"Berry" Good Summer

Hi everyone!

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer! I have to admit, it's sometimes hard to stay inside and work when the weather is so beautiful. There's so much to be done in my garden, I feel like I've spent as much time out there as I have in my office! (Not really, but I have been picking a lot of raspberries this past week. Check my blog for a delicious recipe for glazed berry pie.)

We have some info this month about essential oils; a piece of legislation that affects small businesses like mine and their customers (that means YOU!); and a FREE thank you gift!

Summer Essentials
On a recent trip to the grocery store, I was amazed by the selection of Essential Oils. These have always been available at health food stores, but now most supermarkets carry a surprisingly wide selection. I started working with essential oils several years ago and now I use them all the time, not just in my work but also for everyday scrapes and aches.

If you aren't familiar with the benefits of essential oils, this is my list of Summer Essentials—the five essential oils I need to get through whatever vacation brings! My list includes (drum roll, please!): Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea tree, and Chamomile (Roman or German). Here are a few ways you can use these oils (and a bonus oil—Citronella—if you choose) every day this summer. Please make sure you read our Precautions statement below.

Tummy Troubles Ice cream and popsicles, hot dogs and s'mores: summer is filled with yummy foods and the occasional tummy troubles that go with them. Peppermint to the rescue! Add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil, then massage clockwise on the belly and back (safe for children over 5; for children over 7 as well as adults, use 15 drops of peppermint in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil). Our Queasy Kid Tummy Rub is an ointment containing just the right amount of peppermint oil in a convenient jar.
For car sickness, put a drop of peppermint oil on a tissue and seal in a plastic bag, then inhale as necessary during the trip (do not get near the eyes). Peppermint lollipops are also a necessity for putting a halt to that queasy feeling. (Remember that abdominal pain can also be an indication of appendicitis or another more serious illness, and may require additional medical attention.)

Sunburn Despite our best efforts with the sunscreen, sometimes we miss a spot or just spend too long soaking up the rays. Soak the sunburned area for at least 15 minutes in cold water (iced, if possible), then apply neat (undiluted) Lavender to the area. A few drops will cover a large area. Eucalyptus can also be used this way.

Cuts and Scrapes Time spent outdoors often means extra cuts and scrapes. Make sure to bring along your Lavender and Tea Tree oils to wash out minor wounds. Mix two cups of warm water with 4 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Tea tree oil to rinse the area, then cover.

Insomnia Summer travel and all the excitement that goes with it can leave everyone feeling restless. A foot massage is a great way to calm down. Add 10 drops of Chamomile (Roman) or Lavender, alone or a mixture, to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and massage into the feet. This is also safe for children 3 and up.

Just applying a little lavender hand cream or using a lavender sugar scrub would also be soothing! All of our lavender products contain lavender essential oil and are perfect for those times when you just need to relax.

Bugs Nothing is more irritating than the mosquitoes, blackflies, and other pests that follow you on your outings. Essential oils can help you repel insects as well as to treat the bug stings and bites that seem inevitable. Add 30 drops of Lavender essential oil to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and rub on the skin as a repellent. Peppermint also works, in a dilution of 2 drops to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. If you want to expand your summer essential oil collection, our bonus choice would be Citronella. A drop or two on your pant legs will keep the mosquitoes off your ankles. Place several drops of Lavender, Peppermint, or your bonus Citronella on cottonballs and place near your pillow to keep bugs away while you sleep.

Most insect bites and stings can be treated with neat Lavender, or a mixture of Lavender and Chamomile (in equal amounts); apply a drop of the oil or oil mixture to the bite and repeat three times a day. Remember that some insect bites and stings should be treated by medical professionals.

(Please note that peppermint is not recommended for use during pregnancy. In some rare instances, people are allergic to peppermint oil applied topically. As for any product, discontinue use if rash or other skin irritation occurs. Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Those with asthma may have an adverse reaction to the vapors from essential oils, so start with small amounts and discontinue use if coughing worsens. Not for people with liver, gallbladder, or digestive disorders. Please also note that the descriptions and instructions here are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional.)

Members of our industry are trying to stop the Act as it's currently written, and encouraging a rewrite so the FDA Globalization Act will accommodate small businesses. If you frequent farmers markets or natural foods stores and buy locally made soaps, lotions, or balms—or if you've appreciated the variety of products you can find when ordering from my company or other small bath and beauty companies—please lend your voice! Watch this video and sign the petition to maintain choice in the marketplace! I truly would appreciate your support!

We're working on some new products for fall and the holidays (I know, let's not think about that just yet!)— we'll keep you updated as they become available.

ENJOY these long warm days with your family and friends! As always, thanks so much for your interest in our products.

Emily