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I am often asked how I come up with new products, or modify existing ones. I actually spend as much time studying and researching as I do actually making products.  I often come across information that might be useful in the future, or for specific ongoing clients. I read professional journals, peer reviews and follow a number of experts in various fields of aromatherapy, chemistry, alternative and complementary medicine and holistic health.  Here's a few examples.

 

 Sometimes it's just a happy accident when a friend or acquaintance mentions a concern or condition.  Recently a good friend mentioned having regular bad leg cramps, mostly at night, but also sometimes during the day from prolonged sitting or being in an uncomfortable position, bringing on the cramps. 

 

As it turned out about 10 years ago I had a client who had the same issue; at that time I researched various sources about causes and possible relief. Everything pointed to a magnesium deficiency. As our bodies do not produce it, we need to rely on supplementation, not just oral tablets but topical application as well. Although magnesium tablets are useful and inexpensive, it turns out that transdermal application acts more quickly and targets the specific area of pain.

At that time I made my client a blend of high quality liquid magnesium with some aloe vera added. It really did the job and reduced her leg cramps almost completely.

 

When my current friend mentioned the leg cramps, I did a little further research, discovered a couple of additional ingredients to make it even more effective, and Gwen's Magnesium Magic was created. Again it did the job for this client:

 

“I had sharp and painful nighttime leg cramps, (the equivalent of a daytime Charlie horse) and mentioned it to Gwen. She quickly produced a custom blend for me: “Jim's Leg Cramp Oil” - IT WORKS! I massage it on when I feel the all too familiar leg cramp coming on. It is easy to reapply as necessary and instead of worrying, I now sleep through the night. Luckily Gwen's product is small enough to fit into a pocket or purse, to use any time, anywhere, thanks Gwen's Aromapothecary”  JA.

 

I recently introduced the product at my apothecary holiday open house and found there was a lot of interest in this simple product that can greatly reduce topical pain, helps fatigue, perform under stress, as well as promoting sleep. Magnesium is vital for our brain's GABA receptor function, a calming neurotransmitter that helps us quiet our thoughts and relax into a quality stress free sleep. It was very well received and is now part of our regular line of products.

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Another idea for a new product came to me one morning just as I was waking. I had been pondering combining a few essential oils for something soothing and restorative, chakra balancing and immune boosting, especially in light of Covid and anxiety in general. I somehow “knew” the three oils I would like to include in a roll-on, but of course I wasn't sure how they would work together; jumped out of bed and (even before my coffee!) smelled them together, totally divine scent and felt immediately grounded and a little giddy. The ingredients will remain my secret but I can tell you that the more I understand about the chemical constituents in each ingredient, it help guide me in choosing complimentary oils that may address more than one issue. I made up some samples of this to test on a few of my “regulars”. Again, it was a hit and “Inner Child” is now part of our permanent collection. 

 

A couple of years ago I had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Egypt on an Aromatherapy Study Tour; we were able to witness behind the scenes and up close centuries' old methods of extracting oil from sesame seeds, plants and resins. We were given private access to distillation methods and met experts in the plant and perfume world. That trip generated a number of new products and perfumes as I was able to bring back some precious essential and carrier oils not generally available.

 

I love coming up with new ideas and playing around with them, whether for a perfume or addressing a client's specific situation. As new information becomes available about natural ingredients, carrier oils or new essential oil distillations, I experiment with existing products to see if I can improve them in any way. I welcome ideas from friends and clients; so much to learn, so little time. I love my job! Give me a shout if I can make something just for you. I love working one on one with clients to personalize a blend or create a new one.