Search Results

A guide to self care - nurturing yourself, opening the heart, and encouraging balance within. When Rachel, the lovely aromatherapist and creator of Topsy Blends, asked me to write about self-love, I was thrilled! But as I sat down with my favorite raspberry tea and my diffuser running, I didn’t know where to start. Isn’t self-love often like that? Something we know we need but struggle to begin. Sound familiar? I decided to focus on one step at a time. With my favorite self-love essential oils diffusing around me, I embarked on the journey of writing about inner love—and I hope this inspires you to do the same. To get us going, here is a handy resource for using essential oils for self love. >> Depending on what you need, this list will help guide you to oils that help nurture, open the heart, and encourage balance within. What is Self-Love? At its heart, self-love means valuing yourself—flaws, strengths, and all. It’s about treating yourself like you’d treat your best friend: with kindness, compassion, and care. Self-love is not about perfection or selfishness; it’s about progress and showing up for yourself every day. Self-love takes form in practices like setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and recognizing your worth without relying on external validation. It’s both a mindset and an ongoing practice. And while it may not always feel easy, it’s always worth it. Looking Inward When you’re able to love yourself and embrace your inner joy, that radiates outward and impacts others. Establishing self-care habits helps build that deeper connection with yourself—leading to the love you deserve. So how do you achieve this? It’s a tricky question, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching. Instead of focusing on external displays of love, let’s use this time to recenter ourselves in self-love. Once we do, we can more fully share our love with those around us. Here’s the thing: self-love doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not something you achieve once and never revisit. It’s a daily practice. Self-love means devoting yourself to you, showing up even when it’s hard. When you do something kind for someone you love, like gifting a friend their favorite self-love essential oils (I’m a sucker for a good gift, can ya tell?), it creates joy for both of you. Now turn that kindness inward. That’s self-care. Establishing routines with intentionality can lead to a love that feels as natural as breathing. Looking Outward When you love yourself truly, deeply, and passionately, you have the capacity to share love with those around you! Whether with a partner, family member, friend, or your community, self-love allows your joy to multiply and touch others. It’s a beautiful cycle. 4 Pillars of Self-Care This Valentine’s Day, let’s turn our focus inward. Here are four key values of self-care to help you deepen your self-love practice. 1. Intentionality Self-love is achieved by practicing habits with intentionality. Self-care should meet both your needs and wants—and only you truly know what those are. The first step is taking intentional time for yourself. Put distractions away and reconnect with yourself. This can look like: Meditating or journaling Creating art or taking a bath Gardening or going for a hike Diffusing self-love essential oils like Geranium, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang (available from Topsy Blends!) Making yourself a cozy, homemade meal Using eco-friendly skincare like The Great Omni Oil , which protects and nourishes your skin naturally Whatever you do, try saying aloud, “I’m doing this to show myself love and care,” and notice how it feels. 2. Gratitude One of the easiest ways to begin practicing self-love is through gratitude. You can write it in a journal, speak it aloud, or even jot it on the back of a grocery list. Try this prompt: Today, I’m grateful for ________. What came to mind? Gratitude softens the heart and helps you notice the beauty in the little things. You can also practice gratitude with loved ones by sharing three reasons you’re grateful they’re in your life. Joy is contagious! 3. Environment Your space has a significant impact on how you feel. Creating a safe, comforting environment is a key part of self-love. Rachel’s aromatherapy blog has an amazing guide on essential oils for balance and calm. I highly recommend checking it out and using those oils to create a space that supports you. Whether it’s through diffusing oils, adding them to a bath, or using them in body care like Topsy Blends’ Great Omni Oil , immersing yourself in natural, nurturing aromas can work wonders for your well-being. 4. Groundedness When you feel grounded, you feel at home in yourself—no matter where you are. Tools like essential oils can help guide you back to that grounded state. For instance, I use The Great Omni Oil (The GOO)when I’m traveling. Rubbing a little on my neck and breathing in its calming aroma helps me recente r. ...Can you tell I am a HUGE fan of The G.O.O. ? ;) It is my go-to for just about everything! Find what grounds you and make it part of your routine, whether it’s through scents, affirmations, or quiet moments of reflection. Self-Love Every Day This Valentine’s Day, give yourself permission to pause and practice self-care. Diffuse oils for self love, take a deep breath, note your gratitudes, and shower yourself with kindness. If you’re unsure where to start, simply slowing down can be the first step. When you look inward, you create the capacity to radiate love outward. It’s an honor to write for Topsy Blends and share my experiences with natural, heart-centered self-care. Here’s to more love—for yourself and the world around you. Xo, Tiff McIntyre

Transform Winter Blues into Winter Bliss with Aromatherapy Inspired by the wisdom of nature, "wintering" is the practice of slowing down, nurturing oneself, and finding beauty in the quiet moments. I find this time particularly beneficial post-holidays. With fewer social demands and societal pressures, January can be one of the most beneficial months for mental health- if you give yourself permission to rest and rejuvenate. Bold statement , I know! Especially with darker, shorter days that most people associate with gloom and grief... But I believe the cold months offer coziness, a time of personal reflection; and of course, self-care. January invites us to embrace the art of “wintering." For assistance along our wintering journey, aromatherapy is here to support our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Let’s dive a little deeper into our aromatherapy allies… 6 Essential Oils for "Wintering" and Why They Work Frankincense Known as the "King of Oils," Frankincense is grounding and calming. It supports meditation, introspection, and emotional balance, making it perfect for moments of stillness and reflection.  This soothing oil encourages emotional healing on all levels. In addition, Frankincense offers strong immune support. Perfect to use for mental and physical well-being.  Sweet Orange This uplifting citrus oil brightens and uplifts the mood and energizes the spirit. Use it to combat the winter blues and create a warm, sunny ambiance indoors. Its familiar sweet aroma is calming and helps relieve anxiety. This is a perfect oil to use to unblock and circulate stagnant energy. Cedarwood With its warm, woody aroma, Cedarwood is soothing and grounding. It promotes relaxation and a sense of security. This essential oil is particularly helpful if you are experiencing a rough patch. Cedarwood is well-known to increase endurance during difficult times and can support confidence in challenging situations.  Lavender Lavender is a classic for calming the mind and body. It’s perfect for creating a tranquil space to unwind and restore. A familiar favorite to comfort and soothe stress, tension, and an overwhelmed mind.  Peppermint This invigorating oil helps clear the mind and refresh the senses. The refreshing, minty aroma awakens and stimulates the mind and body to reduce fatigue and help combat seasonal sluggishness. Peppermint clears energy, supports self-confidence, and helps boost creativity. Perfect to use for dreary winter days to increase alertness, support the immune system, and reduce congestion. This is a great oil to use while journaling or setting your intentions for the New Year.  Ginger Warm and spicy, Ginger is comforting, uplifting, and invigorating. This oil is fiery, strong, and dynamic. Ginger is excellent for stimulating willpower and restoring motivation. It encourages energy, while its warming aroma invites a soothing sensation to the mind and body. Ginger stimulates circulation to the areas of application, resulting in feelings of warmth, relaxation, and pain relief. A “wintering” self-care essential.  How to Use Essential Oils for Wintering Diffuse for Ambiance : Add 5-7 drops of your favorite wintering oil to a diffuser. Try this blend for balance: 3 drops Frankincense 2 drops Sweet Orange 2 drops Cedarwood Self-Massage with Oils : Blend up to 12 drops of essential oil into 1 oz of a carrier oil, like jojoba oil. Massage onto hands, feet, or temples for a grounding ritual. Ginger is a great essential oil to use for warming cold hands and feet! Aromatic Bath : Mix 5 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice, then add to your bathwater. Breathe deeply and relax. Sweet Orange, Frankincense, Lavender, and Cedarwood all make lovely, nurturing bath oils for peace and relaxation.  Create a Cozy Spray : Combine 20 drops of essential oil with 2 oz of distilled water in a spray bottle. Mist onto pillows and blankets, or in the air for a comforting scent. Deep Breaths: Taking deep inhalations directly out of the bottle of your favorite wintering essential oil will help bring your mind to the present moment, soothe tension, and quiet the mind. Try this breathing technique for stress relief: Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds (inhaling your choice of essential oil). Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Breathe out slowly through the nose for 4 seconds. Repeat. Self-Care Practices to Pair with Aromatherapy Journal your reflections and intentions for the year ahead. Meditation and daydreaming about your goals, priorities, and emotions. Curl up with a good book or podcast that inspires you. Practice gentle movements like yoga or stretching. Indulge in your creative pursuits that bring you joy and allow you to express yourself without words. Make nourishing, home-cooked meals with lots of root veggies and drink warm teas with spices like ginger and cinnamon. Wintering is not just about surviving the season; it’s about thriving in its embrace. With essential oils and simple self-care, you can turn January into a time of restoration and renewal. If you need quality, 100% pure essential oils for self-love, and aromatherapy blends to support the art of wintering; check out our wide range of self-care blends here! Pure Essential Oils for Self-Love If you have any questions about how to use aromatherapy or what essential oils would be best for you, please contact me through the contact box at any time below. I always love to hear from you! Stay cozy, stay comfy, stay well. Your personal aromatherapist, Rachel London Resources and Citations: References for Essential Oils and Their Benefits Frankincense: Ali, N. A., et al. (2008). "Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of essential oils of Frankincense." Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare. 3rd Edition. Churchill Livingstone. Sweet Orange: Goes, T. C., et al. (2012). "Effect of sweet orange aroma on experimental anxiety in humans." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. Cedarwood: Fang, H., et al. (2011). "Aromatic compounds from Cedarwood as sedatives." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Schnaubelt, K. (1999). Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Lavender: Koulivand, P. H., et al. (2013). "Lavender and the nervous system." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Principles and Profiles. Peppermint: Gobel, H., et al. (1996). "Essential oils of peppermint in the treatment of tension-type headache." Cephalalgia. Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd Edition. Ginger: Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd Edition. General Aromatherapy Resources National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): www.naha.org International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA): www.ifaroma.org WebMD: Essential Oils Guide

How essential oils support healthy digestion With the holidays around the corner come the delicious meals, drinks, then the desserts…and then the cycle repeats. It's all gravy, until the gravy fights back. My absolute favorite digestion support is the  Tranquil Tummy Digestion Aid Roll-On. Tranquil Tummy  is a blend of digestion supportive essential oils that are acclaimed for soothing inflammation, muscle relaxation, reducing gas and bloating, reducing nausea, soothing a queasy belly, and also supporting stress relief. With a warming blend of Nutmeg, Cardamom, Fennel, Ginger, Peppermint and Sweet Orange,  this topical roll on   is so handy to have through the holiday season. “How does applying essential oils topically help my digestion?” I'm SO glad you asked. : )  Topically applying certain digestive supportive essential oils , like Nutmeg or Ginger, allows for a targeted, localized effect. The skin is permeable and essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, the therapeutic compounds in the essential oils can exert their effects on the body. Certain digestive-supportive essential oils like Peppermint encourage a healthy flow of energy throughout your body. This can help everything move smoothly through your belly and create a refreshing detox effect if you overindulge in rich food. In addition, there are numerous studies which confirm Peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory actions, specifically of use in the gastrointestinal system to help with irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. (1) It has been proven to relieve gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal pain, and acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in the colon. (2)  Many people find that Peppermint and Sweet Orange essential oils can relieve constipation, cramps. Nausea and vomiting.(3)  Essential oils like Cardamom can help aid digestion by promoting the secretion of digestion juices and enzymes, easing digestive upset and bloating, and improving overall digestive system health. For the best digestion support, here is a visual how to apply the Tranquil Tummy roll-on: For additional benefits, as you are applying the topical solution to your stomach area, you are also inhaling the aroma which can help promote relaxation and stress release. A blend of these essential oils diluted properly and applied topically like the   Tranquil Tummy   for digestion is much more safe to you and your gut lining than internally consuming essential oils, and it works like a charm for those times when we eat just a little bit too much…  Tranquil Tummy is perfect for ages 6 & up! Grab yours here: Questions? Comments? I always love to hear from you! Reach out using the contact box below. Happy Holidays, Your neighborhood aromatherapist, Rachel Citations: (1)  In a review,(1)  Zhao  et al.  (2022) cite numerous studies which confirm peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory actions, of notable use in the gastrointestinal system, (it is gastroprotective and can alleviate irritable bowel syndrome and colitis),  2) Peppermint essential oil has antispasmodic actions on the gastrointestinal tract (Heinrich  et al . 2004). It relieves gastrointestinal spasms and abdominal pain (Zhao  et al . 2022). Chumpitazi  et al . (2018) suggested that peppermint oil affects the enteric nervous system, acting as a smooth muscle relaxant in the colon. (3) Sweet Orange for soothing constipation, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and vomiting.Hirota, R., Roger, N.N., (4) Nakamura, H., Song, H.-S., Sawamura, M., and Suganuma, N. (2010) Anti-inflammatory effects of limonene from yuzu ( Citrus junos  Tanaka) essential oil on eosinophils.  Journal of Food Science  75, 87-92.