Aromatherapy Allergy Busters

Allergies...are so annoying, right.  Physically, people can experience allergies to plants, pollen, chemicals and pets. Nutritionally, many people experience an "allergy" response when they eat certain foods or drink specific drinks. Emotionally, something or someone can be irritating us, or annoying us.  They can be triggered by one, two or all three situations.

So why do we get allergies?  Well first, let's distinguish between two types of allergies.  The first is what I call a "genetic allergy" or true allergy to a plant, food, pet, etc.  They are born with it and any contact with that trigger, can cause  major reaction such as anaphylactic shock, rash, breathing issues or more serious. The second I call "self-induced allergy".  This means that your gut has issues and the immune system cannot function optimally to combat the "foreign invaders" and a mucolytic or allergy response occurs. Remember, 80% of your immune system is in your gut. This is the place where we absorb and assimilate the nutrients, wring out the waste and excrete them.  If there is any congestion, poor or empty nutrients, sluggish elimination and/or germ exposure, the gut can't do it's job, and triggers an inflammatory response. The response occurs when too many mast cells are released resulting in an allergic response.  When you get your gut healthy (requires several tools), allergies dissipate.

When I was sick many years ago with severe Crohn's, Colitis, leaky gut and IBS, I completed allergy testing.  I was allergic to every single thing in the list except 7 things.  That means that anytime I had any of those foods on the "allergic list", I would have an inflammatory response. When I did allergy testing a couple years ago, I wasn't allergic to anything.  I was amazed. 

So what can you do if you have an allergy experience? There are some essential oils that I keep in my arsenal of remedies along with a few important herbs.

• Frankincense - my #1 essential oil for any and all kinds of allergies.  Diffuse a couple drops in an ultrasonic diffuser; add 20 drops to 2oz. liquid enzymes and spray around you as needed; 10 drops in a .33oz. carrier oil and put into a roll-on; add 5 drops to 4oz. Epsom or sea salt.
• Lavender - my "jack of all trades, master of all" oil. Great to calm any skin allergy (rash, hives, etc.), nasal congestion, sneezing, water or itchy eyes (just smell it) or coughing.
• Eucalyptus - Great to open up sinus congestion, combat a cough, wheezing or muscle aches.
• And my favorite - the JennScents Allergy Relief Spray which is already blended for you containing these three essential oils. 
• I use a blend by Solle Naturals called Balance.  It contains frankincense, lavender, geranium, palmarosa and Litsea cubeba. All of these assist with allergy issues, adjusting to changing seasons, situations and diets.

Herbally my favorite remedies are:

• Histablock - this is an herbal combination that I call my "Herbal Benedryl". It contains nettle, quercetin, bitter orange and bromelain.
• Enzymes - I found a specific enzymes that is a 3-in-1 formula called Verdezymes. it has a complete profile of digestive enzymes, protease and an intestinal soothing blend (peppermint, marshmallow root, wood betony, passion flower and fiber). It helps with stomach pH, gut inflammation, digestion and enhances a great night's sleep (not to mention calming your spouse's loud snoring).
• Probiotics - there are tons of probiotics in the marketplace, and it can be confusing which one is best for you.  I found one that I love that is multi-purposed called ProbioIQ.  It contains 5 specific strains of probiotics that are particular to gut-brain health, as well as bacopa for the "head brain" as well as red reishi for immunity.  It also contains a little fiber to help with digestion.  So this for me, helps me multi-task with my herbal regimen by combining 3 herbals in one for me.
• Silver Shield - this comes in a liquid to boost our immune response and fight off germs; and it comes in gel which is a topical form of the liquid for skin issues such as rash, hives, itching, burns, etc.

Have a Happy, Healthy and Scent-filled day!  From JennScents

Holistic Aromatherapy Certification with JennScents Institute

I was reading through my business goals that I created when I first started my business 14 years ago.  One of the things I listed was for aromatherapy to become a household name.  Well, thanks to this ever-evolving industry, it is now become a house name.  How great is that? For many people, they know about essential oils and the effect they can have on enhancing our mood, promoting sleep, inspiring energy and calming a burn. What most people do not know, is that aromatherapy can also effect emotional health, tapping into the depths of why we are the way we are and helping us achieve our best, successful self.

My aromatherapy journey started when my now best friend shared Roman Chamomile in a roll-on bottle with me to calm my IBS and Crohn's. I had such an instant response to this with decreased intestinal cramping and digestive upset. This sparked a fire within me that this "aromatherapy stuff" must be pretty powerful and something that deserved more attention from me.  That turned into my business called JennScents, where I began custom blending aromatherapy products for people based on their current needs.  That journey evolved into healthy gift baskets, home parties, guest speaking and then my aromatherapy school called the JennScents Institute. I have been involved with NAHA for over 12 years and my school was approved to offer Level I & II Holistic Aromatherapy Certifications.

I loved school when I was younger, especially learning about things I was passionate about.  I love to be challenged, informed, have an opportunity to apply my knowledge and practice, share my new learned wisdom with others and gain practical tips to enhance my own life.  I carry these important principles into my teaching and course material at the JennScents Institute.

The JennScents Institute offers 8 Certification Courses.  Level I consists of Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy.  Level II consist of 7, specialized courses to give you a well-rounded holistic health education with integrating aromatherapy. These courses include Advanced Holistic Aromatherapy, Specialized Holistic Aromatherapy, Holistic Aromatherapy for Body Systems, Holistic Aromatherapy & Herbal Integration, Holistic Aromatherapy for Skin Care, Holistic Aromatherapy for Emotional Health and Holistic Aromatherapy Business Building.  You can take each class, one at a time, or register for the Fast Track Program. You can click here to review more information about "Getting Started". You can read about the NAHA Level I & Level II requirements and standards at NAHA.org.

Our school is created on mind-body health, achieving knowledge for understanding why physical manifestations occur and how to link them to mental and emotional balances, so we achieve overall wellness and wholeness. Level I & II offers 248-hours of curriculum and communications with founder and instructor, Jennifer Hochell Pressimone.

We invite you to check out our Aromatherapy School and begin your aromatherapy education journey with us. #AromatherapyTraining, #JennScents, #JennScentsInstitute, #LoveMyScents

Face Firming Botanicals

There are many botanicals and essential oils historically known to assist the skin in tightening, toning, firming and strengthening to combat fine lines, wrinkles and the appearance of aging.  A more pleasant term I like to use for aging skin is "vintaging". People love vintage as it represents character, wisdom and an enduring charm.

The JennScents Face Firming Serum is a combination of skin building botanicals such as antioxidants, collagen, sea algae and peptides. This army of firming and brightening agents work together to decrease hyperpigmentation and lift sagging skin to tighten and tone. It encourages cellular turnover, reduces and protects discoloration, scarring and environmental damage.  Oligopeptides from millet seeds combat aging induced by stress to restore a radiant, youthful glow. Pullulan, a rare sea algae and known vulnerary (wound healer), has been shown in studies to tightens the skin as well as assist in the healing of skin from aging, stress and other skin traumas. Sodium hyaluronate, a component of hyaluronic acid, provides hydration deep into the skin (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26741392) while, dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, an amino acid in the peptide category is known to stimulate collagen production offering firmer skin (often described as a vegetable alternative to surgery). This powerful wrinkle fighting formula is a must have in any skin care regimen from young to mature skin.  You are never to young to start caring for your skin, and never to old to start nourishing your skin. Order yours today and mention blog code: FirmMyFace for a free gift. You'll also receive 25% off and free shipping if you order by 3/31/16. #FirmMyFace

The Power of Helichrysum For Emotional Healing

Helichyrsum is a very special plant and essential oil.  It is one of my absolute favorites for emotional healing. It helps us combat deep emotional scars, battle wounds, traumas, PTSD and adversity.  It inspires courage, willpower and strength to persevere and conquer anger, fear and resentment.

Not only does it help with emotional scars, but physical scars as well.  You can diffuse a couple drops during the day, or when you are journaling about your emotional issues, to help you connect on a deeper level, really reaching the depths of that trauma so you can own it then release it. Helichrysum is a "liver oil".  The liver is the organ of heat and anger. It facilitates proper detoxification of toxins, produces and balances hormones, among hundreds of other functions.

Connect to My Emotions Body Spray

2oz. Distilled Water or Liquid Plant Enzymes

5 drops helichrysum

6 drops mandarin

2 drops frankincense

4 drops lavender

3 drops geranium

Mix well. Use as needed throughout the day to connect and stay connected to yourself, fighting off anger, irritability, frustration and feelings of being abused or taken advantage of.

Custom Care verses Catte Care

Custom Care

Cattle Care

In our fast-moving, fast-paced, multi-tasking, quick-fix demanding society, I have seen the mentality of our health care move away from customized care and more towards “cattle care”. What do I mean by that?  With customized care, a person evaluates themselves or
is evaluated as an individual, a whole person, rather than compared to everyone else, clumped into a category, labeled and given a “universal protocol”. The person’s specific needs are discussed and cross-referenced to "connect the dots" aiming to find the root of the manifestations experienced by that individual. Then a customized plan of action can be created to meet those specific needs, taking into account the combination of symptoms (mental, emotional and physical), overlapping body system issues, a person’s environment and contraindications. It seems like nowadays, there is more of a cattle care philosophy, herding everyone into a category or label and giving the same protocol as anyone else placed in that same “category”.  By doing this, we are saying everyone in this category is the same and therefore needs the same protocol.  Not taking into account a person's weight, age, sensitivities, mental state, lifestyle, past history, etc. We may talk about these factors, but when it comes to the actual plan of remedies, a universal approach is still used.

Everyone is not the same.  We are all different.  We have different bodies, DNA, metabolism, stress level responses, environmental and emotional exposure, weight, age, allergies, sensitivities, and a host of other characteristics. When trying to create the best possible protocol whether herbal, aromatherapy, nutrition or lifestyle, you need to look at yourself as your own person.  Sure, we can research and see what others have found on their own health journey, remedies that worked for them and updated scientific data. Research and education are always important and a key to one’s personal health. But you then need to analyze that data and apply it to your own particular situation. You may need to mix and match remedies used by other people to create an effective program that is just right for you.  We really need to be paying more attention to personalization rather than “follow the leader”.

When putting together an herbal or aromatherapy program, assess yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.  You not only want to look at the problems you are having, but you want to recognize the good so you can maintain those systems, organs and functions.  For example, if you sleep well at night, meaning you fall asleep easily and stay asleep until you wake up after 7-8 hours, then you want to do some things to continue those good functions. Remember, you are you and no one else.

I offer Customized Wellness Consultations, to help educate and empower you to make the best holistic health choices for you.  

Why are plant enzymes so important in aromatherapy blends?

What are plant enzymes and how can they help us?
Plant enzymes breaks down proteins, fats, carbs and starches.  Enzymes are commonly discussed when it comes to digestion.  So in aromatherapy, to help the body digest the essential oil via topical and inhalation applications, enzymes can be helpful.  In elaborating, enzymes break down protein structures such as allergens, skin and pet dander, stains and the exoskeleton of insects, fleas and ticks.  So this is why I recommend added it to certain blends.  It also enhances tissue and cellular hydration, so I add it into most of formulas, including my facial toner and any skin support blends. I sell the one I use in my online store if you want to take a look at it - http://shop.jennscents.com/Natures-Fresh-Plant-Enzyme-Spray-1549-7.htm.  It is not required in blends, but something I wanted to share as I have found many benefits with it in aromatherapy.

Oh my, I have a hemorrhoid...Ouch!

If you have ever had a hemorrhoid, or known someone who has, you know they are pretty painful. Actually, just downright excruciating at time. And, it's not easy to talk about.  Who would you talk to about it?  Come on, who wants to admit they have a literal pain in their butt?  This is not the time for show and tell, lol.  Well, let me tell you, everyone will experience this awful, uncomfortable, debilitating pain at some point in their life.  Some causes have been attributed to chronic diarrhea, constipation, vein and circulation issues. Just sitting, wearing the wrong underwear or jeans, going potty or any movement can prove to be challenging. Who wants to experience this discomfort?

Well, having Crohn's, Colitis, leaky gut and IBS, I can tell you, I was embarrassed the first time a doctor told me I had a hemorrhoid.  But then he explained, "it is a busted blood vessel, in that 'area', due to being over-burdened, so it needs time to heal". Oh, that's it? A busted blood vessel? Well that didn't sound as terrible as the actual word, hemorrhoid. When I looked it up, it is explained as a vascular structure in the anal canal, that are cushions to help the stool evacuate. When these vascular structures, or veins, become swollen, irritated and inflamed, this is considered a hemorrhoid.

Some signs you have one...well, they are painful for starters.  It can be sore, throbbing, itchy and irritated. You may see blood after you go #2, wither in the toilet or on the toilet paper. Your stools may also be skinny, meaning something is keeping it from coming out in the size of your normal colon. Take your thumb and index finger and connect them together at the tips.  This forms a circle, which is the size of your colon. Stools should be about that size in diameter, and about 12-18" long in length.  That is a health bowel movement (after each meal).

So, what to do?  Well, first, understand the cause of the issue.  Is it diarrhea (constant purging irritation to the lining) or constipation (straining to "take out the trash")? It is that you are wearing things all of the time? Sitting to long? Varicose vein issues? Pregnancy? Obesity? Hormones?

Hydration (meaning drinking enough water daily and taking mineral to drive the hydration into the cell) is super important, along with food choices, and taking regular bathroom breaks.  Don't hold it in.  Go when you have to go!

Herbally and aromatherapy-wise, you have many choices.  I personally like to choose vasoconstrictors, circulation supporters, analgesics and anti-inflammatories from a variety of companies, so I know I have the best stuff that will give me results.  There are no cutting corners if you are serious about getting rid of this butt pain. So here is my favorite protocol..

JennScents Hemorrhoid Cream for topical application - http://shop.jennscents.com/Hemorrhoid-Relief-Salve-JSHEMRS.htm

Digestive Enzymes with a soothing blend - I like the Verdezymes since it is a 3 in 1 formula (enzymes, protease, soothing blend) - http://shop.jennscents.com/Solle-Verdezymes-VZYME.htm

Excell - for circulation, contains butcher's broom, maca, mullein, fenugreek and several other supporting herbs) - http://shop.jennscents.com/Solle-Excell-EXCELL.htm

Essentil Fatty Acid with a Fat emulsifier - this one has omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 with a fat emulsifier, so my 3 in 1 EFA's - http://shop.jennscents.com/SolleMegas-SMEGA.htm


I also offer private consultations to help you create an herbal and aromatherapy regimen, customized to your specific needs. You can see more details at www.JennScents.com.

Here's to a happy, healthy and pain-free day!  :)