Hey Y'all! I'm still around..Update on my daughter & her locks!

Hello there Blog Family!!! I can't believe that it has been over 2 years since I have posted. My life has been very busy to say the least: furthering my education through the doctoral program for the past 2 years, taking care of a parent who suddenly fell ill, needed my immediate attention during his final days (RIP Daddy), working part time, and being wife to my handsome Army Officer and mother to my awesome children.

Although I haven't posted, I have taken quick looks at many of you who still post somewhat regularly but will have to get caught up in the blog world. I  have missed all of my blog friends as I affectionately call you all even though we have never met ;)

Well, I thought that I would post a collage of pictures of my hair over time but as I started looking through my photos I found quite a few of my daughter (Munkin, mentioned in previous posts) who also wears locks. Although our locks were installed by an official Sister Locks trainee, I have taken over the maintenance and care for both of our heads thanks to the help of so many of you fellow lockers.

... So without further ado...Here is my little (taller than me 13 year old, 9th grade, JV cheerleader, tumbling, honor roll, track star, 1st chair violinist, Lock Rocker) Princess Munkin over the years! Her locks are 5 years old (as of August 18, 2013) and she still has major shrinkage but she absolutely loves her hair and all of her friends do too!

From about 1 year in - present,

    ...just have to love this girl for embracing her natural hair even in this age of relaxers and weaves for children her same age.


I will return soon with an update of my own hair.

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!

Crunchy, Ashy Hair

Hi Again,

So I did a no poo wash today because I am one of those people that absolutely has to wash my hair every week and I am totally out of all of my favorite shampoos. I thought that the no poo wash would leave my hair feeling clean and soft because for those of you that don't know, a no poo wash is when you wash your hair using only conditioner. To my surprise, my hair feels really crunchy...YIKES!...and it looks ashy. I think that there is some kind of change going on with me because my hair is really doing some weird things these days. Because of all the fuss, I have decided to order the WEN hair care system. It is supposed to clean the hair using only natural oils. I watched the infomercial the other day and decided to give it a try. I will do a product review once it gets here. Hopefully the total system will be worth the $29 that I am paying. Has anyone else tried this before? Also, does anyone else have any suggestions for ashy dry looking hair. I did my usual moisturizing routine after washing and everything but for some reason today my hair just wants to do its own thing; but on a good note, my scalp does feel clean and it's not itchy at all.



I tried to capture the dull dry crunchiness of the hair in the picture but not sure if that worked so well or not. I am smiling now because I had to take at least 20 pictures to get one that I could show so I was laughing inside(I do that often plus I am just a smiler). Kept seeing things in the background like mail on the table, kids would run through, I would have some crazy look on my face, etc. It was pretty funny but I guess you'd just have to be there :)

I think I will do yet another braid out or twist out for tomorrow. Maybe adding the texture will make it look a bit better. Plus...those are my two favorite styles right now since I have a little length these days.

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

A Change in Plans

Hello All,
There has been a slight change in my hair plans. After combining my locks a few weeks ago and even sewing the ends of a few, I have now taken the combined locks down and am back to my sister locks. After just a couple weeks of growth, I noticed that my hair was filling in EXTREMELY fast and rather nicely. Not being satisfied with waiting through the process of relocking due to combining, I decided to just take the combined locks apart. Although I love the look of bigger locks I didn't have the patients to go through with the combine :(

I have learned through this trial that if I ever decide to ever cut my locks and start over, I will start with a different method such as comb coils or two strand twists so that I can achieve the larger look from the beginning.

Although I feel bad for not being able to be patient enough to go through with my new plan, I am very satisfied with how my sister locks are looking at this point. If you look at the pictures below, you will see that the thinning area has completely filled in. As the locks were two-strand twisted and the hair grew into the parts, I was able to incorporate that new growth into the locks when I did my re tightening.





My scalp feels wonderful and they look great to me. I have also noticed that the shaft of my locks seem to now be more compact; finally they really feel mature. I am again loving my hair, trying new things like twist outs, braid outs, and up dos.

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!

Uh Oh!!

OK so isn't this transitioning thing supposed to be fun?.....not so much for me. I feel like I look terrible. I went to the mall the other day and felt like all eyes were on me because I looked a HOT MESS, not because my hair was cute like in the past. I noticed about 3 beautiful heads of locks and they were looking at me too; I could only imagine what they were thinking. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not one to care much about what others think of me but I do care very much about how I feel about myself. When I transitioned from permed hair to natural hair and then to locks, it didn't seem as bad but this is HARD!!! I guess patience is the key. Not sure if I am ready to relearn this lesson. Still loving the growth though, I have never seen so much growth so fast on my head.


Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

New Growth

Hello All,
Just wanted to let you all see what has been going on with my hair. The two strand twists have only been in for a few weeks and my hair has grown a complete afro around them. The thinning area is totally grown in. Although the growth is AMAZING, there are many dislikes for the transitioning phase. I don't like the flakes that the Organic Root Stimulator left after a few days, I don't like the unkept look of transitioning, and don't like that I can't wash or at least rinse my hair as much. I did start to sew the locks together but it takes so long that I have only completed about 25 out of about 108 locks. I suppose I will just do a little at a time until the are all complete.

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!

My New Journey

Hello again,

Sooo....certainly you all weren't thinking that I cut all my hair off were you? Well, I haven't; but I did however combine my locks taking them from Sisterlocks to traditional locks. On June 14, I 2-strand twisted the locks together securing them with black rubber bands just to see if this was an option for me while I did my research on YouTube. I have always considered combining anyway but what better time than now. Immediately a mini afro started growing in the parts and I felt confident that this was going to work out well. I wore the 2-strand twists until yesterday (June 19) when I did my routine weekend wash, added some infusion moisture therapy and repair after washing, moisturized with my usual Jojoba/peppermint oil concoction, and officially twisted my roots for the first time using Organic Root Stimulator lock and twist gel. I would have rather used aloe vera gel which I hear so many ranting about but didn't know where the whole foods store is in Raleigh, NC (which is my new home town as of July of last year). I sat under the dryer under the cool setting for about 20 minutes and let the hair air dry the rest of the way. I went to bed last night with a satin scarf on my head and slept on a satin pillow case. When I woke up this morning, the hair was still neat and tidy. I did not do my usual spritzing but my scalp and hair still felt moisturized. The black rubber bands remain on the ends for now but I plan on sewing each lock some time next weekend so that the rubber bands can come off because I hate the look of them.

Results:
-I lost about 2-3 inches of length from combining
-My hair feels clean and fresh
-My scalp feels refreshed already
-The hair already looks and feels thicker as the mini afro was able to be
incorporated into the new traditional locks
-The parting is uneven and the size varies but they still look great to me
-A new lock journey begins...YAY!

The pictures are of the crown of my head after combining, the front view after combining, and an up close view of one lock with rubber band on the end.

Please leave comments as this is totally new for me and I will be learning as I go

Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

3 Years Locked

Wow...Can't believe it has been a whole 3 years since I locked my hair. I never thought I would make it this far. As I told you all in my last post that with three years comes change for me. The change took a lot of thought because I have become very attached to my hair over the past three years....but.....I decided it was time to do away with the sister locks so they are now gone:( I thought I would miss them but I believe this change is for the best as my hair was starting to thin in the crown. For a girl who already has thin hair, this was hard to look at everyday. This area has always been a problem and stress area for me as a child and as an adult with a perm. I hope you all aren't too disappointed but it had to be done. I will however continue blogging about my new and exciting hair journey and I hope that you all will continue to follow and support. I took pictures of the thinning area. I think that the sisterlocks simply put too much tension on this weak area over time and I was tired of continuously trying to cover it up.


I will post pictures soon of the changed me, although I love it, I am still trying to get used to it.

Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

Chang Is Comin

Hello All,

So my 3 year anniversary with locks is quickly (June 20) approching and I am planning a BIG change for the occassion. The past three years have been wonderful and I am so glad that I made the decission to not only go natural but to lock my hair. This has become the new me for sure. Still loving my locks but I think its time to spice it up a bit. Stay tuned to see the big surprise. I'm soooo excited!!!! I hope you all are too.

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!

Yes...I am Still Alive!

Hello Blog Family,

Where have I been you asked?....well, where do I start? My family and I have moved across country from Honolulu, HI to Garner (just outside of Raleigh), NC. BIG CHANGE! We had a house built, I started a new job (not in my field because I couldn't find one), and have also started school again at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill campus preparing for the accelerated nursing program hopefully to start in January to add to the Masters degree that I obtained last year....and that is just the short version of the story! But all is well!

As for my hair, it is coming along nicely. It seems to be growing slowly but surely. I have not been doing much with it as I have been too too busy but I still love it. I wash weekly and now condition with Pantene curly dry to moisture conditioner, Love, Love, Love that conditioner. Not only does it soften my hair but it leaves it feeling moisturized while its still wet with a fresh smell. It also doesn't unravel the locks like some other conditioners have that I've tried in the but after it dries the softness leaves also so I made some changes to my everyday routine. My nightly routine has been to sleep on a satin pillow case and spritz in the mornings with water, a few drops of lavender essential oil, and some jojoba oil mixed in a spray bottle. I follow up the spritz with a moisturizing product I found at target and tried simply because I couldn't find a whole foods store to get my usual products; Lavish Curls Moisturizer. This product quickly became a must have as it s made with certified organic ingredients. It eliminates the crunchy bed head and keeps my hair and scalp feeling hydrated all day while giving my locks life and body. Give it a try if you don't already have a favorite.

Well that's all for now, just wanted to share a quick update. I promise to be around a little more now that I am getting settled in. Plus blogging has been a good stress reliever in the past and Lord knows I could use some relief from stress :)

Lock on wit yo bad self!

Help Me Update

Blog family,
I am looking for suggestions on ways to update and modernize my blog. Now, I am not very computer savvy so I have no idea how to do all the fancy stuff. I could really use suggestions or instruction on a few things in the following areas:

Where to find new free blog templates
How to upload pictures and place them where I want them
How to create slide shows
How to link YouTube videos
How to create and post my own videos

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)


Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

2 Years With Locks

Hello again so soon!

I am coming up on my 2 year mark with locks! Wow! The actual date isn't until June 20th but I though I would get this post in early. My locks have really come a long way. They have thickened, puffed, and are finally starting to grow longer. I have absolutely no regrets about locking my hair, only that I didn't do it long ago. I know that everyone says that but it is soo true.

I used to faithfully tighten my locks every 4 weeks for the first year until I became a DIY'er. Now, I just re-tighten when I feel like it. That is usually between 6 and 10 weeks. 10 weeks!!! I know that sounds like a long time but my hair is very slow growing and I really enjoy the new growth. I love to put my hands in my hair and feel the soft fluffy roots. I also don't really like the scalppy look of a freshly tightened head although I love the way it feels when the water runs over my scalp after a fresh retigh. I am also happy to report that I have never lost a lock! Yay! I have however, combined and added a few new ones in areas where there used to be no hair but it has now started to grow in.When I say the words 2 years, it seems like a long time, but when I think back over my journey, it went by so quickly. I look forward to each year to come.

The pictures that I have included are of the first day after install, the first year (shown with my lovely hubby), and today, 4 days before my 2 year lock anniversary. I tried to put these pictures in order from beginning to now but blogger changed them when I published the post so just bare with me please:)

***Feel free to click on the pictures for an enlarged view to see better detail. ***

Until next time,
Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

Introducing the Graduate

So.....Introducing...Hibiscus Niki who now holds a Master's Degree in Health Care Administration...YAY! This is the reason for my absence as of late. I have been busting my butt to finish my work so that I could participate in the commencement ceremony on June 13, 2010. My family is also in the middle of a big transition as we move from one Army duty station to the next. I look forward to posting more regularly again now that some of the stress has been relieved.

Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

The Birth of Two Baby Locks

Hello Blog Fam,

I have been MIA because my family is in the middle of a move from Honolulu, HI to Raleigh, NC :( I am currently on a long stay with my parents in Cleveland, OH for the summer while we look for a home to purchase in North Carolina.

As far as my hair goes, everything is still the same. I was getting tired of my locks for a while and thinking of starting over until I completed my re-ti this evening. Now my scalp is feeling refreshed and I am back in love with my locks. Although I love my fuzzies and the way my hair looks when it needs to be tightened, there is no feeling better than having a freshly tightened head and letting the water run over my scalp. Love...love...love i t! Better yet, I was able to start two new locks on my hair line. My mother, my sister, and I all have a thinning hair lines. I was a bit bumbed about that but then the fuzzies started growing in and Yay, two new locks are born. I am now thinking that the thinning had less to do with genetics and more to do with the danaging affects of a relaxer, LOL! Starting the new locks coupled with all the many compliments that I have received since being in town is giving me reason to continue to have patience and to continue on this journey that I so love....I just get side tracked sometimes (hee hee!)

My hair line still has some growing to do but it is looking much less stressed with the addition of the baby locks. Now my followers know that I have been thinking of combining for a while. I secretly combined quite a few of my locks in the front and in the back of my head just to get a feel for combining because this is where the locks were very tiny (This was done months ago). Although I like the bigger locks, combining in the front reduced my density because my hair is very thin and fine there. If I had it to do all over again, I would not have combined at the hair line but rather more in the middle of my head.....it's a learning journey as well. The good news is that the roots of the tiny locks that I combined seem to be much stronger, so that's always good right!

Until next time,

Lock on wit yo bad self!
HN

I Stand Corrected

Hello All,

Today my mother came to Hawaii to visit me for the last time as we will be leaving with a permanent change of duty station (my husband is in the Army) going to North Carolina some time in May. The first thing she said to me was "Wow! Look at all that hair you have!" Now this took me by surprise as you all know that I have been wondering lately why everyone else's hair is growing and mine is standing still. The last time I saw my mother was about 10 months ago and she said that there is a big difference. So I stand corrected, my hair IS growing :)

My mother is newly natural again. She was natural for years and a few months ago added a wave neuvo (SP?) to her hair. The chemicals thinned and took her hair out in spots so just before coming here, she had it cut off again and is now sporting a TWA. Lucky for me, I will now be able to try our the Nudred that I purchased on line with her in mind before she added the chemicals. I will try it out and update you all with pictures after we try it.

Until next time,

Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

In a Hair Funk!

Well Blog family, I just thought I would let you guys know that I am really in a funk right now with my hair. I have been looking at other blogs and everyone's hair seems to be showing so much growth. Mine on the other hand, is at a stand still. I will be 2 years locked in June and where is the length? I...Need...Growth!!! I don't have any cute styles, and it wont stay curled either. This must be another one of those stages that it just has to go through. I guess I'll just have to let it do what it do! I still really love my hair but I just need so UMPH!!! What kind...and where to get it from...I'm not sure, but "I'm gone need my hair to say sumin' babae!" (Sorry for that outburst, LOL, but sometimes these songs just pop into my head, LOL!) Anywho...It just seems to be blah! On a positive note, it is feeling healthy. I keep it clean and moisturized so I guess that's something to be proud of. I am graduating with my Masters degree in June, Yay me! ...and I am trying to get into nursing (RN) school in January. So my life is taking so many changes right now but my hair is staying the same. I have got to put my thinking cap on and come up with something to give this hair some life.

I just thought I would add this picture of my furry babies because they love me no matter what my hair looks like:) See how they were posing for the picture.

Until next time....

Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

Lock Loops....UGG!

Hello all,

I have only been away for about 2 week and it feels like forever. I thought that I would try a bunch of styles and post them for you all but....nope. I am growing to love my freestyle more and more these days. It just feels right and its no fuss. Got to love that! I do however, love to accent with little clips, hair pins, and barrettes. They make me feel like my hair looks different everyday even though its in the same style.

I retightened my hair (I truly dislike the scalpy look after retightening) on the evening of Easter and then tried giving my lock loops another try in hope that it would give me some great style this time.

But, as before, I did not like the results. It looks too Grannyish, if you know what I mean. I need something new and different and my hair seems to only like free styling at this point so I guess I will have to stick with it. I wanted to try the perm rods again, a style that I often wore in the past, but as my locks have matured a bit, they no longer fit nicely around the rods. Many come out uncurled as a result. Although I am loving the free style look, I have to attend a military ball for my husbands Officer School graduation at the end of the month. (Yay! Hubby) Any suggestions on ways I can do my hair for a formal event. The last ball I went to, I used the lock loops and then did an updo. It was OK, but I need a style that doesn't make me look so mature.

I have also been in somewhat of a funk because one thing that is usually great about me is my skin; to my surprise, it has broken out like something terrible. I mean, I didn't even get acne in high school so why is it that now, at age 3? (thirty WHAAAAT?), am I getting skin breakouts? I don't even have a clue as to what to use. I wash my face daily with Noxema and that is about it. I don't know what to use to clear it up because this has never been an issue for me. Maybe some of you great makeup queens can give me some cool makeup tips so at least I can still feel pretty for the ball. I wear eye shadow every now and then but I have no clue on how to really wear makeup. I guess it's time to go back to youtube, LOL! Cinderella's fairy god mother needs to show up QUICK!

PS: Sorry that my pictures are never of good quality but I take them with my camera phone. Shhhh, don't tell anyone that I have a digital camera but have no earthly idea how to upload the pictures. My Hubby usually takes care of all that technical stuff. Since he is away, the camera phone will have o do. I will try to get better y'all. And, don't mind my Alvin and the Chipmunks shirt either, I was only chillin at home all day. I just wanted you all to see the results of the lock loops. I promise I didn't go out like that. HA! At least the kids thought it was cool!.........Aaallll-viiin!

Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

Maintaining My Hair

The purpose of this post is to address a few questions that I have received. I will list the questions and the answers. I'm proud to tell you all that maintenance to my hair is done by...none other than...yours truly! Yay me! My locks were originally started as Sisterlocks (TM). I started with this method because I had permed ends at the time and really wanted to get started locking my hair. After one year of having my hair maintained by a consultant, I took on the task myself due to the costliness of the retightening. This was very scary at first because I am not a loctician and was new to being natural. So...of corse, I turned to the internet. I found information on how to maintain with a latch hook but, to be honest, it just looked too difficult for me. Then, I found the web site for the Nappylocks(TM) tool and ordered it. It came in the mail rather quickly in a cute little bag and it works like a charm. I would love to have taken the Sisterlocks (TM) class but it was too expensive to me, especially since it came to Hawaii in December, around Christmas time.

*** NOTE: Sorry for the bad quality pics in my car of me but wanted to show my hair freshly washed. I did an updo for an Army ceremony in a hurry and accessorized with a flower on the side which is barely visible, but, at least you can get the idea***

How do you maintain your hair?

I maintain my hair as well as my daughters hair with the Nappylocks (TM) tool using the

4 point rotation on most of our locks. I have recently started using the 2 point rotation on

some of the locks after hearing through the grapevine that it will help some of the skinnier locks to expand a bit better. The Nappylocks (TM) tool comes in a variety of sizes as you can see in the picture.

What shampoo do you use?

I have three different shampoos that I rotate between because I love them all soo mcuh.

Shampoo #1 - Aubrey Organics Normalizing Shampoo (Swimmer's formula for active lifestyles)

Cost: $8.99 for 11 FL oz

I use this shampoo because it has all natural ingredients, no harsh detergent or chemocals and is recommended for sun, salt, chlorine and perspiration exposure. Living in Hawaii, y'all know I need this. It is also said to help with dryness and brittleness as well as remove minerals (from the hard water in HI) chlorine, and other impurities. This shampoo does not lather well but it leaves the hair feeling clean and moisturized.

Shampoo #2 - Head & Shoulders dandruff Shampoo (refresh formula)

Cost: about $4.99 14.2 FL oz

This is great when my hair gets a bit itchy. Unlike the Aubrey Organics, it does lather well and leaves my head feeling clean, clean, clean. This shampoo contains pyrithione zinc which is said to help regrow hair and to thicken, thinning hair. Although it contains the pyrithione zinc, it also contains sodium laureth sulfate which is a harsh detergent which is said to strip the hair and aid in hair loss. So I use this product sparingly.

Shampoo #3 - VO5 Moisture Milks (Strawberries & Cream Moisturizing Shampoo)

Cost: $.75 - yep..that right! $.75 15 FL oz

Umm...umm...umm! This smell Grreat! It also lathers well and leaves my hair feeling clean. The smell lingers a wile and I like that. This product however, has sodium laureth sulfate in it as well so I use it sparingly.

All three of these shampoos are on my "Keepers" list but I use the Aubrey Organics regularly because it is all natural. I add the Head & Shoulders when my hair is super itchy, and I add the VO5 when I would like a fruity smell. I condition my hair about once or twice a month using the Aubrey Organics normalizing conditioner (Swimmers formula for active lifestyles). Again for the fruity smell I sometimes mix in the VO5 Moisture milks Strawberries & Cream Moisturizing Conditioner). Sometimes I do not use shampoo at all and just co-wash (wash the hair using conditioner). I especially co-wash when I am working out or if I want to was more than once a week. In this case, I use the Aubrey Organics conditioner.

So...That's all folks!

Lock on wit yo bad self!

HN

Essential Oils

You may or may not know that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE essential oils (EO). This natural hair bit has triggered research for me on essential oils and other natural products. In addition to the natural oils, I like to use natural shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. One day I may try my hand at making my own soaps using some of the essential oils listed below.

Because I have received so many questions concerning essential oils and which ones to use, I thought I would give the run down on a few that I like the most. When using these oils, be sure to dilute or mix with a carrier oil such jojoba oil, almond oil, or shea butter because essential oils can be too strong to use on the skin and scalp alone.

My favorite EO is peppermint oil. The picture above is of the brand I use...Love it! I buy it from a local health food store. I make a spritz which includes water in a spray bottle (about 8 - 10 oz), 5 drops of peppermint oil, about 1/2 oz of almond oil, and about 1/2 oz of infusium leave in treatment for moisture (some of you may be saying "infusim isn't a natural product." Well gosh darn it... you are correct, but it seems to help my hair to retain the moisture throughout the day so I add just a bit in). I shake this up and spray my hair in the mornings, in the evenings when I come home from work, or whenever my hair and scalp just need a pick-me-up. The peppermint oil gives a tingle and an airy feeling that just makes me smile and appreciate being able to wet my hair everyday. Try it! I hope you enjoy the refreshing feeling it gives as much as I do. (see the bottom of the post for reference for more info or to purchase on line)

Peppermint Essential Oils

- Peppermint is an energizing oil with a penetrating, minty aroma

- Helps to relieve fatigue and muscle pain. Use it in the daytime, as its energizing effects may keep you awake at night.

- Add to a massage blend for the digestive system. Excellent for refreshing tired head and feet. Sniff from bottle or one drop on handkerchief to revive during travel. Blended with Rosemary and Juniper it makes an excellent morning bath.

- Warning: Some Aromatherapists say do not use Peppermint when pregnant

- Aromatherapy class: energizing, stimulating / Aroma type: minty

- Traditional use: insect repellent, emollient, antiseptic, muscle relaxant

- Blend well with: bergamot, geranium, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sandalwood

- Safety information: can cause skin irritation

Lavender Essential Oil

- Lavender is the most versatile of essential oils

- It is relaxing and refreshing, uplifts the spirits, and helps to relieve the distress of muscle pain.

- Balances your body and mind. Calms or stimulates according to your bodies needs. Excellent for refreshing tired muscles, feet and head. Add a drop to the pillow/sheet before peaceful sleep.

- Treats burns and reduces scaring. Can be used neat in small amounts on burns but care still needs to be taken

-Blends with many other oils

-Aromatherapy class: calming, balancing, soothing / Aroma type: herbaceous

- Traditional use: muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner, astringent

- Blends well with: bergamot, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary sage, rose, jasmine

Lemon Essential Oil

- Fresh, citrus scent that is revitalizing and uplifting. It has antibacterial and tonic properties, making it useful for relief of cold symptoms

- Widely used in beauty care. It cleanses, refreshes, cool and stimulates

- Astringent antiseptic oil. Useful for oily skin. Can be used to lighten dull, stained hands or to tone and condition nails and cuticles.

- Warning:Do not use Lemon on the skin or in a bath for 12 hours prior to sun or sunlamp exposure.

- Aromatherapy class: energizing, uplifting / Aroma type: citrus

- Traditional use: antiseptic, soothing agent

- Blends well with: neroli, clary sage, bergamot, citronella, orange flower, violet left, galbanum

Lime Essential Oil

- Acts like lemon and the other citrus oils, Nice aroma

- Warning: Do not use lime on the skin in direct sunlight, however if the essential oil of lime is distilled rather than expressed, then it does not have a photo-toxic effect.

- Dilute to 1% and use only 3 drops in a bath as it may cause irritation of the skin

- Aromatherapy class: energizing, uplifting / Aroma type: citrus

- Traditional use: soothing agent, astringent, skin conditioner

- Blends well with: clary sage, citronella, lavender, lavandin, neroli, rosemary

Rosemary Essential Oil

- Rosemary is an energizing oil with a string herbaceous aroma. It helps to relieve muscle muscle aches and combats mental fatigue

- Use it in the daytime as it energizing effect may keep you awake at night.

- Perfect in Pre and Post sports rubs to maintain suppleness

- Helps combat water retention and cellulite

- Good hair tonic

- An 'ideal pick me up'

- Combats fatigue and clears stuffy atmosphere

-Warning: Do not use Rosemary when pregnant, having high blood pressure, or suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin.

- Aromatherapy class: energizing, stimulating / Aroma type: camphoraceous

- Traditional use: antiseptic, muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner

- Blends well with: olibanum, lavender, lavandin, citronella, thyme, basil, peppermint, labdanum, elemi, cedarwood, petitgrain, cinnamon

- Safety Information: use 1/2 recommended dilution or less

Chamomile, Roman Essential Oil

- Roman Chamomile has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming.. It is soothing to all types of skin and is a wonderful addition to a massage oil for sore muscles.

- Known for the strong soothing effect on the mind and body

- The Roman and German Chamomile are excellent for protecting dry skin

- Many uses: Used to treat nerve, headache, insomnia, menstrual disorders, and comforting oil during high pollen count (unless you have an allergy to ragweeds).

- A gentle oil, suitable for the young and fragile

- One of the few essential oils that can be used on inflamed skin conditions

- Blends well with: eucalyptus, lavender, bergamot, galbanum, jasmine, neroli, rosemary, and clary sage

- Aromatherapy class: calming / Aroma type: fruity

- Traditional use: muscle relaxant, skin conditioner

Tea Tree Essential Oil

- Powerful antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral

- Good for acne, cold sores, warts, and burns

- Use for vaporizing to kill germs

- Useful cleansing agent for skin

- Helps combat foot odor and athletes foot

- Also known as Ti Tree

- Has a wide range of uses including AIDS related illnesses (further reading recommended)

- Warning: may cause irritation to sensitive skin

- Aromatherapy class: energizing, stimulating, toning / Aroma type: camphoraceous

- Traditional use: insect repellent, antiseptic

- Blends well with: lavandin, lavender, clary sage, rosemary, cananga, geranium, marjoram, clove, nutmeg

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

- Eucalyptus oil is a fresh and stimulating oil with a penetrating scent and antiseptic properties

- Widely used as a component of preparations for relieving congestion and muscle aches

- Powerful antiseptic, used in baths and massage during the cold season. Blend oil in chest rubs and use in a vaporizer to keep air germ free in sick room

- Aroma class: toning, stimulating / Aroma type: camphoraceous

- Traditional use: deodorant, antiseptic, soothing agent, skin conditioner, insect repellent

- Blends well with: coriander, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, pine, tyme

And remember to make and try some spritzes with these essential oils!

Until next time,

Lock on wit you bad self!

Reference:

Dreaming Earth Botanicles Somatherapy. (2010). Reference guide for essential oils. Retrieved from,

http://www.dreamingearth.com/essentialoils3.html