#I do have asthma so if you smoke or use essential oil room spray things around the fabric

[tj-crochets]

This is not my usual sort of post but if any of y'all out there sew with long pile faux fur and have scraps you don't want, I'd be down to trade you a plushie for them or something? (or buy them!) I make my halloween fluffball monsters out of faux fur scraps, and I use the shape of the scrap to determine the shape of the finished monster, but I'm almost out of scraps I mean I do have some non-scrap long pile faux fur, but not much and not many colors, because I don't usually like using it. It's more fun to make monsters with the scraps lol

[professorpalmarosa]

Lord of Discord (Team Plasma - Ghetsis)

This isn’t just a bath…it’s a Plasbath!

When designing a blend for Ghetsis, my first thought was, “Whatever I do, it needs to have Patchouli in it.” And whenever I think of patchouli, I think of my favorite Lush autumn release: Lord of Misrule!

Lord of Misrule is a dark green bath bomb that is predominantly patchouli and black pepper-based, but it also contains an ingredient that typically tends to give me headaches: Vanilla Absolute. I switched that for Peru Balsam (which has a vanilla-like smell) and added Copaiba Balsam on top of that because I wanted to add some woodsy, masculine undertones to this bomb.

The end result is an aggressively energetic green bomb that refuses to be taken lightly. The Black Pepper in the blend wakes you back up after an exhausting day, the Peru Balsam cleanses your skin, the Copaiba Balsam boosts your confidence, and the Patchouli leaves you feeling like you can conquer the world…or at least Unova. 

And fun fact: the white froth this bath bomb makes will hiss at you if you pull it closer to your body!

Now it’s time to talk about the pros and cons of these oils from a safety perspective…

Aromatherapy isn’t just about pretty smells and scented bath water. Essential oils are in such a high concentration that even absorbing them through your skin can leave you with the therapeutic (and potentially toxic) benefits.

If you are allergic to a plant, you are 100% without question going to be super allergic to the essential oil.

There’s also such a thing as contraindications: where some oils may affect you in weird ways if you have a certain medical condition or take certain medications.

The information below is for your safety if you want to attempt to make this blend at home (as a bath bomb, a body spray, or even scented bath salts). And do be sure to wear gloves. Some of these oils have recommended dilution rates as small as 0.4%. You don’t want that to slide on bare skin!

Patchouli Leaf Essential Oil (50% of Synergy)

If you aren’t familiar with the smell of patchouli, stoner shops tend to burn it as incense to hide the smell of cannabis. It’s spicy, smoky, and very distinct. It blends with a lot of different oils and is one of the few that actually grows stronger with age!

Patchouli Essential Oil has a familiar smell. This scent was a favorite among the Hippie Counterculture of the 1960s and we still associate it with stoners and smokers today. It covers the scent of marijuana and blends wonderfully with so many things.

It has a slight peppery aroma and is also the key ingredient in my favorite Lush fragrance (Lord of Misrule).

Pros:

Aside from being the quintessential pot deodorizer, patchouli oil is also used as medicine for colds, tumors, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Also, if you’re an alcoholic and suffer from chronic bad breath, patchouli oil can be used to hide the smell.

I also love the fact it can be used to increase your libido!

Cons:

Patchouli Leaf Essential Oil is generally considered to be safe, but is best avoided if you suffer from asthma. We found that one out the hard way in my family.

Black Pepper Essential Oil (20% of Synergy)

Black Pepper brings to mind the scent of black peppercorns, but without any of the sneeze factor! There are also faint floral undertones to this oil and it works wonders inside a “wake-up” blend. It’s a key ingredient in Plant Therapy’s InvigorAid, which I swear by. That synergy is like liquid brainpower.

However, I’ll be honest with you. I mainly put it in here because in one study, Black Pepper Essential Oil was determined to be a possible anti-smoking aid. You can diffuse it if you’re trying to cut your nicotine addiction!

Pros:

Black Pepper Essential Oil promotes better circulation and can improve aches and pains brought about by exercising or grueling manual labor.

It’s also a boost for blends where you want to stay alert and focused. I recommend diffusing it if you’re studying, because it’s perfect for term paper composition, cram sessions, and annoying piles of homework!

Another neat trick you can do while diffusing Black Pepper Essential Oil (and I’ve done this) is eat your favorite spicy or savory foods. It will taste even more flavorful!

Cons:

If you want to sleep tonight, don’t use Black Pepper Essential Oil before bed. This is a wake-up smell and will keep your brain active!

Keep out of the reach of children. Don’t use with children under the age of 6.

This is not a cat-safe oil.

Copaiba Balsam Oleoresin (15% of Synergy)

Copaiba is an oleoresin taken from the sap of a tree in the Copaifera genus. It’s one of the best anti-inflammatory substances on earth and has a mild, honey-like smell with woody undertones. It’s rather mild, however, so it’s best to mix it with other things and simply reap its benefits.

Pros:

Add it to your skin and hair care regimen! Copaiba Oleoresin’s astringent properties tighten the skin for a more youthful, radiant appearance. It can reduce the intensity of existing wrinkles and strengthen your skin and scalp to reduce risks of lesions with age. It’s also great for eliminating blisters, pimples, and even mild scars.

Decongest with Copaiba! This is an asthma-safe oil and also a good oil to have if you suffer from congenital congestion problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of Copaiba relax the airways and work the knots out of your muscles. Irritation may dramatically reduce.

Having a sore, rough day? Maybe Copaiba can help you! Copaiba’s analgesis properties can help loosen tight muscles, reduce pain, and even ease bad headaches.

Cheer up! Copaiba Oleoresin has often been used to break up the blues and boost your mood. Its sweet, gentle smell can be blended with other soothing oils (like Basil Linalool, Bergamot Mint, or Ho Wood) to put you in a peaceful state of mind.

Boost your immune system! Copaiba Oleoresin has a strong antibacterial nature. It can protect your skin (even if you have mild cuts) from developing an infection. Just be sure to use a carrier if you decide to apply this oil on your skin. Safe dilutions are important!

Lower your blood pressure! Copaiba’s combination of anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can help reduce tension and strain on blood vessels.

Copaiba is an antifungal oil! The terpenes inside Copaiba Oleoresin are super effective against a lot of fungi (including nail fungus and athlete’s foot). If you’ve got one of these types of infections, consider applying Copaiba to the infected area. It should speed up the healing process!

Reduce water weight and detoxify the body! Copaiba is a mild diuretic. It stimulates your kidneys and bladder to expel urine more regularly, which in turn helps your body flush out toxins.

Cons:

Like most other wood-based essential oils, this is not a cat-safe oil. Do not diffuse with a cat in the room.

Excessive use of Copaiba Oleoresin may result in stomach problems.

Essential oils should never be taken internally without first consulting your physician. This oil is for diffusion and application purposes only.

Since this oil lowers blood pressure, exercise caution if you have atherosclerosis, diabetes, low blood pressure, or a history of stroke.

Balsam of Peru Essential Oil (15% of Synergy)

Balsam of Peru is a resinous substance that comes from the Myroxylon balsamum plant. It smell is reminiscent of vanilla with a touch of clove and cinnamon. As a result, it pairs beautifully with those oils–as well as orange oils!

It’s one of the most versatile oils not only with its scent, but with its therapeutic benefits…so long as it’s done in moderation.

Note: Balsam of Peru only makes up about 15% of Lord of Discord, but you can certainly smell it. Please read.

Pros:

Balsam of Peru has been used for centuries to treat tumors, expel intestinal worms, and flush out your kidneys by overstimulating them. It’s a powerful diuretic.

Some people occasionally put Balsam of Peru directly on the skin for infected and slow-healing wounds, burns, scrapes, ulcers, rashes, and itchy areas…though I’d caution against this. Plant Therapy, the company I bought my oil from, recommends 0.4% dilution for Balsam of Peru, so definitely do NOT apply that stuff directly on your skin. Diffusing it in your tub should be OK. Just make sure the bath is full before you go in!

Some dentists use this essential oil to treat dry sockets: a painful condition that occurs when a tooth is extracted and a clot forms in the gums too soon.

It’s an immunity booster! Not only have some studies shown that Balsam of Peru can stimulate the immune system and eliminate free radicals in the body, but it’s also got strong astringent and antimicrobial properties. People can even use it to treat mites and bedbugs!

It fights your anxiety! Balsam of Peru’s calming scent contains a slew of chemicals that promote a peaceful, calm mind. It makes it easier to breathe and brings about a comforting scent.

Breathe more easily! Balsam of Peru has natural expectorant properties, making it easier for you to blow out whatever’s left of your stuffy nose or clogged-up throat. Just be sure to inhale. Don’t swallow!

Pamper your hair and scalp! Balsam of Peru can help you combat dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp.

Cons:

Despite its many benefits, Balsam of Peru is one of the most allergenic substances known to man. If you get headaches over artificial vanilla, strong perfumes, or scented things in general; chances are you’re allergic to Balsam of Peru.

Although Balsam of Peru can be used over short periods of time (never more than 1 week), people can build up a tolerance to it and suffer allergic skin reactions if the substance is abused.

If you use this essential oil, use plenty of sunblock when you go outside: especially if you have light skin. Balsam of Peru increases your sensitivity to the sun.

Do not use this essential oil if you are nursing or pregnant, as not enough is known about Balsam of Peru to say it’s safe. Ere on the side of caution.

Since Balsam of Peru is a powerful diuretic, prolonged usage of the oil may result in kidney damage (even failure). Do not use this oil if you have kidney problems. Period.

[tser]

Hello! Do you know of any snake-safe air fresheners, candles, etc? The person I live with wants to use that sort of thing to cover up the sometimes-funky smell of our rented apartment. Since I have snakes, I don't think it's a good a idea, but can't come up with another solution to hide smells out of our direct control. (I also have asthma, so I don't much like scented candles either, but I mostly worry about the snakes).

I know how appealing a good smell can be, but you’re right to be wary of scented products. 

All candles produce some soot. Soot is impure carbon particles, the result of incomplete combustion of the fuel. Improper burning and wick trimming results in more soot, and though some candles are advertised as safer, or even soot free, they all produce soot and all can produce more or less depending on how they are burned. In addition to this, all candles will produce smoke, particles of burned material which are visible in the air. The smallest particles are actually the most dangerous, because they cross cellular membranes.

The scents in candles, air fresheners, and many kinds of incense are either essential oils (”natural”) or fragrance oils (”artificial”). Though essential oils are “natural” (produced through intensive processing), they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are irritating and potentially dangerous to humans and other animals. Many are safe for human use only in very specific ways, in specific dilutions.  

Animal safety information is very much lacking for essential oils, and misinformation is rampant. Some of the essential oils known to be toxic to certain animals are often listed as “natural medicine” for those species online, or included in products meant for those species! 

Oil diffusers are not a safer way to use essential oils around reptiles; the essential oils still offgas VOCs (and do so even more at higher temperatures).

Why are scented products dangerous for reptiles? Snakes are particularly sensitive for a variety of reasons, such as some only having one functioning lung. Some reptiles have very primitive respiratory systems. Others, like birds (which are also reptiles) have very specialized systems.

I personally advise against all air fresheners, sprays, scented cleaning products, candles, and incense around reptiles.

If they must be used, use them in a different room, with good ventilation (fans blowing the air out, windows open, etc.). Do not use them in the room with the reptiles.

In a small apartment, be extra careful, since the air space is small.

There are some safe alternatives! 

If possible, open windows to freshen the house; outside air is almost always cleaner than inside air! VOC levels in the house are generally two or three times that of outside. Circulate air with fans.

Houseplants help eliminate VOCs from the air. NASA recommends two or three plants in 8 to 10-inch pots for every 100 square feet. Some are better than others; you can search online to find out which plants are safe for your situation (if you have pets that might eat them!) and which will do the best job.

Simmer orange, lemon, or lime peels with spices (such as cinnamon sticks) in a pot on the stove. Do not allow it to boil dry; burning food is dangerous too. (A slow cooker is a great option.)

Simmer tea, herbal tea, or coffee. (Again, don’t let it boil dry!)

Put citrus peels down the disposal in the sink.

Stud an orange with cloves and hang it somewhere, or use herbal sachets (dried herbs in cloth bags).

Use odor absorbent products such as charcoal, baking soda, or zeolite (you can find dedicated products in pet stores, department stores, and online). Just make sure no one can get into them. You generally hang them around stinky places, and replace as recommended for the product. (Coffee grounds also absorb odors!)

Vinegar diluted in water helps eliminate odors (of course it will smell vinegary, but when it dissipates the other smells are gone as well).

Water infused with whole herbs can be misted around safely (look for rose water recipes; can be adapted to other safe herbs like fresh lavender; or simply make like tea). Unlike essential oils, these are not dangerously concentrated. You can mist this around the house, or soak cotton balls in it and place in jars. 

I hope these ideas help!

[professorpalmarosa]

Eau de Kalos (Team Flare - Lysandre)

If sparkling white wine doesn’t come from Champagne; can you still call it champagne? If a gentleman’s perfume doesn’t come from Cologne, can you still call it cologne? If a drop dead gorgeous smell wasn’t blended by a drop dead gorgeous person, can we be so sure Lysandre even would use it?

If you’re American, you apparently can.

It’s become a colloquialism.

There’s no telling, but I made it with the Team Flare boss in mind all the same!

When designing a blend for Lysandre, I did my research and located an online approximation for the original Eau de Cologne dating back to the Renaissance era.

A long time ago, a perfumer moved to Cologne and fell in love with the town’s beautiful scenery and spirit. To show his adoration, he designed a fragrance so beautiful that it has since become the quintessential cologne—and probably even why we call a gentleman’s perfume “cologne” to this day.

What could be more apt for Team Flare, particularly Lysandre?

The blend is predominantly Petitgrain with a complex citrus medley and Neroli, but I added two additional ingredients (Peru Balsam and Amyris) to finish the blend off with a woodsy, lingering finish.

This is quite possibly my most complicated blend to date and will be a royal pain in the arse for an amateur scent-blender to attempt. But look at the pictures! Look at how gorgeous it is! It smells even better than it looks!

He had a fan, too! Gaius wanted to run into the tub with me after I drained the water.

Now it’s time to talk about the pros and cons of these oils from a safety perspective…

Aromatherapy isn’t just about pretty smells and scented bath water. Essential oils are in such a high concentration that even absorbing them through your skin can leave you with the therapeutic (and potentially toxic) benefits.

If you are allergic to a plant, you are 100% without question going to be super allergic to the essential oil.

There’s also such a thing as contraindications: where some oils may affect you in weird ways if you have a certain medical condition or take certain medications.

The information below is for your safety if you want to attempt to make this blend at home (as a bath bomb, a body spray, or even scented bath salts). And do be sure to wear gloves. Some of these oils have recommended dilution rates as small as 0.4%. You don’t want that to slide on bare skin!

Petitgrain Essential Oil (30% of Synergy)

Petitgrain Essential Oil is made from the stems and branches of the Seville Bitter Orange tree (the same tree that produces Neroli flower: my favorite Essential Oil of all time). It has a nice outdoorsy smell reminiscent of a freshly mowed lawn. Green and young oranges (which are roughly the size of peas) are mixed in there traditionally, hence the name.

Pros:

Kill Germs! Petitgrain can be used to fight off bacteria that pose a risk of sepsis in people. It inhibits bacterial growth and can be safely applied externally with a carrier oil.

Reduce Spasms! Sometimes we cough, cramp up, or twitch for no reason. Petitgrain can help with that. This oil relaxes the body and soothes those twitchy, nervous muscles.

Reduce Anxiety! Petitgrain Essential Oil can be diffused or added to the bathtub to fight depression, anxiety, stress, anger, and fear. It can also be added to an anti-insomnia blend to promote peaceful sleep.

Use it as a deodorant! Most orange-related Essential Oils can be used to deodorize a room or a person, but Petitgrain’s a powerhouse for this. It also curbs the growth of bacteria that feed off sweat and warm body parts.

Cons:

If you take any of the below medications, do not use Petitgrain Essential Oil:

Medications for Depression (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.

Midazolam (Versed)

If you take any of the below medications, exercise caution with Petitgrain Essential Oil:

Caffeine (Excedrin, Anacin, Vivarin, etc.)

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, etc.)

Felodipine (Plendil)

Indinavir (Crixivan)

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) such as Lovastatin (Mevacor), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Triazolam (Halcion), etc.

Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs) such as Amiodarone (Cordarone), Disopyramide (Norpace), Dofetilide (Tikosyn), Ibutilide (Corvert), Procainamide (Pronestyl), Quinidine, Sotalol (Betapace), Thioridazine (Mellaril), etc.

Simulants such as Diethylpropion (Tenuate), Epinephrine, Phentermine (Ionamin), Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), etc.

Neroli Essential Oil (10% of Synergy)

Neroli is in my top three favorite Essential Oils of all time, tied with Bergamot and Rhododendron. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive essential oils you can purchase. A tiny 10 ml bottle set me back nearly $90.

However, Neroli has a slew of benefits and is certainly worth the investment.

Neroli is the flower of the Seville bitter orange tree, and has a floral, bitter smell that’s truly unforgettable.

Pros:

Boost your mood and fight depression! Neroli has a beautiful aroma and can improve a person’s mood just by smelling the oil. The scent promotes feelings of joy and fulfillment.

It’s an aphrodisiac! Neroli boosts libido and arousal, as well as helps fight off erectile dysfunctions.

Clean a small cut or wound! Neroli has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can protect wounds from some infections and treat rashes and skin infections.

Make scars vanish! Neroli is a cicatrisant, meaning it has anti-scarring properties. It’s best for acnes scars, stretch marks, and other imperfections. I use it on old acne scars on my back from my high school years. They’re already starting to fade! Neroli’s cytophylactic properties also promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells and keep your skin looking young, elastic, and beautiful.

Relieve muscle pains and soothe twitchy muscles! Neroli is an antispasmodic, meaning it is perfect for relaxing muscles. It’s your best friend after a workout or if unpleasant cramps hit your system.

Fight insomnia and get a good night’s sleep! Neroli is actually best known for its sedative properties! Its calming and relaxing properties sedate the body and work wonders when paired with other sedative oils, such as Chamomile, Petitgrain, Lavender, or Ylang Ylang.

Cons:

Neroli is considered to be universally safe, but pregnant women (and women hoping to become pregnant) may want to ere on the side of caution.

That said, Neroli is a very powerful sedative oil. You should really only diffuse or apply this (when diluted) at the end of the day when you have no plans to drive or operate heavy machinery. The effects may become even stronger if you drink or pair this oil with other sedative oils.

Amyris Essential Oil (7.5% of Synergy)

Amyris (Amyris balsamifera)—also called West Indian/Indies Sandalwood, Candlewood, or Torchwood—comes from the West Indies (specifically Haiti). The essential oil is extracted from the bark of the fallen dried tree and has a sticky sap-like texture. It’s a favorite for many masculine fragrances, as it’s a more cost-effective alternative to Sandalwood and every bit as sexy a smell.

It’s locally used by fishermen to light torches, making it easier to fish at night.

Pros:

Feeling down in the dumps? Add some Amyris EO to a carrier and massage it into your skin. The scent can uplift your downtrodden spirit and give you some peace of mind. I like to use it when I meditate.

Valerianol (one of the chemicals inside this EO) has very calming properties, even to the point of being listed as a sedative. Amyris can be a good choice if you suffer from insomnia or anxiety. Those same properties can also help relieve stress, sexual tension, frustration, or irritability.

Amyris has decongestant properties and is asthma safe. It’s great for respiratory health.

Amyris is a favorite among creative people (writers, musicians, and so on), as it’s purported to help boost your creativity.

The most exciting thing Amyris does is regenerate your skin, helping to slow down aging. It works wonders.

 Cons:

This is a highly flammable essential oil. If you are wearing this oil, you may not want to get too close to an open flame, let alone smoke.

Although Amyris EO is considered to be universally safe, non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating; some people with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation if the oil is not properly diluted.

Amyris EO is not intended for oral ingestion. Do not take this oil internally.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical condition, consult your physician before starting a regimen with Amyris EO.

Blood Orange Essential Oil (10% of Synergy)

There’s a large and vast variety of orange essential oils out there, but most fall into two categories: those derived from the bitter orange (Neroli, Petitgrain, etc.), and those derived from the sweet orange (Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Blood Orange, etc.).

Out of the sweet orange oils I have, the Blood Orange has the strongest and juiciest scent. If you love oranges, Blood Orange is something you’ll want to get for yourself. It smells fantastic!

Pros: The peel of sweet orange varieties (which includes Blood Orange) can be used to increase your appetite, reduce phlegm in your nose and lungs, treat coughs and colds, calm down asthma, reduce intestinal gas, settle indigestion, treat kidney stones, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Some research even indicates that Blood Orange Essential Oil can help with prostate cancer and cancerous breast sores.

One other super cool thing about Blood Orange is that it’s listed as an aphrodisiac oil. Spritz yourself with a little and have yourself a grand time!

Cons:

Due to its high limonene content, Blood Orange is not safe to diffuse around a cat. Your dog should be fine, but cats lack a liver enzyme that helps them break down this chemical. It can create a toxic buildup and make them very, very sick.

Although Blood Orange is perfectly safe for adults, do not use the essential oil with babies or children under the age of 6.

If you are taking any of the below medications, do not use this essential oil:

Celiprolol (Celicard)

Ivermectin

Pravastatin (Pravachol)

If you are taking any of the below medications, exercise caution when using this essential oil:

Quinolone antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Enoxacin (Penetrex), Gatifloxacin (Tequin), Levofloxacin (Levaquin), Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), Moxifloxacin (Avelox), Norfloxacin (Noroxin), Ofloxacin (Floxin), and Trovafloxacin (Trovan).

Fenofenadine (Allegra)

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein substrates) such as Etoposide, Paclitaxel, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Amprenavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Saquinavir, Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Corticosteroids, Erythromycin, Cisapride (Propulsid), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Cyclosporine, Loperamide (Imodium), Quinidine, and others.

Kumquat Essential Oil (10% of Synergy)

Kumquat (Fortunella japonica) is a small tree that produces olive-sized fruits that resemble oranges. This essential oil is created from the rind through a cold-press process, like most other citrus fruits. In some batches, its limonene concentration (this is the chemical that gives us that familiar citrus smell) can be as high as 95%.

Scent-wise, it smells like “a more orange-y orange,” or Skittles. It’s very sweet, but very tart.

Pros:

It’s a fantastic surface cleaner! Add a drop or two to a natural cleaner (like vinegar) and watch your tub sparkle!

It brightens your skin and gives it a delightful glow. Try adding a drop to your lotion or shampoo!

Like most other citrus oils, Kumquat EO is a mood booster, as well as an energizer! The smell can put you in a great state of mine and leave you feeling ready to take on a stressful day!

Cons:

Due to its high limonene content, this is not a cat-safe oil.

Although some companies (like DoTerra) suggest taking essential oils internally, you should never do this without first consulting your physician.

Mandarin Essential Oil (10% of Synergy)

Mandarin is a type of orange and is one of the most popular essential oils to use with children. You know its scent: it smells just like a ripe Mandarin orange and makes your mouth water almost immediately!

Pros:

Early research suggests that eating mandarin oranges and diffusing its oil on the regular is linked to a lower risk of a cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This type of cancer affects the nasal passageway connected to the throat.

Mandarin is an asthma-safe essential oil and is commonly used to safely deodorize and clean the air. The oil’s even generally safe for patients with lung cancer!

The smell of Mandarin causes the mouth to produce extra saliva and convinces your body that you’re hungry. It can ease indigestion and improve your appetite.

One of the other nice things about Mandarin (and its cousin oil, Tangerine) is that you can use it to calm down a child’s temper tantrums!

Cons: Like most other citrus oils, Mandarin Essential Oil increases your photosensitivity and the likelihood of developing sunburn when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Limit going outdoors or in direct sunlight if you’ve used this bath bomb over the last 12-24 hours.

Other than this, both Mandarin Essential Oil and Tangerine Essential Oil are considered safe and can even be used with small children.

Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil (5% of Synergy)

Grapefruit is one of those familiar scents and is used in many diets to boost metabolism and suppress appetite. I even ended up picking up an entire half-gallon of white grapefruit juice on my way home from work yesterday, since it’s one of my favorite flavors in the world.

I’ve also been trying to find white grapefruit in my grocery store since I graduated from college in 2011, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere. If anyone knows where I could purchase them online from a reputable source, message me. I miss them so!

Pros:

Grapefruit Essential Oil has several health benefits and can be your friend on a (safe) weight loss regimen. This oil contains a lot of the chemical d-limonene, which has clinically been shown to stabilize your metabolism, decrease your BMI, and even lower cholesterol.

Grapefruit peel (the part of the grapefruit Essential Oil comes from) also contains a lot of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body and reduce your risk of cancer.

The smell of grapefruit can make a person feel happier and more alert. Some folks use it as a stimulant.

One of my friends mixes a little Grapefruit Essential Oil (due to its disinfecting nature) and vinegar into her homemade bathroom cleaner and her tub sparkles.

Cons:

Grapefruit (Pink or White) Essential Oil increases your photosensitivity, which increases your risk for sunburn. Please avoid being in the sun for too long if you’ve applied this essential oil (even diluted) to your skin in the past 12 to 36 hours.

Some liver medications may take longer for the liver to break down if Grapefruit (Pink or White) Essential Oil is being used:

Some medications that react to sunlight may increase your photosensitivity while Grapefruit (Pink or White) Essential Oil is being used. Please use sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective garments if outdoors if you’re using these medications and use Grapefruit on the regular.

If you use any of the below do not use this product:

Artemether (Artenam, Paluther)

Buspirone (BuSpar)

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Carvedilol (Coreg)

Cisapride (Propulsid)

Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, and others)

Estrogen Supplements (Premarin, Climara, Vivelle)

Etoposide (VePesid)

Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates, lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.)

Medications for high blood pressure (nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.)

Medications used for lowering cholesterol ((Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), cerivastatin (Baycol), and others).

Methylprednisolone

Praziquantel (Biltricide)

Quinidine

Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines like clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others).

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Terfenadine (Seldane)

If you use any of the below on the regular, exercise caution:

Caffeine

Erythromycin

Fenofexadine (Allegra)

Losartan (Cozaar)

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) such as (amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and generics

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); and generics

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar); and others.

Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)

Theophylline

Warfarin (Coumadin)

The TL;DR on this list is this: “If you are taking a medication that impacts your liver or blood, exercise caution or don’t use Grapefruit Essential Oil (White or Pink).

You’ll probably have better luck with the fragrance oil, which will have none of the benefits but won’t mess up your medication.

It’s not just pretty smells and relaxing aromatherapy, guys. Some of this stuff can mess with your meds and Grapefruit’s notorious for it.

Lemon Essential Oil (5% of Synergy)

My lemon is a 10x intensity: meaning it’s super concentrated and really, really strong. Just a few drops is enough to make the whole room smell like a lemon tree…or lemon cleaner.

Pros:

Boost your mood and put a little cheer in the air! Lemon Essential Oil is a natural antidepressant. The tart, fruity smell brings to mind a clean, uplifting atmosphere that combats any mental miasma that may be lurking around the room or office.

Fight inflammation and the signs of aging! Lemon Essential Oil contains a high antioxidant concentration, which can be used to fight age spots, wrinkles, a weak immune system, arthritis, and swelling.

It’s a powerful astringent! This essential oil speeds up the healing process for cuts, scrapes, and wounds because it kills any harmful germs that come into contact with the damaged skin. You can even add a few drops to your mouthwash to freshen up your breath. I especially love to apply this oil to my back, where I used to suffer from sebaceous cysts (not that I’ve had one since I began using essential oils). You can brighten your dull skin and keep it clean with a natural, healthy glow. - Just keep in mind that cold-pressed Lemon EO will increase your sensitivity to the sun. If you’re doing this, try to get the steam-distilled version.

Flush out toxins and water weight! Lemon Essential Oil is a diuretic, which means it increases the amount of times you have to urinate. Your body will do this to flush out toxins and bacteria, but it’s also a great way to reduce swelling on your joints, muscles, or abdomen.

Decongest your airways! Lemon Essential Oil is a known remedy for coughs, colds, and stuffy noses. Diffuse it or put a few drops of the oil in your bath water for maximum effect.

Cons:

Lemon EO is considered to be universally safe, even for children, provided it is properly diluted.

Due to its high limonene content, this is not a cat-safe oil.

Depending on how the Lemon Essential Oil was extracted, it may or may not have photosensitive properties. If your Lemon EO is steam-distilled, you’re probably fine. However, if your Lemon Essential Oil is cold-pressed, chances are it has this photosensitive property. If this is the case, try to avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight for 24-48 hours.

Lime Essential Oil (5% of Synergy)

Lime is one of those quintessential citrus smells. It pairs with things that sometimes don’t pair as well with Lemon or anything in the Orange family. It’s flexible, versatile, and downright delicious to smell on its own. There’s just something about that tart, zesty smell that puts a smile on my face.

Pros: Lime can be used to help with gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. Other people apply it neat (directly to the skin) as a stimulant or to treat nausea. The very smell of Lime can boost your appetite and promotes extra saliva in your mouth. More than this, lime can give your immune system a boost: warding off common colds and winter bugs before they even hit you!

It’s also great for keeping a youthful complexion and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and varicose veins.

Cons:

Depending on how the Lime Essential Oil was extracted, it may or may not have photosensitive properties. If your Lime Essential Oil is steam-distilled, you’re probably fine. However, if your Lime Essential Oil is cold-pressed, chances are it has this photosensitive property. If this is the case, try to avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight for 24-48 hours.

Some liver medications may take longer for the liver to break down if Lime Essential Oil is being used:

Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Triazolam (Halcion)

Some medications that react to sunlight may increase your photosensitivity while Lime Essential Oil is being used. Please use sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective garments if outdoors if you’re using these medications and use Lime on the regular:

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)

Ofloxacin (Floxin)

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Sparfloxacin (Zagam)

Gatifloxacin (Tequin)

Moxifloxacin (Avelox)

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Septra)

Tetracycline

Methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen)

Trioxsalen (Trisoralen)

Balsam of Peru Essential Oil (2.5% of Synergy)

Balsam of Peru is a resinous substance that comes from the Myroxylon balsamum plant. It smell is reminiscent of vanilla with a touch of clove and cinnamon. As a result, it pairs beautifully with those oils–as well as orange oils!

It’s one of the most versatile oils not only with its scent, but with its therapeutic benefits…so long as it’s done in moderation.

Pros:

Balsam of Peru has been used for centuries to treat tumors, expel intestinal worms, and flush out your kidneys by overstimulating them. It’s a powerful diuretic.

Some people occasionally put Balsam of Peru directly on the skin for infected and slow-healing wounds, burns, scrapes, ulcers, rashes, and itchy areas…though I’d caution against this. Plant Therapy, the company I bought my oil from, recommends 0.4% dilution for Balsam of Peru, so definitely do NOT apply that stuff directly on your skin. Diffusing it in your tub should be OK. Just make sure the bath is full before you go in!

Some dentists use this essential oil to treat dry sockets: a painful condition that occurs when a tooth is extracted and a clot forms in the gums too soon.

It’s an immunity booster! Not only have some studies shown that Balsam of Peru can stimulate the immune system and eliminate free radicals in the body, but it’s also got strong astringent and antimicrobial properties. People can even use it to treat mites and bedbugs!

It fights your anxiety! Balsam of Peru’s calming scent contains a slew of chemicals that promote a peaceful, calm mind. It makes it easier to breathe and brings about a comforting scent.

Breathe more easily! Balsam of Peru has natural expectorant properties, making it easier for you to blow out whatever’s left of your stuffy nose or clogged-up throat. Just be sure to inhale. Don’t swallow!

Pamper your hair and scalp! Balsam of Peru can help you combat dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp.

Cons:

Despite its many benefits, Balsam of Peru is one of the most allergenic substances known to man. If you get headaches over artificial vanilla, strong perfumes, or scented things in general; chances are you’re allergic to Balsam of Peru.

Although Balsam of Peru can be used over short periods of time (never more than 1 week), people can build up a tolerance to it and suffer allergic skin reactions if the substance is abused.

If you use this essential oil, use plenty of sunblock when you go outside: especially if you have light skin. Balsam of Peru increases your sensitivity to the sun.

Do not use this essential oil if you are nursing or pregnant, as not enough is known about Balsam of Peru to say it’s safe. Ere on the side of caution.

Since Balsam of Peru is a powerful diuretic, prolonged usage of the oil may result in kidney damage (even failure). Do not use this oil if you have kidney problems. Period.

[theconservativebrief]

I sit in my living room, contemplating the slim, smooth aquamarine tube. Its color is a few shades removed from Tiffany blue, and it’s an inch or so longer than a cigarette. I do not smoke anything ever, but in order to psyche myself up for the full experience of the thing, I try to channel that famous picture of Audrey Hepburn on the Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie poster, a long, slim cigarette holder hanging out of her mouth.

This isn’t a cigarette, though. It’s a Breathe “citrus flavored vitamin B12 mist” — a.k.a. a vitamin vape. It costs $45 for three pens. And disposable vaporizer pens like this one, containing substances like vitamins and essential oils instead of nicotine “e-juice,” are increasingly being marketed to wellness-minded consumers.

After one drag on the vaguely sweet-tasting vape, I promptly start coughing, spewing out a fruity puff of vapor. It doesn’t really feel like wellness. It feels like a violation of my alveoli.

Vapes, or e-cigarettes, are all over the news right now, especially Juul, the brand that’s trendy among teens because of its sleek profile and fruity flavors. They’re so popular and so controversial that the Food and Drug Administration is now actively targeting manufacturers that push nicotine vapes; it may even move to ban some. There is growing concern in the medical and public health communities about the immediate harmful effects on young people’s developing brains and bodies and the unknown longer-term effects.

But there is another market popping up whose purveyors suggest vaping things that are not nicotine can be healthy. It’s a jarring visual to see what looks like smoke coming out of someone’s mouth in a wellness ad, except brands like Breathe and its sister brands VitaminVape, VitaStik, BioVape, NutroVape, and Monq are doing just that.

And like so many concepts that catch on in wellness circles, companies that sell these products take something with a veneer of scientific backing or credibility, couch it in language that sounds healthy, and then sell it to you via a marketplace with very little regulation or oversight. It’s not surprising that vape technology, which is so trendy right now, is the newest frontier for selling so-called wellness. But this technology is so new that it’s not clear if these vapes are helpful or harmful.

The Breathe vape is a good case study in how the wellness industry uses an inkling of evidence to package a product as healthy. The company’s founder, George Michalopoulos, is not a physician, but during a phone call, he said he worked in social media. He developed a B12 vape in 2013 for his personal use, he says, because he was a vegan at the time. (Many vegans need to take vitamin B12 supplements so they don’t become deficient.)

He says he was interested in it because he “enjoys the process of vaping.” He points to a few studies done in the 1950s and ’60s that showed promise for the use of inhaled vitamin B12 for people with deficiencies, which are linked prominently on Breathe’s site.

Michalopoulos says people have told him anecdotally that their vitamin B12 levels increased after using it and have shared “copies of their blood test results” with him. He also said he is paying an outside lab to perform a clinical study, sometimes done by supplement and skin care companies, mainly for marketing purposes so that they can quote data and make more specific claims. “I’d rather people understand that this is still a young science,” he says.

What he did not say in our phone call, but which I confirmed later, is that he also owns VitaminVape, which charges $39 for three pens. He founded it a few years before Breathe, which he launched at the end of 2017 to appeal to “vegans and B12 enthusiasts.” The website language, design, and testimonials are all the same as what’s on the Breathe website. The difference is that VitaminVape uses a synthetic form of vitamin B12 and Breathe uses a naturally-derived form. A representative said “serious vegans and wellness consumers” prefer the latter.

VitaminVape has been mentioned in several negative stories in the press exploring the legitimacy of these types of vapes, mainly pointing out that they are scientifically unproven and have potentially unknown risks.

Michalopoulos is savvy about the claims that he makes for Breathe. The site states, “Each diffuser contains 100s of breaths of natural energy with no caffeine, no sugar crash, no calories and no nicotine.” It’s considered a supplement, and as such, the company cannot make any specific claims about what it supposedly can do. There is nothing about veganism on the site. The FDA can issue a warning to supplement companies that make claims that seem drug-like. Michalopoulos says he tells people to check with their doctors first, but that recommendation is buried in an FAQ section on the site.

Breathe sells only one type of vape, which it claims delivers vitamin B12. According to the company, five to 10 breaths equals “approximately 333 mcg of B12 (>8,000% Daily Value).” Vitamin B12 is a substance humans do not produce themselves yet need for a variety of important bodily functions like forming red blood cells, promoting neurological functioning, and synthesizing DNA. It’s present in foods like meat, milk, fish, and eggs, which is why vegans are often deficient.

There’s also a rare disease called pernicious anemia whereby people can’t absorb vitamin B12 via their gastrointestinal tracts because they lack an important protein called intrinsic factor. Older adults and people with other gastrointestinal problems can also be susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiencies. They can get it via injections or nasal sprays or gels, according to Dr. Ron Crystal, the chair of the genetic medicine department and a practicing pulmonologist at Weill Cornell/New York Presbyterian. He’s also studied nicotine vapes and their propellants, which can include things like propylene glycol, flavorings of unknown origin, and glycerin.

What’s important to note, though, is that true deficiency is rare and you can’t self-diagnose it. Vitamin B12 deficiency can have vague side effects like fatigue, so doing proper lab testing through a doctor is crucial, according to Crystal. And taking too much vitamin B12 can have side effects such as rashes, acne, increasing blood pressure, facial flushing, and discolored urine. “It is a drug, essentially,” says Crystal.

“If you’re deficient, your doctor should prescribe what you should be doing. If you have normal levels, adding more doesn’t do anything. It doesn’t help,” he says. “The concept of just taking vitamin B12 to increase your energy and so on is a myth.”

But because some of the symptoms of deficiency are so vague, it’s a myth that has helped promote a long history of dubious vitamin B12 usage, popularized by celebrities. Who can forget the now-infamous episode of The Simple Life when Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie got vitamin B12 shots in their butts? (I, for one, cannot.) Madonna also gets them and supposedly once even administered one to Justin Timberlake. They’re commonly offered via injection or IV drip at wellness clinics; some services will even bring them to you.

There’s not a lot of evidence that you can absorb vitamins by inhaling them, though. There have been no studies more recent than the old ones cited by Breathe and others, except for a few on nasal sprays, which exist in prescription form. There certainly haven’t been any studies on B12 delivery via vape.

Normally when you take a vitamin (or eat food, for that matter) enzymes in your stomach and all along your colon break it down until its smaller chemical components can be absorbed into your bloodstream. Nasally, vitamin B12 can be absorbed across epithelial cells, which line the nasal cavities and airways. Epithelial cells act as a gateway for things to be absorbed or blocked. This is how medicines like asthma inhalers are able to penetrate into the lungs.

Crystal says if a person is deficient, “the concept that vitamin B12 can be absorbed through the lung epithelial cells is a rational concept.” But he says this with caveats: For one, the effects of delivering that aerosol via vape are totally unstudied. “You’re putting something inside your body and it’s unknown.”

With vaping, there’s also the matter of the propellant, as well as the other chemicals that help give the formula its flavor and convert it into an aerosol when you puff. Heating up the liquid ingredients could potentially affect how they act in the body and produce new chemicals. They “may cause some damage to the cells,” according to Crystal, though he says we just don’t know for sure yet how that would look long-term.

There haven’t been a ton of conclusive studies about vaping essential oils, flavorings, and propellants that can be in vaping fluids, but a preliminary study on cells suggest that some flavorings might cause cell damage. Breathe uses vegetable glycerin as its propellant, whose long-term effects when inhaled are not known. The bottom line is that no one really knows what kind of damage vapes, especially ones without nicotine, can do in either the short or long term.

The other potential problem is that because these products are considered supplements, they aren’t regulated by the FDA the same way drugs are. There’s not even a guarantee that the ingredients a company says are in a vape actually are there. Customers are expected to just trust that supplement companies are honest and that the ingredients are there in the amount they’re supposed to be. But studies, as in the one that was just released earlier this month that found 800 supplements were contaminated with prescription medications and other substances, prove that this is sometimes not the case.

Besides Breathe and VitaminVape, other brands on the market include VitaStik, which offers multiple combinations of essential oils and different vitamins, and Monq, which is just essential oils. Some brands call themselves a “mist” or “personal diffuser” or an “aromatherapy stick” and seem to want to avoid the word “vape.” Make no mistake, though: They are vapes.

The combination of an unproven mode of delivery plus a lack of regulation and transparency is something you’d be advised to stay away from. Even Dr. Oz, a person known to endorse all sorts of questionable practices, says to skip it. Need vitamin B12? Forget about Breakfast at Tiffany’s comparisons and … just eat breakfast.

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Original Source -> These new vape companies want you to inhale … vitamins

via The Conservative Brief