Scent Your Home For the Holidays Naturally Without the Toxic Chemicals!

Simmer pots are a super simple way to scent your home without the chemicals of sprays and store bought fragrances.  They also make great gifts! Maybe you like burning seasonal scented candles, but haven’t tried any natural scents.  Or maybe you would like to have a more natural alternative for adding scents to your home.  Whatever your preference there couldn’t be anything more quick and easy than homemade aroma recipes that you can simmer on your stove with common ingredients from your kitchen.

Combine your ingredients in a mason jar-you can use whatever quantities you have on hand. I promise it will still make your home smell fantastic!

Here is a list of the type of herbs, spices and fruits you will want to look for:

• Fruit peelings: orange, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit or apple
• Herbs: lavender, peppermint, sage, thyme, etc.
• Extracts : vanilla, almond, orange,  and lemon, etc
• Spices : cinnamon, ginger, clove, allspice, etc

Cooking Directions

• Fill a saucepan ¾ full with water along with your desired combination of peelings, spices, herbs and extracts. Bring mixture to a boil. As soon as it reaches the boiling point, reduce heat to low and simmer.  You can also use a small slow cooker to do this. If using a slow cooker, just set heat to high and then turn down. Replenish with more water as needed.
• You can reuse your mixture 1-2 times, depending on the ingredients you put in your mix.  Just store in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator.  The mixture will keep for a few days.
• As you cook stovetop scents you will notice that the ingredients don’t stay pretty looking.  You can always refresh your mixture with some new orange or lemon slices to float on the top.

Have fun trying your own combinations of fruit peelings, herbs and spices, and use what you have on hand. You will love how nice and cozy your home smells!

Here are two recipes to choose from:

Cinnamon Apple Spice

2 cinnamon sticks

apple peel

orange peel

1 tablespoon whole cloves

Spicy Citrus

lemon peel orange peel

2 bay leaves

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tbsp whole cloves

Sweet Orange Ginger 

Orange peels or slices

1 cinnamon stick

Fresh grated or powdered Ginger

2-3 drops of almond extract

We hope you are inspired by this festive activity. Of course, we at Eurospa always think some natural healing scents are good for the home and health. That's why we specialize in only the finest eucalyptus oil products for both home and commercial use! This holiday season, enjoy these delicious simmer pot recipes and stop grab a healing and rejuvenating stocking stuffer along the way! Tis the season!

Get the Most Out Of Your Essential Oils with the Benefits of an Ultrasonic Diffuser!

#Giftideas for the holidays or year round

Using essential oils for Aromatherapy is not just a pleasurable way to scent your home, essential oils carry many inherent benefits for the mind and body. We are especially fond of our own Eucalyptus based shower spray; a spray made to be the perfect addition to any steam room or shower to cleanse and boost the respiratory and circulatory system. But there are many many oils out there and people are often curious about which are the best ways are to get receive the benefits of essential oils. The answer will always vary based on the condition a person wants to treat, but if you're looking to breathe in the benefits from the air while adding scent to your home, you'll likely want to consider an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser.

Ultrasonic diffusers disperse natural aromas and create healthy living environments using advanced air technologies with many benefits over heat-based diffusers that use candles or heat elements. Ultasonics use a high-frequency, low-energy vibrations to break down essential oils into fine particles as a mist that is dispersed into the air. There are numerous benefits to this system, allowing you to do all of the following:

• Use Less Oil. Diffusers that use heat burn through oils very quickly to disperse the same amount of scent into your air. When using an ultrasonic diffuser, you only use a fraction as much essential oil to get the same fragrance effect.
• Purify Your Air. These diffusers purify, sterilize and deodorize the air you breathe, which can help control allergies/hay fever, asthma, cold & flu symptoms, eczema/psoriasis, emphysema, etc.
• Improve Wellbeing. These diffusers circulate negative ions, which increase the flow of oxygen to the brain. This helps relieve stress, mental fatigue/concentration and headaches and improve breathing and sleep.
• Humidify. These diffusers humidify the air, which is useful in air-conditioned rooms or arid climates where dry air is harmful to the skin.
• Reap the Benefits of Oils. When using ultrasonic diffusers, essential oils are broken down into much smaller, lighter particles, than they do with heat methods. They can travel more deeply into your sinuses or down into your bronchial passages to do their healing work. 

Do your research and see which brand is best for you. Always read reviews and choose high quality products as your health is worth the investment. At Eurospa, we always strive to bring you the highest quality home and commercial spa products.  This winter, we invite you to breathe in the benefits and feel good... naturally!

3 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Enjoy Without the Guilt!

If you're bored with the same old mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts and other thanksgiving side dishes, we want to share some not-so-common twists on some old fall recipes! What's important for any Thanksgiving feast is that the foods be packed full of nutrients and have an array of color to display.  Even better?  These dishes are far more healthy than their predecessors and will leave your guests happily full without the bloating and guilt!

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole Topped with Caramelized Bananas

This recipe is much healthier than cooking sweet potatoes with heavy cream, refined sugar and marshmallows...and more creative too.

• 3 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large bananas, thinly sliced on an angle
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar or drizzle with agave nectar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and let cool until cool enough to handle. (Keep oven at 350 degrees F). Peel and mash sweet potatoes in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the butter, stock, salt, pepper and cinnamon. Transfer to a casserole dish. Cover the surface of the potatoes with the banana slices by laying them on top, slightly overlapping in concentric circles. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is browned.

Green (& White) Beans With Almonds

• 1 pd Green Beans
• 1 pd. Wax Beans (white string beans)
• 1 Lg. Red Onion
• ? cup Toasted Almond Slivers
• 4-8 cloves Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Salt and coriander to taste
• Mince garlic and saute in pan.  Add onions and cook half-way. Toast almonds with a little oil in separate pan. Mix everything together with beans. Put flame on low and cover. Add lemon juice, salt, and coriander. Cook until beans are as soft as you like them!

Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potatoes

• 1 large (or 2 medium) butternut squash
• 1 large sweet potato (not to be confused with a yam)
• 6-8 tablespoons butter or earth balance spread, melted
• Agave to taste
• Light brown sugar--I just used about 2 tbsp because I was trying to be healthy, but this would probably be really good with more
• Salt

Remove seeds, cut ends, and peel squash (you can leave skin on if you want - it's very nutritious and will soften when you cook it.) Cut into chunks--doesn't really matter what size as long as you're consistent--large is probably best. Cut sweet potato into same size chunks--leave skin on (it's healthier that way.) Put on baking sheet or pan.

Add melted butter, salt, and agave and roll all ingredients together. You should do this with your (clean) hands. Partly because it's fun to get your hands dirty. Partly because it will allow everything to be distributed more evenly.

Roast on 400 for 45 min to an hour. You'll know it's done when squash is soft and the glaze begins to caramelize. Make sure to mix things around a few times while it's cooking. Great fall side dish! (thanks to active.com for the recipes!)

At Eurospa, we love to celebrate.  We also love enjoying great health! So, of course we are thrilled to have the chance to celebrate a national holiday and feel healthy doing it! We offer the highest quality home and commercial wellness products around, including our very famous Eucalyptus Oil Shower Spray. This Thanksgiving, we are raising a toast to family, to gratitude and to your health! Happy Holidays!

Avoid Carcinogens in Your Beauty Products With These DIY Solutions

There is a lot of information out there raising awareness to a pretty sad issue.  Major beauty companies are knowingly adding carcinogenic ingredients to their products.  Since our skin absorbs what touches it, it's important that our whole body, scalp included, be treated with respect and care. 

Thanks to the people at inhabitat.com, we are able to pass on some important information to you:

"You may have thought that the worst thing your shampoo could do to you is to sting your eyes, but it turns out that your shampoo could be deadly. The Center for Environmental Health based in Oakland, California, performed a study on shampoos and soaps and found that 98 included a possible carcinogen known as cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA).
Cocamide DEA is a chemically modified form of coconut oil that is used as a thickener or foaming agent in shampoo. However, the state of California has outlawed its use, because it may be carcinogenic to humans. The CEH is suing companies producing and distributing these products, including Prell, Paul Mitchell and Colgate Palmolive shampoos. Also included are products marketed to children, and even one which falsely claims to be organic (Organic by Africa’s Best.)
Until things are resolved, it seems like getting shampoo in your eyes may have become the least of your concerns. You can find a full list of all 98 suspect shampoos here."

In the same chord, Vick's Vapor Rub has been found to do similar damage.  A quote from LiveStrong states the following:

Lung infections like pneumonia can occur from misuse of Vicks Vapor Rub.  Photo Credit thorax x-ray of the lungs image by JoLin 

"Vicks Vapor Rub brand has been marketed for treatment of cough and congestion, such as from colds or allergies, and muscle aches. Vapor Rub contains the chemicals menthol and camphor, which provide numbing and counter-irritant action on sore muscles. When applied to the chest and nose areas, the pungent odor of the combined chemicals may suppress cough and seems to open stuffy airways and nasal passages; however, it is likely that the decongestant benefits are superficial and that the chemicals provide a cooling effect to make breathing easier for short time periods. Regardless, Vicks Vapor Rub is used frequently in adults and children older than two years of age, and care should be taken to avoid side effects."

You deserve alternatives. Let's start with one for each, shall we? 

For shampoo, make your own at home with this recipe: 

1 C liquid castile soap 
1/4 C olive oil
1/8 C honey 
(thanks, Pretty Smart Girl!) 

For a Vicks Vapor Rub Alternative:

Get a bottle or two of Eurospa's Eucalyptus Oil Shower Spray.  The active ingredient in Vick's is also Eucalyptus, as it's antibacterial with menthol clearing properties. Simply Spray the product into shower or bath steam for a simple enhanced effect. Or add it to a humidifier for respiratory needs. 

The beauty and wellness industry often does nothing to keep you well. We at Eurospa are happy to provide alternatives for you. You deserve it.  Knowledge is power, pass it on!

Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift? It's Right Here!

We spend so much time searching for the perfect holiday gift for our loved ones, whether it's for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and more! Whether you plan in advance or wait until the last week, the same question comes to mind: WHAT am I going to buy? 

Some people are hard to buy for and for some it's far too easy, but one thing that remains in common is that people like to feel good. They like to be relaxed and enjoy the feeling of good health.

This is why we recommend eucalyptus oil shower spray as this years best gift (stocking stuffer too!) From warding off winter colds to cooling those summer burns, this gift is one that will keep giving back the entire year!

Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

Arterial Vasodilator

Eucalyptus will help dilate the circulatory system, increasing circulation. Use 1 drop during massage over any area of concern.

Asthma
During an asthma attack, massage 1-2 drops over the chest. Also, inhale the aroma directly or diffuse in the air.

Brain Blood Flow
Diffuse or spray the mist throughout the home or classroom to increase circulation to the brain.

Bronchitis
Use topically or aromatically, massaging into the chest, back and throat, inhaling from the bottle, or dropping the oil on the shirt collar.

Congestion
Eucalyptus oil uses included clearly congestion from the airways. I recommend inhaling for nasal congestion and massaging the oil over all other affected areas.

Cooling
Yes, eucalyptus oil uses even include cooling the body down. Place several drops in a spray bottle, along with peppermint oil if you'd like some extra oomph, and spritz over the body. 

Coughs
Diffuse or spray throughout the room throughout the span of the illness, but also massage into the reflex points of the feet (follow the application guidelines in the link above), as well as over the chest, back, and throat. *Be sure to add the shower mist spray to a hot shower, bath or steam room, as this will quickly break through congestion and mucous for faster relief of respiratory conditions.

Diabetes
Because of the vasodilation mention above, using eucalyptus on a daily basis can increase circulation, a common issue for diabetics. I recommend massaging it into the body with lotion after each shower, as the massage will also help increase circulation.

Disinfectant
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties naturally make cleaning among one of the eucalyptus oil uses. Follow this household cleaners guide for more information.

Dysentery
Massage 2 drops of eucalyptus over the abdomen in a counter-clockwise direction to ease diarrhea, inflammation, and fight infection.

Ear Inflammation
Never put essential oil IN the ear canal! However, you can massage the oil on and around the outer ear. Use only 1 drop to start, diluted for children.

Emphysema
Eucalyptus oil uses are wonderful for all manner of respiratory disease. Diffuse or spray your personal sized mist the oil daily, massage 1 drop over the chest at least once a day, and another drop into the reflex points of the feet.

Expectorant

To help drain mucus from the lungs, massage 1 drop into the reflex points of the feet and apply another drop over the chest at least once a day (I'd personally do three times a day if no sensitivity is found).

Fever
Because eucalyptus oil uses include cooling the body (above), using during a high fever can help the body regulate its temperature and support its efforts in fighting infection.

Flu
Depending on your flu symptoms, eucalyptus oil uses will vary. You can apply to the abdomen to ease diarrhea, massage into aching joints and muscles, or simply diffuse through the air to fight infection.

Hypoglycemia
Another of eucalyptus oil uses, you can help regulate your blood sugar by massaging 1-2 drops into the soles of the feet daily.

Inflammation
Massage 1-2 drops over the afflicted area, always moving toward the heart to support the lymphatic system.

Iris Inflammation
This recommend comes from Modern Essentials (mentioned below). While you should never put essential oils IN the eyes, massaging into the temples may support the irises.

Jet Lag
Eucalyptus oil uses include waking up the body with its slightly sweet, fruity, and uplifting aroma. Use topically or aromatically.

Kidney Stones
Massage 1-2 drops of the oil over the afflicted area up to three times a day.

Lice
Its natural insecticidal properties make this among one of the more surprising of eucalyptus oil uses. Read more about treating lice naturally here.

Measles
Diffuse  and spray your mist throughout the home for the length of the illness, and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet 2-3 times a day.

Neuralgia
Another of the little-known eucalyptus oil uses, massaging into the areas of concern daily can reduce pain.

Neuritis
Along with neuralgia, massage several drops into the reflex points of the feet and over the affected areas can reduce inflammation.

Overexercised Muscles
Strain, fatigue, etc can all be treated with a gentle massage of eucalyptus oil. Always massage toward the heart to move the lactic acid buildup through the lymphatic system.

Pain
Depending on the type of pain, eucalyptus oil uses may necessitate application to the reflex points of the feet or directly over the area of concern.

Pneumonia
Help the lungs to clear by diffusing constantly and massaging directly over the lungs. Use the shower mist as often as possible.  It will also help to massage eucalyptus into the reflex points of the hands and feet. 

Rhinitis

Reduce inflammation and open airways by inhaling directly from the bottle, massaging one drop over the sinuses, or applying as a hot compress.

Shingles
Eucalyptus oil uses include shingles for its antiviral properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Massage into the affected areas daily, add to a warm bath, or use a hot compress over the area.

Sinusitis
Apply as a hot compress over the sinuses and massage 1-2 drops into the reflex points of the feet (toes and pads of the feet). You can also inhale directly or diffuse throughout the room.

Tennis Elbow
I highly recommend finding a massage therapist who specializes in treating tennis elbow and bringing along your eucalyptus to include in the deep massage of the area.

Tuberculosis
Eucalyptus oil uses include fighting the bacterial infection, clearly the lungs, reducing inflammation and more. Diffuse constantly and massage 2 drops into the chest and over the back.

With a list that extensive, who WOULDN'T want such a healing remedy stocked in their home? We invite you to stop by and buy a bottle of Eurospa's Eucalyptus Oils Shower Spray today for yourself AND your loved ones for the holidays. They deserve great health and SO DO YOU. 

These Simple Tips Will Reduce Illness During Cold & Flu Season!

As the fall and winter months unfold, getting a cold or flu may feel unavoidable to you and your family. But rest assured, there are definitely some natural and simple tips to reduce illness during cold and flu season for you and the whole family. 

Vitamin D. 
Vitamin D is the number one prevention and treatment for illness as it is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. The best source for vitamin D is direct sunlight exposure, but isn't always available for many or practical during the winter. The next best thing to sunlight is the use of a safe indoor tanning device. If neither natural nor artificial sunlight is an option, then using oral supplements is your best bet.

Healthy food intake
The following foods are extremely beneficial for your overall health and strength of your immune system. Be sure to get a balanced amount of each.

-Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchee, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, etc.
-Raw, organic eggs from free-ranging chickens 
-Coconuts and coconut oil
-Locally grown fruits and vegetables
-Mushrooms, especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake, which contain beta glucans (which have immune-enhancing properties)
-Garlic, a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria, viruses AND fungi
-Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores: Turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cloves 

Drink Water
Keeping hydrated allows the body to both function efficiently and to flush toxins and bacteria from your system. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body.

Sleep
Make sure you are getting an adequate amount sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or enough restorative sleep, you’ll be at increased risk for a hostile viral takeover.

Steam
The body loves a chance to release stored toxins in the skin and other organs. Either create a good steaming shower and add our eucalyptus oil shower spray to the mix or do the same in a quality sauna or steam room.  This will also fight bronchial infections, respiratory struggles, improve circulation and alleviate pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. 

At Eurospa, we are committed to your health and the health of the world around you.  Please take close care of your immune system this season and talk to us about our other products available for personal and spa use!