Have you seen the documentary "UnWell" yet?
Netflix describes it as: "A deep dive into the lucrative wellness industry, which touts health and healing. But do the products live up to the promises?"

The first episode is all about essential oils - it explores the "culture" around the modern uses of aromatherapy.  I cannot recommend this enough to anyone interested in essential oils, for doctors and nurses, parents of young children, and anyone who uses them!

This 54-minute documentary is an eye-opening look into the positives and negatives of aromatherapy as an alternative therapy. It discusses the pervasive and more harmful aspects of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies, the lack of public safety, and misleading practices.

There is so much to dive into that we decided to make this a series of blogs.
This has prompted me to publicly share my personal story about why I became a Certified Aromatherapist, as well as my perspective on this documentary.

This First...

Hello,

With many people wearing masks for extended periods of time - I thought it timely to provide you with tips and cautions in using essential oils on masks.
There's actually quite an interesting history around wearing aromatics within a facemask during a pandemic - Plague Dr. History!

Below are my thoughts on the matter, guided by the best practices of aromatherapy. I broke it down into the most frequent questions I am asked, and welcome any follow-up questions in the comments below!
Disclaimer: essential oils do not prevent the spread of COVID-19 & this blog does not make statements of such.

Question 1: Which Oils Should I Use?

The first step to selecting the oil to use,  is to ask “what is my goal?" Think of it as working backward from your goal to identify the essential oil or blend.
To become clear on the purpose ask - what type of action is needed? (see bullet points below)
Then, match the therapeutic actions of the oil or blend to your specific needs.

• To...

Hello Everyone,
In these difficult and ever-changing times, we are grateful to be open and able to serve in our own unique way. 

We are ready to support you with your questions and concerns that may arise in these unusual circumstances.

Below you will find self-care tips for helping to cope with the additional stressors during these unprecedented times of change.

Taking a moment thru out the day, to breathe, connect with nature directly or via essential oils inhaled into your respiratory system relaxes your nervous system, and creates stress-reducing hormones. Immediately!

Now, More than Ever, We Need to
Practice Self Care & Stress Reduction

Self-care, protection, and stress management are our new priorities as we navigate our world today. It just so happens, this has been my wheelhouse for a very long time!

Healthcare professionals trust my products to help patients and residents in hospitals and long term care facilities across the U.S.
These products are also safe and...

New Research Study involving Jodi Baglien's Aromatherapy Inhalation Patches

"Impact of Essential Oils via Aromatherapy Patches on Nurses' Experience of Stress and Fatigue"

Patches Aren't Just for Patients!

Recently I had the pleasure of working with Marni Reven MSN, RN, RA, on her pilot initiative with the use of our Aromatherapy Patches at West Virginia University Cancer Institute.
Marni and her team chose to focus on the well being of the Nurses at the Infusion Center in this pilot project, with a future goal to bring Aromatherapy into patient care.

This study, though modest, provides evidence using quality practices and measures and fills the gap in the literature for high-quality aromatherapy research.

I also want to mention that Marni was one of many who presented their Posters at the 2019 Alliance of International Aromatherapist (AIA) Conference, and won the People's Choice Award for her outstanding work!

Below please find a quick recap of the study and links for more...

Hello all!

This month I had the wonderful and unique experience of going on Lab Aroma's Podcast with the one and only Colleen Quinn to discuss my Aromatherapy training programs & progress in the holistic healthcare environment. 

Listen to Podcast Here

Hello Aroma Friends!

Let's talk about self-care in action.

When I first opened my new studio in 2012, we named it the Well Being + Wisdom Studio.

Why?
It had become clear that my clientele wanted to know how to care for themselves on a daily basis. A one-hour session of shiatsu, energy work and essential oil therapies can only do so much. They wanted well-being to be their operating system.

This is why I always sent self-care instructions home with them. I wanted to help them become proactive about their well-being. Rather than reactive, from being totally stressed, neglecting their own needs, and hoping an hour on the table, would sort out their concerns.

Wisdom:
To me, wisdom means paying attention to your spirit, and practicing what you know. Wisdom is when your thoughts, words, and actions are aligned with your spirit. Additionally, taking note of what is & isn't working.

I've said for so long - "If I practiced just 10% more of the wisdom I know, about wellbeing - oils, our...

Integrating Essential Oils into Pain Management
By Jodi Baglien, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist

I was listening to a very intense conversation on NPR about the US opiate & drug overdose epidemic (read or listen to the transcript here). A pending lawsuit, Oklahoma vs. Johnson & Johnson, claims the company misrepresented opioids in their marketing.

We know through national statistics from the CDC that drug overdoses killed more than 72,000 people in the United States in 2017. A majority of the deaths, nearly 49,000, were caused by opioids. Opioids were involved in over two-thirds of overdose deaths in 2017.

As someone who seeks integrative therapies before taking medication whenever possible, I sadly have to wonder how the outcomes might have been different if our systems and culture provided easier access to and information about holistic therapies. Would we have helped prevent people from becoming addicted to these prescription opioids? We can't change the past, but we can...

Here in Minnesota, we are HUNGRY for spring!  The huge dirty snowbanks have melted, I see fresh tall & healthy green chives in the garden, and I listen with joy as the spring peepers are loudly informing us - Spring has Sprung!

We KNOW we feel better when we feel the sunshine on our face, look out at beautiful rolling hills or oceans around us, smell the air and aromas, and hear wildlife bustling.

What about those who can’t?

I learned early as an aromatherapist that a meaningful and valuable way for me to help others was in the power of connecting people to nature.
People who may not have access to the great outdoors & healing properties due to illness, physical limitations, or other restrictions.
With the extracted essences of plant oils, I as an Aromatherapist can feed and nurture the hungry souls of those with limited access to nature. This is my motivation in my work!

Smell Communicates With Subtle Messages

I had not thought much about the impact of our sense...

When I think of Roman Chamomile and the gifts this gentle giant of essential oils can deliver, it's like Mac and Cheese to me. 

What??
My sensory perceptions and practitioner experiences with Roman Chamomile sum it up like this. It delivers comfort like the way a yummy home cooked meal and a snuggly blanket makes you feel.

Roman Chamomile is soothing to the soul, and allows a sunnier disposition to emerge!

Let me show you a few of its therapeutic actions and uses for the body, and it's gifts with moods and emotions, and nurturing the soul.

The Basics

First, we must identify the specific plant by its botanical name – Chamaemelum nobile, it may also be identified using its botanical synonym Anthemis nobilis. Derived from the Greek word Chamaimelon, Chamai meaning on the ground,  and melon, meaning apple. The flower looks similar to a daisy and has a fern-like leaves. This chamomile is primarily is native to western Europe and now primarily grown in England,...