Natural Products – Roots of Alchemy

Have you always wanted to try my Pain Cream? Would you want to be part of my product testing?

I am putting together a package of small bottles of my three varieties of Pain Be Gone Cream and would love your feedback. 💜

My Pain Be Gone Cream is one of my most popular and longest standing products that I’ve made for more than 10 years now. I originally created it for my grandmother’s sciatica pain, as she said the codeine that she was prescribed made her feel “loopy.” She was so surprised by the relief that she got while using the pain relieving cream, she called me a miracle worker. She hasn’t been the only one who has said this after using the cream. (I’ve even said it out loud, to myself, after standing on my feet all day in heels at conventions.)

Through the years hemp extract has been of interest to my customers, so I added it to a few of my products after I secured a local provider of organic full spectrum CO2 extract. I decided to create two different strengths to fit people’s budgets. People continue to comment how effective the cream is. 💖

So now I want to know… does adding hemp extract make my product more effective, or is it just an expensive ingredient? Do I just need a little of it in my products, or a lot?!

As an aromatherapist, I understand that there is a safety load to essential oils due to their concentrated nature, and that a higher percentage of essential oils in a product doesn’t necessarily make it more effective… as there is a threshold.

However in the case of hemp extracts, there is a range of products on the market with different strengths. Many of them don’t even detail the amount of CBD or hemp extract that is in their products. 🤷‍♀️

Along side being a product developer for my own product line for more than 12 years, I was a product developer for a CBD company for a couple of years as well, so creating quality products that are crafted precisely, is my jam. I also teach medicine making at a local herb school, and still my brain wants to know more!

My Pain Be Gone Cream is truly artisan crafted in small batches. It is made with natural organic ingredients, including: Distilled Water, Organic Lavender Hydrosol, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Refined Shea Butter, Org. Calendula and Lavender Blossoms, Organic Comfrey Root, Emulsifying Wax, and the essential oils of organic Eucalyptus, organic Lavender, organic Clove, organic Peppermint, and Wildcrafted Frankincense, rosemary antioxidant, and loads of love.

I’m putting together a little package of samples at a wholesale price for testing, and would like to know if you would be willing to test my products and give me feedback?

Yes? Awesome!! In exchange for the cost of making the product I will be shipping you three mysteriously labeled 2 oz bottles of various strengths of my Pain Be Gone Cream. One made with just essential oils; one made with 50 mg of CBD, and the third made with 100mg of CBD, in exchange for $40, which includes shipping.

Along with the products, I will be sending you a small little questionnaire that I would like emailed back to me. In exchange for helping me out, I will award you a lifetime discount of 30 % off all of my Pain Relieving Products. 💜

To maximize efficiency and timing for shipping them all out, this offer is only available through October 2020. Packages will be shipped out the first week of November. 💜 You can order your sample set now by following this link. Please make sure to include your shipping address.

https://checkout.square.site/buy/QOD4XUJUYUMZGH33MYH7HLNT

Thank you for supporting my small business and for your participation in my product testing study. I look forward to getting your feedback!

Classes, education, Wellness

The Revival of Therapeutic Hydrosols

October 31, 2019January 31, 2023 Roots of Alchemy

Historically called Flower water, Hydrosols are a “water solution” that is traditionally extracted through the steam distillation process of botanicals that is used to create essential oils. In the realm of aromatherapy, hydrosols are also known as hydrolates, hydrolats, floral waters and plant waters. In French, the term hydro, means “water” and late, is from the French lait, or “milk.” When hydrolates first come out of the still it often has a slightly milky appearance.

In the process of steam-distillation, water is boiled which creates steam that rises through a large amount of fresh botanical biomass. This steam is recondensed back into liquid with a cold-water coil, as this liquid gathers in what is called a Florentine flask, the essential oil, and recondensed water vapor separate, which results in two different substances. Just as in the case of essential oil production, differing methods and time of botanical harvest, produce varied amounts of hydrosol.

Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are not concentrated in volatile terpenes, and are therefore not flammable. The resulting fluid ranges in pH depending on the botanical being extracted, and carries more of an aromatic “imprint” of the original plant, than concentrated constituents. However, this does not remove them from therapeutic consideration.

The term “flower water” appears in U.S. Pharmacopeia of 1926, referencing Orange Flower Water as “Aqua Aurantum Fleur,” other botanical waters were simply referred to as: Rose Water, Fennel Water, etc., as well as “Aromatic Waters,” which were presented as distillates with an added small volume of the original volatile oil. One might ask, “what are flower waters doing in the USP of the past?” Flower waters were used in formulations of various remedies. While these substances have all but been removed from modern western medicine, their therapeutic value is beginning to be revived.

Most often seen in skin care ingredients, hydrosols offer a tonifying benefit for the skin. Many companies pair floral hydrosols such as rose and lavender, with other tonifying astringents and soothing ingredients, such as witch hazel extract and aloe vera juice to create skin toners. I myself, use them as a water portion when I make my small batch creams, which can be found here: Pain Be Gone; Lavender; Calendula; custom scents are available.

I find that when I use hydrosols in my body care products I don’t need to use as much essential oil to scent them, which allows for a more affordable product for my customer, that also smells “more-true” to the plant. For instance, in my Lavender Lotion, which is made with organic infused lavender oil, organic lavender hydrosol, distilled water, emulsifying wax, and organic lavender essential oil, and a small bit of rosemary antioxidant as a preservative, I use a quarter less of essential oil than what is called for in a traditional batch, without losing any body of the scent.

Hydrosols have also been historically used to flavor pastries, to wash oneself, and the home with, bathed in, used on pets, poured into champagne, and diluted into water as a beverage. Hydrosols use is also beginning to be revived as a therapeutic when diluted in water (15-30ml- 1 L), and sipped on for three weeks, similar to ingesting therapeutic teas.

I will be offering a small workshop at the Good Medicine Confluence in Durango, in late July, showing people the basics of essential oil steam distillation, as well as how to create their own hydrosols with simple kitchen equipment. You can learn more about the confluence and the workshops I’ll be teaching here.

DIY, Wellness

DIY Natural Cold Remedy: Learn How to Make Your Own Oxymel

October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 Roots of Alchemy

Colds and respiratory conditions tend to sneak up on us at the change of seasons. Rather than reach to an over-the counter remedy that removes the symptoms but prolongs a cold, my favorite go-to remedy at the sign of the sniffles is my Oxymel.

To understand what Oxymel is, the word comes from the Greek language. “Oxy” (sour), and “Mel” (sweet) is a description of the flavor profile of this traditional remedy. Simply, Oxymel is a combination of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. For decades modern herbalists have come to infuse these two substances with a variety of herbs, which tailors the remedy and its effective outcomes.

I first experienced Oxymel while I was in herbalism school. I had a respiratory cold where my nose was running so badly that I was going through a pile of tissues. I sat in the furthest corner of a local coffee shop, struggling through homework, and a pile of waded up napkins. Unfortunately, I was also under a deadline to get my homework done for school, and found myself sacrificing self-care for meeting responsibility. (Note to self: Bad Vitalist!). As one of my professors used to say, “when you are an herbalist you grow to look forward to getting sick, just so you can try out the effectiveness of a remedy.”

The next morning I decided to go to the store and get some ingredients for a remedy that I had learned about in school called “Oxymel”. It called for apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh turmeric, garlic, ginger, lemon and red pepper flakes. I purchased the necessary items at the store, wrote to my teacher to let her know I wouldn’t be in class that day, and began making my brew immediately.

After four hours of infusing the honey and apple cider vinegar with the herbs, I strained the contents, combined the two infused liquids together, and took a shot glass of the formula. The formula had a kick of heat, but finished with a sweetness. In a half hour I took another tablespoon. I repeated this two more times and went to bed. By the next morning I felt one hundred percent better. The shift in how I felt was so profound, and immediate, that I was amazed how sick I had been just 24 hours prior. Needless to say, Oxymel is now my go-to remedy any time I feel a hint of a cold.

To see how to make your own oxymel formula, visit my YouTube channel here. Making Oxymel isn’t an exact art. You can flavor your oxymel for your own palette. I made my original recipe with oranges, and peppers that I grow in my garden, along with some additional carminative seeds.

Oxymel

To make your own oxymel you will need the following:

500 ml raw local honey

500 ml raw apple cider vinegar

one handful of chopped raw turmeric, chopped

1 four” knot of fresh ginger root, chopped

2 full garlic bulbs, peeled and chopped

1 whole lemon, chopped (with skin)

one tsp. pepper flakes

In the recipe that I made on YouTube, in: DIY Cold Remedy: Learn How to Make Your Own Oxymel I added the optional ingredients of:

1 orange

6 small cinnamon sticks

1 cup of dried hawthorn berries

2 Tbsp. Fennel

Again, you can adjust your formula for your palette and what you have around the house. You could also add ingredients such as: horseradish, onions, wasabi, sage, herbs for the respiratory system, ect. Make sure you write down your recipe in case you want to make the same one again.

This will keep for 1 1/2 years if kept in the fridge. I personally go through what I make every year, so I have yet to have any go bad on me. Roots of Alchemy Fire Starter Oxymel has become one of my best selling products in the Winter Season. Roots of Alchemy Fire Starter Oxymel can be purchased on Etsy, here and is available for sale in two sizes.

Oxymel has become one of my most used and trusted remedies during the winter season. I’d love to hear about how my video inspired your creations. Be Well!

DIY, education, Essential Oils, Wellness

Oils of Alchemy 101 – Dilutions and Applications

January 8, 2019October 3, 2019 Roots of Alchemy

Essential Oils are wonderful allies in the home when diluted properly and used with caution and care. While in the West we often falter to the “more is better” mentality, it is important to recognize that in the instance of using essential oils, research studies have revealed quite the opposite… that using essential oil diluted into lower concentrations is often more therapeutic and effective when compared to using heavier concentrations of essential oils. In fact, there are very few specific instances where a “neat” application would be acceptable. This understanding is key when considering the large amount of plant material which is distilled to create such small volumes of essential oils, and also should lead one to reconsider the level of wastefulness of these precious substances when used undiluted and in unnecessary high concentrations.

What follows are the dilution guidelines of trained Aromatherapists. For more information on conditions which these applications would apply to, please purchase Esenta, the Aromaticum App for detailed uses and applications of more than 100 Essential Oils.

Application: Therapeutic Bath

The use of essential oils in a bath can offer relief for a variety of conditions including: irritated skin conditions, aches and pains of all sorts, stress related complaints, and can even effect one’s spirit. Offering a space in time to nurture oneself on multiple levels, baths are one of the easiest and most common ways of using essential oils that allows them to act in two ways, by absorption through the skin, and by inhalation.

Essential oils float on water, so it is necessary to use a carrier of some sort for dispersal when using them in this application so that the essential oils blend within the bath water. While some sources suggest dropping 5-10 drops of an essential oil into bath water when it is full, I would recommend against this method. This method may be safe with the more gentle of essential oils, however essential oils by their nature float on water, so rather than dispersing throughout the water, when one submerges into water the essential oils will thinly coat the skin. In instances of using peppermint essential oil by this method it has proven to be very uncomfortable. In addition to peppermint, essential oils to avoid using in this way include citrus oils, cinnamon, anise, clove, fennel and basil as they may cause sensitivity, and a prickly sensation, which may possibly develop into a rash. If the prickly sensation happens, one should remove themselves from the bath immediately, the essential oil should be washed off with soap and water, and then follow with an application of a light and gentle vegetable oil, such as jojoba, to removed the excess of oil that remains as well as to soothe the skin.

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil (moisturizing) – 5-10 drops essential oil

1 Cup Epson Salt (for soreness) –10 drops essential oil

1 Cup Sea Salt (detoxifying) – 10 drops essential oil

1 Cup Milk (soothing) – 12 drops essential oil

Foot and Hand Baths

Foot and Hand Baths have been shown to bring relief and be of benefit for conditions including arthritis, edema, circulation problems, irritated skin conditions, rheumatism, varicose veins, and dry skin.

Mix 5 drops of essential oil into a teaspoon of dispersant (see above) and add into tepid water. Soak hands or feet for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove, and wrap in a dry towel.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is a bath for the hip region of the body and can be done either in a large bowl or in a regular bath tub filled with just enough water to cover the hip area and just up to the waist area. Sitz baths have been shown to be an effective treatment for many conditions including those which effect the urinary, genital and digestive systems. Because only a small volume of water is needed for a sitz bath only 5 drops of essential oil is necessary, dispersed in a carrier, before being mixed into the bath.

Hot Sitz Baths are often used to stimulate, relax and warm areas, relieving pain in the abdominal, genital and digestive systems. Hot sitz baths are taken for 3-10 minutes and are useful for conditions such as late or painful menstrual periods, lower back pain, urinary disorders, hemorrhoids, and constipation.

Tepid Sitz Baths are useful for conditions which involve acute inflammation such as cystitis and pruritis of the anus or vulva region. Tepid sitz baths are typically taken for 15 minute periods of time.

Cold Sitz Baths are the temperature for blood congested conditions such as excessive menstrual bleeding, but can also be helpful to prevent colds and flu, as well as to promote sleep. Cold sitz baths should only be undergone for brief amounts of time, 1-3 minutes maximum.

Application: Therapeutic Flower Water

While Hydrosols of a wide variety may not be readily available, it is possible to make your own flower water by first combining 20-30 drops of essential oils with 3 ½ oz spring water or de-ionized water, then leave this mixture alone for several days and finally, strain through a coffee filter. The fragrance as well as the therapeutic properties of the essential oils will be lightly imparted into the water.

This application is often helpful as a face tonic and for the prevention and treatment of acute inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne. With this method one can tailor the oils chosen to be properly suited for specific complexions and conditions.

Use a hydrosol. Or to make your own flower water….20-30 drops of essential oils with 3 ½ oz spring water, strain through a coffee filter after several days.

Application : Therapeutic Hair Care

There are several instances when one could benefit by adding essential oils into their hair care routine, however they can also lend assistance in acute conditions. To rid a scalp of lice or parasites, mix 5 ml of essential oil into a combination of 3 oz of distilled water and 0.5 oz vodka. This mixture can be used to condition the hair and rid it of unwanted critters.

To condition the hair, mix a blend of essential oils to a concentration of 3% into a nourishing carrier oil, such as olive oil with jojoba or argan oil. For instance, blend a total of 18 drops (roughly 1 ml) of essential oil, into 1 oz of carrier oils. Massage this oil into the scalp and wrap the hair with a warm towel to help your hair and scalp to absorb it.

Blend 1 ml (milliliter) of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil for scalp treatment.

Application: Inhalation

Steam inhalation is best suited for lung, sinus, and throat conditions, however steam inhalations can also be effective remedies for the face and neck area. To use essential oils in this application add 5-6 drops of essential oil to steaming hot water. Rest the pot of hot water on a lower leveled surface, such as the floor or a lower sitting table, and then drape a towel to create a tent over the head and the steaming bowl. Make sure you close your eyes as the vapors are very intense and can irritate the eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply for five minutes, creating an opening by lifting a flap of the towel if necessary, and repeat.

Alternatively use 1-2 drops of essential oil on a hankercheif; 3-4 drops in boiled water.

Please see page on Applications for detailed information

Application: Neat (undiluted pure Essential Oils)

“Neat’ application is the undiluted use of essential oils. The use of essential oils undiluted on the skin is not a general suggested practice in aromatherapy although there are some exceptions to this basic rule. Some acute conditions may call for gentle and yet powerful oils such as lavender, which has a known history for usefulness of neat application for burns, cuts, and insect bites.

While some companies suggest that people use essential oils undiluted unless the skin reveals signs of irritation, this practice commonly leads to sensitization toward additional essential oils.

Application: Therapeutic Massage

One of the most common uses of essential oils in aromatherapy, massage can offer a range of support based on an individuals’ condition and temperament. To make a massage oil blend intended to be used in a whole body massage, combine the essential oils chosen at a total of a 1-3 % concentration, between roughly 6-18 drops of total essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil.

The percentage concentration is suggested in this range because some conditions which are more pain related demand higher concentration of oils, whereas nervous conditions would call for lower concentrations of essential oil.

Using a higher dilution in topical application is only suitable when applying the higher concentrated substance in local application to a small area of the body.

Full Body: Blend at 1-3 % or roughly 3-9 drops per Tablespoon of Carrier Oil/Lotion

Localized Area: Blend at 3-5 % or roughly 9-15 drops per Tablespoon of Carrier Oil/Lotion

Application: Therapeutic Skin Lotion/ Oil

Skin Oils, Creams, and Lotions are a means of carrying essential oils onto the skin similar to massage. The primary difference between the two methods of application is that in this instance, oils that are more nourishing and specifically indicated for a condition or area of the skin, such as jojoba, camellia, and hazelnut, are chosen. When making skin oils and lotions it is recommended the dilution of essential oils is between 1.5%-3%. This would be equivalent to blending 9-18 drops (roughly 0.5 – 1 ml) of essential oils, into 1 oz. of base carrier oil or lotion.

Blend at 1-3 % or roughly 3-9 drops per Tablespoon of Carrier Oil/Lotion

This information is shared with the permission of Esenta – The Aromaticum App and was produced by Kathryn Delaney, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.