Essential oils provide plants with distinctive scents. For many plants, they also provide protection against insects, pests, and disease. If you use natural products like diatomaceous earth and soap sprays in your garden, try scenting them with essential oils to enhance their effectiveness. Outfit your gardening kit with a general purpose spray and dusting powder that utilizes the fragrant power of essential oils.

Peppermint & Sweet Orange Plant Spray

Ingredients:
25 drops peppermint essential oil
25 drops sweet orange essential oil
1 teaspoon liquid unscented soap
32 ounces water

Directions: Combine essential oils with soap, dissolve in water and place in a 32-ounce mister bottle. Shake and apply to plants.

Lavender & Basil Plant Dusting Powder

Ingredients:
1 cup diatomaceous earth (available at garden centers)
1 cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon lavender essential oil
½ teaspoon sweet basil essential oil

Directions: Mix ingredients in a bowl and place in a shaker-type container (such as a repurposed Parmesan cheese container). Shake powder on plants. This powder is especially effective against leaf-eating bugs and caterpillars.

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in Estes Park, Colorado — September 18th – 25th.

On Saturday the 24th from 2 pm – 3 pm, aromatherapy expert Tim Blakley will offer tips on incorporating essential oils into your yoga practice. Learn more.

AUGUST FREE GIVEAWAY

Aura Cacia Making Scents Energizing Bath Salt Set FREE with every online order! Click here for details.

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ESSENTIAL OIL OF THE MONTH

HYSSOP

The warm, strongly herbal scent of hyssop is purifying and protecting. In ancient times, bundles of the herb were used to sweep and purify temples, and sprigs were strewn on floors to release a cleansing aroma. Hyssop essential oil is very potent and should be used well-diluted and judiciously, especially if you have high blood pressure, suffer from epilepsy or are pregnant. Hyssop oil promotes energy flow while it is emotionally uplifting and mentally opening.

Breathe Clear Mediterranean Aromatherapy Diffusion
3 tablespoons water
5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops hyssop essential oil
1 Aura Cacia Candle Lamp Diffuser

Add water to candle lamp. Add drops of oil to water. Light candle. Breathe.

Soothing Hyssop & Lavender Massage Balm
3 tablespoons shea butter
9 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops hyssop essential oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

Place shea butter and sweet almond oil into small pan and warm over gentle heat just until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add essential oils. Allow to cool and set up then apply a tablespoon at a time during massage.

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