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How to use essential oil chemistry for stress

The last two years have presented us with some extremely difficult challenges. Everyone has been affected in some way, to one degree or another.  As we see, the cost of long term stress is very high. Taking advantage of the chemistry of essential oils is one way that we can care for our mental health.

In this article:
* Physical stress indicators (checklist)
* Emotional stress indicators (checklist)
* Consequences of long term stress (checklist)
* Using essential oil chemistry to your advantage (data info table)

Continue reading How to use essential oil chemistry for stress

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Enhancing memory recall

For all the students out there, this list is for you!

There have been studies done that show a connection between studying (learning or focusing on a concept) using scent cues and recalling the concept at a later time, such as a test or exam.

For example, some scent cues might involve food. For others, it might be aromatherapy, specifically essential oils. Since most exams do not permit food, I’d suggest the aromatherapy route. Continue reading Enhancing memory recall

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Get the most from your artisan soap

So-You’ve been to a market and made an artisan soap purchase- here are some tips to help you get the most from your investment.

Cold process soap should breathe

When you purchase your artisan soaps from places such as a farmer’s market, you can- and should- speak to the maker about how to store the soap. Cold process soap should be stored in breathable containers such as cardboard (or paper bag) until ready for use. Definitely NOT plastic!
Tip: If your soap comes packaged in plastic, it’s practically guaranteed to be a melt and pour variety.

Understand that sizes and weights may vary slightly

Cold processed soap is mostly made in a loaf mold. After it is unmolded, it is then cut, often by hand. Even when a cutting guide is used, there may be slight variances on soap weights within the same batch.

Specialty soap with higher quality ingredients cost more

The oils and butters used will have a direct impact on the cost of your soap. Be aware that soap formulated for sensitive skin likely contains more costly oils. Many large volume producers use the most inexpensive materials to increase their profit margin. Sustainability should also be a consideration.

Tip: Read the ingredients on the label!

Decide what is most important to you in a soap

Do you want your soap to be vegan, palm free or gluten free? What about scent? Made using pure essential oils, or are you okay with fragrance oils? Many soaps are made using fragrance oils.
Tip: Soap made with “sandalwood” is most definitely not made using the essential oil of sandalwood due to the very high cost of this oil.
Or maybe for you, unscented is the way to go.

What about the packaging- do you want it packaged, ready to give to someone, or available zero waste (meaning no packaging)?

You definitely have a lot more options now than ever when it comes to finding a soap that fits you.

Consider the shape of the soap

The way soap is cut will make a difference to some. For example, holding a fatter, wider shape of bar will be easier for someone with small hands, or arthritis. Also, those wide but narrow bars will melt down more quickly in the shower than a bar shaped blockier. (More blocky..) Let’s say chunky. Storing the soap in the shower space may also be a point to consider. I know shelf space is at a premium at my house…

Did you know?

Nature Notes makes small batch cold processed soap, available in Canada. Check out our shop!

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Natural Skin Care using essential oils

With the world in self isolation, many of us are getting a bit creative with the self care routines. This includes the “COVID cut”, home hair dye jobs, and much more! While all this experimenting can be fun, there may come the time when you want more concrete success. Enter: Natural Skin Care using essential oils and botanicals with Deanna Russell!

Continue reading Natural Skin Care using essential oils

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Guide to Nature Notes cold processed soap

User guide to Nature Notes soaps

When my daughter and I started experimenting with making our own soap we had NO IDEA how much it would become in demand for people with sensitive skin! We started out by solving our own problem: genuine cold processed soap that was both cleansing and moisturizing, and gentle enough for our sensitive skin to bear. I guess there are many others who are also looking for the same things we are! Continue reading Guide to Nature Notes cold processed soap