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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

Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils?

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People ask for essential oils, but most of the time they actually want fragrance oils. Both oils come in a variety of scents, but how the oil is made and used differ.

Lavender plants
Lavender Plants

When distilled flowers, herbs, roots, etc. contain no carrier oil, the resulting products are called genuine essential oils. Because of the pure distillation, these oils cost more due to a large number of plants needed to produce a small amount of oil. Also, natural does not mean 100% safe. The effects on the body can be both good and bad so learn about the herbs and oils before using them. While these oils can be expensive, a little oil goes a long way due to the high plant concentration. Therefore, the oils should be diluted before using them. Use water or a neutral oil like olive, almond or grapeseed oil.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, cost less than essential oils. They are almost always synthetic and may not contain true floral or herbal essence. Some fragrance oils blend essential oil with carrier oils. However, the concentration of the essential oil varies from brand to brand and scent to scent. While some fragrance oils can be used on the skin, hair and some craft items, their sole purpose is to produce an aroma.

Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils have a consistent aroma. Climate, season or location of the raw materials causes no change to the aroma. However, the ingredients included in fragrance oils do not have to be disclosed to the public. Therefore, if you are sensitive to fragrances and/or certain chemicals, you may have a negative reaction to fragrance oils. Due to being copies and mimics of natural scents, fragrance oils have no health benefits and do not dissolve well in water.

If you are looking for aromatherapy oils only, fragrance oils work the best. The aroma lasts longer and costs less. If you need oils for therapeutic reasons, for cooking, or with no chemicals, choose essential oils.

Seeds of Wellness carries several essential oils. Stop in and choose from our selection of oils to care for your family’s everyday health needs. Call us or visit our Events & Classes webpage to learn about up-coming essential oil classes.

The Different Types of CBD Products: Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate

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When purchasing Cannabidiol (CBD), it helps to know about the different types of CBD products and which one works best for you. The three types of CBD made from hemp (the Cannabis Sativa plant) – CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD – offer different benefits.

Hemp-Cannabis Sativa Plant
CBD products from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa)

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD (also called whole plant CBD) contains all of the properties, phytochemicals, and a nearly identical cannabinoid profile to the hemp plant. “The hemp plant naturally contains over 100 cannabinoids that, similar to CBD, provide their own unique benefit. …Scientists have found that plant components interact with one another to create an enhanced effect (compared to the component alone).”*

The different types of cannabinoids in the hemp plant include CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, and more than 100 others. This includes a detectable amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is less than 0.3% as stated by the law. The small amount of THC doesn’t cause a high, but if you use this product regularly, THC may be detected in a drug test.

Because full-spectrum CBD contains almost all the nutrients of the hemp plant, you receive the full benefits of the plant. This also means you avoid the bell-shaped dose-response curve. It “is a visual representation of how certain stimuli—in this case pure CBD—are least effective when taken in very small and very high doses. Because of this effect, CBD isolate requires precise dosages to achieve the maximum therapeutic benefits, whereas full-spectrum CBD extracts offer health benefits even at very low doses.”**

“Most full-spectrum CBD oils will contain vitamins A, C, and E along with complex B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. An increasing number of people don’t consume beta-carotene, but it is abundant in full-spectrum oil. Essential minerals contained in full spectrum hemp extract include zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus.”***

Since these products contain the whole CBD plant, they are the least processed type of CBD products. They may also taste and smell like the hemp plant. The smell and taste can vary from batch to batch due to the changes in the hemp plant’s environment, weather, temperature, etc. Many full-spectrum CBD products contain other natural or artificial flavors to reduce the hemp plant taste. Despite the aroma and taste, full-spectrum CBD may be more effective than the other types of CBD for some people’s symptoms.

Broad Spectrum CBD

When a product contains several of the different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals in the hemp plant, but no detectable THC, this product is called broad spectrum CBD. The number of cannabinoids, terpenes and other nutrients varies in each brand. Some broad spectrum CBD products start with a CBD isolate and then terpenes, other cannabinoids, and phytochemicals get added back in to make the final product.

Less research on the benefits of broad spectrum CBD has been done compared to full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. However, if you are concerned about THC, broad spectrum CBD may be the product for you. Because it contains many of the properties of the hemp plant, you may receive more benefits from these products than those made from a CBD isolate.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate powder looks similar to sugar
CBD isolate powder looks similar to fine sugar

Hemp processed in a way that nearly 100% CBD remains is the last of the different types of CBD products called a CBD isolate. The products made from a CBD Isolate contain no terpenes, additional cannabinoids, and other plant components found in the hemp plant. Therefore, these products also contain no detectable THC. Since these products contain only CBD, people have fewer sensitivity problems like allergic reactions, interaction with medications, etc. If you need to take a high dosage of CBD, many experts recommend a CBD isolate over the other types of CBD.

“With CBD isolate, there is no guesswork. You know exactly what you’re getting: cannabidiol and nothing else. Some brands will add terpenes back into the mix to provide natural hemp flavor but for the most part, isolates are made with CBD alone. For that reason, CBD isolate can make it easier to achieve the exact dosage that works for you without having to guess if there are other ingredients diluting your dose.“**

Because the CBD isolate has no flavor or odor, it works well in edibles and topical products. When using a topical CBD product, many people get good results from the CBD isolate products because it helps reduce inflammation and pain.

“One of the most important studies relating to full-spectrum CBD oil took place at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2015. It compared the performance of a full-spectrum cannabis extract with one that contained CBD only. The study concluded that, in mice, the full spectrum extract was more effective for pain and inflammation. In fact, scientists claimed that the whole plant cannabis extract was “ideal for clinical uses” as compared to isolated CBD.”*** For some people CBD isolates products work very well, while others get better results from the other types of CBD products containing more components of the hemp plant including THC.

Final Thoughts on the CBD Types

Always refer to the manufacturer’s Certificates of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab to find out how much CBD, additional cannabinoids and THC are detectable in the product before purchasing it. Some manufacturers claim to be a particular type of CBD. However, the COA results show you if the product is a CBD isolate, containing only CBD, broad spectrum with no THC or full-spectrum with less than 0.3% THC. Also, check the COA to ensure it is organic – not containing contaminants like mold, heavy metals, or pesticides.

It is best to talk with your physician before using CBD. “Again, it is important to have a conversation with your primary physician because while generally well tolerated, CBD oil can interact with popular medications like certain antidepressants and antibiotics.”** Also, some of the carrier oils can interfere with prescription medications like safflower and grape seed oil.

Because everyone reacts differently to CBD, please give yourself time to experiment with doses and the different types of CBD products.

Want more information about CBD? Come into Seeds of Wellness to learn about our products and their benefits. Also, check out our other blog posts about CBD:

Cannabidiol (CBD) Hemp Oil – What Are the Benefits?
Cannabidiol: from Abusive Drug to Potential Cure
What Is a Tincture, and How Do I Use It?

Sources:

* “Whole Plant Hemp and CBD Isolate: What Is the Difference?” on Made By Hemp

** “What’s the Difference? CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil” on CBD Oil Review

*** “What Actually Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?” by Jeff Yauck on MarijuanaBreak

“Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate: Difference Explained” on Royal CBD

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:

*** “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

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