earthtokathy – Earth to Kathy

January 8, 2017

Three Novel Carrier Oils

Babassu Oil Comes from the palm tree Orbignya phalerata Mart of Brazil Important to the Brazilian economy – get Fair Trade, Organic, and cold pressed Local women, called “Babassu Breakers,” collect the nuts that have fallen from the ground and break them open with an axe (Souza et al, 2011). […]

February 6, 2017

Explaining the Ingredients: Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion or Oil Recipe

As a massage therapist, in the Winter months, I see many clients come in with super dry skin, even to the point of being cracked and itchy. Time to whip up some thick and soothing Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion! First, I created a tincture of burdock root, yellow dock, plantain, and calendula. Then, […]

February 9, 2017

Alterative Herbs

Pictured: Alterative Herbs By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT, RYT Phytotherapy involves herbal medicine to treat illness. A synergistic approach is recognized with phytotherapy in which all components of the plant play a role in contributing to its healing, not just isolated constituents. Further, it is seen that most […]

February 14, 2017

Fight Mucus with Mucus?

Mucus in, Mucus Out By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT, RYT 2/14/17 Everyone loves a sunny Sunday. It was unusually warm and windy on this winter day in Texas, and people were outside playing in droves, celebrating sunshine and 75 degrees, especially since the next week’s forecast called […]

December 7, 2017

Avocado Oil for Very Dry Skin

Can avocado oil help with issues of very dry skin? The fruit from an avocado tree, Persea americana Mill, belonging to the family Lauraceae, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, D, and E. These have the ability to help deeply moisturize the skin (Miller, 2014). The […]

December 31, 2017

Poisonous Plants in the United States

The following is an alphabetical list and description of common plants / plant parts poisonous to humans and animals. If poison occurs, call the poison control center or a vet as soon as possible. Taking walks through my Dallas suburb I can see several types of laurels, rhododendron, azaleas, oleander, […]

January 1, 2018

Clary Sage: Give Thanks Meditation

Give thanks, as it key to truly being happy in life. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of GRATEFUL is: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness. Synonyms include being thankful and appreciative [1]. This is Merriam-Webster’s definition: being appreciative of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated [2]. The holiday […]

January 8, 2018

Do Essential Oil Diffusers Really Work?

So, do essential oil diffusers really work? There are many different types of essential oil diffusers dispersing aroma into the air. Here is a review of the varieties: Cool Mist Diffusers Cool mist essential oil diffusers, also called ultrasonic diffusers, typically involve adding about 5 ounces of water and a […]

January 10, 2018

How Lemon May Help Boost Mood & Cognition – Plus Home Recipes

Pictured: Lemon (Citrus limonum) What aroma is good for boosting mood and may also help with studying? Lemon (Citrus limonum) has shown in studies to reduce anxiety and depression. It may also be a useful tool for studying. In a 2008 study, key constituents (taken internally) that reduced both physical […]

January 10, 2018

Grapefruit Aroma to Help Improve Mood

Grapefruit Aromatherapy The aroma of grapefruit is a gentle stimulant. It is fresh and lightly uplifting. Plus, studies have shown it may help reduce anxiety and improve mental performance! A few studies have shown grapefruit aroma to reduce anxiety in mice. This is possibly related to the limonene constituent affecting […]

January 19, 2018

Ginger & Turmeric for Inflammation: Golden Milk Recipe

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), LMT Ginger & Turmeric for Inflammation Both ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are in the zingiberaceae family. Plus, they both have been used for centuries in Asian cooking and healing remedies. Their rhizomes (underground stems) are the primary part used. […]

January 27, 2018

Basic Plant Identification

First, What type of plant is it? Woody tall plant – shrub or tree Broad leafed – has leaves and flowers (Angiosperm) Evergreen – has needles and cones (Gymnosperm) 2. Herbs and other plants Monocot or Dicot Monocots have one root, one seed leaf, parallel veins on leaves, and floral parts […]