Finding good-quality, aromatherapeutic-grade products in the US can be quite challenging. The current regulation, by which brands can label a product as natural even if its formulation includes synthetic ingredients, makes the task even more difficult.
Aromatherapy is pretty common in Europe. In every country we have natural homemade remedies passed on from generation to generation to treat minor injuries, or to simply draw a relaxing bath after an exhausting day. That’s why I’m very excited to report I’ve found the next best thing: Portable aromatherapy sticks. Certified organic by the USDA and crafted locally in New Hampshire by the folks at Badger, these proprietary blends feature a headache soother, a focus balm, a stress soother, a yoga and meditation helper, and a cheerful mind balm.
Badger aromatherapy sticks are in reality the traditional Badger balms in a more portable, hassle-free format. Don’t get me wrong: I do love their traditional balms in a tin. But when I’m in a hurry or just don’t have clean fingers (I’m a natural germophobe) I love the convenience of these sticks. So I’m glad they made the switch to a stick form.
The Line
Oh my! This citrusy aromatherapy stick is great to give a quick pick-me-up in those days where everything seems to be difficult. With a blend of lemon, sweet orange, spearming and ylang-ylang, this balm is ideal to take five minutes of Me Time. This aroma has the capacity to evoke sunny summer days in my mind’s eye, so it really lifts my mood every time I use it!
Stress Soother (a.k.a. The Siesta Sidekick)
Stress creates a set of chemical reactions in the body that can be extremely harmful in the long term, especially if we experience a freeze-or-flight reaction continuously. Because aromatherapy uses natural fragrances (as in pure essential oils) to reach emotions on a deeper level, I am a firm believer that it can help soothe some mild stressful situations. Badger’s stress soother includes a calming combination of mint, tangerine, rosemary and chamomile. I have to confess I use it after my lunch on my days off for the best siesta ever (traditional Spanish 15-minute nap.)
Very much in line with the stressful lives we are living in a modern society, headaches are pretty common. I love this cooling temple rub with a soothing aromatherapeutical blend comprised of lavender, peppermint eucalyptus, sandalwood, and menthol. It works for me when I have light headaches after I spend a long time at the computer without taking breaks (please don’t follow my example!)
This is one of my favorite Badger blends. Using an energizing mix of ginger and grapefruit, lemon, and rosemary verbenone, it has the ability to bring me to the present. I love to use it when my mind is scattered, foggy after a bad night’s sleep, or simply when I don’t feel like working.
I know this might come as a shock, but I don’t practice Yoga. Nor Pilates. These disciplines make me quite uncomfortable, maybe because I had a bad experience with a poor instructor. However, I love dancing and that’s how I relax.
This balm includes a blend of cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense and vetivert to calm, center, and balance your inner badger (yes, we all have one of those!) Although I haven’t used it for the designated purpose (Yoga) I love the effect it has on me when I cool down after a good session of exercise.
My opinion
First and foremost, I love how easy these balms are to use. Just apply a thin layer onto wrists, temples, forehead or (my favorite)
on the tip of your nose to breathe in the aromas. Here is the key: Take slow, deep breaths!
Second, these balms do an excellent job of using aromatherapy principles to reach the mind at an unconscious level. Scents are extremely powerful and can evoke good and bad memories, thus helping create different states of mind in the body.
If you use them (and providing you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients), the worst thing that
can happen is that you’ll have a well-deserved 5-minute mental break. In
my case, these blends make me stop when things are hectic around me, and
helps me to practice a bit of much-needed mindfulness (meaning
appreciating my being here, alive, and in the moment.) So I have started carrying them around for a quick pick-me-up in different situations.
Third, I believe they are extremely affordable for the high-quality of the products used. Every 0.6 oz stick retails for $7.99, and the formulas are certified organic by the USDA, which is for me one of the few reliable green labels in the US. Plus, a little bit goes a long way and the scent lingers long enough to give you a 5-minute break (which is what you need in most cases.) These products are 100% natural, organic, and vegetarian, but NOT vegan as beeswax is needed in the formula.
However, please be aware that these balms (or any other aromatherapy remedies) weren’t designed to treat any medical or emotional conditions. Although I believe aromatherapy helps in a variety of conditions just by making you feel better, it should never substitute medical advice. What’s more, if you have a serious condition and are taking any medications, please consult with your physician first if you can use essential oils, no matter how diluted. Fortunately, the folks at Badger are so transparent that everything is printed out in the packaging and on the label, so there are no nasty surprises in their formulas.
You might have noticed I lately write about Badger a lot. I honestly believe this
company produces high-quality natural products without a hefty price
tag, very much in line with what I can find in Europe. And their badger spokesperson is just too cute. You can’t beat a badger illustrating an array of activities!
Disclosure level 1: The author received NO compensation to write this post. The author received samples of the products mentioned for consideration-only. Receiving a sample didn’t influence the opinions expressed nor the decision to feature the products. The links provided are for informational purposes, and are not part of any affiliate marketing program.
