Refreshing and Relaxing Green Tea Scent

Between coffee and green tea, many people would often choose the latter because of its health benefits.  In fact most of Asians drink a cup or two of green tea a day to cleanse their bodies.

A green tea plant is a shrub with white flowers.  The tea is produced by drying the plant's leaves.  Drinking green tea is said to be beneficial for anyone because of its therapeutic and medicinal properties.

●        It is good for the teeth because it has fluoride.  It can reduce the build-up of plaque.  Now you can flash your pearly whites with pride.

●        It is also a good alternative to coffee because just like coffee, green tea is a stimulant; except that it’s healthier.

●        For older women who are experiencing menopause, this is a great drink because it has all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body needs during that stage. 

●        This drink is also perfect for those who are trying to lose those extra pounds because it doesn't have any calorie content.

The process of steam distillation extracts the essential oils from the green tea plant.  Since there is only very little oil extracted from the plant, additional oils are taken from the plant’s seeds.  The process is called cold-compression.  It is where the seeds are dried and pressed using an oil press.

KARMA SENSES Green Tea Scent
Aroma Reed Diffuser

KARMA SENSES Green Tea Scent
Aroma Reed Diffuser

What about the use of green tea in aromatherapy?

The green tea essential oil is used in aromatherapy as a therapeutic oil. You can put a few drops of the essential oil into your warm bath to help you relax after a hard day's work. The same oil can be added in water and diffuse them with the help of a tea light oil burner. Another great option is to open a Karma Senses aromatic reed diffuser and allow yourself to bask in its relaxing and refreshing scent. Just like the lemongrass tea scented reed diffuser and the MiKeRa pillar candles, the green tea scented reed diffusers can make you feel calm and it can create a soothing environment.

Beyond Aromatherapy

Green tea essential oils have anti-aging, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that makes them essential in manufacturing soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes and massage oils.  This aromatic scent is used in perfumes like Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea or Bvlgari Green Tea.  For those who enjoy the sweet grassy scent of green tea, wearing these perfumes is a great way of enjoying its fragrance wherever you go.

Tell us:  How do you find the scent of green tea?

Tips for Buying Reed Diffusers Online

There are different benefits of buying reed diffusers online. Perhaps one of the biggest benefit is the convenience that online shopping can bring.  There is no need for you to leave the house, look around and wait in line to pay for your purchase.  Everything can be done in the comforts of your own home. 

MiKeRa 'Fragrant Seasons' Reed Diffuser

Buying reed diffusers online also means savings in terms of time and money.  Most online shops offer discounts that are only applicable to online purchase; more so if you buy in bulk.  And because everything is done online, much of your time is saved because of the ease in selecting and comparing different products from different companies. The best part is that after you pay for your purchase, all you need to do is sit and wait just a few days for your items to be delivered.

Fragrant reed diffusers are great additions to any room.  Its fragrance makes the room feel more inviting and relaxing.  When you search for shops offering reed diffusers online, several selections would come up and it can get overwhelming.  Here are tips that we hope will help you in buying fragrant reed diffusers online.

1.      Carefully select your brand. You want to get high quality fragrant reed diffusers that can make your room smell pleasant for a long time.  Reed about the company and their products.  How much essential oil do they use in the mixture?  How much alcohol or water do they add into it? All these pieces of information can affect the diffuser's ability to make your room aromatic.

KARMA SENSES Fragrant Reed Diffuser
Extra Value 4 pack

2.      Consider getting a promotional pack.  You can usually get more savings when you do and you get more for your money.   That's because one pack sometimes contain different fragrant reed diffuser scents.  This is especially helpful if you are not yet sure about which scent to get.

3.      Purchase reed diffuser gift sets for your families and friends.  These make great gifts because there are companies that offer gift sets that include reed diffusers and scented candles.  Another option is to create your own gift set with scents that your friends can enjoy.

4.      Buy reed diffusers with your purpose in mind.  Using reed diffusers is just one way of practicing aromatherapy.  A specific scent offers specific benefits.  Read about the therapeutic benefits of different essential oils so you know what to get.  For example, if you want to feel more calm and relaxed, you may want to go for a lavender scented aroma diffuser. 

MiKeRa Patterned Aromatic Reed Diffuser

Why Buy Candles Online?

Candles have been used for different purposes for thousands of years.  Nowadays, candles are known to be useful not just in illuminating the room or space but it can be used to set the mood, practice aromatherapy and even fix stuck drawers or mend shoelaces.  I think it’s great to have candles at home.

Everyone would probably agree with me that candles are evolving.  Different types of waxes are now used in candle making.  Aside from standard paraffin, there's natural alternatives with many benefits, like beeswax, soy wax and palm wax. 

Candles now come in tapers, pillars, jars, tin cans and even those adorable decorative candles like KasseL candles.  Buying them wholesale or for personal use even gets easier with online shopping.

KARMA SENSES Scented Pillar Candles

KARMA SENSES Soy Candle
in frosted Glass Bell Jar

Personally, I love buying things online and candles are just one of those that are on my list.  Besides, there are different benefits that you and I can get from buying candles online.

KARMA SENSES Scented Soy Candles
Glass Jars with Lid

• Convenience is definitely on the top of the list.  There's no need for you to dress up and deal with the traffic or parking space if you need to buy candles.  There is no shop hours that you need to remember because you can shop online anytime.  It doesn't really matter if you shop at 3pm or at 3am.  If the item you want is available, all you need to do is select it and pay for it. Some online shops offer free shipping so all you need to do is sit and wait for your beautiful candles to be delivered right at your doorstep.

• Big Savings.  It is actually cheaper if you purchase directly with the importer & distributor or the designer.  Aside from that, there are some online stores that offer rates and products that are only offered online.  However, the savings doesn't stop there.  The truth is, you can save more by buying online.  Think about the miscellaneous expenses that you incur when you leave home to shop for candles.  I'm talking about the parking tickets, gas, food and drinks.  Buying candles online can prevent you from buying unnecessary things on impulse.

MiKeRa Scented Soy Candle in Square Glass

• Variety.  Believe it or not but the choices online are endless.  Online stores like Alma Importers have value packs of mixed scents that you can get to maximize your savings.  Value packs are perfect for those who aren’t so sure about which candle scent to get.  Online shopping also allows you to check the different types of candles and designs depending on what you need

• Prompt Customer Service.  The beauty about buying candles online is that you are provided with full customer support.  You are given different means of reaching out to the company with the least amount of effort.  If you have questions about your purchase, you can give them a call, send an email, leave a message through their Facebook or Twitter accounts or leave a comment through their blogs.  You will also get a response almost immediately.

MiKeRa Scented Soy Candle
in Glass jar with Wooden Lid

Have I listed enough reasons to convince you to buy candles online?  Check out Alma Importers’ wide range of scented and unscented candles on our website. They are the designer, importer and distributor and can do doubt help you out with choosing from their wide range and with a special deal.

Also, Alma Importers currently have a special free freight deal for you: FREE FREIGHT for orders $60 and over!

KARMA SENSES Scented Soy Candles
in Decorative Tins

MiKeRa Scented CoCoSoy Candles
in Glass jar with Metal Lids

Relaxing Lavender Scent

What comes into your mind when you hear that the product is infused with lavender scent?  You will probably say either one of these words --- calming, soothing, relaxing, or healing.  Lavender is one of the most common scents used in aromatherapy.  It is also a favourite fragrance used in closets, soaps and clothing.

Lavender is a Mediterranean herb.  It was during the time of the Romans that this herb is added  to their bathwater and since then its scent has been associated with cleanliness. Lavender essential oil has anti-depressant, analgesic and antiseptic properties that bring about several benefits to those who use them.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender in Aromatherapy

Using the process of steam distillation, the lavender essential oils are extracted from the plant flowers, leaves and stems.  These essential oils are then used in different aromatherapy practices.  It is added in bathwater, used in massages and infused on incense sticks.  It can also be used for healing.

KARMA SENSES Lavender Rose & Sea Spray
Incense Sticks with Holder Gift Set

KARMA SENSES Large Square Reed Diffuser
Lavender Scent

If there is one thing that this scent is famous for is its ability to make people calm and relaxed.  There was a study in 2009 that the lavender scent helped ease anxiety in a group of people who we shown anxiety provoking clips.  Lavender also works when you're having a hard time falling asleep.  It slows down the nervous system's activity thereby making you feel less agitated.  A massage using lavender essential oil will do wonders to someone who's had a rough day or week.  If you're too busy to get a massage, a KarmaSenses lavender scented fragrant spray can do the trick.  Spray it inside your car, your office or your room and allow yourself to soak in its fragrance. Open up a Lavender Reed diffuser, or light up a lavender rose incense stick and take in the soothing aroma. You’ll feel better in not time!

The lavender essential oil has been used to treat alopecia, indigestion and can help boost your immunity.  It is also a cell generator so it can be used to treat burns, wounds, rashes and skin infection.

KARMA SENSES Lavender Fragrant Oil.
Contains Natural Fragrance & Essential Oils

KARMA SENSES Lavender Soy Candle

Beyond Aromatherapy

Did you know that lavender essential oil is not just for healing and aromatherapy? 

To the mums out there, you can now keep your kitchen or bathroom clean and pleasant smelling.  A diluted lavender oil can be used as a disinfectant.  You can use it to wash your floors and walls.

Animals can benefit from lavender essential oils too. Do you have a pet dog or cat?  Keep them fleas-free by dabbing lavender oil on their collar.  And if you happen to have a horse, apply a small amount of lavender oil just above their eyelids in order to keep the flies away from their eyes.

What about you?  Have you discovered any amazing uses of lavender? Share away....

Interesting Candle Uses

Candles have always been used as a source of light when it's dark.  It too is often used in decorating birthday cakes, creating a romantic atmosphere and in aromatherapy.  The interesting news is that candles can be used in so many fun and different ways.  Let's list down the ways:

 

Vanilla Coated Pillar Candles -
So Many handy uses!

• Waterproofing. There are instances where the labels on the packages get smeared caused by the weather.  Candles can remedy that.  After writing the recipient's address using a felt tip pen, rub a candle over the label.  You can also do that with your recipe cards so it won’t get destroyed if you happen to accidentally spill something on it in the kitchen.

• Fun Secret Messages. Do you recall those childhood days when you create those codes so others wouldn't understand what you've written? You can do that with candles too.  On a piece of paper, write your message using the candle and hand it over to your friend.  For your friend to know what your message is, you can ask her to use watercolor paints so she gets to read what you've written.

The humble candle. Not just a source of light.

• Magic Drawings.  For kids with toddlers, this can be a great art activity at home.  Draw an object or a shape on paper and ask your toddler to color the entire sheet so he could identify what you've drawn.  It could be a fun way of teaching different objects and colors using candle magic!

• Don’t you just hate slicing onions?  I do.  Everytime I do I feel as if I just finished watching a really heartbreaking movie. With candles, you don’t have to go through all the drama.  Light the candle and place it near the chopping board.  The gas emitted by the onions will be drawn to the flame instead of going to your eyes.  Try it and you’ll be glad that you did.

• Stuck Zip. If the zipper on your bag or on your jeans is stuck, candles can do the trick.  Lightly rub a candle on the teeth on both sides and that should smooth the way.

• Stuck Drawer. Say goodbye to stuck drawers that are hard to open.  I know.  It can get pretty annoying.  The solution -- rub the candle along the runners and your drawers should open with ease.

Candles are one versatile object that can be useful in so many ways.  What about you?  Have you discovered any fun and cool ways of using your candle?

The Truth About Soy Candles

Soy Candles have been recently gaining popularity.  In fact it has even sparked a discussion on whether using soy wax is better than any other candle wax.

There are different types of waxes used in candle making.  To name a few are soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax and palm wax.  Each candle wax has its own unique characteristics and properties and as a candle user, you’d have to decide which works best for you.

People nowadays are gearing more towards anything natural and organic. Mostly because they are taking into consideration how it affects the environment and their lifestyle.  This is also one of the reasons why most people now have strong preference to soy candles.

Soy Candles are made out of soy wax which is an alternative to paraffin.  Compared to paraffin which is a by-product of the crude oil refinement process, soy wax is made from soybeans.  It is in fact a type of vegetable oil.  However, regardless of how they are produced, both of them are tested safe, contrary to what others believed.

100% Natural Soy Candle in Reusable Coloured Glass

100% Natural Soy Candle in Large Frosted Bell Jar

Why Soy Candles Then?

Soy candles are all natural.  Soy wax produced by hydrogenating soybeans has low melting point with a not so solid texture.  This type of wax is suitable for making container candles because of such characteristics.  Our Soy candles are made from 100% natural soy wax that contains quality essential oils and pure cotton wicks.

Sustainability.  Soy wax comes from a renewable source.  One can always grow soy crops to maintain a steady supply of soybeans in order to produce sufficient amount of soy wax used for candle making.     

Tropical Delights 100% Natural Soy Candles
in Glass Jars with Wooden Lids

100% Natural Soy Candle in Decorative Tin

Soy wax burn slower compared to paraffin.  That means more time for you to enjoy the scent of your candles. Because it is slower to burn, this makes it more economical for candle buyers.

Soy candles only burns at 2 degrees above body temperature.  That's because soybean oil is incorporated in the wax resulting to a low melting point.  This also causes the scent of the candles to disperse faster because of the large size of liquid wax pool around the wick.  This wax pool is where the aromatic oils are before they evaporate into the atmosphere.

Wax spills from soy candles are easier to clean.  All you need is a hot soapy water as soy wax is water soluble.

Soot.  All candles produce soot including soy candles..  The only difference is, the soot produced by a soy candle is lighter that it's almost negligible, unlike the thick black soot produced by paraffins.

Whether you prefer paraffin or soy candles is up to you but we’re here to make the decision easier.  Alma Importers have a wide range of natural soy candles in different glass containers to choose from.  Feel free to visit our website and browse through our large range of soy candles.

Tropical Delight Coconut Rum 100% Natural Soy Candle

100% Natural Soy Candle in Jar with Lid

Handy Fragrant Sprays

I always appreciate coming home to a clean, fresh and pleasant smelling house.  It's both inviting and relaxing.  For years I have searched for ways to keep it that way and one of my personal favorite is the fragrant sprays.

Fragrant sprays comes in those small bottles that are very handy and convenient.  The spray comes out in fine mist, perfect for a quick burst of fragrance.  Karma Senses has Quality Fragrant Sprays that are in a 100ml bottle that you can practically take anywhere. You can use it at home, in the office, in your car and even when you're traveling and you'd like your hotel room to smell as clean as your home.

It's no doubt that our sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses.  Just think of those days when you're out playing as a kid and then smell your mum's cooking coming from your house.  What do you?  I remember stopping and running inside the house to check what it is. A smell can trigger your memory and can greatly affect your mood. That's because fragrance can elicit emotional response and so we use it pretty much in our everyday lives. 

Fragrance and Your Mood

Fragrance can affect your mood. Remember aromatherapy?  It's using scents to improve your health.  The nerves on our nose pick up the scent and send a signal to parts of our brain that controls emotions and memories.  When we inhale certain aroma, it triggers our brain and this brings about several physical, emotional and psychological benefits.

If you need to relax your mind and body, try using a lavender-scented spray to help you get into a more serene state.  Use rose if you're in the mood for love.

Fragrance can induce positive response on our moods and in effect, it can have certain health benefits.  For example, because the lavender scent can make you feel more relaxed, it can lower your blood pressure and reduce muscle tension.

Some fragrances have positive effects on your performance at work.  If I was working on a pleasant smelling environment, for sure I'd be in the mood to do my best every day.  Who wouldn't?

The Smell of Clean

Fragrance can also be an indication of cleanliness.  Think about what we do after doing the laundry.  I usually smell it and if it smells good then I know that the detergent has done its job.  We do the same with the rooms inside our house.  We spritz some fragrance spray into the air right after we clean it and I love how it smells right after.

Do you also use fragrance sprays at home? What’s your favourite scent?

Aromatherapy at Home with Reed Diffusers

So, you want to practice aromatherapy at home?  That's great because there's a new alternative to candles when practicing aromatherapy.  It's quite challenging to use diffusers that require heat especially when you have kids or pets around.  There's a greater probability that the candles or the burners might get knocked down and cause a fire.  If you ask me, fragrant reed diffusers are great alternative.  

My personal favorite?  Karma Senses and MiKeRa  Aroma Diffusers. Aroma diffusers are also commonly known as reed diffusers and aromatherapy diffusers.

A Karma Senses or MiKeRa reed diffuser pack contains two things -- the bamboo rattan sticks and a bottle of liquid that contains essential oil of your favourite scent.  Karma Senses reed diffusers comes in Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frangipani, Lemongrass, and many more scents.  MiKeRa has Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frangipani, Vanilla, Lavender, and more scents.  It's so economical that each bottle that contains essential oil can last from 4-6 months.

Using the reed diffuser is a breeze.  It's so simple that even a 4-year old can do that.  But of course I wouldn't recommend that you let a 4-year old set it up.  As soon as you open the package, all you need to do is follow these easy steps:

1.    Dip one end of the bamboo rattan stick into the bottle in order for it to absorb the essential oils.

2.    Flip the stick so that the saturated end is up in the air.

3.    Place the dry end of your sticks into the bottle and let your diffusers do its job.

4.    If you need to refresh the fragrance of the bamboo rattan sticks, all you need to do is repeat steps 2 and 3.

Tips in Using Reed Diffusers

Using reed diffusers is fairly easy.  It's as simple as dipping and flipping when the scent starts to fade off.  Simple as it is, here are a few things that I hope you find useful when you find yourself buying your own fragrant reed diffuser.

Increase the scent by flipping the sticks.  When you do flip the sticks, make sure that you do it over a paper towel so that no oil will drip on your table or chosen surface.

The number and size of the sticks you use depends on how big the room is.  If you want to use this diffuser inside your bathroom, use around 4 or 5 small sticks.  Ten to 12 larger sticks can be used inside a bigger bedroom.

Reed diffusers can disperse fragrance into the air without the use of an open flame.  However, the essential oils are flammable.  So it's not really wise to put it near the fireplace.

Keep the device out of reach of children.  Children are naturally curious and often put things into their mouths.  The essential oils are not meant to be ingested so keep it away from them as possible.

Protect your surfaces especially wooden surfaces.  Essential oils can leave marks on your table.  One thing I find very useful are drink coasters.  Or you can also get one of those aroma diffuser glass base.  You can use the glass base to protect the surfaces from oil drips or you can use them as a candle holder. 

Dispose your old reeds and get a new one when they get over-saturated with oil. Once the reeds get over saturated, they lose its effectiveness. Besides you don't want to use old reeds for a new scent because it's very likely that the fragrance would mix and end up produce an awful smell.

See our Aromatic Reed Diffuser range here.