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Seeds of Wellness LLC

Gifts for the body mind and soul

440-933-7733

33501 Lake Rd., Suite H, Avon Lake, Ohio 44012

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Seeds of Wellness

Make Your Own Insect Repellent Using Essential Oils

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It is amazing how many chemicals are in commercial insect repellents, and what exactly is DEET. I don’t know about you, but I want to reduce the number of chemicals I put into and on my body. So is there an alternative to these commercial bug sprays that work? Yes, you can make them yourself with essential oils.

Plants create chemicals to repel predator bugs and attract pollinating insects. There are several plants known to repel insects like citronella, clove, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, and cedar to name a few. Of course, some plants repel certain bugs better than others as shown below (from Tasty Yummies):

  • Mosquitoes – citronella, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, catnip, basil, clove, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, lavender
  • Fleas – cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, lemongrass, lavender, orange, pine
  • Ticks – rose geranium, juniper, rosewood, thyme, grapefruit, oregano

Natural Insect Repellent

eucalyptus leaves and flowers
Eucalyptus Flower

Make sure you purchase therapeutic grade essential oils for your insect repellent because they don’t contain any man-made toxins. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are made using chemicals to recreate a plant’s scent. (See “Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil?” to learn more.) To make your insect repellent, you need the following:

  • 4 oz. dark colored spray bottle (preferably glass)
  • 2 oz. boiled or distilled water
  • 1 oz. vodka or witch hazelssential oils of your choice from list above

Fill the 4 oz. spray bottle with the water, vodka or witch hazel. Add 50 to 75 drops of essential oils from the plant list above. (For example, 30 drops of citronella, 15 drops of eucalyptus, 10 drops of lavender, 10 drops of lemongrass, and 10 drops of oregano) Because essential oils don’t dissolve in water, you must shake your bug spray before each use. Therefore, don’t fill the bottle completely full to allow shaking room.

To reduce the strength of the insect repellent, decrease the number of drops and/or different types of essential oils you add to the spray bottle. Apply your insect repellent to your skin every few hours for maximum effectiveness. Your homemade bug spray can also be used on fabrics, carpet, plants, and more.

Would you like your bug spray to contain a skin moisturizer? You can add coconut, olive, almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil to your mixture. If you want your insect repellent to be a lotion instead of a spray, put 8 oz. of your favorite lotion in a dark colored jar. Add 50-75 drops of essential oils and stir the mixture.

Be sure to use a dark colored container or spray bottle (preferably glass) because essential oils deteriorate (oxidize). They also lose their benefits over time when exposed to sunlight or continuous heating up and cooling down. Glass is preferred because some essential oils, like cinnamon, eat at plastic, which contaminates the oil. Read more about storing essential oils on AromaWeb.

Natural Essential Oil Blend

If you don’t want to purchase all these essential oils, we sell a proprietary essential oil that repels insects. This blend includes lemon, eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass as well as 12 other essential oils in a fractionated coconut oil base. Use this essential oil in the following ways:

  • Apply small amounts directly on your exposed skin.
  • Diffuse it into the air using a diffuser or by applying 1-2 drops on a string or ribbon, and hang it in the area where you want to keep out insects.
  • Make a spray by adding 2-3 drops of the essential oil to 1-2 oz. of witch hazel or distilled or boiled water in a small spray bottle and shake well. You can apply this bug spray to your skin or small openings where bugs may be entering the area.
  • Dilute 3-5 drops in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply to your skin.

This essential oil lasts up to six hours when used full strength. If you diluted this essential oil blend, you will need to reapply it every four hours.

Warnings

It is always best to test your insect repellent on a small area of your skin to make sure you are not sensitive to the mixture. If your skin is sensitive to full strength essential oils, dilute them as stated above and test again on a small area of skin.

Watch spaying your repellent around animals. They may be sensitive to one or more of the essential oils. Please consult your veterinarian before using your insect repellant on any animal, especially cats. Due to the way cats process and filter what they eat, they are more sensitive to essential oils and can be allergic to them (ex. Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil).

 

Want to learn more about essential oils and plants that repel insects? Read Reclaiming Your Backyard: Reviewing the Efficacy of 20 Popular Natural Mosquito Repellents by Clayton and Clayton.

If you would like to try our proprietary essential oil or make your own insect repellent, stop into the store. We sell essential oils like eucalyptus, oregano, lemon, lavender, peppermint, and many others. Call 440-933-7733 for more information.

Aromatherapy Benefits of Jasmine

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Originating in Asia, the sweet and strong scented jasmine flowers release their unique fragrance at night. Pharmaceutical companies utilize jasmine flowers for various treatments. On the other hand, cosmetic companies use the flower in perfumes because jasmine is considered romantic. Jasmine is also consumed in teas, food, alcohol as well as used for decorative purposes.

“In aromatherapy, inhaling jasmine oil molecules (or absorbing jasmine oil through the skin) is said to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system.” *

Image from Pixabay

Aromatherapy Benefits

The following list contains the aromatherapy benefits only. However, there are other benefits jasmine offers.

  • Relieves depression – “The aromatic effect of jasmine oil stimulates the release of certain hormones in the body, including serotonin, which results in the boost of energy and the uplifted mood.” **
  • Improves relaxation and sleep – By diffusing the oil in the bedroom, the fragrance calms the body and mind and also helps induce sleep.
  • Increases libido – Used as an aphrodisiac in the Middle East and India to increase passion and sexual desire.
  • Boosts self-confidence – can give a euphoric feeling while reducing anxiety and fear.
  • Effects the physical body – heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and body temperature.

Ways to Use for Aromatherapy

Note: How you use jasmine oil depends on the brand and purity of the essential oil. Dilution may be necessary based on the potency and purity of the oil. Please read the packaging before using it.

  • Direct from the bottle – hold the bottle near your nose and inhale the scent without touching the top of the bottle to your skin to prevent contamination of the oil.
  • Diffuse – put hot water and a few drops of the jasmine essential oil into a glass bowl to create aromatic steam or use a diffuser.
  • Topical – mix the jasmine oil with a carrier oil and apply to your skin.
  • Bath – add 3 – 5 drops of the essential oil to your warm bath water.
  • Palm or cloth – put 1 to 2 drops of jasmine essential oil on your palm or cloth and inhale the aroma. Also, put a few drops on your pillow to help you sleep.
  • Candle – burn a candle containing jasmine oil, either alone or combined with other aromas.
  • Natural perfume – “In a dark glass bottle add 2 Tbsp. of carrier oil, 2-4 Tbsp. of vodka and a total of 30-40 drops of essential oil. Shake together for 2-5 minutes. After 48 hours, add 2 Tbsp. of distilled water. Shake again for the final product.” ***

To dilute jasmine essential oil, use a carrier oil like coconut, almond, grape seed, and jojoba oil by using the following ratio – 2 to 3 drops of pure jasmine oil to 1 oz of the carrier oil. However, if you use a synthetic jasmine oil, you may need to use 3 to 5 drops.

Precautions

  • Do not use during the first four months of pregnancy
  • In a small group of people, headaches, nausea and skin reactions occurred when they used jasmine oil
  • Only use topically and as aromatherapy because jasmine essential oil can be harmful if swallowed.
  • Test small amount at full strength on your skin for an allergic reaction
  • Keep away from eyes, nose, and ears
  • Avoid using in heavy doses due to its relaxing and sedating effects

Pure jasmine essential oil can be very expensive due to the number of flowers needed to make a small amount of essential oil. Synthetic jasmine costs less but does not have the same benefits as pure jasmine oil.

Seeds of Wellness sells hand poured jasmine votive candles which contain no chemical scent holders. Stop in and smell these candles as well as the other candles made by Sacred Path Candles.

Sources:

* “The Benefits of Jasmine Oil” by Cathy Wong on verwellhealth.com

** “13 Top Benefits & Uses of Jasmine Essential Oil” by Meenakshi Nagdeve on Organic Facts

*** “Jasmine Essential Oil – Uses, Benefits & Where to Buy” on The North American Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Experts

“Jasmine Oil – Mood Booster and Stress Buster” by Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS on Dr. Axe – Food Is Medicine

Why Play Singing Bowls?

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Singing Bowl Benefits

The origin of singing bowls are unknown, but some historians believe they originated in either Nepal or India. “In Tibet they were largely used as a ceremonial instrument and initially as possible food bowls. It was not until the 1970s that singing bowls also became popular throughout the west when their many positive benefits were discovered.”*

Common names of singing bowls include Tibetan, Himalayan and crystal (made of crystal) singing bowls

How to Play Singing Bowls

Played singing bowls by holding them in the palm of your hand, sitting on a special pillow/donut or sitting on a ring.

Ancient Tibetan singing bowl
Ancient Tibetan singing bowl

While holding the mallet low on the handle, firmly press it against the outside rim of the bowl and move the mallet in a slow circular clockwise motion. The circular motion works best if you use your arm as well as your wrist. Some signing bowls sing when the circular motion of the mallet contacts the outside belly of the bowl.

Gently striking the bowl near the rim will also create a wonderful sound. Some people like to strike the bowl and then start the slow circular motion with the mallet. Practice different speeds to learn the speed that causes the sound to rise and grow to it’s fullest volume. If you hear a rattling sound, slow down and apply a consistent even pressure as you move the mallet around the rim.

Benefits of Singing Bowls*

Promote Deep Relaxation – While becoming conscious of your breathing as you play your singing bowl, the sound helps you relax and become calm.

Provide Pain Relief – “One of the available studies is a report from the Swiss journal Research in Complementary Medicine. For the study, 54 people with chronic pain originating from the spine were assigned to either six sessions of singing bowl therapy, a placebo treatment, or no treatment at all.

Study results showed that members of the singing bowl group and the placebo group experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity. The study’s authors also found that both the singing bowl therapy and the placebo therapy had a stress-reducing effect on participants.

Given these findings, the study’s authors concluded that singing bowl therapy’s effectiveness for pain relief could not be confirmed.”**

Reduce Stress and Anxiety – By listening to the pulsating tone of the singing bowl as you play it, your mind may become clear. You feel more at peace because the calming tones feel good and relaxing.

Balance the Chakras – The sound vibrations from the singing bowl naturally balance all the chakras and remove energy blocks. By balancing your chakras, it promotes healing and removes dis-ease in the body. When all your body cells and organs vibrate in harmony, your body returns to a healthy state.

Aid the Immune System – It is believed that the sound vibrations stimulate our immune system by improving the energy flow in our body.

Increase Mental Clarity – While playing a singing bowl, your brainwaves switch to the Theta frequencies, and your thoughts become clearer and better focused. These brainwaves also help you become more aware of your body/mind connection. Some people receive intuitive messages while playing their singing bowl.

Improve Circulation and Blood Flow – “A preliminary study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2014 examined the benefits of starting a directed relaxation session with 12 minutes of singing bowls and found a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to silence before a directed relaxation session.”**

For centuries, many cultures used singing bowls during meditation and healing sessions. “’If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies. One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.’

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine, the Cornell Cancer Prevention Center in New York”***

Seeds of Wellness now carries singing bowls and tingshas. Stop in and see our selection.

Sources:

* “6 Amazing Benefits of Using Singing Bowl” on YourPositiveOasis

** “The Benefits of Tibetan Singing Bowls” by Cathy Wong on verywellmind

***“Healing Benefits of Tibetan Singing Bowls” by Krissy Gee on hqhealing

Apache Tears Metaphysical Properties

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When hot lava spews into the air and solidifies before hitting the ground, the nodules are nicknamed Apache Tears. These stones originate in desert-like parts of the United States, especially Arizona and Nevada, as well as other countries. Apache Tears, a type of Black Obsidian, name comes from an American Indian Legend:

“In the 1870s, a small group of Apache warriors met the American Cavalry in a battle. They were sorely outnumbered and it became clear that they could not win the battle. Instead of conceding defeat and being captured and murdered, they decided to ride their horses off the side of a mountain to their deaths.

According to the story, when the wives and children of these warriors heard this story, their tears turned to gemstones when they touched the ground where their warriors fell.”*

Apache Tears Gemstone

Aids with Grief and Negative Feelings

Apache Tears aid and bring comfort to grief and emotional trauma as well as bring peace and calm energy. These gemstones help soothe negative feelings and old hurts. Apache Tears can also help you forgive yourself and others.

If you would like Apache Tears to help you emotionally, wearing them near your heart places the gemstone closest to your emotions. You can place them near to you on a table, desk, etc., however, they are more effective the closer they are to you.

Dispels Negativity

Like gemstones in the Obsidian family, Apache Tears dispel negativity, but in a gentler way compared to the other gemstones in the same family. “This stone seems to have a more intuitive grasp of when it should do it job and when it should give you a rest!”*

They also help you heal from past traumatic experiences by removing the negative energy left by the event. This gemstone is wonderful for people in the medical and healing professions. Apache Tears keep you “psychically safe through the frequently traumatic experiences of working with the sick and dying.”*

Apache Tears absorb negative energy, drawing it into them. Therefore, you do need to cleanse this gemstone on a regular basis. This is especially necessary when you experience very negative people, environments and/or events.

Provides Protection and Grounding

Apache Tears improve your ability to recognize dangerous situations before they happen. These gemstones protect and cleanse your aura from negative energy by absorbing it. Apache Tears also protect you from psychic attacks and psychic vampires.

If you need grounding, Apache Tears are associated with the Root Chakra so carry them in your pant’s back pocket. You want the gemstone close to the base of your spine.

Helps with Physical Healing

Known to strengthen the immune system, Apache Tears help remove toxins in the body. They also help calm muscle spasms and increase blood circulation. By removing energy blocks within your body, your body’s ability to heal improves.

Cleansing Apache Tears

You need to cleanse Apache Tears regularly because their efficiency will wane as they absorb negativity. Start by holding your Apache Tears under cool/lukewarm running water while visualizing the negative energy going done the drain. After drying the gemstone, place it in direct sunlight or moonlight for several hours.

Combining with Other Stones

You can combine Apache Tears with other gemstones to increase positivity and happy energy*:

  • Turquoise – helps improve mood and “opening lines of communication”
  • Other chakra gemstones – helps balance your chakras and ease the energy of these chakras
  • Citrine – helps cleanse Apache Tear’s negativity and bring a joyful energy

Seeds of Wellness carries a variety of gemstones including Apache Tears. Come in or call 440-933-7733 for more information.

Disclaimer: The healing and metaphysical properties written on this website are for reference and inspiration. The information is gathered from writings and other sources. It is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. If you suspect you have a disease or health-related condition of any kind, you should contact your health care professional immediately.

Sources:

* “Apache Tears: Meaning, Properties and Powers” on Crystals and Jewelry.com

“Apache Tears…” by Liz Oaks on Healing Crystals for You

“Stone of the Month – Apache Tears” on Ask Ron and Sue

“The Legend of the Apache Tear” on CrystalWind.ca

How Seniors Can Take Control of Their Lives with a Holistic Approach to Health

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Holistic living can have different meanings, but when it comes to your health, a holistic approach is all about balance. Achieving this balance is good for anyone, but it’s especially beneficial for seniors who want to feel their best. By adopting a balanced approach to managing your health, you can truly enjoy a great quality of life at any age.

Manage Your Health Coverage

Along with everyday healthy habits, getting health screenings and preventive care is one of the essential ways to fight common ailments of aging. This is why it’s a good idea to explore different options to make sure you have the coverage you need. Some people choose to get a Medicare Advantage plan or other supplemental coverage so they don’t experience any gaps in care. Supplemental coverage begins at the start of the new year. If this is something you’re considering, check out what the Medicare Advantage options are in your state so you can find the right fit for you.

Get Out and Explore

Peaple hiking
Image courtasy of Pixabay

Physical fitness isn’t just for younger people. Seniors need physical activity as much, if not more than, those who are younger. If you love to hit the gym and lift weights, that’s a great way to stay fit, but there are many other options. USA Today reports that more retirees want to travel, and they want to be active while doing it. Whether you like to swim, bike, or hike, there is really no better way to stay healthy than to get some exercise while exploring new places.

Even when you’re closer to home, getting a group together for walks around the park or joining a seniors hiking club is a fantastic way to be active and social at the same time. Being involved in a group gives you a way to meet other seniors who have shared interests. Another positive of group activities for seniors is that involvement helps maintain cognitive abilities.

Fuel Your Body Right

No one feels their best when they aren’t getting good nutrition, and this may be especially pronounced for seniors. Don’t stress yourself trying to maintain a strict “diet,” but it’s a good idea to focus on these key nutritional needs of seniors:

Vegatables at a market
Images courtasy of Pixabay
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods. According to the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, seniors need fewer calories but higher quantities of some nutrients. Supplements can help, but eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables is the best way to get the nutrients you need. Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are some of the most important ones.
  • Fill up on protein. Protein is a powerhouse nutrient that helps so many of our body’s functions, including the retention of muscle mass. Besides getting protein from meat and seafood, you can add dairy and beans to your diet to get an extra protein boost.
  • Limit salt and sugar. Some seniors experience a loss of smell and taste, which can contribute to dietary problems. A common response is to add extra salt and sugar to make food taste less bland, but doing that isn’t good for your health. Instead, try experimenting with new spices and seasonings to add flavor to food.

Keep an Open Mind

You can’t have a holistic approach to health that doesn’t include your mind. Caring for your brain as a senior is really two-fold: you want to do activities that promote brain function (while reducing cognitive decline), and you also want to care for you mental health. When it comes to promoting brain function, one of the best things you can do is continually keep learning. This may mean embracing new technology, taking an art class, or learning to play an instrument.

Whatever you do, the key is to engage your mind in learning something new. The same idea goes for your other holistic aging tips: let your physical activity and diet evolve to fit your needs. So many people think that being a senior is the time to rest and slow down, but to truly live better, you should never stop exploring.

Article by Sheila Olson

Healing Your Body by Healing Your Etheric Energy

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All of us have an etheric energy body that is our physical body’s twin and consists of three major components – aura, chakras and nadis. “The etheric energy system delivers energy to your physical body so that it can do everything that it does to enable you to generate your life experiences. The etheric energy system is connected to the emotional energy system and the mental energy system. The energy bodies are integrated and they speak to one another all the time.”

The etheric energy body possesses negative and positive charged particles that are luminous in nature. “Any given shift in the quality of your etheric energy field reflects as shifts in your body, consciousness, and feelings.”

Aura around a woman meditating

Aura

The energy field surrounding the entire outside of your physical body is call the aura. It consists of several layers that connect us with the outside world. Astral light, coronas and other names also refer to the aura in different cultures and religions.

A variety of “theories have revealed the aura to have a fluid or flowing state; to be comprised of different colors, therefore frequencies; to be permeable and penetrable; and to be magnetic in nature, although it also has electromagnetic properties… As for the aura’s job, science has determined that this magnetic field conveys information about events taking place inside the body, rather than on the skin. Its purpose is therefore vitally linked to our internal health.”

Chakras

Seven major chakras

“The ancient tradition of Chakras originated in India, and the word translates to ‘wheel’ or ‘circle’.” What we know about Chakras today comes from the practice of yoga. Chakras refer to the universal life force (energy) that circulates through us, and each chakra transmits and stores the universal energy as it spins.

The seven major chakras correspond to different areas of your spine, major organs, emotions and spiritual being. Many believe that blocked chakra energy leads to illness and imbalance because the energy cannot flow freely. How the blockage affects you depends on which Chakra(s) are not in balance.

Nadis

Divine energy, life and consciousness flows through energy channels called Nadis and distributes the energy throughout your body. We feel healthy when all the Nadis are functioning correctly. Physical or psychic problems show signs of Nadis being out of balance or not working properly.

The 72,000 Nadis intersect with the Chakras creating a subtle nervous system throughout your body. Each Nadi carries “energy from the Chakras into the brain, the nerves, endocrine and organ systems, the skeletal structure, and finally to the cell level.”

There is a debate on whether Nadis and Meridians are the same. However, Holistic healing like acupressure, acupuncture, massage and yoga help remove energy blockages of these channels, which improves the bodies ability to heal itself.

Etheric Energy Healing

Several holistic healers help restore balance to your etheric energy field including Reiki, Prana, crystal healing and massage. Meditation, yoga, visualization, aromatherapy and flower essences can also cleanse your etheric body. By cleansing and restoring balance to your etheric energy body, you help your physical body heal.

Seeds of Wellness offers Crystal Healing, Massage and Reiki. Donna Bell, our Crystal Healer, uses crystals and gemstones to help her remove energy blockages, shortages in your energy and other issues in your etheric energy body, which stop the flow of energy throughout and around your physical body. Visit our Healers web page to learn more about Donna Bell and our Events & Classes web page to learn when she will be offering Crystal Healing at Seeds of Wellness. The sessions last 45 to 55 minutes.