Use Diffusers to Reap the Benefits of Essential Oils
Once you decide on the best diffuser for your home, you need to select a few essential oils and put your new toy to use. Lemon oil is antibacterial and antiseptic, and will freshen your environment. Cinnamon oil can clear congestion and has a homey, autumnal scent. Eucalyptus oil is an air purifier, but its scent is strong and not for everybody. If you want to de-stress, try rosemary oil, which decreases your cortisol levels. Take note that you should alert your doctor before partaking in aromatherapy if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on any medication. While most essential oils are perfectly safe to diffuse, the compounds in certain oils can combine with medication and trigger adverse side effects. Once you begin diffusing, you’ll never go back to commercial, chemical scent sprays. The benefits are evident, and the results smell sweet.
In addition to filling your house with an all-natural, appealing perfume, aromatherapy has been touted as a way to help with everything from stress and insomnia to cognitive function and mood enhancement. To receive these benefits, you’ll need to pick up a diffuser and some oils. With so many options, though, how do you know which one is right for you? There is no shortage of methods for diffusing essential oils. Nebulizing diffusers don’t require any heat source, instead atomizing the essential oils. They are extremely effective, but they are also large and expensive. Ultrasonic diffusers are similarly heatless, preserving the oils. This type of diffuser can also work as a humidifier, making it a valuable multitasker. Heat and evaporative diffusers are cheaper options, but they tend to alter oils or separate particles according to size.
If you’ve stopped by a health store recently, you’ve no doubt seen a huge selection of essential oils. These liquids, which contain concentrated, natural aroma compounds found in plants, are the basis of aromatherapy, one of the most popular trends in holistic health. Aromatherapy involves applying these oils to the skin or spraying them into the air. Skin application requires that you use diluted oils, because aromatic compounds are strong and can cause irritation. As a result of these concerns, many essential oil acolytes have turned to diffusers to get the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe, wonderful- smelling manner.
SQUASH AND SAUSAGE SOUP
INGREDIENTS
• Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons fat of choice • Pepitas, to garnish
• ½ cup canned coconut milk • ½ cup vegetable broth • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 acorn squash, halved • 1 ½ pounds pork sausage • 1 yellow onion, diced • 1 garlic clove, minced
DIRECTIONS
8. Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and puree until smooth. 9. Place pureed soup in a bowl, top with sausage, and sprinkle with pepitas.
5. Once onions become translucent, add pork sausage to pan and use wooden spoon to break into pieces and cook until completely cooked through. 6. When acorn squash is roasted and soft, scoop squash out of = skin with spoon and place into food processor. 7. Add coconut milk and broth to food processor. Puree until smooth.
1. Preheat oven to 415 F. 2. Cut acorn squashes in half and place on a baking sheet, open side down. 3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until soft to the touch. 4. When acorn squash has about 10 minutes left to cook, place large skillet over medium heat, with 2 tablespoons of fat, minced garlic, and diced onions.
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