Scent Science

Essential oils have therapeutic properties that can support one's greater health and wellbeing well beyond the nose. Though this modality may have sounded a little hippy dippy to certain individuals,  essential oils are actually gaining acceptance being heavily researched in a multitude of studies for their various benefits. This is not just woo woo, smell good stuff, but complex chemistry that goes way beyond just scent.

The bark, stem, flower, root, or leaf parts of a given plant can be harvested and extracted into an essential oil. These essential oil extracts are actually the defense, immune, or protection properties of a plant. The complex "properties" are a result of evolution! As a particular plant has programmed itself to adapt and survive , up against crazy ice ages, disease, predators, and human sprawl billions of species continue to exist.  These essential oil compounds result in a plant's perfection through time. 

“Have you ever touched the petal or leaf from a plant then smelled the lovely scent that rubbed off on your hand? The fragrant residue left behind is is the essential oil of the plant. ”

Modern Medicine

Harnessing the power of these plants is not a new field of science.  In fact, the "modern medicine" or the meds that doctors prescribe today is derived from plants but replicated in a lab and produced synthetically to save on cost.

 We are fortunate enough to live in a time of great medical advancements. In fact America is rated #1 for trauma care. Studies show though that $4.5 trillion per year is spent in the US on health care alone yet the US is rated 52nd out of 60 for healthy people. We spend about 1/2 the worlds global health care budget in the U.S.!

“Are we healthier because of these drugs though?”

Also, the pharma drugs produced from these ancient plants as discussed from above only contain 1 or 2 of the hundreds healing compounds from a plant. This is because science is only advanced enough yet to isolate very few at a time in synthetic form. These incomplete compounds lead to drugs that may address symptoms, but lead to reactions, side effects, addictions, and have nothing to do with getting to the "root" of the problem.

Complete Whole Compounds = "Therapeutic"

On the other hand, just one natural plant extract can contain up to hundreds of constituents at a time. A therapeutic grade Helichrysum essential oil for example, which is harvested in the wild has up to 800 compounds. Modern medicine can't perfect like Mother Nature.  Nor does the Helichrysum growing in my backyard contain 800 compounds. This is because location is everything! The indigenous region specific to a plant is where it's species is going to be the most complete, super species if you will, and w / the most therapeutic value.

Aromatic Science

Natural compounds include constituents such as linalool (antibacterial, sedative, anti-fungal, antiviral), sesquiterpenes (supports healthy neurological function) and d-limolene (inhibits growth of cancer cells and highly antiviral) to name a few. Check out aromaticscience.com to access the latest comprehensive library of published scientific and peer-reviewed studies on essential oils. There is also an "Education" section to become an expert in essential oil science. www.aromaticscience.com

“So why haven’t we been using essential oils all along to support our wellness?”

No Label Laws

Historically essential oils have been used for greatly supporting the mind, body, and spirit. Unfortunately, up (until recently) there has not been a quality as safe and pure over the last century.  Most essential oil products on the market are adulterated and their production is driven by the perfume industry containing harmful chemicals like pesticides, kerosene, and diacetone alchohol. Diacetone alcohol is found in brake fluid and wood stains. There are no labeling laws so it's easy to put almost anything into an essential oil and label as "Pure".  These solvents extend the quantity of the essential oil and are odorless, and have a similar texture to the pure oil so they can go unnoticed. Yes, these toxins are sitting on the shelves of our beloved heath food stores.

Whoot Whoot

The good new is that there is an essential oil REVOLUTION happening right now!!!!!! There is an ethical source that is on a mission to change the standards of the industry completely through rigorous grow, harvest, distillation, and testing methods. This source produces oils that are so PURE many of the oils are safe for internal use and have such therapeutic effects that millions of people are catching on.

Sign up to receive more information about the safest, pure, most therapeutic grade oils that are available on the market today.

Desert Flower

I love so many things about the desert. The sky is incredible if you have ever caught a brazen sunset or admired the beauty of gazing at the sparkling celestial night. There is so much healing to be had from the empowering Sun, which I love upon my face to the mystic exotic landscape of plants including cacti, succulents, or a rare, budding, desert flower. The desert regions are rich with indigenous culture which through art and ceremony connect the past to the present.

“If you sing of beauty though alone in the heart of the desert you will have an audience”

— Kahil Gibran

Agave

The most common desert plant agave, is used to to make tequila. Agave is a family of succulents distantly related to the lily family, but not related to any cactus. Also called a maguey. The plants grow in the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America. Agave is poisonous when raw, but has a sweet, mild flavour when baked or made into a syrup. The juice of the blue agave, cultivated primarily in the state of Jalisco, is used to make tequila; other agave species are used to make mezcal, bacanora, sotol, and pulque. There are more than 300 agave species. An agave plant takes eight to 12 years to mature. The plant has a bulbous body called a pina. The thick, spiny blue-green leaves extend six-eight feet at all angles like spears. Mexican law (see normas) state a product must contains at least 51% blue agave sugars to be called tequila. Because of the shape of the agave leaves are similar to the outstretched fingers of a human hand, prehispanic Mexican Indians called the plant "metal" or "metal" which means "hand."

Essential oils

Some other plants from arid regions to note which I daily use in the form of essential oils for self care include:

• Juniper Berry - Acts as a cleansing and detox agent. May benefit problematic skin. Supports healthy kidney function. Helps relieve tension and stress.

• Lavender - Eases muscle tension. Helps skin recover quickly. Used for its calming qualities.

• Melaleuca - Renowned for it's rejuvenating effect on the skin. Promotes healthy immune function. Protects against environmental threats.

• Rosemary - Supports healthy digestion. soothes muscles aches and pains. Helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue.

• Cypress - Assists with clear breathing. Soothes tension. Supports localized blood flow. Beneficial for oily skin.

If you would like to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of essential oils please private message me or request info here...http://elegantsavage.us10.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=9f46478e61d16e521c349dd18&id=aaec29a2b0

DIY Recipe

My own collection of succulents 

Earthships

are 100% sustainable homes that are both cheap to build because they are made out of recycled materials. They can provide free food! Each Earthship is outfitted with a greenhouse that grow crops year-round, no matter the climate. This means you can feed yourself with only the plants growing inside of your house. The entire roof of the Earthship funnels rain water to a cistern, which then pumps it to sinks and showers when required. “Grey water” is used to water the plants. What is super cool about an Earthship is their ability to sustain comfortable temperatures year round. Check out more details here: http://www.highexistence.com/10-reasons-why-earthships-are-fing-awesome/

Indigenous Culture:

The desert regions throughout the world are rich with indigenous culture and tribes that are still alive and well today. Thanks to these people traditions of ceremony, storytelling, medicine, agriculture,  and the arts have been practiced, passed down, and preserved through the ages. There are many lessons rooted in history and ancient wisdom here to be honored and considered sacred. The Zuni tribe in the New Mexico region of the US have lived in the American Southwest for thousands of years. Their cultural and religious traditions are rooted, in large part, in the people's deep and close ties to the mountains, forests, and deserts of this ancient Zuni homeland. Primarily being farmers, the Zuni raise maize and wheat and engage in Jewelry making. It has become an important additional source of income for the people.

One way the Zuni people express these cultural traditions is through their art. Check out this ceremonial dance:

Sungazing

Sungazing is an ancient practice also known as sun eating. It is a strict regimen of gradually allowing sunlight into your eyes at specific periods of the day. The goal when implementing the practice is to look into the sun at periods of the lowest ultraviolet-index which occur at sunrise and sunset each day. In essence, sun gazing provides beneficial stimulation to the body. The process itself negates the body’s innate need for food and retrains it to run on the energy of the sun. As such, the process helps increase energy, clarity of thinking, and overall health. NASA research suggested that the process could make an individual maintain a level of health that was far better in comparison to other individuals of the same age.

The process has also been shown as an effective treatment for specific conditions. Melanoma, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, and a number of other cancers benefit from the treatment. Likewise, the increased vitamin D gained from the process is a known healing agent.

Xanadu's Oasis

You have not experienced Heaven on Earth until you have smelled pure, therapeutic grade, uncut, undiluted rose, geranium, or grapefruit essential oil essence. The floral scents drift me away to a dream like place where there are castles in sky and many gold drenched maidens!

Pink champange lagoons flow sweet as sparkle kisses. A poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge called the "Kubla Khan; or, A Vision in a Dream: A Fragment" describes  it best when painting a picture of a place called "Xanadu".

The term also invokes visions of roller skating, galactic Aussie singing beach babe muses yet also reminds me of a sprayfoam model home of the future I once visted while on vacation in the Wisconsin Dells as a kid.

The "Xanadu" of Coleridge’s poem though was actually believed to be a paradise Summer capitol retreat for the ancient Mongolian ruler Kubla Khan as described by Marco Polo who may have visited in 1275 AD. A line that rings true, and is one of my favs states:

““For he on Honeydew Hath Fed and Drunk the Milk of Paradise”.”

Where is your paradise? Do you have an escape, or special retreat? What does your Xanadu look like? How does it feel to find your Eden? It's easy to find your "Oasis". Just sit back and relax your mind. Connect through visualization to all the things that you love, and that make you FEEL GOOD! Connecting to that "Feeling" is a powerful way to use the "Law of Attraction" to bring in more more good things! The essence of what we desire isn't that person, place, or thing it is THAT FEELING that these objects bring! Use this ancient, secret formula to attract all that you desire. My Xanadu looks something like the illustrations by John Kirlay posted below!

"In Xanadu" by John Kirlay

I am re-launching an indulgent line of juicy, botanical, and pure skin care goods to help spirit you away to your own Shangri la and attract ALL that your heart desires. I find that even though I have this sacred information I need to paint my #DREAMLIFE, it's hard to get into that visual, creative, feel good space if I have not been nurturing my body w/ plenty of self care! Setting time aside for Self-Love is key! 

“Setting time aside for Self-Love is key! ”

Stay tuned. I hope you will try one my Xandu's Oasis creations. The ingredient's used were selected to support youthful skin, and the aroma is intoxicating, uplifting, and promotes a higher state of wellbeing! If you would like to learn about some of the ingredients sourced please go to this link! http://elegantsavage.us10.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=9f46478e61d16e521c349dd18&id=aaec29a2b0

Savage Scents

“DRINK THE MILK OF PARADISE and find yourself in an Eden like this!”

Rendezvous at Falls Head" by John Kirlay

Elegant Savage Monthly Newsletter

"Drink the Milk of Paradise"! I am so passionate about Mother Nature and her sweet plant medicine gifts that I giving away a FREE bottle of Helichrysum essential oil ($100 value). This is the creme d' la creme! To get entered into the drawing it is SO easy and also FREE. Please sign up for my Elegant Savage monthly newsletter by entering your email in the link below! Because I respect your privacy even my BFF's need to "opt-in" to my monthly newsletter by confirming w/ an email. I am excited to be connecting w/ my community on a monthly basis providing natural living tips and DIY recipes while offering tidbits of inspiration that elevate the mind and make your heart go PITTER PATTER. (Drawing will be on July 31st and I will contact the lucky winner of the 5ml bottle of helichrysum). http://eepurl.com/bnvpcD

ExperiMINTing

Stay cool w/ Spearmint

This essential oil has been my favorite part summer so far! There is one "side of effect" though occasional states of BLISS! My "experiMINTing" of DIY delights has raged from skin care to culinary creations and some recipes can be found below. I am especially excited because not only is this oil special due to it's limited availability I don't really care for the scent peppermint. Spearmint takes things to a whole new level for me and to experience it has been heavenly! 

 

Recipes to stay cool!

Watermelon Mint Sorbet

Take one watermelon as big as your head and puree it. Add one drop of spearmint EO, 1/2 a cup of sugar or natural sweeter and freeze!

After Sun Spray

In a 2oz glass spritzer fill w/ distilled water and add 2 drops of spearmint and 6 drops of lavender EO. Keep chilled in the fridge. This is cooling to burns and supports healthy skin. 

EyeSee Nirvana

Soak washcloths in an ice bath of water, 2 drops spearmint, cypress, and grapefruit. Cool down while reducing dark circles, puffiness, and toning skin. 

(The über cooling minty oils such as Spearmint should be avoided during pregnancy because they are so stimulating. Dilute w/ carrier oil for the kiddos. )

Jupiter and Venus Sittin' in a Tree!

“A wave of pure, and infinite consciousness and an expansion of love filled my heart as I looked up at the sky. ”

I recognized it as Venus right away because it reminded me of a time when I was tucked away in a cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills w/ a friend. Beauty surround us as we nested in nature. At sunset would would go out to the deck to watch the rise of this bright celestial body. We called it our "love planet" because at the time we had no cell service so we could not confirm what it was but we knew it made us feel oh so good. We fell deep in love.  It felt like it was just the three of us left in the world, me, my love, and "our" love planet. There was no moon in the sky because it was also a time of a New moon /Solar eclipse of 2013 around Nov 1st. So many close friends were ending relationships w/ that one and I had finally found love. We did have two visitors that week though that brought us back down to planet earth and reminded us we were not alone. These two lovebirds in the photo below were a sweet and auspicious pair dancing under our planet of love.

This past June though when I had more recently spotted Venus, the planet of love was even appearing brighter, bigger and more intense because it was so low and conjunct Jupiter, the planet of expansion. What is so cool about this current conjunction is the planets have grown closer and closer together until on June 30th (and a few days beyond) they appear to be approximately one-third of a degree apart from one another. As the two stars appear to merge together they will look like an extremely bright and brilliant double-star in the night sky that some are calling what was known as the "Star of Bethlehem". Robert Wilkinson, a lifetime astrologer debunks this theory, but states "the conjunction is at 22 degrees Leo, a degree of a world server, and the return of soul-energies to the central Self after significant experience.  It is known also as a degree of practical alignment." http://www.aquariuspapers.com/astrology/2015/06/astrology-in-july-2015-venus-conjunct-jupiter-in-the-setting-sky.html

One of my favorite, fresh astrologers Chani Nicholas also reports:

"Venus in Leo is all about the playful, prideful, possibly boastful outward self-expression of our sexy selves, what we value and how we love. A trine from Uranus in Aries lights up the situation with an excited can’t stop/won’t stop kind of sentiment. Personal breakthroughs in creative endeavors and a sense of revitalizing our heart’s desires and romantic relationships abound. Uranus in Aries adds a much-needed ingredient to make the perfect concoction for personal revolutions that can lead to bigger societal shifts." See more at: http://www.chaninicholas.com/full-moon-horoscopes-for-the-week-of-june-29th/#sthash.3y4xjxmi.dpuf

The sacred geometry symbol in the first image at the top of the post is known as the Vesica Piscis and shows the communion of 2 to create a third. The juicy center is called the "mandorla". Metaphysical philosophy ties this sacred center to the "yoni" which is a symbol of CREATION. Aim (pronounced EYEM) is the seed sound or Bija mantra for CREATION associated w/ the Hindu goddess Saraswati. 

“What do you want to create in your life right now? ”

To me this geometry symbol is the fusion of two polarities, opposites coming together. The Sun and Moon perhaps, the feminine and masculine, and it really captures this rare conjunction of two planets that almost never meet coming together for a "kiss". More importantly the geometry and the conjunction remind me that a duality mindset is no longer serving us. Duality thinking locks us into our animal brain where we can't evolve our consciousness.  Dr. Pillai, my favorite youtube guru has many teachings explaining the fastest, and easiest way to manifest is by letting go of this duality mindset. This IS the ticket. 

 In conclusion, there is a Full Moon in Capricorn to boot today and as Venus and Jupiter are sitting in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G. I hope you will find a special moment to set a "CREATION" intention using the mantra Aim, release a duality mindset of what is no longer serving you, and bask in the loving light of these planetary bodies while embracing your BEING! 

 

Black (Pepper) Magic

Warm, fruity and spicy black pepper is best know as a common cooking spice but w/ a chemical make-up similar to Melissa, the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes soothes nerves, wards off seasonal threats, and promotes a healthy circulation. Use Black Pepper essential oil combined w/ coconut oil to soothe soar muscles. Diffuse or inhale directly to sooth nerves or for culinary fun add to entrees, salads, and soups. Besides black pepper's enhancing flavor it may aid digestion. Here is another DIY recipe idea:

Mama's helper

Cheers. . To learn more about my favorite essential oils click here!

Savage Color

Textile Junkie

"Textile Junkie", is one way to refer to my love of materials. Color, pattern, texture, and crazy prints light up my world. A longtime design principal I have applied to my works as a favorite is

“design bringing the outside in! ”

When we bring nature into our interior spaces we add depth, dimension, texture, warmth, w/ a sense of the organic.

After a long time obsession w/ collecting textiles and infusing my love for plants into this realm I have recently been inspired to start experimenting w/ botanically infused dyes from my garden (and spice cabinet)!

My journey into design is not limited to just soft foods, but hard surfaces too w/ a niche in natural stone and tile. Loved helping so many great people in the Portland area w/ design of their interiors including funky tile and exotic stone, selections for over a decade! Working full time in this fast paced industry, left me little time for hobby. My passion for textiles was more of a hobby collecting cool fabrics and prints w/ occasional light sewing for interior projects versus crafting pieces of artwork!

My First Loom

Since childhood I have been intrigued by crafting w/ textiles though and remember asking for this rad (toy) loom to start weaving by the time I was 6 or 7. My mom taught me embroidery and how to make a fuzzy hook rug. How about those funky pot holders weaved from the stretchy nylon bands?  The hippie years later hit and I continued to wet my whistle making making peace pipe pouches, hemp necklaces and festival dresses. Good times! Thanks Jerry!

Currently for the first time in a long while I am finding more time to play! I have retired from my tile showroom position thanks to my residual income from my home business sharing doTERRA essential oils. Now I am learning how to nuture myself, and do more of what I love. I am at the gateway of learning how to weave and macrame. It is coming along fast considering I am recognizing the basic knots from my hemp necklace making days!

Dyeing Deja Vu

Instantly I have been drawn to dye these first spools of jute w/ color! This handcrafting of color is adding a unique, feel to my projects considering I am harvesting plants in my garden to make beautiful one of a kind colors in my artwork. My first attempt was a huge success and I am pleased to share my results. Feeling like I could have worked in Fez in the dye district from a past life I am rooted to this practice and though new, it's seems familiar and old. (See image Fez below). This practice is ancient, good for the soul,  and I love that it is plant based.

Supplies

It was great to score some of the supplies I needed at a garage sale. I was able to buy many vats (old pots) for a $1 each to hold my dye baths! YES! Currently I am working w/ natural fibers such as hemp, cotton, and jute to practice various dying methods.

Wild Color

What I am enjoying the most about this process is it feels pretty organic! I hope to maintain sample records of my recipes w/ some level of science(to an extent) but sometimes it just feels good to go "Wild Color". This is a reference to the book "Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes" by master mixoligists, Jenny Dean and Karen Dyadic Casselman (1999), where I have received my inspiration.

Jenny Dean has worked with natural dyes for more than 30 years. A collection of her dyed samples is included in the collection of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage in Brussels, Belgium. Karen Diadick Casselman has taught dyeing techniques throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her dyed pieces are included in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution and other museums.

Modifiers, Mordants, and pH

There is a wide range of color one can extend from just one dye bath. Once a material has had it's dye bath a mordant can be added such as a copper, alum, or iron solution to create this range in color. These are basically baths in acid or alkaline like infusions (pH up or pH down). They can be made naturally using things like rusty nails and copper pipes diffusing in water solutions. These liquids need to be handled w/ care.  I am still wanting to understand more about making my own mordants before I embark on this part of making and storing these liquids. For now, I just worked w/ rinsing my first project in a modifying pH up or pH down solution to experiment w/ range 5.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale is considered neutral. Anything higher than that is on the alkaline side of the scale. A value lower than 7.0 is to be on the acid side. pH testing paper is an inexpensive and easy way to test the pH value.

1. Natural ways to adjust the pH down toward more acid(0-5.0)  is w/ vinegar or lemon.
2. If your solution is too acidic ways to adjust more alkaline, which is up w/ amoneia, ground chalk, washing soda, or wood ash water.

I don't keep amonia in my house since I only use non-toxic, natural cleaning solutions in my home.  I did swoop some ash left from a  wood burning fire out from the yard and mixed w/ water to make my pH up solution as a tester. The acid pH down solution was the easiest for me to whip up considering I had vinegar on hand. Vinegar is something I always keep around as a multi-use natural, effective, and non-toxic cleaner.

Bright Acids and Essential Oils

Acid side of pH scale makes brighter vivid colors! I saw this affect happen before my very own eyes w/ the vinegar. I could not resist as I was making a wild orange marigold color out of turmeric I rinsed it to give it yet another bath in my doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil. The tone became even more vibrant! The wild orange scent was nice to wash away the vinegar smell. Both can have anti-bacterial properties which was also a good thing because one mistake I made was after juicing the beet  was to add the plant matter to the dye bath. This made for lots of chunks and micro particles I had to rinse.  I was going for a golden from turmeric powder added a base from a beet or pomegranate rind was custom in India. This could deepen the original gold color and as the tumeric fades easily w/ UV exposure . Though I kept my measurements a bit loose the final resulting color was exactly what I was going for. Alchemy fun!

Nature rules!! Stay tuned for an upcoming post on my macrame project w/ incorporation of my dyed goods. Here are a few inspirations. 

You Put Da Lime in Da Coconut

Who doesn't love summer? Here in my hometown of Portland, Oregon we see little of the Sun as a gray backdrop paints the sky most of the year in Puddletown. I wait for that one fine day where I might get a glimpse of bright blue sky and warm sun kisses. The benefit of all of the rain and grey is crystal clean drinking water and the greenest of emerald forests so it not all that bad.

Vitamin D

I am a Sun worshipper though w/ genes rooted to the Mediterranean.  Sunshine makes me smile and fills my soul w/ golden goodness. It is also the only reliable way to create vitamin D in your own skin. This vitamin is stored in fat cells, and when released, circulates through the body in the blood. Fear of UV exposure has led to increasing vitamin D deficiencies, leading to or associated with:

• Osteoporosis, fractures (vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium in bones).
• Rickets (staging a comeback) which is insufficient bone formation characterized by twisted limbs.
• Diabetes.
• Impaired insulin production in the pancreas.
• Schizophrenia.
• Melatonin imbalance resulting in depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• Reduction in muscle strength in the elderly.
• Auto-immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (more prevalent in countries such as UK and Scotland compared to other European countries).
• Cancers of the colon, breast and prostate.
• Allergies.
• Adrenal insufficiency.
• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
• Infertility and PMS.
• Learning and behavior disorders.
• Cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

So the key is to get out there and absorb some Sun in small doses while protecting the skin from burning.  Today it is barely May and we had a fine 80 degree day. I was inspired to do some gardening and yard work while increasing my vitamin d production. Before I knew it though I was feeling zapped, overheated and parched pretty quickly.

Fresh Coconut Water

Drinking water was not doing enough so I happened to crack open a coconut to harvest the water inside. Young coconuts versus the brown hairy one are preferred as they have more nutrients and better flavor.

Coconut water is a superfood filled with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, and growth factors. It is low in fat and has only a fifth of the sugar found in most fresh fruit juices.

Coconut water has a normalizing effect and gives the body a boost of energy so that it can overcome a number of health-related conditions. It is effective in relieving dehydration, fatigue, constipation, and other digestive disturbances, kidney and bladder disorders, and vision problems such as glaucoma and cataract. It is reported to turn back time, so to speak, by reversing or slowing down the aging process. Coconut water also has an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to counteract or balance the effects of acidifying foods which are so common in our diets.

Lime Essential Oil

I also added a couple drops of pure, therapeutic Lime essential oil to revive and cleanse!

Lime essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that ward off free radicals and enhance immunity. Due to its high limonene content, Lime provides internal cleaning benefits and can be diffused to help purify the air. It’s also an effective and natural surface cleaner. Lime is known for its ability to uplift mood, and balance and energize the mind and body. 

This was such a simple, healthy and cost effective DIY remedy to bring me back after my "meltdown". I instantly felt hydrated, refreshed, and energized. I highly recommend "you put da lime in da cococut" and enjoy a similar delight this summer.