Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Friends ... the air we breath is so important!

In this month's "healthy habits" November newsletter we just touched the surface on this important topic, so let's dive in a bit further ...

When we think of health hazards, many things come to mind: smoking, processed foods ... even falling down a flight of stairs. But one we may rarely consider is our everyday exposure to the air we breathe ... in our own homes.

The Power of Smell

It's fascinating, I think, because the sense of smell is the only one of our five senses directly linked to the limbic region of the brain -- which is our emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger ... and joy ... all resonate in this region.

So when a fragrance is inhaled the aroma travels up the nose where it is trapped by olfactory membranes and connects to the amygdala (where those emotional memories are stored) in the limbic system of the brain. Ever wonder why the smell of something triggers a memory and sends you back in time to Grandma's, for example, even before you are consciously aware?!

Perhaps you never realized it, but things like those "air fresheners" we spray and the dryer sheets we casually toss in with our clothes are very much a health hazard -- full of chemicals tricking our brain to think we smell the lavender, citrus or holiday spice aromas. But instead, actually disrupting the efficiency of our body systems -- from headaches and allergies to hormone disruption and cancer.

But there is a better way. We can still enjoy aromas in our homes -- and actually with added health benefits -- ones that can elevate your mood, purify the air, support your immune system and even give us a little brain power boost.

Curious about this holistic and effective answer? Then you need to start diffusing essential oils!

But what are essential oils?

Essential oils are the "essence" of the trees, flowers and plants all around us. They are totally natural and the best ones (which is super important) are completely pure with no other fillers. There is actually a science to their power and they are known to support both our physical and emotional health.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs because of the distillation process that makes them so concentrated. The ability of an essential oil to impact both the mind and the body is what makes them truly unique among natural therapeutic substances.

Now, doesn't that sound better than toxic chemicals???

Those toxic aromas basically are indoor air pollution! We are the gatekeepers to our homes and every choice we make impacts our health. But the good news is ... we can enjoy the aromas we love in a healthy way using these totally pure essential oils.

Here's a fan-favorite "flavors of the season" you might enjoy in your home, too!

Why diffuse?

Diffusing essential oils in your home or office is the perfect way to help you relieve tension, dispel odors, cleanse & purify the air and create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Essential oils can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing; still others have been proven to support the immune system. When inhaling an oil that is diffused, it takes 22 seconds for an oil to reach the brain and is the fastest way to benefit!

Whether you are looking for pleasing scents of the season or to address specific health issues, you can find an essential oil right for you. And a diffuser to complement your space.

How do I diffuse?

Diffusing essential oils is as simple as opening a bottle and pouring a few drops in

a quality, ultrasonic diffuser -- which is like a humidifier, air purifier and aromatherapy device all in one!

When we add essential oils to a diffuser, the tiny molecules of the oils mix with heavier water molecules and disperse into the air to reach a wider area -- of your home, office, even your car -- so everyone benefits! The fine mist can remain suspended in the air for several hours catching odors (rather than just masking them) and/or benefiting your health.

Are All Oils Created Equal?

Great question. No, they are not! As with most everything in life, quality does matter. And since we are talking about our health & wellness, this isn't an area to skip corners! We are breathing through that nose of ours right to our brain, remember? Don't put in your diffuser what you don't want in your brain!

aka: Please don't grab those cheap ones at the store. Some tips to consider:

are the oils in a dark colored glass bottles?
have you researched the company ... can you visit the farms? what are their growing quality standards? how long have they been in business? are the oils lab tested and by who?
avoid "fragrance oils" -- this can be an umbrella word hiding a host of undisclosed ingredients containing toxic chemicals
If you find a rock-bottom price for an expensive essential oil, it probably isn't pure (you get what you pay for, just like momma said)