Hello Friend!

This week, during my two-day driving travels, I found great relief with my personal inhaler blend of ravintsara, peppermint, and lemon. It helped me stay clear and focused during long stretches on the road, and it was the perfect option when I needed support without affecting anyone else. Sometimes, especially when those around us have lung sensitivities,  essential oils are better kept to ourselves.

I never like to assume others will love my essential oils as much as I do. Everyone’s comfort level is different. A personal inhaler gives me the support I need while keeping things discreet and respectful of the space I’m in.

You’ve heard me talk about personal inhalers before, and for good reason. I use them a lot. They’re easy to carry, simple to use, and just as easy to refresh with a new polyester wick or a bit of organic cotton. Sometimes I bring several blends in different inhalers. But this time, I only needed one. It helped me stay alert and gave me peace of mind knowing I had something to help keep unwanted germs at bay.

The reason I chose these oils for focus and energy is in the chemistry. This is one of the things I love about aromatherapy. It’s straightforward. The oils offer well-studied therapeutic benefits and the emotional support of the plant itself, whether we need focus, clarity, calm, or simply a moment to come back to what matters.

What You’ll Discover In This Newsletter:

🔴 Can’t Miss! Sleep Support Replay

We all know how important sleep is… yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy. But good sleep is foundational — it clears your mind, strengthens your immunity, balances your mood, and helps you feel like yourself again.

00:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:06:31 - This Inhaler Blend Might Just Knock You Out (In a Good Way)
00:23:26 - Why Cape Chamomile Is the Unsung Hero of Deep Sleep + When to Choose the Other Chamomiles
00:27:33 - Free Sleep Support in a Bottle? Yes, Please.
00:32:05 - Your Skin + Sleep Will Thank You: Make This Sweet Dreams Jojoba Blend
0:39:49 - Why Spikenard Is a Must-Have for Restless Nights
00:43:32 - Diffuse This Dreamy Trio for Bedtime Bliss

Aromatic Creations Recipe

Arnica’s Pain-Relieving Massage Oil

This is one of my favorite ways to support the body when it’s sore, tense, or simply asking for a little extra care. The base is arnica-infused oil, known for its ability to ease discomfort and support recovery. Combined with essential oils that are both cooling and gently anti-inflammatory, it becomes a reliable blend for massage, joint care, or after long travel days.

Ingredients

• 1 fl oz (30 ml) Arnica Infused Oil (Arnica cordifolia)

• 5 drops Juniper Berry Oil (Juniperus communis)

• 5 drops Peppermint Oil (Mentha × piperita)

• 5 drops Plai Oil (Zingiber cassumunar)

Directions

Combine the ingredients in a 1 fl oz (30 ml) glass bottle. Cap, shake gently, and it’s ready to use. Apply to areas of discomfort and massage into the skin. This blend can be used up to twice daily as needed.

Safety note

For external use only. Do not apply to broken skin. Avoid using if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication.

Notes of Discovery

Try Helichrysum and Lavender Essential Oils for Bruises

This week, we’re revisiting a classic post from The Aromahead Blog about helping bruises clear up. This post explores the benefits of two essential oils, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), which help reduce inflammation and swelling, support tissue repair, and encourage healing on deep levels. 

There’s a beautiful recipe in this post made with jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis). You can use arnica-infused oil instead of jojoba to boost the blend’s potency. The trio of arnica, lavender, and helichrysum will give you a true powerhouse blend for soothing bruises. 

If you’d like to use the blend for a child (between 5 and 10 years old), I suggest reducing the drop count to:

• 3 drops Helichrysum Oil (Helichrysum italicum)

• 3 drops Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Product Spotlight

Arnica Infused Arnica Oil

This oil is full of the patient strength of the mountains.

We make it ourselves, by hand, from wild Arnica cordifolia flowers that grow in the forest above our lavender field in western Montana. Each bloom is gathered with care, only when it’s ready, and with great respect for the land it grows on. The blossoms are then gently infused into organic olive oil using a slow, intentional method that draws out the plant’s medicinal components.

This is a staple in our apothecary cupboard. I love using it as the base for a pain-relieving massage blend. For children under five, it’s beautiful just on its own. Perfect for those occasional owies and sore spots when you want something gentle and effective.

Traditionally used to help:
• Ease sore muscles and physical tension
• Support recovery from minor sprains and bruising
• Reduce swelling and stiffness
• Offer comfort without heaviness or residue

Safety note

For external use only. Do not apply to broken skin. Avoid using if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication.. Beautiful.

From The Vine

Are there different types of Arnica-infused oil?

Q: I'm confused that you say it's from Montana, but the Latin name is Arnica cordifolia. I thought it would be Arnica montana. What's the difference?

A: Great question!

Arnica montana is a European species commonly used in homeopathic preparations. The arnica we work with is Arnica cordifolia, a wild-growing species native to the western mountain regions of North America. Ours grows naturally in the forest above our lavender field in Montana.

While both species share many of the same therapeutic qualities, especially for supporting sore muscles, bruising, and physical strain, Arnica cordifolia has some unique characteristics. The flowers tend to be larger, and the infused oil is known for being especially gentle on the skin, making it a beautiful choice for massage and topical use.

Where Arnica montana is often found in highly diluted homeopathic forms, Arnica cordifolia is commonly prepared as a whole-plant oil infusion in traditional herbalism. Both are effective when used thoughtfully.

Stay Inspired!

Living in the mountains, I’m constantly reminded that while nature is ever-changing, it’s also steadfast and reliable. There’s a place within ourselves that offers the same steadiness. If we can take the time to connect with that, we find our inner resilience.