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Essential oils to support your family’s health Health and wellness- what a hot topic right now. I’m here to share easy-to-implement ways to support you and your family’s health using essential oils. NATURE'S MEDICINE Essential oils, herbs, and healthy foods all offer incredible all-natural immune support. I recommend utilizing all of nature’s medicines for full-body health, but today we will focus on the power of essential oils. Essential oils are extremely potent plant allies that can be used throughout the household in an assortment of ways to help boost immunity. Not to mention they help relieve stress and help calm the mind and body in the process. I don’t know about you, but my household has needed extra, extra help with stress relief these days! It’s a wild world out there. Essential oils are heavily concentrated plant matter made up of dozens of natural chemical constituents. Some plants carry specific chemical compounds that can help support the immune system in different ways. Essential oils for your immune system When life give you lemons . Lemons have many valuable compounds, but 2 of the most important ones are called "y-terpinene" and "d-Limonene". The y-terpinene is an antioxidant and the d-Limonene helps activate white blood cells and can help us fight off infections. It's also an antibacterial oil! So having these compounds that are antioxidants, antibacterial, antimicrobial, etc. in their super-concentrated form of Lemon Essential Oil can help support our immune system.(1) Clove Bud. Clove can also help stimulate the immune system based on its high percentage of "eugenol" which has an effect on interleukins that regulate cell growth and are particularly important in stimulating immune responses. This one compound has been known to be antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Pretty powerful stuff and especially helpful as anti-infectious agents! (2) Those are just 2 examples of a long list of oils that support the immune system. All plants carry different compounds or different percentages of them. Only some oils have immune-boosting properties. Some of my favorites to use are Tea Tree , Eucalyptus , Lavender , Lemon, Peppermint, Clove Bud, Orange , Sandalwood, and Vetiver.  Use essential oils to support your family’s health • Diffusing - So easy! Just add essential oils to your diffuser to purify the air you breathe. (Each diffuser has it’s own recommendations as to how many drops to use while diffusing). Not only does this purify the air, but it also supports our respiratory health. Need a diffuser? Check out some beautiful diffusers. • Inhalation - Also super easy! You can simply inhale directly out of the bottle, or use an aromatherapy inhaler. Whenever we smell something, the molecules travel throughout our body through our blood. This is an excellent way to also support respiratory health, preventing and aiding illness, and for mood-boosting or calming the mind and body (depends on the oil!). • Topically - Essential oils can be used topically. Whatever we apply to our skin makes its way to our bloodstream, so be extra cautious about what you are putting on your precious skin as it is our biggest organ that protects us! But we can use this to our advantage because we can apply diluted oils to our skin to support our immune system and smell great while doing it! Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Lavender are excellent skin-nourishing essential oils that also support the immune system. Add up to 12 drops of oil to every ounce of a carrier (water, oil, lotion) to apply to the skin for daily use. (Recommended for adults. For children add up to 6 drops per ounce of carrier oil.) • Clean with them! A fantastic way to boost immunity is to rid your home of germs and nastiness while also using essential oils that are antimicrobial AND immune boosting! Just about all citrus oils carry the d-Limonene molecule which has antimicrobial benefits. By using these to clean, we are naturally removing bacteria and microbes that could potentially enter our internal system that then may cause issues to our health. Using citrus oils like Lemon and Sweet Orange to clean not only disinfects your home, but it’s safe for the environment, boosts your mood, and of course, supports your immune system. *More to come on this topic soon! Stay tuned! So there you have it! Easy peasy Lemon Squeezy! (Had to say it.) You can find all of these organic, therapeutic essential oils HERE , and find immune-boosting products! Questions? Comments? Please let me know! Feel free to email me at topsyblends@gmail.com for more information. Stay healthy out there! Sending healthy and happy wishes from afar, Rachel London Certified Aromatherapist www.topsyblends.com Resources: (1) Lang, G. and Buchbauer, G. (2012) A review on recent research results (2008-2010) on essential oils as antimicrobials and antifungals. A review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 27, 13-39. (2) Fu, Y.-J., Zu, Y.-G., Chen, L.-Y., Shi, X.-G., Wang, Z., Sun, S. and Efferth, T. (2007) Antimicrobial activity of clove and rosemary essential oils alone and in combination. Phytotherapy Research 21, 989-994.

"If you don't make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness." - Unknown. Rest is imperative to good health. Most of us do not get enough quality relaxation. If experiencing a cancer diagnosis has taught me anything, it’s that you have to listen to your body. You have to rest. You have to self-soothe to calm your mind. A calm mind is what allows us to open up to the healing process. My brother sent me this astute passage by Thich Nhat Hanh from his book The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching:  The Art of Rest This goes hand in hand with the popular quote: "If you don't make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness." Whether you're facing an illness, or running full steam ahead with a jam-packed schedule, it is of the utmost importance to give yourself time in the day to do absolutely nothing. If you're like me, resting is a challenge. I have always taken pride in working hard, being productive, and being on the go. Many of us are raised with the mentality that if you work hard, you can play hard, but only for 2 days a week! Then back to the grind. This is unnatural, and it takes a while to undo this ingrained sense of pressure to be "on" all the time. Aromatherapy can be an excellent tool to help rewire the brain to help practice the art of rest. Taking a moment to take deep inhalations of a calming essential oil like Lavender, Clary Sage, or Frankincense can help center the mind, release pent-up emotions, and bring your attention to the present moment. When you're looking for a sense of calm, use your sense of smell! Our sense of smell immediately affects our limbic system (the part of the brain that's involved with emotional and behavioral responses) and can help us whenever we need by using calming and stress-relieving tools like soothing Frankincense Essential Oil. Frankincense is one of the most grounding, calming, and restorative essential oils there is. Frankincense has been used since at least 1500 BC for a myriad of uses like purification, embalming, fragrance, and most notably, as medicine.  For emotional support, Frankincense helps us quiet the mind to allow mental space for introspection. It encourages emotional healing on all levels and helps support tranquil, focused attention. In addition, for physical support, Frankincense is an effective pain reliever, immune supporter, has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and is a renowned skin and wound healing oil.  When mental or physical stress comes around, diffusing or applying Frankincense topically is a soothing remedy to help restore balance and peace from the inside out.  To help ground and nurture the mind: Add Frankincense to your diffuser Apply topically by adding up to 12 drops of oil to your favorite carrier oil Or, inhale directly out of the bottle. You can also use a handy tool, like the Zen Blend Aromatherapy Inhaler for stress and anxiety relief. It's a perfect pocket-sized companion to take with you wherever you go to help encourage deep breathing when stress hits. Great to use at work, at home, or wherever life takes you. I hope you take some You-time today to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy this we get to live! Questions? Comments? Please feel free to reach out using the contact box below! I always love to hear from you.

Being a well-rounded healthy human comes with the fragility of balance. To find our healthy mind/body balance more easily, we need to make self-care a habit instead of an afterthought. If we aren’t used to nurturing ourselves, self-care can seem like work. If it isn’t already part of our daily routine, it takes conscious, diligent effort to create and stick to healthy habits to maintain homeostasis of both mind and body. Throughout the day we have to take care of our needs, along with our family’s needs, our work’s needs, and if you are an empath, you may even take on your community’s needs, the world’s needs… No wonder we are stressed out so easily! We humans are creatures of habit after all! Once habits are part of our daily life, they are not a chore, they are not something we resist doing, they just become naturally part of our life. We will likely start to enjoy our new self-care habits and once we find a rhythm and routine with it, it’s hard to go about our day without them. This is the goal for self-care. Make it part of who we are. Part of our daily rituals. The more we take good care of ourselves, the easier it is to care for others without it feeling like a chore. What is self care? Any activity that makes your life better is considered self-care. This can be as simple as doing laundry, washing and moisturizing our face, meditating, reading, watering our houseplants, doing a puzzle… this is self-care. It does not have to be a full-blown spa day with massages or an hour long bath, though those are oh-so-lovely. In fact, small acts of self-care actually make more of an impact to reducing daily stresses. The Peace of a Daily Routine Once we create more self-care related habits, we fall into a routine. Routines, just as the sun rises and sets, are natural. Once we have our healthy routines, we may find it easier and easier to fall asleep at night, wake up and work out, take care of our skin, eat healthily… Once in place, healthy habits will start to transpire into all aspects of our life. No matter where you are at in your journey, take a few minutes to add one new self-care act into your daily life. Set your mind on it! If you are extra busy, it might be helpful to even set a reminder on your phone to make sure it comes up on your to-do list. Try this Simple One Minute Ritual Take a deep breathe in through your nose, filling your belly — and out through your mouth. Do this 3 times, just focusing on your breathe. Breath is the most valuable resource we have to navigate through stress . It’s always in our control, and by focusing solely on how deep our inhales and exhales are, stress can melt away. You will come out of that minute feeling better than you went in, I promise! Add Easy Aromatherapy And since you know how much I love aromatherapy, I have to add that using the Zen Blend inhaler as a meditation, self-care, breathing, stress-relieving, and balancing tool is one of the easiest and handiest pocket-sized blessings to have around when you need a moment for just you. “One conscious breath in and out is a meditation.” - Eckhart Toll Use the inhaler as a reminder to take deep, nourishing breaths and set your self-care intentions. Soon enough with mindfulness, these good intentions will naturally become happy habits and you will move through life with more ease and enjoyment. Next time you get flustered or feel stuck, remember to just breathe. Keep giving yourself these gentle reminders and overtime, you'll find you need to remind yourself less and less because you have created your happy habits and are living a life well balanced. ♥ Sending you all the best wishes today and always, Your neighborhood aromatherapist, Rachel

How essential oils support healthy digestion With the holidays around the corner come the delicious meals, drinks, then the desserts…and then the cycle repeats. It's all gravy, until the gravy fights back. My absolute favorite digestion support is the  Tranquil Tummy Digestion Aid Roll-On. Tranquil Tummy  is a blend of digestion supportive essential oils that are acclaimed for soothing inflammation, muscle relaxation, reducing gas and bloating, reducing nausea, soothing a queasy belly, and also supporting stress relief. With a warming blend of Nutmeg, Cardamom, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint and Sweet Orange,  this topical roll on   is so handy to have through the holiday season. “How does applying essential oils topically help my digestion?” I'm SO glad you asked. : )  Topically applying certain digestive supportive essential oils , like Nutmeg or Ginger, allows for a targeted, localized effect. The skin is permeable and essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, the therapeutic compounds in the essential oils can exert their effects on the body. Certain digestive-supportive essential oils like Peppermint encourage a healthy flow of energy throughout your body. This can help everything move smoothly through your belly and create a refreshing detox effect if you overindulge in rich food. In addition, there are numerous studies which confirm Peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory actions, specifically of use in the gastrointestinal system to help with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. (1) It has been proven to relieve gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal pain, and acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in the colon. (2)  Many people find that Peppermint and Sweet Orange essential oils can relieve constipation, cramps. Nausea and vomiting.(3)  Essential oils like Cardamom can help aid digestion by promoting the secretion of digestion juices and enzymes, easing digestive upset and bloating, and improving overall digestive system health. For the best digestion support, here is a visual how to apply the Tranquil Tummy roll-on: For additional benefits, as you are applying the topical solution to your stomach area, you are also inhaling the aroma which can help promote relaxation and stress release. A blend of these essential oils diluted properly and applied topically like the   Tranquil Tummy   for digestion is much more safe to you and your gut lining than internally consuming essential oils, and it works like a charm for those times when we eat just a little bit too much…  Tranquil Tummy is perfect for ages 6 & up! Grab yours here: Questions? Comments? I always love to hear from you! Reach out using the contact box below. Happy Holidays, Your neighborhood aromatherapist, Rachel Citations: (1)  In a review,(1)  Zhao  et al.  (2022) cite numerous studies which confirm peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory actions, of notable use in the gastrointestinal system, (it is gastroprotective and can alleviate irritable bowel syndrome and colitis),  2) Peppermint essential oil has antispasmodic actions on the gastrointestinal tract (Heinrich  et al . 2004). It relieves gastrointestinal spasms and abdominal pain (Zhao  et al . 2022). Chumpitazi  et al . (2018) suggested that peppermint oil affects the enteric nervous system, acting as a smooth muscle relaxant in the colon. (3) Sweet Orange for soothing constipation, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and vomiting.Hirota, R., Roger, N.N., (4) Nakamura, H., Song, H.-S., Sawamura, M., and Suganuma, N. (2010) Anti-inflammatory effects of limonene from yuzu ( Citrus junos  Tanaka) essential oil on eosinophils.  Journal of Food Science  75, 87-92.

If you wear makeup, this recipe is a must-try! It's effective, natural, and it could not be easier to make. It always leaves my face feeling so soft afterward. Best of all, you will just need 3 ingredients! 3 Ingredients for Natural Makeup Remover Organic, Golden Jojoba oil is one of the best oils you can use on your face. It's good for all skin types- acne-prone, oily, dry, or combo. Next up is Witch Hazel , which is a natural astringent. It's deeply cleansing and refreshing. It also works great as a toner to use between washing your face and before applying moisturizer. The two of these ingredients together make the best makeup remover. It's especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin! If you are looking for either of these two ingredients, I offer organic Golden Jojoba Oil & Organic Witch Hazel! If you have a chance to make this all natural makeup remover, I hope you love it as much as I do! Enjoy!

A guide to self care - nurturing yourself, opening the heart, and encouraging balance within. When Rachel, the lovely aromatherapist and creator of Topsy Blends, asked me to write about self-love, I was thrilled! But as I sat down with my favorite raspberry tea and my diffuser running, I didn’t know where to start. Isn’t self-love often like that? Something we know we need but struggle to begin. Sound familiar? I decided to focus on one step at a time. With my favorite self-love essential oils diffusing around me, I embarked on the journey of writing about inner love—and I hope this inspires you to do the same. To get us going, here is a handy resource for using essential oils for self love. >> Depending on what you need, this list will help guide you to oils that help nurture, open the heart, and encourage balance within. What is Self-Love? At its heart, self-love means valuing yourself—flaws, strengths, and all. It’s about treating yourself like you’d treat your best friend: with kindness, compassion, and care. Self-love is not about perfection or selfishness; it’s about progress and showing up for yourself every day. Self-love takes form in practices like setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and recognizing your worth without relying on external validation. It’s both a mindset and an ongoing practice. And while it may not always feel easy, it’s always worth it. Looking Inward When you’re able to love yourself and embrace your inner joy, that radiates outward and impacts others. Establishing self-care habits helps build that deeper connection with yourself—leading to the love you deserve. So how do you achieve this? It’s a tricky question, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching. Instead of focusing on external displays of love, let’s use this time to recenter ourselves in self-love. Once we do, we can more fully share our love with those around us. Here’s the thing: self-love doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not something you achieve once and never revisit. It’s a daily practice. Self-love means devoting yourself to you, showing up even when it’s hard. When you do something kind for someone you love, like gifting a friend their favorite self-love essential oils (I’m a sucker for a good gift, can ya tell?), it creates joy for both of you. Now turn that kindness inward. That’s self-care. Establishing routines with intentionality can lead to a love that feels as natural as breathing. Looking Outward When you love yourself truly, deeply, and passionately, you have the capacity to share love with those around you! Whether with a partner, family member, friend, or your community, self-love allows your joy to multiply and touch others. It’s a beautiful cycle. 4 Pillars of Self-Care This Valentine’s Day, let’s turn our focus inward. Here are four key values of self-care to help you deepen your self-love practice. 1. Intentionality Self-love is achieved by practicing habits with intentionality. Self-care should meet both your needs and wants—and only you truly know what those are. The first step is taking intentional time for yourself. Put distractions away and reconnect with yourself. This can look like: Meditating or journaling Creating art or taking a bath Gardening or going for a hike Diffusing self-love essential oils like Geranium, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang (available from Topsy Blends!) Making yourself a cozy, homemade meal Using eco-friendly skincare like The Great Omni Oil , which protects and nourishes your skin naturally Whatever you do, try saying aloud, “I’m doing this to show myself love and care,” and notice how it feels. 2. Gratitude One of the easiest ways to begin practicing self-love is through gratitude. You can write it in a journal, speak it aloud, or even jot it on the back of a grocery list. Try this prompt: Today, I’m grateful for ________. What came to mind? Gratitude softens the heart and helps you notice the beauty in the little things. You can also practice gratitude with loved ones by sharing three reasons you’re grateful they’re in your life. Joy is contagious! 3. Environment Your space has a significant impact on how you feel. Creating a safe, comforting environment is a key part of self-love. Rachel’s aromatherapy blog has an amazing guide on essential oils for balance and calm. I highly recommend checking it out and using those oils to create a space that supports you. Whether it’s through diffusing oils, adding them to a bath, or using them in body care like Topsy Blends’ Great Omni Oil , immersing yourself in natural, nurturing aromas can work wonders for your well-being. 4. Groundedness When you feel grounded, you feel at home in yourself—no matter where you are. Tools like essential oils can help guide you back to that grounded state. For instance, I use The Great Omni Oil (The GOO)when I’m traveling. Rubbing a little on my neck and breathing in its calming aroma helps me recente r. ...Can you tell I am a HUGE fan of The G.O.O. ? ;) It is my go-to for just about everything! Find what grounds you and make it part of your routine, whether it’s through scents, affirmations, or quiet moments of reflection. Self-Love Every Day This Valentine’s Day, give yourself permission to pause and practice self-care. Diffuse oils for self love, take a deep breath, note your gratitudes, and shower yourself with kindness. If you’re unsure where to start, simply slowing down can be the first step. When you look inward, you create the capacity to radiate love outward. It’s an honor to write for Topsy Blends and share my experiences with natural, heart-centered self-care. Here’s to more love—for yourself and the world around you. Xo, Tiff McIntyre

DISINFECT YOUR HOME NATURALLY Benefits of All Natural Cleaning It's Easy Cleanin' Green! Using ingredients derived from nature can do the same jobs that those chemical-based products do! It’s easy, it’s affordable, and you might even find yourself enjoying the process. Green Cleaning disinfects your home naturally, as well as fills the rooms with a lovely, natural aroma. It’s safe for your home, family, and the planet. Chemical-based cleaners can be tough on our immune system and can even cause allergies or respiratory issues. They can dry out our hands, cause irritations, and some synthetic ingredients contribute to indoor and water pollution... they seem to be causing more harm than good. By using natural ingredients, on the other hand, you are improving your indoor air quality, helping environmental impacts, and might even boost your mood while you are at it! Essential oils are incredibly effective and versatile for cleaning. Many of the antimicrobial essential oils also have uplifting therapeutic benefits like Peppermint, Lemon, and Sweet Basil! How Essential Oils Disinfect your Home Naturally These essential oils are our germ-fighting allies. Citrus oils have a chemical compound in them called d-Limonene. d-Limonene has been studied and found to calm inflammation, get rid of germs (things like bacteria and viruses), support immunity, and clear congestion. These oils are pretty darn handy to have around! While these oils have been studied and proven to support these claims, we cannot make medical claims on product labels unless they are approved by the FDA. So just because it’s not on the label, doesn’t mean they aren’t as powerful as chemical-based cleaners! Science does not have to mean artificial or synthetic. Two easy-to-make essential oil-based cleaning recipes that will give your home a thorough Deep Green Clean! *You can swap out the essential oils or mix and match with any one of the options above. I hope you give these a try and enjoy the all-natural freshness of green cleaning! Check out how easy it is to make in just a few minutes with simple steps in the video below. All the best, Rachel

A Brief History of Essential Oils Maybe our modern love of essential oils is rooted in our ancestral DNA. Topsy Blends offers a wide range of both centuries. They have been used for everything from beauty and healing, to ceremonies and food preparation. (1) The first documented use of essential oils was back in 4500 BC. Ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and ointments as well as for spiritual and physical well-being.  (1) Though it’s not documented, it’s believed that aromatic oils were also being used in traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine during the same time. Based on the recorded history (starting as early as 3000 BC), “China and India listed more than 700 substances including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, and sandalwood as being effective for healing.”(2) There are many prized depictions of Egyptians in ancient pictorials on temple walls showing royalty using essential oils. As the story goes, an excavation team found King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922 and found over 50 alabaster jars that were specially carved for essential oils. Previous thieves of the tomb had taken the revered essential oils, but left the gold! (1) The Way to Health The use of essential oils to combat the bubonic plague dates back to the Middle Ages, particularly during the outbreak known as the Black Death in the 14th century. During this time, people turned to essential oils for their purported antiseptic healing properties in an effort to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of the disease. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, also fumigated the city of Athens with aromatics to combat the plague, and prescribed aromatic treatments to Greek soldiers. (1) Hippocrates is known to have claimed that the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.  Count me in! Though essential oils had long been considered prized possessions to be used sparingly and with care, Romans used essential oils with sheer decadence. Not only did they scent their hair, body, and beds, but they also lavishly bathed multiple times a day with their oils and had frequent aromatic massages. (1) As history goes, Roman culture was influenced by Greek culture which was influenced by the Egyptians. At least with their use of these precious aromatic oils!  The Test of Time  We continue to use essential oils in many of the same ways our ancestors did. Today, essential oils are widely used throughout the world for therapeutic purposes ranging from sleep disorders, stress relief, wound healing, aches and pains, skincare, cosmetics, bug bite and sting relief, meditation, and an assortment of aromatic purposes. According to the National Library of Medicine, some essential oils like Lavender, Peppermint and Myrrh are still being used pharmaceutically and soon “could be used effectively as suitable alternatives for many synthetically produced medications.”(2) Perhaps Hippocrates was onto something. Maybe it doesn’t have to be hours of soaking or lavish spa days. Maybe the way to health is as easy as using essential oil-based skincare. Topsy Blends offers a wide range of both natural remedies and luxurious body care made with 100% pure essential oils for cleansing daily rituals proven to stand the test of time. Cheers to good health, Rachel  Your personal aromatherapist  (1) https://essentialoilsacademy.com/history/ (2) Elshafie HS, Camele I. An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:9268468. doi: 10.1155/2017/9268468. Epub 2017 Nov 5. PMID: 29230418; PMCID: PMC5694587. (3) https://www.curioushistory.com/the-history-of-essential-oils/

Whether you celebrate Galentine’s day, a day of self love, or go all out for the full meal deal with your special someone, Valentine's Day a great time to focus on giving and receiving the best gift of all, love.♥ Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful tools we can use to encourage love, intimacy, and opening up the heart. Just by smelling and inhaling therapeutic essential oils, you are making an immediate connection with your cerebral cortex that affects your mood and drive. What better way to foster love on all levels than using aromatherapy! Ignite passion, tune in to your own needs and desires, or open your heart. Here are some of the most prized essential oils that help promote love, sensuality and passion: Geranium - A beautiful oil to expand the imagination and intuition. It also helps open the heart up and allow intimate communication. Ginger - A spicy, but sweet oil that helps spice up vitality and libido. Jasmine Absolute - Incredibly floral and sensual oil that is perfect to help inspire love, boost confidence, and release negative self talk. Perfect to promote optimistic energy! Patchouli - This one kinda has a bad rap due to people overusing it, or using it to mask b.o. but it is SUCH a beautiful oil. Earthy, but deeply calming and balancing to the overall system. It truly is one of the best essential oils for opening the heart and has been traditionally used to ignite sensuality for years and years. Rose Absolute - Need I say more? What says LOVE more than a sweet rose. Rose is an incredible healing oil to nurture the heart and promote love on the deepest of levels. Perfect to help mend wounds of the heart, as well as to open the heart up and focus on self love. Sandalwood - This beautiful oil is excellent for supporting inner unity and promoting sensuality. It has also been used for energetic and emotional protection. Vanilla Absolute - Nothing like the sensual, rich scent of vanilla! It has been known to heighten the senses and can be used for all things romance! Ylang Ylang - Another powerful, rich, floral oil. It is excellent for promoting sensual awakening and encouraged feelings of euphoria while also providing peace and balance within. I also have a variety of love potion aromatherapy blends created just for you. ♥ Blossom Multipurpose Oil with Rose, Vanilla, and Lavender in an herbal infusion for skin, ends of hair, nails, and makes for a lovely, sensual massage oil. ♥ Shine Bright Affirmation roll on with Jasmine, Sandalwood and Sweet Orange + an Oregon Quartz Crystal to amplify the energetic properties of the blend. Great for an everyday perfume to encourage self-love, confidence and to lift the spirit. ♥ Lavender Rose Water - a multipurpose spritzer for an air, body and room spray. Perfect for calming the mind and body, opening the heart and embracing your sensuality. No matter how you spend your Valentine’s Day, I hope your love cup is overflowing! Sending you all the best wishes today and always, Your neighborhood aromatherapist, Rachel ♥

A simple routine to revitalize your health. I had no idea how important the lymphatic system was until I had severe underarm pain due to swollen lymph nodes. After researching, developing, and using a lymph circulation support body oil daily, I feel the difference not just in the reduction of pain, but I feel energized and feel healthier than I have in a very long time. Here's what I came to learn... For starters, what is the Lymphatic System? The lymphatic system is a hard-working, complex network of tissues, organs, and lymph nodes all interconnected by lymphatic vessels. It carries waste like bacteria and viruses, as well as transports vital immune cells which are essential in fighting off infections and diseases. Often referred to as the “second circulatory system,” the lymphatic system, unlike the heart, does not have a built-in pump to circulate the lymph. Instead, it depends on body movement, breathing, and muscle contractions to circulate the lymph. When the lymphatic system is stagnant, you can experience fatigue, swelling, painful lymph nodes, bloating/fluid retention, and a potentially weakened immune system. To maintain a healthy lymphatic flow throughout your body and ward off these potential health concerns, it’s essential to exercise, drink plenty of water, and practice a simple, manual lymph massage as frequently as you can. This can be done in the comfort of your own home and only takes a few minutes! Best of all, you can use essential oils to not only enhance your mood during your daily massage but also add many more lymph-loving benefits. Essential oils like Juniper Berry, Geranium, Cedarwood, Lemon, and Peppermint can provide added assistance to get the lymph moving and help boost lymphatic drainage. These essential oils are well-known for their ability to detoxify and cleanse the body, promoting the elimination of waste and toxins throughout the lymphatic system. Juniper Berry  has diuretic properties that help reduce water retention. Peppermint  helps stimulate blood circulation and healthy lymph flow. Geranium, Lemon, and Cedarwood  are wonderful anti-inflammatory essential oils that can help reduce swelling and promote lymphatic drainage, aiding in the release and removal of toxins and excess fluid. To keep you inspired, remember these 5 amazing benefits of doing a daily lymph massage: Immune System Support Reduce Water Retention Stimulate Blood Circulation Reduce Swelling Balance Energy Levels It’s important to dilute essential oils properly before topical use. For daily use, add up to 12 drops of one of these lymph-loving essential oils to 1 ounce of your choice of carrier oil (jojoba, apricot kernel, coconut oil). To make it all the more easy and enjoyable, use a topical made-for-you body oil like the Great Omni Oil! This multipurpose head-to-toe “everything” oil was originally developed as a lymph circulation support oil, but it has a myriad of amazing benefits and daily uses. How to do a Simple Lymph Massage at Home A full body lymph massage only takes about 4 minutes, it feels wonderful, and the benefits will not go unnoticed. You can use just your hands to perform this simple lymph massage, but using a lymph-supporting essential oil topical blend can enhance your results and add many other wonderful health benefits! Step-by-Step Lymph Massage: Neck: • Starting at the neck, Place your fingers just above your collarbone. Stroke Downward: Gently stretch the skin downward, moving towards the collarbone. Repeat this motion about 10 times on each side. Neck and Shoulder: • Behind the Ears: Place your fingers behind your ears. Stroke Down: Gently stretch the skin downward towards your collarbone. Repeat this motion about 10 times on each side. Armpits: • Lift Your Arm: Raise one arm to expose your armpit. Circular Motion: Use the opposite hand to gently massage the armpit in a circular motion for about 10 rotations on each side. Arms: • Start at the Wrist: With your arm relaxed at your side, use your opposite hand to gently massage from the wrist moving upwards towards the elbow.  Repeat this motion from elbow to shoulder. Do about 5-10 strokes per section. Abdomen: • Clockwise Motion: Use both hands to gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise circular motion. Start from the right lower side, move up towards the ribcage, across to the left, and then down. Legs: • Start at the Ankles: Sitting or standing, and use both hands to gently massage upwards from the ankles towards the knee. Repeat this motion moving upwards from the knee to the upper thigh. Do about 5-10 strokes per section. Additional Tips: Breathing:  Deep breathing can enhance the lymphatic flow. Take deep, slow breaths during your massage. Gentle, Upward Motions are Key: Using gentle, upward motions towards the heart encourages healthy lymphatic flow and promotes absorption. Make sure the pressure is light, as the lymphatic vessels are close to the surface of the skin. It should not be painful, only enjoyable and relaxing.  Using a Lymph-Loving Body Oil = Added Benefits! Gently massage The Great Omni Oil  into areas where lymph nodes are concentrated, such as the neck, armpits, and groin, using the same light, circular motions. This is best used on tender or puffy areas to help eliminate waste and toxins. Mindfulness: It's a great time for self-love and repeating body-positivity affirmations! "I will allow myself to enjoy perfect health." Consistency:  Daily lymphatic massage can yield the best results over time. Sometimes it's hard to make time for it. To start, aim for 2-3 times per week. Warm Up:  A warm shower or bath before the massage can help relax your muscles and enhance the benefits. Doing this simple massage not only promotes healthy lymphatic flow but also encourages balance and harmony throughout your whole body. I hope you give this a try and experience the joy of fresh flowing energy! Questions? Comments? Please feel free to reach out via the comment box below! I always love to hear from you. Wishing you good health. Your personal aromatherapist, Rachel Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Loving our Skin at Any Age Aging is a natural, humanly occurrence. I’m trying to move away from the term “Anti-Aging” in both my personal and business life. I fully believe in the power of affirmations, and whether it’s conscious or unconscious, if we see continue to see the term “Anti-Aging”, we will grow resentment towards the natural aging process…if we haven’t already! It’s normal for our skin to gradually lose its elasticity and thin itself out. This is part of the skin’s natural aging process. However, there are many different factors of life that can cause the skin to start aging more rapidly and cause premature signs of aging- as well as the contrary! There are also factors that will help slow down the aging process of your beautiful skin! What Causes Premature Aging of Skin? Free Radicals are a large contributor to signs of premature aging. They are molecules that are produced by environmental exposures, like tobacco and radiation (ex. UV rays from the sun and tanning beds). Our body also produces free radicals when it starts breaking down the food we eat.(1) Some of these free radicals are obviously an integral part of life, and some free radicals aren’t even bad. We can’t live without sun and food! The good news, is that we can avoid excess free radicals by incorporating more antioxidants into our diets and in our skincare! Yay for us! What are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that may provide protection against the effects of damaging free radicals on the cells in your body, including your skin. One of the best antioxidants I have found is Vitamin E (tocopherol). “Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is present in the skin and found in various foods, such as vegetables, seeds and meat. It helps the skin look younger by boosting collagen production and in turn reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Unlike other vitamins, skin derives more of its benefits from vitamin E better through topical treatments than through oral supplements.”(1) How to Use Vitamin E for Skincare I use Vitamin E in many of my topical products to slow down the oxidization process naturally, instead of using non-natural preservatives. It is a vital skin nutrient in my Radiant Face skincare line! Vitamin E is one of the main ingredients in my Rose Bud Under Eye Antioxidant Serum. In addition to the Vitamin E, this under eye serum is an antioxidant powerhouse comprised of organic Rose Buds, Therapeutic Essential Oils, and Eyebright Herb Extract. Before bed, I use this cream under my eyes, on smile lines, and any blemishes I have. If you are looking to give your skin some extra TLC, slow down free radicals, and boost your youthful glow, this is a great product to try! Love your Skin! No product will completely eliminate or prevent the fact the our skin will wrinkle with time. Our skin does so much for us on a daily basis to protect us. One of the most helpful things you can do for your mind and body is appreciate all your organs and all their hard work- they are functioning without us even having to consciously think about it! In addition to a daily gratitude practice, take good care of your skin with healthy eating, exercise, and all natural products with quality ingredients. If you are looking for an all natural skincare routine, you might just want to check out these antioxidant skincare goods! (1) DermApproved/ Elfakhani 2013

Essential oils to get grounded, centered, balanced, connected, and focused WHY YOU CAN'T STAY GROUNDED Being grounded is an innate skill that all of us are born with, so why is it so hard to feel balanced, centered and connected all the time?! It can be difficult to maintain a sense of connection with the earth and its natural, balanced rhythm when you are trying to keep up with countless to-dos, your environmental surroundings, the online world, you know…life! When we are feeling out of sync, we can use aromatherapy as a powerful method to ground ourselves. Using essential oils can help us emotionally and physically connect with the present moment, as well as find balance mentally, spiritually, and energetically. RESULTS OF LOSING YOUR GROUND When you aren’t grounded, you may feel more emotionally vulnerable. You can easily be thrown off balance by someone else’s energy. The more sensitive and empathic you are, the more prone you are to picking up emotions and energy from outside yourself, which can make it all the more difficult to stay rooted. When you are grounded, it doesn’t quite matter what is going on around you; you feel more connected with the Earth, but not as influenced by Earth’s happenings. Instead of the leaf that gets blown away in the wind, you are like a tall, strong tree rooted deep underground. No matter what is happening above the soil, you remain balanced, at peace, and grounded. ESSENTIAL OILS FOR GROUNDING Some of the most grounding essential oils are distilled from wood. The trunk of a tree provides balance and core support to the tree, as well as conduct water and nutrients to it’s leaves, stems and flowers. Could it be a coincidence that oils extracted from wood can also support us by conducting our energy and providing us with spiritual and emotional balance? By using essential oils, you are working with nature, returning to center, and using the energy of the Earth to support you. This gives us a sense of connection and oneness to our Earth, as well as within ourselves and our relationships. Three powerful oils derived from trees are Sandalwood, Palo Santo, and Cedarwood. These oils help us center our energy, and help those of us who are sensitive and easily influenced to find a sense of our authentic self. All three of these oils are excellent emotional and physical support aids. They are holistic wound healers, that can help heal body ailments and aid emotional suffering, anxiety and depression. Sandalwood and Palo Santo essential oils encourage acceptance, help quiet the mind, and support inner unity; which makes them perfect meditation and spiritual tools. Creating an even deeper connection within the earth, we have the roots of the plant. The roots main purpose is to anchor the plant to soil, and absorb water and nutrients that are vital to the plants growth. Oils extracted from roots can strengthen ourselves to help us tap into what we need; security, peace of mind, strong sense of self. Essential oils extracted from roots can support us through times of high anxiety and fear and instability. One of the most notable oils distilled from roots is Vetiver. With roots that can grow over 8 feet deep, Vetiver can connect us with Earth and Earth’s energies. Vetiver is a great example of an oil that brings peace of mind and clarity. It helps us focus and is great for those who experience ADHD. It helps replace anxiety, fear and instability, with feelings of oneness and strength. HOW TO USE GROUNDING OILS Essential oils distilled from wood and roots ground us and help us connect with ourselves and with our source. There are many ways to use aromatherapy for grounding. Since these oils are the essence of wood and roots, they tend not to be good oils to choose for a diffuser. They oils are viscous in nature and tend to clog diffusers. TOPICAL - You can simply take a about a teaspoon of unscented lotion on your palm, a single drop of the grounding oil of your choice, rub together, inhale deeply, and apply remaining oil on arms, legs, or feet. They are also excellent in sprays, lotions, and perfumes. SPRAY AND INHALE - I have special grounding Spirit Spritzer Aromatherapy Sprays and aromatherapy inhalers. (Just click on the photos below!) You can also always request a specialized custom blend by me! Feel free to contact me for more details! Grounding Aromatherapy Sprays and Inhalers #grounding #aromatherapy #groundingessentialoils #whatoilsaregoodforgrounding #earthconnections #woodessentialoils #howtogroundwithessentialoils #balancewithessentialoils #sandalwooodessentialoil #palosantoessentialoil #benefitsofgrounding

HOW SELF LOVE PROMOTES BETTER HEALTH With Valentine's Day around the corner, you may be bombarded with advertising and promotions with gift-centered romance themes. I’m not much of a romantic, but I am all about love. It’s impossible to fully love another unless we love ourselves. This is the main reason why I feel Valentine's Day is an added reason to reflect on self -love. Self-love may seem selfish to some, but by filling up your own cup of love, it becomes effortless to share your love and attention with everyone else around you. There is no better way to foster love than by taking moments out of the day to mindfully breathe, turn attention within, and recenter thoughts onto feelings of gratitude for all that we have. This could be in the form of meditation, writing in a gratitude journal, while stretching, or simply spending quiet time alone focusing on the things we love about ourselves, our family, and those we encounter. Essentially, no distractions. No phones or TVs, just experience sweet solitude and silence. Gratitude = Peace, Acceptance, Oneness, and of course, Love. This daily gratitude practice is all the more powerful when accompanied by an aroma that brings you joy and comfort. Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful tools we can use to encourage love, intimacy, and opening up the heart. Just by inhaling essential oils , you make an immediate connection with your limbic system which governs the regions related to emotions and memories. Whether you are looking to release negative self-talk, have more emotional balance, or ignite your sensual spirit, you can use a therapeutic essential oil from the list below to encourage self-love. Essential oils also help keep us present. So when stress and worries get the best of you, turn to one of these essential oils to help refocus your attention which will allow more space for inner stillness. Stress and unhappiness often arise when we are focusing on the things we don’t have or putting blame on someone or something else outside of us. Take your power back. The more we choose to look for things we are grateful for, the more ease and comfort we have in our mind and heart. If you are in a relationship, make mental notes daily of the things you love about the person you're with. Verbally express them. Make them know you are grateful for their presence and actions. The more you share your gratitudes of the simple things like taking out the trash, making coffee in the morning, or making the bed, the more you encourage them to take these loving actions. Of course, be sure to return the favors! If you are feeling lonely, turn this feeling into all-empowered Aloneness. Aloneness is the opposite of codependence. It’s knowing you are whole and complete exactly where you are. The more you love yourself, the more others will love to be around you! Embracing aloneness is a state of being while feeling lonely is an emotion. According to numerous studies, “people who set aside time to be alone tend to be happier. They report better life satisfaction and lower levels of stress. They are less likely to have depression.”*1 Key takeaways , coupled or not, spending quality time alone, even for a few minutes a day, to focus on the various aspects of life to be grateful for, not only gives you more peace of mind and less stress, it encourages love on all levels. Using therapeutic essential oils coupled with a daily gratitude practice amplifies and supports mental and emotional health which in turn amplifies self-love. May your heart overflow with love today and every day, Rachel Resources *1 - Amy Morin. 2023 5-ways-solitude-can-make-you-more-successful-backed-by-science

Our feet are one of the hardest working body parts we have. I don’t need to say much more than that! Let’s dive into some easy, natural home remedies for treating the feet.  FIRST! Why Do Essential Oils Help My Feet? Even though the skin on the bottom of the feet is thick, it has large pores that absorb essential oils effectively. Once absorbed, the oils can enter the bloodstream and exert their therapeutic properties. Depending on the essential oil you choose, you can soothe aches and pains, treat fungal infections, boost circulation for cold feet, eliminate odor, or reduce swelling.  Here are the top 10 essential oils to use for the feet:  1. Lavender Best For:  Relaxation and Sleep Why:  Lavender is known for its calming properties, making it excellent for promoting relaxation and aiding sleep. It can also soothe sore muscles and reduce stress. 2. Peppermint Best For:  Cooling and Revitalizing Why:  Peppermint has a cooling and refreshing effect that can help relieve tired and achy feet. It’s also useful for boosting circulation and providing relief from foot pain or inflammation. 3. Tea Tree Best For:  Anti-fungal and Antibacterial Why:  Tea tree oil is highly effective against fungal infections, making it a good choice for treating athlete’s foot or other foot-related infections. It also has antibacterial properties that help keep the feet clean and healthy. 4. Eucalyptus Best For:  Refreshing and Deodorizing Why:  Eucalyptus oil can help refresh tired feet and eliminate foot odor. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for soothing sore muscles. 5. Frankincense Best For:  Skin Health and Immune Support Why:  Frankincense is excellent for supporting skin health, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. It’s also grounding and can help in stress relief. 6. Chamomile Best For:  Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Why:  Chamomile oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s great for calming irritated skin and relaxing the body. 7. Cypress Best For:  Circulation and Reducing Swelling Why:  Cypress oil is beneficial for improving circulation and reducing swelling in the feet and legs. It’s also helpful for soothing varicose veins. 8. Ginger Best For:  Warming and Pain Relief Why:  Ginger oil has warming properties that are effective for relieving joint pain and muscle aches. It’s particularly useful for cold feet and promoting circulation. 9. Rosemary Best For:  Stimulation and Pain Relief Why:  Rosemary oil can stimulate circulation, relieve pain, and reduce swelling. It’s also invigorating and can help with mental clarity. 10. Lemongrass Best For:  Detoxification and Deodorizing Why:  Lemongrass oil is detoxifying and helps eliminate toxins from the body. It’s also effective in reducing foot odor and promoting overall foot health. Since essential oils are straight concentrated therapeutic plant matter, it is imperative to dilute them into an unscented carrier oil or lotion of your choice before applying them topically.  Add up to 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier. Best At-Home Foot Remedies: 3 Different Ways to use Essential Oils to Treat the Feet: 1) Foot Soak, a personal favorite.   Fill a basin with warm water. Add about 6 drops of one (or a blend) of essential oils from above to one tablespoon of carrier oil and add to warm water.  Optionally, mix in Epsom salts for added muscle relaxation and detoxification. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Benefits: Relieves tired feet, reduces swelling, and promotes relaxation. TOPSY TIP: Try a foot soak with The Great Omni Oil ! A multipurpose made-for-you blend that soothes aches and pains while softening overworked feet. So easy to use! No diluting required. :)  2. Foot Massage Dilute up to 12 drops of essential oils to one ounce of carrier and gently massage the oil into your feet, focusing on areas that are sore or tense. Pay special attention to the arches, heels, and toes. Benefits: Eases muscle tension, improves circulation, and provides stress relief. The White Tea Lavender hand, foot, and body lotion makes a nighttime ritual foot rub so simple! The soothing Lavender aroma will help calm the mind and body right before bed for a good night’s sleep. Great for stress release, soothing foot pain, and improving sleep quality.  3) Aromatherapy Compress Soak a cloth in warm water mixed with a few drops of essential oils (like cypress for circulation or lavender for relaxation). Apply the compress to your feet for 10-15 minutes. Benefits: Reduces swelling, soothes pain, and relaxes tired feet. TOPSY TIP:Check out our full selection of high quality therapeutic essential oils ! Added benefit for each of these 3 at home foot remedies: Even though the essential oil is applied to the feet, the aromatic molecules can still be inhaled, providing additional calming effects for the whole mind and body through the olfactory system.  So whether you have tired, achy feet at the end of a long day, cold feet, stinky feet, or swollen feet, there is an essential oil for you. Give one or two of these natural foot remedies a try. Your feet will thank you later!  Questions? Comments? Please feel free to reach out at any time using the contact box below and I’ll get in touch as soon as I can.  Your personal aromatherapist,  Rachel

One topic that has been coming up lately is essential oils for hair growth. After going through a serious round of Covid a few years ago, I ended up losing about half my hair! Eek! I haven’t talked about it until now…I’d love to share my research with you on this topic if you or someone you love also has experienced hair loss and looking for a natural way to regrow those lovely locks. The root of hair loss can be difficult to determine. If you’re losing hair unrelated to genetic reasons, it could be from other factors like health, medications, environment, diet, stress, or how tightly you wear your hair. Your healthcare professional can hopefully help you determine the cause. In my case, I had an intense multi-day fever that contributed to clumps of hair falling out for what felt like weeks on end. This started happening a few months after the fever.(1) After completely freaking out, I decided I needed to do something about it and researched like crazy. My search led me to discover a 2015 study shared by world-renowned aromatherapy expert and educator, Robert Tisserand. The study was on hair growth performed with 100 participants.(2) Half of the participants used Rosemary essential oil and the other half used the drug Minodoxil. After 6 months of use, a dermatologist met with each participant and found the Rosemary group had more hair growth, less hair loss, and no side effects (unlike the medicated participants)! I was sold. I tried it. And after consistent use, my hair is back and thicker than it has ever been in my life! Woohoo, Rosemary! I continue to use Rosemary in my shampoo anytime I wash my hair (about 2 times a week). So now you might be wondering how to use it for hair growth! It’s so simple. All you need to do is add a few drops of Rosemary to your usual dollop of shampoo, massage into scalp, and rinse as usual. That’s it! Rosemary is refreshing, uplifting, and not only helps encourage strong healthy, hair, but helps with dandruff too! So many reasons to love Rosemary! It's a versatile essential oil that can be used for an assortment of daily household, skincare, and aromatherapy needs. You can find pure therapeutic-grade Rosemary Essential Oil here! If you have any questions about using Rosemary or anything else you care to share, please feel free to reach out anytime using the contact box below! I always love to hear from you. Resources: (1) Pinnacle Dermatology - Alexandria. Pinnacle Dermatology | Healthy Skin Blog. (n.d.). https://www.pinnacleskin.com/blog/decoding-hair-loss-after-covid (2) Tisserand, H. (2021, April 9). Rosemary Essential Oil is a promising alternative for hair growth promotion!. Tisserand Institute. https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/rosemary-essential-oil-hair-growth-promotion/

That’s right, it’s officially snuggle weather It is no wonder spicy, warming scents remind us of the holidays. They bring us warmth just when we need them most during the cold, wintery months. So, cozy up with a pair of fluffy socks, a soft blanket, and warming essential oils! HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WARM US UP? In essential oil terms “warming" refers to warmth in two ways- emotionally and physically. Emotionally, these oils can be used to generate motivation, confidence, and energy. This is done by inhaling the spicy notes of these oils’ therapeutic aromas. Great to diffuse on these darker, colder days when we need a little extra help tackling the day’s to-dos. Physically, they increase blood flow! These oils are considered “rubefacient” which means they are known to promote blood circulation, open the blood vessels, and literally warm the area with increased localized blood circulation, which is excellent for topical pain relief. My top 5 essential oils for warming Try one of these favorite warming oils topically to increase blood flow for cozy comforts: Please note- warming oils can be irritating to the skin. These essential oils are not an oil to use willy-nilly on the skin! They are powerful, heavily concentrated plant matter and are to be used with care and caution. It’s best to use proper dilutions when using topically. MY FAVORITE WAY TO WARM UP WITH ESSENTIAL OILS If you want to get super cozy this winter season, try the Sweater Weather essential oil blend! It’s a perfect balance of sweetness of tangerine, lemon, & orange with the warming spice notes of clove, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It truly smells like holiday happiness in a bottle. You can use this blend in a diffuser, on diffuser necklaces or diffuser bracelets, simply inhale out of the bottle, OR dilute for topical use for aches and pains! Whichever oil you try, I hope it brings you a sense of ease and comfort. Feel free to reach out at any time with questions! You can email me at topsyblends@gmail.com :) All the very best to you this holiday season, Rachel, your neighborhood aromatherapist.