With Father’s Day just around the corner our focus is on dad. The men in our lives need essential oils just as much as we do. Many famous men in history used essential oils. Emperor Nero relied heavily on rose oil to cure his headaches, indigestion and lift his spirits. Dads have just as much pressure and stress as moms. Whether it is allergies from yardwork, anxiety from life’s daily challenges, or back and body pains, essential oils will provide support and relief to the men in your life.  Add essential oils to shaving cream, beard oil, or a muscle rub to make a gift your dad will use all year long.
 
-Frankincense: This oil is typically described as piney and woody with a touch of lemon.  This masculine scent contains many medicinal properties. Known as the “king of oils”, it treats body aches and pains, respiratory infections, wounds, and can kill harmful germs and bacteria.  It even has some immune boosting, cancer fighting properties.
-Cypress: The fragrance of cypress is sharp, smoky, warm, woody, and spicy. This oil effectively reduces allergy symptoms, suppresses a cough and relieves troubled breathing.  It helps to detox the entire body. Cypress promotes concentration and helps focus chaotic thoughts.
-Basil: Basil has a naturally sweet, warm, spicy and herbal scent. It reduces the inflammatory response caused by exposure to allergens.  It helps relieve pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Basil acts on the nervous system to help you feel calm.
-Sandalwood: A sweet, warm, rich and woody scent that men always like to wear. Sandalwood stimulates the immune system to protect the body from illness and disease and heal cuts and wounds. Sandalwood helps balance hormones and provides a boost of energy.  It promotes mental clarity and reduces mental fatigue.
-Cedarwood: This oil has a soft, sweet, warm, and woody scent. Cedarwood is great for reducing pain associated with backaches, sciatica, and arthritis. It eases anxiety and quickly defuses aggression, anger and fear.
 
Below I have provided a DIY shaving cream recipe. At World of Nutrition we have created a popular beard balm made from all natural ingredients including Cedarwood, Patchouli, Frankincense, and Bergamot essential oils.
 
Shaving Cream for Him
(Makes an 8oz container)
1 tbsp. Avocado oil (soothes and moisturizes skin, aids in maintaining healthy skin tone)
1 cup Coconut oil (antibacterial, antimicrobial, and an excellent moisturizer)
10 drops of Sandalwood essential oil (relieves itching and irritation after shaving, inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes ingrown hairs)
8 drops Cypress oil (shrinks pores and tightens skin)
3 tbsp. Castile Soap (helps reduce cuts and razor burn)
1 tsp Vitamin E oil (boosts collagen production, helps the skin retain natural moisture, supports new skin cell growth)
 

1. Add all ingredients to a cold bowl.
2. Using a hand mixer or table mixer, whip ingredients for about 4 minutes or until light and fluffy.
3. Transfer your shaving cream to a container.

 
This shaving cream also cleanses and moisturizes! This preservative free recipe must be kept from added water as that will promote the growth of bacteria, causing your cream to grow mold.  Keep in an airtight container and store in a cool area for a 3-5 month shelf life.

With the month of May being finals week for all those college students, I have decided for this article of the WON Escentuals that we would focus on the essential oils that increases brain function.  Many of us, not just students, want help with our mental function. Our olfactory sense is the closest to our limbic system, which controls emotions, learning, and memory. The limbic system contains many different parts of our brain. One in particular is the hippocampus, which is mainly associated with memory and specifically long-term memory. The hippocampus is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease. When essential oils are inhaled through the nose, tiny nerves send an immediate signal to the brain and go straight to work on the systems that moderate our minds. This is how a simple essential oil can have huge effects on the brain.
Due to the vast medicinal chemical components in these essential oils they can not only aid in memory function but they also can be very effective in helping people who suffer from ADHD or chaotic thought. Since essential oils hit the limbic system so quickly they can bring a persons focus back rather rapidly. Research has shown that when diffusing one of these essential oils 3 times in a day for a month, decreased symptoms of ADHD in children by 53 percent. That is an amazing improvement!
Below is a list of the top essential oils to improve brain function:
 

• Peppermint oil: the menthol component in peppermint stimulates the hippocampus, which controls mental clarity and memory. Wakes up the mind and focuses the senses.
• Basil: stimulates the nervous system, helps brain fog, poor memory and fatigue-induced distraction.
• Rosemary: improves prospective memory, long-term memory, and mental arithmetic. A team of psychologists at Northumbria University, Newcastle found rosemary improved memory by 75%.
• Cypress: revitalizes the nervous system, increases objectivity, improves concentration, and helps focus thoughts
• Cinnamon: boosts the activity of the brain and makes a good brain tonic
• Juniper: increases activity of the brain and neurons

 
Here at World of Nutrition we have made two blends that are specified for brain function. “Cognitively Superior” is a blend geared towards memory, retention, and increasing overall brain function. “Motivated Focus” is a blend for ADHD or chaotic thought, and can help keep you on track when studying. Both of these blends can be diffused or made into a roll-on with carrier oil. Below I have also provided a roll-on blend that you can make at home.
 
Brain Tonic
(makes one roll on)

• 6 drops Rosemary (improves long term memory)
• 5 drops Peppermint (stimulates the hippocampus)
• 3 drops Cypress (revitalizes the nervous system)
• 2 drops Cinnamon (boosts activity of the brain)

 
Fill the rest of the roll-on with a carrier oil of your choosing (jojoba oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil). Apply to temples, forehead, behind ears, or back of neck where the brain stem is located at the base of the skull. Apply 2 x day for best results or as needed.

April is the month that celebrates Earth day, and with spring all around us this is a great time to become more connected to the Earth. In our society most of us have lost touch with our beautiful planet. Many of us do not stop to smell the roses, listen to the birds’ sing, or watch the clouds pass. For many generations human beings have evolved in connecting with the Earth’s energy. We originally walked barefoot and slept in contact with the Earth. The energy of the Earth is a very powerful energy on its own. The Earth is basically a six-sextillion metric ton battery that is continually being replenished by solar radiation, lightning, and heat from its molten core. The natural rhythmic pulsations of energy flowing through, and emanating from, the surface of the Earth keep the biological machinery and global life running in rhythm and balance and that affects you. Essential oils come from the Earth and since smell is the only sense that is directly linked to the limbic system, essential oils are very beneficial in increasing our connection to energy from the Earth.

The Earth has a natural balancing effect. Grounding is a technique that you can practice with your essential oils to help your body and spirit become closer and more balanced with the Earth. The theory with grounding is that disease can arise in the body when there are disharmonious thoughts and emotional patterns. If these energy blocks in the body are not released then they can eventually start to affect the flow and function of the body. One of the ways to release this imbalanced energy is through the process of grounding. Grounding is a way of extending the energy in your body down into the Earth to keep you solidly rooted. A physicist thinks of a grounding cord as a way of grounding out excessive energy surges and certainly energetic grounding provides a way of letting go of any energy you don’t need any more. Grounding also allows you to dispose of any negative energy you have picked up from an external source. Being grounded helps you stay physically, mentally and emotionally solid in your body. When you are strongly connected with the body of Mother Earth, you are more aware of your authentic sensations and energy flow and can clearly see all the details of the world around you.

A common grounding practice used by healers is a simple visual meditation. The healer will ask the client to imagine being a tree with long extending roots that are going deep into the ground. When an individual does this anxieties are usually lessened because when a person feels rooted and balanced there is less room for chaotic energy and imbalance. Essential oils are a great way to bring your mind to a centered place for any kind of grounding or meditative exercise.

The base notes of certain essential oils are especially great for grounding and connecting you to the qualities of the Earth element. All of these oils would be great companions for meditation, to help focus the mind, or any grounding exercise.

ŸCedarwood oil draws in Earth energy while purifying, balancing, and relaxing the physical and spiritual body.
ŸCypress oil encourages a long, enduring life. This oil cultivates the Earth qualities of quiet and security inciting feeling of peace.

ŸFir oil is another tree-based oil and so it organically creates a sense of being grounded. Fir oil helps you to feel empowered and encourages personal strength.

ŸSpruce oil helps to open and release emotional blocks, and that in turn brings about a feeling of balance.
ŸYarrow assists in balancing the highs and lows, both external and internal. It allows you to have your head in the clouds while your feet remain firm on the ground. It connects you to your intuitive energies and helps reduce confusion and ambivalence.
​
ŸVetiver has a  great earthy scent. It cleanses, grounds and centers spiritual and mental energy.
 
Grounding Blend (makes one roll on)

• 5 drops Cypress oil (cultivates the earthy qualities of quiet, security and grounding)
• 3 drops Fir oil (creates a sense of empowerment, relaxes body, stimulates mind)
• 3 drops Vetiver (grounds and centers mental and spiritual energy)

 
Apply to pulse points or forehead when meditating or with any grounding exercise if need feel more centered and balanced in your life. May be applied twice a day.

The liver is your largest internal organ and is one of our most important filter organs. The liver is also known as the body's waste disposal plant. The liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract before it passes through to the rest of the body. It helps to detoxify chemicals, metabolize drugs, and secrete bile. The bile ends up back in the intestines, and makes proteins that are important for blood clotting and other support functions. With all the amazing tasks this organ does to support your health, why not give it a little love and care from the Earth with essential oils?

​The tiny molecular structure of essential oils allows the medicinal properties found in the essential oil to cross through the skin into the bloodstream. One drop of essential oil contains enough molecules to cover every cell in our bodies with 40,000 molecules, even when applied externally. This is what makes essential oils uniquely able to address disease and internal organ systems, such as the liver.  There are many essential oils that are great for liver support. 

​Rosemary is one of the most beneficial oils for the liver. It aids the liver in cleansing the blood and flushing harmful toxins from the liver. Rosemary stimulates the production and flow of bile, and encourages the liver to work more efficiently. This oil has often been used to treat liver problems such as cirrhosis and jaundice. 

​German Chamomile is a great tonic for the liver and the digestive system. This oil stimulates the liver and aids in cleansing the blood and toxins through the liver. 

​Peppermint oil stimulates healthy bile flow from which the liver in turn supports the digestive system. 

​Juniper oil is also a great tonic for the liver. It has a detoxifying effect on the liver, which means that it aids the liver in the elimination of waste products from the body. 

​Cypress oil is a diuretic and helps the body flush out toxins from the liver, resulting in the cleansing of toxins from the body. 

These essential oils detoxify and tonify the liver. By doing so, they increase the available energy of the liver so that it can function at a higher and more balanced manner. Use these great essential oils and your liver will be loving you!

For the most effective application of these wonderful oils you will need to use a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. You will add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the carrier oil of your choosing. Apply the mixture topically (either with a light massage or a roll on) to the area where your liver resides. The majority of the liver is located on the upper right quadrant on the front side of the body.  Below I have provided a blend that is great for the liver.

With Valentines Day coming upon us love is in the air. Pink and white hearts are seen throughout store windows. This is a good time to focus on relationships, the love between two people, and with it being heart health month, the health of our physical heart. The only way to boost a perfect moment between two lovers is by creating that perfect scent. Scents and aroma affect us physically, mentally and emotionally. This month the essential oils that I will be focusing on are beneficial for your emotional heart and your physical heart.
So how does a scent or a smell influence the body emotionally and physically? The quickest way essential oils have an effect on the body is by inhalation through the nose. This is because the nose has direct contact with the brain, and when you inhale an essential oil the Limbic System is stimulated. The Limbic System is the part of the brain where moods and emotions are governed. This is why essential oils are great for setting the mood.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil:  This oil is extracted from the flowers of a tropical tree called Cananga Odorata that is found in the rain forests of Indonesia and Polynesia. The scent is light, sweet, floral, and exotic. This oil possesses aphrodisiac properties and has been traditionally used for love and romance. In Indonesia the flowers of ylang ylang are laid out on the bed of the bride and groom, with the intention to stimulate passion. Ylang ylang is also a hypotensor, which means it can help reduce high blood pressure. Ylang ylang is beautiful and a romantic oil that when smelled will take you to exotic places.

Rose Oil :  The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have coveted the rose for centuries. The ladies in history who used rose essential oil to woo their lovers include Cleopatra of Egypt and Josephine Bonaparte of France.  If grace, romance, and beauty had a smell rose essential oil would be it.  Rose essential oil has a rich, sweet, and spicy floral fragrance. This oil nurtures the heart and encourages feelings of love and trust. It symbolizes love, sensuality and is a stimulating aphrodisiac. Rose oil also promotes circulation and tones capillaries, which are both beneficial for those who suffer from either high or low blood pressure, or even high cholesterol. Rose oil is a little pricey due to the fact that it takes 60,000 roses to produce just 1 ounce of oil. Despite the cost this oil is very effective and worth every penny.

Neroli Oil:  Neroli essential oil is also known as orange blossom.  Throughout history it has been used in weddings for its aphrodisiac properties and the ability to calm the bride on her big day. In Victorian times brides wore a sprig of orange blossom in their headdress and carried orange blossoms in their bridal bouquets to stimulate romance on their wedding night. Neroli is a very powerful aphrodisiac because it calms and soothes the nerves and at the same time awakens the senses. This oil also supports heart health by reducing anxiety, which helps lower blood pressure. Neroli  increases circulation and is uplifting to the heart. The aroma of neroli is intoxicating. It has a sweet aroma with honeyed and orange floral undertones, making its scent beautifully balanced.

Patchouli:  For centuries patchouli oil has been used by the people of China, India, Japan, and Malaysia for various medicinal purposes, such as to fight infection, cool fevers, and tone the skin and body. Patchoulis reputation for being a powerful aphrodisiac originated in India. This oil is used as anointing oil in Tantric practices. Patchouli is pungent, powerful, earthy and exotic. Age enriches the heavy herbal odor of this exotic oil. Patchouli works as an aphrodisiac by increasing libido, combating impotence and frigidity, and decreases sexual anxiety about performance.  Patchouli supports the heart by lowering cholesterol and helping to reduce extra weight that is stressful on the cardiovascular system. Patchouli expands sensuality and inspires creativity.

Sweet Orange:  From early times in Chinese culture oranges have represented fertility, prosperity, and good luck. Orange oil is a great aphrodisiac because it is calming, inspires creativity, and sensuality. This oil has a zesty, refreshing, and very citrusy aroma. The oil is very uplifting in the sense of mood and energy. When the romantic bug hits you everyone needs both a good mood and the energy to follow through with intention. Sweet orange also stimulates circulation and blood flow so it is great for people with circulatory issues. Sweet orange is a great companion oil to other essential oils and adds a nice flare. 

Frankincense:  For centuries frankincense has been used for religious and medicinal uses. This oil is wonderful for the body. It is a powerful aphrodisiac oil. Frankincense is not your predictable aphrodisiac that stimulates and excites superficial layers of passion. This oil works on the deeper parts of your mind. It is very calming and aids in connecting us to the spiritual part of our existence and soul.  While Frankincense has a calming effect it also aids in increasing libido. Due to its relaxing qualities frankincense has been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. Frankincense is one of the main oils everyone should have on hand for its medicinal properties and for when the mood strikes two lovers.

​Below I have provided two blends that promote romance and sensuality in men and women.

​So when you are feeling like you want to have a special night with that special someone apply your roll on to pulse points which are located on the center of each wrist, palm side. You can also apply the roll on to acupressure points. Take the roll on and apply it to the acupressure point in a circular motion for 3 seconds. 

​For those of you that are looking to support the physical heart you can apply the circulatory support blend to the radial artery location. Apply in a circular motion for 3 seconds. This application site is most effective for absorbing into the circulatory system.

Winter limits our exposure to the sun and our levels of vitamin D decrease, sometimes leading to seasonal depression. Our emotional state can trigger an increase in appetite and a desire for comfort foods. Combined with constant exposure to holiday treats and meals it can be easy to get away from healthy habits and gain weight.  But don’t distress, the Earth provides us with everything that we need in the form of powerful essential oils!  When inhaled, specific essential oils help us to maintain a happy state of mind and keep those cravings and impulses in check. The more you use the oils the more effective they will be. Luckily, most of the essential oils pertaining to depression also work to balance cravings and weight gain.
    
The essential oils that are the most uplifting are also some of my personal favorites: Sweet Orange, Lemon, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, and Grapefruit. The citrus essential oils contain a chemical called D-limonene, which support a balance in mood and emotions. Sweet Orange has antidepressant properties that brighten gloomy feelings, dissipate depressing thoughts, and subdue tension and stress. Bergamot is refreshing and uplifting. Studies have shown that Bergamot affects the hypothalamus to help balance emotions and nerves. Clary Sage balances emotions, restores emotional equilibrium, is a nervous system tonic and eases fear and nervousness. Lavender was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its perfume and cleansing properties. Lavender oil is great for emotional difficulties such as depression, fear, hysteria, insomnia, irritability and melancholy. Below are some recipes with a blend of these powerful essential oils to uplift your mind and soul.

After all those tempting and delicious holiday treats, there are essential oils to help you resist sugar cravings and promote weight loss. The essential oils that help curb your appetite and promote weight loss are Grapefruit, Lemon, Peppermint, Tangerine, Sandalwood, and Ginger. Grapefruit is a natural appetite suppressant. It is a great weight loss oil because it promotes the process of lipolysis. Lipolysis is a process in the body that breaks down stored fat into two main components, glycerol and fatty acids for energy. Grapefruit essential oil with one to two ounces of coconut oil can be massaged for 30 minutes on areas where fat accumulates. Grapefruit can also help the mental side of things. Grapefruit helps headaches, mental fatigue, hangovers and depression. Lemon helps balance your metabolism and increases energy levels in the body. This increase in energy will increase your motivation to exercise. Inhale Lemon essential oil before meals to increase your metabolism. Peppermint is not just a great digestive aid and stomach soother, but it also makes you feel full after a meal. Inhale Peppermint essential oil before meals to activate the feeling of being full. Tangerine is a great diuretic and it also calms the nervous system. So if you have extra water weight, Tangerine essential oil is the one for you. Sandalwood helps control stress eating. It works by helping you overcome negative feelings and behavior so that you no longer feel the temptation to eat more to deal with stress. Apply Sandalwood essential oil with coconut oil directly on the stomach or to the bottoms of the feet. Ginger essential oil works great for weight loss because it helps reduce sugar cravings. We all know sugar is a weight loss enemy due to the fact that whatever isn’t immediately burned for energy gets stored as fat. Below are two blends to help with weight loss and appetite.

​*Do not ever apply essential oils directly on the skin. Always use a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Coconut oil, Almond oil, or even Virgin Olive oil.


After you have blended your recipes you can apply them to your pulse points. Which are located on the wrist; palm side. Enjoy these great recipes, and keep up the weight loss journey!