Here is a list of the more popular essential oils and their properties.

Anise
cheering, energizing, euphoric, relaxing, sense enhancing, warming
Basil
anxiety, cheering, clarifying, concentration, energizing, encouraging, exhaustion, fatigue, invigorating, mental fatigue, refreshing, soothing, strengthening, stress, uplifting, warming
Citronella
refreshing, soothing, stimulating, vitalizing
Eucalyptus
balancing, cooling, invigorating, stimulating
Ginger
anchoring, energizing, invigorating, memory loss, stimulating, strengthening, stress, warming
Lavender
aggression, anxiety, balancing, calming, concentration, cooling, exhaustion, fatigue, hysteria, nervous tension, relaxing, soothing, stress
Lemon
anxiety, balancing, calming, cheering, cooling, exhaustion, memory loss, refreshing, relaxing, stress, uplifting
Orange
anxiety, calming, cheering, inspiring, invigorating, refreshing, relaxing, stress, uplifting
Peppermint
concentration, cooling, exhaustion, invigorating, memory loss, refreshing, relaxing, revitalizing, stimulating
Rosemary
clarifying, concentration, fatigue, grief, inspiring, invigorating, memory loss, nervous tension, stimulating, stress, warming
Tea Tree
cleansing, cooling, energizing, stimulating, uplifting
Wintergreen
invigorating, refreshing, stimulating
Ylang Ylang
aggression, aphrodisiac, anxiety, balancing, calming, cooling, euphoric, relaxing

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Mineral Oil definition from Wikipedia:
“Mineral Oil or Liquid petrolatum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline. It is a transparent, colorless oil composed mainly of alkanes (typically 15 to 40 carbons) [1] and cyclic paraffins, related to white petrolatum. Mineral oil is a substance of relatively low value, and it is produced in very large quantities. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores.”

In my research, I found that Mineral Oil is basically used as a synthetic filler, and it is so used by so many companies to save money. The Mineral Oil makes your skin feel soft and smooth when applying, but it actually does not penetrate the skin on a deep enough layer to do anything more than lie there. The truth is that there are hundreds of natural and/or essential oils that can be derived naturally, and be used as better ingredients.

The way to avoid Mineral Oil is simply by reading your ingredient label.

Now, if you are pro Mineral Oil, read the definition from Wikipedia again. Do you really want this on your body?

Post from: Pretty by Nature

The Ultimate Relaxing Bath

Who doesn’t love a great bath? And a relaxing bath at that. The best temperature for your relaxing bath should be 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature that has been shown to relax and un-tighten the muscles. This is also the temperature at which your brain stimulates calming chemicals. And of course, adding natural essential oils, such as lavender or patchouli will aid in the relaxation process.

Before you get into the bath, gently exfoliate so your skin can more quickly reap the benefits of the calming essential oils. Make sure your turn the lights down low, and light a calming scented soy candle. Enjoy your relaxing bath, but don’t stay in the tub for more than 20 or 30 minutes, as you may just get too relaxed and drift off to sleep… which you do not want to do in the tub. After about 20 minutes, I like to get out of the tub, slather on some moisturizing lotion, slip into some comfy jammies and get right into bed.

Enjoy!

Post from: Pretty by Nature