Spotlight On: Bergamot Essential Oil

It may look like a weird lumpy lime, but this is a gorgeous essential oil. If you've ever had Earl Grey tea, you've experienced Bergamot. It provides the distinctive herby, citrusy component to this iconic tea.  

 It’s also used in perfuming because it blends beautifully with many fragrance notes including those of Lavender, Cedarwood, Neroli, Rose, Clary Sage and Black Pepper (Rhind 2014). 

In aromatherapy, bergamot is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It works in massage oils to reduce tension and soothe tight muscles. On an emotional front, it is used for soothing depression and anxiety in a diffuser or in massage blends. 

Important to know: It is phototoxic, meaning that it may cause a burning reaction on skin exposed to direct sunlight.  How to stay safe? Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for up to 18 hours after applying Bergamot to the skin. Always dilute Bergamot before using. It may be used safely (no phototoxic response) on the skin in a blend at no more than 0.4% (approx. 1-2 drops per 1 oz/30 ml of carrier). Or, choose an FCF-free Bergamot oil which has had the phototoxic components removed.  For more info on essential oil safety, see Robert Tisserand's encyclopedic text, Essential Oil Safety. 

Spotlight On: Geranium Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens / Pelargonium asperum

Geranium Essential Oil has a distinctive floral scent. You'll find it in many skin and hair care products because of its trifecta of loveliness: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Geranium works beautifully blended into a body oil or face cream, or with aloe vera gel as a quick-absorbing muscle rub. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and uplift the mood. (Perry and Perry, CNS Drugs, 2006)

Try adding a drop of Geranium to your shampoo just before washing your hair. It is appropriate for all skin type and can balance both excess oil and dryness. We love using geranium in our Himalayan Rose Soaking Salts and also in our Goddess Spray and Roller for its relaxing and healing properties!

Product Highlight: Goddess Body and Face Mist

As Mother's Day approaches, we wanted to highlight our Goddess Body and Face Mist Spray. A calming blend of essential oils to balance emotions and cool the skin. This light mist can be used on your face, body, and even in a room for a divine pick me up. It comes in three sizes: a to-go pen spray, a two ounce bottle, and a four ounce bottle.

Ingredients: water, organic witch hazel extract, Epsom salts, essential oils of bergaptene-free Bergamot, atlas cedar wood, clary sage, lavender, cypress, ylang ylang, geranium, sage, and blue chamomile.