Sarah Tennent. (Courtesy Sarah Tennent)
Sarah Tennent explains that the key to using essential oils safely – and getting the most out of them – is to properly dilute the products before applying them to your skin.
E.Entrepreneur Sarah Tennent has always had a passion for naturopathy.
The owner and founder of Cedar rose botanicals, a Huntington Woods-based wellness shop that sells products melted with essential oils among other things, was raised with a strong connection to nature.
“My family has always been a bit more holistic and organic,” explains Tennent, 34. “We have a lot of gardeners in my family, so I really grew up with plants in the garden.”
Tennent has been working as an acupuncturist in her private practice for five years. But in 2019 the Jewish business owner had the idea to go one step further with her practice and offer her customers various wellness products that they can use in everyday life.
Courtesy Sarah Tennent
“I really treat everything,” she says of her acupuncture practice. As with Tennent, it is common for acupuncture sessions to complement the essential oil treatment as well. “I made a mistake [essential oil mixes] for my patients and I’ve seen what works well. “
It was the start of Cedar Rose Botanicals, which Tennent said was a little delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is now in full swing. Tennent herself, a long-time user of essential oils, turned to the age-old healing method after a back injury left her with debilitating cramps.
The essential oil formula she mixed to relieve her pain was an inspiration for one of four boxes that Cedar Rose Botanicals stocks, the “CRAMP Box”. Each box contains a selection of wellness products, including a hand-infused massage oil, essential oil roller, an oral tincture, Epsom salts and a tea or hot cocoa mixture specially made for this box.
“The CRAMP Box is good for extreme headaches or severe cramps,” says Tennent.
Courtesy Sarah Tennent
In addition to the “CRAMP Box”, Cedar Rose Botanicals also stocks boxes that target stomach problems, PMS symptoms, and fatigue or sadness, especially if they are caused by a woman’s menstrual cycle. Although their products are suitable for everyone, according to Tennent, women’s health in particular has always been a focus of her work.
Tennent explains that the key to using essential oils safely – and to getting the most out of them – is to properly dilute the products before applying them to your skin. She believes that essential oils can not only relieve symptoms, but sometimes even treat the underlying condition.
“There are so many other symptoms in traditional Western medicine and medicine that don’t always provide relief,” explains Tennent, who is trained in Chinese medicine. “That can be very daunting for a lot of people. In my office, we allow people to see the pattern on their body and we can give them the tools to make sure the pattern stays intact. “
Courtesy Sarah Tennent
Tennent says acupuncture (and the addition of essential oils) can be a great option for those who want to naturally address nervous system concerns such as anxiety or stress. It’s an industry that has grown tremendously in recent years as people continue to look for alternative ways to deal with everyday problems. Although she sometimes meets with skepticism, she says these people usually leave their office and feel much better after treatment.
As Cedar Rose Botanicals continues to grow, Tennent wants to make more products (which she develops in collaboration with her staff, who include a trained doctor and herbalist) that cover different areas. “I want to be able to mix and make more things for people,” she says, “take on more custom orders and even develop a subscription box or two.”
“Essential oils are so helpful in changing our nervous systems,” continues Tennent. “They allow our nervous system to relax more easily, and they are also great for digestion and hormonal aspects.”
