My trip to Ecuador, the Middle of the World

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on January 23, 2012

in Aromatherapy News

Visiting my family is one of the reasons I love to go to my country, Ecuador. The other one is the joy of visiting so many interesting places and learning about the richness of that country.

I import 4 essential oils from Ecuador –  Cardamom, Ginger, Palo Santo and Eucalyptus Globulus (unrectified).  My clients always rave about the difference in the smell and strength of these oils.  The reason is that Ecuador is home to unique Andean herbs that possess potent therapeutic properties and are sourced from indigenous communities. The oils are harvested in an organic and environmentally sustainable manner and are thus free of pesticides and harmful chemicals.

Ecuador is a country rich in natural resources. All year long, the sun shines for twelve hours a day, bathing the plants and the earth in its light.  The Equator line crosses this country with high mountains up to 20.000 feet above sea level and lush rainforests.

Due to the unique environmental factors, the  herbs and spices of Ecuador develop a distinctive therapeutic quality. Most of the people of Ecuador are poor with farming as their main source of livelihood. Harvesting these plants and distilling the oil gives families the opportunity to make a fair wage and build the economy of their village.

I would love to share some pictures with you, I know you’ll enjoy them and will want to come with me to visit this paradise.

 

Home » My trip to Ecuador, the Middle of the World » My Trip to Ecuador
Abundance of fruits.JPG
Abundance of fruits.JPG
This abundance of fruits is present everywhere, I love to stop at the highway to see what they have to offer. Just to give you an idea of the prices, a box with around 100 small mangoes for $10!
Soursop - Guanabanas.JPG
Soursop - Guanabanas.JPG
Ecuadorean love to serve freshly made fruit juices at every meal. Soursop is similar to Chirimoya, with a more tart taste. I would say, it tastes like tutti fruti.
Huge Papayas.JPG
Huge Papayas.JPG
Look at the size of these papayas!
Roasted Guinea Pigs.JPG
Roasted Guinea Pigs.JPG
In many countries, guinea pigs are kept as pets but here in Ecuador, they are used as a source of food. Guinea pig is one of the main sources of protein for many indigenous people.
My son trying guinea pig fo rthe first time.JPG
My son trying guinea pig fo rthe first time.JPG
My son eating at Fiambres, where a couple of years ago, the famous Andrew Zimmer from the popular show Bizarre Food, went and tried guinea pig. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuXKGuxB9ZcI did not eat any guinea pigs that day because I’m not very fond of the taste. I remember when I was trying to get pregnant years ago, someone recommended that I eat them – that’s when I first tried one.
Middle of the World Latitude 0.jpg
Middle of the World Latitude 0.jpg
It is so interesting to know that according to the indigenous people’s cosmovision dating 1000 years ago, and based on their observation of the sun they were very aware of the Equinoxes and Solstices.
Spice Store.JPG
Spice Store.JPG
Palo Santo Sticks.JPG
Palo Santo Sticks.JPG
Palo Santo Sticks, the Palo Santo sticks are burned to keep mosquitoes at bay in the coast are of Ecuador. I love the smell, it reminds me of the Colonial Churches in Quito.
Boldo Leaves.JPG
Boldo Leaves.JPG
Boldo Leaves (Peumus boldus) my mom has always boiled these leaves for liver complains. Great to detox the liver.
Cinnamon sticks.JPG
Cinnamon sticks.JPG
Cinnamon brought from India, a must in every household. Its infusion is taken for digestive problems and for those cold days in the Ecuadorean mountains.
Frankincense.JPG
Frankincense.JPG
Frankincense resin, brought from the Middle East
Sarsaparilla.JPG
Sarsaparilla.JPG
Sarsaparilla, a great blood purifier, tonic, diuretic, sweat inducer
Sahumerio.JPG
Sahumerio.JPG
Sahumerio (incense?) This was a real mystery for me, since it looks like frankincense and myrrh, but apparently comes from Ecuador but nobody could give me the real name, the name of the plant or the origin.
Spices.JPG
Spices.JPG
Herbs and spices are used on a daily basis as infusions to heal minor ailments.
Prices displayed on sign.JPG
Prices displayed on sign.JPG
Prices here are in dollars and per pund. To give an idea: Star Anis is $3,50 per pound, Oregano is $2, Linseed is $0,70, Frankincense is $6, Palo Santo $1
San Pablo Lake.jpg
San Pablo Lake.jpg
San Pablo Lake, located a short distance from the major Indian market town of Otavalo. The Lake of San Pablo is large enough for boating and the community that surrounds it is a vibrant place.
Imbabura volcano.jpg
Imbabura volcano.jpg
As the dominant geographic feature of the area, Imbabura is of significant importance to the local culture, which involves a spiritual relationship with the land. The mountain is sometimes personified locally as Taita Imbabura, or "Papa" Imbabura. In fact, Imbabura is considered the sacred protector of the region.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbabura_Volcano
Amazing treatment room at La Mirage Hotel and Spa.JPG
Amazing treatment room at La Mirage Hotel and Spa.JPG
One of our clients is La Mirage Hotel and Spa in Cotacachi Ecuador. La Mirage is a real oasis in the Andes, part of the 5-Star Relais and Chateaux. Here is where their Amazon Treatment takes place. They offer unique spa treatments like the Shamanic Purification Treatmen where a female Shaman tblends relaxation techniques using the rose petal filled float tank and completes your healing process with an hour long aromatherapy spiritual massage.Read more: http://www.garyascott.com/tag/hotel-la-mirage-spa#ixzz1kJwIXiKZ

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Fragances for Love

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on January 16, 2012

in Aromatherapy News

There is indeed a lot that a whiff of essential oils can do for your love life. From spiking up libidos to rekindling dormant passions, aromatherapy has been used across centuries and civilizations to nurture the inner romantic. The enchanting Cleopatra probably knew what she was doing when she doused herself and the sails of her ship in Rose essence when she set out to seduce Mark Anthony. Even ancient Romans and Egyptians counted on aromatic baths to make lovemaking more erotic and enjoyable.

Traditions have gradually given way to scientific research and today, we know that olfactory stimuli have a direct effect on the brain’s limbic system, which controls our emotions, moods and sexual drive. This factual piece of information pretty much forms the basis of the billion-dollar perfume industry!

Aromatherapy for Self-Love

It is a well known fact that individuals who make for great lovers are ones who are brimming with positivity, passion and self-confidence.  Essential oils work in multiple ways to affect your mood and heighten desire –  they may stimulate,  sedate or help with physical and emotional factors such as vaginal dryness, body image issues and stress that hamper sexual desire. Wearing certain scents can help people feel more self-assured and cheerful, which reflects in their stance and draws people towards them.

If you are the kind that needs a little push to shed inhibitions and express yourself, the sensuous and euphoric scent of Patchouli Essential Oil can help you come out of your shell and release pent-up emotions. Ylang Ylang, on the other hand, can help warm up your mood when you feel frigid or insecure. The oil also helps dispel negative emotions like jealousy and envy.

Aromatherapy for Relationships  

If you feel that a lack of communication and clarity is coming in the way of your romance, the intoxicating scent of Clary Sage can help relieve the buildup of tensions and foster a deeper connection between partners. The oil is also an effective tonic for the female reproductive system as it helps balance out feminine hormones. Similarly, the warm and spicy nature of Cardamom helps clear thoughts and stimulates sexual appetite.

Setting the Stage for Romance

When it comes to love and romance, it helps to invest a little effort in setting up a conducive ambience. “Warming” scents such as Ginger, Cardamom and Cedarwood work perfectly when you want to make your space cozy and inviting.
Ginger is especially helpful during cold winter months when depression and lethargy are more likely to set in. The invigorating aroma of this oil works at a physiological level to improve circulation, relieve aches and boost energy levels.

To introduce an element of fun and playfulness to your lovemaking, try out light, citrusy scents like Mandarin, Grapefruit and Lemon – these are known to enhance emotional wellbeing and infuse positivity in relationships.

Aromatherapy as a Natural Aphrodisiac

Essential oils are believed to balance the body’s chakras (energy centers) and activate the sacral chakra, and is responsible for sexual function. Jasmine Essential Oil is a rare and exotic oil that is also revered as a powerful aphrodisiac. The sharp flowery scent helps fight feelings of listlessness, frigidity and inadequacy while freeing the mind of anxiety and nervousness. Women often experience a significant dip in sexual drive during and after pregnancy. Jasmine is effective in reviving the lost confidence and helps new mothers feel better about themselves and their bodies.

Any talk of love and romance is rather incomplete without a mention of Rose, which has come to symbolize the emotion and everything associated with it. The gentle, comforting scent of Rose essential oil invokes feelings of sensuousness and makes women feel more self-assured about their feminine beauty.

 How to Use Essential Oils?

There are several ways in which you can use aromatic oils to add spice to your romantic interludes:

  • Use a traditional aromatherapy burner or plug in an electric diffuser for an instant pick-me-up.
  • If you wish to take things a notch higher, spice up your evening by offering your partner a sensual aromatherapy massage with a blend of essential oils. The intimate body contact will not only facilitate the flow of sexual energy but will also relieve stress, boost circulation and induce a state of relaxation. Mix 1 drop of Patchouli essential oil, 3 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil and 2 drops of  Orange essential oil in any carrier oil to concoct your own love potion. Be sure to massage the ankles, feet and hands as these are sensitive areas that can heighten sexual arousal. If a massage sounds like too much work, slip into a warm aromatic bath infused with sea salts and a blend of essential oils with your partner.
  • You may also sprinkle a few drops of your chosen essential oil on your bed linen and soak in the fragrance as you revel in your special moments.

 

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Emotions Got You Down? Essential Oils Are Proven to Help!

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on December 19, 2011

in Aroma Tip,Aromatherapy News

Did you know the olfactory nerves that allow you to smell, directly connect to the limbic region of your brain where emotions and memory are stored? Neurologist Alan Hirsch's research has proven that certain scents are shown to have a powerful effect on our emotions.

That is why pleasant smells trigger good feelings and also why Essential Oils are so effective and beneficial for changing your mood.

Wouldn’t it be great to be in charge of our emotions rather than being at their whim? Well, with the help of Essential Oils we can do exactly that. Think of Essential Oils as nature’s emotional healers.

WHAT ESSENTIAL OIL DO I USE and FOR WHAT?

Below are just a few examples. Stay tuned for more to come.

Anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness: Palo Santo essential oil.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS?

A Nebulizer Diffuser is the best. It diffuses the molecules of the Essential Oils into the air without heat so the molecules are not broken down. This gives you the most beneficial results.

So get yourself some essential oils and a diffuser today and enjoy the benefits for the rest of your life!

 

© 2011, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC
This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

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Aromatherapy Stocking Stuffers Your Family Will Love

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on December 16, 2011

in Aromatherapy News

I don’t know why it has become the tradition to put sugar candies in Christmas stockings. How about we change that tradition and use our Christmas stockings to promote our families health and well-being?  Stocking Stuffers

Not only is it better for everyone, it is special, unique and personal. Children absolutely love Essential Oils. They will be so happy to receive Aromatherapy that is just for them.

Here are some stocking stuffers I came up with for my nieces and nephews that might give you some gift ideas.

Andrea 16:

Chocolate Rose Perfume, so unique and exquisite, but not overbearing, brings a deep sense of relaxation and that feeling of being beautiful that comes with knowing you are loved.

Mateo 15:

SERENO Body Mist, to help him calm down when his hormones are up.

Paula 14:

EXULTO Body Mist, to help her always be in a good mood.

Martina 13:

Lavender Essential Oil, because that’s her favorite scent.

Danny 10:

Citrus Delight, because he is sweet and creative.

Bernie and Joaquin 10:

VIGOR Body Mist to help them be focused at school and refreshed when they do sports.

For Stocking Stuffers I usually choose Aromatherapy items where the person receiving the gift can use it daily, carry it with them in their purse, backpack or brief case and where it is unique to them and their needs.

3 PERFECT AROMATHERAPY STOCKING STUFFERS

Essential Oil Blends

Aromatherapy Perfume or Roll On

Personal Aromatherapy Essential Oil Blend (click here to read last article for a guide)

Aromatherapy Mists can be sprayed directly on the skin and face as a pick-me-up whenever our energy levels are low. They can refresh, rejuvenate and keep us healthy. They are inexpensive and pre-diluted. They are so useful and often overlooked as a vital part of the Aromatherapy arsenal.

Kids can take them to school and use them to help with their studies, like ALERTA Body Mist for helping them memorize or RESPIRO Immune Support to keep their immune system strong and healthy.

For a teenage girl an Aromatherapy perfume is perfect. It is small, easily fits in a purse or backpack and can be used daily to give her a sense of her beauty, poise and grace. It gives her that sense of being beautiful, feminine and special, and at the same time it helps her health and balances out her hormones. Chocolate Rose is a perfect choice.

I found it useful to just spend some time thinking about the people I wanted to give gifts. I wasn’t thinking about what to get them, just about them. As I did that I found certain Essential Oils would come into my mind that fit them as a person or could help them with an emotional challenge they were facing.

Here is the Aromandina product page. Just browse and take a look. Something perfect might pop off the page for that certain someone.

Are you unsure what Essential Oils would be best for a certain someone? Is someone you know going through some emotional challenges and you want to know what Essential Oils would help? Ask your question here and I will be sure to answer.

© 2011, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC
This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

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How To Create A Customized Body Oil For A Personal Aromatherapy Gift

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on December 14, 2011

in Aromatherapy News

If you are looking to give something personal and customized, there’s nothing better and easier than creating a ‘Customized Aromatherapy Body Oil’.

I received an email from a woman that participated in an Aromatherapy Workshop I gave a while back, who became a good friend of mine. As part of the workshop, I gave each participant a personal blend of Essential Oils. Here is an excerpt of the email.

Hi Cristina,

Do you remember the Aromatherapy workshop you gave …? You made a ‘Personal Essential Oil Blend’ for each participant …I use (mine) all the time, especially when I need to get centered …It seems to fit who I really am.

 I want to give ‘Personal Essential Oil Blends’, like the ones you gave us in the workshop, as gifts this year. Do you have any tips on how to choose a ‘Personal Blend’ for loved ones?

I thought my answer to this would be useful to everyone, especially as the Holiday Season is right around the corner.

So here is a step by step guide to create a ‘Personalized Aromatherapy Body Oil’.

1. Spend some quiet time just thinking about the person you are making the ‘Personal Blend’ for and set the intention to make them the perfect scent that is special to them.

2. After you have done that think about what part of the plant they remind you of? Not just how they look, but deep inside.

  • Are they beautiful like a flower? Then choose feminine flowery essential oils like ROSE, JASMINE, GERANIUM, YLANG YLANG or YLANG YLANG to enhance their beauty, calm them when they are stressed and raise their self esteem.
  • Are they grounded like a root or a tree? Then choose essential oils from roots and trees like PALO SANTO, CEDARWOOD or GINGER to provide stability, help them to be grounded and help them achieve their goals for the New Year.
  • Are they clean and fresh like everlasting conifers? Then choose PINE, FIR, SPRUCE or ROSEMARY essential oils to help them be healthy, focused and full of energy.
  • Or are they more sweet and fresh like citrus fruit? Any citrus fruit will do the trick in providing a fresh, relaxing and invigorating scent. You can choose SWEET ORANGE, LEMON or GRAPEFRUIT.

3. Once you choose the part of the plant they remind you of, think about the positive physical and emotional benefits that those essential oils provide.

4. People are very complex, they won’t fit in just one category, so feel free to mix and match.

5. I have found that usually a blend will have between 3 – 5 essential oils. One will stand out as dominant and there will be 2 – 4 essential oils as complementing aspects. Follow steps 2 and 3 to choose the complementing essential oils.

6. Hold the essential oils you have chosen in your hands, or if you don’t have the essential oils yet, write each one you choose on a separate piece of paper and put them in front of you. Continue thinking about your Loved-One with the intention of giving them the perfect blend that is special to them. As you do this, you might put one of the essential oils back or think of another one. When you feel finished and complete you are done.

7. Put a total of 60 drops of essential oil in our 4 oz carrier oil bottle. Use your intuition and sense of smell to get that perfect ratio of your chosen essential oils. A useful hint: citrus oils always add sweetness to a blend that can otherwise feel too strong or unappealing.

8. Lastly, hold the finished ‘Customized Essential Oil Blend’ in your hand and write your Loved-One a note about how you choose this blend especially for them.

This is sure to be a memorable and special gift they will cherish.

Click here to see a list of the different single note Essential Oils you can use to make your special blends.

Please let us know your stories and experiences about blending. All our readers will thank you.

© 2011, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

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4 Reasons To Celebrate The Holidays With Aromatherapy

by Cristina Proano-Carrion on December 8, 2011

in Aromatherapy Article

 

The Holidays are just around the corner. It is a time for family togetherness, joy, contemplation, letting go of the old and embracing the new.

Although, spending time with family and friends, eating good food, drinking and giving gifts can be a wonderful experience, it is out of the normal routine and requires time, money and preparation.

All of that is on top of the regular work, kids, school and extra-curricular activities that make up our day. With all this stress staying healthy can also be a challenge.

For some of us family may be far away, or we don’t have much family, or there has been a long standing schism with a family member. The Holiday Season tends to heighten all of those family issues we haven’t dealt with. No doubt it can be a time of great joy and great stress.

  Here are 4 Reasons to Use Aromatherapy this Holiday Season:  

  1. To STAY HEALTHY
  2. To KEEP A JOYFUL THE HEART
  3. To RELIEVE ANXIETY AND HOLIDAY STRESS
  4. To OVERCOME THE HOLIDAY BLUES

 

WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD I USE?

 For Your Health:

Ravensara and Ecuadorean Eucalyptus essential oils

Keep a bottle with you at all times. Just open, smell it and feel your sinuses open.

 For Family Gatherings:

Clary Sage and Geranium Essential Oils

Release endorphins, the happy hormones, and make your family gatherings joyous and FUN. When your guests walk in the door they might not know why, but they will feel welcome, relaxed and joyous.

For whenever you Feel Anxious:

SERENO BODY MIST

Keep it with you and spray on your face whenever you feel the need. Palo Santo, Lavender and Mandarin will bring back a sense of calm and peace. Spray it on your pillow at night for a deep restoring sleep.

For the Holiday Blues

Here are some specific essential oils that will alleviate these Holiday Blues, the emotional challenges that often come with the Holiday Season.

ROSE – heals the heart of deep wounds, the flower of Love and compassion.

JASMINE – makes you feel beautiful, comfortable with who you are, it melts away anxieties and relaxes you.

BERGAMOT – like Rose, Bergamot helps to heal the heart, it also cleanses the mind when it is congested with thoughts that don’t allow you to grow.

PALO SANTO – helps reconnect with your higher sense of being while at the same time helps you think with a sharp, rational and analytic mind.

FRANKINCENSE – heals old wounds, deep forgiveness, relieves a tight chest and alleviates that feeling of being overwhelmed with worries and restlessness.

 AROMATHERAPY IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE!

 Here are several very easy ways to incorporate Aromatherapy into your daily routine that can greatly alleviate these Holiday stresses. They have a beneficial physical and emotional effect.

 Use Aromatherapy in Your Daily Shower

Put 3 to 5 drops of Essential Oil on a washcloth.

Place the washcloth on your chest.

Allow the heat of the shower to release the vapors and breathe in deeply.

Use Aromatherapy in Your Daily Bath

Place 3-5 drops of Essential Oil in a couple of tablespoons of salt

As the bath water is running pour the mixture into the bath

Let the salt dissolve and soak for 15-20 minutes

Use Aromatherapy diluted in your carrier oil

Place 15 drops of the Essential Oil you need into 1oz. of body oil or lotion.

Rub it on your body after showering to moisturize your skin

Use an Aromatherapy Burner and Fill a Whole Room with the Pleasant Aroma

Place water and 3-5 drops of Essential Oil in the Aromatherapy Burner holder

Light a candle and place that under the cup filled with your Essential Oil drops

Let the vapors fill the room

What has worked for you? Share your stories and recommendations.

Here are some gift ideas for you:

 

 

 

Related Aromatherapy Articles:

Are you hosting a party? Enhance the atomsphere with essential oils

Holiday Gift List

Aromatherapy Gifts for Your Family

© 2011, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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November 11, 2011
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How to Use Essential Oils Part 2 – Topical Application

Essential Oils: Learn how and when to apply on the skin. Did you know that “the majority of essential oils and their components pass through the skin and the organism and can be detected in exhaled air within 20-60 minutes?” Price (2007) One of the most effective ways essential oils get into the body is [...]

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October 31, 2011
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How to Use Essential Oils Part 1

So, you bought an essential oil and you don’t know what to do with it? I hear you. There are many ways to take the best advantage of the benefits of essential oils. Here are some simple tips for you: How to use essential oils: Two main ways essential oils work are by inhalation and [...]

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October 25, 2011
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Healthy Pumpkin Protein Smoothie with Ginger Essential Oil

Here’s a very healthy low calorie antioxidant smoothie to enjoy every day. I like to prepare the pumpkin the night before so that it is ready to use in the morning Ingredients: ¼ small pumpkin baked 1 cup plain yogurt 1 scoop protein powder 2 drops fresh ginger essential oil cinnamon powder Stevia or brown [...]

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October 21, 2011
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How To Describe a Smell

How to Describe a Smell from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit We have plenty of words to describe other senses and sensations, but smell seems to defy words. The human sense of smell is not heavily developed compared to that of many animals. Still, it’s a deep and rich sense, [...]

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