When you get a sting or bite from an insect we all have some sort of reaction due to the venom injected by the stinger. Some reactions may not be as severe as others. Usually the area will become itchy, red, and possibly painful. If you scratch the area it may actually become infected; but you can’t help it right? Most of us fall into that boat! And of course, we are left with an unsightly red scar that can turn purple or dark, dark red – not good for bathing suit weather!

As a side note to our beauty problem with bug bites, we should mention that the most dangerous reaction to a sting is not an ugly mark on your skin, but a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It is usually found out when you’re a child, so you should know if you have it. Signs of a reaction include:

• Hives
• Flushing
• Itching
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Fever
• Trouble breathing

If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction call 911 so that you can be taken to the nearest hospital. Insect bites are not as painful as a sting however, the main concern with these types of bites are transmission of disease, such as the West Nile Virus. That’s why it’s important to handle your bites carefully.

Tips for preventing and treating insect bites and stings (so you don’t get scars and marks on your skin!)

• Remove the stinger by sliding something hard across the bite to get it out. Don’t squeeze or try to pinch it out, you’ll only make it worse.
• Clean the area right away with soap and water.
• Put some ice on the bit to minimize any swelling or redness that can start happening around the bite.
• Don’t stand in areas with still water. That is where the mosquitoes and biters love to live. Beware campers and explorers of marshes!
• Same goes for areas that attract bees and wasps, such as weeded areas and places where flowers bloom. (Let’s rethink that butterfly catching outing..)
• When you’re out on a path hiking, keep on the path and don’t go into the wooded areas. You’re probably not allowed there anyway. Serves you right if you get bitten.
• When you’re out in mother nature, keep your skin covered up. If you find that mosquitoes love you even when you’re not near their living areas, then sorry friends, you’ll have to invest in some light-weight summer clothes that cover you up – and wear pajama pants to bed, not shorts.
• Try not to keep sweetened drinks around your picnic tables. You’d only be inviting the bugs. If you are outside avoid drinking from a can; there may be an insect in that can. Pour your drink into a cup.
• Try to avoid going out during peak mosquito times, such as dusk.

The truth about bug repellents:

Most mainstream bug repellents contain a chemical known as DEET (a.k.a. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Many professionals will tell you the chemical is safe to use, and it’s true, it is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away for long periods of time, and most people get by without any reactions to it. However, the green movement experts have something else to say about it, as they usually do. Luckily, they also offer some great natural alternatives that product developers are getting better at when it comes to effectiveness (compared to DEET). Here are some to try:

• Repel Lemon Eucalyptus
• OFF! Botanicals
• Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent
• MosquitoGuard
• Bite Stop
• Natrapel
• Beat It Bug Buster
• All Terrain
• Herbal Armor
• Buzz Away
• Green Ban
• Bite Blocker
• Pretty much anything with soybean-oil, geraniol, citronella, picaridin and/or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Other herbal remedies and essential oils, of which there can be many, like cedarwood, coconut oil and lemongrass.

While we’ve mentioned the above products that use alternatives to chemicals to get rid of bug bites, we haven’t taken a look at what other ingredients these brands use. For that we say, as our conscious consumer readers, please read your labels and remember that the less ingredients there are, the more likely the product is better for you. And please, leave your comments to tell us of any other news you have on this topic!

In such a hectic world we all must find time for ourselves, time to indulge in the finer things in life. Taking a bath is a perfect way to relax and unwind. The fluidness and warmth of the water can wash away stress and tension, relieving the mind, body, and spirit. The sound of rushing water alone can be enough to ease the pressures of the day-to-day . The incorporation of flowers only adds to the serenity of the bathing ritual. The vivid colours, alluring scents, and beauty benefits make them an essential part of any bathtub pampering.

All flowers are beautiful and should be enjoyed through their colour, scent, and the soothing effect they seem to exude. Roses, chamomile, and marigold flowers are some of the best to use in the bath, with each having their own differing benefits. When using any flower in the bath be sure to choose those which are pesticide free, as not to cause irritation or exposure to harmful chemicals. Such flowers can be found at organic retailers, local farmer’s markets, or even your own backyard. Use flowers from which the petals are close to falling from.

Flowers you can use in your bath:

A rose petal bath will aid in softening the water, therefore softening the skin. Of course the vibrant colours and enchanting aroma will soothe the mind and soul.

The chamomile flower proves to be a wonderfully natural beauty and health remedy. If placing the petals directly in the water, four handfuls is recommended per bathtub. Chamomile flowers contain essential oils, vitamins B and C, and an array of mineral substances. This flower is said to revive the complexion and add sheen to hair. It may also act as a natural substitute for over the counter anti-inflammatories as it is thought to relieve menstrual cramping.

The marigold flower specializes in healing and providing relief to inflamed skin. Containing proteins, resins, and vitamin B, marigolds may help to treat acne and lessen the appearance of burns or wounds.

Above all, these flowers act as an agent of comfort, refreshing the individual emotionally, physically, and spiritually. So, the next time you draw a bath after a hard day’s work or long night out consider the benefits of something so natural, beautiful, and simple as the flower.

There are three basic ways to obtain the benefits of flowers in the bath. The first is to fill a cotton muslin pouch with the flower of your choice. Place the pouch in the water or under the tap while the tub is filling. The second is to simmer loose petals or plants. Bring water to a boil and then allow the flowers to simmer for twenty to sixty minutes. Strain and pour the infused water into the tub. The third way is to place handfuls of petals directly in the bath for a more simple, although visually appealing approach. Lastly, lay back and enjoy!

Happy bathing!

When it comes to choosing healthy beauty products, most of us don’t know where to begin. Unfortunately, some of our favourite brands of perfumes, lipsticks, nail polishes, and even bath products are full of harmful chemicals. This information may come as a shock to you and thankfully there are natural alternatives that we all should be turning to.

Take a look at almost any shampoo bottle, deodorant, shaving cream or lotion. Is the word fragrance there? Thought so! Be wary of this word. The term “fragrance” could actually be there to mask the odour of other chemicals. There could be hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds in that smell you adore so much. Some things to watch out for are allergens and sensitizers which may cause immune system damage. Once sensitized, you remain that way for life, prone to allergic reactions when exposed to fragrances. One in 50 people may suffer from this. Phthalates, which most perfumes hide on labels as “fragrance,” are chemicals that have been linked to hormone disruption and even sperm damage in men. Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) is still used in many products today.

Lipsticks, though pretty, can contain an assortment of things which can have extremely negative effects on the human body. There are fragrances and flavours added to lipsticks to cover up the tastes and odours of chemicals. Synthetic coal tar based colours (FD&C or D&C followed by a number) have been known to cause cancer in animals. It turns out that the myth of lead being in lipsticks is actually true! In 2009, FDA released a study and found that the highest levels of lead were in lipsticks made by Cover Girl, L’Oreal and Revlon. The FDA has taken no action to protect consumers so it is paramount to do your own research! There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Lead builds up in the body gradually and has been proven to cause language, learning and behavioural problems. Lead exposure also causes lowered IQs, reduced school performances and increased aggression.

Nail polishes smell horrible! It isn’t too difficult to realize that they are harmful to us. Some companies are getting rid of the worst chemicals: dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) adds sheen to our polishes but it’s also a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been known to cause feminizing effects in baby boys. Formaldehyde hardens the nails and is also a human carcinogen. It irritates the eyes, nose and throat and causes skin irritations. Toluene, which helps form a smooth finish, can affect the central nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. It also may be a developmental toxin. OPI, the favourite brand of salons, used to be the most toxic brand out there! After years of pressure from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it is now DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free.

One of the more shocking truths is that some baby shampoos contain cancer-causing chemicals. Two known carcinogens, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, could be in your shampoos. Product tests found these chemicals to be in trusted brands like Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. 1,4-dioxane is a by-product of a petrochemical process called ethyoxylation, which actually causes other chemicals to become less harsh, but it’s still unnecessary. Thankfully, new standards are coming about such as the Whole Foods Premium Body Care Seal, which does not allow ethoxylation.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (http://www.safecosmetics.org/) is a great way to inform yourself about the dangers of harmful chemicals in makeup. There you can sign petitions to help promote safer ingredients in beauty products. You can also find all natural, non-toxic DIY recipes for your favourite beauty products. The cosmetic laws and regulations for each country are also listed on the website.

The Campaign for safe Cosmetics’ partner the Environmental Working Group has created an online cosmetics safety database called Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/). The database matches the ingredients in more than 25,000 personal care products with 50 toxicity databases. The advanced search allows you to find products that contain no carcinogens or fragrances. Search up your favourite brand of shampoo or moisturizer and see if it really is as natural as it claims to be!

Remember that products labelled “pure and organic” may not be what they say they are. There are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States. Sometimes companies use words like organic as marketing ploys, which is a scary thing indeed. Even top-selling brands can contain carcinogens so be a smart consumer and remember that “natural” is not a legally binding description.

Most of Belle’s Botanicals (http://www.belles-botanicals.com/) products including body sprays, fragrances and moisturizers received a hazard ranking of 0 on the Skin Deep search. Acquarella nail polish (http://www.acquarellapolish.com/) received a hazard rating of 1. Most of Coastal Classic Creations (http://www.coastalclassiccreations.com/) lipsticks received a rating of 0-1. As you can see, there are plenty of brands out there that are a much healthier option.

The ingredients in our precious sticks include a colouring, which can either be a soluble dye (stains the lips) or an insoluble dye (coats the lips). A fatty base controls how the lipstick feels and usually is made from waxes that come from plants. Beeswax, carnauba, lanolin, and paraffin are just a few of the oils or waxes used in lipstick production. Finally, a solvent is added that could potentially use chemicals including fatty alcohols, castor oil or polyethylene glycols.

A single lipstick container may carry very little chemicals, but it is estimated that we consume around 4 pounds of the stuff in our lifetime! When deciding on a lipstick to buy, make sure to read the ingredients. There are an assortment of fragrances and flavours added to the lipstick to cover up the tastes and odours of nasty chemicals. Watch out for FD&C or D&C followed by a colour and number. These are synthetic coal tar based colours that have been known to cause cancer in animals. If you have sensitive skin and lips, these could be especially scary as they have been known to cause skin irritations. Other ingredients to watch out for are parabens, perservatives used in lipsticks. They are as follows: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Less common parabens include: isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts. Don’t forget to watch out for phthalates, used in fragrances and some lipsticks.

Why not opt for natural lipsticks, which are healthier and give you a much more beautiful colour? When shopping for eco-friendly lipsticks, look for ingredients such as jojoba, sunflower, chamomile, rosehip, and citrus. Stick to plant-waxes and beeswax. Make sure to thoroughly check the ingredients. Some lipsticks claim to be all-natural while they only have partly organic ingredients. Luckily, with our current go-green trend thriving, it’s easier than ever to stick to healthy lipsticks.

Here are some examples:

Aubrey Organics is just one of many brands that offer 100% all-natural hair and skincare products. They have a great, safe, organic, vegan lipstick line that’s perfect for people who want to be healthy or who just have sensitive skin.

Primitive Makeup offers a natural lipstick that also comes with a bit of scent, to those of us who appreciate it!

Alba, an organic cosmetic company, makes a lip gloss in mineral shades.

Burts Bees and Green Beaver offer Lip Shimmers in different colours.

Peacekeeper Cosmetics offers a mineral lip gloss.

Lavera offers a lip gloss with organic jojoba and vitamin E, for extra nourished lips!

For a not so strong look, try Dessert Essence Organics Lip Tints.

Whatever you chose, remember to do your research and have fun!

Julie was plaqued with very dry skin from birth. Growing up in the era of the synthetically fragrant body butters and colored lotions laced with mineral oils and other irritants but with total lack of knowledge of how bad these items actually were, her skin grew more aggravated and dehydrated as the years went on. She tried body butter from every beauty store possible: all the new lotions, from the reasonably affordable to the outrageously expensive. Wrinkle creams, eye creams, and the list goes on. Yet, nothing seemed to help.

She needed a solution and was determined to develop it herself. As a result, at the ripe age of 30, with a little business sense and an ever growing passion to find a solution to her dry skin, she brought Raw Element to life. It began with hours, days, and even entire weekends devoted outside of her 45+ hour a week job to research natural skin care ingredients.  She began learning about and experimenting with such things as carrier and essential oils, herbs, natural preservatives, recipes, packaging – all with quite a bit of trial and error to find the perfect skin care recipe.

It finally paid off when friends and family began trying the products she made and kept coming back for more. She began selling locally in and around St. Louis, MO from her home town and current location in Maryville, IL. As the business quickly spread via word of mouth (oh, you know how those small towners gossip!), she began selling on Etsy to better serve her local customer base as well as reach consumers across the United States.

All products are handmade and fresh upon order. Ingredients that will NEVER be found in Raw Element’s products are synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, and petrochemicals (mineral oil).  Since the products are made of natural ingredients with natural preservatives, they do expire much quicker than those found in stores, which by the way can last several years on the shelf. But that’s a good thing! With Raw Element’s all-natural ingredients, the products provide superior benefits for the skin without the toxic effect of other products.

Although still in the very early stages, Raw Element continues to grow and expand. The business currently offers face and body butters, scrubs, and oils for normal to dry skin.  However, stay tuned because product development is underway daily to offer a wider variety of items including those targeted towards acne and oily skin. The containers and labeling used are not intended to be flashy but all are recyclable and thus, Raw Element remains conscious of its effect on the environment as well.

The overriding focus of the line and brand is to provide simple and pure products. As Julie had found from years of trying a myriad of products that failed to work, and then learning how to craft better solutions by hand, she realized that the less ingredients coupled with the higher quality of those ingredients, the better off her skin would be for both the short, and long term. As all good skin care enthusiasts know, a simple but high quality product, in sync with a healthy diet and reduction of stress, are the keys to healthy skin.  As such, Julie presses on with Raw Element and its mission to help educate consumers about the benefits of natural ingredients.  And of course, she continues to produce superior quality products at affordable prices!

This wonderful article was written by Julie, the owner of Raw Element Skin Care Products.

So you’ve switched your hair and skin care products to more natural and healthy choices.  Even if you never took skin care classes, making the decision to switch was an easy one because of the harmful ingredients in so many products out there. But what about the products in your beauty routine which you may not have switched yet because more natural choices seem harder to find? Nail polish most definitely fits in this less accessible category. While you may think that there are limited alternatives, don’t worry – there are plenty of options out there, and by voting with our dollars, we will see safer nail polishes become more widely available.

We have to first realize what chemicals we are up against in deciding to make the switch. According to safecosmetics.org, there are three main ingredients to avoid that happen to be in almost all regular nail polishes: DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde. These are known reproductive and developmental toxins, carcinogens, and neurotoxins that are introduced into our systems by breathing the fumes, and by absorption through skin and nails. Despite a minority of aesthetic schools and salons now moving away from using them, it’s unfortunate that the industry standard is still the traditional chemical laden formula, a lot of times used in poorly ventilated areas to boot. A simple thing to do as a client getting a mani or pedi is just bring your own polish with you, and it doesn’t hurt to discuss trying some natural options with the salon owner.

While completely chemical free isn’t an option as of now, some like Sephora by OPI, Zoya, Orly, and the Loreal Paris Jet-Set line all avoid using the top three chemicals mentioned earlier. Some other lesser-known health store options include Honeybee Gardens, Suncoat, Sante, and Earthly Delights. Knowing what ingredients to look out for and checking the labels will help us uncover more choices as beauty brands continue to become more and more health conscious.

Many large grocery and drugstore chains have been expanding their natural products section, and even makeup giant Sephora has been more supportive of the green girl shopping for safe products. Natural and organic brands becoming more available in these stores is great for consumers who may not have had a good natural specialty store in their town to shop in before. Similarly, many mainstream brands are also starting to change their formulas little by little and attract a consumer that may not have been interested or was afraid to try a natural product before. While it seems natural nail polishes are too often relegated to a small display of few color choices, a little bit of digging uncovered some options that many of us may not be aware of.

Article provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI). ASI is a aesthetics school for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.

Botanic choice:

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If you’re one of the unfortunates suffering from “raccoon eyes,” you know how difficult they can be to get rid of. Well, I have just the thing. A couple of days ago a co-worker told me she had been using Dark Circle Eye Treatment and could see a remarkable difference. I didn’t want to offend her, but I could too! She looked refreshed and less tired. Dark Circle Eye Treatment includes 18 skin-soothing herbs and nutrients including Vitamin K, often an underlying culprit. Not a mere cover-up, this treatment reduces the appearance of unattractive dark circles while brightening and balancing out skin tone. It’s ight enough to wear under makeup and it comes in a convenient pump. Only $5.99!
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Dermstore:

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Enter the contest by April 30th for a chance to win this amazing prize pack!

Soap and Lotion Gift Set $36.59	Fortifying Shampoo $14.89	Moisturizing Conditioner $14.89
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When we talk about chemicals in our beauty products, none can be more obvious than nail polish remover. But for those of us that love our mani’s and pedi’s, we just can’t live without it. I mean, come on, don’t expect us to spend an evening in front of the television scratching off chipped nail paint before we can redo our chic look again!

What we don’t realize is that the main ingredient in nail polish removers is acetone, which is also called 2-propanone (sound like ‘propane’ to anyone?). It is the same stuff used in commercial paint thinners and, as the bottles often don’t deny, it’s flammable and can also be poisonous! (Note to self: never drink nail polish remover on a dare). Environmental and health activists believe that the many human ailments we see our society coming out with these days is due to the chemicals in products we surround ourselves in. That’s right, it’s not just what we eat that can harm us, but our skin itself is an entry-way for the nasty compounds and substances to enter our bodies.

But that’s not all. When picking out a natural nail polish remover, also look out for:

• Formaldehyde
• Parabens (i.e. any confusing word that ends in ‘paraben’)
• Phthalate
• Synthetic chemicals
• Petroleum
• Carcinogens

Luckily, with the ‘green’ movement going strong, there are now alternatives for getting our nail polish off. Take for example the following which are soy-based, vegan, biodegradable, nice to animals, and probably a whole lot of other good stuff:

Priti Soy Based Nail Polish Remover is from the Priti Organic Spa in New York. It is biodegradable, even using recyclable glass bottles and is made with local crops.

PeaceKeeper’s Eco-Easy Nail Polish Remover: according to one description of this product, it has no “Toluene, Formaldehyde, Acetone, Phthalates, Parabens or FD&C colorants in this product and no animal testing.” What’s it made of? Fermented sugar beets, which is really fermented corn and soy ethanol, also called ethyl lactate.

Suncoat Natural Nail Polish Remover is made from the same stuff as the other two products mentioned, and we should add is capable of taking off not only natural nail polish but also the conventional stuff, so you can get it off you a.s.a.p!

While we may use many creams and lotions in themselves to treat our faces, essential oils are also an ancient tradition that can help our various skin types.  However, it’s hard to know which essential oils to use for what, and how to apply them.  Straight from the bottle?  Mixed or diluted with something else?  The answer is actually quite simple.  Essential oils are very strong, so the easiest ways to start reaping their when it comes to your face are:

1. By simply adding a few drops to your current moisturizer and applying as usual (makes a great scent too!)
2. Adding facial steams to your weekly beauty care routine.  This involves hovering your head over a bowl of steaming water in which you have diluted a few drops of essential oil.  You’ll need a towel for this method as well to hang over your head so that it can trap in the steam, which you want to get in to your pores to open them up and start soaking up the healing properties of the oils.  Remember, be careful not to burn yourself!

The following are ten essential oils that will reduce the signs of aging, help fight acne and leave your face glowing with beautiful skin.

1. Lavender: well known as a first aid remedy for burns and wounds, this oil will also help acne and scarring.  Lavender oil can be applied directly to a wound, in this case acne, to promote it’s healing and prevent it from scarring by not letting it get over dry.
2. Lemon: this astringent and antiseptic make it great for treating oily skin and acne.  Fresh lemons can also help get rid of acne spots by lightening the skin.
3. Rosewood: This essential oil has soothing properties, is anti-inflammatory and is ideal for relieving hot, dry, irritated skin. Because of its regenerative properties it can be used to heal scars and treat wrinkles.
4. Neroli: this provides healing for dry, mature skin and wrinkles and may prevent stretch marks.
5. Lemongrass: a cleansing and slightly astringent substance, use in the treatment of acne and to help unblock pores.
6. Frankincense: an important rejuvenating oil that will help aging skin and wrinkles, improve skin tone and reduce scar tissue.
7. Myrrh: this Mediterranean resin from desert trees has been used in ancient times by Egyptians in many healing compounds and acts as a natural astringent.  For your face, it will delay wrinkles and other visible signs of aging, which happens when our body cells start to break down.
8. Palmarosa: by stimulating cell regeneration this essential oil will improve the look of tired, aging skin because of its balancing action and can be used for both dry and oily skin types.
9. Patchouli: this is healing and will improve the look of scars and stretch marks while also reducing wrinkles.
10. Rose: known for being a romantic flower, in essential oil form it is also rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory. This essential oil will help dry, irritated skin.

The bonus to using these oils as part of your beauty routine is that they also improve other areas of your general well being. By bringing essential oils into your life you are not only healing your skin but also helping your bodily functions, which includes peace of mind!

Important! Please be careful when deciding to use essential oils!  If you have existing health problems, or are pregnant, you should always consult your doctor before trying anything herbal.  Don’t use these treatments on children!

Distilling the leaves, stems, flowers, roots or bark of plants produces essential oils. Essential oils have been used in many cultures for centuries to aid in both health and beauty. There are dozens of oils available that may be used to treat anything from aging skin to bad breath to coughs and colds. It is believed that the oil will move throughout the body by way of the circulatory and lymphatic systems once it has been absorbed through the skin or inhaled. This encourages the growth of new cells and a quicker elimination of old cells resulting in delays of the aging process and strengthening the body’s various systems. By incorporating essential oils into your life you will quickly notice benefits to your mood, energy level, and overall well-being.

Base oils are used to dilute essential oils before you apply them to your skin.

Some common base oils are:

Almond Oil – light and odourless, contains vitamins A B1, B2 and B6

Grapeseed Oil – light and odourless, contains vitamin E

Hazelnut Oil – has a nutty smell, contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E

Sunflower Oil – a light oil that is easy to find, contains vitamins A, B, D, E

Three simple ways to start adding essential oils into your daily routine are by adding them to your bath water, using them in a massage or doing a steam inhalation.

In the Bath:

Simply mix 3 tsp of base oil with 12 drops of essential oil.  Start your bath and right before you hop in add your oil mixture, give the water a swirl, then get in. The warm water helps you relax and also opens your pores to allow the essential oils to penetrate your skin

*Be sure any oil you add to your bath is completely non-irritant

Here are some suggested essential oil recipes to add to your bath:

Sleepy time bath: when you need to get a good night sleep, mix 5 drops neroli, 4 drops lavender, and 3 drops chamomile

Warming bath: great after a cold winter day, mix 3 drops orange, 3 drops cedarwood, 3 drops eucalyptus, and 3 drops juniper

Stress-buster bath: After a long stressful day relax in this bath with 3 drops rosewood, 3 drops frankincense, 4 drops mandarin, and 2 drops clary sage

With a Massage:

This is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils. Warm approximately 2 tsp of base oil and add 6 drops total of essential oils. You may pick one essential oil or a combination of 2 or 3 to suit your mood.

Here are some suggestions:

Sensual massage for her: 2 drops jasmine, 2 drops rose, and 2 drops sandalwood

Sensual massage for him: 2 drops frankincense, 2 drops sandalwood, and 2 drops patchouli

PMS massage: 2 drops marjoram, 2 drops rose and 2 drops geranium (massage this over your tummy to relieve the symptoms of PMS)

For Steam Inhalation:

Boil some water, place in a large bowl and add 6 drops of essential oil. Next lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head to hold in the steam and breath in the vapours.

Here are the combinations you might find helpful:

Wake up inhalation: 2 drops orange, 2 drops bergamot and 2 drops lemon

Cough and cold inhalation: 2 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops tea tree, and 2 drops peppermint

Facial inhalation: 2 drops rosewood, 2 drops neroli and 2 drops palmarosa