, as well.

Remedies: 

• Add several drops of cedarwood essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.
• Add 5 drops cedarwood essential oil to your bath water if the rash persists at the base of your neck. 
• Blend a massage oil with 8 drops cedarwood oil and 4 tsp of a carrier oil.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops chamomile essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

 

2.   ARTHRITIS AND NERVE INFLAMMATION

Arthritis and rheumatism are types of joint pain and joint pain diseases most commonly accompanied by inflammation of the joints and nerves. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

Because of cedarwood’s anti-inflammatory qualities, the oil is often used to treat the stiffness and pains of the joints associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

Remedies:

• Add 5 drops cedarwood essential oil to your bath water.
• Blend 8 drops cedarwood oil to a carrier oil and massage it into sensitive areas.

Or try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

 

3.   INSOMNIA

Cedarwood essential oil has natural sedative properties which can combat insomnia. Its aroma elevates the release of serotonin in the brain which converts to melatonin and encourages restful sleep and a peaceful mind. Try these remedies to help:

Remedies:

• Place a few drops of cedarwood oil on your pillow cover so you can inhale the aroma all night. 
• Use cedarwood oil in your room diffuser to fill the air with the scent.

Or, try this essential oil massage blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the body and heels of your feet before bedtime

 

4.   MINOR WOUNDS

Cedarwood essential oil has antiseptic properties which can assist in treating minor wounds and skin damage. It prevents infection and toxins from entering the body.

Remedies:

• Make your own balm by adding a few drops of cedarwood oil to coconut oil and massage it gently onto the wound.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

 

5.   PAIN RELIEF

Cedarwood essential oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Animal studies have shown Himalayan Cedarwood reduces pain and inflammation.

Remedies: 

• Take a hot bath with 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil. 
• Blend 8 drops cedarwood oil with 4 tsp carrier oil.

Or, try this essential oil blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

 

6.   HAIR LOSS

Cedarwood oil strengthens and stimulates your hair follicles and promotes improved blood circulation to your scalp. Research for the use of essential oils for alopecia patients confirms that cedarwood essential oil in combination with rosemary, lavender and thyme has a safe and significant effect on a high percentage of people who used the blend.

Remedies:

Hair Oil Treatment:

• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops thyme essential oil
• 8 tsp olive oil
• Blend well and rub it into your scalp and through your hair

 

7.   IMPROVE FOCUS, MEMORY AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD

In recent studies, cedarwood essential oil has been shown to improve focus and reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.

Remedies:

In a room diffuser, add:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops vetiver essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil

 

8.   HEALS ACNE

Cedarwood essential oil can help to protect and heal your skin against unsightly acne. It inhibits the clogging of pores and protects it from invasion by toxic particles and bacteria.

Remedies:

Make a natural face wipe serum:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 tsp jojoba carrier oil

 

9.   NATURAL DEODORIZER

Cedarwood essential oil is reassuring and comforting as a natural deodorizer. Furthermore, it possesses a pleasant, wood-like scent. The oil adds a warm tone to any blend of perfumes or oil blends.

Remedies:

• Add several drops to your favorite deodorant. 
• Create your own deodorant with cedarwood oil, baking soda and corn starch.
• Furthermore, try adding several drops to a spray bottle with water and spray it around garbage cans and anywhere where musty smells can erupt. 

 

10.   NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT

Cedarwood essential oil is a natural insect repellent as insects such as mosquitos and fleas hate the aroma.

Remedies:

• Add 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil to an ounce of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray on your skin and clothes. You can also add several drops of a carrier oil to the spray mixture to help absorb it into your skin easier. 
• Drop several drops on your pillow and bed sheets at night to repel insects while you sleep. 
• Spray inside your home, on screens and around doorways to keep fleas and other insects from entering the home. 

 

11.   RELIEVE DRY SCALP

Cedarwood essential oil encourages healthy blood circulation to your scalp and contributes to reducing any itching or drying that you might be enduring.

Remedies:

• Add several drops to your shampoo and conditioner.

Or, 

• Add 8 drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp
• Let it sit for 20 minutes then rinse it out

 

12. RELIEVE CONGESTION

Cedarwood essential oil efficiently reduces coughs and discharges phlegm from the lungs and respiratory tract, thereby relieving congestion. Furthermore, the oil can help to relieve other symptoms of a cold such as a headache and watery eyes.

Remedies:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Rub into your chest as needed 

Or, add the same blend without the carrier oil to your room diffuser to help breathe easier and reduce coughing.

 

13.   STRESS AND ANXIETY RELIEF

With its natural calming properties, cedarwood essential oil is perfect for stress and anxiety relief.

Remedies:

Message Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

Room Diffuser Blend:

• 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil 

Bath Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

 

14.   TIGHTEN MUSCLE AND SKIN TONE

Cedarwood essential oil has natural astringent properties and can be massaged into your skin to tighten the muscles and skin. Furthermore, it can enhance the quality of your muscle and skin tone leaving it feeling firmer and reinvigorated.

Remedies:

• Blend 8 drops cedarwood essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your skin and muscles. 

 

15.   RELIEVE RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME

Restless leg syndrome is the uncontrollable urges to move your legs constantly. There are many good essential oils to help treat RLS.

Cedarwood essential oil can help relieve the symptoms because of its calming and soothing properties.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops vetiver essential oil
• 3 drops black pepper essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil 

 

16.   RELIEVE ASTHMA

Cedarwood essential oil has antispasmodic properties which can help to reieve spasmodic conditions such as asthma.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil 
• Massage onto the chest area to reduce the symptoms of asthma

 

17.   TREAT FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Cedarwood essential oil is antifungal and antibacterial so it’s ideal for treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail infections.

Remedy: 

Massage Blend:

• 3 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the infected area

 

18.   NATURAL DIURETIC

Cedarwood is a natural diuretic and can improve a number of ailments including hypertension, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections and the collection of toxins in the blood. Being a diuretic, it enhances the frequency of urination which works as a medium for removal of excess water, toxins like uric acid, and fat from the body. Toxins and extra water accumulated in the body are the main causes behind the above-mentioned illnesses.

Remedy:

Massage Blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil
• Massage into the abdomen several times per day

 

19.   IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION

Cedarwood essential oil is an emmenagogue which means it stimulates and brings about menstruation. To keep you on a regular schedule, massage cedarwood oil into your abdomen when you are due to menstruate each month.

Remedy:

Massage blend:

• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 tsp carrier oil

 

20.   OILY SKIN

Cedarwood can help even out oily skin complexions.

Remedy:

Blend:

• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil 
• 4 tsp jojoba essential oil

Use on your face as a facial wipe with a cotton ball to help eliminate oily skin and unclog pores.

 

21.   SMELLS GREAT!

Even if you don’t have any medicinal reasons for using cedarwood essential oil, its scent is a good enough reason.

The scent of cedarwood essential oil is best described as a delightful, woodsy, balsamic aroma and will leave your house smelling glorious!  Furthermore, it will work wonders on your mind and mood.

Remedy:

Use it in your room diffuser in combination with these other essential oils:

Cedarwood essential oil blends well with these other essential oils: Benzoin, Cypress, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Juniper, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lime, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary and Neroli.

REMEMBER YOUR CARRIER OILS

Please bear in mind that before using essential oils topically, they must be diluted with a carrier oil.

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL PRECAUTIONS

• It’s not safe to ingest cedarwood essential oil orally. Because it’s such a powerful oil, it can cause nausea, vomiting, thirst and damage to the digestive system.
• Furthermore, if you are pregnant you should not use cedarwood essential oil.
• If used in large concentrations, cedarwood essential oil can cause skin irritations so do a patch test before using this oil for the first time.

by Robin Marri Miller December 11, 2016

Young Living Essential Oils, LC, is the world leader in essential oils, with a strict Seed to Seal® process that produces pure essential oil products for every individual, family, and lifestyle. This process ensures that all products are genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and pure. This commitment stems from the company’s more than 20 years of stewardship toward the earth and its people. If you would like to sign up to buy oils at a discount click here.

Filed under: aromatherapy, Essential Oils Tagged: astringent, Cedarwood, Diuretic, fungicidal, insecticidal, Insomnia, many more..., sedative, Therapeutic, Tonic

Sen. Al Franken Is Evolving On Marijuana

For the second time in as many days, U.S. Sen. Al Franken just added his name to a marijuana bill.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

On Tuesday, the Democratic lawmaker from Minnesota became the fifth cosponsor of legislation to allow cannabis cultivators and sellers operating in accordance with state laws to be taxed just like any other business.

The day before, he signed onto a bill that would allow those businesses to access financial services from banks.

Earlier this month, the former “Saturday Night Live” star was one of six senators to introduce a broad bipartisan bill that would amend federal laws so states can enact and implement their own medical cannabis laws without federal interference.

The leadership on marijuana issues is a far cry from when Franken said on a BuzzFeed podcast last year (in response to a question I submitted) that he was “not the guy to ask” about cannabis policy.

In his answer then, he did acknowledge that he should probably study up on the issue because the state he represents is one of more than two dozen that allows medical marijuana. “I should know more,” the senator said, jokingly adding, “or it’s not important or somewhere in between.”

A month later, Franken added his name to an earlier, now-expired version of the comprehensive medical marijuana bill that he is an original cosponsor of in the new 115th Congress. But he never did add his name to the 114th Congress’s versions of the cannabis taxation and bankinglegislation.

Now, the senator is on a bit of a marijuana bill cosponsorship spree, and some observers think it’s good politics — in addition to good policy — at a time when Franken’s name is being floated as a possible 2020 presidential candidate.

“With clear public support in favor of outright legalization, presidential aspirants now recognize that marijuana reform is something that can no longer be ignored,” Justin Strekal of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) said in an interview.

A Quinnipiac University poll released in April found that 60% of U.S. voters — and 72% of Democrats — support legalizing marijuana.

When it comes to medical cannabis, 94% of all voters and 96% of Democrats are on board. Just 13% of Democrats and 21% of voters overall want the federal government to interfere with state marijuana laws.

Other potential Democratic presidential candidates such as fellow Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have increasingly taken on leadership roles in the fight for marijuana law reform.

Franken, who discussed his past marijuana, cocaine and LSD use in a book he published earlier this year, also joined four other senators in writing a July letter asking U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions not to go after state-legal industrial hemp growers.

But Strekal, of NORML, wants Franken to do even more, saying, until he “puts his name on a bill that outright deschedules cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, I remain uninspired.”

In July, Booker filed legislation to do just that, and more. And in the last Congress, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a 2016 presidential candidate, filed cannabis descheduling legislation.

 

Tom Angell edits cannabis news portal Marijuana Moment and founded the nonprofit Marijuana Majority. Follow Tom on Twitter and subscribe to his newsletter.

Filed under: Cannabis, marijuana, Medical marijuana Tagged: Al Franken, Federal law, LEGALIZATION, Marijuana bill, NORML

12 More Reasons To Love Patchouli

 

Young Living Essential Oils, LC, is the world leader in essential oils, with a strict Seed to Seal® process that produces pure essential oil products for every individual, family, and lifestyle. This process ensures that all products are genuine, free of synthetic chemicals, and pure. This commitment stems from the company’s more than 20 years of stewardship toward the earth and its people. If you would like to sign up to buy oils at a discount click here.

Filed under: Essential Oils, Healing, Health Tagged: Antidepressant, Essential Oil, Hair, Healing, Hormones, Natural, Patchouli, remedy, skin